17th Red Ash Moon, 908, Nalzona
The entire town was searching for the missing children, searching high and low for clues, leads, and the like. The restless stir of unease that washed over the quaint town was palpable to even the most unobservant of bystanders, fearing what may come from such unjust villainy. The fear of failing to find the children kept the town motivated to scour the streets until their eyes turned red from sleep deprivation.
As such, the three-man Forester team threw away decorum and restraint as they broke into homes and buildings while currently unoccupied. Jet checked the rooms of the missing children for clues, Zephora investigated the exterior of the buildings, and Luna went about asking questions to keep the homeowners distracted.
They didn't have much that could lead them to a definitive answer.
The trio regrouped in the middle of the street with what little they've obtained. Jet pulled out a list he penned and said, "So far, we've confirmed fifteen children of varying ages had gone missing in the last couple of days. I couldn't find any traces of forced entry into the house, indicating they either had a Ghost-Type on hand or committed the kidnappings in secluded areas in broad daylight."
Zephora crossed her arms. "That could explain why I haven't found any signs of disturbance around the house. We'd need an alchemist to confirm if a Ghost-Type passed through the walls and left residual traces of their presence."
Luna sighed. "Unfortunately, I don't have any tools for potions."
Jet glared at her. "And what did you find while you were keeping the homeowners distracted?"
"I did get a couple of key identities to work off of. There have been some unfamiliar faces wandering around town for the last week, though no one batted an eye as it's a common occurrence. There have been sightings of a Chatot flying about."
Zephora scratched her chin. "A Chatot? Gerard did mention something about the missing children supposedly confirming their locations to their parents, though—"
"It's possible someone was mimicking their voices," Jet guessed. "The parents did say it wasn't uncommon for children to run off on their own, so there was nothing suspicious about their disappearance until it was too late."
Luna shook her head. "We're lucky the truth was unraveled before the worst happened. They have to be still in town somewhere, and they won't be able to leave unnoticed."
"Don't be naïve," Jet said. "They've been doing this shit for years. They wouldn't pull a scheme like this off without backup plans in case an escape route became inaccessible. It's exactly the kind of thing we'd consider in a pinch."
"The way I see," Zephora explained, "there's a limited number of ways for them to get out of town. Teleportation would be the fastest and most efficient, but the distance needed to teleport back to New Chariot from here would take considerable time on top of the stress of being caught. Going underground would work, though they're not as efficient as the Subterra Kingdom, so it risks leaving them cornered. The air gives them a way out, though that would also be inefficient and leave a giant target on their backs. The only other method that could work is camouflage, but unless they had some way to conceal their wagon, there's not much you can do to disguise a cart filled with kidnapped Pokémon."
Jet groaned. "This is stupid. If we knew we were going to be hunting slave traders, I would've suggested bringing Valentine or Sid along. Valentine's better at tracking than us, and Sid would be able to cut off all ground escape."
As the two senior Foresters discussed their findings, Luna let her attention wander for a moment to take in more of the town and potential clues. However, her focus landed on a certain Sirfetch'd who was committing his own search further down the road.
Thoughts of yesterday's disastrous revelations swelled in her chest. She was asking for trouble bothering the knight at such a critical time, but she hated leaving matters unresolved without some satisfactory conclusion. It was no different than losing the final piece of a puzzle and being forced to stare at its incomplete form, forever taunted by her wasted hard work.
"…Hey, guys," she spoke up, gaining their attention. "I'm going to search ahead on my own. Look for me if you find anything." She ran off ahead before they could get a word in.
Though, it didn't take long to see what she was really after, and it soured their expressions more than they already were.
"Does she ever give up?" Jet grumbled.
"I'm starting to think it's an obsession at this point," Zephora said.
Gerard kept his eyes firm and ahead, darting toward anything that moved. It came to him naturally, years of knighthood ingrained deep within his blood. Something that couldn't be removed no matter how many times he forgot the past. Though he wished not to return to his roots as a knight, putting his pride aside for the safety of the children trumped any personal feelings he had.
No matter the horrors he wished to forget.
"Sir Gerard!"
The Sirfetch'd stopped and withheld the urge to groan as Luna came running up behind him. "Freia."
"Sir Gerard, uh…" The Snivy skidded to a stop and saluted to him. "I was hoping to join you on your investigation. Two sets of eyes are better than one, right?"
"…" He glared over his shoulder. "Kid—"
"No talk of yesterday, I promise. The missing children come first."
"…" He sighed and continued on ahead. "Focus on the investigation. Nothing else."
"R-Right." She hurriedly followed after until she matched his pace. She cleared her throat and tucked her arms behind her waist. "My team and I made note of possible suspects related to the kidnappings. It'll help narrow our search for the perpetrators."
