(AN): Hello again, I might have powered through this one out of excitement :P

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did writing and conceptualising this arc.

Let's begin!

Chapter 23: Rose of the Vale Part 2

Genevieve

The large wooden doors of Tenshumura were wide open, an eerie silence within the normally bustling courtyard. I knew for certain something was off. The gate teams typically took their sweet times opening it. I looked up at my clan symbol above the entrance and gulped. My hand wrapped around my hilt, I was about to step inside the castle, but a firm hand placed itself upon my shoulder, causing me to jump. Who dared?!

Behind me, gasping for air was Gabriel, his kimono stained with soot from earlier. He looked at me with a less than impressed glare.

"Missy," he caught his breath. "For someone with an injury, you move remarkably quickly."

"My people are in danger, Gabriel," I said and drew my blade, taking a few hesitant steps within the walls of Tenshumura. "I do what's best for them."

"For someone with such ill opinions of her father, you seem rather insistent on saving him," He added.

"..."

I looked at my metal hooves, and stepped into the courtyard. The stone path was how I remembered it, leading to three raised steps before the grand door. I looked up at the great Tenshu before me, her white walls catching whatever sun it could, the red roofs striking. Clouds gathered in the sky, dark and miserable. I gulped. My feet tapped the ground audibly as I made my approach. I was Sir Bisharp no longer, nor was I simply Gene. I was Nakamura Genevieve, Princess of the Vale. My heart raced, destiny in my hands. I couldn't just wait for Entei, Raikou or Suicune to save my hide. This was my duty. Before I could even open the door, I heard my gardevoir companion yell.

"Genevieve! Break left!"

Without question, I dodged, shrieking as several shuriken lodged themselves in the door. I spun on my feet as quickly as I could. Upon the walls were several bisharp ninja, likely assassins of The Rose. I grunted. How dare they attack their own princess! I retaliated by throwing my own volley at them. One fell off the wall, likely off the castle and into the motte below. The remaining two jumped down to engage us. Gabriel drew his rapier and immediately clashed with one of the ninja. I couldn't worry about him for the moment, as the other approached me, drawing his katana.

I squinted and stepped down to approach him, tightly gripping my sword. Thunder cracked, the sky darkening. Hmph. No matter. I would not be halted by mere weather. He was bigger than me, but I sized him up regardless. If Father wished me to be the Vale's strongest warrior, then so be it. I raised my sword, bringing it down upon him. Ours met in a vicious clash, the sky howling again as it did. I jumped back, but he didn't hesitate to try and push me back with a thrust. I parried his attack and swung my blade, striking his side.

"Put your blade down, filthy traitor," I hissed, pushing him back. "I may just spare your life if you do."

"Bah!" The ninja spat, still attempting to swing at me. "Such compassion, princess!"

Lightning flashed in the sky as my wakizashi met his katana. My eyes stayed focused on his. His burned with such fury. I almost could admire it, alas, he was attempting to kill me. I would not let such matters slip so easily. I pushed forward, thrusting at him. Though he blocked, I continued my assault. High. Low. Side. Due to my smaller frame and speed, I was able to push him back steadily. He grunted as I ducked over one of his overhead swings. I remembered my duel with the interloper. The riolu was swift, he was the wind to the mountain.

"Aka Miko is dead!" I yelled as thunder clapped again, gritting my metal teeth. "The Rose will surely fall too! Is this what you wish for?! Do you wish to die a traitor's death?!"

"I die for the Vale's future!" He hissed as I struck him again. "Your pitiful family and the clans have sewn their incompetence into the foundation of the Nakmura Vale! How many more Bisharp must fall in foreign land?! My father fell under the orders of Nobunaga!"

I cringed at what he said. Despite the horrific actions he was taking, his words rang true, my home a shell of its former self thanks to Father and Grandfather. Could I even convince the king to change his ways? I couldn't ponder for long as this ninja attempted to stab me. Hmph! His attack grazed my side, causing my metal body to hiss. I cringed at the noise, and the subsequent pain. I had to end this. I thought of Matt again, and how he felled me in his most vulnerable moment. I knelt under his swing, balling my hand into a fist. With a swift motion, I pulled it back, then struck him directly in his groin. He gasped in pain, uttering a weak 'shimata' as he dropped his blade to the ground with a weak clink. He held his lower half and collapsed. I pointed my sword at him and scowled. He looked up at me with expecting eyes. He knew I was going to kill him. I bit my lip. I saw his struggle as justified, yet, siding with this 'Rose…' he supported a murderer of the clans. I squinted and shook my head.

"Surrender, Ninja," I said, placing my sword into my sheathe. "I will right my Grandfather's wrongs."

He looked up at me with confused eyes, confused, fearful, and perhaps… grateful?

