18th Red Ash Moon, 908, Echo Bell Capital—Night

Once again, the festival drew to a close for the night. A blanket of darkness washed over the capital with only the flickering light of the streetlamps keeping the sleepy city aglow. All in attendance drawn in by the glamor and fun were oblivious to the horrors waiting around the corner, ready to spring out from the darkness without warning.

But with any luck, they will continue to be oblivious to the dangers for they will never come to pass.

With the group sufficiently rested and ready for the long night, the Foresters and their bounty hunter allies took to the rooftops and overlooked the great distance ahead of them. The densely packed city teeming with slumbering life, secretly packed with volatile barrels waiting to be let loose on a moment's whim. A mastermind circus behind the plot, and the secrets of the city's resident reaper waiting to be uncovered.

Jason breathed in the nighttime air and sighed. "Remember. Failure is not an option. Everything must be executed perfectly."

Wyatt saluted. "You can count on us, sir!"

Avel glared. "Still, it's a lot of ground to cover. Will we be able to find the remaining bombs in time?"

Armant knelt and gazed upon the streets below. "That young Marowak and her cohorts were clearly taking a path that wouldn't gather any attention. We can assume she stayed near the residential areas while they were unoccupied. That at least narrows our search to where we found her and retracing her steps."

Frediano crossed his arms and laughed. "A shame for them, for the Great Frediano will allow no one to take the spotlight away from him! We will find those accursed bombs before daybreak comes to pass!"

Basil glared. "Remember, under no circumstances can we let those bombs go off. I'm not familiar with Iris' work, but she must be an exceptional alchemist if she was taken in by Itzal. Once we gather up all the explosives, bring them to me so I can neutralize the compounds myself."

"And you're sure she left notes on the compound at the circus?" Jason asked.

He nodded. "I'm positive."

Lucient adjusted his spectacles. "I'm rather curious myself on these notes. Could make for a fruitful read."

Jason sighed. "Well, that just leaves us…" He turned to Melissa and her apprentices. The former was glaring intently in the direction of the castle. "You remember the plan, Harlow?"

She took a deep breath before nodding. "Gather intel on Grim Deadlock's connection to Last Autumn. Yeah, I know."

"…I know this is hard on you, but—"

"I'm fine, don't worry." She gently slapped her cheeks and relaxed her tense shoulders. "It's better we uncover the truth now, even if I might not like what I see."

Victoria patted her back. "We're right behind you, Master Harlow."

Felix flashed a bright grin. "Even if we can't complete the heist, we'll make sure we uncover the truth for ya!"

She smiled. "Thanks, you two."

Jason suppressed his smile and focused on the objective ahead. "Everyone has their assignments. Fan out and get to searching. We might be in for a long night."

With confirmation from the Forester leader, everyone jumped off the roof and split off toward their chosen destinations.


Cirque du Madness

"It's nearly time."

Itzal stood outside his trailer, basking in the nighttime air and pale glow of the moon. He stretched his arms out and inhaled deeply, stoking the flames within his scepter. He hadn't felt this excited over a ritual in ages. The way he envisioned it, he was certain it'd be remembered for thousands of years. What more could he ask for than that?

He took his eyes off the sky and looked to his troupe as they started preparing for the big show. Everyone from the stagehands to his other performers gathered hidden weapons stashed away in the props, seeming just as excited as their ringmaster. Whether or not they cared for the Scarlet Flame, they were looking forward to looting the city during the hysteria.

Itzal floated through his troupe, taking note of preparations, before spotting Iris and her brothers loading a new wagon with her special compound. He smirked at her flushed expression, the sheer joy and malice shimmering in her eyes as if lusting over what flames would be produced by her hands.

He floated to the giddy Alolan Marowak and bowed. "Iris. I do hope you take the honor I gifted you with the utmost respect."

She nearly jumped hearing his voice, but quickly relaxed and turned to him with a wide smile. She seemed to be cradling her right arm, which was wrapped tightly in fresh bandages. She stroked it almost lovingly, exciting her even more.

"R-Ringmaster Itzal, I am…forever honored. I shall not let this gift go to waste." She cradled her face, laughing with a lustful mania. "To be granted permission designing the ritual was enough to make me die happy, but for you to bless me…!"

