30th Festive Moon, 908 – Fort Lucus

The month of silence had been long and arduous for the Foresters. With the recent announcement of a formal alliance finally being made between the western kingdoms, the Foresters' place in the war became unneeded. No longer bound to protect their home when they were steadily losing ground and resources, their efforts could be pushed toward greater heights once that long-awaited news reached their ears.

Two days prior, they were blessed with the nighttime visit of Petra, handing the co-leaders a letter of instruction from Jason regarding their next move. With the instructions read and cleared, the co-leaders and Nature Spirits organized the remainder of the Foresters to begin preparations for travel.

They would leave by the morning.

Supplies and belongings were dropped off in the center of Fort Lucus, everyone gathering around and murmuring about what exciting prospects awaited them on the other side of the region. Word of Melissa's successful bargaining with the Umbra Clock Kingdom brought forth a blooming hope stuck stubbornly holding on as a bud since the invasion began. Now they could look forward with brighter optimism, knowing luck may turn to their side once more.

With everyone gathered in the center of the fort, all they could do now was wait until the Teleportation Corp finished locking onto the coordinates given to them.

Brooklyn nervously tapped her talons against the floor as she sat on her luggage. "Oh dear…"

Shingo stroked her back. "Are you alright?"

"…I haven't been back to the Umbra Clock Kingdom since I was a Tranquill. By now, especially with everything going on, I wonder if I'll run into some of my siblings." She frowned. "I wonder if I'll see my dad…"

Shingo frowned. "Are you worried about facing him?"

"I'm worried he'll have forgotten about me. Like I didn't matter…"

He glared. "You do matter, Brooklyn. And if he doesn't think so, I'll beat some sense into him until he recognizes what a talented flyer you've become."

She smiled softly. "Heh. Thanks, Shingo."

Ursula paced around the circle, stretching her arms. "The sooner we get to Umbra Clock, the better. My hands are itching to break New Chariot skulls."

Ragger, who was sitting close by, aggressively guzzled from a gourd of ale, wiping his maw clean. "Agreed," he growled.

She frowned. "That's right, you're hoping to find your sister in New Chariot, aren't you?"

"Everything I've done up until now was all for this moment. First chance I get, I'm blowing down New Chariot's walls and tearing through every soldier in my way until I can save her."

"…" She chuckled softly. "Well, count on the rest of us to have your back."

"Just as long as I get the chance to punch that so-called emperor in the face…"

Fabrice strummed along on his lute while Enora lay across his stomach and worriedly drummed her digits against the floor. "I wonder what Melissa and the king have planned. Jason made it sound like they were going to pull out all the stops on this one. Will we have to invade New Chariot? I'm all for it, but seems a little sudden."

Fabrice hummed softly. "No, with what we've faced these last couple of months, it's not going to be a counter-invasion. I bet they're taking an indirect route to end this war." He glared. "Though, I do agree. New Chariot is a mighty power. Storming the capital wouldn't yield victory without some big win condition."

Pandora, who was within earshot of the couple, groaned. "Who cares? Anything to teach those jerks a lesson. Once they get a load of these babies—" She pulled up a set of blueprints in her forelegs. "They'll cower in fear over the might of Overlord Pandora! Mwuahahahahahahaha!"

Enora winced. "Well, that bodes well for us, I suppose."

Marie gently patted the cackling Growlithe's head. "Turn down the crazy a notch, Pan. We don't want our new allies thinking we're all completely psycho."

"Who you calling psycho?"

Eventually, the individual conversations quieted as the Nature Spirits and co-leaders entered within the teleportation circle. Blitz raised his hand to the Foresters, gathering their attention. Once all was silent, he cleared his throat and gestured to the thieves.

"I'm sure many of you are hesitant about leaving Fort Lucus—"

"Some more than others—" Jet growled, impatiently tapping his foot.

"This has been our home for several years now, and the forest served us well in our original endeavor. However, times have changed as of late, and we can no longer rely on our old methods. A greater cause has reached out to us, and we answer its call to war. Fort Lucus will be remembered fondly for all it stood for, and it will continue to stand as a last line of defense even with us gone. For now, we march forth to a new future. With the guidance of Melissa, the Foresters will join forces with an unlikely ally to take back our homeland and secure the potential for peace. This is what we've been fighting for. Melissa gave us this chance to become something better than we once were, and we'll finally strive to do what we aimed for: protecting the weak from the corrupted. Today, the Foresters rise to greater heights in the name of true peace!"

"YEAH!" the Foresters cheered.

Eadwulf nodded. "Prepare yourselves. We depart to the Umbra Clock Kingdom!"

Everyone stood up and clutched their luggage, bracing themselves for the jump through space. They took one last look around the fort, knowing what secrets will be left behind should New Chariot even dare to invade the capital and happen upon the abandoned fort. Any ally to the Foresters until the end.