"You… spare me, Nakamura?" He gasped, studying me. I simply nodded at him. His eyes widened. You… you honour me… I surrender… I never expected a Nakamura to be so… merciful…"

He looked over at the ninja who was pushing Gabriel back. He ducked under a thunderbolt and kicked the gardevoir down, but before he could strike again, the warrior I spared threw a katana at the other's hand, knocking his katana away.

"Takeshi!" He shouted. "Cease your fighting… this Nakamura… is honourable…"

"What?! Impossible!" The other yelled. "Genji! This clan killed our father! We can't let her or her cohorts-!"

To prove a point, I reached down and helped Genji up onto his feet.

"And yet, she spared me," He spoke, looking at me with regret-filled eyes. "Nakamura… I am sorry…"

"You are forgiven," I held his shoulder. "So long as you give us passage."

"I will."

I nodded and watched Takeshi. He looked at Gabriel and sighed, muttering a weak "gomen nasai."

The Gardevoir pushed himself to his feet and approached me.

"Goodness, these chaps are a tad… flip-floppy," Gabe sneered. "What did you say to them?"

"That I will make tomorrow brighter," I said, masking the truth in softer words. "My father needs to stand down. I will make him do so, if need be… if I meet The Rose's resistance with bloodshed… Their cause gows."

"But in making him abdicate…" Gabriel's eyes widened.

"I become queen."

"Death to clan Naka-" A third voice yelled, revealing the bisharp I knocked from the walls. He was soaked and very angry, anger that turned to confusion. "Why has the fighting stopped…?"

His brothers looked at him and just shook their heads, walking over to lead him away. I sighed and wished the best for them, mourning the loss of their father for them. I sighed and turned to Tenshumura, opening the front door, feeling a cold wind blowing throughout the mighty keep. I gulped, knowing Father was likely at the top floor, unaware of what was happening. I pushed on, feeling an anxious chill run up and down my spine. Not only was I working against the Rose… I had to make Father stand down.

My hooves echoed across the wooden floors of the castle, the wooden walls and screens of the hallway making what little exposed skin I had crawl. My heart raced, expecting a ninja to pop out at any moment. Gabe and I were light on our feet as we pushed in, swords ready.

"This place…" Gabriel whispered. "Is far less opulent than the castles back home…"

"We measure our worth not based on grand designs or riches, but honour and actions," I rolled my eyes and checked the first two rooms. Tearooms. They were empty. Good. "It is what my ancestor would have wanted."

Gabriel frowned.

"What… What happened…?" He looked at me as we entered the main lobby, the largest room of Tenshumura. A large empty space with a tatami mat in the centre, showing off a stand with a katana on it, above it a huge scroll on the wall, bigger than us. "From what I hear, all your problems were caused by your grandfather, Nobunaga."

"They were," I simply responded and eyed the blade, bowing before it. "When my ancestor, Ichiro led the bisharp away from the Eclipse War, he made a vow to craft a glorious paradise for us. His trials were many, harsh and he sacrificed much. But on the steps of Mount Nensho, he met Ho-oh…"

I looked at Ichiro's sword, remembering my feather.

"His noble soul granted him her favour," I continued. "His eternal happiness was granted, a prosperous land forever bathed in spring. When he died, our future was bright… until Nobunaga."

Gabriel squinted.

"Until Nobunaga," He said.

"He believed our blessings were proof of bisharp supremacy, vowing to conquer all…" I closed my eyes. "He killed anyone that stood in his way. The fifth Entei, his own brothers… When your reach defeated Nobunaga, Father was only seventeen, just married and had to take over… his inaction, pride and grief is why today, we stand here. Fighting assassins."

"Genevieve…" Gabe held my shoulder. "I'll be with you, to right yesterday's wrongs."

"Thank you, Gabriel," I whispered. "I wouldn't be who I was without you."

"Nor would I be without you."

"Hmph…" I smiled subtly. "Let's move…"

He nodded… and without further delay… we pressed on.

I remembered what the scroll in front of the sword said… Ichiro, and the Nakamura code of conduct.

"May the Vale forever bloom."

No guards or assassin's halted us, the wooden hallways of Tenshumura were dead. My heart raced, soul on fire as we approached a door on the second to top floor. It had been years since I last stood here. The door was tall, heavy and made of the most exquisite woods in the Nakamura Vale. I sucked in air. He was likely behind it. My feelings clashed. I wanted him to live, yet, all he did to me since Mother passed haunted me so. I gulped, knowing The Rose would be close, too. With one last look at Gabriel for reassurance, we swung open the heavy doors, to the steel council's hall.

Incense stung my nose as I entered, the room bathed in a familiar darkness. A red carpet led from the door to a raised platform in the back of the room. Above the throne, a large solid gold rendition of our clan symbol stood. The room was empty, illuminated by a few candles. My heart raced as my eyes couldn't pry themselves from the figure on the throne. Sat on his knees on two cushions, head down, staring at his katana… Nakamura Shoto. My father, the Almighty Shogun… and King.

