TWF: Heya, what's up? Today, it would be Double Feature day! That's right, just as how Fen–kun does with his own double features, I shall also do the same for his justice. Be sure to comment it before moving onto the next page! Gabu!
Disclaimer: Same thing.
It's been a couple days since Storm gave us a major scare of doing King's World End on the entire Valmese Fleet, and he still hasn't woken up from his coma yet. It was now early in the morning and I was standing at the bow of the ship, watching the horizon as the wind gently blew on my face, letting my hair sway a bit.
"Hey Kuro…" A voice said. I turned around to see Akane–chan walking towards me.
"Akane–chan… what are you doing up, this early in the morning?" I asked.
"I can't sleep…" Akane–chan said.
"Why?" I questioned before Akane–chan finally stood next to me, watching the horizon.
"Well… because of what happened a couple days back."
"I don't blame ya…" I sympathized looking back at the horizon. "It scared all of us."
"Still, why did he have to be an idiotic airhead to do something like that?" Akane–chan huffed, puffing a cheek.
"That's his personality, Akane–chan." I shrugged. "We can't change that."
"Still… he could've…" Akane–chan stopped, not wanting to finish the sentence.
"I know…" I nodded before I decided to hold her close, surprising her a bit.
"What–"
"Just go with it." I said. "We haven't been like this ever since Storm and I first met you and Akira on 'that' day."
"You… still remember that?" Akane–chan asked.
"How could I not? You two were just coming into college as freshman, then these bullies started picking on ya, and your brother held out as best as he could to protect you until Storm and I came to the rescue, us having a few bruises and whatnot. And ever since then, you two were so grateful that your brother called us Aniki and you called us your Onii–chan."
Akane–chan kept silent before I heard her giggle. "It's funny…"
"What?" I asked.
"Are you trying to hit a married girl, Kuro?" she teased.
"NO!" I snapped.
"I'm joking! I'm joking!" Akane–chan laughed.
"Geez, so much for trying to bond like siblings…" I grumbled. "But still, it's good to see you smile again… it's a bit hard seeing you sad like that, y'know?"
"Yeah, I know." she said as both of us looked at the horizon again. "Ne, Kuro?"
"What?"
"Are you sure there's no way to return back home? I'm worried about Akira–nii…" Akane–chan said without leaving her gaze on the horizon.
"I know… me too." I said. "I asked Nee–san the same thing."
"What did she say?" Akane–chan asked.
"Well, she said that she doesn't know. If we're meant to stay here, then so be it. At least that's what I think in a nutshell."
"Mou~!" Akane–chan whined.
"Why? Do you miss Tokyo already?" I asked.
"Well… it'd be a lie if I said I didn't… but since I got Libra and Apollo here, I guess I can still live here in this place, much like you and your family… and it's still a surprise that you can still manage yourself while being surrounded by them." she giggled, happily teasing me about my weak point.
"Oh ha–ha, very funny." I said sarcastically, blushing a bit. "I'll have you know, I'm improving on that."
"Really…" Akane–chan smirked with a raised eyebrow.
"It's true! I've been spending time with the family a lot and I'm sure you noticed that I don't fall for their charms that easily… mostly…" I said, muttering that last part to myself.
"Mostly, huh~?" Oh boy, here she goes with her approach.
"Uh… what are you doing?" I asked, as she nudged my side and got really close.
"Oh~, I dunno~…seducing you?" Akane–chan mischievously smirked… "Should I ask Nowi to help me out too?"
"No thank you!" I suddenly panicked, backing off from Akane–chan.
"Hahaha! Still the same Kuro!" Akane–chan laughed.
"Mmmm…" I pouted, giving her the stink eye.
"Oh relax, you know I'm just teasing you. Ne, Onii~chan?" She giggled.
"Hai~, hai~, imouto…" I said before both of us covered our eyes.
"Wah~, the sun's pre~tty nice from here!" she said in awe as the sun was rising from the horizon.
"It sure is…" I nodded.
"C'mon, we better wake the Shepherds up… and probably tend to Vaike with his seasickness…" she giggled.
"Yeah, he's been throwing up the whole trip." I chuckled. With that, the two of us walked back inside the ship. But Akane–chan stopped a bit.
"Ne, Kuro?"
"Yeah?" I asked, turning around to face her.
"Thanks for the talk. I needed that."
I smiled a bit at this. "No prob."
(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 15: Smoldering Resistance
After getting the Shepherds and Riders up, save for Storm, all of us had breakfast and after that, we went to do our own business. I was walking around on the ship until I noticed Bakuya and Kan'shou near the stern, talking with each other. That's right. I have to talk to them about Say'ri.
"Bakuya, Kan'shou, you two got a minute?" I asked approaching them.
"Huh?" The twins asked, looking at me.
"Oh, good morning, Kurogasa–dono." Kan'shou greeted.
"What seems to be bothering you?" Bakuya asked.
"I wanna talk to you about something… regarding Say'ri." I said.
"Say'ri–sensei?" both of them said in unison.
"Uh… yes." I said. "She is your sensei?"
"Aye, she taught us everything we know about fighting." Kan'shou said.
"Why do you ask?" Bakuya asked.
"Well, to be honest, no reason other than confirming that. I'm sure you heard that Ursor told me to give this medallion to Say'ri when we see her correct?" I said, showing them the medallion.
"Aye." Bakuya nodded.
"So, do you two have any idea what happens when I give this to her or what the medallion itself means? I know for sure that she and Ursor are connected somehow."
The twins looked at each other for a moment before they nodded in agreement and looked at me. "Aye, both of them have a connection somehow…" Bakuya said.
"Really?" I asked.
"Aye. From a story I recalled, in the ruined future, he went to Chon'sin in order to protect us as the village of Erignaf was completely destroyed by Risen. Families included…" Bakuya began.
"And due to that, he has taught us the way of fighting in order to protect ourselves from danger. As Say'ri–sensei taught my imouto in the arts of a Shrine Maiden, Ursor has guided his blade upon me of becoming a Dread Warrior." Kan'shou said.
"In other words, those two are connected in the ruined future?" I asked.
"Aye, but their first meeting is still unknown to both of us. Only Say'ri–sensei knows including the medallion you hold, Kurogasa–dono." Kan'shou added.
"I see…" I said.
"LAND HO!" Virion called out from the Crow's Nest. "WE HAVE ARRIVED AT VALM!"
Perfect timing.
"Valm… we've finally arrived…" Kan'shou mused.
"Aye, brother. 'Tis where our path of clashing swords begins." Bakuya said.
"Kurogasa–dono, allow me to remind you that Valm has a group of the finest, strongest, warriors hailed from Chon'sin. This battle will be difficult for you to handle, should you not be careful." Kan'shou warned.
"I'll be fine." I assured. "I'm not going to die that easily. I'll see to it that I stay alive when this war ends. Besides, I got you, your sister, your mother, and the rest of the Riders and Shepherds to help me out. We'll all get out of this alive."
"Aye. Good words." Bakuya nodded with a smirk.
At the same time, at the other cabin, while the others are busy with preparations of approaching the Valm shore and not to mention that Vaike is now out cold due to his seasickness, Cherche was knitting quietly on one corner of the room, staying next to her comatose husband, just in case he woke up from his coma. "And~, there!" she said happily after she finished her knitting, revealing a black sweater with the crimson red Kiva insignia. "My word, this sweater looks adorable for you, love. This should keep you warm rather than have a blanket on you."
