#qfg: revisited

[aresite]

Gone Awhile

The Festival had been going on for a few days now. The Troupe were not able to take their carts, wagons, and Vardos inside the city walls, but they did have enough to pay a local farmer for storage and to watch them so they could go in without worry.

The first thing the Rovers had done after arriving was go shopping to resupply their goods and for some new fabric to make their clothes from. The next thing they did was scope out the land for their first targets. This was the the best time to make money all year so everyone seemed to be enthusiastic and in high spirits.

Streamers and banners hung from every lamppost and music bellowed from every corner and alcove. Confetti and glitter were everywhere - it littered the streets that were so crowded with people that it was difficult to move around without bumping into at least someone. There were acrobats dancing in the street and tightrope walkers balancing on wires high above. There were men on stilts, fire eaters, dancers, and more! There was always something new to see, and since this was Erya's first time at this festival it was a little overwhelming. Jack seemed unfazed however and simply led the way through without getting distracted by a single thing.

Jack made his way through this crowd like a man on a mission with Erya at his side. She watched as he tried to keep his hood pulled far over his head to hide his face but it was hard to keep it in place while being bumped about. When his free hand wasn't on the cowl of his hood it was reaching under his shirt to check if his money pouch was still there. He had the leather pouch full of their money and the precious gemstone he had received from Joseph tied around his neck and tucked under his shirt for safety. Erya wasn't surprised. She knew all too well the allure of crowds like this were to pickpockets as she had gone out many times before to do the same thing. On a good day she'd be able to pilfer enough pockets to feed the entire troupe for days so she really couldn't say anything about other people doing it.

Jack kept a tight grip on Erya's hand so she couldn't get separated from him as he pulled them from the busy street and into a shabby little shop. The shop was dimly lit and smelt heavily like a strange mixture of earth and fire in a way that she really couldn't put her finger on. Erya scrunched her nose for a moment as her eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light. While the outside of the shop was nothing special the inside was a whole other story! Beautifully hand-carved racks laid strewn about and crammed in amongst each other and each was either full, or partially full of weapons of all kinds. There were swords, hammers, axes, and spears of all kinds as well as several weapons that Erya couldn't put a name too. They all rested in artfully molded scabbards or carefully sewn sheaths. Each and every weapon looked like a lot of time and energy went into preparing it.

Jack ignored them all and walked straight up to a large wooden counter that supported a heavy cast-iron grill that stretched up from the countertop to the wooden support beams above. The most expensive looking weapons were displayed behind the grill. The light from a single candle resting on the counter flickered and danced off their blades and off of the carefully placed jewels that decorated their hilts.

Without warning Jack suddenly banged on the countertop a couple of times and called out, "Greyback!"

The noise startled Erya as it rattled a few glass containers on the counter and reverberated throughout the shop. She immediately stepped back away from the counter and held onto Jack's cloak.

[aresite]

Olli did not seem to bothered by Mordecai's reluctance and just shrugged as he climbed over the well and gripped onto the ladder, "I mean, suit yerself? If ya don't wanna go this way we could always go through one of the gates, but you'll probably be waiting awhile to go through a line at the Faire Grounds gate or the stairway at this hour." He stood on the ladder and folded his arms over the well to sneer at him, "I'll go down first since yer so scared."

And with that he started climbing down at a brisk pace. When he was about three or four steps from the bottom he jumped off and landed in the rocks at the bottom with a hollow echo.

The inside of the den that could be seen from the light seeping in from the top of the 'well' was nothing too remarkable - it was just a large circular cave made with the same, pink-tinted rocks. Various piles of rocks and lumps of dirt lay about in dusty heaps that looked like they hadn't been disturbed in a century. The only other source of light other than the beam above him was another ray of sunshine peaking through on the other side of the Den.

Olli fumbled around for a moment in the dim light until he found what he was looking for - a couple of old torches. He pulled out his flint and quickly lit the torches before waiting for the others to climb down.

"There's nothin' down here!" Olli stated before he had even turned around and looked around. Luckily, there was no sign of life or activity in the 'Den' - but then again, there never was.

Once the others got down Olli offered the other Torch to Ares and started across the Den. The torchlight flickered off the smooth walls. It did not look like a natural cave at all and looked like it had been carved out by some mysterious power.

"These Dens exist all over Galar!" Olli grinned as he continued to cross it, "Legends say that they used to house powerful Giants that used to roam the world and cause destruction before the God Zamazenta-" Or Zacian depending on what version of the story was believed and where it was being told, "-sealed them away when he formed a pack with the Ancient King!"

Ares caught the fact that he had said 'Zamazenta' when they normally would have just said 'the Gods' as they had people in their Kumpania from all over Galar and beyond... but he also caught the hidden pride in Olli's voice as he said that and it slightly worried him. Though... he figured he shouldn't be that surprised now that Olli knew he was a descendant of that 'Ancient King'.

"Legends say that if the Solveig Family were to fall then the Giants would return and destroy all of Galar!" Olli's voice echoed off the walls as he approached the other ray of light and he felt his heart beat excitedly in his chest as he said it. He turned around and looked at Mordecai with a grin, "But I bet'cha knew all that already?"

Phillippe folded his arms and angrily tapped his feet while the two commoners clearly debated over telling him. It was obvious they knew other ways in- and then when Olli spilled the beans, he could tell that Ares wasn't pleased.

"Then you should have said so in the first place!" Phillippe barked. "Hurry up and take me there. Unlike you, I don't have all day." It was almost like Olli couldn't lead them there fast enough. Phillippe easily kept pace with him, very nearly storming past him several times before inwardly realizing that he had no idea where he was going.

When they got to the well, however, it was like all the wind had been taken out of his sails. He folded his arms again and wrinkled his nose. They expected him to go down this obviously sketchy thing? He doubted that ladder could even hold their weight!

"This is your way past the gate? You expect a noble like me to go into that obviously dubious place? How do I know there's even really an entrance down there?" How on earth could some place like this connect to the Inner District? Surely if it had, the whole of the Inner District would be a rotting mess with riff raff and pests. "You two go down first. How can I possibly trust a ladder that looks older than the palace?"

