TWF: Heya, this is the Wild Fang speaking, along with Fen-kun! And guess what? The newest chapter of the OVA is now here!
Fen: That's right! We got more exciting adventures and battles coming to ya today!
TWF: So, we got Marth recruited as part of the mini Shepherds for the time being. What will they be facing next?
Fen: Let's find out! Ikuzo!
Disclaimer: Same thing.
Chrom, Lucina, Tiki, and I managed to reach the village that was in the Outrealm we visited. After paying the innkeeper, the four of us went into our room where there were four beds, one for each of us to sleep in for the night. However, only I was awake, and the rest were asleep. I was looking out the window at the clear sky, twinkling stars, and full moon. I was thinking about a lot of things, including…
"Morgan…" I muttered. I took out the pocket watch and opened it up to reveal the picture of Morgan that was on one side and she was smiling happily.
"Kurogasa? You're still awake?" A voice asked. I turned around to see Lucina awake, standing a couple of feet from me. She was wearing a light blue night gown, with spaghetti straps.
"Sorry Lucina…" I apologized looking back out the window. "I can't sleep."
"I can't either." she admitted standing next to me, looking at the window too.
"Is it because of being separated from Gerome?" I asked.
"That's one of the reasons, yes." she nodded. "I'm also worried about Morgan… and Marth back home."
"Who doesn't worry for their loved ones, Lucy?" I replied. "I was really hoping this whole war thing would be behind us… but I guess what goes around, comes around…"
"Agreed. Sooner or later, it will come to haunt us again, and our search for everlasting peace will go on…" she sighed. She then noticed me holding the pocket watch in my hand, saying, "That's a nice pocket watch. Never seen you have one of those before…"
"Morgan gave it to me for my birthday." I said.
"She's always thoughtful like that." Lucina smiled looking at me.
"Yeah…" I nodded, then frowned sadly. "Seeing her smiling face always makes me happy. But now… with Morgan's life on the line… I feel that smile is going to be gone forever…" That was when Lucina wrapped her arms on my arm and leaned her head on my shoulder. "Lucina?" I asked a bit surprised.
"Don't give in to despair, Kurogasa." She said.
"Huh?" I blinked.
"You've helped me many times during the war, Kurogasa. Even though Cordelia isn't here to cheer you up, let me be in her place; encourage you to get back on your feet when you are down." she said. "Just as you've told me before, never lose hope… Uncle." she said, feeling slightly awkward.
(Piano begins to play)
"Lucina…" I murmured, before smiling a bit. "Thanks…"
"You're welcome," Lucina smiled back.
"Hang in there, Morgan. I'm gonna get that cure for you, so we can live like we used to again." I muttered, filled with determination.
(Cue Theme: This Game by Konomi Suzuki)
(Instruments) As the screen turned grey, it shattered away, revealing the title. Then, it flashed to a white screen before moving onto the next scene.
(Kokoro ni hisomu hiyori tsuyoi aite wa inai) Kurogasa was by himself looking at the sunset from a cliff as the wind blew gently. He took out his pocket watch revealing a picture of his family particularly looking at Morgan. He then clenched his pocket watch and looked at the horizon determined.
(Kujike ni kagiri soko ni haiboku wa arienai) Meanwhile, Cordelia was at Morgan's bedside looking at her daughter, who was in a coma, sadly, while holding her hand as the rest of her family and friends looked on.
(Uwabe no kosei de anshin to hikikae ni PURAIDO korosu) As the group walked forward on a plain field, the camera zoomed in on the future kids as they are filled with determination. Going in order: Lucina, Owain, Inigo, Brady, Kjelle, Cynthia, Severa, Gerome with Minerva, Yarne, Laurent, Noire, Nah, Kan'shou, Bakuya, Apollo, Athena and Danny. Once the screen flew out onto the horizon…
(NO NO NO SENSE OF LIFE!) Kibat, Kiva–la, Sagark, Rey–Kivat, Kivat II, Kivat and Tatsulot popped out onto the screen, flying while each of them said one word from the lyrics.
(Ya ban na zatsuon o kippari ketobashi te) As the screen zoomed outside of the horizon, Valka stood on top of a pillar, looking down at her enemies below her.
(Dare yori junsui koe ageru nda~) Tabik flew next to her before the screen went dark, letting the shattered marks on her face appear before it quickly moved to another scene.
(Tatakau koto wa kitto machigai ja nai) In another scene, Kurogasa, Tiki and Chrom roamed across the Outrealm, seeing new enemies.
(Tegotae ga oshiete kure ta) As the screen zoomed to the left, showing new enemies, it also showed other allies, including the recruited Einherjar in the team.
(Subete ushinatte mo kachi no kore~) With a clench of his fist, Kurogasa rushed forward with the shattered marks on his face before he donned into his armor of Kiva. Chrom rushed forward with his Exalted Falchion and Tiki transformed into her dragon form.
(WE~ ARE MAVERICK joushiki nante ira nai) Severa, Daniel, Kjelle, Gerome, Apollo, Bakuya, and Athena transformed into their respective Rider armors as they ran with Kurogasa and the other future kids following them.
(Mae e narae mukau saki ni) As enemies appeared, the future kids not in Rider armor charged in first to attack.
(Matteru no wa taikutsu darou) It was soon followed by the recruited Einherjar, wielding their weapons as they assisted the future kids and the armored Future kids.
(Iinari ha tsumaranai idon de yaru) Meanwhile, Kurogasa, Chrom, and Tiki went up against New Kiva in the arena. A strong blast conjured by New Kiva, blinded the whole view.
(Umarenaoshita inochi mo komani shite~) As it cleared away, the three of them, Kiva being in his Emperor form, slowly pushed themselves up, as they are covered in bruises. New Kiva scoffed as she got into her battle stance. The three of them then advanced again, slowly but getting faster.
(Jibun dake no michi o saigo made~) As Emperor Kiva leaped up high, Chrom and Emperor Kiva performed a somersault, his armor glowing while Chrom's Exalted Falchion glowed too, which revealed Emperor Kiva's DoGaBaKi form before the three of them landed their attacks on New Kiva's swing of her sword. As the attacks collide, the whole view changed to white again.
(Instrument) At the last scene, it ends with the comatose Morgan inside Castle Doran, resting and as the camera panned to the right, a family picture was seen, along with the blue hibiscus known as the Escaflowne, ending the song.
Chapter 3: Champions of Yore 2
In Plegia, the children were happily playing a new game that Akane got from her home world: kites. Multiple colors of kites were flying in the air, as the children were happily playing with them in Plegia's royal garden. "Gwamma! Gwamma! Lookie, lookie!" Morgana urged happily while pointing her kite in the air.
"Yes, I see it, grandchild. It's high in the air." Matilda smiled, making Serena feel a bit jealous. As a result, she let her line go longer than her sister before calling out to Matilda.
"Gwamma, look! Look! My kite flew higher!" Serena said happily, making the kids look in awe at the length of it.
"Oh my, it is higher." Matilda smiled at her.
