13th Festive Moon, 908 – Black Hollows, Umbra Clock Kingdom

Getting to the Umbra Clock Kingdom from the west was a difficult and trying task due to the layout of the land. The shortest path to the border was through the Wick Kingdom, except a major obstacle between Wick and Umbra Clock were the Outlands, a divide between their destination. Going the long ways around wasn't viable, and maneuvering through the Great Ruins was guaranteed to stir up trouble.

Regardless, the Foresters braved their only option and traveled through the Outlands to reach the border. Thankfully, not much stood in their path as the invasion on New Chariot stirred commotion within the lawless lands, too. Though, some damage they came across showed the lawless nature of the land. They passed by a town known as Skeleton Water and could've sworn some of the buildings were sliced open.

But despite whatever oddities they encountered, they made it through and set forth to the closest town on their map: Black Hollows.

The Forester group reached the perimeter of the quiet town, hopping out of Godfrey's wagon and gathering their belongings. Jason slipped on his pack before approaching Godfrey. "Alright, this is as far as you'll take us. We'll make the rest of the trip on foot."

Godfrey snorted. "Are you…sure?"

He nodded. "We'll be able to get through better without alerting any attention to ourselves. Who knows if there are still New Chariot soldiers roaming these lands?"

"Hmm."

Tank, who slipped on a pack triple his height with metal clanking and clattering inside, was the last to jump out of the wagon. "All set over here."

Petra popped her head out from the top of his pack, munching on a muffin. "Rations are looking good, too!"

Jason glared up at her. "Petra…"

She grinned sheepishly. "I'm only eating my share, I swear."

"I'm asking you to curb your appetite until we get to the capital."

"And…how long will that take?"

"Weeks."

The Ribombee whined softly before sinking back into the pack. Jason rolled his eyes in response.

Lillia curtsied to Godfrey. "Thank you for taking us this far east, Godfrey. Safe travels on the way back."

Melissa crossed her arms and smiled. "Be sure to get back to Fort Lucus on time, too. By the time you do, we'll have finished the negotiation details with Umbra Clock!"

Godfrey snorted with a small smile. "I…have faith." He took a deep breath, turned himself around, and galloped back in the direction of the Outlands. The group waved to him until he disappeared under the horizon.

Lillia adjusted her straps before glancing at Jason. "You said we should stock up on supplies before we head out, right?"

He nodded. "We've got a lot of ground to cover. We'll have to spend most of the day running in bursts. It'll be tiring, but it'll make evading detection easier. We'll set up camp once the sun's completely set, then we leave at first light. Any objections?"

The group shook their heads.

"Good." Jason pointed at the town. "Let's get supplies."

Melissa frowned. "Wait, how are we going to pay for anything? The east uses gul instead of bits. I'd feel bad stealing from these people while they're on hard times."

Jason waved it off. "I wouldn't worry about stealing from here. Despite how close it is to the Outlands, it's a relatively safe area. It hasn't been affected too badly by New Chariot's attacks, either. Just do what we usually do and find the wealthiest people you can." With that, he led his team into town.

Melissa tilted her head as she followed behind. "I wonder why the town's still well off."

Lillia smiled. "That's because of Lord Blackwood."

"Lord Blackwood?"

"He lords over this town. He has his own personal army, and it's said he's a trusted advisor to King Foirbeis." She frowned and looked away awkwardly. "Well, the former King Foirbeis."

Petra poked her head out from Tank's pack. "I've heard about him. His status came from the fact the Blackwood family used to be crime bosses about half a century ago. They used their resources and established this town under the kingdom of Umbra Clock."

Melissa chuckled awkwardly. "Sounds like someone we'd get along with."

"Eh, I don't know much about him, so our chances of friendly conversation of fifty-fifty."

Tank glared. "If he's an ally to the new king, then he'd be a powerful ally to serve our cause. That much we can depend on."

Melissa frowned and looked on ahead. Assuming we can work things out with King Tadhg…

Jason's claims over the town's stability were understated. Compared to what they were to expect going deeper into the kingdom, the town was abuzz with mirth and pleasant chatter. They kept their hoods up and moved quietly, passing by the town guards going about on their patrols. The people didn't seem bothered by the increased presence of guards, perhaps used to the routine or accepting it as a price of the times.

