Awakening of Kiva Chapter 16: Naga's Voice, a Fire Emblem + Kamen Rider Crossover fanfic

TWF: Here's the second part of the Double Feature! Gabu!

Disclaimer: Same thing.

I was once again standing in the darkness. I couldn't see anything. That was until the dark void brightened up and was replaced by a light void. Wait a minute, this is–

"You are here Kiva." A voice said. It was a voice I knew all too well.

I turned around and when I did, the same Manakete that I saw in my dreams like this one was standing in front of me, a few feet away. This was the Voice of Naga. And the one who fought alongside the Legendary Hero–King Marth in the days of old. This was…

"Tiki…" I muttered.

"I see that you know my name now…" Tiki noticed.

"Yeah, but why the secrecy?" I asked.

"It wouldn't be fun to tell you everything, now would it?" Tiki said childishly. It's surprising to know that someone like her can say such a thing.

"Wow, for someone who is mature and wise, you're still a child on the inside." I chuckled.

"I will take that as a compliment." Tiki giggled.

"I suppose so." I said, before I got a bit serious. "So… I hear that Walhart has imprisoned you."

"That is correct." Tiki replied. "Since Walhart knew my existence would affect his soldiers on turning their backs on him, he decided to imprison me and take control of those who have prayed for Naga's protection…"

"Dang… this guy means business…" I grimaced.

"I have tried to find a method to ask for help and of all the people I could think of, you are the only one that can listen to my thoughts as I am now in deep slumber in reality…" Tiki said.

"You're… sleeping?" I asked confused.

"Yes. I have been sleeping for many centuries. And as time went by, I've lost many friends I've loved."

"Including… Marth?"

Tiki lowered down her head as she was a bit sad hearing his name. "Yes… including Mar–Mar…"

"Mar–Mar?" I asked.

"It's a nickname I have given him when I was a young Manakete. He was a wonderful Hero–King and many of his friends felt like home when they were around him, including myself. He is the very one person that treated me as a friend… a true friend." Tiki elaborated.

"Well… now you got another true friend." I said.

"What?" Tiki said confused, looking at me.

"You have me." I smiled gently. "You saved me twice from the darkness that was here in my mind. And now it's time I return the favor and save you from your imprisonment."

"Are you certain you can do this? Walhart's men are harder than what you've faced before…" Tiki warned.

"Hey, don't worry about it! As long as I got my friends to back me up, victory is guaranteed!" I assured, giving a thumbs–up, making Tiki smile a bit.

"You remind me of a woman I once knew…" she muttered to herself.

"Huh?"

"It's nothing. If you are determined to save me, be prepared for the worst. He has stationed one of his elites… and a bad omen would be heading towards you along the way…"

"A bad omen? What kind?"

"A strong force that wants to annihilate you for your previous action on him…" Tiki clarified.

I thought about this for a while, until I realized what she was talking about. "Rook…"

"That is right." Tiki nodded.

"I see." I nodded back. "Thank you Tiki. I'll definitely defeat Rook and Walhart's forces there. Then I'll come save you. I promise."

"Then I shall wait… for the day we finally meet." Tiki smiled before my vision got bright and before I knew it, I returned back to reality.

I slowly opened up my eyes and even though the sun was about to rise up, I was the first one to wake up other than Cordelia. She was always the early bird amongst us Shepherds. Oh, and don't worry, there are two reasons why both Cordelia and I didn't do our usual stuff today. Today is one of her dangerous days and of course… "Father…" Morgan mumbled in her sleep while she held close to me.

"Mom…" Severa mumbled in her sleep too as she was in Cordelia's arms while both of my daughters are in their sleeping outfits. Yes, the second reason would be a family sleepover.

To be honest, this feels really good. But as I enjoyed it, I thought about Tiki and about what she said in my dreams. I know the odds are stacked against us, but we've come this far, and we're gonna all the way.

"I'll save you Tiki…" I muttered as I looked at one of my hands and clenched it tight. "I promise…"

(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 16: Naga's Voice

"Ite, te, te, te!" Storm cringed in pain as Cherche tried to help him to move forward.

"Come now, it's not a good time to complain about it. You do want to return back to the battlefield, do you?" Cherche asked while she helped him.

"Yeah, but I never thought getting out of the bed would be this painful, let alone trying to walk!" Storm complained.

"Don't worry. I'll be with you every step of the way." Cherche assured.