"Mmmmmmmm…" Morgana pouted at her sister.
"Nyeh~!" Serena stuck her tongue out.
Morgana puffed her cheeks, before she decided to challenge her sister by letting her line go longer than her sister, and Serena replied back by making her line longer. "Children, wait! If you keep doing that, you will lose your–"
*SWISH!*
"–kites…" Matilda trailed off, as both kites flew away from their hands.
"Oh dear…" Libra noticed. "They flew away…"
"No worries, I got more!" Akane chirped, holding out a few more.
"Wow, look at them go," little Kibat said.
"Bye–bye ki~tes!" Alice said absentmindedly waving at them.
"Bye–bye~!" Ellie followed, waving happily with both of her hands while Minerva held her line with her mouth, making Andy sweat drop.
"My sister sure is carefree…" Andy noted.
"The children are having a good time with the games we used to play when we were children, back in our world… and Akane has a knack for taking care of the kids…" Aqua smiled while looking at Mai'yu, who stayed in her embrace. "Why don't join them, Mai'yu?"
"Mai'yu… shy… Baa–chan…" she muttered while burying her face in her chest. "Scared by many kids…"
"There's nothing to be scared of, Mai'yu." Aqua said encouraging her granddaughter. "Everyone is having fun."
"…" Mai'yu remained silent, making Aqua sigh.
"I wonder if you gained your shyness from Bakuya…" she pondered while looking around and noticed a box kite still on the ground. It gave her an idea, saying, "Why don't we play with the box kite? It needs two people to control it and you and I can play together. It's much better than staying on the sidelines, right?"
"Weally, Baa–chan?" Mai'yu looked at her. "You play with Mai'yu?"
"Hai." Aqua smiled.
Mai'yu smiled brightly at that. "Ok!"
"Okay, let's go play," Aqua said before the two went over to the box kite.
"Everyone is having a good time." Maribelle said as she took a sip of her tea. "And Akane had fancy ideas, getting their interest with her new craftsmanship."
"Yeah, Nowi pretty much joined too!" Lissa perked up while having Kyoshiro sleep in her arms as she cradled the child. "By the way, have you girls seen Cordelia?"
"She's checking up on Morgan in Castle Doran." Cherche informed. "Since Castle Doran provides healing capabilities, it should extend her time so the poison doesn't spread faster."
"Morgan again?" Elena said, feeling worried while feeding Marth with a chocolate cookie. "Poor girl. If Cordelia keeps this up, she might wear herself out, especially with a child in her."
"Yes, and I'm starting to feel worried for her..." Sumia added, with a hint of worry too.
"I'll go check on her." Melissa said standing up and giving Tommy to Frederick.
"Are you sure?" Frederick asked.
"Yes I'm sure. Besides, she needs her rest and I can take over, watching over Morgan."
"Aunty! Louise want to see Gwamma too!" Louise perked up.
"Dear, why don't you stay here and play with Tommy?" Melissa said motherly. "Grandma might need a lot of sleep after taking care of your Aunt Morgan. Be a good girl, alright?"
"Yes, Aunty…" Louise pouted, but still understood as Melissa walked towards Castle Doran.
Inside Castle Doran, the Three Arms stood outside Morgan's room, as they heard Cordelia playing music with her harp, and it was something beautiful to their ears. "She really took her time taking care of her." Jiro said.
"Hai, that's a mother's feelings for her daughter!" Ramon nodded.
"Music… charming!" Riki added.
"But… there's a hint of sadness in the song she played…" Jiro deducted as he listened to the song carefully.
"Ara? Why are you three outside Morgan's room?" Melissa asked, getting their attention.
"Ne, ne! Onee–chan, why are you not playing with the other kids outside?" Ramon chirped.
"I want to check on Cordelia." Melissa answered.
"I see." Jiro answered with a nod.
"Music… soothing…" Riki moaned.
"It sure is…" Melissa smiled before she entered the room. Inside, Cordelia was playing her harp calmly. Her plucks on the harp were graceful and serene, and on the bed, Masao was sleeping quietly next to Morgan's side and soon, her song came to an end.
Cordelia slowly opened her eyes, and noticed the sleeping Masao. A small smile was on her face. "Looks like Masao is asleep."
"And yourself, dear sister?" Melissa said, getting Cordelia's attention. "You've kept an eye on Morgan all day. Are you not tired?"
"Sister…" Cordelia murmured.
"You should rest Cordelia. It's not healthy if you don't." Melissa said.
"I'm sorry…" Cordelia apologized looking back at Morgan. It's just…"
"I understand your pain." Melissa said as she held Cordelia's hands. "But what's the use if you end up on the sickbed, my dear? Wouldn't Morgan be sad?"
"I guess… you're right…" Cordelia trailed off. "I do not want her to be saddened by my condition, should it happen to me…"
"That's why you must take care of yourself." Melissa smiled. "The Shepherds will be worried if you keep this up. That's why I'm here to help you in any way I can. Why don't I take over from here, Cordelia? You need some sleep since you look… well… tired."
"I… suppose so…" Cordelia said. "I actually do need some rest. Thank you."
"You're welcome dear." Melissa smiled.
(Outrealm)
"How long have we been walking through this realm?" I asked.
"Nearly an hour since we left the village behind us." Tiki replied.
"Why the rush, Kurogasa?" Chrom asked. "The Outrealm Gate isn't going to get us back home as it usually does, since it got tampered. Walking around might be a good thing to do rather than wait for a gate to appear."
"I know but…" I said.
"Look," Chrom said placing a hand on my shoulder. "I know you want to save Morgan more than anything and find the Escaflowne, but you got to have faith that time in the Outrealm is faster than our world."
"Yeah, relax aibou!" Kivat said. "There's no need to get stressed all the time."
"You do need to recollect your thoughts, Kurogasa." Lucina pointed out. "The enemy will take advantage if you are still distressed. And if they do, you will be pushed into a corner."
"…I know…" I sighed. I guess it is affecting me a lot…
"Everyone, we have company." Tiki said, and we noticed a familiar elder approaching us.
"Isn't that–" Lucina began.
"Yeah, it's him…" I groaned.
"Not this guy again…" Kivat groaned too.
"Quick, let's get out of here before that old das–" Chrom suggested, but was quickly intervened by his appearance.
"Fellow warriors! I requested your aid once more!" Old Hubba begged, much to my chagrin. "…I can't believe you came back to assist me once more. I mean, of course you came back! Just as I divoned!"
There was a moment of silence.
"…Divined?"
Accompanied by silence again.
"…Divinidated?"
"I wonder what the trouble is this time." Tiki pondered.
"It must have something to do with him being at a loss again…" Lucina pointed out as Chrom groaned.
"Old Hubba, listen…" Chrom growled, but Old Hubba quickly cut in with ease.
"Oh, if only Beatrice were still here to see you take pity on her doddering old husband. She was a big supporter of charity, you know. She married me, after all! Heh ha…" he laughed. This is where Chrom and I had enough.
