A couple weeks earlier…

Itzal Abasolo stood within Terrowin's private library, softly lit by the warm fire crackling in the fireplace. In the corner, he could see the withered remains of plants sitting in large pots. The only one left standing was modest-sized tree that reached halfway up the library. Whether it was moved in or teleported by another party, he couldn't be sure.

The old leader stood in front of the mantle, panting slowly as if he had finished running across the region. He clutched at the left side of his body as something shifted beneath his cloak.

"Master Terrowin?" Itzal called out.

The old Pokémon finally caught his breath and straightened up. He glanced over his shoulder, his yellow eyes gleaming beneath his hood. "Apologies. I'm…still recovering from my operation."

"Will you be okay?"

"Cain says…to keep taking my medicine. That is all." He turned around and faced the ringmaster.

Itzal got a better look of the withered man's body. From just his appearance alone, he looked as withered as the potted plants sitting in the corner. His big, bushy tail was as brown and shriveled as autumn leaves. His feet displayed scars and withered patches of skin losing their natural green. They almost looked like the bark of a tree. He couldn't get a read on the face with it perpetually hidden under the hood.

However, it didn't compare to what became of the man's left arm. Though hidden deftly under the cloak, Itzal could plainly see the arm was no longer attached to the body. Cain and Bridget covered the entire left side of his body in a thick sheet of gauze. Rather than forming around the body, something bulged underneath the sheet like a bubble. It wasn't anything concerning, but Itzal could see the occasional shifting beneath the sheet, exactly how it was described to him when his arm did the same thing.

If Itzal didn't know the man personally, he would've never guessed he was supposed to be a Sceptile.

"I am fine," Terrowin assured, noting the ringmaster's questioning stare. "This…This is nothing. I just need bed rest."

"Riiiiiight." Itzal shook his head and folded his arms behind his back. "Anyway, you wanted to debrief me on my mission before I head out?"

Terrowin nodded. "Of course." He hobbled to his armchair and carefully sat himself down. He coughed into his fist before reclining back. "We've successfully obtained Darby Tetrarch and Riko Amano into the Heir System. Progress has been waning lately due to recent events. Emperor Nero still refuses our offer, and the rumors of the newly ascended King Tadhg Foirbeis indicate he would not align with our cause. Harriet is slowly working my influence into Algus, but that will take time. We had one other candidate, but my spy insisted she would not comply. A shame, too. She almost seemed perfect."

Itzal glared. "So, the Echo Bell Kingdom is our next target."

"Precisely. Your mission is simple. You and your troupe will infiltrate the Misty Lights Carnival as the entertainment. All you need to do is make sure you get our new heir alone so Benvenuto can prepare negotiations with them. If things go smoothly, we can avoid any unnecessary tragedies."

Itzal smirked. "Buuuut, you wouldn't task me with this assignment unless someone had to make a convincing argument."

Terrowin glared. "…Indeed. Should the heir refuse my offer, you will switch to more threatening tactics. Your alchemist is quite experienced with explosive compounds. I'm sure you can create a scenario to push the agenda along."

"Oh, naturally. It's my favorite part of the job." The ringmaster smirked. "Though, why are you trying so hard to obtain this one?"

"My options are limited enough as is. Lady Amano is ruthless and unpredictable. Prince Darby, however, is the vilest scum I've regretted meeting. I chose them because of their drive to bring Virdis under a unified ideal, though their ideal Virdis is hardly palatable. Still, peace would be achieved. However, I have heard good things about this new candidate, and perhaps it will motivate the other two to shape up their acts."

Itzal nodded. "Makes sense to me. Very well, I will make sure the candidate sees things our way—"

"Just a note before you depart, Mr. Abasolo." Itzal paused and glared at the withered Sceptile as he drummed his fingers on the armrest. "I want to make it clear that this is meant to be a threat, not an excuse for genocide. You are to cause controlled explosions only. Should the candidate continue refusing, you will continue creating controlled explosions across the city until they cave into my demands. There are to be minimal casualties. No exceptions."

Itzal chuckled and shook his head. "Master Terrowin, with all due respect, that's all spectacle. I know spectacle, and what you're suggesting is just another act my circus pulls off. If you want me to really threaten them into compliance, you must go big. Really big. The entire city being held hostage in my palm sounds a hell of a lot more convincing than controlled explo—"

"Are you questioning me, Abasolo?" Terrowin interrupted.

