The 17th Noble Lion Moon of Year 907. It was a day to be remembered in Virdis' history, but would go unappreciated for years to come. It was to be remembered as the day the Foresters committed a grand scale invasion on a small village in the Algus Kingdom. Testimonies would speak of the thieves routing the red-hooded invaders that took up residence in their village, their motives unknown. Though damage was sufficient, no innocents were harmed.

However, in the events that followed, the Foresters' interception of the secret affairs triggered a chain reaction unlike anything Virdis will ever experience. Imagine lighting the wick of a stick of dynamite, and that this wick was several kilometers long. A slow burning fuse traveling along the path, uninterrupted by the elements of the world, no rain or wind could put out its flame. Many would wait in anticipation for the fuse to reach the end of its course, going about their daily lives with the shining moment tickling in the back of their minds.

Then, without warning, an explosion.

Months had past since the fuse officially lit, and everywhere the fuse burned in its travel brought along the players who would come to witness the end in the most remote location of Virdis: the outlands.

The ten kingdoms of Virdis control much land, save for the very center where the first kingdom once stood. However, to watch over every inch of land would be impossible, and eventually places become to hostile to protect. Eventually, villagers and townsfolk move out of those lands, allowing criminals to occupy those vacant spaces. Though these lands remain under the control of their respective kingdoms, their influence is minimal at best.

These are the outlands.

One notable landmark of the outlands was the barren castle in the center of an equally barren town with very few criminals taking up space on the streets. This castle was said to belong to a nobleman that overall the town before it was overrun. The castle remained vacant for quite some time until it came into new ownership years back. Though it wasn't as impressive as the fortified, grand, towering castles that resided in the kingdom capitals, it served its necessary purpose of sheltering the occupants.

The few criminals out in the town shuffled around in a haze, minding their own business or trying to steal from each other, as per usual. However, a stir in the air caught their attention. Most days, it was relatively quiet, aside from the odd wanderer or two. Today, however, was different. There was a palpable energy in the air. A fervor unlike any other that crossed through the soft breezes.

Then, a trembling.

The criminals raised their heads and looked out to the town limits as figures started appearing through the dusty veil of sand gliding along the wind. Figures of different shapes, sizes, and attire. Those who had statures and clothes befitting of a nobleman, and those who walked the derelict roads of life. No matter their status or state, they walked in step as equals, with an aura that intimidated the criminals into rethinking their plans to rob the newcomers blindly.

These travelers turned their eyes on the small castle ahead of them and marched with greater speed. As they drew closer, the giant double doors creaked open, letting out the fresh, lavender scent of the castle's interior. Exiting the castle with a dignified air was none other than the Hypno, Cain Underhill.

Arms folded neatly behind his back with a soft, yet pensive smile on his face, Cain leered at the approaching travelers with a glint of flee dancing off his pinprick pupils. His monocle reflected the afternoon sun in a blinding white.

The travelers stopped before the Hypno and stared at him in waiting. Cain's smile turned sharp. "May I see your invitations?"

The guests reached into their pockets at once and presented a feather belonging to the messenger birds that called upon them. Each feather had an amber coating, as if they were dipped in paint.

Cain closed his eyes and chuckled. "Very good." He stepped aside, bowed, and gestured into the castle. "The servants will take your coats. Please, make yourselves at home. The meeting will start in due time."

"My, oh my, it is good to be back, baby!"

After being let into the castle, and relieved of their coats, the traveling guests followed Cain down the halls, taking in the décor with either an appreciative eye or disinterest.

An Aegislash glanced at the sharply dressed Obstagoon who made the boisterous comment. "This is the first time we've been in this castle."

Obstagoon laughed. "Yeah, but I was getting bored. I had to take care of a flooding problem in my area. I'm totally wiped! Needed something to do to take my mind off things. When I got the invitation to get back together with the old gang, though, I was stoked!"

Aegislash rolled his eye. "You have not changed at all, Count Blackwood."