"Thanks…" Storm smiled sadly. "At least that's reassuring."

"It is. Now come. Let's get you to Lissa, Maribelle, Brady, and Libra. Since they use healing staves, perhaps they could speed up the healing process." Cherche said.

"Yeah, and I'll be sure to get these strains in me to heal up instantly…" Storm said. When he tried to take a step forward, he cringed in pain again.

During breakfast time, as a few of us Shepherds ate our breakfast, which was a porridge with a few meat as staples, I saw both Severa and Cordelia getting along just fine and Morgan looked happy today. "Isn't this great, Father? Both Mother and Severa are now together as one and we finally had a family sleepover for once!" she chirped happily.

"I guess so, Morgan." I nodded. "I guess Sumia's random tripping over the dessert really did the trick… and Gaius went overdramatic over it…"

"Really?" Morgan blinked before she looked at them. "Is that the reason why they're happy about it?"

"Yep." I grinned as I recalled last night's event during dinner time, right after the meeting we had…

Flashback

"U–Um… e–everyone, there's not going to be any dessert today…" Noire informed.

"I–I'm sorry!" Sumia bowed. "I–I ended up tripping while I was carrying it!"

"Oh, darn the luck… No dessert with today's rations, I'm afraid." Cordelia sighed, which caught Severa's attention.

"None?" Severa asked.

"Looks like I don't get my Severa time today." Cordelia said.

Severa had a slight sad expression on her face, as she actually wanted to spend her time with her Mother, all due to the promise she made with me. I can see her looking at me, and I gave her a slight nod of doing it. "Well…" she began, making Cordelia look at her. "I suppose I could make an exception. Just for today." She said while looking, slightly blushing. "…if you insist."

"Oh, I insist!" Cordelia said delightfully, and Severa reverted back to her usual self as she sighed.

"Fiiiiiiiine. What do we have to talk about this time?" she asked.

"How about today we make a promise?"

"Boooring…" Severa said dismissing the idea, making me slightly glare at Severa, making her flinch a bit, before slightly nodding at me. "Never mind. What's this promise?"

"A promise for the two of us as we build a new future together… A promise that, no matter what, we'll never part with another sad farewell." Cordelia proposed.

"…What if you break your promise?" Severa mumbled.

"No "ifs" this time. This one is absolute." Cordelia assured.

Severa looked at her for a moment and said, "…Absolutely absolute?"

"Absolutely." Cordelia smiled.

Severa looked away, trying to think of what she should say. It took a while until eventually, she sighed again and said, "Well, I guess that's okay. …I guess I can trust you now…"

"Of course you can, dear!" Cordelia exclaimed until she paused, looking at her daughter in confusion. "…Er but you didn't trust me before?"

"I've wanted to for, like, ever!" Severa said, before bowing her head down. "…I wanted to tell you everything. But then I thought about losing you again and it… I can't do it… I can't be alone again! I WON'T!"

"And so you kept your distance. Aw, my poor girl…" Cordelia said, before hugging her daughter.

"I'm sorry, Mother… I'm so sorry!" Severa sobbed a bit. "I didn't want to be cold, but I knew once I let you in, there was no going back."

"I'm so very glad you have." Cordelia smiled. "Thank you, Severa. You followed your feelings, but there's nothing to fear now. You can trust me with anything, and I'll do the same in return. Deal?"

"Oh, Mom! I love you so much!"

EndFlashback

"In the end, everything turned out well without any more conflicts between the two." I added.

"That's right, Father!" Morgan smiled.

"C'mon, Gaius! Lighten up! It's just dessert!" Vaike said while patting Gaius' back, still 'traumatized' from yesterday's event. "It's just a cake. You can always ask for those girls to make some, y'know? Heck, you ain't half bad on making one too!"

"My cake… my beautiful precious cake…" Gaius said in despair.

"Man up already!" Sully snapped.

"Geez Gaius, it's just one cake." Lissa sighed.

"It's just not any cake!" Gaius exclaimed. "It's one of the blackest of black forest cake with vanilla icing made from the freshest vanilla!"

"A black forest cake… really?" Lissa sweat dropped.

"You whining over a black cake?" Sully snarled. "Get real! The only time we can be sad is during the war, you dolt!"

"YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND!" Gaius yelled, before running off crying.

"Oh boy…" Lissa sighed.

"What you said Mother…" Gaius sweat dropped.

"U–Um… should I make another cake?" Noire asked timidly.

