18th Clear Glass Moon, 908

Crafton, Senbo Kingdom

"Alright! Start loading the cargo in!"

As the sun started to dip below Crafton, a bustle of activity gathered around the town's new train station. Local enforcers stood guard around the station while workers carried crates into the cargo wagon.

The train itself was twelve wagons long with the caboose and engine wagon taking up the ends. Four of the wagons were dedicated to transporting luggage while the remaining cars were for passengers. A glimpse through the windows revealed the booth seats and mini tables inside, complete with unlit lanterns above each seating area. The outside of the wagons was a luxurious red with the royal emblem sealed on the side in golden paint.

Gaufroi and Rikmai stood by as they watched the workers load the train. They were both in their usual red armor with Gaufroi's helmet attached to the waist while Rikmai's folded in on itself when pushed back. Gaufroi's axe lay sheathed on his back.

"A magnificent piece of machinery, looking at it up close," Gaufroi said as he touched the exterior. "I've seen my fair share of inventions during my service, but such fine craftsman ship revolutionizes travel. Can you imagine if they made miniature models of this machine for personal use?"

When he didn't get a response from his former squire, he looked around before spotting her chatting with an Emboar worker.

"Oh my, you look really strong~," Rikmai purred. "Perhaps after your shift, you can treat a girl to a good time. And if you want to jump ahead, I'm open for marriage~." She fluttered her eyelids at him.

The Emboar grunted. "Ma'am, please step aside. I need to get these crates loaded in."

"Are you sure? If you need some convincing, I—EEP!" Gaufroi grabbed her by the tail and dragged her away from the worker. "Lovely talking to you!" she shouted over the scraping of her armor against the ground.

Gaufroi dropped her next to the train and massaged his face. "Rikmai…"

She sat up and dusted herself off. "Hey, why'd you do that? I think I had a real shot with him."

He shook his head. "We're on a job, remember? I expect you to take this seriously."

"I am taking this seriously, but we're supposed to be on duty tomorrow. What's wrong with me chatting up the workers?"

"You are a knight to the Senbo Kingdom, thus you are expected to maintain a certain public image. You can't get distracted by every guy you see, especially asking them to marry you on the spot. Should I expect this kind of behavior when we intercept the Foresters?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please, I'm not going to ask a Forester to marry me. That'd be ridiculous."

He kneeled down. "Rikmai, I accepted you as one of my squires because I saw potential in your abilities. This isn't House Kruger where you can just do whatever you want. I expect a form of discipline in your work."

Rikmai frowned and looked away. "Sorry, Gaufroi."

He sighed and patted her on the head. "Do not hold on to those beliefs of luxury, and instead cherish integrity. You will find greater happiness in a partner who sees you as their equal. These are the principles built up upon the Senbo Kingdom."

"…" She sighed and scratched behind her ear. "I know, it's just…complicated. House Kruger is very traditional, and I…"

Gaufroi shook his head. "Look, if you ask me, a soulmate isn't supposed to be perfect for you. It just has to be someone you want to cherish." He sighed through his nose. "Even if it hurts when you have to part ways."

She looked up at him. "Gaufroi?"

"Sorry. Just muttering to myself." He stood up and rolled his neck. "Just please stay professional for the rest of tomorrow, and perhaps ruminate on what I said. Looks and wealth aren't worth everything."

Rikmai stared at him for a moment before smiling. "Okay. I promise, I'll be on my best behavior, Sir Gaufroi!"

He chuckled hoarsely. "Good lass."

"Magnificent contraption…"

Within sight of the train station, Tank and Leon perched themselves atop a roof, keeping low on their stomachs. Tank zoomed in with his telescope, scanning the workers as they loaded up the train. He spotted two knights standing by the train, adorning the Senbo red armor.

Tank set his telescope down and glared. "Looks like they were expecting an ambush from us. There are two knights guarding the train. They might be part of the security team during the ride over."

"Let me see," Leon said. Tank handed him the telescope so he can take a look. He nodded. "Yeah, I recognize the Ursaring. That's Sir Gaufroi the Ruthless. Tales of his skill in battle were taught in school. They say he went up against a former New Chariot emperor and cleaved his arm off. The man's built like the capital wall, yet strikes like a cannon."