While she was helping her husband wear the sweater, Gerome entered the cabin, looking at his parents. "Mother."
"Oh, Gerome?" Cherche paused as she put the sweater on Storm halfway.
"We've reached the Valm Harbor. Be prepared to disembark." Gerome said.
"Thank you dear, I'll be ready as soon as I can." Cherche said.
"I see." Gerome nodded. "Very well then."
"And one more thing. Kivat II said to leave your Minerva here."
"Why's that?"
"Because I need you to take your father's place as Dark Kiva for the time being." Kivat II said as he fluttered into the room.
"Kivat II?" Gerome got out.
"Shounen, your father proved to me that he's truly an interesting fool to be my partner, thus gaining my respect for his recklessness."
"And what does this have to do with me?" Gerome sternly asked.
"You have his blood running through your veins, shounen. And only his kin can wield the power of the Dark Emperor. I'm quite certain before all of you returned back in time, you were able to wield my power that your father left behind, correct?" Kivat II questioned.
"Yes. I wielded your power for a time before you fell along with your son." Gerome recalled.
"Then it should be alright." Kivat II said.
Gerome looked at him for a while, taking it all in, before finally saying, "Very well, until my father awakens from his coma, we will be partners."
"Hm. Good answer." Kivat II nodded.
As our ship set sail on the harbor, the rest of the Shepherds, minus Storm, looked at the city. "At last, Valm Harbor." Chrom said.
"Man, the Vaike had enough of seasickness for one day!" Vaike groaned.
"Is this the place?" Inigo asked.
"Yeah, but I never thought to see this place to be this… peaceful." Kjelle asked. "What do you think, Daniel?"
"I agree… but we have to be careful. A wise man once told me that a wolf can be hidden among the flock of sheep." Danny added.
"Once we get to Castle Doran, we should prepare our next move." Chrom stated.
"Speaking of Doran, where is she?" Saigo wondered.
"She shouldn't be hard to find." I said. "She's… huh? What's that?" I asked, pointing at something. Everyone looked to where I was pointing at and saw… a battalion of Valmese soldiers?! And… who's the guy in the dark red armor leading them?! He's HUGE!
"Oh no… It's Walhart!" Virion exclaimed, as his face paled in horror.
"That's Walhart?!" Akane–chan snapped.
"The Conqueror himself?!" Apollo followed suit.
"Y–Yes, he is the one that drove Rosanne to the back of the wall…" Olivia explained.
"Then why is he here in the first place?!" I asked.
"We're about to find out." Basilio grimaced as Walhart and his battalion marched to the beach and met us face–to–face.
"What do we do?" Cordelia whispered worried.
"I don't know, but you and the girls stay close to me, no matter what." I whispered back.
"Greetings, Ylissean League! I am Walhart, the Conqueror!" He bellowed out with authority.
"Talk about a loud voice…" Apollo said in annoyance.
"For some reason I don't know, his appearance alone scares me…" Danny muttered to himself.
"I agree with you, dear…" Nee–san nodded.
"Tell me, Ylissean League! Is wiping out my entire fleet with a strange phenomenon your feat!?" Walhart asked loudly.
"He must have heard about father's King's World End…" Gerome muttered.
"Not surprising." Kivat II said.
"Ylisseans! I demand an answer!" Walhart ordered.
For some reason, his voice alone is enough to make us flinch and he's getting more intimidating by the minute. If a Fangire is around here, I bet they'll submit to him in defeat instantly. "Yes, it is one of our feats!"
"With the assistance of foreign warriors?" he demanded.
"Yes, and I'm the Rider's leader!" I shouted back, somehow catching his interest.
"Is that so?" Walhart asked.
"Yes!"
"Then tell me Rider! What is your name?!"
"Kurogasa Kururugi! Also known as Kamen Rider Kiva!"
"Kiva…" Walhart murmured. "This would be truly interesting indeed…"
"Milord!" A soldier cried out running toward him, panicking. As he kneeled down, he tried to catch his breath after all the running.
"Speak soldier!" Walhart demanded.
"Our hostage has broken free from her confinement!" the soldier exclaimed.
"What?!" Walhart roared.
"It's true! I don't know how she escaped but–
*SLASH!*
The soldier was cut by Walhart with a huge red axe.
"I do not tolerate failure and insolence!" Walhart snapped. "Half of you engage with the Ylisseans. The rest of you, find the Chon'sin Princess, Say'ri! Bring her to me alive!"
Wait, did he just say Say'ri?!
"Whoa, talk about merciless…" Lissa cringed.
"Did that man just say–" Bakuya began.
"No doubt about it…" Kan'shou concluded.
"Well we got a mission. Save Say'ri and take out this battalion!" I said. "Kivat!"
"Yosha! Kivatte ikuze!" Kivat cheered, flying into my hand.
"Let's go Kivat II." Gerome said.
"It would be an interesting thing to partner with the Dark Emperor's son. Let's see if you're truly capable of wielding the dark power, shounen." Kivat II said fluttering as Gerome held him in his hand.
"Ara~, ara~, Otou–sama is now partnering with Gerome–chama for the time being, ne~?" Kiva–la cooed.
"What can we say? As long as Storm–sama is out cold, that'll have to do." Akane–chan said.
"What are those things?" Walhart questioned seeing the Kivats and Sagark flying around us.
"Let's go, milady. To aid the damsel in distress!" Rey–Kivat said triumphantly.
"Right!" Aqua–chan nodded and Rey–Kivat flew into her hand.
"Kibat!" Morgan cried out.
"Yahoo! Let's do this!" Kibat cheered.
"Sagark!" Saigo called.
"Walhart, bad man!" Sagark exclaimed, before attaching to his waist.
"Let's go Danny!" Nee–san said.
"Yes Mother…" Danny muttered. He must be still scared of Walhart.
"GABU!"
"KABU!"
"GABUI!"
*CRUNCH!*
"CHU!"
R–E–A–D–Y!
"HENSHIN!"
"I, Transform!"
"Transform!" Gerome shouted.
"Henshin!" Rey–Kivat declared.
"Hen… shin!" Sagark added.
F–I–S–T O–N!
With all of us donned in our armor, Walhart's glare was now set on us, getting interested even more. "So, the words regarding you foreigners wielding such power is true, after all…"
"Come on, you guys! Let's get this party started!" Saga said as the board wad now at the wooden bridge, ready to be stormed out by us.
"Allow me to evaluate your true potential of strength, foreigners…" Walhart said before his ride decided to walk away from us, leaving all of the dirty work to his loyal men.
"And of course he had to be cliché about letting his men do all the dirty work." Saga groaned.
"What do we do?" Kiva-la-chan asked.
"We'll do this! Riders and their families are coming with me! We're going after Say'ri and rescue her! The rest of you will have to stay here and deal with these Valmese soldiers!" I commanded.
"Hmph…" Dark Kiva scoffed as he and Cherche, mounted on Minerva, preparing themselves to follow me.
"Don't you worry about your father, Gerome. He'll be alright with your Minerva protecting him." Cherche assured.
"Come, imouto! Let us be on our way!" Kan'shou said with pure determination, leaving both of their parents slightly confused with their sudden burst of energy.
"Aye, Nii–san!" Bakuya said, before the two ran off.
"O–Oi! Chotto matte!" I shouted, going after them with the rest of the Riders and families, following me. One thing is for sure. I have to get this medallion to her.
