"Again!"

Melissa raised her training sword and charged at Jason with quick springy bursts. Jason blocked her first strike, holding his sword by one hand, and continuously deflected her combo string. He knocked her sword out of her hands, swept her legs, and struck her with his palm, knocking her away.

"Again!" Jason yelled.

Melissa picked herself up, panting heavily. When he said…no holding back, he wasn't kidding. She grabbed her sword and charged him again.

That had been the routine for the last three months. Ever since Melissa fully embraced her Inherited Will, Jason has been pushing her to better understand how it works. It was clear from how she first activated her Copycat that she specialized in copying techniques, but the depth of such power magnified with new understanding. Jason wanted to see that power blossom into its true form.

Melissa was steadily getting a handle on the copying aspect. After a few tries, she overcame the same tricks and attacks Jason dealt to her, blocking his attempt to knock her sword away again. Though she had technical skill down, physical performance mattered. It didn't matter how flawlessly she could execute a technique so long as she didn't have the physical aptitude to replicate it. Speed and strength played a crucial role in getting her up.

That, however, was only half of what they've discovered.

Jason deflected a thrusting strike and countered with his own into her chest, knocking her backward. "Alright, let's try this again! Show me Jet!"

Melissa closed her eyes and tightened her grip. With but a moment of concentration, a blue aura surrounded her, shaping into an Oshawott overlapping her. She opened her blue glowing eyes and snarled. "Like this, maggot?!" She rushed him down with a more aggressive style.

Jason put more effort in countering her strikes, truly feeling the weight behind each hit. Next, she'll copy—

Melissa channeled Razor Shell through her sword and kicked off into the air with an Aqua Jet boost. She aimed her feet toward the sky and divebombed Jason. Jason's cheeks sparked before he vanished in a flash of lightning, completely avoiding Melissa's strike. He reappeared behind her and swiped her feet off the ground.

Melissa tried to get up, but Jason pressed his sword against her neck. "Yield."

Melissa panted heavily, then exhaled deeply as the aura faded. "Ooh, my head…" She cradled her head and sat up. "Geez, I am never going to get use to that."

"The mood swings or being knocked down over and over?"

"Both." She sighed and rubbed her temples. "Seriously, it feels so weird. Every time I copy someone, I feel almost compelled to mirror them exactly, even down to their mannerisms."

"You certainly have Jet's steadfast aggression down. If we can hone that, you might be one of our most unpredictable Foresters. Of course, that depends on how your Copycat works exactly." He grabbed her hand and pulled her up. "You have been taking notes like I asked, right?"

Melissa nodded. "Yes. And I think I have a good idea of how it works."

"Elaborate."

"Well, it seems that I need to thoroughly understand how a person fights and how they are doing it. When I copied Amos, I remembered everything about him from his aggressive nature, but cunning mind. His manner of fighting was simple, but effective. But…I cannot copy how you fight because I do not know how you are speeding up."

Jason nodded. "Very good." He sheathed his training sword. "In short, it's better you spar with anyone who might have a useful style for you to use. You have a rough idea of how Jet fights, and Amos for emergencies. You've been sparring with Ragger, right?"

"More like getting my butt kicked over and over, but yeah." Melissa rubbed the back of her neck. "It is all so complicated, honestly. I feel like I have to remember so much at once."

"You'd be surprised how much information the brain can store for the long term." Jason crackled electricity from his cheeks, running it through his fur. "As for me, my Inherited Will is a bit less complex, but makes up for it with personal support and offense. Though, I doubt you'll be able to copy any other Inherited Wills. Yours is limited to the same limitations of a normal Pokémon."

"Makes sense." Melissa leaned on her sword. "Can you maybe tell me your main fighting style then? I mean, it would be pretty cool if I could speed around as fast as you. You're super-fast."

Jason smirked. "If you want to know, figure it out on your own. Besides, second I do tell you, you'll try to replicate it and end up breaking your neck or something. It took months for me to build up the muscle and reaction time necessary to utilize my speed."

Melissa smiled sheepishly. "Heh, I would…never do such a thing."