[lareinesophie]

(MASSIVE QfG SPOILERS)

Remember Soman revealed 5 spoilers for QfG in an episode of EverNeverTV, and number four is “a character you think is probably dead might actually come back to life” (x), and Soman joked that he had wanted to resurrect Beezle but didn’t? (x)

I’m 9.99/10 sure that Evelyn Sader is back, bitches.

Remember in AWWP her butterflies were all over the school spying on students, and that Anadil had trained her rats to kill them and eat them up?

“[...] Anadil, nodding at her three black rats guarding the gap under the door with gnashed teeth and ready claws. “They can only kill so many butterflies before one gets through.”

[...]

Screeching hisses and crackles erupted at the door, and all the girls swiveled to see rats gobbling up butterflies trying to slip into the room. “Hurry,” Anadil snapped at the witches, “the Dean will know something’s up!” -- Book 2 Chapter 18. “Sader’s Secret History”

well this happened during Tedros’ speech to Camelot’s hastily assembled armies, when he was rallying them to fight against the Snake

“Sophie could see the allied leaders murmuring to each other, shielding their mouths with their hands. So were the witches, while Anadil’s rats toyed with a dead butterfly. Guinevere glanced back at Agatha, looking nervous.” -- Book 4 Chapter 27. “SOPHE: The King’s Speech”

AND the only other mention of a butterfly in QfG is in... Lady Gremlaine’s house in Nottingham, just before she’s murdered by a scim.

“A blue-green butterfly rustled feverishly against the window, trying to find a way out. Tedros’ shoulders relaxed. He looked at Lancelot, hunching over the bed. “What is it?” Tedros asked. His knight held up a torn strip of white sheet. A big splotch of blood had soaked it through. Fresh blood. “Lady Gremlaine?” Tedros hollered. Lancelot checked closets; Tedros searched under the bed and behind furniture. But there were no other bloodstains or signs that his steward was in this house” -- Book 4 Chapter 24. “TEDROS: Sides of a Story”

Now let’s revisit Evelyn’s “death” scene

“Indeed. No doubt your brother foresaw you’d be useful for this purpose.” The School Master grinned, frost-blue eyes meeting hers. “Ensuring my true love returned safe and sound.” Evelyn smiled back at him proudly. But then her face began to change … as the School Master’s eyes inflamed red, burning deeper into hers. Evelyn seized at her heart as if it’d stopped beating, choking a last, empty breath. “And now that purpose is fulfilled,” said the School Master, clutching Sophie tighter. Evelyn fell to the ground, shattering to a thousand dead red butterflies. The swarm trapping the Storian shriveled and plummeted too, dropping the Storian into the School Master’s ready hands.” -- Book 2 Chapter 24. “Villains Unmasked”

RAFAL IS LITERALLY NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO KILL PEOPLE JUST BY STARING AT THEM!!!! OTHERWISE HE COULD HAVED KILLED THE OLD HEROS WITHOUT NEEDING AN ARMY!!

Since this happened in the Blue Forest i.e. within the School and thus within the control of the Schoolmaster’s magic, in all likelihood Rafal must have simply banished Evelyn from the School again.

[aresite]

There was a mixed look of hurt and betrayal across Ares' face as Joseph explained about the wristband, "What?! No! Get this thing off me!" He tried tugging at it but with no luck. He didn't even look at Joseph or the money he held out as he continued to try to free himself. He even went as far as to try and bite it off. The betrayed look turned to a frustrated one as his attempts failed, "Grr... I don't need a leash! Get it off!"

Ba'ul didn't look like he cared one way or the other. He didn't understand any of it. All he knew was that the smells around him were starting to make him even hungrier.

Joseph had watched Jack's display of concern for Arya. These were different times, and he understood why better than Area did. So when Jack was gone, he smiled to her kindly.

"I know that seems mean, but its the way it is. Especially with a young lady like you." He said with a smile.

She didn't need to know what the dangers were, only to know they were there.

"So be good, okay? Stay with your brother. I mean it." Joseph said seriously.

He then looked to Ares. "No, I didn't always have them. They are a new edition so to speak. You could say I had a... well an awakening of sorts." He said with a sigh.

He could see that the two wanted to wander off, and do their own thing. But he promised to watch over them.

So he used his shadow magic to wrap a shadow onto their wrists that would stick to them. It would allow him to keep track of them in the city.

"Dont wander off too far. These will help me keep track of you, and no, you can't remove them no matter how hard you two try." He warned them both.

"I mean it." He said as he gave the two a look that any father would recognise immediately as the; "You'll do as I say if you know what's good for you," look.

He pulled out a bit of money. It was enough for some food, and maybe a game or two.

"Dont spend this on something silly. Go and play some games, get some food, and for the love of the stars, stick together. If one of you so much as leaves the other for longer then its necessary I will make you haul rocks all night if necessary." He promised them both.

He could imagine even more things for them to do if they misbehaved.

Physical abuse was probably more expected, but he found that Physical labor worked a lot better on kids. Let them work out their punishment.

He did follow them of course. "As for where were going.. well, I can entertain Ba'ul for a bit. Again you two go and enjoy the day, but don't stray far. I'll know if you do."

[aresite]

II

The Lantern Man raised his sword in a striking motion, “Well, you know what they say- there’s no honor among thieves.”

The sword flickered in the lamplight as it was raised above their heads. Olli continued to struggle against the guards but his struggles seemed all in vain. Ares tried to pull himself free too, but the man behind them had the two boys firmly on his grasp. And, as the sword started to arch downwards, all Ares could do was tense up and stare in horror at the oncoming blade.

Before the blade could make contact though - the silent and familiar 'twang' of a bowstring letting loose reverberated from the forest and before Ares could register what was happening an Arrow whizzed past them and collided with the blade with enough force to shatter the arrow and wrench the blade from the unsuspecting Guard's hand. It flew aside and splashed uselessly into the mud nearby.

"What the-?" Another Guard gasped as he reached to draw his own sword - but the moment the sword left the scabbard it was also struck by another arrow and flew harmlessly aside.

There was then a sudden flurry of motion as the rest of the guards scrambled for their weapon. Another arrow let loose from the darkness and soared straight through the hood of a third Guard before embedding itself in the tree behind him - pinning the Guard to the same tree in the process.

The Guard that was still clenching onto Ares and Olli then let out a shout as something struck him from behind, causing the man to crumble like a sack of potatoes. Both boys were pulled to the ground by the impact but then managed to roll away as the man released his grip.

