30th Wisdom Moon, 908 – Great Gate Empire – Sundown

According to Shingo, the secret passages running under the mountain were built by ninja clans during the initial warring state of Great Gate's founding. Records of their existence were lost during a war against the third emperor of Great Gate well over a hundred years ago, and only those with tight connections to the descendants of those clans had knowledge of their existence. Prior to the Mochizuki Clan's exile, they were mostly used as a convenient shortcut through the empire.

Nowadays, they were the only means of conducting business in secret.

The air grew colder as the wagon ride climbed the tunnels leading up the mountain. Guided only by lantern light hanging over the wagon, the group was mostly submerged in darkness for the last few hours. No one talked during the ride, perhaps lost in contemplation.

Melissa hung from the side, supporting her head in her arms, following the movements of the bouncing lantern with a sleepy gaze. Her thoughts drifted back to Jason, wondering how mad he must've been over her leaving. Why was she like this? She should've just gone to Jason and talked about what she was feeling. And yet, she knew he wouldn't allow her to go after Basil, knowing how emotional she got over these matters.

She doubted apologizing would fix things. After all her talk about keeping secrets and trusting each other…

I'm such a hypocrite. She groaned, sliding back into the wagon and laying on her back. Too late now. Might as well make the most of it.

"Melissa." She felt a nudge at her side, cracking one eye open to see Shingo looming over her. She also noticed a bit more light entering the tunnel. "Get up. We're here."

Melissa sat up and rubbed her eyes as more light entered the tunnel. She slowly opened them, getting a face full of orange skies as the wagon rolled out of a secret entrance hidden on the side of a mountain wall. The wagon bounced slightly as it traversed over the snow.

The group gathered their belongings and stood up as they closed in on their destination. Melissa leaned over the wagon to get a better look, seeing the Johtonian-styled house hidden within a wide crevice, just barely out of sight from potential air scouts. A couple of trees grew in the shade of the crevice, and she could see a garden hidden deeper in the back.

"This is your home, Shingo?" Melissa asked.

He shook his head. "Around the time my clan was exiled, I joined the Foresters, so I wouldn't exactly call this my home."

"Ah. I see." Scanning the house some more, she saw there were also other wagons parked nearby. "Hey, are those also—"

He nodded. "Yeah. Looks like we arrived at a good time."

Brooklyn stretched her wings and yawned. "Shinsuke and Megumi are probably in a meeting right now with the clan heads. Might be a while before we get to say hi."

Shingo sighed, scratching his nape uneasily. "Suppose so."

The wagon rolled to a stop, the twin Zebstrika stamping their hooves down to signal the coachman. The Tandemaus duo stood up, one of them bouncing over to the Zebstrika to undo their harnesses while the other turned and bowed to their passengers.

"[We have arrived at our destination. Have a wonderful day.]"

Shingo bowed back. "[Thank you for your services. Travel safe.]" He, Brooklyn, and Galus jumped out of the wagon.

Melissa lingered, bowing to the driver as well. "Thank you for the ride. Please take care."

Two smaller Tandemaus popped up from behind the seats and waved at her. "[Bye, nice lady!]"

She waved back at them, smiling. "Bye-bye." She jumped out of the wagon and followed behind others, but suddenly froze with a shocked smile stuck on her face. Wait, were those other two always there…? She shook her head and quickly ran after her friends. Tandemaus…err, Maushold scare me sometimes.

Shingo took the lead up to the front, sliding the door open. "[Hello? Anyone here—]"

BAM!

Melissa and Galus recoiled as another Frogadier, three Fraxure, and a Croconaw suddenly jumped down from the ceiling and landed on top of Shingo. Brooklyn remained unfazed, albeit hiding her snickering face behind her wing.

The Frogadier sat up and laughed. "[You're out of practice, Shingo! Always look up when you enter an unfamiliar building—YOW!]" Shingo walked up from behind and chopped him on the head.

"[Nice to see you all, too.]" He snapped his fingers, causing the clone they were sitting on to dissolve into a pile of frubbles.

The older male Fraxure stood up and massaged his shoulder. "[Welp, I just lost a bet.]"

The female Fraxure that was about his age snickered. "[Now I get to raid your snack collection.]"

The younger Fraxure dusted herself off before smiling at Brooklyn. "[Big Sister Brooklyn!]"

Brooklyn smiled and bowed her head. "[Hello, Purin. I'm happy to see you.]" Purin jumped into her wings and hugged her, which the Unfezant graciously returned.

Melissa smiled. "Aww—EEP!" She recoiled as the Croconaw suddenly got up in her face. "Uh, hello?"

He glared suspiciously between her and Galus before glancing at Shingo. "[Hey, cousin! What's with these two?]"

Shingo sighed. "[Sort of picked them up along the way.]" He motioned his family away before gesturing to the duo. "[This is Harlow. I mentioned her in some of my letters.]"

The other female Fraxure grinned. "[Oh yeah, that's right! She's the thief that's been causing all those problems in the west, isn't she? Dang, she's not as scrawny as I pictured.]"

Melissa laughed awkwardly. I did not catch a word of that, yet I somehow feel self-conscious.

