Lune started to get a little sheepish as he trailed behind Damios and the others. The Lucario was dragging Xander by his scruff, forcing him down the stairs and into their base. Lune flinched as the Litten was slammed against one of their wooden stools.

"Spike, Jessie, you two tie him up. Use chains, not rope. You got that?"

"Actually, I wouldn't worry about that." Lune spoke up. "Xander doesn't know any Fire Type moves."

"Better safe than sorry," Damios growled. "I've seen Fire Types pull off catastrophic feats while under stress." He turned to look at the Nidorina and Cinccino beside him, motioning with his head towards the Litten on the floor. The both of them shared an uneasy glance before approaching their prisoner.

Spike was grumbling as she pressed Xander against the stool. Jessie grabbed some metal chains from against the wall and tightly looped them around the Litten to keep him pinned. Lune noticed that he was hardly struggling, but that didn't stop him from hissing and snarling– and shooting Dimitri dirty looks.

The Sprigatito's ears were flattened against his head. "Pl-please, be careful…" Dimitri whimpered, voice trembling. His fur stood on end as Xander snapped his teeth towards Spike, and the Nidorina snapped her sharp beak back. "Don't hurt him–"

Dimitri took a step closer to his date, but was stopped in his tracks by Damios sticking his leg out to block his path.

"Once you're done, tie Dimitri up next to him." The Lucario said with a stern growl. Dimitri's ears shot up in alarm, and he quickly turned back to look at Lune– eyes fearful and round.

"That hardly seems necessary." Lune said, feigning a calm and collected aura. "Why don't we just let Dimitri leave? There's no harm done if Boss doesn't even know he was here."

Damios snarled, materializing a Bone Club and pointing it down at Lune's head– making him flinch hard. Chamomile quickly held a hand out in front of Lune, glaring hard at Damios. The Lucario didn't back down. "Do not question my authority! Tie Dimitri up, now."

There was a stiff quiet to the room as Lune slowly trudged over Dimitri and pushed him gently towards another stool. Xander's gaze burned into Lune's fur as the Nickit gingerly wrapped rope around the Sprigatito. When Lune side-eyed the Litten, he could see his tail lashing with fury.

Once both cat Pokémon had been securely incapacitated, Damios locked eyes with everyone in the room before giving a short, confident nod. "Now– everyone keep their mouth shut and don't speak a word unless spoken to." He turned to his Greninja teammate, "That goes for us, as well. Understood?"

Kioshi nodded his head, arms crossed.

Without another word, Damios crossed the room and slowly pushed the door to Boss's office open. He didn't leave much room for peeking inside, but it was clear to Lune by the way the Litten was craning his neck that he was trying to get a look. The shadowy silhouette of the Pokémon within stirred once light was leaking in from their meeting room. Standing up and slipping past the Lucario at his door, the Boss made his grand appearance with a nonchalant cross of his arms.

"Yo, Outliers. What's shaking?" The shiny Scrafty said with a chill daze. He held a curled up hand up for Damios to fist-bump, and the Lucario didn't hesitate to smack their knuckles together. "Y'all ready for tonight?"

"I was born ready!" Spike said while giving her leader a salute. The Nidorina's tail was wagging like crazy behind her.

"Fuck yeah. I'm lovin' the attitude." The Boss now had a slick smile, his hands comfortably filling his hoodie's massive pockets. "I don't want a massive screw up like last time, you dig it? The last time we were caught, the Prime Minister put up that psychic shield that prevents anyone from just teleporting into the castle." The Scrafty huffed, his smile fading for a moment. He quickly shook it off and kept up the chill persona. "They don't know we're after Princy-Boy yet. The moment King Fuck-face catches wind of this, he'll probably yank his precious baby boy right out of school."

Damios bowed his head, giving Lune a dodgy look. "We won't mess up this time, sir."

"Lune planted the Warp Orb, yeah?" The Scrafty was now also looking at Lune, but Lune was unfortunately already shooting a glance at Dimitri. The Boss leered hard while snapping his fingers. "Ey, Earth to Lockheart. The Orb? You plant it? Yes?"