"Fie… they're still on me." A woman gritted. She had long, flowing, black hair wearing a white bandanna over her forehead and an old fashioned kimono, the bottom half cut so that the cloth only covered between her legs. She also had a coat on with fur on the collar, and samurai gauntlets. Lastly, she had long white boots and carrying two katana. One on each side with a third in her hand. This was Say'ri, the Princess of Chon'sin.
"We can't let her get away!" one of the men shouted as Say'ri quickly turned a corner and continued to run at the long alleyway.
"These fools have not yet given up on the chase?" Say'ri gritted until she spotted a ship from afar with a quick glance, and somehow made her recognize it. "The Ylissean League! So, they are finally here!"
"Over 'ere! We have 'er cornered!" another soldier shouted as another bunch of men appeared, making Say'ri stop in her tracks.
When she turned around, the first group of soldiers that chased her were in the way. "Grr… it looks like I have no choice." She said, before readying her sword.
WAKE UP!
As Rey–chan dashed forward while wielding the gigantic claws, she managed to parry the lancers' lance pointed at her, with a quick swing of her claws. Lon'qu immediately followed suit, cutting away their arms before IXA finished them off with quick shots onto their bodies, turning them into Swiss cheese. "These fighters are not like any other enemy we have faced before…" IXA said.
"Yes, they're different from the ones we faced before reaching here…" Rey–chan added.
"This is where I come from and I know full well of what these people can actually do because of their discipline." Lon'qu noted.
BASHAA MAGNUM!
DOGGA HAMMER~!
The Monster statues flew over to me and Kiva-chan and I assumed Bashaa Form while the latter assumed Dogga Form.
"You sure you can handle Riki, Morgan?" I asked.
"I'll try, Father!" Kiva–chan said enthusiastically as she held it with both of her hands and just like Nee-san and Danny, initially, she's having a little difficulty, wielding him.
"Is it too heavy for ya?" I asked.
"Nope!" she said happily while lifting the hammer and swung it around, splatting the elite swordsman. "No troubles here!"
"Okay, if you say so!" I said before firing water shot at a few Valmese soldiers.
"Elwind!" Cordelia announced, sending a burst of wind at the enemy.
"See how you like this!" Severa shouted, slashing a soldier with her silver sword. "Heh, what a bunch of weaklings!" She scoffed as she flicked her silver sword.
"Severa, watch out!" Owain shouted as he immediately shoved her down and covered her, surprising her a bit.
"No sniper ain't gonna shoot down my son like that!" Gaius snapped as he immediately dashed forward and as soon as the sniper reloaded his arrow, Gaius was already behind him and gave the sniper the killing stab.
"Are you unharmed, daughter of Kiva?" Owain said theatrically as he pushed himself up, looking at Severa.
"I–I'm fine." Severa stuttered. "But what about– Owain, your shoulder!" Severa said, pointing at his wound. Owain looked and saw that his left shoulder was pierced by an arrow.
"You needn't worry!" Owain cringed in pain, smiling. "This is nothing compared to what we faced in our ruined future!"
"You call that nothing?! That's definitely something!" Severa snapped.
"Look, I can have my mom heal up this wound if that makes you happy." Owain said as Severa managed to push him away and immediately snap the arrow in half.
"Oh~ no! That arrow has got to go!" Severa snapped.
"Uh~, sis? Not to be rude, but we still have these guys on our tails…" Kiva–chan said as she parried one of the swordsman's sword, with the Dogga Hammer.
"Ugh…" Severa groaned. "Fine! Once this battle is over, that arrow is coming off Owain!"
WAKE UP ONE!
The phenomenon took place as Dark Kiva crossed his arms in his stance, getting ready for the attack.
"It's been a long time since I've used this attack…" Dark Kiva muttered to himself as a few axeman rushed to his side, and the latter immediately leaped up high into the sky.
"What the–?!" A few axeman said in surprise before Dark Kiva descended down for the punch.
"Darkness Hell Crash!" Gerome declared as he smashed his fist onto the ground creating a large shockwave that made the axeman around him stumble. The Kiva insignia was then imprinted on the ground that he punched earlier. With this chance, he immediately drew out his axe with his free hand and immediately spun around, slashing away with brute strength added within Dark Kiva. "That should do the trick…"
"Interesting…" Kivat II complimented from the belt. "Never thought of seeing his son punch the ground to create such an attack… this is quite different, indeed."
"You'd be surprised of what I can do when I do King's Burst End." Gerome said.
"Hah! I would like to see that, shounen!" Kivat II said.
WAKE UP!
I–X–A C–A–L–I–B–U–R: R–I–S–E U–P!
R–I–S–I–N–G!
"Cast off!" IXA shouted before parts of his armor flew off and assumed Rising Form. Meanwhile, IXA-neesan charged up her IXA Calibur while Saga's Jacorder went into Bute Mode, charged with red electricity.
"So, which one of you guys wanna get whipped?" Saga joked as a few bunch of lancers charged forward. Saga shrugged before whipping it around them, wrapping the Jacorder around their waist. As the phenomenon took place, the Kiva insignia appeared in the sky in crimson red and Saga wasted no time, leaping towards it. As he entered into the insignia and got out, he knelt down as IXA–neesan dived down for a quick slash in one row.
"HaaaahhhhHH!" IXA–neesan shouted as she made a big swing on that same row, inflicting damage to them.
"Kiero!" Saga declared as he made the snapping sound, creating an explosion and all that was left are the remains of the soldiers.
"How many people are there, that are loyal to him?" Rising questioned while continuously pulling down the trigger, shooting the enemies' weapons and armor so Rey-chan and Lon'qu can go for the kill.
"Tens of thousands possibly." Frederick said, stabbing a soldier with his lance.
"Remember dear, Valm's army is vast and Walhart managed to unite the continent under his leadership." IXA–neesan reminded.
"See how you like this!" Apollo yelled, slashing a swordsman with his axe.
"Repent for your sins." Libra said calmly, before hacking an axeman with his axe.
"HaaaHHHH!" Kiva–la–chan yelled, slashing an enemy with her saber. "Mou~! There's no end to them!"
"Aye, their loyalty is at their best…" Kan'shou added as he and Bakuya are now back-to-back.
"That is Chon'sin for you, Akane–sama." Bakuya pointed out.
"Great, now what do we do, Bubbles?" Gaius asked.
As I tried to think of something, we heard a few men pushed away at a corner, a few clashes of swords and a spirited woman who kept shouting as she slashed each of them. "Uncle, did you hear what I hear?"
"I sure did Danny." I nodded before throwing Bashaa in the air, so he can return to Castle Doran and reverted back to my basic form.
"That must be Say'ri." Rising said.
"It must be." I mused. "Bakuya, Kan'shou! With me! Let's go rescue your sensei!"
The twins heard my call as they immediately dashed towards me. "Hey Rey–chan, can you take over from here?"
"It depends on how many of these guys are around us…" Rey–chan said as a strike of thunder crashed down on a mage, courtesy of my wife.
"Go on, Kurogasa! She requires our aid!" Cordelia shouted.
"Thanks Cordelia!" I shouted before running towards Say'ri with Bakuya and Kan'shou following.
"Say'ri–sensei!" Bakuya called out.
"Huh?!" Say'ri gasped as she looked to see us running towards her.
"Get away from her!" Kan'shou shouted while slashing an enemy with his katana while I placed a Fuestle in Kivat's mouth.
WAKE UP!