Regardless, the Foresters kept to themselves as they made their way to the general shop ahead to restock. They swiped pouches of gul off passing strangers without raising alarm and made their way into the shop.

They split up through the shop, gathering dried foods and materials for the road. Tank perused a rack filled with used cooking pots before gathering a few. Melissa, who was grabbing a couple bags of pumpkin seeds, raised her brow at the Smeargle. "I thought you brought your own pots?"

He nodded. "I did. These are for disposable scrap I could use."

"Will those even fit in your bag?" she asked, noting how tense his oversized pack was. The straps were barely keeping the flap buckled down. "You look like you're a couple hammers away from rupturing."

He shrugged. "Meh."

"Ooookay." She gathered a few more items off the shelves before heading over to the front counter.

As she paid for her goods, Jason walked up behind her and set his stuff on the counter. "All set?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, I should be able to hold out for a couple more weeks."

The Slowpoke manning the counter slowly counted up her items and the designated prices. As he did, he asked, "Where…are you lot…going? Not much to…travel to these…days."

Melissa chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, we're just…camping, that's all. Enjoying that summer air while we still can."

"Hmmmm, well…best be…careful. Don't want to stray too…far from town."

"Uh, heh, yeah."

After paying for her food, she stashed it inside her pack and walked over to the door to wait for the others. She leaned back against the wall and let out a long sigh. She watched Jason impatiently waiting for the Slowpoke to tally up his purchases, then let her eyes roam over the store watching Tank and Lillia continue their minimal shopping while Petra…struggled not to buy up all the food on display, weeping at the few gul she was allowed to have.

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, letting her mind drift to the trip ahead. Based on what the map indicates, if they head straight to the capital while running in bursts every other hour, they should be able to reach it in two week, give or take a few days. If they conserve their energy and use their time wisely, they'll be on their last couple days' worth of rations.

If our plan to use Tank as a peace offering works out, there's the matter of getting King Tadhg to side with our cause. Melissa frowned. I still haven't figured out how to convince him. I would need to get a read on his personality, though Jet didn't give the most flattering synopsis of his attitude. A prince who rules by greed. How do I work with that—

"Oh, I'm so sorry, dearie."

Melissa's ear perked up. She opened one eye and looked across the shop, spotting a Sealeo and Emolga doing some shopping by the wall shelves. The Sealeo was patting the saddened Emolga's head as she picked out a couple apples from a basket.

"I'm…not sure how I'm going to explain it to the boys," she said. "They were so proud watching their father don his armor and head out into battle. They said they wanted to be proud knights like him when they were of age, but…" She clenched her eyes shut and shuddered. "I can't bear the idea of seeing them captured like their father."

Melissa frowned. Oh no…

Sealeo patted her head again. "You have it luckier than some, dearie. Ms. Lithgow got word this morning that her husband was killed in battle."

"Oh. How dreadful. Do you suppose we should pay her a visit later? She could use the company."

"I think she would appreciate the comfort." Sealeo smiled. "Try to have some faith that your husband will make it out alive."

Emolga frowned. "I'll try, but…we all know he's going to end up in that damnable colosseum. If this war continues on as is, there may not be anything to wait for."

"Oh dearie…"

Melissa curled her ears tight and turned away from them. She clenched her teeth, shuddering with tears rolling down her cheeks. She vigorously wiped them away, taking a few calming breaths to settle herself.

Even all the way out here, everyone's still feeling the effects of the war. She clenched her fist and huffed. Both the west and east are suffering. Will we even be enough to help?

19th Festive Moon, 908

About a week into their journey through Umbra Clock, the Forester group sprinted across the grassy fields, leaping over small mounds and passing by the occasional traveler. Routinely, they would sprint for about an hour, rest for ten minutes, walk for the remaining hour, and repeat the cycle over until nightfall. They would plan their rest stops by flowing rivers to refill their canteens when able. Though they would've reached their destination sooner with Godfrey, they were able to avoid detection from the occasional New Chariot scouting team roaming the area.