"Good." He clenched his wing into a fist. "The sooner we find them, the sooner I can send those slave traders' hides flying over the horizon."
Luna frowned. "You…seem to have an invested interest in this case. I never expected you to take charge with the authorities."
"I have little tolerance for anyone who hails from the east. Most who travel from there have a taste for war and blood." Gerard sighed. "I've tired of war and blood. The constant warring between the kingdoms. Anyone who hails from the east seems to have a thirst for conflict."
"…Would that include the Arcania Kingdom?"
"They're a land of mystics and alchemists. Though they hold no power in the war, they're not innocent by nature."
Luna patted herself briefly, feeling the old letter she received from Amon last year. She recalled how it detailed a traveler who had some grave news regarding Arcania, though she never understood what it meant. She figured they were innocent in the bloodshed, but was there a dark secret within the struggling kingdom as well? She nearly forgot about it, habitually keeping it on herself as a piece of evidence for…something. She wasn't sure what, though.
"I never knew you hated East Virdis so much, Sir Gerard."
"It's learned. They hate us, we hate them. It's an endless struggle."
"Still, that doesn't mean everyone in the east is evil."
He scoffed. "Maybe not, but it's either them or us. Much as I hate the Verde Kingdom, I hate the east more. I wouldn't bat an eye if their lot went down in flames for daring to invade the west." His stride quickened, going on ahead of the Snivy.
Luna frowned, feeling a tightness in her chest as she kept up with him. She wasn't sure what to describe it as. Concern? Fear? Confusion?
…Or was this feeling anger?
Is this all war is? The complete destruction of another?
"Yoooooohoooooo!" Shale called out from the rooftops, scanning the streets with a curious set of green and yellow eyes. "Slave traders~! Where are yoooooooou~?"
Casimir stuck close behind, shaking his head at the hyperactive Cinderace. "You do understand we're trying to catch them by surprise, right?"
She shrugged. "Hey, if everyone in town is looking for them, they're already going to be on edge. If they respond back, they're idiots."
"…I can't find any major fault in that line of reasoning." He groaned and jumped over to the next roof. "I should've been more vigilant when I got here. I knew there were rumors of slave traders hanging around here, but to let them slip beneath my grasp…"
Shale jumped over after him and laughed. "Old age does that to ya! You start forgetting little things, next thing you know you're walking into the wrong house and spooking the locals."
He shook his head. "I'm being serious, kid. I have a deep-seated grudge against New Chariot. If those kids are taken and I couldn't do anything to stop it, I won't be able to live with myself. I refuse to let anyone go through what I did."
The scatterbrained rabbit raised her brow at him. "You mention little things here and there about your past. What was it like fighting in the colosseum?"
He grunted. "That's not something a kid should hear."
"Hey, I barely know my own age. I could be an adult for all I know." She smirked. "Besides, I've seen and done some messed up stuff myself. Whatever your sob story is, I'm sure it's not that bad."
He shook his head. "You don't get it."
"We're partners. Partners divulge their deep dark secrets to each other—"
He stopped and stuck his arm out in front of her, stopping her. "You don't understand."
"…" Shale dropped her joking expression and narrowed her eyes. "Geez, sorry."
"…" He sighed through his nose and looked up at the sky. "Kid, this may be all fun and games to you, but I didn't become a bounty hunter by choice. I don't have anything. My entire life was built around survival. I never learned how to do anything but brutalize, maim, pummel, and win. This is all I have to get by. I don't know how to cook beyond stirring and cooking whatever into a pot, I never had any form of education, and I haven't slept peacefully in years. My muscles ache, the nerves in my hands are practically destroyed, and I still feel my old injuries acting up from time to time. My entire life was forced into survival."
Shale's ears drooped. She could hear the strain in the Hitmonchan's voice. "Huh…"
"Ever since I was of age to fight in the colosseum, grown men would beat me up and brutalize me just to satisfy the emperor. No one was allowed freedom unless they beat the colosseum's challenge, and no one could go easy on each other. I learned at a young age that I had to beat better. I spent every waking moment of my life studying fellow fighters and improving my body. It took me an entire decade to win my freedom, and all I got out of it was scars, trauma, and wrathful flames burning deep beneath my chest. If you could only see some of the messed up shit they did to some of their gladiators."
"…Like what?"
He shuddered, but found his voice and explained, "There's this one gladiator who has been around for over twenty years. We simply know him as Tyranno. Rumor has it he was a Subterran warrior that was captured and forced into the colosseum. Thing is, we realized he might have been a Savage Kin. All those years of fighting have regressed him back into a wild animal. The emperor now only lets him loose if he has a special vendetta against a gladiator." He clenched his teeth. "I…had very few friends in the colosseum. One of them was planning a prison break, but he was sold out by our other comrade. He got special favors from the emperor until he was granted release to become a soldier. My friend, however…"
"…Tyranno?"
