April
"Well, this is every kind of a mess."

*Raelin had been the first on scene, simply because she was largely a bored mutt who spent a lot of time out in the forest thinking about things, especially with what was on her mind right now. Truthfully, she needed the backup not because she couldn't handle any aspect of the investigation other than the fact that she was **Profoundly** Short of book-smarts and it honestly flummoxed her. It shouldn't even be a **Problem**, really but for someone to do something this close to the town, with peoples' homes right there and nobody had a permit or a clue? Seems like it needed looking into.*
Douglas
Among one of the first to arrive on the scene with the same amount of perplexity as the bystanding witnesses was Henry, one of the locals in the area with a known adeptness for tinkering with metallic parts, even helping maintain the street lamps in the locale at times when he was needed or out of purely good faith. It took almost no time for him to realize that something clearly wasn't right here. After all, not that many trees can just wind up missing in a single night like this...

"Sorry, I came as soon as I noticed the request on the board," The Eevee expressed in a pant, seeing as how he made his way to the scene in a hurry. "How bad is it looking...?"
Gary
❥───────────────────── 🦚 Cerul 🦚 


꧁~ ~~Un~~fortunately for everymon involved, Cerul was on the scene. When such a big commotion like a forest vanishing happens, its hard not to catch every eye in the vicinity, especially the blue bird that approached now. He had ripped off one of the posters from the mission board about this, tucking it somewhere safely and reviewing it closely now... Yup, she was in the right place. She was 'naturally gifted~' or some malarky like that, with book smarts up wazoo... 

꧁~ Why was such a prudent bird helping? Monetary gain, simply put~. She expected some kind reward would be involved, so the bird reared his ugly head here.

◈ **"Hrm, looks pretty dreadful... Should be a few more dozen trees there, no?"** She placed a cloud wing under her chin and thought meticulously. . .


❥───────────────────── 💎 Aetris 💎
Daniel
Anonymous was the sheriff, so it was her job to be here. She didn't really understand why so many people were arriving to try and assist... But it didn't hurt to have assistance. But given the size... She worried this crowd might just get in her way, nonetheless, whatever.

With lifeless corpse wrapped around her arm, Anonymous stepped forward into a clearing, placing their hand against the grass and dirt to inspect it, scoop some up to see if it was the same familiar dirt that filled the forest previously.
Ronald
**• Dirt**
Yes. Yes, this is the same dirt.
Myrtle
*Amongst the residents and general bustle of the travellers hub was the local apothecary, February!! She had often roamed the Fey woodlands to collect ingredients for her medicines- as such, hearing that the sections of forest that made up her gathering route had rather suddenly vanishished was disquieting news for the fairy.*

*She approached the pompous looking blue bird,Trying her best to avoid getting knocked around and gain the attention of whomever she assumed was investigating this matter.*
'Hello? Is this where I can help with the deforestation investigation?'
Domingo
Nicole had arrived!

...In no big rush, of course. They had a plate of pancakes in their left hand, and were eating it in their right. They probably weren't allowed to actually *Take* The heavy ceramic plates with them, but Nicole had done it with such confidence that no one questioned them until it was too late.

"Who's the friend you've got there?" They waggled their fork at Anonymous' former wife. Investigating the deforestation was second to getting a grasp as to just *Who* Nicole was working with. At least, thats what they told themselves.
Susan
*It was a rather long walk to the Travelers Hub for the wandering warrior, as the chatter amongst the wind about a certain member of the order needing help with something that could very well disturb the peace. The fox wasn't here to cause trouble, rather quite the opposite.*

*When Lucian arrived on the scene, his rather icy stare and lack of communication made his arrival rather lackluster. Seeing the odd assortment of characters that has showed up to assist in the effort, Lucian wasted no time in approaching the Lucario, stopping at about a foot away from her. He took his time analyzing the scenery around him, those emotionless eyes of him scanning every detail his quick-processing brain could possibly obtain. The fox most likely stood out from the crowd with his traditional clothing, and the large sword the stuck out from his tail. For now, he stood there, awaiting for more context and information to be provided so he could extend aid.*
Daniel
Anonymous didn't make eye contact with Nicole, they were busy investigating, but they weren't so rude as to not respond.