Percival and his Teleportation Corp focused their psychic energy through each other, focusing on the coordinates and envisioning the jump through space. They envisioned the location, a tunnel of psychic energy carrying them across the region in an instant.

They held their breaths and heightened the absolute state of their concentration. Their energy expanded out in a bubble, containing them and everything within their formation. Space warped around the bubble, twisting and compressing the atmosphere around it until a bright flash enveloped the ruined fort.

For what may be the last time, the Foresters wished Fort Lucus a fond farewell before vanishing in an instant.

So long, Fort Lucus. Continue to uphold the hopes and dreams of the outcasts of Virdis.

Umbra Clock Capital

In the span of several seconds, the Foresters felt the weightlessness of teleportation pass over them, their feet returning to solid ground. As the light of the teleportation ritual dimmed, some of the thieves took a moment to gather themselves from the sickening feeling of jumping through space.

Klaus pulled himself onto his feet, taking in a big whiff of air and shuddering in relief. "Oh, sweet Arceus, it's fresh air!"

Kenny weakly raised his fist in silent cheers, still woozy from being sick.

Blitz, after shaking off a mild spell of dizziness, asked, "So, where did Jason have us teleport to?"

The thieves finally took in their surroundings and found themselves standing in the dead center of the castle courtyard surrounded by towering hedges leading toward the castle doors. The sight of the giant stone castle was a sight for the ages, the first time for any of them to stand before a castle without raiding its windows or back entrances.

Speaking of the main entrance, their arrival was expected as a group of maids stood by the entrance steps, bowing their heads dutifully. "Welcome, honored guests, to Castle Foirbeis."

The greeting was whiplash for the thieves who have never experienced such warm welcomes from royalty. It was almost too much to absorb, having only arrived literal seconds ago. Taking charge, Eadwulf stepped forward and bowed in return. "Hello. Thank you for inviting us to your kingdom. To who will we be addressing as our host?"

"That would be us." The maids parted, allowing the armored Kirlia and Buizel, Una and Leitis, to descend the stairs. Arms tucked behind her back, Leitis stared the thieves down with an even glare. "We will be representing King Tadhg during his and Princess Moira's current absence. We are his wives, and we will be taking charge of you during your stay."

Sid's eyes widened. "The king has two wives? I thought that was a rumor…"

"Lucky bastard," Klaus mused.

Eadwulf, Blitz, and a reluctant Jet approached the duo. Eadwulf held out his hand. "Eadwulf Trevorrow. This is Blitz Leafwind and Jet Fyrewalker, the coleaders of the Foresters."

Una giggled. "Leafwind? Fyrewalker? Are you two from Arcania?"

Jet snarled. "What's it to you?"

"EEP!" She jolted away from the Oshawott. "This one looks feral…"

Blitz sighed, pulling Jet back by the hood. "They're just names we adopted from our leader since we didn't have any."

Leitis shook her head before shaking Eadwulf's hand. "By orders of the king, you will become guests of the castle. The maids have been instructed to explain the rules of living here, but you will have free reign once you've settled in." Her grip tightened around Eadwulf's hand. "I trust you will all be on your best behavior."

Eadwulf, sensing the Buizel's hostility, nodded slowly. "I assure you, we want what's best for both our parties. If it means serving the Umbra Clock Kingdom for the betterment of Virdis, then we gladly accept your terms."

She sighed. "Then I suppose we should let you through." She snapped her fingers, ordering the maids to gather the Foresters' extra supplies and carry them into the castle. "Follow the maids to the upper floors, and they'll show you to the spare rooms we have set up."

Blitz leaned forward. "Question: where are the rest of our friends?"

"Tank is currently assisting our royal scientist with some of his projects. Lillia is currently in the training hall. As for Jason and Harlow, they will be mostly unavailable for the week."

Jet growled. "And why is that?"

Una twirled around the irate Oshawott. "Oh, they've been locked in the war room with Tadhg, Moira, and Lord Blackwood since yesterday. They won't be coming out for a while."

"WHAT?!"

Leitis groaned. "Perhaps it would be best you find Lillia so she can explain this to you. Una, can you show them to the training hall before you join me upstairs? Tadhg still wants us to keep a close eye on everyone while they get settled in."

Una saluted. "Aye! Follow me!" She grabbed all three leaders by their hoods and, before they could protest, teleported away with them.

Leitis massaged her temples as the last of the thieves entered the castle. "Tadhg knows what he's doing, Tadhg knows what he's doing. Everything will be—" She winced as something crashed inside the foyer.

"Uh, that vase wasn't super expensive, right?" one of the thieves shouted from inside.