"Maybe you should…" Lissa sweat dropped.

"Father would be fine once he gets his hand on a cookie jar…" Owain said.

"Wow, Gaius would cry over a cake than war, huh, Father?" Morgan asked with a sweat drop.

"That's the story of his life…" I sweat dropped too.

"My, things around here are lively aren't they?" Say'ri noticed.

"Aye sensei. It's always been like this." Kan'shou said.

"Hm?" Say'ri got out as she noticed Bakuya stare at Apollo sternly, confusing her. "Bakuya?"

"Hai, sensei?" Bakuya blinked.

"Why are you starting at that young woman over there?" Say'ri indicated.

"I AM NOT A WOMAN! I'M A MAN!" Apollo yelled.

"What?" Say'ri gasped.

"It's true milady." Libra said. "He's a man. Do not worry though. You are not the first one to mistake him for a woman."

"Aye…" Say'ri said. "I see."

"Mou~, I should've cut my hair when I had the chance…" Apollo complained.

"Yes, with that, your natural beauty shall decrease ever more." Bakuya agreed, which made Apollo snap.

"You still in on that thing?!" Apollo growled.

"Your natural beauty is the enemy to all women who are beautiful!"

"Bakuya, what did we talk about?!" Aqua–chan asked sternly.

"Demo, Kaa–san–!"

"Bakuya~~?!"

Bakuya flinched seeing Aqua-chan's intense glare, making the former lower down her voice. "Aye… I understand…"

"Kan'shou, what is your twin sister talking about?" Say'ri asked.

"It's a long story, sensei…" Kan'shou replied.

"And one that's probably never gonna end, thanks to a certain someone." Aqua–chan said, glaring at Akane–chan.

"Hey!" Akane–chan snapped. "It's not my fault that Apollo has a feminine look!"

"You made him dress up in many dresses and unintentionally made Bakuya, Apollo's rival…" Aqua–chan deadpanned.

"Hence, the chaotic situation…" Lon'qu added.

"You're siding with her?!" Akane–chan snapped, making Lon'qu flinch, seeing Akane–chan.

"S–She's my fiancée! O–Of course I'll be o–on her side!" Lon'qu stuttered, defending himself.

"Oh dear, things just escalated…" Libra sweat dropped.

"No kidding, Papa… Mama tends to make it personal…" Apollo deadpanned.

"Ara, it's always lively with us, isn't it." Nee–san smiled.

"Yep. And that's never gonna change." I said.

Deep within the woods, Stahl and Anna are moving in the bushes, trying to take down a deer within its herd that was right in front of them. "We should stay here on this spot for the ambush."

"Agreed. We don't wanna make them run away again. This is the second time we had to chase it down…" Anna added as both of them stayed in the bush, waiting for them.

"Seriously, Anna. Why do we have to do this in the middle of breakfast?" Stahl complained. "My stomach is growling for whatever those guys are cooking right now…"

"Because half of our food supplies are gone thanks to you, even though I appreciate you paying up." Anna said.

"Oh c'mon! I'm fulfilling my end of the bargain, aren't I?" Stahl complained again.

"Yeah, but I have a feeling that sooner or later, even this bargain is not gonna stop ya."

"So much for a second meal…" Stahl sighed before they noticed a large deer getting near them.

"Shh… we should be quiet now…" Anna whispered.

"Yeah. This one is closing in on us…" Stahl whispered back as he held his lance, preparing to stab the deer within range.

Slowly but surely, the deer got closer and closer to their position.

"Closer… Closer…" Stahl whispered.

And then…

"NOW!" Anna yelled.

"Hah!" Stahl exclaimed while thrusting his lance forward. But the deer noticed his presence and it immediately leaped up high, kicking Stahl on his chest and ended up falling down.

"Whoa!" Anna exclaimed as she also suffered the same fate after the deer rammed into her before the deer and its herd got away from them.

"Ugh…" Stahl groaned a bit as he pushed himself up. "Are you o… k?" Stahl blinked as he noticed that Anna is below him.

"I'm… fine…" Anna mumbled as she also noticed the predicament, seeing Stahl on top of her.

"Um…" Stahl gulped, blushing the color of Anna's hair.

"Uh Stahl… can you get off of me?" Anna asked.

"O–Oh!" Stahl stuttered as he immediately moved away and Anna sat up, both of them slightly blushing.

"Geez… that deer…" Anna sighed.