Itzal glared. "You're asking a lot out of me to spare the city of my work. You forget that I am the leader of the Scarlet Flame. An opportunity like this to engulf a whole city in a beautiful inferno can't be passed up. Plus, if it gets the brat to comply, what's the harm?"

Terrowin's eyes glowed brighter, and the shifting mass under his gauze wriggled frantically for a second. "We are not here to cause genocide, Abasolo. We are here to restore the balance of Virdis, not play into your delusions of religion."

The ringmaster snickered. "I'm delusional? You reached out to an infamous cult leader for help, and you're asking him to set fire to a city knowing full well what the Scarlet Flame practices. Sorry to break it to you, but that's how I roll. So, quit pouting, and just let me do my job."

"…" Terrowin rose from his chair and walked over to the potted tree in the corner. He placed his hand on it. "Let me enlighten you of your job, Lord of Shadows. You are to do as I say, and you are to follow my orders down to the letter. Your religion means nothing to me, and I will crush it beneath my foot until you've repented for your negligence. I am not a man to be tested."

Itzal smirked. "No offense, but I'm not scared of an elderly corpse rotting from the core."

"Then let me make the facts clear." Terrowin dug his fingers into the tree trunk. Green flashes pulsed over the tree, and Itzal watched as the color and life withered away, the energy traveling through the elder's arm. "I want nothing more than to repair the broken state of Virdis and the conflicts that have risen in the last two hundred years. I have encountered men who defied me, and I've pushed through the worst of it all for generations. I have made powerful enemies, but I have also acquired powerful allies. You are but a fragment of my grand scheme, and I didn't spend the last three decades digging through the Great Ruins and devising the perfect plan for some bigmouthed layabout to go off script because of his false god."

Itzal stepped back as the tree trunk lost its strength and collapsed on itself, crashing down onto the floor. He watched the tree shrivel into a dried husk of a stick while Terrowin straightened up, his system flowing with newfound nutrients.

"If you go through with your schemes and disobey me, I will know, and you will regret crossing me."

Itzal winced as the elderly leader glared over his shoulder, his piercing yellow eyes gleaming from the shadows of his hood.

"You have no idea what I'm capable of when I'm mad."

Itzal kept his arms crossed and his eyes on Basil as the Salandit wandered about the trailer, picking up or touching anything that caught his attention. Though he kept a cool expression, his shadow reflected his emotions too accurately as it snarled at the invading lizard.

"Ooh, what's this?" Basil picked up a bronze statue of a two-headed Arbok coiling around a tree. "Fancy, fancy. I never took you for the art collecting type, Itzy. New hobbies to fill the boredom. Must be rough having to hide within your own circus. Maddening, one could say."

Itzal raised his brow. "Yes, running a circus in secret does come with a few restrictions, but I've made my peace with the lifestyle and much prefer the secrecy."

"Good, good. Always working to keep a healthy work/life balance. I respect that." He set the statue down and leaned against the table. "Ah, the old circus looks as good as ever. You even have some new performers. That Ansaldo fellow was built for the spotlight. Is he your main act?"

"Care to explain why you pulled a mock assassination in my trailer? Furthermore, why are you even here?"

Basil spun around and snickered. "What? It's like I said, I came to pay you a visit. I wanted to attend the carnival this year, and I was blessed to find out your circus was one of the attending performances. How can I possibly miss out on a chance to see the man that took me in when I needed shelter?"

"And that's why I haven't seen you in nine years?"

Basil whistled. "Nine years. Has it really been that long? Gee, time does fly, but we had some good laughs back then."

"Uh huh." Itzal moved over to his throne, keeping a tight grip on his scepter. "Well, you know what I've been up to, obviously. How's your life going? I heard you found another group of chumps to swindle. The Foresters, they're called."

Basil smirked. "Swindle is such a strong word. I'm an honest chap who just believes in the cause. No backstabbing required."

"Forgive me, but that seems to be your usual M.O. given your usefulness under my care. You recall those jobs I sent you out on during our traveling shows?"