Ares was quickly back on his feet and leapt backwards away from the man before he could regain himself, but as Ares settled into a crouch nearby he realized that was unnecessary as a large Theivul stood on the man's chest. The Dark Type Pokemon had its head bowed and was snarling down close to the man's face. From where Ares crouched he could see the fear and disbelief plastered across the man's expression.

"Theivul!" Olli cheered out. Without thinking, he got up and started running towards the Pokemon, but Theivul was quick to knock the man out with a Sucker Punch, and jump down to stand next to Olli before Olli could reach them. Olli enthusiastically pet the soft fur on either side of the Pokemon's face.

"Man, are we glad to see you!" Ares laughed as he walked up towards Theivul as well. "Wait... but if yer here..." Oli started...

Both boys turned around and looked around them only to notice that the Guards were regrouping and surrounding them. Theivul arched down and let out a low warning growl - but before anyone could do anything two more arrows whizzed out of the darkness and struck the two Guards behind the boys. The men's shouts barely drowned out the sound of a whistle, and as if he was responding to the whistle, Thievul released a Night Slash out at the remaining Guards that blocked that escape route, and all three of them broke for the trees.

Ares felt his heart pound heavily in his chest as he saw a familiar form in the darkness behind the guards and picked up the pace. His vision disappeared in a flurry of forest green fabric as Jack pushed the two boys behind him as the Guard's regrouped.

"Jack!" Olli cried.

Jack didn't respond - his gaze was locked on the Guards. He cast his bow aside and drew his sword as he put himself directly between the enemy and the kids.

"Go." Jack growled, "But-" Olli started to argue, "Just go! Run! We'll talk about this later." Jack retorted.

Olli flinched, and for a second... he hesitated... but then he looked up at the oncoming Guards with their fancy armor and their drawn weapons and panic overtook the boy. With tears in his eyes he turned and bolted for the trees.

Ares however, hesitated longer, "What about you-" "I won't tell you again, Ares." There was a dead seriousness in Jack's tone that hit Ares at his core.

He took a step back... but suddenly a terrible feeling washed over him. It felt sort of like deja vue, and everything seemed to slow down. Suddenly he felt like this would be the last time he would ever see Jack again... and that thought terrified him.

Defiantly, he reached of Jack's discarded bow, "I'm going to fight too!"

Before Jack could argue though, they heard Olli shout from behind them. Jack whirled around with a look of panic, but then Ares saw what little colour that remained on Jack's face disappear. He whirled around as well just in time to see a flurry of Rapidash erupt through the trees. With the sky just starting to lighten behind them they almost looked mystical as they appeared through the mist.

The Rapidash surrounded both the Rovers and the Guards in a wide circle. Olli scampered to his feet and ran back to Jack and wrapped his arms around the older Rover with a look of pure terror. Jack put one hand on Olli's shoulder, and dropped his sword to put his other hand on Ares as they were completely surrounded.

Then, just as the sun began to peak over the horizon in the distance a figure appeared before them. She was small, only a child compared to the Soldiers around her - but she sat tall and straight on her steed. She wore a white, downy cloak that filtered the rising sun around her to the point that she almost looked like she was 'glowing', and for a second Ares thought that maybe he was looking at an Angel or something. All he could do was stand there in utter shock and stare as the Guards who had just been attacking them stopped and dropped down onto one knee before her, and he was surprised when even Jack bowed his head to her.

The forest around them grew deadly quiet, save for the sounds of hooves in the mud... and Ares was suddenly deadly aware that he had no idea if they were now safe, or if they were now introduced to something even worse.

[aresite]

Postwick

It was still early when the trio entered Postwick. Ares had expected to go straight from the forest to the town but was surprised to see that after leaving the shelter of the trees behind that there was nothing but farmland for miles. They walked down an old, pitted dirt road that was lined with deep green hedges and dotted with trees that still clung to some of their leaves. They passed several small homesteads along the way and each one were separated by the same hedges that lined the road. As a child with no set home the sight of the homesteads intrigued him and he found himself distracted by each pen of Wooloo or cleared field that probably once held some sort of crop in it.

Jack said nothing as he led the way. He kept his head down and had pulled the brim of his hat down so low that it cast shadows across his face. Ares suddenly felt immensely guilty and looked back away from the older Rover. Olli on the other hand, looked like he had already moved past last night's events and had ran a little ways ahead. He darted left and right with a wide grin on his face as he tried to peek above the hedges.

Ares could hear the hustle and bustle of the town not to far away and the smells of freshly baked bread were wafting over the breeze. He kind of hoped that they would head that way and grab some, but to his surprise Jack seemed to be leading them away from the center of town and straight down the road towards what looked like a large manor home in the distance. He didn't realize how large though until they got closer... and when he did he suddenly felt very small.

The manor home was a large, two-story brick building with a red roof and ivy trailing down the sides. It was surrounded by a waist-high stone wall that was so covered in moss that it was nearly completely painted green. And, as they approached Ares saw a large gatehouse at the foot of the road with two guards standing watch. He braced himself to deal with the Guards, but instead of heading towards the gate, Jack pulled them to the side and led them along the wall towards the back of the manor home. As they circled around, Ares could see a large barn nestled in the back of the manor. It was here that Jack finally stopped and in one quick motion, jumped over the fence.

Both Olli and Ares followed suit, though with their reduced size they couldn't jump the fence so easily and had to use natural groves in the stonework as 'footholds'. Once they were both safely on the other side Jack pulled them both into a crouch.

"I want you both to stay here. Stay out of sight until I get back." He warned. "What? No fair!" Olli whined, "We wanna meet Maid Marian too!" "Maid Ma-?" Jack started, but he cut himself off and shook his head, "No. This is not a game, boys."

He put a hand on each of their shoulders, "I want you to listen carefully. This world is ruled by the strong and the wealthy - and they don't give a damn about people like us." Jack's word's startled Ares, but before Ares could even think about responding, Jack continued, "You saw that for yourself last night. If I wasn't there, then both of you would be dead right now." "But we're with you now, and you're strong!" Olli countered, "There are plenty people stronger than I." Jack replied, "And some of those people live here." "Stronger than you? No way!" Olli looked stunned, he turned and looked off towards the house with an amazed look, but Jack reached out and gently grabbed his chin to turn his attention back to him.

