ROSARIO+KIVA

Episode 37: Murder Museum

"Hey, Wataru," Kengo spoke up as he caught up with Wataru in the hallway. This was one of the rare times when Wataru wasn't with one of his harem girls. The reason for this case was the student council president getting on their cases again. This time it was about their conduct during school hours…again. For Kurumu, it was her usual forwardness in offering Wataru herself in her usual fashion i.e smothering his face in her breasts. For Mizore, it was her habit of hiding behind objects or downright popping out of the oddest places and causing a ruckus. Finally for Moka, it was how she would make a bad situation with either of the girls worse by glomping onto Wataru and 'kissing' his neck, usually whipping Mizore and Kurumu into another one of their frenzies.

"Oh, hello, Kengo-san," Wataru greeted.

"Hey, man! No need to be so formal. Just call me Kengo!"

"Gomen, Kengo-san, but I'm unfortunately not the type to forget my manners," said Wataru.

"Well, guess that's what makes you who you are," Kengo shrugged. "So, anyway, do you know what you want to be doing for the festival's opening ceremony? A lot of clubs and classes are putting on shows at the auditorium."

"What about IKEMENS?" asked Wataru.

"That's already settled!" Kengo flashed two thumbs up. "But I want to know what you're planning on doing. Why not do a violin solo?"

Wataru contemplated. Thanks to his friends and his time in Youkai Academy, he'd gotten over his stage fright. "I was actually hoping on performing a duet with my brother." Taiga also played. He played the cello. It was like a huge violin and as King it was an instrument befitting him.

"Yeah, your bro is a really nice guy. I wished I had a brother like him," said Kengo.

Wataru winced. When he first met his brother after so many years they'd gotten into deadly fights until the air had been cleared. Their relationship was better now but his brother kept insisting on him to act more like a Fangire Prince should.

Wataru then stopped when he heard a familiar melody. It was from a violin and he recognized the tune. "Circle of Life," Wataru murmured. Curious, he went to check where it was coming from.

"Wataru, chotto!" Kengo went after.

Wataru followed the beautiful sound to the empty music room. Often, Wataru would practice in front of his friends inside this music room after school. When he entered, he saw a girl standing in the centre playing a violin. She was one of his classmates and her name Natsuki Tsukue. She was also his class rep and on his first day in school had given him and his friends a tour of the school.

"Sugoi," said Wataru and Natsuki gasped. She stopped and turned to see Wataru admiring her. She blushed, feeling self conscious, as she hurriedly stuffed her violin back into the case and slamming his shut. "Tsukue-san, I didn't know you liked the violin."

"I don't," she denied. "I hate it." She then walked past him.

Wataru frowned, not understanding. "How can she hate it if she plays so well?" Wataru murmured.

"Wataru-kun!" Moka called and he looked to his right to see Moka running to him. Just like in Youkai Academy guys were checking her out. Their gazes then turned into envy as she latched onto his arm. "Hi!"

"Hello, Moka-san," Wataru smiled as his eyes met her green eyes.

"We have a date this Sunday, right?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes, I promised, didn't I?" Wataru replied. He did remember. He had dated Kurumu, then Mizore, and this Sunday he would be going out with Moka.

"I was thinking that we could go to the museum." She showed him the flier. "They have this new exhibit that I was hoping we could go to together." The flier was, however, snatched out of her hands by Kurumu who gave a snort as she stared at it.

"A museum? That's so boring!" Kurumu tossed the paper away and Moka scrambled to get it back. Kurumu went up to Wataru and rubbed her breasts against his chest. Boys witnessing this moaned at the injustice as another hot girl was coming onto Wataru whom they knew during middle school and elementary school to be a loser and freak. The status quo was shifting, and they didn't like it. However, there was not much they could do. Those girls could be scary when angry. "Wataru, I think we should go and dance the night away in a nightclub tonight? What do you say?" She purred as she looped her arms around his neck, making him sweat uncomfortably as his face turned red. Moka was glaring, her eyes without color as she bore her fangs, a dark aura around her.