"[And this is her steed, Galus. He's a Subterran prisoner we rescued during our raid on New Chariot.]"

The Dragapult tapped his fingers together nervously. "Galus nervous."

Purin giggled. "[Aww, he looks so shy. He's kind of cute.]"

Shingo smirked and rolled his eyes before gesturing to his family. "Harlow, Galus, this here is the current generation of the Mochizuki Clan. This clown is my younger brother, Daiki."

Daiki bowed. "A pleasure~."

"And the rest are my cousins. The twins there are Issei and Ue."

Issei waved coolly. "Hey."

Ue winked. "Nice to meet the crazy gal herself."

"The younger one is Purin, our ninja tool specialist."

Purin saluted. "If I can imagine it, I can build it!"

"And finally, the youngest of the batch. The Croconaw, Yukiya."

Yukiya folded his arms behind his head and huffed. "Eh, she don't look too tough."

"Doesn't look too tough," Shingo corrected.

"Whatever."

Shingo sighed and looked at Melissa apologetically. "That one's a bit of a brat with strangers."

She giggled. "After dealing with Jet, I think I'll manage."

He smiled briefly before looking back at his family. "So, are Mom, Dad, and Uncle Hiraku in the middle of a meeting?"

Ue nodded. "Yeah. Actually, the other clans got here just a few days ago. We've been hosting since then. Mom's been cooking up a storm since they arrived. Not that she minds extra housework."

Issei continued, "We've been mingling with the few members that joined with the heads. Once a plan's settled, they'll be setting up their armies to launch the raid on Kumonohana."

Purin added, "Unfortunately, with the Takigawa Clan so spread out across the empire, we've only gotten three clans to respond to our summons. One of them's the Ookubo Clan."

Shingo glared. "They're a metalworking clan, right? So, I'm guessing they'll just be supplying us with weapons and materials. If I remember correctly from Mom's letter, you managed to get the Zennami and Ebisawa Clans?"

"That's correct."

"Well, that gives us a fighting chance, I guess."

Melissa raised her brow. "Why's that?"

"Well, the Ebisawa Clan are a ninja clan that specializes in trapping. They live in the swampier regions of Great Gate, so they've used that to hone their skills. They would be able to provide us with support during the raid, especially if we have to deal with the entire Takigawa Clan."

Issei raised his hand. "As for the Zennami Clan, they're perhaps the most skilled swordsman in Great Gate. They say each of them possess their own variation of what they call the One-Strike Kill Slash." He clenched his fists, beaming with stars bursting in his eyes. "Their skill is absolutely legendary! I went on a business trip with my father once and managed to see one of them in action! It was so cool!"

Ue smirked. "Hence why this idiot modeled his entire fighting style on one-hit kill slashes."

"Hey, they're freakin' awesome!"

"You also leave yourself wide open after each one, hence why I have to scout out the area for anyone you inevitably miss."

"Oh, you're just mad I have a higher body count than you!"

"I wouldn't call taking out a row of training dummies as a higher body count."

The siblings bickered back and forth with each other, completely forgetting the others present in the room. Melissa stared at them nervously. "Are they fighting?"

Shingo waved it off. "You're an only child. You wouldn't understand."

Purin grabbed Brooklyn's wing and guided her out of the room. "Come on, Brook! I came up with some new tools for you!"

"Heck yeah! Let's test them out!" The duo scampered out of the house, giggling to themselves.

Daiki laughed. "[We've lost them to the mechanical paradise.]" He smiled at Shingo. "It might be a bit before our folks finish up, so why don't you meet with some of the members that showed up?"

Shingo scratched his chin. "I am keen on discussing trapping techniques with the Ebisawa Clan." He glanced at Melissa. "If you want, why don't you explore the property for a bit?"

She smiled. "I'd be delighted."

He smiled, then gestured to his brother. "Mind giving her the tour?"

He winked. "Not at all." He grabbed Melissa's hand and dragged her along. "Come along, Skill Hunter! I'll give you the full Johtonian experience!"

She laughed awkwardly. "I am honored," she mumbled before they disappeared around the corner.

Shingo tapped his chin before glancing at Galus. "Oh yeah, do you want to go with…them?" He smiled, noticing Galus had caught a whiff of his aunt's cooking in the nearby kitchen. He sighed and pushed him along. "I imagine all that flying tuckered you out. Let's get you something to eat."

"Food time!"

Yukiya groaned before following behind his cousin. "[Leave it to a Subterran to be gluttonous—]"

"[Yukiya. Be nice]" Shingo scolded.

The Croconaw whimpered. "[Uh…sorry.]"

Melissa let Daiki lead her outside, taking her into a cave out back. Descending the stone steps, they entered an underground space roughly the size of Castle Foirbeis' courtyard. The space was set up as a training yard, complete with practice totems, weapon racks, and obstacle courses. It vaguely reminded Melissa of her training days in Fort Lucus, which made her smile a bit.

The space was currently occupied by a group of ten, each one presumably from the same clan. Each individual was dressed in pristine white armor with gray accented around the undersides. Under the glow of the lantern light, it shined like the finest silver. The armor consisted of wide pauldrons, full-body plating, greaves, and full-plated helmets. The helmets were dome-shaped with plated masks to protect the face.