Jason, leading the front of the pack, yelled, "Everyone hanging in alright?!"

Lillia, though breathing a bit hard, grinned through the pain. "Hanging in strong, sir!"

Tank was huffing harder than her even as he kept pace with the girls. "P-Please tell me…we'll be stopping soon!"

Melissa chuckled. "That's what you get for volunteering to carry all the camping gear!"

"I told you, I can handle it! I'm…just not as use to being on the field!"

Petra beamed. "I don't see what the big deal is. I travel this far all the time!"

"You've been sitting on my back since we got here!"

"Yeah. You guys are super slow, by the way."

Jason sighed. "We'll be taking a rest in five minutes. Hold out until then—"

Lillia gasped. "Wait, what's that up ahead?!"

Jason glared at the path ahead, noting something was coming up over the small hill ahead of them. He took a light whiff of the air, then grimaced. "Oh no…"

The group gradually slowed down as they reached the top of the hill. They stood at the peak to catch their breaths and gazed upon the ruined land before their eyes. Though they occasionally encountered signs of conflict waged from ages ago, nothing could compare to the battlegrounds before their eyes.

Scorched earth with weapons pierced through the ground, signs of blood dried over the torched grass, and dented helmets from opposing armies lay scattered. Mounds of earth were dug into the ground with flags billowing behind each one, marking them as graves of fallen knights. Most shockingly of all was the long, cavernous trench that stretched over the land as if a massive laser swept over the battlefield. It looked to be four to five meters deep, and there were even signs of dead soldiers laying at the bottom.

Melissa recoiled behind Jason, clutching his hood. "Oh no…!"

Jason winced. "This was from a while ago, I'm sure."

Lillia frowned before clasping her hands together. "May all their spirits have passed safely into the afterlife."

Tank glared. "This is practically the middle of nowhere. Nowhere is safe from New Chariot, is it?"

"…" Jason sighed. "This is just one of the many burdens we'll have to endure. There's nothing we can do about it now."

Tank scratched his head. "Must've been a tough battle for them to split the land open like that."

For some reason, Petra awkwardly sank back into Tank's pack, whistling an innocent tune.

Melissa clutched his hood tighter. "I never imagined how bad the Umbra Clock Kingdom was suffering."

"A lot of territory was lost in New Chariot's ambition. Umbra Clock, and especially the Arcania Kingdom." Jason shook his head. "We can't dwell on the past right now. We'll stop here for ten minutes and continue on our way."

Lillia walked down the hill. "Can we make it twenty minutes? If there are any knights or soldiers left out in the open, I would feel better knowing they got a proper burial."

Tank raised his brow. "Even New Chariot?"

She nodded. "Enemy or not, a life was ended fighting for the pride of their home. They are still Pokémon." She continued on her way down.

"…" Tank dropped his pack and dug through one of the side pouches before producing a shovel. "Might as well help."

Jason sighed and collapsed onto the ground. "Alright. We'll rest here for half an hour and continue on our way. Sound fair?"

"Aye!" the duo shouted from below.

Melissa sat down next to Jason and wiped her eyes with her arm. "Ohhhhh…"

Jason frowned before gently placing his hand over hers. "You alright?"

"…No."

"…" He put his arm around her and let her lay her head against his shoulder. "I'm…not really the comforting type, but—"

"No. This…is enough."

"I'm sorry you have to see all of this."

She closed her eyes and nuzzled into the crook of his neck. "Why do I feel awful?"

"…Because you're the most empathetic person I know. It's only natural you feel other's pain."

"…Hmph."

"Just keep holding onto your ideals. That's your greatest strength."

"…Right."

20th Festive Moon, 908 – Elsewhere in Umbra Clock

Though New Chariot's forces were dispatched to conquer the west, the battles waging in the east didn't let up. Knights of Umbra Clock fought bravely to take back their borders from warring empire, but New Chariot's power didn't wane. Through brutal tactics and endurance, they pushed back against Umbra Clock and fell their army within a couple hours.

"Alright, load them in!" a Haunter soldier ordered, rallying his troops to restrain the fallen knights and drag them to the transport wagons. "You lot will make fine additions to the colosseum. Here's hoping you work up the crowd."

