13th Winter Moon, 908 – Osorekaku-machi, Great Gate Empire

Melissa didn't expect to get as far as she did integrating herself within the culture of the Takigawa Clan. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she expected someone to find her out sooner. Fortunately, the existence of Takigawa Momo didn't draw any immediate suspicion from the clan, though she took care to distance herself from the higher authorities of the clan.

With the recent party she attended, she had to keep a low profile with Kiho on an anger-induced prowl for whoever demolished her house. Apparently, she was very upset that she had to stay in one of the clan's luxury and private inns while she had to wait for her house to be rebuilt.

Watora wasn't as comfortable with the situation, sticking close to her side as much as he could whenever Melissa was invited out by her new friends. With the ascension ceremony coming up around the corner, a palpable tension hung around him, knowing that these monsters would soon become enemies on the battlefield.

For now, all they could do was play it by ear.

Melissa attended a lunch with Anko, Hibiki, and Midori today, hoping to get better acquainted with them and gain some useful information on Marie's whereabouts. She was invited to a sparring session with Kohaku, but the Cinccino seemed a bit too enthusiastic about…well, fighting to the death. Probably best to steer clear of him for the time being.

Sitting on the roof, Melissa struggled for a moment with her chopsticks, trying her best to mirror the other three as they ate with practiced ease. Once she got the hang of it, she opened her bento and took a bite of a cherry tomato.

"Mmmm~," she hummed, kicking her feet.

Anko laughed. "The roof is a perfect place to enjoy fine cuisine while scouting out the day-to-day happenings. I've been inspired with newfound artistic drive, and now I seek only the finest muses for my next masterpiece!"

Melissa laughed. "You paint beautifully, Anko. Have you considered painting landscapes, though? You might find more to work with than…seeking out brawls."

Anko scoffed. "As if! Land? It never changes, or at least in a single lifetime! I can see that whenever I want." She smirked. "But through battle, that's when you see true art. The intermingling of two souls battling for supremacy in the face of death, the splash of color created when two attacks collide, the bloodshed that rains over the town like the finest red paint! That is art! It's dynamic, bold, and passionate! Each battle is unique, waiting to be captured on canvas! It is my sworn duty to paint these masterpieces and immortalize them!"

Melissa stared with an awkward smile. "Well, I can't argue with enthusiasm like that."

Hibiki nibbled on some rice before glancing at the Buneary. "[Where is the Prinplup? Doesn't he usually follow you around?]"

After translating quickly in her head, Melissa said, "[Watora…is busy. I did not need his…assistance today.]"

Or…at least that's what she wanted them to think. In actuality, Watora was hiding across the street, keeping an eye on them. To avoid any unnecessary tension with the Takigawa, he opted to stay hidden while guarding the Buneary, even from afar. Melissa could see the glint of his armor as he hid in a narrow alley.

Midori picked around at her bento, glancing at Melissa unsurely. She opened her mouth to say something, but hesitated and stared back down at her food.

Melissa noticed this. "Are you okay, Midori?"

Anko grinned. "She probably wishes to train with you. You should see her in battle. She's one of our most ruthless assassins! Once she gets going, everything around her will be razed to the ground." She paused, clicking her tongue. "Raze. Raise. The western language has such funny words…"

Midori grunted, scratching at her nape as she continued picking at her food. Melissa frowned. She certainly acts cold, but…she doesn't act like her other siblings. Hmm…

Hibiki yawned. "[So, did anyone run into Kiho today? I heard she interrogated Shion this morning.]"

Anko smirked. "[Oh, I'm sure that went over well. She would've been extra mad having to get through her traps. I think I heard she stepped on a spike trap, but her muscles kept the teeth from digging into her leg.]" She threw her head back and laughed. "[Oh, Shion must've ran for the moon after that! I think I saw her galloping through the street saying something about death awaiting her!]"

Melissa grimaced. Based on the…excitable way she's talking, this Kiho doesn't seem like the most stable of people.

Hibiki sighed. "[Well, she visited me yesterday. She nearly wrecked my granny's tea shop. She smashed a few teapots and kicked scalding hot tea into a customer's face when they…well, scolded her.]" She grimaced. "[Not the smartest move when Kiho's in one of her moods.]"

Anko waved it off. "[Eh, best to leave it be.]"

"[It took a lot of restraint not to scream in her ear]" she growled. "[Granny's tea shop is the only solace she has in this place.]"

Melissa narrowed her eyes. "You…have a grandmother?" She believed that was the word she heard.

Anko grinned. "Oh yeah, Hibiki here still lives with her maternal grandmother. Can't imagine why, living with a boring old lady all day."

Hibiki glared. "[Watch your words, sister.]"