"So, they picked the best guy to keep thieves like us in check." Tank moved away from the edge and sat down. "We'll have to be extra careful moving through the train."

"I'm just worried he might recognize me," Leon muttered.

"What do you mean?"

"…" The Aron closed his eyes and sighed. "Nothing. Don't worry, I'll be cautious, I swear."

Tank glared. "Leon, I can't emphasize enough that I'm giving you a second chance. Are you absolutely certain you can keep your wrath in check?"

"Not like I'm stupid enough to fight Gaufroi the Ruthless, but…" He sighed. "I want to make up for my mistake with this. You have my word, Tank."

"…" The Smeargle nodded. "Okay, I believe." He peeked through his telescope again and glared. "Alright, you continue scouting. Take note of everything you see."

"Where are you off to?"

Tank handed back the telescope and stood up. "Pandora ordered me to scout for any nobles in the area and see if they have a ticket. It's the only way we're getting in without raising alarms." He ran to the back of the roof and jumped off.

Leon sighed and looked through the telescope, scouting out the station. He glared to himself. I promise, Tank. I will be the Foresters' shield. I lost one family to the pyres of conflict. Never again.

"This is a bad idea."

The Dukes poked their heads out from around a building, eying up the train station as crates were being carried off into the cargo wagons. Hapi kept her back to the wall, avoiding the group huddle around the corner.

Marsaili shook her head. "Boss, there's no way we can get onto that thing without being ratted out. They even brought knights aboard."

Althalos nodded. "I'm aware, but this may be our only chance to put distance between us and The Ghost. Like Hapi said, the train will be moving partially through Echo Bell territory. If we jumped through there, it'll give us a chance to escape. After that, it'll be a straight shot into the Great Ruins."

Marsaili shivered. "The ruins? Why would we go into that accursed place?"

"I used to live there, remember? The fear is only mental. There's nothing to worry about out there."

"Speak for yourself, you're scary enough as is."

Rogier glared. "I still say we'll be safer in Algus. If there's anyone who can fight off that murderous prick, it's the Algus military."

Marsaili glared back at him. "You were exiled from Algus, you dimwit. We'd be at more risk hanging around you, especially with out unsubtle you are out in public."

"Want to say that again, you frilly rabbit—"

"Enough!" Althalos growled. "I'm the boss, and I say we'll be safer in the ruins. No arguing."

The pair pouted before turning away from each other. "Whatever…"

Althalos sighed and glared at the train station again. "This may be our only chance to escape from Last Autumn. Once we've had time to recover, our next priority is seeking a doctor for Terrick."

"And…after that?" Hapi asked hesitantly.

The Dusknoir's glare darkened. "Payback against Terrowin."

"How are we going to accomplish that?" Marsaili asked.

"I don't know. As it stands, Last Autumn has too many powerful allies, some of which I tremble to think about encountering. Evading The Ghost has been bad enough, but there are some truly despicable maniacs with a shared interest in Terrowin's ideals. I won't allow myself a second to fall victim to their scheming. We lost too many, and I won't let another of my crew die."

Marsaili deadpanned. "I'd be honored if I wasn't being hunted for sport." She shook her head and focused. "Alright, alright, I'm on board for the train escape, but there's still no way we'll be able to get inside. We don't have enough money to purchase tickets, if there's any left, and I don't even want to think about how we're going to explain bringing a comatose Sawsbuck aboard."

Althalos scratched his chin. "Yes, I suppose that is the sticking point in all this."

Rogier narrowed his eyes for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "I got it!"

"Got what?" Marsaili asked dryly.

He crossed his arms and laughed. "I know how we can all get onto the train without being spotted. It's genius!"

"Coming from you, that doesn't spark confidence," she grumbled.

He glared. "Hey! I'm a former Algusian Knight! We were trained in the ways of breaching enemy lines and strategizing."

"That just concerns me how the Algus Kingdom stayed in power for so long if you are a prime example of their strategic thinking—"

"Marsaili, enough," Althalos interjected. "We have less than a day and very few options to rely on. Who knows how long it'll be before The Ghost finds out we're here? We might as well here him out and hope he can pull it off."

"But—"

"I've asked you two to put your differences aside and come together as a team. Trust Rogier's judgment."