The warriors stood by training posts, armed with swords at their sides. Melissa gasped in awe as one warrior, with a flick of their wrist, dashed through a row of training posts and sheathed their sword, a motion she didn't even notice at first. The row of training posts fell one-by-one, each struck down with a clean slash.

"Oooooh," Melissa awed.

Daiki grinned. "Ms. Harlow, I'd like to introduce you to the Zennami Clan. A clan of talented warriors who devote their services to the nobles of our empire. They often take in those without families and train them in the art of swordplay to find their purposes, but you won't find greater talent than the children of Lord Zennami himself."

"Incredible."

A couple of warriors noticed their staring and approached. They were a Ceruledge and a Delibird, both bowing to Daiki, who returned the gesture in kind. "[Mochizuki Daiki, we thank you and your family again for allowing us to use your training grounds]" the Ceruledge expressed.

Daiki straightened up and laughed. "[We need everyone in good condition if we want this raid to go off smoothly.]"

The Delibird glanced at Melissa, raising her brow in confusion. "[Is she with the Ebisawa Clan? I do not recall there being any Buneary with them.]"

Daiki patted Melissa's shoulder. "[She's a friend of my brother. She'll be lending us a hand with the invasion.]"

The Ceruledge glared. "[A friend, hmm? And a Buneary, no less. I've heard about a Buneary from the west if that's where she's from.]"

"[The very one.]"

The Delibird smirked and gripped the hilt of her sword. "[Well, perhaps we should see how good she really is.]"

Melissa laughed awkwardly, sensing the intense stares from the two. Being infamous around the west wasn't really on my to-do list.

Daiki, thankfully, came to her rescue. "[Now, now, she just got here. Let's not pick on her, unless you want to take it up with my brother.]"

The Delibird sighed and let go of her sword. "[I rather not engage in combat with Mochizuki Shingo. Fighting him is a test of patience.]"

"[I still do not know how he can have so many explosives on hand]" Ceruledge murmured.

A clap signaled from behind them, turning their heads to another armored warrior. This one stood out from the rest, wearing a blue cape embroidered with the golden symbol of a sheathed katana surrounded by swirling wind.

The Ceruledge instantly dropped to one knee. "[Young lord.]"

The Delibird bowed mockingly. "[Hello, Brother.]"

The armored warrior shook his head. "[There will be time for talk later. Complete your exercises. We will be doing a five-kilometer run while there is still daylight.]"

"[Yes, sir!]" They put their helmets back on and ran back to their posts.

The warrior approached Daiki, saying, "[Apologies if they were disturbing you.]"

Daiki waved it off. "[Not at all. I was just showing our newcomer around. She's a friend of my brother.]"

"[Ah, a westerner, I take it?]" He cleared his throat and bowed. "A pleasure to meet you, miss. Pardon my inadequate usage of your language."

She smiled and bowed back. "You speak it beautifully. I am Harlow of the Foresters."

"Yes, I've heard much about you, especially with your group's raid on New Chariot months prior. You've caused quite a stir." He reached for his helmet and pulled it off. "I am Zennami Watora, the heir to the Zennami Clan."

"It's a pleasure to meet—"

It took a moment for her brain to process the face, but her heart stopped, and her blood turned ice cold.

Standing before her was…a Prinplup. Granted, he possessed a different coloration in his feathers, a bluish-green as she would best describe it, and one that carried a glow in the soft light. Even still, his eyes carried an intensity behind them, one that she felt piercing through her soul.

"Oh Melissa~."

"My beloved little toy~."

"I found you~."

Nightmares thought to be repressed came rising back to the surface as she trembled under the Shiny Prinplup's stern glare. She backed away, nearly tripping over her heels as she found herself panting heavily. She felt her vision going in and out, and her stomach churned like she was going to throw up.

Daiki noticed her trembling and frowned. "Harlow?"

Watora narrowed his eyes. "Is something troubling you, miss?"

"I…I…" She covered her mouth, nearly falling over until Daiki caught her back. "I…I'm not feeling so well, actually…"

Daiki winced. "It might be the altitude. Come on, Aunt Yasuko will make you some tea. That should help." He nodded apologetically at Watora before assisting the Buneary out of the training grounds.

"…" Watora crossed his wings as they left, pondering the sudden occurrence. Did I say something wrong?

Shingo and Yukiya traveled deeper into the mountains where the Ebisawa Clan was conducting their own training. After traversing over a hill, they found the few clan members who had arrived. They all dressed in earthen-colored uniforms with hoods and cloth masks that doubled as scarves. They seemed to be engaged in testing the terrain and conducting research on what was likely unfamiliar ground for them.

The Ebisawa Clan. Master trappers in the swampier regions of Great Gate. Devious in nature, they were called upon in the old days for sabotage missions and infiltration. For a mission as delicate as the raid on the capital, they were a vital asset to their success.

Shingo slid down the snowy hills and jogged over to them. "[Good evening! I hope I am not interrupting.]"

