Fen: Hey everybody, it's your buddies Fen and Fang! Today we're bringing you another Awakening of Kiva movie fic! You thought that the Past, Present, and Future movie fic was awesome, just wait 'til you read this one!
TWF: It's another sequel to the movie, as we dubbed it: Awakening of Kiva: Twist of Fate!
Fen: So what kind of adventure will our heroes have this time?!
TWF: We don't know! Dakara, let's dive in into this story once more!
Fen: Ikuze, ikuze, ikuze!
Disclaimer: We do not own Fire Emblem Awakening. All creative rights go to Nintendo. We also do not own Kamen Rider Kiva. All creative rights go to Shotaro Ishinomori. Any and all songs inserted in this story do not belong to us either.
Darkness…
The one thing about the darkness is that all vision is completely obscured. There is no light, and the only senses you can rely on were your senses of hearing. And it is from the sense of hearing that a cold dark voice spoke from the darkness.
"The time has come… soon I will have my revenge…"
"You betcha on that…" another voice said.
"After years of searching, we'll be able to pull it off for sure." The first voice said.
"Let's make sure they're in the shock of a lifetime… partner." the small figure said as the first figure's shattered marks appeared from the pitch darkness.
"I'm coming for you… Kiva…"
FENIKKUSUMARU AND THE WILD FANG PRESENTS:
AWAKENING OF KIVA: TWIST OF FATE
Prologue: A Race Against Time
"Severa, hurry up, we're gonna be late for your sister's birthday!"
"Can you wait Daddy? I'm almost done!"
"You said that, two hours ago! It shouldn't take you this long!"
"Well, if only Louise would wear this beautiful dress I bought her, then maybe I'll be much faster!" she snapped back from inside the room, making me sigh.
"Louise don't like wearing fluffy dress, mommy!" Louise's voice whined.
"Today's a special day, Louise. And mommy's here to make sure you look pretty!" Severa said.
"Is Severa done yet, Kurogasa?" a voice asked, making me smile. I turned around, and it was none other than my wife, Cordelia. She wore her royal sky blue dress and she has another child coming soon, since she's six months pregnant. "Everyone is waiting for her and some of our friends are either resting in the lounge or trying to stop Gaius from eating more sweets the maids prepared."
"Well you know Severa, always trying to look her best, despite taking so long."
"I heard that!" Severa's voice said.
"You were supposed to!" I countered. "Honestly, I thought you marrying Owain, would've at least changed you a little bit…"
"Though, it's not surprising that she and her family moved to Plegia to stay with us." Cordelia pointed out to me, "The more the merrier, yes?"
"I guess so…" I sighed.
"Gwampa, help Loui~se!" she whined, making me sigh again.
"Should I go in and help our daughter?" Cordelia asked worriedly. "If we keep them waiting, they might get bored…"
"Yeah, go ahead and do that. I'll keep our friends entertained." I said.
"Okay," Cordelia smiled before the two of us kissed and I went downstairs to greet my friends.
In the lounge room, Lissa slowly tiptoed towards the sleeping Storm on the couch, with a live frog in her hand. "Let's see what happens when I put this frog in your shirt, Storm."
"Aunt Lissa, what are you doing?" a young boy's voice asked, making her turn around and notice the boy.
"Oh, Andy!" Lissa squeaked as she hid the frog behind her. "Uh… nothing?"
"Are you trying to put the frog in Father's shirt again?" the seven year–old Andy deducted. "You do know what happened the last time you did that to him, right?"
"Uh… no?"
Andy sighed, similar to how Gerome sighed. "He ended up having a bump on his head while struggling with the frog in his shirt and it took Mother a whole bottle of Rosanne perfume to actually remove the frog's stench and its slime off of him…"
"Oh… that. Hehehe… now I remember." Lissa laughed nervously.
"Please don't do it Aunt Lissa." Andy said.
"He's right," A new voice said. They turned to see Cherche approach them. "It would be unwise if you pulled another one of your pranks on my husband again."
"Aw, come on, Cherche! Loosen up a bit!" Lissa whined. "It's boring waiting for Kurogasa's kid to come to Castle Doran and it's been like what, two hours?"
"A lady needs proper care, especially if she's royalty." Cherche reminded.
"Hey, I'm royalty, but I don't feel like royalty!" Lissa huffed. "And besides, he's defenseless and this is a good time to give 'em a wake–up call!"
"I think you should try stopping Uncle Gaius and Stahl from getting the sweets instead." Andy said.
"Huh?" Lissa blinked before seeing the said people being held back my Gregor, Nowi, little Anna, and Vaike.
"C'mon Stahl stop eating the sweets!" Vaike shouted.
"Yes. Too much sweets bad for stomach!" Gregor grunted, trying with all his might to hold the two back. "Gregor think you two make stomach cry when you finish eating sweets!"
"Yeah! If you finish 'em all, what are the kids going to eat, huh?" Nowi complained. "You better leave some for me, too!"
"This sweet tooth needs somethin' sweet for my mouth!" Gaius exclaimed, extending his hand towards a cake.
"Mom, Dad's stomach is acting up again!" little Anna called out while trying to pull her dad from eating them.
"What?!" Anna exclaimed before she groaned before and went over to her husband to pull him back. "Stahl, how many times did I tell you to stop going for the food before the party starts?!"
"I can't help it! My stomach's grumbling for food!" Stahl complained trying to reach a muffin.
"Goodness, even after ten years he hasn't changed." Maribelle sighed while sipping her tea. "He's still the same glutton and all the Shepherds restrain him every time…"
"Ease up a bit, Maribelle!" Donnel agreed as he looked at the kids at one corner of the room. "At least the kiddies are havin' a good time, right?"
"Well… "Maribelle paused, looking at Alice and Elie holding a large Kabuto Beetle, giggling happily as the two placed it in a circle, watching the beetles battle. Most of the kids circled around it, watching the two beetles fight, "…as long as the kids are happy, I don't mind… though what surprises me the most is where those two darlings get those large insects?"
"That… I dunno…" Donnel sweat dropped.
"Why are you not scared of the icky bugs, Alice? Elie?" Lucia asked while her little sister, Cecilia hid behind her, scared.
"They're not scary~!" Alice said absentmindedly.
"They're kawaii~!" Elie cooed as both girls grabbed the two large beetles and showed it to them.
"Want to touch them?" both girls said happily, while the rest of the kids slowly backed off.
"Eeek!" Cecilia squeaked.
"Um… no thanks…" Lucia said nervously.
"And of course, Alice and Elie are so absentminded." Maribelle sweat dropped. "Those two are like sisters."
"They sure are…" Donnel noted. "Speakin' of absentminded, where's Saigo?"
"Haaahhh!" Saigo exclaimed while thrusting his wooden sword at Frederick, as the two are sparring outside Castle Doran, practicing their swordsmanship.
"Go~, Father~!" Athena cheered while having Jenny on her lap, while the baby nibbled on her hand cutely.
"Go! Go! Go!" Sagark cheered flipping in midair.
"Ara, what a nice day for my niece's birthday." Melissa sighed happily while Tommy was sitting on her lap.
"Yes, it is a beautiful day." Emmeryn smiled.
"Mommy?" young Danny asked.
"Yes, dear? What's the matter?"
"When will the party start?" he asked eagerly.
"Morgan and Kan'shou aren't here yet, along with Masao." Emmeryn kindly explained. "Your big brother is there to lead them, or either stall some time in order to prepare the party."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure."
"Okay!" Young Danny chirped before running off.
"Alright, keep 'em coming! More mead! More mead!" Basilio laughed heartily drinking with his drinking buddies, Ursor, Jiro, Ramon, Riki, Kellam, and Ricken at a table they set up.
"Goodness, I better *hic* keep up." Kellam said.
"Bwa, ha, ha! You guys sure can keep up!" Ursor laughed happily with a hiccup. "Come now, lad! Keep 'em coming! This Fangire ain't gonna stop in the middle of drinking!"
"Since we don't have work to do…" Jiro paused… with a hiccup. "…and the maids are doing the job… *hic* we can drink all day long!"
"Free… do~m!" Riki roared as he chugged down another glass of ale and also eating the brim of the glass due to being drunk.
"Ehe~ I feel so… *hic* woozy…" Ramon added.
"Wohoo~!" Ricken cheered while being drunk.
"Hey oafs! Got room for one more?!" Flavia asked approaching them.
"C'mere already!" Basilio laughed happily. "We got one more!"
"Oh dear… if they keep this up, they might be unconscious during the party…" Emmeryn said.
"I think so, Emmeryn." Melissa nodded.
"Ara~, Father is about to lose aga~in!" Athena said as Saigo's wooden sword ended up flying off from his hand and Frederick remained standing tall while pointing his wooden sword at him.
"This round goes to me." Frederick said.
"Nope!" Saigo grinned.
"What?" Frederick asked confused, before Saigo crouched down and swept one leg to trip Frederick, the latter falling on his back. Meanwhile, Frederick's wooden sword flew up and Saigo caught it before he pointed it at Frederick's neck.