"Yeah, I didn't expecting it to do that on us…" he added. "Uh… sorry about that…" Stahl apologized.

"No, it's… okay…" Anna mumbled. "It's not your fault. I blame the deer."

"Yeah… stupid deer…" Stahl said.

Both sides were quiet at the moment. The two tend to look at one another but for some reason, they can't look at each other in the eyes. "It's a good thing the Shepherds aren't here to see this happening…" Stahl began.

"H–Huh?" Anna said surprised.

"I mean, maybe both Nowi and Akane would tease us, should either of those two see what happened just now…" Stahl explained.

"Yeah. That would've been really bad." Anna said. The two stayed silent a while longer.

"Um… should we head back?" Stahl questioned.

"I suppose." Anna shrugged as they both got up.

"I guess there's no catch of the day, huh?"

"Nope… and that means no money…" Anna said.

"Yeah. The skin would definitely fetch a good sum of money to get back the funds after classing others to a higher level, a few days ago…" Stahl pointed out.

"Yeah, no kidding…" Anna agreed.

"So uh… let's head back."

"Right."

Meanwhile, Inigo sighed because he was a little depressed about something. Cynthia walked along the hallway and noticed him. "What's wrong, Inigo?" she asked. Before he could reply, she immediately intervened. "No, wait! Lemme guess. You just got shot down by another pretty girl at the village nearby Valm, huh?"

"Actually, she was GORGEOUS!" Inigo exclaimed. "And for such a beautiful young creature, she certainly packed a mean left hook… I think I just need some time alone." He said while rubbing on his left cheek. "…Well that and some ice."

"With all the practice you get, you'd think you'd have better luck hitting on women." Cynthia teased.

"Ha, ha, very funny. I'm thoroughly amused." Inigo said sarcastically. "You just wait. I know what went wrong. I'll nail it next time for sure!"

"That's the spirit!" Cynthia grinned widely. "Buck up, little camper! You're no fun when you're all mopey."

"Someone's bound to pick up on my rugged charm and roguish good looks eventually. I just have to hang in there until then." Inigo said.

"Now you're talkin'! Wooooo!" Cynthia cheered, before muttering to herself, "Talkin' a bunch of nonsense..."

"Sorry, did you say something?" Inigo asked.

"Who, me?" Cynthia pointed at herself.

"Yeah." Inigo added.

"Not this girl, no sir–ee. Nuh–uh. Nothin'." Cynthia denied. "Anyway, I'm glad you're feeling better. You just stay there and practice smiling while I find you some ice." And with that, she immediately rushed to the kitchen for Inigo's wound.

"Hey, Kan'shou!" Morgan called out and Kan'shou turned around to notice her.

"Oh, Morgan. What brings you to call me?" Kan'shou asked.

"I wonder… what's Chon'sin like? Is it far different than what we had in Ylisse?" Morgan asked.

"Why the sudden question?" Kan'shou further asked.

"Out of curiosity!" Morgan chirped. "Besides, there aren't as many Dread Fighters and Shrine Maidens like you two, outside of Chon'sin from what I read from a tome!"

"Hmm…" Kan'shou said, thinking about it. "Well, I suppose I could indulge your curiosity."

"That's great!" Morgan smiled.

"Let's see… where shall I begin?" Kan'shou pondered.

"Let's start with your armor first!" Morgan said delightfully.

"Alright." Kan'shou nodded as he crossed his arms, trying to recall some of his memories. "If memory serves, Chon'sin hails from a group of warriors with different variations of armors, much like my sister in her Shrine Maiden outfit and myself in my own outfit."

"Hm…" Morgan hummed, looking around him while tapping his leather armor. "This armor of yours looks quite sturdy, if you ask me."

"It is made from hardened lacquer, a piece of material that is light but provides enough defense when it comes to battle." Kan'shou explained.

"Interesting." Morgan said, looking at the armor before looking at him. "Are there any other important differences?"

"Aye, there are many." Kan'shou said. "Most of Chon'sin's culture is much like Kaa–san's country of Japan as she called it. Food, dress… most everything.

"Wow, really?"

"Aye." Kan'shou nodded. "That is the reason why I look forward to going back home. I miss my homeland…"

"So do I!" Morgan said excited all of a sudden. "I'd love to talk to you more about it, Kan'shou!"

"And I'd love to reply with whatever question you want to ask of me." Kan'shou nodded.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Noire had just finished making the cake and placed it in the oven. "All right… On to the next task." Noire said before taking a huge bucket and placed it in the sink to fill it up with water. Just as she did that, Laurent came into the kitchen.