"…" Marsaili took a deep breath and sighed. "Alright. You're right, I need to have some faith." She pressed her hands together and pointed them toward Rogier. "Alright, ol' mighty Algusian Knight, tell us how we're getting aboard that metal vessel."

Rogier crossed his arms firmly and nodded. "Alright! First, I'm going to need a large box, a fake beard, and some pillows."

"…" Marsaili facepalmed.

Althalos sighed and covered his face. "Oh boy…"

Hapi nodded slowly. "Oh yeah, we're definitely screwed."

Barrenworth, Wick Kingdom

Darby took a deep breath and sighed, stretching his wings back. "Ah, get a whiff of that evening air, everyone. It is the smell of progress waiting to be unveiled."

With the plan to corner the Foresters underway, Darby and his team stationed themselves in Barrenworth, ready to intercept the train upon arrival. He, Erasmus, and Amon looked toward the empty train station with only a few night workers getting ready to start their shifts. Standing behind them was their crew, consisting of Serell, Linota, Lionel, Noel, Ignacia, a Fearow, and a Crustle. The last two were mercenaries hired under Amon's payroll.

Erasmus glared. "I can make do without the scenery. I am more concerned with Gaufroi and Rikmai. They will have a lot to handle should the Foresters catch wind of our ambush."

Darby crossed his wings and nodded. "Have faith in your own knights, my friend. With two brilliant minds like ours joining together, the Foresters will not stand a chance."

"Are you absolutely certain they will go after the elementium core?"

"It is too tempting a prize. No, I am confident they are crafting a way to steal it right from under everyone's noses, only to be blind to our counterattack."

Amon raised his brow. "And what makes you so sure they won't just jump off the vehicle before it arrives?"

Erasmus raised his paw. "With the speeds it is capable of producing, attempting to flee while the train is in motion would be dangerous. There are too many factors to consider, one of which being getting caught under the wheels by accident and torn apart. Unless they have prepped for an emergency exit, Gaufroi and Rikmai have already made countermeasures to keep them on the train."

Amon scratched his chin and nodded. "I see, I see. I shouldn't have doubted your forward thinking, Prince Talbot. You truly are a marvel of the Senbo Kingdom!"

Ignacia, who was listening in, rolled her eyes. "Ego stroking twerp…"

Noel rolled her eyes as well. "Tell me about it."

Darby turned away from the station and laughed. "Ah, but standing out in the open is no place to talk strategy. This calls for a feast, my friends! A good meal to settle our restless bellies before the battle that awaits us in the morrow. If all goes well, we will be heralded as champions for striking back against those accursed Foresters."

Erasmus narrowed his eyes and looked away. "Hmph…"

Amon turned to Noel. "Lady Freia, would you care to join us? Do note we will be doing everything in our power to ensure a location on dear Luna, so your input would be most—"

"Zip it," she interrupted, shooting him a brief scowl. "Just because I agreed to aid your ambush doesn't mean I'm playing on your side. You'll do best to stay out of my way and let me handle the job my way." She marched away from the group. "If anyone needs me, I'll be occupying myself with this town's street food instead."

"Hmph." Ignacia crossed her arms and followed after her. "I could do with a bite myself."

Serell shuddered and stood behind Linota. "Man, those two freak me out."

Linota closed her eyes. "Why? Can handle the idea of a woman being stronger than you?"

"No, I can't handle the idea that she might murder me if I say hi."

"You have serious issues, Serell."

"You weren't the one nearly mauled to death by a feral Lycanroc!"

Erasmus sighed before glaring firmly at the pair. "Linota, Serell!" They stopped bickering and stood at attention. "Scout out the train station for potential blind spots and escape routes. Make sure the Foresters can't get away once the train docks."

They saluted him. "Aye, Prince Talbot!" Serell fluttered his wings and took off while Linota scurried ahead.

Lionel growled. "I really hope one of those Foresters is the bitch who took out my eye. Oh, the things I'm going to do to her…"

Darby shook his head. "Patience, Lionel. Your vengeance will come in its own time. For now, we must be strategic in our approach. Now come, I know a nice tavern around here that serves exquisite meals fit for royalty."

Amon grinned. "How generous of you, Prince Tetrarch." He followed behind him.