"Shh." He pressed a finger to her lips. "Save that passion for the ritual. I'm expecting big things from you, Iris. Do not disappoint me."

She squealed, her face burning brighter. A scarlet glow flickered off her eyes. "Never~."

Jasper and Gasparo finished loading the last of the barrels into the wagon before hooking themselves into the harnesses. "Sis, time to get a move on!" Jasper exclaimed.

"Can't start a ritual without you!" Gasparo added.

Iris smiled at them. "Right!" She jumped onto the wagon and sat on top of the pile, almost feeling like a queen on her throne. "Away, my trusty brothers! Let us spread the good word of joy in these trying times!" The twin Sandslush brothers put one foot in front of the other and began the long trek to the ritual site.

Itzal smirked, tapping his scepter against his chin. "She's indeed worthy."

"Too worthy, if you ask me." He looked over his shoulder and found Ansaldo finally exiting his trailer. He dressed in a gaudy silver suit made of reflective material. He slid his fingers coolly across the brim of his hat and chuckled. "That girl…is more of a fanatic than you. And if there's one thing I know for certain about the Scarlet Flame…"

Itzal chuckled. "It was no mistake. The Scarlet Flame sensed her potential when she was first accepted. I just needed to stoke her own flame before she was ready to handle it."

Ansaldo sighed dramatically. "You really want no survivors when this is all over. She's going to kill everyone."

"Most likely."

Shaking his head, the Heliolisk whistled and called over the Magneto Crew. "Well, if everything's going down in flames, I need to make sure the people get one last look at my performance." He stepped on two Magnemite, allowing them to carry him up in the air. "I can't let Iris outdo me. Even if the flames will be the last thing they'll see, my show will be at the forefront of their memory."

"Heh. Just make sure no one interferes."

Ansaldo tipped his hat and bowed. "As we say in the business, the show must go on." Snapping his fingers, he and the Magento Crew flew up into the sky.

Itzal twirled his scepter and tapped it down, opening a pocket of darkness inside his shadow. "And now one last errand to take care of before I head out."

However, before he sank into his shadow, he heard someone snickering behind him. Recognizing the laugh, he turned around and found Chihiro leaning against one of the trailers. His torso and chest were bandaged up. The Machamp he crossed paths with did far more damage than either of them could predict, so he unfortunately had to sit out from the raid.

"Is something funny?" Itzal asked. "I'm usually the one making jokes around here, assassin."

The Leavanny picked at his teeth, flashing a cruel grin. "Funny? Honestly, everything about your whole scheme is hilarious. You never once intended to honor the old man's request to be subtle. You just want to watch the world burn."

Itzal smirked. "I wouldn't exactly hold myself up in high moral standards if I were you. You've got blood on your claws, too, despite Terrowin's orders."

"Everyone on his council chose to follow him for one reason or another. Blackwood has his hang ups over war. Bridget's granddaughter is paying her respects. Hobs and Terrowin go far back, so he feels like he owes a favor. The others could just be in it to line their pockets, but they are still reasons. I'm no exception."

"What does a blood-hungry psychopath like you want out of this?"

Chihiro tilted his head and flashed a friendly smile. "Isn't it obvious? I want to end Virdis' cycle of hatred just like Terrowin."

"You're full of it."

"Believe what you will. You're playing with a much more dangerous flame by testing Terrowin's patience. I'm just watching to see if you can control it or not."

Itzal scoffed. "The old man doesn't have anything over me. He may have Harriet and Alban under his thumb, but he knew what he was getting when he came to me. He's a withered old pile of mulch ready to fertilize the trees. I can burn him to ash with a snap of my fingers."

Chihiro smirked. "Do you even know why Terrowin asked for your assistance? The real reason?"

"He knows my connection to the Scarlet Flame makes me a dangerous enemy. That's the only smart decision he's made forging an alliance with me, and it's going to stay that way so long as he keeps his business out of mine."

"…" The Leavanny shrugged. "Well, I suppose you're not completely wrong."

