Xavier's Pov

I laid on my bed, thinking over what Yannie asked me to do before she was taken away from me. It took a lot for me to not fight those guys, but it was beyond my power. She warned me to not even touch them. She had another job for me.

"X!" Mom came up to my room "What are you doing?"

"I'm trying to think..." I sat up and turned to the edge of the bed, looking at the tube of blood on my counter that belonged to Yannie. This is the last one Shauna had...

Mom sat beside me to brush my hair with her hands "Yannie was taken back to the castle... Everyone is on edge now, especially after what happened in Geosenge Town. Am I able to help?"

"Yannie worked hard to bond with almost every single leader. She kept me from getting killed when I was was stupid enough to think I can handle killing them myself. I was ready to die, but I already found a reason to live. She trust me with this request, and I don't know how I'll be able to do it without her"

"Why don't you ask for help? It's not like she expect you to do this on your own" I nodded.

"I was thinking that. I can always ask a leader to help me, but..." I pulled my hair a little "She trust me to do it" mom laid her head on mine.

"Ever since you were a kid, you were determined to do things on your own. You never asked for help. You became a student at a young age and became the youngest hunter in history. If there's something I know, you've build yourself to handle so much on your own shoulders. I wasn't enough to convince you that you didn't have to feel hopeless because of how our family was killed, but probably because I'm your mom that you didn't want to listen" she giggled "you lived for this long because you were with Yannie. She became your reason to keep on living, right?"

"Of course"

"You didn't do anything on your own anymore. You fought with her all the way. This should teach you that you don't have to feel embarrassed about asking others for help. She trusted you with a request, and even if you get help, you're still fulfilling your promise" I looked at my hand.

"I promised to stand by her" she hand my hand.

"You will. Now don't just lay here thinking by yourself. I already told you what you need to do" she pulled me back on my feet "Come on. We are pretty much out of the job. Finish what you say you'll do and we can finally live ordinary lives" she smiled "And let King Danny finally Rest In Peace, knowing his daughter brought back the land he loved so much" I couldn't hold it in. Tears ran down my cheeks like rain. I couldn't hide them. I genuinely just want our dads to look down at us, knowing they no longer have to worry.

"Yeah..." I hugged my mom tightly "I'll finish what I started... I got Yannie into this in the first place, and I'm the one who's going to end it" mom kissed my head and let go of me so I could start getting ready. She gave me a bento for the road.

"It's okay, I don't need it" I said.

"You're going to eat so you can fight" she forced the box in my hands "Yannie would want the same thing" I sighed, knowing it's true.

"Alright alright" I grabbed my new bag with some of Yannie's stuff inside so that both our things can fit, headed to the door, and opened it to see Shauna about to knock "hey, I was just about to call you" I said.

"Have you decided what you're going to do?" She's been asking me for the pass day and a half now, but I finally decided to do what I have to do "Seeing that you're not wearing your pajamas today, I'll take that as a yes" she smiled. I waved to my mom and walked out with Shauna by my side "So, what's the plan?"

"The professor instructed that everything will be under my hands, since Yannie trusted things to be done by me. I kept saying that I can handle it on my own, but I know I can't. My only hope is to ask someone to help me" Shauna hummed, thinking.

"That's pretty new for you. If it's not Serena helping you, it'll just be you. I can still remember how you were so confident in just killing yourself through Viola. It took a lot to make you realize that what you've been doing was really hurting Serena, so you stopped. It took a lot in that thick head of yours to realize you can't do anything to a leader without her help" she knocked on my head while I was a bit annoyed "No worries, X! Everything will turn out for the best. I know you shouldn't handle this on your own, so I have the perfect person who can help you fight the last leader!" I arched my brow.

"I don't just need anyone to help me. I didn't expect you to look for me though, but thanks. Is it a leader?" She nodded and ran up ahead "hey! Hold up!"

