29th Wisdom Moon, 908 – Midnight Village, Arcania Kingdom
Melissa paced back and forth in the center of the village, her expression creased with anxiousness. Luna and Victoria stood by, their gazes switching between the nervous Buneary at the pathway into the village. Zana and Bellatrix stood guard before the entrance with Jason, who stared down the pathway with an anxious scowl.
News of Basil's treachery arrived too late. With the discovery Melissa made, Jason penned a letter immediately to warn the Foresters and have Basil restrained for questioning. However, the news that was brought back to them a day prior couldn't have come at a worse time.
Now, they waited for confirmation on the tragedy that befallen them.
Jason tensed up as something came darting down the path. Petra, buzzing her wings as fast as she could, emerged from the dark passage with a letter gripped tightly in hand. Her expression was solemn, showing no signs of good or bad news awaiting them. It was an uncharacteristic expression for one so cheerful, which only worried the group more.
Melissa ceased her pacing and bounced closer to Jason's side as he opened the letter. His eyes darted down the page like lightning, skimming and absorbing every valuable detail while Melissa strained to get a closer look. She jumped back when she saw the Pikachu's stature loosen.
She gulped. "W-Well?" The girls leaned closer, holding their breaths in anticipation.
"…" Jason sighed before handing the letter to her. "Blitz is going to be alright."
A wave of relief crashed down over Melissa as she took the letter and collapsed to her knees. "Oh, thank Arceus!" She hugged the letter tightly as she finally let the tears loose.
As Victoria went over to comfort her master, Luna stepped up and asked, "How's he doing?"
Jason glared. "Still unconscious, but Tadhg's medical staff confirmed he'll recover. Thankfully, Basil's attack didn't hit any vital areas, and Blitz's natural defense against fire protected him from severe damage. Still, it might be a while before he wakes up."
Luna sighed. "I'm glad he's alright."
Zana glared. "How can you let this happen? You've spoken of your suspicions with Basil before, right?"
Jason shook his head. "I never imagined it was anything like this. It almost seems karmic. Blitz was the one who proposed the possibility of a traitor, but…" He growled. "Basil's always like this. He's always scheming and doing something. Never hides it. I should've been tougher in my interrogations about what transpired in Otis' poisoning. Now I've got two runaway traitors."
Bellatrix raised her hand. "Has anyone gotten into contact with your Great Gate friend? Shingo?"
"Shingo and Brooklyn haven't shown back up yet. I imagine they're still out searching for Basil, however long that takes." Jason slapped himself and growled. "This is all my fault."
Zana touched his shoulder. "Learn from it. That's all you can do." She sighed. "We can't really do much to help but offer our sympathies."
"Doesn't help my confidence, but thanks."
"…Why?" Jason's ears perked up at the quivering whimper coming from Melissa. She stood up, crumpling the letter in her grip as tears dripped down her face. "J-Jason, what's going on?"
He frowned. "Mel—"
"Why?!" She threw the letter down and covered her eyes. "I thought they were my friends! Marie and Basil! Why? Why them? Why is all of this happening?!"
"Melissa, Melissa!" Jason grabbed her shoulders firmly. "Calm. Down. Just calm down, okay? Calm down. Shh." He pulled her into a hug as she trembled against him. "Just breathe, okay? Just breathe."
She pressed her face into his shoulder and gripped into his jacket. "W-Why? Why did he…why did he do this? Jason, what's going on? Basil's our friend. Marie's our friend. Why…Why is any of this happening?"
"…" He patted her back. "Melissa, I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say, but I'm sorry. I know they meant a lot to you, but…" He groaned, unable to find the right words. What else could he say? If he said what he actually thought about Basil and Marie's actions, he'd just upset her more.
Victoria, thankfully, stepped in for him, gently pulling the Buneary away. "It's been a long day, Master Melissa. How about we get you something to drink?"
"…" Melissa sniffled and wiped her nose. "O-Okay."