"It's my victory." Saigo smirked. "Gotcha, Freddy Bear."
Frederick scoffed as Saigo extended his hand to him, pulling the latter up on his feet, "A very good strategy, Saigo."
"Hey, you learn and pick up some new tricks as time goes by." he said confidently. "I just needed the right time to catch you off guard!"
"I'll be sure to remember that next time." Frederick reminded as Melissa approached her husband and handed him a small towel.
"Tommy really enjoyed the show, my love." Melissa said as Tommy looked at his father with glee and a wide smile.
"Indeed he has." Frederick smiled taking Tommy into his arms.
"I wonder what the others are up to while we're waiting for Kurogasa and his kids to show up." Saigo wondered.
"I'm sure they're having a wonderful time." Emmeryn said.
"Mou~! Lemme go!" Apollo whined, as the orphans tugged him happily.
"Play with us, Apollo~!" most of the orphans said.
"Ehe~! Apollo sure is famous with the kids!" Akane giggled, as Bakuya giggled too.
"Aye, I couldn't agree with you more, Okaa–sama." Bakuya agreed, but she felt a short tug on her miko pants. She then looked down and noticed Mai'yu close to her.
"Kaa–chan… toilet…" Mai'yu said cutely.
"Oh… ok. I'll take you." Bakuya said before taking her to the bathroom.
"Ara~ today's so festive today!" Kiva–la cooed.
"Indeed. Every year keeps getting better." Libra smiled. "It's Naga's blessing for a peaceful world and I shall continue to pray for this peace to last."
"Me too, Libra! Don't you worry about that," Akane chirped happily, hugging his arm.
"Mou~! Mama! Papa! A little help here!" Apollo cried for help.
"Oh my, we better help him love." Libra chuckled.
"You got it!" Akane chirped.
"Honestly, why do we have to be here?" Tharja grumbled. "I got better things to do…"
"Oh relax Tharja, one party ain't gonna kill ya!" Henry chirped.
"She's right, you need to get out more." Virion said. "A lovely lady such as you needs to be marveled by others!"
"Do you want to be turned into a lizard?" Tharja threatened, making him step back from her. "I thought so."
"Mommy, this is for you!" Azure smiled with a blush, presenting a bouquet of flowers to his mother, making Olivia gasp in surprise, "Me and big brother went outside Castle Doran to get them for you!"
"Oh Azure, they're lovely, thank you!" Olivia smiled taking the bouquet.
"You're welcome mommy!" Azure chirped.
"Hey ho! The life of the party is here!" Inigo's voice said. They turned to see him, Brady, Nah, and Cynthia show up.
"That's right! All of us heroes are here to party!" Cynthia cheered.
"Yay~!" Caterina cheered happily on her father's shoulders, smiling widely.
"Alex, don't eat too much sweets." Nah reminded. "It's no good for your teeth, alright?"
"Yes, mommy…" Alex sighed.
"Seriously, if ya' keep this malarkey up, Alex ain't gonna be a happy snapper, Nah." Brady said.
"Hey I'm trying to have Alex eat healthy!" Nah huffed.
"So what? Just let him eat!" Brady snapped.
"It amazes me how you two ever got married." Virion sighed.
"It's even more amazing how he was able to endure Nah's continuous requests." Inigo said while approaching his father.
"Gramma!" Caterina chirped happily, as Olivia approached her granddaughter and hugged her happily.
"I–I'm so happy to see you again, my sweet!" Olivia smiled happily, kissing Caterina's cheeks, making the child giggle happily.
"So my son, where are the other future kids?" Virion asked.
"They're on their way." Inigo answered. "They're just taking longer than usual since they're getting Morgan's presents at the last minute. Especially Lucina."
"R–Really? T–That's not like her to forget." Olivia said.
"Being a mother for Marth is still a new thing for her, compared to her swordsmanship." Inigo pointed out.
"And besides, the reason why it took so long is because of Morgan and Kan'shou's carriage being delayed at the port." Cynthia added. "Maybe sis remembered last minute."
"At least she cares for her friends. That's for certain." Virion said proudly. "A true leader indeed!"
"Y–Yes, I suppose so." Olivia said.
Whew… okay. I somehow managed to keep everyone entertained for a while, but seriously, this party should start by now.
"Everything okay?" A voice asked. I turned to see Kaa–san approach me.
"It's fine Kaa–san, just waiting for everyone to get here." I sighed.
"At the very least, you know the value of friendship, my son." she smiled.
"And how's my son doing, Kaa–san?" I asked, looking at Kyoshiro in her arms.
"He's been a quiet, yet lively child." she said while handing Kyoshiro to me. "In his eyes, it's filled with curiosity and his smile is always bright."
"Yeah…" I nodded while looking at my son, as he looked back at me with his curious eyes.
"Is Severa the reason why the party hasn't started yet?" she asked. "Or is it because of Morgan not arriving yet?"
"A little bit of both actually." I said.
"Oh?" Kaa–san asked.
"Yeah. Severa is getting Louise ready and Morgan, Kan'shou, and Masao are coming along with Yen'fay, Say'ri, and Tiki."
"I see." she nodded.
"Well, at least with Cordelia's help, they should be ready anytime soon." I added.
"Oi, aibou!" Kivat flew in, along with Tatsulot. "We can see Morgan's carriage from afar!"
"Yeppers~!" Tatsulot chirped. "The party can start when they get here!"
"Daddy! Daddy!" I heard Serena's and Morgana's voice calling out to me, as both of them hugged my legs, one on each side.
"What is it, sweeties?"
"Grandpa said big sis is coming soon!" Serena said with glee.
"Yeah, we're gonna see them right?" Morgana asked.
"That's right." I smiled.
"Hey c'mon let's get this party started already!" Sully called out.
"Yes, the party should start right about now." Miriel said.
"Have you ever heard of patience Mother?" Laurent deadpanned.
"Y–Yeah, everyone will be here soon." Noire stuttered.
"Timing is everything in life daughter–in–law," Miriel replied. "And right now, their timing is rather late."
"Why are you even concerned with such a trivial thing as time?" Panne asked.
"Yeah, it's not like it's the end of the world." Yarne added.
"When it comes down to that, you freak out, Yarne." I deadpanned.
"True, but ever since that day, I think I have what it takes to bunny up for once." Yarne said. "It's all for the sake of my family."
"Kurogasa, we're ready now." Cordelia said as the door opened up, revealing Severa in her nice red sparkling dress with a golden tiara on her head, having white long sleeves, and white slippers as her hair flowed naturally. In her arms, Louise was pouting because of the dress she doesn't like wearing. It was similar to what Severa was wearing, only wearing the black Mary Jane on her socks and her hair is tied in twin ponytails.
"Ah, Cordelia. Great timing." Miriel said.
"Oh? About what?" Cordelia asked.
"I was just about to inquire about your pregnancy. Has there been, any anomalies throughout this month?" Miriel questioned, not affected by the weird glances our friends were giving her.
"I'm fine Miriel." Cordelia sighed. "It's nothing to worry about."
"It's always like this every time someone in our group is pregnant." Kjelle said.
"True, but that's who she is." Laurent sighed.
"My, you are dazzling my wife and daughter!" Owain said theatrically approaching them.
"Owain!" Severa snapped, blushing from his compliment.
"Daddy!" Louise cried out, getting off from Severa and immediately headed towards him with a hug.
"Hey, hey, what's this now?" Owain asked, blinking in confusion as he carried her in his arms.
"Mommy forced Louise to wear this dress. Louise not like it." she pouted.
"I did not!" Severa huffed.
"Um… actually…" Cordelia cleared her throat.
"You kinda did." I said.
"Ugh… fine…" Severa groaned. "Yeah, it's me. It's because I want to make sure my girl looks pretty like me!"
"I thought so…" I sweat dropped.
"In any case, we should be at the party." Owain said. "They should arrive soon."
"Let's go, my grandchildren. Your grandfather is waiting for you." Kaa–san said as she held Serena and Morgana's hands motherly, and they followed her. Soon enough, the rest headed down, leaving me, my wife, and Severa.
"Shall we, my love?" Cordelia asked.
"Yeah, let's go." I nodded while handing Kyoshiro to her. Just as we were about to head down, both of us paused, looking at Severa. "What's wrong, Severa?"
"You know, daddy…" she began, "You should learn to control your hormones. If you keep this up, you gonna have mom make babies like a rabbit."
"Hey I take offense to that!" Yarne shouted from afar.
"Oh shut up Yarne!" Severa snapped.
"Oi Severa!" I chided, making her flinch.
"Sorry…" She mumbled.
"Mattaku… what are we going to do with you?" Cordelia sighed. Oh yeah, did I mention that she has gotten better in speaking Japanese? "It's a good thing my mood swing is over, young lady."
"Yeah. Otherwise, you could be in trouble." I added in.