"This is Sylvia, my wife." She responded shortly, not wanting very much to talk about her much given that it might result in her getting emotional.

The Cacturne bent down and inspected the grass... Were there any indentations in the grass where stumps may have previously been? Noticeable patterns in grass height? Was it flat? Wild? Mowed? Was it like the rest of the forest?
Domingo
"Kay-kay!" Nicole commented nothing more, not bothering to investigate the Sandaconda closely enough to see her glazed eyes and lack of breath.

However, with Lucian's arrival, the Phione waggled their fork in the air.

"*Nowwwww* It's a party, aye?!" They had finally noticed just how sizeable the group was- glancing from 'mon to mon.

"Let's get some names, huh? No good if I don't know if I don't know who I'm investigating with!" Nicole tried doing a cool spin trick with their fork. They failed, and it fell into the grass. Goodbye, fork. 

"Mmm Nifole ." Don't talk with your mouth full, Nicole. They were eating pancakes with their hands.
John
A Perrserker dual-wielding axes over his shoulders strutted onto the scene, (assumedly) accompanied by a certain friendly Golurk. Immediately he'd glance around the area, a scrutinizing glare assessing the situation. His eyes eventually settled on the quest-giver, a member of the Order from Torstein's memory. Waltzing up to Raelin, he spoke in a gruff voice. 

"I'm going to assume this clearing wasn't here before," Torstein began. "I hope by now the Order would have gotten a lead on whoever's doing this... And maybe even why."

He said that, but the Lucario looked puzzled, so he had his doubts any valuable information was found. How the hell does mass deforestation this close to civilization occur without anyone in charge hearing about it? He decided not to comment on how incompetent that made Wisterwood security appear (yet). 

He looked around some more. Pokemon were already on the scene. Some oddities that looked like they didn't need to be here, but then again, Torstein acknowledged he was in the same group. They were all here under one banner- reward. Or so Torstein assumed, Arceus forbid a 'mon just try to help out of goodwill. 

Regardless, he'd wait to see if this Raelin character had any idea what was going on before he'd try running around trying to "Investigate".
Emilio
*Auto had arrived, he'd soon meet with brand new faces other than the altaria he had previously met in a previous shopping experience, so it was nice! They had came with a certain partner, though they did not arrive together! So she was the one arriving late, unfortunate... It seemed like the most of them were friendly, so they'd arrive at the scene, and it seemed like one of the others was already getting names from people, so she might as well introduce themselves!*


"Hello! The name's Rotary "Auto" Dial, but Auto is just fine! Nice to meet you all!"
Gary
❥───────────────────── 🦚 Cerul 🦚 


꧁~ The bird looked down at the fairy type, offering up what was a fake smile and a nod.

◈ **"Yes, this is indeed the area for the investigation."**

꧁~ The expensive looking things she wore looked like they'd cost the equivalent price of a house in Wisterwood, and they jingled she scooched off towards the scene. Cerul ended up next to Nicole, looking down at them a consolatory nod.

◈ **"Mx. Nicole."** He acknowledged, looking at the pancakes and smiling. Nicole had good taste~

꧁~ Cerul then surveyed the scene, looking for *Signs of any tree stumps or uprootings of trees.* 


❥───────────────────── 💎 Aetris 💎
Ronald
**• Grass**
It was... Flat. Not like it had been mowed, but like it had been cut by... Something else? There wasn't much other evidence that somebody had been there recently.
April
Raelin kind of felt a weight of expectation over her. That, or a cat with axes was staring at her.

Cat.

Axes.

"Nah, too convenient."
Ronald
**• Tree Stumps**
Well, it didn't look like the trees had been uprooted or anything, and there weren't even stumps left behind in their place. No grass seed had been planted in their place, though, so there were just a bunch of empty patches of loamy dirt.
Daniel
Anonymous responded flatly to Nicole, "Anonymous." Before continuing on with their investigation. They walked to another clearing, trying to see if it was the same size or shape as the one they were previously in. If so, it was likely some tool that was used... If not, it was probably done by hand or with a move. Even with a move or pokemon ability, there would be *Some* Variation.

