Okay guys, it's time for another chapter of Awakening of Kiva! Yes, I said chapter. We're going back to chapters. We'll get to Paralogues later on, when Wild Fang and I feel it's the right time to place one in. So let's go!
Disclaimer: Same thing.
We continued our journey towards Regna Ferox with the addition of Aqua–chan and Ramon. Now all we need to find are Riki, Saigo with Sagark, and Storm with Kivat II. While we were on our way to Regna Ferox, I've been looking at the strange U–shaped six eyed mark on my right hand. It's been bugging me for a while. Ever since I came to this world with Melissa–neesan, I got this mark on me. This wasn't on my hand before back in my world. Nee–san has one too, only less decorative. I wonder if Akane–chan and Aqua–chan have it too. But first things first… we better find good shelter for the night because a snowstorm is coming around soon… yay… in a bad way…
"Brrr! W–When we will get ourselves some place to r–rest for tonight?" Lissa asked as she held close to her furry coat to keep her warm but not her face.
"If we can find something that will protect us for the night, we can rest up for the rest of the journey added." Stahl added.
"Really~?" Ramon asked as he skipped around with his sailor suit on. "I don't have any trouble with this weather!"
"That's because you're a Merman." I deadpanned. "Snow and ice is water in a solid state. So you have no problem with it." We continued walking around, until I saw something to the side of the road up ahead. It looked like… "Hey everyone, there's a huge cave up ahead!" I called out.
"Really?" Maribelle blinked before they noticed it from afar.
"Hey, he's right! Shelter! Let's just hope there's no bear in it!" Lissa hoped.
"Good, cause this chill is killin' me already!" Sully sulked while navigating her horse.
"Ain't turning me into a chunk of ice on these days!" Donnel added.
"It's a good thing we've collected some fire woods before we ventured on…" Frederick said as Nee–san kept the wood that was tied up neatly with her, while still riding on Frederick's horse.
"Yes, and I have to thank Vaike for chopping the wood for us." Nee–san smiled, making him blush while rubbing the back of his head from her comment.
"H–Hey, it's nothing really." Vaike got out. "Just glad the Teach can help out." After receiving the comment from her, as she looked away, Vaike had his chance by flicking his tongue at Virion, making him angry a bit.
"I'll get my chance soon enough…" Virion muttered to himself as we continued to walk through the snow.
"Tell me, white bat. Can bats like you feel cold?" Miriel asked investigating Rey–Kivat.
"Of course, milady. I am different from other Kivats since I am made by humans." Rey–Kivat answered.
"What are you actually doing?" Jiro asked her.
"I am doing a research regarding these… Kivats, I assume?" Miriel got out.
"Yes they are Kivats. They are one of the Thirteen Mazoku Clans." Jiro explained.
"Mazoku Clans?" Miriel asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. There are the Kivats, and then there are the Fangires, Wolfens, Mermen, Frankens, and Dorans to name a few. I am the last of the Wolfen clan, as Ramon is the last of the Merman clan. One other companion, who is not with us right now, Riki, is the last of the Franken clan." Jiro further explained.
"I see…" Miriel nodded. "It seems like my research has expanded even further…" Miriel smirked, making Jiro confused.
"Well, there she goes again… if there's something that piques her curiosity she'll be definitely get to work…" Akane–chan sighed.
"At least it's better to learn something new, rather than ogling over someone and go crazy over it…" Aqua–chan stated while walking and reading her book at the same time, striking another nerve on the latter.
"Y–You're lucky that I'm too cold to do anything right now. O–Otherwise, I'd… I'd… ACHOO!" Akane–chan sneezed.
"KIVAT–CHOO!" Kivat sneezed. "Oi, don't spread it around Akane–chan!" He groaned.
"D–Don't blame me! Blame t–this freezing cold in the first p–place!" Akane–chan complained as Kiva–la appeared from hiding underneath her hair.
"Ara~, Ara~. Her hair is also too~ cold for me to stay in~!" Kiva–la commented.
"How come you aren't feeling cold Aqua? Does one furry coat and your current clothing already good for you?" Chrom asked.
"I'm of Peruvian origin that lives in Japan. I'm already used to these cold weathers and one coat is enough to make me warm…" Aqua–chan answered without leaving her gaze as she flipped another page on her book.
"It's true. She can get used to and adapt to things pretty fast." I said.
"Is that so?" Chrom got out.
"Well, anyways let's not stand around here anymore! Let's get to that cave!"
(Cue in Last Inferno by Ceui)
(Instrumental [Starts at 1:30]) Chains appear one by one, binding and blocking the whole scene before shattering away, revealing the title screen: Awakening of Kiva, and a background of a dark, grey sky. The title then fades away before the camera descends down to a scene.
(Furikaeru nageki no kouya de) From the top of a cliff, Lucina looks down sadly at a barren and empty wasteland filled with death and despair.
(Matataita kibou no Fragrance) Lucina then closed her eyes as tears fell from them before the screen faded to black and the tears splashed in the black void, creating multiple ripple effects, changing the black void to the next scene.
(Kienaide hakanaki yume demo) Kurogasa was outside walking on his way to class while thinking about his repeated dreams.
(Kanjitai sono nukumori wo) Storm walks next to Kurogasa and wrapped his arm around his shoulders, followed by Akane ambushing Storm from behind by tackling him, making Storm and Kurogasa tumble down. Melissa who was behind them giggled as Aqua looked at them, while reading a book, leaning against a tree, and Saigo looked on as he sat on a tree branch.
(Michiyuku itoshisa wa Endless Chain) The sky darkened and the six noticed it. Looking up with determined looks, after Kurogasa, Storm, and Akane got up from the ground; the Outrealm Gate appears in the sky.
(Tsunagitai yo kono sadame wo koete) At the same time, Lucina and the future generation kids also notice the Outrealm Gate opening up. Lucina's group dash towards the gate, while Kurogasa's group willingly let the Outrealm Gate suck them in, flying towards it, triggering it to the next scene of seeing Chrom and his group battling with the enemy and both Kurogasa's and Lucina's group arrived and ran towards the battle area.
(Hanate tokoshie no Paradox) Kivat, Kivat II, Rey–Kivat, Kiva–la, and Sagark flew fast beside Kurogasa's group. All at the same time, Kurogasa, Storm, and Akane caught Kivat, Kivat II, and Kiva–la with their hands and the former two let the bats bite their hands before the belts appear around their waist, while Sagark attached to Saigo's waist, Saigo inserting the Jacorder into the side of Sagark, while Rey–Kivat attached to the perch on Aqua's belt hanging upside down, and Melissa punched the IXA Knuckle on the palm of her empty hand before placing it onto her belt.
(Akaku somaru yami no hazama de) Stain glass markings appear on Kurogasa's, Storm's, and Saigo's faces, while a pink heart appeared on Akane's forehead, a large snowflake appeared in front of Aqua, and a golden cross shot out from Melissa's belt before they glowed and change into Kamen Riders. They and the future generation kids assisted Chrom and his group, pushing back the Risen from destroying a village.
(Kimi wo omou koto ga yurusareru nara) Amongst all the fighting, Validar, Aversa, and Arc stand there, the former two having evil smirks on their faces, while an enormous large silhouette of Grima appeared behind Validar, Aversa, and Arc. Its eyes glowing red. Chrom, Lucina, and Kiva charged towards Validar, Aversa, and Arc, as Tatsulot attached to Kiva's left arm, making his armor glow once again, and assume his Emperor Form, before Validar, Aversa, and Arc advanced to them.
(Yasashiku kuchizukete) When the two sides clash, a spark of light blinds the whole view.