The first to acknowledge his presence was a Breloom, who was lightly pawing at the ground. He patted his hands off and turned to the Frogadier. "[Ah. You must be the other Mochizuki we were expecting.]"

Shingo held his hand out. "[Mochizuki Shingo. Eldest son of Mochizuki Shinsuke.]"

The Breloom shook his hand. "[Ebisawa Judai. Fifth son of Ebisawa Toki.]"

Yukiya glanced at the other Ebisawa and frowned. "[Are you all seriously just digging through the dirt? Seems like a waste of time.]"

Judai waved it off. "[We of the Ebisawa Clan must familiarize ourselves with your terrain to make use of our skills. The ground here is much too firm compared to what we're used to back home. Research and testing are our specialties.]"

Shingo nodded. "[I imagine you've been pestered by my brother, Daiki, at least once. He specializes in earth-based ambushing.]"

"[Ah yes, we've given him some pointers here and there. He's remarkably talented. That said, we do try to keep some of our secrets.]" Judai sighed, scratching at his nape. "[We've had word of this raid for months now, but it feels strange we're a month away from taking part in it.]"

Shingo glared. "[Agreed. I wasn't entirely sure of my involvement. I have many other responsibilities with my team, and…I am technically abandoning them to take part in this. My presence won't be missed necessarily, but still—]"

"[It's for a good cause]" Judai said understandingly. "[And your presence here is more than welcomed. We need as many capable fighters as we can muster.]" He clenched his fists. "[The Ebisawa Clan has been scorned by the Takigawa Clan, and we're forced to bow our heads or endure retaliation. We have a score to settle with them.]"

Yukiya glared. "[If I recall, they forced you to surrender and give up some of the women in your clan as tribute.]"

"[Yes. It was a terrible loss for the clan, and it made my father ill-tempered over the years.]" He sighed. "[It's frightening. When we invade the capital, we will come across the Takigawa Clan, and I wouldn't be surprised if we would have to face those who share the same blood as our clan. I don't look forward to that.]"

Shingo patted his shoulder. "[We will assist in anyway. I can't guarantee recovering your corrupted kin, but we can make an effort to rescue your captured family.]"

"[If it's possible, yes.]" He bowed. "[However, the mission comes first, despite my father's fury. We will provide support to our allies in this upcoming battle. You have my word.]'

Shingo bowed back. "[I look forward to working with you. If you don't mind, I would also like to learn a bit about the Ebisawa Clan's rumored techniques. If you would permit me…]"

The Breloom smirked. "[I'm not opposed. Come, allow me to show you some of the traps we specialize in.]" He waved the Mochizuki duo along and walked them over to the rest of his clan. "[So, uh…are you the one who uses explosives?]"

Yukiya snickered as Shingo's sheepish expression. "[Master of stealth, this one is.]"

Shingo sighed. "[Yes, I am.]"

"…" Judai tapped his fingers together awkwardly. "[Could you give us some pointers? Every time we've tried to plant explosives in the ground, the black powder gets a little…well, soggy from the mud.]"

Shingo smirked. "[I'd be honored.]"

Meanwhile…

Hidden away in the meeting room, business was being conducted between the Mochizuki Clan and their guests.

On one end sat the main pillars of the clan: Shinsuke, Megumi, and Hiraku. On the other end were the heads of the Zennami and Ebisawa Clans.

Zennami Waon, a stern and silent Empoleon donned in the clan's silver-colored armor. Laying across his lap was a sheathed katana extending to about two meters long. A heart-shaped charm hung from the hilt, jingling periodically.

Ebisawa Toki, a sleepy-eyed Dedenne who sat on a pillow atop the meeting table. He wore an earthy uniform with the hood pulled back. He had a rip in his left ear.

Shinsuke lifted a pointer stick with his tail and tapped on the map in the center of the table. "[From what our informants gathered, most of the Takigawa Clan's finest will be taking part as security along with the emperor's soldiers. All areas of the palace grounds will be sufficiently guarded, leaving no room for infiltration. However, this is precisely what we want. Our main target will be the capital's dungeon.]"

Waon nodded. "[So, the plan is to cause a commotion at the ceremony and make them think our target is the palace.]"

"[More specifically, we'll want them to think we're here to assassin the emperor]" Hiraku joined in. "[While not a bad idea, we can't allow a power vacuum to follow. Lord Takigawa would undoubtably take over in the emperor's death should anything also happen to Lady Amano. The confusion and risks at this stage would be out of our control. However, they won't know that.]"

Megumi guzzled from her gourd and sighed contently. "[Maaaaan, you all talk all…serious and stuff~. Absolutely wild~!]"

Shinsuke sighed. "[Dear, what did I say about drinking during this meeting?]"

Megumi laughed, slapping her husband on the back. "[Oh, lighten up, honey! We're all here to have fun—]"

Toki slammed his tiny fists on the table. "[You consider this fun?! Have you forgotten how the Takigawa Clan slighted us?! My clan would've been wiped out had Lord Takigawa not forced us into that alliance with him! He took my mother and sisters to have more of his spawn! We're forced to make nice with that monster, and all you can do is act like a child—]"

"[Ebisawa! That's enough!]" Waon interrupted, snapping the Dedenne back to his senses. "[You will have your revenge in due time, but uncontrolled rage will not bring us victory!]"