The Buizel exhaled through her nose and marched inside. "Patience…"

With a plethora of rooms available for the Foresters to bunk down together, it didn't take long for them to claim their new beds and throw themselves in unpacking for the long haul. With each room capable of holding up to six people, they were free to bunk together of their own choosing.

Enora pulled on Fabrice's arm, dragging him into a room with Ursula, Margot, and Emile. "Come on, Fabrice! You'll be bunking with me."

He chuckled lightly, letting his girlfriend drag him along. "Are you sure?"

"Oh please, we're all adults here. We're living it up in a castle! Let's live a little!"

Ursula stretched her arms. "Just as long as my nighttime routine doesn't keep you all awake."

Emile waved it off. "I think we'll managed."

Margot bowed her head. "I, for one, partake in some late night reading, so it will be of no disturbance to me."

Sadie hooked her arms around Marie, Pandora, and Adenine, snickering aloud. "Once Hars is done with whatever she's doing, we're definitely having a girl's night in our new room. She's always hopping around doing something, and I refuse to spend another day apart from my bestie."

Pandora rubbed her paws together excitedly. "I can't say no to some late-night hijinks! Ooh, we should totally prank the others. I've got loads of ideas stored away in my mind!"

Adenine giggled nervously. "W-Well, Ah'm not one for stayin' up late, but Ah suppose Ah can make an exception. It has been a while since we could hang out Harlow. Between her heist preparations and the last couple of months, we haven't had a lot of time to hang out."

Pandora snickered. "Though, that didn't stop her from goofing off with Jason during their little book club."

Sadie covered her mouth, briefly bursting into laughter. "Oh Arceus, he was so flustered when we caught them acting out their books!"

"Yeah, hilarious…" Marie mumbled, gently kicking her foot across the floor.

The Audino frowned. She and the girls took notice of the Mawile's glum expression. She gently prodded the Mawile's cheek and asked, "Something on your mind, Marie? You look down."

"Hmm?" Realizing this herself, she jolted up and chuckled innocently. "Oh, nothing. Yeah, a girl's night sounds good. Make the most of the free time we have left, right?"

Pandora frowned. "You sure you're alright?"

"I…guess I've been missing Harlow since she and the others left, and now we can't see her until she's done with that war meeting, so…"

Sadie patted her back. "I hear you, but the week will be over before you know it. We're going to make the most of our time with her as we can, so cherish every second while you still can!"

"…Yeah. Cherish every second," Marie mumbled.

"Hey everyone!" The girls, as well as the rest of the Foresters, turned down the hall to Basil, cheekily waving to everyone. "Let's not waste this golden opportunity! New home, new adventures! Let's explore this place while we still can!"

"YEAH!" The thieves threw their luggage onto their beds and bolted from their rooms, scattering through the halls in an instant.

Leitis gasped and shielded herself as the rush of green-cladded thieves passed around her like a crashing river. Her eye twitched as she caught the tail end of them flying out of sight from the hallway. "W-Wait, hold on a moment! You can't just—AGH!"

As the Buizel pulled at her hair, Una teleported by her side. "I'm back! So, what's first on the agenda?" She paused and took in the empty hallway as well as her stressed out companion. "…Wow, party died without me?"

"Shiny~!"

The maids gasped as Gold and Jewel ran down the halls, eyeing up all the expensive treasures on display. Ancient family portraits, ancient pottery, display cases with ornamental weapons, and so much more that sparkled in their eyes. Nothing beyond the wildest dreams of a thief hitting the secret burial spot of a pirate's treasure. It was like being invited into the royal treasury.

"These will look great in our room!" Gold exclaimed.

"Adorned by only the finest riches available in the castle!" Jewel cheered.

"Riches aplenty—"

"Boundless wealth—"

"All ours for the taking!"

They leapt for a golden vase on display, but were snagged by their hoods and dropped to the floor. They tilted their heads back and met the irritated gaze of Leitis. They shrunk a little, giggling nervously as she impatiently tapped her foot.

"It hasn't even been a minute," she grumbled.

"Sorry~," they whispered.

Tightening her grip, she dragged them through the hall. "Your leader already warned me about you two. You're both on timeout!"

"Aww…"

"Where do you think they keep the wine cellar around here?" Ragger loudly asked, marching ahead of Ursula, Leon, and Lucient as they aimlessly wandered the castle.

Ursula frowned. "Don't you think it's a bit rude to be raiding someone else's belongings? We're supposed to be guests here."

"And I'm sure our generous hosts won't mind if I sample the goods," Ragger said with a cheeky smile.

Leon rolled his eyes. "Please. You just need something to distract yourself from thinking about New Chariot. It's written all over your face."

