Dateline: February 21, 1207
(Trials into Reverie ost - Crossbell Nostalgic)
In Crossbell, there are two young man and woman accompanied by two Pokemon. One is a Teddiursa and the other is Charcadet.
"We're finally here!" The girl said
"Took us long enough, huh?" The boy asked
"We can finally catch our breath."
"Teddirursa!" The Teddiursa raises her arms and smiling with joy.
"I thought we were done for when our pursuers caught up with us at the Calvardian border. It's unlikely they'll follow us all the way to Crossbell." The boy said
"I can't stand the Thorns. They don't know when to give up." The girl grumbled.
"Do you hate them any more or less than you hated any of the Swords?"
"I hate everyone except you." She giggled
"T-Teddie?" The Teddiursa gasped in shock as she lose her colors and she began to cry. "Teddursaaaa..."
"Ah! I mean— I hate everyone except S, you, and Charcadet, Teddursa!" She picks up her Teddiursa. "Aww, don't you cry at mommy. I love you just as much as I love S."
"Teddiursa!" The Teddiursa responded happily and nuzzled the girl.
"Ahaha~ Oh you're just the cutest bear Pokemon ever~"
"Well, it's nice that you have something other than me to say your affection." The boy shrugged. "But I have to admit, having Pokemon companions really made me feel happy, right Charcadet?"
"Char!" Charcadet raised his fist with joy.
"Me too~ You couldn't meet an adorable Pokemon like Teddiursa. Oh, but I bet there are other cute Pokemon that are just to my liking. Especially the Fairy Types." The girl giggled. "But it's a shame that the organization also plans to use them as weapons."
"Yeah. Probably because the Pokemon Battles that's been going on over the past two years has been spreading throughout the world." The Boy said. "Anyway, let's head into the city."
"Time for some old-fashioned sightseeing!" She said as she takes off with Teddiursa.
The Boy sighed. "We both know that's not why we're here."
"Char, char!" Charcadet followed them.
"Not you too, Charcadet..." The boy followed them as they go in.
(BGM paused)
Meanwhile...
(Trails into Reverie ost - Let's Go to a Banquet Tonight)
Grace walk into Arc in Ciel and spotted Sully walking, minding her own business.
"If it isn't the Star Princess! You look well this morning." She said
"Oh. Hi, Grace. What brings you here?" Sully asked. "There's no performance today, so you can't actually be here right now."
"Au contraire, my friend. I'm only here BECAUSE there's no performance!"
"Err... What?"
"I didn't realize you'd already come in, Grace." The manager approached.
"Hello there, sir! Thanks again for this—really." Grace smiled.
"I get it now. You're here to interview Ilya or Rixia, yeah?" Sully asked. "Or were you hoping to meet the invited Dancer Ilya brought to join, Seadall?"
"Can't deny with Seadall, but nope! Not quite. The Crossbell Times is putting together a huge feature on Arc in Ciel as a whole. It'll be called: 'The Miraculous Return of Arc en Ciel! A True Resistance Build on Blood, Sweat, and Tears! And the rumors about Arc in Ciel's newest member: the Celestial Prince Iliya call the Celestial Prince: Seadall! I would call this article, Arc In Ciel's Newest Member! Rumor or Confirmed? Nice, right?"
Sully sweatdrop. "And you call yourself an editor with that title?"
"I was joking! Well, at least the title. Not about the feature."
"The rest of the troupe should be getting together soon. Best of luck with today's interviews." The Manager said
"Much obliged!" Grace clapped her hands with a smile. "I plan on promoting your performance like crazy, and that start here. First up, the troupe's newest rising star. I hope you're ready for a barrage of q's, Sully!
"What?!" Sully exclaimed. "No! I-I'm not good at answering stuff!"
"But I'm sure good at asking! You're gonna have to do more interviews as time goes on, so why not get used to it with someone like me?"
"I mean, I get that I will, but still..."
"Come on! Let's start with your showing me how you practice your moves." Grace approached to Sully's back. "I'm gonna squeeze some real good photos out of you!"