As I ran forward, Kivat latched off from my belt, immediately breaking the bindings on my kicking foot and simultaneously making the phenomenon take place. "This scenario… that armor… could it be…?" Say'ri wondered as I already leaped up high in the air.
"Come, sensei! We must be away from this spot!" Kan'shou said, snapping out from her trance.
"Aye and not a moment to spare!" Bakuya added.
"W–Who are you two?" Say'ri asked.
"We'll explain later! Right now, we have to move!" Kan'shou said. Say'ri nodded before the three moved out of the way for my kick and the enemies only looked at me in surprise while I was up in the air, doing a backflip with the crescent moon behind me before diving down.
"DARKNESS MOON BREAK!"
With a quick dive down to the targets, the crushing kick on one enemy ended up with more of them being crushed down under the Kiva insignia and those who were out of the insignia's range were surprised. "W–What's this?!" Say'ri got as the twins immediately rushed forward with a katana in hand and killed the remaining enemy.
Meanwhile, after I recovered myself from the last attack, I shifted my attention to the stunned princess and approached her. "Tell me, are you Say'ri?"
"Aye, and who are you?" she asked while keeping up her guard, making sure that she doesn't fall for any tricks that I'd do to her.
"My name's Kurogasa Kururugi. Also known as Kamen Rider Kiva." I introduced before de–henshining to reveal myself. "I'm with Prince Chrom."
"You are with the Ylisseans?" Say'ri asked.
"You betcha lady!" Kivat perked. "My name is Kivat–bat the 3rd! Please to make your acquaintance."
"Aye." Say'ri said in acknowledgment. "And you say Kurogasa that you are Kiva."
"Yes. Um also…" I said, digging into my pocket and held out the medallion Ursor gave me. "A Fangire by the name of Ursor gave this to me and told me to give it to you."
"Ursor said so?" Say'ri gasped.
"Yes. Do you… know what this means?" I asked, before giving the medallion to her.
Say'ri looked at it for a while before muttering, "So it is true after all…"
"Huh?" I said confused before Say'ri looked at me.
"Young man, this medallion has two meanings. The first is that Ursor's Resistance forces are now mobilizing and are en route to meet with my forces here in Valm."
"Whoa! Really?!" I gawked.
"Aye. And the second meaning… it involves your heritage…"
"My… heritage?" I blinked in confusion. Seriously, what is she saying? Other than about having Validar as my dad that tried to kill me, that's all I remember.
"What do you mean by that?" Kivat asked.
"All will be explained soon. You will have to see it for yourself." Say'ri said. "But until then, we must get rid of these Valmese soldiers."
"Oh, right! Can't forget about these guys…" I said and she immediately dashed forward, leaving me behind for a bit.
"Oi, aibou."
"Yeah?"
"Do you have any idea what this 'heritage' she's babbling about?" Kivat asked.
"I have no clue at all." I said, shaking my head, but whatever it is, it must be really important. For now, let's deal with the Valmese."
"Right!" Kivat nodded before flying into my hand.
"GABU!"
*CRUNCH!*
"Henshin!"
"Hey, watch it, buster!" Lissa exclaimed as she dodged a swing of the enemy's axe before she delivered one of her own, chopping the skull of the enemy in half.
"Talk about brutality…" Chrom cringed before he parried one of the enemy's assault with his Falchion and pushed them back.
"My word, darling! You are quite accustomed to using your axe as of late!" Maribelle pointed out.
"Of course! Now I can actually chop something up instead of whacking people!" Lissa chirped.
"Hm. I suppose so." Maribelle shrugged.
"See how you like this!" Sully shouted, stabbing a Valmese soldier.
"Hey! Can't let you have all the fun!" Vaike laughed, hacking a swordsman with his axe. "Oh yeah! The Vaike's on a roll!"
"HaaaaaaHHHHH!" Lucina shouted, slashing an enemy with her Falchion.
"Hm, I wonder where Owain and Gaius went off to." Stahl asked himself as he stopped the advance of the enemy cavaliers with his sword and shield.
"Rather than worrying about them, we should be worrying about our current situation instead!" Anna exclaimed as she zapped down another mage with her Levin sword.
"Yeah! The last thing I wanna have, is to have a hole on me!" Donnel exclaimed as he just barely dodged an arrow that was aimed for his head, which Nowi countered back by spewing her flames on them.
"Burning inferno!" Ricken, Miriel, and Laurent shouted, casting a huge fire tornado at a group of Valmese soldiers, picking them up while burning them.
"Say hello to Gregor's new friend!" Gregor heartily laughed, while slashing an enemy with his new sword.
"First, it's little, then it's big, and then it's best, now it's new?" Basilio asked.
"Of course! Since Kurogasa made Gregor hero, I thought I show Gregor's new sword to enemy!"
"Enough with the chatter!" Flavia snapped, slashing a mage with her sword. "We got more soldiers to hack at!"
"The lady's right! We gotta move and chop these guys in half!" Basilio said happily.
"Yes! Gregor agrees with Khan! Is important to get them out now!" Gregor said before the two dashed forward.
Meanwhile, as a lancer, axeman, a poleaxe soldier, and a few mercenaries faced off against Henry, he decided to ask them, "Hey, what do you guys think what happens when your body gets controlled by Tharja while I chop your heads off? Wouldn't it be a blood festival for me? Nya, ha!"
"What kind of a stupid idea is that?" the lancer demanded.
"It is a stupid idea that I like…" Tharja chuckled darkly as the enemies' body suddenly froze, making them panic.
"W–What's the meaning of this?!" They panicked as Henry drew out his axe and happily, slowly walked towards them. "W–What are going to do with that axe?!"
"Oh relax, it ain't gonna hurt, I promise." Henry said, before raising his axe.
"W–Wait, please! Don't–
*SLASH!*
"Too la~te!" Henry sang.
"Eeeeeeeeeeeek!" Noire squeaked, shooting an arrow at a Wyvern Rider who threw a javelin at her earlier.
"N–Noire, don't squeak, like that!" Olivia said scared due to her shriek.
"I–I'm sorry! T–That javelin nearly hit me!" Noire explained.
"Have no fear! The Snipest of Snipers has arrived to foil their plans of killing the Shepherds!" Virion said triumphantly.
"The Snipest of Snipers?" Kjelle deadpanned.
"What kind of a title is that? It sounds stupid." Brady deadpanned.
"It does not!" Virion huffed. "I'll have you know that I am no longer the Arches of Archers, thanks to the seal I received!" Virion defended.
"Rather than talk about it, we have an enemy to mow down!" Sully shouted after she threw her javelin directly at the enemy's skull.
"Agreed. We can have our small talks later on. For now, we eradicate these enemies!" Sumia suggested after she killed her enemy down while wielding a sword in hand.
"Yeah, we heroes of justice need to beat these guys now!" Cynthia added.
"Are you kidding me?! There's no way we can beat them!" Yarne exclaimed.
"Calm yourself, boy!" Panne scolded.
"Yeah, Yarne." Kellam added. "If you keep this up, maybe you would end up running for the rest of your life…"
"All because I don't want to end up being extinct!" Yarne exclaimed.
"Those are nothing more than mere excuses!" Panne exclaimed while she pointed at Athena, who is helping her mother out on freezing the enemy into a Popsicle stick. "Look at that girl! See how she does not falter and keep blasting away the enemy, despite her carefree attitude?"
"That's because she's absentminded…" Yarne deadpanned.
"Can't we just get over with?" Nah sighed.
"Nah is right. We can talk about this later." Cherche said.