Erasmus lingered behind, casting a hesitant glance back at the station. For all the effort and enthusiasm being put into executing the plan, it seemed like he was the only one with his head in the clouds. While all they saw were enemies of the region, Erasmus sat in limbo trying to make sense of his brain and heart.

"Do not interact with Darby any more than you need to. If you feel like you are in danger, do not hesitate to defend yourself by any means necessary."

"We will figure out the real reason Dimitri is centered around their sudden interests. After all, you trust that Adenine isn't a deceiver."

He took a deep breath and sighed. You have never steered me wrong before, Gaufroi. I will trust your judgment above all else. With his head cleared, he followed after the Wick prince and young lord.

Noel bit into her kebab and ripped a chunk of meat off while Ignacia lightly nibbled on hers. They leaned against a wall right next to the food vendor serving up fresh kebabs. A Chandelure floated by to light the street lamps as the orange glow of the sky grew in prominence.

Noel swallowed her piece and pointed her kebab at Ignacia lazily. "So, how'd you get roped into this?"

Ignacia shrugged. "My dad's orders. I'm currently the only active member of the Desierto Hunters Guild."

"Desierto…ah, Hobs Desierto, right?"

"You know him?"

She shrugged. "We were hired for the same job once a long time ago. Never really talked, just got our work done and went on our way. I only remember his name because I recalled him using a slingshot. Not something you forget when everyone else wields a sword or dagger instead. Wasn't aware he had his own guild."

Ignacia shrugged. "It's a small business."

"And he's your father?"

"I'm adopted."

"Ah, that makes sense. How long have you been a bounty hunter?"

"Ever since I evolved into a Vibrava, probably eleven. Maybe ten. The years blend after a while."

Noel waved it off. "I've been there. Trust me, after a while, you start forgetting how many missions you've taken up and for how long. I've been retired for a couple decades, though."

"I don't believe you."

She chuckled. "Heh, I guess I never stopped training. You never know when you have to get back into the fight." She glared solemnly at the ground. "There's always something trying to take you by surprise." She took another bite of her kebab.

Ignacia closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't really care about being a bounty hunter or whatever. I'm just doing as my dad says."

"Then why not quit?"

"I'm lazy. I rather keep doing something I'm good at even if it's boring than…I don't know, getting married or some shit like that."

"Heh, it's not for everyone. Believe me, dealing with children can be harder than fighting to the death, especially once they learn to talk back at you. Do you have any dreams outside of bounty hunting?"

"Not really. I just want to laze around and do nothing, but not worry about the whole money problem. Dad's always saying he wants me to inherit the business once he retires. If I was running it, I'd just hire people to handle the business for me while I just…I don't know, lay in the sand and stare at the sky."

"Do you have any hobbies?"

"No. It's either working, sleeping, eating, or lazing around for me."

"I see." Noel leaned her head back and closed her eyes. "Well, try to live the best life you can. I'm sure your dad would want what's best for you."

She scoffed. "My dad's always saying the job comes first. For as much as he dotes on me, I wouldn't doubt for a second that he puts his work above me." She sighed. "But I've gotten use to it. That's the business, after all. Mission comes first above everything else."

Noel opened one eye to look at her. "You'd be surprised what a parent's willing to do for their child. I don't know much about your father, but it sounds to me like he cares about you a lot. Parents will do some reckless, downright crazy things for their child."

"…" Ignacia tilted her head to look at her. "Projecting much?"

Noel sighed. "Perhaps."

"That twerp lord mentioned something about a Luna. She's your daughter?"

"…Yep."

"I see." She closed her eyes. "Well, I'm not bothering to get in your way so long as you stay out of mine."

"I can live with that." Noel ripped off the last of her kebab and tossed the stick into a nearby bin. "Like I said, parents will do some reckless shit to protect their kids. Word of caution, stay clear once I start swinging my axe."

Ignacia smirked dryly. "And you stay clear when I decide the air's not dry enough."

"Heh. Feels nice to not be around stuffy nobles for once."

"Tell me about it. I swear, it's like talking to artists. You never know what they're getting at, and you feel like they're making up half the shit they're saying with their fancy talk."