Then Mizore made her appearance, slowly sneaking up behind Wataru and putting her palms on his back as she pressed her cheek against his back as well. "Wataru, why don't we go for ice cream?"

And yet another blow to the hapless boys of the high school. Wataru had three hot girls into him! It was so unfair!

Kengo was just enjoying the show. Envious as he was, he couldn't help but give Wataru's a huge thumb up. "Nice man!"

In a castle outside the city, one with a dark aura surrounding it in the form of gloomy clouds, sat a young man with spiked up black hair and a cold scowl on his face. He was sitting on a huge stone throne and within the throne room with him were his servants. While he appeared to be human, a recent event had made him human no more. He'd given up his human identity to become a king. His name was Takashi Sugimura, Lord of the Legendorga.

Before this, Takashi Sugimura had been serving time in the juvenile detention centre. However, one night, while he tried to escape, he'd entered an underground chamber. The chamber was the Tomb of Arc. When his hand touched the tomb, it allowed Arc's spirit to enter his body. Sugimura had merged with Arc and used his power to escape. When he did, he was picked up by the surviving members of the Legendorga Clan and brought to the castle.

His throne room was decorated by pillars and lining the walls were torches and suits of demonic armor. Leading towards his throne from the entrance was a blood red carpet. Standing guard and flanking his throne were members of the Legendorga Clan. Their race had been doomed to extinction due to the Fangires and the ancient Kiva, forcing the survivors to go into hiding until the revival of their king. While their numbers were small now, they possessed the ability to bring in other species into their clan. It was a way to bolster their numbers. The Legendorga Clan members with Sugimura were the Mandrake, Gargoyle and Medusa Legendorga.

Walking towards the throne, his feet touching the carpet, was Bishop. The Legendorgas all looked at the Checkmate Four member with hatred and disgust.

Bishop politely bowed with a hand on his heart. "Greetings, Lord Arc," Biship greeted.

"Rise," said Sugimura. Bishop did. "State your business."

"Lord Arc, I am Bishop. While both our races have had disagreements in the past, I wish to suggest an alliance," said Bishop.

Sugimura snorted, folding his hands in front of his face with his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward in his seat. "Your clan nearly caused mine to be extinct. Why should I even bother being allies with you? I should have you killed here right now." The Legendorgas with him agreed.

"Yes, but I am giving you a chance. I am giving you the chance to kill Kiva," said Bishop.

Sugimura now looked interested. "Kiva? The one who sealed my original body, forcing me to take this human host? Why? As I recall Kiva was your King."

"Yes, but the power has been passed down to the bastard son of the previous Queen and a human," explained Bishop. "Totally unworthy and yet he also wields the power to kill members of my clan. It is unjust."

"So? Why has your King not done anything?" Sugimura questioned.

"The King has been led astray by familial ties, I'm afraid," frowned Bishop. "The bastard child and he are both brothers and friends, now also allies. I've tried to return my King onto the right path but he's unfortunately rejected me and the ways of the clan. He's even thinking of siding with the humans."

"So, you want me to kill Kiva to get your King back?" snorted Sugimura. "The chance to avenge my sealing would be nice, but don't think I'm doing it for your sake, Bishop."

Takato poked and prodded at his bowl of ice cream. Ice cream reminded him of his beloved Mizore, both were sweet and cold. However, his lovely was out of his reach and it was all Kiva's fault. If Kiva simply did not exist, then Mizore would be all his. He clenched his spoon tightly before shoveling the ice cream into his mouth at a rapid pace, ignoring the ice cream headache which came by eating it too fast.

"Another bowl!" he ordered. He was stressed and needed relief.

The school had a six day schedule. Classes would take place during the first five days with after school clubs right after. Saturday was a half-day only for clubs. Sunday was the only free day students had. Wataru wasn't a member of any of the clubs, however, which left his Saturdays free. However, Saturday was spent doing training with his brother and guardians.

Since it was Saturday, Wataru was in Castle Doran and for the 6th consecutive time in the last two hours was on his back.