"[Yeah, yeah. Don't kick off my head like Kiho did this morning.]"

Melissa scratched her chin. Wait, if Hibiki has a grandmother, wouldn't that mean…? She paused in realization. "So, does that mean…is Father her grandfather?"

Anko shrugged. "Yeah, duh."

I thought she looked younger than some of the others. She grimaced. Still, does that mean her parents put her through that awful training willing? This family is messed up.

Hibiki set her bento aside. "[What about you, Momo? Did you run into Kiho yet?]"

Melissa scratched her cheek. "Uh…no. [No, not yet.] I've been doing my best to avoid her."

Anko snickered. "I'd say give it a week, and she'll have cooled off. This isn't the first time a little property damage was done against our older siblings. You should've seen what we did to get Takato riled up." She waved it off. "Still, probably best you stay clear while you can. After all, you were the one who demolished the house."

"You all contributed," Melissa reminded.

"Yes, but you used Gen as a living cannonball to finish it off. We were just going to leave a mess. You leveled the whole damn place!" She threw herself back, clutching her stomach as she cackled. "You're lucky she hasn't gone after Gen yet, or he would've ratted you out by now!"

"…" Midori looked up in concern. "…trouble…" she muttered.

Melissa winced. That, and there isn't a Buneary in the Takigawa Clan named Momo. Hoo boy, I definitely need to stay clear of her for as long as possible.

Anko nibbled on pieces of fried steak before asking, "Hey Momo, will you be at the ascension ceremony coming up?"

"Hmm?" Melissa shook out of her thoughts and scratched her head unsurely. "Uh, well…maybe? Are you?"

"Naturally!" She swung her chopsticks around enthusiastically. "After all, some of Great Gate's best artists will be there to commemorate Lady Amano's rise to empress…and I need to be there to crush the competition so that my portrait is selected over the rest! HAHAHAHAHA—"

In her mad laughter, her steak flew off her chopsticks and hit Midori in the face, startling her. Her bento jolted off her lap, falling over the roof and splattering onto the street below. The girls leaned over to stare at the ruined lunchbox.

"Huh," Anko mumbled. "Well, that sucks for you." She plucked another piece of steak and nibbled on it.

"…" Midori groaned and covered her face.

Melissa patted her shoulder, then looked at Anko. "Do you all favor Lady Amano?"

Anko shrugged. "Eh, we're…familiar enough with her. Mostly because of how close she was with Makiko. Like, really close. I don't remember a time Makiko seemed so…fixated on someone like Riko. I didn't think it was possible the prized masterpiece of the Takigawa Clan could fall in love."

Melissa frowned. "She cared that much about Lady Amano, huh?" She glared at the street. The reason Marie fled the empire was because she attempted to assassinate Lady Amano. But if she loved her, would she really have done something so awful?

As she pondered her question, her eyes drifted through the street a bit more, and she paused. She saw something slithering through the light foot traffic. Lizard-like, swift in its movements, and dressed in a ragged coat. She barely caught a glimpse of the figure, but something tickled at the back of her mind.

Basil…?

Melissa stood up suddenly, gaining the girls' attention. "[Eh? Momo, what's up?]" Hibiki asked.

"I…need to go. I'll see you girls later." She passed her half-eaten bento to Midori. "Here, you can have the rest of mine." She leapt off the roof, landed in the street, and sprang off in the flash.

Hibiki tilted her head. "[Wonder what that was about.]"

Anko shrugged. "[Maybe she's off to find creative inspiration and paint her next big work of art.]"

"[That's what you would do.]"

"[Yes. Is there anything else more important?]"

As the girls bickered, Midori held up the gifted bento in confusion. She caught the briefest glance of Melissa before she vanished into the crowd, then looked back at half-eaten lunch. A soft smile stretched over her face as she picked up her chopsticks and resumed eating.

Meanwhile, in Kumonohana-to – Himura Villa

"Bah! Bah!"

"[You're flying, my boy! You're flying!]"

It was a lively morning for the Himura Clan, a routine visit made in honor of Hanzo. Seated across the table form Hanzo were a middle-aged Greedent and Simisear.

The Greedent, who sported some gray whiskers, dressed in a muted blue kimono and a black haori on top. He rested into his bushy tail like a pillow, confined to a wheelchair. The squirrel chortled as he lifted Ryousuke up and down, much to the baby's delight.

The Simisear dressed in a sunset orange kimono with a pink, floral print obi wrapped around her waist. She had some swirling gray in her hair. She smiled warmly the giggling baby as she sipped her tea.

Honoka entered the dining room with a tray of onigiri. "[Help yourselves. I've made plenty.]" She set the tray down, then took her place beside Hanzo.

The female Simisear smiled. "[These look lovely, dear. Thank you.]" She claimed one off the tray and took a bite.