They were too busy with their investigation to socialize.
Ronald
**• Second Clearing**
...Well, it wasn't the same size or shape, but the grass was the exact same height as it was in the other one. And the method to removing the stumps never changed.
Gary
❥───────────────────── 🦚 Cerul 🦚 


◈ **"Be careful of that one Nicole..."** She mumbled as anonymous backed away. **"The sherif is a real thorn in the side... Literally."** The peahen had a very negative opinion of the sherif after being arrested.

꧁~ Moving something like a tree would have been extremely difficult... Cerul made a quiet scoff and dug a bit into some of the loamy dirt patches, he hated doing dirty work, but what could you hope for..? He was really just searching for any signs of the trees still left, maybe roots?

[ 


❥───────────────────── 💎 Aetris 💎
Marina
Tul!Edit *Oh! Look was coming late! No other than Larad, who instead of flying came carefully walking with a cave over his head, tail coiled round him to stay away from the sun* "Sorry for my late arrival, I dont dwell well under the power of our sun" *Larad apologized with a smile+ "I may be late, but allow me to try something"

*Larad approached the nearest patch of lack-of-treeness that was decently away from the group, and slammed his tail against it to use bulldoze to see what was under the ground*
Leona
You can't edit a message that you didn't originally send.
Ruth
*Oh! Look was coming late! No other than Larad, who instead of flying came carefully walking with a cave over his head, tail coiled round him to stay away from the sun "Sorry for my late arrival, I dont dwell well under the power of our sun" *Larad apologized with a smile* "I may be late, but allow me to try something"

*Larad approached the nearest patch of lack-of-treeness that was decently away from the group, and slammed his tail against it to use bulldoze to see what was under the ground*
John
"I'll take that as a 'no', then."

Torstein sighed at Raelin before wandering away from her. He looked to see that his partner had arrived, but she was currently introducing himself to the others. He didn't really see the point in trivial introductions, so he just went on to see those who were actually performing their job. 

A Cacturne seemed actually intent on resolving the issue instead of turning it into a social event, so he approached her. 

"What're your thoughts so far?" He asked as he looked around. Specifically, he was trying to **Count how many of these clearings had been made,** Determining on a wider scale if they were similarly shaped as each other, and if there were any patterns in where they were carved out. He wondered if each clearing was caused by one move/action, or if they were cut down individually. Additionally, any patterns on what areas were struck might help. Even if the areas effected were all random, that too was information.
April
"It doesn't really look 'bad', we're just all wondering how it all happened without anyone knowing, right? I mean it's a little unnerving that Someone™️ did this and left like... No clues? I mean, I've been trying to talk to the locals but nobody's seen anything and I can't even find the mayor even though I think that's his house right there."
Susan
*Once Lucian overheard a good amount of what the others were saying, Lucian would get to work. His eyes would move over towards the stumps, and the grass. Of course, Lucian would notice the same thing the other Pokémon investigating would rather quickly. The cut grass, the same methods of removing stumps... It was rather odd. It was likely to suggest that the same Pokémon was responsible for the grass and the stumps. However, what Pokémon would have such extreme precision like this? It was an odd yet crucial detail.*

"Same lengths... The stumps were removed... Impressions on the grass are out due to the grass being cut..."

*Lucian's voice was soft, yet had a strict tone with a deep pitch. He was muttering the facts back to himself as he worked, going over the options he had in his head.*

"The culprit could either levitate, or is underneath the ground. Yet, the ground doesn't look disturbed anywhere..."

*Lucian would give a double take around to his surroundings, looking for anything he might find odd. It was clear that whoever this was, they obviously didn't leave any tracks to be found out. This was done intentionally with the reasoning that they won't be found out. Lucian would wander over towards a different, more quiet, area... Before then using* **Calm Mind** *To calm his senses as he began to go over the facts his mind was beginning to build up.*
Ronald
**• Sawdust**
...Sawdust was buried just beneath the surface of the dirt? Seems like the one who did this was trying to hide all evidence it had been done in the first place.
Ruth
"So... What do we know exactly? Besides there being quite a crowd here ready to investigate. Has anyone seen anything?"
Domingo
"Well, roses have thorns too. And... Pine trees? I forgot the metaphor." Nicole shrugged at Cerul, paying the warning no mind. The worst that could happen, the Phione deduced, was getting murdered. And that probably wouldn't happen, with so many people nearby, so there was no need for concern. Another Pancake down the gullet.