"Ugh… the things I do for survival…" Yarne groaned in annoyance as he hopped forward, charging with his mother at his side.
"That will take care of that~!" Athena said absentmindedly as Emmeryn noticed the number of enemies decreasing.
"They are… retreating?" Emmeryn questioned.
"It looks like it." Chrom noticed.
"A tactical retreat perhaps?" Lucina wondered.
"Who cares? They retreated, meaning we win!" Sully scoffed with a smirk.
"Or probably they're targeting something else…" Ricken pondered.
"Or someone else…" Laurent added.
It took a while for them to figure it out until eventually Chrom realized what it was. "The Princess of Chon'sin!"
"Oh no!" Lissa exclaimed.
"Then we better get to Kurogasa and the others fast!" Lucina urged.
"Shepherds! With me! We're going after Kurogasa and the rest of his team!" Chrom commanded.
"Ugh, just where did this guy come from anyways?!" I growled angrily as I skid back with Say'ri at my side.
"'Tis something unexpected of what I can tell…" Say'ri added as she also got into her stance.
"Long live the Emperor! Death to all who oppose him!" The dark knight before us shouted as he prepared his stance in front of us. Seconds later, the shattered glass mark appeared on his face, which caught us off guard.
"A Fangire? Here?" Say'ri got out. Wait, how does she know that guy is a Fangire?
The dark knight then revealed his Fangire form. He had a reptilian head like a cobra's head. Having stain glass of orange and brown shades. His body also had snake scales all over him too. The arms were armed with stain glass snakes that were wrapped around each arm and his legs were filled wrapped with his stain glass snakes too.
This was the Cobra Fangire. Its true is The King of a Venomous Strike in the Blink of an Eye.
"That's not good…" I grimaced.
"Nay, and it would be more difficult as time continues on…" Say'ri added before both of us dodged to the side, avoiding the spit from the Fangire, melting down the wall behind us.
"And talk about 'hardboiled'…" I got out.
"Come what may, I shall strike you down with a strike of my axe or a blast of my magic in a blink of an eye!" the Fangire shouted as he cast a dark sphere and spread it across the battlefield, causing both of us to dodge again.
"Ugh, seriously! What is up with enemies shooting projectiles?!" I growled angrily as he approached me and tried to slash me down, only to have Say'ri parry it for me.
"Away with you!" Say'ri shouted as she managed to draw out another sword from her sheath and deliver a few slashes onto its body, creating sparks on it and forcing it to back off.
"Hmph, for a mere human, you are strong…" the Fangire praised. "But a mere sword won't be enough to inflict me much damage!" the Fangire roared as he swung his axe mercilessly on her. She could only dodge with her nimbleness and agility of a samurai.
"I suggest you aid me rather than watch me!" Say'ri indicated. Just as I stood up from where I fell earlier, I heard loud footsteps are heading towards us.
"Oi, aibou! Did you hear that?" Kivat asked.
Before I can reply back, I heard my wife's voice in the air as she said, "Kurogasa, the enemy has been redirected to us!"
"WHAT?!" I gasped.
"We better make this quick aibou!" Kivat urged.
"Right! Time to go all out!" I said, before placing a Fuestle in Kivat's mouth.
TATSULOT!
Kivat played the tune and Tatsulot came flying in. "Pyun~ pyun! Tension Fortissimo!" Tatsulot cheered.
"Ikuzo, Taa–chan!" I said, holding my left arm in the air.
"Hai~ Kurogasa–sama! Doramachikku ni ikimashou!" Tatsulot cheered again before breaking the chains on my shoulder, letting the bat wings unfold and letting the golden bat out before Tatsulot attached to my arm. "Hen~shin!" With that, the golden bats flew back to me, and then I assumed Emperor Form.
"Hah!" the Fangire swung his axe on her, and princess dodged to the back with a quick back step, resulting in the attack crashing down to the ground.
"That was a close one…" Say'ri said before she noticed the twins approaching her.
"Sensei, are you alright?!" the twins said in unison.
"Sensei?" Say'ri asked. "Beg pardon, but I do not recall any of my students… let alone have one…"
"You do have students. It just didn't happen yet." Kan'shou said.
"Beg pardon?"
"Forgive us, it is a bit complicated. But we promise to explain everything to you once this battle is over." Bakuya said.
"It may be a bit suspicious…" Say'ri began. "But for now, I shall trust you as you are sided with Kurogasa."
"Arigatou, sensei!" both of them said in unison.
"Haahhh!" I shouted while I swung my Zanvat Sword onto the Fangire, and the latter parried and counters back with a swing of his own, nearly hitting my ribs. Cordelia take note of it as she immediately threw a javelin at him, followed by Kiva–chan's Spears of Light, pushing it back further.
"Stay away from my Daddy!" Severa snapped as she managed to disarm the Fangire and trip it down while my family regrouped in one spot. "Are you okay, Daddy?"
"I'm fine Severa…" I sighed in relief.
"Good. Then let's finish him off!" Severa said.
"Together!" Kiva–chan added, taking out a Fuestle.
"As a family!" Cordelia finished.
"Right… as a family." I said. "Let's do this!" I said, spinning the reel in Tatsulot's back.
WA~KE UP FE~VER!
WAKE UP~!
BGM: Kamen Rider Kiva OST 1
As I took a stance and let my kicking feet charge up for the attack, Kiva–chan raised her kicking foot up high to shatter the chains on her foot with the assistance of Kibat, the phenomenon taking place. Severa was the first one that charged forward, dodging the spit from the Fangire while she held the silver sword in hand. Cordelia cast a rather strong thunder blast onto the Fangire, making it cringe in pain while Severa was able to deliver a large arc of her swing on it, inflicting more pain on it.
"Gah!" the Fangire stumbled back as Kiva–chan levitated up high in the air upside down, right in front of the moon.
"Ikuze, aibou!" Kivat shouted as I leaped up high in the air and dived down for the drop kick while Kiva–chan descended down fast onto the same target.
"Emperor/Darkness Moon Break!"
With that the red energy blades came out of my feet and I hit the target with the energy blades hacking at the Fangire like pickaxes before finally pinning him to the ground. I jumped out of the way for Kiva–chan to do her Darkness Moon Break and pin down the Fangire more, to which she did and the Kiva insignia imprinted on the ground.
"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The Cobra Fangire roared before exploding into stain glass pieces while his Life Orb floated high into the sky.
"Whew…" I said. "That takes care of that."
End BGM
"Yes, but we have other things to worry about…" Cordelia reminded.
"The approaching enemies are near…" Say'ri said and soon enough, we saw them from afar and they slowly headed towards us.
"Ah mou~!" Apollo whined. "Just when we thought we've cleared out a bunch of them, another group pops out!"
"What do we do?" Saga asked.
"We keep fighting." Rey–chan said.
"EHHHHHHHHH?!" Kiva–la–chan asked incredulously. "Are you crazy?!"
"Apparently not." Lon'qu agreed with his fiancée while having no trouble replying back to Kiva–l –chan due to wearing armor. "As long as we are still breathing, we will cut down anything that tries to stop us…"
"And we will do so until no more enemies remain…" Rising said while he drew out both his guns and pointed it to the front, taking aim.
"I agree with you, dear." IXA–neesan added.
"If we wanna wipe 'em out, I gonna need some sugar rush…" Gaius said as he sucked down a lollipop while looking at me. "Got any, Bubbles?"
"You really need to cut down on the sugar dude…" I sweat dropped under my mask.