"Tyranno." Casimir covered his face and sighed. "There was so much blood. I've never seen another Pokémon eaten alive. It was…it made me sick. I couldn't sleep for weeks after that, and I lost a hefty winning streak because of my lack of focus. I've seen so many gladiators backstabbing each other or being maimed by Tyranno just for the emperor's amusement. There are no allies in the colosseum anymore. Everyone's so focused on winning their freedom that trust is a fool's errand. It's sickening."
"…" Shale crossed her arms and sighed. "Okay, I…was wrong. I've never seen something like that before. Damn."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Now do you see why I'm so desperate to save those children? I don't want anyone going through that. Too many people lost their lives or killed themselves from the stress. I've seen the worst side of Pokémon from my ten years in that hellhole, and the people of New Chariot just treat it like a sport to make bets on. I sometimes wonder if they understand what that hell is like."
Shale reached up and patted him across the back. "Well, I guess we'll just have to burn the city down. I'm all for arson."
Casimir looked down at her for a moment before shaking his head. "Kid."
"Hmm?"
"I don't say this out loud often, but…I do appreciate your company. It's nice to focus on something other than my own loathing."
She blinked twice, then snickered through a grin. "Well, that's what partners are for, right?"
"You're not my…oh, forget it." He shook his head. "We're losing track of time. We still need to find—"
"—a suspicious looking fellow about to piss himself from stress?"
Casimir glared at her. "Oddly specific."
She pointed down at the street. "No, just observant."
He followed her finger and saw a cloaked Grumpig checking around the corners of an alleyway before running out onto the street. He carried an open bag containing bread and berries. He didn't seem to notice the two bounty hunters hiding on the roof.
"So, weird fellow or slave trader?" Shale asked.
Casimir glared. "How about we find out?"
"Uuuuuugh! It's too early in the morning for this."
"It's barely noon, Lady von Elmnou."
Regina dragged her feet as she followed behind Katsu. While her fateful bodyguard stayed vigilant for the despicable kidnappers, the ex-noble barely put any forethought in her surroundings, making the most passable of courtesy glances as they meandered through the street. She was hoping the search would take five minutes, but they've been walking for at least an hour doing nothing.
"This is such a waste of time," Regina grumbled. "The brats are probably already out of town and halfway out of the kingdom. Oh well, their loss."
Katsu glared over his shoulder. "My lady, a noble should always look out for the safety of their people."
"We aren't even within jurisdiction of my family's land. This isn't my problem."
"Even so, every second counts."
"What good is my contribution in all of this? Someone else is going to find them before me, and then I would've wasted my precious time for nothing." She grunted. "Besides, if those dumb kids were a little smarter, they wouldn't have gotten caught in the first place. When I was a kid, I wouldn't have foolishly let myself get taken hostage—"
"That's because you had your own personal guards to keep watch of you," Katsu reminded. "There wouldn't have been an opportunity to do so."
She rolled her eyes. "Is this what the lower classes has to worry about all the time? Man, being poor is dreadful."
Katsu withheld the minor bubble of irritation he was feeling and released his breath. "My lady, this is a learning moment if you wish to regain your title as a noble. A noble should always look out for the people."
"Tell that to my stingy family. They'd be complaining just as much. This is peasant work, not for those of rich blood."
"But you can foster change in that corrupt way of thinking."
"HA! Me? Don't be stupid. There's nothing great about me. My whole family was full of backstabbers."
"Your uncle wasn't."
"Uncle Meriwether? Oh goodie, the one good apple of my family who's also dead. Absolutely wonderful!"
Katsu sighed. "My lady, if only you would understand your own potential. I'm trying to bring out the best in you, and I know you can do so much with your influences if you just applied yourself."
She glared. "Well, I got news for you, Katsu. All I'm good for is being a backstabber like the rest of the von Elmnou family. All I know that works is cheating, lying, and manipulating. If you think there's some good cause for me to fight for, you're asking the wrong Zangoose to take up arms."
He narrowed his eyes sadly. "Lady von Elmnou, you shouldn't sell yourself short. I know that if you just applied yourself, you could become something greater."
"What are you even on about? You've been my bodyguard for years, and I doubt there's anything special worth boasting about me. I lost everything that made me special when I was kicked out of House von Elmnou. I have nothing."
"That's not true—"
"What else do I have, Katsu?! I'm nothing without my fortune! It's the only thing that gave me purpose! That's the only thing that matters in the end! If you don't have power, you're just some nobody scrounging around in the dirt with false hopes and dreams! How can anyone be happy living like this?!"