"You need to focus, Wataru," said Taiga as he helped his brother up. "You're distracted." They were both in the training room, circling each other.

"I'm just thinking about tomorrow," answered Wataru as he threw a punch. Taiga caught it.

"Tomorrow? Oh, your date with Moka," Taiga remembered. "What's the big deal? I mean it's just a date, and you've gone out with Mizore and Kurumu already."

"Yes…but with Moka-san it's different," answered Wataru. "She's…I don't know how to describe her."

"She has that effect on people. You don't know from which part of Heaven she fell from," replied Taiga.

"She's a vampire, but an angel too," Wataru went on. "And what if I mess up? She'll hate me."

"Wataru, she didn't care that you're part-human and I know how most vampires treat half-breeds. If she did hate you, she wouldn't have given you a second of her time. She does like you, a lot. I mean, how many girls do you know would want to spend time away from home to be with a guy they like?" Taiga asked. Wataru gave his brother an even stare.

"4," Wataru answered.

"Oh, right. Kurumu, Mizore and Yukari," Taiga nodded.

"But I love Yukari like a younger sister, and Mizore and Kurumu just want me to impregnate them," said Wataru.

"That's true, but aside from that they are totally in love with you," said Taiga. "And I think you feel the same way."

Wataru blushed. True, the girls did hold a special place in his heart.

"And don't forget Ruby. I envy you, little brother. You're able to charm an older lady, just like your father."

"Nii-san!" Wataru yelled back at the teasing. Wataru wasn't as blind as he'd been before. It was obvious Ruby had feelings for him. The first clue was when she came into the bathroom to wash his back and without a stitch of clothing on her.

"Hey, you know it's true! You have 5 girls in love with you, all beautiful, and while Yukari is still a bit too young, you have to admit in 5 years she's going to be a smoking babe."

Wataru frowned, "Have you been spending time with Kengo-san?"

"For a human, he's not bad company," Taiga shrugged.

"Just…let's focus on training," said Wataru, "Alright? Then I have to see what I should wear for tomorrow."

"If you want, I can get you reservations at a restaurant," said Taiga.

"You mean now?" Wataru blinked.

"I have a lot of influence, Wataru. Just trust me."

Kokoa grumbled as she mopped the floor. This was punishment for attacking Moka and Wataru. Maya had ordered her to mop every floor in Castle Doran and there were A LOT of floors.

"Damn it!" Kokoa cursed. "This is beneath me!"

"Hope Maya-sama doesn't hear you," warned Kouvat.

"Oh, shut up!" Kokoa snapped. Her mood was bad enough. Forced to school with human and to hide her true identity had irritated her. She even had to hold back on her strength when dealing with a few. It was enough to drive her crazy, but Maya's warning still loomed over her. Kokoa simply could not go against the woman who claimed to know her father.

While Kokoa was afraid of Maya, the former Queen got along well with Moka. Of course it was simply because Moka hadn't tried to harm Wataru. Kokoa just couldn't fathom what Maya ever saw in Otoya. He was powerful in that IXA suit but without it he was just a human. Still, it gave Kokoa the chills. Humans had developed weapons to fight monsters and seeing as IXA could beat a Fangire proved their effectiveness.

Moka was in Wataru's workshop in Kurenai Manor, picking up an unfinished violin. Wataru's dream was to create a violin like the Bloody Rose. She'd heard the story from Maya, of how they both created the Bloody Rose together. The mystical violin was their 'child' and infused with Otoya's will. Now it also contained Wataru's will.

Moka, being a pure-blood vampire, was originally a proud creature before the seal was placed on her. She wanted true friends, more than anything, but in the human world she'd faced only rejection. However, after entering Youkai Academy, she met a young man who was like her, but also different. Wataru Kurenai wasn't a pure-blooded vampire. He was a half-breed and thus beneath her as were the other monster races. However, despite her initial rejection of humans after their first meeting, he'd saved her from Saizou. He'd even revealed his secrets to her, which he only revealed to the other girls after the incident with Kuyou. He actually trusted her that much.