Ragger huffed and hastened his pace. "So what if I am? Doesn't change the fact I'm going to tear that stupid palace down until I find my sister. However, worrying about it now isn't going to do me any favors, so why bother stressing over it?"

Lucient smiled. "How mature of you, Ragnarok. I was half-expecting you to become agitated from the lack of progress."

He shrugged. "We're already here, so it's just a matter of waiting it out." He glared ahead, clenching his fist tightly. "I'm not wasting a second once we set our plan into motion. Whatever they're cooking up to take on New Chariot, I'll be there to break down their walls and destroy everything that gets in my way."

"Well, I'm glad to see your fervor since before hasn't dwindled." The group stopped and looked over their shoulders. Stepping out from a connecting hallway was a Hitmonchan and a Cinderace. The scar-covered Hitmonchan half-heartedly saluted the Hakomo-o with a wry grin. "Hey. How's it hanging, Rag?"

"…" Ragger's eyes widened, then he broke out into a wide smirk. "You son of a bitch! Casimir!" He marched up to the Hitmonchan, extending his hand out and meeting him with a firm, flexing handshake. All observers could feel the rippling muscle between them from sight alone.

"I was hoping to catch up with you," Casimir said. "Seems fate has a funny way of crossing our paths together."

"Bah! Who cares about fate? Good to see you again! How'd you end up here?"

"I may have ran into some of your friends while I was lending support through the kingdom. When they told me what you lot were planning, I figured I'd get in on the action. Someone's got to pummel some sense into New Chariot, right?"

Ragger's smirk grew. "This just got ten times more exciting!"

Shale rocked back on her heels, grinning wryly at the thieves. "And to think we were trying to capture you lot for reward money." She pouted and looked off to the side. "Speaking of which, is that bet still going on? I don't think TG ever mentioned how we get in contact with him…"

Ursula chuckled. "Well, it's nice to have more allies this far out from the west. I look forward to joining you all in battle."

Leon groaned. "As long as you don't get in our way, that is."

"Be nice, Leon," Lucient gently chastised.

Casimir smirked lightly. "So Ragger, I hope you haven't gotten soft since our last battle. I can't have you slowing me down, you know."

Ragger laughed. "Oh, is that a challenge I hear?" Gripping the Hitmonchan's hand tighter, he forced himself and Casimir to the ground, slamming their elbows into the floor. "You, me! Arm wrestling! I'll show you how much I've grown."

"HA! Bring it on!"

They tightened their grips and, without an official signal, began their match. They flexed their muscles, fighting for supremacy in the tug-of-war of strength. Ursula and Shale crouched down and cheered them on like loons. "Go, go, go, go!" they cried.

Leon's eye twitched. "We're surrounded by nutjobs."

Lucient chuckled quietly. "Well, you have to be crazy to get into this line of work."

With no warning whatsoever, the royal kitchen was suddenly invaded by Lambert and Vanessa, the former carrying several boxes of cooking supplies over his arms. "Move aside, people! Coming through!" the Grumpig ordered, pushing his way through the chefs.

The head chef, a Volbeat, stared at the duo in utter bafflement as they set the boxes beside the counter. "I…I beg your pardon?! Who the blazes are you?!"

He wiped his brow and turned to the chefs. "Lambert Ramsey. I'll be assisting with meal preparations for the Foresters during our stay here."

Vanessa awkwardly waved. "Um, hi. I'm Vanessa."

"Excuse me?!" the Volbeat roared. "You can't just barge into my kitchen and take charge however you like! I can't have dirty street rats running amuck in here!"

Lambert snorted. "Street rat? Listen pal, I'm here to make sure my friends get a nutritious meal, and I've been hearing complaints about rationing from the staff here. Is that true?"

A Slurpuff meekly raised his hand. "W-Well, I suppose we haven't been able to provide for the staff as efficiently as before. The king ordered for food to be distributed to the knights fighting on the frontlines, so we've been lacking in ingredients as of late."

Volbeat huffed. "I trained under the finest cooking instructors for years, and now I'm forced to make passable dishes just to keep everyone fed."

Lambert chuckled arrogantly. "Well, then I guess you'll need a street rat like me to teach you a thing or two about preparing meals with the bare minimum."

Volbeat scoffed. "I doubt anyone of lower class such as yourself could possibly match the exquisite art of fine dining. It takes years of discipline and technique to create meals fit for a king."

Vanessa raised her brow. "Hasn't your king been eating stale bread and water as a snack recently?"

"Not the point!"

Lambert rolled his eyes before reaching into one of his boxes. "Before you blow your lid off—" He pulled out his recipe book and tossed it to the firefly. "Perhaps judge with your own eyes."

The Volbeat caught the book with a haughty scoff. "Oh yes, what disastrous delectables will I find in this?" He opened the book and grumpily skimmed through the individual recipes.