"Listen to me boys. This world is ruled by the strong and there are some 'things' those without power have to do in order to survive and what I am about to do is one of those, but I don't want you to see that. And until you are strong enough to stand and fight on your own, what you two need to do to survive is to hide." "But I don't wanna." Olli pouted, "What do I hafta do to become the strongest?" A sad look crossed Jack's face for a brief second but he was quick to hide it, "There will always be someone stronger than you, Olli. It's a fact of life." "But what about the King?" Olli countered. Jack looked surprised by that, but before he could question it, Olli continued, "Would a Prince ever have to hide behind a barn?"

Ares thought back to the Princess they had just met and remembered how all the Soldiers and Postwick Guards had cowered before her and by the look on Olli's face, he assumed that Olli remembered it as well.

"I suppose not?" Jack sighed. He stood up, "But none of us are Kings or Princess - so stay here, stay quiet, and stay out of sight." And with that, Jack gathered his cloak around him, turned, and started off towards the back of the manor home.

Ares looked at Olli. He could see the other boy was deep in thought for a second, before Olli clenched his hands into fists and without looking at Ares he said, "C'mon. We're gunna see what Jack's up too." "Jack'll be real mad if we do." Ares warned, "What're ya, a Wimpod?" Olli teased, "Jack'll never know if he doesn't catch us!"

And before Ares could say anything back, Olli broke into a crouch and hurried off after Jack - being careful to stick to the shrubbery am garden decor that decorated the back yard of the manor home. Ares clenched his jaw for a moment, but then groaned and followed after him.

[aresite]

Ares climbed up and over the back of the stadium and sat down on the ruin to look down at the Tournament below. He wanted to get a better look but didn't dare try and sneak in closer.

Ba'ul jumped up beside him and settled down with a yawn. The large Pokemon looked completely bloated with the amount of food he'd managed to scrounge since entering the city. Ares had been wondering where the Absol had gone before he saw him lazily sauntering up to him with a full belly and food all over his face.

Ares popped a small treat into his mouth that he had also managed to scrounge before he absently petted the Absol's head and watched. He didn't know why, but tournaments always intrigued him.

[aresite]

"Possibly?" Jack replied with a slight smirk, "Our Troupe is rather popular. Where are you from? Motostoke I take it? We perform there multiple times a year!"

Ares had been looking at the Princess, though he felt a strange feeling of 'deja vue' when her eyes met his. He wanted to say something but his mouth felt dry. His attention was finally pried away when Jack spoke, and he looked up at Jack with a rather startled jolt. While Jack's tone had been rather cheerful, there was a dark undertone to it that anyone who knew him couldn't miss. He could see the intensity in Jack's eyes and it confused him. He gave Jack's wrist a light squeeze and that seemed to snap Jack's attention back, and he looked down to give Ares a light smile before looking back up at the Soldier.

"My apologies," He said, "But it is awfully late for the children here, and we were expected in Postwick quite a while ago. With your leave, we would like to be on our way."

Jack reached out and grabbed the bow from Ares' hand and strapped it to his back and then reached down to grab Ares' now free hand in one hand, and Olli's in the other, and bowed once more before turning to leave.

The Guards who had been attacking them only moments ago stepped aside with low grumblings. Ares looked over his shoulder one more time at the girl and the Soldiers before Jack pulled them away.

"Who was that?" He asked, "Someone not to be trifled with." Jack replied in a hushed, slightly annoyed tone, "I could tell that!" He replied, "But who is she?" "That was Princess Nikida Solvieg." He replied flatly, "Though I find it hard to believe since rumors state her as a cold and tyrannical royal with little tolerance for the 'lower class'... not someone I would ever have pictured as coming to our rescue. But let's not look a gift Ponyta in the mouth and get out of here as quickly as we can."

Ares looked over his shoulder again. He didn't get that feeling from her at all...

"Princess?" Olli piped up, "So like, Princess of Galar? So then she's related to the King? Right?" Jack pursed his lips for a moment, and then nodded, "Yes. She is King Ulric's flesh and blood."

Olli fell silent at this and suddenly looked quite thoughtful. He looked over his shoulder but by now they were far enough away that he could no longer see them behind them. He turned back around to watch where he was going, "So... a Princess could make all those men do whatever she wanted?"

For a moment, Jack didn't respond. But then he sighed and nodded, "Nobility can do whatever they want. It is dangerous to cross them." And then as if wanting to change the subject, Jack's tone darkened, "And speaking about cross - what are you boys doing out here? You could have gotten yourselves killed!" "We were after you, duh!" Olli quipped, but the usual sarcasm in his tone was gone, "You went off by yourself and we were worried about you!"

Jack paused. He dropped both the boy's hands and took a few steps forward before he paused and then raised one up to his face as he let out a deep sigh, "Well you shouldn't. Don't ever go off on your own like this again." It was then that Ares realized that Jack was shaking. "If I hadn't gotten there when I did, you two would be dead right now! I nearly... I could not bear that pain again." He stopped himself and let his voice trail off there.

Ares felt that pit open back up in his gut and looked down at the ground. Jack nearly died today because of them. If the Princess hadn't shown up when she had... Jack would've died and it would be all their fault. The thought brought tears to his eyes - he'd never forgive himself if something like that had happened.

He tried to put the memory behind him as the trio exited the Wheld, and walked through the gateway leading to Postwick but he couldn't. The image of the Princess arriving and the way the guards instantly bowed down, and that strange feeling of deja vue was burned in his mind.

The bright morning sun hit his face as they started down the street and he raised a hand up to shield his eyes. For some reason, he felt like nothing was ever going to be the same again... and that somehow, everything was different and new... he didn't know why he felt that way, but for some reason he felt like the only way he was going to find out was by meeting that Princess again. He looked over at Olli who looked lost in thought as well and the resolve solidified itself. If Olli really was a lost Galarian Prince, then he most certainly will meet her again - once they reached Motostoke.

"There is no need to validate their claims." Kida replied, "It was a respectable source that led us here."

She was glad she had listened to him. Kida didn't even want to think about what could have happened had they been any later... the thought made her sick to her stomach. She would have to thank a certain Umbreon later.