Lune's eyes darted between Dimitri and Xander– fear and fury. Telling the Boss it was Dimitri who handled it probably wasn't a good idea. Letting his leader in on their little secret mission would likely get the Sprigatito untied, given he could properly explain that Dimitri was more or less a surrogate member of Team Outlier. However…

It probably would make things a lot worse between Dimitri and Xander.

"Yes, I planted it." Lune said as he finally turned to look at his boss. "It's securely hidden in the academy."

"Good to hear," The Boss said with a smile. Finally, he gave the two prisoners a full on glance. "Now, anybody gonna tell me what the deal with these two furballs is?"

Damios opened his mouth to speak, but Chamomile swiftly cut him off. "They're just two late night customers who accidentally overheard a few too many things. We can take care of it tomorrow."

The Boss's expression was cold as he approached Xander and Dimitri, his eyes locked on Xander specifically as the Litten was loudly growling at him. Once he was close to the prisoners, he kneeled. "Exactly how much do they know?"

"Not sure," Damios said as he crossed his arms. "Why don't we ask th–"

"Hardly anything." Lune spat out quickly. "They were only in the café when we were planning on starting the mission. Wrong place, wrong time sort of deal."

The Boss stared back at Lune for a second, rubbing his chin. It was difficult to read the emotion behind the Scrafty's cold gaze. Lune grew tense when the Boss turned back towards Xander and suddenly grabbed the golden ring around his neck, yanking it slightly. The Litten tried to hiss, but ended up coughing instead thanks to being choked.

"Relax, lil' kitty. We'll random you to your hosh-posh, rich city parents tomorrow." The Boss pulled the ring a little harder. "For now, you're gonna be a good boy and stay here."

Xander was released as the Boss stood back up. Tears welled in his eyes, but that was probably just from his oxygen being cut off. Dimitri looked utterly horrified…

"Jessie, you stay here with Amber and watch the prisoners. I can't trust them to not fall asleep on their own. Besides, it's probably best you stay out of this heist anyways."

Jessie's massive Cinccino ears fell, but she held her head high. "Yes, sir. I'll keep a diligent eye on them. You can count on me."

"Speaking of the narcoleptic," The Boss made his way to the door straight across from the secret entrance to the base and knocked on it hard. "Amber! Yo! It's time! Wake your ass up!"

After a few moments of silence, an Abra teleported next to the Boss. "So loud…" They mumbled while rubbing their perpetually closed eyes. "Why must you be so loud?…"

"You know as well as I do that being loud is the only way to get your attention." The Boss laughed. "We need you to link us between the Warp Orbs, remember? Be a pal and get us into Red Academy."

"Mmm… okay." Amber said with a small yawn. "Now, both Wonder Orbs will be used up once I Teleport you all. If you get caught–"

"We won't." Damios said with confidence.

"Well… Alright then. Sorry for wanting to warn you. It's just, we all got caught last time. And, Lune–" Damios growled at the little Abra, cutting them off. They sighed sleepily, "everyone group up, please."

The Boss waved his arms, ushering everyone in Team Outlier who was leaving to cluster together. Lune tucked by Chamomile's leg, away from everyone else but still close enough to be a part of the group. Amber raised their arms upwards and towards the party.

"Ready?… Okay, here goes nothing."

A Warp Orb suddenly appeared in front of Amber, floating inches away from his fingertips. Its glassy surface began glowing with an intense and mysterious light, which took no time at all to envelope Lune and the rest of his Outlier associates. Before they disappeared completely, Lune cast one last worrying glance at Dimitri… but, the Sprigatito's gaze was locked onto Xander.

The last thing Lune heard before being warped away was a loud shattering noise.

The room went quiet as the broken Wonder Orb dissolved into nothingness. Amber held a hand in front of their mouth as they yawned once again. "Okay, I'm going back to bed–"

"Oh, no you aren't." Jessie spat. "The Boss tasked you with helping me watch these prisoners."