Victoria patted her back, then nodded at Jason. "I'll handle this."
He sighed. "Thank you." He stepped back and let the Azumarill escort the Buneary away. He scratched his face aggressively, cursing himself. "This is bad…"
"…Wait, Melissa?!" Bellatrix suddenly exclaimed. "Wait, as in Princess Melissa of Verde—" Zana clamped the Braixen's mouth shut.
"Bella. Time and place," she growled.
"…Sorry."
Finding a secluded spot outside the village, Melissa and Victoria sat in the treetops with their canteens in hand. Melissa downed her entire supply of water in seconds, its refreshing coolness easing her nerves a bit. With her mind partially cleared, she set the canteen aside and rested her arms across her lap, staring down at the forest floor below.
Victoria fiddled with her canteen, feeling a tightness in her throat as she tried to speak. She admittedly wasn't the most serious person around, but she had a responsibility as the Buneary's closest friend at the moment, one who may have insight to the questions haunting her mind.
"…A lot of us weren't sure if Basil ever escaped that day, you know," Victoria finally said. "I didn't know him too well. The kingdom was small, but still lively back then. I did know about his family. The Dawnblite Clan was renowned for their service to the Arcanian military. Basil may have taken after his mother if…things turned out differently."
"…" Melissa's ears drooped over her eyes.
"It's…unfortunate. The surviving magicians searched for days trying to find him, but they never could. He got further than they thought. I…guess we know what happened to him after."
Melissa clutched her sleeve tightly, a visage of Itzal Abasolo flashing through her mind. The cruelty he brought to the Echo Bell Kingdom was unforgivable. She couldn't imagine someone as kind as Basil getting tangled up with such a despicable creep. And yet, she clearly didn't know Basil as well as she wanted to believe.
"I'm…sorry, Melissa. I wish I could help more, but…I was rather young at the time. Some things are a little hazy."
"…Do you remember anything about what happened during the massacre?"
Victoria shrugged. "Not much. I just know it was Great Gate who attacked us. The adults tried to protect us from those horrible memories. It was…a dark time for the kingdom."
"…" Melissa hugged herself. "I've lived my entire life protected by knights, offered the finest luxuries a princess could ask for, and never knowing want or fear." She clenched her teeth. "Every day I learn more about the world outside my castle, the more my heart aches. Why is the world like this?"
"I…I'm not the right person to be answering that. This is just how things are. This is how things run in the east."
"It's horrible."
"It's life, unfortunately." She sighed. "I'm sorry, Melissa."
"Why are you apologizing? I'm the ignorant one here."
"There's nothing you could've done even if you still had your status. Life's rough, but sometimes you've just got to bounce back and hope tomorrow is marginally better—"
"That's not fair to anyone!" Melissa cried. "Why does that have to be the way things are? Why can't people just get along? What's so difficult about being kind?!" She punched the tree branch, tears streaming down her face. "And why did it have to turn Basil and Marie into our enemies?! They're my friends! I shouldn't be thinking about slapping iron shackles on their wrists and throwing them in the dungeon!"
Victoria frowned, patting the Buneary's shoulder. "Heh. A world like that sounds nice. Wish I was there."
Melissa covered her face with her ears, shuddering as she tried to wipe her tears. "I'm more confused than ever. I just want to know what's going on. I just want answers. I just want everything to make sense again…"
"Melissa…"
She clenched her teeth. "Can't someone just tell me what's going on? I just want to understand why Basil would betray his friends. This can't just be because of Great Gate—"
"Then would you like insight from someone who knows Basil's past?"
The girls' eyes widened. Looking down, they spotted Wisteria standing at the bae of the tree. Her expression was solemn, carrying a great sadness in her eyes.
"Ms. Wisteria?" Melissa jumped down from the tree. "Are…Are you okay? You must've heard about what Basil did—" Wisteria pressed her tail to Melissa's lips, shushing her.