"Mhmm." Jason gripped his sword's hilt and paced the training deck. "You know, now that we have a thorough understanding of your Copycat, it deserves a proper name to reflect its growth."

"A name?"

"It's certainly not the same move with how you've enhanced it. It deserves a name that inspires confidence. Something that properly explains who you are and what you intend to do."

"A name for my Inherited Will?" Melissa frowned. "I do not have one. I never really thought of naming it. I would have just kept calling it my Super Copycat."

Jason rolled his eyes. "On the nose, but not inaccurate. Do as you wish, though I would've called it something more dramatic and purposeful."

"What is yours called?"

Jason rubbed his cheek, getting a spark out of them. "My Thunder Wave can be enhanced with my Inherited Will, granting me a power I dubbed the Touch of Zeraora. It's a little something I could show you, but I prefer not to use it casually. Risk on both ends, frankly."

"Oh."

Jason shook his head. "I call it that, however, because I feel like I'm tapping into the mythical strength of Zeraora whenever I use it. I feel…free, in a sense. Strong, powerful, unmatched. I've always looked up to Zeraora in the legends, so I find it befitting as inspiration."

Melissa smiled. "Oh, you are interested in old legends?"

"Grew up on them. Legends are the culmination of our history and the potential of Pokémon. There are some legends that say Zeraora is the first rogue, a wandering spirit that speeds across the land, heralded by thunderous lightning with each step he takes."

"Was that your inspiration for the Foresters?"

Jason smirked. "In…some aspects, perhaps, but not completely. That's a history in of itself." He turned his back to her. "What do you suppose you feel when you use your Inherited Will? Do you remember any instances when it first triggered?"

Melissa frowned. "Well, the two times I remember something were my fights with Jet and Althalos."

"What do you remember?"

"Feeling hopeless, honestly. I was getting battered around in one battle, and I was mostly useless in another."

"Jet said you contributed to that fight."

"I do not think being a distraction gives the necessary ego boost."

Jason shook his head. "Regardless, you say you felt like your own strength wouldn't be enough?"

"Yes, I suppose."

Jason rubbed his chin. "You have always been harsh on your own self-improvement."

Melissa smiled sadly. "I am not surprised. I…never thought much of my own talents. Any chance I get to shine, someone else would shine brighter and push me back into the dark. I think I officially broke when my father deemed me unworthy of the throne." She sighed. "And seeing all of you, so strong and skilled, made me feel inadequate, like I was way over my head."

"But now?"

"Now? I still have those feelings, but…they are not as bad. I have gotten plenty of positive encouragement from my new friends here, and they have been more than willing to give me pointers." Melissa shook her head and laughed quietly. "I guess I am never going to get over being the rookie."

Jason shrugged it off. "Everyone's a rookie at something. Don't beat yourself up over it. Besides, you proved me wrong, right?"

Melissa lifted her head in awe, then smiled. "I guess so."

Jason smirked, then raised his sword. "Alright, few more rounds. Let's see if you can copy me this time."

Melissa took a deep breath and mirrored his stance, feeling electricity buzz through her fur. "Ready when you are."

"Ow, ow, ow…"

As expected, without the correct knowledge for a fighting style, Melissa ran the risk of injury to herself. Case and point, she uncovered a portion of Jason's incredible speed and tried to use it: Quick Attack and Agility with a dash of self-inflicted Thunderbolt. Unfortunately, that speed proved too fast for her and…well, she was lucky there were safety nets below her, and a tree to soften the initial impact.

Jason retrieved her and brought her back to his hut. He figured the damage wasn't serious, so he applied the basic medical knowledge he had to get her patched up.

"Hold still," Jason muttered, applying a bandage to her forehead. "You picked that up faster than I expected."

"You call ramming my head into a tree a success?" Melissa groaned.

"Failure is a teacher. Cruel and sometimes mischievous, but a teacher nonetheless. You think I picked up on that on my first try? I told you I had to develop the muscles to resist the recoil to my own body."

Melissa sighed. "Man, you really are unstoppable."

"Not entirely," he said as he packed his medical kit away. "I'm still learning even to this day. You never really stop learning even if you've mastered something."

"What do you mean?"