Itzal tapped his scepter down and resumed sinking into his shadow. "Maybe he'll be so impressed with my results, he'll think about making me the leader of Last Autumn. His aggressive pacifism doesn't intimidate me. I'm the only one getting results in." He disappeared into his shadow and slithered off across the street.

Chihiro leaned back against the trailer and sighed. "Oh, you foolish, foolish little clown." He looked up to the moon and smirked. "I don't think you understand how little Terrowin needs you."


Gatti Household

Monica was prepared to saunter off to bed after a long day of frolicking about the festival grounds. She was halfway through getting her nightwear on when she remembered she forgot her coin bag back at the castle. She had set it down after getting back from the festival to do some light work in the archives before leaving. She wasn't too worried about leaving it since she trusted no one would take it, but she tended to be finicky about her belongings.

The nightguard did know her, so it wouldn't hurt to make the quick trek over to the castle to retrieve it. At most, it was just to ease her mind.

She quickly changed back into some regular clothes and made her way downstairs. She passed by the living room where an adult Roserade and Alcremie were, the latter tending to the dishes from dinner.

The Roserade, who was doing the taxes, noticed Monica sneaking by and called out, "Where are you going out so late?"

Monica had just touched the doorknob when he acknowledged her. She sighed and backed up to face him. "I'm heading back to the castle. I forgot something."

"That's a bit of a walk just to get something," the Alcremie, her mother, said from the kitchen.

Monica waved it off. "Oh, it's fine. I'll be real quick."

Her father narrowed his eyes. "I hope you're not going over there to fraternize with the royal children."

She groaned. "Dad, come on, they're good people."

"The Visconti family have been too lackadaisical with how they run this kingdom. Forgive me if I don't hold much hope in its future under their rule."

The mother sighed and scooted into the living room, wiping her hands on an apron. "Your father's right, dear. It's better to keep your relationships with them strictly professional. We're happy you found good work under them, but they are still our rulers. You shouldn't get too close with them."

Monica pouted. "You two say that all the time, and look how Rubina's doing. She wouldn't have got her ambassador position had it not been for Asterio and Evangelina. Don't you think you're being hard on them?"

Roserade shook his head. "Sweetheart, in this world, those in high positions of power rarely do anything without ill-gotten gains playing a role. This kingdom was built up on celebration, but it suffers from high crime rates. The royal families of this region didn't earn their positions through fairness and just actions."

Monica rolled her eyes and scooted back toward the door. "Well, I trust Asterio and Evangelina with all my heart. Even if they did something bad, I would still put my faith in them. I know they want what's best for this kingdom."

Her father sighed. "Have it your way. Just be back home soon."

"I will. I'll see you in a bit." Monica opened the door and let herself out, making way for the castle.


Castle Visconti—Rooftop

Evangelina sat on the edge of the castle's rooftop patio, swirling a cup of tea about as she gazed up at the pale moon above. She had a lot on her mind ever since Asterio returned from his night run the other day. She did that a lot lately, lost in a storm of thoughts trying to piece together the right course of action for herself. So much was going on that she couldn't come up with a suitable answer.

She sighed. "Time's almost up. Am I really going to go through with this?"

"Whatever path you do take, I shall follow, Your Highness." She looked up softly as Romano stepped out onto the roof wearing only some basic armor pieces over his regular clothes. He approached and sat down on her left. "I thought you had come to terms with their deal."

"I'm still weighing my options. They haven't left me with much to consider but a vague promise of a treasure." She peered into her tea and her wobbly reflection glaring back at her. "What do you suppose the sacred treasure is, Romano? What worth does it have that grants the inheritor dominion over all of Virdis?"

The Swampert crossed his arms and pondered for a moment. "Yes, I suppose not knowing would be the sticking point. I doubt it's gold or some type of wealth. Perhaps it's something different. Lost history of Virdis?"

"Heh. If wealth can't compel an entire region to worship me, what good is some old slabs of rock and scripture?" She sipped her tea and sighed. "I wonder if Darby knows. He's been in their little club for some time." She grunted. "I definitely wouldn't want him inheriting power over Virdis. I already have an uncomfortable idea of what his first decree would be."

Romano's posture tensed up at the thought. "If he comes near you, I shall slay him where he stands."