"My lady—"
"I'm so sick and tired of walking around doing odd jobs and hunting bounties! I just want my fortune back! I want my room, my riches, my servants, my exotic meals! But I can't because I'm a worthless link born into a scumbag family who only ever taught me to look after myself!"
Regina glowered at her bodyguard as she took deep, panting breaths. Tears spilled from her eyes and stained her cheeks. Katsu stared back with an unflinching sadness for the trouble Zangoose.
"My lady, I…"
She wiped her eyes and huffed. "I'm done. I'm done with all of this. I don't care what happens to those kids. I just want to find something to drink and waste away on the streets until someone decides to trample my head in." She shoved past Katsu and marched on ahead.
Katsu didn't follow after her. The last few days finally brought out her breaking point, and it was only a matter of time before she snapped. He relented to giving her time alone to cool off, though he concerned himself with her self-loathing attitude. No amount of convincing would bring out what he saw in her.
"Lady von Elmnou, there's more to you than material and luxury. I only wish you could see it yourself."
Last-minute preparations had to be made before departure. With the entire town on alert due to a slipup in their plans, the slave traders had to work double time to secure an escape plan. Being newcomers in town, they had to stick to the shadows while gathering supplies for the trip back east. Food to keep their new slaves satiated, food for themselves, and some means to escape without drawing attention.
Despite his size, the Seismitoad soldier kept a low profile and only moved about when the coast was clear. Some of their members were getting food and supplies, though he decided on a bit of greed to pass the time. He snuck off to the local tavern to collect ale bottles amidst the confusion. No harm in a little drinking to make the trip back home pass smoother.
He peeked out from behind a building, checking for bystanders, and hurried off. The bottles clanked quietly beneath his robe, each one filled with delicious ale, mead, and whatever he could get his hands on.
"Claudius is going to give me hell for risking the mission on drinks, but he'll thank me once he gets a taste of this." He pulled out one bottle and gave it a shake. "Give the west some credit, they at least have some decent selections of liquor. Three cheers to our most generous hosts—"
"Move it."
The Seismitoad nearly screamed out loud as a female Zangoose pushed aside from behind, storming ahead in a huff. He stared at her, paralyzed in fear for a moment, but relaxed as she kept moving forward. She never once looked back at him.
That woman. I didn't even know she was walking down the same way as me. I need to be more careful. He touched his heart and sighed in relief. She didn't seem to think anything of me. At least, I hope so.
He decided to walk on the other side of the sidewalk, keeping an eye on the Zangoose until she turned down a different path. Satisfied, he picked up the pace and hurried along. However, as he felt underneath his cloak, he realized something.
"Hey, where'd one of the bottles go?"
The silence was palpable between Luna and Gerard as they made their rounds through Nalzona. It stayed mostly business with them peeking around corners and doing runs through streets, unfortunately finding nothing close to a lead.
Though, Luna would be remiss to say she was completely focused on the mission. Her mind kept wandering back to Gerard's confession of hatred. She already knew there was a tense rivalry between West and East Virdis given their differing cultures. Still, to hear it aloud was…different. She and many of the knights in her training days have never seen actual combat in war unlike many of their superiors.
Her mother used to tell her what it was like being a mercenary and some of the horrors that came with the jaw after enough experience. It wasn't too dissimilar to a knight facing war. To take another life meant viewing them as the opposition, as the other. It was easy to kill a mindless soldier, but if believed that soldier was a loving father or someone fighting for their kingdom…
Why did war have to exist in the first place?
Luna clenched her fists and sighed. "Sir Gerard…"
"I'm busy," he grumbled.
"About the other day—"
"What did you just promise earlier?"
"Can you just hear me out—"
"This is hardly the time for your feelings. There are innocent lives at stake. Whatever sob story you have for me should be saved for later. This comes first."
She grimaced. "With all due respect, we aren't going to get much done if we're just operating in silence like this. Are we even working together right now?"
"You're still green in my eyes. Feelings shouldn't matter on the battlefield, and they shouldn't matter when dire situations like this are taking place. Then again, what do I expect from someone personally trained under Matthias? The man is nothing but rage incarnate. He'd probably get himself killed on the battlefield if he let his temper loose. Or worse, kill everyone and his army."
Luna glared. "Now hold it right there, don't bring Sir Matthias into this. Your issues are with me—"
"My issues are with all the dark secrets being kept by the Penworth family. Now, drop this absurd conversation and do as you're told—"
Luna stomped her foot down. "Do you ever listen to anyone but yourself? All my team and I wanted was information on the ruins. We would've been out of your feathers if you weren't such a…stubborn old duck!"
He scoffed. "So, you're not playing up the obedient soldier routine anymore?"