"I get it, I get it… sheesh…" she grumbled before heading downstairs, "There's no need to speak foreign to me…"
Cordelia let out another long sigh, saying, "Even though our family is close, Severa still acts cold towards us… but that rarely happens…"
"No kidding," I agreed. "Well now, shall we get going?"
"Yes love, we shall," Cordelia smiled before the two of us went on our way.
"Oh I can't believe we're late…" Lucina sighed sadly as she, Gerome, Chrom, Sumia, Marth, Kivat II, Rey–Kivat, Aqua, Lon'qu, Rua, and Ruka were traveling together nearing Castle Doran. "If only I hadn't forgotten about Morgan's birthday…"
"You don't have to worry about it, Lucina." Gerome comforted as he rode on Griffon Minerva. "At the very least, you remembered."
"But–"
"Father almost forgot about her birthday too." Gerome sighed. "If it wasn't for Mother scolding him, he would have missed it too. He's truly an airhead…"
"He's right." Kivat II said perching on Lucina's shoulders. "And despite being last minute you took the time to pick a present for Morgan.
"I suppose so…" Lucina said, feeling bad.
"Not to worry Lucina." Chrom said while riding on Sumia's Pegasus. "I'm sure Morgan will understand."
"Your Father's right, dear." Sumia said happily. "We all know how Kurogasa's daughter is like and we just love her the way she is!"
"I think so too…" A small smile was Lucina's face as Marth looked and happily pat his hand on the present that she prepared.
"Look on the bright side." Kivat II added. "At least I told the young knight about delaying their carriage. Rest assured, we'll be at Castle Doran in time."
"Mm, you're right," Lucina nodded.
Meanwhile on the ground, Rey–Kivat, Lon'qu, Aqua, Rua, and Ruka were in a carriage. "We see Bakuya–neesan and Kan'shou–niichan?" Ruka asked.
"Yes dear." We'll see them soon." Aqua smiled. "Are you eager to meet them?"
"Hai, Kaa–chan!" Ruka chirped happily.
"We miss them!" Rua added while the two happily hugged their mother.
"You two are rowdy sometimes." Aqua giggled.
"Isn't it the same with Bakuya and Kan'shou?" Lon'qu asked.
"They're different." Aqua replied.
"I'm pretty sure they're the same in terms of personality milady," Rey–Kivat said.
"Yes." Aqua nodded while happily patting the twin's heads motherly. "Both of them were facing hardships in their time, trying to survive before returning back to our time."
"Once peace is secured, the future should be bright." Lon'qu noted. "Supposedly, they should return back to their timeline."
"They should've, milord." Rey–Kivat mentioned. "But because of how close they wanted to be with their parents, they decided to stay and live their lives here. You could also say they're destined to stay here for the rest of their lives."
"That's true." Lon'qu nodded. "And it's great to see the children happy, living in the present. But we must keep our guard up, because anything will happen."
"Couldn't agree with you more, milord." Rey–Kivat agreed.
After a few moments of silence, Lon'qu noticed Aqua looking at him with a smile, while the twins were resting their heads on her lap. "What?"
"You've gained a lot of courage, facing your fear of women, yes?" she said. "And you're accustomed to having Bakuya around you too. I wonder what will happen if you try to speak to other women." That remark made him flinch and Aqua couldn't help but giggle.
"Don't ask questions…" Lon'qu blushed making Aqua giggle more.
"I'm just kidding, you know that," Aqua said.
"I can't wait to meet Father again!" Morgan squealed happily. "It almost feels like forever since we last met!"
"Calm down, Morgan." Kan'shou chuckled. "Even I can't wait to see them again."
"Aye, 'tis a good day to take a day off from your duty as Chon'sin's tactician." Say'ri smiled. "And we want you to enjoy your day, young princess."
"I couldn't agree with you more, Say'ri." Tiki nodded while cradling Masao as the baby slept in her arms. "I wonder how Matilda is doing. It has been a while since I visited her."
"We'll see her soon enough Lady Tiki," Daniel assured.
"Yes, you're right," Tiki nodded.
"It is also good that I have brought our family's vintage sake." Yen'fay said. "It is the finest sake in all of Chon'sin."
"Father might not be able to drink, since he can't hold his liquor." Morgan pointed out.
"Aye, but this sake might be fit for our Ojii–sama." Kan'shou noted. "And you should try to not drink it, Morgan."
"What?" Morgan gasped, "Why not? The sake, is really good!"
"Remember what happened the last time you drank it? You really let yourself loose, and…" Kan'shou paused, recalling the embarrassing moment with a slight blush on his face. "…you know what happened next."
"Oh…" Morgan blushed.
"Aye, that's why you must never drink it." Kan'shou said.
"I thought it was funny!" Kibat laughed, flying towards them.
"Kibat!" Morgan exclaimed.
"It certainly wasn't…" Kan'shou grumbled.
"To you it isn't, but it was hilarious to me!" Kibat laughed. "I couldn't stop laughing for over an hour!"
The couple remained silent with a blush on their faces. "Whatever happened at their home, must be pretty serious." Tiki assumed.
"What did you do once that happened?" Yen'fay asked.
"It's best… to leave it as it is, Yen'fay–dono." Kan'shou said.
"Oh you should've seen it! Morgan–" Kibat began, but was cut off when Morgan caught him and clamped his mouth shut.
"Don't tell them Kibat!" Morgan pleaded.
"MRRRRRFFFFMRRRFFFFFMRRMMM!"
Tiki, Say'ri and Yen'fay looked at Morgan and Kibat in silence, as she tried her best to keep his mouth shut.
"W–Well, in any case, we have arrived." Kan'shou said quickly changing the topic, making Morgan stop shutting Kibat up and quickly look outside the window.
"Castle Doran! I can see it from here!" Morgan exclaimed happily, smiling.
"And just in time too." Tiki smiled.
Okay this is getting ridiculous. What's taking the rest of them so long?
"Anata, I know they're late, but you need to have more patience." Cordelia assured.
"Well, to be honest my patience has reached its limit." I said.
"And mine as well, if you keep complaining about our daughter's arrival." she said. "If I were still in my mood swing, you might have gotten yourself into trouble."
I flinched a bit at that, "Ehehe… sorry."
"It's alright, as long as you remember." Cordelia smiled.
"Hello everyone, sorry to keep you waiting!" A voice said. We all turned to see Chrom and his group arriving.
"Did it start yet?" Lucina asked worriedly.
"Nope. She hasn't arrived yet." I said.
"Sorry we're a bit late, brother." Chrom apologized while patting my shoulder. Oh yeah, since Severa is married to Owain, technically, Chrom and I are brothers. That's why he said that. Though, I gotta remember that he's older than me by two years. "With politics and other customs in one hand, it's a bit hard to organize, in getting free time to celebrate this."
"Hey it's no worries." I said.
"I'm sorry that I thought of Morgan's birthday at the last minute Kurogasa," Lucina apologized. "If only I had thought of it sooner, I–"
"Lucina," I said placing my hands on her shoulders, before chuckling saying, "Relax, you're here. That's all that matters."
"Thank you." she smiled after letting out a sigh of relief.
"Hey, Kurogasa." I heard Aqua–chan calling out to me, as the little twins ran towards Bakuya.
"Hey to you too." I replied with a smile while Chrom and Lucina went to the rest of the Shepherds while Sumia hugged and chatted happily with my wife. "How's parenting?"
"Enjoyable, for certain." she replied. "And how's Cordelia doing? I read the letter you sent me the other day saying that she had a few healers treating her. Was it serious?"
"Nah, not really." I waved off. "It turns out that she was just having some backaches since our unborn child is growing bigger. It's a normal thing, right?"
"At least it's better than having twins." Aqua–chan added. "Believe me, the pain is doubled and you can't move from the bed without assistance. But I'm certain that it will all be worth it in the end."
"Yeah." I smiled. "You sure changed a lot, Aqua–chan."
"Of course." she smiled back. "The same goes for my husband… well, when it comes to my daughter that is…"
"So, he's gotten used to Bakuya huh?" I smirked. "I wonder what'll happen if he talks to other women."
"I said the same thing too." Aqua–chan giggled.
"You know that I can hear you two right?" Lon'qu asked.
"Loosen up a bit, Lon'qu. You'll get the hang of things around here!" I grinned. "We're just jokin' with ya."
"I take matters seriously, Kurogasa." Lon'qu stated.
"If you keep doing that, I might as well tease you more." Aqua–chan doted, with a slight giggle.
"Aqua!" Lon'qu stammered.
"That's what I love about you; seeing your reaction." Aqua–chan pointed out bluntly with more giggles.
"S–Stop it!" Lon'qu stammered.
"FATHER!" A voice shouted. I turned around and–
*POW!*
–got tackled hugged by Morgan.
"Ow…" I groaned.
"I'm so happy to see you Father!" Morgan said excitedly.
"Me too Morgan…" I wheezed. "But you gotta go weaker on the tackle hugs… they're getting stronger every time you see me…"
"I'm just excited to see you again!" she chirped happily after getting off of me.