"H-Hey! Stop pushing me!" Sully yelled as Grace push her. "Ahh, geez!"
Meanwhile...In Time Department Store
(Resumin Crossbell Nostalgic)
"Okay. We've restocked everything we need." The boy said as they walk down the stairs..."
"Sure is easy doing all our shopping in the big city." The girl smiled.
"All that's left is to buy the latest issue of the Crossbell Times..." He said as they turn to the book counter but notice familiar books.
"Oh..." The girl muttered. "They've got Three and Nine here, too."
"Huh. Guess they do."
"And look at that! It's an updated edition and everything!"
"Just how well does it sells, anyway?" The boy sighed.
"Charcadet?" Charcadet open its hands as it conjured fire from its body.
"No we can't just burn these. They're property of the store."
"Char." Charcadet cancel its fire and look disappointed.
"You like to destroy thing, don't you?"
"Hehe! Well he is a Fire Pokemon. They day Fire Types love to add fuel to the fire. And sometimes they can be destructive." The girl giggled. "But in any matter, the leading lady's a real cutie patrootie, so I bet it seels boatloads."
The boy sweatdrop. "You've got a lot of nerve."
"And the hero is so handsome and cool!"
The boy palm face. "I'm begging you to stop..."
"But it's a good look." The girl smiled. "It's a young assassin and his beautiful partner betraying an evil organization and fleeing for their lives!"
"I don't have a clue how a story like that would appeal to anyone."
"The poor pair are unable to escape their past as the overseer doggedly pursues them..."
The boy giving her a deadpan look. "You're still going?"
The girl clapped her hands in joy. "And after overcoming many a trial and tribulation, they defeated their true enemy and gain true freedom. Then they fell in love, grow up, and have cute little babies, and live happily ever after!"
"Teddiursa~" Teddiursa cooed.
"Now you're just making things up that your Teddiursa is so gullible to everything you tell." He said until the Teddiursa giving the boy the dirty look, jump and smack him on the head. "Ow! What was that for?"
"Teddy." Teddiursa pouted and look the other way.
"The whole things's messed up, though, right?" The girl asked "There must be some real bored people in the organization's ranks to punish a whole book about us."
"Well, I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be a covert wanted poster so their agents know what we look like." The boy told her.
"Covert, my butt. now it's a bestseller."
"If it weren't for this book, we wouldn't constantly have people on our tail."
"I don't even care about that." The girl pouted. "Like I do, but not the way you do. Here's my big, super mega major complaint: WHERE ARE MY ROYALTIES?!"
The boy sighed as Charcadet sweatdrop while Teddiursa tilt her head.
"Let's go before ou draw attention to ourselves." The boy grumbled as they leave the store. "'Kay. We're good to go. Now we can—"
"—go out and have ourselves some FUN!" The girl declared, causing the boy to sweatdrop.
"Or leave like we planned. I told you, we're not on a vacation. We're on a job."
"Job schmob! If you don't take a load off at some point, you're gonna work yourself to death."
"You took enough loads off for the both of us."
"C'mooon! When's the next time we're gonna be in Crossbell, huh?" The girl covered her face, giving puppy eyes. "Live a little! What's the worst that can happen if we chill for half a day?"
"Mmgh..." The boy grumbled. "Fine. Calvard really was just one problem after another... We could stand to get some R&R while we can."
"Yippee!" The girl cheered
"So what did you have in mind? Mishelam Wonderland's pretty famous."
"Hmm... I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to go, but it's not the top spot on my list. I'd rather go see Arc in Ciel!"
"Oh, yeah. They've been hitting it big across the whole world, huh? But my guidebook doesn't say anything about the, having a show today."
"Bet they're doing some rehearsals, though." The girl grinned
"Don't tell me..." The boy frowns.
"It's time to get our sneak on!" She declared
"Teddiursa!" Teddiursa jump and join in the fun while the boy palm face.
(BGM paused)
Meanwhile in Arc in Ciel...