Jason sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Don't go telling anyone, but I still have some kinks to work out of my accelerated speed. I can't do short-distance bursts. Second I take off, I'm flying at least three meters through open space before I can turn. Plus, unlike you, I have a bit of an advantage to my speed, though advantage is to be taken lightly."

Melissa stood up. "What do you mean?"

Jason shoved his hands in his pockets. "Melissa, in the time you've gotten to know me, have you noticed anything weird about how I use my Electric-Type moves?"

Melissa raised her brow. "Not especially."

"Sometimes in a Pokémon's life, we're born with weaknesses that we can't change. Blindness, deafness, a weak leg, a prevailing sickness, you name it. Some little deficiency that makes us weak in the eyes of nobles. They see stuff like that as imperfect states of Arceus' grand design, thus they're shunned as burdens. Some, like mine, can be hidden if you're clever enough. You turn them into advantages."

Jason faced her and gently rubbed his left cheek, emitting a spark from them. "When I was born, I apparently had a birth defect often found in electric rodents like myself. The electrical sacs stored in my cheeks came out wrong and affected the way I emit electricity. I can't fire it off from my body."

Melissa's eyes widened. "You cannot?!"

Jason nodded. "I was not so different from you. I felt useless as a Pikachu for some time, so I made myself useful by tending my family's farms. If I couldn't be a good fighter, I might as well do my part for the family. Of course, when I needed to, I found a work around for it.

"See, I've spent so much time trying to output electricity that I became more attuned with it throughout my system." He raised his arm and sent sparks through them. "I couldn't outwardly fire it, but the electricity can still conduct through my body just fine. That is why you weren't able to replicate my speed. I can boost the performance of my muscles with quick electric jolts on top of my Quick Attack and Agility boost."

"Whoa," Melissa awed. "That is amazing!"

Jason smirked. "Nobles suffer from hubris, believing they've made it in life and thus are the peak of perfection. Those like me who have only known failure learn and struggle to adapt. That's the conflict of perfection vs. failure. The perfect being, though skilled at what they do, are fixed into a mindset of superiority that's hard to break. The failure who only knows loss will continue to grow. It's better to be imperfect and learn than to be perfect and stagnant. I turned what many considered a weakness, my own doubts, into motivation."

"Wow. You really are amazing."

Jason shook his head. "I'm not special for it. Everyone in the Foresters went through something similar, even you. It's a matter of finding out how you'll apply yourself." He walked over to his desk and picked up some papers. "If anything, your ability is a testament to that mindset. You can take the struggles and doubts of a person, everything they've accumulated to reach their current peak, and become the very embodiment of their efforts. Who knows what you'll be capable of in the future?"

Melissa hummed to herself, then glanced at the ceiling. She pictured a little fantasy of herself running across rooftops with Jason's speed, slashing enemies down with Jet's ruthlessness, pummeling through droves with Ragger's techniques, and enveloping an entire street in Althalos' Abyss Clouds.

…Oh my Arceus, I could use Althalos' Abyss Clouds!

Jason turned back and raised his brow at the Buneary drooling with excitement as she had her little power fantasy. "Rookie?"

Melissa snapped out of her fantasy and blushed. "I did not do it!" She blinked and shook her head. "I mean…yeah?"

Jason shook his head. "Oh boy, I'm almost going to regret sending you out on a field assignment."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing." He leaned back on his desk. "Just try not to be too reliant on that technique. You can't copy abilities, which can be a fundamental aspect to whatever technique you steal. It wouldn't hurt to broaden your own movepool, too."

Melissa tapped her stubby fingers together sheepishly. "I mean, I have been learning some new moves recently."

Jason raised his brow. From what he last heard, she knew Bounce, Copycat, and Foresight. "Oh?"

Melissa puffed her chest out proudly. "Yep! I have been learning how to use Quick Attack and Endure, too!"

A long silence followed after with the Pikachu staring blankly at her.

"…Kind of vanilla, don't you think?"

Melissa faltered, then shook her fists angrily. "It was the best I could manage!"

"I'm pretty sure very young Buneary are naturally born with some of those."

