TWF: Heya, minna. This is The Wild Fang speaking. Now that we've recruited the children, time to get the main story line. And boy, you guys are gonna like it for what I have in store for ya! Gabu!

Disclaimer: Same thing.

I was standing in the darkness. I couldn't see anything. That is until the darkness was brightened by flash of light, causing me to cover my eyes. When the light faded, I was suddenly in some kind of forest. I looked around in confusion as it was raining and thundering in the dark night. "What's going on?" I wondered.

"There she is!"

"Don't let her get away!"

Huh? Where are those voices coming from?

When I looked to my side, there was a cloaked woman that went passed me, followed by a few more men that tried to chase her down. Right behind them was Validar, who followed and shouted, "We must not let that child get away!"

Dang, I think this must be that time where my so–called dad wanted to sacrifice me and this woman is saving me from harm… but, who is she?

I followed the woman along while the chase was still on. Eventually, I spotted her reach at a large tree nearby while the rain was still pouring heavily. "We must not let His Majesty's _ escape with that child!"

"Huh?" I got out. I was sure that I heard that part of the soldier's words being silenced. What did he try to say?

"Forgive me, as the two of us will be apart from each other. I cannot allow him to do his bidding and make you see darkness within the future… only _ can _."

What? What is she saying?

"This is as far as you go… Matilda…" Validar's voice said, as she immediately stepped forward, preventing his Grimleal from getting to what is possibly my child self. "Come now, if you return the child back to me, I promise that no harm shall befall upon you."

"What kind of a fool do you take me for?!" Matilda snapped, making Validar lose his patience.

"Surrender the child to me now!" Validar demanded.

"NO! I will not let you use _ for your cause Validar!"

What's going on?! Why is part of her sentence being silenced?! I don't understand!

"After seeing for what you truly are, I now regret everything we've ever done. But the one thing I never regretted was _. What I've done for the Grimleal was wrong, and I will atone by stopping you here and now!"

"Damn woman!" My so–called dad cursed after I saw her transform into her Fangire form, which Ursor has told me about. "Who was it that saved you from imminent death from your Queen's wrath? Who was it that shed you light on your darkness and gave you a belief for you to follow and most importantly, who was it that cared for you for WHO YOU ARE?!"

"_"

"WHAT?!"

"Huh?!" I said confused. If it wasn't my dad, then… who helped her move on? With that part being silenced, there's no way I'd know who it was…

"He is the one that gave me courage to defy my Queen and not be afraid of death! It was him who shed his light on my darkness! He was the one who showed the errors of your ways when he was _ into this world! And when _ into a man, it will be your death that is imminent! It would be _ that will _!"

Sounds like whoever this man is, is the main reason why she continued to move forward… lucky guy, I guess.

Validar pent up his anger and looked really ticked off hearing that answer. "WRONG! That boy is just a mere pawn of his destiny as I am your true savior! And seeing you act up this way, you're just a hindrance to allow me to revive the Fallen One!"

"Allow me to remind you, Validar. You will not lay your hands on _! Do you want to know why?" Matilda asked, as… a ritual circle glowed radiantly and the baby self, disappeared?! No way! So that's how I got to Earth. Validar wasn't lying about that after all. "Because he is no longer here."

"NOOOO!" Validar yelled. "HOW COULD YOU?! HE IS THE ONE KEY TO MY MASTER'S REVIVAL!"

"And one that you shall never reach!" Matilda retorted.

"WHERE IS HE?! WHERE DID YOU SEND HIM?! ANSWER ME!" Validar roared.

"A place where you will never reach him…"

Validar anger reached its limits as he pointed the finger at her, instructing his Grimleal to advance forward, "You will pay for your crime, Matilda!" Validar exclaimed.

"Then, I'll be glad to accept it…" she retorted as she advanced forward, with her whip in hand.

"KILL HER!" Validar yelled.

"Damn it! I gotta help her! Kivat!" I shouted while raising my hand up high, but Kivat was nowhere to be seen. "Huh?" I gasped while panicking, looking around. "Kivat, where are you?!"

As that happened, she lashed her whip around, striking and killing the Grimleal down with pure rage. Though she received some magic blasts from the dark mages of Grimleal, she continued whipping around, shoving her enemies away to get to Validar.

"What's the matter, woman? Have you gone weak?" Validar smirked. "I guess this shows that you are no longer in your prime days; where I have brainwashed you to become my _. And you just recently recovered your memories, haven't you?"

"Silence! I will not bow down to someone who I think is _ because of his dark intentions!" the Orchid Fangire exclaimed but sooner or later, she was overwhelmed by his forces of Grimleal as a rather strong dark blast pushed her towards the big tree.

"Hehehehehehehe… Oh I beg to differ…" Validar chuckled as he slowly stepped forward towards her.

"NOOO!" I yelled as I tried to run to her, but I couldn't, because my body suddenly stopped moving. By the time I realized that, Validar was already close to Matilda and had his hand clutching at her throat.

"Any last words before I kill you?!" Validar sneered.

"I have nothing to say to the likes of you, fool!" Matilda said, keeping her composure before spitting at his face, which was enough to make Validar furious. "He WILL defy everything that will be foretold!"

"Then if that's the case… DIE!" Validar shouted as his other hand pierced through her chest, shocking Matilda and moments later, as he ripped his hand out from her, Life Orb was in his hands, making Matilda revert back to her human form.

I saw a sad smile as she slumped her head down and muttered quietly with a tear flowing out from her eye, "Forgive me… child. It looks like… this _ of yours… can no longer hold _…in my arms…" Those were her last words she said, before she shattered away, leaving nothing but shattered glass on the ground.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"MATILDA!" I shouted as I sprang up from my bed, sitting. My heart was beating fast, and I was panting heavily. Ice cold sweat trickled down my face, and was overcome with exhaustion.

"Kurogasa… what's wrong?" I heard Cordelia moan as she slowly woke up and sat up while covering her bare body with the blanket.

"Cordelia… she's…" I got out as tears were flowing out of my eyes uncontrollably.

"Kurogasa?" Cordelia asked, still confused about my current situation as I suddenly hugged her, sobbing my heart out to her.

"I–I saw Matilda… being killed by Validar!" I sobbed, which caught her off guard.

"W–What?" Cordelia stuttered but seeing my condition, she tried her best to calm me down. "Are you certain? It must have been a bad dream…"

"I saw it! I was sure!" I wept.

"Oh Kurogasa…"

"My heart… It hurts…" I cried more as the thumping of my heart was beating so hard, that my chest hurt.

"Kurogasa…" Cordelia said as I felt her hug more assuring before she decided to make me lay down. One of her hands massaged on my chest, but it wasn't lowering the strong thumping beat as I tried my best to hold the pain in my chest.

"It hurts, Cordelia… it really hurts…" I said as my tears can't stop flowing out. "I still don't know who Matilda is, but for some reason, when I saw that dream, it makes my heart feel pain really bad!"

"Shh… calm down, my love… I'm here…" Cordelia soothed whispering in my ear while continuing to relax me by massaging my chest. After a few minutes, eventually I was able to regain control of myself and she sighed in relief while still having her hand on my chest. "There we go. I guess that would suffice and your beating heart has resumed normally." she said as she felt it.

"Thanks…" I breathed.

"Are you okay?" Cordelia asked worriedly.

"I… I really don't know…"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I really don't know, Cordelia…" I got out. "I mean, I know I have a future with you, which was proven by Severa and Morgan's existence but this Matilda… somehow, in a way, she and I are related somehow, but I can't tell…"

"Why?"

"Because some parts of my dream have been silenced…"

"Silenced?" Cordelia asked confused.

"Yeah… Like, certain parts of their sentences were cut off for some reason… I really can't understand it all… I…"

"Shhhhhhhh… It's okay…" Cordelia said before gently kissing me.

Her kiss is best to say, my antidote to my sadness as she slowly pulled back and made me look at her with a slight blush on my face. "Remember what I said before? That you and I will solve together should we face trouble ahead of us."

"Yeah, I remember…" I smiled back at her as I gently combed her hair to the side to see her beautiful face. "I'm glad I married you, Cordelia. My life would be in shambles if I haven't made that decision."

"So would mine, Kurogasa." she replied back. "It is a win–win situation for both of us."

"Yeah it is…" I smiled gently. "I love you Cordelia…"

"I love you too…" Cordelia said, before we kissed again.

(Kakumei Dualist by T.M Revolution and Mizuki Nana, sung by Kurogasa and Lucina)

(Guitar solo) The scene starts with the screen spliting in two. The left is the ruined future with Kurogasa looking at the barren field, and the right shows the modern city with Lucina standing at the very top of the building, gazing upon the city.

(Lucina: Densetsu no asa ni~ [Kurogasa: Chikatta kotoba~]) From the right of the screen, Lucina looks to the left, while from the left, Kurogasa looks to the right.
(Wakachiau koe ni~ [kiseki yo terase~]) The two looked at each other before Lucina drew out Falchion while Kurogasa drew out the Zanvat Sword, both ready to strike.

(Both: Kakumei wo~ Let's shout~! Kakumei wo~ Let's shout~!) Both of them dash towards the middle and as both of them swing their swords and clash, it immediately shattered the screen, revealing the title Awakening of Kiva with the Kiva insignia at the background while the Brand was at the front.

(Instrumental) As the music played, Sagark, Kiva–la, Kivat II, Rey–Kivat, and Tatsulot fluttered towards the screen before both Kivat and Kibat fluttered together while having the IXA Knuckle and IXA Riser on their feet, bringing them to the next scene.

(Kaze no mau hikari no sora~ [fukinukeru zankyou~]) In the city, Kurogasa in his modern clothes walks in the rain, before looking up at the grey sky.
(Kono migite to~ [kono hidarite]) In the ruined future, Lucina walked around in the barren, burned wasteland, before closing her eyes and shedding a tear.
(Both: Nani wo motomeru?) Both of them look at their hands and said in unison, "What do they wish for?" as more tears fell down from their faces.

(Tamashii no katarushisu ni~ [kogareta kanjou~]) In Ylisse, Chrom and Sumia viewed the city from Castle Doran, along with Cynthia, Athena, Owain, Lissa, Cordelia, Severa and Morgan.
(Kasaneaeba [tsunagiaeba]) In a quick motion, panning from left to right, the rest of the Shepherds were on the ground, looking at the same view where their leader looked, as a gentle wind blew towards them before the camera zoomed towards the front of Ylisse.
(Both: Tsutau no ka~?) The screen showed the back profile of Storm, Saigo, Akane, Aqua and Melissa before it zoomed towards the next scene.

(Unmei ni yudane~ [nagare no mama ni~]) In a black screen, at first, the original Kiva Riders convert themselves into their Rider forms.
(Kawaranu bijon ja~ [omoshiroku nai~!]) When they revert back to normal, it was Severa holding Kivat as Morgan joined them while holding Kibat, Gerome holding Kivat II, Athena with Sagark resting on her head, Apollo holding Kiva–la by his fingers, both Kan'shou and Bakuya holding Rey–Kivat together and Danny holding the IXA Knuckle on his right hand and IXA Riser on the other.

(Futtou se yo [ketsueki no reivu]) The scene then shattered away to Arc–Kivat flying towards Fangire Castle.
(Kousaku suru [purazuma no you ni]) He flew inside via one of the windows and went past Rook, Bishop, Queen, and King who looked at the screen as the camera moved past them following Arc–Kivat.
([Kakumei no] duarizumu) Arc–Kivat finally arrived at the Throne Room where Aversa, Validar, and Verion were waiting with the three looking at the screen with an evil smirk.
(Both: Saa hajimeyou!) The scene darkened to pitch black before the eyes of Grima glowed red in the darkness, then shined brightly engulfing the screen, and changing to the next scene.

(Both: Ishindenshin sei no houkou todoite imasu ka?) On the battlefield, the aerial Shepherds took the frontal assault. The Pegasus Knights threw their javelins at the Risen on the ground while Cherche and Gerome swing their axes before both Minerva spews out flames.
(Kagaku hannou ai ga denshou [Tsuite koi yume no hate]) On the ground, as Kan'shou and Bakuya slash away the Risen with their katana with Lon'qu and Rey next to them assist, both Nowi and Nah spew out flames in their dragon form while Panne and Yarne pounced the enemy down with their paws and ripping the enemy apart with their claws and fangs.