The trickster laughed. "How can I not? Oh, those were good times. A little sweettalking here and there, and they're putty in my hands. Oh, I robbed so many people blind, it was almost a game." He puffed some purple smoke and twirled it around his finger. "Made practicing my hypnosis easier. Can't make people do things they wouldn't do, but that's where charisma does the leg work. I learned so much under you lot that I've become my own man. Self-sufficient, coasting on by without a care, and enjoying the spectacle that is magic."

Itzal, still glaring suspiciously at the Salandit, asked, "And what got you roped up with the Foresters?"

"I happened upon the Fairy Knight and invited myself into his little recruitment process. Seemed fun, plus free housing." He blew some embers into the purple smoke, causing a miniature explosion. "You know how it is."

"You're wasting your time with a bunch of thieves all because of some good cause they're promoting?"

Basil sighed and placed his hand over his heart. "I'm a sentimental guy. I believe in the goodwill of the people and wish to spread riches to those most deserving. I have been humbled and blessed by this gracious act of Arceus to allow me to bring good fortune to the less fortunate."

Itzal's glared turned deadpanned. "Seriously?"

Basil snickered. "Okay, I'm not that much of a saint. Still, they love me. I'm the loveable trickster who's always playing little jokes on everyone, and we all have a laugh about it."

"That's not how I remember you," Itzal said. "Even as a child, you were always a troublemaker. You've never done anything in your life without it serving some other purpose. Even being lazy is a planned action. If there's one lesson I took away from my mother, it's to be wary of those always thinking ahead."

"What are you trying to say?"

"You are by far the most suspicious looking person I know, yet you wear that feeling so casually that I can't tell if you're here to screw with me or not."

Basil smirked. "Itzy, come on. You're my old ringmaster. We were so close back then. I could even say you were like a second father to me—"

"Please don't."

"—and that's why I hold so much respect for you. You forged your own path and carry out your beliefs with a smile. Consequences be damned to anyone who dared question you, for you are a man writhing with ambition. You, the high priest of the Scarlet Flame, do as you please in the name of your god!"

"…" Itzal narrowed his eyes. "And what exactly is this unexpected flattery?"

"My appreciation for you, naturally."

"Well, stop it."

Basil snickered. "So cold. You're usually in a better mood than this. Why aren't you cackling? Not even a smile, man! You were the liveliest person I knew back in the day. What? Is the sight of me that trouble for you?"

Itzal leaned back in his throne. "Everything about you is troubling."

Basil raised one hand and placed the other over his heart. "I promise, I didn't come here to start trouble. You have my sworn oath."

"…Do you swear on your family's grave that you're not here to pull one of your little tricks?"

The trickster's smile stretched a little wider. "I swear it. I'm just here to enjoy the company."

"…" Itzal sighed. "Fine. Stay as long as you want, but I've got my eye on you."

"Oh, of course. Of course." Basil cracked his knuckles and wandered about. "Now that we've moved past that awkward mess, how about a game of darts?"

Itzal narrowed his eyes. His shadow stretched out across his throne and to the ceiling, glowering down at the trickster. What are you up to, you backstabbing fool?

Castle Visconti

After wrapping up with breakfast, Evangelina and Asterio went up to the foyer balcony and hung over the railing, taking in the city and the carnival. The cool breeze of the approaching spring washed across their faces, bringing a sense of relief to the tense prince as he eased his resting scowl.

Evangelina took a deep breath and sighed. "There's something about the Echo Bell Kingdom's aroma that surpasses all over kingdoms. Like the fresh scent of nature after a light rain shower."

"I mostly smell popcorn," Asterio grumbled.

"Yes, can't go wrong with that." She gestured out to the city. "You can't deny it isn't a lovely day. Even a night goblin like you could appreciate the scenery under the sun." She smirked. "Just to be clear, it's the ball of fire in the sky."

He rolled his eyes. "I'm aware."

Evangelina leaned back against the railing and looked up at the sky. "You've been cooped up in the castle for too long. You should head out and enjoy the carnival with the others. They'd be happy to see you out and about."

"And is there a reason you aren't at the carnival right now?" Asterio asked.

She sighed. "To tell you the truth, I think I ate something bad yesterday." She groaned and covered her head. "I think it was a Subterran based off their accent. I swear, if I ended up eating fried gravel…"

"I'll have to pass."

