Koihime Musou: Kamen Rider no Monogatari

by CrimsonRider94

Armored Warrior meets Princess Warrior. Two worlds collides and destiny shall pave its way for them. A story shall begin anew and this is where it will begin within the universe of the Three Kingdom.

1. Chapter 1

Crimson: We do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider. They belong to their respective creators. Blaze who's my Aibou and I just thought that this idea was fun and so we decided to give it a try. Also, like to give our thanks to our senpai, Kamen Rider Chrome/Ten-Faced Paladin along with fellow writer, Fenishikumaru. Their stories greatly inspire us to make this crossover of Kamen Rider and Koihime Musou. Anyway, if you think that it's great, we would then like to give our thanks to reader who appreciates the effort we put through writing this together. But if you don't, well at least we tried. No harms feeling. Anyway, let's move on to the first Rider Arcs of the chapter. This is an exclusive movie chapter for our series. So, enjoy.

Blaze: Well, this is actually a first time for me to work with another author. Got to thank my Aibou, Crimson for giving me this opportunity. Our stories are inspired by two of our senpai, Kamen Rider Chrome/Ten-Faced Paladin and fellow writer, Fenishikumaru. We want to make a great Kamen Rider crossover just like them although ours might not be as great but hey, at least we try. Anyway, me and my Aibou divided each arcs for each Riders. He handles Gaim Arc and me; I'll let it remain a secret until Gaim's arc is finish. Although we would help each other out in various field. Long story short, hope you guys enjoy. Now, on with the story!

Co-Written by Blazedragon94 and CrimsonRider94

Chapter 1: Armored Warrior meets Princess Warrior!

A girl was standing in the midst of a burning world where everything was engulf in flame. She stood there, horrified at the scene that was display in front of her but what was more shocking to her is the fact that she saw an image of an armored warrior standing in front of her, his armor was unlike anything she has seen before in any warrior of her land, plus a weird looking sword which looks like an orange slices was resting on his shoulder. Before she could say anything, the fire completely engulfs the figure and after that everything was white.

The girl immediately woke up in a cold sweat after what seems to be some sort of dream or nightmare. The armored warrior that has been showing up on her dream lately, greatly concern her. She always wonder what that dream meant but no matter how hard she try to think of a possibility, only one came to mind; was he the prophesized Messenger of Heaven that will bring an end to chaos and bring peace to this land?

Just as she thought that way, a sudden flash of bright light from the faraway sky suddenly shots a blast of light. Said blast of light landed near the border close to where the mountain was. It sends out another explosion of bright light before it finally died down from the background. The young woman couldn't believe what she saw and she asks herself in disbelief.

"W-What was that? What was that light? Could it be-?"

Taking this chance, she quickly grabbed all her belonging and she manage to grab a quan dao bladed staff. She immediately ran towards the direction of the light where it was last seen.

"I'm not sure what this feeling is? But that must be it! It's the only explanation!"

With that, she dash towards the tree and her image was consumed by the darkness of the forest.

Opening Intro: Start!

dareka ni sasagu inochi nara jibun no kyoukai wo koete

ima naraba koko de nara tsuyosa ni kawari asu e tsu'zuku yo

At the beginning of the song we see a mirror that shows the shot of Kanu, Chouhi, Cho'Un, Bachou, Kochu and then Koumei. It then shatters and reveal Gaim with Musou Saber and Daidaimaru in his hands as he slashes both sword at the background and then the main title of Koihime Musou appears with the Gaim insignia at the background.

wasuretai keshiki ga ari wasuretai kioku mo aru

It show an image of Kanu sitting alone with a camp fire in the forest then to Chouhi looking at an incoming storm with both of them having a sad expression, then it move to mysterious young man with a darken expression in Helheim forest with the Musou Saber stab to the ground next to him.

uzu no you na mayoi wo tatezu ni shita wo muku PURAIDO

Kanu saw rising from the flame, an armored Gaim stood in front of her while placing Daidaimaru on his shoulder. Then it shift to Chouhi seating alone in a dark room. The young man had a hard expression as he look at a wasted world by Helheim forest in sadness, tears slightly falling from his eye; then it shows Gaim image along with Baron and the others whose spirit appears behind him.

gareki ni umoreta hikari moshi mo sore ni ki'zuitara

With both girls readying their weapons for their adventure, the young man also pull his sword off the ground and grip it tightly.

KIMI wa kitto fumidashite iru ne atarashii tobira e to

Chou'Un examines her weapons under a moonlight with Bachou doing the same in a river with Kochu aiming her bow at the sunset.

kaze no you ni ryuurei na ken no mai

umarei'zuru tenmei wa kono te ni kiseki wo yadoshita

Flower of Bravery!

As Koumei wave her fan around, Kochu fire a shot to the night sky with all the other girls doing the same while showing their respective moves with their weapons and end with Gaim pulling his Cutting Blade and send out a spark of orange energy. It then show the scene of all their weapons joined together.

shinjitsu dake wo oimotome ki'zukeba soko ni KIMI ga ita

Gi and Go factions are seen and accompanying them is a shadow of armored warrior with each of their eyes flashing in green and red while doing their fighting stance respectively. Then it shifted to Ensho who was sitting on the throne while doing her trademark laughter, we then see Bunshu and Ganryo accompanying her on both side while behind the throne was another armored warrior who was leaning, his ring flashing in red light. It then shifted to Ryofu looking behind her as she saw a faint image of an armored warrior with white armor and orange eyes who reach out his hand to her.

tokubetsu na sonzai wa itsuka kizuna ni kawaru

kioku no sumi ni utsurikomu kirihanasenai kanashimi mo

The scene then shows Gaim alone facing against a group of Inves with Bandit in the background along with them. But then Kanu, Chouhi, Chou'Un, Bachou, Kochu and Koumei joins him to give him support, ready to battle alongside him.

ima naraba koko de nara tsuyosa ni kawari asu e tsu'zuku yo

The scene then end with Gaim sending a Rider Kick straight at the enemies before the scene turn white and end with all of the girls respective weapons stab at the ground with the Musou Saber in middle of it.

Opening Intro: End.

We now set our gaze at an unlikely hero who will forever change the fate of this era and its inhabitant but for now let see how he fare. Lying on the ground while facing his back, the young man could feel his entire body slightly numb and is in pain but not too heavy.

"Itai…Uhh…what?"

Slowly opening his eye, the young man groans and sit up. His head was pounding and his visions were blurry. But, as he once again regain back his vision the first thing he saw was the clear blue sky. He shakes his head and checks his body for any sign of wounds. He suffers some minor cuts and bruises. His blue jacket with white shirt underneath suffers some cut but they weren't that noticeable. His jean and snickers were still in perfect condition. He then proceeded to check any cuts or wounds on his face and he could felt cuts on his right cheek and blood was slightly flowing out of his mouth.

After checking things out, he wasn't suffering anything severe. He then stood up with minimal amounts of vertigo and manages to make a clear view of where he was. Around him was a field of some sort and the tree were blooming into cherry blossom. Once again, he looks up at the sky; it was clear blue, but he couldn't hear the noise of the city he used to be in. In fact, he couldn't hear anything aside from the birds and the breeze that was gently blowing on his face slightly soothing the feeling of pain that he suffers from his unknown injury. For a guy who used to live in the city, this sensation was a little strange to him.

But then he realizes something.

"Where is this place? More importantly, what am I doing here and…who am I? I can't remember who I am…? Kuhhh…!"

Thoroughly confuse and slightly disoriented, the young man tried to figure out which way he was supposed to go for civilization. Every direction that he looks…just looks the same. To him, the scenery was pretty enough but that didn't help much in his situation. He could feel his stomach growling.

"Something tells me, I just had to skip from eating anything before I even got myself in this point."

He was broken from his thought when he heard a snide voice calling out to him.

"Well, well, well. Look at what we got here, boys. A traveler…"

The young man turns around and saw several men coming out of the trees. They were a bunch of guys wearing drab and dirty cloths. Each was arm with weapons that look like they originated from Ancient China. Plus, none of the man has any nice look on their faces. Other than that, they seem to be non-descript save for the fact that one had large nose and was short, the second was tall and chubby, and the leader of the bunch had metal helmet on his head and also a cleft chin. The young man kept himself firm and calmly looks at the situation at hand. He then looks at the one he assumes their leader and said.

"So, what are you guys supposed to be? People dressing up as a bandit or the real thing?"

The group that the young man claim to be dressing up as a bandit look amongst one another before they let out a loud laugh. The leader then looks at the young man and said with a grin.

"What are you blind, kid?! Of course we're the real thing? Do you think this is an act? We robbed people of their good and if they won't comply with our request, well…let's just say they deserve what was coming."

He then point is sword threateningly at the young man.

"Now, if you value your life, kid; I suggest that you hand us all your belonging and that includes the cloths that you're wearing."

"And if I refused?"

Ask the young man with a stern expression. The atmosphere around him shifted. The bandits, either they can't feel the aura his releasing, too stupid or merely blinded by their greed, didn't feel threaten. In fact, they found him amusing.

"Hahahaha! As if you can fight with us, kid! There are seven of us and only one you! What can you do?!"

Said the leader of the bandits mockingly as his fellow bandits continue to laugh.

"Bigger number doesn't mean anything to me. It's the way you handle that number…"

The leader of the bandit was taken aback by his word and then he said.

"Alright! You ask for it, kid! Boys, go get him!"

He ordered his man to attack the young man. They all charged at once while giving off a battle cry. The young man didn't flinch as one of the bandits swung his sword at him but he manages to dodge the bandit sloppy attack. The young man then proceeds to elbow him at the back of his neck and the bandit fell to the ground unconscious. Another one tried to ambush him from behind only to be hit by one of the young man hard fist knocking a few of his teeth. The tall and big bandit tried to slam a fist right at him but the young man saw through that and proceed to dodge it all the while grabbing his right arm.

"Haahhhh!"

He then turn around and slam one of his leg on the ground sending the fat giant high into the air; slamming face first into the ground. Seeing the brute strength of the young man, the leader was now hesitating to continue robbing him because clearly his men was being tossed around and that mean he outclassed them not only in skill but in brute strength as well. Finally all six men were lying on the ground, groaning in pain. The young man then dust away the dust that was on his shoulder before he looks at the leader while still keeping a cool façade but clearly, the leader can sense dangerous aura coming from him and that wasn't good news.

As he got closer to the bandit's leader, he could clearly see the anger in his eye as the young man said in a low but menacing tone.

"Take your men and leave my sight before I decided to rip out you entrails from your stinky guts."

Threaten by the young man's waning, the bandit leader nodded quickly and hauls his men and ran as fast as he could before the young man could exact his threat, leaving a trail of dust cloud before him. The young man continue to stare at the fleeting bandit until they disappears from sight. He then turns to the hidden figure hiding in one of the tree.