(Donna roodo datte) The rest of the Shepherds were battling out the Risen until Kurogasa in Kiva Emperor Form, Chrom, and Lucina, notice Validar, Arc, and Grima in his Avatar form.
(Itsuka wa majiriau) Validar, Arc, and Grima charged towards Kurogasa, Chrom, and Lucina with the latter doing the same.
(Sono hi kimi wa jajjimento suru) Both sides clashed in the middle and a white light shined brightly engulfing the entire screen.

(Kakumei wo~ Let's shout~! Kakumei wo~ Let's shout~!) Returning back to the beginning scene, Lucina and Kurogasa looked at each other before both of them smiled and shook hands together. After that, Kurogasa suddenly got tackled down by Severa and Morgan, while the approaching Cordelia sighed, shaking her head with a smile.

(Instrumental) Chrom approached his daughter with Sumia and Cynthia and Lucina looked up high at the clear blue sky, ending the music with Shoo Doran soaring in the sky.

Chapter 14: Flames on the Blue

During breakfast hour, as we settled Castle Doran in the forest, near the port, I was still thinking about the dream I had last night. It really bothers me, especially that last part where Validar killed Matilda by ripping her soul out instead of whatever her internal organs may be, due to being a Fangire. And those silenced lines… what are they? "Uh~, Kurogasa? Are you okay over there?" I heard Stahl's voice, breaking my trance.

"H–Huh?" I startled.

"Your face has worry, written all over you. And judging by those wrinkles you make, it sounds important to you. Something the matter?" he asked, making Chrom and Sumia look at me.

"Stahl's right. You haven't touched your food at all…" Sumia said worriedly.

"Did something happen after we returned from the Outrealm, friend?" Chrom asked.

"Um…" I got out.

"He had a nightmare last night, Prince Chrom." Cordelia said. "It's something that he and I, can only talk about."

"I see." Chrom nodded. "Then I shouldn't pry any further."

"Thanks…" I thanked him.

"Cheer up, boy!" Basilio said, giving me a hard pat on my back, which literally made me skid forward and surprise a few of us. "Now's not the time to have that long face on ya!"

"And make my back be in pain…" I muttered. "You do know my ribs nearly hit the edge of the table, right?"

"Bah, man up for once!" Basilio said. "If you wanna keep being gloomy, I got a remedy for ya!" Without hesitation, he brought a large glass of mead and forcefully made me gulp it down. I frantically tried to get out of this situation, but his muscles are too strong to break the grip, as my world slowly turned topsy–turvy.

"No, no, dear. You're still too young for that." Nee–san reminded the little Danny on her lap that wanted to have something that Basilio forced me to drink before she fed him with his drinking bottle.

"Graghgrgagahaghgrgh!" I panicked.

"Oi, what are you doing?!" Kivat demanded.

"Khan Basilio, stop it this instant!" Cordelia huffed.

"You better let go of my Daddy before I shove my sword right up your butt!" Severa warned.

"Come on, Khan Basilio! Let him go!" Chrom demanded, deciding to intervene but it was getting hard to let his grip go.

After a long forceful drink, eventually, I drank the whole glass and my whole body felt really weird as soon as Basilio let go of me. How strong is the kicker of that mead? "There ya go! How do ya feel, lad?" Basilio asked with a hearty laugh.

"Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh…" I groaned before I fainted, slamming my head on my breakfast.

"Daddy!" Severa freaked out.

"Kurogasa!" Cordelia said frantically as she and Severa checked up on Kurogasa.

"You oaf! Look what you did!" Flavia snapped, before bopping Basilio on the head really hard.

"Ow!" He winced in pain. "Look, he needs to get the sour face off of him, y'know?"

"Not by knocking him out cold with that drink!" Flavia shouted.

"Pardon me for asking, but… how strong is that drink?" Morgan asked.

"Enough to knock a Fangire out cold for good." Flavia elaborated. "He might be out cold even after our strategy meeting."

"KHAN BASILIO, YOU IDIOT!" Severa yelled before–

*POW!*

Severa kicked Basilio at her strongest, where the sun doesn't shine. And because of that, Khan Basilio was now out cold, because the kick knocked his lights out. "Whoa, nice kick." Sully smirked.

"Looks like things are going to be out of control again, huh?" Saigo sighed.

"Yep!" Sagark chirped while doing a flip in midair. "Kuro out cold, we tell him later, right~?"

"Yes, we will tell him later." Chrom sighed. "I suppose you'll be looking after your husband." He said to Cordelia."

"Yes Prince Chrom." Cordelia nodded before slowly getting Kurogasa up and getting him back to his room.

"Basilio, you oaf…" Flavia sighed in disappointment, looking at the unconscious Khan.

Meanwhile, outside, both Gerome and Cherche were practicing their skills in the air with both Minervas. Storm and Kivat II are sitting at a nearby tree, watching the feat happening in the sky. "Wow, look at those two go!"

"Indeed, shounen." Kivat II nodded. "To think she was able to catch up to her son in the nick of time is truly impressive."

"Hey, she's my wife and that's my son over there helping her!" Storm chirped happily. "I'm glad that this might make the family bond tighter than ever, wouldn't you agree, Kivat II?"

"Yes shounen. I cannot argue with that." Kivat II said as both Minervas descended down to the ground and both riders got off their respective mounts.

"Thank you for your time, Gerome." Cherche began. "Training is always better with a partner. Especially one as skilled as you."

"I learned much from you as well, Cherche." Gerome said. "Your aerial tactics are second to none."

Cherche frowned a bit from her son's statement while Storm approached the two. Kivat II decided to watch the family exchange words with one another. "Did you call me Cherche then, too? Back in your own time, I mean."

Gerome flinched before he looked away. "It… matters not."

"Who did you inherit this surliness from? Was it me or your father?" she questioned.

"If I knew about one thing, he might have gained the airheadedness from me and probably the surliness from you, Cherche." Storm defended.

"Both of you should know better than I am…" Gerome continued as his hand subconsciously moved to his chest, where the necklace was located, behind his armor. "My parents were gone long before I could build any meaningful memories with them… even the promise that was made between me and my Father…"

"A promise?" Storm said confused.

"It was a promise that when my father and Cherche return after getting rid of the Risen, we would play together as a family. And as a guarantee, my father gave his necklace to me and Cherche gave me the mask that I wear, telling me that they will be back as soon as they finished their job."

"I… I didn't know that." Storm got out.

"They spent their time helping small folk in one corner of the land or another. I waited for them, of course. Waiting for the day that they might come home to me." Gerome continued as he turned around having his back facing his parents. "…But only Minerva returned."

"…I'm so very sorry." Cherche apologized.

"People everywhere grieved for the heroes and honored their noble sacrifice. But I didn't want heroes." Gerome then choked up a bit and… sounded like he was crying. "I wanted a father and a mother…"

"Gerome…" Storm muttered as he and Cherche walked towards their son and look at him, who was now sobbing quietly. Cherche extended her hand to take off his mask, and this time, he wasn't resisting and for the first time, Gerome showed his true nature to his parents.

"I swear to you, Gerome, that won't happen this time. I'll never leave you." Cherche said as she wiped off the tears flowing from his face.

"Nor would I, son." Storm smiled. "This time, we'll be sticking together, as a family."

"I know." Gerome said, regaining his composure. "After all, that's why I'm here- to change fate so you won't have to. This time, I'll make sure you survive. This time, we'll be together…"

Kivat II looked on as he nodded with approval. "Hm… it's a happy ending after all… well done shounen."

Ugh… what happened to me?

"Pyun, pyun~! Kurogasa-sama is awake now~!" I heard Tatsulot chirp happily.

"Yep! Taa–chan, let's go tell 'em now! Those guys are probably finished with their discussion by now!" Kivat said before both of them fluttered away.

"It looks like the mead you drank really knocked you out cold until noon, hasn't it, Kurogasa-dono?" I heard Jiro question as I sat up from my bed.

"Ugh… what happened?" I groaned, shaking my head to get the dizziness out of me.

"Long story, short: After you drank the mead and fainted, Severa kicked Basilio where the sun doesn't shine really hard, knocking him out cold." Jiro summarized.

"Ouch…" I cringed.

"It is painful indeed…" Jiro nodded. "And while you were out, Cordelia went out to get something for you to drink, just in case that you have woken up from your unconsciousness."

"Oh…" I said while I shook my head. "Man, that's one, strong mead…"

"Strong?" Jiro scoffed. "It's not strong enough to satisfy my taste, Kurogasa–dono."

"Of course it isn't. You can handle the alcohol. Not me." I said. "I'm gonna get Basilio for this once he wakes up."

"You can worry about that later." Jiro said. "Right now, there is something Chrom wanted you to do when you wake up." Jiro said as he handed me a piece of paper that showed… a list of names of the Shepherds? More specifically, the parents and a few future kids.

"What's this?" I asked.

"It's a list of the Shepherds you are going to promote."

"EHHHHHH?!" I asked incredulously.

"As the prince stated before, he has put you in charge in taking care of the Shepherds ever since he has ascended the throne. He decided to let you to do that." Jiro further informed.

"Wait, me?!" I got out. "Are you serious?!"

"Apparently, this is one big deal." Jiro calmly explained. "This is one of your tasks as you were out cold… decided by our tactician, Saigo."

"Wow…"

"Oh, you're awake!" A voice said. We turned around to see Cordelia in the doorway with a glass of water.

"Cordelia…"

She walked toward me and handed me a glass of water. "You must have been quite thirsty after having that mead forced down your throat…"

"Actually, I am right now. Good timing." I smiled as I took it and drank it down.

"Both of our daughters were worried after you passed out like that…" Cordelia said before she noticed the paper in my hand. "And I believe Jiro filled in the details for you?"

"Yes he has."

"That's good. I hope you choose wisely."

"So do I." I said, looking at the sheet of paper.

"Don't rush it though." Cordelia said. "Take your time."

"I know…" I gently smiled, before I heard a chuckle.

"Oh? Am I invisible to both of you?" Jiro said, surprising both of us. "I think things are getting a bit hot in here, so to speak…"

Crap, we forgot about Jiro in here! "Should I leave both of you to your human activities in here? The Shepherds might overhear it should they come across here, especially to both Akane and Nowi."

"Oh uh, yes Jiro." I said.

"You can take your leave." Cordelia said. Jiro nodded before bowing and left the room.

Now… let's promote some people.

On the ledge of Castle Doran, Apollo gazed at the ocean that wasn't far from their position, still thinking about where he had a discussion with his mother the other day. Just as he sighed, a familiar sound caught his attention. "Hey there, Apollo!" Akane chirped happily.

"Eh?" Apollo got out as he turned around and noticed her. "Oh, Mama."

"Still thinking about the future, young man?" she asked while sitting next to him on the ledge, swinging her legs happily while looking at the sea.

"Well… yeah…"

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really…"

"Aw, c'mon Apollo~!" Akane whined. "You know you can open up to anything with your Mama, right?"

"I know that, but…" Apollo paused, looking away from his mother. "…it's something that's a bit hard to tell…"

"So dark?" Akane asked. "So dark, that it scares you a lot?"

"Mama, you already know how the future is after what Lucy told you, right?" Apollo asked, which she nodded at. "I don't want something like that to happen again in the future and… lose my parents again. I barely even knew what my real parents were like before heading back to the past to finally meet you guys…"

Akane kept quiet to herself, before she decided to do something to overcome it… and that is– "Y–Yeouch! Mama, why are you pinching my cheeks and forcing me to smile?!"

"Because you worry too much!" Akane said before she eventually let go, making the latter rub his cheeks in pain. "Look, you gotta put away that gloomy face of yours and just live life to the fullest!"

"But, Mama, you–"

"You're starting to remind me of myself, Apollo." Akane intervened. "You know, I actually didn't know much about my parents back in my days since we rich families were always busy with something and not being able to spend time together as one."

"Eh?" Apollo blinked.

"All I got was Akira–nii to be with, but even then he'd eventually attend elsewhere and I would feel a little… well, lonely." Akane shrugged. "When I got into college and met up with Storm–sama before meeting up with your dad, that's when I realized that loneliness can be overcome when we are together with someone we care about."

"Mama…" Apollo got out as she looked at her son.

"So what if you don't know about your own past? All that matters most is the present. Besides, aren't you feeling happy when you finally met your parents after all this time and knowing what they were really like?" Apollo questioned.

"Well…" Apollo said, thinking about it for a moment. "Yeah, I guess…"

"See? There ya go! All that matters is the here and now!" Akane said. "The moments we have now are precious and it's something that will never be taken away."

At that point, Apollo teared up before suddenly hugging his mother. "OH MAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" He bawled out.