"Who dares enter my chamber unannounced?" Father grumbled. I felt my heart stop, my body freezing. The King looked up, a hint of darkness in his eyes. They scanned me, then looked at Gabriel, causing a squint. "You do know the punishment for outsiders invading this room is death, do you not?"

"Do you not recognise me…?" I grit my teeth, stepping forward. "O-of course you wouldn't… you made me masquerade as a man for so long, Father."

Father was silent, his cold brown eyes looking at me again. They widened, then tightened.

"Genevieve," He whispered and stood. "My reports said you had died at that Minutemon hovel along with Lord Starmie."

His cold words cut to the core. I cringed, avoiding eye contact. Father turned to Gabriel.

"You must be Sir Gardevoir," Shoto said in English, approaching us after methodically picking up his sword. "Intriguing, my wayward daughter returns in the hands of you… shortly after a shrine burns down… I suppose your father was right to call you reckless."

Gabriel grit his teeth.

"What would you know of my father, boy?"

"Hmph, working with him under Lord Starmie, he offered me anecdotes of you," Father winced at Gabriel. "And I suggest you hold your tongue before I take it off. Genevieve."

He looked at me, causing me to flinch. He then felt my broken headcrest.

"You are to stay here at once," He coldly stared at me. "Look at you… so… broken… How dare Starmie and those forign degenerates let you enter such a state. Gardevoir, leave my sight."

"No…" I whispered. Father then gave me a look of utter shock, then rage.

"What did you say, girl?!"

"I said NO!" I slapped his hand away. "You… miserable old fool!"

I pointed in his face.

"Your council is dead!" I spat at him, pushing him back. "Some outside force called The Rose moves assets away from our home, he killed your advisors, and he's coming for your head. And do you know why?! It's because of your own ineptitude! So many bisharp were swayed to his side because you do nothing for them!"

"My council… is dead?" He seemed taken aback. "Hmph! You dare act so insolent to me, spread nonsense to my face, your king! Your father!"

He roared at me.

"You miserable little creature," He raised his hand at me, attempting to backhand me. In an instant, I caught his hand. I heard Gabriel gasp. Shoto's eyes were mortified. I felt bad for resisting him so… but… I wouldn't let him push me around anymore. "You…"

"You are an insolent leader, Father, because of Mother's death, you let your heart grow black, you are no different than Grandfather!" I shouted back at him. "My people suffer because of you, and you refuse to see the obvious plots against you… you are a fool… unfit to lead… Nakamura Shoto!"

I drew my sword, pointing it at him, my heart racing, blood boiling. I knew I hadn't much time, the Rose was likely close.

"I challenge you to a duel for the throne!"

"You…" He began shaking in utter rage, a swirling darkness appearing around him. "If that is what you wish, then so be it…"

He drew his sword. I knew this had to be done, to make The Rose's forces disillusioned in him. Gabriel's breathing became heavy as he watched. I held my sword; Sunrise as hard as I could as Father wielded his; Daybreak. My eyes met Father's. I felt darkness all around us. It was overbearing, cruel, and filled with such ignorance, a refusal to change. A duel between father and daughter, king and princess. My heart raced.

I yelled in utter rage as I made the first strike, my wakizashi blocked by his katana. The sound of Sunrise striking Daybreak resonated throughout the room. I began a relentless assault of swings on him, but his methods were so much more refined than that of the ninja. His movements were simple, efficient and precise. He spent next to no energy blocking me. Ngh… again, I tried to strike at him, but was met with a quick punch to the face. I coughed as I spat out blood.

"So unrefined," Shoto began circling me slowly, both hands firmly on his sword. I grit my teeth and yelled, attempting to strike again. He simply grabbed my sword and brought his elbow down upon my head, forcing me to the ground. I felt dizzy as he kicked me aside. "Foolish girl… is this what you want? To be utterly destroyed in combat? You are a failure, Genevieve. You failed in marrying that Nijimura boy… you failed as Starmie's warrior, and you failed to land a hit on me. I'm disappointed in you, your mother would be, too."

I immediately began tearing up, he was right… I was a wreck…

"Don't listen to this pathetic manchild!" I suddenly heard Gabriel call out. "Genevieve! You are stronger than you think, than anything he says!"

I looked up and saw Gabriel smiling at me, holding back tears.

"Every challenge thrown your way has been one you walked away and learned from!" He circled Shoto and I. "Genevieve… I couldn't be prouder to call you my own daughter… your mother would be proud!"

"How dare you speak to my daughter in such an insolent manner, you know nothing of-"

"Shut your fucking mouth!"

Shoto seemed taken back by this.