"I know you're there. Stop hiding already and show yourself!"

The young man said in a demanding tone. He saw a figure stood out from one of the tree. The young man couldn't figure out who it was due to cloak he or she was wearing but clearly from the physique of the person's body; he know it was a girl. After showing herself to him from a good distance, the young man simply asks.

"So, are you one of their reinforcement or are you just passing by and happened to witness the battle unfolded in front of you?"

The figure was silent until she took remove her hood revealing her face. (This was the same girl from the start of the chapter.) She then said.

"No, I'm not. Believe me, I have no connection to any of those bandits nor am I a bandit myself. However, it pains me for you to compare me to those scums that rob other people."

The young man simply stood there and takes another good look at this newcomer that shows up.

She had long black hair which hung on the side of her face and tied back in a simple but oddly luxurious ponytail. Her outfit looks oddly ornamental, colorful and quite enticing. She wore a white blouse with a pink and white tie that didn't clear her breasts. She also wore a blue/green corset which wrapped around her abdomen and cupped her breasts, but it also had four tails trailing past her waist.

Her sleeves were mainly white with gold and blue/green decoration, but were detached from the rest of her clothing and were wide at the end, leaving her shoulders bear. She seems to have a simple skirt which wouldn't have look out of place on a schoolgirl and her leg were covered with high dark socks while she wore simple shoes which oddly look like a schoolgirl's but they do look like they were made with sturdier leather. In her hand was a quan dao bladed staff which was green with the blade coming out from an ornate dragon's mouth. But there was one thing that the young man had to admit and that was her beauty. Her skin was smooth and they look slightly tanned from exposure to the sun while her eyes were golden in color.

Yoahhh!

But then, he realize that she has big boobs which was quite a distraction on the young man's part but he made himself compose once more and finally said.

"Well, if you're not a bandit, then who am I speaking with?"

"Shouldn't the former introduce himself first before he asks others for their name?"

The young man raises an eyebrow and said.

"Look, I just got here out of nowhere, have no idea where I am and beside…I don't even remember who or what I am anymore. I mean, I woke up only to see a different surrounding than the place I used to call my home and the all of a sudden a group of bandits attack me and then you show up. So, I at least deserve to know the name of the person who's standing right in front of me."

After hearing his talk, the girl simply sighs for a moment and said.

"Very well, if you insist. I am Kanu, followed by Unchou. A mere humble woman doing what she can to protect people from the viciousness of the bandits. Now, there is your answer. And now it's my turn to ask. Judging by what you say, earlier; you told me that you woke up this morning only to see a different surrounding than the one you used to call your home, is that correct?"

"Well, you could put it that way, although I don't even remember how my home used to be like. I don't remember a damn thing."

The girl then further examines the young man. He wore strange looking clothing. His accent even sounds strange and what's more he was able to go up against those groups of bandits earlier and was able to chase them away with little effort. And the location of where she saw that blast of light earlier that morning was in the exact same place where the young man is. Could he be…?

Holding her weapon in a manner she wasn't going to harm him, she gently approached him. After standing close to him, Kanu look at him in the eye and bow her head in a manner of respect. She then finally has the nerve to speak her minds.

"Are…Are you the Messenger of Heaven?"

She asks, almost in a whispering tone for fear that someone or something might be listening from a hidden place.

"Huh? Messenger of Heaven? What make you say that all of a sudden?"

"Because, your cloths are different than most people that I've seen in this land. Your language also seems different and not to mention you've fought against those bandits without much effort and easily beaten them. And also…"

Kanu became silent for a moment. The young man simply raises an eyebrow due to her sudden silent.

"Well, go on. I'm listening."

"Well, it's because earlier this morning, I saw a flash of light that happens to land at this very spot where you are right now…"

After she explain the reason for calling him a Messenger of Heaven, the young man simply kept silent and said to her.

"What if I'm not this Messenger of Heaven you talk about? What if I'm just your ordinary person who happens to be here during the time that you saw the lights landing here? What then? I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm no Messenger. I'm just a man who happens to be here and lost his memory."

"But that's impossible! It's too much connected to be a mere coincidence; you must be the Messenger of Heaven that I always hear in legend! The prophesy once depicted that a shooting star will descend from the Heaven and a Messenger shall rose and bring forth peace and end all chaos to the land. Please, surely you must be Heaven's Messenger!"

Kanu pleaded. Her hope was really high that he was indeed the prophesized Messenger. The young man looks at his situation very carefully. He really hated lying, but he just didn't want to disappoint the girl in front of him who truly believes he was the person that she was looking for.

"You seem really convince that I am the Messenger of Heaven."

He then set his black eyes towards Kanu ambers.

"Why is that? For all intent and purpose, the prophecy you heard and come to believe in might ultimately be a hoax. Even if that prophecy was true, I'm just a normal boy who happens to be here when that light hits this area. The Messenger that you talk about might already left."

"…Then, what you're saying is that you are not the Messenger of Heaven?"

Kanu look shocked and disheartened upon his apparent denial.

"To be honest, I don't think I am. I used to have a memory of my past and now I don't even know who I am. Now, I'm just a nobody. I don't think someone who forgets his own identity deserve to be anybody, let alone a Messenger of Heaven. Truly, I'm sorry if I wasn't the one that you were expecting."

Kanu looks surprise, and then her expression became stern as she said.

"Don't say that you're a nobody! A person is truly a nobody if he admits he is one and yet never tries to find a way to regain back their own identity! Look, you may not be the Messenger of Heaven that I was hoping but to me, you're still somebody!

The young man was surprise by her words of comfort even if it sounded like she was yelling at him but he merely made a small smile and said.

"Thank you, Kanu. You've just made me realize that simple truth. Truly, I'm grateful for that. You know…I don't see myself as the Messenger of Heaven but since you really believe that I am one then I will do my best to fulfill your expectation of me. Besides, I think you should be the judge whether I'm suited to be Messenger of Heaven or not."

"Eh? Then, that mean…?"

Kanu look surprise by his word. The young man looks at her with a smile and bow to her.

"I may be incompetence but I'll try my best to meet your and the people of this lands expectation."

Kanu was shock by his action, although Kanu manage to recover and address to him.

"P-Please rise, my Lord. A lord like you should never bow to his vassals and if anything,'

Kanu then bow to him.

"…I am the one who should bow and swear my allegiance to you…No doubt, I am not mistaken that you are indeed the Messenger of Heaven that will end chaos and suffering on this land and bring forth peace and prosperity to its' people."

He then stood up and said to her.

"Umm, can you call me anything aside from lord because I feel like that's a bit strange…"

"I'm sorry, my Lord. I can't do that. My pride and honor as a warrior will not allow me to do that. Besides, I don't want to sound rude but I don't even know your name and you don't even remember yours, so it is only fitting that I called you my Lord until the time comes that you have once again regain back your lost memory or at least your own name."

Rebuked Kanu as she stood up as well. The young man just looks at her and sighs lightly.

"Well, you're right about that… You're set on this, aren't you?"

"That I am. Please bear with it."

Answered Kanu with a radiant smile as she recited her oath.

"I, Kanu Unchou, hereby swear my fealty to my lord who is the Messenger of Heaven. Whatever lies ahead, I will forever be by his side whether to joy or sorrow. For I will only devote myself to him and him alone."

After reciting her oath, the young man merely scratch his cheek and look at Kanu. He then smile at her and said.

"Well, I'll be in your care from now on, Kanu."

Replied the young man before he asks her.

"By the way, Kanu. This may sound strange to you but what province am I currently at?"

"Well, you are currently in Kei province right now, my Lord."

The young man looks like he was deep in thought but Kanu didn't want to ask him as it might offend her lord but the thought were simpler than that.

"So, I really am taken back in ancient China. Judging by the name of the province alone, however it still raises the question how I got here in the first place. Well, can't be help. I just have to do what I promise to Kanu and maybe I might be able to regain back my memory and sort this out until that moment comes."

He then turn his gaze back at her and said.

"Well, now that I'm here. I hope that you could help guide me in this world, Kanu. I'll do my job and you will help me fulfill it. Are we clear on that?"

Kanu nod her head in agreement. A few moments later, Kanu escorted her lord to the road where the pair of them began walking to the next village. The young man really had nowhere to go or where to go so he let Kanu lead the way, which the girl happily did. A slight chill was in the air but fortunately the spring air quickly warms it up. The young man then looks at his escort and vassal and asks her.

"So, where are we going, Kanu?"

"Wherever the wind or the rumor take us, my Lord. At least until then we can find our fated path which will allow you to bring peace."

Kanu said while she smiles over her shoulder. He looks at her and said with a slight sigh.

"Heh, well I can't complain. The wind and the atmosphere in this place are very pretty. So, when will we reach the next village?"

He asks in a curious tone.

"I believe if by foot, it will at least take us three to four hours to reach there."

Kanu replied. The young man almost blinks for a moment until he just shrugged it off. To him, at least three to four hours were durable but most importantly…

GROWLLLL….

YOAHHH!

Both Kanu and the young man stopped for a moment before a sweat dropped form on the back of their head. Kanu look at her lord and simply made a curious expression until she said with an awkward smile.

"W-Well, you'll have to endure it for now, my Lord. When we get there, I'll treat you to some proper meal. That I assure you."

"Yeah…sorry, Kanu…"

The young man face became slightly red from embarrassment. He is feeling quite famish right now but it can't be help… not until they reach their destination. But what's more embarrassing is that a girl was offering to buy him food but considering his situation, he can't actually complain much because it's not like he has any suitable currency to use in this timeline.

And so throughout that awkward moment, he tried to hold back the sound of his stomach but even then it fails to be silent and finally after three hours; they both can see that they were reaching civilization if the field of rice indicate it that way. From a distance both of them could see what appears to be a village.

"We have arrive, my Lord."

Said Kanu who was looking at the slightly staggering young man with worried look. Noticing her gaze, the young man simply told her he was slightly tired and nothing too serious.

But deep in his thought, he was either struggling with the hunger or the mere fact he was having trouble with all the unknown injury he got out of nowhere or worse both but at least they were near the village so that's a plus. And he wouldn't want to worry Kanu too much.

The pair of them walked towards the village, seeing the main gate from the distance. As they got closer, the pair found what looks like a large rock with Chinese character carved onto it with flower and incense set in the front. Obliviously, it was a shrine, but to whom the young man couldn't tell since he couldn't read Chinese. He looks at his traveling companion and asks her.

"Kanu, whose memorial those this belongs to?"

There was silent until Kanu finally spoke in a clear yet solemn tone.