(Namida tokasu ame ga sakebu) The scene changes to the Wyvern Valley, as Cherche looked at the view at the sunset with Minerva next to her. An arm wrapped around Cherche's waist.
(Kore ga saigo no Inferno kitto…) When she turned around, she saw that it was Storm that wrapped his arm around her waist. Both of them smile at each other and the scene ends when Storm and Cherche look up the sky, to see Kivat II flying next to Gerome, who was riding on the future Minerva, as they fly towards the sunset.
Chapter 3: Warrior Realm
It was soon night time and we were able to get into the caves on time before the snowstorm kicked in. We heard the howls of the blizzard, deep within the cave. While Ramon played in the snow outside, in his Merman Form, Jiro stood near the entrance, guarding as usual as the rest of us warmed ourselves up with the bonfire made by Frederick. "Haa~, this feels much better!" Akane–chan sighed in relief as Kivat lied on his back near the fire, warming himself up.
"Yep! This is the life!" Kivat noted.
"What do you mean this is the life?! I won't be able to sleep properly on this hard rock floor!" Maribelle complained.
"You can't even sleep properly on a bed." Lissa deadpanned.
"Still, at least we're out of the cold." Stahl said.
"And there's no bear in here too." Lissa added. "I don't want bear meat for dinner again." She muttered to herself.
"Y–Yes, I agree with you, milady Lissa…" Frederick agreed as Chrom, Sully, and Nee–san looked at both of them.
"What are you two talking about? Bear meat is the best thing ever!" Chrom grinned.
"I can't say it's the best, Chrom, but at least it's edible for survival…" Nee–san said.
"And besides meat's meat. That's all that matters." Sully added.
"That's just messing with the food chain!" Lissa exclaimed.
"Yeah, this's the one time I heard bears chowed down by us!" Donnel joined in.
"Well, at least we got some food left for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow." I said. "Good thing you packed a lot of food for this one Lissa."
"Yeah, you never know when you might need the extra food." Lissa said.
Meanwhile, the sparks between Virion and Vaike went wild again as the two boasted with each other yet again. "Heh, the Vaike got her attention with my strength to chop down some wood for her! And all of the radiant smile goes to the Teach!" He boasted, as Virion wasn't fazed.
"Hah! She treated you like a servant; as I treated her like a fair maiden! The dance both of us shared was truly something else and her smile and laughter can be heard!" Virion got out, making Vaike's nerve pop out again.
*POW!*
Two snowballs were thrown at them, courtesy of Aqua–chan, as she was leaning against the wall, covering her whole body as she hugged her knees close to her. "Be quiet… I'm trying to take a nap…" she warned them with her glare, scaring them a bit.
"Yeah, you two. Be quiet, she's trying to take a nap." I repeated making Virion and Vaike twitch their eyes at me in anger. "Ah well, might as well start dinner with the leftover food we have. It's my turn to cook anyways."
"I'll help out." Lissa offered.
"Thanks Liz." I said.
"Is it alright if I could help out too, dear?" Nee–san offered. Virion and Vaike then got worked up again.
"The dish made by Sister?! The Vaike would be the first one to taste it!" Vaike said as he jabbed his thumb on his chest proudly.
"Nonsense, commoner! I, the Great Virion, should be the first one to taste the dish handmade by my fair maiden!" Virion exclaimed before–
*POW!*
Another two snowballs were thrown right on their shamrocks and both of them squealed in pain while Aqua–chan's intense glare didn't fade.
"Ara, ara… that's not very nice of you to do that, Aqua–chan…" Nee–san said worried.
"No choice… the noises they made forced me to wake up…" Aqua–chan replied normally before she tried to resume her nap again.
Somewhere, at the end of the corner, I feel like someone was depressing for a moment and it turned out that it was Kellam who was at the end of the cave. "Why do I always feel like I've been out of the circle of conversation? Golly…"
Geez, I feel really bad for Kellam. "Um… you wanna help out Kellam?" I offered.
"Really?" Kellam asked delighted. "I'd love to, Kurogasa."
And so, we prepped the food and utensils that we bought from the caravan a few days ago. And the cooking was coming along nicely. I called out the female Riders for a little meeting of our own as I wanted to discuss with them about something while the food was still cooking, being monitored by Kellam and Lissa. "Ara, ara… why do you call us out, otouto?" Nee–san asked.
"It better be worth it for calling me out from my bonfire!" Akane–chan whined as Aqua–chan looked at me neutrally, not saying a single word but her glare says it all.
"Sorry, but something's been bothering me lately." I said.
"Oh? What is it?" Nee–san asked.
I was silent for a moment until I looked at Akane–chan and Aqua–chan. "Do you two have marks like this?" I asked as I held up my right hand, showing the strange mark on the backside of my hand.
Aqua–chan's eyes were opened up, but just only for a tiny bit as Akane–chan blinked at what she saw. "Hey~! I got that mark too, only… less pretty!" Akane–chan said as she took off her glove and showed it to me, which was similar to Nee–san's marking.
"Yes, I can't deny it…" Aqua–chan added as she took off her furry coat, opened out the left side of her white jacket and noticed that she also has the same mark like Nee–san. It was on her upper… assets.
"Uh… right…" I got out as she covered herself up again.
"Still, I can't figure out what it's for…" Aqua–chan said.
"And I tried to wash it off with water and it's still not coming off!" Akane–chan whined.
"Do you think Saigo and Storm have it too?" Nee–san asked.
"I don't know, but I do know that for some reason, this mark gives me a bad feeling." I said as I looked at the strange mark on my hand. I kept on looking at it, and all of a sudden for some unexplained reason, my eyes widened and started having a flashback of me killing Chrom and my head jolted a bit making me hold my head in pain with one hand.
"Ara! Otouto! Are you alright?!" Nee–san said worried when I held my head and she stood near me to comfort me for a while.
"H–Hey, don't try to scare me, you idiot!" Akane–chan said scared before eventually, the pain in my head subsided.
"How do you feel?" Aqua–chan asked neutrally.
"I–I don't know…" I got out. "I looked at the mark and I suddenly had this headache."
"Otouto…" Nee–san said worried.
While I was still wondering about it, Lissa approached us with her usual big smile; all because we had ham to cook, her favorite meal. "Hey, dinner's all cooked up and ready to chow down!"
"Oh boy! I'm starving!" Akane–chan blurted out as she was the first one to rush towards the bonfire, where the meal was being cooked.
"I might as well get something to eat to preserve my heat for my body…" Aqua–chan said as she followed suit, only calmer than Akane–chan.
"Otouto…" Nee–san got out.
"I'm fine…" I assured while her shaking my head to shake off the pain. "The headache's gone now."
"But still, that headache might be serious…" Nee–san said as she placed her right hand on my forehead out of the blue and placed her left hand on hers to check up on me. "You're not getting a fever…"
"Hey, what's up with Kurogasa?" Lissa asked her while looking at me. "Is he getting sick or something? That's not good, right?"
"I'm alright, Lissa. Just a headache that's all." I assured her.
"Oh ok. Well, come on over and dig in." Lissa said then went over to the bonfire leaving me and Nee–san alone.
"In the meantime, we should get our dinner. Should the headache come to you again, be sure to tell me, ne? I'll get worried if anything happens to my otouto…" Nee–san said, caring for my well–being.
"Hai…" I got out and the both of us went back to the bonfire for dinner.
The next day, morning had come and I woke up noticing that there's no blizzard anymore. While I slowly woke up and turned to my side, I noticed Nee–san sleeping next to me, where half of her body was covered up by the furry cloak that was used as a blanket. She had her reasons though. As a big sister, she's worried if anything bad happened to me, hence the reason, but let's not forget that it felt a little bit awkward to have someone that I love the most sleep next to me. Seriously, I was blushing whenever I saw her alluring figure on her dress and her beautiful smile.