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - The First Waltz)
Sully was in her Star Princess outfit as she show some of her dance move as Grace is taking pictures.
"Phew... That oughta work." Sully said then shook her head. "Nah. It still needs work if I want to complete with Ilya and Rixia! Even Seadall who Ilya holds high praise for him."
Grace clapped. "What a show! You shine like the Star Princess you are even during rehearsal!"
(BGM ended)
"C-Cut it out..." Sulyl said as she jump off the stage.
(Resuming Let's Go to a Banquet Tonight)
"No cutting nothin'! It's interview time!" Grace declared happily
"Do we really have to?"
"You bet we have to! This here's going to be a special feature. Don't think too hard about it, okay? Just say whatever comes to mind—count on me to make it sound good."
"Okay, then." Sully scratch her hair. "Man.."
"And if you say something kinda iffy, no worries! I can just bleep it out of existence. So go! Speak your truth!"
Sully sweatdrops, giving a deadpan look. "That only makes me even more nervous..."
Unknown to them. The boy and girl who sneak their way in landed on one of the VIP seats as Charcadet and Teddiursa jump down, although Teddiursa did it sloppy and fell on the boy's back.
"Kurk!" He quietly winched.
'Wee. Infiltration complete.' The girl said as they tip toe behind the seats.
'I know it's a little late for this, but did we have to take your whim this far?' The boy asked, giving a deadpan look.
'Aww, don't be such a downer. It'd be a waste not to use our skills to nab ourselves the best seats in the house.'
'I highly doubt that is in the assassin's training handbook.'
'Char.' Charcadet said
"TE—" The girl quickly covered Teddiursa's mouth.
'Teddiursa! Remember what we talked about! Be quiet! Or you're gonna give our hiding spot away!' She told her Pokemon.
'Honestly this Pokemon...' The boy muttered.
'Look. Someone's on stage.' The girl whispered as they see Ilya in her sun princess costume coming down.
"Ilya!" Sully cheered
"There you are!" Grace smiled
'If I remember right, she's...' The boy hummed
'The Fervent Dancer, Ilya Platiere. Can't believe we get to feast our eyes on a big-time celeb in person.' The girl said excitedly.
"Looking good, Sully." Ilya said proudly.
"You were watching?" She asked
"We may have been two years removed from near-fatal injuries, but the Fervent Cander has risen again!" Grace cheered. "It's a miracle among miracles. They may as well start calling you the Phoenix Dancer now! Wait—that's might be a good title for an article!"
"Heehee. I like it—maybe you can use it for my next show, because I fully intend to give one hell of a performance. And, like the phoenix, I shall rise from the ashes in a blaze of glory. And I expect you to keep up so you can be right there with me, Sully."
"For sure!" Sully fist pump.
"Oh, boy. Arc en Ciel's future is looking very bright indeed!" Grace cheered
"You better believe it. It's our job not just to live up to the audience's expectations, but to exceed them." Ilya smirked "Now, then—since you're here, it would be a waste not to put on a little show. You up for it?"
"Am I?!" Grace asked with her eyes sparkling. "My fingers are already itching to snap photos till they're raw!" Glace declared as Ilya chuckled and then took center stage where she begin her dance.
(BGM paused)
(Resuming Elegant Waltz)
"Oooh, that's it! That's the good stuff!"
'This is how she hard she goes just for a rehearsal?' The boy asked curiously. 'She's as much of a superstar as Erebonia's Azure Diva and some other celebrities I've heard from the other nations.'
'It sucks how neither one's been active the past couple years.' The girl said 'Now all eyes are on that mega movie stat. Now THAT lady's really hitting it big.'
'It shouldn't be a surprise with films are scene nowadays throughout the world.'
'Yeah. And—oh, did you see that? I really love how intense this rehearsal is.' The girl giggled. 'Right Teddiursa?'
'Teddiursa~' Teddiursa nodded.
"Come on out, Rixia!" Ilya called out as Rixia in her Moon princess outfit jump and stand next to Ilya.