"Come with me. Please." She turned and headed back toward the village.
Melissa hesitated, looking up once at Victoria for reassurance. The Azumarill merely nodded and gestured her along. With a worried sigh, Melissa hopped closely behind the Salazzle, fearing what matter of tragedy the retired warrior had to unveil.
Midnight Village Council Hut
Jason threw himself back into a chair, growling as he massaged his temples and tried to alleviate the headache spurring on. For once in his life, he wished things would go his way. He wasn't asking for much, just not having to deal with more unexpected factors throwing a wrench into their plans.
Zana, sitting on the other side of the table with Bellatrix, asked, "So, what's your plan moving forward?"
Jason sighed, dropping his arms into his lap. "When Melissa brought on that information about Basil, we didn't have time to discuss a treaty with Umbra Clock. Unfortunately, with the way things are moving, I'm afraid we'll have to postpone negotiations."
Zana huffed. "Wasn't exactly looking forward to them, but I understand."
Luna, sitting by Jason, raised her brow worriedly. "Does…that mean we'll be heading back to the capital soon?"
"I imagine the others are in disorder right now. I'll need to be there to get ourselves back on track. Who knows how long until Shingo and Brooklyn get back? We don't even know where Basil is escaping to, so we can't support in the hunt." He scoffed. "If Basil really is working with Last Autumn, however, he's a high priority target. Whatever bargain or relationship he had with Marie, they can easily sell out our secrets. Not that they already haven't…"
"…" Luna looked away unsurely, wondering if she should speak, before gulping and saying, "A-Actually, I think it would be advantageous to stay a while longer."
Jason raised his brow. "Hmm? How come?"
Zana narrowed her eyes. "Yes, Dame Luna. How come?"
Luna raised her hands and laughed awkwardly. "W-Well, we came all this way, and Jason did promise to help the Arcania Kingdom. It'd be a shame to leave that offer on the table indefinitely. Without how busy we've been these days, who knows how long it'll be before we return? Why, I think it'd be in our best interests to provide support as soon as possible."
"But Luna, we can't just—"
She interrupted the Pikachu, "Jet's loud mouth is more than enough to get people in line. Plus, Eadwulf's recovering just fine, and he's more than capable of filling in for you in your absence."
Jason glared. "Is there any particular reason you want to stay?"
She laughed nervously. "Oh, maybe there's a…selfish reason. I mean, Arcania is a treasure trove of resources to explore, and I am fairly curious about amplifying my own abilities. W-With the support of Arcania, of course."
Zana's stare narrowed deeper. "Uh huh…"
Luna tried to maintain her composure as her thoughts drifted back to what she saw a couple days ago. Whatever Daarkston and his apprentices were working on, Luna had to get to the bottom of it. The fears of that mysterious letter she got from Amon last year, forgotten for the longest time, now carried a weight around her heart in fear of what dark secrets the dying kingdom kept hidden.
If they left now, it'd be too late.
"…" Jason sighed. "I suppose I can entrust Jet and Eadwulf to handle affairs in my stead." He glanced at Zana. "What say you?"
"…" She scoffed. "Whatever. I'm still not looking forward to these so-called negotiations."
Luna breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Thank goodness…
"I'll have Petra send a letter back to Umbra Clock later." Jason leaned forward. "As for the negotiations…"
Zana glared. "You want the Arcania Kingdom and the Umbra Clock Kingdom to join forces. They help us restore our land, but what do we get out of it? They've already taken from us. I suppose they'd want more of our research."
Jason sighed. "Inevitably, yes. Arcania's research into alchemy is unparalleled, and your knowledge only continues to expand as you develop stronger bonds with the nature around you. The miracles you could accomplish alone with do both kingdoms wonders. I get that there's that underlying fear of trusting them, but times have changed."
"…" Zana leaned back in her chair and huffed. "It's still a hefty ask. To even begin compensating for the damages first brought on by Umbra Clock, they would have to provide more than restored land." She glared. "Like an apology directly from the king himself."