I closed my eyes and thought of Gabriel… he was right… I was chosen by the gods for this purpose… that bunny man, George Jr… he brought out the best in me… Aegislash believed in my talents… but most importantly… I remembered being held over that pit by the Riolu… he believed in me, and I let myself fall because of what my father had ingrained into me. Father…. Father…

I let out a mighty roar, jumping to my feet, even despite the injuries. Father turned to me with wide eyes, being met with an immediate punch to the face. He stumbled backwards, bleeding from the mouth. He gasped as I landed another one on him, dropping his sword to the floor.

"Every misstep I've made…" I yelled, taking him by the neck, he struggled. And yet, I held him. Tears began running down my eyes, hot, and unyielding as I began to unravel everything that made me. "Has been of your design! I've lived in fear of failure! The prospects of failing my family dangled in front of me, no more!"

"I-insolent child…" Shoto coughed, getting his blood on me, the blood that he said was so precious. "You dare…"

He reached for his fallen sword, but I was quicker on the draw, kicking it up into my hands. I held it by the blade, looking at the reflection. I looked like him, and I couldn't stand it. In a fit of rage, I brought the hilt of it down upon his head, causing it to shatter, even the blade snapped in two. He fell to his butt, looking at the remains of Daybreak in utter horror. I began to approach him, causing him to scurry back.

"It didn't have to be like this, Dad…" I sniffed, wiping my mouth of blood. "I just want you to be who you were before…"

I began crying, weakly holding my own sword. Gabriel walked behind me, immediately taking me in a side embrace.

"It's alright, Genevieve," The gardevoir whispered. Shoto attempted to stand, but was almost hit by a thunderbolt. "Stay on the floor, you pathetic whelp."

"H-how dare you…" Shoto coughed, trying to hold himself with any amount of pride. "I-I am king…"

I just sheathed my sword and leaned into Gabriel more.

"And look at you now," The gardevoir hissed. "Your castle is empty, we were attacked by assassins at the gates, ones who wanted your head. All she said to make them quit was 'sorry.' Some king you are… lying bloody and beaten at the hands of his own daughter."

"Stand down, Father," I said, eyes heavy with tears, my glare piercing his very soul. "I-I relieve you of your position."

"Y-you can't…" he gasped, his eyes filling with an emotion I could not make out. "This is…"

"I said stand down!" I roared at him, causing him to flinch and crumple down where he sat. I looked him over. He sat, covered in his own blood, his sword in pieces at his feet. I could see his reality weighing upon him. He brought his arms around his legs, eyes looking elsewhere. "Father…"

I sighed and looked down at him, wiping my mouth.

"Why?"

"Why what?" He responded, the pride and power of his voice gone, likely from the sheer beat down of this very brief battle.

I sneered and walked past him.

"Why everything?" I looked at him. "The way you treated me, your people… why did you act so… insolently?!"

He opened and closed his mouth, like he wanted to speak, but no words could part his lips. He just hung his head low in shame. I felt a part of me die inside, seeing him in such a position. I wanted to gloat, lord over him, relish in a grand victory over the one who caused me such pain… but I couldn't. There was no glory here. Just a broken daughter breaking her father in return.

"Your council is dead, Father," I whispered. "All but two… Aka Miko betrayed you, many ninjas have turned their back on you, sending so many Ofuda away from the Vale."

Gabriel walked by him and joined my side.

"Your… majesty," Gabe bowed to me. "What's our next plan of action?"

It suddenly weighed upon me. With Father defeated in this duel, I took his position as head of the clan, rendering me as the Almighty Shogun… and Queen of the Nakamura Vale.

With a sigh, I looked at my father.

"We must protect him, until we hold The Rose off," I said, cringing at the smell of incense.

"…why not kill me?" Shoto said weakly, looking up with a defeated face. "You've claimed your title… and disgraced me… just get it over and done with… execute me."

I sighed deeply, kneeling down at him.

"No," I shook my head. "Despite everything you have done to me and your people… you are my father. Where you failed to execute your father when you took the throne, so shall I. Deep down, there's still a shred of you in there. Even without Mother to hold us together."

Shoto just looked at me with blank brown eyes, dropping his head into his arms.

"Sakura…" he mumbled weakly. "What have I done…?"

"Too much to list, Shoto," Gabe spat at him. "You should be grateful she spared you."

"I…" my father weakly said, looking up at me. "Is there… anything that can be done for me…?"

I sneered.

"We will see," was all I could say, turning to the door. "Come… we need to quell this insurrection by…"

My heart froze. Outside the great castle, I heard combat. Booming thunder, roaring fire and cascades of water. Was that the yokai? Who were they fighting? I looked at Gabriel and Father, and they seemed as stumped as me. Part of me regretted smashing his sword, but it had to be done, even if we were a blade short. I drew my sword and walked to the door.

My heart thumped, as I opened the door, but a voice called from behind.