As the seconds ticked by, Lambert's smirk grew as the head chef became increasingly more puzzled and intrigued by the amateur chef's list of meals. The more he read through it, the more amazement his eyes reflected. His fellow chefs gathered around, skimming through the book over their boss' shoulder.

Volbeat lifted his eyes from the book and asked, "You utilize the scraps from the leftovers for other dishes, too?"

Lambert crossed his arms and laughed. "When you're growing up in the poorer sides of the region, you can't go around wasting food. Every gram makes a world of difference, and I refuse to waste even a single scrap when cooking. Everything has its uses, whether to enhance a dish or to be converted into something else to assist in the cooking process."

Volbeat glared down at the recipe book. "Is that so?"

"When you live like a thief, you have to use what you have. Not a single thing goes to waste. Turning even the tiniest of scraps into a five-star meal can make the difference between winning a war or starving on the battlefield."

"…" The firefly closed the book and tossed the book back to Lambert. He then bowed to the Grumpig. "I humbly apologize for my misjudgment of you, Chef Ramsey. Even at my age, it appears there is still much to learn. Perhaps you can teach us how to better manage our resources and make use of what little we've been provided."

Lambert smirked. "I'm always happy to share my experiences with a fellow chef." He set the book down and stretched his arms. "Let's get to work! We've got a lot of hungry people to feed!"

"Aye, Chef Ramsey!"

Vanessa chuckled quietly. And here I thought he was going to get into another fist fight.

"What in the world?!"

Upon news of the Foresters' arrival, the Umbra Clock Royal Council congregated to the castle to witness their coming, only to be greeted with the circus of chaos brought along wherever the thieves went.

"Woo!" Wyatt, Avel, and Kenny glided across the floors, gripping onto bedsheets like sails while Brooklyn cast a Tailwind to propel them forward. They went flying past the royal council before colliding into a wall, knocking a portrait loose.

"AH!" The elderly Carbink of the council deployed his Psychic and barely caught the portrait in time. "Good heavens, what—"

"Make way!" The council jolted as Sidney, Rusty, and Klaus sped by atop a service cart being pushed by Hedwig, laughing like lunatics as the Lycanroc steered the runaway cart by shifting her weight. They went flying into the main foyer and out onto the courtyard.

"What is going on here?!" the Squawkabilly councilman exclaimed.

Dragonite hurriedly looked around before setting his sights on Una, who was blissfully observing the tomfoolery going on. "Dame Una, what is the meaning of all of this?!"

She turned to the councilmen with a smile. "Oh, don't mind them. They're just exploring the castle."

"They're running amuck like children!" Pyroar roared.

"Oh, they're fine. Not every day you get to stay in a castle, right? Besides, Tadhg told me they had full permission to do whatever they want as long as they didn't disturb the staff or steal anything."

"AGAIN!" Hedwig's shouts roared from the foyer as she and the others dragged in the dented service cart.

Carbink's eye twitched. "How is this not disturbing?!"

Una giggled. "You all worry too much. Where's that adventurous spirit?"

"Dame Una, as the king's royal council, we feel that this behavior is unacceptable," the Dragonite proclaimed. "It's bad enough he allowed these criminals to stay in the castle as our guests, but to give them free reign to—"

"You four work so hard already. Maybe what you need is something to loosen those youthful spirits!" She then whistled and waved over Hedwig's group. "Hey guys, let's show the councilmen how to have some fun!"

The trio (plus bucket) ran over with Hedwig setting the service cart down in front of the elderly men. "Alright, hop on!" Hedwig exclaimed.

They gasped. "How dare!" Squawkabilly huffed. "We will not play into your childish—"

However, Una had grabbed them from behind and teleported them atop the service cart. It bent under their combined weight with everyone laying in the Dragonite's lap. Before they could further their disapproval, Hedwig grabbed the handle while Sidney and Klaus took hold of the sides.

"Launch!" Klaus and Sidney exclaimed.

"Let's go!" Hedwig broke into a sprint and went flying through the foyer.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!" the councilmen screamed, holding onto each other for dear life as they were pushed out of the castle, flying down the stone steps and racing out into the city.

Una walked up to the doors and waved them off. "Have fun!"

Pandora followed behind Leitis with a bored expression on her face. Before the Growlithe could go off to explore the castle on her own (and secretly find ways to rig it with traps), the Buizel knight pulled her aside as the king requested for her to meet with someone per Melissa's advice. Though Pandora wondered what Melissa had in mind for her, she'd rather be causing mischief without knights breathing down her neck.

"How much further?" she whined. "Where are we even going?"

Leitis rolled her eyes. "Your friend, Harlow, and King Tadhg agreed that you should meet our royal scientist so that you can combine your talents."