One of the knights growled at him. "You can take our land all you want, but you will never take our freedom! We will keep fighting to the bitter end for the glory of the Umbra Clock Kingdom!"

Haunter waved him off. "Yeah, yeah, you're the tenth prisoner to proclaim that. Save your voice for the arena. You'll want to hype up the crowd if you want any chance of survival."

"Commander?" a Machoke addressed with a salute.

"What is it?"

He pointed out toward the battlefield. "Two individuals are approaching."

Haunter looked in the direction he was pointing and saw two hooded figures walking over the ruined land. No indication of their identity could be made, but their postures told him they weren't a threat. Even so, he was curious as to why they were so far out from civilization.

"How strange." He snapped his fingers, directing a Bastiodon and Pinsir soldier. "You two. Intercept those stragglers and bring them to me so I can appraise them for transport."

They saluted. "Yes, commander!" They charged toward the two wandering strangers.

"By order of the New Chariot Empire, we order you to kneel and surrender yourselves!" Pinsir commanded. "Resistance is ill-advised!"

"You will be taken in as slaves of the New Chariot Empire. Come along quietly and we'll—" the Bastiodon attempted to say, but would never get the chance to finish.

With no delay, one of the hooded figures blitzed the Bastiodon and delivered a titanic punch into his face. The force of the punch cracked his face-shield and knocked him flying through the air, catapulting over the New Chariot military and crashing down on the prisoner transport wagon before anyone could be loaded in.

"What the—" Pinsir gasped before being kicked by the second stranger. Flames erupted from their foot and launched the stag beetle across the battlefield in a fireball. His allies ducked as he sailed over their heads, crashing into their transport wagons and startling to their steeds.

The Haunter commander stared at his two defeated soldiers in shock before growling at the opposing strangers. "Who dares defy the glory of New Chariot?!"

One of the figures pulled her hood back. The grinning Cinderace with colorful eyes giggled with delight. "I dare defy! I defy common sense and glory!"

The other pulled his hood down. The battle-hardened Hitmonchan glared at the sizeable army before him and raised his fists. "Over a decade's worth of payback is about to be delivered."

The commander's eyes widened. "Wait, don't tell you're—"

"The one and only." Without delay, he launched at the New Chariot Empire, enveloping them in a sea of crimson fists.

A grueling twenty minutes passed before the final soldier toppled over. Casimir hunched forward, arms hanging weakly, as he caught his breath, standing over the fallen Haunter beaten and squashed flat under his foot. Shale, having grown bored of the fight, lay in the grass juggling a couple strands with her breath.

The knights bowed to the wandering travelers. "By the grace of Lady Cresselia, you have our eternal gratitude," the leading knight praised.

Casimir finally caught his breath before waving off his praise. "Don't thank me. Really, don't. I didn't come here to help you people. I just really hate the empire."

"Even so, we are forever in your debt. Through your intervention, we hope to take back a shred of our stolen land and rebuild toward a brighter future. Once more, we thank you, kind stranger."

Casimir groaned. "Please stop…"

Shale hopped to her feet and hooked her arms around the Hitmonchan. "Hey, hey, hey, they wish to express their gratitude. I think we can use this to our benefit. How's about you boys hook us up with some fine ale and—"

"You're too young." He grabbed her by the ear and dragged her off.

"OW, ow! Okay, ow! Hurting!"

The knights waved them off. "Safe travels, brave warriors! May Lady Cresselia bless your journey!"

Casimir rolled his eyes. "Ugh, the last thing I need is people treating me like a hero." He released Shale and stuffed his hands inside his coat pockets.

Shale smoothed out her ear before smirking at him. "Oi, what's the big deal, Caz? Don't like the attention?"

"If you knew the brutality I inflicted to win my freedom from New Chariot, you wouldn't be looking at me as some kind of brave, righteous hero."

She scoffed. "Oh please, your colosseum days can't be any worse than what I've seen in the Outlands."

"A kid your age shouldn't even be in the Outlands."

She snickered. "Hence why I'm so great."

Casimir shook his head and groaned. "All I want more than anything is to get my revenge on New Chariot. More than that, though…" He raised and clenched his fist. "I'm going to get my revenge on that backstabbing bastard, Saturn."