"Hubba! Enough!" I shouted.
"Just point us to your stolen Einherjar cards, and we'll be on our way." Chrom grumbled.
"*Ahem* Yes, well," Hubba cleared his throat. "Actually I had a vision that we'd find the thief in three… two…"
"What's with the countdown?" I deadpanned.
"Oh my, Hubba. Did you follow me all the way here? I do love a man with endurance…" a familiar playful voice said, making the four of us turn around… and notice a certain character.
"That's…" Lucina got out.
"No way…" I continued. "She's…"
"There she is, right on schedule! The filthy, lying, exquisite beauty who stole my cards!" Old Hubba claimed.
"That woman…" Chrom said, as she was floating in the air with a broom of all things. "Isn't she…"
"Oho! Does she look familiar?" Old Hubba chuckled.
"She's… Aversa." Tiki added. With that familiar short hair and black revealing dress, there's no doubt about it.
"Even so, I can assure you this is not the woman you know." Hubba assured. "She comes from a different world than you or I– one already well on its way to ruin. Be warned, she's not to be underestimated. Or trusted."
"…really?" I sweat dropped.
"…Or shown secret heirlooms." Old Hubba finished.
"In which you typically screwed up…" I deadpanned.
"Especially not while I have all your big, strong Einherjar to protect me, Hubba." Aversa cooed. "You never told me all your calling cards summoned heroes from the past! You of all people know how much I love antiques, Bubbles…"
"I told you, you don't get to call me that anymore!" Hubba snapped. "…Rrrgh! See what she does?! Honestly, I'd love to help you fight her… if only I hadn't thrown my back out. But hey, at least I have the Einherjar you reclaimed for me last time! Now let's see…" He then took out some cards. "Come forth, my brave and comely heroines! Lend us your swords and shapely muscles!"
"Uh… is he going to call forth another group of muscles?" I asked, but I knew I was wrong as I saw a familiar figure before me… and two more that I don't know at all.
The first one I knew was Eirika, but judging by her appearance, I can tell that this one is a different Eirika, since she didn't recall our past conversation, wielding her rapier in a ladylike manner.
The second figure had forest green long hair tied in a ponytail, wearing light blue tribal clothing that's suited for girls that live in the desert, light blue gloves, and around her red sash that was around her waist, were a pair of swords, meaning that she dual wielded her weapons. She also wore brown boots and a sleeveless trench coat to finish her up her appearance.
The third figure was really different too. She had red crimson hair similar to my wife's, but only reaching at shoulder length. She also has a golden tiara around her head, wearing a red robe with gold linings on her mage clothing, a black cape with gold linings on it, long gold greaves over her red stockings, and black fingerless gloves that held her book.
"As you wish. I will strike down any wrongdoers." Eirika said.
"I'll show you what I can do with a blade." the second figure added.
"I hope we can end this with as little bloodshed as possible… for their sake." the third figure prayed.
"I know Eirika, but… who are the other two?" I asked Old Hubba, in which he replied with a laugh.
"Hahaha! Why the first one here is the lovely Lyndis of the Elibian Lore." Hubba said. "She is a nomad from the Sacae Plains who is actually a noble lady of her estate Caelin."
"I see." I said.
"And the other?" Chrom asked.
"I am Celica." the third figure introduced. "Princess Anteze of Zofia is who I am, but I am just a priestess from the Novis Monastery."
"A princess… like Eirika?" I blinked.
"That's right! And she's a true pure beauty!" Old Hubba laughed happily. It was then I noticed Lyn looking at me, as if she was having doubts.
"Um… is something wrong?" I asked.
"No it's just… you look familiar." Lyn answered.
"I do?" I blinked.
"You remind me of someone…" she began, "Someone… who kept mentioning about a seed within one's self."
"Seed?" I blinked. Of all the knowledge I knew in the Kamen Rider field, there's only one Rider who would refer to such a thing. I decided to give it a shot. "As in… the Seed of Agito?"
"Seed of Agito?" Lyn blinked. "This is the first time I've heard such a thing, but… it somehow… sounds nostalgic."
Okay, this is getting a bit freaky. If there's a version of me as Blade and me as Kiva then… there's a version of me that's Agito? The Kurogasa of Lyn's world is Kamen Rider Agito?!
"Kurogasa… who is this… Agito?" Chrom asked.
"This is the first time I've heard of this too." Lucina added.
"What's this? Am I being totally ignored?" Aversa huffed.
"Just one moment…" I said. Boy, it feels awkward telling someone to actually hold their horses for a bit, so I can explain to my friends about something that I know.
"I'm curious too, Kurogasa." Tiki added. "Who is this Kamen Rider you speak of?"
"Kamen Rider Agito." I began. "Some say he's from the world where Kuuga, another Kamen Rider, resides. And some say he's a completely different hero. A Rider named Shouichi Tsugami wields the power of Agito when he lost his memory."
"Similar to Morgan's situation?" Tiki asked
"In a way, yeah." I nodded. "He's a hero that protects people from the Unknown or Lords, deities of sorts that hunt down specific people for fun purposes. His quotes states that the Seed of Agito within people would bring hope for one's future, and it is up to that said hero to protect them at all cost."
"Is there anything else?" Chrom asked.
"That's all I could remember…" I said, rubbing my head. "It's been a long time since I've tried to remember that… y'know, politics and such."
"Agito…" Lyn murmured.
"Hm? What is it?" I asked.
"That name… I don't know why, but… it feels so nostalgic."
"Oho~? This is another one of those rare moments!" Old Hubba exclaimed happily. "An Einherjar regaining some of her memories!"
"But once her task is done, she'll no longer gain her memories, similar to how we encountered Eirika." I said, looking at Eirika, and she looked at me neutrally.
"In any case, we should be assisting our master for the time being." Celica insisted. "We must retrieve what is lost."
"Oh yeah… the cards." I said while looking back at Aversa, who was a bit bored. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Wow, this is a first, aibou. Telling your enemy to wait for ya." Kivat said with a sweat drop.
"I was getting bored, so let's make things interesting~." she cooed before taking out a familiar card… wait, is that–?! "Come on out, my sweet prince."
"Of course, milady. I am yours."
"Wait, Marth? …Again?" Chrom asked surprised. "And he looks… different."
"It's another reflection of the same man." Old Hubba explained. "Hmm, how can I explain this…? Just as no two artists would paint him the same way, so, too, his cards differ. Even cards of the same person have different appearances and abilities…"
"Oi…" I got out. "Did he just…"
"Just what?" Lucina said, looking at me.
"…did he… break the fourth wall?" I summed up.
"Fourth wall?" she blinked as she looked around. "I don't see any walls, Kurogasa. Why the assumption?"
"Never mind, it's a figure of speech." I sweat dropped. "Anyways, let's get going! Kivat!"
"Yosha! Kivatte ikuze!" Kivat cheered flying into my hand.
"GABU!"
*CRUNCH!*
Kivat made the hypnotic sonar sound as the Fangire marks appeared on my face and the belt formed around my waist. "Henshin!"