"She's here, too?" Sully asked happily.
"Wh-What a treat!" Grace said as she takes pictures. "My shutter just can't stop snapping!" She said as Rixia did her dance moves.
'So that's the Arc en Ciel's other poster girl— the Moon Princess, Rixia Mao.' The girl mused until something caught her attention. 'Huh?'
'Guess that rumor was true.' The boy said. 'She has an excessive amount of physical control for someone who's just a dancer.'
'She's the legendary xiongshou, Yin.'
'Never thought we'd be running into someone like her here. If Ilya Platiere's charm is built on how she reads and feed the audience with painstakingly practiced techniques... Then Rixia Mao's is built on how incredible her flow is as a complete natural. Every minute movement in her body is polished to the nth degree. You have to be born with skill like hers. So it's no wonder people are drawn to such innate beauty...' The boy then blinked after he realized what he said. 'What am I analyzing her for? Not that there's any point here, but that's all your field anyway, Nadia.'
'Yin... Assassin... Pursuer...' Nadia respond automatically.
'Nadia?'
'Char?' Charcadat tilt his head.
'Teddie?' Teddiursa tilt her head.
(BGM ended)
Nadia place her hands to her head as she shakes them, flash back surfaced on her head of her times as an assassin being "program" into her.
"Article seven, passage three... ALl threats must be eliminated.' Nadia readeid to grabbed her weapons.
'Nadia!' The boy exclaimed as he quickly grabbed her and then made an escape as Charcadet and Teddiursa followed them.
(Resuming Let's Go to a Banquet Tonight)
Rixia sense murderous intention as she look up at the direction. 'Murderous intent?'
"What's up, Rixia?" Ilya asked
"Oh... Umm... It's nothing." Rixia replied before looking back at to where the boy and Nadia with their Pokemon were.
(BGM ended)
With the assassin duo...
(Trails into Reverie ost - The Way of the Tree Spirit –Hajimari Ver.–)
The boy and Nadia and their Pokemon leave the church as they go downstairs. "Well, that's the last of the Monarch's Regalia out of our hands. I'm sure it won't be long before the church takes it into custody. We've spread them out all over the place, so I can't see anyone reassembling them and using them for evil anytime soon. That makes our ties to him as good as severed."
Nadia lowering her head, feeling depressed. "I'm sorry about earlier. That could've gone a lot worse if you hadn't stopped me."
(BGM ended)
"Did seeing Yin trigger memories of the facility?"
"Yeah..."
(Trails into Reverie ost - Raindrop in the Wind)
"I think you were right. I've been too relaxed. It took all we had to run, but if I keep acting dumb, then we could be put in a position where we ran for nothing..." Nadia said solemnly.
"Teddiursa..." Teddiursa frowned.
"Char..." Charcadet close his eyes.
The boy took a deep breath and sighed. "That's not true at all." He petted her head. "And being a stiff just isn't who you are. I know it's throw me off my game if you were."
"But..." Nadia trailed off.
"It's going to be fine." He smiled. "I won't let anything hurt you."
"Oh, S..." Nadia smiled. "Oka. You got me convinced. "I gotta be me! And that means dumping all my work on you and getting my sleep on!"
The boy sweatdrop. "At least do SOME of it..." he said as the girl giggled. "So? Up for heading to the Moon Temple?"
"Sure. Let's hope he made it easy to find." Nadia nodded.
"Yeah. Well, let's get going. Come on Teddiursa, Charcadet."
"Teddiursa!" Teddiursa raised her arm and nodded.
"Charca!" Charcadet nodded in agreement as they took off.
(BGM ended)
But then a sword belonging to Rixia was thrown at them.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Constraint)
Then Rixia jump behind her weapon before coming out and face them.
"Teddur!?" Teddiursa gasped.
"Rixia Mao!" The boy grit his teeth as he and Nadia got out their weapons as Charcadet and Teddiursa took their stand.