Evangelina smiled. "I'm less worried about myself thanks to you. But yeah, Darby's not an idiot for all his vanity. If he does know what the treasure is, it has to be something special to have complete faith in it. Same with that Lady Amano. That just leaves me to balance them out."

"Regardless of which, I think you should accept their deal, Your Highness," Romano said. "You would make for a fine, upstanding ruler. Virdis would be a better place under your control."

She smirked. "You flatter me, Romano."

"I speak nothing but the truth. Virdis would be lost without your brilliance. Any other wouldn't hold a candle to the good you'd bring its people."

"…" She sighed. "Asterio might be of a different opinion. If he ever found out what I've been doing in secret, he might…actually kill me."

"I could have him assassinated for you."

"…I can't do that, either." She set her cup down and sighed. "He's been through a lot, and he is my only brother. I don't want to get him involved. When this is all over, I hope to bring relief to the guilt he has been carrying with him. No longer will be plagued by expectations of the future. He can focus strictly on taking care of himself. Live the life he always wanted."

"Hmm." Romano rested his hand over Evangelina's tentacle, squeezing it gently. "I shall stand by your side no matter what, my dear Evangelina. When this is over, perhaps we can also find peace."

She smiled softly and rested her head against his arm. "You've always been a reliable bodyguard, Romano."

"Even if I must walk through Hell itself, I'll follow you anywhere."

"I know." She closed her eyes and relaxed against him. "Romano?"

"Yes."

"I've been putting it off for long enough. Next time I meet with them, I'll give them my answer. I've sworn to do all that is necessary to fix the broken state of Virdis, and I'm prepared to drag my name through the mud to do it."


Echo Bell Square

Basil and Lucient peeked down from the high buildings, giving them a perfect view of the Cirque du Madness. Basil pulled out a telescope and scanned the blocked off area, seeing all the performers and stagehands gathering weapons and hiding them among their persons. Though he couldn't hear anything but senseless chatter, their collective tones indicated misfortune for the people of Echo Bell.

A smirk crawled over his snout. "My, oh my. Itzy's going all out tonight. He never went this big with his previous rituals."

Lucient glared. "I still can't believe you partook in these barbaric acts."

"It was done under duress, I assure you. Not like I had anywhere else to go, at least before I left." He collapsed his telescope and stuffed it away. "We should wait until they clear out before we start searching. They'll be acting as the distraction to scatter the knights' attention."

"Where are the main players?"

"Not sure. Haven't seen the newbies, Benvenuto, or Itzy. Perhaps they already left for the night." Basil frowned. "Here's to hoping that gravedigger I tipped off disposed of Paride's body."

Lucient raised a brow. "I'm afraid to ask, but why is that your main concern?"

He laughed and patted the Espeon's head. "Oh Lucy—"

"Please don't call me that."

"Believe me, it's better for all our health if we leave that little mystery in the dark." He sat on the edge, kicking his feet lazily. "The world is full of mystery and splendor, but some stories are best left unknown to keep the dreams fresh and free of misery."

"That's more concerning than ignoring my question." Lucient sat down as well. "You are an odd fellow, Basil."

"I like to keep things interesting."

"What was it like living under their care?"

The Salandit leaned back on his hands and pondered. "Well, didn't help my mental state. I was a screwed-up kid ever since Arcania was attacked. I think I went crazy at one point. Insane, even. I got bored of it after a while. I used to terrorize the troupe when I was bored." Basil laughed. "The circus couldn't find a decent alchemist for years because of what I did to the last one."

"What…did you do to him?"

"We imbibed my own blend of drinks. He didn't take well to the blend I made him." His smirk stretched. "It was a tad too strong on the eyes."

"I…what?"

He laughed and waved it off. "Oh, nothing~. Nothing to worry about."

Lucient groaned and massaged his temple. "Curiosity be my enemy."

"Curiosity be the enemy."

"You are a devious jester."

"Flattering with tautology? How quaint." Basil gestured out over the city's horizon. "The world is one's circus, and I take my act everywhere I go."

"What happened after you left the circus, then?"

"…" Basil closed his eyes and sighed. "Continuing the family tradition, I suppose."

"Hmm?"