Jason narrowed his eyes. "Isn't that a little much? He was never involved—"
"I can't exactly demand his father or grandfather to repent, so he needs to bear the weight of his kingdom's sins. A king must bear the burdens of his ancestors." Zana crossed her arms. "If he cared to see this alliance flourish, then nothing short of him begging for forgiveness will suffice."
"…" Jason groaned. "I shouldn't be surprised by that answer."
"You want to get tangled up in our history, Stormbreaker? Then you better be ready to face the scars left behind."
Luna quietly pulled away from the table. "I…think I'll leave you all be to discuss this. I'll get started on that letter for Petra." She scurried toward the door and let herself out, breathing a sigh of relief the second it clicked shut.
The tension between the two was palpable. Despite their friendship, Zana wasn't going to back down from all the crimes committed against her people. With their king virtually out of commission, she had to step up to make the tough calls others wouldn't. It was a stubborn attitude, but Luna understood her reasoning. Protecting the kingdom came first above all else.
Protecting the kingdom…
"What has the rest of Virdis done for us?! We're barely holding on out here! At least this way, we'll be able to make a name for ourselves!"
Luna hugged herself, a chill running up her spine. Arcania was desperate to survive, yet so unwilling to seek aid from those who wronged them in the past. What were they willing to accomplish to get the peace they sought?
With the time she bought for herself, Luna intended to get to the truth by any means necessary.
Meanwhile…
Melissa made her way into Wisteria's hut as the Salazzle sat herself down at her table. She hung her head, the sadness from before hardened by a solemn exterior, the same kind Melissa was introduced to.
Melissa sat opposite of the lizard, awkwardly shuffling on her cushion. She raised her gaze, waiting expectantly for Wisteria to speak. In her own fear and doubt, she completely neglected what Wisteria must be going through, hearing her son turning his back on his own friends.
Then again, how much did either of them know Basil as he was now?
"…" Wisteria sighed, coiling her tail around herself. "I've told you a bit about what Basil was like as a child. Those…are the only good memories I have left of him. The only memories I have of my son. I haven't seen them since that day, and I've only ever heard from him through a single letter when he returned the book on causinomancy. I had hoped he would find good people to surround himself with. For a time, I hoped the Foresters would be the bond he needed. Now I see he has already chosen his path."
Melissa frowned. "Ms. Wisteria, I'm really sorry. I can't imagine the pain you're going through. We want answers just as badly as you do—"
"I already know why Basil is acting out like this."
Her eyes widened. "You do?"
"I've been eavesdropping on your conversations with Stormbreaker. Everything Basil did up until that point. Everything." She sighed. "It breaks my heart to see the dark path my one and only remaining child has chosen, and yet I am not surprised by his decision. It seems my hopes that he would surround himself with good people came at a cost. He found the worst kind of people, too."
Melissa winced. "You mean…?"
"Your friend. Marie. Or should I refer to her as Makiko Takigawa?"
"…" Melissa looked down, gently wiping her eyes.
"It all makes sense now. Basil associating with that woman. It makes too much sense." She shook her head. "Everything ties back to that day."
"…When the Takigawa Clan led the assault that wiped out most of Arcania's remaining clans."
Wisteria nodded. "Basil and I are the last remaining Dawnblites. With no one to inherit our gifts, our clan's lineage will cease to be. Though, I hold faith another will carry on our practice in the future. A flame cannot be extinguished so easily. Our magic will live on even if we must perish."
Melissa winced. "That's horrible."
"It's simply the way things are. Our magic is heavily specialized for Salandit. It seems Basil put a lot of time into improving it. No. Perfecting it."
"So, you think Basil's doing all of this because of the Takigawa Clan? That he hates them so much that he's willing to cause pandemonium to get what he wants?"