"Let's getttt investigating!" Nicole decided to announce, with a point of their finger to the air. In just a second. Nicole had to finish their food first.

"Aren't there pokemon that eat wood? Love it, munch on it for fun? Bibarel? Coulda just been like, a big ol' fam of them that are making a [HECATIA THANKSGIVING OR HOLIDAY EQUIVALENT] feast. Wouldn't blame them. Kids eat like wolves." They laughed, amused with themselves.
April
"Nobody that I've talked to. But then, people are a bit suspicious of me, usually."
Daniel
Hmm... All flat, huh? No footprints or anything? Rather strange. Were the trees cut from range? Was it done by a floating pokemon? A light pokemon or pokemon with thin legs? Well at least it wasn't a Rhyperior or something like that. She looked over to see the sawdust revealed by Larad. 

"Likely they're taking bits to build something. That's the main reason to go for trees. If they were after the food in em they wouldn't need to take the entire tree. Pokemon can eat wood, but unless its a big colony of bugs it probably ain't for a feast or hibernation. They must've cut em down somehow, someway, without leaving any trace they were actually here. Small feet or flight probably. If you wanna make yourself useful, start digging under one."

The Cacturne would walk out of the clearing toward one of the intact trees, investigating it carefully to see its health, status, and if there was anything unique about it.
Susan
*After calmly going over his thoughts for a few moments, Lucian would get the idea of the weight class he was dealing with. He was dealing with a Pokémon with extraordinary strength, while also having the precision to cut the grass in such a way. It was likely, however, that this feat wasn't done by a single Pokémon.*

"We are most likely dealing with a group here. Strength and precision aren't usually hand in hand for one individual."

*Lucian would comment to himself before moving to grab his sword. He would remove it from his sheathe and stab it into the ground, maybe around half a foot or so. Using it like a lever, he would push it so he would disturb some of the ground, looking for any contents within the soil.*
Ronald
**• Insert Dust Joke Here**
Nothing to see here, unfortunately. This tree is, indeed, a tree with nothing interesting about it.
Emilio
*Auto was still there just listening to everyone ^^, it seemed to be a bad situation, the entire field had been cut out! That was really bad...*
Myrtle
*The fairy had a contemplative look on her face in response to being shrugged off by the pretty birdie... She decided to investigate the clearing a little bit on her own.*
*She noted how there were absolutely no tree stumps but she had a feeling something was off about that. She knew pretty well how tree stumps work after all-*

*Floating on into the clearing, she looked for evidence of any remaining roots beneath the dirt. If they had been completely removed then surely there would be misplaced dirt.*
Ronald
**• Roots**
Roots were found in the dirt! They had been severed pretty cleanly, however.
Ruth
"Bits? With the whole trees you could make a small fortress, could you not? I wouldnt stop considering heavier pokemon either. A good psycic might be capable of reaping the trees out without standing in these grounds. Hmm... Is anyone here strong enough to pull out another one of these trees?"
Douglas
"Hm..." He inquired silently in deep thought once Raelin gave him the brief down, looking on towards the tree-less scene with magnified concern.

With how large the investigation party was growing in numbers, however, Henry then turned in their general direction, adopting a keen glance at each and every one of them. To tell the truth, it surprised him just a little at how many were willing to show up to help with such haste. It gladdened him. He only wished Isah were there to lend a helping hand, as well, had he not been already preoccupied with a small errand concerning some straggling lowly burglars. He was always normally there to watch Henry's back. But this time, he was on his own. Surely he could've just waited until Isah's hands were free to help him out again. 

And yet, here he was. Trusting in himself to go on and handle things without his friend's help. After all, he couldn't *Always* Rely on Isah to handle all the heavy duty on his behalf, right? Surely this would be a step towards his independence.

Meanwhile, something else ended up snagging Henry's attention like a fish in a net. A Phione eccentrically waving a fork around, until it made a happy landing in the nearby shrubbery, very openly suggested the notion of learning each other's names. Henry's good-mannered side immediately drove him to comply.