Shale glared. "Ah, the…one who sold your friend out and got him fed to the living murder monster?"

"That one."

"I'd kick him in the groin for you."

"…An odd sentiment, but appreciated."

She snickered. "That's what partners are for." She crossed her arms behind her head and sighed. "So, how exactly are we going to kick New Chariot's ass? All we've been doing is suppressing the few armies still lingering around these parts."

"Hard to say. There's not much for us to take advantage of." Casimir crossed his arms and glared at the ground. "Although, there is one chance."

"Your promise with the Foresters?"

"Ragnarok has it out for New Chariot, too. I want to help him rescue his sister, even if to get my chance to defeat Saturn."

"…" Shale chuckled. "Well, if we're lucky, maybe Lady Cresselia will lead us to our destined fortune by the pale moonlight."

"Don't invoke anything you'll regret."

"Do you believe in gods?"

"I don't believe in testing my luck the one time I'm proven wrong."

"Then we let the nights lead the way and hope for the best."

Casimir rolled his eyes. "I suppose it's better than aimlessly walking around…"

"That's the spirit!"

23rd Festive Moon, 908 – Back with the Foresters

The tour through the Umbra Clock warzone didn't end for the Foresters as they came up on another stretch of land devastated by the war. Though the warfare lessened the closer they neared the capital, this was by far the worst damage they've come across.

Before them was once a thriving village that echoed with joy and life, now standing as a pile of ash and charred wood. Stone houses withstood the fires, but were blown apart by long-range artillery fire or battles waged in the streets. Discarded weapons lay through the streets, along with broken farming tools likely used in defense and some even stabbing through soldiers' helmets.

The group trekked carefully through the charred streets, taking in the damage around them. Melissa shuddered, sticking close to Jason and holding his hand for comfort. A low growl rumbled in his throat as he gently squeezed her hand.

Lillia clasped her hands and sighed. "May all who lived here have safely evacuated."

Petra frowned. "Ooooh yeah, I remember passing over this village a couple times. Not fun."

Tank walked up to a house and gently pushed on a door, which crumbled to dust at the slightest nudge. He grimaced and wiped the dust off his glove. "It's a morbid thought, but should we check for any supplies that got left behind?"

Jason sighed. "Might as well. Prioritize any food or medicine that survived the fire. I'm going to scrounge around in the town archives for anything we can use." He glanced at Melissa. "Maybe you should go sit down for a bit."

"…R-Right." She let go of his hand and walked over to a block of stone that had been knocked out of a nearby building. She sat down on it and sighed, watching Jason speed off to find the archives.

Tank stretched his arms before gathering up the debris, melding them together speedily into a giant rake. He plopped it down over the ash and combed it back, revealing some gul coins buried underneath. He picked one up, polishing the ash off with his thumb. "Tch. New Chariot did a number on this place. Some of coins must've got warped by the heat."

Lillia pressed her hand to a window, peering into what was once a one-story inn. "Do you suppose everyone got out safely?"

"I would've thought your little prayer was all the confirmation you needed."

She shook her head. "Faith gives us strength of will, but Arceus isn't a god who interferes with the lives of mortals."

Tank tossed the coin aside. "Well, based on all the equipment laying around, I'd say the villagers put up one hell of a fight. That's as much I can tell."

Lillia narrowed her eyes. "How awful the lengths an army will go to fulfill the will of their ruler. Do you suppose any of those soldiers thought what they were doing was wrong?"

"Those people were raised to think they're owed the world. What they're doing is their version of right."

Lillia shook her head. "All this senseless violence just to have all the riches of the world, though?"

"New Chariot believes in giving the people comfort through luxury. Those that resist serve the empire while those that worship are treated with regard and wealth. That's how it's been since the start of its reign."

"Hmm." Lillia glanced over her shoulder. "What are your thoughts on the matter, Mel—" She paused, then frowned. "Oh…"

Tank and Petra followed the Meowstic's gaze and saw Melissa kneeling over the ash. She reached down and picked something up: a straw doll resembling a Slurpuff. It had a plaid blue-and-white dress singed from the fire. Half the doll was covered in ash, yet miraculously survived sharing the village's fate.