"What's this now~?" she cooed as I donned in my armor, surprising the young Prince.
"Who… what are you?" he asked.
"I am the one who shatters the Chains of Destiny, to forge a better future. Kamen Rider Kiva!" I introduced.
"Kiva?" Aversa blinked… before a smile appeared on her face. "This is something new. Not to mention he looks so… brilliant in it!"
"Even so…" the young prince said, "…since you knaves wanted to kidnap Lady Aversa, I suggest you leave her be before harm befalls upon you."
"You are mistaken, Prince Marth! We're not kidnappers, I assure you! We would never think of tying her up and making her beg for mercy!" Hubba said.
"Weren't you the one saying Einherjar can't be reasoned with?!" Chrom snapped.
"Enough of your lies. Draw your weapons and die with honor!" Marth shouted, drawing out his Falchion.
"Welp, was worth a try. Did my part! The rest is up to you and yours, Chrom." Hubba said before running off.
"Hey get back here! Don't leave us high and dry!" I shouted, but it was too late.
"Thanks for the assistance…" Chrom sighed.
"My prince, be sure to bring justice to them." she cooed before she flew elsewhere.
"Yes, milady. As you wish." he bowed.
"And I know he won't be alone…" Tiki noticed as the rest of the Einherjar appeared around us.
"Kurogasa, we need to use the Einherjar card we gained from our last battle." Lucina suggested as she drew out her Parallel Falchion.
"Are you sure?" I asked. "I mean… I don't want to get confused while we're fighting."
"It will be fine." Lucina assured.
I was silent for a while before saying, "Alright, if you say so." I then took out the card and held it up high. "Come forth! Prince Marth!"
The said card glowed radiantly, making the other Prince Math cover his eyes, along with the other Einherjar. Eventually, he appeared before us and fortunately for us, this Marth was older than Prince Marth, so I can just drop the 'prince' part from further misunderstandings.
"W–What is this sorcery?" Prince Marth asked shocked.
"What will be your command, Kurogasa?" Marth asked, drawing out his Falchion.
"I want you to aid us in this fight." I said.
"As you wish." Marth nodded.
"Alright, let's do this!" Chrom said before charging in.
"Father, wait for me!" Lucina shouted, running after him.
"Come, Kurogasa. We must fight." Tiki gestured.
"Right." I nodded while getting into my stance. "Let's go, Tiki."
"Mou~, seriously!" Apollo whined. "Just how long are we gonna keep walking in this endless realm?"
"Ara, ara~!" Kiva–la cooed. "Apollo–chama is impatient, ne~?"
"Yeah? Blame that freaky portal in the first place." Brady concluded. "Besides, we're kinda separated from our wives and friends too, like old times."
"Well that's great…" Apollo grumbled.
"Hey I ain't enjoyin' it either, but we can't do squat." Brady said.
"I wanna get out of this place no~w!"
"Quit yer' whining, pretty boy!" Brady told off.
"Stop calling me that! Those kids call me that because I look like Papa! There're even a few instances where they might have mistaken me for Mama, too!"
"That's because you look feminine, ne~?" Kiva–la cooed. "You did inherit Akane–chama's charms and Libra–chama's good loo~ks!"
"Seriously?" Apollo sweat dropped.
"Welp, look on the bright side, 'pollo." Brady coughed a bit, trying to get back to the conversation. "At least both of us are already off with the priest malarkey and going down our own path. You and Bakuya with those kids, while Nah and I compose songs are makin' it famous with Inigo trailin' with us."
"Yeah, I guess…" Apollo sighed.
"Ara~ I see something!" Kiva–la cooed.
"Is it a way out?!" Apollo asked excitedly.
"No~pe!" Kiva–la cooed again.
"Is Mr. Stiff around?" Brady asked.
"May~be?" Kiva–la cooed playfully.
"Kiva–la, stop messing with me right now!" Apollo scolded.
"That ain't Mr. Stiff." Brady noticed. "That's Severa's pops over there!"
"Eh?" Apollo said before squinting his eyes to get a better look. "Hey you're right!"
"We better help him out." Brady said.
"No need to tell me twice. Kiva–la!" Apollo called out.
"Ha~i! If Apollo–chama asks, then it would be my pleasure~!" she cooed before flying towards Apollo's finger.
"Henshin!" he exclaimed while thrusting Kiva–la forward between his fingers.
*CHU!*
His whole body was coated with quicksilver and as soon as it took form, it shattered away, revealing his Rider form. Brady took a quick look at his friend, muttering, "You look sissy in that armor."
"Urusai!" Apollo shouted.
"I'm just sayin'." Brady shrugged.
"Aw mou~ leave me alone!" Apollo whined before running off to aid Kiva.
"Hey wait up!" Brady shouted, running after him.
"Even if it's just the four of us along with Mar–Mar, this is quite a daunting task…" Tiki said in her dragon form as I mounted behind her.
"You got that right…" I agreed, despite hating to admit it. "Even if I transformed into my Emperor Form, without the Shepherds, it's not going to be easy."
"But knowing you for so long, you're not the type to give up that easily, yes?" Tiki asked cheekily noticing her childish personality slipping out from it.
"You know me too well Tiki." I chuckled.
"Then let's not waste time. We must defeat our enemies." Tiki said.
"Right!" I nodded before Tiki dove down and began spewing flames at the Einherjar soldiers, burning them and some of them turned into cards.
"Gh!" Chrom winced in pain feeling the cut on his shoulder, from battling one of the Einherjar soldiers.
"Father!" Lucina cried out before she quickly dashed towards him, slashing down the enemy with a quick swing of her sword before standing next to him. "Are you alright?!"
"I'm fine, Lucina…" Chrom winced as he checked the wound on his shoulder… and I can tell that's no small cut.
"We need to find a healer, fast!" Lucina panicked.
"But… where can we find one?" Chrom winced as the Einherjar slowly approached them.
"Kurogasa!" Tiki warned, which caught my attention.
"What is it?" I asked.
"There's something approaching!" Tiki said.
"Huh?" I said and when I looked forward–
"INCOMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!" A voice yelled.
"Wait, that voice!" I heard as it flew passed us, slashing the enemy below us.
"It's Apollo!" Tiki exclaimed.
"Hey!" Another voice shouted. From afar, we heard Brady's voice, running towards us. "Did someone say healing 'ere?"
"Brady!" Lucina cried out.
"Hey Brady, about time you got here! Go fix up Chrom! Tiki, Apollo, and I will handle the rest!" I said.
"Ya got it!" Brady said before running over to him and Lucina. "Yergh, that's some wound, pops." He pointed out.
"It would be best to do your job now, Brady." Chrom suggested.
Meanwhile, we noticed the battle between the two princes clashing, and it was pretty close, if you ask me. Clash for clash, spark for spark. "The battle between two Mar–Mars are even…" Tiki said while looking at the battle from the air, while I managed to slash down another Pegasus Knight Einherjar with my blade. Celica casted a holy barrier, pushing away the Einherjars before Eirika and Lyn rushed forward with a finishing blow on them.