But before we got the chance to fight, we got a lucky break when Chrom and the Shepherds arrived as back up.
"Charge!" Chrom ordered, pointing his Falchion.
"Chrom!" I shouted as the enemy broke into two sides, both of them having two things to worry about.
"So, that is Chrom, correct?" Say'ri asked.
"Yeah, he's the Prince of Ylisse and the one who originally led the Shepherds." I explained.
"Originally?"
"Yes. I said originally because he is now Exalt and now has given the position to me as the leader of the Shepherds."
"I see."
"Aibou, I think we need to call Doran!" Kivat said.
"Yeah, we might as well!" I said, before taking out the necessary Fuestle and inserted in Kivat's mouth.
CASTLE DORAN!
Moments later, we heard the roar of Doran as she immediately flew towards us. To my surprise, Say'ri wasn't surprised from what she saw. "So, the heritage lies within you, after all…"
"Huh?" I blinked in confusion.
"What do you say, lady?" Kivat questioned.
"It is nothing." Say'ri added before she got into her stance. "Let us take this chance while the enemy is distracted!"
"Uh… right!" I said. "Doran, let 'em have it!" I shouted.
Doran opened up her mouth and fired four huge orbs of light along with the missiles that were disguised as guard towers, knocking the enemy army all around.
"Alright! We got 'em on the ropes now!" Saga cheered.
"Let's wrap this battle up so that no more trouble shall appear for the villagers!" Lucina suggested as the rest of the Shepherds advanced forward.
Somewhere far away from the Shepherds' current position, Walhart gazed at how the Kamen Riders fight off against his army. "The strange phenomenon and the strength they hold truly intrigues me…"
"Shall we deploy more of our army, our Conqueror?" a soldier asked.
"No… I have seen enough." Walhart said.
"I see. And what of our escaped captive?"
"Let her go. It matters not. She and the Resistance will still fall either way."
"Yes, milord!" the soldier saluted before he turned around and faced his fellow soldiers. "You heard what our Conqueror requested! Return back to your stations!"
As the rest of the soldiers marched back to their respective stations, Walhart took a quick glance once more, looking down on the two familiar warriors on the battlefield. "The Exalt of Ylisse, Chrom… and Kamen Rider Kiva… it would be interesting for two sides to clash swords… I shall wait for the day that our strengths are tested…"
"Whew…" Saigo whistled after all of us Riders de-henshined. "We did it. That's the last of them."
"Finally!" Akane–chan sighed heavily, landing on her butt.
"Yeah! I'm beat too!" Morgan said tiredly as she was about to fall back, until I caught her from behind.
"Easy Morgan… I got ya." I said.
"Thanks, Father." Morgan smiled tiredly at me while leaning onto me for support.
"Now that the big bad wolf's been kicked out of the flock, the villagers are gonna be happy about it!" Donnel said.
"Yer' got that right, pops!" Brady added.
"I believe so." Cherche added. "Oh, that reminds me. I should bring Storm inside Castle Doran so he can rest comfortably. Care to follow along, Gerome?"
"Yes Mother." Gerome said before following his mother.
"I take it that you are Say'ri?" Chrom asked.
"Aye. I am." Say'ri answered. "And as you must know, I fight with the Resistance."
"Resistance?" Saigo questioned and she nodded.
"Aye, you heard me correct." Say'ri added.
"So there is an organized resistance?" I asked.
"Aye, of sorts. Several groups formed to seek liberty for the states of Valm."
"I thought the emperor had stamped out all dissenters…" Chrom said.
"He tries, but we Resistance are a slippery lot." Say'ri stated. "We strike hard and then vanish again into the dark of night."
"A hit and run tactic. Good strategy." Saigo complimented.
"Aye." Say'ri nodded. "Even now rebels ride to the banner of dynasts across the continent. United, we could pose a veritable threat to Walhart. And so, for some time I have struggled to bring us together."
"What's stopping you?" Flavia asked.
"Greed. Jealousy. Sloth. All the old weaknesses of man. The dynasts all would have freedom, but on their own terms. Some refuse to take up arms unless their territory is threatened. Others thrive under the Conqueror's heel and will not join unless there is profit in it. Liberty is a fine word, aye, but not always enough to rouse men from foolishness."
"I take it you're looking for a more convincing argument, then?" Flavia asked.
"Just so, although my efforts thus far have met with meager success." Say'ri frowned, but then a moment later, she looked at me with a small smile. "Until now. I may have finally found something that could definitely unite us."
"Eh? Really?" I blinked in confusion.
"What is it then?" Lucina asked as she stepped forward.
Say'ri looked at me with pure determination and said, "It would be that man…"
"Eh?!" I gawked. "Me?!"
"Aye, there's no doubt about that. You are Kiva, yes?" Say'ri questioned.
"Look, I already have a lot of things in mind that involves me, but… where are the Resistance that you spoke of?" I asked, and that made her frown again.
"Let me guess… those guys don't see you like their leader, right?" Saigo questioned.
"…Nay." Say'ri admitted. "I fear many distrust me because my brother fights for Walhart."
"Your brother?" Aqua–chan said, which Say'ri replied with a slight nod.
"Why does he support the empire?" Basilio questioned with a slight suspicion.
"Would that I knew, good sir." Say'ri frowned. "Yen'fay was a good man once, but he is my brother no more! If we meet on the battlefield, I would cut him down, same as any other imperial. Walhart is said to command a million men now. Perhaps more. Sooner or later he will stamp out the Resistance entirely, if we do not unite."
"Um, Chrom? Did she just say he has a million soldiers?" Lissa freaked out.
"Ha! And what are one million men against the Ylissean dogs of war?!" Say'ri asked. "You stopped a thousand of their ships, did you not? Your daring strategy has awoken and inspired people across all of Valm. Together I know we can yet unite the Resistance and break Walhart's grip! I beg of you Prince Chrom and Kiva! Help us!"
Chrom and I were a bit stunned at this.
"Milord?" Frederick asked.
"This is no easy thing you ask of me. I have my own causes: a halidom to save and a future to win." Chrom began. Yeah, we still have that trouble… and making sure that Validar doesn't make his predetermined destiny come true. For some reason I don't know, Lucina glared at me, which somehow worried me too.
"Cousin~, what's wrong~?" Athena asked.
"It's nothing, Athena…" Lucina assured.
"I know a great battle has been foretold, but is this it? How to know?" Chrom began before a smile appeared on his face. "Still, I admire your courage…"
"Prince Chrom…" Say'ri murmured.
"Perhaps your mission is the best way to achieve mine. So yes, Say'ri. I will join your cause with my own. And if I'm wrong, it's my life on the line."
"I won't let you put your life on the line, y'know?" I said before I looked at Say'ri. "And don't worry, we Riders will aid you too."
"Aye! And we'd do anything within our powers to do that, Sensei!" Bakuya added.
"Everyone…" Say'ri said touched by our determination.
"Now, a question remains. What will it take to unite your people?" Cordelia questioned.
"Well, I do have one idea…" Say'ri said.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Since ancient times, many of our people have worshipped Naga. More precisely, we worship the divine dragon's oracle, Lady Tiki."
"Tiki?" I gasped. "You mean as in Tiki, the Voice of Naga? The one who fought alongside the Legendary Hero–King Marth?"
"EHHHHHHHH?!" The Shepherds and Riders, minus Lucina asked shocked.
"Can it be true?!" Chrom gawked, surprised.