One time she actually betrayed that trust. It was when Junya Inui, a second year, had approached her claiming to be a vampire like her. He even enforced an outdated rule that stated that vampires could only be with other vampires. However, she was able to figure out that Inui was only an onimodoki who mimicked powerful monsters to intimidate others. It had been Wataru whom helped her see Inui for what he truly was. They'd both defeated him with their attacks. She had used her flying kick while Kiva had used his Darkness Moon Break on him.

Her Inner Self had even told Wataru that he'd been close to winning her heart that day as well. Presently, her inner self was interested in Kiva as a potential mate since seeing him in action as Emperor Kiva.

Moka had gotten two tickets to the museum which she and the object of affection would go. She hoped he would enjoy it. He seemed to be the type to enjoy a nice and quiet trip to the museum.

"One day, Wataru-kun, we will create something beautiful together," said Moka softly, smiling fondly.

Sunday came and both Wataru and Moka were waiting at the bus stop for their ride to the museum. Wataru fidgeted as he sat next to Moka. He was in a black jacket with a white buttoned up shirt with grey slacks and black shoes. He also had his signature red scarf around his neck. Moka was wearing a pink sweater with a red thigh length skirt and black knee socks with red sandals. She was also carrying a pink handbag with her.

After breakfast, they quickly made their way out of the house. Kurumu and Mizore had promised not to cause trouble but Wataru knew them well enough that they might just follow and probably ruin his and Moka's date.

Moka looked to Wataru and scooted closer to him before resting her head on his shoulder, a hand wrapped around his arm. Wataru blushed and looked down at the pink-haired vampires with him. He would've pinched himself to see if he was dreaming but he knew he wasn't. It was still hard to believe that this beautiful creature was with him.

"Moka-san…" he murmured softly. Before Youkai Academy, the closest thing he had to female companionship was Shizuka. Now he had more friends than he ever had and it was all thanks to his guardians for enrolling him in Youkai Academy. It was funny. She just ran over him with a bike and after some misunderstandings they became friends.

"Wataru-kun, I want to tell you that…" Moka began.

"Yes?" Wataru prompted.

"That…that I…" Moka stammered, twiddling her fingers.

"Oh, the bus is here," said Wataru. Moka frowned, disappointed that she was unable to tell him. The bus opened its door and the two boarded. Wataru paid the fare for both of them and they took a seat.

The Sonozaki Museum was well-known for having a huge collection of exhibits. Wataru did nearly get a heart attack when he saw the huge T-Rex skeleton.

"Wataru-kun, I think they have a Stradivarius on display," said Moka.

"Really? I've always wanted to see one," said Wataru.

"OK! Let's go!" Moka led the way, holding hands with him.

Behind the display of the Anomalocaris, Kurumu and Mizore spied on the couple.

"I know we promised, but I just can't stand seeing Moka alone with him," Kurumu muttered.

"Yes, but we promised not to disturb them," Mizore reminded. "Let's just watch them."

"OK," agreed Kurumu.

"Wow, a real Stradivarius!" Wataru was staring at an authentic one. It was in a glass case and surrounded by a velvet rope.

Moka smiled. She was glad that Wataru was enjoying himself. She knew that showing him one of the most famous violins in the world would get him to react this way.

There were other instruments on display too, famous by either their makers or their owners as well as where they'd been played.

Moka knew Wataru loved music. She did too, but only when played by him.

"Wataru-kun, are you having a good time?" Moka asked.

"Why shouldn't I be?" Wataru responded. "I'm with you, aren't I?"

Moka smiled, a pleasant blush on her face.

"Hey, fancy meeting you here!" said Megumi. With her was Nago, a bored Nago. She'd been dragging him around the museum.

"Oh, Megumi-san!" said Wataru, pleased to meet her. "Oh, and good to see you too, Nago-san."

Nago mumbled a greeting.

"Oh, don't mind Nago-kun. He's just been grouchy," Megumi excused.