"E–Eh?!" Akane said startled from his sudden action as Apollo continued to cry in her embrace.

"I really love you so much, Mama and I'm glad I met you and Papa!" Apollo said between his sobbing, making her smile while returning the hug.

"There, there. It's okay, son. Mama's here to comfort you…" Akane comforted… until she got an idea: teasing him. "Hey, while we still have time before heading to the port, do you wanna dress up as a girl again?"

"YADA!" Apollo exclaimed, backing off.

"Okay, okay I'm kidding!" Akane laughed.

While Kurogasa was tasked to round the people up, Cordelia decided to help her daughter out once more as this time, another method is used: hypnosis, suggested by Miriel. As Cordelia tried to hypnotize her daughter, trying to make her remember about the past, eventually Morgan was able to overcome the trance, leaving with zero results. "This isn't working either…" Cordelia sighed.

"And also no luck today, either…" Morgan said as she sat on the bed, and Cordelia did the same. Morgan was slowly getting frustrated for a bit. "I'm going crazy trying to remember you, Mother but I feel so useless! I'm just so…" she paused, sniffling as she tried her best to hold her tears. "Why can't I…"

"Come now, Morgan. No tears." Cordelia tried to comfort her. "You can't give up just yet…"

"B–But I know I must have loved you just as much as I loved Father." Morgan said. "I bet we had a million memories together, and the thought of having lost them." That's when tears fell from her eyes. "I feel like I failed you, Like I… Like I…"

"Morgan…" Cordelia said before motherly instincts took over and hugged her, surprising her a bit.

"Mother?" Morgan got out.

"Let it all out Morgan… let it out…" Cordelia said soothingly. "I'm here for you."

And with that, she silently cried her heart out in her embrace, as Cordelia comforted her. 'She truly is like Kurogasa… in more ways than one. Like father, like daughter… but it's sad to know she lost her memories regarding me and Severa…'

After a while, Morgan backed off while she wiped off the tears from her eyes and looked at her mother, with her bubbly smile once more. "S–Sorry. I guess I got a little carried away there…"

"It's okay, Morgan. I understand." Cordelia nodded.

Out of the blue, Morgan suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head, making her grab her head in pain. "Ngh! M–My head!"

"Morgan!" Cordelia exclaimed.

"…Wha–?!" Morgan got out, as she managed to recall a small memory.

Flashback

Somewhere, far within her memory, a very young red haired girl looked at a toddler inside the baby bed and she immediately shout out loud seeing the toddler. "Mommy! Little sis is awake now!" a very young girl called out to her mother.

"Severa, please keep your voice down." an older Cordelia said, walking out from the kitchen in her casual dress without her armor plate as she approached to where the girls are. "Morgan is still asleep…"

"But little sis just woke up!" the young Severa pointed out, as Cordelia looked at her youngest daughter with a smile.

"Good morning, Morgan." Cordelia smiled as she held the toddler in her arms, making the toddler giggle happily. "You're quite an active young girl, much like your father. I'm sure you'll become as strong as your father and beautiful as your mother when you grow up." she smiled gently. "Come now, let me give you a bath so we can spend time together as a family, with Severa and your father."

"Yay~! I love playing with Daddy!" young Severa chirped happily, thus ending her flashback.

End Flashback

"Morgan! Morgan!" Cordelia said shaking her daughter rather worriedly, as Morgan wasn't respond to her calls, until the young bearer of Kiva finally returned back to reality.

"H–Huh?!" Morgan stuttered looking at her mother.

"Thank goodness…" Cordelia sighed in relief. "You weren't responding to my calls, so I got worried. What happened?"

"I… I remembered something!" Morgan said.

"What? You did?!" Cordelia gasped."

"Yeah, just one tiny little memory, but… I remember! You were smiling at me… and you called my name… Ha, ha! Yes! You looked a little bit older, but it was definitely you!"

"Really?" Cordelia asked before Morgan immediately hugged her mother happily.

"Oh thank you, Mother. I never would have remembered without your help!"

"You're welcome, dear. It's what parents should do." she reminded. Morgan then had the glint of spark in her eyes once more as soon as she broke the hug.

"And hey, this is great! If I can get one memory back, maybe I can get the rest!" Morgan concluded. "It may take time, but I won't stop trying until I remember everything about you, Mother!"

"Take all the time you need. I'll help out in any way I can." Cordelia smiled.

"Aw… Thanks, Mom." Morgan thanked.

"Oi! Aibou's called a meeting!" Kivat called out as he came, flying into the room.

"Ah! That's right! Father had an announcement to make regarding the promotions after he missed the meeting earlier!" Morgan recalled.

"I guess you're right. I believe we should get a move on then." Cordelia gestured to her daughter as Morgan held onto her mother's hand happily.

"Come on, Mother! We shouldn't keep Father waiting for us!" Morgan said eagerly.

"Alright, I'm coming." Cordelia laughed happily.

Alright, this is gonna be good. I was in the main hall of Castle Doran, waiting for the Shepherds and Riders. Behind me was a box, containing the promotions items. It wasn't easy to get, because Anna went to the Outrealm and had to negotiate hardcore in order to get this many promotion. Each one was a lot of money. But in the end, we were able to get them.

A few minutes later, all the Shepherds and Riders arrived, with Sumia, Cordelia, Cherche, Gerome, Sully, and Maribelle bringing along their mounts.

"This is quite a surprise; making us bring along our companion steeds with us." Maribelle said while combing her pony's side.

"Yes, and Minerva was just about to have her lunch." Cherche added.

"It better be good to not waste our time, Kiva…" Gerome said sternly.

"Don't worry Gerome, it's all worth it." I assured.

"So then, spit it out! What is it?" Akane–chan asked.

"Alright, alright, calm down." I said, quieting them down, and they soon went silent. "Okay, I'll get straight to the point. Since we're gonna be pulling out all the stops to beat Walhart, we're promoting most of the parents and a few of you future kids." I announced.

"Promoting us?" Lucina asked.

"You mean, making us stronger?" Vaike pondered.

"In a way, yeah…" I nodded.

"Oooh~, does it involve blood somehow?" Henry happily asked, getting many weird glances.

"Are you serious?" Apollo asked as his left eye twitched.

"Of course I am kiddo! Where's the fun of that without blood? Mmm, blood~." Henry said longingly.

"Anyway~, these promotion items were hard to get and Anna had to go to the Outrealm and negotiate hardcore just to get these items." I said.

"You guys better be thankful that I managed to get these." Anna grumbled. "I almost spent half the Shepherds funds for this."

"Don't worry Anna. You'll be compensated for your troubles…" I comforted, patting her shoulder.

"So what's in the box?" Ricken asked.

"Like I said: the promotions items." I said, before opening the box and revealed it to them. Inside were 21 golden hollow orbs with gold metal rings inside, surrounding a small red gem in the middle and 1 blue hollow orb with blue metal rings inside, surrounding a small blue gem in the middle too. There were about the size of a baseball.

"Whoa! That's a lot of them!" Lissa pointed out.

"And most of them are stored carefully…" Owain said. "So, who are the chosen warriors that will accept their fate to overcome their limits? Or should I say, 'Limit Break!'?"

"Owain! You're doing it again!" Lissa exclaimed.

"Sorry Mother…" Owain mumbled.

"Don't worry. You'll know soon, but first let me explain they are." I said before taking out a golden orb and the blue orb. The blue orb you see here is the Second Seal. It allows you to change to a different class other than what your class is supposed to promote to. So for example, if you're a Cavalier and you want to be a Mercenary, this Second Seal will do that."

"And the gold orb?" Aqua–chan asked.

"The gold orb is the Master Seal, allowing you to be promoted to a higher tier of your class. An example would be an Archer promoting to a Sniper or a Myrmidon to a Swordmaster. The Master Seal does that. It also allows you to branch off to another tier of class. For example, the Cavalier can promote to a Paladin or a Great Knight and another would be a Pegasus Knight promoting to either a Falcon Knight or a Dark Flier."

"Ah, yes, I remember my first promotion when I became a Great Knight before serving milord Chrom." Frederick recalled. "Ah, such a memory I had…"

"And you know all of this… how exactly?" Akane–chan asked.

"It's the same thing for us Kamen Riders!" Storm added. "Like how my buddy, after he received his powers from Tatsulot, gained his powered up form, Emperor Kiva. I believe this method works the same way too!"

"Aye, but there are certain classes that are restricted to a certain item, that even the Master Seal couldn't do…" Kan'shou said.

"For example, my brother's class is a Dread Fighter and myself; a Shrine Maiden." Bakuya added. "We are required to gain a certain item and also go through intense training to earn our reputation…"

"And those would be what exactly?" Akane–chan asked.

"For me, I have gained the Dread Scroll." Kan'shou answered.

"And I, the Bride's Bouquet." Bakuya added. Most of us blinked in confusion as we looked at Bakuya, slightly irritating her. "Something the matter?"

"When you said a Bride's Bouquet, you mean–"

"I assure you it involves no wedding gestures. It is a part of a ceremony in order to become a Shrine Maiden, minna…" Bakuya explained.

"Oh…" Akane–chan laughed sheepishly, making all of us sweat drop.

"Moving on, now that I explained what the promotion items do, it's time for me to reveal who gets promoted!" I announced.

"About time." Sully smirked.

"Your names will be called and I will tell you which promotion item to get, and the class you're going to change to." I said. "First up, Chrom, Master Seal, from Lord to Great Lord."

"Oh?" Chrom asked. "I'm the first one to get promoted?"

"Yeah. You're the main priority for the Shepherds." I said.

"And I'll be happy to accept it." Chrom smiled as he held onto the Master Seal. He take a quick look at it before he threw it up high in the air. The Master Seal hovered in the air, unlocking the seal within before a bolt of thunder crashed down on him.

"Chrom!" most of the Shepherds exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh, don't worry! It's just standard procedure!" Anna assured them. "That strike isn't hurting him. It's more like a special effect for it."

As the smoke cleared away, most of the Shepherds were actually surprised from what they saw, including me. What was once just a half cape that draped over his shoulder has now become a full cape that covered his back entirely, followed by a specially designed armor for him to wear. The most notable trait was that he was holding a lance in his hand, surprising him. "By Naga, why am I holding a lance?"

"I believe that means you're able to learn to the lance as well, milord." Frederick explained.

"I see…" Chrom nodded.

"Oh wow! That looks so cool!" Lissa exclaimed with sparkles in her eyes.

"Well, we still got more to come." I smirked. "I'm calling out five more. Saigo, Master Seal, from Tactician to Grandmaster. Lissa, Master Seal, from Cleric to War Cleric. Sully, Master Seal, from Cavalier to Paladin. Virion, Master Seal, from Archer to Sniper. Vaike, Second Seal, from Fighter to Barbarian, then Master Seal from Barbarian to Berserker."

"Whoa! The Vaike can use two seals?! That's great!" Vaike exclaimed.

"Heh, about damn time already!" Sully smirked.

"Wohoo! It's about time I get my promotion!" Lissa squealed happily.

"Alas, the Arches of Archer shall become the best of the best!" Virion praised himself.

"This is unexpected…" Saigo said. "I mean, I'm happy and all, but… a Grandmaster? That's one heck of a title…"

"Oh you know you like that. Admit it." I smirked.

"Well… yeah. Hehe…" Saigo admitted.

"I thought so." I smirked. I gave the five their promotion items and the five threw the orb in the air. Blue and yellow lightning for Vaike and the rest having yellow lightning crashed down on them. When the smoke cleared, they revealed themselves in their new classes.

"Well, will ya look at that? My armor's pretty much toughen up and lookin' shiny!" Sully smirked while looking at her more refined but thick armor before looking at her companion steed. "And my girl is not too shabby too!"

"I daresay I look rather dashing with my new armor on me!" Virion said triumphantly as he looked at himself and noticed that he has a light plated armor at his front while his cravat can still be seen. His hair was tied nicely in a ponytail, his gloves has upgraded to malleable metal and his bow has now upgraded to a long bow, which would definitely give him an edge on long range shots.

"W–Wow, you look amazing, Virion!" Olivia exclaimed.

"Oh yeah! The Vaike is now ready to rumble!" Vaike exclaimed as he twirled around his axe happily. His buckle with chains on it was completely replaced with a bronze circular buckle that revealed his abs completely, having a furry cape that was attached to his furry wolf helmet and his furry boots replaced his old boots.

