27th Wisdom Moon, 908 – Umbra Clock Capital
"Yippee!" Rikmai cheered as Tank wheeled her out of the medical building, soaking in the refreshing breeze blowing across her face and rustling her light jacket. "I've been cooped up in there forever!"
Tank nodded. "The doctors agreed you could use some fresh air, so they granted you permission to leave for the day."
She leaned back, purring against her seat. "And you volunteered to guide me around the city? Oh Benjamin, that is so sweet of you—"
"Ya're the one who begged for him to take ya out." Rikmai laughed awkwardly, acknowledging that this supposed date she imagined was accompanied by a third wheel, that being Adenine. The Kecleon shuddered, rubbing her arms as her jacket did little to keep out the cold. "Ah hate this time of year…"
Though it wasn't the romantic evening Rikmai hoped for, she supposed it was better to be accompanied by another friend since she was still recovering. Plus, having only chatted with the Kecleon sparingly during her trips to Senbo, this would be a good time for them to bond. She was already planning a double date with her and Erasmus!
Tank shrugged. "Then I wouldn't recommend vacationing in the Algus Kingdom. The summer doesn't do much to dampen the cold."
Rikmai's ears twitched with delight. Another piece of information about Tank acquired: an Algusian resident!
"Oh yeah, the Algus Kingdom gets super cold during the winter, especially!" Rikmai exclaimed boldly.
Tank raised his brow. "Oh? You've been to Algus?"
"Oh yeeeeeeah, totally! My family…vacations there every year! Yeah…"
"…What part of Algus?"
My cleverly constructed lies are falling apart!
"Uhhhhhh, oh, that's not important! Hahahaha…!"
Adenine looked away, hiding her withered smile. Real subtle, Mai.
Rikmai cleared her throat and asked, "S-So, uh, what are we doing today? I haven't gotten a chance to see much of the capital since, uh…well, I was barely awake when I was transported here."
Tank shrugged. "Well, since the war with New Chariot has lessened, businesses are open again. I thought we could check out a bakery or something."
Rikmai squealed, wrapping her tail around herself. "Aww, Benjamin! How'd you know I have a sweet tooth?"
"I…didn't. I just assumed most women liked sweets."
Adenine sighed. "Ya're a real straightforward feller, Tank."
Rikmai was too infatuated to think otherwise. "Still, it's the thought that counts! Ooh, this is going to be fun!"
As the Vaporeon swayed off into her own little world, Adenine leaned in close to Tank and whispered, "Okay, ya cannot be this oblivious, right? If her legs weren't still on the med, she'd be throwin' herself into yer arms—"
"I'm not dense," he whispered back.
Her eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
He sighed. "Look, she's not bothering me if that's what you're thinking."
"…Huh." Adenine looked aside briefly before asking, "So, uh…why haven't ya said anythin' yet?"
"Don't know. Just going along with it."
"…" She groaned. "Ya are one complicated feller, Tank…"
"…So, that's who Talos is."
It took days of referencing every book in his collection trying to determine the mysteries of the ancient text before Tadhg's eyes. In a matter of days, he got a grasp on the language, floating reference sheets above his head as he skimmed through a number of different books at once. Though he promised himself to take his time looking into the matter, he ended up down a rabbit hole of information regarding the ancient world just from the brief snippets of history he connected from other books. A complex web of history tangentially connected in one form or another.
His search into better understanding the Elysivine Kingdom led him to discovering more and more about the specimen known as Talos. The strange diagrams he found didn't seem out of place to what he would find in Dr. Yap's lab, but to uncover them from an ancient society?
He recalled there being a few tales regarding the ancient world and the creation of certain Pokémon, those born of the earth itself. Though the creation of all life remains a mystery to today, certain Pokémon seemed to have existed in the world later than most, such as the Golett line, creatures whose ghostly energy possesses clay and taking it on as their true bodies for generations. It was a fascinating phenomenon Tadhg wished to learn the origins of, but far from his current objective.
The point is, the ancient world was something alien to their time, holding a vast web of secrets waiting to be untangled.
However, like all things, the ancient world seemed to have something of a shared history with the rest of the current world. Since Virdis was founded by travelers a thousand years ago, it was only natural aspects of that time would persist to now. That would also include the gods, whose names may have taken on a different form by certain groups.
Talos…was actually another name for Regigigas.