"Aye." Say'ri nodded. "But under the iron fist of Walhart, Lady Tiki is trapped in her temple as Walhart's prisoner. If she would be freed–"
"There'd be a chance where we can overthrow the Conqueror himself!" Saigo summed up in a nutshell.
"And the Resistance could unite around her. Where is the Voice being held?" Chrom asked.
"There is a shrine built in the branches of the divine Mila Tree. She is confined there." Say'ri said.
"Then we have our plan. Let's get to it!" Chrom said.
"Can we rest first?" Akane–chan whined.
"Yeah, even the Vaike needs to have a recess." Vaike said. "I mean, my stomach hasn't cooperated with the Vaike since we set sail!"
"And plus, we still have Storm in a comatose condition…" Virion pointed out.
"Yeah, and if we rest well enough in Castle Doran, everyone's wounds would be mended up by Doran's energy!" Cynthia said.
"And I'm really tired too." Morgan said tiredly.
"I see." Chrom chuckled. "I guess I jumped the bow and arrow on that one."
Doesn't he mean 'jump the gun'? Well… then again, other than Ramon who is a Magnum, the IXA Calibur, and Riser Phone, there're no guns in this world, so… never mind.
"Very well then. We'll rest in Castle Doran first before setting out for the Mila Tree." Chrom said.
Night reached Valm and we're well hidden amongst the woods, all thanks to Doran's cloaking ability, so those guys won't be finding us anytime soon. A lot of things have happened since the day the fellow Riders and I set foot on this world. From discovering that our toys have either come to life or function properly, to the Gangrel stuff, followed by meeting our alternative kids from another world, added with meeting our own and eventually, leading up to Walhart. And we still have a lot of other things going. After meeting him for the first time, I would be lying to say that I'm not intimidated from his appearance alone.
His intimidation and appearance alone gave out an aura that was enough to frighten the Fangire, which was proven by our battle with the Cobra Fangire. And now that Say'ri informed us about another bunch of swordsmen joining his side, the odds are stacked against us and things are looking grim for us. But either way, I'm willing to defy everything they've presented in front of us and I know the Shepherds are here to assist me.
As I walked across the hallway, I heard some sort of screeching, then followed by a snap and a girl's voice exclaiming in anger. I can already tell that it was Severa and it sounded like she having trouble about something, coming from the forgery. "I wonder what yelling's about. She must have wanted to help out the others by doing the chores I told her to do…"
I went over to the forgery and peeking into the room, I saw Severa trying to sharpen a sword.
"Apply the whetstone to the blade at an angle, and then…" Severa said.
*CLANK!*
"Gah, not again! That's the fifth one that broke! Nothing ever goes right for me!" Severa yelled before throwing the broken pieces over to a pile of other broken swords.
It was then I decided to enter the forgery. "Er, Severa? What are you doing?" I asked, catching her attention.
"I'm sharpening these stupid weapons that won't stay sharp! You told me to help out, right? So I'm helping."
"…And that pile of broken swords behind you?"
Severa flinched before she crossed her arms and looked away, saying, "It's not my fault they're defective! They all, like, fell apart and stuff!"
"Oh…" I said as she glared at me. That's when she crossed the line.
"Sorry I'm not perfect at everything like Mother. Sorry I'm so STUPID! I get it– I'm useless!" She whined while looking down. "You should just drown me in a sack…"
"Hey, Severa, I think you're just a little over the–" I said, trying to calm her down, but she can be pretty stubborn. I guess there are some things she inherited from me.
"I burn everything I try to cook… I keep messing up around Castle Doran… I'm no help to anyone!" she exclaimed, surprising me as she lowered her head down further. "I'm just a bunch of lame deadweight. You must've had high hopes, too, given Mother's history. I'm such a disappointment."
I could only stay silent. "…Well? If you have something to say, just say it!" Severa snapped.
I was silent for a bit longer, before smiling saying, "I'm not disappointed, Severa. I couldn't be happier that you came back to us."
"Oh, please. Are you mocking me? Do you really think I'm that stupid? All my life, every time I mess something up, people compare me to Mother! And you're closer to her than anyone! I know you think I don't measure up."
"You're your own woman, Severa." I said before hugging her, catching Severa off guard. "I wouldn't compare you to anyone. You're my daughter and my treasure, and I know your mother feels the same."
"Wha–?!" Severa said surprised as my hug around her became more reassuring.
"I love you sweetie and that'll never change. No matter what happens, I'll always be supporting you and if there's anyone who wants to deny your point, I'll be there to back you up." I said.
"D–Daddy…" Severa stuttered.
"So no more talking about feeling disappointed!" I said before I lowered my voice on her. "Besides… if you say that, then… I'm not worthy of being your lovable Daddy…"
Severa realized what she heard and she quickly tried to cover up her mistakes. "What? No! Daddy, you didn't!" Severa got out as her whole body trembled in my embrace and began to sniffle. "I'm sorry! I… I didn't…" And eventually, she buried her face onto my chest, crying her heart out, revealing her true feelings. Sure, I might be still blushing, but family is family and it's my job to make sure that she always feels at home.
"Shhhhhhhh… it's okay. You've been through a lot, I know, but it's all right now." I said soothingly. "I'm sorry for saying you need more hardship before. You've been through a living hell your whole life… But I'll do all that I can to keep you from ever suffering again." I then had her look at me, and wiped off her tears. "And hey– you have been doing your chores. So how about that reward now?"
"No. I don't need it. I don't need anything but you, Daddy!" Severa said, before hugging me again. "But if you die on me again, I'll never forgive you!"
"I'm not going anywhere this time. I promise." I said. "I'll always be there for my little girl."
"Oh, Daddy! I love you!" Severa exclaimed.
"And I love you too, sweetie. Always remember that." I said as we stayed in the same position for a little bit longer… until Kivat flew in.
"Oi, aibou! Princey called us for a little meeting about what we should do next!" Kivat informed.
"Not now Kivat!" Severa and I said annoyed before–
*SMACK!*
We both smacked Kivat away and he splatted on the wall, face first. "Ow…" Kivat muffled before slowly skidding down the wall.
Realizing this, both of us looked at each other and eventually, both of us broke down into a small laughter. "I guess Morgan isn't the only one who has my traits in her."
"Of course not, Daddy! I'm a Kururugi, remember?" Severa said.
"I know, sweetie." I smiled. "And Severa, can you fulfill one wish of mine?"
"What is it?"
"Can you reconcile with your mom after all of this is done? I think she also wants to bond with you as a family, just like you and me." I elaborated.
"You got it Daddy!" Severa chirped.
"Good." I smiled.
Meanwhile, Gerome finished tucking in both Minervas to sleep for today while Cherche was still tending to her comatose husband. That was when he decided to check up on them. "Mother probably needs to rest around this hour… she can't overexert herself of taking care of him for too long…"
As he walked down the hallway, he spotted Lucina from across the hall, getting his attention. "Ah, Gerome. Perfect timing." Lucina said.
"Lucina." Gerome began. "What for?"
"We're holding a war council, and I was hoping you might attend." Lucina proposed.
"Sorry. I'm not much for group activity." Gerome said a bit hesitant.
"Hm." Lucina said. "A pity. We could benefit from your calm, measured opinions. You have a keen mind for combat as well… Regardless, I will not force you."
"I am sorry if I disappoint you. But I know my own limitations." Gerome apologized. "I am not one for plans or speeches. I am a wolf that deals only in death."