As for Lissa, her usual dress is the same, only this time the bottom off her corset has a grey steel crinoline attached. In other words, the crinoline that was under her dress was now out, covering her legs and bottom part of her dress. In her hand, she held an axe.

"Yeah! Now I can wallop and chop bad guys!" Lissa cheered.

With Saigo, he basically wore what I'm wearing. Only this time, he was wearing silver armor over the coat. And interestingly enough, the back of the coat had Saga's insignia which was also King of the Checkmate Four's insignia.

"A rose…?" Emmeryn asked.

"And it's spiky~." Athena noticed.

"Yep, that's right, you two. This is the insignia of Saga, should the King of Checkmate Four wield it. But unfortunately, that's not the case." Saigo shrugged. "I got it before he did."

"It still looks good on you buddy." Storm said with a thumbs–up.

"Thanks man." Saigo nodded.

"Okay, onto the next five!" I announced. "Maribelle, Master Seal, from Troubadour to Valkyrie, Kellam, Master Seal, from Knight to General. Lon'qu, Master Seal from Myrmidon to Swordmaster. And Miriel and Ricken, Master Seals, from Mage to Sage."

"Golly, I didn't know the day would come for me to become a General…" Kellam said. "I hope this would make me stand out more…"

"Hmph… a Swordmaster…" Lon'qu scoffed with a smirk, hearing the title.

"Hahaha!" Maribelle laughed like a high class woman would do. "It would make me much classier than ever before!"

"At least someone's in a good mood…" Ricken said with a sweat drop.

"Indeed. It is about time to increase the power of my knowledge to the limitless bounds as well..." Miriel added.

The five took each their Master Seal and threw it up in the air. The seals unlocked with within before thunder crashed down on them. The smoke cleared and the five were in their new classes.

For Maribelle, her attire was the same, only this time, her boots were replaced with leg armor that went up to her waist and wears a helmet too. Her horse also looked pretty too with armor on its head and a cloth over its back.

"Wowsers, look at your Ma!" Donnel exclaimed.

"Yeah, she looks good!" Brady praised.

"Why thank you darlings!" Maribelle thanked.

For Lon'qu, his attire was slightly changed, now looking like a samurai without armor, in pants, and he carries two swords, one on each side with an extra sword in his hand.

"Impressive…" Lon'qu said, looking at himself.

"It looks good on you." Aqua–chan complimented.

"Aye, it does." Bakuya agreed.

"With that form, nothing can stop Tou–san." Kan'shou added.

"You will do your family proud." Rey–Kivat said.

With Kellam, his armor was even bulkier than ever. The only new addition was a shield as tall as him.

"Heh. I don't even need my nose and ears to notice you, with that armor on." Panne scoffed with a smirk.

"Uh… you think so?" Kellam asked.

"You look great Father!" Yarne praised.

Finally for Ricken and Miriel, they wore the same attire that Emmeryn, only Ricken's the male version of it, having some kind of Roman helmet on his head, while Miriel kept her pointy hat.

"Excelsior! You two look brilliant!" Laurent exclaimed.

"Indeed we do." Miriel said as she looked at herself.

"Wow, I didn't know those flashy lights could make a fit trim around me..." Ricken said. "And I got my own helmet too!"

"Look at that, Mother~." Athena said. "Now there are four of us Sages now~!"

"Yes there are…" Emmeryn said.

"Alright, who are the next five?" Saigo asked.

"Glad you asked that." I said. "Gerome, Master Seal, from Wyvern Rider to Griffon Rider. Tharja, Master Seal, from Dark Mage to Sorceress. Henry, Master Seal, from Dark Mage to Dark Knight. Gregor, Master Seal, from Mercenary to Hero. And Noire, Master Seal, from Archer to Bow Knight."

"…should you must…" Gerome mumbled while looking at Minerva. "I believe it's time to rejuvenate you to your new body, Minerva…"

"Ha, ha! Gregor is now hero! Is feeling happy!" Gregor laughed heartily.

"You've got to be kidding me… the whole family?" Storm asked worriedly. "I mean, I'm fine with Noire but the other two? Something tells me things are not looking good in the future…"

"Oh, don't be bothered much, my Dark Emperor." Tharja smirked darkly. "Soon, the whole world shall bow down before us!"

"That's what I'm afraid of…" Storm sweat dropped as he took a step back away from her.

"Ooo~, a Dark Knight!" Henry chirped happily. "I've always wanted to wield an axe and chop things in half; making it all splatty and be covered in a red fountain! Nya, ha!"

"Well, you should be happy that I'm promoting you to that." I deadpanned.

"Heck yeah, I'm happy! It can't get any better than that! Thanks!" Henry thanked.

"Gerome, are you sure you're okay about changing Minerva's appearance?" Cherche asked uncertain.

"No matter how much her appearance has changed, Minerva is still Minerva…" Gerome said while looking at his companion. "Though the routine would be different, other than that, she is still the same…"

"I'm sure you'll do fine." Cherche smiled.

"Yeah, cause she's a part of the Ryders, after all!" Storm added with a smile too.

"A B–Bow Knight huh? W–Well I've always wanted to ride on a horse while shooting arrows at the same time." Noire stuttered.

"Well, now you can. So you five come on down and get your seals." I said.

The five nodded as they each took one Master Seal, then threw it up in the air, before they unlocked themselves, sending thunder to crash down on them, engulfing the five in a bright light before the smoke cleared to reveal their new classes.

Noire was the first one who was surprised from what she got. She has light armor that covered the upper part of her body, with both of her shoulder guards covered, wearing metallic boots and the two most important points of them all were that she was mounted on a horse and she had a sword sheathed on her back. "E–Eh? S-Since when did this horse get here?"

"Noire~, that looks good on you~!" Athena absentmindedly supported.

"R–Really?" Noire stuttered, making Athena nod and smile.

Gerome was in his new armor of silver with blue clothing underneath it, golden shoulder paddings, golden long boots, and also wielded a rather large axe. Though his helmet was nowhere to be seen, he doesn't seem to mind at all due to his mask. As he looked at his companion, what was once a wyvern, had now evolved into a Griffon but the same Minerva is still there. "Minerva?"

His Minerva roared before nudging him to the front. Gerome scoffed and smiled. "I guess this would be good… anything to attain greater power."

Gregor was now wearing thick leather armor with a leather headband around his head. The small shield that mounted on his shoulder is now on his hand, complete with a broad sword attached behind the large shield. Other than that, nothing much changed. "Ha, ha! Gregor feel like new younger man!"

"You sure are, Dad." Nah said.

"Yep! Like she said!" Nowi chirped happily.

Before, Henry was donned in his black robe. Now, he is donned in his black armor that was identical to Gerome's former armor with a helmet on his head, black metal paddings and no longer wore a robe. As he is amazed to see a sword in his hand, he didn't notice he was now mounting on a black horse. "Wohoo! More blood at close encounters! Can't wait to slice and dice 'em into chunks of meat! Mmmm~!"

Tharja's whole outfit was now changed, and her whole body is now covered in a black dress, just enough to reveal her figure and not her entire body. She had a dark purple robe with a hood that covered her head. When she pulled down her hood, it revealed her golden tiara with an eye on it, kinda like how a Millennium Item has an eye on. Tharja chuckled darkly and muttered, "These new powers give me some wicked ideas…"

"Buddy, I think I'm starting to hate you for this idea…" Storm warned with a sweat drop.

"Hey! We need all the power we can get to stop Walhart okay?!" I said.

"He's right." Tharja chuckled. "After all, thanks to him, I can get closer to you, Storm."

"Moving on!" I interrupted. "Now we have the last four to promote! Gaius, Master Seal, from Thief to Assassin. Cherche, Master Seal, from Wyvern Rider to Wyvern Lord. Sumia, Master Seal, from Pegasus Knight to Falcon Knight. And last, but certainly the best, Cordelia, Master Seal from Pegasus Knight to Dark Flier."

"'The best', huh?" Vaike smirked.

"It wouldn't be surprising to have Kurogasa say the best of his wife…" Chrom said.

"Uh, not this again…" Severa facepalmed before she looked at me and said, "Daddy, you're getting weird attention from the Shepherds with Mom!"

"Eh?" I said, looking around to see that Severa was right.

"That's all on you bud, not me." Storm said.

"Ehehehehehe… maybe I overdid that a little bit." I laughed sheepishly with a sweat drop.

"I think so, my love…" Cordelia said with a slight blush.

"Ara, ara… leave it be, minna. It's young love." Nee-san said while little Danny clapped happily with a smile.

"But still, no matter what class I shall get myself into, I am yours to mold as you see fit." Cordelia said.

"Okay then, well, Get your Master Seals and let the magic happen." I said.

The last four got their Master Seals and the same process happened. The Seals unlocked themselves and thunder crashed down on them before the smoke blew away to reveal their new classes.

With Gaius, mostly everything about was the same, only this time, his cloak was tattered, and he spiked gauntlets. Three medium sized protruding blades on each one. In case, he didn't have his sword, he could use those as a secondary weapon.

For Cherche, her once blue clothing with grilled shoulder pads and silver armor elsewhere was replaced with black armor that is also similar to Henry's new and Gerome's old armor. Another thing was that the wyvern Minerva was donned in full black armor too. Mostly on her body and some on her wing, protecting her scales too.

For Sumia, her grey–tannish armor was replaced with silver armor that was reinforced and refined so that she would go faster and her Pegasus had silver gold armor on it with a blue cloth over its back and has a horn on its head, like a unicorn would have.

Finally for Cordelia, like Henry, she had on black armor that was reinforced and refined to be sturdy, strong, and lightweight too. And one other noticeable thing was that her Pegasus changed color from white to black.

"Well, well, well… I kinda like this new form. Pretty smooth for a sticky finger, like me." Gaius whistled.

"Nice, Gaius!" Lissa chirped happily.

"Agreed, Mother! The Father of the Scion of Legend is truly one of the best!" Owain praised theatrically.

"My word, Minerva! You look adorable in your new armor!" Cherche said happily while she hugged her, making the latter purr at her.

"Yeah, I like it too!" Storm smiled.

"Well Chrom, what do you think?" Sumia asked. "How do I look?"

"You look… really brave in that armor." Chrom smiled gently.

"Yeah! My mom so looks like a hero in that armor!" Cynthia cheered.

"I agree with Father, Mother. You truly look braver in it." Lucina added.

"Thanks! I appreciate it!" Sumia smiled.

"Well, Kurogasa? What do you think of my new armor?" Cordelia asked.

"I really like it." I smiled.

"Mother looks so cool in that armor." Morgan praised.

"Severa?" Cordelia asked.

Severa mumbled quietly while looking away from her, hearing her saying, "…pretty…"

"Beg pardon?" Cordelia asked.

"I said you look pretty, alright! Happy now?" Severa exclaimed with a slight blush.

"Of course, dear." my wife replied back as she noticed a tome at her side and took a good look at it. "Funny, I don't seem to recall having a tome next to me…"

"N–Ngh!" Morgan exclaimed as she suddenly held her head in pain.

"Morgan?!" I panicked as the rest of the Shepherds noticed it.

"Oi, shikari shiro!" Kivat cried out.

"Cordelia, what's wrong with her?!" I asked worriedly.

"I think she managed to recall one of her memories, just like before the meeting." Cordelia said.

"Hey, sis! You okay?!" Severa panicked after looking at her sister in this condition.

After a moment of pain, eventually, Morgan sighed and smiled small. "Mother, I remember something else today…"

"You did?" Cordelia gasped.

"What did you remember?" I asked.

"I remember… Mother being able to use magic…" Morgan recalled.

"Is that so?" Cordelia asked, raising an eyebrow while looking at the tome.

"Well, she is a Dark Flier, Morgan… hence the reason why she has a tome with her." I said.

"But Father, I remember that she's the one who taught me using magic when I was young, since you can't use magic!" Morgan chirped happily.

"EHHH?!" I asked incredulously.

"I… taught you?" Cordelia blinked.

"You did Mother!" Morgan smiled. "We spent countless hours practicing magic together!"

"Heavens me, this is unexpected…" Cordelia got out.

"I guess you changing into a Dark Flier, was a good thing after all…" I said.

"Ahem!" Basilio coughed up, getting our attention, and the four of us looked at him. "I know it's a bit rude to interrupt this family moment, but I think we should get a move on now. We can't afford to miss our ship as theirs are on their way to get here."

"Oh right!" I said. "So uh… with this, that concludes the impromptu promotion ceremony! Shepherds, get all of your belongings and prepare to set sail for Valm! It's time to invade Walhart's homeland!"