A fascinating find from days of research, and it fit the discovery. According to myth, Regigigas helped shape the world by rearranging the lands created in the battles between Groudon and Kyogre. He was held up as a god of architecture, or even a god of creation. The world was a canvas for the ancient god to shape.
One of his greatest feats in myth, however, was the ability to shape matter into living golems to serve his will. Though certain texts reference the possibility of multiple types of golems, there were only five known. They assisted their master with shaping the world.
By that logic, the device within these diagrams meant…
"Ancient golems?" Tadhg mumbled.
As he dug deeper into the journal, there appeared to be references to such devices being active during the late rule of the Elysivine Kingdom, dozens of them waging war against the kingdom for…purposes currently unknown, as far as Tadhg could read.
But the process to create life was unheard of. Tadhg was no stranger to the subject, and he hadn't found a way to replicate the myths regarding the creation of Pokémon like Golett. It seemed nothing more than an uncommon phenomenon that would forever be lost to time. Creating soldiers from clay and metal, though?
How was it possible? How does one control a puppet remotely? And beyond just throwing itself like a half-decent cannonball, what was the supposed danger of these puppets? Could they have been outfitted with weapons? It wasn't impossible, especially with the developments in prosthetics. But how was it controlled? And from how far could it be controlled?
Tadhg scratched his chin. "Arcania had access to this information for over a century before Granddad seized it in his time. They may still have access to it, just either hidden or verbally traded. There may even be older members of Arcania who knew about this."
He leaned back in his chair, rocking himself as he glared at the ceiling unsurely.
Alchemy has advanced so much since those times. Would Arcania have the means to replicate Talos?
Basil sealed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, taking one last look to make sure he didn't forget anything. Satisfied, he closed the bedroom door behind him and made his way down the hall, hoping to snatch some snacks before later. He yawned, having not gotten much sleep last night. Was it nerves? Perhaps. Who knows?
He stopped by the window and glanced outside, spotting his fellow Foresters either meandering through the city or training in the courtyard.
How strange that they were living it up in a treehouse for several years, now earning the respect of a king to take refuge in his kingdom as honored guests. It was such a laughable possibility if someone had told him this would be the next step in the Foresters' mission for justice: working with the very forces that brought them so low.
Basil laughed quietly and continued on his way. "Life works in mysterious ways."
"I couldn't agree more." Basil stopped and opened one eye, spotting Blitz hanging around the corner. The Charmeleon straightened up, tilting his head in the Salandit's direction. "How are you, Baz?"
He smiled and shrugged. "Living my best life, I suppose."
"Hmm. Good. Where are you off to?"
"Though I'd grab a thing or two from the kitchen."
"Going somewhere?"
"Thought I'd explore the city a bit. Might take all day. Got to stay hydrated and all that, right?"
"Hmm. True."
Basil walked around the Charmelon, who followed behind. Walking side-by-side, the Salandit couldn't help taking a few glances at the cool and collected archer, virtually unreadable with eyes as foggy as Echo Bell after a week of rain. Blitz was the least intimidating of the higher ups, often the voice of reason and compassion for Jason's coldness and Jet's fierceness. He balanced them out.
Though, Basil would be a fool to say Blitz was the least dangerous.
"…So, I'm taking a stab in the dark here, but Jet talked to you after he got on my case, right?"
"He said you were skulking around in the dark?"
"Oh, he exaggerates everything. While yes, I partake in a little bit of sneaking, to dare frame it like I'm some dastardly criminal is…well, frankly, hypocritical given the line of work we're in."
"…" Blitz sighed. "Baz, is there anything you want to talk about?"
"Oh, lots. I'd show you some new magic tricks, but they're more sight-based, and I don't want to be insensitive—"
"Baz, I've known you for a long while. Though I can't tell what you're feeling, I know that tone of yours. Saying words, but putting no meaning behind them."
Basil smirked. "Oh, come now, I put plenty of meaning behind my words. Why, I never speak unless I had a reason."
"…" Blitz shook his head. "You must've been scared, being in that circus for so long. Surrounded by horrible people. How did you get by for so long with them?"
"Simple: being crazier than the monsters." He snickered. "It's surprisingly effective. I once traumatized their previous alchemist. Good times."
Blitz didn't smile or even glare at the Salandit. He looked at him, a face filled with sympathy. "If you want to talk about it, I'm willing to listen. When…Jason told me about what happened, with your escape from Arcania during the massacre, I…well, I can't imagine the feelings you endured since then."
"…"
"Look, Jet's just being paranoid like usual. If there is a problem, I want to get to the bottom of it with you. You know you can trust me."