"Aww, what?… He did?…" Amber sighed as they floated over to the wooden table in the center of the room and sat on top of it. "But I was having such wonderful dreams…"

"Really?" Jessie glanced up at them, curiosity genuinely expressed by their tone. "What ever were they about?"

"I was sleeping peacefully under a massive willow tree…" Amber smiled to themself. "And, I was surrounded by a bunch of calm little Volbeat… It was amazing."

Jessie's expression dropped as her left ear flicked. "You were dreaming… about sleeping." The Cinccino sighed into her paws. "Why am I not surprised?"

"So, are you clowns just going to keep us tied up until you're done with your Prince Kidnapping?" Xander growled. "Because, that's pretty stupid. I know where your base is now, meaning I could just tell the police where you rotten lot are hiding."

Jessie appeared to perk back up at all of Xander's big-talk. "Darling, you think we don't have measures to prevent something like that? Please." The Cinccino let out a hardy laugh as she pulled up a stool in front of him and sat down. "But, whatever helps you feel like a cute little vigilante, dear."

"Ugh, stop picking on him." Dimitri huffed. "I really thought you guys would be cool about this."

Xander's ears flattened against his head. "You really thought outlaws would be cool about anything?"

"Xander–" Dimitri sighed. "Look, I'm really sorry that I brought you here. I had no idea you had personal beef with anyone on Team Outlier, let alone one of the two Pokémon who are my friends. I'm not a thief, but my friends are– and I really wasn't expecting you to learn that tonight. I especially wasn't expecting this to happen." Dimitri gestured a paw out towards the rest of the room.

The Sprigatito's eyes were bursting with guilt, and for the first time in a good while… Xander softened his gaze.

"I think you're really cool and… I also want you to be my friend. But, I totally blew it…"

"Yeah, you did. You blew it pretty hard." Xander said bluntly, but couldn't keep his teasing smile away for long. "This is easily the worst date I have ever been on. But, I'll cut you some slack. It's also the best date I've ever been on."

"Really?" Dimitri tilted his head, thought for a second, then deflated. "Oh, I get it. Haha."

"Awww!" Jessie giggled sweetly into her paws. "Look at the little teenagers with their little teenager problems! I could just pinch both of your cheeks right now."

Dimitri blushed hard and tucked his head down, "Ah, Jessie, c'mon…"

"I'm sorry, you're just reminding me so much of my little sister right now. You know, she told me that she already has a crush at school! Can you believe it?"

"Look, Dimitri. I'm honestly still really pissed off at you. But, right now, I care way more about getting out of this shitty situation than getting into a fight about your intentions." Xander glared up at the Cinccino giving him goo-goo eyes. "I don't have rich parents. I don't even have parents. Ransoming me is a waste of everyone's time."

"Don't be ridiculous." Jessie scoffed. "There's bound to be someone who cares enough about you to hand over piles of Pokécoins. Lune let it spill that you leave with some elderly innkeepers, isn't that right."

Xander let out a low growl. He completely forgot Lune knew about that. The Litten gave Dimitri another irritated look. "Fun fact, your friend is also a stalker."

Dimitri sighed hard before casting an upset glance at Jessie. "Come on, Jessie, you can at least untie me– can't you? We all know Chamomile's just going to pretend to ransom me and let me go about my business. Just tie me back up when your boss comes back.

"Darling, that's a terrible idea." Jessie said as she crossed her arms and tapped her foot. "I do not wish to get in trouble just because you're a little uncomfortable."

Dimitri stirred… "What if I told you I really had to pee?"

Jessie frowned hard at the Sprigatito in front of her. "Are you serious right now?"

"I drank a ginger shot and a bowl of water. Yes, I'm serious!"

Jessie groaned as she stood up and began untying the Sprigatito. "Fine, but Amber is going with you. And, you better be right back in a couple of minutes."

"Aww man… Do I have to?…" Amber slumped their head.