She tilted her head. "Come on, brother, you and I know you used to love the carnival when we were kids."

"That was then."

"Why stop now? You've been doom and gloom since I can remember, but never this bad. There was a certain energy to your moodiness. Now it's just bad edge and darkness."

"Is this more of your colorful insults?"

"A little time out won't kill you. Play some games, see some shows, try the good—avoid the Subterran cooking at all costs—and live a little. If there's anyone who should deserve some happiness right now, it's you."

He rested his head on the railing. "I don't think I deserve anything…"

She glared. "Grow up. You aren't going to get anywhere in life perpetually feeling miserable about yourself. One day out, that's all I'm asking out of you. Attend the carnival and try to enjoy yourself. You're an adult, not some moody teenager." She eased her expression and sighed. "I promise, it'll do you some good to enjoy life again. I know how bad the kingdom is looking, and I know it's hard for you to overlook the darkness lingering in plain sight, but…you need a break."

"…" Asterio sighed and straightened up. "Fine."

Evangelina grinned. "Excellent."

"Though, I'm still iffy about going out by myself. I'm not exactly great at having fun."

She waved her tentacle around. "Oh please, that's easy. Why don't you invite Monica out?"

His eyes widened. "M-Monica?"

"She's been dying to go since yesterday, but stayed back to babysit your gloomy behind. You two can enjoy the carnival together."

He looked away from her. "I…don't know."

"She's your friend. What's the problem?"

"…" He crossed his tentacles and looked at the ground.

"…" Evangelina sighed. "I know. I know. Just try to think about enjoying the day with her. Nothing else. Think you can do that?"

Asterio closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright. I'll try."

Six years ago…

"Asterio! Evangelina!"

The eldest prince and princess jumped from their seats at the dining table as the hall doors flew open. A rainbow swirl Alcremie with blue berry sweets and matching blue dress came rushing through. Behind her, a panting Alolan Ratitcate knight limped into the dining hall, propping himself up against the doorframe.

"T-Terribly sorry," the knight gasped as he tried to catch his breath. "She ran right past me before I could escort her over."

Asterio raised his tentacle. "Not your fault, Sir Salvo. We were sort of expecting her, anyway."

Evangelina patted her lips with a napkin and grinned at the excitable Alcremie. "Rubina, charmed to see you. What brings you over at this hour?"

Rubina Gatti smiled at the pair before pulling out a letter. "The king and queen approved my request! You're looking at the new honorary ambassador to the Arcania Kingdom for restoration efforts!"

Evangelina clapped and exclaimed, "Positively wonderful!"

Asterio closed his eyes and nodded. "Congratulations, Rubina. You worked really hard to get into Mother and Father's good graces."

Rubina rolled up the letter and tucked it away. "Oh, it almost feels like a dream. To extend the goodwill of the Echo Bell Kingdom to Arcania could mean a hefty boon for us. I have so many ideas to assist with the restoration efforts and territory disputes." She sighed and shook her head. "The people of Arcania grow paranoid with each day. They lost so much land over the years that mini civil wars have broken out. But this is a real step forward to not only help expand their borders, but to potentially gain a resourceful ally."

Asterio nodded. "You are the best person for the job."

Evangelina giggled. "Indeed. Despite being of the middle class, you've demonstrated better negotiation and financial skills than most young lords I've mingled with. You're a rare breed of talent, so naturally Mother and Father gravitated to your work ethic."

Rubina grinned. "This is a chance to remind the people that we are so much more than the Kingdom of Revelry."

"A…fine outlook, Ms. Gatti," Sir Salvo huffed as he wandered over to the group. "Though, next time, please wait for me to announce your arrival before you come charging through the castle."

She grinned. "My apologies, Sir Salvo. Too excited."

"Monica and your parents must be happy for you," Evangelina said.

Rubina nodded. "Oh, Monica was over the moon when I gave her the news. My parents, though…" She winced and scratched behind her head. "Heh."

Asterio glared. "You haven't told them yet, have you?"

"They've always been a bit wary about me acting so casually around you guys, not to mention working so closely with your royal council to get the official documentation recorded."

Evangelina snickered. "You don't have to dance around the issue, Rubina. We know your parents' particular views on how our family runs the kingdom."