Kida's eyes lingered on the dark haired boy for a moment and those piecing green eyes caused her chest to clench. Could it be...? No. She refused to believe it - and more importantly, even if it was, she refused to get him involved again. Her heart ached when she saw the two children. They were both so skinny, but one was visibly thinner and in rougher shape than the other. Could this really be the boy she had eventually met up with in this same forest in her past life?

One of Kida's Soldiers stepped forward and snapped her from her thoughts. He looked the adult Rover over for a moment before his eyes lingered on Jack's face, "Do I... know you from somewhere?"

[aresite]

I , II

Olli and Ares returned to the back of the barn where they sat and waited for Jack. For a moment both boys just remained silent. Both of them were tired and really didn't know what to say. Ares sat down with his back to the aged wood of the barn and closed his eyes for a moment, but as he did he heard Olli's voice; "I guess even Nobility have problems, huh?" Ares didn't respond. He just gave a half shrug in response without opening his eyes. But then he heard Olli add, "But... I bet Royalty doesn't. I bet the Royalty has the power to stop Maid Marian's sufferin' and make it so everyone has food and shelter and no one has to worry about being attacked in the woods! But instead they're up in their Castle without a care in the world!"

Ares finally opened his eyes at that and looked up at Olli. The other was still standing and was looking intently at the Manor home. The boy's hands were clenched so tightly into fists that they shook. Ares frowned and folded his legs up and wrapped his arms around his knees, "Maybe?" He responded flatly. His mind wandered to the Princess they had seen this morning. He couldn't really bring himself to think of any other Royalty at the moment as her image was burned into his mind. There was something... weird about it that he couldn't put a finger on.

"Well I've decided!" Olli turned towards Ares with a determined smile and put his hands on his hips, "When we reach Motostoke, I'm gunna go right up to the King and introduce myself! I'm gunna tell him everything and when he knows then he'll hafta do somethin'!" He nodded with a satisfactory grin and moved to sit down next to Ares, "Yeah! Everything will be better once we reach Motostoke!"

Ares closed his eyes again and mumbled a tired response as he started to drift off to sleep, and as he slept he dreamed. Dreamed that he was suddenly alone and that he was trapped, cold, and hungry. He dreamt of the Princess he had seen and that she had been taken away and that he was the only one who could save her... and yet he wasn't strong enough to do anything. Stone walls surrounded him on all four sides and the only light came in from a small barred window. He had a strange sword with him that was the key to saving the Princess and all of Galar but he couldn't get out to use it and because of that... Galar was doomed. The dream was so vivid and lifelike that it felt more like a memory than a dream and it left him waking up in a heavy sweat that seeped into his shirt to the point it felt sticky. He had no idea what time it was when he woke up, but the sun was high in the sky and the air was warm and still. Olli had fallen asleep beside him and was curled up on the ground in a ball.

At first, he wasn't sure if it was the dream that woke him up or something else but the answer came quickly. He startled and looked up as Jack pushed his way through the bushes at the back of the barn. He eagerly jumped to his feet and called out to him, but Jack just put a finger to his lips.

"What took you so long?" Ares pouted. "Just some work I needed to take care of because of your little interruption last night." Jack replied as he reached the boy's hiding spot, "Now come on - we must go back to the others and tell them they are clear to pass. We have lost too much time already." "Wah?" Olli groaned from the ground beside him. He leaned up and rubbed his eyes as he looked around sleepily, "Wuh? Where?"

Jack turned to leave but Ares quickly reached out and grabbed his cloak, "Wait Jack!" Jack hesitated, but turned around to look at the boys.

Ares suddenly found it hard to make eye contact with Jack and looked down, "About last night... I'm sorry... we didn't mean to..." Jack sighed, "I know you didn't. Just... please never do anything so reckless again." He studied Ares' face again and then sighed and crouched down, "Alright, what is it? I can see something is bothering you." Ares flinched back, "Lady Mary..." A sad look crossed Jack's face and he sighed. He reached over to ruffle Ares' hair, "Listen to me very closely, Ares. And, you too Olli."

Both boys looked at Jack intently.

"When I say that this world is ruled by the strong - I meant it." Jack explained, "Those with Power have all the control and will do everything in their power to keep those without from gaining any. Whether it be through force of might or force of will." His eyes locked on Ares, "Do you know why the Chief keeps you hungry and punishes you more, Ares? It's because he's wary of you. You were not born a Rover - you are an outsider. You are not of his kin. The Chief knows that one day you could grow up big and strong and one day challenge his own children for the right of Chief. But you can't if you are kept famished and tired. It is the same as why people hunt Rovers. Rovers live off the land and serve no will but their own. They serve no Kings and therefore a King has no power over them. It is why we are persecuted and hunted and why we must remain strong and vigilant in order to survive." Jack paused for a moment before continuing, "But... there are other kinds of strength. Strength of the mind can be just as damaging as strength of the body. If you are not strong mentally others can take advantage of that."

The two boys took in what Jack was trying to say, but by the look on Olli's face it was clear that Ares took it to heart more severely than Olli. It made sense to him, who often had to go without meals or sleep on the ground. But, by that logic... wasn't Olli and Erya also outsiders? The realization struck him. Outsiders the Chief intended to use. The old Chief had no reason to keep Ares around other than Chevali offered to take him. Ares was nothing more than dead weight to the old Chief. He didn't quite understand what Jack meant by strength of the mind though... was Lady Mary's mind weak then? That didn't make sense to him...

Ares bit his bottom lip for a moment and then looked up to lock eyes with Jack, "Jack - the way you fought back in the forest... I want you to teach me!" "What?" Jack replied, "Oh! Me too! Me too!" Olli suddenly perked up. "If I need to be strong to survive, then I want you to train me!" Ares added, "I want to learn to hunt for myself and fight like you do!"

Jack straightened up. He looked thoughtful for a moment and stroked his beard, "It wouldn't be a bad idea..." He looked the two boys over who were giving him intense, eager looks. He then sighed and shrugged his shoulders, "Fine. I will train you - only on one condition."

Both boys took an eager step forward.

"If you are to be my 'Squires' then you shall be treated as such. I will not go easy on you and expect you to give your training everything you've got. If I find you are not putting in the effort, I will not put in the time. Do you understand?" Jack finished. "I do!" Both Olli and Ares said in near unison.