"You must be our intruders." She spoked
"I really did give our position away. I am so sorry, S." Nadia muttered
"Forget that. Stay forcus on her!" The boy told her
"It appears we''re in the same line of work." Rixia said
"Them's the breaks." Nadia respond.
"Then there's only one way this can end." Rixia grabbed her sword and took her stand. 'I knew some group with a fridge against Yin would send assassins after me eventually...'
'I thought her assassin days were behind her!' The boy whispered.
'I thought so, too, but she's raring for a fight.' Nadia replied.
"Well, if that's how it has to be... Then we're going to go hard!"
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Aim a Gun at the Bullet)
"You'll need to!" Rixia declared
The legendary Assassin - Rixia Miao
The boy and Nadia form combat links.
The boy form a Pokemon Link with his Charcadet while Nadia form a Pokemon Link with Teddiursa.
"Combat and Pokemon Links. Two can play it that game." Rixia pull out a Pokeball" Lopunny!" She toss and then came out her Lopunny.
"Lopunny!" Lopunny took her stand and form a Pokemon link.
"She has a Pokemon too?" The boy grumbled.
"And it looks strong. Let's deal with them!' Nadia declared.
Nadia throw needles at Rixa but she deflect them as the boy dash toward her to slash her but Lopunny got in front and stop the attack with her arms and then bouce off and kick him away. Teddiursa charge in with Fury Swipe while Charcadet throw Ember at Lopunny. Rixia and Lopunny dodged as Nadia throw Orbal Ats Fire Bolt at Rixia, hitting her as Teddiursa go for a Slash attack. Lopunny throw kicks at Charcadet, and then kick him away as Swing swing combo her but Lopunny dodge and then grabbed one of the sword and then flip kick him, knocking him to the air, jump and grabbed and throw him to the ground.
"Ngh!" He winched.
"Why you!" Nadia throw steel wires toward Lopunny but she backflip as she dodged. Rixia dashes toward and slash her away. "Augh!"
"Loo!" Lopunny charge for a headbutt attack and knock away Teddiursa.
"Charm!" Nadia yelled as Teddiursa surrounded by pink hearts, makes a cute face, causing Lopunny to halt and blinked and softly hitted her head. "Slash!"
Teddiursa smirked and unleash a powerful Slash.
"Lo!" Lopunny grunted as she slid.
Rixia jump into the air and throw her claws toward them but they dodge away.
"Flamewheel!" The boy yelled as Charcadet form into a fire wheel and dash toward Rixia by claiming up the claws and slam her.
"Ngh!" She winched as she fells but then recovered.
Rixia dashes toward swing as they swing a teach other until Nadia throw needles at her, forging her to jump back while Lopunny grabbed pieces of the earth and throws them toward the two assassins. Charchadet aim his hands and sent out Incinderaete, intercepting and cause an explosion. Charcadet used Flamewheel on Lopunny to hit her, but Lopunny used agility to dodge and then counterattack with Double Kick.
Rixia dash with super humans speed and reappeared behind the boy and slash him, knocking him away and then throw a claw to pull him and then slash him again while Lopunny dashes and throw Double Kick and then kick him to the ground.
"Nhg!" He winched as Charchadet throw Ember to push away Lopunny but she kick to deflect it as Nadia throw multiple needles at her, attacking her until Teddiursa launch a Slash attack to push Lopunny away.
Rixia created clones of herself and each of them dashes toward the formal.
Teddiursa unleash Sweet Scent as she waves her arms, releasing an orange powder.
"Ngh!" The real Rixia covered her nose while the clones vanished. "Sweet Scent?!"
"Gotcha!" Nadia throw Steel Wires toward Rixia and dealing slashes around her.
"Augh!"
"Take this!" The boy let out combo slashes as Lopunny block with her arms until he low sweep her, enough to knock her off her feet, then X slash her.
"Lo!" Lopunny winched, knocking away to the ground.
Nadia throw needles toward Rixia as she deflect them with a swing, then Charcadet charge in with Flame Wheel to hit her, but she backflip until Teddiursa dash and used Fury Swipe to claw her face and then one final one knock her away toward the boy and he combo slash her and then a powerful kick to her stomach knock her away.