Rubina frowned. "Sorry. I know that—"

Asterio shook his head. "It's fine. They aren't the only ones. We're used to it. However, Evangelina and I plan to make some changes once one of us takes the throne. Not enough to ruin everyone's fun, but enough to reassure the peace."

"Ohhhh-ho-ho-ho-ho!" Evangelina laughed. "Don't be so modest, Brother. You're next in line."

He scratched the back of his head. "I mean, yeah, but you're better at this stuff than me. I'm still trying to work on looking people in the eye when I speak."

"And that's why you'll need me to be your royal advisor once Guido retires. You're hopeless without my levelheadedness."

He blushed and pouted. "Am not."

Rubina sighed. "If only my parents could see how understanding you two were. Can't say I blame them too much. They've been a bit on edge given the…incident a couple weeks ago."

Evangelina glared. "They found an eighth victim, right?"

Sir Salvo sighed. "The knights and I discovered a corpse found in the morning two weeks ago. There were unidentified bitemarks found all over. It was most definitely the Vermin Butcher."

Asterio shivered. "I can't believe there's a Pokémon going around killing and…eating other Pokémon. We haven't seen something like that in a thousand years."

Evangelina sighed. "A thousand years isn't that long ago when you think about it. Guess there's still a shred of our ancestry laying dormant in everyone. I've heard there's still Pokémon in certain parts of Virdis that worship the Savage Era." She glanced at Rubina. "Even so, I'd hardly call the existence of a serial killer our fault."

Rubina shrugged. "My parents have always been wary of higher authority, seeing how lax previous rulers of the Echo Bell Kingdom were. Even then, there are histories of kings and queens misusing their power."

Asterio shook his head. "We're nothing like that. We try to maintain an honest outlook to our subjects. Sure, there's some mistakes that need to be fixed, but the people always come first. Rest assured, we'll catch the Vermin Butcher and have them tried for their crimes."

Rubina smiled. "Yeah, I know. I trust you guys." She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "Still, that's not going to make breaking the news to my parents any easier. I've got six months to plan my trip."

Evangelina grinned. "We could throw a parade and surprise them on the day of your departure."

Rubina giggled. "I rather not give them heart attacks. Still, I appreciate everything you two have done for me. I promise, I'll do everything in my power to represent the goodwill of our kingdom and its gracious rulers."

Asterio smiled a little. "We know. You're going to do great things for everyone."

Rubina's smile broadened. "You should really smile more, Azzy. It's cute."

The prince's face turned red. "Uh, yes, right." He lowered his head and went back to eating his lunch. He grumbled as Evangelina snickered behind her tentacle.

"You certainly fancy Ms. Gatti, Your Highness."

After Evangelina and Rubina left to hang out, Asterio went to the training hall with Sir Salvo to practice his swordsmanship. He played defensive as the knight went at him with quick, firm strikes, to which he blocked each of them with a bit of waver due to the comment.

Asterio backed off and scratched behind his head. "Do not be absurd, Sir Salvo. I am just not use to getting compliments."

Salvo chuckled. "Funny, because you seem completely fine when it's anyone else. I dare say you have a wee crush on the lass." He thrusted his sword, which Asterio deflected.

"I merely appreciate her dedicated work ethic and find her relatively charming." He parried another strike and swiped at the knight's chest plate. "I admit, she is attractive, but I have no desire to court her, much less anyone else."

"Aye, but you will one day have to marry to continue the Visconti bloodline. You and Ms. Gatti get along swimmingly, so why not indulge in the idea?" Salvo lunged forward and thrusted his blade.

Asterio struck back and pushed against Salvo's strike. "She is my friend, and I do not want to compromise that bond. Besides, I would not want to ruin the fragile bond she holds with her family. Though she loves them dearly, she has spoken of strain due to differences in opinion. Keeping the peace is for the best, especially since her sister speaks of wanting to work in our royal archives."

"A noble reason, I suppose." Salvo backed off and sheathed his sword. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to tempt the idea. You don't necessarily need to court her. Lunch is a good start."

Asterio sheathed his sword and placed it back on the rack. "Since when were you interested in my love life?"