"I know…" I wheezed again as I got myself up.
"Your father hasn't exercised lately, Morgan." Cordelia spoke up, getting her attention. "Politics have consumed most of his time."
"Mother!" Morgan perked up and hugged her mother. "It's so nice to see you again!"
"You too, Morgan." Cordelia smiled while combing her daughter's hair gently. After she broke the hug, Morgan bent down and placed her ear on Cordelia's stomach, wanting to hear her sibling.
"Hey there, little one!" she greeted, as Cordelia kept her smile on Morgan's usual cheery self. "Your big sis is coming home today! Have you started kicking yet?"
"The baby's kicking a little bit." Cordelia smiled.
"Tou–san! Jii–san! Taa–chan!" Kibat greeted going over to them.
"Hey there son!" Kivat greeted.
"Have you been well?" Kivat II asked.
"As well as I've ever been!" he exclaimed.
"Helping out your partner at Chon'sin, huh?" Kivat stated.
"Yep! She is a tactician, after all!" Kibat added. "And she's making sure that nothin' bad is happenin' at Chon'sin!"
"And Kan'shou helped out too~?" Tatsulot said.
"You betcha! They say those two are the best combination when it comes to battlin' the thieves and barbarians back there! You should've seen it!"
"Looks like someone's happy." I chuckled. I looked forward and noticed Kan'shou politely bowing to me.
"It's been a while, Otou–sama." Kan'shou greeted.
"It's good seeing you too musukou." I smiled. "Have you been taking care of my daughter?"
"Aye, very well," Kan'shou said straightening up.
"That's good to hear," I said before turning to everyone else. "Alright, now that the birthday girl's here, let's start the party!"
"YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The Riders and Shepherds cheered.
On the roof of the sleeping Castle Doran, the cloaked figure stood after leaping onto it. "No one's noticed us." the figure said.
"Good, and it looks they started the party." the small figure said, hidden inside her cloak.
"Excellent. This is the opportune moment we've been waiting for." the figure said while looking at her pouch, where it contained a wrapped apple. "And it will be flawless."
"Let's do it, partner." The small figure said.
"Happy birthday Morgan!" Everyone cheered, as we presented her a big cake having the Kiva insignia on it. It was a black forest vanilla cake too.
"Aw~, thanks, you guys!" Morgan blushed, laughing nervously at seeing the cake. "It means so much to me; celebrating with all of the Shepherds!"
"You deserved it, Morgan." Say'ri said. "With your brilliance, Chon'sin has become a prosperous country once more."
"Aye, it is true." Yen'fay nodded.
"So, what is your wish for this year, Morgan?" Tiki asked, as Masao was waking up, looking at the ceiling while still in her arms.
"Hm…" Morgan pondered, thinking about her wish.
"Well, kiddo? What will it be?" Ursor asked. "You do know that we'll try our best to make your dream come true, right? Bwa, ha, ha!"
"As long as it isn't something that's impossible to do, we'll try our best to do that." Flavia assured.
Eventually, after a few moments of thinking Morgan decided to speak. "Well… it's not much…" she trailed off while looking at everyone, "All I want is to meet with everyone like this again. That's the best gift I've ever wanted." she smiled happily.
"Oh, sweetie! That's an honest wish!" Sumia said happily. "Of course we'll make your wish come true!"
"Now blow out the candles!" Cordelia said.
"Okay!" Morgan chirped before blowing out her candles, making everyone clap. And then…
"BANZAAAAAAAAAAAAAI!" Gaius shouted, as we all looked to see Gaius jumping up high in the air and… aiming for Morgan's cake!
"Hey!" Anna snapped as our sweet tooth thief started chowing down with a big handful of cake in his hand. "Gaius, what do you think you're doing?! Stop eating that cake!"
"Hey, leave some for me!" Nowi perked as she quickly headed towards it, trying to get some of the cake from Gaius.
"Bwa, ha, ha! Look at that guy go!" Ursor laughed happily as Stahl also joined in. As he looked around, he noticed the kids being a bit gloomy. "Don'cha worry, kiddies! We've make extra cakes for you to eat up! We've already expected this to happen anyways!"
"Yay~!" most of the orphans and our kids, cheered, especially Perseus and Felghana. Those two are a big fan of cakes, especially if it comes to black forest vanilla cakes.
"There goes my favorite cloak…" Morgan giggled as her cloak was smeared with icing, thanks of Gaius's sudden banzai.
"You could always get it washed Morgan." I said.
Then for some strange reason, a random apple rolled towards Morgan.
"Hm?" Morgan blinked.
"What's wrong?" I asked, as she bent down and picked up the apple.
"There's an apple here, Father." Morgan said while looking at it.
"It must have rolled off while the maids were carrying it somewhere." I pondered. "Anyways, you better change your clothes, Morgan. Dress up in something more feminine. I want to see my daughter in a beautiful dress."
"Oh, Father." she blushed. "Alright, I'll be right back!" and with that, she sprinted toward the stairs, heading towards her room with the apple in her hand.
"Where is she going?" Cherche asked as Morgan was now out of our sight. "Isn't she going to celebrate her birthday with us, Kurogasa?"
"She is, she's just getting changed since she got cake all over her." I said.
"Oh I see," Cherche said.
"Gaius, stop eating Morgan's cake!" Lissa scolded. "Leave some for the others!"
"Not gonna happen, cupcake!" Gaius shouted.
"It eases my heart to see the Shepherds being the same as they have always been. Isn't that right, brother?" Say'ri said.
"Aye. Couldn't agree with you more." Yen'fay nodded.
"Father, Minervykins wants to join too." Andy said, as Minerva looked at the view.
"Eh?" Storm blinked. "I thought she wanted to stay at her barn with the other Minerva."
"Minervykins said she's bored staying on her own while brother's Minerva is resting from flying too much today." Andy replied as I saw Elie rush to Minerva, hugging her happily as the wyvern let out a soft groan, rubbing her scaly cheek at the giggling Elie.
"Daddy, daddy! Can Minerva eat with us?" Elie asked eagerly.
"Uh…" Storm said a bit dumbfounded, with a sweat drop on his head. Then he turned his attention to me and said, "A little help here, buddy?"
"Don't look at me, they're your kids not mine." I said.
"Oh boy…" Storm groaned, making me chuckle.
The cloaked figure managed to sneak in the hallway as the party went on. "No one's here. You can come out now."
"Huh… took a while to hide." the small figure said as it flew out from the cape and perched on the shoulder of the large figure. "At least we're here."
"Yeah." the figure nodded as the two looked at the Outrealm Gate. "Next on our list: disrupt the device on this door so no one will be able to catch up with us. We do need to escape from this castle when it happens. No matter where we land, we can always find a way out and end up landing elsewhere, right?"
"Exactly, partner," the small figure nodded. "And after we disrupt the Outrealm Gate, we can see our revenge come to fruition."
"Indeed. And it's ironic that it comes in the form of the fruit we dropped," the large figure laughed, making the small figure laugh too.
"Hm…" Morgan pondered, twirling around as she looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a blue blouse with a yellow long skirt, along with a red cape behind her, to make her look like a fairy tale princess. And she had a red ribbon on top of her head instead of wearing a tiara. "Maybe this would do the trick. Though, I prefer to wear my cloak than this…"
"Oi, Morgan!" Kibat flew in from the window, getting her attention.
"Oh, hey, Kibat!" she smiled.
"What's taking ya' so long?" Kibat asked. "Your pops is callin' ya' out already!"
"Oh right, sorry, just finished trying out the dress," Morgan said.
"Well hurry up, okay? Don't keep everyone waiting," Kibat said.
"I'll be there," Morgan said before Kibat flew off. "Oh wait, Kibat!"
Kibat paused, looking at his partner. "What's up?"
"What do you think of this dress? Do I look… ladylike?"
Kibat flew over and circled around her to inspect the dress from head to toe. After a moment, he said, "Yep, you look gorgeous and ladylike in that dress."
Morgan smiled brightly at that, "Thanks Kibat!"
"No problem, now let's go!" Kibat said before flying off for good.
"Right," Morgan nodded, but before she left she noticed that she still had the apple with her. "Oh, the apple. I might as well eat it so it doesn't go to waste." She said before taking and biting the apple while following Kibat.
"Why is it that girls take a while changing clothes?" I grumbled, tapping my foot while waiting for Morgan to show up.
"Relax, Daddy!" Severa reminded. "She just wants impress you, that's all!"
"Yep, and I already told her." Kibat noted. "She'll be here, Kurogasa–dono."
"Alright…" I sighed.
"Uh… Severa honey! You might want to stop Louise from trying to open one of Morgan's presents!" Owain called out.
"What?!" Severa exclaimed. "Oh Louise~!" She whined going over to her daughter, running past Lucina and Chrom who were walking towards them.
"Someone's in a hurry…" Lucina noticed.