Jack nodded, "Alright then. Your training will start as we travel across the Wild Area. There are plenty of Wild Pokemon around here that are perfect to begin your training." "But what about Maid Marian?" Olli added, "Is she coming too?" Jack turned away from the two boys, "Lady Mary? No. She will stay here where she belongs. This is her home, and a Rover's way of life is no life for a Lady."

The two boys looked at each other for a moment, but Olli didn't look convinced, "But she said she wanted to go with us!" "You were eavesdropping then?" Jack did not sound surprised at all. "Yeah! And she said she wanted to come with us! We should take her, Jack!" Olli pressed. "Remember what I've told you before, Olli-" Jack countered, "Sometimes people must do things in order to survive. Let's leave it at that. Now come - the pathway is now open for our Troupe to enter Galar and we must leave. We have wasted too much time already."

And with that Jack hurried off - leaving the two boys to follow along behind him.

[aresite]

Jack involuntarily flinched as he heard the door open and cursed under his breath. He did not turn around to look at the stranger and simply kept his eyes on the dagger, which he placed in front of him on the counter. His fingers twitched over its handle as he heard the man speak. He didn't know what was more annoying - the sound of the voice from the speaker behind him, or what the speaker was saying.

He tried to keep his cool, but he quickly lost it. He spun the dagger around and stabbed the tip of the blade into the counter top with a loud clang - loud enough to catch the attention of everyone in the room.

"Civilized?" He laughed, "Listen to this Dotard. Waltzes right into here, runnin' his mouth about 'civilized men' and yet any real civilized man knows that Perrserkers make the finest weapons!"

Brasmeag opened his mouth in an almost toothy sneer, "Well, that be the simple part. If ye be wantin' t'head up North ye will need to be going through-"

ding

The sound of the bell placed strategically above the front door to the shop to announce visitors rang out sharply through the room and Brasmeag's attention was instantly shifted away from the Rover and towards the door as a dark figure entered. He was completely hidden beneath a dark cloak and Brasmeag could smell something 'inhuman' about him.

"Aye? What's this then?" He started, but before he could question further the cloaked figure held the door open for another who's appearance struck all words from his head.

The man who followed in was shorter than the first but had a much larger presence. He had a velvety cape around his neck that trailed behind him and surrounded his fancy silk suit. His gold-coloured hair stood out so sharply in the candlelit shop that it almost seemed to glow. But what was even more surprising was that he was nearly completely cloaked in gold and jewels.

"Ugh." The man scoffed as he stopped in the doorway to let his eyes adjust to the dimly lit room. He looked around and a deep frown formed across his place, "What a tacky, dingy little shop." "Somethin' I can be helpin' ye with, m' Lord?" Brasmeag spoke up.

The man turned and looked over at the counter and his expression quickly changed from disinterested to shocked and then settled on disgusted, "Get your Master up to speak with me, Dwarf. I do not wish to spend a moment more of my time in this... unique place, than I have to."

He paused to gather up his cape - almost as if he was afraid that the dust on the floor would permanently stain it - and then stepped further into the shop, "And I do stress to be quick with it - before I decide to tell your Master about how poorly his Pokemon is taking care of his shop front."

Brasmeag did not even seem surprised by the other's response, "I beg ye pardon, sir, but I be th' Master o' here shop. What can I do ye fer?" The man looked surprised for a second but his expression quickly turned sour, "You? Ha! Surely you jest!" He paused and looked around again, "Though looking at the shop I should not be surprised." His attention turned back to Brasmeag, "But here I was thinking that no civilized man would allow a Dwarf to run a shop in the Crown City of all places. So put aside your silly jokes and go get your Master immediately. I do not have all day."

[aresite]

Jack juggled the dagger as he listened to Brasmeag. He effortlessly tossed it up and watched as it spun around before catching it by the handle again. The blade was not an attractive one - there were no jewels or gilding on it. The blade itself was about ten inches long and the handle was made out of a sturdy wood that was wrapped neatly with a leather strap. But despite it's simple appearance he could tell by the balance of the blade and even just by looking at it that it was expertly made.

"No man can beat the craftmanship of a Perrserker made blade," He said loudly, before he sighed much more softly and placed the dagger back on the counter, "The Stow Mountains eh? Figures the South are too soft to conquer a place like that. But how would one get to them in the first place without crossing the Wild Area?"

Brasmeag frowned as the dagger was snatched from him but didn't fight back. He merely shrugged it off and gestured towards Jack and the dagger like he was showing it off to the Rover instead, "Aye. But not many remain. I'd not be recommending going through th' Wild Areas as that land has been rendered desolate and bare by battle an' would be leavin' ye exposed an' the Northern Galar Mine is so heavily controlled by th' Council that there be no gettin' through there mate."

"If ye be headin' up North there's only one route that I'd recommend - an' that'd be th' route that would be takin' ye up a harsh hike an' through an unforgivin' Desert - up through the Stow Mountains an' fer that I'd be recommendin' goin' with a guide - even fer a Rover."

[aresite]

"I can totally read!" Olli defensively lied. He came to a stop under the second bit of sunlight and found that there was a second rope ladder waiting for them there. He climbed the ladder with a huff and found that there was a lid on top of this one as well. He pushed it open with his shoulders and crawled out to find himself in a small garden.

There was a small Gardener's Shack placed beside the well but it was old and looked unused. The small garden was tucked away next to the inside of the Inner Wall and was lined with small hedges.

"See! Told ya I knew a way!" Olli said triumphantly.

Ares waited at the bottom of the ladder for Mordecai and put out both torches before he climbed up. The blast of fresh sunlight when he exited hit his face and caused him to squint as he pulled himself free from the Den. His eyes barely started getting used to the harsher light when he heard a sudden gasp from Olli and suddenly he was being pulled down behind the hedges.

"Someone's comin'!" Olli whispered harshly.

Ares peeked around the hedge to see a woman enter through the Faire Grounds Gate and walk speedily towards an awaiting carriage. She was pulling a girl along behind her and Ares immediately recognized her. He felt Olli tense beside him and knew that the other boy had recognized her as well.

That long golden hair, bright blue eyes, and the way she held herself were already engrained in Ares' mind. He felt his heart race in his chest and he put a hand over it as if he was worried the pounding would alert everyone to their presence.