"Oi aibou! I spot Aversa!" Kivat shouted.
"You do?" I asked as I looked ahead and saw down below that Aversa was down there. "Alright, I'm going in!" I said before standing on Tiki's back and placed a Fuestle in Kivat's mouth.
WAKE UP!
As I hovered up high, Kivat quickly broke the chains on my kicking foot, revealing the red bat wings on it. At the same time, the scenery changed in, from daytime to, night. "Oh~? What's this now?"
"Darkness Moon Break!" I declared, diving down my kick to her.
"Lady Aversa!" Prince Marth exclaimed before he quickly dashed towards her–
*CLASH!*
With much difficulty, his Falchion met my kick and the result was a crater forming from it and he was on his knees. "Whoa, how did he get here so fast?!" Kivat asked shocked as I quickly made a back flip after the attack.
"I–I don't know!" I said just as shocked as he was.
"That's a good boy Prince Marth, you protected me from harm." Aversa cooed. "I thank you."
"Grrrrrr…" I growled. This was gonna be harder than I thought.
"For you, milady…" Prince Marth winced as he slowly stood up, wobbling a bit. "...I shall ensure that these knaves… will not harm you…"
"Do you need any assistance?" Lyn asked, making me look at her. "It looks like you're in trouble, Kurogasa."
"I think so…" I nodded while Marth was busy with fighting the other Einherjars.
"Do you know how to play double?" Lyn asked from out of the blue.
"Double?" I blinked, looking at her.
"It's vague… but I do recall fighting together… with you… Agito." she pointed out while unsheathing her other sword.
I looked at her, surprised that she called me Agito instead of Kiva. "Why are you knaves still standing there? Be prepared for your defeat!" Prince Marth claimed.
"Ye~s, just like tha~t!" she cooed happily.
"Aibou, I really think you need her help." Kivat suggested as Prince Marth got into his stance.
"Uh… yeah, you're right." I said snapping out of it.
"Shall we then?" Lyn asked.
"Y–Yeah! Let's do this!"
"Let's go, partner!" Lyn smiled before she quickly dashed forward and clashed her swords against Prince Marth. Truth to be told, when I saw her smile, for some reason I don't know… I kinda find her… attractive.
"Oi, aibou!" Kivat exclaimed, getting my attention.
"W–What?!" I stuttered.
"Don't tell me you're falling for the ladies' charms again?! I thought you already overcame that problem!" Kivat said.
"I know that, but–"
"You know what's gonna happen if Cordelia knows right?"
"Yeah, I know…" I slumped my shoulders. "She'll kill me for this and my marriage might be in shambles…"
"Let's not forget that your kids will look at you differently." Kivat added.
"Hey, a little help here!" Lyn called out, getting my attention.
"Uh c–coming!" I shouted before going over to her to help out.
"Mattaku…" Kivat sighed.
(Plegia)
Elie and Alice stayed outside of a room, looking at it with curiosity in her eyes. "Ne, ne, Ali~ce!" Elie began, while holding her wyvern doll in her arms.
"Ha~i?" Alice looked at her absentmindedly, holding the ears of her rabbit doll.
"Why are Mommy and Daddy staying in the room for a long ti~me?" Elie asked curiously.
"I dunno~!" Alice replied nonchalantly. "Maybe they wanted to play a ga~me?"
"What are you two doing over there?" Emmeryn's calm voice said, getting the children's attention.
"Mommy~!" Alice said happily, running towards her mother, accompanied with a hug.
"Hi Aunt Emmery~n!" Elie waved.
"What are you two doing out here?" Emmeryn asked.
"Mommy and Daddy are in their room, but they're not coming out for some reaso~n." Elie answered. "Why they are in room so long, Aunty~?"
"Oh dear…" Emmeryn gasped slightly, surprised to hear the blunt child asking that without much trouble.
"Emm, what's up?" Saigo approached his wife, making Alice look at her father with her usual absentminded smile.
"Daddy~!" Alice chirped happily, as he approached his daughter and patted her head.
"What's up, Alice?" Saigo blinked.
"Daddy~, why Elie's Mommy and Daddy not coming out of roo~m? Are they playing a game in there~?" Alice asked innocently, as somehow, they heard a low moaning from inside.
"Uh…" Saigo blushed a bit, hearing it.
"Uncle Saigo~?" Elie blinked.
"Um uh, your mommy and daddy are… playing a game only adults can play."
"Weally~?" Elie asked tilting her head to one side.
"Y–Yes, my dear. That would be it." Emmeryn replied, trying her best to remain composed.
"Elie wants to play what Mommy and Daddy are playin~g!" Elie declared, much to the couple's surprise.
"Alice too~!" she replied, getting a rather large sweat drop from Saigo.
"You've gotta be kidding me…" Saigo said in disbelief.
"I–I don't think that is a good idea." Emmeryn said.
"Aw~ why no~t?" Alice and Elie whined.
"Well… you gotta be a bit older… and taller." Saigo tried to sum up.
"Like Mommy and Daddy~?" Alice said.
"Yes, like both of us, my dear." Emmeryn nodded, supporting his words wholeheartedly.
"Both of you are still young and short. So, that's a no–no." Saigo told the two.
"Aw~, no fu~n!" Elie pouted.
"Ha~i." Alice pouted too.
"Now, now, you two. Akane prepared some milk and cookies you two like so much." Saigo suggested.
"Oh, it is tea time." Emmeryn recalled. "And the snacks are being prepared as we speak."
"Coo~kies~!" both Elie and Alice said in unison.
"Kibat." Saigo called out, making little Kibat flutter in. "Why don'cha lead these two to the kitchen, so they could get their cookies?"
"Ryoukai!" little Kibat saluted before the two followed him happily.
"Boy that was a close one…" Saigo sighed in relief.
"I believe so, Saigo…" Emmeryn said sharing the same relief.
"Those kids are curious about the adult world, huh? And they caught both of us off guard from Elie's blunt question." Saigo sweat dropped.
"That's how they are Saigo." Emmeryn said. "They will understand when they grow up."
"Yeah, and hopefully not too fast, otherwise they would probably be scarred for life…" Saigo sighed wearily.
Meanwhile, inside the room…
"What a blast…" Storm sighed in relief.
"It sure was, love…" Cherche replied while snuggling close to her husband, in which he replied by wrapping his arms around her, keeping her close to him. "But why the sudden request?"
"Truth to be told, a funny question came to me, the other day…" Storm said.
"A funny question?" Cherche looked at him, confused. "From who?"
"Elie."
"Elie?"
"Yeah." he nodded. "Our daughter asked me about it. About when she will be a big sister, like her big brother for her." Storm explained.
"Is that the reason why we're doing this, love?" Cherche asked. "So Elie would have a new playmate when Andy is ready to soar the world once he grows up to be a man?"
"Something like that," Storm shrugged.
"My, our daughter is so blunt." Cherche giggled.