"Well, children are curious." Chrom noted. "Marth did the same thing when it was your younger self's birthday."
"Father, please don't remind me…" Lucina blushed slightly, until the two of them noticed me. "Kurogasa? Why are you here?"
"Aren't you supposed to be with your wife?" Chrom asked. "She might need help to be carried if she ends up having another backache."
"She'll be fine," I waved off. "The other Shepherds are there to help."
"So then why are you here?" Lucina asked.
"I'm waiting for Morgan." I said. "She should be here by now though."
"I think she wanted to make herself a proper princess." Lucina said.
"True, but she isn't used to wearing something fancy, like Kaa–san." I replied.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" I heard one of the maids, running towards me with a panicked look on her face.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's Princess Morgan! She collapsed!"
"WHAT?!" The three of us exclaimed.
"Take me to her, now!"
"Y–Yes! At once!" she panicked as she quickly led us to where Morgan is at.
"Who could have done this?" Lucina asked. "Has an assassin entered this place?"
"No, Lucina. That's impossible!" I said as we continued to run. "After what happened in the war, the Three Arms made their security tight. They won't allow any thieves or assassins to waltz in here easily!" Eventually, the three of us reached another hallway, and there were many maids gathering in front of Morgan's room. The unconscious Morgan was being cradled by the head maid. "Princess Morgan! Princess Morgan, can you hear me?"
"Morgan!" I shouted, as the three of us, ran over to her, next to the head maid.
"Your Majesty!" The head maid gasped.
"What happened?!" I asked.
"I do not know! When I walked here, she collapsed on the floor. That's why I've told one of the maids to get you." she explained as I took over and cradled my daughter, panicking a bit.
"Hey, Morgan! Can you hear me?!" I asked worriedly, but she didn't reply at all.
"Who could have done this?" Chrom questioned as Lucina looked around before noticing something on the ground.
"Hm? What's this?" Lucina asked as she picked up the said object. "An apple?"
"Apple?" I said looking at her, holding the said item in question. "That's the same apple that Morgan took."
"But what does it have to do with–" Chrom began but then noticed something else. "Wait a minute, look, there's a bite mark on it."
"A bite mark?" I said, as Lucina showed it.
"An apple…" the head maid pondered as she looked at the other maids, "Have we served any apple related dishes for Princess Morgan's birthday?"
"No." most of them said.
"It isn't a part of our list, Your Highness." one of them spoke to me. "We have double checked our inventories too."
"Dang… she must have taken a bite of it." I cursed as I looked at Morgan worriedly again.
"If that's the case, then…" Chrom pondered until he realized something, "That apple must have been poisoned!"
"Poisoned?!" I asked shocked. What is this, Snow White?!
"Who would want to poison Morgan?" Lucina asked.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" A dark voice echoed with laughter.
"Who's there?!" I exclaimed while looking around, still cradling Morgan in my arms.
"Who am I? I am your assailant, of course!" the voice exclaimed. "More specifically, that girl's assailant!"
"What have you done to her?!" I snapped, as I slowly reached my boiling point.
"Just as you saw before you!" the assailant pointed out. "Now that girl will suffer eternal pain before meeting her doom! My mission is done and there's nothing you can do about it!"
"What did you say?!" I snapped, as laughter filled the air before it faded away. "Come out here and fight me like a man! I dare you!"
"Easy, Kurogasa." Chrom said, holding my shoulders to stop me. "They've probably made their escape by the time we got here."
"Oh who said I've escaped?" The voice asked.
"What?" I gasped.
"What I did was only half my job. The other half… well, I came here to fight you Kiva… to see if you're worthy of finding a cure for your daughter's ailment. And don't even bother trying to heal her with your healer friends, their healing powers will only spread the poison faster."
"Where are you?!" I demanded.
"My, so eager to meet me huh?" The voice chuckled. "Very well. I'm not far. Just go to where your friends and family are. And don't worry about me hurting them. I only wish to fight you. See you there…" And with that, the voice was finally silent.
"Hey!" I shouted.
"No use Kurogasa. Let's go to where our friends are." Chrom said.
"We have to hurry." Lucina urged.
"Right," I said before turning to the head maid and giving Morgan to her. "Take care of Morgan."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the head maid nodded before she looked behind her. "You heard his orders! Get to it!"
"Yes, ma'am!" they said as I rushed towards the main hall, along with Lucina and Chrom.
"Louise, you better stop opening your aunt's presents!" Severa scolded while holding the sleeping Kyoshiro in her arms.
"But I wanna have gifts, mommy!" Louise pouted while still holding one of the gifts in her arms.
"Hey, that's no way to treat your girl like that!" Lissa huffed at Severa, with Cordelia in tow. "Especially if she's my grandkid!"
"But she's stubborn about it, mom–in–law!" Severa retorted. While Louise hugged the said present, Cordelia sighed, approaching her granddaughter. "Mom?"
"Louise, sweetie." Cordelia said kindly as she kneeled down carefully, "It's not nice to open your aunt's gifts."
"But, gwamma! Louise wants presents too!" Louise pouted.
"I know." she said while combing her hair with her hands. "How about this? When we go out together, I'll pick a nice present for you. Does that sound like a good idea?"
"Weally, gwamma?" Louise asked, her attention now filled with curiosity.
"Yes, really." Cordelia nodded, having a sweet smile on her face. "And I will let you choose which present you want too."
"YAAAAAAAAAAAY!" Louise cheered before hugging Cordelia. "I wuv you Gwamma!"
"I love you too sweetie," Cordelia smiled, hugging her back.
"Mom, you're spoiling her too much…" Severa sighed.
"Isn't it the same for you?" Lissa asked, making Severa twitch an eyebrow.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You keep ogling your dad about buying stuff, and you're still doing it." Lissa elaborated. "C'mon, even your little self does it too!"
"T–That's different!" Severa stuttered.
"Really? I say otherwise," Lissa retorted.
"Whoa! What the heck?!" Vaike suddenly shouted making everyone turn to see a dark portal open up and a cloaked figure came out of it.
"What's that?" Stahl asked, as the attention now shifted to the lone figure.
"…" she remained silent, looking around until a figure caught her attention.
"Gwamma, who's that?" Louise asked.
"I do not know…" she shook her head while having Louise in her embrace. Without warning, the lone figure quickly dashed with a dagger in hand… towards Cordelia?!
"Nani?!" Cordelia gasped.
"Mom, watch out!" Severa exclaimed.
"Kivat Kick!" Kivat shouted, quickly doing his Rider Kick towards the figure and knocked the dagger away from the figure's hand. "Kisama! Nani mono da?!"
"…None of your business." the figure said with a female voice before giving him a back hand, but Kivat managed to dodge in time.
"An enemy in this castle?!" Jiro growled as the kids huddled around their parents, feeling scared.
Just as the figure was about to dash forward again, Tiki stood in front of Cordelia, along with Matilda holding her whip. "Not one step further…" Tiki warned.
"…" the figure stood quiet, noticing the shattered marks on Matilda. As she slowly raised her right hand, a word uttered out from her mouth. "Tabik."
"Huh?" Everyone asked confused.
"Watch out!" Kivat II shouted, but by the time he said that, a black blur sped out of the figure's cloak and hit all the Kivats and Sagark.
"I'm right here partner," the small figure said as it revealed itself to be a pitch–black Kivat–bat with white eyes.
"It's time to complete our mission." she said as Tabik fluttered onto her hand and…
*CRUNCH!*
A hypnotic sonar sound was emitted, but it was more distorted than Kivat II's hypnotic sonar sound, as the shattered marks appeared on her hand. Tabik flew towards her waist, where the belt was formed. "Henshin." Black quicksilver coated the figure completely before it shattered to reveal a darker version of Kiva's base form. It was way darker than Dark Kiva's armor and the lenses were white too.
"That person's a Kiva?!" Frederick gasped.
"Guys! Time for a role call! Kivat II!" Storm called out.
"Kiva–la!" Akane shouted.
"Rey–Kivat!" Aqua commanded.
"Sagark!" Saigo added.
"I do not who you are, but I must ask that you leave," Melissa said seriously, handing Tommy to Emmeryn before taking out the IXA Belt and Knuckle.
R–E–A–D–Y!
"Even she forces me to leave… how ironic." the figure scoffed as the future kids, their children, other kids and orphans were being led out of the room for safety, including Cordelia. All who were left in the room were the current Riders and Shepherds. Even the young knight of Ylisse stayed in.
"Just as Mother said, we are giving you a chance to leave us be…" Danny said while he pressed the Knuckle on his open palm.
R–E–A–D–Y!
"Sounds like a challenge…" Tabik said.
"Heh, let's see if they can even try." she said, as a dark aura seeped out from her armor.
"This malice… it is far darker than we ever thought, Storm." Kivat II said.
"Ara~, somehow, this makes me feel uncomfortable, Otou–sama~" Kiva–la cooed.
"Never the less we must take out this invader." Rey–Kivat said.