"Tch!" She winched as she slid and Lopunny jump by her side. "They make a formidable opponent."
"Lo." Lopunny agreed.
"We're holding our ground for now, but the more we drag this on, the worse it's gonna go for us." Nadia muttered
"Now we know why she's a legendary xiongshou!" The boy muttered. "And her Lopunny is no joke either."
"I see now there's no reason to be gentle with you." Rixia said calmly. "So." She unleash her battle aura while Lopunny took her stand.. "I'll do this the hard way!"
"You were doing this the easy way before?!" The boy exclaimed.
"This is bad." Nadia muttered.
"Yeah. We don't even compare." He agreed as he got in front of Nadia. "I'll draw her attention, Nadia, so while her eyes are on me, you, Teddiursa and Charcadet run!"
"Char?!" Charcadet gasped.
"Try again." Nadia shook her head. "Remember? You can't even leave me. Through thick and thin. Besides, your Charcadet refuses to abandon its trainer."
"Char! Char char!" Charcadet nodded in agreement.
"Besides... maybe we couldn't win if we were alone, but we're a package deal."
The boy close his eyes then nodded. "Yeah. You're right. As long as we're together, we'll never lose to anyone!"
"'Cause we're the most perfect team in the whole, wide world! And with our Pokemon by our side, we're even more formidable!"
"Teddie!" Teddiursa readied her claws.
"Char!" Charcadet took his stand.
"I don't know what your reasons for this are, but I won't let you have your way!" Rixia glared.
"That goes double for you!" The boy declared. "So..."
"Please..."
"If you don't want to die, leave us alone!" Both Rixia and the boy yelled in sync.
(BGM ended)
After that burst announcement, a moment of silence filled the area.
"Huh?" The boy blinked.
"What?" Rixia blinked
"Lopunny?" Lopunny tilt her head.
"Ch-Char...?" Charcadet tilt his head
"You kidding me?" Nadia groaned
"T-Teddiursa..." Teddiursa scratch her cheek, looking confused.
"I thought you were assassins sent to kill me or one of the other troupe members?" Rixia said
"No! It's YOU who trying to kill us!" The Boy replied
Another awkward moment surrounded the area. Until Nadia put her weapons away as she sighed.
"Suddenly I feel really tired..." Nadia groaned
(Trails into Reverie ost - The Way of the Tree Spirit –Hajimari Ver.–)
They put their weapons away and then Rixia let out an eastern bow of apology. "I am so, so sorry! I've completely misunderstood your intentions!"
"You can't blame yourself. If we hadn't snuck inside the theater, none of this would've happened." The boy sighed
"But I never even gave you a chance to explain yourself before attacking... I'm so ashamed."
"Lopunny..." Lopunny sighed
"Huh. You're nothing like how I pictured." Nadia comment. "You get what I mean, don't you?"
"Yeah. I thought you would be more cutthroat." The boy agreed.
"Right? But she's so nice!"
"I'll..." Rixia scratch her cheeks. "I'm more like that when on a job, but the rest of the time? Yeah—this is me."
Nadia yawned. "I think all that dumb tension from before made me hungry. Can we grab something to eat, S?"
"It IS around lunchtime now. Should we turn back to the city, then?" The boy said.
"In that case, why not go together?" Rixia suggested. "It's my treat as a way of apology."
"Yay! Free food!" Nadia cheered
The boy sweatdrop. "Don't splurge on Someone else's mira."
Rixia giggled. "Follow me, then. I've got a great place in mind."
(BGM ended)
Later...
(Trails into Reverie ost - A Moment of Warmth)
"So after escaping from the organization, you set off on a journey together, huh? That's kind of romantic. Actually, hearing that, it sounds just like a friend of mine." Rixia said
"Wait, your friend was from the organization?" The boy asked in surprised
"That's right. He and his partner managed to escape. However... unlike the two of you, his partner died protecting him."