"I'm sure you're familiar with our customs back in Arcania. We create our own brand of magic. We enhance our moves with alchemy and turn them into something of a spectacle. We push the very limits of our biology and abilities. That is how we live and breathe. When our village was attacked, I took the secrets of the Dawnblite Clan with me. I had to practice them alone. Without my mother's guidance. Very difficult."

"You kept yourself busy."

Basil chuckled. "Everyone has to."

"What made you want to join the Foresters?"

He lay back and folded his arms under his head. "On a whim, you could say. Curiosity be my enemy, right?"

Lucient nodded softly and looked down at the circus. "I joined because I wanted to do good for those who suffered like me. My mom's gone, and I had to step up raising my sister and half-siblings."

"And I lost all my family but my mom." Basil picked at his teeth and laughed. "What a time to be alive, huh? Meeting people with such different histories."

"…Basil?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you fight for what you believe in? What are you fighting for?"

"…" His smirk settled into a relaxed smile. "That is the question."

"Well?"

"A question such as that doesn't come with an easy answer, my curious friend. Well indeed. How deep are wells? As deep as we can make them? Or until we reach water? Throw a coin and make a wish. Hope for something special."

Basil flicked his wrist, producing a card from seemingly nowhere. Lucient raised his brow, noting it was of a Growlithe and Nickit gazing up at a large moon sitting before a night sky.

The Moon.

"Sometimes the mind drifts. Like how we throw coins down a well wishing for what we want, sometimes we dump our secrets and fears down a well so they can be forgotten. Sadly, eventually, something will come out from that well."


"Found another one!"

Armant, Frediano, and the Good Brothers followed along the path taken by Iris and her goons. They searched along the nooks and crannies of the buildings, finding out-of-place shifts in the ground. Upon digging through these hidden spaces, they'd produce a barrel filled with a blue gunk filled to the brim. It was almost powdery, yet it squished between their hands like gel when pressure was applied.

So far, they recovered two before finding their way to a third barrel.

Wyatt and Frediano worked together to dig through the rock while Armant and Avel (who sat on the Machamp's shoulder) kept watch. Soon, the duo pulled the barrel out onto the canal's sidewalk and pushed it to the stack they were dragging in a wagon they procured.

"Jason wasn't kidding. This may actually take all night!" Wyatt cried.

Avel rolled his eyes and hopped down onto his brother's head. "Better a little sleep deprivation than being burnt alive."

"I suppose the smell of burning flesh would be worse."

Frediano dusted off his white suit and groaned. "Why do the Great Frediano need to dig? You could dig these out in one go, Armant!"

Armant glared. "I need to keep alert for a potential ambush. I wouldn't want anything happening to you three if I wasn't paying attention."

Frediano clasped his hands together and gushed. "Aww, you do care about me!"

"You are my pal, Fred." Armant glared up at the sky. "Hmm…"

"Something wrong?" Avel asked. "Is someone lurking nearby?"

"No, not that. I've lived long enough to trust my gut in situations like this." He pressed his hand to the wall and closed his eyes. "There's no one tailing us, but I'm getting the sneaking suspicion this won't change anything."

"How so?" Wyatt asked.

"They wouldn't have gone through this much trouble to afford backing out. I've seen these kinds of people before. Maniacs willing to risk their lives to make their visions come true. I know enough of the Scarlet Flame to keep myself on edge." He opened his eyes and glared. "I can't help but wonder if they have a backup plan in mind."

Frediano laughed. "You worry too much, my friend. How can they possibly spread this much of their precious compound across the city? By the time they have a whole street covered, someone will notice."

Armant shook his head. "I had a partner back in my younger years. He always told me to expect the unexpected in warfare. Never assume the enemy's plan is impossible to execute."

Avel raised his brow. "In other words…"

Armant grabbed the wagon and pressed on ahead. "We keep digging up these bombs and stay alert should the situation shift. That's all we can afford to do right now."

The brothers and Frediano shared a concerned grimace with each other (or an implied one from the masked Weavile), but they didn't harp on the aged Machamp's warning and followed after him.


Jason surveyed Castle Visconti from the rooftops, taking note of the nightguard stationed around the perimeter. As he did, Melissa was rummaging through her apprentices' bags to make sure they had everything they needed.