"…" Basil shoved his hands inside his pockets. "My mind isn't a nice place, Blitzy. I prefer to keep all that baggage locked up tight where it belongs." He grinned over his shoulder. "Besides, I've gotten over that massacre stuff ages ago. Doesn't really bother me anymore."
"…" Blitz narrowed his eyes. "Basil. You don't have to lie—"
"Geez, you and Jet just can't take the hint, can you?" He groaned, scratching behind his head. "Look, I've always been a free spirit. I'm doing what I do best: just going about life at my own pace. Whatever happened in the past is behind me. Let the past burn and all that."
"…" Blitz sighed. "If you ever need to talk, I'm always here to listen." He patted Basil's shoulder. "Jet and some of the others may not see it, but you're a good guy. Always have been." He went on his way, leaving the Salandit by his lonesome.
A good guy, huh?
Basil curled his fist, laughing bitterly. A forced, bitter laugh as he continued down the hall, hanging his head and trying to ignore the tightness in his throat.
No. Sorry, Blitz. I can never be the good guy.
Shingo went over his checklist after sorting his belongings and equipment across his bed. Some rations, a couple canteens of water, explosives (just in case), rope, and a few other tools. He glanced unsurely out the door every time someone passed by, hesitating on his assignment before resuming as he was.
However, his thoughts were interrupted the moment Brooklyn entered. The Unfezant opened her beak to say hi, but paused when she noticed the things on the bed. She frowned, taking note of the Frogadier's pensive expression and zeroing in on his thoughts almost instantly.
"…That was a secret letter you were given earlier, wasn't it?"
"…" Shingo sighed and set his checklist down. "Brooklyn, I'm rather busy—"
"Were you going to leave without me?"
He looked away, a bit ashamed. "It's…It's not like that."
She glared. "Shingo…"
He hung his head, letting out a deep sigh. "Yes, I got a message from Mother asking me to return to the Mochizuki Clan. They're planning a raid on the empire's palace following Lady Amano's ascension ceremony. We're…We're aiming to uncover the secret they've been hiding under the castle."
"Shingo, I know all about that, so why were you planning to leave without telling me? Or telling anyone? You know we would've noticed your absence."
He pinched between his eyes and shuddered. "Because I'm still haunted by my mistake."
"Are you still upset about what your dad said? He was just frustrated over how sudden everything was. He didn't mean to—"
"His disappointment can't compare to the anguish I have for myself!" Shingo, normally reserved and stoic, snapped. He clenched his fists, momentarily pausing to collect himself. He steadied his breathing before covering his face. "I dedicated my entire life to stealth, escape, and elusiveness. I'm supposed to be the stealthiest of the Mochizuki Clan. I took pride in my abilities. I was proud of how good I was. I was good. Too good. And I thought I could do more than what was necessary."
Brooklyn frowned. "Shingo…"
"It was just supposed to be a simple stealth mission, that's it. I just had to go in, learn whatever was going on with Emperor Amano and Lord Takigawa, that's it. But no, I'm a victim of hubris. I wanted to learn more. I wanted to find out the truth. I dug deeper through the palace…and I ended up getting caught. I got caught!"
"Shin—"
"Shinobi aren't supposed to have epithets, Brooklyn! I am Shingo the Unshackled, a name carried with honor and shame! We're supposed to vanish from history, be left unknown! A shinobi known to history is one who was discovered or caught!" He covered his face, falling back against his bed. "Because of my mistake, my family's lineage of espionage was uncovered. Our entire life was devoted to the shadows, working in secret to maintain peace against corrupt lords of the empire. We shouldn't be remembered. And I got caught because I wanted to prove how talented I was…"
Brooklyn looked at her adoptive brother sympathetically, moving closer to drape her wing around him. She wasn't unfamiliar with these feelings, knowing how long he had been harboring this guilt. He tried his best to keep them closed off. Hidden. Like another disguise to blend in with the world on a mission.
"…I still haven't had the courage to reach out to my folks," Brooklyn admitted. "A part of me is still ashamed for running away. Getting caught. All because I was a terrible flyer."
Shingo sniffled and wiped his eyes. "You were never a terrible flyer."
She chuckled weakly. "My father tried his hardest to teach me, but his competitiveness drove a wedge between us. I wanted to prove to him I was great. I guess my own hubris got the better of me, too." She frowned. "That's why you've taken a special interest in training Melissa, right?"