"Let's do this!" Sagark said before he and the Kivats went to their respective partners.
"GABUI!"
*CRUNCH!*
"CHU!"
"HENSHIN!"
"I, Transform!"
"Henshin!" Rey–Kivat said.
"Hen… shin!" Sagark added.
F–I–S–T O–N!
As they transformed, their armor formed onto them and with the quicksilver shattering and the IXA insignia crashing on the Rider's armor, all of them were in their respective armors.
"You threatened to kill my family…" Matilda said as she transformed into her Fangire form, holding her whip tightly. "…so you shall suffer my wrath."
"Your defeat is now inevitable!" Validar said as he held his dark tome and a dark aura seeped out from him too.
"I would love to see any of you try to harm me…" the figure challenged while getting into a familiar stance: Kurogasa's battle stance.
"HEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!" A voice shouted.
Moments before…
Chrom, Lucina, and I continued running towards our friends. "Dang it! Of all times, why now?!" I snapped angrily.
"I thought peace arrived after Grima's defeat…" Lucina added. "Could it be that… it's not completely gone yet?"
"I'm not so sure, Lucina." Chrom said. "One thing is for certain, Kurogasa's no longer bound to Grima."
As we continued to run, we noticed the future kids and children, Emmeryn, and Cordelia outside the main hall, where the kids are hugging both of them while Cordelia tried her best to calm the children down. "Kurogasa!"
"Daddy!" Severa cried out while holding the crying Kyoshiro in her arms.
"Minna!" I shouted, as the three of us stopped.
"Are you all okay?" Chrom asked.
"We're fine." Sumia answered. "The Riders are all in the main hall, but earlier, this cloaked person tried to attack Cordelia!"
"What?!" I asked shocked.
"It's true, but what's worse…" Cordelia began. "…is that the figure had on, an armor of Kiva."
SAY WHAT?!
"And now, our parents are trying to neutralize this threat…" Kjelle added.
"I hope they are alright…" Emmeryn hoped while Tommy was leaning on her shoulder, feeling sleepy.
"When it comes to our parents, they will strive in the end." Gerome assured. "We have faced the worst and managed to overcome it."
"Alright, I'm going in. Chrom?" I said.
"Right," Chrom nodded before the three of us went in.
"Be careful…" Cordelia prayed.
When the two of us entered the main hall, I shouted, "HEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!"
"Kurogasa?" Cherche noticed.
"Sorry I'm late!" I apologized. "Where's this new Kiva?"
"Over there, kiddo!" Vaike pointed and I was shocked for two things. One, there's another Kiva user having no idea who it is. And two…
"As shocking as it is, this New Kiva's stance is similar to…" Miriel analyzed.
"Mine…" I finished.
"So… you're here Kiva…" New Kiva said. "Good. This make things a lot easier."
"Kisama! You're gonna pay for poisoning Morgan!" I shouted.
"WHAT?!" The Shepherds and Riders asked shocked.
"It's what he said." Chrom said as he unsheathed Exalted Falchion
"So then… the reason why she took so long…" Ricken said.
"…is all because of this New Kiva." Lucina concluded as she also drew out her sword.
"Hmph… I have no interest in all of you, now that Kiva is here," New Kiva said and snapped her fingers. A barrier separated me from the rest of the Shepherds and Riders, except for Kivat and Tatsulot.
"Kurogasa!" Everyone shouted.
"Now then, let's see if you're worthy of finding a cure for your daughter." New Kiva challenged.
"I'll do anything for my family!" I shouted. "Kivat! Tatsulot!"
"Yosha! Kivatte ikuze!" Kivat flew in, along with Tatsulot.
"Pyun, pyun~! Tension fortissimo~!" Tatsulot chirped happily while the rest of the group tried to break the barrier down, but it was all in vain.
"Interesting…" Tharja noted with her usual smirk. "This barrier's high class… an impenetrable one, no less."
"Is this really the time to be impressed?" Dark Kiva asked incredulously.
"I'm just admiring the work," Tharja shrugged.
"GABU!"
*CRUNCH!*
The stain glass marks appeared on my face and the ghostly chains wrapped around my waist before forming into my belt. "HENSHIN!" I shouted, then attached Kivat to the belt.
"Ikimasu yo~!" Tatsulot cheered before attaching to my left arm, and gold quicksilver coated me before it shattered to reveal me in Emperor Form.
"Come at me, Kiva. Let's see what you're capable of…" New Kiva challenged.
"Oh, I'll come at you, alright…" I growled angrily as I drew out my Zanvat Sword and held it tightly. "…with everything I got."
"Much better." she smirked as she also drew out her sword… from thin air? Wait a minute, that's the Zanvat Sword… without its hilt?!
"Yabai!" Kivat panicked.
"Here I come…" New Kiva said before dashing and her Zanvat Sword hit mine.
"Nani?!" I gritted my teeth with wide eyes. I knew the Zanvat Sword was powerful without the hilt when I pulled it out, but this Zanvat Sword New Kiva is holding is ten times stronger!
"What's the matter?" she asked as I ended up kneeling down… in one hit! "Can't hold on?"
"Shut up!" I snapped while trying to push back up.
"It's only my first swing." she taunted. "And the Emperor has already fallen? How ironic."
"I SAID SHUT UP!" I shouted before I pushed up with all my might and swung mercilessly, but she blocked flawlessly.
"Now this is more like it!" She laughed as I continued swinging at her.
"WHY?!" I demanded. "Why did you poison Morgan?! What reason do you need to poison my own daughter?!"
"…" she remained silent after taking a leap back, away from my swing.
"ANSWER ME!"
"…she shouldn't exist… in this timeline." she muttered while getting into her stance.
"What?!" I said enraged.
"Shouldn't exist in this timeline?" Lucina asked confused.
"What does she mean by that?" Kiva–la–chan asked.
"I do not know," Libra shook his head. "Lucina, any proper explanations?"
"I'm sorry, Libra." she apologized. "I am at a loss as you are."
"She is from another world where peace already reigns." New Kiva explained while swinging her Zanvat Sword. As I defended myself, I skidded really far back, as my back smacked on the wall behind me. "In other words, she is just another anomaly that needs to be terminated."
"Don't you dare talk about my daughter like that!" I shouted.
"Speak for yourself!" New Kiva shouted as she sprinted, trying to stab me, but I dodged in time and her sword was stuck in the wall.
"You don't decide if my daughter lives or dies!" I snapped, swinging at New Kiva with my Zanvat Sword, but she dodged too.
"Hmph…" New Kiva scoffed. "I think it's time we ended this." She then took her Fuestle and placed it inside her Kivat's mouth.
WAKE UP!
"You want it that way, then fine by me!" I said before throwing the Zanvat Sword away and pulled on Tatsulot's horn.
WA~KE UP FE~VER!
As both of us stomped our kicking foot simultaneously onto the ground, and the dark night showered the whole room, I noticed that there was a full moon in the sky, accompanied by the thunder and rain. Most of us were surprised to see this kind of phenomenon happen, and it all came from New Kiva.
As I got into my stance while the golden aura emitted from my armor, she raised her kicking foot up high. Her Kivat broke the chains on her kicking foot, unleashing its red wings. "The move…" Lon'qu noticed.
"It's… similar to Kurogasa's Wake Up call…" Maribelle added.
"Who is this New Kiva?" Miriel pondered.
New Kiva and I jumped up and aimed our kicks towards each other.
"Darkness/Emperor Moon Break!"
Our kicks connected and the sound of booming thunder followed suit. Most of the Shepherds cover their eyes from the blinding light… but then, after they recovered, they were shocked from what they saw. "That's…" Nowi said in shock.
"…impossible…" Tiki added.
"He… lost." Kaa–san finished as the kick was connected… on my chest and the Kiva insignia was on the wall. I was in total shock to swallow everything down in one go and my whole body felt numb, unable to move a muscle, due to being trapped on the wall.
"No… way…" I muttered as New Kiva did a back flip to gain distance. The Shepherds were shocked to see my armor cracked and dented from the kick itself.
"Kurogasa!" Chrom exclaimed as he tried to break the barrier. Meanwhile, I slowly leaned forward and fell on my face, reverting back to my civilian form and both Kivat and Tatsulot fainted.
"And now, with you out of the way, she will meet her doom." New Kiva said while looking down on me. "I shall take my leave. My mission is done. Should you ever try to save her, I'll hunt you down to stop you. Remember, Kiva."
"No… Morgan…" I muttered.
And with that, I blacked out.
"KUROGASA!" Everyone shouted as the barrier broke and New Kiva was taking her leave. Chrom and Lucina rushed over to the fallen Kurogasa.
"Kisama! Get back here!" Dark Kiva shouted.
"Or what?" New Kiva scoffed. "Your friend's defeat proves that you stand no chance against me, as well as the rest of the Riders."
"Why?" Tiki began. "Why must you do all of this?"
"Why?" New Kiva paused, not even bothering to look behind her. "Why, you ask?"