"Ah- Right. I guess we should at least be acquainted with each other first." The Eevee stood up straight and put a paw up to his chest—just above the glowing fluorescent blue core of his cross-buckle—pointing to his own person as he donned a mellow smile. "I'm Henry."
Domingo
"Sah, Henry! I think I knew a kid with that name. They were an Arrokuda though, so I don't think you're him. Lest some fishy business is going on?" They smiled, giving a wave to the Eevee. Awkwardly, they mimicked a hand to their own chest- figuring it was some greeting they didn't get.

"Say, Hen-Hen-Chicken-Pen, you got an idea bouncing around that brain of yours? Cuts are pretty even all around, so I'm thinking huge gigantamasaurus axe that someone missed a target with (in their axe throwing contest, of course), and was too embarassed to confess 'cause of how many times they missed."
John
"Mn," Torstein mumbled in response. He looked around some more, but something Raelin said caught his ears. It made them twitch, earning his immediate attention. 

"You can't find the mayor?" He approached and asked. "Isn't that a problem? Have you seen him recently? If his house is so close to the area we're investigating, then something could have happened."

He thought some more. Sure, the mayor could be elsewhere. But even beyond the mayor potentially being in danger, there was something else. 

"So the people are suspicious of you. Looks like there are still some people around. Maybe they'd be more comfortable with talking to someone not of such a high status?"
Susan
"Cut from underground, huh? Excadrill seems to come to mind..."

*Lucian would notice that since the roots are cut at the source, it was likely to assume that the roots were cut from underground. He would pick up one of the roots, inspecting it within his paws.*

"It's unlikely an Excadrill that's causing this however. This makes the case a group that is responsible, not one Pokémon."

*Lucian would move over to Raelin, standing in front of her as he would report his findings.*

"My findings suggest that the trees were cut at the source from underground, however with how cleanly the grass has been cut, I believe a group is responsible for this. Roots and dust are just underneath the ground, so they obviously know what they are doing is wrong."
April
"I don't think it's a status thing. I think the last time I tried to talk to someone they walked away saying something that sounded like 'nut' and I think I can fill in the blank, there. But yeah, that's what I was trying to say, anyway." *Raelin explained, then quickly changed her focus to the Braixen.*

"Well, I mean a lot happened in a short time, it's not out of the question that there's more than one, I'd think. Uh, maybe someone should write that down?" *Raelin suggested, the green-eyed mutt definitely looking more than a little out of her depth with this whole problem.*
Ruth
"Ah yes, I havent presented myself" *Larad responded to Henry while fixing the cape to make sure no sunlight hit him* "I am Laradd Noscul. Glad to make your acquaintance" *After that, Larad approached the perserker* "The mayor has gone missing as well? Miss Realin, are there any signs of his whereabouts?" *Get fucked jeff, say you are the sheriff doofus*
Susan
*Lucian would nod and grab a journal from underneath his kimono. He would grab a pen and quickly write down everything he has found so far, tearing out the page and handing it to Raelin with a nod.*

"That should suffice. Now all this timber has to have gone somewhere... Perhaps pressing the locals would be the next goal. An aerial view of the area would also help..."

*Lucian would comment, looking to the others to see what they were going to do.*
April
*Raelin stares at the page as if it holds the secrets of the universe for a second.*

"Uh. Thanks."

*She is concentrating very hard.*
Douglas
"Er- well..." Henry eyed the scene again, awkwardly brushing the back of his head with his paw. "The cuts do *Look* Even, but... I hardly think anyone would come across an axe of *That* Size. *Not to my knowledge, anyway...*"

"It... Does seem pretty bizarre, though. Now that you point it out, the cuts seem... Almost *Too* Identical with another. Whoever sliced them down must've done the job with extremely careful precision. But...*How could*...?" His words soon began to trail off into his own mind as he went back to quietly observing the scene again, becoming lost in his own thoughts on the matter.
Daniel
Anonymous huffed as they watched the pokemon approach Raelin. Raeline was fine, but as she knew and everyone should have been able to tell, she was way out of her depth. She brought a hand to her mouth and let out a **LOUD** Whistle to attract everyone's attention, standing tall to speak to everyone.