"…" Toki bowed his head. "[Please. Forgive me.]"

Megumi wiped her lips and set her gourd down, grinning through her tongue scarf. "[Heeeey. I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Come on, your kids and apprentices are all mingling outside these walls. Take after their example. If there's no levity before a war, the stress would kill them before a stray arrow could.]"

"[…I see. My apologies, Mochizuki.]"

She glared. "[The Takigawa Clan made a lot of allies, many of which by force. We will set those who've been forced into this free. I promise you that.]"

"[…Thank you.]"

Waon rested his wing against his cheek. "[Indeed. The Takigawa Clan pose a threat. There is speculation that when Lady Amano takes power, she'll want to spread more of their influence across the empire. The clans that have been hesitant to bend to their whims will have no choice by to assimilate. The pride of the Zennami Clan would be stripped away.]" He glared at Shinsuke. "[But how do we know this raid will change anything? Even if we succeed in raiding the dungeon—]"

"[It won't change the balance of power, but it will spark hope from other clans who have been hesitant to fight back against the emperor's rule.]" Shinsuke tapped on the map. "[His only move against revolution has always been the Takigawa Clan. They serve as his hounds, eager to tear apart anything that puts their emperor in danger. Take them out of the picture, and reclaiming Great Gate becomes all the easier.]"

Hiraku pulled out a list. "[There's only a few dozen Takigawa that are top priority. Among them would be Lord Takigawa's eldest children. They are deemed the most powerful. The children are a different matter entirely. The younglings who haven't received training will have to be placed in orphanages. The children who have already undergone training will have to go through reeducation to undo Takigawa's influence.]"

Toki grimaced. "[Not an easy task. I've heard cases where an eleven-year-old was able to take out a grown man.]"

"[But they lack the life experience to truly make use of those deadly skills. That's why the older children are among the most dangerous. We entrust the Zennami Clan to be our vanguard against them.]"

Waon bowed. "[Our blades will cut through anything. You have my word.]"

Shinsuke glared. "[There is still the matter of the Emperor's Elite. In many ways, they're far more dangerous than the Takigawa. I should know…given my former master is among their numbers.]"

Waon crossed his wings. "[Ah, yes. You were a student of Furukawa Kazuki. And you claim he's strong?]"

"[…Leave him to me. I know best how to match him. The rest, we'll have to plan accordingly. Separating them is key. Also, I've gotten intel on their newest member, Takigawa Shizuka. According to my informants, her skin and fur are highly toxic. They say that she has become so poisonous that she requires special attendants to wash and treat her clothes. A single touch from her can potentially kill someone, even a Steel-Type or another Poison-Type.]"

Megumi smirked. "[Leave that one to me. I can handle a little poison~.]"

"[Why did you get drunk before this meeting?]" Shinsuke groaned. "[Ho-Oh, I need a smoke…]"

Hiraku patted his brother. "[We're all a little stressed. This is perhaps the toughest assignment any of our clans have undertaken. It's going to take the combined effort of everyone to pull it off perfectly.]"

Shinsuke glared. "[Hiraku's right. The details will be ironed out over the coming weeks, but we will obtain triumph over our conspirators. We will have our vengeance against the Takigawa and Amano Clans.]"

Zennami raised his wing. "[For Emperor Kazuyuki!]"

Toki growled. "[For all who have been wronged by the Takigawa Clan!]"

Shinsuke glared. "[And…for the future of Great Gate!]"

The light dipped below the horizon, casting the Mochizuki home into darkness. The outside was kept in the pitch black to avoid detection, leaving the interior lit in low lantern light. As the night was still young, the members of the visiting clans either continued with their training or partook in recreation before bed.

As for Melissa, she sat at the family table, swirling her cup of tea around. She sighed, ears drooping over her face. Sitting across from her, Shingo and Daiki looked at the distraught Buneary in concern.

"It…completely slipped my mind," Shingo admitted shamefully. "I'm sorry for not warning you sooner, Harlow. I should've mentioned the Zennami Clan had members of the Piplup line, especially their heir."

Melissa sighed. "It's fine…"

Daiki glanced at his brother and asked, "What's the deal with her and Prinplup?"

Shingo shook his head. "It's a long story. It's not my place to tell—"

"It's fine, Shingo," Melissa mumbled, taking another sip of her tea. She sighed, pinching between her eyes. "I feel horrible."

Shingo frowned. "After what Darby put you through, I don't blame you for being spooked to see another Prinplup—"

"It's not that. I mean, yes, I was scared…but I felt bad for reacting like that in front of Watora. He didn't do anything, yet I just…couldn't stop the memories from resurfacing." She grasped her cup between her hands, exhaling softly. "I had some nightmares here and there, even when New Chariot first brought their war over to the west. The memory still comes up time to time, but I thought I've been getting better." She sighed. "I overreacted."

Shingo shook his head. "You were caught off guard, don't fret. I doubt Watora holds it against you."

She grimaced. "I wish I could apologize, but I still a bit shaken by the ordeal. I feel terrible judging him when I only just met him."