"…It's a memorial to those that lost their life by bandits. It's all too common at these times…"

She frowned sadly. He then turns his gaze back to the memorial site; slowly he went near it and gently bows and made a silent prayer. Kanu saw this and follow suit. Their mean of prayers were different, the gap between Chinese and Japanese to be sure. Still, the message was the same; May they find peace in the afterlife.

After they were done with their prayer, the pair stood up. As they did that, an old woman carrying an empty basket walked by and glance at the pair. She sighs sadly before going her way with a dark mutter.

"This wouldn't be happening if the patrol did their jobs. Nowhere is safe anymore."

"Why?"

Kanu just ask away but the looks on her eye made the young man think that she already knew why. Corruption, bribery, or simply put the people didn't pay protection money. It wasn't exactly new. In this era, they weren't that many checkups or balances to ensure the officials stay honest and did their supposed job properly.

"The magistrate is just a coward and so are his advisors. He blusters and makes shows, but he would avoid any real responsibility."

Shaking her head while sighing, the old woman continues on her way but not before turning her head towards the pair.

"It's best that you two leave this place as soon as possible if you don't want to be made victim here."

There was complete silent between the two as the young man was the one to break it first.

"Kanu, we best get going."

She remains silent for a moment before she turns her gaze towards her lord and said.

"Okay…"

The two proceed to go towards the village. Despite being victimized by the bandits, it was thriving. All the building was built to be where they were, not to be removed nor rebuild someplace else. The people walk the streets, perhaps a little subdue but not to the point of being downtrodden. A lot of them were talking about things like, the price of each stuff or goods for daily uses being on the rise, where to find the best quality fabric, who courts who. All those typical village talks.

The young man look at his surrounding then thought to himself.

"I really am back in ancient China…"

"To think that even a place like this is plague by bandits…"

Kanu frowned, her gripped tightening on her weapon. Looking at his companion, the young man merely sighs and said.

"Now, I seem to have to take this task seriously. I mean, if even those that are well trained to fight the bandits won't do anything about this mess, then who will?"

"Exactly! Just what is this magistrate problem that he abandoned the people that he governs over?"

The pair silence as Kanu stewed over the injustice, while the young man pitied the people. There wasn't much that they can do for now. So, they continued; just looking at the scenery when suddenly…

"There they are! After them!"

The voice sounded like the person was in rage. It's as if someone had stolen from him. Kanu and her lord were in a stance ready for anything, in case the bandit did come through their direction. But then, a chicken suddenly flutter from above and landed on Kanu's face; blinding her for a moment. They young man blink for a moment after Kanu remove the feathers off her face. They then heard something coming in their way and in their moment of being ready, the young man said.

"What is that?"

On the other end of the street were groups of kid running towards them, all having packs of egg and potatoes. One kid was even waving a daikon like it was a weapon of some kind. At the front of the pack of the wild little ones was a large, rather cute looking pig and on its' back was a girl who couldn't have been much older than ten or twelve. She wore a black yellow jacket with a black top underneath with a red scarf around her neck. She wore black gloves which ran down her elbows with red leather gloves on top.

She even wore what looked like black bike shorts with two leather belts around her waist. Lastly her feet weren't protected by shoes or sandals, but she simply wore some kind of material like her top and shorts which left her heels and toes exposed. She waves her stick around like some cavalry leader. Also, she had red hair which was short and framed her face, only tamed by a tiger shaped ornament which the young man swear was making the same spirited expression as its' user.

"Make way for the Rinrin Bandits!"

The girl declares loudly as she continues.

"We're making our escaped!"

Both Kanu and her lord blanched as he manages to mutter.

"They're just…kid?"

"They're just playing. I really thought it was a real bandit."

Sigh Kanu. The pair was interrupted from their thoughts when they realize that the self-proclaimed Rinrin bandits were charging right at them…Kanu stumble to the side, falling on her butt while struggling to keep her skirt down. The young man however was composed, their charge ever so close to him before he jump while flipping in the air in a 180 degree spin before he manage to grabbed hold of one of their stolen spoil which was the potatoes and manage to land on the ground while crouching.

One of the kid notice that their steal was taken and all of them manage to look behind him, only to see the older male standing up while looking at them with the potatoes in one of his arm. The so called leader, Rinrin look angrily at him while pointing her stick at him.

"Hey, what's the big idea?! That's our potatoes! Give it back!"

The young man look at the potatoes and then back at her and simply shrugged his shoulder and said.

"Sorry, kid. But you stole this from its owner, so it's only proper that I take these potatoes back."

"Why you-!?"

She was cut off when a group of soldier came running towards their direction. Seeing this, the red hair girl orders her bandits to make a run for it and they immediately disappears from sight. After they left, the young man set his gaze on Kanu that was still sitting on her butt. He offered a hand for her and she slowly takes it.

"You okay, Kanu?"

"Y-Yeah, I wasn't hurt but my Lord…I never knew that were talented in martial art?"

No surprising considering she witness first-hand how her lord was able to fight off a group of bandits and easily win against them. The young man simply looks at himself and said.

"Not sure but something tells me I used to do that a lot in the past…as a dancer somehow…."

Kanu blink as he said that but maybe this form of dance that her lord speak of may have some elements of martial art in it, evident by how agile he was and how quick his body reacted to the incoming charge. Her thought was interrupted when her lord said.

"Alright, Kanu. Let's return these potatoes to its rightful owner and then find a place to rest for the night. Please, lead the way."

Nodding at her lord's request, they then made their way to the owner's location. After giving back his stolen potatoes, the owner insisted on rewarding the young man for his effort. At first he politely refuse because he did that out of necessity but in the end he accept what rewards he was given and that was a small sack of money.

"Well, at least now we can share our expense."

Said the young man as he tossed the sack in the air as it landed on his hand. Kanu look at him and said.

"True, however it wouldn't be enough to accommodate a place to stay for the night…"

"Don't worry, we'll find a way. Anyway, let us go and eat. I'm really am starving right now."

The two quickly located a restaurant to eat at. It wasn't incredible, but Kanu was on a budget even with the share expenses with her lord, so they had to be frugal. Still, the boss lady was kind enough to make them a nice meal.

"Oh, those little ones! They are at it again, huh?"

The boss lady giggle as the young man and Kanu recalled their encounter with the Rinrin Bandits.

"Just who are those kids?"

Ask Kanu while she continued.

"Calling themselves bandits of all things!"

"They are just who they say they are."

The boss lady replied while continuing.

"They're bandit let by little Rinrin. Oh, you should have been here a few days ago! Someone drew a silly face of the magistrate on the wall of his own house! Oh, it was so funny!"

"I think that does prove that the magistrate isn't a very likeable guy."

"That's right! If he did his job properly, he wouldn't be this dislikable by the village!"

The boss lady huffed.

"One would think this Rinrin's parent would have some more to say about her behavior."

Kanu huffed, not at all impressed by a girl emulating bandits and bringing her friends into such lifestyle. Judging by her vocation, the young man could understand why she disapproves of it.

"Her parents are dead."

The boss lady sighs sadly. This made Kanu flinch for a moment but recomposing herself, she notice that her lord was also quite still by the news as one of his hand was place on his head as if he was having severe headache. Both Kanu and the boss lady have an expression of concern. Kanu gently places her hand on her lord's shoulder and upon feeling her gentle touch, the young man immediately, came out of his trance and look like he was in another world there for a while. But thankfully, Kanu woke him from such trance. Kanu ask what was the matter but the young man simply said that he was having a light head ache. Nothing serious.

The boss lady looks on until she continues where she left off.

"Like, I said, her parents are dead. They were killed by bandits when she was small. Her grandfather took her in and raised her out in the forest, but eventually he too passed away. The poor girl has no one she can rely on now."

The boss lady sighs, and continues speaking.

"She's not really a bad girl. In fact, other than her little mischief she never causes trouble for anyone. Everything that she takes is easily replaceable and we're hardly lacking. Heavens know that the girl needs the food herself since she's too young to do any kind of work. Even the parents of her friends can't blame her since she encouraged them to never do anything truly harmful and even taught them that hurting people is bad. So, please don't judge her too harshly."

"It's fine. Besides, we're only staying here for a little bit."

The young man told the boss lady after recovering from his said 'head ache'. He then continues.

"We'll be on our way pretty soon."

"Yes."

Kanu nodded,

"But in the meantime…Boss lady, me and my friend here have a request that we need from you."

"A request?"

The boss lady pondered.

"What could it be?"

Moments Later

Kanu and the young man headed into the storeroom for the night. The boss lady was most agreeable with Kanu's request. In exchange for helping with the chores, she would allow Kanu and her lord to the spend the night at her establishment. So, Kanu and the young man started on the chores moving firewood and packages of food to the secure spots so people and animals couldn't get them. Inside the storeroom, there was a large pile of firewood and a pile of dried grasses and straw used for kindling for the stove that the boss lady need to cook.

"Well, this isn't so bad,"

Kanu smile, while sitting herself on the pile of straw.

"It's better than sleeping out in the wild."

"No doubt."

The young man replied, he then look at the straw and then the floor. He then set his gaze at Kanu and said.

"So, knowing what you might answer, I'm guessing you want me to sleep on the straw while you would sleep on the floor, correct?"

Kanu blink for a moment, realizing that her lord has read her mind though it was due to the young man already knowing how and what she thinks due to her warrior attitude. She then said,

"That is correct, my lord. I wouldn't want to make the Messenger of Heaven sleep on the cold floor and for that like you said, you may sleep on the straw while I-?"

She was cut off when the young man waves his hand in a stop motion.

"Alright, I get it but I couldn't ask you to sleep on the cold floor…not after everything you've done for me, Kanu."

Kanu blink for a moment follow by a light blush. She then began poking her fingers together,

"W-Well, if you insist…then perhaps… we can share!"

"Okay."

YOAHHH!

Said the young man with an indifference expression.

"Huh?"

"I said okay. It's better than both of us having to decide who sleeps where."

Kanu blush then said.

"I-I agree that we would both share because you insist that you don't want me to sleep on the floor, b-but that doesn't mean you could take liberty of me!"

"…What? You know, I'm not that kind of guy who would take advantage of a girl. If anything, I hate those kinds of people the most!"

He said firmly. He then continues.

"Ok, we can share! You take one side and I'll take the other."

He looks around for something and said,

"We need something to put between us like barrier."

"Why not used my cloak?"

Kanu suggested, lifting said cloak.

"That could work,"

Her lord sighs in relief. He then look at her and said.

"So, which side will you take? Left or right?"

"Left,"

Kanu pick, moving closer to the wall as she places her cloak down. It was coiled up so it would be thin as to not take up much room. The young man sigh as he lay down on the straw, feeling a bit awkward than he was ever before. But that was quickly changed when he spoke out his mind all the while facing away from each other.

"Kanu, thank you."

The young man said with a tone of appreciation.