"Yeah!" The Shepherds and Riders shouted.

At Fangire Castle, as Verion looked outside the window, the fully healed Bishop approached him and this time, he had a smirk on his face. "Someone is in a foul mood today…"

"Hmph, at the very least I was able to withstand a full blast from different warriors, unlike you…" Verion teased back.

"Different warriors, you say?" Bishop got out. "Not Kiva?"

"No… these warriors called themselves the Riders of Blade."

"Riders of Blade?" Bishop mused.

"Hmph…" Verion scoffed. "If it weren't for them, I would've had my vengeance on Kiva and my brother's descendants!"

"And it was very foolish of you…" A voice said.

Verion went on full alert as he saw the Wolf Fangire approach them. "My King." Bishop bowed.

"Verion, you are starting to disobey the rules around the castle… my castle." King said sternly. "Have you forgotten that you cannot go as much as you please?"

"Should I listen to the likes of you?" Verion retaliated. "The very reason I exist is to wipe out the descendants that have taken over my supposed throne and not my damned brother!"

"May I remind you that we are the ones that resurrected you from your slumber?" King questioned. "That means you must obey my rules as I am your master!"

"Tch…" Verion hissed.

"For now, you will not move out of this castle anytime soon, Verion. And that's an order!" King declared before he looked at Bishop. "And Bishop, send Rook to Valm; in the heart of the battlefield. According to our informers, the Kiva Riders are heading towards that destination, and Rook is getting bored of guarding the front gate."

"At once, my King." Bishop bowed before taking his leave. "Hehehehe… serves you right, Verion." He chuckled to himself.

Alright, we got everything we need and are good to go to set sail for Valm. After taking only what we need, Castle Doran, using her cloaking ability, flew over to Valm Harbor so that she could meet us there. Meanwhile, the Shepherds and Riders were on the flagship of our fleet, sailing the ocean blue to meet the Valmese Fleet.

"Ah, the smell of the sea… I like it!" Saigo smiled after he took a deep breath.

"Father, you like the sea~?" Athena asked.

"Well, my family lives there back in my world, Athena. And since my home is close to the sea, my place is always breezy!" Saigo explained.

"You might as well take it all in while you can!" I said, breathing in the salty air. "Somehow our troubles feel a lifetime away out here."

"Yet in truth, we're headed straight toward them…" Chrom said. "I should be grateful the Plegians delivered us this fleet, as promised. But it's my first time on a vessel, and my legs… I never fancied myself a sea captain."

"This is my first voyage as well. In my time, all ships were destroyed. Smashed to pieces, along with their ports." Lucina recalled.

"Like I said, it must've been a dark future…" I muttered.

Chrom approached his daughter and asked, "Lucina… there's been something I've been meaning to ask…"

"Yes, Father?"

"After you stopped Emm's assassination… Why didn't you stay with us?"

"Yeah, come to think of it, you could've just stayed with us, making it livelier, niece." Saigo added.

"Father~, Lucy has her reasons for that~." Athena said.

"Does she?" Saigo blinked.

"Yes Uncle. I felt I had no other choice. I could not risk altering history any more than necessary. I sought only to divert events that directly led to Grima's return."

"Hey, so wait– what about the guys who tried to kill Chrom in the gardens? What would've happened if you didn't save him?" Lissa asked.

"He would have been gravely wounded. And those wounds would have played a part in the tragedies to come." Lucina answered.

"Whoa! Good thing you changed things, huh?" Lissa sighed in relief.

"If indeed they have changed… The river of time always favors its original course. Take Aunt Emmeryn's apparent death… I stalled it, yes, but in the end I was not able to prevent it."

"…You did what you could at the time." I said.

"I know… I was so certain it was over. That I'd saved the world. But time simply found another way back to its course." Lucina said. "Perhaps the task is simply too great… Perhaps if I'd done something differently? I replay events in my head, over and over…"

"Don't. You did your best. And you saved me, after all." Chrom smiled, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"You're kind, Father." Lucina smiled gently, before being serious again and placing Chrom's hands down. "But nothing is certain… Another could take your life. Time could find a way…"

"…Do you know how I die?" Chrom asked.

"Only rumors…" Lucina sighed. "I was told you fell in a great battle, fought to sway your destiny. …And that you were murdered– betrayed by someone dear to you."

That was when I suddenly felt a jolt of pain in my head and held it. "N–Ngh! Ah!"

"H–Hey! Kurogasa! What's up?!" Saigo panicked as I knelt down in pain, holding my head.

"Kurogasa, are you alright?!" Chrom got out as eventually, the pain faded away and I shook my head.

"I'm fine…" I told them as I stood up.

"You sure? That looked like one heck of a headache…" Lissa pointed out.

"I–I'm fine, don't worry." I assured, shaking my head again to shake off the pain. Geez, now I know how my older self from the World of Blade feels.

Lucina was silent for a moment, looking at me suspiciously for reason before turning back to her father. "After your murder and Grima's return, I took the name Marth and fought back." She continued. "I prayed to the Hero–King for a small part of the strength he used to save the world. But I need this subterfuge no longer. I choose to fight as Lucina now. The name that reminds me of the strength in the man and woman who chose it."

"A strength shared by the woman who bears it." Chrom smirked.

"And the aid of the fellow Riders of the future to do that." Saigo added.

"That's right~!" Athena nodded absentmindedly.

We then see Frederick approaching, along with Cynthia too. "Father! We returned from our scouting!"

"Really?" Chrom asked. "What do we need to know?"

"It would seem the Valmese fleets, matches ours, ship for ship." Frederick said worriedly.

"That doesn't sound good with that tone of yours, Freddy Bear…" Saigo grimaced.

"I'm afraid so…" Frederick added. "Their troops vastly outnumber ours. Our vessels are half–full, at best. But every Valmese ship is packed from stem to stern with soldiers."

"And most of their ships are HUGE!" Cynthia exclaimed while her arms went wide open, to tell us how 'HUGE' their ships were.

"If we attempt to board them in a straight fight, we'll be slaughtered." Chrom said, crossing his arms.

"We've little choice but to try anyway." Flavia stated. "Plegia had no men to spare, but they were generous with other supplies… including oil. Perhaps a clever tactician could find a use for that."

"Hmm…" Saigo said thinking about it.

"If we can put their ships to flame, they'd have nowhere to escape to. We could–" Flavia began, but was cut off by Basilio.

"You could roast us all like hams! Are you truly so eager to die, woman?!" Basilio snapped.

"Do you have a better idea, oaf?!" Flavia snapped, making Basilio grit his teeth. "…The problem is we have no catapults. Hmm… how to get the lit oil on their decks without our own ships getting caught in the blaze?"

"Unless we want our ships caught in the blaze." I said.

"Why in the world would–" Basilio tried to complain, until he spotted Saigo's smile, along with mine. "Well, I know better than to question both of these guys. Especially not when they have that look in their eyes. Someone save us from what they've cooked up this time– let's just hope it's not us!" He heartily laughed.

"Oh, don't worry. I assure you we'll be fine!" Saigo waved off before he looked at me. "You're thinking what I'm thinking, right?"

"I catch your drift, Saigo." I smirked.

"Hey, Chrom. We got ourselves a foolproof plan!" Saigo announced.

"Those words from your mouth are music to my ears, Saigo." Chrom smirked.

"But for the plan to work we'll need to take out the boss…" I said. "Our strongest team would need to board their lead ship and kill their general. As our best captain I'd have you head the squad, but you are the prince, so…"

"Yes, I am the prince, so no one can order me not to go." Chrom smirked. "I will lead the assault!"

"Then this plan will work." I smirked back.

"Heh… so much has changed since we found you that day, lying in the open field…" Chrom scoffed good–naturedly. "Hard to believe you and Saigo determine the fate of our entire army now… our entire people. Destiny has a strange way."

"…No, Chrom. Not destiny." I said.

"What?"

"We're not pawns of some scripted fate. I believe we're much more than that."

"How do you mean?"

"There's something between us all. Something that keeps us together… our bonds as friends. They connect us. Give us strength… we forged these bonds. We strengthen them. If we preserve or break them, it will be by our choices, not some "destiny" like Validar had foretold, about me becoming Grima's pawn and you being killed in order for that to happen…" I said. "He may think that our destiny is predetermined, but the truth is, is that we shape our own destiny with the choices we make and the things we do."

"Kurogasa…" Chrom muttered.

"Those are some deep words, man." Saigo stated.

"If you think that's deep, you should try asking Nee–san about it. She's the one who gave me this lecture about destiny, and I took the whole thing to heart. I'm just here to repeat what she said in my own way, interpreting it all. And there's no way I'll be letting Validar have me do his bidding by simply letting destiny take over us all. We will be the ones to break the Chains of Destiny."

"Heh. You got that right." Saigo scoffed with a smirk.

"…Kurogasa… I think this salty air might have gone to your head, hah!" Chrom laughed.

"Nope! I'm still good!" I laughed. "Still, I think that's enough philosophy for one day… There are still details we need to iron out."

"Indeed there are! And preparations to be made!" Chrom added. "Oh, and, Kurogasa… If we are all bound by these bonds, I thank the heavens it's with you."

"Chrom…" I got out, before smiling. "Thanks…" I said, before getting serious. "Now to get to work! Shepherds, Riders, prepare for battle!" I ordered.

"Hai~!" Athena said absentmindedly before she headed off with Cynthia to tell others below deck.

As Chrom and the rest of the Shepherds went towards the end of the ship, Saigo and I were now left alone, looking at the horizon. "Seriously, that is deep, man."

"Like I said, thanks." I said.

"You think this tactic would work? There's a possibility that things could go wrong. It's practically a gamble… even I have some doubts about it." Saigo pointed out.

"Maybe, but I'm sure we can pull it off this time." I assured.

"Yeah, and hopefully not screw up like last time…" Saigo said, wincing at one particular memory. I knew what he was talking about.

"Hey, that was a long time ago. What's done is done. There's nothing we can do about it. She's alive now isn't she?" I asked.

"Yeah, but… still… I wished that it should've gone differently."

"I know, but that's all in the past. C'mon man, don't tell me that Nee–san words haven't gotten into your thick skull yet, has it?"

"Hey, it already pierced through the first time she spoke about it." Saigo pointed out as we looked at the sea. "Lucky bastard."

"Eh?" I blinked while looking at him, as he was smiling. "You talking about me?"

"Having a big sister with a nice figure to take care of you before your wife takes over… how lucky can you get?" he teased. "At least you aren't two–timing…" he snickered, making me blush slightly.

"HEY!" I snapped.

"I'm joking, I'm joking!" Saigo laughed.

"Yeah, but you didn't have to joke me like that." I grumbled. "Mattaku… you're always like that ever since we first met."

"Hey, at least it's better than having either Akane–chan or Amber teasing you…" Saigo pointed out.

"Ugh, don't even remind me…" I groaned. "I had my share of experience with them, thank you very much…"

"Heh…" Saigo chuckled. "Anyways, let's plan this out and see if those guys can fall for our trick." Saigo said.

"Took the words right out of my mouth." I said.

Meanwhile, a Valmese fleet of thousands ships were setting a course to meet with the enemy fleet with a General named Ignatius as its Admiral. "Har, har… we must expand our country of Valm for the sake of our Conqueror!" Ignatius said before one of his mates rushed towards him.

"Captain! I see the ship in front of us!" the mate shouted. "And it's the Ylisseans!"

"Hm?" the captain said as he took out his telescope and looked at the front. His face turned sour the moment he saw it. "One ship against three of ours? They're either very brave or very stupid…" he muttered to himself. "Either way, their bodies will float on the long sea before the day is done."

"What are your orders?!" The mate shouted.

"What do you think, you dolt?! Set sail for that ship!" Ignatius ordered.

By now, after about a few hours or so of going over the plan with the Shepherds and Riders, Saigo and I have it all planned out everything for this assault. All of us Shepherds and Riders were on the main deck, ready to take out anything that comes our way. "Milord! Three Valmese ships coming up at front, starboard, and port bow!" A soldier shouted as we looked to the front and just ahead, were the three said ships and they were already close.

"Grr… they're here already…" Chrom gritted.

"No worries, we can do this!" I assured. "And I'm ready to go into battle again!"

"Are you sure Kurogasa?" Cordelia asked worriedly.

"I'm sure Cordelia." I said. "Besides, Maribelle, Lissa, and Brady have done their best healing me. I could not ask for more."

"Well…" Cordelia said, thinking about it. "Okay… if you say so."