"It's her!" He whispered under his breath and tried to fight the urge to run after her... and if it wasn't for Olli's hand pressing down on his shoulder he probably would have given into the urge.

The Footman bowed deeply as the Queen and Princess approached the carriage and then opened the door for them. Ares crouched forward until he was almost exposed from behind the bushes and prayed that she would look back... but she didn't. Neither the Queen nor the Princess looked back as they entered the carriage and he uselessly climbed to his feet as the carriage started to roll away.

"Phew!" Olli sighed. He immediately relaxed. Ares heard him mention something about getting their money and getting out of there next but he barely heard the other boy. He felt a wave mixed wave of disappointment as he climbed to his feet and stared off after them...

"Hein?!" Phillipe snapped. "I-I'm not scared! Who the hell said I was scared?! I just think exercising a reasonable amount of caution when going into such a suspicious place is obvious! This is why commoners are commoners!" Despite his bratty tone and complicated words though, the first half of his exclamation clearly belayed his age, for once. Once Olli was safely down (and he could confirm the ladder was in acceptable condition), Phillippe started down himself before Ares could even get the chance. Him. Scared. The thought made him scoff. He was the son of a duke. Why should he have to be afraid of anything? The ones who should be scared are the foolish royal family of this country for when Kalos finally conquers them.

Phillippe hopped off the ladder and looked around once he was at the bottom. His studies didn't include rocks, but he didn't need those to tell him that this wasn't normal. Despite the color, the glow they put off was eerie and made him feel uncomfortable. But he wasn't scared! He wasn't scared at all, dammit! And that definitely wasn't relief he felt when Olli got the torch lit. No, definitely not at all!

"Of course I know that, you fool," Phillippe replied, starting to get anxious. "Everyone knows that." What he didn't know was why there was one of these things underneath the town. If they ever came back, wouldn't that be dangerous? And who's to say there wasn't one sleeping down here somewhere, merely being kept in check by the power of the pact? But he wasn't scared! Not one bit, okay?! "I don't need a history lesson from someone who can't even read. Now which way is the entrance to the Inner District?"

[aresite]

Jack immediately got defensive and leaned back when Brazmeag said he wouldn't accept the offer. He was about to argue and explain how good of a deal he was offering the Perrserker, but the Pokemon explained himself before Jack could and it took the wind - and rage - out of his sails.

"Fools. I'd bet my last coin that these Southern curs couldn't tell their short swords from their daggers, nor a tip of a spear to an Excadrill Claw - nevertheless a worthy weapon even if they saw it." He sighed, and wrapped his hand tightly around the stone and brought it back up to slip back into the pouch around his neck, "Alright - fine. If you won't take the stone as payment then how much for two low quality blades? Short swords of course.? And of course, how much for some information about the going's on here in the Capital... and... in the North?"

Brazmeag frowned for a moment and then reached over to pick up the stone. He examined it for a moment and then rolled it around in his hand, before muttering skeptically; "Tiger Eye. Ya don't be seein' many of these around these 'ere parts."

He hopped down from his stool and crossed to a desk that rested along the wall behind him and flicked on a small lamp. For a moment he held the stone in the light and then he reached out for a magnifying glass, "Aye, surprisin' real t'boot! But what about th' quality..."

The Perrserker hummed and hawed over the stone for a minute or two and checked it over twice more before turning back around to face Jack and the girl. He pulled himself back up on the stool and placed the Tiger Eye back on the counter. For a moment he just closed his eyes and sighed before he looked back up at Jack, "Aight, I can't wi' any good conscious be acceptin' yer offer."

He pushed the gem back towards Jack, "This 'ere be a genuine article. It wud be'a damn fine shite in an ol' shop like this. A'd I'd be havin' t'break it apart to be makin' anythin' cheap enough t'sell 'ere 'a'd that would be a damn shame - pro'n that wid be a damn pity - wid likely ruin it too." He gestured around the shop as he said that, "Wi' things as they are wi' people's prejudices 'n all, a'd be countin' mah lucky start t'be sellin' tools t'farmers these days - nevertheless somethin' made wi' a stone this fine. Accepin' it fer some tools 'n some info just wouldn't sit right wid me."

[aresite]

"If you are asking if I stole it, then the answer's no." Jack responded with another devilish grin, "For once, it was a gift. Honest!"

He leaned forward against the counter again, and the jovial tone in his voice vanished, "Now, do we have a deal? Some weapons and information for the gemstone. I think that's more than a fair deal?"

Erya looked at Jack like he lost his mind. That pretty stone for some information? Wasn't that supposed to go into getting them some food and some fabric for new clothes? What good would 'information' do them?

Brazmeag did not react to Jack's banter, but his eyes lit up as he saw the Tiger's Eye stone on the counter and he almost reached for it but then hesitated and raised his eyebrow once more at Jack, "And how'd ye get about gettin' yer hands on somethin' lik' that? I be havin' no trouble wit' any of the local Nobles, ya hear?"

[aresite]

Ares and Olli stood where they were and watched Mordecai cross the road and speak with a guard. Despite the fact that they technically hadn't done anything wrong, the fact that they were Rovers meant that they had a long ingrained fear of Guards and made a point to stay out of the way. They could hear some of what Mordecai was shouting from their hiding spot but could not hear anything the Guards were saying.

"Kinda a snobby jerk, isn't he?" Olli huffed and crossed his arms. "Aren't all Nobles?" Ares replied off-handedly. "Hey-" Olli started in a rather offended tone but before he could finish they heard Mordecai's voice and looked up to see him heading towards them.

Ares seemed to perk up when he heard Mordecai mention the inner gate. Finally! He thought. They had both been wanting to go there from the get-go but for obviously different reasons. Ares looked over at Olli and saw that he had an almost hesitant look on his face that almost made Ares want to reconsider... but all he had to do was think about that girl he had seen in the woods and all reservations faded. Sorry Olli. He turned around and started walking down the Northern Thoroughfare.