"All the perks of marrying into nobility, and it's still easily the worst part about it: the company." Noel rubbed her head and sighed. "Do you know how hard it is to get blackout drunk at a tavern without being judged just because I'm a woman? I used to chug down more tankards than some old friends of mine. I swear, Verde is way too stuffy with its traditions."

"Thanks, you've reaffirmed my stance on not getting hitched."

Noel threw her head back and laughed. "I love my husband to death, but I've had those days!"

Ignacia's expression and smile softened a bit. "Heh. I've been surrounded by men most of my life. Feels nice to have someone to relate to."

"If you ever need to get away for a few days, fly on by and I can show you how I used to go through the bounty hunting lifestyle."

"I'll keep that in mind."

With Lionel and Amon's two mercenaries standing guard by their table, the two princes and lord dined on meals in the back corner of the tavern, dimly lit by the lantern above their heads.

Darby took a bite of his steak and sighed contently. "My compliments to the chef. Never underestimate the potential of the lower class cooking talents. A humble beginning outside of royal expectation truly brings out a unique flavor from the uncultured."

Amon waved it off. "Bah! Peasants do not know true cooking, disguising their inferior meats with a mountain of spices. High quality faux meat requires dedication to the craft, not sloppily dumping any ol' container of salt and seasoning."

Erasmus groaned as he picked around at his cooked vegetables. "As riveting as this conversation is, we are not here to talk about food."

Amon glared. "Must you be so serious, Prince Talbot?"

"Must you act so frivolous?"

The tiger sighed. "Well, I suppose the Senbo Kingdom isn't known for its noble standards."

Erasmus narrowed his eyes. "Pardon?"

Darby raised his wing before they could both continue. "Mayhaps Erasmus has a point. Let us not bicker in such a fine establishment. This is a business dinner, after all." He cleared his throat and gestured to Erasmus. "The floor is yours, my friend."

Erasmus suppressed the scowl he was hiding and took a deep breath. "Now, as Prince Darby established beforehand, we suspect the Foresters may attempt to steal the elementium core from the new train system. We know they took interest in the project right before the foyer was ambushed, and there is reason to believe they need the core."

Darby nodded. "Though we do not know much about the Foresters, it is reasonable to assume they rely on outside sources to get their materials. The recent controversy against them should have limited these avenues, meaning they will need alternative means to obtain material such as metal. It makes sense that the elementium core would be their target. A chunk of that size could be repurposed into any number of peculiar devices. Best not to let that happen."

Erasmus nodded. "Right. Gaufroi and Rikmai will be patrolling the train during the ride over here. There are only two ways the Foresters can get onto that train. Either by hiding in the cargo wagon and sneaking around the train, or acquiring a ticket for themselves in disguise. Both are valid possibilities."

Amon folded his paws under his chin and leaned forward. "Those Foresters are a sneaky bunch. It wouldn't be easy to shake down the passengers until a confession is made. How can you be certain they won't pull a fast one over your knights?"

"My knights will be keeping special attention on all the passengers during their rounds. Any suspicious behavior will be investigated."

Darby leaned back in his seat and chuckled. "Besides, I would not worry too much about them sneaking around on the train."

Erasmus raised his brow. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing important."

"Hmm…" He shook his head and continued. "The plan is to identify all present Foresters on the train and capture them. Gaufroi and Rikmai will ensure they can't get off, even while it is in motion. However, should they avoid capture, that is where we come in. We block off potential escape routes and corner them at the train station. There is no reason to assume they are bringing a large party, so we will have the numbers advantage."

Amon clapped. "Simple, yet brilliant. I love it!"

Erasmus closed his eyes. "There is still the concerning issue of the Fairy Knight. Our chances of succeeding may drop if he were to show up."

Darby grinned. "I welcome his arrival. A rematch is just what I need to prove my dominance over the rat."

Erasmus glared. "He almost killed you the last time you two fought."

"I had a handicap due to the poison that was administered into my system. I assure you, he won't survive my blade."

Amon waved them off. "Fighting is a little too uncivilized for me. I will gladly support you both from behind the sanctity of a well-placed barrier, however."

Erasmus sighed. "We are not executing anyone. We are strictly capturing them and getting to the bottom of their actions."

Darby raised his wing. "Of course, of course, my friend. No blood shall be shed, you have my word."

Erasmus narrowed his eyes. "…Right."