"Yeah, no kidding." Storm sweat dropped. "I wonder where she got her personality from."
"Hm?" Cherche looked at her husband, with the same smile on her face. "Is there anyone that influenced her of being who she is despite our daughter having the same hair color like mine?"
"Mmmmmm… maybe," Storm said.
"Oh really…" Cherche said slyly.
"Yes really." Storm smirked.
"Will you tell me… if we go another round?" Cherche asked seductively.
"Hmm…" Storm pretended to ponder, in which she closed in and gave him another peck on the lips.
"I'll take that as a yes." she giggled before the two went at it again.
"That's it! We're gaining an advantage!" Tiki exclaimed as she managed to breathe out a rather large fireball, burning down a line of enemies that tried to surround Celica.
"Thank you." Celica thanked.
"You are most welcome." Tiki replied.
Meanwhile, Eirika was aiding Marth against Prince Marth while Chrom, Lyn, and I faced Aversa.
"It's just you and us now, Aversa." I threatened, pointing my Zanvat sword at her.
"Oh, dear me~, am I cornered?" Aversa cooed, not feeling intimidated.
"You might as well surrender while you can." Chrom suggested.
"I believe I do not know the word 'surrender', cute boy." she cooed. "At the very least, why don't give me a good fi~ght?"
"Mattaku, she's just as bad as the Aversa in our world." Kivat scoffed.
"No kidding." I agreed.
"You're going down!" Lyn shouted before charging in at Aversa.
"Wait, Lyn! Don't charge in on your own!" I tried to warn, but she already collided her blade on Aversa and the latter managed to dodge the first few swings from Lyn before hovering above her.
"Fufufufu, getting impatient, I see." Aversa chuckled.
"There's no use flying away from me!" Lyn exclaimed before she crouched down slightly and quickly propelled herself upwards, heading towards Aversa. Though the first swing was a miss, her other blade, on the other hand, tore her flesh on Aversa's arm, much to the latter's surprise.
"That isn't playing fair!" she pouted.
"Oh it's fair!" Lyn retorted.
"Poo, well I'll certainly teach you a lesson!" Aversa said before casting a dark wave of energy at Lyn.
"Watch out!" I shouted before I got in front of Lyn and my back took the brunt force of the attack. "ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!"
"Kurogasa!" Chrom exclaimed as Lyn kneeled down to my height, as I tried to bare the pain on my back, trailing smoke.
"Oh poo! A hero is out for the count!" she chuckled, feeling happy, even though it was unexpected.
"Why did you protect me?" Lyn asked worriedly. "I could have shoved the attack to the other side with my Sol Katti. Why would you do such a thing, Agito?"
"Because… you're a friend…" I panted.
"Huh?" Lyn asked confused.
"I don't want to see my friends get hurt if there's a chance I could help them." I began. "I will do anything to protect and save those who are dear to me…"
Lyn was surprised, but nonetheless, a small smile was on her face, replying, "I know. But I can take care of myself. Just worry about yours."
"Right…" I nodded before she quickly ran forward, heading towards Aversa.
"I wonder what Cordelia would say if she found out about you two–timing…" Chrom said, somehow striking my nerve and making me blush at the same time.
"I am not two–timing!" I snapped.
"Really…" Chrom said unconvinced.
"Yes really!" I retorted. "C'mon, man! I love my wife, and I already have more kids than you can count, Chrom!"
"I know, Kurogasa." Chrom chuckled. "Just making sure."
"Instead of you two exchanging jokes, why don't you two help her out?" Kivat suggested.
"Uh… right," I said.
"Let's finish this then," Chrom said before dashing towards Aversa to help out Lyn, drawing out his Falchion.
"O–Oi, chotto matte!" I shouted, running after him.
"Aha! Your sword won't harm me, little gir~l!" she cooed before shooting out another dark blast at her.
"That's because you keep flying away from me!" Lyn snapped before swinging her Sol Katti to redirect the attack to the unexpected Aversa.
"Oh!" Aversa exclaimed before quickly teleporting to the ground, dodging her own blow. "That was a close one."
"But not this one!" Chrom and I said. Her eyes were wide open as both of us slashed down our swords on her. Even though it was a miss, a few locks of hair flew away.
"Milady!" Prince Marth exclaimed as he shoved Marth forward and quickly rushed to her side.
"Gah!" Aversa winced as her tome flew away from Chrom's attack.
"This is the clincher!" I said before thrusting my Zanvat Sword onto–
*STAB!*
–Prince Marth?!
"G–Gh!" Prince Marth winced in pain, as my sword pierced through his chest, much to Chrom's and my surprise.
"Nanda…" I said shocked.
"Prince Marth…" Chrom got out.
"I won't… let you… harm her…" Prince Marth cringed. "Even if it means… sacrificing my life…"
"That's a good young prince." she cooed.
"Your safety… is my… priority…" Prince Marth winced before dropping his Falchion and slumping down. Moments later, glitter formed around him before, he turned into a card, dropping to the ground.
"Prince Marth…" I muttered.
"Oh poo, he's done." Aversa pouted. "Oh well, he outlived his usefulness."
…What?!
"How can you say such a thing?!" Chrom snapped.
"Oh? Have you forgotten?" she began. "He is nothing more than an Einherjar, not a real being. He is a mere phantom that is built for destruction!"
"But even so, he was willing to sacrifice himself for you!" I retorted.
"Yes, but that won't matter much anymore!" she cooed while hovering back into the sky after dodging Lyn's attempt on trying to cut her down again.
"Yer' get back here and gimme my cards back, you sly fox!" Old Hubba's voice shouted as he approached us, and Aversa chuckled.
"One thing that we can agree on this battle is this. Your bunch is truly an interesting one, Bubbles~." she cooed while creating a black mist around her. "Perhaps I'd best retreat for now. See you later…" and with one gesture of her hand, she disappeared from the black mist, leaving us. At the same time, the defeated Einherjar phantoms reverted back to cards.
"Get back here!" I shouted.
"It's no use Kurogasa. She's long gone." Chrom frowned as Kivat detached from my belt and went to civilian form.
"Crap…" I gritted.
"Finally, it's over…" Apollo sighed in relief after going back to civilian form too, plopping his butt to the ground. "Boy, using this armor after a long time of not using it makes me feel sore all over! How did Mama manage to get used to it?"
"Don't ask me. I got nuthin' to do with it." Brady said.
"But still, I'm glad to see both of you again." Lucina said gladly. "But, have you seen others?"
"Nope!" Brady said.
"You and Kurogasa were the first ones we saw." Apollo said.
"I see…" Lucina said sadly, looking down.
"Look, Lucy. I know you're worried for your husband, much as how Brady and I are worried for our wives, but I'm sure they'll be alright." Apollo assured.
"Those guys ain't gonna be a walk in the park for gettin' killed that easily." Brady added, as Lucina nodded in agreement.