"Okay! Let me at 'im!" Cynthia said pumped up.

"Not if I do that first!" Severa smirked, readying her sword.

"I'm ready to hack and chop at these guys!" Henry cheered.

"Yeah! And I'm ready to burn some Valmese soldiers to a crisp!" Nowi said in her dragon form.

"Class is in session with the Teach and these Valmese soldiers are gonna fail, my lessons!" Vaike said smugly.

"I hope this works…" Kellam said worriedly.

"We'll be fine Kellam. Don't worry." I nodded. "Kivat!"

"Yosha! Time to get back into the battle aibou! I missed fighting alongside ya!" Kivat cheered. "Kivatte ikuze!"

"Kibat!" Morgan called out.

"Let's do this, Morgan!" Kibat said, flying into her hand.

"Are you ready Danny?" Nee-san asked, putting on her IXA Belt.

"More than ever." Danny said, getting his belt ready too.

"Kivat II!" Storm shouted.

"The innocents of Valm will be grateful that we're coming to their shores and liberate them." Kivat II said, doing the same thing.

"Kiva–la!" Akane–chan yelled.

"Hai~! Ikuyo~ Akane–chama~!" Kiva–la cooed as she flew into her fingers.

"Rey–Kivat!" Aqua–chan commanded.

"Yes milady! It shall be a graceful yet violent ending for the Valmese Fleet!" Rey–Kivat said before flying into Aqua–chan's hand.

"Sagark!" Saigo shouted.

"Ikuze! Ikuze! Ikuze!" Sagark cheered, doing a flip in midair before attaching to Saigo's waist.

"GABU!"

"KABU!"

"GABUI!"

*CRUNCH!*

"CHU!"

R–E–A–D–Y!

"HENSHIN!"

"I, Transform!"

"Henshin!" Rey–Kivat declared.

"Hen… shin!" Sagark said.

F–I–S–T O–N!

The eight of us went through the transformation process and moments later, we were all in our respective armors.

"Alright! This is it!" Chrom shouted as the ships were about parallel and lined up with each other. "Give everything you got!" After that, the Valmese soldiers put large planks of wood on our ship, ready to board at any time.

"Here they come!" Vaike shouted.

"Remember the plan! We have to take out the Admiral of this group!" Saga exclaimed as he prepared his whip.

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Sully shouted as the enemy men started flowing out from the planks.

"CHARGE!" one of the enemies shouted before they charged forward in unison.

"No you don't!" Nowi shouted as she breathed out fire in front of them to stop their advance from the starboard bow.

"You're not going anywhere!" Nah said in her dragon form doing the same thing from the port bow.

"You shall not pass!" Miriel shouted, casting a fire wall to the front so the enemies there will be stalled.

"Men of the Conqueror! Do not falter! Keep pushing on!" the leader from another ship commanded, and a caster from each ship casted a wind spell on the flames, putting it away out of the board.

"Darn it, these guys are playing hard to get! And I'm not talking about girls!" Inigo said while getting into his stance.

"Then we should put more effort and break though their defense!" Laurent suggested while casting his lightning blast onto one of the ship's casters.

"Morgan, it's time to call out the Arms!" I said, holding the Garuru Fuestle.

"I'm with you Father!" Kiva–chan said, taking out the Bashaa Fuestle.

"Allow me to help!" IXA said, taking out the Dogga Fake Fuestle. With that, we placed the Fuestles in their respective places.

GARURU SABER!

BASHAA MAGNUM~!

D–O–G–G–A F–A–K–E!

At Castle Doran, somewhere at the nearby port

"Hm…" Jiro said as he looked at the barrel in the middle with swords sticking out of it. As he drew out another sword, he circled around it and said, "I wonder which hole will not explode on me?"

"Ne, ne! Hurry up! Danny–chan wants to see some explosion!" Ramon chirped happily, making little Danny giggle happily.

"Explosion… now…" Riki said.

"It's all about patience boys." Jiro said. Just as he was about to stick a hole in a barrel, the three calling sounds, sounded.

"Ne, ne, ne! We're all going?" Ramon asked.

"I believe so." Jiro answered.

"Pyun~ pyun! You three get going!" Tatsulot said, as he flew towards them. "I'll take care of Danny–sama!"

"Understood…" Riki nodded.

"So, it's that time, huh?" Jiro smirked as he kneeled down and scratched the floor, revealing his true color.

"Yatta~! Kuro–chan asked for our help!" Ramon chirped happily as he twirled around and snapped his finger and Riki roared out loud. Eventually, the three of them revert to their Mazoku form and immediately turned into a statue before heading out of Castle Doran's mouth.

"Uncle helpy?" little Danny said while looking at Tatsulot.

"Yes, your Oji–sama needs their help! Saa, let's go play!" Tatsulot said.

"Yay!" Little Danny said happily.

"Feel the wrath of a hero's strike of justice!" Cynthia shouted as she threw one of her javelins at the archer, taking him out as he plunged down into the sea.

"Don't let them do their bidding! Shoot them down with your cannons!" one of the pirates commanded as the rest of the men got to work, only to realize that their body completely stopped.

"And shooting down my Dark Emperor down along the way? I don't think so…" Tharja chuckled darkly as she controlled them like a puppet before they too plunged down deep into the sea. "This new power is really interesting…" Tharja chuckled darkly as the three Statues came.

"Father, there they are!" Kiva–chan warned while she kicked away a pirate with her swift kick.

"And just in time too!" IXA added.

"Let's catch them!" I said.

"You got it!" Kiva–chan agreed. The three of us ran towards the statues before the latter turned into the weapons. I took the Garuru Saber assuming Garuru Form, Kiva-chan took the Bashaa Magnum assuming Bashaa Form and IXA took the Dogga Hammer, not assuming any form but still held the hammer.

"Goodness, Riki is heavy…" IXA winced, trying to hold up the hammer.

"Ara, ara… I share your pain, dear." IXA–neesan said to her son. "I know how it feels like to wield him…"

"Yeah, and Nee–san had a good idea of using it as a throwing item…" I said.

"And that's the thing I will do!" IXA shouted as he spun around, rotating fast enough to make the pirates back off. Eventually, as he let go, Dogga revealed his Mazoku form, not only scaring the crap out of the pirates, but at the same time, clothesline them hard.

"Funny, the way he does that reminds me of you doing the same, beloved." Frederick recalled.

"That's because it was the same." IXA–neesan giggled.

"Oh right… of course." Frederick said, slightly blushing.

"Saa, let's take out these ruffians." IXA–neesan said before taking out her IXA Riser Phone.

1–9–3

R–I–S–I–N–G!

She pressed the call button and her armor 'cast off', assuming Rising Form. After that she pressed 2 on the phone.

B–L–I–Z–Z–A–R–D M–O–D–E!

"You'll pay for this!" the pirate Hero exclaimed as he tried to lead an assault while crossing the plank, but Rising–neesan shot a few rounds, creating a spike of ice at the front.

"I don't think I'll let you pass easily, dear." She said calmly before she pointed up, making the rest of them look up high in the sky, where the phenomenon was already taking place.

"Darkness Hell Crash!" Dark Kiva shouted as he crashed his punch towards the Hero's shield, which eventually shattered away and punching his head off… literally.

"Mou~ Storm–sama!" Kiva–la–chan whined.

"Sorry!" Dark Kiva said.

"No, don't be sorry! Keep doing that!" Henry said gleefully, before casting dark energy disks at another pirate.

WAKE UP!

WAKE UP!

Rey's golden claws froze as Saga's Jacorder went into Bute Mode.

"Ready?" Saga asked as he whipped his Jacorder around her waist.

"Go!" Rey–chan shouted and Saga whipped it hard, making her fly towards the first ship where Lon'qu and Libra were back–to–back while surrounded by the pirates. "Get away from him!"

*SLASH!*

As she, skid to a corner, a line of pirates felt something cut their bodies before eventually; the blood gushed out from their wound, and froze, crystallizing before they drop dead. "I thank you, fellow Rider." Libra thanked as she slowly stood up.

"It's what I do." Rey said.

"Thanks Aqua." Lon'qu thanked.

"No problem."

"Take this!" Kan'shou shouted as he slashed another Pirate with his katana.

"And this!" Bakuya said, throwing her boomerangs at another before the twins were back–to–back. "Fie… there's no end to this!" She gritted.

"Calm yourself imouto. Remember what Say'ri–sensei taught us." Kan'shou said.

Wait… Say'ri–sensei? Does this mean… the twins know who this Say'ri–sensei is?

"Aye, a calm mind will resolve any situation." Bakuya nodded as she caught the boomerangs into her hands.

"Then let's head out again, assisting our fellow comrades!" Kan'shou shouted, as both of them were back–to–back again before dashing forward to where Lissa was, swinging her axe around while Brady was healing up his dad.

"Otouto, what's the matter?" Rising–neesan asked.

"Nee–san. The twins mentioned Say'ri." I said.

"The person that Ursor mentioned?" Rising–neesan asked.

"Yeah. They said something about Say'ri being their sensei."

Rising–neesan pondered for a bit as Virion interrupted us by shooting down another Pegasus Knight enemy. "I hate to interrupt your small thoughts, but we have other matters to attend to!"

"Yeah, we need you to lend your strength, not your thoughts!" Flavia said as she parried one of the sword attacks from the enemy fencer.

"Hurry up and settle things over there already!" Basilio commanded as he was being pushed back before water shots hit the target, courtesy of Kiva–chan.

"We'll talk about this later, otouto. Right now, we have more enemies to defeat." Rising–neesan said.

"Hm… ok." I said, before she and I ran towards the enemy. I'll have to talk to the twins once this battle is over.

"Kyah!" Olivia squeaked as she danced away from the enemies' attack with her bladed fans, giving her enough room to dodge.

"Away with you!" Kjelle exclaimed while shoving the enemy off the ledge.

"How much do these guys have in one ship?!" Owain panicked as Gaius was able to ambush another one and kill them with his hidden daggers.

"Don't know. All I know is that they're all sour." Gaius said.

"Eeek! Get away from me!" Yarne shouted as he hopped away for a bit, before kicking a pirate with his hind legs, and the pirate plunged into the sea. "Hah! That's right! Don't mess with a bunny!" He shouted before a bunch of pirates suddenly surrounded him with swords pointing at him. "EEEEEEEEEEK!"

"Ugh… why did my son have to be such a coward?" Panne groaned before hopping towards a pirate that surrounded her son and ripped his head off.

"Mother!" Yarne exclaimed as a gust of wind pushed a few pirates away, courtesy of Athena and Emmeryn.

"Are you… alright?" Emmeryn asked.

"Thank goodness both of you helped us! No, correction… helped me!" Yarne said.

"I can't let them harm our little bunny~." Athena said absentmindedly.

"Uh… little bunny?" Yarne blushed a bit.

"Hai~!" Athena said.

"Achoo!" IXA suddenly sneezed.

"You okay Danny?" I asked.

"It's nothing, Uncle. I'm fine…" Danny said.

"Really?" I asked further.

"Quite certain. Something tells me there's an omen that caused me to sneeze this way…" IXA said.

"Ara… it's one of those sneezes huh?" Rising–neesan said.

"Yes Mother. I will figure out what that is later on. Right now, we still have enemies in our midst." IXA said.

"HaaaAAAHHH!" Chrom and Lucina shouted as they somersaulted down on two sages with their Falchions.

"Take this!" Sumia shouted, throwing a javelin at a pirate from above, hitting her target.

"Uh… let's see here." Cordelia said a bit frantic flipping a few pages of her tome.

"Will you hurry up with the magic cast already!? We're being outnumbered here!" Severa panicked.

"I hate to break it to you but she's right." Cherche said while she swung her axe around. Minerva spewed out a flame at the enemy front. "It's just a matter of time before we're overturned."

"Get back already!" Stahl exclaimed as he shoved the pirates back to keep up with the defense, along with Kellam.

"We need a nifty magic trick right about now!" Anna demanded.

"Hold on, I'm going as fast as I can! I'm still new at this!" Cordelia panicked.

"Well make it quick! We can't hold on much longer!" Ricken shouted, casting a wind spell.

"Ah! Here we go! Take this! Elthunder!" Cordelia shouted raising her hand up in the air. As she whipped her hand down onto the target, a random thunder hits one of the enemies, killing one of the dark mages. "Yes…"

"Uh… not to be rude, but…" Stahl intervened as the pirates were angrier than before. "…I think we've snapped them off…"

"Spears of Light!" Multiple numbers of light spears rain down on the pirates, killing them off and Kiva–chan landed next to her Mother. "Mother, are you alright?"