"Alright everyone, lets not act so divided here. I'm Anonymous, sheriff of Wisterwood, any investigative acts should be reported to me in advance and debriefed to me. That way, we make sure all this information is organized. I'll start taking notes. Lets not act like a bunch of kids in a sandbox, aight?"

"Anyone know what kinds of trees these are? Their nutritional value? Structural integrity."
Domingo
Nicole wanted to be a kid in a sandbox, though . They turned their head, giving a thumbs up (in spirit. They had naught but nubs.) to the sheriff. They could ask about what a sheriff was another time.
Ronald
**• Even Cuts**
Hey, buddy, you said it, not me. Careful precision, and had to have been done through a method that doesn't employ a standard tool.
Domingo
"Maybe a move." Nicole wanted to be helpful, but not enough to have to move themselves so much as an inch. With another pancake in mouth, they continued. "I know some move stuff gets pretty serious, right? You think moves could cut trees that well, Hennny Renny? 'Cut' pack this much of a punch? Er, slice?"
John
"I agree with the Braixen," Torstein said. "I'll spend some time questioning whoever's around. If you hear screaming, no you don't."

He then waltzed away from the main group, though he did add: "That was a joke."

It was not a joke.

He approached the nearest resident he could find. Seeing as how polite niceties weren't his thing, he worked with the next best thing: intimidation. 

"Hey. I'm investigating the deforestation around here, but I have some other questions first. Have you or anyone seen the mayor of Wisterwood recently? Also, do you know which house is his? There's a chance he might be in danger."

Upfront and to the point. He didn't allow much wiggle room for getaway.
Daniel
"If it's a move, it's gotta be cut, aerial ace, air cutter, air slash, bitter blade,cross poison, fury cutter, kowtow cleave, night slash, leafblade, psyblade, psycho cut, razor shell, sacred sword, slash, wide slash, vacuum cut, solar blade, or X-Scissor. Other cutting moves would leave behind some trace. I'd bet it's vacuum cut, covers a really big area." Anonymous added.
Domingo
"...Lots of cutting moves these days, huh?" Nicole got none of the above .
Ruth
*Larad moved away from REALin due to her being too occupied with the notes. Best stay with the sheriff that just made herself known* "You certainly know what you are looking for, does anyone here have such moves? Perhaps a demonstration with them could proof useful?"
Emilio
*Um... Everyone seemed to be looking at the dirt, though Rotary was more curious about any reports of anything! A true detective makes sure there were witnesses of course! ...She wasn't a detective but she could still stand in as one! He'd pull out a cap from his pocket that he usually had more just to block sun as a makeshift detective cap, before walking over to the.. Lucario! Even though she seemed to be preoccupied, it was better to ask now than later! Unless someone already asked this then oops!*

"So um... Were there any reports of suspicious people in the area? (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧
April
"I mean, no. Nobody's seen nobody. Unless you're calling anyone here suspicious?"
Douglas
However, his deepening train of thought would resurface again at the very abrupt sound of a whistle piercing the air. 

"Guh-!" He yelped audibly, ears and tail jolting up in startle, before he'd aptly calm himself again and turn in Sheriff Anonymous' direction.

"Er- w-well... I can't quite say for sure *What* Trees they are. That knowledge is a bit out of my expertise..." Then he turned to Nicole again. "...But from what *Do* Know, they're quite sturdy. Whenever I see anymon axing at just *One* Of those trees, it would take hours for them to even get halfway through the bark. Actually, a lumber job on just one tree would take *Two* Pokémon to see it through from what I've seen before."

Then he turned to the tree-less scene again. "This? All of this looks like it was done in just *One night.* Even with moves, nobody could work through multiple trees that fast..."