Daiki smiled. "Well, you've got plenty of time to work up the courage. Like Shingo said, he probably doesn't hold it against you."

She sighed. "I suppose." She finished off the last of her tea and pushed the cup aside. "I've fought a shadow cultist and an unstoppable tyrant, but the sight of a Prinplup is enough to make my stomach turn. What's wrong with me?"

"We all have fears we're trying to overcome," Shingo said. "These things take time. Besides, think of it like this: it's been almost a year since the gala. You were still a bit of a rookie back then, but you've gotten so much stronger. Heck, I'd say you've become one of our strongest Foresters. Ever since you got back from your little vacation with Jason and Eadwulf, you've been getting stronger and improving your techniques. If Darby truly terrified you, you would've regressed into a sheltered, scared bunny."

"…" Melissa smiled sadly. "That's true."

"You've proven you aren't weak. It's not as satisfying as a punch to the face, but you've gotten one over that jerk."

"…Heh. Thanks, Shingo."

Daiki winced. "Yeesh. And I thought things over here in the east were crazy."

Shingo sighed. "Trust me, Brother, I've seen quite a bit during my time with the Foresters. That's why I'm on board with helping Harlow achieve her dream of uniting the ten kingdoms."

"Seriously?" Daiki looked at the Buneary, clearly impressed. "Wow. Is that kind of thing possible?"

Melissa sighed, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "It's a work in progress. Actually, ever since I started taking my training more seriously, I've become fixated on this idea of uniting everyone. Every major battle I've taken part in has…revealed the difficulties of achieving that dream."

"I wouldn't say it's impossible," Shingo admitted. "You were an outsider to the Foresters, but you've turned our opinion of you around." He chuckled. "Honestly, it's probably because of how earnest you are."

"You think so?"

"You got Jet of all people to turn his opinion of you from negative to tolerant to flat-out supporting you. That's all the evidence I need." He looked aside. "If I'm being honest, your heart is filled with more love than the whole of Virdis' population combined. You just care. You care a lot. You have so much love for the people around you that it becomes infectious." Shingo grinned. "If anyone can pull off an impossible stunt like that, it's you."

"…" Melissa beamed back at him. "Thanks, Shingo. That means a lot."

"Of course, my friend."

Daiki smiled at them, enjoying the bliss in the air. As he reached for his tea, however, he spotted Watora entering the kitchen. "Uh, Harlow?"

"Hmm?" She turned around and instantly shrunk back at the sight of the Prinplup. "O-Oh…oh…"

Watora observed the trio before approaching Melissa. When he noticed her flinching, he stopped, keeping a moderate distance between them. "Miss Harlow."

"Um…h-hi. W-Watora, right?"

"Yes." He folded his wings behind his back. "I've turned from my jog. I was told I could find you here. Do you have a moment?"

"I…suppose…" Melissa pawed around for her tea, feeling her anxiety bubbling up again. Recalling she had emptied her cup, Daiki gently pushed his tea over to her, letting her take and sip it to calm her nerves.

"Does my appearance bring you discomfort, Miss Harlow?"

She flinched. "I…well…"

Shingo sighed and stood up, bowing apologetically to the samurai. "[Zennami Watora. Please forgive her behavior. She had a previous encounter with a Prinplup, and it ended badly. The experience has left her with lasting trauma. Please do not take her reaction as offense against you.]"

"…" Watora glanced at Melissa again, then back at Shingo. "[Is that so? I see. Thank you for informing me, Mochizuki Shingo.]" He straightened his posture and looked down at Melissa with a firm glare. "Miss Harlow."

She flinched again. "Y-Yes?"

Watora closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and lowered onto his knees. After taking a second breath, he calmly tilted his head back before…bashing his head into the floor in an over-the-top bow. "I deeply apologize for my appearance's appalling display!"

"EEEHHHHHHHHH?!" Melissa screamed, throwing her cup into the air.

"May the gods forgive me for my rudeness! I dare not wish to cause a lady such as yourself such distress!" He lifted his head, blood pouring over his face. "May you have the heart to forgive my cruelty!"

"GOOD LORD, YOU'RE BLEEDING!"

Watora, again, smashed his head into the ground. "Forgive me for causing you even more distress!"

"WHY DID YOU DO IT AGAIN?! OH MY ARCEUS!"

"I am terribly sorry for my repeated offenses against you!"

"DON'T DO IT AGAIN, OH GODS! Where's the first aid kit?!"

Shingo and Daiki watched in utter befuddlement as Melissa scrambled through the kitchen for a first aid kit, all while Watora remained endlessly apologetic despite his face being soaked in red.

Daiki laughed nervously. "[She…doesn't seem scared at the moment, right?]"

Shingo sighed, gulping down his tea. "[Like I said, a heart bigger than Virdis itself…]"

After ten minutes of bandaging Watora's head and getting the floor cleaned, Melissa sat back down with an exhausted expression plastered over herself. Watora sat across from the table, wings crossed as the Buneary decided to explain herself to him.

Suffice to say, the Shiny Prinplup was beyond infuriated, gnashing his teeth after she finished her story.