"She's meeting us in Aquacorde town! Hurry up!" I followed behind and looked at my surroundings. Even if I passed by this road a million times in my childhood and job, what made it special was that I can still remember Yannie admiring it all. It was her first time actually admiring nature, and it was too precious to not remember.

"I won't do this on my own. I'm confident in my strength, but I can only do so much" I sighed, pulling my hair a bit "I hope I can do my best for you, Yannie" I held my chin "Yesenia... is that her full name?" I smiled "A name suited for a princess"

"What are you doing?!" Shauna yelled out to me "get out your little world and hurry up! She's waiting for us!" I snapped out of it and hurried to approach Shauna standing by the café we first ate at and met, and looked at Valerie sitting by a table while drinking tea with two others in Kimono girls.

"She's out of punishment already?" I asked.

"Pretty much. She can only stay in there for so long, especially if she has Serena's blood in her" Shauna shrugged "Olympia is busy with other stuff, so she suggested to get help from Valerie. I heard she's quite strong" I nodded, gulping a bit, and approached her on my own. Her servants stood up and stood beside Valerie sipping her tea without acknowledging me.

"Leader Valerie?" I spoke, offering my hand. I never really came face to face with a Leader Yannie became close with.

"That's Mistress Valerie to you!" A girl Yannie called Lianna spoke, annoyed.

"Don't be mean" The girl named Blossom, pouted. Valerie put down her cup and smiled at me with her big shining eyes and gentle expression.

"Hi there" she stood up and bowed to me "It's a pleasure to meet you" her servants bowed after her "you must be the princess's knight and shining armor" she stood up and giggled. I blushed and rubbed the back of my head, feeling a bit shy, but hid it well.

"Yeah, nice to meetcha" I responded as casually as I could. She giggled again.

"Ah, so I'm right" I flinched. What? Was she joking? "You're the young man who helped the princess during the calamity. You sure are brave" she put her hands together in admiration "I wish I can talk to the princess right now, but you're almost just as good" I pulled my collar a bit, glancing away.

"Now you're just flattering me. I appreciate the thought, though" she chuckled and turned to Shauna.

"So, little vampire. What is it that you needed from me?" I looked at Shauna surprised.

"What? She doesn't know she's helping me?" Valerie hid her mouth with her large sleeve.

"Well, it'll be better if you were the one to explain what you're doing, since Serena trusted you with this mission" Shauna responded. I looked at Valerie looking very curious at me, observing me for a moment.

"Sorry, before I let you continue... Do I know you from somewhere?" Huh? "You're not nearly as old as he was, but... Do you know anyone named Calem?"

"Huh? That's my great great grandfathers name" she clapped her hands, surprised.

"Oh! So it was your family who almost killed me" she giggled. I sweat dropped "Olympia and I were the first leaders around when he was only a ranger. My, so much time had passed, yet you look like you two were twins" I smiled at that "I don't really know how I feel about that, but I'm not going to hold grudges. Why would I?" She shrugged "It was Olympia that helped him make the hunters school. I say the days aged well. Since I'm no longer that monster covered in demon blood, I'm happy to be the one to help out this time!" She leaned down so she can reach my height "What can I help you with?" I cleared my throat, feeling weird about standing next to a very tall woman.

"I need your help getting the last leader on our side" I stated confidently. She leaned back and smiled softly.

"The war is coming very soon, isn't it?" She looked up at the sky "I never imagined our race going up against the monsters who created us. Deep down, the one we care most about is our queen. But the queen hated us. In my heart, I wish she didn't feel this way and I just felt sad. The princess's plans is to defeat these demons and regain our queens love. I'll be honored to help you, Calem" she cleared her throat "I mean, Xavier" she smiled at me again "Forgive me. You're even wearing a similar sword he was using..."

"Don't worry about it. I get it" I looked at my sword "The king made this sword for my dad. This was originally my very great grandfather's sword, but it was destroyed. The king restored it to its new glory" she leaned to me again, making me a bit uncomfortable.