"Quit your whining!" Jessie huffed as she finished freeing Dimitri. "There. Now hurry up."

Xander rolled his eyes. "I feel like someone is getting preferential treatment here."

Dimitri shook out his fur once he was untied then started making his way towards the secret entrance to the base. Jessie nudged Amber with her paw, and the sleepy Abra sighed as they floated after Dimitri. Xander watched them both leave before looking up at Jessie.

"You're really bad at this whole 'hardened criminal' thing, aren't you? Weren't you the first to turn tail when Prince Icarus was kicking your ass, or am I misremembering?"

The Cinccino's face got heated, and she stomped her foot on the ground. "You keep quiet before I deal with you myself, you little twerp! I'll have Amber wipe more than just your memory of this secret base!"

Xander's heart sunk into his chest and he suddenly grew very quiet, leaving Jessie looking very pleased with herself.

"And, for the record– I'm not some ruffian. I am a sophisticated aristocrat who just happens to participate in criminal activity to make ends meet." Jessie turned her nose up at Xander. "It's hard taking care of my little sister all on my own."

But, Xander wasn't really listening to the Minccino any more. She was giving him a peculiar look because of this, but Xander didn't care. Wipe my memory? There are Pokémon that can just… do that?! Xander could feel his stomach turning on him. Is that why I can't remember anything?

Xander was snapped from his thoughts by a loud yowl of surprise coming from outside of the room. Jessie's big ears perked up as she turned her head towards the noise. "What's going on out there?!" The Cinccino growled, standing up and rushing out to go see what was going on for herself. Once she was out, Dimitri's body flickered into the room. All the fur on Xander's body stood on end.

"H-how did you–"

Dimitri was already rushing to shut the door tightly and lock it. "Copycat," he said with a cheeky smile. "We don't have long. Do you know how to fight?"

"Well, yeah…"

"That's great news, because I can't take Jessie and Amber on at once." Dimitri scrambled over to Xander and started undoing the chains. Once they were loose enough, Xander wiggled free and stood up on four trembling legs.

"Damn, you look like you've seen a Ghost Type–"

"Why are you doing this?" Xander asked, not being able to hold in the twinge of hostility. "Aren't these your pals?"

"I…" Dimitri took a deep breath. "Look, don't make me doubt myself now."

Amber, who looked like he had taken quite the disorienting hit from Dimitri, managed to Teleport Jessie and themself back into the room. Jessie looked just about ready to explode with fury.

"Dimitri, you little bastard! No way you're going to get me fired all because you suddenly want to play the hero! Boss will have my head if you two break out on my watch!"

Jessie lept forwards and swung her tails down at Dimitri, who barely dodged the incoming Tail Slap. In response, Dimitri formed what looked to be a large, round seed in his right paw– which he tossed at Jessie's face. The Seed Bomb exploded into floral energy, and Jessie stumbled back onto the floor. The Cinccino recovered quickly though, and shrouded at the sluggish Abra nearby. "Hey, Amber. A little help, please!"

"A-ah! Sorry!" Amber held both his hands out toward Dimitri, and started levitating him into the air with Telekinesis. Dimitri tried to struggle free of the Psychic Type's grip, but it didn't look like that would be possible on his own.

Luckily, Xander had pushed away his anxieties and was now thinking fast. The Litten had grabbed the very chain that was tying him down earlier with his mouth and was charging towards Amber with it. He swung his head– whacking the Abra with the heavy metal. Amber yelped in pain, losing his focus and dropping Dimitri. The Grass Type landed on his feet.

"Like always," The Sprigatito said with a purr. "Thanks, Xander!"

"Don't thank me yet!" Xander said with a mouth full of chains, so it did not sound as cool as he hoped it would. Still, he rushed at Jessie next.

The Cinccino would not let herself be an easy target, jumping out of the way right as Xander tried to hit her with the chain. Xander recognized the bright stars that shot from her body as the Swift that pummeled him last time. He dropped the chain to try and run from it–

"Hah! Think you can avoid what can never be avoided, you brat!" Jessie jeered.