"Genevieve! Behind you!"

I quickly turned, seeing a psychic presence manifesting. In the humanoid's hand, he held a long spear, his armour glittering. He thrusted toward me at horrifying speeds, I felt my life flash before my eyes, but… Father jumped in its path, taking the hit in my stead. I screeched as his chest armour was shattered, exposing his soft yellow flesh underneath. He tensed up as he was stabbed. My heart froze as the psychic manifestation's form became clear.

His slender body was armoured from head to toe, a single red eye glowing within his masked helm. The plates he wore were silver with hints of gold accenting it, his legs obscured by a long purple dress. On his cloak, a single golden brooch, with the insignia of a rose.

"Pity," The Rose spoke, withdrawing his spear from Shoto's chest. "I suppose there was a semblance of soul in there."

I shrieked and caught Father, his weight bringing me down to my knees. He fought and sputtered up blood. No… Father… I began tearing up.

"I must commend you, Nakamura," The Rose approached me as I cradled my dying father, trying to stop the blood from flowing. To no avail. "You halted my progress a fair bit."

"Why…" I looked up at him, the single eye exposed in his mask staring down at me coldly. "Why?!"

"My dear," He shook his head. "What's best for your people is simply what I must do."

"Bullshit!" I roared at him. "You're using my kingdom for your own gain! What do you need that Ofuda for?!"

He just remained silent.

"It is none of your concern, Genevieve," He whispered and twirled his spear, aiming for me. "I shall free you of this burden, and reunite you with your parents in oblivion."

He thrusted to me, and I closed my eyes, in no position to fight back…

Gabriel

Within an instant, and without thinking, I telekinetically pulled one of the many Yari spears mounted to the walls to me, thrusting to the Rose. His armour… was that of a western legionnaire, but… I had never seen anything quite as grand as it. I couldn't tell if he was a Gardevoir or Gallade under there. Sensing my attack, he quickly disengaged from Gene, turning to me, attempting to stab me. I sidestepped him, looking down at the shorter man. Our glares met, the stench of blood catching my nose. Gene cradled Shoto in the corner, crying her eyes out.

"Gabriel of house Marshal," The Rose said, jumping at me, attempting to stab my chest. I parried him, knocking him aside. "Quick on your feet I see! Why do you help this foolish girl?"

"She is my friend, degenerate," I hissed, tightening my eyes.

"A friend whose grandfather slew your uncle," he said, spear at the ready. "Who attempted to spill the blood of your father."

"She's not her grandfather," I responded, throwing a shadow ball at him. He only responded with a slight lean out of the way.

"We'll see," He quietly said. "Think fast!"

He suddenly disappeared, leaving a psychic aura behind. I felt something behind me, my own powers telling me to disengage. I jumped out of the way, watching in horror as a spear was thrust to where I was standing. Teleporting bastard.

"Quick, aren't we?" The Rose taunted, twirling his spear around in one hand. "You are rather sharp, aren't you?"

"About as sharp as the spear I'm going to put in you!" I hissed, attempting to stab him, but he met me with a sweeping motion of the bottom of his spear, tripping me up. "Ngh!"

I gasped, rolling out of the way as his spear almost lodged itself into my chest. I grunted and jumped up, throwing a thunderbolt at him. He took the attack head on, stumbling backwards. And another! Ha! I had this fool around my finger! He stumbled, his armour sparking with electricity. However, before the third strike, he threw his spear at me like a javelin, I jumped out of the way, and when I turned around, he was already behind me to catch it. I gasped as he lunged at me, striking my back with the blunt end of his weapon. I yelled out in pain as my back spasm. I then felt his hand wrap around the back of my neck, he lifted me up, slamming me into the floor.

"Foolish Gardevoir." He whispered and turned me around to face him. "Do you think you can win against me?"

"Think?!" I hissed. "I know I can… ahaha… how about we get you some fresh air?!"

I charged up my own psychic, then punched his stomach, sending him flying back into the wall with a slight sonic boom. The speeds in which he flew were frightening. His body slammed through the wall, shattering it to pieces, revealing the windy outside. I saw him fly over the edge, but I had to make sure. I jumped out onto the awnings of Tenshumura, the red tiles slippy from the thunderstorm. I saw shattered tiles leading off the edge, suggesting the murderous fool had fallen. But that wasn't enough to kill such a resilient rose. As if on cue, I felt him teleport behind me. I turned quickly around, our spears meeting, the sky howling with thunder. Rain flew on us, practically horizontally.

I felt a tad queasy, standing three floors and a small mountain above the city of Kyouko. I sucked in whatever hesitation I harboured, knowing I fought for the safety of a new queen, the future of her kingdom. I felt my heart pound in my chest as the tip of his spear moved at lightning speeds, trying to get my vitals. I Put a barrier between us, affording myself some distance from him. My eyes caught glimpses of his assassins and goons fighting Entei, Raikou and Suicune down below. I made direct eye contact with The Rose, attempting to invade his mind.