A Leavanny of the grouped giggled aloud. "Well, I share the same sentiments, Blackwood. I, too, was looking forward to reuniting with everyone after so long," he stated cheerily.

Blackwood grinned. "Hah! That's what I love to hear! And what have you been up to these days, Chihiro?"

"Same old jobs as per usual," the Leavanny stated, sharpening his bladed claws together. "I feared my skills have gotten rusty with inactivity, so I hope a resurgence within Last Autumn will cure that issue."

A Gumshoos walking beside Chihiro grunted as he picked his teeth. He wore a large, dusty black coat with a high collar and black, wide-brimmed hat. "The assassin business not doing you any favors?"

Chihiro huffed. "Nowadays, you can find a bounty hunter for cheaper. Seems no one has any appreciation for the artistry of assassination. I swear, bounty hunters these days have no class." The Gumshoos grumbled in response, causing Chihiro to grin impishly. "Ooh~. No offense, Hobs~."

"Don't give me a reason to come after you next," Hobs retorted before readjusting his collar.

Blackwood barked with laughter. "You crazy idiots! How I missed you!" He held his hips and glared at the back of Cain's head. "Speaking of, why were we called here again?"

Cain chuckled, then looked back over his shoulder. "That is for Master Terrowin to discuss, not I. Please be patient until we reach the dining hall."

A Vivillon that bared the monsoon wing pattern groaned, plopping herself down on an old Armaldo's head. "This is so lame. But it's better than begging for coins on the street."

The Aegislash casted a curious glance at her, noticing how comparatively young the Vivillon was to them. And yet, she seemed familiar to him. "Have we met? I do not recall anyone your age being a member of Last Autumn."

Vivillon grinned. "You must be referring to my granny. I am Bridget. Bridget the Third, in fact."

Aegislash snapped his cloth fingers as soon as the name clicked. "That's it, good ol' Bridget. I'm guessing she isn't around anymore. She was pretty damn old when we last saw her. Not as old as Terrowin, but…"

Bridget nodded. "Oh yeah. Granny passed away a month before that Spearow came by with the message, so I figured I could come in her place." She pouted. "Not like I have anything better to do. I'm an only child living in poverty and my caretaker's dead."

"Ah…I'm sorry?"

Bridget waved it off. "It's cool, it's cool."

The old Armaldo she sat on sighed. "Oh, the sweet embrace of death. How I long for its cold grasp to take me away. Perhaps I'll find a worthy grave on the battlefield."

Bridget leaned down and met the old man's gaze. "How old ARE you?"

"Old enough to give our friend, Terrowin, a run for his money. Though, my age is normal for the Armaldo. I am surprised he is still kicking." Armaldo took a deep, raspy breath, then sighed. "I still have enough in me for one final job."

Bridget sat back up and rolled her eyes. "Ugh, old people and their dramatics."

The last of the newcomers, an Eelektross, slithered up to Cain's side and asked, "Speaking of old people, how is the old timer doing? I doubt age hasn't been kind to him these days."

Cain smiled. "Oh, the master is doing just fine. You'll find even Yveltal himself would struggle to claim the last of his life force. He expects a lot out of you all, so try not to disappoint."

Blackwood looked among their small numbers and huffed. "Shouldn't there be more of us? Where is everyone else?"

"I'm afraid we've gotten several reports that old members of Last Autumn have either been arrested, become far too old to make the journey—"

"Cowards," the Armaldo interjected.

"—or simply died these past thirty years. All of you, save for Ms. Bridget, are the last remaining members of the original organization."

Aegislash glared. "Just us?"

Cain smirked knowingly. "Not to say it'll be just all of you. We do have three newcomers who will be helping us. They'll meet up shortly once we get the meeting started."

Eelektross crossed his arms and hovered over Cain. "This better be worth it, then. If Terrowin has to call upon us, it must be serious."

"Very much so. Plans have changed recently. We need more experienced eyes on the scenes. If we want to complete our mission, we need all the help we can acquire. Any rust you may have developed from inactivity, let's hope you can scrape it off in due time."

Eelektross bowed his head. "Of course, Dr. Underhill."