"I can't speak for my son, only assume. Still, he always had a strong sense of justice as a child. I can't imagine what trauma he went through to warp the innocence he held." Wisteria narrowed her eyes. "The Takigawa are the root of Great Gate's corruption. They stand at the top, towering over others among a mountain of corpses."
Melissa frowned. But what does all of this have to do with Last Autumn? From the accounts and reports, Last Autumn and the Takigawa Clan should be allies. I don't understand. Why would Basil cause torment for his own allies? Is…Last Autumn even an ally?
Wisteria sighed. "Willing to critically injure one of his own, I can't imagine what he's up to now."
"Yeah…" Thinking it over, if Basil and Marie were working in secret, why the ruse in the first place? Why did Marie need to leave and take the fall for Nero's death? And why was Basil under the guise of Marie to begin with? Why did he need to kill Nero?
It's almost like they wanted the east to think Makiko was back.
Nero was technically allied with the Takigawa Clan, and his death caused a power vacuum that sparked Algus and Subterra to attack. And Great Gate reportedly attempted to scout out some of New Chariot's land, specifically the Takigawa Clan.
Marie fled. Basil attempted to leave in secret.
Are they still working together?
Do they plan to meet up?
But then, where would they reconvene—
Her eyes widened, realization crashing down on her like a sack of bricks.
He's going to Great Gate. He's going to the Takigawa Clan. And Marie will be there, too.
She still couldn't wrap her head around what Marie and Basil were ultimately after. It had something to do with Last Autumn and the Takigawa Clan. They were plotting something big, and it was only a matter of time before they enacted their plan.
It was a stretch, but it was a worthwhile lead.
I've got to tell Jason—
Before she moved from her seat, she stopped herself, noting the Salazzle's pensive expression. Melissa eased back into her seat and scooched forward. "Uh, Ms. Wisteria?"
"…He's going to be arrested, isn't he?"
She winced. "I…I mean, we don't technically have the authority to do that, but I guess he is a war criminal of Umbra Clock."
Wisteria sighed. "Perhaps it's for the best. I don't want my son going down this path any longer." She closed her eyes, clenching her teeth. "What kind of mother am I? Unable to protect my family."
Melissa gasped. "Ms. Wisteria, don't say that! I'm sure you did all you could—"
"IF I DID, I'D STILL HAVE MY FAMILY HERE WITH ME!"
Melissa recoiled, backing away from the Salazzle in fear as flames visible spewed from under her robe. Wisteria, realizing what she said, restrained her temper and settled back down, catching her breath.
"…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"I-It's alright."
"I'm…ashamed of myself for that day. I fought my hardest. I fought to the bitter end, and now I remain as the last remaining Dawnblite. My husband. My children. Gone. And now my only remaining son is a war criminal who's lost his way. I should've been stronger. But for all my infamy on the battlefield, I failed to protect what mattered most. I can never forgive myself for failing to protect them."
Melissa frowned. "Ms. Wisteria…"
"I just wish Basil would face me one last time. Just so I can understand why he's really doing all of this. I just want to know what happened to my son." A tear dripped off her snout. "Basil…"
"…" Melissa fidgeted with her coat as she stared down at the table unsurely.
She had to tell Jason about her hunch. It was their best lead on finding Basil. However, with the trouble Basil caused and his history of mischief, no one was going to go easy on him. To the entirety of the Foresters, he was the enemy now. An unforgivable traitor who was to be persecuted to the highest degree. No one would forgive him for the lies and treachery he brought upon them.
Was it foolish of Melissa, then, to think that there was still a good person inside the treacherous lizard? If someone truly reached out to him to get to the root of his cause, would that save him? Jason, despite his comfort, no doubt was holding back his sheer loathing for the lizard all to spare her feelings. An army would come down on Basil before he had a chance to explain himself.
But would a friend be able to reach him?
"Ms. Wisteria."
Wisteria opened her eyes. "Hmm?"