""See you later"? Heh, heh, oh, Hubba, you still got it, you sly old–" He was in his own world, until he received a glare from me and Chrom. Then he coughed up, pretending that whatever he said isn't true and tried to get back on track. "She got away?! Oh, fiddlesticks! Well, I suppose I soothseed this, too."
"Hm?" Tiki said confused, as Old Hubba tried to correct himself.
"…Soothsaw?" he got out, but still got the glares from both of us. "…Soothsawed?"
"Look, can you just point out how in the world she got those cards in the first place?" Kivat cut to the chase, making the old man alert.
"Ah, yes! About that woman… I've known this would happen ever since the first time I met her." he began.
"Really?" Tiki said.
"Oh yes! She came to my house asking to be my apprentice. I was her master, she said!" he exclaimed before frowning. "Then one morning I wake up, and she's gone… along with most all my Einherjar!"
"How is that possible?" Lucina asked, as the three of them approached us, while our Einherjar phantoms were still with us after collecting the remains of the cards.
"I bet he must have screwed up." Kivat assumed with a sweat drop.
"The cards were so well hidden, too! In a special place, kept secret for generations…"
"Well that secret's out now." Chrom said.
"Thanks to you falling for Aversa's charms Hubba…" I deadpanned.
"Hey!" Hubba snapped.
"It could be, Kurogasa." Chrom agreed. "Placing a dark art on him won't be much of a hassle for her, too."
"Actually, she didn't do anything to me." Old Hubba interjected.
"Ara~? What do you mean by that~?" Kiva–la cooed while fluttering right above Apollo's head and landed there.
"…I told her where they are."
…
…
…
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Chrom and I shouted comically angry.
"It was such a juicy secret! I thought she'd be impressed." he explained.
"Let me guess. She's impressed with it, wasn't she?" Apollo deadpanned.
"Of course!" Old Hubba said proudly. "Especially at the map I drew…"
"Honestly, this guy's a dolt…" Brady facepalmed.
"I think my ancestors would understand my folly. Certainly Great–Uncle Fondell would…" he sighed. "But don't judge me lest ye be judged later! I see big lady troubles in your future…"
"You've gotta be kidding me…" Chrom said exasperated.
"What kind of idiot wants to tell a secret like that?" I groaned with a facepalm. Seriously, how much worse could this get?
"In any case, since she has made her escape, why don't you use your crystal ball to find her?" Chrom suggested.
"She might be elsewhere of these Realms." Old Hubba said. "But not to worry, we'll get her next time!"
…what?
"Next time…?" Apollo's left eye twitched, feeling annoyed.
"We ain't got time for this malarkey! We got a flower to hunt down and–" Brady complained, until Old Hubba suddenly held his head with his eyes wide open.
"WAIT! I'M HAVING ANOTHER VISION! Why, it's the future again!" Old Hubba spoke out loud. "…And you're all there… again!"
"Here we go…" I sighed loudly.
"Yes! You defeated Aversa and found another family treasure she stole!" he explained. "This precious tome… it allows you to learn a special skill! And… I'm giving it to you! Oh, you look so happy to have helped a tired, wrinkled, pitiful old man…"
"Is that so?" Chrom said, still not convinced.
"And oh? What's this? I'm seeing two ladies in the shadows that will help in the battle ahead! And boy, are those two quite lovely ones!" he said, drooling about the vision he had.
Oh man…
"This is getting annoying…" Chrom sighed.
"Dare I ask who these ladies are?" I asked.
"Hm~." Old Hubba pondered before he chuckled a bit. "Oh yes! I do not know the names, but these beauties are quite revealing!"
"Just the description is enough, thank you very much…" I deadpanned with a sweat drop.
"These shadows, both of them have very long hair, as one of them had her hair tied at the end while the other tied her hair on each side instead, and oh! One of them looks really beautiful in her oriental clothing, compared to the other that is wearing a leather outfit revealing her great figure! Why yes! One is quite pure, and the other… quite snappy. And their three sizes are–"
*BONK! BONK! BONK!*
"THAT'S QUITE ENOUGH THANK YOU!" I snapped after bopping him on the head multiple times.
"Ow…" Hubba groaned.
"I think we got ourselves a pretty good idea on who those two might be." Kivat said. "Especially the 'snappy' part."
"I agree with you, Kivat." Tiki nodded. "If they are still around these realms, then we should rush to their aid posthaste."
"In other words, we'll help you out… again." Chrom summed up, making the old man cheer happily.
"Oh thank you brave warriors! Thank you so much!" Hubba said happily. "Oh, and as thanks, have another Einherjar card!" He added giving us another one.
"Hm?" Chrom said taking the card to look at it.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"He is the Young Lion, Roy! I'm sure he'll be quite handy for ya!" Old Hubba said happily before starting to walk away. "Well now, I shall take my leave! Until we meet again!"
"Yeah, likewise." I replied before looking at the card in hand. This hero had red hair with a blue bandanna over his forehead, right above his blue eyes. His clothing consists of a blue long trench coat with white leather straps on the upper part of his body, in which his white small shield was seen on his left shoulder. He had a black buckle around his waist, black pants, blue fingerless gloves and white greaves over his black boots. This must be the hero they called the Young Lion. And I can see why; he looks young but eager to go to battle, from the looks of it. "Maybe I should materialize it so I can know about this new ally of ours."
"Come now, ladies! Let us be on our way!" Old Hubba said rather enthusiastically, as the two of them reverted back to cards and so did Marth before Chrom held it. But I noticed that Lyn hasn't reverted back to her card form, but instead, looking at me.
"Hm? What are you doing Lyn? I said come back to me!" Hubba said.
"Just one moment," Lyn said before looking at me.
"W–What is it Lyn?" I asked.
"It is nothing." she began. "I just want to say… thank you. For everything."
"For everything?" I blinked. "I only helped out with this battle…"
"That's not it." she shook her head. "I remember the battle we fought together with our friends, back in Elibe. If the two of us haven't met back at Sacae where I found you unconscious, I don't think either of us would have known each other… and the rest of our adventures we shared along the way. I wanted to thank you for everything you did after saving my grandfather, but you left in a hurry, as I am unable to express myself to you."
"Lyn…" I got out. I guess she must have treasured her friends a lot, huh?
"I may not remember about this talk, but I'm glad I could tell you about it. So thank you…" she smiled before she approached me and landed a peck on my left cheek. That triggered my blush as her body glowed faintly, about to revert back to her card form. "…for everything."
"Lyn…" I muttered before she finally turned into a card and it gently landed in my hands.
"…" Chrom remained silent when he saw it.
Then the moment was ruined when Kivat scoffed, "Oh great, now you're three–timing…"
"W–What?!" I panicked, practically scolding at Kivat. "I–It's just a misunderstanding!"
"Oh boy, when your wife hears about this, she'll be putting ya' on a leash, aibou!" Kivat exclaimed.
"Don't you dare do that!" I snapped back, as Old Hubba got his card back from my hand.
"Oh well, you two love birds go banter on one another, while this Old Hubba is hittin' the joint!" Old Hubba said before he immediately dispersed, no longer with us.