"Let me see your greatest fears!" I smiled, throwing the occasional thunderbolt his way. "Let me in your head!"

"Never," He hissed, conjuring a circular shield in front of himself, beginning a ballsy push to me, spear outstretched. I felt his mind tug and resist me, like I brought a toothpick to a concrete wall. "I fear nothing, boy!"

I grunted, flinching at how lightning flashed overhead. I was the only thing standing between him and the fate of this nation. I couldn't lose now. I jumped back, using my limited telekinesis to gain height, jumping to the awnings of the next floor, using the high ground's leverage to my advantage. I needn't underestimate his power, or let him try anything. I stabbed my spear into the ground below, hands crackling with raw electricity.

I began hurling thunderbolts at him. With his psychic reflexes, he began avoiding my attacks, jumping up to me. I looked up as he careened over me. With my powers, I attempted to strike The Rose's limbs, but he was quicker than me, kicking me in the head. I yelped, slipping off the awning of the tenshu, barely holding on for dear life. He looked at me, then kicked my spear off, letting it plummet into the darkness below. I was about to let go to fall into the awning below, but a horrific pain erupted in my hand, pinning me to the roof. I began screaming in agony as he had stabbed my hand, his spear through the back of my hand, and out of my palm

"Again, Gabriel of House Marshal," he twisted his spear, drawing out another blood curdling scream, which echoed throughout the skies. Tears flooded my eyes. Was this it? Was I about to die? I couldn't… not here… Genevieve… "Did you think you could win against me? Such a pity, you will not be the final death tonight. Without a Queen or a King, its government in shambles, the Vale will have no choice but to succeed into the West, a final victory against these steel degenerates."

"Who… who are you…?" I hissed, my eyes filled with tears. "You don't want this kingdom to flourish, do you…?"

"No," He drew a sword from his belt, slowly and methodically. "And I am The Rose. May my visage be the last you-"

From his side, below on the awnings, a large cyan canine shot a stream of pure water at him, pink eyes filled with burning rage. Her purple hair blew in the wind. I was saved! The pressure of the hydro pump struck The Rose's arm, his metal shoulder pad shattering into a million little pieces, sword falling out of his left hand. Suicune began another volley, jumping up the castle at frightening speeds. My eyes widened as the numerous lightning strikes almost hit the attacker. From another wall was Raikou, calling down the thunder.

As if in a panic, The Rose threw a few desperate attacks at them, yet they didn't flinch. He turned, and approaching from the rear was Entei, sneaking as well as a seven foot lumbering beast could, in his mouth, a huge ball of flame in his mouth. The Rose quickly turned, taking the attack directly. He was sent flying down, his cape and dress burning away. He looked up weakly at the three legendary beasts approaching, his eyes widening, before tightening into a scowl. In a flash, he disappeared, teleporting away, leaving behind the burning parts of his armour.

"Damn it!" Entei roared, causing the earth to tremor, punching the roof, causing it to shatter. "How could we let him slip away?!"

"It not ya fault, mon," Raikou scowled.

Before I knew it, I felt the spear dislodge itself from my hand, a ribbon-like appendage wrapping around my waist to pull me down. I was placed upon solid ground, in the nurturing embrace of Suicune. She scanned me with kind eyes, her ribbons wrapping around my excruciating injury. Within moments, soothing water enveloped my hand, numbing the pain significantly. She held my shoulder with a large paw, squeezing it. In less than a minute, the wound was clean and healed, only a scar remaining.

"T-thank you…" I gulped, watching her turn to the hole in the wall silently. I knew to follow. With a gulp, I was behind her, back in King Shoto's chamber.

A grizzly sight was set before us, Genevieve lay there, cradling the still and bloodied form of her father, Shoto. He was heavy, unmoving. I immediately felt the worst. Even after all he did to her… Gene begged him not to leave her, tears falling upon his ruined body.

"Genevieve…" I whispered and knelt by her, taking her in a tight hug.

"Father…" She sobbed, holding him close. "Why… why must you leave…?"

Suicune quietly watched, letting her companions join. Entei and Raikou both watched, grimacing at what they saw.

"D-did you stop The Rose…?" She whimpered. "Is he dead…?"

"No," Entei sighed. "He escaped."

His response only elicited a hellish bawl out of Gene.

"Don't lament," Raikou mournfully said. "We snagged the insignia from his cloak."

'Don't lament' he said, to the girl with a dying father.

"I can heal him," Suicune whispered, seeming more torn up than her companions. "But at a catch… Is this the happiness you want Ho-oh is willing to give to you? You have absolved yourself today, Genevieve."