The Greedent rested Ryousuke on his lap and laughed wearily. "[Oh my, I've worn myself out. Not as fit as I used to.]"

Hanzo laughed. "[I don't remember you ever being fit, Father.]"

His father pouted. "[Why would you insult your old man like that? I used to be a great warrior before you were born, son.]"

His mother hid her laughter. "[You were very dashing in your armor, Fumikazu.]"

"[Aww, thank you, honey!]"

"Bah!" Ryousuke crawled over his grandfather's stomach and pulled on his face, trying to climb onto his shoulder.

"[Oho! The boy's on the move!]" Spurred with a second wind, Fumikazu scooped his grandson up again and tossed him into the air. Ryousuke laughed each time he flew up.

Honoka reached out nervously. "[Uh, please be gentle with him.]"

Hanzo laughed awkwardly. "[Take it easy, Father. You're not as young as you used to.]"

Fumikazu laughed. "[Nonsense! He's in good hands—WHOA!]" He tossed Ryousuke a bit too far backwards, startling the group. He leaned back and managed to catch the Pansear, but fell backwards out of his wheelchair. "Aaaagh…"

Ryousuke landed on his face, clapping and giggling.

Honoka raced around the table and picked her son up. "[I think that's enough playtime with Grandpa, sweetie.]"

With his mother's help, Hanzo drew Fumikazu back into his wheelchair and lifted him upright again. Hanzo sighed. "[It's a miracle you haven't dropped me like that.]"

"Urm…" The Greedent scratched his cheek awkwardly, feeling the piercing sting of his wife's death glare from behind. "[Yeeeeeah, good thing. Heh…]"

Honoka, after settling down and grabbing an onigiri for Ryousuke, turned to her mother-in-law. "[So, how has the north been, Jun?]"

The Simisear smiled. "[Delightful. I do miss some parts of the capital, but our little villa by the seaside has been a nice change of scenery. I even go for a swim every once in a while.]" She shot a bitter smile at her husband. "[Fumikazu also insists on joining, though keeps forgetting he can't swim.]"

He laughed awkwardly. "[I didn't want to leave you with all the fun, dear!]"

"[Taking care of you is enough work as is. Saving you from drowning is another mark off the checklist.]" She sighed, showing a more sincere smile. "[Oh well, I suppose you can't help it.]"

Fumikazu smiled at Hanzo. "[And how have you two been? I hope being lord of the Himura Clan hasn't been too stressful on you, son.]"

Hanzo shook his head. "[The black powder business is still going strong. With the recent boon of firearms in the west, we've been at work developing some new equipment of our own. I finally finished testing my new armor a few months back.]"

"[You were always the innovative lad. I knew from a young age you had the makings of greatness in you.]" His father laughed. "[And look at you now! Lord of the Himura Clan and the elite guard for the emperor. You've got your work cut out for you.]"

Hanzo smiled. "[Well, I'm glad you both will be here for the upcoming ceremony. I'll be in charge of security detail and personally escorting Lady Amano. I'm hoping this'll strengthen relations with the clan. I have some ideas to improve the empire.]"

Fumikazu smiled back. "[Always the idealist, son. You hold more faith in the Amano Clan than most others.]"

Hanzo nodded. "[While I don't approve of some of Lady Amano's plans, I want to better integrate the empire's culture into Virdis. I'm hoping to avoid war wherever possible.]"

Jun frowned. "[Some things you can't avoid, Hanzo. Your ideal future for the empire may differ from what Lady Amano has in mind. She seems steadfast in her goals.]"

"[So am I. With the recent collapse in New Chariot, I'm hoping we can bring some much-needed hope into their lives.]" He glared. "[Emperor Nero was truly a righteous man when it came to his home, but there was a wickedness within him that reminds me of Lady Amano's own ambitions. I fear the loss of their god of war has brought despair to the empire, thus I hope for our advance on New Chariot to be…peaceful.]"

Fumikazu shook his head. "[I have faith in your idealism, son. I just hope you have a firm grasp on what you want.]"

"[Yeah. I understand…]"

Jun sipped her tea, an unsure look in her eyes. "[Hanzo.]"

"[Yes, Mother?]"

"[How have…relations with the Takigawa Clan gone recently?]"

Hanzo smiled. "[Amicable as always.]"

Honoka rolled her eyes. "[Speak for yourself, you're not the one who has to attend dinner with the vampire…]"

Hanzo smiled apologetically, kissing her cheek, then continued, "[I've been training one of their members who has joined the elite guard recently. I'd say she's a good fit for the role.]"

"[And…you still keep in regular contact with Lord Takigawa, I presume]" Jun mumbled.