"I'm fine Morgan…" Cordelia sighed. "I'm still getting used to this whole magic thing while flying on a Pegasus."

"Don't worry Mother, you can do it. It just takes practice." Kiva–chan assured.

"I suppose…"

"Now c'mon, we're almost there!" Kiva–chan said before she placed the Bashaa Magnum in front of Kibat, letting the latter bite on it.

BASHAA BITE~!

"Yahoo! The Vaike's on a roll!" Vaike shouted, slashing away pirates with his axe like there's no tomorrow.

"How do you like this?!" Sully yelled, stabbing a Hero with her lance. "Heh, just how I like it: skewered." She smirked.

"Eeek! G–Get away!" Noire shrieked, as she backed up her horse and fired arrows at a few pirates.

"I like my enemies roasted please!" Nowi chirped, spewing out flames from her mouth.

"Did you really have to say it like that?" Nah sighed before spewing out flames at the enemy too.

"Oh, come on, Nah! It's interesting!" Nowi whined.

"Yes, and Gregor thinks he likes it!" Gregor heartily laugh before he swung his axe at the enemy, chopping them in half.

"Out of my way!" Gerome shouted as he dived down his Griffon to the other ship, tackling them off board and at the same time, swung his axe onto a lancer.

"Honestly, these moronic idiots are quite a hassle…" Maribelle sighed.

"Agreed." Miriel nodded. "I daresay we should get rid of these lots first."

"And then we'll deal with that big guy over there!" Apollo shouted as he and Miriel advanced forward.

At the front deck, the Admiral hissed from what he saw. "Arrogant pups! The seas are my home, and they will be your grave!" That's when he had enough as he decided to enter the fray while wielding his dual axe.

"Grrr… no you don't!" I shouted as I slashed a few pirates with Garuru Saber to get them out of the way as I was running towards their Admiral. "Thanks Jiro. Now go take care of little Danny! I need Taa-chan for this one!" I said, before throwing the Saber in the air, and it turned into a Monster Statue before flying back to Castle Doran. I then took out another Fuestle and placed it in Kivat's mouth.

TATSULOT!

Kivat played the tune and Tatsulot suddenly came, flying towards us. "Pyun~ pyun! Tension Fortissimo!" Tatsulot cheered.

"Sorry if I had to ruin your party, partner." I apologized as Tatsulot flew around me.

"Dai~jo~bu~, Kurogasa–sama! Little Danny is now sleeping on the futon I laid out for him~!" Tatsulot said.

"Oh…" I said before he latched onto my arm and I transformed into my Emperor Form.

"Haha! This is interesting; seeing strange foreigners to wield such strength, but none shall overwhelm the power of our Conqueror!" the Admiral boasted.

"We'll see about that!" I shouted as I ran towards the Admiral, and the latter towards me before he swung his dual axes and I blocked them with my gauntlets.

"You think you can defeat the great Ignatius?!" The Admiral demanded.

"I know I can!" I shouted as I kicked him away to gain distance.

"Hmph!" Ignatius scoffed as he stopped from skidding back further. "Not bad for a strange warrior!"

"Rather than talk with our words, why don't we talk with our weapons instead?!" I shouted as I drew out Zanvat Sword from my cape.

"This is interesting! If that's the case, then I won't hold back either!" he said as he got into his stance. "Entertain me, whelp!"

"Oh I will." I said, before moving the hilt up and down and charged towards Ignatius.

"Hmph…" Ignatius scoffed as I swung my Zanvat Sword down, and he blocked with his dual axes.

"Father! I'm coming to help!" Kiva–chan cried out as she shot a few shots at Ignatius, making the latter stumble back while sparks flew off his armor.

"Gah!" he shouted in pain as I managed to land a blow on him before moving my hilt of the Zanvat Sword again.

"Admiral!" A few of his loyal men shouted before they shifted their attention to Kiva–chan.

"You stay away from my daughter!" Cordelia exclaimed in midair as she cast a stronger version of her thunder strike, and this time, she killed group of them.

"Nice work Cordelia!" I praised.

"Thank you!" Cordelia smiled.

"And now to finish you off!" I said to Ignatius as I placed the special Fuestle in Kivat's mouth.

WAKE UP!

"Hah! Let's see who finishes who!" Ignatius roared as he ran towards me while I calmly moved the hilt up and down, revealing the red light while letting out the flute tune on it.

"This is where your path ends…" I muttered before I ducked down from his wild slash before delivering one of my own on his chest, followed by a strong uppercut and finished it off with a quick dash forward.

He was stunned, yes, and as I moved the hilt upward, dealing with the finishing touch, he said, "Strike me down, and ten will take my place… You… have… lost!" he shouted in pain as I paused from moving the hilt down.

"Then we'll beat them all the same." I said, before finally moving the hilt down. "KIERO!"

"GAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Ignatius roared in pain as red electricity crackled before–

*BOOM!*

His life ended in a fiery explosion.

On the other ship, I saw Saga deal with the other one with his Jacorder. "Any last words?"

"Damn you Ylisseans!" the Admiral shouted.

"I guess not. Kiero!" he shouted before the snap of his Jacorder sounded, displaying the explosion beautifully.

"Kurogasa!" I heard Chrom shout at on the other ship. "Their general has fallen! I'm giving the signal!

"Father, we have to go now!" Morgan said after she and I de-henshined.

"Come Kurogasa, I'll give you a ride!" Cordelia said as she landed her Pegasus next to me.

"Right!" I nodded as I mounted on the Pegasus behind her.

Miriel shot out a fireball in the sky, giving them a signal to the other ships that were waiting behind us. "All appointed ships, change course! Head right at them! Ramming speed!" Chrom shouted as the rest of the ships moved forward.

"…Heavens and thunder! And second now!" A Ylissean soldier shouted.

"C'mon, let this one work!" Saga said as he whipped back to our main ship.

"Steady… Steadddddddy…!" Chrom shouted.

"We're on top of them now!" The Ylissean soldier shouted, as our ships were getting really close.

"NOW! JUMP!" Chrom shouted.

With that, the Shepherds and Riders, all jumped to a nearby ship that wasn't appointed to be rammed while some of us flew towards the nearby ship. After that, all the ships rammed into the Valmese ships.

"Miriel, Ricken, Athena, Emmeryn, Laurent, light 'em up!" Saga shouted.

"You got it!" Ricken shouted, sending a fire spell at one of our rammed ships.

"Time to light… the flames of hope…" Emmeryn said as she used her wind to amp up the power of the flame.

"Hai~!" Athena said absentmindedly as she raised her hand up high and... a large fireball was created and that thing kept getting bigger and bigger?! How scary is Athena, really!?

"Excelsior! That fireball is as big as a sun!" Laurent exclaimed.

"That is impossible…" Miriel said, stunned for the first time as her glasses dropped.

Yikes! Don't burn me!" Yarne panicked.

"Calm yourself boy!" Panne scolded.

"Just throw the fireball already Athena!" Saga said frantically.

"We don't want you to burn down our ship, cousin!" Lucina panicked too, while Athena tilted her head to the side as the fireball kept on expanding.

"Please, cousin! Do it now!" Owain panicked.

"Hai~!" she said absentmindedly before she threw it onto the oil covered ship, instantly igniting the ship before it chained onto the next one and the view continued to expand. "Wah~, look at that~!"

"Seriously, our cousin is scarier when she's minding her own business!" Cynthia whimpered.

Lissa exclaimed, pointing to the flames, "The Sea itself is on fire!"

"And it worked too!" Frederick added.

"Only you two could hatch such a brilliant scheme, Saigo and Kurogasa." Flavia smirked. "Who else would desert half our vessels and turn them into flaming cannonballs? And there was still enough room on the remaining ships for all our troops. It was so simple, and yet the Valmese never saw it coming. They never considered anyone might be willing to sacrifice half a fleet…"

"We may have won the day, but the war still looms. We must continue on and seize control of their main harbor." Chrom said.

"Aye, boy! I've had enough of the smoke and smell here for one lifetime, besides." Basilio said.

"Full speed for Valm!" Chrom ordered.

"Uh… we kinda can't do that." Dark Kiva said.

"Why's that?" I asked confused.

"Minna~!" Kiva–la–chan shouted as she landed aboard and immediately de–henshined. "We got trouble!"

"What kind of trouble?"

"A BIG ONE!" Akane–chan said while pointing at a direction. As we looked at it, boy, we were in for a surprise.

"No way…" Saigo gasped. "That's a lot of them!"

"And most of their fleet are too big for us to even board it!" Ricken panicked.

"What are we going to do, otouto?" Nee–san asked, approaching me. "We are outnumbered…"

As we thought of something, I saw Dark Kiva walk toward his son. Why hasn't he de–henshined yet? "Gerome, I gonna need your help for this one."

"What?" Gerome said confused.

"Storm, what are you doing?" Cherche asked worriedly.

"Shounen~." Kivat II said sternly.

"Daijobu, daijobu. I have something in mind." He said nonchalantly before mounting on Gerome's griffon, Minerva.

"What is it?" I tried to ask but he was already up high in the air.

"Buddy, I want you to keep moving forward!" he shouted.

"But how?!" I shouted before I noticed a Fuestle falling down towards me.

"Nanda?! The Buroon Booster Fuestle?!" Kivat exclaimed as it dropped to the deck.

"Buroon Booster?" The Shepherds asked as I picked it up. I remember this being broken when I first got here. Looking at it more, I noticed it was sort of glued and taped up. I must've dropped it and somehow Storm found and tried to fix it.

"Storm…" I said. Why would he– OH NO! Don't tell me that he's–!

"Moving forward~, Gerome!" Dark Kiva pointed out before Griffon Minerva took off.

"My good man, is something bothering you?" Virion asked me.

"Your expression explained to me that you have seen a ghost." Maribelle added.

"King's World End…" I muttered in terror.

"WHAT?!" The Riders minus Danny and Kiva-chan asked shocked.

"Has he gone insane?!" Saigo shouted.

"STORM–SAMAAAAAAAAAA!" Akane–chan cried in tears as she tried to run after him, but Aqua–chan held her back. "LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"

"Akane–chan! Don't be an idiot!" Aqua–chan shouted.

"NO! HE'S GOING TO KILL HIMSELF IF HE GOES THROUGH WITH IT!" Akane–chan screamed. "STORM–SAMAAAAAAAAA!"

As both of them soared in the sky, Dark Kiva chuckled. "What's with the chuckle, Father?"

"Oh, it's nothing…" Dark Kiva waved off. "It's just that… well, I think this might be the first time I've thought of something like this…"

"What?!" Gerome snapped. "You haven't thought of this at all!?"

"Have you forgotten that I'm an airhead, son?" he said, making Gerome flinch before they reached the enemy frontline. "Well, this is my stop. Once I leap off from this spot, I want you to get back to your station. That's an order, Gerome."

"Father, what are you–"

"And should anything happen to me… take care of your mom for me… I love you son…" Dark Kiva said gently before he leaped off from Minerva and landed at the top part of the largest ship.

"Father!" Gerome shouted.

"Shounen, don't tell me you're thinking of doing what I think you're doing." Kivat II said.

"Damn right I'm thinking of doing it." Dark Kiva said cheekily.

Kivat II was silent for a bit. "You do know the consequences of doing such a move right? There was a reason why the first Dark Kiva never used it."

"Yeah… I know what happens next, though I never thought of how it will affect me…" Dark Kiva pondered as a few javelins stuck on the supporter.

"And yet, you are willing to sacrifice your life for the sake of others?" Kivat II asked.

"Yeah."

Kivat II went silent… until he gave the biggest laugh he ever had. "You truly are an interesting fool, shounen! A fool that is willing to forsake his life for the leaders that will lead the future! It has been an honor to serve by your side, shounen– iie… Storm Ryder!"

"Same goes here!" Dark Kiva said as he held the Fuestle in his hand. "Let's do this, Kivat II!"

"Let's give these mongrels the biggest Wake Up call they ever had, Storm Ryder!" Kivat II declared as he slid the Fuestle onto his mouth and tapped it… thrice.

WAKE UP THREE!

"Damn it! Of all things, why would he do that?!" Saigo snapped.

"You know Storm. He's an airhead…" I muttered.

"Well it's the stupidest decision he's ever made!" Saigo shouted.

"A–Ano…" Nee–san tried to talk, "Please calm down…"

"Well, what do you want me to do?!" I snapped back, ignoring Nee–san. "I can't do anything about it!"