"You will have many responsibilities when you become king, Your Highness. Since you and your sister wish to make improvements to the kingdom, that means taking on difficult tasks and sacrificing leisure. Though you may be a prince, you deserve to live your carefree life before the rest of your days are spent governing a kingdom until your next of kin takes over. Enjoy what you love for as long as you can, because soon you won't have it anymore."

Asterio looked aside. "I…suppose it would not hurt if I asked her to go with me to the Misty Lights Carnival. She leaves a week after, so…"

"That's the spirit."

"I do not see a future between us, but better to at least entertain the idea should something come of it." He sighed and smiled at the knight. "Thank you, Sir Salvo."

"Anytime, Your Highness. I must say, you are getting better at your swordsmanship."

"Maybe, though still does not feel like my style."

"Well, there are plenty of weapons to choose from, and I would be happy to practice whenever you need to."

"Heh. I will keep that in mind."

Itzal Abasolo's Trailer

Itzal drummed his fingers against the armrest of his throne, glaring at Basil as he occupied himself with a single game of darts. So far, in the short time the lizard showed up and made himself comfortable, he had yet to do anything out of the ordinary or to warrant a complete incineration of his trailer to remove the unwanted guest. Even then, the simple fact Basil was here riled the ringmaster from the sheer unknown.

Basil, meanwhile, lined up his shot and tossed a dart into the dartboard, landing a bullseye once again. Five other darts were embedded into the board. He spun his last dart on his finger and whistled. "Not too shabby, if I do say so myself." He grinned at Itzal. "You sure you don't want to play? I promise I'll go easy on you."

Itzal narrowed his eyes, tapping his finger harder on the armrest.

Basil shrugged and lined up his next shot. "Look, if this is because I cheated at poker last time, I would just like to say in my defense—"

"Why are you really here, Dawnblite?"

Basil lowered his arm and chuckled. "Last name, eh? You sound serious."

"I know you better than anyone else. As we previously established, everything you do is to serve a greater purpose. You don't do anything by accident. Even a perceived mistake is a pawn in a greater scheme."

Basil juggled the last dart in his hand as he laughed. "You overestimate me, Itzy. I'm a trickster, naturally, but I'm not exactly a chess player. I can easily cheat at the game, but don't expect me to know the rules."

Itzal glared. "And yet, that could just be more lies."

"I do lie a lot, yes."

"You freely admit this stuff out loud and purposefully make yourself shifty. Nothing you do is ever clear." He floated off from his throne and landed in front of Basil. "You making a simple visit doesn't make sense. So…" He jabbed his finger against the lizard's chest. "Why are you here?"

Basil narrowed his eyes calmly. He looked down at the floor as Itzal's shadow extended below him. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the monstrous shape of the Shadow Gourgeist encompassing the entire wall behind him, sneering down at him with its evil smile and red eyes.

"You've been cooped up in here for too long. Getting too paranoid." Basil laughed and shook his head. "Is it really so wrong for me to mix things up? I am being straight with you. I just wanted to attend the carnival and saw a chance to reunite with you. That's all."

"Then why am I not buying your story? Simple answer: because the last time I saw you, I ended up losing thousands of bits. I had to put the circus on hold because of your little stunt."

"You're upset because I stole some money?"

"You are the biggest backstabber I know. It's a miracle the Foresters haven't pinned anything on you yet."

Basil folded his arms behind his head and laughed. "Oh, I wouldn't say that. They're under some impression I murdered a man."

"I don't blame them," Itzal said. "Given the chance, you probably would kill someone for your own personal gain. So, did you?"

He waved it off. "Of course not. My bloodthirsty compatriot was responsible for that little debacle. I guess my leader doesn't trust my side of the story, even if he doesn't trust the alternative."

Itzal growled. The flames in his scepter blazed hotter. "You're dancing around the topic again."

"Reality is so disappointing. Why bother telling the truth if no one wants to hear it?" Basil laughed. "Some people wish they could deny the current reality, but we have to live with our tragedies and our sins. That's the consequence of war. Ah, kind of like that falling out you had with your mother."

"…" Itzal clenched his fist and snarled. "Don't bring that woman into this."

"If she doesn't matter, why is she still a sore subject?"