"[Indeed.]" Hanzo frowned. "[Is something the matter?]"

Fumikazu shared a concerned look with his wife, but she shook her head at him, forcing a small smile. The Greedent sighed. "[Son, though I've been allies with Lord Takigawa before you were born, I have always been…wary of the man. For obvious reasons. You understand that, right?]"

Hanzo glared. "[I'm not ignorant to Lord Takigawa's actions, Father. Despite the Amano's close ties to them, I hope my own influence will lessen the death grip they have over Great Gate's nobility. Just enough so that a war doesn't break out over this.]"

"[The Takigawa Clan have ingrained themselves too deep into the empire's culture. It would take more than kind words and a few promises to undo the damage they've caused.]" Fumikazu grimaced. "[That man makes up a percentage of the empire's population, I swear.]"

"[All the same, I will act accordingly with the values of the Himura Clan. With enough patience, I hope to work something out with Lady Amano once she ascends to empress in the coming days.]"

Fumikazu sighed. "[I hold no greater faith in any other but you, my son. You have my support, and I trust your judgment as Lord Himura.]"

Jun smiled. "[We're proud of you, Hanzo.]"

Hanzo smiled back. "[Thank you, Mother.]"

Fumikazu sighed. "[Speaking of, I have another shipment of black powder for the Takigawa Clan. Will you be able to—]"

Hanzo didn't let him say another word, producing a scroll from under his sleeve. "[Everything is in order, Father. I'll have this delivered and signed by Lord Takigawa tomorrow.]"

"[Heh. You really are on top of things. I am glad.]"

Honoka sipped her tea. "[Oh, enough of this business talk. We're here to mingle. Tell me more about paradise by the beachside.]"

Jun giggled. "[Gladly, dear.]"

Hanzo smiled, taking hold of Ryousuke as he crawled out of Honoka's lap. Moments like these are why I want to prove myself. I want to protect these little moments.

Meanwhile, in Osorekaku-machi…

Melissa stumbled through the town for about half an hour, tailing what she thought was a Salandit slithering in and out of sight. She tried to keep up, bouncing across the rooftops and dashing around townsfolk to catch the slippery lizard, but every corner she took led her to a dead end with no one in sight.

She finally came to a stop in the middle of a street to catch her breath. She panted, looking around wearily in the last direction she thought she saw the lizard. There was nothing. Just a few Pokémon going about their daily routine.

She narrowed her eyes. There's no way I imagined that, right? Was that Basil I was just following?

"[Lady Momo!]" She yelped as Watora finally caught up with her, pausing to catch his breath, too. He collected himself after a few breaths before righting himself up. "Lady Momo, please forgive my…my implied rudeness and brashness, but please do not run off like that. I nearly lost sight of you."

She frowned. "Watora…" She rubbed her nape awkwardly. "Sorry, I just…did you see anyone running away back there?"

He frowned. "Forgive me, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Why?"

"I…I don't know. I could've sworn I saw Basil."

He touched her shoulder. "There's activity around every corner of Osorekaku. Perhaps it was your imagination."

"I really, really thought I saw him, though…" She sighed, curling her ears in frustration. "What is going on? I had a hunch he came here, but I haven't heard word about anything regarding him. He might be my other option for getting to Marie."

Watora grabbed her hand. "For now, it's best we return to where we were. It's unwise to wander the town aimlessly."

"Yeah, that's true. Hopefully Anko and the others are still—"

"[RUN AWAY!]" The two jolted as Shion burst out from around a corner, galloping past them like a Zebstrika on overdrive. "[For Ho-Oh's sake, woman, stop chasing me! Your leg did more damage to my trap!]"

The color drained from Melissa and Watora's faces. "Oh no…"

They spun around, hearing the unintelligible roars of something heading their way. They turned and attempted to flee, but a pair of arms reached out of an alley and pulled them out of sight just as Kiho burst onto the street.

"[Shion! I'm not done with you yet!]" the Miltank roared. She scanned the street before bolting in the direction of the fleeing, Sawsbuck who nearly fled out of sight. "[GET BACK HERE!]"

Melissa and Watora held their breaths just as Kiho rushed past them. Watora bravely looked around the corner and checked until the raging cow was out of sight. He fell back against the wall and sighed in relief. "Death has been evaded today…"

Melissa sighed. "Thank goodness." She then looked up, wondering who pulled them away just then.

It was the Shiny Zangoose she saw from the party. He nibbled on some weird plant that didn't look remotely safe to eat. He snapped a piece off and swallowed before saying, "Figured I'd lend a hand. Delaying the inevitable, you could say."

Melissa smiled. "Ao. Well, all the same, thanks for the rescue. Heh, she's really upset about the party, isn't she?"