Quickly getting the thought out of my head, I slowly got up to make sure I don't wake up the others. I noticed that Chrom and Frederick aren't there. They must've woken up earlier to hunt for our breakfast or something. After slowly standing up, I went out the cave to get some fresh air.
"Slept well Kurogasa–dono?" Jiro asked who was still at the entrance guarding.
"Yeah, I did." I said.
"I see…" Jiro noted as I looked around.
"Where's Ramon?" I asked.
"He's sleeping under a pile of snow on top of him after the excitement from last night's blizzard…" Jiro sighed. "Honestly, he should've acted more mature despite his age…"
"Aw give the kid some slack. He's the last of his clan like you and Riki. Have him enjoy his life to the fullest while he can." I said waving it off.
Jiro scoffed at that. "I wonder… if we somehow find Riki and Wataru–sama while they're still out there. He could be in big trouble and I have truly missed his violin, just like his father played it when I first met him…" Jiro added.
"What was Otoya like when you first met him?"
"He's still a playboy as I can remember. He's not only barking at his opponent, but he also bites." Jiro recalled. "He's the first human I can fully trust, followed by Wataru–sama… and then you, Kurogasa–dono for being able to wield the power of Kiva."
"Jiro…" I said as eventually, the said Merman sat up amongst the pile of snow while stretching up happily.
"Boy that was fun! Playing in the blizzard was something else!" Ramon chirped before he turned around and waved at me happily. "Goo~d morning, Kurogasa! Why don't you try sleeping under the snow with me? It's really warm!"
"Uh… no thanks." I sweat dropped.
"Breakfast is here!" I heard Chrom call out. Oh no… it better not be another bear. And judging by the look on Frederick's face, there's no doubt about it. We're getting ourselves a bear for breakfast. "This guy came out of nowhere trying to attack both of us. I guess this saves up time for trying to search for a meal…" Chrom noted before he noticed my predicament. "Kurogasa, you look pale for some reason. What's the matter?" he asked.
"My guess is… you tend to break the food chain, milord…" Frederick got out as he also had the same feeling as I did.
"Uh… Frederick, let's go hunt for some boar instead. Come with me!" I got out laughing nervously then ran away.
"Y–Yes! I'm right behind you!" Frederick said following me.
As soon as both of us sprinted forward, Chrom, Jiro and Ramon looked at both of us in confusion. "Was it something I said?" Chrom asked himself.
"More like, is there something you did?" Jiro corrected.
"Did I do something weird?" Chrom asked further.
"Oh boy! Bear! Yay!" Ramon cheered happily.
"I know, right? But I still don't get it why those two ran away from this one, though… it is food after all…" Chrom said while scratching his head.
Soon, Frederick and I got away from the cave and the bear that Chrom killed. "Man that was close." I panted with my hands on my knees while trying to catch my breath. "Even though it's not bad to eat, I'm not gonna eat bear again!"
"I agree with you, Kurogasa." Frederick said after running for his life with me while leaving his horse at the cave. "I do not know why milord loves those things in the first place…"
"He's messing with the food chain for some reason…" I deadpanned.
"That, I do not know, but for the sake of survival, there's not much option we have left… a knight with an empty stomach would be useless for his army…" Frederick said. "Even though I tried my best to overcome this bear meat, I can't do so…"
"Well not to worry." I said pointing at something. "We found ourselves some boars." Frederick looked where I was pointing at and we saw a sounder of boars. Thankfully there were no piglets. Yes, I'm kind of a sap when it comes to baby animals.
Frederick noticed it too and both of us hid amongst the trees, trying not to scare the boars off. "We must try to not scare them. We don't have any archers with us to make the kill and those boars can be dangerous too… I only have my sword in hand." Frederick reminded before we noticed something fluttering high. It turned out to be Rey–Kivat. He's probably done his scouting under Aqua–chan's command; but what? That's what I wanna know…
"What are you two doing here, milords? Shouldn't you be at the cave?" Rey–Kivat asked both of us.
"Sorry Rey–Kivat, but uh… we found some boars we can kill for breakfast. I'm not going to eat bear again." I sighed wearily. "Problem is we don't want to scare these boars off."
Rey–Kivat looked at the mentioned boars for a moment before found himself a solution. "I know how to deal with this. Both of you stay hiding…"
"What are you going to do?" Frederick asked.
"I will be luring them to this area. It would be a graceful yet violent ending for one of the boars…" Rey–Kivat said before he flew towards them. The boars raised their heads up to see a bat flying nearby before they lowered their heads.
"Do you think it will work?" Frederick asked.
"I have a feeling Rey–Kivat knows what he's doing." I said. Rey–Kivat flew towards the sounder of boars again and soon got the attention of all of them. Rey–Kivat flew towards us and all the boars out of curiosity followed him.
"How is he doing that?" Frederick asked amazed.
"I don't know, but at least his plan is working." I replied before Rey–Kivat paused, making boars pause too. They were within Frederick's range of attack with his sword.
"Sleep in your eternal slumber, boars…" Rey–Kivat said before–
*SHANK!*
After hearing the sound of the sword piercing though one of the fat boars on its chest, aiming for the heart, the one that got stabbed squealed in pain, as the remaining boars scrambled out for their lives before the one Frederick stabbed dropped dead. "Mission complete." Rey–Kivat said while looking at the result.
"Oh yeah! And it's the biggest one of them all!" I cheered. "We're gonna be eating well today! Thanks Rey–Kivat!"
"Not at all." Rey–Kivat waved it off with a wing.
"Alright then, let's get this boar back to camp." Frederick said.
"Ugh! Bear meat again?!" Lissa complained.
"Seriously, aren't you getting tired of it?" Kivat asked, raising his eyebrow on Chrom and Nee–san.
"I'm already used to it and this is my favorite meat." Chrom noted as he took a bite on the roasted meat.
"Of course, dear. You shouldn't be picky about it." Nee–san said as she nibbled on it.
"Of course, my fair maiden! Her principle is my principle as well!" Virion exclaimed while eating it.
"You ain't the only one that can say the same thing, rich boy!" Vaike competed; while Aqua–chan carefully separated the skin from the bear with her knife.
"We can sell this skin to the shop to gain more money this way…" Aqua–chan analyzed.
"Ara~, ara~, you sure know what you're doing, Aqua–cha~n." Kiva–la asked.
"Funds are essential for the battle, hence with this whole bear skin, we can fetch some money…"
"I couldn't agree with you more, Aqua." Miriel said after Aqua–chan cleaned it up.
"Hey guys!" I called out as me and Frederick along with Rey–Kivat returned to the cave with the big boar we hauled in. "Look what we got here!"
"What is it, now?!" Lissa complained. "Another be–" Lissa paused before they noticed what both of us brought along for them. "Oh boy! Boar!"
"Yes and in the nick of time too…" Maribelle nodded.
"Yee–haw! A nice fat piggy enters the barnyard of wolves!" Donnel exclaimed as Rey–Kivat flew back to Aqua–chan.
"So, how far?" Aqua–chan asked.
"It isn't far. 8km to be exact to a nearby fortress…" Rey–Kivat informed. "Also… along the way, I saw something weird flying around next to it."
"Weird flying thing?" I asked confused.
"What do you mean by that?" Akane–chan asked. "What did it look like?"
"I can't say because it was a blue, but one thing I do know, is that it's not a Kivat… more like a flying saucer of sorts…" Rey–Kivat pointed out.
"Oh…" Nee–san got out. "I wonder if there's any UFO's around here."