Itzal pressed his scepter against Basil's chest. "Enough of your talk. If you're not going to tell me, then I can only hazard a guess. You're here to put a stop on my ritual, aren't you?"

Basil touched his cheek in faux surprise. "Goodness! You're going to capture and burn someone again? I thought you would've grown out of that phase after the eleven millionth time." He smirked. "You're so predictable."

"Is this an admission?"

"No, more mockery." He bowed to the ringmaster. "Besides, I'm technically not supposed to be here on account of house arrest, so I'm not officially acting as a Forester. Do whatever you want. I don't care."

"…" Itzal glared. "That's it? You're not going to stop me?"

"Even if I wanted to, I can't possibly take you on. You're far too strong for me, and I would be outnumbered by your loyal followers." He sighed dramatically, bending back with a hand to his forehead. "A shame, a tragedy, and death upon me for my hubris."

"Ugh."

Basil straightened up and snickered. "Doesn't make a difference to me." He passed off his last dart to his tail and walked to the trailer door. "Enjoy your day and make lots of people laugh. I'll send some flowers to the poor sap you roast."

"…" Itzal sighed and turned toward his desk.

"Ah, but just a moment." He paused and glared back at the lizard as he lingered by the door. "You're here just to do your usual shtick, right? Pull some shows, drag some nobody out back, and proceed with the ritual junk?"

"…Yes," Itzal mumbled slowly.

"Good, good. Just checking. I…know how ambitious you get with these things." He pulled a card from his pocket and flipped it over his shoulder, revealing it to be The Chariot. "Sometimes the same routine gets stale, and opportunity is just too difficult to pass up."

"…" Itzal narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, it kind of is."

"Well, see you tomorrow!" Basil kicked the door open. "I'll bring lunch! They make some killer sandwiches here." He flicked his tail and shut the door behind him.

Itzal flinched as something flew past his face. He tilted his head and saw a newly thrown dart trembling from the impact into the dartboard.

Right on the bullseye.

"Yes." Itzal clenched his fist as his shadow stretched along the walls, cackling with fury. "See you tomorrow, Dawnblite."

Castle Visconti

Asterio peeked down the stairwell into the archives and spotted Monica shuffling through scrolls. Some were, unsurprisingly, scattered across the floor carelessly, but it was more a minor annoyance to the prince he grew accustomed to. He wished she took better care of them, though.

"Lalala, this is the refiling song~! Arranging scrolls all day long~! La-lalalala~!" Monica twirled and spun as she opened drawers and examined scrolls.

Asterio cleared his throat and floated the rest of the way down. "Um, Monica?"

"Hmm?" She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "Star Prince, hey! Ready for another exciting afternoon of historical deep diving? Spoiler alert: I think I found a file about an embarrassing secret regarding your great-great grandfather."

Asterio's eyes flashed purple, causing all the discarded scrolls to rise and stack themselves neatly on the table. "Perhaps another time. I came by to ask you about something else."

"Oh?" She closed the drawers and smiled brightly. "What is it?"

Asterio winced and turned away briefly, feeling a brief sweat across his forehead. "Well, this…isn't easy for me to say. I'm not sure how to start off conversations like this, but—"

Monica suddenly frowned. "Oh…oh, I see."

"Eh?"

She sighed and hung her head. "I should've expected this. I'll pack my belongings and leave immediately—"

"Eh?!" Asterio shook his head furiously. "No, no, no! I'm not here to fire you! Don't be ridiculous!"

"Oh!" She sighed and wiped her brow in relief. "Phew! Thank goodness, because there's still so many files on the royal family I've been meaning to dive into! For instance, there's this one about your great-grandfather's brother's son where—"

"Monica!" Asterio interrupted.

"Ooh, right, talking. Go ahead!"

He sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "What…I'm trying to say is that…I appreciate you staying behind yesterday to hang out with me. I know I can be a bit of a burden—"

She waved it off. "Oh, not at all. I love hanging out with you, Star Prince."

"I just feel bad that you had to miss out on the carnival yesterday because I'm being a tad difficult."

She shook her head. "Nah. I go to the carnival every year. Missing one week isn't that big a deal."

He gulped and shook off his nerves. "Well, I…wanted to make it up to you. I've been thinking it over, and I decided I wanted to…go to the carnival. With you."