"That's Big Sis Kiho for you. She needs to remind everyone who the top hound of the Takigawa is." He straightened up. "Though, don't mistake my helping you as a gesture of goodwill. I just didn't want her getting to you before I could."

Melissa frowned. "Eh?"

Watora glared, placing a wing over his sheathed sword. "[Why is that, Takigawa?]"

Ao calmly held his hands up. "[Hey, don't go looking at me like that. No need for a fight.]" He knelt down, glaring at the Shiny Prinplup. "[I wouldn't want to kill you by mistake.]"

"[You think you can kill me?]" He unsheathed a bit of his sword.

Melissa yelped and jumped between them. "B-Both of you! Whatever you're thinking, cut it out. Let's be civil here."

"…" Watora relented, sheathing his sword. "Very well, Lady Momo."

She sighed, then smiled nervously at Ao. "So, what can I help you with? We barely spoke at the party, so…"

He glared, his eyes flickering up and down as if studying her. She backed away, feeling his gaze searching her with analytical intensity. Had she done something to upset him, or…was he looking for something? She didn't get the impression he was acting hostile, but…

Eventually, he ceased his searching, crossing his arms with a huff. "There are a lot of us."

"Eh?" Melissa gasped.

"I've met a good chunk of my siblings over the years. It's not farfetched to believe one of them has escaped my notice. With your supposed background, none of us would've been known given your exceptional talent makes you stand out. However, even with the siblings I haven't met, I can get a good idea of what they're like from a glance. That's a key to being an assassin: being able to read your opponent just from the invisible signs of their form."

"Invisible…signs?"

"Tells. Habits. Twitches. Little subconscious actions we perform without realizing, nearly impossible to hide. Not even Father can perfectly hide these tells, even when I tell him what they are." Ao's glare darkened. "What I'm saying…is that I'm really good at dissecting the habits of a Takigawa."

"…" Melissa gulped.

He leaned forward, hovering over the Buneary as she tried not to meet his gaze. "So, why is it that when I look at you, you don't display even an ounce of our traits?"

"…I—"

"You trained under the Zennami Clan per Father's request, right? By that logic, you should've picked up on some of their habits." He glared at Watora. "And yet, just from looking at him, I can't find any similar tells between you two. Given the rigid nature of their clan and all."

"…" Watora glared, keeping a wing over his sword.

Melissa closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I mean…you can't be saying siblings share the exact same tells, right? Everyone's unique, so wouldn't the pattern of habits and the like be different?"

"Oh, I agree…except you possess one trait that's completely unique to all Takigawa: your pitiful bloodlust." He scratched his chin. "It's odd. Gen might just wave it off as some advanced form of training, but the way you battled him at the party…there wasn't any killer intent behind your attacks. Whatever faint trace of bloodlust I sensed in that battle, it didn't match what I saw. Because at the end of the day, all Takigawa, no matter how timid or meek, possesses an innate sense to kill."

"…" Melissa narrowed her eyes.

"And for you to be handpicked by Father to partake in training with the Zennami Clan, there's no way those two extremes line up. Trained to be a powerful swordswoman, yet no killer intent. It's as if you weren't raised to kill."

"…" Melissa once again took a deep breath. Faithless Imitation: Jason.

BA-BUM!

Ao's eye widened briefly, sensing a sudden surge of vigor from the Buneary. She lifted her head, meeting his gaze with an icy stare. Even Watora, without thinking, partially unsheathed his sword in response.

[What the…?] the Prinplup thought.

Melissa exhaled softly. "Are you questioning my strength, brother?"

Ao recovered quicker from his shock, returning to his stoic expression. [Her mannerisms just changed on the spot. Even some of her tells have been erased. And her aura feels…different. It hasn't changed or anything. It's still her own, but it's as if she's…putting on a mask. This is either some form of technique, or she can naturally change her rhythm. I've only known a few people in and outside of the clan with that level of skill.]

"…Trying to intimidate me only just furthers my point," Ao continued. "Drop the act."

"…" Melissa breathed a sigh, her posturing returning to normal. She frowned. "Ao, do you suspect me of wrongdoing?"

"I'm not entirely sure what to think. All I know is that you're nothing like our family. Everything about you feels like…the opposite of the values we were raised on. That's not the kind of creature Father would've raised."

"…" Melissa folded her arms behind her back. "If it's in our nature to kill what threatens the clan, why do you not strike me down right now?"

"Heh." He scratched his cheek. "Don't be stupid. I'm not picking a fight with you here and now. If I really wanted you dead, I would've just left you to Kiho's wrath. She'd pulverize you into dust."

"So, why?"