"UF– what now?" Lissa asked confused.
"You guys sure have some weird terms that we don't understand…" Stahl commented.
"UFO is an acronym for Unidentified Flying Object." I explained, as the rest now understood. "But anyways, you said it was a flying saucer of some sort, it's not a Kivat, and it was blue?" I asked Rey–Kivat.
"That's correct."
I put some thought into it for a while. "Hmmm… It's not a Kivat… it's a flying saucer of some sort. Well, the only thing that comes to mind is…" That's when I realized it. "Sagark!" I figured out.
"Sagark?" Kellam asked, surprising everyone around us. Seriously, he needs to stop doing that! "What? I've always been here the whole time, listening to everything."
"Sagark, huh?" Kivat pondered. "Seems like there's a King in this world too, huh?"
"A king? What king?" Sully asked.
"Oh no… Kivat, you're not saying…" I got out but Kivat nodded.
"I'm afraid so… The Checkmate Four is here in this world." Kivat said.
Oh crap… I was afraid of that.
"Checkmate Four? The heck's that supposed to mean?" Sully scoffed.
"It sounds like a chess set or something…" Virion pondered.
"Yeah? More like a royalty family from an unknown country if you ask me!" Vaike got out.
"Actually, both of them are true…" Nee–san told them.
"Really, my fair maiden?/Sister?" both Vaike and Virion asked surprise.
"It's true. The Checkmate Four are the Fangire's elite members. They're the strongest Fangires." I explained. "They're named after chess pieces. Rook, Bishop, Queen, and King. Each one has a role. Rook is the enforcer of Fangires. Bishop would monitor them. Queen would kill Fangire traitors. And finally the King protects them."
"In other words, we have to be careful amongst those four. They're proven to be dangerous if we encountered one of them." Kivat warned.
"Hah! If I see those guys, I'm gonna skewered them with my lance!" Sully confidently said while pointing her lance upwards.
"There's more than meets the eye…" Aqua–chan said neutrally.
"Trust me, those four are on a completely and I mean completely different level. You won't even last a minute; heck not even half a minute against them." I warned. "That's why you let us Riders deal with them."
"If what Kurogasa said is true, then we should trust them, Shepherds." Chrom said, making the rest of them nod in agreement.
"In the meantime, we better eat up so we can venture forth to Regna Ferox posthaste in order to inform this situation." Frederick told everyone.
And so we chowed down on the roasted boar that Frederick and I killed. Well, it was Frederick that did the killing, but still we got ourselves a boar. And after that we went on our way towards Regna Ferox. The ones who weren't used to eating bear mainly Lissa and Maribelle were grateful for that. Heck, Maribelle was so grateful she gave me a kiss on the cheek. And right now, I'm still blushing madly from what she did.
"Ooooohhh, sooner or later, you're gonna get yourself a girlfriend!" Akane–chan teased.
"A tsundere one…" Kivat noted.
"Or even a harem of girls~" Kiva–la joined in.
"Ara, ara… if it's not Sumia, maybe Maribelle–chan suits your taste, ne?" Nee–san added.
"You sure know how to attract someone, Kurogasa…" Aqua–chan said.
"It's not Maribelle, Nee–san. No, I'm not having a harem, Kiva–la, Akane–chan, stop being like Amber, and I'm just being myself Aqua–chan." I muttered.
"Ara, ara… you sure have a different taste for a girl…" Nee–san added.
As we continued to venture forth, while I'm still blocking both Vaike and Virion from ogling over Nee–san while she's on Frederick's horse for mobility, even though the trip wasn't that long, due to the heavy snow from last night, we were moving slower than usual. "Brrr! F–F–Frebberick! I'm f–f–freebing!" Lissa complained having a runny nose, as she tried her best to keep warm.
"Gee, even with the furry coat around her, she's still ain't used to it?" Donnel asked.
"Stand beside my horse, milady. She'll shelter you from the wind." Frederick told her, to which she did.
"Mou~, just how far is it to this place anyways?!" Akane–chan complained.
"If you haven't complained throughout the journey, maybe we would've reached there faster than expected…" Aqua–chan said striking a nerve on Akane–chan again without leaving her gaze on a book she's currently reading.
"URUSAI! URUSAI! URUSAI!" Akane–chan yelled ready to pounce and maul at Aqua–chan before I held her back with my arms.
"Oi Akane–chan, yamero!" I cringed struggling to hold her back. Aqua–chan casually walked by her, and Akane–chan was on the verge of having killing intent. The only way to make her release her tension was–
*POW!*
"Gh!" I cringed in pain while holding my stomach, courtesy of Akane–chan's strong punch.
"Ha~, much better…" Akane–chan sighed in relief before following the others.
"Oi, aibou, I think she's treating you like a punching bag." Kivat sweat dropped, fluttering near me.
"*COUGH!* *COUGH!* Naw, you think?!" I growled at Kivat.
"Uh, never mind…" Kivat said retreating from my painful expression, returning back to the group. I slowly got up from my knees and Donnel was looking at me from behind.
"Hey, what y'all still doin' back there? This'nt the time for countin' worms!" Donnel shouted out at me.
"I wasn't even counting worms in the first place!" I got out standing up before painfully following the group.
After a few more minutes of walking, Akane-chan complaining, and using me as a punching bag, we arrived at the border castle of Regna Ferox built into a very long wall of stone almost like the Great Wall of China, and up ahead was a steel grate gate built into the border castle wall that led inside. "Finally, we're here." Akane–chan sighed in relief.
"Yeah… if only you didn't have to punch me along the way…" I got out as Maribelle healed me up yet again.
"Honestly, you're going to be turned into a ragged doll sooner or later by this girl." Maribelle sighed.
"But at least he's taking a beating way too good!" Sully complimented.
"Ara, ara. We've reached our destination?" Nee–san asked.
"Yes, Sister Melissa. This is the Longfort. It stretches along the border of Ylisse and Regna Ferox." Chrom explained.
"The khans that rule Ferox have grown quite wary of foreigners. Still, don't mistake a lack of hospitality for open hostility." Frederick advised before turning to Chrom. "This simply calls for a bit of diplomacy."
"Negotiation's not my strong suit, but I'll do my best." Chrom said. "Remember, everyone: your actions here reflect back upon Ylisse." He reminded.
"You got it!" Sully said confidently.
"Very well." Maribelle nodded.
"We need to stay within our human form for now, Ramon…" Jiro reminded the Merman.
"Okay~!" Ramon chirped like a happy camper.
"If you say so, then we'll be on guard." Stahl said.
"Do not fear, my Prince! A gentleman always keeps his manners in check." Virion assured him.
"Just as long as they don't try to strike a nerve on the Vaike, I'll be alright!" Vaike firmly said.
"Alright then…" Kellam spoke but not everybody noticed his presence, and to be honest, even I can't feel his presence.
"You got it!" Donnel exclaimed.
"Yeah, we'll– INCOMING!" I yelled. Everyone looked up to see a lance in the air and it was about to fall straight for Nee-san! No one had to time to react and I couldn't reach here in time until a small blur of a saucer, knocked it away. Wait, what?! The blur literally snapped the lance in half before it flew back towards a direction of the forest.
"Golly! What was that?!" Kellam got out surprised.
"That was fast!" Akane–chan got out.
"Good job, and it was right on time, too…" A male voice said.
"Osdgihpoadsihafih!" That blurred figure said speaking gibberish that even I can't understand.
"I know, I know… it's a good thing we've followed these guys…" the figure spoke.
"Wait, that voice…" Aqua–chan got out.
"That gibberish speaking!" Akane–chan got out. A figure came out behind the tree and it was…
"Yo, minna. Miss me?"