The group continued down the hall before stopping in front of a large door. Cain gently pushed it open, revealing a stony dining hall with torches lit on the walls. A long dining room table stretched across the center of the room with several chairs lined up and prepped with plates, glasses, and utensils. Each seat also had a card sitting on the plates, each with a name. There were more chairs than there were current guests.

Sitting at the very end of the table, seated in a velvet throne, was the man of the hour himself. The hooded Terrowin hunched over in his seat, leaning against his cane under the table. He lifted his head, flashing his illuminous yellow eyes from under the darkness of his hood.

He raised a hand out to the guests and, with a raspy voice, said, "Please, sit down. Make yourselves comfortable."

The group piled in and searched the rows for their assigned seats. Blackwood and the Aegislash found themselves seated together closer to Terrowin. Chihiro and the Eelektross took up opposing seats in the middle of the table. Hobs, Bridget, and the Armaldo sat themselves on the opposite end of where Terrowin sat.

Cain bowed to them and said, "I shall inform our other guests that everyone is here. Please, enjoy the food." He snapped his fingers, then shuffled out of the dining hall.

Doors to the kitchen opened with a few servants shuffling out. They went around the table with champagne bottles and poured a glass for each of their guests. Bridget grinned. "Champagne? Sweet! My first alcoholic beverage!"

Terrowin leaned forward some and squinted at the Vivillon. "Bridget?"

"The Third! Stepping in for my granny, good sir!"

"How…old are you?"

"Sixteen, sir!"

"…" Terrowin raised his hand before the servant could pour the butterfly a drink. "Apple juice for that one."

"HUH?!"

The servant bowed. "Right away, sir." They rushed back to the kitchen.

Bridget pouted furiously. "I am not a child!"

"You shouldn't be drinking this stuff," Terrowin advised, swirling his drink around. "A young girl such as yourself needs her nutrients."

"Ugh! You sound just like Granny!"

Blackwood threw his head back and howled with laughter. "I didn't realize the infamous Last Autumn accepted help from little squirts! Bahahahaha!"

Bridget pouted so hard that her face turned red. "I'll have you know that I am the most infamous alchemist in the outlands! I am the bane of nightmares!"

"Oh yeah? Where do you live, oh-mighty-alchemist?"

"…" Bridget turned away and huffed. "Inside a box outside of a brothel." Blackwood slammed the table in a fit of laughter. "Shut up, I'm poor!"

Blackwood wiped a tear from his eye and huffed. "Oh, I do sympathize with you, child. I would be devastated if I lost my property. I am Count Blackwood, head of House Blackwood. It is unbefitting of a noble to be living in a decrepit box."

"I take very good care of that box!" Bridget retorted.

Aegislash voiced an audible sigh of annoyance. "For a nobleman, you lack tact, Blackwood. You certainly haven't changed these last thirty years. It amazes me to see you in your fifties still fit as a fiddle."

The Obstagoon smirked. "And you have taken great care of yourself as well, Count Victor Westerberg. I see no rust upon your body. Are you still as sharp as the good ol' days? I'd wager my body is tougher than anything you've cut down."

Victor huffed. "Say what you will, Blackwood. Your pestering bores me." He lifted his glass and sipped it despite having no mouth. Blackwood merely laughed it off and poured the entire glass into his open maw.

The Armaldo took delicate sips of his drink before turning toward Terrowin. "Tell me, old friend, why do you hide under that cloak?"

Terrowin sighed. "I am afraid the years have not been kind to me. My best alchemists are searching for temporary measures to deal with my advanced age, but I'm pushing my limits just to stay alive. Rest assured, I will meet my grave once our dream comes to light."

"That is why I've always honored you, sir. You have a spirit worth celebrating."

"I appreciate your words, Christoph. Let us hope you also make it to see the end."

"No promises. The battlefield shall be a good place to die." The Armaldo resumed sipping his drink.

Hobs pushed his drink away and leaned back in his seat. "How about we quit the useless prattle and get to why we're here, old timer?"