Pandora chuckled haughtily. "Actually, I'm a solo act. I don't need some inferior mind weighing down on my evil genius."

Leitis sighed. "Regardless, this is a direct order from the king, so I ask you at least speak with our scientist."

"Whatever. They're probably going to be a waste of my time—"

BOOM!

The girls jolted as an explosion rang out from the doors up ahead. Racing over, they shoved their way into the room, which happened to be the royal lab. They found an Electabuzz covered in smoke and laying in front of some kind of mortar permeating the air with ash. Off to the side was an Eiscue and, someone Pandora actually recognized, Tank.

The Electabuzz removed his goggles and cackled. "Brilliant!"

"Uh, sir, it didn't work," the Eiscue said.

"I know! Brilliant!"

Pandora blinked twice. "What the…?"

Leitis groaned and pushed the Growlithe through. "Have fun." She grabbed the doors and slammed them shut behind her.

The Electabuzz bounced onto his feet and turned to Pandora. "Ah, you must be my new partner!" He raced over and extended his hand. "Dr. Enoch Yap, at your service!"

She raised her brow and gingerly shook his hand. "Pandora Day. Hi."

"I've heard much about you from your friend, Tank! And, I must say, I'm already a huge fan!"

Her eyes widened. "Oh?"

"Yes, yes! He told much about your exploits in the Foresters. Your unwavering imagination for destructive instruments is a true work of inspiration! I wept when he told me of your inventions. I was most moved by the alchemy-powered cannon you attempted to develop!"

Feeling her pride swell, Pandora crossed her forelegs and chuckled. "Well, it's still in the testing stages, but…thank you!"

"Tell me, what projects have you been working on as of late?"

"Oh, I don't know, I couldn't possible—well, since you asked!" She hooked her foreleg around his neck and whispered, "I'm constructing a flying apparatus that will grant land-based creatures such as us the ability to conquer the skies. No longer will we be bound by the laws of gravity!"

"Brilliant! AH, but incomplete!"

She glared, taking offense at his comment. "What do you mean incomplete?!"

He grinned. "I have been working on a way to utilize the material in peanuts to create high-powered explosives. Imagine a hidden compartment under your apparatus that could deploy these explosive armaments across the battlefield."

Her eyes twinkled with glee. "You mean raining hellfire across our enemies and watching them scream in agony?!"

"It would turn the tides of ground-based battle into our favor!"

"I have my blueprints in my room! We can go over the design specs and see what areas need to be improved!"

"Brilliant!"

"BRILLIANT!"

Both scientists threw their heads back and burst into maniacal laughter, their voices booming across the lab and startling poor Renfield while Tank watched on in annoyance and concern.

This is precisely why I told Melissa having them meet was a terrible idea…

Lillia led Blitz and Eadwulf through the castle garden out back, taking in the flowers being maintained by the gardeners. Jet, despite being brought along, stomped off the second he came out of teleportation. No one stopped him, knowing he was struggling the most with accepting the new normal.

Eadwulf crossed his arms. "So, what's this business about Melissa and Jason being locked away in the war room?" he asked, keeping his voice low around the gardeners.

Lillia stopped by a rose bush and knelt in front of it. "It was the king's idea. He, the princess, and Lord Blackwood agreed to host a nonstop meeting in the war room to discuss how they're going to counterattack the New Chariot Empire. Uninterrupted deliberation going over how to best approach the situation with as little chance for error as possible. We have no idea how long the meeting will last, though Tadhg gave it a week before they come up with the perfect plan."

Blitz raised his brow. "Seven uninterrupted days, at least, of planning a counterattack? Aside from sleeping, eating, and other necessities, they must be pulling out all the stops."

Eadwulf groaned. "Great, as if Jason was already an insomniac. Please tell me they're not camping out in the war room."

Lillia giggled. "Well, I haven't seen them since yesterday, so…"

"Ugh."

Blitz glared. "You mentioned Lord Blackwood. What's your take on him?"

Lillia frowned. "Honestly, he makes me nervous, though I can't place why. A man of intimidating stature, that's for sure." She brushed her hand across the roses, gently cupping on to sniff it. "Still, he seems genuine about putting a stop to New Chariot, so I can't say he isn't out ally."

"What are your impressions of the king?" Eadwulf asked.

She chuckled. "Strange, that's for sure, but honest." She straightened up and brushed off her uniform. "He went through a lot of effort just to make sure we were true to our word. Seems our fluffy-tailed compatriot left a shining impression on him with her idealistic attitude."

Blitz sighed. "It feels strange working with the Umbra Clock Kingdom. We have allies in the Arcania Kingdom we haven't seen in a while, and they wouldn't be too keen on this alliance. We sort of lost touch when Jason started becoming more engrossed in his revenge against the Verde Kingdom. We only ever reached out for supplies. If they knew about this…"

Eadwulf placed his hand on Blitz's shoulder. "I'm sure Zana and the others are doing fine without us."