"Look, I get you have issues with the Verde Kingdom, but that doesn't mean everything you stood for was for naught. You've inspired so many to take up arms and—"
"And they'll foolishly charge into battle and get themselves slaughtered in the name of honor. It's the same old story every time. There is no good or evil in war, kid. It's only bloodshed, violence, and backstabbing. That's what you have to look forward to as a knight."
She growled. "Is that why you hate East Virdis so much? They represent everything you see wrong with the world?"
"Seems your eyes aren't as clouded as I thought."
"I can't believe you! You think everyone from the east deserves to pay for the faults of a few bad apples? There are families and good people from that half of Virdis who probably don't like the idea of war either."
"It always ends the same, kid. The Arcania Kingdom was a powerhouse over a hundred years ago that took resources from other kingdoms to expand their knowledge. Then the other kingdoms struck back and took their research for themselves, slowly whittling down their influence. The two empires get ambitious and start conquering landing. Algus has a history of brutalizing anyone who dares to go up their mountain. And that's just the east. Don't even get me started on the west or the Subterra Kingdom."
She growled. "So, everything you've ever stood up for was for nothing! Is that what you're trying to say? That being knight is just a fool's errand that leads to nowhere?"
"The world has devolved despite its advancements from savagery. No matter how far we advance, we'll always be monsters seeking power. That is the fact of life—"
Luna grabbed him by the collar and looked him in the eyes. "My heritage comes from the east! If you have a problem with that, you have a problem with me."
He scoffed. "Guess that makes you one of the good ones."
"Good ones?!" She shoved him to the ground. "I've meant extraordinary people as of late who come from different parts of Virdis, and I can assure you there's more just like them in their respective kingdoms. I'm not denying the existence of evil people in this world, but I'm not so jaded with reality that I think existing is a chore. You used to stand for something, but you don't even have the courage to engage the slave traders yourself! You're doing the bare minimum just to get by!"
"…" Gerard glared. "You're young and naïve."
"Maybe I am, but I'm not set in my ways thinking the world can't be changed."
"And what do you expect to do? Make nice with New Chariot to beat them?"
She growled. "No. The Foresters are going to cut out the corruption in Virdis and unite the ten kingdoms together!"
"What moron planted that foolish ideal into your head?"
"…" She closed her eyes and growled. "Try Melissa Penworth."
Gerard raised his brow. "The princess?"
"And Queen Odolina's daughter, the last person you put your trust into. Remember?" She jabbed her finger against his forehead. "That moron inspired hope in ways I could've never imagined! It sounds foolish, but I believe in her ideals! If she thinks she can unite the ten kingdoms, then I know it can be done!"
"…" Gerard glared.
"And I'm not taking the advice of a spineless, pessimistic coward who thinks the world would be better off soaking in their own bloodshed." She turned and marched off.
"Where are you—"
"Doing what you won't: finding the slave traders and kicking their asses! Go hobble away in your kingdom of dust where you belong, you old duck! We're getting the job done the right way." With that, the Snivy turned a corner and left the Sirfetch'd to himself.
Gerard sat on the road in silence, listening to the young knight's words as they replayed in his mind. He had to admit, he never expected Luna to blow her fuse after how long she played nice. He never realized how deeply his words affected her.
"…" He picked himself up and dusted his clothes off, staring at the ground in contemplation. "Odolina's daughter, huh?"
The Seismitoad found his way to where his group was hiding out. Unknown to the rest of the town, the New Chariot slave traders took refuge inside the home of an elderly Politoed. It was quiet, unassuming, and didn't raise any suspicions. They've been scouting out the town for some time, and they knew enough about the day-to-day patterns of Nalzona to capitalize on their routine.
When the Seismitoad entered, he found his group waiting inside. They had completely overrun the living room with the wagon parked inside. Skulking about were a Bibarel, a Chatot, a Noivern who had to crouch due to the low ceiling, and a Dhelmise. He spotted the elderly Politoed tied to his chair and gagged, though he appeared to be asleep.
Seismitoad closed the door behind him. "I'm back."
The Bibarel glared. "I hope your little trip didn't cost us a morning's worth of work."
He presented the liquor bottles to his team. "Save your breath, Claudius. Got them without any trouble."
The Chatot fluttered onto Claudius' head and squawked. "No sign of Postumus, though. Is he still rounding up food? We need to leave now."
Claudius shrugged it off. "Save your concerns, Aeneas. He'll come around soon enough. If not, he knows the price. We'll just use what food we have left and round some up on the way."
"What of our prisoners?" Noivern asked.
Claudius pulled back the curtain to the wagon, where the fifteen missing children lay bound and gagged on the bottom. Some were asleep, others were wide awake and staring at their captors in fear, screaming through their gags. "Emperor Nero said to just keep them alive. Feeding them is a part of that condition, but we couldn't possibly make the journey back on empty stomachs ourselves. I'm sure he'll understand if we cut back on their meals."