"Okay, I'm trusting you two to be on your best behavior while we're inside the castle. We're not here to start up trouble. We just need to get in, find all we can on Grim Deadlock and Last Autumn, and get out at the rendezvous point. Understand?"

Victoria saluted. "Yes, ma'am!"

Felix frowned. "Though, this does seem like the perfect opportunity to steal the king's crown."

Melissa shook her head. "We can't compromise the mission. Besides, King Visconti would probably be sleeping by now, and he might hear us taking his crown."

"Still…"

Melissa smiled. "I'm fine with skipping out on the heist. There's always next time, right?"

Victoria and Felix shared an unsure look with each other. "Okay…" they mumbled.

Jason didn't show his expression upon hearing the Buneary's confession. He suppressed a sigh, knowing he had to focus on the mission first. He collapsed his telescope and stashed it away. "Alright, I see an opening into the castle. We need to be swift."

Melissa adjusted her bag and custom weapon as she stood up. "Ready to go."

"We'll be going in through the windows. Based on the scouting Lucient and these two did, there should be an access point that won't have much activity going on. We'll climb through there and make our way through the castle."

Melissa nodded. "Alright." She looked back at her apprentices. "Stick close until we get inside."

They saluted. "Yes, ma'am!"

Jason crouched and said, "Follow me." He leapt off the roof and soared toward the castle walls. Melissa and the apprentices took a running start and followed behind him.


Echo Bell Cemetery

Zech wasn't sure what to believe when he got that mysterious note earlier, but it turned out not to be some prank. He, indeed, found the corpse of a Quagsire laying inside the hidden passageway of the catacombs. How it got down there was anyone's guess, though the battle damage on the murals plus the remnants of smoke in the air told him it had something to do with the Foresters. He found some stray bullets on the ground and a lost sword that had electricity still trapped inside the blade.

He climbed out from the secret entrance in the tomb and carried the body out on his shoulder. It was bound and wrapped in cloth, almost resembling a giant burrito. He breathed in the night air once he stepped outside.

"There are strange times we live in." He shook his head and set the body on the ground. "You must've been a poor soul to lose his life so quickly. Based on your injuries, you had an encounter with Grim Deadlock." He glared. "I'm glad Zephora's friends made it out alright, though I'm surprised they survived an encounter with Deadlock. That rarely happens."

He unsheathed his shovel from his back and walked toward an untouched piece of land. He impaled the shovelhead through the dirt and started digging up a new grave for the cemetery's newest resident.

"I wonder what they're up to. They seemed interested in the catacombs. I wonder what they learned down there—"

Five scoops deep into the ground, he stopped. He felt a shiver run up his spine, something of a sixth sense he developed. Suspicious, he straightened up and took a quick scan of the cemetery. The wind rustled the trees, making all sorts of noise that would deter nighttime wanderers from entering. Zech couldn't quite place it, but something felt off.

He raised his shovel over his shoulder and walked through the cemetery, checking behind tombstones. "Hmm. You sense anything off, Moros?"

The shovel offered no response.

"Hmm. You, too?" He took a deep breath and called out, "Is someone out here? We don't normally allow visitors this late. Please come back tomorrow to pay your respects. I have business to attend to."

He got no reply, though that further wracked his brain with suspicion. He carefully walked back to the Quagsire's corpse and picked it up with one arm. Even the shadows felt off somehow. The way the shadows of the tree branches moved seemed to be reaching toward him like spindly arms.

Zech stabbed his shovel into the ground and activated Needle Arm, bursting it through his sleeves. "I don't take kindly to graverobbers. Show yourself, or pay the consequences—"

He froze as sinister laughter echoed behind him. He spun around, but saw nothing. The laughing continued to persist behind him. Zech felt more annoyed than unnerved as he kept looking for the source of the laughter, feeling as it was constantly blaring behind him.

"Where are you?" he growled.

The laughter ceased and followed with a voice. "I'm terribly sorry for my intrusion. I just came to…collect something."