"SAIGO!" Nee–san, Akane–chan, Aqua–chan, and I said surprised.
"Yeah, that's the name!" Saigo replied as I noticed he's still in the same clothes, in addition to a brown cape, gloves and boots instead of his usual shoes.
"Well, well~, lookie here! It's Sagark, Onii–cha~~n!" Kiva–la spoke.
"Ihsdgoshdr!" Sagark said.
"Uh… yeah, even though my ancient language of Fangires is rusty, but, nice meeting you too…" Kivat replied.
"At least we have an ally with us…" Rey–Kivat noted.
"Pihsdgladv?" Sagark asked.
"I believe we've met for the first time…" Rey–Kivat replied as Jiro stepped forward, glaring at Saigo for some reason.
"Jiro–chan, what's wrong?" Ramon asked.
"Tell me… are you King of Checkmate Four?" Jiro asked.
"You see the mark on my hand?" Saigo asked back, showing his palm and back of his right hand. "No? Then I'm not King of the Checkmate Four." At that point, Nee–san, Akane–chan, and Aqua–chan ran towards him with me following last. When I ran up to him though, I punched him in the face, knocking him on his back, surprising the three Rider girls. "Ow! What was that for?!" Saigo snapped rubbing his jaw.
"That's for getting us stuck in this world thanks to that magic circle of yours!" I snapped back.
"HEY! At least it worked and look! We got our comrades to be alive!" Saigo pointed out as got back up and Sagark landed on his head. "See? They aren't a bunch of toys from our world!"
"That's not the point!" I argued.
"Alright, you two, break it up!" Chrom intervened, playing the peacemaker before he shifted his attention to Saigo. "Tell me, why did you follow us?"
"It's simple, really." Saigo said as he pointed at Sagark on his head. "I gotta warn you guys about this Regna Ferox."
"What about it? Speak." Frederick asked.
"Apparently, there's these Chrom's escort–wannabes that want to enter the fort but too bad, though, most of them got chopped up into minced meat. Since then, those guys kept their defenses up, ready to take down any enemy on their sight." he informed, making us surprised.
"Then, the whole reason why the lance was aiming at me…" Nee–san spoke.
"…is because they think you're the enemy. That's why I told Sagark here to warn you guys, but I didn't expect to see you guys again…" Saigo informed before he turned around. "And from the looks of it, your little company has caught their attention, for sure. Look over there. They're deploying some army to our direction."
"Those fools! Don't they realize what they're doing?!" Frederick gritted.
"So much for diplomacy…" I muttered.
"Then… what should we do?" Chrom asked.
"We just gotta prove them wrong and show them that we're the real deal…" Saigo said. "Look, these guys are more focused on battles than speaking out."
They all pondered for a moment before Frederick made up his mind. "Even though I can't fully trust this man yet, he has provided vital information that we can use for this situation."
"Gotta agree with ya." Sully nodded.
"Then… should we fight them?" Maribelle asked.
"Why don't you try and ask them yourselves?" Saigo said jabbing his thumb back to reveal a knight in her big brown buff armor, similar to what Kellam wore and has short dark blonde hair, riding on a horse with her band of soldiers.
"Who goes there?!" the woman shouted.
"In the name of House Ylisse, I seek audience with the khans!" Chrom said as he stepped forward, but a lance was thrown near his feet stopping him.
"Not another step, my bold lad! I've lancers at the ready!" The woman warned.
"Hold, milady! We are not your enemy!" Frederick said stepping forward. "Exalt Emmeryn herself sent us to discuss matters of mutual interest."
"My only interest is keeping you out of Regna Ferox, brigand!"
"B–Brigand?" Frederick gritted twitching his eye in annoyance. "Now see here–"
"You think you are the first "Ylisseans" to try and cross our border?" The woman interrupted. "I have the authority to fell such imposters where they stand."
"How dare you! You are in the presence of Prince Chrom, The Exalt's own blood!" Frederick snapped.
"Ha! Yes, indeed– and I'm the queen of Valm!" The woman scoffed. "You do realize impersonating royalty is a capital offense, yes? Then perhaps we should settle this the Feroxi way. You claim to be the prince of Ylisse? Then prove it on the battlefield!"
"Rgh… Emmeryn won't like this at all…" Chrom gritted. "Please, good lady! If you'd just listen–"
"I've heard quite enough! Attack!"
"Oh great, here we go…" I groaned. "Kivat!"
"Looks like we're not given much of a choice! Let's do this, Kurogasa!" Kivat said and grabbed onto him as Nee–san got off from the horse, with her IXA Knuckle in hand.
"I really dislike fighting, but this is the only way we could prove them wrong…" Nee–san worried before she pressed it on her left palm to activate it.
R–E–A–D–Y
"Rey–Kivat." Aqua–chan muttered.
"That's right, milady. To prove our innocence, a battle must commence." Rey–Kivat added.
"We better not be left behind, Akane–chama~~!" Kiva–la reminded.
"There's no way I'll be left behind on this one!" Akane–chan got out before she held her on her fingers and thrusted her forward.
"Sagark, time to get to work…" Saigo told his partner and Sagark fluttered around.
"Sdsetwerjq… asdaspiug… asfaip… hesin… henshin… henshin…" Sagark said before it latched onto his waist, making an even louder sound than IXA, making some of them cover their ears, including the enemy, except for us Riders and Arms monsters.
"GABU!"
"CHU!"
Fangire stained glass markings appeared on mine and Saigo's face as Saigo took out his Jacorder and inserted it on the side of Sagark before taking it out.
"Henshin!" We shouted.
F–I–S–T O–N!
"Henshin!" Rey–Kivat cried out.
"Hen… shin." Sagark said.
With all of the transformation commencing, both Saigo and I went to quicksilver while Sagark's top part of his body rotated fast. Nee–san's IXA armor appeared and slammed onto her. A snowflake appeared in front of Aqua–chan before the snowflake shattered away, donning in her armor and finally, Akane–chan's body synchronized with the wavelength of Kiva–la and glowed radiantly. After the three of us shattered away and donned within our armor, Saigo wielded his rapier–like Jacorder.
On his black bodysuit, he wore bulky white upper chest armor with blue and yellow stained glasses rested on his chest. With white lines around his knee and thigh area, arms and a few more rested below the shattered glass underneath his chest, he is also equipped with a shoulder pad that resembled a crown of sorts. Heck, even his white helmet with blue visor are similar to a crown too, and not to mention on his bracers and ankles.
Saigo had become Kamen Rider Saga.
"W–What is that armor they're wearing!" the woman demanded.
"Everyone; knock them out cold, but don't kill 'em. Jiro, Ramon, no soul eating." I said.
"Don't worry… I understand…" Jiro muttered as he knelt down on one knee, scratching the ground before his Wolfen Form took his shape.
"If that's what you want, it's what you'll get!" Ramon pointed out as he twirled around and snapped his finger, getting into his Bashaa Form.
"If you still think you have what it takes to defeat us, let's see if you can even reach the front of the base!" the woman exclaimed before she head back towards the entrance.
"Hey, wait!" Chrom got out, trying to speak once more, only to have more lances raining down on him.
"Hey, watch out!" Saga shouted but he had to block the attack from the incoming enemy with his Jacorder. Chrom had no time to defend himself and suddenly, a huge blur carried him to safety and the lances missed. Wait where did that come from? I looked to the sky and saw… a Pegasus and on it was Chrom and… Sumia?!
"Sumia…?" Chrom got out.
"Better hold on tight, Captain. Could get bumpy." Sumia said.
"Uh… right." Chrom got out.
Sumia turned her around with an assured smile on her face. "You'll be fine." Chrom looked at her for a while until he spotted the Knights on the roof ready to throw their lances again.