Moka frowned. She didn't really mind Megumi's presence, but Nago was a different matter entirely. The man was too prejudiced against monsters. He attacked any monster for just being different, using IXA as he saw fit. In her opinion if Wataru wasn't Kiva then he would make a much better IXA. She could see that Wataru inherited his father's sense of justice and rationality when it came to dealing with monsters. However, she also knew that angering Wataru was a bad idea.

She recalled the time Nagare had blackmailed Kurumu and stolen their final draft for an issue of the school newspaper. Wataru had gone Garulu Form and savagely attacked Nagare for taking advantage of Kurumu. She knew Wataru would do the same for her but the brutality had frightened her and Kurumu. Kurumu and Kiva had both dealt the finishing blow. She had conjured an illusion to trap Nagare before she used her claws on him. Kiva had executed his Garulu Howling Slash along with her.

"So, is this your first time coming?" Megumi asked.

"Yes," said Moka. "You see, Wataru-kun and I are on a date."

"Lucky you!" Megumi beamed. "Well, Nago and I need to go look at another exhibit."

"Yes," agreed Nago. "They have an exhibit for suits of armor worn by noble knights."

Moka frowned. 'Noble nights? Most of them attacked innocent monsters for glory.' She was disgusted that such people would be commended and called heroes when they were nothing but butchers. The only person she would call a noble night was the boy standing next to her. Despite all the hardships he'd been through he still saw it in his heart to protect humans from evil Fangires. He would never harm an innocent monster.

"Wataru-kun, I'd like to see the art section," said Moka. She took a hold of his hand. "Let's go, Wataru-kun."

"Enjoy your date," Megumi said.

"We will," Moka gave a nod before tugging Wataru along.

"Come on, let's follow them," said Kurumu.

"Yes," nodded Mizore.

"Moka-san, slow down," said Wataru as Moka tugged him along. Moka stopped. "Moka-san."

"I really don't like that man," said Moka.

"Nago-san?" asked Wataru.

Moka turned to look at Wataru. "Wataru-kun, that man hates monsters. I just…I just don't feel comfortable being in the same room as he."

"But he's just doing what he feels is right," Wataru defended.

"Your father was the better IXA," Moka remarked. "He had more passion."

"And I agree," said a man. Wataru and Moka turned to look at him.

"Excuse me but who are you?" Wataru asked. The man looked familiar and then it hit him. Wataru had seen him in Café mal d'amour.

"Oh, pardon me," said the man. "I'm Mamoru Shima, president of the Shima Foundation and the Wondeful Blue Sky Organization. I knew your father well, Wataru Kurenai-kun. I am also well acquainted with your mother and brother."

One of the museum's newest attractions was a huge stone covered in faces that had been dug up from an ancient tomb. It was on a pedestal, surrounded by a velvet rope. People admired and took pictures of the object.

One of them, a Caucasian, smirked and then stained glass markings appeared on his face.

"You knew my parents?" Wataru responded.

"Yes, and I am also the employer of Keisuke Nago and Megumi Aso," said Shima. "We're Fangire Hunters."

Moka stiffened and clung to Wataru's arm in order to protect him.

"Don't worry, Akashiya-san," assured Shima. "I'm not going to hurt Wataru. He's Otoya's son, after all."

"What do you want?" asked Wataru cautiously.

Shima explained, "Originally, when I heard there was a new Kiva I was concerned. I thought you were a threat. That is what I told Keisuke and Nago. However, Maya and Taiga came to me and explained everything. They told me about what Bishop is planning and that it will put both the human world and monster world in danger. That is why they proposed an alliance between our groups to stop Bishop."

"That will be difficult considering you have someone like Nago-san under your employ. He hates monsters," said Moka.

"Childhood trauma made him like that. He saw monsters kill his parents and has vowed to annihilate all monsters," said Shima, regrettably. "It gave him the drive to be IXA, but he lacks compassion."

"Shima-san, if we're going to be allies, then you will have to tell Nago-san and Megumi-san about us," said Wataru.