"…" He sighed. "What I saw under the palace…after what we've endured these past several months, I believe in her goal more than ever." He glared. "That's why I have to go back to Great Gate and help with the raid. I need to save my home."
Brooklyn patted his back. "We need to save our home. Great Gate's just as mine as it is yours."
"…" He smiled softly. "Perhaps hubris drove you away from home, but…I am glad you wound up in ours. A Fowler and a Mochizuki."
She smiled back. "You're not ditching me that easily. We're a team, remember? Once Jason gets back from his assignment, we'll tell him together that we're going back to the empire to help our family."
He nodded. "Right. Of course." He relaxed the tension in his body and sighed. "It has been a long time since I've last been home. I look forward to it." He frowned. "I just hope we succeed in our mission."
Brooklyn grinned. "Hey, we're strong. What's the worst that could happen, right?"
Rikmai nibbled happily on her jelly-filled roll, the explosive taste of jam lighting up her taste buds, overjoyed to be eating something packed with flavor after being put on dietary restrictions during her recovery. Though she felt her strength returning day by day, the sweet jam made the excruciating process all the better.
Adenine snacked on hers, sharing a smile with the Vaporeon. "Pretty good, right?"
"Oh, without question! Thank you, Addy!" She leaned toward Tank, wagging her tail. "And thank you, Benjamin~!"
He shrugged. "It's no big deal. You deserve a little something after being cooped up in bed for so long."
"You're so thoughtful~," she purred.
"Uh huh." Tank set his roll down and asked, "So, Adenine tells me you come from a noble house?"
She laughed and waved it off. "Oh Benny, don't let our different classes get in the way of our relationship!" She flinched at his unamused expression. "N-Not that I'm saying you're poor or anything! Why, you must be the richest blacksmith in Algus! Ah, a noble blacksmith! Benny, you didn't tell me you were nobility, too!"
"…I'm not."
"Wow, really! Neither am I! Hahahahahaha—" Adenine swiftly chopped her on the head.
"Layin' it on a little thick, Mai." She whispered into the Vaporeon's ear, "Look, I get ya want to make an effort impressin' Tank, but he's a pretty easy-goin' feller. Just be casual. Don't try too hard."
"…" Rikmai gulped and nervously tapped her paws together. "Um, I…recently took up some blacksmithing?"
Tank raised his brow. "Oh really?"
"N-No, this one's true! I…" She looked away shyly. "I was sort of inspired to take up the craft and really liked it. It was…different. Heh. I never expected myself to work in a forge or even become a knight, but I've always been motivated by…matters of the heart. And I end up liking what I'm doing more than I realized." She frowned. "Sir Gaufroi always said I had a lot of potential. Heh. He was probably just being nice."
Adenine smiled. "Oh, don't sell yerself short. Ah've talked to Gaufroi a few times, and he says ya have the potential to be a captain of the guard."
"Bwah?!" Rikmai gasped. "M-Me? Becoming a captain?" She laughed nervously. "Now I know you're messing with me. There's no way Gaufroi thinks I'm that talented—"
"Why not?" Her ears perked up in surprise as she faced Tank. He took a bite of his roll before continuing, "You fought the Roar of the Wastes, didn't you? Your efforts guaranteed your allies' survival. That's no small feat."
"…" She blushed. "Heh. Yeah, you told me that before." She scratched her head unsurely. "Um, would it be alright if you taught me a little more about blacksmithing? I promise, I'm eager to learn. I've even found ways to use what I learn in combat, so it would be useful."
"…" Tank smiled. "I'd be honored to give you some pointers."
"EEEEEEEE! Benjamin, you're so—" Rikmai caught herself and eased back on the excitement. "Ahem, right. Uh, thank you very much," she said, blushing madly.
Adenine nudged her and whispered, "Nice save."
"Would it be too much if I asked for a hug?"
She smirked. "He won't resist."
Rikmai squealed and threw herself against Tank, wrapping her forelegs around him. Tank rolled his eyes and gently patted her back while Adenine giggled to herself.
"La-la-la, la-dee-da-la~!" Una sang, merrily skipping ahead with a bag full of goodies in her arms.
Leitis followed behind, easily carrying a greater bulk of their shopping endeavors in her arms. "I swear, that cat buries himself into his studies and needs to be dragged out by his whiskers before his big brain forgets what a sun is."
Una grinned. "A homecooked meal does the soul some good!"
"Uh huh. Remind me again why you can't just teleport us back to the castle when we do these trips?"