"Oh..."
"Hmm... Come to think of it, there was news about one of the Aurum Assassins who managed to escape." Nadia hummed. "So you're saying it's your friend?"
"That's right. I'm sure you'll get along with him if he was here now."
The door opened. "What a day..." A voice spoked as they turn and see Aoi coming in. "Talk about one thing after the other."
"Oh! Speak of the devil!" Rixia spoked as Aoi turn to her.
"Oh hey, Rixia! I didn't expect to see you here today." He smiled as he notice The boy and Nadia. "Oh, I don't think I've seen you around. Are you new here?"
"They're my new friends. This is Swin Abel and Nadia Rayne." Rixia answered
"Hiya. I'm Swin." Swin waved his hand.
"And I'm Nadia. Please to meet you! And these are our Pokemon, Teddiursa and Charcadet!"
"Teddiursa!" Teddiursa waved her arms happily.
"Charca." Charcadet said.
"Haha! It's nice to meet you two. So what were you discussing about me?" Aoi asked
"It's... about... you know... That organization." Rixia said, causing Aoi to have an ! over his head.
"Wait... do you mean your new friends are..."
"Indeed. They escape from that organization too."
"Wow. I never thought I met anyone else who escape from that hellhole." Aoi said as he sit down next to Rixia. "And you two are quite young in fact. It brings me back memories... So which of the Garden you're from?"
"From Swords." Swin answered
"Ah, so you're from that place..." Aoi muttered. "I heard that the overseer was... ambitious. But I'm glad you managed to escape from such a horrible place."
"We're glad too. Honestly we don't like to talk about it, but we're also surprised to meet you who is also another runaway." Swin smiled. "I can tell you're more then meet the eye."
"Haha. Thanks for the compliment." Aoi smiled. "But I left those days behinds me. I imagine that you two are the same?"
"Yep. We're not going to let anyone tell us how to live anymore." Nadia nodded
"We still haven't decided exactly what we want to do or where we want to do it, but we've turned over a new leaf for sure. No more killing. That's the one thing we won't budge on." Swin said.
"So what about you, Rixia?" Nadia asked
"Well..." Rixia trailed off
"You haven't done any work in the industry for the past two years since your contract with Heiyue ended, right?"
"Well, no... but that was mostly because things were too chaotic in Crossbell to even think about taking on work." Rixia said as she has a moment to herself. "That said, I'm aware that I'm going to need to decide what to do eventually. I can't put the decision off forever."
"Do you want to return to being Yin again, then?" Nadia asked
"I wouldn't say that. I have a whole new identity now as part of Arc en Ciel, and that's all thanks to someone really special to me. I couldn't bear to lose that."
"I don't want you to lose it, either. You've got such a natural talent at dancing that it'd be a waste not to let people see it."
Rixia giggled. "Aww. Thanks you for saying that. Even if it DOES make me blush."
"So if you want to stay in Arc en Ciel, does that mean you're calling it quits on the whole assassin things instead?" Swin asked
"It's... not that simple." Rixia said "Unlike you two and Aoi. I wasn't forced into that life. I inherited the job from my father, and never took any issue with it. I just... did what I had to do without even considering the morality of it. Even when I was taking lives. Of course, now I understand that what I was doing was wrong. Those who take the lives of others need to carry that burden forever. Maube that is the reason why the Yin name has been passed down the generation for so long— to keep that weight alive."
"Rixia..." Aoi trailed off.
"With that thought in mind, I just can't bring myself to abandon it. But even though I decided that I wanted to find my own way of being Yin, I feel like I'm getting further from an answer."
"What's the problem with that?" Swin asked
"What do you mean?"
"You know the direction you need to be moving in, even if you don't know what exact route to take. So just keep going. No one says you have to stop being the Moon Princess OR Yin."
"He's right. That's up to you to decide. No one else." Aoi agreed.
"But if I return to the criminal underworld with such little resolve—" Rixia trailed off
"Who says you need to go back there?" Nadia asked. "You can be Yin just as you are."