"So...*How could this even be possible? It just seems so... Coordinated...*" He held a paw up to his head as he stared down at the ground, trying to grasp the possibility of what could've caused something that made little sense to him to happen.
Emilio
"Nope! I do not see anyone as suspicious currently! Just wanted to make sure there were any sightings first! Thanks! ^⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠^" *Rotary looked at the field open in front of them, while listening to a few people talking about cutting moves, Auto decided to pitch in!*

"Maybe the culprit had other culprits, like a secret undercover tree snatching! (⁠ ⁠´⁠◡⁠‿⁠ゝ⁠◡⁠`⁠)"
Domingo
"Then it's awfully cooridnated then, eh? Crime syndicate, but- just for wood!" Nicole hummed. Having no attachment to Fey besides their tavern, they didn't mind such a possibility whatsoever.

"Colony of Kabutops, a gaggle of gliscor, perhaps a party of Pincurchin with some *Real* Determination! Why couldn't it have been coordinated like that? Get your friends and family to all help out in' tree-napping, and I betcha you'd have enough for a heist and a half."
Ruth
"Why is my kind being dropped into that?"
Ronald
The nearest resident that Torstein ended up finding was a Lurantis, who was quite dolled up in a top hat and little coat buttons, and a case seemingly full of various alcohols. She kept a cane handy, as she seemed to have a weak leg. She'd been overlooking a garden that was conspicuously empty. "P-Pardon!?" She stuttered, staggering about as she turned around to face the cat.

"The... Mayor? I haven't seen him all day, now that'cha mention it. Not that I pay too much 'ttention, anyways... But he lives in the home right next door to mine!"

She raised one of her sickles, pointing to a little home across the way. "Incidentally..." She continued. "It seems it isn't just trees that're missin'. Take a gander." She gestured to her, once more, empty garden. "I've been growing Leppa Berry bushes for a few months to use for m'wines. But, uh... As you can see, they're gone. Seems they don't discriminate, haha!"

"I'm the tavernkeep 'round these parts, y'see. I kinda need to have these berries to stay in business. And I'll tell you firsthand, them's some sturdy bushes. They don't just disappear outta nowhere."
Domingo
"Got quite the lumber-jack grippers on ya."
Ruth
"I still dont quite appreciate the way you mention it... Regardless, I can assume no one here has a cutting move? At all? There was someone with an axe here, was there not- oh, they are gone already, I see..."
Daniel
Anonymous looked over the area carefully, trying to think about it logically...

"They have to have been cut in a big area, but they also had to be able to catch the trees before they fell, so we're **Definitely** Looking at multiple perps here. Not sure if it's OC though. After they cut the trees in several or one fell swoop, they covered the roots and sawdust in dirt. Had to be a move, that's why they took the Leppa berries, for PP. I'm still thinking it's a vacuum cut, but we can't be sure."

With their conclusions announced, Anonymous went about walking to the mayor's house. People were talking a suspicious amount their dear old mayor, and she didn't like the sound of it. She needed to check on him.

So she would walk up to the front door, and give it a knock, peering in through any window to see what she could see.
John
"Thank you for your time," Torstein bowed respectfully. "I'll see about bringing the culprits to justice."

He then turned around, immediately heading for the mayor's house now that he knew which it was. 

Upon reaching the mayor's front door, he gave a hefty knock on the door to contrast Anon's firm but not nearly as abrasive one. It was loud enough that if the mayor was inside, there was little to no chance he could NOT hear it. 

"Oi, Mr. Mayor. If you're home, I have some questions," He said loudly through the door. "By the way, if you don't open the door in a minute, I'm axing it down and coming in to investigate."

After a moment he realized that probably sounded bad, so he added: "For your own safety. Of course."

He only offered a nod to Anon's more diplomatic ways.
Douglas
"I see... That's definitely a cause for even more concern..." Henry commented. "Has anywhere else in the locale been affected that we should know about?"
Emilio
*Rotary would see their bud (maybe strong word but oh well) talking to a local about the situation! That was pretty smart .. Maybe one of the locals saw what happened, so they decided to follow them to where they wanted to go! It seemed like the trees weren't the only murder victim in this case... The bushes from the local tavern keeper had been looted as well! How rude! Auto followed the sheriff and axe wielding battle cat to the mayors door! As like.. A good cop!*
Ronald
"Everyone in the neighborhood's been losin' their crops. B'tween the trees and the crops, we're all kinda at a loss. **Surely they can't've gone far.** I feel like we woulda noticed if a group'a mon came onto our properties and took our shit." She leaned down onto her cane, seeming rather dejected. Sad Lurantis :(

"...Could I ask your help in finding them? I don't want all m'hard work goin' to waste... 'Specially with so many mon comin' in at all hours lookin' to drink away their trav'lin woes..."
Douglas
"W-Wait! Hold on a minute!" Henry happened to overhear Torstein threaten to axe down the door. And out of his lawful judgement, he felt the need to step in before brash actions were made.