Melissa crossed her arms and pouted. "I am not the most creative person in the world, alright?"

"Your track record for crazy plans says otherwise." He sighed. "Then again, you can take just about any fighting style you see for yourself, so I guess being plain vanilla isn't the worst."

"Why must you make me sound so boring, yet compare me to something so delicious?" Melissa wept.

Jason waved her off. "Anyway, try to rest up and go on with your day. I've got things to do."

"Okay…" Melissa dragged her feet and headed for the door, wiping her mock tears away. She glanced at the corner of the office where Jason's various equipment and books sat. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing Jason preoccupied with papers, then shifted silently into the corner.

She first peeked through his telescope, playing with the dials and adjusting the lens. She knew of astronomers back home that would've killed to get a telescope this well-made. She did pin the Pikachu for the science type, but not so much that he would procure a state-of-the-art telescope. She wondered where he got it from.

She turned her gaze over to his small shelf of books, obviously holding some occult covers. Well, he cannot be that scientific, I guess. She dragged her finger across the spines, then stopped on one that seemed out of place from the occult books. Hold on, what is this?

She pulled it out and checked out the front. It was titled Journey of the Storm Breaker. The title piqued her curiosity. She opened and flipped through the first few pages. Immediately, just by the exaggerated detail, it seemed like a fictional story. Maybe a grand epic.

I did not know Jason was into these kind of stories. Melissa raised her brow. I am not quite familiar with this one, though. Certainly not something published in Verde. Could be from a different kingdom. Heh, I guess Jason is a bit of a fantasy geek. Who knew?

"Done snooping?"

"EEP!" Melissa threw the book in the air and covered her face in shame.

Jason caught the book in one hand and snapped it shut. "You know, if you wanted to borrow it, you could've just asked."

Melissa slowly faced him, then laughed it off sheepishly. "S-Sorry. I was curious what kind of stuff you like since you are so…" Jason raised his brow. "…so…shining an example of leadership?" she finished with a nervous grin.

Jason sighed and shoved the book back on the shelf. "It's just a story I used to read as a kid, no big deal."

"Aww, but I think it is cute. Do you prattle endlessly about it to friends? Ever had a book club raving about the fun, gripping adventures and speculations? Eh…that is what people do when talking about books, right?"

Jason's eyes fell into a dull glare. "Just go back to your hut."

"Already left!" Melissa dipped out as fast as she could.

Jason huffed and walked back to his desk, though not before muttering, "And it's not cute, it's freakin' awesome."

Melissa pushed open her hut door and stretched her arms. "Hey," she greeted.

Pandora briefly glanced up from her workstation and waved. "Hey girl, how was training?" She saw the bandage on Melissa's forehead and suppressed a snicker. "Eh, never mind, I think I know what happened."

Melissa pouted. "Ha, ha." She crossed her arms and held her head up proudly. "I will have you know that Jason said I am excelling beautifully! Several dozen more training sessions and I will have my Copycat down pat!"

Pandora rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Ms. Calamity." She grabbed a piece of graphite in her teeth and sketched onto some parchment. "Hey, you think you're up to help me with my next flight experiment? I'm trying to find alternate means to keep the propeller spinning, and I need someone to keep time."

Melissa walked over. "I do not think Wyatt and Avel want to help out again."

Pandora threw her head back and laughed. "Ah, don't be silly. I'm getting Hedwig to pilot it!"

"Hedwig?" Melissa racked her brain for a name and face. "Oh wait, she is that Lycanroc that keeps begging me to join her pack, right?"

"That's the one."

Melissa shuddered. "That girl has no decency in her bones, does she?"

"Eh, she just likes being all natural and junk. Be grateful she doesn't fall back on her carnivorous instincts…and keeps her uniform on." Pandora grinned. "Plus, she gets a kick out of pain, so she's the perfect crash test dummy!"

Melissa deadpanned. "Ah yes, the perfect partner for you."

"Heck yeah!"

Melissa leaned on Pandora's chair and looked over her various schematics. "I have to say, Pandora, you are very smart. Do you ever stop thinking of inventions?"