"Melissa?" Tank called out.

Tears dripped down her face. "…I…I'm going to see if Jason needs helps with the archives." She sat the doll down on her stone seat, adjusting it some it looked prim and proper, before trudging off in the ash.

Lillia sighed. "Poor Mels."

Tank glared. "She's not taking all this well."

"Can you blame her?"

"No." He stared at the doll propped up on the stone for a moment before walking over to a nearby house.

Petra raised her brow. "What are you—"

Tank tore out some stone and broken windows, carrying them over to the doll. Dropping them in front of the stone, he gave his arms a quick stretch before speedily dismantling all the materials. Dust flowed around him, and small pebbles fired around him, making Lillia shield her face from them,

When the dust cleared, Lillia looked ahead and found the doll inside a stone display case fused into the larger stone. There was even a stone plaque carved under it:

Hope will never die.

Tank stepped away from his little project and crossed his arms. "Figured it was better to keep it safe from the weather."

Petra's eyes shimmered. "Aww!"

Lillia smiled. "I thought you were a pragmatist."

He glared. "Something precious touched by the flames of war preserved for the sake of hope. That seems pretty logical to me."

"Heh. True."

Night fell over the land. After a long day of travel, the Foresters decided to set up camp for the night. Lillia prepared dinner while Tank and Melissa set up the tents. Jason stood guard, surveying the land for potential enemies in the distance. Thankfully, nothing came of it at the moment.

Once camp was set up, everyone gathered around the fire as Lillia handed out bowls of hot chili. "Enjoy," she said.

Melissa nodded, staring down at her food with a glum expression. "Thank you, Lillia." She scooped a spoonful up, blew on it, and took a bite.

Jason frowned at her for a moment before sighing. "We'll be nearing the capital in a few days' time. Hopefully everyone's finished packing up Fort Lucus for the move."

"Assuming this trip doesn't become a waste of time," Tank mentioned.

Petra downed her entire bowl of chili in one gulp, somehow not burning her throat. She wiped her lips and sighed with content. "Well, if things turn out badly, I could always speed back to the fort and tell everything this is an invasion instead."

Jason shook his head. "Even if I approved that, we're not in any condition to wage war against Umbra Clock. We'll just have to bet on the negotiation going well."

"…" Melissa's bowl trembled in her hands. "Erm…"

Lillia smiled sadly at the trembling bunny. "A gul for your thoughts? You look like you have a lot on your mind."

"…W-Well…"

Jason set his bowl aside and leaned forward. "Melissa, if you're having second thoughts about this—"

"N-No, I just…" She took a deep breath before staring glumly into the fire. "Seeing all the damage caused by New Chariot, plus with me leading the negotiation with King Tadhg, that's…I'm feeling…w-what I mean is—"

"You're feeling the pressure of responsibility," Tank guessed.

"…Y-Yeah." She set her bowl down and hugged herself. "I left Fort Lucus brimming with confidence, promising everyone that I would forge an alliance with Umbra Clock, but now I'm having second thoughts. I feel like so many people are counting on me whether they know it or not. I want to help the Umbra Clock Kingdom, but I'm worried I'll fail somehow. What if I'm not enough to get Tadhg to form an alliance?"

"…" Jason glared. "You are enough."

"You're just saying that."

"I didn't spend the last month traveling toward the east on a whim. I placed my trust and faith in your plan, and I'm sticking by that."

She winced. "But what if I fail?"

"Then we'll find another way. The Foresters have been through thick and thin before, but you've given us a renewed sense of purpose. We're finally striving to do something useful with the skills we acquired, and we have you to thank for that."

Lillia smiled. "You have caused quite a stir since you came to Fort Lucus. Whether you meant to or not, you inspired us to take on something bigger than just stuck-up nobles and societal discourse."

Tank nodded. "Besides, we know you'll win over the Umbra Clock Kingdom's trust. You have a tendency to make strong connections with that limitless idealism of yours."

Petra giggled. "Plus, anyone who can make friends with Jet just by being nice is definitely someone to support. I think he might have a little crush on you."