Motostoke City was one of the largest cities in Galar and while it had expanded past the walls quite a bit - inside the walls would be a maze of buildings built upon buildings if one didn't know the rule that all Thoroughfares led to the Castle in the center. Like the original city from the Old World it was also built in tiers and separated by stairways extending from old gate houses. From where they walked Ares could see the ruins of an old Clock Tower and from that he could easily pinpoint where they were - even if for some reason he couldn't see the Castle that towered in the distance. At the foot of that ruin existed the remains of a coliseum that now housed the Faire Grounds. He knew a way to slip into the Inner Walls from the Faire Grounds but he didn't really want to risk showing their 'aristocratic friend' that way encase he told someone and they fixed it. Instead he decided to head straight for the strange contraption that lifted people from this tier to the next and was strictly limited to the Nobility. Surely that Mordecai guy wouldn't have a problem entering through there... right?

"So what was that all about?" Olli asked rather tactlessly as he tailed along. Suddenly he didn't seem to eager to get going anymore.

Phillippe followed after Ares and Olli. It felt almost demeaning having to walk behind them, but even he wasn't arrogant enough to not acknowledge that there wasn't much else of an other way to lead. And, at least that way, if they rant into scary adults, these two would probably take the brunt of it. Or, at the very least, he could shove them at their assailants and run off by himself to safety. When they got to the alley way though, Phillippe noticeably paused, clearly not wanting to go through. Despite the fact that the sun was high in the sky and there was nary a cloud to be seen, the area felt dark, and there was a smell emanating from the alley that almost made Phillipe want to cover his nose. Seeing the two boys step into it undeterred though, he felt like he couldn't afford to seem weak. Two conflicting mentalities battled for dominance in his mind- 'Why should someone as noble as me have to walk through such a disgusting place' and 'Well if they can do it, why can't I?' and eventually the latter won out and he stepped in after them, only lagging behind a little at first and then forcing himself to pick up the pace as sounds and smells alerted him to things that he probably didn't want to see (or have see him). He was relieved to be back on the main thoroughfare but tried not to show it. He quickly brushed himself off in an attempt to get off any dirt, dust, or smell that the alleys might have stuck on him, but any tension he had was immediately replaced with irritation when he saw Olli all but darting around, clearly having no regard for the woman he'd bumped into either.

"How uncouth." Honestly, he wanted to treat the boy the same way, but the two still had a little use left in them. "Yes, my bride-to-be is supposed to arrive through the North Gate soon. You two stay here. I won't have the guards thinking I associate with riffraff." And then Phillippe walked off to the gate to talk to the guards. He barked at the first one he reached.

"You, knight, tell me, has Princess Solvieg come through the gates yet?"

The knight glared down at him, clearly not keen on responding to the demands of a haughty child, no matter how well-dressed, but it was clear that, despite his attitude, the kid was, in fact, a noble, and any true discourtesy could land his head on a pike, so he visibly bit his tongue before replying.

"I'm sorry, but that's privileged information, sir. She will be in attendance for the upcoming festivities, though, so if you wish to speak with her, I urge you to ask your parents to request an audience, young sir."

Phillippe's face grew red with anger.

"Have you no idea who I am? I am to be the next Regis of Alençon! My father is Henri Leandre Regis d'Alençon, you know! Your princess is my fiancée, so I demand you tell me where she is this instant!" That seemed to make the soldier hesitate. "Do you think anyone other than a Duke could afford to dress a child this well?" While the guard was hesitating though, the child's yelling had garnered the attention of the guard on the other side of the gate.

"What's he want?" the second guard asked, leaning in to whisper with the first.

"He's looking for the Princess' carriage, but-"

"Then just tell him," the second guard replied, exasperated. "It's not like she's here, and he's obviously from a high up noble family. Do you really want to deal with that later?"

"No, but..." the first guard sighed and brought his attention back to Phillippe. "Look, I'm sorry, young sir, but she's already come through and is on her way to the castle. You'll just have to see her when she comes out for the festivities. Now hurry along; I'm sure your escorts are looking for you." Phillippe glared at them and pointed at the first guard.

"I'll remember this!" he barked before stalking off back to the other two boys. "Let's go, We're going to the inner gate!"

[aresite]

"You've cut me to the core, Braz!"Jack put a hand to his chest and made an over-exaggerate scoff, "Is that any way to speak to an old friend? And besides, you and I both know that I'm not in the field of 'moving humans'." That devilish grin once again crossed his face and he removed his hand from his chest to place on Erya's shoulder, "This little lady here is Erya. She is one of my charges. You could say she is like a daughter to me."

Erya really didn't know how to respond... she was having trouble following the conversation between the two and felt like there was something big that she was missing. Still, she nodded and bowed lightly as Jack introduced her.

Jack moved on quickly and reached into his tunic and pulled out the small leather coin purse that was strapped around his neck. He pulled it loose and reached in to pull out a large gemstone. For a moment he paused and looked down at it, almost like he was hesitant to part with it... but then he placed it on the counter in front of Brazmeag.

"This here are the 'goods' I want to offer." Jack then leaned against the counter and gave Brazmeag a meaningful look, "Last I checked, due to certain 'stressors' with Kalos shutting down the borders, you were having trouble getting your hands on things like this, were you not?"

Erya gasped as she saw Jack push the stone across the counter at the Perrserker - but then quickly covered her mouth with her hands when she realized she had gasped aloud. The yellow coloration of the stone was instantly recognizable - it was the gem that they got back in the woods!

Luckily, Jack didn't seem to hear her, or at least did not react. Instead he was glancing around the shop to make sure they really were alone, "Since business seems to be slow right now, I'm willing to offer you a deal on this." He kept his eyes on Brazmeag, "I'm willing to part with it for the low-low cost of some weapons from your backlog and more importantly - some information."

Brazmeag raised one of his hairy eyebrows and responded in a rather sarcastic, drawn out tone, "Jaaack? Right." He laughed and slammed one of his large hands down on the counter with a laugh, "A Merchant now are we? Ack." He spat, "Cut th' Taurus-crap, ain't nobody else 'ere but us. And we both be knowin' ye're no more a merchant than I am."

He seemed to suddenly realize that Jack wasn't the only one there and turned his gaze upon Erya, "'N what's this? Better not be th' 'merchandise' ye were tryin' t'peddle fer I ain't in th' market fer an apprentice at the' moment, nor am I no babysitter. If yer just 'ere t'shite mah time then git out. I have enough t'worry about already without havin' t'worry about ye causing trouble."