"…" Monica's eyes widened. "What?"

He winced. "Um, well, you don't have to go with me. Given my shiny coloration, I stick out in a crowd and—"

"Oh…my, this is all so sudden."

His eyes widened. "Eh, what?"

Monica giggled and held her cheeks. "My, my, I never realized how forward you were, Star Prince. I never expected you to have that kind of interest in me."

"…What?"

"I'm not really looking for a relationship right now, but I suppose going on a date with you won't be so bad."

Asterio's face turned beet red. "W-Wait a minute, I wasn't saying it was a—"

"I'm just glad you decided to ask me out to the carnival! I promise, it'll be the best date ever! Maybe it'll encourage you to go to the carnival every year. Ooh, I got to tell Rubina in my next letter! She's going to be so excited when she hears you're opening up!"

"M-Monica, I wasn't trying to imply it's a…" His voice fell on deaf ears as the excitable archivist already fled up the stairs, her infectious laughter ringing out through the castle. Asterio took a deep breath and slapped himself in the face. "Damn you, Evangelina."

Echo Bell Cemetery

Felix pressed his face into the notebook as he and Victoria wrapped around the cemetery in search of the secret catacomb entrance. Victoria's gaze wandered all over, inspecting every tombstone that passed by. "What do you think happens when they run out of space for the bodies?"

Felix shrugged. "Not sure. I don't exactly keep up-to-date with the latest cemetery drama."

"That's a thing?"

"That was a joke."

"Ooooh!" Victoria laughed. "Funny."

The Sylveon stopped and raised the notebook. "Okay, according to Master Mel—"

"Harlow."

He bit his tongue. "Right, not in public. According to Master Harlow's notes, the entrance should be hidden…" He looked around before smiling at a stone-gray tomb in the far back. "There!"

They raced over to the tomb and inspected the outer walls for a moment. They gathered back at the door, where Felix slid one of his feelers through the crack, jiggling the internal lock until it clicked open. The duo pressed their bodies against the heavy doors and forced them open.

They stumbled inside a spacious area where a large stone coffin sat in the center. Looking down, they noticed traces of dusty footprints on the floor. Felix casted a small Mystical Fire with his feeler and raised it to examine the prints while Victoria shut the doors behind them.

"These look like Master Harlow's and the others when they first came to Echo Bell," he whispered.

Victoria grinned. "So cool~!" She looked at the prints herself before frowning. "Hey, whose are these?"

Felix adjusted the flame and shined on another set of footprints that looked longer and thinner. "Hmm, the other prints after a layer of dust over them. These look…fresh."

"Uh, Felix?" Victoria pointed ahead.

He raised the flame and shined on the corner of the tomb, where they saw an open, stone hatch leaning up against the wall. They walked over and peeked down a dark drop with an old ladder mounted to the side.

"I…don't think this was left open from their last visit," she said.

Felix narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps there's a knight or caretaker examining the catacombs. You know, like a routine inspection."

"So, should we leave and come back tomorrow? If someone's already down there, we might get caught."

Felix smirked. "Ah, but where's the fun in that? What's life without a little risk? I welcome the possibility!"

That alone was enough to change her mind with a big grin. "Well, I am super lucky, so chances are we won't run into anything bad down there!"

"Yeah!" They high-fived each other and started their climb down the entrance.

Just as they jumped down, a ghostly mist seeped from the sealed doors, leaving ice across the stone. A pair of misty eyes glared at the open hatch and the small light flickering below.

[Curses. I better keep an eye on these brats.]

Junko floated after the Forester duo, leaving a path of ice around the hatch.

However, unbeknownst to either party, someone else happened to be present in the cemetery. Just out of sight of Felix and Victoria, having finished cleaning the tombstones in a blind spot, a Cacturne gravedigger happened to poke his head out in time to see two strange Pokémon and what he assumed to be a phantom mist entering the tomb.

Zechariah Beaumont, with his shovel supported over his shoulder, stood in front of the tomb. He pulled a toothpick from his pocket and placed it in his mouth.

"Do you smell blood, Moros?" he asked aloud, looking the tomb up and down. "Me? I smell something else in the air." He pulled on the brim of his prickly hat and sighed. "Time for the Moonlight Ferryman to get to work."