Before Zech could respond, something clonked him across the back of his head. The corpse fell from his arm, and he collapsed unconscious onto the ground. A heavy shadow was plastered over his back with an arm extending out, wielding a scepter. The shadow peeled itself off of the Cacturne and took shape into the Gourgeist ringmaster.

"You shall be spared an immediate death. I wouldn't wish to deprive you of the Scarlet Flame's grand performance." Itzal turned to the wrapped corpse. "I'll just be taking this off your hands."

He flicked a small spark of Mystical Fire that ignited and burnt off the cloth, revealing the lifeless Quagsire. Itzal gently pushed the corpse onto its back and looked it over for a moment.

"Oh Paride, you did the best you could, but death isn't an excuse to slack off." Itzal lit the tip of his finger in scarlet flame. "You vowed to serve me in both mind, body, and spirit. That was the vow you made to the scarlet flame. You shall continue to be in my service until your very core is consumed by the flames."

The flames swirled around Itzal's hand and condensed into a fireball. Shadows flowed up his arm and entered the fireball, wrapping it in a dark film. Itzal pried the corpse's mouth open with his scepter and dumped the fireball inside before closing it.

"By the will of the Scarlet Flame and its previous bearers, let this corpse who swore loyalty to you be given purpose anew. Reignite its lost energy with your flames. Those who wish to end the ritual, let this vessel be its shield and dispose of all who fail to see the truth."

Satisfied, Itzal stepped away from the body and tapped the ground covered in Zech's shadow. He sunk down into it, chuckling to himself.

"And with that finished, it's time to dispose of some other troublesome pests." He dove below the shadows and slithered out of the cemetery.

Paride's corpse smoked from the flames burning away inside. A dark film shimmered over it. The hands, halfway curled from rigor mortis setting in, found themselves clenching down. The rigid body, ever so slowly, loosened up from an entire day of lifelessness.

As the flames built up inside, the eyes snapped open, bursting in scarlet flame.


Zech's House

"[Almost…got it…]"

With the entire day to herself, Junko slowly worked her way to undoing the ropes binding her arms and body together. Little by little, her ice returned, allowing her to weaken the ropes until they were frozen. She lacked the strength to break the ropes off herself, so she had to get…creative, unfortunately.

Working her way to the stairs, she muttered a soft prayer to herself before throwing herself down. She tumbled all the way to the first floor and landed with a hard crash on her face. Though pain, the reckless escape caused her ropes to snap off and free her arms.

Junko pressed her hand to the wall, took a moment to catch her breath, and floated off the ground. "[That…was the stupidest thing I've ever done.]" She shook her head and smirked. "[Nice try, gravedigger, but you can't hold me forever. Now, I just need to wait for the rest of this drug to work its way out of my system.]"

She floated to the door, threw it open, and let herself out onto the streets. As she prepared to fly back to the circus and reunite with her troupe, she stopped and noticed something floating high above the city. It was hard to make out at first, but then she noticed some unique shapes floating alongside the figure.

"[Wait. Is that…?]"


Ansaldo and the Magento Crew gazed upon the nighttime atmosphere of the city, the former looking about with a proud and flashy grin. His body teemed with electricity waiting to be let loose.

"Take a good look at our stage, my faithful companions," Ansaldo said. "This will be the greatest stage we'll ever perform on."

The Magneton, Big Boss, buzzed something to the Heliolisk.

"Hey now, I'm not doing this purely to outshine Iris. That girl's been afraid of being the center of attention for as long as I knew her, but look at her now. She's going to be a star tonight!"

One of his Magnemite buzzed in response.

"I know what I told Itzal, but I do want to encourage Iris. Think of this as the opening act. Once I start and get everyone's attention, they'll be forced to see how amazing Iris is. She'll put on the performance of a lifetime that she couldn't before. Not even stage fright will keep her from this moment."

Ansaldo adjusted his hat and smoothed out his suit. His crew got into formation around him as he expanded his frill, channeling heaps of electricity into the Magnemite. With the electricity bouncing in between the crew, they began to shine brightly over the city like a star.

With eyes sparkling with electricity, Ansaldo bowed to the city and proclaimed, "But even though I want her to put on her best performance, the opening act makes the show. Come, my loyal companions, let us draw out a crowd and show this city how brightly we shine together!"