Pandora smirked. "Please, like that'll ever happen. I'd be a disgrace to the MacGyver family name!"

"I thought your last name was Day."

Pandora snickered. "It's my granddad's last name. I only took my last name in memory of my dad."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Oh, uh…I am sorry?"

Pandora waved it off. "Meh, it's whatever. My grandpa was more of a father figure to me anyway." Pandora held up her schematics and beamed at them. "Once I get the wind slayer up and running, I'll be making all of Grandpa's dreams come true."

Melissa narrowed her eyes at Pandora's desk. The devices were strange to her, but showed an aptitude for innovation. She had to wonder just how far Pandora could go with her creations.

"Hey Pandora?"

"Yeah?"

"Hypothetical question—"

"Ooh boy, my favorite kind!"

"—would you be able to build something to benefit certain fighting styles?"

Pandora spun around and leaned back on her desk. "Depends, what do you have in mind?"

Melissa rubbed her neck and said, "Well, you know how my Copycat lets me copy fighting styles and enhanced moves? Would there be any way to make something that can bring out the most from it? I mean, I cannot carry every type of weapon that fits with whatever style I copied, so…"

"You want an all-purpose weapon, you say?" Pandora asked, grinning ear-to-ear.

"Err, well—"

"Say no more! The creative juices in my brain are bubbling!" Pandora spun back around, knocked her schematics aside, and pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment. "The wind slayer is being put on hold! I got a real challenge to tackle right here!" She bit down on her graphite stick and scribbled wildly on the parchment.

Melissa backed away slowly, eyes wide in slight fear. "Eh, you do you, Pan." Her eyes drew toward the bathroom door as it swung open.

Marie walked out, fully dressed, wiping her head dry. "Phew, that hit the spot." She stopped and saw Pandora scribbling furiously at her desk. Marie blinked, then glanced at Melissa. "New invention?"

"Yep."

Marie sighed. "Great, now I have to bring her dinner."

Pandora threw her head back and laughed maniacally. "It'll be the ultimate weapon in imitation-based combat! Those who hold faith in their precious styles, prepare to be robbed!"

Melissa laughed awkwardly. "Heh, yeah…" Though, Melissa paused and pondered on her maniacal description. Those who hold faith in their styles…

"Feeling hopeless, honestly. I was getting battered around in one battle, and I was mostly useless in another."

"You have always been harsh on your own self-improvement."

"Nobles suffer from hubris, believing they've made it in life and thus are the peak of perfection. Those like me who have only known failure learn and struggle to adapt. That's the conflict of perfection vs. failure."

Putting faith into someone else's talents when mine are not enough. Melissa narrowed her eyes, then smiled. In essence…a Faithless Imitation. Yeah. I kind of like that. Faithless…Imitation.

Next Day, Senbo Kingdom

All of Virdis knew well of the mechanical marvels perpetuating within the isolated walls of the Senbo Kingdom, making use of every resource available with the most talented of inventors alive. The main capital of it all that oversaw their territory shined brightest amongst the marvelous innovations being crafted. Hard to believe that several centuries ago, Pokémon were preying on each other for food and survival. Now, in the present day, they were coming up on the new age of technology.

The capital reflected their achievements in their architect. Most buildings were sleek, made up of red brick, and uniform. Wide open streets allowed for multiple carriages to travel unobstructed, and pathways for Pokémon to walk along at the side. These were the residential areas, mostly.

The more compact sections of the capital was where the machinery aspect truly shined. Large factory buildings with huge chimneys pumping out smoke, all being inhaled by the Galar-born Weezing hanging above, keeping the air relatively clean and fresh.

These buildings had large, working cogwheels built into the side, turning gradually from production inside. The cog itself served no real purpose other than a symbol for the progress the capital's work force. The constant turning acted as a symbol for their non-stop efforts to continuously perfect daily living.

Unlike Verde's focus on the noble upbringing, Senbo placed a lot of its faith in the work force of their people. Though nobility played a huge power in the upkeep of these jobs, those serving to build and construct the material necessary for innovation were the true backbone of their society.

Isolated, uninterrupted, and away from the political world of their neighboring kingdoms, they've spent the last hundred years becoming self-reliant on their progress, mirroring the ideals of perfection within their fair rulers, the Talbot family.