"…In this world, failure to survive means death. To me, survival means being one step ahead. If this isn't a battle, I act with logic and reasoning. If this was a fight…" He smoothed back some of his fur, a red glow blazing out from his left eye as he displayed a manic grin. "It's either life or death."

Melissa recoiled, feeling the potent surge of bloodlust briefly leaking from the Zangoose. Her expression twitched with fear, but she maintained her stance, curling her fists and digging her heels in.

Ao cooled down and sighed. "But as for why I'm not going to kill you, your interest in Makiko has…intrigued me, to say the least."

"So, you know about that?"

"Enough." He sighed, scratching behind his head. "But why do you want to speak with Makiko?"

"…" Melissa looked away. "I guess you could say I…want to know why she did it. Everything."

[She's not lying. Her feelings are genuine.] Ao folded his arms behind his head and sighed. "I…do know something about where she's being held up, but I wouldn't bother making a visit."

Watora stepped forward. "What do you mean?"

"The capital has two different prisons. One's for the normal prisoners we get, usually the ones that end up in our exams. The other, however, is for the emperor's special prisoners. The one's that you don't want getting out. The one's you want erased from the public eye. The only time she's ever going to leave that prison…is on her way to her execution."

Melissa frowned. "So, no one's allowed to see her?"

"Not unless you have permission from the emperor. They rarely let anyone into that prison. The last time someone broke into the prison, every single Takigawa was ordered to hunt him down."

Melissa glared. Shingo…

"They're very particular about who's allowed to be down there. You would either have to break in like the last guy or somehow get one of the Amano to let you in."

Both of which carrying their own risks…

Ao shrugged. "That's all I can say. Use that information as you will." He turned his back to them and went on his way.

Watora glared. "You're not going to alert Takigawa Kiho to us, right?"

Ao waved it off. "I can't control that force of nature, Zennami. That's entirely your disaster to avoid." He stopped, glancing back at them. "And Momo?"

She perked up. "Yeah?"

"…Compiling lies on top of lies doesn't make the lie believable. There is a reason being too convenient warrants suspicion."

Melissa yelped, and Watora went for his sword, but the Shiny Zangoose made no further moves and went on his way. The duo hung back in silence, waiting until they were sure he was out of earshot.

"…Did he figure it out?" Melissa whispered.

"I think he still believes you're a Takigawa, but may know you're hiding something," Watora admitted. "Best to stay away from him, too."

Melissa touched her racing heart. "Oh Arceus, that was intense…"

"Still, this does confirm my fears: we can't even see Takigawa Makiko."

"I can't just give up on finding her when I'm so close…"

He touched her shoulder. "Lady Harlow, we haven't been here for too long, and we already have one hunting you down and another who nearly tore apart your persona. Every day we spend here is another minute closer to our deaths. I suggest we take our leave while we still can. Our being here may provide useful information for the alliance."

"…" She rubbed her arm. "I'd feel bad disappearing on the others. And I did promise I'd hang out with some of the other Takigawa later."

Watora sighed. "Lady Harlow…"

"Watora, please~."

"…" He sighed. "Curse my weakness to a lady's tears…"

She grinned. "Thank you!"

"But the second Takigawa Kiho suspects you of anything—"

"We leave, I promise."

"Very well. Now then, let us find a way back to our inn for the time being until Takigawa Kiho ceases her intensive search."

She laughed nervously. "Agreed~."

12th Winter Moon, 908 – Somewhere in the Great Gate Empire…

Jason held a newfound respect for Godfrey's ability to traverse Virdis for hours without needing to rest or Petra's absurd speed that carries her across vast distances in days. In tests of acceleration and instantaneous movement, few could match the Pikachu in a battle, but that same skill didn't translate toward long-distance travel.

He sheltered himself in the wilderness, some forest in the empire's territory. He was closing in on a route that'll get him to where he needed. He intended to rest for only half an hour before continuing his trek.

He uncapped his canteen and guzzled his recently refilled water. For nutrition, he had some food he bought in a town he passed by days prior, as well as some of Lambert's emergency rations.

He pulled the canteen away from his lips and sighed. How long has it been since I've traveled on foot? I don't remember it taking nearly this long.

He cursed himself for running off the way he did. If he were patient, he could've requested Sir Neil or any other flyer to take him to the empire. Though, his decision to go alone was purely tactical, understanding the risk of an Umbra Clock knight flying over Great Gate's airspace. If his hunch on Melissa's route was true, flying over the capital would've resulted in hundreds of deadly assassins hunting him down.

But because Melissa went off with Galus, she arrived much sooner than he could. There was no telling what she had been up to in the couple of weeks she was gone.

He pinched between his eyes. Why are you like this, Melissa?

"I know you pretty well, Jason. Is there a future where I have to address you as Your Majesty?"

He narrowed his eyes, Zana's words surfacing from the depths of his mind.