"Nope!" Xander shouted as he tackled suddenly into Amber. Jessie's eyes widened as her attack assaulted not only her Litten target, but her Abra teammate as well.

Amber, bruised and upset, shoved Xander off of them. "I– I–..." The Abra trembled, perhaps seething with rage? They balled both of their hands up, squeezing them tightly. Xander prepared himself for the worst– bracing his body for a close ranged Psychic onslaught of some kind.

However, after a moment or two, the Abra was snoring quietly.

Jessie gripped her silky fur by both her ears. "Are you KIDDING ME?!"

A surge of glowing leaves materialized around Dimitri and assaulted Jessie en masse. The Cinccino shrieked as she attempted to swat the Magical Leaf away from her with her paws and tail. Dimitri showed no sign of stopping– it was completely relentless.

Not wanting to be useless, Xander rushed at Jessie and picked the chain back up on his way over to her. The Litten ducked through the leaves and looped around his opponent's legs. Then, he gave the chain a tight pull. The distracted Cinccino was tripped and sent falling to the floor– knocked unconscious.

"Xander, that was awesome! I've never seen a Pokémon fight like that!" The Sprigatito gave him a bright, admiring smile.

Even though Xander's adrenaline was still pumping, he rubbed the back of his head with a paw. "You really think so?"

"Yeah, I do!" Dimitri walked over to him. "You're so… resourceful! Knowing you'd get hit by the Swift, so you made sure it hit one of them as well? You were like one of those action heroes in a stage play!"

"Ah, c'mon… it wasn't that cool–" Xander turned to look at the unconscious criminals. He couldn't hold it back anymore– with all of Dimitri's compliments, Xander let himself swell with pride. He really did help take those two down. It was nothing like his experience in the Red Academy garden.

"So, what now?" Dimitri's head tilted to one side. "I only really worked out the 'help Xander escape' part."

Xander thought for a moment. "One of us should go to Red Academy and try to warn the Headmaster, or pretty much anyone they can. That should probably be me. They're way more likely to let me onto the grounds this late at night, for… reasons. I also… know that certain Pokémon might be inclined to try and protect Prince Icarus. I don't want them to get hurt, but if she– they– do, I want to be there to help."

"Okay… then, what should I do?"

Xander placed a paw on Dimitri's shoulder. "You should go to the police. You need to not only tell them where Team Outlier has been hiding, but you also need to let them know about what's happening at the Academy tonight."

Dimitri turned to look down at the floor. That was probably the exact thing he didn't want to hear, but knew Xander was going to say. After a moment or two, his eyes filled with a certain resolve. "I can only do that if you can promise me something." Dimitri took a deep breath before continuing.

"Xander, please, convince Lune and Chamomile to leave Team Outlier. They're my friends, Lune especially– and Chamomile has been like a big sister to me. They both… they've been through a lot. I couldn't live with myself if they got thrown in jail because of me." Dimitri's ears fell flat against his head. "They're good Pokémon and I'm… not just saying that…"

Xander could feel a pressure crushing him from all angles as the Sprigatito looked back up at him. The two of them held gazes for a second– and those begging, pleading eyes… they were doing something to Xander that he didn't quite understand.

"I'll try…" Xander mumbled quietly. "If the two of them can look me in the eyes, tell me they'll give up crime forever, and listen to me when I tell them it's for you… then, I'll protect them. If they don't, I can't assure you that they won't get punished like the rest of them."

Dimitri deflated a little. "That's… fair. Just, please give them a chance, then. I know reporting them to the police is the right thing to do, and that I probably should have done it a long time ago– but–"

"I understand." Xander said as he started to walk towards the exit. At least, he thought he understood. "You were just protecting your friends."

Dimitri nodded, "And, right now, you're trying to protect yours."

Both cat Pokémon walked out of the café together, but the moment the both of them gave a parting glance at one another– Xander booked it as fast as he could down the shady alleyway and towards Red Academy.

I'm coming, Melrose. Don't do anything stupid.