Terrowin chuckled weakly. "Always straight to the point with you, Hobs."

"You called us all here because you've been dealing with a potential threat to your mission. You wouldn't have called us back unless something truly devastating came up." Hobs pulled on the brim of his hat. "Way I see it, it has something to do with that little attack that occurred a few months ago. Word on the street is your Wraith operation was compromised."

Bridget lifted her head, shining curious eyes at the table. "Wraith? The hell's that?" She pouted as the servant returned with the requested apple juice.

Blackwood snickered. "Are we sure we should allow a child in on the operation?" Bridget snarled at him.

Terrowin held his hand up. "She came all this way on behalf of her grandmother. So long as she shows her loyalty, she is one of us." He leaned forward against the table. "As for the Wraith, Ms. Bridget, it is an alchemical poison designed solely for our operations. Explaining the makeup of it would be lengthy and beyond this dusty brain of mind, but understand it is extremely lethal."

Bridget frowned. "Okay, noted."

Victor waved his hand around. "That, we all know. But why summon us now? Is what Hobs said true? Did something happen during the distribution?"

Terrowin sighed. "We tried so hard to stay in the shadows, you must understand. When we were in the prime of Last Autumn's rise, we lost everything in that explosion. Naturally, I had to change direction, seek a different route. So far, working within the criminal underworld in secret has done wonders. We've already spread our influence throughout a good chunk of the kingdoms, right under everyone's noses. Of course, it means little if we don't have everything under our control. It's a slow process, but we will see it through.

"The problem, however, starts with the mysterious spirits that haunt the woods of Verde."

Victor glared. "The Foresters."

Armaldo huffed. "Those little imps? So, they've found you out."

"Sadly so, Christoph. Sadly so. They appear to have been on our trail for some time. How they even caught wind of an operation is beyond me, but they're persistent. They've hounded various suppliers of mine before finally prying the main base of operation in the Algus Kingdom. While we still have more plants distributing the Wraith, the fact one was compromised puts us in a difficult situation."

Christoph glared. "Do not tell me these imps are a source of worry for you, Terrowin?"

"Of course not. They've just forced me to take drastic measures. That's why I had to call upon you. I've already sent requests to hunt down the Foresters. High pay that should tantalize the most infamous bounty hunters into accepting. Though, that's hardly enough cause to relieve ourselves. We need to be prepared."

Eelektross nodded and spoke up. "You've got that right. One of the Three Deadly Storms is their leader. He's certainly not a mass killer, but he might as well be. Have you all heard the rumors? I once heard he split a thunderbolt with his sword. An actual thunderbolt from the clouds! He once fell an army before they could blink, much less draw their weapons."

Blackwood smirked. "It's not good to rely so heavily on rumors, Count Elias Lehmann. Half of that sounds like fantastical malarkey."

"You're one to talk," the Eelektross accused. "You've made your whole life off of lies about yourself."

"I turned those lies into power…and reality with time," Blackwood countered.

"Regardless, the Foresters are made up of some of the most infamous criminals in Virdis. They've evaded capture for years, even in that damned forest surrounding the Verde Kingdom. If that kingdom can't even find thieves hiding in their own property, that either screams incompetence for them or concerns for the rest of us."

Chihiro hummed in thought. "What do you suppose that says for us? Surely we can outwit children."

"For all your professional years, no one is prepared for the Foresters," Elias warned. "They are crafty. The rumors that surround them may seem too ridiculous to believe, but I'm not one to leave that up to chance. Plain and simple, they're dangerous if left uncheck."

Bridget raised her hand. "Couldn't we just, I don't know, burn the forest down? I mean, if they live there—"

"Wouldn't work," Hobs interrupted. "They'd either find a way to calm the flames or evacuate the forest before any harm came to them. Plus, we would need to set the entire forest on fire at once just to have a shot at hitting them. Given the size of it, that's nearly impossible."

Elias nodded. "Though most of us are skilled, the Foresters would have us outnumbered. Trying to fight one-on-one consistently would be a miracle."