Darby picked up his tankard and raised it. "Let us turn the tides of this gruesome spectacle and show those thieving bastards the true mark of nobility."

"Here, here!" Amon clanked his tankard against Darby's.

Erasmus glanced at his tankard as the pair looked at him expectantly. He sighed, picked his up, and clinked it to theirs. "Here, here…" Darby and Amon laughed and chugged back their drinks while Erasmus glared into his, swirling the murky drink around and distorting his reflection.

Definitely keep an eye on Darby.

Crafton, Senbo Kingdom

"…And then, we'll send the train flying off the rails and drive it back to Fort Lucus! They won't be able to catch up with us!"

Ursula, who was sitting on the bed, stared down at the maniacal Growlithe drawing up her masterplan. She narrowed her eyes. "I…have some notes."

"Of course! Criticism is the best course to perfection."

"Your plan sucks."

"YOU SUCK!" Pandora snapped.

Ursula sighed. "Pan, no offense, but I'm pretty sure the train needs those rails for a reason. We wouldn't get very far, especially since there's no means of turning the damn thing." She raised her brow. "Also, where do you expect us to get that many explosives?"

Pandora waved it off. "Details, details."

"Did you even come up with a plan before we left, or are you only now just mentioning this?"

She chuckled and waggled her digit at her. "My dear Ursula, a good scientist doesn't plan out her discoveries. She discovers them by doing random shit until an experiment provides useful data."

Ursula facepalmed. "And you claim to be the world's greatest villain…" She lifted her head as their room door opened. Tank and Leon walked in, kicking the door shut behind them. "Oh, thank goodness, I thought I would have to listen to Pandora's inane plan by myself for another three hours."

"You do not appreciate the work I put into my mad science!" Pandora yelled.

Tank dropped his bag and sighed. "If you're done screaming…" He whipped out a set of tickets from his pocket. "I got those train tickets you wanted. We should be able to sneak on through without raising suspicion."

Ursula crossed her arms. "I still think wearing a fake mustache isn't going to help us blend in."

Pandora laughed proudly. "Oh, you foolish toad, they worked miraculously the last time I used them. I swear, you and Marie cannot appreciate the simplicity of a good disguise."

"I'm a Toxicroak. My species doesn't even have hair."

"And female Meowstic don't grow beards, but clearly no one suspected Lillia."

"I mean, if she grew her fur out around the chin area—"

"Can we stop talking about fake beards already?!" Leon snapped.

Pandora pouted. "Someone's moody."

He groaned and shook his head. "Anyway, we finished scouting out the station. There's the usual enforcers hanging around, but two Senbo knights are also there. They might be assisting with security during the ride, and I know one of them is incredibly dangerous."

Ursula glared. "That might be a problem."

Tank shook his head. "No, we just can't draw suspicion to ourselves. If we want to steal the core successfully, we'll need to distract them without raising alarm so you girls can head into the main wagon."

"How exactly are we going to transport a big lump of metal without getting caught?" Leon asked.

Ursula shot a look at Pandora. "Well, according to our resident madwoman, we just need to blow up the rails and somehow find a way to make the train turn while driving on terrain that is likely unsuitable to maneuver on."

Pandora glared. "You know, when you say it like that, it doesn't sound all that brilliant."

"You think?"

Tank scratched his chin. "Well, that might not necessarily be a bad idea."

"Eh?!"

"AHA!" Pandora cheered.

Tank shook his head. "No, not Pandora's plan, just part of it."

Pandora pouted. "Dammit."

"Hear me out. The wagons are connected by a link held together by a spike. We could easily detach the other wagons and take the engine for ourselves. No harm will come to the passengers, and we'll rid ourselves of the knights."

Ursula raised her hand. "There's still the matter of escaping. If it's anything like a minecart, there's no way that thing can move through the Wick Kingdom's terrain without a rail system."

"Perhaps, but if we pull this off fast enough, we can separate the train and put some distance between us and the separated wagons. We can stop, and I can make some quick modifications to the wheels suitable for the sandy terrain."

Pandora's eyes widened. "You can do that?"

"I can certainly try. As for the issue of steering, I could make controlled blasts with my Shell Trap to adjust our direction. We just need to get ourselves out of Wick territory, then we can leg it back to Fort Lucus on foot."