"Oh, don't be a buzzkill. Besides, what's wrong with a nice walk? I can't rely on teleporting all the time." She gasped at an idea. "Ooooh, new idea for Tadhg! Teleporting across the planet!"
Leitis grinned tiredly. "Do you know how many teleporters are required to pull that off?"
"Tadhg's a smart guy, he can figure it out." Una smiled as she looked around the city, giggling at the lively activity of its residents as they went about their daily routines. "Speaking of, I can't get over how much happier everyone looks. No more doom and gloom for this kingdom!"
Leitis lightened up and nodded. "Lord Blackwood even said his territory is seeing renewed spirits. It was quite the gambit, but calling upon the Foresters as our allies worked like a charm. Even the civilians seem to be getting used to their presence."
"And soon, we'll be able to work out alliances with Algus, Arcania, and even New Chariot once that whole mess gets sorted out!"
"I'd hardly call the economic and structural collapse of an empire a mess to be sorted out."
"Oh, details, details~."
"Beware! BEWARE, all thee who hear!"
Una and Leitis stopped, directing their eyes to a Ledian drawing the attention of those who heard his shouts. He frantically waved his arms, eyes sparkling with panic while his wings buzzed with intense fervor as if barely keeping him afloat.
"Oh, beware! Beware, I say! I have been cursed with knowledge, good people of Umbra Clock!" the Ledian cried. "Cursed by knowledge not meant for mortal ears! Beware!"
Leitis squinted. "Wazzat?"
Una giggled. "I wasn't aware we had a clown doing shows today."
"I don't think this is a show…"
"Beware!" the Ledian cried again, the desperation palpable on his face.
"What the hell's your deal, Greig?" a Diglett asked. "What, did someone steal your antique tankards again? Pretty sure it was those thievin' cats lounging in the castle—"
"This is no theft I speak about!" the Ledian cried. "This is a matter of catastrophe!" He pointed to a nearby clocktower. "In exactly thirty minutes, we will be treated to a disaster! One sprung from wildfire raining from the sky!"
"…What?"
Leitis set her bags down and approached the nervous ladybug. "Ahem, excuse me. Dame Leitis, at your service. Sir, I think it would be in your best interests if you came with me. You seem unwell—WAH!" He grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
"You don't understand! I have been granted a fortune that means the difference between life and death! If we don't act soon, we'll be in the eyes of the wildfire!"
Una ran over and pulled the man off. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let's take a deep breath here. Like this!" She inhaled dramatically and exhaled with a sigh. She cupped her hands together cutely and smiled. "Now then, once more from the top."
The Ledian pulled at his antennae. "The fortune teller! He beckoned me to his tent to read my future. At first, I thought he was a con artist, but he saw my past with clarity. He knew my name, what I did yesterday! He even knew where I keep my extra money stashed away!"
"You keep it in an ugly flowerpot, Greig—"
"Not the point!" The Ledian continued, "The fortune teller told me a great disaster would befall the city soon, and only I had the power to stop it! He told me to gather everyone onto the northern side of the city to be spared the wildfire's wrath!"
Leitis glared. "When did you last see this fortune teller?"
"Five minutes ago on Westbound Street!"
"Una."
"Right-o!" The Kirlia disappeared in a flash.
"I'm telling you, we need to get to safety before the wildfire comes! If we hurry now, we can—"
"Sir, I'm gonna have to ask you to calm down. You are making a scene and stressing out the bystanders." Leitis crossed her arms. "If you don't stop and relax, I will be forced to detain you for questioning."
"Detain me?! But the city jailhouse will be in the line of fire! No, no! We can't! We need to hurry before—"
BAM!
Leitis jolted as the Ledian was knocked out cold by a Kangaskhan with a frying pan. She smiled awkwardly, brandishing her weapon. "Sorry, dearie. He was going to go around in circles if I didn't do something."
Her kid, a Kangaskid to some, poked his head out from her pouch. "Mom, did you kill him?"
"Oh no, sweetie. That was just a light tap."
Leitis winced. "That bump on his head says otherwise…" She groaned and picked the unconscious Ledian up. "Good grief."
Una teleported back to the Buizel, and her usual cheery attitude had been replaced with a frazzled, disturbed expression. "Uh…Lei?"
Leitis raised her brow. "Did you find the fortune teller?"
"Uh, yeah, uh…about that. There was no fortune teller's tent anywhere on Westbound Street."