"So, what can we do?" Christoph asked. "The Foresters will keep looking for the Wraith, right? What's the plan?"

"Simple." Eyes fell back onto Terrowin, who leaned back in his throne. "The answer is actually quite simple. We just continue on with business as usual."

Bridget raised a brow. "Heh?! Are you out of your mind, old man?! Even I know the Foresters would bust your little scheme into next Tuesday if you did jack-squat!"

Terrowin raised his hand. "The Foresters know the existence of the other distribution plants, but not their location. Only ones who would know are the heads of my plants. By now, they'll have decided to hunt down the one they brought down, Althalos. Meaning, we now have a rough idea of where they'll be heading in due time. A slow and arduous process, but taking out a couple Foresters is chipping away at the great oak tree with an axe. Eventually, swing into it enough, it'll come toppling down."

Elias rubbed his chin. "I see. You knew they would eventually need to interrogate one of your underlings again. Very clever."

"Still, what does that do for us?" Hobs asked. "Some of us aren't exactly powerhouses."

Terrowin smiled. "Why, that's why I called in some…help."

"Help?" the council repeated aloud.

Terrowin nodded. "During my extensive travels these last thirty years, I've met wondrous people willing to help my cause. They are the answer to your strength problem. They are some of the most notorious criminals in Virdis. They have quite the reputation within the criminal underworld, in fact. They've agreed to help me if ever called upon, so long as I agree to their demands."

Victor narrowed his eye suspiciously. "Sir, who did you call upon?"

Right as he asked, the dining hall doors creaked open. Cain stepped on through and flashed a devilish grin toward the table. "Lady and gentlemen, our esteemed guests are here." He stepped aside and bowed to the three figures stepping through.

The uninformed guests felt their eyes bulge out of their heads, instantly recognizing all three of the newcomers. A Mienshao dressed in burgundy robes and a purple shawl while also carrying a slice of vanilla cake. A Gourgeist wearing an elaborate scarlet top hat and cape with a ridiculously high collar that put Hobs' to shame. He also carried a scepter with a rounded, red jewel on top. Finally, an Amped Toxtricity wearing a black vest with a white fur collar, leaving most of his stomach exposed, and dusty black pants with a chain belt. He carried a serrated trident on his back.

Everyone nearly fell out of their chairs, clearly horrified by the newcomers. Even Blackwood, the calmest of the bunch, wore a nervous smirk as he gripped the back of his chair. "Dude…you've got to be jesting me."

Terrowin chuckled, then rose from his seat. "I see you all are familiar with my guests. The worst of the worst in the criminal underworld." He gestured to the newcomers. "A formal introduction worthy of their reputation is in order!

"The bounty hunter who has trained hundreds in her specialized martial art: Harriet Chenocke, or simply Spring-Loaded Harriet."

The Mienshao gazed at the guests and gave a short wave. "S'up." She dug her fork into her cake and took a hearty bite.

"The devil of the circus, the man known as the Scarlet Ringmaster of his famous Cirque du Madness. Itzal Abasolo, the Lord of Shadow."

The Super-Sized Gourgeist twirled his scepter and tipped his top hat to the guests. "It is fantastic to be here!"

"And finally, a man whose name makes the bravest men quiver in fear. The man who rends armies, who slaughters knights, who eviscerates gods. One of the Three Deadly Storms. The Roar of the Wastes, Alban Kyllyngworth."

The Toxtricity averted his gaze from the flabbergasted group, hiding his mild disgust. "Nothing but trash before my eyes."

The Last Autumn council gawked in disbelief at the three criminals before whipping their heads toward Terrowin for answers. "You can't be serious!" Victor exclaimed. "They're your help?! You managed to acquire three of the ten most wanted criminals in Virdis to join our side?!"

Terrowin sat back down in his seat. "I can be very persuasive."

Harriet walked around the table, munching on her cake. "Fis isn't goin' foo fake foo long, wight?" She swallowed and repeated, "This isn't going to take too long, right? I've got things to do back in Algus."