"Do you have the same type X blood?" I nodded "WOW! To think your blood type is the only type the princess can take!" She suddenly took me into her arms and pressed my face onto her collar bone "Don't worry! I'll protect you with everything I have!"

"I never seen Valerie so bubbly..." Blossom said.

"I don't think she was able to be bubbly" Lianna sweat dropped. I pulled myself away and fix myself and my hair.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Valerie laughed "When shall we go?"

"You don't have to pretend to like me, Val" I said. She looked confused. Lianna looked like she was about to snap at me for making up a nickname "you probably have a grudge on my grandfather, just like I have a grudge on you leaders" Shauna looked at us staring at each other.

"I mean, it's not like you hold a grudge anymore, right?" Shauna asked "It's not like you knew why vampires were evil. You got your revenge too, you know?" Valerie smiled again.

"You were the one that killed Viola, right?"

"I didn't kill her"

"So you killed Grant" she closed her eyes "To he honest with you... I was a terrible person the moment I was born from the first vampire couple, but from a duplicate. I've killed so many people and toyed with so many young girls to be my consorts. I don't blame anyone for hating me... and even if I know I can do a million good things, nothing chances the fact that I had a black heart my whole life. The least I can do is help you, even if I hated your grandfather... he only wanted to protect others. I don't hate him now, only because I'm a good person thanks to my princess... nothing will reverse my sins"

"I bet it took a lot in you to admit that" I frowned. She played with her hair.

"I know you guys made sacrifices. My princess killed Viola, and you killed Grant, and created Chaos, but it lead to this nation becoming more peaceful. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make sure nobody gets hurt again. Like the other leaders, we had our own dreams... Viola and Grant couldn't be part of them, but I know they're looking down on us" she held her heart "anyways. I'm happy to just be involved. Shall we go?" I nodded and looked at Shauna getting off her phone.

"Dad just said that Serena's followers had caught a numerous amount of vampires and are being tamed in the dungeon since we don't have anymore of Serena's blood"

"More vampires plus the grunts? How is she going to be able to provide blood for everyone?" I asked.

"You can always have them bond with other leaders" Valerie suggested "we are bonded with many vampires, so this won't even be too bad. Our leader titles are not valid anymore, but we still hold the ability to hold a bond with many other vampires. Go ahead and call up the closest leader" Shauna nodded.

"Good idea! That'll work! I can go ask Clemont!" She put away her phone and faced me "Good luck, X! If you need anything, let me know!"

"Got it" I nodded. She frowned.

"When will the war start..?" Valerie sad smiled and hugged herself. I took a deep breath and instructed everyone what I knew. Shauna has her jaw open while Valerie went deep pale.

"So soon..?" Shauna cupped her mouth. Valerie bit her lip and sighed.

"She wants this sooner than what Olympia told me prior. How terrifying" she stood straight "Cale- I mean, Xavier. Forgive me" I nodded "Do you mind if I ask you for a favor before I help you?"

"What do you want?" She took out a Pokéball "You want a battle?"

"I want to see how well you'll be against a leader who still holds demon blood. Once we get Wulfric on our side, as well as find every vampire and give them a bond, this world will be peaceful. If we want to keep it that way, we have to take care of those demons. I'm sure the princess will want you on her side" I looked down.

"I'm not sure about that, but I want to support her" I looked back at her and nodded "Let's have this battle. I'm ready" I took out my Pokéball from my bag and ended up taking out Yannie's Griseous orb. My bag was just so big that I didn't think my hand would go into the pocket I put her thing in.

Valerie hissed at it. A second after, she slapped herself and nervously laughed "What was that?" Shauna asked. Valerie wiped away her sweat from her forehead.

"Sorry, I almost forgot I don't have demon in me anymore" she gently took the stone to look at it "This stone was used to make holy water in the church of Kalos, which is now a kingdom for the royal family"

"Church of kalos?" I questioned.