Melissa stood up, wiping her eyes, and glared determinedly. "I'm going to save Basil from this dark path, and I promise I will do everything in my power to bring him back to you. He's your son, and he's my friend. His actions cannot be overlooked, but I trust in my friends. I want to know the truth, and I'm going to drag it out of him."
Wisteria stared at the Buneary in awe. "Kid…"
"If you're willing to trust me, then I only ask for a small favor in return."
Meanwhile – Umbra Clock Kingdom Capital
A great wave of relief washed over the Foresters when news of Blitz's status was revealed. The Charmeleon, though currently unconscious in his room, was expected to make a full recovery. None were happier than Sadie, who sat knelt beside Blitz's bedside, holding his hand as she rested her head by his shoulder.
"Blitz…" she mumbled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
She heard the door open, looking up a bit to see Jet and Eadwulf entering. Her mood flipped instantly, the saddened aura hanging around her morphing into bitter rage. She let go of Blitz's hand, stood up, and approached the duo with fists clenched tightly.
"Please tell me that you found him," she growled.
Jet sighed, growling as well. "We've combed through Basil's room front to back. Not a trace of anything regarding what he was up to or why."
Eadwulf crossed his arms. "Tadhg did mention he was snooping through a journal he had yet to decipher, so he's hoping to find some clues there."
Sadie lowered her head, arms trembling with a fury as she produced throwing knives from under her sleeves. "When I get my hands on that rotten lizard, I'm going to turn him into a pin cushion—"
Eadwulf grabbed her shoulder. "Sadie, I know you're upset. Believe me, everyone is feeling shaken, but we can't go rushing off into anything yet. We still haven't gotten word back from Shingo or Brooklyn. They're working diligently to track Basil down."
"…" She slid her knives back into hiding and fell back into Blitz's bed. "What is going on? First Marie turns traitor, then it turns out Basil was masterminding the New Chariot incident, and now he's gone off the deep end attacking Blitz. What is up with those two?"
Eadwulf scratched his chin. "Those two have always been the most troublesome in their own ways. This couldn't have been on a whim. But what's their end game?"
Jet scowled. "I don't care what they're up to. All I know is that I'm dragging them both back here by force so they get the punishment they deserve." Water crawled up his arm and sharpened into prickly blades. "Even if I have to do so with excessive violence—"
Eadwulf now turned his attention to the Dewott, grasping his shoulder. "Cool yourself, Jet. With Blitz out of commission and Jason gone, you're acting leader of the Foresters. We can't have you flying off the handle when we need to keep everyone organized."
Jet scoffed. "And what's wrong with hunting those worthless traitors down? This is exactly the kind of thing I hate! I hate disloyal scum! I never liked those two for a second, nothing but lies and blood in their past. They deserve nothing less than imprisonment for life!"
Eadwulf glared. "Don't forget, we built the Foresters off lies and deceit. We're not exactly angels. I get you have issues with these sorts of people, but we're not petty thieves anymore. We need to conduct justice by Umbra Clock's laws, and Marie and Basil broke an agreement and their trust under their banner."
"…" Jet scoffed and turned away.
Sadie covered her face and groaned. "I don't disagree with Jet, personally. I don't care what his excuse is, Basil went too far when he put Melissa in danger. And if Marie really is Makiko Takigawa, then she's not better."
Eadwulf glared. "It makes you think…"
Jet huffed. "Like what?"
"Those two were always with Giles back when he first joined. In fact, those three were always plotting something in secret. Never thought anything serious about it, but with all the information Giles collected…what's his angle in all of this?"
Sadie's eyes widened. "Wait, you're not suggesting Giles was a traitor, too?"
"No, something's off about that. Giles didn't come from a particularly wealthy family, and he couldn't possibly have had any connections with any powerful organizations or criminals. He was always just a curious guy looking into the mysteries of everything."
Jet raised his brow. "Are you saying he found out about Basil and Marie's pasts?"