"Every person has their purpose." Matilda said as New Kiva reverted back to her civilian form, with a hood over her head. "Why must you cause harm on my family?"
"…" the figure remained silent as a dark portal opened before her, "…She took everything away from me."
"Morgan took everything away from you?" Olivia asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Sully demanded.
"I don't need to tell you…" the figure said.
"Oi Valka, let's go already." Tabik said. "We've done enough here."
"Valka?" Lucina asked.
"Yes, let's head back, Tabik." she nodded before the two entered the portal.
"Wait, come back here!" Dark Kiva demanded as he tried to approach the two, but the portal closed before he could reach them. "Dang it!" He snapped before going to civilian form.
"It's no use Storm. Let her go." Kivat II said.
"But–"
"We'll deal with this Valka when the time comes. Right now, we have other things to take care of."
"Gr…" Storm grumbled in annoyance as his fist tightened tightly.
"Love…" Cherche comforted while holding his hand with both of her hands, trying to make him relax. "…Do not let it get to your head. Knowing you, you might be reckless, like Kurogasa."
"…" Storm remained quiet until he loosened up and sighed. "You're right… I'm sorry."
"There's nothin' to apologize about, kiddo!" Vaike said, "That's whoever, that was testin' us! We'll be sure to teach 'em a good lesson next time!"
"If you are done talking, Vaike, mind helping us carry Kurogasa?" Frederick asked as he had one of Kurogasa's arms around his neck.
"And the rest of us mothers should try to explain and comfort our children." Melissa suggested. "We do not want them to be scared of what happened just now."
"She's right… we have to do that." Lucina nodded.
Ughhhhhhh… what happened?
Just as I was about to push myself out, I felt a strong jolt of pain on my chest, making me cringe and end up laying on my bed.
"Daddy?" Serena's voice said and Morgana noticed too.
"Mommy! Gwamma! Gwampa! Daddy's awake!" Morgana exclaimed excitedly.
"Serena… Morgana…" I panted.
"Anata, you're awake!" Cordelia gasped while she and my parents approached my bedside.
"Are you okay?" Kaa–san asked.
"Define okay…" I cringed.
"At ease my son, you must rest." Dad said. "You've been injured greatly by Valka and need to recover."
"Valka?" I asked confused. "Who's that?"
"Your assailant." Kaa–san said. "The one that knocked your lights out in one kick."
"Oh…" I got out. "So, it wasn't a dream, after all. And I can't believe I've been defeated by her base form." I presumed. Then I remembered something. "Morgan! What happened to her?"
"Well…" Cordelia tried to speak up, but no words came out from her mouth and my parents. They were at a loss as they looked at each other.
"My son, there's… something you should know…" Kaa–san said.
"What's that?"
"She's been poisoned using a remedy that is specifically used for weakening a Fangire; torturing its victim from the inside." Ursor's voice added as he entered the room. "The same remedy the people of Erignaf made during the war."
"What?" I gasped.
"Yeah… the same thing I used against Queen back in the day." Ursor nodded.
"Is there a cure?!" I panicked.
"That's the bad part…" Ursor said while looking away. "…we don't have a cure."
"W–What?!" I stammered.
"But look on the bright side, since she's part Fangire, the effect is slower than what it usually does to a full Fangire. I remembered that it took three days for Queen to shatter into pieces, so I assume your daughter might have… ten days to live. Even with that time limit, there's no way we can produce a cure."
"Dang it…" I cursed and Cordelia shared the pain I felt.
"Daddy?" Serena and Morgana asked worriedly as I forced myself to sit up, despite the pain.
"Kurogasa, please, you need to rest…" Cordelia comforted as she placed her right hand on my chest, trying to stop me from moving.
"Take me to Morgan." I muttered in pain.
"But–"
"Please Cordelia…" I pleaded.
"Kurogasa…"
"I need to see her…" I whispered.
Cordelia remained silent, as Kaa–san gestured her to heed my command. "Ursor, I need your assistance." Dad said to him.
"Kurogasa?" Miriel said a bit surprised, being carried by Ursor and Dad, with each arm are over their shoulders, supporting me as my group came in the room.
"Otou–sama…" Kan'shou noticed as he remained at Morgan's side, while Masao is in Aqua–chan's arms, feeding him with a bottle of milk. As he looked at her, Morgan was sleeping, just like Snow White. Even Severa, Owain, Louise and Bakuya were here.
"Father–in–law…" Owain muttered.
"Daddy…" Severa sobbed.
Meanwhile, Ursor and Dad carried me over to Morgan's bedside and they carefully, had me kneel down. After that, they let go of my arms and I held my daughter's hand with my own, "Morgan…"
"She hasn't woke up, or spoke ever since she collapsed." Owain said.
"I know, Owain." I replied while still looking at Morgan.
"What now?" Aqua–chan asked.
"I don't know…" I shook my head. "I feel… lost, Aqua–chan…"
"Is there a cure?" Bakuya asked.
"There is no cure…"
"What?" Everyone gasped.
"Impossible," Miriel said sternly. "There must be a cure."
"Even if we can came up with one, it'll be too late." Ursor explained. "There's gonna be lots of trials and errors and I ain't gonna use her as a guinea pig for that."
"Morgan…" Bakuya muttered as Kan'shou sat on her bedside, holding her hand.
"Forgive me, Morgan…" Kan'shou muttered as he looked down, having his bangs cover his face. "…I have failed you as a dutiful husband; unable to protect you…"
"Kan'shou…" I muttered.
"Sumanai, Otou–sama…" Kan'shou said, now sobbing. "I failed you…"
"It's not your fault…" I said. "You've done everything you could, and I don't blame you for that."
"Yes, stay strong." Aqua–chan encouraged. "Just as what Say'ri said, Morgan is like a Sakura tree. No matter how harsh the weather is, no matter what trials ahead it has to face, by the time spring arrives, the flowers will bloom beautifully."
"Speak English, woman!" Ursor demanded.
"She's a tough woman on the inside." Bakuya translated. "No matter what challenges she faces, she'll get through it, just like the Sakura tree that blooms its flower."
"Flower…" Miriel pondered as she took out her book and stared flipping a few pages from her diary.
"I know that look on her face." Cordelia noticed.
"Miriel?" Severa said looking at her.
"Flower… flower…" Miriel pondered flipping the pages of her diary.
"Miriel… what is it?" I asked.
"I have recalled something regarding this…" Miriel replied as she continued to flip a few more pages. "During my research of the Mazoku Clans, I have stumbled on another research that has been written by other researchers across the land."
"What do you mean by that?" Severa asked as Miriel stopped flipping her pages and looked at me with her serious gaze.
"Kurogasa, the possibility of treating the disease that Morgan has contracted is low, but given such odds, and having known you for a long period of time, I will stand by my decision. There is a way to cure such a disease." Miriel said as she flipped the diary and presented me a picture that resembled a hibiscus. "It is known as 'the Flower of Miracles: Escaflowne'."
"Escaflowne?" I asked.
"Yes, it is a very rare flower. But that itself is the problem."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"The Escaflowne flower is rumored to cure any disease, but as I said, possibility of treating the disease is low. The reason behind that is because there are very few in the world and are very difficult to find."
"What makes you say that?" I blinked. "I mean, it could be anywhere, right?"
"Your argument lacks in analytical thinking." Miriel said as she fixed her glasses. "Its origin is claimed where a woman met a foreign matter from space, eons ago."
"An alien?" Aqua–chan blinked.
"Correct." Miriel nodded. "The ship of this… 'Alien' crashed on this very land, waiting for assistance elsewhere outside of this atmosphere. The said woman gladly helped him, despite that. During the course of history, it is said that the two were in love. But when the ship he requested for assistance arrived, the 'alien' left a seedling to the woman, as a token of her kindness for taking care of him, before the two parted ways forever. As the 'alien' claimed, it will cure any disease in the world by turning it into medicine."
"That's a wonderful story behind this research, Miriel…" Cordelia said while wiping off a tear from her eyes, probably touched by the story.
"But, why all of the nonsense?" Ursor asked.
"Allow me to elaborate." Miriel said as she adjusted her glasses again. "Initially, there was a field of these flowers where the woman planted across Plegia. As decades became centuries, mankind began to exploit the lands to begin a new life and these flowers were slowly decreasing in number. And with the addition of the war ten years ago, the number of this flower is now reduced to only 0.01% from its original number. In summary, the nature of this flower would only bloom once… and forever be gone. And its blooming could be anywhere in the world, other than Plegia, as the research has shown. The seed for replantation is impossible to get if certain conditions are not met."
"Certain conditions?" Lucina asked.
"Yes," Miriel nodded.
"What are these conditions?" I questioned.
"Why? Do you plan to bud out this flower?"
"Yes, if possible." I said.
"The duration of the flower that is needed during its photosynthesis period would be one full month, and it must be done at the start of a full moon." she explained. "As I recall, the lining of our time is still in its crescent state, so it would be impossible for it to bloom during this timeline."