"Then we have something in common." Lucina said.
"We do not." Gerome denied. "You are a leader who can inspire with both words and deeds. Though we fight alongside each other in the field, we play different roles."
"You sell yourself short, sir." Lucina frowned a bit.
"The right tool for the right job. Isn't that what they say?" Gerome recalled. "You provide the inspiration and strategy. I will cut down any who dare oppose you, just as how I used the powers of Dark Kiva upon my enemies earlier today."
"There is a certain wisdom to what you say." Lucina slightly nodded.
"Don't sound so surprised…" Gerome said before he turned away from her. "Now, I'm going to visit Storm, seeing his current condition, and I think you have a council to attend." With that, he walked away from Lucina, as the latter saw him going further and further from her view.
"Farewell, Gerome. I shall look for you on the battlefield." Lucina said before she decided to walk towards the meeting council.
As Lucina's footsteps got quieter, Gerome paused, looking at his back and said, "You needn't look far– I will stand beside you, as always." He muttered quietly before he continued moving forward.
"Hm~, I wonder what the discussion would be about~?" Athena asked herself while holding the little Danny in her arms. "Do you know, little one~?"
"Poopy?" Little Danny blurted out randomly, making her giggle.
"I don't know~." She said until she spotted Danny, looking at the window, seeing a full moon, looking to be in deep thought about something. "Danny~?"
"Oh!" Danny said a bit startled as he saw Athena, snapping him back to reality. "Milady Athena. How nice seeing you in this hour."
"Are you still thinking about the future~?" Athena asked.
"Well um…" Danny began. "I suppose yes."
"Do you want to talk about it~?" Athena asked.
"Not really…"
"Come now, Danny~! It's really not fun to keep it to yourself~!" Athena whined while little Danny looked at his older self, happily.
"I'm sorry, milady. But there are times where some of the darkest memories can only be shared amongst my family…" Danny said. "Only Mother knew of my dark story and she took it pretty well too…"
"Then, why don't you try on me~?" Athena asked. "I believe the little one wants to hear too~."
"Ducky! Ducky!" little Danny giggled happily.
"Milady, you may not remember about what happened before we returned back in time, hence the reason why most of the kids are not willing to talk about it, other than their parents…"
"I remember clearly as day~." Athena said, surprising him a bit.
"You do?"
"Hai~!" She nodded happily. "We were always on the move, trying to find survivors and making our last stand against all the evil in our world~. Lucy tried to lead us to a peaceful world, only to have the sacred jewel be forever missing~. So the Three Arms decided to open the Time Gate and make us permanently stay here with the power of Naga~."
"Milady… why bother asking me about it?" Danny asked, looking at her suspiciously.
"Because you looked really sad~." Athena said. "And seeing you like that somehow makes me feel sad too~."
Danny look surprised from her answer. "I–I see…" He said. "Forgive me, I…"
"Daijobu~!" Athena said. "I just want to see you happy like your toddler self." She said, before kissing little Danny's cheek, making the latter giggle happily.
"Gh!" Danny said, blushing red.
"Hm~?" Athena hummed while looking at Danny. "Danny, what's wrong~? Your face is suddenly red on you cheeks~."
"U–Um, uh…" Danny stuttered before he decided to change the topic. "O-Oh! That reminds me, milady. There is going to be a meeting, correct?"
"Hai~!" Athena absentmindedly followed along, as if she forgotten about the conversation she had with him.
"Then we must be there posthaste! We do not want to let them wait for us!" Danny urged before he decided to quicken his pace towards the meeting room.
"I wonder what's wrong~." Athena wondered tilting her head, having an imaginary question mark appear above her forehead.
"Ducky!" Little Danny said randomly again.
"Oh, is that how the story goes?" Say'ri asked as she and the twins are in the lounge room, discussing about what they want to discuss about earlier today.
"Aye, that is the whole truth." Bakuya nodded.
"It may seem farfetched to you, sensei, but we are truly under your tutelage in the future after our parents sent us to Chon'sin for our safety, along with Rey–Kivat…" Kan'shou added.
"Is that so…" Say'ri mused.
"Aye." Bakuya nodded
"I see." Say'ri said, taking it all in. "I can tell that you're not lying for one thing, and you two are sincere about it as well. I suppose I can believe you two."
"Really?!" The twins asked.
"Aye. There is no doubt of the matter. And both of you can speak the mother language, which explains everything as well." Say'ri summed up.
"True, sensei." Kan'shou added. "I can still remember one of your teachings where Chon'sin is the only place where Shrine Maidens and Dread Warriors exist."
"And only a few Dread Warriors and Shrine Maidens rarely venture out since they are bound to stay within the temple to give blessings to people regarding Naga herself." Bakuya added.
"That is true." Say'ri said, before the twins suddenly hugged her, to her surprise.
"It's good to see you again sensei…" Bakuya whispered. "We missed you so much."
"And thank you for believing us." Kan'shou said.
Say'ri was surprised at first, but she was able to muster up and return the hug back to the twins. "And I'm glad to have great students under my tutelage."
In Cherche and Storm's room, Cherche was giving Storm a bath with a damp towel, washing his upper torso and she was about done with it. "There we go. All cleaned up, love." Cherche smiled as she put the towel back into the basin. "Even though there's a meeting going on, I want to stay by your side, waiting for the day you open your eyes…"
That was when Storm's eyes finally opened up.
"Storm?!" Cherche gasped.
"Hey there…" Storm smiled weakly.
"Storm… you're awake!" Cherche exclaimed as she hugged her husband dearly, making him wince in pain.
"Owowowowow!" Storm cringed in pain, and she immediately backed off a bit.
"What's the matter?"
"That Wake Up blast… really made my body… feel painful. So painful… I can't even raise a finger… without cringing a lot…" Storm got out as he remained stationary on the bed while cringing in pain.
"O–Oh, sorry!" Cherche said, letting go.
"It's okay." Storm said.
"I'm just glad you're awake." Cherche said before tenderly kissing Storm.
The couple closed their eyes for a moment until Cherche decided to break it and gave him a slap while smiling. "Ow!" Storm cringed in pain. "What's that for?!"
"That's for your reckless action the other day…" Cherche said. "Do you have any idea how worried the Shepherds were when you did that? Especially someone like me?"
"Cherche…"
"It pains me to see my husband sacrificing himself for the sake of others! Have you ever thought of what my life would be without you?" Cherche teared up a bit. "Gerome would feel very sad to see his Father break his promise once more, deepening his wounds more than ever…"
Storm's eyes widened a bit before smiling sadly. "Sorry…"
"And there's more where that came from. Kurogasa, Saigo, Akane, and Gerome are going to give you a beating too." Cherche said.
"Oh great…" Storm moaned. "I guess my action really affected them a lot, huh?"
"Indeed, love… but one thing is for certain…" Cherche paused as her hand gently held his cheeks and she said, "…I'm glad you have awakened from your slumber… things have been quite silent for a while…"
"Cherche…" Storm said before she leaned forward and the two kissed gently again, only this time, it lasted longer than before.
As she broke the kiss, Storm looked at her and said, "I really miss that kiss…"
"So did I, love…" Cherche said.
"Too bad I can't hug you warmly in my current condition… my whole body aches really bad, and somehow, your kiss lessened the pain a little bit…" Storm said.
"Would you like more?" Cherche cooed.
"Yes please." Storm smiled and the two kissed again.
TWF: The first part is done. And now, the next chapter of the double feature begins! Wake Up!