"Damn it! If we knew what's he was up to, maybe we could've stopped him before it happened!" Saigo shouted as he and I are now on each other's nerves before I saw Gerome return back to the ship.

"Gerome?" Cherche asked. "Where's your father?"

"He…" Gerome flinched as Kivat fluttered to the front.

"Oi! What's that over there?" Kivat pointed out as there was… a nuclear explosion?! HERE?! "And it's coming closer and faster…"

"No…" I said in horror.

"IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Akane–chan shrieked in despair.

"Kurogasa–dono! Use the Buroon Booster and get us out of here!" Rey–Kivat urged, but I was too stunned. "KUROGASA–DONO!"

"OI, AIBOU! C'MON!" Kivat shouted.

"Hey, Kurogasa! We gotta move on now!" Chrom shouted as he shook me up rather hard.

"Snap out of it! We better get a move on!" Vaike exclaimed.

"Or else, it'll be our goose roasted!" Basilio added.

"Gh! Kuso~!" I shouted before placing the Buroon Booster in Kivat's mouth.

BUROON BOOSTER!

Kivat blew into the Fuestle and played an oboe sound that played a series of trill notes.

"Here it comes!" Kivat said as another statue appeared in the sky, heading towards us.

"W–What is that thing?!" Brady exclaimed.

"It's bigger than those Three Arms' statues!" Donnel exclaimed.

"That's the Buroon Booster." Aqua–chan said.

"EHHHHHHH?!" The Shepherds asked shocked as the Eastern Island Head like statue opened up its mouth and separated into two pieces. The top half went to the front of the ship attaching to it while the bottom, which had the actual boosters itself, attached to the back of the ship.

"Alright! Let's get out of here!" Kivat shouted as the Buroon Booster's thrusters, powered up.

"Everyone hang on to something! It's gonna get bumpy!" Kibat yelled.

"Huh?!" Almost everyone, except the Riders and our partners asked as eventually, the Buroon Booster hit top speed, causing everyone to skid back against the wall.

"WHOAA!" they all said in unison.

"Oi, aibou! The blast is closing in on us!" Kivat cried out.

"Damn it!" I gritted as we held onto the ship as the explosion slowly gained on us.

"We're in big trouble if we don't think of something good! And fast!" Lissa panicked.

I believe if we add the power of the wind onto the ship, it should suffice for a little push." Miriel analyzed.

Then do it!" Saigo shouted.

Very well then." Miriel said. "Ricken, Athena, Laurent, Your Grace! To me! We shall do one big wind spell!"

"Let's do this!" Ricken said, charging up for a wind spell.

"Should I must…" Emmeryn said as she held her tome and started to chant.

"Windy, ne~? Hai~!" Athena said as she flipped a few pages of her notebook and eventually did the same.

"We'll produce enough force to increase the velocity of this ship from that massive sphere!" Laurent added as he followed their lead.

"It's gonna be close!" Kivat yelled.

"Pyun~ pyun! Hayaku!" Tatsulot urged.

The five of them were charging up their wind spells as fast as they could, until–

"Now! Cast it to the sail!" Miriel shouted.

"All at once!" Laurent shouted as the five of them give their best shot, which not only increased the speed of the ship, but we were able to get the explosion away from our tails too.

"Hey, it's working!" Vaike exclaimed happily.

"A–And we're safe now!" Olivia added.

The ship kept on sailing fast with the help of the huge wind spell and the Buroon Booster until we stopped, just enough to be far away from the explosion.

"Well… we got away…" Saigo said.

"Yeah… but at what cost…?" I said sadly.

The rest of the Shepherds kept silent and when I looked at Cherche, she had the sad expression on her face while looking where the King's World End occurred. "Storm…"

"But why? Why would he do such a thing?" Gerome asked.

"Because he had no choice." Lucina said as she walked forward. "When our soldiers are outnumbered, he knew there's only one way to wipe them all out from getting to Ylisse…"

"But he didn't have to sacrifice his life for that!" Akane–chan sobbed.

"Akane–chan…" Nee–san said sadly, as I approached Cherche.

"Cherche… I'm so sorry, I…" I began.

Before I could continue on with what I wanted to say, I felt a strong grip on my shoulder. I looked behind me, and Aqua-chan gave me a slight shake of disagreement, surprising me a bit. "Aqua–chan?"

"Read the mood, Kurogasa." She bluntly said as I looked at Cherche. Her sad expression remained while her sight never left the spot where Storm did the Wake Up call. Even Gerome and both Minervas did the same thing.

"You know, I have a suggestion." Inigo stepped forward. "Why don't we take a break for today? Valm is still a bit far away from our current position."

"But–"

"Kurogasa, let's go." Aqua–chan said sternly.

I was silent for a bit, looking at Cherche and Gerome again sadly before turning around and saying, "…okay…"

"Shepherds, dismissed." Chrom said and the rest spread off elsewhere, minding their own business.

"Damn it…" I cursed.

"Otouto, remember… you're not the only who feel the pain inside…" Nee–san reminded.

"Those who are closest to him will inflict a deep wound in their hearts…" Lucina said as she looked to her side, seeing Libra comforting the crying Akane–chan in his embrace and Apollo's.

"Tch… the Dark Emperor has sacrificed himself…" Tharja said displeased before she shifted her attention to Henry. "And I've told you before to look after him!"

"Hey! I didn't know he was gonna do that!" Henry said, raising his hands in defense.

"Well you should've!"

"Shut up you two!" I shouted at them.

The two of them stayed silent after that. "Instead of arguing, try to think of the situation we're facing for once!"

"Otouto…" Nee–san said worried.

"Cherche?" Aqua–chan said, getting my attention to see she mounted on her Minerva. "What are you–"

"I'm going to search for him…" Cherche said. "…even if it takes a long time to find him…"

"What?" Owain asked in disbelief.

"Cherche…" I muttered.

"If I find his body, we can at least give him a proper burial." Cherche said.

"Are you serious, woman?!" Tharja snapped.

"When it comes to someone who they care a lot, that's all that matters, Tharja…" Nee–san said.

"And should he still be alive, I'll be sure to teach him some manners about scaring a lady with his reckless move…" Cherche smiled before she held Minerva's reins. "Come now, Minerva. Let us start our search for him."

With that, Minerva took flight and flew off to the scene.

A Valmese soldier frantically ran in the halls of Valm Castle. He continued to run until he reached to the throne room and immediately knelt on one knee. "My lord! Urgent news! Our entire naval fleet have been destroyed!"

The said man on the throne was none other than the Conqueror. He has white long hair with blue soulless eyes and was equipped with a helmet that resembled demonic horns, wearing crimson red armor that completely covered his whole body and a black cape donned on his back. "The entire fleet?" the Conqueror asked without any fear in his eyes or tone.

"Yes! The entire fleet! And the ones who led them was none other than the Ylisseans!" the soldier added.

"Interesting…" the Conqueror mused.

"Also, the main cause of the entire fleet destroyed for the invasion is because of a rather strange blast that killed them all!" The soldier further explained. "And none survived from it, ships included!"

"I see…"

"What are you orders, my lord?" The soldier asked.

Walhart was silent for a bit, thinking of what to do. "This is rather interesting. Perhaps I should greet these Ylisseans."

"On what grounds my lord?"

"Only for mere observation. If they have truly destroy my naval fleet, then I would surely like to meet them. Ready my horse!" Walhart commanded.

"As you command!" the soldier saluted before taking his leave.

"Ylisseans… it seems like it would be a worthy battle of strength for me. Show me what you can really do…" Walhart said while looking at the window.

Night time approached and was accompanied with a half moon and glittering stars in the sky, leaving a faint light on our ship, I walked out from the cabin and looked around a bit. Cherche hasn't returned from her search of Storm and this enough got me worried. Why would that idiot do such a thing?!

And while we're at it, Tharja was working on a spell that would locate his body within the sea with mysterious ingredients inside her large pot, with little to no success at all. This made her furious, so the Shepherds decided to leave her be. They don't want to feel their wrath once she's ticked off. On the other hand, Akane–chan managed to calm down, but she wasn't her usual self, and she had Libra keeping her company. At the main deck, I noticed Minerva the Griffon, resting her head and she was in a sad mood. Who wouldn't? Considering the fact that she's also a part of his family too? She noticed me and let out a small growl. It's wasn't a threat, but rather… a bit sad.

I decided to go over to the griffon to see if I can try and cheer her up. "Hey Minerva…" I said gently as I sat down next to her and petted her head. Minerva let out a small sad growl. "Yeah I know, I miss him too…" I said.

"Kiva?" A voice asked. Griffon Minerva and I looked up to see Gerome walking towards us.

"Gerome…"

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"I should say the same thing to you…" I said.

"I am only here to wait for Mother's return with Father's unknown condition…" Gerome added while looking away from me. "I truly can't believe that foolish, airhead of a man is truly my Father… the Dark Emperor known as Dark Kiva…"

"You better believe it…" I said. "And yet, you still care for him, despite the circumstances."

Gerome remained silent while he looked away from my me. "From the looks of it, you really do care for him…"

"Your flattering won't work on me, Kiva…" Gerome said. I think I hit his soft spot… if not for his mask to cover up his face.

"I don't have to."

"What?" Gerome asked confused.

"I can already tell by that you love him. Seeing you watch that explosion with your mother is proof enough."

Gerome gritted his teeth in annoyance, as my smirk appeared on my face. "What's with the smirk, Kiva?"

"As much as you're trying your best to be 'hardboiled', in the end, you will always be 'halfboiled', Gerome." I teased.

"Hardboiled? Halfboiled? What is that supposed to mean?" Gerome asked.

"Hey look! It's Cherche!" Lissa cried out, pointing at something high in the sky.

"HUH?!" I asked shocked looking up.

"What?!" Gerome gasped, doing the same thing. Griffon Minerva looked up too.

As her Minerva roared, I saw Cherche making sure a familiar body, now topless and torn up pants didn't fall off from her mount and smiled. "I have return." Cherche said calmly while her Minerva landed on the ship.

"And so have I." Kivat II said as he fluttered close to Minerva.

"Kivat II!" I exclaimed. "T–Then, that means…"

"Yes, shounen. Storm was able to overcome the overwhelming feat of the Wake Up Three." Kivat II said before he frowned. "…with a cost of his whole body being strained beyond human limitations…"

"In other words, he is in a comatose state…" Cherche said sadly. "His pulse is faint, but rest assured… he is alive."

"WOHOO!" I cheered. "EVERYONE! STORM AND KIVAT II ARE ALIVE!"

"Nanda?!" Kivat cried out, before flying over to see his father. "TOU–SAAAAAAN!" Kivat II sobbed, hugging his dad with his wings.

"Oi! Ochitsuite!" Kivat II scolded.

"I can't help it! I thought I've lost you for good!" Kivat cried out.

"You've always been a fool, son…" Kivat II sighed. "May I remind you the explosion from earlier won't affect me at all?"

"But–"

"Kivat up for once!" Kivat II said sternly.

"STORM–SAMA?!" Akane–chan cried out as she came on the deck with Libra.

"Storm?!" Saigo asked as he and the rest of the Shepherds came on the deck.

"My word! He's alive!" Virion exclaimed with a gasp.

"STORM–SAMA~!" Akane-chan cried out as she hugged him, surprising Cherche. Then Akane–chan noticed something as she broke the hug. "Storm–sama?"

"Forgive me, Akane. He won't be responding to our calls anytime soon…" Cherche said.

"Why?"

"He's in a coma… it's best to let him rest…" Cherche said, before smiling at her husband. "He deserves it…"

"Mattaku…" Saigo sighed. "As soon as he wakes up, I'm punching him for that reckless stunt!"

"Me too!" I agreed.

"Me three!" Akane–chan said.

"So will I…" Gerome said. "He will pay for his reckless action… and for that unforeseen move he did earlier."

"Well, I guess this should give us a good night sleep today!" Saigo said, before the rest of the Shepherds decided to enter back the cabin to hit the hay.

As I was about to enter the cabin, I paused, turning around to see Cherche smiling while looking at her husband in her arms and said, "Did you hear that, love? Everyone's eager to land a blow on you, as do I. But… what matters most is that you are here, in my arms, alive… barely, but surely. Welcome back, love."

TWF: There you have it; the enemy fleet has been completely wiped out from the biggest Wake Up call they ever had. With Storm out cold for the time being, whose gonna wield Kivat II? Find out on the next chapter. Wake Up! Defy fate and break the Chains of Destiny!