Speaking of, the center attraction to all of the capital was the royal castle, a true testament to their militaristic innovation. An imposing black stone castle that stood tall over its city, thick and sturdy, some say even unbreakable. It possessed a circular wall that wrapped around the entirety of the main castle, with eight bridges connected to it. Almost the entire balcony of the wall had a knight standing guard, armed with large mounted crossbows that could obliterate a carriage with a single cross bolt.

Within the walls itself were rows of cannons, peeking out from a small window. These were more reliant on the explosive force generated by their various Fire-Type knights, who packed more punch than a standard explosion. They could rip through pretty much any structure and topple the sturdiest defenses should an invasion rear its ugly head.

Though there was likely more to their defenses, it was safe to say how effective the Senbo Kingdom was at being one step ahead of their potential enemies. Though, self-imposed isolation came with its own limiting factors, sticking them in a stagnant state where they may eventually exhaust their potential. The deal to merge their kingdom with another became more of an acceptable option once it was first proposed to them.

Even after the failings of the arranged marriage to the Verde Kingdom's princess, the Senbo Kingdom continued to make the effort for peace, as believed by its rulers.

Within the castle, shut away in his chamber, was the eldest son, Prince Erasmus Talbot. His chamber was befitting of someone with his mighty attitude. A large bed five times the length of his cat body with the finest silk sheets. One could fit twenty or thirty more Glameow on the bed with enough room for a Seviper. A mirror sat by his dresser, tall and proud to marvel at his appearance.

Though, also a natural born fighter, Erasmus also had an armor stand sitting by the wooden practice dummy, which had been worn down from years of usage. He even had a stone grinding wheel, used periodically to sharpen his claws for maximum efficiency.

As the day moved on without him, Erasmus occupied his time with his weekly routine: writing letters to his beloved. Of all his privileges and royal upbringing, Erasmus found himself happiest either writing letters to his dear beloved or receiving hers in return.

"…Though it pains me to keep secrets from you, my darling, I am afraid I am honor bound not to divulge the recent developments of Father's secret project. Not even most nobility is made aware. It is a shame, too, because I could prattle about how excited I am for its development. I am sure you would love it as well. I will say, however, that I look forward to the negotiations today with the Wick and Echo Bell Kingdoms. If all goes well, the true depths of our project will come to fruition. A grand party will be planned the day we reveal it. A shame, though, that I cannot invite you along…"

Erasmus put his quill down and leaned back in his seat, staring sadly at his ceiling. If it were up to him, he would invite her in a heartbeat, but he doubted his father would approve he has been mingling with a commoner. His father, bless his kind heart to all, was still stuck in his ways about commoners mixing with the royal family. Tradition, though a great celebration of time's achievements, was also his detriment.

Erasmus sighed, then resumed his letter.

"That said, I do hope our plans have not been altered. I look forward to seeing you in a couple weeks. Fret not of my own important engagements, my darling, I made specifically sure to clear my schedule for you. And, in the likelihood something arose, my trusted guard will cover for me. I look forward to seeing you.

Your dear beloved,

Prince Erasmus Talbot.

Erasmus set his quill back in the inkwell and gently blew on the letter. The seventh letter, to be precise, front to back. With so little opportunity to see his beloved, he had quite a lot to say. Fortunately, she didn't seem to mind and even wrote back with the same enthusiasm, despite her poorer penmanship.

Erasmus scratched his head. "I am glad I opted for the larger envelope." He reached into his desk drawer and produced a pink envelope, specially ordered so that no one would mistake his letter for another. So far, it has assured it got to his beloved without trouble. "I commend the postal service for their efficiency. Let us hope it stays that way." He set the envelope aside and started neatly folding his letters.

He stopped to a knock on his door. He narrowed his eyes and carefully covered his letters. He looked over his shoulder and said, "Who goes there?"

"It is us, Your Highness!"

Erasmus sighed in relief and uncovered the letters. "Enter."