Dhelmise floated to the windows and gently lifted the curtains, peering outside. "That's all well and good, but we have a slight issue of escape. We're low on options, and I can't possibly drag us all out with Phantom Force. I've never had to create a portal that large before."
Noivern grunted. "And even if we considered flying out, they'll just shoot us down by the time I pick up speed. We're limited to the ground."
Seismitoad glared. "And if Postumus doesn't get back with the supplies, disguising our wagon won't be an option either."
"…" Claudius scoffed and straightened up. "This is why the emperor put me in charge. You lot are thinking too small."
Aeneas tilted his head. "What do you mean, boss?"
He snapped his fingers. "Secundus, hand me my sword." The Seismitoad, though confused, did as requested and picked up the Bibarel's sheathed blade. He took it and pulled the weapon halfway free. "I sent Postumus out as a backup plan. This was my main plan for escape."
He reached inside the wagon and pulled out the key component to their escape: a teenage Zoroark. The young girl stared fearfully at her captor as he pressed the partially sheathed blade against her neck. She could feel the edge digging into her skin, threatening to spill her blood out.
"After all, self-preservation is a natural weakness of lowly creatures," Claudius explained. "And if this young lady wishes to live a prosperous life, she'll do as we command, whether she likes it or not."
Noivern's eyes widened. "You plan to have her cast an illusion over the wagon."
"You thought that far ahead in case of the worst?" Dhelmise asked.
Claudius nodded. "Naturally. When we were scouting out the town, I knew she was meant to be one of our main targets." He grabbed her face, digging his fingers into her fur. "Such a youthful complexion and beautiful form will make her a prime target for high bidders, but her main role is acting as our tool for escape."
Secundus smiled nervously. "You are scarily efficient, boss."
Claudius leaned forward and glared into the trembling Zoroark's eyes. "And I assume we won't have any trouble with this arrangement? After all, I can't guarantee my sword will stay clean of blood should a certain someone betray us. Understand?"
"MMMPH!" She shook her head vigorously as tears spilled down her cheeks.
He pushed her back into the wagon and closed the covering. "That's what I thought." He brushed the tears off his hand and glared at his crew. "We've given Postumus enough time to finish his assignment. Let's get the wagon outside and prep for escape."
His soldiers saluted him. "Sir! Yes, sir!"
The Grumpig slave trader, Postumus, kept his head down as he made his way through the public streets. The people were growing more agitated with every minute of fruitless searching. He moved swiftly, confident in keeping his face obscured.
I swear, Claudius doesn't understand just how stressful this part of the job is. All his perfect planning, and we let a simple mix-up ruin what was supposed to be an easy day. I just wanted to get home to be with my wife and kid, but no! He wanted to do something big and risky for the emperor's upcoming plans. Whatever, I'll be back at the hideout soon enough—
"Help! Oh, help!" He stopped and peered down the street, where he saw a young Cinderace kneeling in the center, tearfully looking around for anyone to help her. "S-Someone help me. I-I'm so scared and alone. W-Where's my momma?"
The Grumpig blinked twice. He checked over his shoulder and found that it was just him and the lost teenager. This can't be real, right? What luck did I just run into? Did someone actually lose their kid during all this chaos?
The young Cinderace turned to the New Chariot soldier and sniffled. "M-Mister. I-I'm scared. C-Can you help me?"
Postumus narrowed his eyes. She's acting like a little kid, but she's definitely a teenager. Not a bad looking one, either. Come to think of it, Secundus did mention seeing a Cinderace that would've been perfect, though we never marked her as a target since she didn't seem to be from around. I could probably trick her into following me back to the hideout before we leave.
He put on his friendliest smile and approached her, getting ready to activate his Teeter Dance to disorientate her. "Sure thing, child. I'll gladly take you back to your momma. Where is she?"
She sniffled and wiped her eyes. "W-Well, if you m-must know…" She lowered her hand from her face, revealing a cunning smirk. "He's right behind you."
His eyes widened. "Wait, wha—"
Right as he turned around, a fistful of red hammered across his face and threw him to the walls, spilling out all the food he stole. Blood poured out from his nose, and a tooth got knocked out of his lower jaw.
"Did I have to be referred to as your momma?"
"If I said I was looking for my papa, he might've run off. People tend to be more scared of fathers."
"Point made."
Postumus held his bleeding nose just as two shadows loomed over him. He found himself being stared down by the Cinderace and a Hitmonchan who seized and lifted him by the collar. However, even through his daze, his eyes widened as he recognized the murderous stare of the Hitmonchan.