"What foul villainy. An absolute disgrace to the Prinplup species." He raised his balled-up wing, trembling with anger. "How dare that scoundrel attempt to harm a lady through such dubious means?! I shall have him apprehended and executed! We'll have his limbs hacked off and his head sawed from the neck! We shall have it paraded toward the Wick Kingdom as a declaration of war!"

Melissa laughed awkwardly, waving it off. "I appreciate the gesture, but please calm down. You're going to open that wound again…"

Shingo sighed. "This is the first time Harlow has seen another Prinplup since the incident, so seeing you caused a bit of a stir."

Daiki patted Melissa's shoulder. "Dang. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I can't imagine…"

Watora folded his wings over his lap. "I am ashamed to have brought you distress, Lady Harlow. Please, forgive me." He bowed, and thankfully with less enthusiasm.

Melissa shook her head frantically. "No, no! I should be apologizing! It was rude of me to treat you like that." She looked down shamefully. "I overreacted. The experience traumatized me, and it still hurts a little to this day."

Watora shook his head. "Your fears are justified. You were hurt. Even so, I appreciate the gesture. I humbly accept your apology, Lady Harlow." He bowed again. "And I am grateful you trusted me with this knowledge. I am honored, and I hope to weather away your fears so that we may grow a stronger partnership in the future."

Melissa played with her ear coyly. "Heh. You don't have to be so dramatic…"

"Although…" Shingo suddenly brought up, gathering their attention. "Zennami, if it's not too much trouble, Harlow does have business in Osorekaku, and it would be in our best interests if she was accompanied by a bodyguard."

Watora glared. "Osorekaku? What business would you have there?"

"…" Melissa sighed. "I'm looking for some friends of mine. They…well, I believe they might've came here, and I think it has something to do with the Takigawa Clan. I can't place why, but I feel like they need help. Help from…themselves, maybe. I just want to know why they've been acting differently."

"Hmmm…"

Shingo glared. "You might've heard about one of them. Takigawa Makiko."

Watora glared. "That's right. She killed Emperor Nero—"

"A-Actually…" Everyone turned their eyes over to Melissa, who fidgeted with her hands. "A-About that…while we were in Arcania, I…met with someone about examining Marie's dagger." She frowned, looking up at Shingo worriedly. "The other reason I ran off the way I did? Well…Basil killed Nero."

His eyes widened. "What?"

"We found a Salandit's handprint on her dagger, and he never touched it when we retrieved it. So…"

"…" Shingo glared. "If that's true, then why did Marie take the blame?"

"I think they're plotting something here in Great Gate."

"Strange."

Watora crossed his wings. "If you're curious, there is a bit of news circulating in Osorekaku."

"Hmm? Like what?"

"It's about an assassin picking off the Takigawa Clan. They've been dying off for over a week now. Not that many, but my hunch says they're being targeted. For what reason, I don't know."

Daiki grimaced. "Do you think it has something to do with Takigawa Makiko?"

"Or it could be Basil," Shingo added, but then shook his head. "No, if this was happening for over a week, the time wouldn't match up."

Melissa frowned uncertainly before looking at Watora. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I need to see for myself. I just want to talk to them."

Watora glared. "Osorekaku is a dangerous place. It's not safe."

"Please. I really need to see them."

"…" Watora sighed. "I cannot deny a lady's heartfelt resolve." He bowed his head. "I recommend we wait, however. If your friend is behind these murders, it would be unwise to get in her way. I suggest we wait."

"Wait for what?"

"If the Takigawa Clan sees this assassin as a problem, they may reach out to more…experienced help. It's best we wait before making any moves." He nodded. "However, I do have clearance to enter Osorekaku, so I will gladly escort you to find intel on your friend."

Melissa blinked through a few tears in her eyes, then smiled bashfully. "Thank you, Watora."

He blinked in confusion as tears dripped down her face. "Did I upset you again?"

She laughed, wiping away her tears. "N-No. I just…heh, I just feel a little silly." A radiant halo of lantern light shined behind her as she straightened up, beaming at the Shiny Prinplup. "You…You really are nothing like him. I'm glad my fears were just irrational."

Watora's beak hung open a bit, stunned by her boundless kindness. He eased up and smiled back at her. "Lady Harlow…"

Then…

BAM!

"I am deeply moved by your kindness! I am truly honored!"

"OH ARCEUS, YOU'RE BLEEDING AGAIN!"

4th Winter Moon, 908

"Alright, one more time."

Melissa shifted her stance, reaching for the hilt of her Multi-Purpose Tool. She relaxed, staring down the wooden post before her. On Watora's signal, she pulled her hilt from its sheathed, extending the water blade amidst the swing, and sliced through the post in a flash.

Watora crossed his wings and nodded sagely. "Good, good. You managed to shave half a second off your quickdraw."

Melissa huffed and wiped her brow. "Phew, that's a real workout."

He nodded. "The Zennami Clan are taught to draw their blades at a moment's notice. Iaijutsu, we call it here in the empire. Danger can strike at any moment and from anywhere, so it's wise to have a firm awareness of your surroundings. When death strikes, we sink our fangs into it first."

She laughed. "I wouldn't go with such a gruesome metaphor, but I really appreciate the lessons."