He really did care about Melissa. Something sparked between them as they got to know each other, and he wasn't sure how to feel about it. Despite contrary evidence saying otherwise, he still remembered her as that shy, hopeless princess that wandered into their forest with a proposal to join their group. That was well over a year ago, too.

The gap between her then and now was…insane.

Despite that, he can't help but worry. The idea of her being surrounded by monsters like the Takigawa made him…fearful. He felt angry and scared that Melissa would just run off without any warning. She had a good heart, but she was far too reckless for her own good. That's what frustrated him the most about these complicated feelings he was getting.

Worst still…he plotted behind her back because he saw flaws in her idealism. He didn't trust she could win Nero over to their side, and she was still oblivious to Eadwulf and the Nature Spirit's true motives for the attack.

They had polarizing views of the world.

Even now, if she knew what he was thinking…

How would she react if I told her…that saving Marie was a lost cause?

Year 902 – Great Gate Empire

"Are you sure it's a good idea to be venturing this deep into the empire's territory?" Eadwulf asked, following behind Jason. "Westerns aren't exactly welcomed here."

Jason glared. "We need every bit of help we can get. Blitz and Sadie are already doing a mission in Algus, and Jet and the others will be completing their training with Uncle Sherwood. I'd say now's as good a time as any to venture through the empire."

Eadwulf sighed. "You're way too confident in yourself. Who do you have in mind out here?"

"I've heard much about the ninja clans of the empire. Any one of them could prove useful to the Foresters."

"You do realize the whole point of being a ninja is to not be discovered, right? The ones you heard about were ones that were caught or found out." He frowned. "I don't think anyone would be too keen on giving out their secrets."

"Worth a shot." He rolled up his map and stashed it away. "If we're to topple a kingdom, we need only the best."

"I suppose so. How far do you think we'll get with this whole thing, though?"

"I'm not too interested in reputation. I just want this to show King Penworth what happens when you undermine the people outside your pristine capital's walls."

"Still, is traversing Great Gate a wise choice?"

Before Jason could offer a comment, he heard something. His ears twitched, picking up on a sound closing in down the road. Then, launching over a hill in the distance, a carriage came speeding down the road, psionically flying by the will of an Alakazam.

"[This was a bad idea!]" someone inside the carriage yelled.

The Alakazam growled. "[We'll lose them! Just keep those documents safe!]"

Jason stepped back, grabbing the back of Eadwulf's shirt and pulling them both behind a bush. Eadwulf peeked out, asking, "What's that all about? A robbery?"

"Maybe…" Jason muttered.

Before the carriage could get too far down the road, something went flying from over the hill and sniped the top of the carriage in a single shot. The Alakazam was thrown off the obliterated rooftop, and two more Pokémon spilled out as the carriage flipped over. An Aggron and Thievul fell onto the ground with a crate falling out of the Aggron's hands.

The Alakazam floated to the ground, producing a pink orb from his jacket. He looked up with fear and anger in his eyes. "[Crap…]"

Jason and Eadwulf turned their gazes up the road as a group emerged over the hill. A small team of Pokémon, each donning armor and masks. Though hard to tell from a glance, Jason could discern most of them as a Zoroark, Slaking, Cryogonal, Shiftry, and a Simisear. However, one figure half the size of the armored Simisear couldn't be so easily identified.

They were bundled heavily in a black cloak with dark clothing underneath, masking any distinct features. Their mask wasn't anything intricate either, though it possessed three purple slash marks in the face. A single eyehole was in the mask, and Jason could've sworn it was glowing red.

The Simisear drew a sword and yelled, "[By order of Emperor Amano, you are under arrest for suspicions of treason and conspiracy against the empire!]"

The Alakazam growled. "[The emperor's elite. They actually followed us all the way out here.]" He waved to his crew. "[You two! Get up! We need to get out of here—]"

But before his team could even move, the Cryogonal flew at them at blinding speeds. In several quick movements, the ground froze under their feet, locking them to the ground.

The Thievul gasped. "[When did he—]"

The Aggron managed to rip his feet out of the ice and fired Flash Cannon through the sky, trying to snipe the sentient snowflake down. As he did, the Slaking stuck a giant bow into the ground and loaded an equally massive arrow. Once he pulled back the drawstring to its limit, he fired on Aggron.

Alakazam raised the orb in his hand, emitting a powerful psionic force that redirected the arrow around Aggron and into the ground several meters away. He channeled his psychic power through the orb, releasing missiles of psychic energy through the air.

The Zoroark rushed past her team, spinning his sickle and hook weapon to cut down the projectiles. Her Dark-Typing enhanced the weapon to nullify the damage, save for a few shots that exploded onto the ground. "[Well, would you look at that? That's the missing Pearl of Utano! We can add stealing a priceless artifact to your list of crimes!]"