Her eyes widened. "What? But he said he was only there five minutes ago. How could a whole tent disappear without anyone noticing?"
"That's…the troubling part. I asked around, and a few people did see this guy talking to some hooded fellow. But then the hooded guy left, and this guy apparently started talking all crazy out of the blue. There was never a fortune teller. I think whoever he was talking to messed with his head or something."
"…" Leitis narrowed her eyes unsurely, then glared. "Quickly gather the knights and secure the area."
"What about the prediction?"
"We don't know if this is a trap or not. Just get the knights into position. I'm taking this guy to a doctor, then I'm getting Tadhg."
"…" Una glared, then nodded. "Alright." She teleported away.
"The rest of you!" Leitis shouted to the bystanders. "Get inside and bunker down the entrances until we give the all clear!" She took off running as everyone raced to get inside.
This is way too suspect to be New Chariot, Algus, or Subterra's doing. For someone to get into the city without being spotted, either we have a mastermind trying to rattle us…or someone inside the city is trying to start something.
Meanwhile, in the Arcania Kingdom…
Melissa flinched as the cauldron boiling in front of her burst with a flash of pink smoke, filling Wisteria's hut in an ethereal light as if calling upon spirits from another realm. She watched nervously as the Salazzle twirled about her home, gathering ingredients in her tail and sprinkling them into the pot. Sparks and puffs of air danced across the surface.
"The Arcania Kingdom is the leading kingdom of alchemy," Wisteria explained. "Alchemy is our way of life. We pick from the garden of life granted to us by Mother Xerneas and turn her gifts into brews. That is alchemy."
"Incredible," Melissa mumbled, watching the cauldron bubble in awe.
Wisteria ceased her dance and poured a potion before stirring the concoction with a long, wooden spoon. "Tell me something, Harlow, how do we tell two people apart? Specifically, how can we tell two of the same creature apart?"
Melissa frowned. "Uh, well…while it's true there are similarities, there are noticeable differences if you…know what you're looking for."
Wisteria nodded. "Small, almost unnoticeable differences in the fur, eyes, posture, and more. There is a myriad of ways to tell creatures apart, even among the same species. Ask any who have a strong sense of smell, and they will tell you that every individual has a unique scent. The world is full of these little details, and the mysteries are peeled back bit by bit."
"What are you saying?"
Wisteria lifted the spoon from her cauldron. "This mixture you see before you can reveal the unseen. Specifically, it can reveal a creature's handprints."
Melissa's eyes widened. "It can do what?"
"It's something we've been developing for a while. Ask yourself, in your home kingdom, have there ever been cases where a Pokémon is accused of murder? Have they ever claimed they were innocent? And the only evidence was a weapon?" Wisteria glared, her eyes illuminating in the harsh glow of her cauldron. "This potion evens the playing field of the criminal underworld. Deception in law will be peeled away by the alchemy we've perfected. Doubt is the enemy of truth."
Melissa frowned, then reached into her bag, pulling out the dagger bundled together in cloth. She looked at it unsurely. "So, if I expose Marie's dagger to the potion, it will reveal her handprints?"
"It will."
"…" She bit her lip. "I see…"
"Are you okay?"
"I'm…just not sure if I'm ready to face the truth," she admitted. "I know she said some harsh things when she fled, but I want to believe there was something else to her words. I can't describe it, but there was…a sadness somewhere in her words. I don't want to believe she's a cold-blooded murderer."
Wisteria frowned sympathetically. "Harlow, you have a good heart, but this world isn't fair. We created this form of alchemy so that truth will prevail."
"…Why does the truth hurt so badly?"
"It can't be helped. That's the way of the world…"
"Truth isn't quite the harsh reality we reject, but it's an acknowledgement of what stands before us. To reject that reality is to reject the future in favor of a delusion."
Basil stood in front of Tadhg's door, eying it with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He knelt down, working quietly to pick the lock until he heard that satisfying click.
Slowly, he creaked the door open a bit. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled his Glamor Fog over the room, filling the air in its mystifying embrace. Afterwards, he pushed the door open and let himself inside, grinning at the back of the oblivious king's head.
"As of now, you cannot perceive me," he whispered.
"Listen to me, Harlow, there will be times where the truth is too much to bear. This is natural. We must not let our personal feelings sway from the future. Even the cruelest truths are the ones that will save us."
Basil stepped casually to the king's side, leaning against the desk and waving his hand in front of the king's eyes. Tadhg didn't seem to notice the brief glimpses of the Salandit's arm swaying before him. The trickster laughed quietly, then peeked out the window.