"You seem exceptionally busy, Noire. What has you so occupied?" Laurent asked, making Noire notice her.

"Oh, Laurent." Noire acknowledged. "It's nothing really. Just on my way to draw water to clean up some of the hallways here in Castle Doran.

"In that enormous bucket?" Laurent asked.

"Y–Yes, why?"

"Then prey, allow me." Laurent offered as he pulled up his sleeves and went towards the sink, the bucket being filled up with water.

"What? No, I couldn't ask you to do that." Noire denied as Laurent looked at her with his serious expression.

"A slight person like yourself oughtn't put undo strain on their frame." he explained. "I won't explain the physics behind it, save to say it may bring about a fracture."

"B–But, this is the same bucket I've been using for years." Noire argued.

"What if your anemia acted up and you grew light headed? You could be badly injured." Laurent said.

"But, Laurent, I feel fine!" Noire stated, but then sighed in defeat, seeing that Laurent will keep on giving counterarguments. "…Oh, okay! You can help! But just for today."

"Excellent. Leave it to me. And this water is bound for the hallways of Castle Doran, correct?

"Yes, that's right. Thank you."

"Thanks are not required. I insisted, did I not?"

"Naw, not like that!" Brady scolded as I hit the wrong note on the Bloody Rose. "That ain't right! You make that sound as if you scratched yer' nail on the chalkboard!"

"Sorry!" I apologized. "I'm still new on playing this violin, okay?"

"And I thought yer' the one that played that wonderful tune that soared the sky! To think you wanna play somethin' hard with these notes, it'll be hard fer 'ya!" Brady said while he read the sheet that I want to play on it.

"Hey, it just happened automatically. I didn't know what would happen!" I said.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Brady waved off. "Let's try it again… from the top."

"Hai, hai…" I sighed.

As I tried to play the violin while looking at the sheets and Brady monitoring me, I noticed Cordelia entering the room with Sumia and both of them noticed me playing. "Kurogasa?" Sumia blinked.

"Oh, he's concentrating his playing right now, Sumia. It's best to watch him quietly." Cordelia suggested as I continued playing it for a while.

Even though I was having a hard time hitting the right note on each stroke, I've managed to finish the violin song to the end. After I pluck the strings like how Kurenai Otoya did, the next thing I knew, a rolled up paper hit my head, courtesy of Brady. "Yer' getting good, but you missed the middle tone off the mark!"

"Yeesh, sorry…" I said.

"Maybe we should start something off easy." Brady sighed, looking through his sheets of music paper and gave me something. "Here, see if you can play this."

"Uh… okay." I said, taking the sheet to read over. My eyes widened a bit in this. This was… an OST song from Sword Art Online! "At Nightfall" was the title of the song! I've seen the music sheets in a PDF file on the computer one time while I was surfing the web. How Brady got this music, I'll never know.

"What?" Brady asked me.

"Where did you get this song?!" I exclaimed.

"Hold yer' horses! There ain't no need to be overdramatic over it!" Brady said. "I made 'em. Got complaints?"

"You… wrote it?" I blinked.

"Yeah, why?"

"Because… I've seen this music before in my world."

"Ain't that a kicker?" Brady scoffed.

"No, I'm serious! I really did see this song somewhere before, and that's when it hit me!"

"Then… mind playing it for us?" Cordelia asked, startling me a bit.

"Yes, just like how you played at the battlefield a month ago!" Sumia said eagerly.

"Uh… well…" I began.

"Please?" Sumia begged.

Oh boy, my weakness is getting to me… "I… I'll try my best." I sighed, before getting into position. I just hope I can play it well.

"Good! Cause this one is making me play piano too!" Brady said as he sat on a chair and started hitting the notes on the piano keys.

On cue, I stroked the violin gently, letting out a calm melody and truth to be told, my body moved on its own without me knowing it while I indulged myself on listening to the tune that hummed inside the room. I guess the Bloody Rose is resonating to my feelings of wanting to play this song.

"This song… it's beautiful…" Cordelia murmured.

"It's heavenly…" Sumia said in awe.

"Ara?" Melissa said, looking up.

"What is this melody?" Frederick wondered.

"I don't know, Father…" Danny said, but the little one actively wiggled in the baby feeding chair, happily clapping his hand.

"Uncle! Uncle!" little Danny said happily as he giggled.