"W-Wait a minute…C-C-Crimson Sea Casimir?! Y-You're one of the last gladiators who won his freedom from the colosseum!"
Casimir tightened his fist and pulled it back. "Oh good, you know who I am. That means you're exactly who I'm looking for."
Postumus gasped. Shit!
Shale snickered. "I believe the saying is loose lips sink ships."
"Agreed." Casimir twisted Postumus' collar, tightening his fist and the shirt around his throat. "Now then, I have a few questions for you. Every wrong answer earns you a broken bone. So, start talking."
"UGH!" Luna growled, marching through the street. It had only been a few minutes, and she was still fuming over her interaction with Gerard. She swung her arms angrily. "The nerve of him! Who does he think he is?! Ugh, no wonder Jet likes yelling at everyone! I've been holding that one in for days! I CAN'T BELIEVE I'VE RESORTED TO COMPLIMENTING THAT JERK!"
"Trouble, Lady Freia?" She paused and turned to find Katsu hanging from the edge of a roof. He jumped off and landed beside her. "Based on your not-so-subtle outburst, I take it you had a run-in with the old man."
She pouted. "Shut up." She continued ahead with the Accelgor following behind.
"A gul for your thoughts?" he asked.
She groaned. "It's nothing." She paused a moment before asking, "Actually, Katsu…"
"Yeah?"
"I…have to ask. You're from the Great Gate Empire. How come you came to the west? And what were your initial impressions of it?"
"…So, it was that kind of argument." He sighed. "If you must know, I thought very little of the west. I've heard my fair share of stories and simply viewed you as the enemy. However, I moved away from the empire as I didn't quite agree with the new ruling family and their practices. I am an assassin by nature. I may work in dealing out bloodshed, but I don't seek the destruction of all."
She sighed. "Is that what it's like in the Great Gate Empire?"
"You're young."
"So I'm told."
"Then you understand that there's no one way to view a kingdom. I came to the Echo Bell Kingdom in search of work, and I found myself under the employment of the von Elmnou family. I served as a bodyguard for the house's children, though I mostly took charge of Regina due to her…wild spending habits at the time. They exemplified all the stories I've heard about the slothful virtues of the Echo Bell Kingdom."
Luna frowned. "But not everyone is like that."
"Exactly. My lady, there is a bad apple in all walks of life. For all the good in the world, one bad storm is enough to ruin someone's day. Some just hold contempt for storms more than others, whether by upbringing or experience of their own. Every culture has their ugly stains, some representing the worst sides of a group. I believed you would understand this coming from a noble house."
"…Yeah."
"It's a learned behavior that isn't so easily removed from the subconscious without undoing what keeps it alive."
"Which is…?"
"Pride." Katsu sighed. "We are all victims of pride. If anyone feels their pride is attacked, they will risk everything to defend it. You wanted to defend your pride, correct?"
"…Yeah."
"Did you believe you were justified?"
"…In the moment, yes."
Katsu sighed. "The world is everchanging, and peace is a fantasy we wish for, but we can't achieve peace without achieving the one missing component that makes it last."
"And what's that?"
"If you know, you know. It's something you have to earn rather than know. Sir Gerard is a man of his time, but he's not above change. Screaming and condemning the man for his actions won't change his views. It may even reinforce them."
"How'd you change your mind on the west?"
Katsu glared. "Let's just say I had an…interesting encounter with Lady von Elmnou's father some time ago, one where I wanted to see the full of her potential come to light. She herself is a product of her own pride, but pride cannot be changed by anyone. Only you can change your views. If Sir Gerard or Lady von Elmnou wish to change, they have to make an effort to reflect on themselves. We can help along the way, but not through violence, hatred, or anger. It's not an easy process, but time can make all the difference."
"…" Luna frowned. "Maybe I was too harsh on Sir Gerard."
"We all vent. It happens. I'm sure he won't take it personally. Besides, he knows your true feelings. Maybe that's enough to give him the push to change."
"Maybe." Luna glanced at him. "What do you see in Ms. Regina that inspires curiosity for you? No offense, but she doesn't seem like the most…emotionally stable individual."
Katsu chuckled. "I do not blame your uncertainty." He sighed and looked at the sky. "For the simplest explanation, I see the potential for something brilliant in Lady von Elmnou. If she only applied herself toward improving her outlook on the classes, I know she'll make her father proud and become a true noble to inspire all."
"Uuuuuugh…"
Having downed half of the stolen liquor bottle, Regina stumbled about in the streets, her vision distorted and her balance thrown about. Though she had a high tolerance to alcohol, thus retaining most of her clarity, she let herself succumb to its negative effects and dragged herself along the walls in search of somewhere to collapse and possibly die of shame. Perhaps next to some trash seeing as that's how everyone looked at her.