"Sumia!" Chrom said unsheathing Falchion.
"Right!" She said as she urged the Pegasus to get to the other side to meet with us.
"Milord! You're alright!" Frederick shouted as he knocked down another one with his sword.
"And she made her entrance pretty swell!" Saga noted as he switches his Jacorder to Bute Mode, wrapping the cavalier off from his horse and slammed him towards the nearby tree. Meanwhile, as Rey–chan disarmed her opponent's weapon with her claws and knocked them out with a roundhouse kick, Kiva–la–chan paused after swinging her sword around, knocking them out with the flat side of her Kiva–la Saber.
"Hey! Who's the girl?" Kiva–la–chan asked me.
"This is Sumia. The Shepherd's Pegasus Knight." I answered. "And don't you start teasing me."
"Hehehehehehehe… maybe I should tell her that you like her…" Kiva–la–chan said deviously, making me groan before I engaged in combat with a lance user, assisting Stahl out for a bit.
When Sumia landed her horse onto the ground, Chrom got off from her Pegasus. "Oh, Captain, I'm so relieved I made it in time!"
"That goes double for me, Sumia!" Chrom exclaimed as he remembered something about the Pegasus the two rode earlier. "And this– is this the same ornery Pegasus we met on the road?!"
"Oh, she's a sweetheart, isn't she? …Once you really get to know her…" Sumia said.
"Well, many thanks to you both." Chrom thanked.
"I think the Pegasus is blushing!" Lissa giggled.
"And I think we had all best focus on the situation at hand!" Frederick got out knocking out another Feroxi soldier cold.
"Ramon, with me!" I said taking out his Fuestle and placed it in Kivat's mouth.
BASHAA MAGNUM!
The Fuestle played out the trumpet tune.
"Yay~~~!" Ramon cheered happily as he leaped high to the sky before turning into a Stone Statue. Gripping onto the holder of Bashaa Magnum, my arm and chest armor was wrapped in chains before it diminished, revealing in my new form with my lenses changing to green, the same going for Kivat's eyes. Though I felt my strength being weakened, it was compensated with remarkable marksmanship. I can shoot a target from a mile away. I shot a few water bullets taking some of the soldiers that were trying to attack us by disarming them before knocking them out in the process.
"Using lethal weapons to make a non–lethal move, huh? Such a challenge the boy gives, but the Great Virion accepts it!" Virion declared, releasing some of the arrows onto the enemy's shoulder, forcing them to drop their weapons away before the Vaike jumped out from a nearby tree from above, surprising the enemy and used the hilt of his axe to knock them out cold.
"IGNITE!" Miriel shouted as a wall of flames appeared right in front of her, and stopped most of the enemy's soldiers trying to attack her or Lissa.
"Phew! That was a close one!" Lissa said as she wiped the sweat on her forehead.
"Perhaps a little recovery for me would suffice…" Miriel said.
"One healing woman, coming right~ up!" Lissa chirped.
Somewhere else, while Maribelle was healing up Donnel from the injury, IXA–neesan shot at the enemy's hand, disarming them with ease before she delivered a kick to their head, knocking them out cold. "Thanks for the help, big Sister! We could've been slaughtered from those butcher knives!" Donnel thanked.
"It's not a problem." IXA–neesan waved it off. At that point, more soldiers were coming towards IXA–neesan. "Let's make them tumble." She said as she took a Fuestle and slotted it in her belt before pushing on it with her IXA Knuckle.
I–X–A K–N–U–C–K–L–E: R–I–S–E U–P!
Electricity from the IXA Knuckle crackled as she took it off her belt before slamming it to the ground to make a shockwave. With the power of the shockwave from her Broken Fang, it raised up the earth beneath her, creating an earth wave to make the enemies tumble down from it. "Whoa! That's amazing!" Lissa said impressed.
"Indeed. I've never witnessed such a move before. A punch that moves the earth? Intriguing…" Maribelle noted.
"Oh it's nothing really." IXA–neesan waved it off.
Meanwhile, I was helping out Chrom knock out some enemies cold. "Man, how many of these guys are there?" I asked annoyed shooting another water bullet at a soldier.
"Judging that there's a fortress nearby, I can't tell how much more they could deploy!" Chrom shouted as he took down another one with his sword, hitting their head on its flat side.
"Gah! Just how many do we have to take down?!" Kiva–la–chan groaned in anger before… the Bloody Rose played, and this one is louder than normal.
"Uh–oh, we got trouble. The Bloody Rose humming that loud means we got more than one Fangire to deal with." Kivat said.
"What?!" I gawked behind my mask.
"You're kidding me!" Saga exclaimed.
"Trouble…" Rey–chan muttered as some of the soldiers still standing was confused from the humming sound.
"What's that noise?!" One of them asked as they stopped fighting.
"Who's playing the violin in the middle of the forest?!" another one demanded.
Jiro looked around, took a few sniffs of his own until eventually, he paused. "The fortress…"
"What?!" Frederick got out.
"They're at the fortress…" Jiro confirmed. "My nose never lies."
"Oh crap, not good either." I grimaced. "Hey! One of you soldiers got a key to the gate?! We got monsters inside the fortress!" I shouted.
"No, none of us have the key, you brigand! And there's no way we'll let you get in there!" they shouted before they continued where they left off, only to have Rey–chan and Kiva–la–chan parry the attack.
"Go, now." Rey–chan said.
"We'll calm down these bozos while you're at it!" Kiva–la–chan added.
"And have no fear; as the Great Virion will protect the fair maiden!" Virion claimed.
"Don't leave the Vaike behind!" Vaike smirked while knocking down another one. "The Sister is in good hands!"
"Grr… fine! But if I see a scratch on her, and it was because you two let it happen, you'll be sorry! And it's not a threat, it's a promise." I said.
"I will put my honor on the line, if I must; to earn your trust!" Virion pledged.
"You got it! The Vaike's gonna keep his word, for sure!" Vaike saluted before they ran towards the battlefield, both men assisting IXA–neesan.
"We better make it snappy. Who knows what would happen if we don't get there on time…" Saga said.
"The very lives of the Feroxi are in danger!" Chrom pointed out.
"Ahhh! Get away from m–"
*STAB!*
The soldier that was trying to defend the door that led into Regna Ferox got sucked out as the fangs absorbed the individual's life, turning him into hollowed glass before a figure punched the hollowed man. The punch shattered him into pieces, as two of the Fangires were satisfied with their meal. "Who… what are you fiends?! How did the two of you defeat an entire platoon of my army?!" the woman exclaimed as both figures chuckled.
The first Fangire has a feline figure similar to the Lion Fangire. It has stained glass shoulder pads with marble statues of tiger heads on each shoulder, the mouths opened. It was mostly orange and red in stain glass with black lines that looked like stripes. On its knees were also marble statues of tiger heads with mouths opened. This was the Tiger Fangire, or for its true name: The Creeping Camouflage. The second Fangire was mostly silver and black stain glass with oversized muscular arms and legs. Its back was silver stain glass to represent that of a mountain silverback gorilla with a monkey like face. This was the Gorilla Undead. His true name was: A Strength of the World's Strongest 1000 Men.
"The more prey that appear in front of us, the more meals for us Fangires to feed on…" the Tiger Fangire got out.
"Me strong! No one defeats me!" the Gorilla Fangire shouted angrily while bumping his chest with its muscular arms, creating sound waves that made the walls nearby crack and make some of the men cringe in pain on their chests.
"These fiends… are different…" the woman said as she held her chest while the Gorilla Fangire continued to bump its chest. Eventually, she spotted a man bleed out from his mouth before he dropped dead.