"Yes," admitted Shima, "It does."

Wataru was about to say something when he heard the Bloody Rose. "Fangire!" He told Shima, "Excuse me, Shima-san, but I have to go!"

The people screamed at the appearance of the Armadillo Fangire as it started to attack people. However, while it was feeding, gunshots hit it in the back. It then turned to see Megumi with her gun aimed at it.

"Sorry, but the buffet is closed," said Megumi. "Nago-kun!"

"I know," said Nago as he revealed the IXA Knuckle and belt. "Henshin!"

"FIST ON!"

Once his armor formed he said, "Fangire, return that soul you have taken to God!" He then charged at the Fangire with Megumi watched.

Megumi didn't notice that the eyes on the strange face-decorated stone was watching their every move.

As IXA battled against the Armadillo Fangire, Kiva suddenly appeared and smashed his fist against the Fangire's face, knocking it over. IXA and Kiva locked gazes as Megumi watched the standoff.

"Kiva!" IXA growled.

"Kiva!" Megumi yelled out.

The Armadillo Fangire rose to its feet and charged at both of them. IXA decided that the Fangire was the immediate threat and attacked it with his IxaCalibur. The blade slashed the monster over and over before a kick from Kiva sent it staggering.

"Get out of my way, Kiva!" IXA growled as he shoved Kiva out of the way.

"Hmph, how ungrateful," snorted Kivat. "Time to show him our power!"

Kiva agreed and put the Tatsulot Fuestle into Kivat's mouth.

"TATSULOT!" Kivat called.

From where he was standing, Bishop watched as Kiva assumed Emperor Form before aiding IXA against the Amadillo Fangire. Kiva had drawn the Zanvat Sword, causing Bishop to scowl. "Maybe that pretender needs to learnt he right way to use that sword and armor." In a flash of gold dust he vanished.

Moka went to see the fight and bumped into Kurumu and Mizore. "What are you doing here!" she demanded and then she accused, "We're you following us?"

"It was her idea," Mizore said, pointing to Kurumu.

"Hey, you went along with it too!" snapped Kurumu.

IXA saw Kiva's transformation and activated his own power up.

"RISING!"

His armor exploded off him, revealing the Rising IXA armor underneath as his suit reconfigured and his eyes flashed. He then slashed at the Fangire, and then kicked it towards Kiva. Kiva took the Wake Up Fuestle off Zanvat and put it in Kivat's mouth.

"WAKE UP!"

Kiva slid Zanvat up the blade and then back down. The blade was now energized. When the Fangire came in range, a single stroke of the sword reduced it to glass shards. The girls felt like cheering, but their cheers died in their throats as they saw Bishop appear before Kiva.

"Let the Fangire blood in this body be awakened!" Bishop called as he pressed his hand against Kiva's chest. Kiva was then infused with energy from Bishop's mark. Smirking, the Checkmate Four member released his hand from Kiva's chest and vanished in gold dust.

Kiva's appearance had not changed. However, his crimson Omnilens was now decorated by rainbow colored patches. He let loose a roar and turned his attention towards Rising IXA. He then swung at the Fangire Hunter, slashing the man across the chest repeatedly. Caught off guard by Kiva's sudden brutality, IXA was forced on the defensive before he was forced out of his armor by a brutal slash that caused his belt to fall off. Kiva stalked towards him, the tip of his sword pointed at Nago but then he stopped.

"Wataru!" Kiva heard and snarled. He looked towards the direction to see the girls coming for him. He could smell them all. He then leapt at them. Initially, they were relieved but when they noted his odd body language, they grew afraid.

He lunged forward and grabbed Mizore by the throat, shocking the yuki onna. Kurumu and Moka gasped when they saw this.

"Wataru-kun, stop!" Moka shouted.

Kiva roared out as he thrust his sword into Mizore's face.

Kamen Rider Chrome: A corrupted Kiva? This does not look good. And the Mummy Legendorga is in the stone. A good way to start the arc, huh? Let's see what else will happen, shall we?