"Agreed~," Iztal joined in as he hovered over Harriet. "I must get back to my troupe. We have a few shows to put on across the region." He tried to snatch Harriet's cake, but she snapped her teeth at his fingers. "Ooh, feisty~."

"Touch my cake and I'll snap your neck," she warned casually before shoving more cake into her mouth.

"Oho~! Very feisty!" Itzal snickered aloud.

Alban approached Terrowin's side and bowed. "Say the word and I will carry your demand without fail."

The council continued gawking at the three criminals, still processing their presence. "This is almost unreal," Hobs blurted.

"I heard Harriet trained hundreds of criminals in her super special martial art!" Bridget exclaimed.

"I heard that Itzal fellow regularly burns people alive for his religion," Christoph added.

"Can you really call it a religion?" Elias muttered.

Blackwood smirked. "Ah, but who can forget the Roar of the Wastes? He's famous for more than one reason. He once destroyed a fortress deep within the New Chariot Empire. It was virtually indestructible to any attack thrown by armies. He's a monster on the battlefield."

Chihiro glared. "Terrowin, are you actually trying to tell us these three will hunt down the Foresters?"

"Not necessarily," Terrowin answered. "They're insurance. If the Foresters become too much of a problem, these three will step right in and handle the business themselves. With Harriet's resources, Itzal's trickery, and Alban's raw power, we stand a pretty fair chance at eliminating the Foresters and continuing on with our plans."

Elias glared. "So, what do you need us for?"

"I rely on all of you just as much, and you all joined Last Autumn because you believed in my ideals. So, why not bring you back on for one last job?" Terrowin sighed. "Plus, you all also have vast resources that can help us. What I see in front of me is some of the most influential people of Virdis joined together for a common purpose. That alone should certify your usefulness."

Hobs huffed, then picked at his sharp teeth. "You got a lot of faith in us, Terry, I'll give you that. So, what exactly is the plan?"

"We continue with the distribution of Wraith, but we may have to work around some obstacles. Obviously, the Foresters have ways to gather information quickly. We need to plan around that."

"How much territory is under your influence?" Hobs asked.

"So far, we have influence around the Verde, Wick, Echo Bell, New Chariot, Great Gate, and Arcania Kingdoms. Only parts of Algus, Subterra, and Umbra Clock are in our possession. The Senbo Kingdom, however, is our biggest hurdle. Did you know it's been nicknamed the Kingdom of Innovation? Its militaristic advances give them a dangerous advantage over us. Whatever little we have of their territory in our control, the capital is completely isolated from our influence. Bringing an army would still get us killed."

Chihiro grinned excitedly. "Do you need someone to…pay the royals a visit?" He flashed very thin thread between his bladed arms.

Terrowin shook his head. "We do have the beginnings of progress, so we'll worry about that later. Still, even if we eliminate the royals and assume power, there's still the Foresters. They're the one thing in Virdis right now that poses an active threat."

Blackwood glared. "The only thing? What about them?"

"Them?" Terrowin asked.

"You know what I'm talking about. The whole reason we departed all those years ago. The Court of the Crownless King."

Victor glared. "Ah yes, them. The one thing in Virdis that opposed us. Are they even active?"

"Hard to say," Terrowin admitted, "but I have heard rumors. Still, it doesn't appear they're aware of our activities yet, assuming such."

Harriet sat herself down and dropped her empty plate onto the table. "All I know is that we have sufficient control of most of the kingdoms so far. We want a mostly peaceful change in power, right? The easiest solution is to make sure the Foresters stay as the horrible bandits they've marked themselves as."

"And it did take them a while to find one distribution plant," Itzal added, floating over everyone. "There's only one place to get that information, and there's likely already bounty hunters chasing them down." He spun his scepter and laughed. "They're marching to the beat of their funeral music."

"Indeed," Harriet agreed softly.

Elias glared. "And how do we know this is foolproof?"

"It isn't," Terrowin answered. "We're not aiming for definitive results. If we throw everything we have to guarantee their elimination and still lose, there's nothing that can stop them. For now, we lay in wait and see how much punishment they can take. We're not going all in just yet, not until we have everything we need."