"No…" I gritted.
"Daddy…" Severa said worriedly.
Was this it? There's no way to cure Morgan? No, this can't be it! There has to be a way! There has to be an Escaflowne somewhere in the world or maybe in the Outrealm or– wait a minute… the Outrealm?
"Say, Miriel."
"Yes?"
"How about other worlds outside of this place?" I asked. "Is it possible to stumble upon the flower?"
"There is no information regarding this." Miriel assumed. "But, if we learned that this flower existed somewhere within the Outrealm, the probability of finding this flower would be more than 25%."
"That's good enough for me." I said.
"Kurogasa?" Chrom said confused.
"I'm going to the Outrealm," I said firmly. "I'm going to find the Escaflowne and save Morgan."
"But, daddy, what about the threat from New Kiva?" Severa pointed out.
"If she's trying to stop me from saving Morgan, then so be it." I said. "But one thing I know for certain is that I will not let my family be in danger."
"Even though that might sound like a good idea, I bear bad news for you." Dad said.
"Bad news?"
"Apparently, someone has tampered the mechanism of the Outrealm Gate's panel." Miriel explained. "And my son and husband are doing their hardest on repairing the anomaly as we speak."
"Tampered?" Bakuya asked.
"It must have been the work of Valka." I said. "She must have figured out that we must use the Outrealm Gate to find it."
"Quite a clever woman." Owain said as he crossed his arms. "But we Shepherds won't give in that easily. If the Scion of Legends and Shepherds were able to defeat the legendary Fell Dragon, would this task be as daunting as it has been, especially to the Emperor of Fangires, Kiva, himself?"
"We're gonna find out Owain. You, Lucina, Severa, Bakuya, and Kan'shou get the other future kids." I said.
"What?" The future kids in the room said surprised.
"You heard me." I said. "You know I can't do this alone."
The said group looked at each other, until Lucina came to a conclusion. "Very well. We shall gather them at the war council."
"Get to it." I said, and they started moving out of the room.
"Are you going to do what I think you're going to do?" Chrom asked.
"C'mon Chrom, you should know by now. We've been friends for ten years." I said.
Chrom sighed at that, "Of course we are."
"Then you know what I have to do and why."
"Of course. But I'm not letting you go on your own."
"Huh?" I said.
"As you said, my brother. We've been friends for ten years and we'll always fight together." Chrom smirked. "Someone has to keep an eye on you to ensure that you don't do any reckless stunts."
"If my husband participates in this battle, then I must–" Cordelia said, but I stopped her by placing my hands on her shoulders and forced her to sit down. "Kurogasa?"
"I'm sorry Cordelia, but it's best that you stay here."
"But–"
"Cordelia, please." I urged. "I can't risk you and the baby getting hurt while we're on this mission. I have to do this for our daughter's sake."
"He's right." Aqua–chan supported. "You need a lot of rest and you still have to take care of your children too, especially Morgan."
"And yourself?" Cordelia added.
"I won't be going, of course." Aqua–chan stated. "Someone needs to take care of my children and grandchildren. Hence, the reason why I told Rey–Kivat to assist my children beforehand."
"And I'm sure that the other Kivats and Sagark agree to this." I said.
"He's right," Chrom said. "The parents can take care of the children and grandchildren while the future kids go with Kurogasa and me to retrieve the Escaflowne."
"Let me help too." Tiki's voice said, coming into the room.
"Tiki?" I said confused.
"Why?"
"Because you're a true friend, Kurogasa." she smiled. "I can't let you go through the danger on your own."
"I thought you want to stop fighting and focus on peace after the war is over?"
"Kurogasa, their actions that seem to them an act of their own free will, is in the historical sense, not free at all, but is bound with the whole course of history and preordained from all eternity." she quoted.
"I don't get it." I said.
"Peace does not come in beds of roses. You must make sacrifices in order to achieve eternal peace." Tiki translated. "Therefore, if you are about to enter another war, allow me to participate in it."
"Tiki…"
"We're all in this together Kurogasa." Tiki smiled. "And we will save Morgan. I promise you that."
I looked at her for a while before I smiled, "You're right… Thanks Tiki."
Tiki looked at Kaa–san and said, "Matilda, I know that you will detest me about joining battle once more, but…"
"Do not worry, old friend. I understand." Kaa–san said while hugging her, surprising the Manakete. "But I do request one thing from you."
"And what would that be?" She asked as the two broke the hug.
"Please, take care of yourself and my son. And return back home safely so we can enjoy a cup of tea together, like old times."
"I will. Promise," Tiki nodded.
(Piano begins to play)
"Alright, let's go." Chrom said. "We have to get you healed first Kurogasa before we get going."
"Right," I nodded before looking at my unconscious daughter.
'Hang in there Morgan… I'm going to save you…'
(Cue Theme: This Game by Konomi Suzuki)
(Instruments) As the screen turned grey, it shattered away, revealing the title. Then, it flashed to a white screen before moving onto the next scene.
(Kokoro ni hisomu hiyori tsuyoi aite wa inai) Kurogasa was by himself looking at the sunset from a cliff as the wind blew gently. He took out his pocket watch revealing a picture of his family particularly looking at Morgan. He then clenched his pocket watch and looked at the horizon determined.
(Kujike ni kagiri soko ni haiboku wa arienai) Meanwhile, Cordelia was at Morgan's bedside looking at her daughter, who was in a coma, sadly, while holding her hand as the rest of her family and friends looked on.
(Uwabe no kosei de anshin to hikikae ni PURAIDO korosu) As the group walked forward on a plain field, the camera zoomed in on the future kids as they are filled with determination. Going in order: Lucina, Owain, Inigo, Brady, Kjelle, Cynthia, Severa, Gerome with Minerva, Yarne, Laurent, Noire, Nah, Kan'shou, Bakuya, Apollo, Athena and Danny. Once the screen flew out onto the horizon…
(NO NO NO SENSE OF LIFE!) Kibat, Kiva–la, Sagark, Rey–Kivat, Kivat II, Kivat and Tatsulot popped out onto the screen, flying while each of them said one word from the lyrics.
(Ya ban na zatsuon o kippari ketobashi te) As the screen zoomed outside of the horizon, Valka stood on top of a pillar, looking down at her enemies below her.
(Dare yori junsui koe ageru nda~) Tabik flew next to her before the screen went dark, letting the shattered marks on her face appear before it quickly moved to another scene.
(Tatakau koto wa kitto machigai ja nai) In another scene, Kurogasa, Tiki and Chrom roamed across the Outrealm, seeing new enemies.
(Tegotae ga oshiete kure ta) As the screen zoomed to the left, showing new enemies, it also showed other allies, including the recruited Einherjar in the team.
(Subete ushinatte mo kachi no kore~) With a clench of his fist, Kurogasa rushed forward with the shattered marks on his face before he donned into his armor of Kiva. Chrom rushed forward with his Exalted Falchion and Tiki transformed into her dragon form.
(WE~ ARE MAVERICK joushiki nante ira nai) Severa, Daniel, Kjelle, Gerome, Apollo, Bakuya, and Athena transformed into their respective Rider armors as they ran with Kurogasa and the other future kids following them.
(Mae e narae mukau saki ni) As enemies appeared, the future kids not in Rider armor charged in first to attack.
(Matteru no wa taikutsu darou) It was soon followed by the recruited Einherjar, wielding their weapons as they assisted the future kids and the armored Future kids.
(Iinari ha tsumaranai idon de yaru) Meanwhile, Kurogasa, Chrom, and Tiki went up against New Kiva in the arena. A strong blast conjured by New Kiva, blinded the whole view.
(Umarenaoshita inochi mo komani shite~) As it cleared away, the three of them, Kiva being in his Emperor form, slowly pushed themselves up, as they are covered in bruises. New Kiva scoffed as she got into her battle stance. The three of them then advanced again, slowly but getting faster.
(Jibun dake no michi o saigo made~) As Emperor Kiva leaped up high, Chrom and Emperor Kiva performed a somersault, his armor glowing while Chrom's Exalted Falchion glowed too, which revealed Emperor Kiva's DoGaBaKi form before the three of them landed their attacks on New Kiva's swing of her sword. As the attacks collide, the whole view changed to white again.
(Instrument) At the last scene, it ends with the comatose Morgan inside Castle Doran, resting and as the camera panned to the right, a family picture was seen, along with the blue hibiscus known as the Escaflowne, ending the song.
TWF: There you have it! A new adventure begins! Again!
Fen: What started as a birthday party, is now a race against the clock to save Morgan! But with New Kiva in the way, it'll be difficult to do!
TWF: But dang, she kicked him like it was nothing! Not even breaking a sweat, too!
Fen: Well he has to get better during those ten days because his daughter's life is on the line!
TWF: Morgan, you got your dad's stubbornness. Let's just hope that will bring you to an advantage to survive the trials ahead.
Fen: So hang in there Morgan! WAKE UP!
Both: Defy Fate and break the Chains of Destiny!