"Think nothing of it, my Lord."

"No, not because of this…Not a lot of people would go out their where to help a total stranger; let alone a person who have lost his memories. You could have left me alone to fend for myself but instead you ask me to come along with you."

"It was my pleasure, my Lord. I couldn't allow you to be left alone when someone could have hurt you,"

Kanu smile before she continues.

"Although you do not believe yourself to be the Messenger of Heaven, I believe you are and would play an important role in things to come."

"Well, to be honest, I would rather have a friend then a servant,"

He said as he faces her, only seeing the back of her head.

"Besides, I think I luck out since I met a pretty friend like you."

As soon as he said that word, there was a tinge of red on his face. Kanu was still facing away from him but she was blushing at her word as well. A small smile started to form on Kanu's as she silently thanks her lord.

The next morning, the boss lady quickly put the young man and Kanu to work. Kanu was entrusted with the task of chopping vegetable while the young man skillfully swept the floor of any debris or dust and was done in mere minute. After that task was done, she asks Kanu and her lord to collect woods and weed which could be dried out to be made kindling. The work was simple enough but hard, however the young man and Kanu manage the get the job done as they trekked back into town with their spoil.

"So, you do this kind of job whenever you're on a journey. That's impressive."

The young man said.

"Indeed, when you're a travelling warrior like me, you learn to do whatever you need to survive. If you need to work in exchange for a place to sleep and shelter from the rain, you do so. If you need work in exchange for good meal, you do so. If you happened to run into some bandits and capture them to claim a bounty, you do so."

Kanu explain to him. The young man merely nodded. That he could understand. Nothing was free and Kanu was the type of strong independent woman that won't accept any charity. She would rather earn her keep than receive anything. As the two walk down the street, they passed down the home of the magistrate.

The front doors were open and a small group of soldiers were standing in rank in front of the magistrate. The man himself look slightly wrinkled, an indication that he's never done a single labor works his whole life. The man next to him, a rat-nosed guy with a sharp moustache had a sneer on his lips like he was better than anyone.

"Listen up all of you! Even if she's a brat, that drawing she made was too much! She may be little, but she's crafty so don't let your guard down!"

He announced to the soldiers that gathered. Concerned, Kanu and her lord approached one of the people that gathered there who was watching the briefing going on. Kanu found one woman who look quite concern. Kanu then ask her.

"Excuse me, but what's going on here?"

"The magistrate is actually going to send out soldiers to arrest Rinrin."

The woman replied.

"What? Arrest a child?"

Kanu gasped. The young man who was at Kanu side merely thought to himself.

"I know the guy's upset over the drawing but to think he would go that far for a child…that's despicable!"

An older woman who was next to them started to complain as well.

"It's because he's too afraid to face a real bandits. So, he comes down heavily on other crime to make it look like he's doing his job. Like any of us would be fool by such act."

"He really was upset about that drawing. What do you think he'll do with Rinrin?"

The woman asks with full concern.

"They won't go so far as to execute her,"

The older woman reason but she continues,

"But I don't think she'll get away without a whipping or a canning."

"That poor girl."

The first woman sighs.

The young man felt disgusted by the magistrate action. Here he was, a grown up…who was supposed to used his power to defend the village against bandits but now he's using that authority given to him to go after some kids and all that because they made fun of him. Maybe if he did his job, people wouldn't have made fun of him so much. As he was in his thought, Kanu suddenly said out loud.

"I volunteer!"

Kanu raises her hand. The young man quickly went to her side and whispers something to her.

"You sure about this, Kanu?"

"If the soldiers get to her they will rough her up. At least I know I won't hurt her."

Kanu whispers back to her lord.

"What will you do after that?"

The young man asked. Kanu then replied to his question.

"I'll make her apologized and maybe help her."

"Who said that?"

Asked the magistrate, as he ordered the soldier to make way so he could see the person that volunteer. Kanu quickly saw her cue and stepped up so the man could properly see her.

"Who are you?"

Ask the magistrate in a curious tone.

"I am Kanu, followed by Unchou. I am a wandering martial artist."

Kanu introduced herself before continuing.

"I have heard you have trouble with Rinrin. It would cause trouble for you if you send so many guards to go out and get hurt in the end. Why don't you let me handle her?"

"You? Well, you do seem dangerous with that weapon you have there. Are you capable? Are you strong enough?"

"Well, I can't say that myself but I do have some skills."

Kanu humbly replied before continuing.

"After all, she is but a child. Compared to a real bandit, she will be quite easy to defeat."

"Ah!"

The advisor gasped, seemingly recognizing who Kanu was.

"Aren't you the Beautiful Black-Haired Bandit Hunter?!"

"Eh? Really?"

The magistrate also gasped which was follow suit by his men.

"I guess, Kanu's reputation even reach this part of the province. I guess that's what you expect from a wandering martial artist."

The young man thought to himself. The magistrate then continues.

"The rumor says that her beauty is that of a goddess though. I guess not all rumors can be taken seriously."

YOAHHH!

The young man can hear twitching sound coming from Kanu's direction. He realizes that Kanu was holding herself back from hitting the man for his unflattering words.

"Is that supposed to mean something…?"

"Oh boy…"

"Should we trust her, sir? If the rumor Bandit Hunter wasn't as gorgeous as they say, other rumor about her might not be true at all. She may be unreliable."

Said the advisor.

"Eh, can't hurt to let her try,"

The magistrate shrugged before turning his attention back towards Kanu.

"Do what you can then. If you can bring the girl to heel and have her apologized, I'll let the incident go but only if she comes here herself. I don't want no letter or messages. Got that?"

"Perfectly,"

Kanu slight twitch there for a moment.

"Good, my advisor will tell you the direction where she lives. I wish you luck."

And with that, he turn back and headed back to his mansion while his advisor quickly order one of his subordinates to bring him ink and paper so the direction can be written down.

Moments Later

"So this is the way to her so called 'secret base', huh?"

The young man said. The pair was walking down a forest path towards what seems to be a simple hut which wasn't in any of their definition nearly as hidden as a kid would likely want for a base. Heck, even a normal kind of bandits knows how to hide their base. But then again, they are just kids. So, can't complain much about that.

"That's what the direction says."

Kanu confirm their suspicion.

"Well, something tells me this isn't going to be a simple task considering we're up against a group of potentially stubborn kids. So, expect them to kick some fuss, Kanu."

Kanu nodded at her lord's explanation. The pair continues walking until they reach a sizable tree. As they reach the spot, they suddenly saw a small boy with a ponytail crawled out of the branch of the tree he was hiding in. In his arm was a basket of small rocks.

"This road belongs to the Rinrin Bandits! Leave now or-!"

He stops all of a sudden when he saw a familiar young man that took their potatoes yesterday.

"Hey, you're that Onii-san that stole our potatoes yesterday!"

"Well, in a sense I only took back what you guys stole. So, yeah. You have a grudge at me?"

The young man said in a sarcastic tone. The boy noticing his teasing immediately started to throw a rock at the pair.

"Take this! I'll make you pay for making fun of the Rinrin Bandits!"

"Stop that right now! It's dangerous!"

Kanu chided at the child. However there was no stopping him. All the while, the young man was effortlessly dodging all the rocks that were thrown at his direction.

"Take this! I won't let you people arrest our boss!"

The young man suddenly stood in front of Kanu and said.

"Be ready on my signal."

He looks at Kanu and she nodded. The young man then set his gaze back at the boy and quickly dash forwards at the tree and with his fist ready, he said.

"This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!"

With a single hit of his punch, the tree shakes violently as if it was hit by a heavy bull or in this case a vehicle. Kanu thought she saw shockwave passing through the tree. She thought to herself that her lord is insanely strong. As the tree shakes, the boy couldn't maintain his balance anymore.

"Woah! I'm falling! I'm falling!"

And so, the boy did fall but not before the young man called out to his companion.

"Kanu! Now!"

Fortunately for the boy, Kanu was prepared as she jabbed out with her blade. Catching him by the back of his shirt, while the tree was in fact falling down from the force of the young man's punch. The boy was struggling as he came to the realization he wasn't falling anymore. He couldn't help but heave a sigh.

"Oh, I'm save."

"Think again, kid..."

Said the young man in a menacing tone as the boy squeal as he look at the older males darken expression. But his real terror was the in fact the person behind him. He looks back only to see Kanu's face had darkened with dark power and her eye glowed with righteous feminine fury. The boy could only scream out in fear as Kanu pulled him and give him one hell of a spanking which cause the boy to scream out in pain and terror.

"A! Good! Boy! Does! Not! Throw! Rocks! At! A! Lady!"

Kanu chided, spanking the boy which each word she spoke. When she was done giving the boy his just punishment, she let him go. He then yelped and ran from behind a rock to hide from Kanu's punishment. The young man went to this companion side and asks with a calm expression.

"You are feeling calm now?"

He asked.

"Somewhat (sigh). Let's go."

The pair left the boy to tend to his rump, but unfortunately they didn't get far as the remaining Rinrin Bandits showed themselves. A large chubby boy, a short girl with a ponytails, a tall girl with braids and then a smaller girl with her hair done up in buns. She was so small that her elder sister actually had to help her climb onto the path to meet their adversaries.

"Hey old lady!"

"Old woman!"

"Ugly!"

"Old! Old! Old!"

"Grrrr! Who are you calling an ugly old lady, huh?!"

The young man merely twitch and eyebrow at the kids insult on Kanu but then they suddenly set their gaze on him.

[AHHHHHH!]

They all yell in unison as once again the young man knew what they're going to say.

"That potatoes stealing, Onii-san!"

"Yeah! You stole our potato! You thief!"

"Yeah! You thief!"

"Bad, bad Onii-chan for stealing!"

There was evident that a single vein was popping on his forehead as they say that but he maintains his cool and said to himself.

"That's rich coming from a group of bandits…"

"That's it! I had enough of your insult on me and my lord!"

Kanu began making her way to the group of kids, but stopped herself when she saw that the ground between them was covered with circle of leaves. It took her a moment to realize it but then a smirk began forming on her lips.

"Ah, I give you kid for being clever but I wouldn't be Kanu Unchou if I fell for something so simple!"

She kneeled before taking a high leap right over the circle of leaves, landing in front of the group of children.

"Now, surrender!"

She declares proudly.

"Hehehehe…"

The children started giggling which confuses Kanu but then she heard her lord called out to her.

"Kanu! Watch out! It's a trap!"

"Huh…?"

YOAHHH!

The sounds of twig snapping could be heard but it was too late for Kanu. She look down before the ground beneath her collapse and she landed in a big heap. Beneath her, sticks and a sheet covered acted as cushion. It was a trap that not even Kanu saw coming. The young man had to admit, their traps were impressive. The first trap was meant to be a decoy.