"H–Hey! Wait just a minute!" I shouted, but it was no use.
"He's gone, just like that." Brady said.
"We should get going too." Apollo suggested.
"'Pollo's right. We ain't gonna stay here and do nuthin'." Brady nodded.
"We have our camping gear with us, since we don't see any villages nearby." I said, looking at both of them. "What about you two?"
"We might… gonna have to share with you guys, about something to lay on the ground." Apollo hesitated. "I don't mind about the chill since my robe can be used as a blanket, according to Papa."
"And since we are camping outside, since we don't know the threats in this realm, we should take turns on guarding too." Tiki pointed out.
"I suppose I can guard." Chrom said.
"I'll do it too, since I'm a bat and I'm nocturnal." Kivat said.
"I suppose I can too." I began.
"No. You need rest friend." Chrom said. "Can't have you think about too many things. Especially when it comes to Morgan."
"But–"
"Kurogasa, believe me. You need rest." Chrom pressed on.
"And you need to have a little chat with that new card you found." Kivat pointed out to me.
"Ara~, I wonder what kind of man he i~s?" Kiva–la cooed.
"We'll find out soon enough." Lucina said looking at the card.
"Uh… yeah, I suppose." I said.
Nighttime arrived and we were camping out at an open field where there was a forest nearby for food and firewood. As the group prepared for the night, the rest of them sat on a log and I stood in front of them, holding the card in hand. "Come on out, Roy."
On cue, as the card glowed, I threw it to the front. Just like the Blade cards, it spun in midair and eventually, a figure stood before us and I got to say, he looks younger than I expected.
"This must be Roy…" Lucina noticed. "But he looks so…"
"…young." Chrom nodded in agreement, to finish his daughter's words.
"You summoned me?" Roy began, in which I nodded. "I see. So the lady was deceiving us…"
"I think so." I nodded.
"I'm sorry. I was so blind to it." he apologized. "Let me fight alongside you as recompense. My name is Roy. Have you heard of me?"
"I am sorry, I've never heard of you." I said.
"Nor have I." Chrom added.
"Me either." Lucina finished.
"This is new for us." Apollo replied.
"I see." Roy understood. "I'm the son of a marquess in the Lycian League on the continent of Elibe."
"Elibe?" Chrom pointed out. "You mean, the country outside Ylisse and Magvel?"
"That's right." Roy nodded. "I fought on my father's behalf when he was too ill to mend our war–torn continent. I'm still young, but one day I hope to become a great man like my father. And the more I know about other worlds like yours, the better my chances!"
"This guy sure got some spirit! I like 'em!" Kivat perked up.
"May I know the man who summoned me?" Roy asked.
"Kurogasa."
"Kurogasa…" Roy recalled. "Even though it has an interesting ring to it, somehow, it feels a bit strange… my father once told me about a tactician that also fights, such as you. Maybe it is only a mere coincidence…"
"It might be." I added.
"So what is your home like?" he began.
"My home?" I blinked. "Why do you ask?"
"When I was young, I studied aboard in a neighboring house." he told us. "I've always been fascinated by other places and the people who inhabit them." he paused, looking at me. "Do you like your world, Kurogasa?"
"Of course." I said.
"I see." Roy nodded.
"I have a lot of friends and family back home that I love. And right now, I'm on a mission to save my daughter from an illness. She doesn't have much time…"
"I see." Roy noticed. "I can tell your world would be quite an interesting one. And who knows? Maybe I'll be able to enjoy your world as much as how I've visited other worlds."
"I sure hope so." I nodded.
"Should you ever need my help, you may summon me." Roy said as his body glowed. "And I shall lend you a hand, milord."
"Thank you…" I said before Roy turned into a card again.
"Well, that's that." Chrom said.
"Yeah…" I agreed.
"Well, I'll be taking first guard." Apollo decided.
"And I'll accompany the guy." Kivat assured.
"I'll be taking a goo~d beauty sleep!" Kiva–la cooed when she fluttered away to a nearby cot before sleeping away.
"And you too, brother." Chrom patted my shoulder. "I suggest you try to take a good rest. You're thinking too much."
"Right…" I nodded before Apollo, Kivat, and Chrom left leaving me and Lucina on our own.
"Are you okay?" Lucina asked me.
"Yeah… just… thinking…" I said.
"I thought Father told you not to think."
"I'm trying, Lucy… but it's too much for me…" I sighed while taking out the pocket watch looking at it. "Just imagining Morgan bedridden makes me feel worried…"
"I know how you feel…" she added.
"That's why we must find the Escaflowne and put down Valka. I don't want her to even try harming my family ever again…" I said while tightening my fist holding the watch. "I'll make sure of it. Mark my words."
"Kurogasa…" Lucina got out. "This isn't your usual self…"
"My what?"
"I know you act reckless at times, but there is a different reason why you tend to act like that. Your emotions are now in turmoil and the usual recklessness you had are not coming from your calmness and urge to protect someone. It's more from vengeance to kill someone… just like how I was before returning back to this time, in order to stop Grima from making its predictions come true…"
I looked at Lucina surprised. Have I… been really acting like that?
"Don't do this out of vengeance." Lucina said. "It's not going to do you any good. I'm sure you remember when I tried to kill you back then."
I flinched a bit at that, "Yeah… I remember. You went ballistic, just to ensure the safety of your future."
"That's right." she admitted while looking away from me. "If it weren't for your convincing words or my Father's encouragement to end the war without killing you, none of this would've happened and the future kids and I would have already achieved peace while my hands are stained in your blood…"
"I can't imagine the despair you would be in… and the loss of trust from your comrades and your dad…" I added, understanding her pain.
"Don't let it happen to you. Morgan wouldn't want it to happen to her beloved Father…" she encouraged.
"Yeah… you're right." I nodded. "I'm sorry Lucy I…"
"Don't be." Lucina smiled. "You're just a father that only wants to protect his own daughter." That was when Lucina hugged me much to my surprise.
"Lucina…?" I got out.
"Don't lose hope… Uncle…"
"Lucina…" I murmured before smiling a bit and hugged her back. "I won't Lucina. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Lucina smiled back.
"Ahem!" A voice coughed. The two of us turned to see Chrom and he looked very irritated.
"Oh, Father! What is it?" she got out.
"Lucina, I suggest it's time for you to go back to your own tent while your Uncle is about to go to sleep." Chrom suggested.
"Y–Yes, at once!" Lucina nodded hearing his tone, as she quickly left, leaving the two of us.
"Uh…" I gulped.
"You and I are going to have a long talk brother…" Chrom frowned crossing his arms.
Oh man…
TWF: There you have it! Another chapter has been resolved and this time, they're managed to recruit Roy as well! One thing is for certain, his half–Fangire charm seems to attract more ladies around him… lol
Fen: Haha! No kidding! Just wait until Cordelia finds out! Then he's in BIG trouble! XD
TWF: Yeah, he'll be busted, for sure. Oh well, tune in for the next chapter of OVA! Until next time!