His personal guards let themselves in and just as quickly shut the doors behind them. Rikmai, his Vaporeon knight, sauntered over and looked over his chair with interest. "Ah, I see we caught you at a good time. Are these letters to your secret girlfriend?"

"I prefer if you not say it so brazenly, but yes," he admitted, neatly folding up the letters. "Actually, I just finished." He looked over to the Togetic of the group. "You know what that means, Serell. I need you to deliver this to the post office."

Serell saluted. "Aye, I got your back, my dude!" Linota the Rattata punched him in the shoulder. "Ow! I mean, of course, Your Highness." He shot a dirty glare at Linota as he rubbed his shoulder.

Gaufroi the Ursaring lumbered over and peeked out Erasmus' window. "I never get tired of this view. It's breathtaking."

"It would've been nice if you weren't on the highest floor in the castle," Serell grumbled. Linota raised her fist again, making the Togetic shuffle away.

Rikmai kept trying to get a peek from Erasmus' letters, but they were always out of reach. She sighed and slumped to the ground. "Come on, I want to see how happy you two are. Fills the lonely void in my heart."

"Hey, I asked you out plenty of times," Serell pointed out.

Rikmai glared at him. "Yes, you did. And I rejected you every. Single. Time. Want to take a guess why?"

Serell raised his hands matter-of-factly. "Look, all I said was that you should put more interest into your appearance. Guys don't really go for the knightly lady, all sweaty and roughened up. It ruins that pretty face of yours. They prefer someone more subdued, demure, and—" He stopped as the Vaporeon's tail was starting to surge with water. "I get the impression I shouldn't be talking right now."

"Genius deduction," Linota praised sarcastically.

Erasmus sighed. "No arguing, all of you." He finished stuffing his letters into the envelope, then reached over to the candle burning on his desk. He dipped some of the hot red wax, just a dollop, onto the envelope flap, then finished it off by pressing it with a seal. "And address it to…" He quickly wrote the name and address out, then held it up to the light. "And done." He handed it over to Serell. "Best to hurry."

"Agreed," Serell muttered, inching away from the irate Rikmai before dipping out the room.

Rikmai flared her nostrils. "Coward."

Erasmus hopped off his chair and stretched. "Now, to what do I owe this visit?"

Gaufroi stood at attention and saluted. "Your Highness, we're here to report the arrival of the two kingdoms."

Erasmus tilted his head. "Ah, they are here already? What timing." He matted back a few stray hairs and adjusted his suit. "Best not keep Father waiting. Lead the way." His knights bowed, then escorted him out of the room.

Upon exiting into the hallway, Erasmus spotted another Glameow walking down their way, carrying a stack of books on his back. He appeared to be much younger than Erasmus, perhaps by a few years. His fur coat was a shade darker with an odd patch of dark blue fur around his right eye, almost like a birthmark for fur. He dressed plainly in comparison to Erasmus' regal attire.

Erasmus raised his paw to the Glameow. "Evening, Dimitri. Will you be joining Father and I for the Wick and Echo Bell Kingdoms' arrival?"

Dimitri scoffed and turned his nose up to his brother. "Father seems more interested in your attendance, brother. So, I will be using my time wisely while you galivant with their heirs." Without another word, he turned the corner and fled from sight.

Erasmus huffed and shook his head. "Sour as ever, I see." He put the interaction behind him and continued onward.

His knights led him to the throne room, where his father and mother waited patiently. Erasmus gave a quick bow to his parents, then took his place beside his father while his guard stood at attention along the carpeted path to the thrones.

Erasmus leaned over to his father and whispered, "You believe you can convince them of your plans?"

Gilbert chuckled. "If the negotiations go well, of course. There is some talk of arranging a marriage between you and Princess Evangelina Visconti, so try to make a good impression with her."

Erasmus nodded. "Very well, Father."

The throne doors opened, and a Chatot fluttered in making the sound of a horn before bowing to the royal family. "Your Majesties, it is with high honor that I welcome our guests to the Senbo Kingdom. Presenting, the royal family of the Wick Kingdom, the Tetrarch family. And the royal family of the Echo Bell Kingdom, the Visconti family."