"You're not- really going to break his door down, right? If we're going to search his home for answers, shouldn't we at least go about it in a way that doesn't involve trashing it?"
John
"Time is of the essence," Torstein responded. "If the mayor has been captured and at risk, I'm sure he'd rather we ruin his door if it meant rescuing him faster."
Myrtle
*Feeling overwhelmed with all the activity and listening to what the Lurantis had said, she decided to look for clues in a different area. Perhaps deeper into the forest would yield some more information?*
*Whoever stole all the plants surely wouldnt want to stick around... She began to wander deeper into (FUCK MY JEYBOARD HAS NO HASHTAG KEY) Fey Woodlands*
Ruth
*Finally! Someone that could cut trees* "My lurantis friend" *Larad approached, calling her over with his claws* "Come over, please, we require your assistance with some tests. Would you be so kind as to attack the base of a tree with your claws? In order to cut its roots. That'd be of the outmost help for us right now"
Emilio
*Oh! They should've probably- oh it seemed like they had that handled! Auto looked over to the destroyed trees before noticing someone wandering off by themselves!!! Uh oh! Auto better make sure the tree bandits aren't secretly hiding in the woods still and waiting to attack! She followed the floette while waving goodbye to the others.*
Douglas
"I- I guess so, but *Still-*" Henry tried to emphasize further. "We shouldn't act so rashly about this. We should at least look for a less destructive way in that'll work just as fast. And besides... The costs for home repairs afterwards won't be kind. Are you *Really* Sure you want to pay those fees?"
Domingo
"If the mayor's captured, he's probably dead n' if he's not I'm sure they're keeping him alive for a reason." Nicole shrugged. "The haste is only gonna ruin his day even more. Why not take a chill pill? You, uh, familiar with tree species, Mr. IDontKnowYourName?"
Ronald
"Consider: Dude's pretty old," The Lurantis piped up. "He might just be sleepin' or somethin'. He isn't particularly inclined to be... Super active'r anythin'." She was still sulking over her field of missing berries.
John
Upon hearing the Eevee's full rebuttle, something he said made Torstein actually turn around to face Henry. He had a puzzled face. 

"Pay those fees...? Why would I? I'm here helping on the Order's behalf. Any necessary destruction is the responsibility of the one who made the request," The cat said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. He fully expected Raelin/the Order to cover his cost of.. Whatever this was. 

"Still..." He pondered the Eevee's words again. Then, he decided. "Alright. There's still thirty or so seconds before I axe down the door. Give me a solution within that time, that'll be less destructive and work just as fast. Surely you have an idea, if you're willing to propose it?"

After that, he waited. He barely even paid attention to Nicole at all, only gesturing while saying: "You've done little but socialize this entire time. Your words are irrelevant and only muck up the heads of people actually thinking about solutions."

He sighed a bit. "If he's old enough to not hear us, that's all the more reason we need to verify his whereabouts. Once we do that, we can consider him safe and sound and we can move on. Or do you lot not care about your own leaders?"
Domingo
"Friendships magic, or so they say." Nicole tapped their forehead. "You'll thank me when we're best friends."
Douglas
While he still had 30 seconds to spare, Henry looked towards the mayor's house in the entirety of its visible structure from the outside, searching for that possible destruction-less solution...
Alma
Quite late to the scene, was Kyu.
In fact he simply wandered over after seeing commotion, chatting to himself. He was currently in the basic form of a mimikyu, and looking around at what is happening. 

" **I heard there was something going on here, what is it? Why are you kicking down the mayors door??** " He asked, rather halfmindedly.
He fiddled with his bag and scarf, making soft metallic clanks as he found items he might want, then slowly pulling a canine out and drinking some water he had just collected. He eyed the people around while doing this, he wasn't used to much commotion where he went.