Ursula frowned. "That sounds way too risky."

"We're risky a lot pulling off this heist as is. If we don't have a functional plan, we'll have to do things chaotically. Besides, there's no way we can abandon the train and carry that chunk of elementium back to the fort. This way, we'll at least shorten the distance needed."

Ursula sighed. "Well, I agreed to this crazy plan, so why not?"

Leon nodded. "I'm fine with whatever we do."

Pandora sighed. "I guess that sounds partially functional." She then grinned and rubbed her paws together. "Ah, but what does it matter? Starting tomorrow, I'll be the first Pokémon in history to rob a train! My legacy shall be remembered for countless generations!"

Tank crossed his arms. "Then it seems we're in agreement. I'll need to scout out some parts to make the modifications, but I think the train itself will serve nicely. Everyone get a good night's rest, because there's no turning back once we get aboard."

"Right!"

As the train workers were packing away the last of the cargo, the Emboar worker paused a moment to see a Poliwrath with overalls and a massive bushy white beard walking towards them. The Poliwrath carried a large crate above his head, at least three times the size of the usual cargo.

"Got one more crate for youse," the Poliwrath said in an accent that none of the workers could tell the origin of, or if it was even authentic.

A Gurdurr approached him and inspected the crate. "Uh, what's in there?"

Rogier set the crate down and leaned against it. "Just the usualuse! Premium metals stashed away, a gift to King Tetrarch, youse knows?"

Emboar glared. "We never got confirmation of such cargo."

Rogier stroked his beard. "Heys now, don't shoots the messenger. I'm just the guys whose be delivering and hauling, not askins questions, youse knows?" He knocked on the crate. "This heres the premo stuff, high quality metals for the finest armors and such, youse knows? A last minute gift as thanks for collaboration on the train project."

Gurdurr crossed his arms. "Let's just open the crate to be sure." He picked up a crowbar and approached it.

Rogier stepped in front of him and shook his head. "No can do. Special orders not to open as ordered by the king himself. It has beens stamps by the royal insignia itself. Youse mays sees for yourself, yes?"

Emboar and Gurdurr shared a look with each other, shrugged, and checked the top of the crate for the insignia.

"I don't know which is worse: the fact that he talked us into this stupid plan, or the fact it might be working."

"Shh, not so loud. Hapi, how are you doing?"

"S-S-S-So…c-c-c-close."

"Just stay tucked between those pillows. No one's touching you, we promise—"

"EEP! Someone's touching me!"

"No one's…oh wait, that's Terrick's leg. Ugh, I know he's alive and all, but I feel like I'm inside a coffin with a dead body."

"Not so loud, Marsaili."

"I'm being as quiet as I can, Boss. I'm just worried that blockhead is going to screw everything up. I didn't spend three hours making that forged insignia for nothing."

"Have some faith in Rogier."

"Ugh. I suppose what he lacks in brains, he makes up for with confidence. Seriously, as stupid as that fake accent is, he sounds like he's been a delivery worker his whole life."

"Ms. Marsaili?"

"Yes?"

"…Mr. Terrick's leg is touching me again!"

"Oh, for the love of—"

Rogeir rocked back and forth on his heels, waiting for the two workers to finish their inspection. They stepped away from the crate and scratched their heads. "Well, that's definitely the royal insignia," Emboar muttered.

"I don't know, something doesn't feel right," Gurdurr said.

The fire boar sighed. "Listen mate, it's getting late, and I want to wrap up for the night."

"Eh, I guess you're right." The workers stepped aside and guided Rogier on through. "Have a goodnight, sir."

Rogier lifted the crate and nodded. "And a fine nights to youse, fellow burly men!" He took one step forward, but felt his foot sink into something prickly. "Eh?"

"What the? Where'd that come from? Hang on." The Gurdurr bent down and pulled the offending object off of Rogier's foot. "Alright, you're free to go."

"Thanks again!" Rogier waltzed on ahead into the cargo wagon.

Emboar crossed his arms. "Strange guy." He glanced at the Gurdurr as he tossed the object away. "What was that thing, anyway?"

He dusted his hands off and shrugged. "Just some random tumbleweed. Don't know where it came from."

"Huh. Weird."