Lillia frowned. "I never heard much about your alliance with the Arcania Kingdom."

"It wasn't really an alliance. It's just that Jason knew some people there during his travels. They…fell on some hard times after the massacre over a decade ago. Last we saw them, they were scrouging to keep their gardens alive." He glared at the ground. "Although, according to Victoria, they've been steadily revitalizing the land they have left. I wonder what changed."

"…" Blitz sighed. "Maybe once we've gotten some order back in Umbra Clock, we could reach out to the Arcania Kingdom. Perhaps we can mend the rift between both kingdoms."

Eadwulf laughed bitterly. "Good luck with that. The Umbra Clock Kingdom is just as responsible for the devastation Arcania endured. They lost plenty of secrets and land because of them, not just New Chariot or Great Gate. It'd be a miracle to get them on our side."

"Wouldn't hurt to try," Lillia said.

Eadwulf shook his head. "Let's focus on the objective ahead first. Once Jason and Mels eventually come out of that meeting, we'll set our sights on New Chariot."

Blitz exhaled an ember-laced breath. "For our sake, I hope whatever they come up with will turn the tides of battle."

"So freakin' stupid, why are we…ugh!"

Jet marched out of the castle, kicking a pebble he found along the way, and stepped outside the castle gates. He grimaced at the people roaming about, most of them hard at work with only the youngest of children enjoying the summer air. He growled under his breath, slamming his fist against the stone gate.

"This goes against everything we stand for. Why did I agree to this stupid plan?" he grumbled.

"Because your faith in Melissa and Jason outweighs your hatred of nobility?" He glared over his shoulder as Luna approached him. She crossed her arms, shooting him a light glare. "Saw you huffing and puffing your way out of the castle."

"Get lost," he mumbled, marching out into the city.

She followed him despite his wishes. "Look, I get you have trouble trusting others, but don't you think the good we're doing means more? This isn't about working with nobility or betraying ideals. We're doing this to save Virdis from a much crueler fate. Doesn't that mean something to you?"

"I haven't had a single original thought in my head since the day I was born," Jet growled. "The only thing I know is to serve whoever I deem my superior. I'm a sentient weapon whose only purpose is to be pointed toward the objective."

She frowned. "Is that really all you see yourself as?"

"It's all I am."

"…" She sighed. "I don't know your history, and your loyalty to the Foresters is beyond admirable, but—"

"But nothing. This is who I am, and that's all I care to be."

"…" She shook her head. "Alright, then maybe consider this: stop blindly following orders and just tell yourself what you want."

"What I want doesn't matter."

"You know as well as I do the Foresters changed the second you allowed Melissa to join. I can tell you care deeply about her. You're the one who supported her decision to come here. She didn't ask you to support her."

"…"

"Jet, do you…like Melissa?"

"…" He groaned. "Don't feed my head with your nonsense."

"You may see yourself as a weapon, but Melissa sees you as a soldier. Same with Jason. They don't think of you as just a sword to be used in battle and eventually disposed of. If you want to dedicate your life to serving either of them, that has to be your decision. They'll never order you to focus your life around their decisions. Melissa brought us here because she saw the path toward a better future, and I believe she's grateful you stood up for her decision despite your bias."

"…" Jet stopped walking, keeping his unmoving glare fixed on the ground.

She placed her hand on his shoulder. "We may never see eye-to-eye, but your life is so much more than just a weapon for the Foresters. Perhaps it's time to finally let all this anger go and ask yourself who you are. Who is Jet Fyrewalker? And who do you want to be?"

"…" The Oshawott breathed in deeply and looked toward the sky. The pressure looming inside his chest seemed to quell ever so slightly as his thoughts turned to the idealistic Buneary he once despised. When did his rage toward her quell?

When he saw her potential in battle?

When she stepped in to fight Althalos?

Her insane heist?

His rage after what happened to her in Senbo?

A life dedicated to serving who he deemed his superior, never thinking for himself. He was perfectly content with this. That was simply how he was raised. All he ever wanted was to be useful. It was…no different to how the idealistic bunny pushed herself, an outcast among outcasts wanting to prove her worth.

But what was holding him back? Why does he dare suppress himself from reaching his full potential? Most importantly…

Who…am I?

Jet wasn't the only one seeking seclusion from their new surroundings. Marie eventually found her way to the rooftop and sat over the edge, peering over the capital with an unreadable expression. Her eyes almost appeared glossy, lost in deep thought.

"Almost time, isn't it?" Breaking from her thoughts, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Basil approaching from behind. He flipped onto the spot on her right and rested his arms atop his propped-up knee. "Soon enough, we'll be seeing a new era emerge throughout Virdis."