She stopped briefly due to a sudden nausea hitting her. She pressed a hand to the wall of a building she was leaning against and took a moment to catch her breath. She felt something surge up her throat, but she settled and swallowed it back down, much to her own disgust.
"Looooook upon your great and just noble, ladies and gentlemen," she grumbled. "A washed-up noblewoman biting the ankles of scumbags just to get scraps of bread. Hip, hip, hoooooray…" She pressed her face against the wall and groaned. "Cebebebrate her…distinguisged resemblance to the lower classes' trash."
She straightened up and stumbled along, holding her aching head. The only thing keeping her mind clear was her argument with Katsu. For all the high regards she holds herself up in, the idea of her being some great, important figure of the people was laughable. She never cared for being important. She just wanted all the luxury without doing any of the work. She had everything growing up, and she lost it all because she wanted to pull a fast one over her rotten family.
Her sisters, her brothers, her mother, her father. She wished nothing but hell upon them for kicking her out. She'll show them she can make it big without them.
But who was she kidding?
"Maybe it's not too late to capture one of those Foresters while their backs are turned…" she grumbled.
As she contemplated what would surely be a flimsy attempt at kidnapping, she happened upon quite the ironic turn of events. She stepped out from around a corner, almost passing up some Pokémon exiting a house in the mostly empty residential district. However, it was the flickering of shadows exuding from the ground that caught her notice.
She doubled back, keeping to the shadows behind a house, and looked across the street to find a wagon materializing out of a dark portal. Possibly Phantom Force?
She narrowed her eyes at the Bibarel, Noivern, Chatot, Dhelmise, and Seismitoad all gathering around it. She then raised her brow in surprise when the Bibarel reached inside the wagon covering and pulled out a bound Zoroark. A young teenager by her assumption.
The Bibarel forced her onto her knees and pointed his sword to her neck. "Remember our deal, little lady. Give us cover, or you're losing your neck."
Regina watched as the young girl fearfully agreed before concentrating. Dark fog flowed out from her hair and surrounded the wagon. In less than ten seconds, it completely vanished. Regina could only make out the faint shimmers of light distorting in the air.
The Bibarel nodded in approval. "Good. Keep that up for at least a half hour, and we'll make sure you get sold off to a respectable master." He snapped his fingers, and the Seismitoad picked the Zoroark back into the invisible wagon. "We've waited for Postumus long enough. He's on his own. Let's move."
Regina ducked her head back behind cover and sighed. Of course. Of course I'M the one who ends up finding the slave traders. Yippee. She peeked around again and saw the traders getting inside the invisible wagon themselves. She could barely make out the Noivern strapping a harness around himself as the illusionary fog surrounded him, too.
Well, sucks to be them.
Regina stood up, closed her eyes, and proceeded to walk away. She dared not look back. She felt her heart beating faster, but she tried to ignore it.
I'm not getting involved with this shit. The only person I should be looking out for is myself. It's a waste of my time. My actions won't matter in the end. I might as well just pretend I didn't see anything and go on with my day.
She reached inside her cloak and strapped on her battle claws.
All I want is my riches back. These kids don't matter in that department. The von Elmnou family built up its legacy on backstabbing others and taking their riches for themselves. We don't look out for anyone but ourselves.
She turned on her heel.
Those kids were just born unlucky. Wrong place, wrong time. It's not my fault they were prime targets for kidnapping. If I get involved, I might wind up dead. I'm not wasting my time with this.
She started running.
I won't get involved. Nothing in this world matters except me, myself, and—
She finally opened her eyes. Her gaze locked with that of a startled Bibarel sitting at the front of the invisible wagon. She realized, in that second, she had lunged at kidnappers' wagon before it was completely out of sight.
…What?
She swiped her battle claws across the Bibarel's face, taking him off his perch. "GAAAAH!" He crashed onto the street, covering his bleeding face.
Regina dug her claws into the street to stop herself and rose up into a fighting stance, completely contrast to her own stupefied expression. The commotion must've rattled the Zoroark inside because the illusion around the wagon dropped in an instant. All the New Chariot soldiers jumped outside and tended to their wounded comrade.
"Claudius! What happened?!" the Chatot gasped.
The Bibarel, Claudius, picked himself up. Two bloody cuts were etched over his face. He growled and angrily pointed at the Zangoose. "That woman! Kill her before she warns the rest of town!"
The soldiers pulled out their weapons and started up their moves, inching towards Regina. She shuffled back on her heels and raised her claws in a defensive stance. Her expression showed terror and utter confusion as they approached, a storm of questions hurtling through her mind. She only had enough time to process one before the soldiers came charging at her.
Why the hell did I do that?!