He bowed. "It is my pleasure, Lady Harlow."

"Thought I'd find you two out here." They turned around as Shingo entered the training grounds. He smiled. "I see you're in good spirits, Harlow."

She grinned. "Watora was giving me some pointers."

He nodded. "Glad to see you're easing up around him."

"It's a slow process, but I'm managing a lot better."

Watora bowed again. "I am deeply moved by your words, Lady Harlow." He turned to Shingo. "What business do you have with us, Mochizuki Shingo?"

"Your father asked for you. He wanted your advice about a battle plan for the raid."

"Ah, naturally. It is an heir's duty to assist in these matters." He bowed. "I shall be off." He bowed once more to Melissa before jogging off.

Melissa giggled. "He's a little intense, but super sweet. I'm…really glad to have met another Prinplup. It helps."

Shingo nodded. "Your impromptu trip paid off in the end, even if you'll still have to suffer Jason's wrath later."

Melissa laughed awkwardly, already imagining the Pikachu grabbing her by the ear and snapping at her for running off. "Yeeeeeah…I'm getting an earful later."

Shingo patted her back. "Aunt Yasuko's making breakfast. Shall we?"

"Mmm, yes, please!"

As they made their way to the stone steps, they stopped as Issei and Ue bolted down, the former carrying a letter with him. They staggered to a stop, kneeling over to catch their breaths.

"[Good…Good grief…]" Issei huffed. "[Found you both…]"

Shingo frowned. "[Issei? Ue? What's wrong? Did something happen?]"

Ue straightened up, a serious glint in her eyes. "[One of Aunt Megumi's contacts just flew in with an urgent notice!]"

"Urgent notice?"

Melissa frowned. "Urgent notice for what?"

Issei handed Shingo the letter. "Remember those assassinations taking place in Osorekaku? They sent the Emperor's Elite to apprehend her."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Her?"

Shingo skimmed through the notice before glaring. He glanced wearily at Melissa before sighing. "Takigawa Makiko has been captured and hauled off to the capital's high security dungeon."

Melissa's ears drooped. "Then…that means…"

"…Marie's been arrested."

Kumonohana-to, Great Gate Empire

"[Excellent work, my precious elite! Excellent!]"

After a late-night return from Osorekaku, the elite guard scheduled a meeting with the emperor first thing in the morning. They knelt before their emperor while the Seviper coiled around himself, hissing with laughter. Riko stood by, a fixed coldness in her expression.

"[Lord Takigawa was most impressed with your efficiency, and to think you ended up capturing his own daughter.]" Orochi rested his chin upon his tail and laughed. "[That one has eluded us for too long, and now we have her exactly where we want her. Oh, the timing couldn't be any better.]"

Hanzo, though a bit uneased by the emperor's delight, bowed his head. "[We carried out our assignment as requested, Your Greatness. Thank you.]"

Sakamoto lifted her head. "[A shame we had to take down one of our own. She proved to be as skilled as ever, though she seemed to have been holding back.]"

"…" Shizuka turned away and scoffed.

Orochi waved it off. "[It matters not. After eluding us for so long, we can finally get some use out of her. What better timing with Riko's ascensions mere weeks away.]" He threw his head back and laughed. "[Truly, I am favored by the gods of fortune!]"

Riko huffed. "[Are you quite done with your boasting, Grandfather?]"

Orochi caught himself and smiled sweetly. "[Yes, I've said my piece, my precious granddaughter. Was there something you wanted to say?]"

She crossed her arms and glared. "[Makiko is being held in our dungeon, right?]"

"[Yes, that is correct. Bottom level with the rest of the unwanted.]"

She nodded. "[Good. I wish to visit her cell later today.]"

Hanzo raised his head. "[Whatever for, Lady Amano?]"

"…" She closed her eyes and scoffed. "[Isn't it obvious?]"

"[Someone needs to put that traitor in her place.]"

Deep within the lowest levels of the capital's dungeon, thrown away in a dingy cell dressed in weathered prison rags, Takigawa Makiko sat against the wall. She rested her arms over her knee. Her hands were bound in iron, spherical shackles while her neck was bound by a collar attached to the wall.

She lifted her head slightly, sensing a stir in the air.

She sensed the presence of evil awaiting to pay her a visit in the near future.

Riko…

The capture of Takigawa Makiko spread like wildfire through the capital, many stunned to hear the return of the Takigawa Clan's deadliest assassin. Some recalled the days when she was active, said to be a whirlwind of death who brought down the reaper's scythe with a single touch. Her infamy only grew when she was brought in as the youngest of the elite guard, managing to keep up with her superiors with ease.

A name as feared as her skill.

"Heh. You've caused quite the commotion, Makiko~."

Hidden atop the rooftops, a lone Salandit peered down the people obliviously going about their day. Dressed in a purple and green, mismatched attire with a ragged black coat flapping behind him, he smirked with devilish intent as sparks danced off his fingertips.

"Oh well. Couldn't get everyone on the hit list, but this will have to suffice. The rest of them should be plenty of kindling for Lady Amano's big ceremony. She and everyone else won't know what'll hit them~."