He grinned, watching as the knights marched out of the courtyard and patrolled the streets in search of the mysterious doom that was foretold by the panicking Ledian. Oh, how Basil felt bad for placing the helpless fellow under the effects of his Glamor Fog to foresee a great disaster, but it lessened security around the castle for a moment.
His eyes darted for the bookshelf.
"It's not a burden so easily upheld, but a world ruled by lies? That is a world we already live in. Look how Virdis has devolved."
Basil traced his finger along the book spines before finding the one he wanted: the journal of the extinct Stillsong Clan. He pulled it out, fluttering the pages open and getting an eyeful of unreadable text.
Or rather, text that was unreadable to all but an Arcanian.
"Understand my offer, Harlow. This isn't meant to destroy the memory of your friend, but to prepare you for what's to come. When the truth comes to light…"
Basil smirked. "Now then, let's see what information you left behind regarding the Scarlet Flame. Eh, Drogo?"
"…you will be set free."
With the sudden order from the knights to head inside, Tank and Adenine quickly brought Rikmai into the castle, which was thankfully the next stop on their destination. They were informed it was nothing to be alarmed by, but the trio couldn't help being wary even as they tried to preoccupy their time with the tour.
"It's a lot different to Castle Talbot," Rikmai awed. "Every inch of this place looks like it's made out of brick."
Adenine laughed. "Different to the fancy interior ye're used to?"
She grinned. "Hey, I didn't say it was bad or anything." She looked back at Tank, noticing his troubled expression. She frowned. "Still worried about what's going on outside?"
He sighed and shook his head. "Sorry. I'm trying to focus on the tour, but…I can't shake this feeling."
Adenine frowned. "How about we check on the king and see if he knows anythin'?"
Rikmai laughed bitterly. "Heh, right. King Tadhg…" My nemesis. The one who keeps taking my precious Benjamin away from me. Just you wait, mister. Once I start walking again, you won't be able to keep him away from me forever!
Navigating the halls, the trio made their way to Tadhg's chamber. Tank raised his knuckles to the door. "Hopefully he's not too busy to hear us."
However, before he struck the door, Rikmai suddenly reached out and caught his arm. "W-Wait," she said, whispering for some reason.
Tank glared. "Now's not really the time for this—"
"Something's off," she said, her voice filled with concern.
His and Adenine's eyes widened. "W-What do ya mean?"
Rikmai focused on the keyhole. "I've been practicing my technique for so long that I can sense minor changes in the air flow." She pointed at the keyhole. "Something is flowing inside the room, and I don't think it's normal air."
Taking the knight's word, Tank knelt toward the keyhole and peeked inside. He strained to focus on the room, but eventually noticed a nearly transparent purple gas flowing around. He could vaguely make out the back of Tadhg's head, and the Meowstic seemed oblivious to the gas surrounding him.
"What the…?" Tank strained to see more of the room before spotting something shifting by the king's desk. "Someone else is in there…"
Adenine gasped. "W-What's goin' on? Is the king in danger?"
"I'm not sure—" Tank's eyes widened. "No…"
"Ben?" Rikmai mumbled worriedly.
"Is that…oh my Arceus, is…is that Basil?"
Adenine's eyes widened. "B-Basil? What's he doin' in there? D-Did the king request him or somethin'?"
Tank clenched his teeth. "No, definitely not. This is definitely one of Basil's tricks."
Rikmai frowned. "W-Wait, I'm lost. That's one of your teammates, right? It can't be anything too serious, right? Maybe we should just knock on the door and see if he can explain—"
"If it were anyone else, I'm obliged to agree with you." Tank snarled. "But Basil is a different case entirely…"
Basil silently absorbed the information in the journal, taking in every detail left behind by the author regarding the mysterious flame that once caused catastrophe in Old Virdis. The further he read along, the wider his grin grew.
"Perfect. Marvelous, even. This is exactly what I needed to complete my ultimate technique. Once I make the right elixir, if I can make it work, all of this will have been worth it."
He snapped the book shut and slid it back onto the shelf. He stretched his arms and glanced out the window once again, grinning as the knights continued their patrol for the mysterious catastrophe forewarned.
"Well, that's about all I needed. A bit of a stressful situation to throw onto the city, but they'll be over it in a few days." He waved it off and made his way toward the door. "Now, all that's left is to—"
SHING!