That made Melissa laugh a bit. "Don't be silly."

Jason smirked. "Well, that brought you back into good spirits, at least."

"…" Melissa sighed. She looked up at her group unsurely. "You guys really have that much faith in me?"

Lillia clasped her hands together. "Sweetie, everyone is placing their trust in you. They're packing up the fort and waiting to be teleported over here any day now. They don't think you'll succeed. They know you will."

Tank nodded. "Life is tough, and sometimes it seems like a struggle to keep fighting for a hopeless battle, but the death of hope is the death of ideals. You, with your boundless idealism, cannot waver in the face of adversity. At the end of it all, you'll keep striving for what you believe in."

Jason glared. "Precisely why we're on this quest. Without a doubt, you will succeed in earning King Tadhg's trust and allegiance with his kingdom."

"…" Melissa drooped her ears over her eyes, hiding her tears. A quivering smile stretched over her lips. "Th-Thanks, guys."

Lillia patted her shoulder. "We'll always be here to pick you back up. Sometimes you just need a little push to get you going again."

"Y-Yeah." The Buneary took a deep breath before picking up her chili bowl. "I may have lingering doubts, but…the best I can do is try."

Jason nodded. "Exactly, and we'll be right behind you every step of the way."

"…Thank you." Melissa picked up another spoonful of chili and ate it. "Mmm~."

Lillia giggled. "Someone's got their appetite back."

Petra raised her bowl. "Can I have another—"

"No," Jason said.

"I'm hungry!"

"You ate all your rations two hours ago!"

"I can't help that I have a fast metabolism!"

Melissa giggled before handing her bowl to the Ribombee. "Here. You can have the rest of mine."

Petra squealed and swiped the bowl. "I pray to the Church of Melissa, giver of food!" She leaned back and slurped up the chili.

Tank groaned. "Don't spoil her."

Melissa giggled. "I'll be fine, don't worry."

Jason rolled his eyes and handed his bowl over the fire. "Take mine. You'll need your strength."

She tried to push it back. "I'm serious, I'm not that hungry."

"Melissa, I'm not letting you starve yourself."

"You're one to talk. You can barely take care of yourself. Granny Aurelia had to force-feed you when she found out you weren't eating properly the last several weeks."

"That's different!"

Melissa giggled. "You looked pretty cute when she fed you, though."

His face turned red. "Melissa!"

Lillia snickered. "Aww, how sweet."

"S-Silence!"

Tank smirked a bit. "I don't normally see you getting so flustered, Jason."

"H-Hush!"

Petra tilted her head. "I wish I had a grandma who would feed me."

"Petra, eat your chili and stay out of this!"

"But I already did—"

Everyone suddenly froze, their ears perking up to the sound of rustling grass. Slowly, they turned their heads in the direction of the tents, where they saw a couple of shadows being highlighted in the warm glow of the campfire. Without warning, the two shadows turned and tried to book it.

"HEY!" Jason burst from his seat and tackled the figures to the ground. He pressed their heads down, delivering a few warning sparks. "Don't. Move."

"Jason!" Melissa ran over to his side. "Who is…?" Her eyes widened. "What. The?"

As their eyes adjusted to the low light, they found that Jason had tackled a Hitmonchan and a Cinderace. The Hitmonchan adjusted his head and glared up at them. "Uh…hi? You're the Foresters, right?"

The Cinderace flashed a grin. "Got anymore of that chili? I'm starving."

Jason and Melissa blinked in confusion. "Do…we know you?"

"I…believe a few of your members know me," the Hitmonchan said. He raised his brow at Melissa. "Though, I could've sworn your name was Harlow, not Melissa."

"…" Melissa took a deep breath, then immediately faltered onto her back.

Jason facepalmed himself. We really need to stop using her name so casually.

"So…you're the Casimir and Shale that Ragger and Luna reported on?"

After collecting themselves, the Foresters invited Casimir and Shale around their campfire, sharing in their leftover chili. Casimir finished slurping down his bowl before setting it aside. "We've been hanging out in the Umbra Clock Kingdom for the last few months, taking down any lingering parts of New Chariot still festering about." He grimaced. "I heard it's been getting bad in the west."