"We did it!"

"What an idiot!"

"We got her!"

"Yeah!"

The young man merely sighs silently while thinking to himself.

"Crap basket. I can't believe she fall for that trick."

"So, what should we do with her?"

Ask the tall girl. The chubby boy then grinned and said.

"Why don't we burry her?"

"No, let pee on her first!"

Giggle the ponytail girl.

"Okay!"

Said the youngest of the girl and started giggling. She then lifted her skirt to do the job.

"OH NO YOU DON'T!"

Kanu yelled out as she leaped out from the hole and landed near the children.

"Take this!"

She lashed out and captures all four of the children to begin their various punishments for doing something mean. Those kids did not see this coming…

"Squeezed!"

Kanu bellowed, grabbing the ponytail girl by the arm to cause indian sunburn on her arm. The girl tries to escape all the while making squealing sounds.

"Next to come is…the Brute Force Drill!"

Kanu continued, noogies planted on both the tall girl and her little sister. Both sisters unable to escape because both were pin down by Kanu's leg.

"And last but not least…Stronghold! Mount Tai!"

Kanu finish with the chubby boy, pinching him by the arm and pulling them to enhance the pain. The boy cried out, tears splashing from his eye. The young man was trying to hold back his laughter but the scene playing in front of him was a bit too much for him to bear. To an adult, the punishment would mean little. However, for kids they were the worst form of torture to experience. Soon after that, all four were at Kanu's feet; follow by their rock throwing friend. They were looking at Kanu with fear and disappointment in keeping Kanu and the young man at bay from their leader, Rinrin.

"Wow, that was brutal of you, Kanu."

Said her lord with a tinge of teasing in his tone. Well, at least they didn't get the worse of it. In fact, the treatment that they receive would have been considered a child's play. He would describe it as childish but in this case whatever action Kanu took was appropriate enough even at her age.

Kanu huffed and then said.

"Naughty children needed to be reminded of their manner, my Lord."

"I won't disagree on that. Now that we've got the subordinate…all that's left is the boss."

"Grrr! You won't defeat our leader, Rinrin!"

The ponytail boy said defiantly as he pointed his finger at the pair defiantly.

"Yes, yes,"

Kanu sigh patiently.

"To be honest, neither of us have any intention of harming Rinrin. Instead of delaying us here, why don't you all you back to the village?"

The children then look at each other, unsure of what to say until the tall girl said.

"If we do go back, you won't try and arrest Rinrin anymore?"

"I won't arrest her. I give you my warrior's word."

Kanu smile.

"Then, what about that Onii-san there?"

Pointed the ponytail girl.

The young man merely shrugged his shoulder while smiling and said.

"I'm just here assisting Kanu. So, whatever her decision is, I'll gladly abide by it."

They then look at each other once more and nodded.

"Okay, we'll go back to the village."

The group of kids collected themselves and began heading down the path back to the village. But they then suddenly froze on their track before turning around to face Kanu.

[Stupid! Ugly! Old maid!]

And with that, they took off before Kanu had any chance of getting angry at them. The young man shakes his head in disbelief and said.

"Kids….They always have the last word."

"Ugh…"

Kanu merely groan. The young man just looks at his companion and said.

"Let it go, Kanu. They are just kids, after all."

He advises her. Kanu made a cute pout, but gave up the indignation as the two followed the path towards the home of the infamous bandit leader, Rinrin herself. The path soon open up to a clearing surrounded by rocks while patches went around the edges, one going higher onto the mountain while the other rose up a hill to a simple hut on top of a ledge. Standing at the ledge was the red hair girl, Rinrin. She was holding a staff with a blue cloth tied near the end with a blade shape liked a flame.

The young man simply kept a cool expression. He then said.

"Seems she was waiting for us. You're the one who volunteer, so I'll watch from the side but I'll back you up in case anything happened. Although, I'm confident you could handle this without my help."

Kanu nodded her head at her lord's word. She then stepped forward to face the tiny terror herself. Looking up, she stared down the girl.

"You must be Rinrin?"

The redhead girl growled and snapped.

"Rinrin is my secret name! Only my friends and family may called me that! You are unworthy of even saying my secret name!"

"Forgive me then. Let me try again,"

Kanu smile while continuing.

"Who am I talking to?"

"I am Chouhi, follow by Yokutoku! Even babies know to fear that name for I am the great leader of the Rinrin Bandits!"

The young girl cried out. But Kanu on the other hand was still calm and composed. She then said.

"I've already sent your bandits back to the village."

"What?!"

Chouhi gasped but then gritted her teeth and leap downs the rock lining on the edge like a little bunny before landing near the ground near Kanu, who then point her spear at her.

"What did you do with my friends?!"

"Just a little punishment."

Kanu simply replied in a calm tone.

"Ohhhhh! I'll make you pay tens time for that punishments!"

Chouhi declared.

"I won't lose to a woman who's nothing but talk like you! Hiyahhhh!"

Chouhi cried all the while charging at Kanu. The redhead girl starts out with several strikes which Kanu skillfully block while clashing sounds of metal can be heard colliding with one another. Chouhi then made a surprising nimble move as she recoil of one of the strike being blocked hit by her, she allowed her spear to go behind her, which she then proceed to grabbed with her other hand and used that momentum to make a full swing. Kanu raised her quan dao blade to block and the weapon hit her with full force causing Kanu to be blown away across the clearing before she landed on the ground, skidding another foot.

Seeing that, the young man was honestly surprise by her brute strength.

"That girl may be small but she's almost as strong as I am. This isn't going to be easy like I thought. If it was me, I could even the odd but Kanu has speed. I can see it in her movement. Hopefully she can tire Chouhi before Kanu herself has no strength left to beat her."

Likewise, Kanu was thinking the same thing as she felt her arm tremble from the sheer force of that single swing.

"I'll lose when it comes to a contest of pure strength. But, I have more maneuver of fighting against opponent like you!"

Undeterred, Kanu went on the charge again. This time she attempt to combat Chouhi's uncommon strength with speed and agility, which in this case would make her do moves that could burnt her stamina faster and tired her out sooner. The young man continues to watch on with concern. He hopes that both girls wouldn't go so far as to seriously hurt each other.

Seven Hours Later

"Man, how long can these girls keep up…?"

The young man sighs deeply. They have been at it for almost seven hours now and still there at it. The sun has already gone down and the moon was rising high up in the sky. At one point, the pairs both leap up in the air and they strike at each other which cause them to be push higher towards the air using only that recoil alone. But then they hit each other simultaneously which causes them to land on the ground. He knows that they're good but this is just getting surreal. (Yeah, thought the person who punches a tree until it falls down…)

Chouhi finally looks like she's out of steam alongside Kanu. As the Bandit Hunter came down from a leap, Chouhi made a quick sweep which cut through the rock, clean. But Kanu proves to be more than just a pretty face and athletic body as she held her staff blade behind her back, letting it block and stop Chouhi's attack. While both were struggling with each other's weapon, Kanu manage to speak her mind about the whole situation.

"What a waste."

She sighs solemnly.

"Huh?"

Chouhi blinked in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

Kanu glance over her shoulder.

"I have never seen a child who is much gifted and has strength like yours before and yet you sit around here and play bandit instead."

"That's none of your business!"

Chouhi snapped, taken a few step back. Kanu manage to catch her breath and stood up but she wasn't going to face Chouhi just yet. She then said.

"I was told in town that your parents were killed by bandits."

"S-So what is it to you, huh?!" Chouhi huffed.

"Because I know what it's like. My mother, father and brother; they lost their life by the hands of bandits."

Kanu reflected.

"That's why, ever since I have been hunting them so no one will ever suffer the same heartbreak as I did because of people like them!"

"What does that have to do with me?!"

She yelled out.

"Haven't you wanted to change this world? The constant wars, the roving bandits, the death of innocent people?"

Kanu then finally turn to the little girl.

"Aren't you sick of all that? Don't you want to do something about it?"

Chouhi cringed, but then yelled out and charged at Kanu with an overhead swing. It wasn't as skilled as her usual attacks, but it was filled with anger and emotion. The situation was getting dire as Kanu was forced on her knee from the strike. The young man was about to ready to assist only for Kanu to shook her head, looking over her shoulder at him before returning her attention at the now emotional Chouhi.

"Who could understand all this?!"

She cried loudly while hitting the same spot over and over again.

"I've…I've always been alone! No one was there to be by my side! I don't even know what to do!"

All the while, the young man was listening to this; he was suddenly seeing flashes of a young boy that he could see was his younger self standing in front of an altar. On top of the altar were a picture of a middle age man and a woman. All around him, people were gathering to repay their respect who the young man would assume were his parents.

He could hear whisper amongst the people,

"The poor boy. His parents became a victim of a robbery."

"I feel sorry for him. Isn't there any other family members he has left?"

"There is but I heard that they neglected his parents and decided to cut ties with them…"

"How cruel. Then, does this mean he's all by himself now…?"

And then, it came to the realization that he, Kanu and Chouhi were the same…they have always been alone. He was always alone. No one was there for him and so…

Back into the present, the young man could see that Kanu was unarmed and that Chouhi was raising her weapon to deliver the final blow. Immediately, he dash forward; instantly grabbing hold of the blade. Chouhi notice that her attack was stopped and when she looks behind her, she could see that the young man expression slightly darkens. It was a mixture of anger and sadness. Kanu also saw that but what's more shocking to her that her lord's hand was bleeding from holding the blade of the spear.

"My lord!"

She quickly rose up and immediately when to her lord side. After hearing the voice of Kanu, the young man let go of the blade and saw that his hand was bleeding. But he didn't say anything about it. Kanu tried to use one of the cloths to close the wound but her lord stopped her. He looks at the shock Chouhi. Then, he slowly went to her and kneel in front of her and place one of his hand on top of her head. He gave her a warm looking smile. He then said.

"Hey, it's okay, Chouhi. You're never alone…not anymore. Cause I promise you. I'll always be there for you. Me and Kanu. We won't leave your side. That I promised."

After hearing this, Chouhi finally dropped her weapon as tears started to form in her eyes. Suddenly, she burst out into a large sob and dropped to her knees as she wiped her face. The young man quickly embraces her in a warmth hug as he comforts her in her moment of dread and sadness.

"There, there. It's alright now, Chouhi. Let it all out…"

Meanwhile, Kanu was watching all the drama taken place and she too can't help but shed a single tear.

"My Lord…"

She then gently smiles at the touching moment.

Moments Later, At Chouhi's Hut

"(Sigh) I did agree to always be there for her but how did this happened? I guess that's what I get for being such a big mouth…"

The young man said to himself as he lay down inside of Chouhi's modest hut as Kanu was taking a bath in the homemade bathroom.