A flash of metal swung toward Basil. In a flash, he spun around, aiming his pressed fingers toward his attack. The blade stopped short of splitting his neck open, and sparks danced off his hand as he rubbed his fingers together.
Basil grinned excitedly while a nervous bead of sweat dripped down the side of his head. "Oh…of course…"
Tadhg pushed his seat back and stood up. He had his hand raised, commanding his claymore to hold the Salandit hostage. He glared over his shoulder, eyes shining in an illustrious purple.
"Do you know the main benefits to Miracle Eye's base attributes? The ability for Psychic-Type moves to reach Dark-Types, normally immune to its influence. A useful application to make the most out of my techniques. However, its other main draw is to see what is unseen. To push away the illusions of the world to guarantee your target dares not escape your sight."
Basil snickered. "You saw right through my Glamor Fog."
"I periodically activate Miracle Eye for my own benefit. After all, when you dabble in forces like messing with space-time, it's always good to make sure the reality I see is truly there." Tadhg glared. "Or, in this case, making sure thieves don't get the jump on me."
"Heh. I was just here for a spot of reading, Your Majesty."
"You literally announced your plans right next to me. Is this the first time someone's actually peered through your illusions? You got cocky."
Basil smirked. "I guess I did…"
"I can cut your throat open at any moment, and you can ignite the gas in this room with just a click of your fingers. Since we're both being held hostage, why don't we get straight to the point?" Tadhg's eyes glowed brighter. "What are you up to?"
"…Heh." Basil closed his eyes and laughed softly.
Arcania Kingdom
"You could say…everything."
Melissa waited with bated breath as Wisteria pulled the dagger out from the cauldron, holding it carefully in her tail with a protective mitt. She lay it out on the table, letting the potion drip onto the surface. It took a moment, but a pink glow started to take shape on the dagger.
Melissa gulped. "Is it…working?"
Wisteria nodded. "See for yourself."
She walked anxiously to the dagger and leaned over the table. She focused as a couple handprints took shape on the dagger. On the blade, Jet's handprint was revealed, which didn't surprise her as he was the one to retrieve it.
Her ears drooped, however, when the handprint of a Mawile appeared on the hilt. Undoubtably, being Marie's dagger, it was bound to show itself.
There was no denying the truth now.
"…Marie," she mumbled.
Wisteria patted the Buneary's back gently. "Now that you see the truth, do you feel a little better?"
"…I wouldn't say better, but…" She wiped her eyes and sighed shakily. "I…guess it gives some closure. Seeing it in person, that is."
Wisteria nodded. "The truth is a hard thing to accept, Harlow, but may this help you face those nightmares. Take some comfort in what she accomplished. Emperor Nero was a dangerous man. He wouldn't have bent the knee so easily to anyone."
Melissa turned away from the table. "I just can't wrap my head around why. I'm willing to accept what she did now, but…I don't understand what possessed her to attack."
Wisteria shook her head. "Some things aren't revealed so easily. Perhaps she had her reasons, but you shouldn't fear…the…" Her eyes glanced back at the dagger, then her blood turned ice cold. "…W…What the…?"
Melissa perked up and looked back at the Salazzle worriedly. "Ms. Wisteria?"
"H-Harlow, y-you said…only the Mawile and…Dewott touched this dagger, right? No one else had access to it?"
"Y-Yeah."
"Then w-why…why is that there?"
Melissa looked at the dagger, now noticing a third print on the hilt. She moved closer to investigate, studying the shape of the handprint and wracking her brain for a match.
A four-fingered hand. Spindly fingers.
Why would this handprint worry Wisteria? She recognized it so fast, it's almost like she—
…
…
Melissa's eyes widened. She stumbled back on her heels, shaking as the room temperature dropped significantly. Her eyes shook frantically, staring pointedly at the dagger like it was a live explosive.
One handprint belonged to Jet, who retrieved the dagger.
One handprint belonged to Marie, who owned the dagger.
No one else should've had access to the dagger, or at least made physical contact with it. It was wrapped up the moment it was collected. And Marie didn't seem like the type to just hand her daggers off on a whim.
Unless someone else was using the dagger in her stead.
Everyone at Martius Palace saw Marie kill Nero. There was no deviation from that story. They saw a Mawile killing Nero, so it couldn't have been a transformation like what JoJo could do.
But it'd make sense…if the Mawile they saw was merely an illusion to hide the true culprit.
The third handprint…belonged to a Salandit.