Gene was quiet, letting a tear fall on her father's corpse. She looked at her destroyed body. I knew what was going through her mind. And yet, she looked at Shoto. Quietly, she nodded.

"Yes… save my father…" She whispered.

"Healing those from the dead is no small task," Suicune whispered, stepping over to Shoto. "Bending destiny is too. Entei, Raikou."

They nodded and joined her. All three of them lowered their heads as her ribbons wrapped around Shoto's obliterated chest. In a flash, all three of them snapped their heads up, letting out deafening howls. I held my ears, the sound being close to torture. The skies outside cleared, the storm passing, a brilliant blue sky appearing. So brilliant, it even sparkled. A shimmering noise filled my ears as the three legendary beasts glowed with rainbow colours, the same as what Ho-oh displayed when we fought her… the same light I saw when dragging Gene away from the castle. This multicoloured power poured into Shoto, his body recoiling, every visible orifice glowing with it. Blinding light enveloped my vision, ears ringing. It was overpowering…

When the light faded, all was still. On Gene's lap chest devoid of a gaping hole, yet with missing armour, Shoto lay, his blood since cleaned, his form immaculate. All was quiet as we stared at him. After just a moment, his eyes fluttered open. He looked at the three beasts, an expression of bewilderment on his face. He then patted his chest, looking at exposed gold flesh.

"Wha…?" He looked around, at me, Suicune, then at Gene. "What… happened…?"

None of us spoke, but instead, Gene burst into tears, holding Shoto close, burying her head in his neck. He seemed confused for just a moment, but the actions of his daughter… I could see his eyes becoming wet. Was there a semblance of goodness in him, I wondered.

"Gene…" Shoto looked up at his daughter, watching as she clung and never let go. "Did… did you do this…?"

No response came from the young queen, instead, just wails of what was likely grief, relief and so much more. In her place, Suicune walked over to the pair and leaned down at Shoto.

"She did, Nakamura Shoto," the great blue beast whispered. "Sacrificing the happiness due from Ho-oh for you."

His eyes almost… glazed over, like he was unable to comprehend what was happening. He spoke no words, instead, a light sob escaped his mouth as he lowered his head. Even though I still felt a bit of disgust at everything he had done to this poor girl in the past… seeing him finally realise the error of his ways was a tad… cathartic.

"Genevieve…" Shoto mumbled. "I'm… I'm sorry…"

I could feel his enormous pride crumbling under itself to say that.

"That's all…" Gene sobbed, trying to hold it all together, failing, but she did try. "That's all I wanted to hear…"

She… forgave him… even after so much pain and anguish… Genevieve… how she had grown since this hellish journey began. I felt my own eyes stinging with tears. Without hesitation or second thoughts, I approached the younger bisharp and knelt, holding her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. I was so proud, yet didn't have the words to express it.

"If you're done…" Entei cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Ya killer still on the loose," Raikou added, handing me The Rose's insignia. It was a heavy and beautifully decorated brooch, befitting of western nobility. "Any of you know who you're dealing with?"

"He's… Western," I said, standing up, examining it further. "Definitely one of the noble houses… that doesn't pinpoint it down, however, there are several gallade and gardevoir houses in the west… meaning my own is… suspect."

I cringed.

"Then we should burn down the whole damn country!" Shoto stood, wobbled, but scowled.

"Father!" Gene snapped. "I am queen now. It is my choice to make… and I am not making any of our nations suffer anymore than they have. I… I must depart for Crucible… to speak to their queen."

Shoto crumbled a bit, dropping his shoulders.

"Entei, Raikou, Suicune…" Gene approached them, taking the water type in a delicate embrace. "Thank you… for helping me save my kingdom… for now… and for saving my father…"

"We did only what we needed to," Suicune whispered and pulled Gene close, her ribbons wrapping around the bisharp's form.

I held the insignia in my hands and just scanned him, feeling dread run up and down my spine, hoping to the gods this wasn't another conspiracy my family was in. I just squinted and placed it in my bag, for later. I could not have worried. Worry was only for after the situation.

"What…" Shoto awkwardly cleared his throat, causing all five of us to stare. "What happens to me…?"

"You… you must leave," Gene lowered her head. "If you stay… honour says a deposed king is executed if he refuses exile… and I don't want you to die… not again."

"I… I see, Genevieve…" he looked down at his hooves, bowing before his own daughter, his own pride and who in tatters. "I… I will reflect on my actions… and live life as a ronin…"

He bit his lip and lowered his head in utter defeat, turning away from us and slinking away, likely to collect his things. He was utterly broken and defeated. I would have scorned him more, but, my own past actions would have made me a hypocrite if I persecuted Shoto too much.

"I know leaving my kingdom at such a delicate time is foolish, but," Gene said with a fiery resolve in her eyes. "I am not letting this Kingslayer get away with what he has done!"