Moments earlier after the battle, once Chouhi have calm down, she admitted her loss by breaking down and crying in the middle of the battle. She insisted that Kanu can do what she wishes towards the loser and so the plan was for Chouhi to apologize to the magistrate the next day, and Kanu and her lord would be on their way after that. However, Chouhi pleaded that they stay with her for the night. After looking at each other for a moment Kanu and her lord easily accepted so long as it can be of joy to the little one. The smile on her face sure seems to have brightened everything that occurs earlier. Chouhi insisted that Kanu took a bath all the while she asks him to make himself comfortable in the room.

As he was lying down, he thought to himself that deep down, he really misses situation like this. He may not remember everything but he knows that he miss this feeling of being together with a family member. But that thought was broken when he heard noises coming from the bathroom. Apparently, Chouhi has also join in with Kanu as the two girls bath themselves but in the end, the mood really swing into a 360 degrees for him. He might not admit it but as a man, he too has his urge but he remain calm and focus and continue to look the other way and thought of another thing to distract himself.

His mind came back to the little girl, Chouhi. That little girl was working hard to make him and Kanu feel comfortable. It seems like the girl opposed to before who wanted to keep them away from her friends, now wanted them to stay since all her friend had gone back home. He wonders to himself if indeed Chouhi has been alone here at night ever since her grandfather passed away. That was just no way for a girl to live, especially any child. They deserve to be with their parents and have home filled with the sense of love and affection.

He rose up his wounded hand and gripped it tightly as he coldly whisper.

"I'll make every single one of you bandits pay for what they have to done to people like Kanu and Chouhi…"

Kanu along with Chouhi came out of the bathroom perfectly dress in what looks like a sleeping cloths and was about to tell her lord that the bath was ready to used, when she saw that he was tightly gripping the arm that was wounded as blood was also dripping from it.

"My Lord! What are you doing?!"

She and Chouhi immediately when to his side and gently hold onto his hand to urge him to stop. The young man quickly came out of his trance when he notices that Kanu along with Chouhi were beside him.

"Kanu…Chouhi…"

He notice that blood came out from his hand as he stood up and look at it with some slight surprise. Kanu hold her breath for a moment before she said albeit with a stern mix with concern words.

"My Lord, what were you thinking? Why in the world were you making your wound ending up worse than it is? I notice that you have been acting strange ever since that battle. Please, tell us. Maybe I can be of help?"

"Yeah, Onii-chan. I know it's Rinrin's fault that Onii-chan got hurt in the first place. So, if there is anything, anything at all that I could do, please tell Rinrin…"

She said it with a pleading tone. The young man looks at both girls before he merely sigh silently. He then said while keeping away his gaze from them.

"There's nothing wrong, more like it has something to do with how we're all the same…"

"What do you mean, my Lord?"

"Yeah, Onii-chan. Tell us."

This time, he set his gaze at them and told Kanu and Chouhi that he got a glimpse of his childhood memory. That he lost both his parent at a young age and that they were kill by robbers. Since then, he was always alone. Living by himself and sometime had to do odd job just to keep himself fed.

"I see…so even you are like us…I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories."

Kanu can only mutter those words of apology. Chouhi on the other hand kept silent but she knows how painful it was to lose a love one which is the main reason why she even acted the way she was towards her villagers. The young man saw the intense silent between him and the girls. The young man thought that he has to find a way to break this bad silence and so he clear his throat.

"I know that's one of those memories that I rather forget but thanks to that, I feel a lot closer to you guys. Truly, now I feel like it wasn't just a coincidence that I met Kanu and then little Chouhi here."

As he said that, he gently patted the little girl in the head. She slowly looks at him, and she saw that same warm smile that she shows her during his attempt to comfort. This made her blush a little. The young man continues.

"I would rather see that energetic smile on Chouhi that for some reason gives me cheer and also I would rather see Kanu's confident smile that makes me feel like I can do anything."

"My Lord…"

"Onii-chan…"

They both then nod energetically, finally returning to their old self. The young man made a grin on his face as he said.

"Now, that's the spirit. Whenever one of us feels down, we should comfort one another like we're doing now."

However, such moment suddenly became awkward. Because the young man was now in the presence of two girls who happens to be in in a sleeping clothing that look more like yukata. While Chouhi's fit perfectly, Kanu's were more for Chouhi's size and because of that a lot of her legs were revealed as well as a sizable portion of her cleavage. Seeing this, both lord and vassal simply look away, blush forming on their faces. Chouhi, being a child she was merely look at the two younger adult's action in confusion.

He manages to take a moment to face the younger woman in front of him.

"Wh-what? Chouhi wa-was kind enough to le-lend me her sleeping cloths!"

Kanu once again blush, noticing how her lord was looking at her.

"A-ah, okay…"

He merely slowly nodded at her statement, trying to set his gaze away from Kanu who he can see that much of her skin was reveal. But the thing that attracted him the most was how sexy Kanu was with her hair down, add her beauty to that. She's basically a goddess in his eye. He then comically shakes his head and then finally said.

"I-I'll go ta-take a bath now!"

He got up and darted pass Kanu as Chouhi continue to look in confusion. After he left for the bathroom, Chouhi then look at Kanu and said.

"Why was he so embarrassed? I mean, grandpa and I often bath together. Don't you two do that?"

She asks innocently, while placing on of her finger on her lips.

TONK!

"AH! Of course not! Don't be ridiculous! We only became travelling companions! Of course we wouldn't do something like that!"

Kanu flush red at the thought of doing something so intimate like sharing a bath with a man, much less the Messenger of Heaven that she comes to believe in.

"Hoh, but baths are more fun when you share it together with the people you care about? Hah, is it because you two just got together?"

"So-something like that…"

Kanu twitch there for a moment. How could a child like Chouhi bluntly ask about her and her lord's relationship? Besides, she is her lords' loyal servant and she would not dare think she was worthy to join in a physical contact with a person whom she swear her loyalty to. She then looks back at Chouhi and said.

"An-anyway, let us get ready for bed. I'm sure my Lord would be sleepy by the time he is done bathing. I'm sure of it."

"Okay!"

Chouhi said while beaming a smile on her face.

"I only have one pillow and a blanket. But you can have it though, Kanu!"

Chouhi scramble over to the pair of tatami mats the hut boasted and prepared the futon. The futon itself can fit two, maybe three people if someone of Chouhi's size was involve. Chouhi didn't mind giving up the pillow for Kanu's sake.

"I'm sorry if we're taking so much. Even though we are guest of this home"

Kanu apologize all the while helping out Chouhi with the futon.

"Oh, you don't need to worry about me! Besides, it's my lost, so it's only fair that I make you and Onii-chan feel comfortable. So, you don't have to worry, Kanu!"

Chouhi said with a hint of excitement in her tone.

The door to the bathroom soon opened again and the young man came out, shirtless since there wasn't any clothing available for him to use and so he was force to sleep with only his pants on. Chouhi welcome him to the shared futon happily, but as he got closer; to Kanu surprise and feminine side, her lord has quite the well tone body befitting a warrior like him but what's more surprising is the fact that scars covers most of his shirtless body and even on the arm indicating he has been on numerous battle before he met with her. She wondered what sort of battle or war had her lord fight on to have that many scars.

Chouhi can see it as well but kept silent as to not ruin the moment. The young man himself was surprise by the scars inflicted on his body but seeing that he has yet to recover his memory, he simply shrugged it off as an accident he was involve in.

But once he laid on the futon, the two young adult can't help but blush for a moment but reassuring enough; they were quite thankful to used Chouhi as a barrier between them. The little girl simply didn't mind all the added company. As they lay down, the limit of the futon reached. Chouhi couldn't help herself but feel very happy about it.

"I haven't had anyone sleep with me for a long time. This feeling is great."

She drew the blanket closer to her nose to hide her happy blushing face.

"When the three of us are together like this…I can honestly say it's like being with mother and father again."

YOAHHHH!

After hearing her said that, Kanu and the young man yelped together to the point of sitting up. Kanu was the first to come to the fore.

"N-N-Now don't be saying such thing! I'm nowhere near that old to be considered your mother! If anything my Lord and I should be considered a brother and sister!"

"Brother and sister?"

Chouhi blinked.

"Correct! B-Besides, I haven't done anything that could have gotten me pregnant."

TONKK!

Huffed Kanu, in an attempt to defend her age.

"Uhh, Kanu? I think you just put in too much information there."

The young man sweat dropped all the while blush began to form on his face. This cause Kanu's face to become even redder than they were as she realized what she just said in the presence of a man who's also her lord. Fortunately for them, Chouhi seems to get that part over her head.

"So, does that mean I can call you both big brother and big sister?"

"W-well, if that's what you want."

Kanu mumble.

"Sounds okay to me. I always thought to myself that I want a little sister as cute as Chouhi."

The young man said that while smiling slightly. All the while that the subject at least shifted to a more appropriate thing.

"Yay!" Chouhi cheered while throwing both her hands up to the air.

"Then from now on, Onii-chan and Kanu will be Rinrin's big brother and big sister!"

She happily grabs both the hands of the people next to her, falling back onto the futon where both landed besides her. She then said.

"From now on, I won't be alone at night anymore."

The young man made a small smile on his face. His heart felt warmth seeing a child happy as Chouhi. Chouhi then said.

"Forever from now on, right?"

Chouhi ask in a pleading tone to her adoptive siblings.

"Yeah, I told you, didn't I? Me and Kanu will always be there for you. Cause, Chouhi's our little sister after all."

"Rinrin…Onii-chan and Onee-chan can called me Rinrin. So, please let me know what your secret names are?"

The young man was silent for a moment for Kanu knew that since his memory hasn't return to him yet, her lord can't properly give Rinrin his secret name and so, Kanu was the first to spoke to the distract her.

"Aisha. My secret name is Aisha. I need to ask you, Rinrin?"

Kanu expression became serious, even in this heartwarming moment.

"Yes?"

"Will you go on a journey with us to change this world?"

"Change the world?"

Asked Chouhi in a curious tone.

"My Lord and I are on a journey in hopes of changing the world for everyone. So, I ask you again, Rinrin. Will you come with us?"

The excited little girl didn't need much to consider as she immediately answer.

"Yeah!"

The Next Day

The trio woke up at the eve of dawn. They exited the hut and the young man look at Kanu and ask her.

"So, when we get to town, where does our next destination lead us?"

"Like before, wherever the winds or rumor take us."

Kanu smile.

"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!"

Chouhi cheered loudly, excited to go on an bigger adventure than banditry with her new siblings.

"Okay, so do you have everything you need?"

Kanu smile, wanting to make sure they were prepared for the journey.

"Yep, Aisha-Nee-chan!"

Chouhi grinned, hefting the shoulder pack.

"So, let's go!"