"…" Marie closed her eyes. "I never imagined Melissa could pull off something like this."

"She's setting everything in motion for a new beginning. She should be proud of herself." He chuckled. "She's like the spitting image of Giles when you think about it. I bet if he was still alive, he and Melissa could've turned this whole region upside-down."

She sighed. "But then she would've learned more about the real Virdis, and I'm not sure if she'll like that."

"She won't have to know. We'll be there to shroud the darker parts of our history while she leads it to a new era. For now, we just need to wait to fill our roles for her plan."

"…" Marie leaned back on her hands and stared up at the sky. "I don't feel comfortable about going to New Chariot. I never wanted to get caught up in another war."

Basil chuckled. "Well, it can't be helped. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do."

"Hmph. So, when are you going to tell Jason about what really happened to Benvenuto?"

"…"

"You killed him. Your own friend."

"We weren't really friends. He was just a pawn I used to keep myself alive."

"No one should have the right to take lives on a whim. It's cruel. It's carnage. It's hell."

"…Does any of that really matter? War is cruel and unkind, yet we still go to war because no one can decide when peace should be the option. If you want something, you either steal it or commit genocide. That's how the world is." He chuckled quietly. "Besides, you don't have the right to lecture me on death being unfair."

"…" She closed her eyes and sighed.

"That's what I thought."

"…" She glared at him. "I hate you, you know that?"

"Where have I heard that before?" He stood up and dusted himself off. "We both have something to gain from striking back at New Chariot, so let's make the most of it. Enjoy your time with Melissa while you still can. After all, death can be…so unkind to the most undeserving."

He hopped down the ledge and cheerfully waltzed back inside the castle, leaving Marie to continue glaring down over the city. Something stirred in the Mawile's heart. Her left eye churned in a red aura, gently flaring up as that troubling pit in her stomach stirred. She clasped her hand over her eye and took a deep breath.

"[The cruelest death…is one to the heart.]"

4th Summer Moon, 908

The week had gone by, and the Foresters gradually adjusted to their new abode after the first few days of unhinged merriment. However, today turned to a special day as, reportedly, the war meeting would be coming to an end.

Blitz, Eadwulf, Jet, the Nature Spirits, Leitis, and Una waited outside the meeting doors, either waiting by the doors and pacing about to make the time go by faster.

Percival sipped from his canteen, drumming his fingers across it, before glancing at Blitz. "Do you sense anything?" he whispered.

Blitz nodded. "I can feel their body heat shifting around inside. They may be wrapping up right now."

Jet groaned. "The sooner, the better. The war's only going to get worse if we don't act soon."

Zephora glared. "I wonder what they came up with. To lock themselves away in here all week, they've must've been cooking up something."

Sidney winced. "I hope they didn't actually lock themselves up in there all week. Last thing I need to see is our supposed superiors announcing their big plan while having not bathed once."

Valentine chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure they didn't go that far. They probably took breaks at night."

Leitis sighed. "Tadhg can be a bit eccentric when it comes to planning. He wanted absolutely no distractions for something as big as this."

Una giggled. "He once locked himself in a library from what we heard!"

Eadwulf perked up. "I think I hear them getting up."

Everyone scrambled into position and straightened up. The doors unlocked from the inside and pulled back, a blanket of darkness briefly hanging inside the room as the wall lanterns were snuffed out.

The isolated party of five emerged out into the hall, each sporting dark circles under their eyes from several days of tireless deliberation and strategizing. Tadhg carried with him a stack of papers bound together by string. He had a few ink stains across his shirt, too.

Melissa yawned, gently rubbing her eyes, and smiled at the awaiting group. "Hey everyone. Glad to see you all made it."

Blitz smirked. "Something tells me you all look terrible."

"What gave it away?" Jason grumbled, vigorously rubbing his eyes. "Good grief, my back feels stiff. When's the last time I've isolated myself away in my hut doing paperwork?"

"I do not miss those days," Eadwulf mumbled.

Moira rolled her eyes. "Well, as tedious as it was, it helped iron out potential shortcomings if we are to execute a counterattack on New Chariot."

Lord Blackwood bowed to the Foresters. "Our combined efforts have surely created the ultimate strategy to finally turn this war in favor of the Umbra Clock Kingdom, and hopefully to snuff out their advance on West Virdis."

Jet glared. "So, what's this brilliant strategy you all cooked up? How are we confronting New Chariot?"

Tadhg smirked tiredly and raised the bound stack of papers. "Everything you see here is a detailed account of how we're going to push New Chariot out of my territory, but we're not going to war with them quite yet. We're going…to disrupt the empire's godlike status from the inside."