"I... can?"
"This world isn't build to on being fair. Think of evil people exploiting loopholes in the law and being protected by the same rules that should bring them to justice. In situations like those, justice alone is powerless. It's always going to have its limitations. That's where someone outside the law like Yin comes into play. You'll be one of the good guys, playing by the bad guy rules."
"Like an Anti-Hero as they say." Aoi chuckled. "It sounds very cool, don't you think? And if I may add, if there really are such things as heroes who refuse to stray from the light...They'd need someone like you to back them up. Someone who can do what they can't."
"Yeah. I agree." Swin nodded in agreement. "Not that I know anyone who fits that description."
"I can think of a few people I've met." Aoi said. "But recently, I been to a world where bloodshed is common. And yet, they have to take their lives to protect their homes. You know what I mean, Rixia?"
"Oh, yes... Elyos." Rixia nodded.
"Elyos?" Swin asked
"I think I heard that name before..." Nadia said.
"It's the name of a new world that form an alliance with the Mushroom Kingdom." Rixia answered. "In that world as Aoi said, bloodshed is common in that world. There was an army who follow a dark faith. You heard the name Sombron, correct?"
Swin and Nadia had an ! over their heads.
"Sombron..." Swin muttered
"I heard from the announcement. He's an evil dragon who would even kill his own children and think of them as pawns right? That he stop at nothing to bring the world to ruins, right?" Nadia asked
"The Very same. He was evil beyond redemption. He has to be slay for the good of all the worlds. I think one of the Gods I've met say something that, taking a life is no doubt never easy. But there are times that you must takes lives in order to protect. There are no right and wrong answers. And a few people I know had to take the lives of the bad if they cross the lines no human or being should cross."
"Exactly. You should talk to them since they can understand this stuff better." Nadia smiled
"Hehe. You're right. Maybe I should talk to them. And talk to them about something that only I can do after all." Rixia smiled
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - The Sunset we're always looking for.)
'A way to help him that only I'm capable of.' Rixia thought. "I never thought I'd end up having a conversation like this with two people I only just met today."
"Same here—and if not for that misunderstanding earlier, we probably wouldn't be here now." Swin smiled "Fate's a funny thing sometimes."
"Of that, there is no question." Aoi chuckled.
"Not to mention the great meal we got out of this. Today's our lucky day!" Nadia cheered
"Teddiursa!" Teddiursa agreed
"I'm happy that I was able to meet the two of you and your Pokemon, too." Rixia smiled
"And I'm glad to meet the both of you too." Aoi smiled.
A few minutes later...
"Well, it's about time we get going." Swin said
"We got places to go, but I sure wish we could've talked more." Nadia sighed
Rixia place her hand over her chest. "I wish we could've, too. It's fascinating how we took different trials in life even with how similar our past are. That and... it makes me a little sad to think we may never walk the same trial again."
"That might happen, but who knows? Maybe it won't." Swin smiled "Life's funny that way
"Well, I'll make it happen, RX and AA, 'cause I wanna see you perform." Nadia smiled
"We'll make sure to go through the front door next time."
Rixia giggled. "And I'll make sure to give you a show worthy of the detour."
"And if you need any help or advise, feel free to contact me. Until then you guys." Aoi waved goodbye.
"Later!" Nadia waved goodbye with swin, Teddiursa and Charcadet as they take off.
(BGM ended)
Meanwhile...
(Trails into Reverie ost - Let's Go to a Banquet Tonight)
Ilya enter her room. "Phew! Always with the tough questions. She's one dogged reporter if there ever was one. Still, quality stuff. I'm sure the feature will work wonders for our PR."
She walk to the table and notice a wrap box.
"Oh?" She asked intrigued as she approached. "Another present from a fan?" She unwrap the box and then open it, revealing a purple mask. "What IS this...?" She asked as she pick it up and examined it.
And that's a wrap for how Nadia and Swin to meet Rixia and Aoi. Aoi makes a fine figure for Swin and Nadia who was in their position before.