She shouted, anger in her eyes.

"Can I ask you three one last favour?"

"Shoot, mon,"

"In my absence… Could you all stabilise my kingdom?" She asked.

"That we can do." The fiery beast nodded.

"You are in no state to travel alone, Heika," Suicune glared. "Let alone to a different country. I must accompany you, for as long as you need."

Gene simply nodded, unable to refuse such a high request.

"There are more important matters currently, your highness… er… your eminence," Entei poked his head out of the hole in the wall. "The people need to hear the news. Their country has lost three out of five of its council, their king was almost assassinated, and he abdicated in place of his daughter."

"Ya, it's no small thing for them," Raikou added.

"I'll… I'll address them at once," Gene nodded and composed herself. "What happened to the Rose's assassins?"

"They were dealt with," Entei scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Though, Suicune insisted we not kill any of them."

"I just believed they were misguided," She shrugged.

"You can't insist on such things in war," he barked. "It makes you look weak."

"I know what makes me weak and what makes me strong, Entei," the Aurora Pokemon smirked, beckoning Gene to follow. "Showing mercy to a few wayward assassins isn't weakness."

"Tsk,"

"Hey, let's not spoil her majesty's day any more than it has been," Raikou followed, chuckling and shaking his head. "First order of business being dis kingdom's regent… fix that wall."

Entei just shook his head and followed them out, leaving just me in the throne room. I looked around, then at the throne. That was where Nobunaga sat… likely when my uncles fell in battle to his soldier's blades. I walked over to it, staring up at the Nakamura symbol for a moment.

Never would I have imagined that I would be in such a supportive position for one of them… but… No… she wasn't a Nakamura or a queen to me… she was like a daughter. Words could not have expressed my pride and joy for her. For just a moment, the memory of Lord Starmie slipped away, replaced by what I felt for the young, ignorant knight I first met on this journey.

I held my arms behind my back, smiling somewhat as I was about to leave… but… a figure in the doorway caught my attention. It was Shoto. His appearance soured my mood. But I let him in. He was no threat.

"H-hmph…" he scowled, walking past me, likely to collect whatever remained of his sword. "I am just leaving… I do not want any of your lip."

"Just a moment, Shoto," I crossed my arms. His eye twitched like mad. "Why. Why did you act so… well… awfully to her? For so long? No excuses, just an explanation, please.

"It…" He looked at the ground, explaining. "It was just the code of conduct of my people."

"To abuse your family if they don't obey?"

"To punish insolence," He snapped at me. "My father established his rules, that insolence must be punished. I couldn't bring myself to end my own daughter…"

He explained and walked to the throne, looking at it too.

"And yet, if I didn't act," He continued. "My own council would see me as weak… and oust me. The council… was the same as the one Father established."

"I see," I responded, standing by him.

"Not that it matters anymore…" he held his chest, the hole in his armour. "They are dead now. I just hope… Genevieve can change things…"

He looked at his feet and sighed.

"Why didn't you?"

"Fear," He responded. "That fear made me act like my father… it kept my council in line… but…"

"It allowed someone like The Rose to step in and abuse your weaknesses," I said.

"…indeed."

I sighed and held my temple, unable to fully hold it against him, but… he still acted atrociously.

"Your father sounded like a right piece of work, you know?" I held my hip. "I'm surprised Genevieve still loves you in any way."

"I… I am surprised also…" he sighed. "He looked at my daughter, once, before he was permanently exiled from Tenshumura and Kyouko… quite ironic… I suppose the fate I set upon my father has also befallen me."

"Mm…" I rolled my eyes when he wasn't looking. "What did he say about Genevieve?"

"She's too small… and have another, he would not accept a girl being my heir," Shoto responded, holding the remains of his sword.

"Wow," I said. "That's…"

"Indeed," he sighed and turned away from me. "I'll take my leave… never to return here… perhaps… if I bump into Father… I can criticise him out there."

"He's still alive?"

"He who mastered the Uzumaku no Yami is notoriously hard to kill."

"The… what?"

"Our swirling darkness," He said. "Grandfather had it, I have it… and so does Genevieve."

"I… I see…" I gulped, feeling a tad uneasy about such a reveal. "Well… if you see him, kick him in the teeth, for Genevieve's sake."

"Hmph…" Shoto looked down. "I'll see. My seventeen years in power…"

He closed his eyes, the bisharp slinking away.

"Is finally over…"

I watched him leave the room, his face that of defeat. Did I feel bad for him? Hard to say. His father sounded quite abusive, but he continued the chain. I squinted and shook my head. Such matters weren't for me to decide. I stared at my hand, at the brand new scar The Rose gave me. The bastard…

I shook my head, knowing what had to be done. The Western Reach was our destination, to dethorn this rose was our priority… but for now… I had to watch a new queen address her people.

End of Chapter…