However, the feeling of joy didn't last long as it was soon replace by the voice of Rinrin's friends. Bursting up from the path, they were all looking scuffed and terrified over something. They were short of breath. But as they can see, only the pony tail boy, pony tail girl and the chubby boy were there. Chouhi then called out to them.

"Shuran! Chu! Hakuren! What happened?! And where's Kiriko and Kiya?!"

"Boss! The village is under attack! All the solders are fighting them off but they just kept getting killed! And…and…. Kiriko and Kiya are trapped in their house!"

Chouhi gasped at that.

"Bandits?!"

Asked Kanu as her eye becomes hard and fierce.

Hakuren, the pony tail girl cried out.

"Monsters! Our village is being attack by monsters!"

Just then, they could see explosion coming out from the village. They all look in shock and fear.

"Okay…."

The young man frowned. He then set his gaze at the three children.

"All of you, I want you guys to go find someplace to hide! Don't do anything that could attract them to this place and absolutely, do not come out until the dangers are over!"

"Got it!"

The three children nodded. He then looks back at the girls behind him.

"Kanu, Rinrin! Let's go!"

"Hai!"

They responded. They then race towards the village and upon getting there; they could see the chaos and damage inflicted. True to the children's words, the village was attack by monsters. They were shapes in humanoid form but clearly their head were more bulgy and they were grayish in terms of body color. However, each was distinct by the color of red, blue and green. Their faces look like that of a pupa. The remaining soldiers tried to contain the situation with their weapon only to notice that their swords and spear weren't doing any much damage to them. And amidst that, the body of dead soldiers began to form into one of those monsters.

"W-what in the world are these things?"

Kanu ask in a shock voice. Chouhi was thinking the same thing but then their question was answer when the young man merely mutters a single word.

"…Inves."

"My lord, you know this creature?"

"Yeah, more or less. My memories tell me that these things are called Inves. They are creature that live in another realm different than this and are extremely hostile. But what's worse about this monster is that they carried some kind of virus that can turn people into plant that grows their favorite food source, a mystical fruit or in this case…one of them."

"But they're not supposed to be here! So how?!"

They set their gaze at the group of Inves who were making their way towards the trio when they heard the sounds of cried coming between them and the Inves. In one of the ruin house, they can hear the sound of a little girl cries.

"That's Kiya! Then Kiriko must also be there!"

Hearing that, the young man simply said.

"Alright, this is what we do. Rinrin, you will go and help those two out those boulders while Kanu and I distract those Inves long enough for you to help them make their escape. Did you get that?"

"Loud and clear, Onii-chan!"

The young man picks up a sword from one of the dead soldier while Kanu and Chouhi ready themselves to initiate the plan.

"My Lord. Can we beat these creatures?"

Kanu ask.

"They are not exactly the hardest of opponent. Though their skins are tough but hit them hard enough and they will die. Although, don't let them injured you and I don't have to tell the rest if that does happened."

"I see. Then that won't be a problem."

Said Kanu as she swings her quan dao above her head before pointing them at the Inves. But there was something that the young man misses out. What is it? Now wasn't the time, he thought to himself. Right now, his priority was to make sure Rinrin get those girls to safety.

"Prepare yourself, Inves!"

Kanu called before charging. Follow by the young man. Kanu was the first to strike at the Inves with her wide slash that cause the group to fell over and then jumping high above the air, the young man made a straight slash at one of the Inves, effectively making it fall over before exploding. The other Inves seeing one of their comrade perish in front of them, began charging at the duo.

Each and every one of them swung their sharp claw at the pair but they skillfully avoided it, all the while sending separate slashes at the enemy; successfully in cutting down a few of them before they explode upon hitting the grounds. One Inves actually jump from the air, and was about to claw its' way towards Kanu. But a sudden kick send it flying straight into one of the building thus collapsing on top of it. Kanu look at her savior who turns out to be Chouhi. It seems her attempt in saving the sisters was a success.

"Thank you, Rinrin."

Said Kanu in appreciation. A grin form on her face as she pointed her weapon at the Inves that surrounded them.

"So, did I miss out on something?"

The young man merely chuckle and then said.

"Nope. You didn't. In fact, it's just getting started!"

All three made their separate stance as they each charge at the Inves. Kanu uses her agility in order to avoid the Inves's claw while slashing, kicking and even stabbing the nearest Inves that tried to get close to her. Chouhi uses her small sizes to take advantages of the Inves somewhat slow movement while kicking them in the face then landed another kick to the nearby Inves. She then jumps into the air while slamming her spear into the ground, creating a powerful shockwave which sent the group of Inves flying into the building.

The young man was holding his own pretty well. He spotted an Inves that tried to claw him before he caught in by the hand and he relentlessly slash it multiple time in the chest while making a spark from all the slashing attack. He then pulls a punch which effectively sent the Inves flying before it exploded. He then back kicks another Inves that tried to sneak behind him.

Their numbers were quickly dwindling and only one more to be dealt with.

"Alright, you two. This is only one's left. So, don't hold back!"

[Right!]

And with that, the three charge at the last Inves. First to strike was Kanu as her blade directly hit the Inves by the face. Next was Chouhi as she hit the bladed spear at the Inves chest and passed through it and finally follows by the young man as he quickly sent a strike that pierce through the Inves. And in the background, the three was facing the front as they make their respective stance while the Inves exploded in the background.

As they look at the remaining explosion which eventually became fire on the ground, they then lower their stance. The three of them sigh in relief that the battle is over but little did they know that another enemies were hiding in the background. Just as they were about to face each other, an explosion caught them by surprise as the trio was sent flying.

[AHHHHH!]

They landed hard on the ground before rolling then finally stop. They all groan in pain at the sudden explosion that hit them. Slowly, they got up. As they did, the young man eye went wide with shock and fear as this time it was not the usual Inves that they just fought earlier but a more different one. The one coming at them looks like a green humanoid monster with tiger heads with long, sharp claws and heavy looking green armor. It slowly makes its way with its companion which look like a humanoid deer. Its body has a pattern of blue mix with orange. The young man said with a shock expression.

"A Byakko Inves and a Shika Inves? But that can't be. How come a Berserker Inves be here of all places?"

Kanu and Chouhi ready themselves to attack their new opponents but then the young man stopped them.

"My Lord, why are you stopping us? We can take on those two Inves if the three of us work together!"

"Yeah, Rinrin can beat this weird looking monster all by herself!"

The young man expression became that of hard and serious, he knew that the three of them can't take on a Berserker Inves let alone two. He suddenly got a bad vibe about this. He doesn't know why but it is actual fear. He was scared of this Inves for some reason. He then looks at the two girls before looking back at the two Inves which was slowly making their way towards the trio.

"Kanu, Chouhi. Whatever you guys do, I want you to both run…"

"What are you saying, my Lord?"

He then looks back at them and smile before dashing forwards sword at the ready.

"My Lord!"

"Onii-chan!"

The young man continues to dash forward all the while avoiding all of the energy attack release by the Byakko and Shika Inves. Finally, getting close enough he raise the sword at the Byakko Inves. As the sword hits it, the young man can feel his hand tremble slightly from the force of the sword colliding with the Inves's thick armor. The sword that he was holding snap into two thus rendering him weaponless. The Shika Inves then used this change to land a straight punch at the young man chest as he was sent flying into one of the house. The wall crack upon his impact on it. Blood gush out from his mouth from the sheer force he felt from the Shika's punch.

Kanu and Chouhi didn't waste time as they rush forward to assist their friends. At first, their attack were working in fending them off but soon the two Berserker Inves started to show strong resistance against their attack. Both girls struggle to take them on but then were sent flying as Kanu and Chouhi were both punch in the belly or chest thus sending them flying and once again rolling on the ground before coming to a stopped near the young man.

"Kanu…Rinrin!"

He struggle to get up and making sure they were alright. Both girls were unable to continue fighting. And the situation looks grim for them. Now, the Inves were ready to move in for the killed. Even when injured, the young man stood in front of his injured friends while spreading his arm in order to protect them.

"My…Lord…run…save yourself…your life is of more important than me…you must escaped and fulfill your destiny as the Messenger of Heaven…"

"Onii-chan…"

The young man gritted his teeth and yelled out.

"Don't joke around! Leave you guys here and save my own butt?! I'm not going to fall low as to leave my friends! What good of a Messenger am I if I can't even protect my own friends and my sister?! No! I won't run!"

Once again, the memory sequence play in his mind as he sees what looks like an armored warrior with a spear, the other one with a gun, another with a shield and many more holding back a large group of Elementary, Berserker and Evolve Inves. They were clearly outnumbered but they continue to fight on. He can see an entire city in great fires and ruin and full of tree life growing at an alarming rate.

"Kazuruba! Hurry and get everyone out of here! Now!"

"But…But what about you guys?! I can't leave while you guys fight!"

Then a huge explosion can be seen as the armored warriors of the fist were slain by a group of Berserker Inves. One by one, he saw his comrade died in front of him as the Inves relentless assault causes the last remaining armored warrior to back away in what seems to be their final stand.

"Kouta-san, hurry! Take the other to safety! You're the only hope of their survival!"

"Don't make me repeat myself, Kazuraba! I'll kill you if you died here now!"

"Get going, Kazuraba! Don't let the other who lost their life to protect humanity go to waste! Take the survivor to safety! Go! Now!"

"Micchy….Kaito…Takatora…Kuhh!"

He gripped his sword tightly as he dash away without looking back. He then heard all three of his companion make their final dash and what follows was the sound of weapon clashing follow by a few explosion before eventually…it died out. Even in his armor, Kouta was shedding tears. After that, he was once again back in the present while tears were still forming in his eyes.

"My…Lord…?"

"Onii-chan…is crying?"

He then wipes it off and then finally said.

"No more! I'm tired of leaving my comrades and friends! This time! Let me protect you guys even if I have to throw away my life!"

As he said that, a sudden flash of light shone. The two Inves stopped on their track observing the sudden beam of light. The other was surprise to see it but somehow the young man was familiar with it. After the light died out, standing in front of him was a young woman with blonde hair, white clothing and brown boots. The woman reminded him of his friends.

"Mai…no. You're not Mai… She and the others…"

She then points her index finger towards the young man before saying.

"The gate of fate has once again opened its door for you. And now, should you take this path once more…there will be no turning back, Kazuraba Kouta…"

She came closed to him before handing him what seems to be like an orange that was made out of lock. He knows what this was and then the young woman handed him what looks like a driver belt.

"This is…"

She nod at him and said.

"If you wish to regain back what you lost…you will journey this land in search of it…but be warned, the journey will be much harder and bitter. There is great evil that dwells this land. Its' presence threatening not only the life of the people but the entire world as a whole… Kouta, you will have to fight to the bitter end in order to protect what you have now… always remembers that…"

She said solemnly before disappearing from sight, the young man now called Kouta look at the orange lock that he was holding and smile sadly. All the while, Kanu and Chouhi were surprise to see the young woman sudden appearance and disappearance after giving him what looks like an orange and a strange looking device.