"It was around before King Daniel was crowned. That castle was a simple church. Random fact, King Daniel was an ordinary boy abused by his parents and often escaped to the church before he was old enough to start a journey. The symbol of the church rested in his hands when he was king. It was a rosary that provided individual prayers within each bead. That church room was locked away when those demons arrived. This stone was kept safe, from the looks of it. Holy water will be perfect to defeat the Elite four. It may be best to give this back to the princess" I took it back and stared at its shining edges "Let's move now, shall we? We can battle when we get close to Snowbelle City" I nodded and waved Shauna when we parted. We went by foot to the city with the servants following Shauna to the academy.

It felt a bit awkward to walk side by side with a vampire who killed thousands of people. I'm suppose to be a hunter and have to act like this is normal, but it's not. I went to the academy at a young age just so I can go after the leaders and so on, but things are different, and I have to focus on helping Yannie with this request before waiting for the day when I'll be out of the job for good.

We took the bus and ran into a lot of people who recognized her to be the famous fashion designer or whatever. She brushed them away very politely after signing a few autographs and proceeded to follow me around the snow covered city.

"What's wrong?" Valerie asked, peaking over to look at my face "You look a bit uncomfortable"

"Yeah, a little"

"Is it me?" She pointed at herself. I stopped, almost making her run into me. I had a lot in my chest, and I knew it was inappropriate to say it to her after all that's happened.

I quickly turned around, breathing heavily from how fast my heart was beating. She stared at me full of curiosity "Whatever you want to say, just say it" she held her hands together "I'm sure you want to let it all out? I don't blame you. Go ahead" I bit my lips, getting mad at how polite she was.

"My family died under you guys..." I was shaking "I was ready to die from the moment I lost my dad. He wanted to save this land and find out what happened to the king. He was determined to kill you all, but he was taken from us before he could. I wanted to take his dream, and even if I was killed by Viola like my grandpa was, I wouldn't have mind. I spend so much of my life holding hate in my chest, and I'm suppose to act like this is normal" she kneeled down and stood on her toes like I was a kid. I quickly turned away and covered my steaming face wanting to explode.

"Does the princess know about this?"

"She knows about me wanting to kill the leaders and me not caring about me dying, but she doesn't know that it bothers me that this is normal now... a leader being nice... talking to a human like it's normal. It's not normal..." I pulled my hair "For years, people have gotten killed! My great grandfather founded the hunters academy! We devoted our lives to kill vampires who killed humans!" I shut my eyes "and you're in front of me! Listening to me like I'm a stupid kid who can't control his emotions!" I accidentally let out a sob and covered my eyes. It was silent for a moment before I decided to walk off. I'm being ridiculous.

"Forget it" I said "It doesn't matter what I think-"

"I understand..." I stopped and looked at her frowning at me "I understand your frustration... I'm also quite confused with these emotions I was given back to me" she looked at her hands "my body was made partly with the queens blood. Her blood is pure and warm... she is a goddess in our eyes. She's kind and forgiving. Our hearts hold that blood, but we were born with evil. With that mixed in our bodies, we do bad things, but in the back of our heads, we always wondered why it hurt our heart so much... " she held her heart "the good in us always hurts. I can understand why you're so frustrated, and you let this happen because of the princess. You know she's making a difference for our land" I looked away "but you're so use to the old ways" she walked up to me "Want to hear a story?" I looked back at her to listen.

"There was a little girl who's parents were the first official vampire couple, the first to find each other's soulmates" she frowned "she was kept hidden from the crowd, just like the rest. This was the time before vampires were discovered, back when the prism tower in Lumiose was made, before people had their own vehicles, and people use to spend a lot more on clothes" she played with her kimono "This girl watched little human boys and girls play in the park and having fun, and she wanted to join, but she wasn't allowed. You may think it was because my parents thought I'd attack them, right?" I slowly nodded, unsure how to answer.