Alakazam gripped the orb tightly, veins pulsating across his face as he channeled more of his power through the artifact. "[Try dodging this!]"

As the Zoroark aimed to take down the Aggron, a sudden force slammed down on top of her, pushing her to her knees. She growled, straining to stand back up. "[W-What?]"

Blood burst from the Alakazam's eyes. "[S-Someone…take her out! This thing's starting draining my energy and fast!]"

Aggron raced through the gravity field, which Alakazam partially opened to let him through. "[Iron Head!]" He raised his head and prepared to crush the trapped Zoroark.

"[Shatter Point.]"

Jason and Eadwulf's eyes widened as the Aggron's side suddenly ruptured open. The smaller Pokémon from earlier had seamlessly walked up on the Aggron without being noticed and ripped through his iron hide with nothing more than a poke.

"[Drop dead]" she whispered as he fell to the ground.

Alakazam tried to turn the gravity field on her, but froze when their eyes met. In an instant, he felt as if his body was ripped to pieces with swords piercing through his limbless body. He recoiled, losing his concentration and shaking. He looked himself over, finding no such wounds upon himself.

"[W…What was…?]"

The Thievul managed to break the ice off his feet and tried to bite the assassin from behind. However, the masked Shiftry swooped in and kicked him in the side, throwing him across the field. "[Consider yourself lucky]" the Shiftry stated. "[Takigawa would've killed you instead.]"

Alakazam sent more of his power through the orb despite the blood running down his face, but the Simisear blitzed him and unsheathed his sword with explosive force, ramming the hilt into his gut. Alakazam gasped, the orb slipping out of his grasp, and collapsed onto his back.

The Simisear caught the orb. "[Utano's power wasn't to be taken lightly back in her day. Guess the cost of tapping in her latent power was too much for you.]"

The Zoroark massaged her shoulder and grunted. "[Those things are incredibly difficult to make with or without alchemy. They're so rare, I've heard people of the west thing they're legends.]"

"[They're not wrong.]"

The assassin, Takigawa, approached the crate of stolen documents. Wordlessly, she flicked something in her hand, and the crate went ablaze. The Shiftry landed beside her in confusion. "[You're burning them?]"

"[Emperor's orders]" she answered.

The Simisear pointed at the wounded Aggron. "[We were also ordered to bring them back alive, yet you nearly tore off his entire stomach.]"

"…" Takigawa bowed. "[Forgive me, Captain Himura.]"

He sighed, slapping himself. "[Sakamoto, see if you can patch him up. Yukimura, call for our extraction unit to have them wheeled off.]"

"[By your command, Captain Himura.]" The Cryogonal flew off.

The Shiftry crossed his arms. "[What spurred them to steal all this stuff, anyway?]"

"[I don't know]" Sakamoto admitted. "[They're not nobles or from any well-known clans as far as I can tell. Still, it seems motivated against Emperor Amano.]"

After inspecting the stolen orb, Himura stashed it inside a pouch on his side. "[We'll question them back in the capital. They should be lucky they haven't done anything directly to the emperor, otherwise this would've been grounds for execution.]"

"…" Takigawa glanced over her shoulder, glaring at a nearby bush on the side of the road.

"[Hmm? Makiko?]" Captain Himura glanced down at the curious assassin. "[Is something wrong?]"

"…" She shook her head. "[Apologies. I thought I saw something.]" She turned back to the present scene. "[Shall I assist with the interrogation?]"

"[Please be mindful this time.]"

Slowly, as the brief instance of attention was off them, Jason and Eadwulf removed themselves from the scene, shuffling deeper into the wooded parts of the area until they were out of sight. They hid themselves up in the trees and exhaled the breaths they were holding.

"I thought she saw us for a moment," Eadwulf muttered.

Jason glared. "Freaky. I don't think we gave away our positions that easily."

"Maybe we should take this as a sign not to push our luck. Whatever we just stumbled across, we don't want to get ourselves involved."

"…" Jason glared. "Do you think the Arcania Kingdom has any information on Great Gate?"

"Not sure how much they would have. You're not actually suggesting—"

"I did say we're getting all the help we can, right? Might as well see what we're dealing with before we venture deeper."

Eadwulf sighed. "You're unbelievable sometimes."

"Got to be ready for anything." Jason stood up. "We'll give this some time before we venture deeper into the empire. Let's start heading back."

"…" Eadwulf glared. "I'm pretty sure one of those soldiers called that girl…Takigawa. The Arcanians warned us about running into one of them."

Jason nodded, his own glare darkening. "Makes you wonder…what those thieves were after to warrant being hunted down like that."