"My Lord…who was that woman?"

"Yeah…she just came and disappears again…It's like magic."

Kouta then look back at his companion and little sister before releasing a smile of relief. They were confused but then he said something.

"Kanu, I remember now…my name…"

Kanu was silent for a moment before she asks firmly befitting a general asking a Lord her next order.

"Your name…what is your name, my Lord…?"

He then places the SengokuDriver on his waist that was given by the young woman whom we all know by now as the Priestess of Fate. As he did, a belt started to materialize. He spread out his right hand as he releases the switch to his now confirms Orange Lockseed which had the black letters L.S.-07.

ORANGE!

A zipper opened a circular portal above Kouta and the metal orange hovered as it slowly came down. Kanu and Chouhi were at awe at the sudden appearances of a portal which also hover an orange looking metal. Kouta then called out to Kanu and Chouhi.

"Kanu, Rinrin! Remember my name, for it is Kouta… Kazuraba Kouta! But I go by the name Gaim! And this is my power that protects others!"

Kouta swiftly place the Lockseed into the Drive Bay before locking it in place.

LOCK ON!

The SengokuDriver releases a Japanese horagai music as Kouta prepared himself, gripping the Cutting Blade lever. Those that were hiding suddenly came out of their save spot when they heard the dj version of the Japanese horagai music. All eyes were now on Kouta.

"What's he doing?"

Ask Chouhi in confusion, but her sworn adoptive sister could only say the same but whatever her lord no…Gaim was intending to do, it might save their life along with the villagers.

"HENSHIN!"

Kouta announce loudly before he slice the Lockseed open.

SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!

The Orange Arms dropped on Kouta and his pre-Arms suits formed before the Orange Arms opened up and complete his transformation; an armor that has samurai theme to it. Then a sword that looks like a slice of orange known as Gaim's weapon, the Daidaimaru materializing on his left hand. Chouhi and the surviving villages were stunned to see the transformation of armor forming on Kouta and the two Inves were clearly taken aback by his transformation into armored warrior Gaim. But most of all Kanu couldn't believe her eyes. The armored warrior in front of her was no doubt the same armored warrior that has been plaguing her dream.

"So, I was right. You are the one…the armored warrior who will bring peace to all. Gaim-sama…"

The newly transform armored warrior drew out his second weapon, the Musou Saber and then took a stance at the Byakko and Shika Inves.

"Armored Rider Gaim! Koko kara wa Ore no stage da!"

Gaim announce loudly. He then charge forward, both weapons in hand as the two Inves did the same. The Byakko Inves attack first, attempting to hit Gaim with its claw but Gaim block it with the Daidaimaru before slashing it with his Musou Saber, creating sparks as the Byakko was push back by the attack. It was now the Shika Inves turn to attack. It tried to rammed itself towards Gaim, only for him to see though its' attack. Gaim dodge the Shika and then slash its back with both swords, sending the Shika Inves rolling on the grounds.

The Byakko Inves tried another attack by firing energy like chain towards Gaim but he saw through that and skillfully block and slash the chain before jumping in the air and kick the Byakko Inves right at the face. The villagers along with Kanu and Chouhi couldn't believe that the power quickly shifted on their side. At first, Kanu, Chouhi and Kouta struggle so much to beat them both but now, clearly Kouta is the one with the upper hand. Back at the fight, Gaim was now between the Byakko and Shika Inves as they struggle to get up. But Gaim then said,

"Now, it's time to end this!"

He gripped the Cutting Blade once to prepare a finisher attack.

SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH!

His Daidaimaru was now covered in orange energy as he prepared his stance and dash forwards the Shika Inves. Gaim releases a series of energy slash, cutting through the Shika Inves in orange energy. It spread out like a slice of orange which causes the Shika Inves to slowly collapse on the ground before exploding. Then Gaim set his gaze on the now terrified Byakko Inves. It tried to escaped but then Gaim said,

"I'm not through with you yet!"

He combines the Daidaimaru with the Musou Saber to form the Daidaimaru: Nagitana Mode. He then releases the Orange Lockseed from the belt.

LOCK OFF!

Gaim then place the Lockseed into the Drive Launch of the Musou Saber.

LOCK ON! 1! 10! 100! 1000!

"Hahhhh!"

Using the end of the Musou Saber, Gaim releases a series of orange energy slash that caught the escaping Byakko Inves. It then forms into a large looking orange that was trapping the Inves inside. Next, using the end of the Daidaimaru, Gaim ready himself to deliver the final blow. He dash forward closing in on the Inves and yelled out.

"Eat this!"

ORANGE CHARGE!

Upon contact, Gaim slice the Inves along with the Byakko Inves inside while swiftly passing through them. They drifted for a few moments before exploding with some orange slices flying out in every direction. After a moment, Gaim got the Lockseed out and place it back on the Driver. He then turns his gaze at Kanu, Chouhi and the villagers who look in awe at their mysterious savior. He then sighs for a moment before walking slowly towards them but some of the villagers were quite frighten by his menacing appearances but the first one to step in front was none other than Kanu then follow by Chouhi. Soon all the villagers follow behind.

The villagers could only stare as they approach Gaim before all of a sudden someone applauded follow by a loud cheer. As they flock him, he was met with adoring villagers, Kanu and Chouhi as they all cheer while greeting him.

"That was amazing!"

Said one of the kids.

"How did you do that?!"

And adult male asked.

"Hey, Kouta-Nii-chan. That was awesome! Can't you teach me how to do that next time?!"

Ask the excited Chouhi.

Kanu met her gaze with Kouta. She was silent, but her smile was unmistakable.

"Just as I thought. You are the Messenger of Heaven. Gaim-sama".

Of course, it wasn't only the villager that wanted to praise and congratulate Kouta…

"Make way. Step aside! Step aside!"

The villager makes a path for the person who called out to get near Kouta. It was none other than the magistrate although his face was cover with sooths and his hair was kind of messy. Kouta tried to hold his laughter as did Kanu, Chouhi and the villagers.

"You! Were you the one that defeated those wretched creatures?"

Said the magistrate as he demands to know. Kouta raise an eyebrow under his helmet but he calmly replied to his demand.

"Yeah, I did. So, what is it to you?"

The magistrate suddenly clasped Kouta's hand.

"Please stay! Be my personal bodyguard and deal with the bandits! I will pay you double the amount that I pay my men! You can live like king under me! Just say the word and you will get it!"

Bargain the magistrate. Looking at this, Kouta quickly pulled his hand away from the man. He then releases the switch from the Orange Lockseed and reverts back to his civilian self. He was sternly looking at the magistrate and said,

"No amount of your wealth that you give me will bring back those that died by the hands of the bandits! But it was your fault in the first place that the bandits were free to do whatever they want. It's because of people like you that Kanu and Rinrin had to suffer! Now, what do you have to say for yourself?!"

All the villagers were quick to notice this, and angrily look at the magistrate who was whimpering in fear of the young man sudden outburst of him. Kanu and Chouhi who heard the concern of their lord/brother was happy to hear that he cared deeply of what happened to them.

"Please! I admit my mistake! Please, I'll change! I promise to do my job properly after this, so please be my bodyguard!"

Kouta was silent for a moment before he looks at Kanu who nod her head. Kanu step forward and said.

"On behalf of my lord, I have to apologized, because the Messenger of Heaven has even bigger duties to fulfil."

"So, as you heard from Kanu, I have to decline your offer."

The villager all grew silent before they all gape.

"What? What did she mean by Messenger of Heaven, Kouta-Nii-chan?"

"It's as you hear, Rinrin. I am the Messenger of Heaven that will fulfill my duty and change this world for the better!"

"Really? Cool! So, that's why Kouta-Nii-chan has that awesome looking armor and weapon!"

Chouhi grinned.

One of the villages spoke.

"Messenger of Heaven. That means he's a warrior of the God. A warrior that descend from Heaven himself!"

"Then could he be…"

"Armored Warrior of Heaven!"

Kouta just blinked for a moment and then to Kanu who was smiling proudly at him. He then look back at the cheering crowd and hope to himself that this wouldn't spread too far, but he doubted that would be the case considering how much of an influence the Messenger of Heaven have on this world.

"Then, I'll pay you triple the amount!"

The magistrate raises his offer. Having a Messenger of Heaven could boost his reputation. He could even be made an Imperial Magistrate. Kouta look back at the man and said.

"Didn't you hear? My duty is to change this world for the better with Kanu and Chouhi. I won't be someone lap dog, not while knowing that this world needs people to bring changes to it. And if you dare put a prize on me again then I don't have any choice but to teach you a lesson of pain myself…"

Kouta face darkens which made the magistrate fell butt first on the ground as he nods his head profusely. Kanu then approach her lord and said.

"So then, we'll be on our way."

Kanu smile before taking Kouta by the arm and turning back to the road. They manage to turn around and said.

"Thank you for having us here during our short stay."

"Oi! Wait up you guys!"

Chouhi cried, heading out to follow.

"I still need to say goodbye to the other Rinrin's Bandits first!"

Kouta look at his sister and smile.

"Sure. We'll do that, right Kanu?"

"Of course we can. I wouldn't dream otherwise."

Kanu smile.

After the goodbye exchange between Chouhi and her friends, it was a touching and heartwarming moment while Kouta and Kanu watch on. Even the pig was crying as Chouhi hug it, promising all her friend to come and visit someday. They manage to thank Kouta and Kanu for saving their village from the monster. Kouta simply smile at their gratitude before setting his gaze at his companion who was by his side and said.

"Well, since Rinrin's coming with us, I just hope whatever lies ahead, she's prepared for it."

"She has potential. Besides, Rinrin only got us as her only family member. So, as her older siblings, it's best that she travelled with us."

Kanu told Kouta.

"Yeah, it wouldn't feel right to leave her all alone here. After all, Rinrin's our sister. We can't allow a family members be left behind."

"Kouta-Nii-chan! Aisha-Nee-chan! Let's go!"

Chouhi called out, running ahead of the pair.

"Okay, we're coming!"

Kanu then look at Kouta as she held out her hand.

"Let's go, Gaim-sama."

Kouta then took her hand and said.

"Yeah, let's go. Our journey to change the world together begins here!"

And with that the trio walks towards the horizon, readying themselves for the challenges that await them in the future. But whatever it is, Kouta's legend as an Armored Rider has only just begun.

To be continued on the next Rider Arc.

Rider's Segment: Gaim's Current Lockseed Present.

Code, L.S.-07 a.k.a. Orange Lockseed: Orange Arms