"Aw~, I think that man has internal bleeding… allow me to assist you in lessening the pain!" the Lion Fangire said as it let out a very loud roar. The roar was so loud, that not only it stripped out a random man's armor, but also his skin too, only leaving flesh before he dropped dead. "See? That wasn't so hard now, was it?"
Aw c'mon! This is ridiculous! I can't even shoot the lock down with the water bullets! "It would take much more than just shots of water to release this kind of lock…" Frederick said as we heard another shout from the inside.
"If we don't help them out, the Feroxi are gonna be in serious trouble!" Saga exclaimed.
What should I do? If there's no way to get in there, then how are we supposed to do it? I don't have Riki with us to break down this wall! Man, when a situation like this occurs, he's not around! Damn it, what should I do?!
"Captain Chrom~!" A voice shouted. Saga, Chrom, Frederick and I heard the call from the sky and saw Sumia, riding on her Pegasus and… what's that in her hand? Wait, is that a key? "Thank goodness I got here on time!"
"How did you get the key?" I asked her.
"From one of the soldiers…" Sumia said as she mounted off her Pegasus and walked toward us, but not before she tripped on a very small pebble, face first…
"And there she goes tripping randomly again." Kivat sweat dropped.
"You okay Sumia?" I asked.
Sumia slowly pushed herself up and patted away the dust off from her armor before looking at me. "I'm fine, really." she said as Chrom approached her.
"Mind if I have the key Sumia?" Chrom asked.
"O–Of course, Captain!" Sumia stuttered before she handed him the key and Chrom immediately went towards the door, trying to unlock it.
"Uh… does she always face plant all the time?" Saga whispered.
"Yep, all the time." I whispered back. Saga nodded at that and seconds later.
*KA–CHINK*
"There! It's open!" Chrom said.
"Then let's bust in there!" I urged.
And as soon as we opened up the door–
"ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRR!"
A shockwave pushed us back, along with some corpses of… flesh!? Human flesh, of all things?! We then noticed the same woman who threatened us earlier, holding onto her chest while letting out a cough of her own. A few drops of blood came out from her mouth before multiple numbers of fangs dived onto the remaining forces that tried to stop them and the fleshes.
"Get… back…" the woman said as Sumia held onto her.
"W–What happened to you?" Sumia asked.
"Those fiends… are monsters…" She let out before going unconscious.
"Damn, we're too late… Sumia, get her to Lissa and Maribelle, Chrom, Frederick, Saga, and I will take care of these Fangires." I gritted.
"R–Right!" Sumia stuttered before she returned back to her Pegasus, but not before tripping down again and recovering fast as she mounted on her Pegasus with the unconscious knight and flew back towards the group.
"Geez, she seriously needs to be careful…" Saga sweat dropped as the two Fangires noticed the predicament.
"You… Kiva!" the Gorilla Fangire exclaimed but the Lion Fangire went scared in an instant.
"T–The King of C–Checkmate Four himself?!" the Lion Fangire asked shocked.
"Uh… he's not really th–" Chrom tried to intervene, but I elbowed him to not tell them the truth.
"Uh, of course! The king has allied with our side." Frederick played along.
"What?!" both Fangires shouted in surprise.
"That's right! And I command you two to stand down! NOW!" Saga commanded.
"Never! We Fangires have our wills to do so! We don't want to be united with these feeble humans!" the Lion Fangire countered.
"Yeah! Humans are our food!" the Gorilla Fangire growled angrily.
"These two are nothing but fools…" Frederick commented as he drew out his sword.
"Yes, I agree with you, Frederick." Chrom added as he wielded Falchion.
"Then the King has passed his judgment on you two. Death!" Saga shouted.
"Come and get us!" the Lion Fangire growled before roared and shattered the hollowed glass and it forced all of us to skid back a few meters from them.
"Me smash ground!" the Gorilla Fangire shouted as it slammed its fists onto the ground, creating a wave of earth towards us. Thankfully, the four of were able to dodge to the side.
"Should we try to overcome this? The two–on–one assault on each one?" Frederick proposed.
"Yeah. Chrom, you and I will take on the Tiger Fangire. Frederick, Saga, take out the Gorilla Fangire." I said.
"Right. Let's take them out before they go on a rampage all over the place…" Chrom said as both of us dashed forward at the Tiger Fangire while I shot water bullets at it.
"You heard the guy, Freddy! Let's give them a whirl of our strength!" Saga said.
"We might as well… and don't call me Freddy, Saigo." Frederick corrected as the two of them pushed the Gorilla Fangire to another side.
"See if you can dodge this!" I shouted firing a barrage of water bullets at the Tiger Fangire while Chrom dashed forward ready to slash at him with Falchion. The Tiger Fangire roared again, creating a shockwave that neutralized the water shots but not Chrom as he leaped high in the sky, doing a few somersaults before he slashed down his Falchion on it, forcing it to stumble back. Chrom and the Fangire clashed. Sword against claws at the middle and I got a few shots on it as the water hit some parts of the Fangire's arms and legs. Chrom slashed down on it a few times, forcing it to hold its ground. In retaliation, the Fangire gave a back kick on his stomach, followed by a downward claw, but he blocked the second attack in time with his Falchion.
"Should we try to do a Wake Up call now?" Kivat asked.
"More like bite him Bashaa style." I smirked behind my mask as I placed the hilt of the Bashaa Magnum near Kivat and the latter bit on it.
BASHAA BITE!
After Kivat bit the Magnum, I got into my stance and the whole ground below me was replaced with water, confusing both Chrom and the Fangire. "Water?" the Tiger Fangire asked confused.
"Where did this come from?" Chrom asked as he turned around and saw me. "Kurogasa?"
Moving my arms in a clockwise (left) and counterclockwise (right) rotation, I brought the Bashaa Magnum up so it was pointing at the sky. As I came to a stop, day turned to night and a bright emerald half–moon showed in the sky. I then spread my arms apart as the energy of both me and, Bashaa, flowed through my body. Looking at the Tiger Fangire, my visor flashed brightly. I then raised the Bashaa Magnum into the air as the turbine began to spin rapidly. Around me, the water started to swirl in the air, keeping me from sight.
Within the funnel of water, I gripped the Bashaa Magnum with both hands and aimed it directly at the Fangire. As the turbine continued to spin, a sphere of dark green water collected at the barrel. When it was the size of a soccer ball, I finally pulled the trigger. The watery orb flew through the funnel of water and right at the Tiger Fangire.
"H–Huh?! Hey, wait a minute! I'm still here!" Chrom said surprised as he was able to leap to the side and the Tiger Fangire roared, but what came next surprised it, big time. When the roar was about to hit the Bashaa Finger, much to Chrom's surprise, it literally went upwards, making its roar miss before it splashed onto the Fangire, freezing it solid as the Merman insignia appeared right after that. "What just happened? Did I just see that shot bend upwards?"
"Yep. Now that the Fangire is frozen solid. He's so brittle even a strand of hair can break him to pieces. Literally. Go ahead, try it." I offered. Chrom's eyes blinked while looking at the frozen Fangire. Picking up a pebble nearby, he threw it with only half his strength and–
*CRASH!*
With a gentle tap of the stone, the Fangire shattered into pieces while the orb floated high in the sky. "You're right. It is frozen solid…" He commented as he stood up while I returned back to my civilian form. "You sure have a lot of surprises… I'm glad you and your team are on our side."
"And vice versa." I grinned back.