Elias sighed. "I suppose you have a point. A slow burn before the fireworks go off."

Blackwood snickered. "I like it! I don't prefer this cautious play style of yours, Terry, but I'll help you in anyway I can. House Blackwood is yours to command."

"As is Houses Westerberg and Lehmann," Victor assured. Elias nodded in agreement.

Terrowin smiled. "I am truly blessed to have such reliable allies at my side."

Hobs downed the last of his champagne and glared. "So, what's the plan? How do you want us to take care of the Foresters?"

"I'm glad you asked, Hobs. I need you to take care of some business in the Wick Kingdom."

Hobs glared. "The Wick Kingdom?"

"I've received important intel that'll be useful for our Wraith operation. You have connections to reliable bounty hunters, yes?"

"Indeed."

"I just need you to…oversee something for another valuable ally of ours. Hire the best you can get and serve as dispensable bodyguards for our ally. That way, you can provide protection as well as relay plans in my stead."

The Gumshoos huffed, leaned back in his chair, and picked his teeth with his pinky claw. "Sounds like the perfect job for me, though my team doesn't come cheap."

"I'm sure our dear ally will pay everyone handsomely. Just be sure the Foresters stay as far away from the Wick Kingdom as possible during the event. We have a couple months, give or take."

"I'll see what I can do."

Terrowin nodded, then turned to the three noblemen. "Blackwood, Victor, and Elias. See if you can pull some strings with your noble acquaintances to improve our current state of living. I need disposable, but reliable fighters. The Algus invasion showed my grunts are not fit to take on the Foresters yet. See to it that is rectified."

Blackwood smirked. "I'll get the best money can offer."

Victor sighed. "I'll see what I can do."

"As will I," Elias agreed.

Terrowin turned to Bridget. "You're an alchemist, correct?"

Bridget scratched her head. "I never brought it up to you, but…yes, I am."

"You'll be working with Dr. Underhill," he said, gesturing to the Hypno standing by the doors. "He'll need your assistance with new weapons and equipment. Do well and we might even let you run experiments with the Wraith."

Bridget's eyes widened. "Seriously?!" She jumped out of her chair, fluttering over the table, and saluted. "I won't let you down, sir!"

"Very good." He finally turned his attention to Christoph and Chihiro. "You two, meanwhile, will be managing Harriet and Itzal."

Chihiro tilted his head. "Us? Manage them?"

"More like helping them. Christoph, you'll be helping Harriet manage the internal affairs of our operation. You'll find she has significant influence within the Algus Kingdom."

Harriet tilted her chair back and nodded. "Terrowin put me in charge of converting the Algus Kingdom to our side. You'll be there to oversee my activity."

Christoph glared softly. "Very well. I shall follow you to the ends of the earth, young lady."

Terrowin gestured back to Chihiro. "You'll be helping Itzal with some business in the Echo Bell Kingdom. Though our influence is vast, some matters need to be handled with more subtle care. And, to be frank…" Terrowin casted a weary glance at the Gourgeist. "He needs a babysitter."

Itzal snickered. "Whatever do you mean?"

Chihiro smiled and shrugged. "I'll keep him together, sir."

"Thank you." Terrowin scooted back and shakily rose to his feet. "My fellow council, I want to once again express my gratitude for all of you returning. Though not everyone has been able to make the journey, we can do with just us. Keep your wits about you, and be ready. This will decide the fate of Virdis and our futures."

The council bowed to him. "We serve your will, Master Terrowin!"

"Thank you again." Terrowin shuffled from his seat, groaning. "Now, I need to rest. These old bones could give out at any moment."

"Allow me to escort you, sir," Alban offered, taking the elderly leader's hand into his.

"Ah, thank you, Alban."

As Alban guided Terrowin to the door, Elias pondered the plan over in his mind before asking, "Sir, if Harriet and Itzal will have someone to oversee their activity, what is Alban's duty to the mission?"