"He found out Last Autumn was secretly reforming, and those two are supposed connected to them in some way. But it doesn't add up. I've worked with Giles personally. He was a good man. One of the best I've known. He wouldn't plot against his allies. He was too kind to think of such a thing."
"So, what's his connection to all this? Why work with Basil and Marie if they have ties to our enemy?"
"I don't know. Their current actions don't match up with what Giles would act. Either there's something more going on, or they both snapped when Giles was killed."
"…" Jet scratched his chin. "A Last Autumn spy, a Takigawa, and a conspiracy theorist working together. What secrets did you take to the grave with you, Giles?"
Midnight Village, Arcania Kingdom – Night
Jason knocked twice on Melissa's hut. When he heard her reply, he let himself in, finding the Buneary lying in bed and staring at the ceiling with one arm hanging off the side.
He took a deep breath and moved closer to her. "Hey."
"…Hey."
He folded his arms behind his back. "So, listen…we might be staying here a little longer to work out a deal with Arcania. It's going to take a few days since Zana's…well, hesitant about signing a treaty with one of her kingdom's enemies."
"Hmm. Yeah. Alright."
He pulled himself onto the bed and lay down next to her. "How are you feeling?"
"Terrible, but…better?"
He reached down and squeezed her hand gently. "I'm…sorry the last couple of days have been hectic. I know how much Marie meant to you, and now…this whole situation with Basil—"
"It's a lot, yeah." She tilted her head, staring sadly at him. "What's going to happen to Basil?"
Jason sighed. "Given the seriousness of his actions, capturing him is inevitable. Even though Blitz will survive his injuries, what Basil almost did can never be forgiven. This is a step too far, and I imagine the others back in Umbra Clock feel the same."
"…" Melissa closed her eyes and sighed. "I understand."
"I know you were close with Basil, but I've made the mistake trying to give him chances. I'm not making that mistake again. Basil will be captured. After that? Well, given the fact he threated Tadhg, he's not going to be charged lightly."
"…Right."
He sat up. "I'm sorry, Melissa."
She sat up and shook her head. "No, I…I understand. It has to be done."
He patted her shoulder. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, I…I think I'll be alright." She hugged herself. "It's just…"
"What?"
"…What if I was in Basil's position? Would you…still hunt me down?"
"…" Jason kissed her cheek and slid off the bed. "It's getting late. We've got a lot to do tomorrow."
She sighed with a tired smile. "Yeah, that's the answer I was expecting."
He opened the door, standing in the doorway for a moment. He looked back and said, "I've already lost a lot. I don't want to think about what could or might've been. Especially when it comes to you."
"…" She smiled gently. "Goodnight, Jason."
"Goodnight, Melissa." He closed the door behind him.
"…" She sighed and slid off the bed.
Reaching under, she pulled out her prepacked bag and a letter sitting on top. She placed it gently on the pillow before swinging the bag over her shoulder. Wisteria gifted her enough rations to last her a couple weeks. Probably more than enough for where she was going, but she wanted to do something first.
"Sorry, Jason. I don't want to give up on Basil or Marie yet."
Melissa couldn't thank Shingo enough for his private lessons on stealth and evasion. She escaped the noticed of Midnight Village's nightguard, dashing through the treetops until she found herself outside the forest. Though Sir Neil had gone back days prior to Basil's escape, Galus remained outside the forest path, sleeping off to the side.
She landed next to him, nudging him once. "Galus?" she whispered.
The Dragapult twitched before stirring awake with a quiet yawn. He scratched his eye and glanced up sleepily. "Friend Harlow?"
"We're taking a trip. Sorry for waking you so late."
"Sleep enough. Galus help. Harlow friend." He straightened himself out and shook off his sleepiness. "Where to?"
She climbed onto his back, getting herself comfortable on the saddle. She took a deep breath before pointing toward the sky.
"Northeast. That direction. We're flying to the Great Gate Empire."