Jason nodded. "It has. We've been burning through our remaining resources just to stay afloat. Without our supply chains to keep us active, I'm afraid we're on our last legs."

Shale shoveled her chili into her mouth, licking her lips. "Mmm~! Good stuff." She tossed the bowl over her shoulder and smirked. "So, what's with the hiking trip all the way out? Decided to abandon your team in the dark hour?"

Lillia shook her head. "Actually, we're on a quest to speak with King Tadhg regarding an alliance."

Casimir raised his brow. "Is that so? Awfully bold move. Not just anyone has the gumption to walk up to a royal and demand an alliance."

Melissa frowned. "We're kind of desperate. I suggested it as a way to boost our power and regain our supply chains. If everything goes well, the Foresters get to live on another day. But—"

"You're worried about the rumors surrounding the prince-turned-king," he guessed.

"Exactly."

He closed his eyes for a moment. "Hmm, that does seem like a tall order to fulfil. The prince is well-known for his bottomless greed. Working out a deal with him could be tricky, especially if he has his mind set on something."

Tank glared. "You're familiar with King Tadhg?"

"I've only heard about his infamy during my days in the colosseum. Despite his position as the prince at the time, he was considered one of the most dangerous tacticians to face off against New Chariot."

Jason raised his brow. "That young, and he already had a reputation."

"They say he personally works with the knights to…improve their potential, as it were. He will seek out anything if it catches his interest. For instance, there's a rumor he hired a mad scientist against his father's wishes just because he could and wanted to."

Petra tilted her head. "A greedy prince who gets whatever he wants and has a madman working for him? Wow, this guy sounds more and more volatile, doesn't he?"

Melissa winced. "Oh boy…"

Shale waved it off. "Ah, don't let that stop you. If that doesn't work out, you could always bust down his doors and—"

"Already shot that idea down," she and Jason interrupted.

"Ah, shoot."

Casimir leaned back, arms crossed over his chest. "While the idea of forging an alliance with King Tadhg seems insane, he may see interest if there's potential in it. It's only a matter of making a considerable argument in favor of the alliance, or just being within his good graces to earn his friendship."

Lillia smiled. "So, you agree it's worth exploring?"

"I'm a straightforward thinker. If it works, it works. If not, oh well." Casimir glared at Melissa. "Still, are you sure it's a good idea for you to be this far out from the west? No offense, but…"

"…" Melissa closed his eyes and sighed. "I've caused a lot of trouble as Skill Hunter Harlow, but this is my one chance to prove who Melissa Penworth is. I have my doubts, but I'm not going to let my friends down."

"…" Casimir nodded. "I see no fault in that."

Shale smirked. "Hehe, I'm going to hold this one over the old lady. Who would've guessed I'd make friends with a princess?"

Melissa smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, uh…how about we keep quiet about that? Please? You weren't suppose to hear that."

Casimir rolled his eyes. "Well, you shouldn't have been using your name so brazenly." He glanced at Jason. "I'd half-expect you to have some degree of professionalism."

"…" Jason turned away, hiding his flushed face. "I…haven't really been my usual self these last few months." Melissa giggled and patted his shoulder.

Casimir sighed. "Regardless, we'll keep your secret." He then glared. "We'd also like to come along. If this leads in any way to retaliation against New Chariot, I want my chance to get revenge on Saturn."

Jason, after cooling himself down, nodded. "Ragger and Luna have both spoken highly of you two, so I suppose we could use the extra support. We're a few days off from reaching the capital. Just try not to get in our way with the negotiations…"

Shale narrowed her eyes, feeling everyone's stares homing in on her. "…Oh sure, single out the troublemaker! That's not going to give me a complex!"

Casimir groaned. "I'll make sure she stays out of trouble."

"Rude!"

Melissa took a deep breath before standing up. "In that case, it's best we get some sleep. We still have a long way to go." She raised her fist. "And I'll make sure I'm ready to confront King Tadhg and convince him to help us turn the tides of war. Nothing is going to stop us!"

Casimir smirked. "She's quite confident in herself."

Jason hid his own smirk and chuckled. "You haven't seen anything yet."