The Chatot stepped aside as the two families entered at once. Unlike their appearance in the Verde Kingdom, they came in smaller numbers more or less. The Tetrarch family consisted only of the imposing Empoleon king, King Tetrarch, and his eldest son, Prince Darby. While the king retained a stern exterior, his son appeared relaxed and nonchalant with an easygoing smile that could swoon.

Joined at their side were two knights, one being the Octillery known as Jael. The other was a Beheeyem dressed in light armor, floating beside his king with arms crossed behind his back and an eerie, unmoving stare.

Of the Visconti family, however, consisted of the Jellicent king and Gourgeist queen along with their three eldest children: Evangelina, Asterio, and Azelia. The three Frillish royals carried themselves with their own air. Evangelina, smug and confident. Asterio, gloomy and withdrawn. Azelia, curious and distracted.

Joined at their sides were two knights as well. Sticking close to Evangelina was a heavily-armored Swampert that carried a halberd on his back. His footsteps trembled those near him. Joining close to the twin royals' sides was a Raboot, who was considerably underdressed in terms of armor, wearing only a vest and pants. The only armor on his body was the leg and arm bracers.

The two families stopped before the Talbots and graciously bowed to them. "King Talbot," King Tetrarch started, "thank you once again for inviting us to your kingdom. We are eternally grateful."

"As is the Visconti family," King Visconti agreed with a more jovial tone.

Gilbert nodded in return and gestured them to rise. "And thank you for humbling me with your presence. I do hope we can come to an agreement regarding our relations. I am sure all of you have been made aware of my secret project for the kingdom."

King Visconti clapped excitedly. "Oh yes, very much excited! I am bursting at the seams waiting to hear it!"

"Calm yourself, dear," his wife whispered, gently patting his tentacle.

Gilbert smiled. "I assure you that the Senbo Kingdom has worked tirelessly to perfect our secret project. Of course, for it to be fully appreciated, cooperation among your kingdoms would be preferable."

King Tetrarch nodded. "I look forward to the negotiations. Where shall we commence the meeting?"

"In my war room," Gilbert said. "It is mostly used for discussing security measures around the capital and entire kingdom. Never sought much use for it for actual battle, but better safe than sorry."

"Will the children be joining us?" Queen Visconti asked.

Gilbert shook his head. "No need. While we discuss my plans, the princes and princesses shall be dining together so that they may bond. Erasmus needs the experience of other heirs to better understand who his allies will be in the future." Erasmus nodded in agreement.

Evangelina hid a smirk behind her tentacle. "How fun~."

Azelia clapped her tentacles together excitedly. "Ooh, we get to eat with the dreamboat? Dibs on sitting next to Erasmus!"

Asterio groaned. "Why must you be so tactless?"

Darby laughed out loud. "Oh, I am already looking forward to this lunch."

Gilbert and Constance stood up and bowed their heads to their guests. "I see we have already come to a consensus."

"Shall we precede?" Constance asked, gesturing to a pair of doors leading to the aforementioned war room.

King Tetrarch turned to his knights. "Jael, you will accompany me. Fulbertus, stay with Darby and keep him safe."

The Beheeyem bowed gracefully. "I won't let him out of my sight."

King Visconti grabbed the Swampert's hands and pulled him forward. "You are coming as well, Romano."

The Swampert frowned. "Oh, but I…" He glanced over at Evangelina, who smirked and waved him along. He sighed, then saluted. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

The royal monarchs bowed to their children before entering the war room, leaving them amongst themselves. Soon, a Fletchinder maid flew into the throne room and bowed to the heirs.

"Lunch is being prepared as we speak. Allow me to escort you all."

Azelia licked her lips and rubbed her tentacles together. "Ooh boy, I can already smell the delicious food from here!"

Darby walked up behind Erasmus and hooked his wing around him. "Looking forward to working with you, my friend."

Erasmus smiled lightly. "As am I." The heirs followed the maid with Erasmus lagging behind a bit to observe the four heirs. From their brief introductions and the little interaction he had with them, he could sense a great deal of leadership potential from each of them.

Quite an interesting bunch. They have theoretically known each other longer than me. I do wonder what I am to expect from this little lunch.