Terrowin chuckled. "Quite simple, actually. If all else fails, I'll just bite back my pride and have Alban slaughter the Foresters."

A chill crawled up the council's spines as the two left the dining hall. They sunk back into their seats, staring at either the door or into their own glasses. The only sound to break the silence was Itzal's inane chatter and Harriet's annoyed mumbling.

Blackwood closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then he laughed. A quiet, quiet laugh. "He hasn't changed all that much. He's holding a grudge against the kingdoms. He's even willing to commit genocide if all else fails."

Elias glared. "He spent thirty years planning for this day. How long do we have until his plan comes into effect? A year? Maybe two? Soon, regardless." He sighed, then rose from his seat. "Then we must do our parts for Last Autumn. We all heeded his invitation because we believe in his ambition. It's time for the age of the ten kingdoms to crumble and return to the simplicity of the old days."

Victor closed his eye and huffed. "Then why are we jabbering on about this?" He floated out of his seat and headed for the door. "I need to contact some associates of mine. They'll be sure to lend us a hand."

Elias nodded. "As should I." He followed the Aegislash out the door.

Blackwood snatched the champagne off the table and slashed the top off. "So, no one's going to stay for lunch? More for me." He poured the entire bottle into his mouth.

Bridget pushed her apple juice aside and fluttered from her seat. "Well, I'll be making myself useful unlike you. I'll prove to be a valuable asset to Last Autumn in loving memory of my granny."

"Whatever you say, kiddo," Blackwood dismissed.

"I am NOT a child!"

"Sure, sure."

Bridget growled through clenched teeth, but ceased as Cain grabbed her tiny hand. "Come. I want to see your talents for myself."

She flinched at the Hypno's intense stare. She gulped and nodded meekly. "S-Sure thing." Cain guided her out of the dining hall.

Chihiro narrowed his eyes as the two left. "Hmm…"

"Something on your mind?" Christoph asked.

"I may be remembering wrong, but didn't Dr. Underhill have a brother or something? I distinctly remember him working with someone."

Christoph rubbed his chin, then shook his head. "This cobweb-filled brain of mine won't help."

Chihiro shrugged. "Guess I'm imagining things." He turned to Harriet and Itzal. "So, you two are the best of the best. You sure you can handle the Foresters?"

Harriet closed her eyes. "I do not assume anything. I am aware of my enemies' strengths and weaknesses. Should I cross them, I'll strike with the intent to kill. You just concern yourself with your assignment."

Itzal floated over to Chihiro. "Speaking of, would you like a grand tour of my caravan? It's parked outside the castle. We will depart soon, so why not meet my loving crew? You'll like them. They are fantastic."

Chihiro grinned. "I'm in."

"Great! We are off!" They raced out of the dining hall. All that remained were Harriet, Blackwood, Christoph, and Hobs.

Blackwood slammed the broken bottle down, then reclined back in his chair. "It's been a while since I've gotten my hands dirty. Haven't been in a proper fight in a long time." He grinned at Harriet. "Just leave all the fighting to me, hot stuff. They call me Fearghas 'Iron Body' Blackwood for a reason."

Harriet smirked. "Call me that again and I'll snap your neck."

"Ooh! I like feisty women. Would you be interested in being my third wife?"

Harriet stood up from her seat. "You've got moxie, I'll give you that." She turned herself towards him, then kicked off the ground. Faster than Blackwood could perceive, Harriet appeared right in front of his face and socked him hard in the stomach, throwing the Obstagoon flying backwards from his chair.

Blackwood sat up and only huffed in response. He pulled up his shirt and marveled at the smoking handprint burned through his fur and skin.

"Save it for the battlefield." Harriet strutted out of the dining hall, uttering, "I could go for some more cake."

Hobs watched the doors slam shut behind her, then whistled. "Never seen anyone knock you on your rear before, much less a woman." He faced Blackwood and glared. "Looks like we've got a lot riding on this operation."

Blackwood pulled himself up, then smirked with glee. "Oh, this is going to be fun."