"It was only so they don't see my fangs. Vampire children are not born evil, it's produced. So you see... I wasn't always evil. My heart had grown hatred and it was eager to hurt others, probably because I couldn't ever be happy" she bit her lips "Those who were fortunate enough to ignore the demon blood inside them like a devil on their shoulder are so lucky... They work with humans and know how to look for happiness. Vampires like me, who were covered in demon blood, couldn't control themselves.

It became worse when I became a leader. It hurt so much more... but I didn't know it at the time. Having demon blood in you is like a emotion you can't shake off, a hunger you can't control. This was at the same time Olympia and I met Calem. I hated him so much. He was talented and manage to attack me, despite me being very fast. When Olympia helped him, I watched them, not saying a word. I didn't know what it was, but I stayed around" her lips quivered "it had been awhile since I've seen him, and when seeing him a few years later when the hunters were known at the time vampires starting attacking, I saw that he had fallen in love and got married" her expressionless face shed tears "I felt a pain in my heart that I couldn't shake off, no matter how hard I tried. It was like watching my mother cry after seeing my father kiss another woman... I did the same thing she did..." her long hair covered her eyes and she looked up at the gray skies "I killed him..." my eyes widened. My hand quickly grabbed my sword without a second thought. I didn't want to calm down. I wanted to pounce and slit her through, but then she continued.

"but I couldn't kill his wife..." she shed more tears and cupped her mouth "she was pregnant, and even my dark heart couldn't kill an innocent child. I didn't have control, but I had enough to let her live. It wasn't her fault... and it wasn't his fault either. Humans and vampires can't fall in love. It's one of the many things I admire about the queen that she was able to mate with a human. I had wondered, if I was more like her... could I have fallin in love..?" I lowered my sword, watching her crying at me "I can't tell you how hard it is to look at you. You look just like him" she fell on her knees and leaned on the snow "I was born to kill... Our whole existence was only to kill and rule over humans, but we never wanted that" she hugged herself "the queen hates us because of what we were... monsters" she shook her head and snapped her head up to cry to me "Calem... I'm sorry!" I lowered my sword completely, stunned to see a leader cry. I don't think I ever seen a vampire cry aside from Shauna "It wasn't my fault... but it was..."

"Would it make you feel better if I killed you right now?" She froze and came back to reality, looking at my frown "You didn't do anything. It was those demons... I knew that, but I was being selfish to think this couldn't be normal. Would it be better if I killed you? Like Viola or Grant?" She sniffled and stood up, wiping her tears with her sleeve.

"Leaving this world is like giving me a pat on the back. I have to live with my sins and hold them onto me, because it'll only remind me that I'm no longer who I was made to be. I am made to make her majesty happy. If she's happy, I'm happy" she closed her eyes and smiled "I wouldn't blame you if you want to kill me, but I don't have any intentions of dying anything soon" she looked at me "Our princess needs us" I smiled and nodded.

"My princess needs me. This is the nation she's build. I'm going to stand by her side until the very end... support her, and show her that what she's done is worth praising. I want to let her know that she succeeded" she took a deep breath and smiled like before.

"Shall I make your wedding dress?" I blushed and walked away. She quickly followed "you know, you're a lot shorter than Calem was" I rolled my eyes "but you're determination matches perfectly. How much of my help will you need?"

"Well, you'll have to see after we battle" I took out my Pokéball. She smirked and made room for us.

"You're on!" I've been selfish this whole time, only thinking of my own revenge even if I believed in Yannie for doing the right thing. I never thought I'd make it this far in my future, but I'd also like to see the world before the spread of vampires happened. I never doubted Yannie, I just only doubted myself for accepting it. Hearing Valerie's story, the story of what a vampire really felt became clearer and different. I respected it all, and one day I would like to see the day when being beside another vampire is just normal.

Can I honestly say that I cried while writing and editing this?! Man I love this chapter 😭😭😭