The strength from the Gorilla Fangire's fists forced both of them to back off and skid a few meters back while Frederick's horse is stationed near the tree. Frederick tried to slash down his sword on it, but something odd happened. When the Gorilla Fangire parried the attack with his large arms, his sword shattered, surprising him. The Gorilla Fangire immediately gave a thunderous clap, distracting Frederick as he held his chest and the right side of his head. Just as the Gorilla Fangire raised its fists high–
"Oi! Watch out!" Saga shouted, using his Jacorder in Bute Mode before wrapping it around Frederick's waist. With a quick yank, Frederick was safely pulled away while the crater was formed courtesy of the Fangire's smash onto the ground. "And in the nick of time too…"
"My thanks Saigo." Frederick thanked.
"No problem Freddy." Saga waved it off.
"Please don't call me that."
"Too late, that's your nickname. Once I give you a nickname, it's sticking with you." Saga said then turned to the Gorilla Fangire. "Time to finish this off." He said taking the Fuestle and inserted it in Sagark's mouth.
WAKE UP!
Sagark blew into the Fuestle and played out a space alien like tune. "What kind of a tone is that?" Frederick asked, confused.
"Me hate high pitches! Me SMASH!" Gorilla Fangire exclaimed.
"Let's do this Wake Up call, shall we, Sagark?" Saga asked.
"Aioeh!" Sagark said happily. At that point, day turned into night and a huge red Kiva insignia appeared overhead in the sky. "What is that?!" Frederick said as he noticed the insignia in the sky. "That's the insignia after when Kurogasa landed his kick on a Fangire…"
"The one and only. This is the same thing… only, my finisher is different." Saga said before he placed the end of the Jacorder at the side of Sagark, to activate it and once that's done, his rapier was now engulfed in crackles of red electricity.
"You die!" the Gorilla Fangire growled as it dashed forward, but Saga wasn't fazed.
"Nope… you are!" Saga declared as he thrusted his Jacorder forward, extending the rapier that changed into Bute Mode. It wrapped around the Fangire before it stabbed onto its chest to finish the knot. "Watch this, Freddy!" He said and leaped up high, at and into the insignia much to Frederick's surprise before Saga appeared at the other side of the insignia and yanked up the Fangire. He placed his two free fingers, his forefinger and the middle finger at the top of his Jacorder before declaring, "Kiero!"
With a quick pass of his free fingers, the wrap around it tightened before the Fangire exploded, shattering into pieces and the orb floated high into the sky while the weather reverted back to normal. Saga stood up as pieces of shattered glass slowly fell all around him, while walking towards Frederick like a boss. "Why's your jaw opened up too big, Freddy? The fly might end up getting inside your mouth if you keep at it."
"I said not to call me Freddy!" Frederick snapped.
"Like I said, too late." Saga said cheekily as Sagark got off his waist and reverted back to civilian form. "Now let's get back to the others."
With the Fangires out of the way and the rest of the Shepherds getting here, led by Sumia, everything was going to be fine. While Lissa and Maribelle were healing the woman, I noticed Chrom was a bit tense. "Hey, what's wrong?" I asked.
"I don't know, Kurogasa… it's just that… well, why do I feel like I'm being watched?" Chrom got out.
"Assassins?" Akane–chan asked.
"No, there are no assassins lying around this area. Rey–Kivat informed me…" Aqua–chan answered.
"But what? What could possibly be–?"
"Um, sir? …Sir! Right here, sir!" A voice said, alerting Chrom.
"Who's there?! Show yourself!" Chrom demanded. Wait, that voice… could it be? A large figure came out from behind a tree and it was…
"Oh man… Kellam?" I sighed.
"Oh! I–Is that you, Kellam? When did you arrive?" Chrom asked.
"…The same time as you. I've been with you all along." Kellam said. "Er, I am still a Shepherd, right? It's quite the honor, after all. I'd hate to lose it. Sometimes I–"
"Of course, Kellam. Forgive me." Chrom apologized. "You're just so… quiet, I completely–"
"Quite all right, sir, quite all right." Kellam waved it off. "I've been told I'm easy to miss."
"At least the Feroxi didn't find you." I said.
"I've been calling to Chrom and waving my arms for several minutes… I don't think they've so much as glanced this way."
"You almost sound disappointed." Chrom noticed.
"Well, I just… I'm glad you finally saw me! Just try to keep an eye out from now on?"
"Just as long as you don't disappear and reappear like that again, yes, we'll be sure to keep an eye out for you." Chrom assured him.
"Even if we did, we might not even notice him at all…" Akane–chan noted.
"Just like how you kept ogling over Storm?" Aqua–chan said to her without leaving her gaze, as Akane–chan could only pent up her anger. Reason? Nee–san was pretty much nearby while both Virion and Vaike are at it again. We don't want to feel her wrath again now, do we?
"There we go! All fixed up!" Lissa chirped.
"Yes, I agree with you, darling. Such treatment for having such damage from those fiends…" Maribelle said as the woman sat up and looked at both of them.
"Thank you…" she got out as she noticed a group of the unconscious soldiers earlier running towards us. She immediately stepped forward and shouted firmly, "Halt!"
They immediately stopped in their tracks, impressing me. "Commander Raimi! Those brigands are–"
"They are not Brigands." Raimi began. "If they are, these people would've killed you all and not healed my wounds." She then turned to Chrom. "A thousand apologies, Prince Chrom. I truly took you for brigand impostors. But no frauds could ever wage a battle as you just have! I will send word of your arrival to the capital and escort you there personally."
"That would be most appreciated, thank you." Chrom thanked as she made her way into the fortress, followed by the rest of the soldiers.
"Will you look at that? Her attitude suddenly changed in a snap of a finger. What a way to make things interesting, huh?" Saigo snickered.
"Because of these brigands appearing from out of nowhere, it's no wonder why they would put up their defenses…" Stahl said.
"If only the 'no kill' policy wasn't put up, I would've stabbed them down to the ground!" Sully complained.
"Yeah, but once in a while, it ain't that bad! I mean, those fellas ain't gonna fall for the big bag wolf's trap again now, ain't it?" Donnel asked.
"Well, now that that's taken care of. Let's follow them. It ain't gonna get warmer any time soon." I said.
"I agree with you! This Kivat can't stand the cold any longer!" Kivat exclaimed and fluttered into the fortress.
"FINALLY! Some place where I can get myself warm from the cold!" Akane–chan sarcastically said as Kiva–la perched on her head.
"I agree with you, Akane–chama~" Kiva–la said.
"It would be best to enter now as the human body is nearly reaching its limits under this cold." Miriel analyzed while walking into the fortress.
"Owhegiwh?" Sagark asked Saigo while on top of his head.
"Yeah, the temperature is gonna keep dropping down and we don't want to turn into a Popsicle stick… better do what she says." Saigo shrugged.
"Oh boy! Some place warm!" Lissa hopped happily while running next to Chrom.
"C'mon, girl! Let's get you all warmed up in this freakin huge place!" Sully patted her horse as the two entered in while escorting Frederick's horse.
"After you, my fair maiden!" Virion offered.
"Why, thank you, dear." Nee–san smiled before she walked to the entrance.
"Grr…" Vaike growled in anger as he let his chance slip by him. He continued to walk into the fortress, followed by Maribelle, Stahl and Donnel.
"I might as well enter into the fortress…" Kellam got out.
"Let's go, girl. We need to get inside…" Sumia told her Pegasus as she was leading it… until she randomly tripped down… again.
"Oh Sumia…" I sighed as I walked up to her and helped her up.
"Thanks…" Sumia thanked after patting the snow off her armor.
"No problem. Just… be careful while you're walking…" I told her.
"Believe me, that's what I try to do every day…" Sumia sighed as the Shepherds entered the fortress and the gate closed.
Okay, and that's another chapter down! Hope you enjoyed it and as always, review!