"Ara? Is that so?" Melissa blinked while looking at her child. "It does make the little one happy, ne?"

"Yes Mother. It does." Danny nodded in agreement.

"Who's playing this song?" Kivat wondered,

"Father…" Morgan murmured.

"Oooh, I feel so relaxed hearing it." Kibat said.

"Pyun~ pyun, it's so heavenly…" Tatsulot said dreamily.

"I must say, this tune really soothes the very core of my soul…" Maribelle said while she closed her eyes, taking it all in.

"It gotta be Brady playing this song!" Donnel added.

"If he is playing this song, who is plays the piano, my good man?" Virion asked.

"C–Could it be a g–ghost?!" Olivia squeaked.

"Don't be silly my beautiful wife." Virion chuckled. "A ghost wouldn't play the piano."

"Daddy…" Severa murmured.

"Huh?" The group asked, turning to her.

"It's my daddy playing the violin. I remember him playing this song when I was little whenever I can't sleep…"

"H–He did?" Olivia asked.

"You sure you you're not making up stories?" Inigo questioned.

"Look! I tell what I know and if there's one thing I do know, it's Daddy who's playing it! "Severa snapped, making Inigo flinch. "Though I don't like violin much, whenever Daddy plays it, it works like a charm! And besides, the Daddy from my time can actually play the violin!"

"Really…" Virion said interested.

"How wonderful!" Maribelle said delighted. "Virion, you and I must get together with Kurogasa and Brady to make an orchestra of sorts."

"Why, that sounds like a splendid idea." Virion agreed.

"I agree!" Olivia exclaimed. "W–With this song being played, I can feel myself dancing to the music!"

"That would be marvelous, my beautiful wife! The Snipest of Snipers would definitely see her dance!" Virion exclaimed, making Olivia blush more as she fiddled with her long ribbon.

"Seems like they are trying to pull your dad into a higher society, Severa…" Inigo said.

"So what? I really don't care, as long as Daddy's playing the violin." Severa shrugged.

After a while, Brady and I finished the song. "Fin~." I said after I finished playing the music.

"That was wonderful, Kurogasa!" I heard Chrom while he stood next to his wife, Sumia.

"I agree, it was." Lucina agreed.

"I didn't know you have a knack for that fancy stuff, boy!" Basilio said with a hearty laugh.

"Looks like you have attracted the Shepherds' attention, my love." Cordelia smiled.

"Eh?" I said, confused before looking to… an entire audience of Shepherds? "WHOA!" I freaked out, jumping before I landed on my butt.

"Hahahahaha! Sorry about that, but we couldn't help but sneak in and listen." Chrom laughed.

"Ehehe… It's okay…" I laughed while wincing in pain.

"At least this would liven up the Shepherds a little lively before the battle." Chrom added.

"Yeah. All but one." Saigo intervened.

"Who?" I blinked as Cordelia helped me get back on my feet.

"Storm! Who else?" Lissa exclaimed. "Besides, the strain on his body is still too much for him to bear, even with our combined healing power!"

"I see." I said sadly.

"Not to worry friend. I'm sure our healers will heal him soon. But for now, we must focus on our mission." Chrom assured.

"Right… we have to save Tiki." I nodded, before I thought back to the dream I had earlier.

"Kurogasa?" Cordelia asked, before I smiled small.

"Don't worry, Cordelia. I'm fine." I assured. "We will stop Walhart from continuing his conquest."

"…and save Lady Tiki. It is our priority above all else!" Say'ri said.

"Alright. Let's move out now!" Chrom commanded.

Everyone nodded at that as they left room. I looked to the window, saying in my mind, 'Hang on, Tiki. I'm coming to save you…'

LINE BREAK

At a rather large field, Rook in his Fangire form ran forward in a rampage, pretty much anticipating for the battle ahead of him. "Kiva! Kiva! KIVA! I'm coming for you!"

Flashback – Fangire Castle

"Rook, this is an order from our King…" Bishop said as Rook finished devouring another berserker with his hollowed glass fang to suck the remains of his life out at Castle Fangire's gateway.

"What would it be?" Rook scoffed. "Does it involve me staying put at my station?"

"No it does not." Bishop said.

"Really?" Rook asked.

"Yes. King has ordered you to head for Valm and destroy Kiva. Our spies have told us that he is heading for the Mila Tree."

"Mila Tree, huh?" Rook pondered.

"Yes, a rather large tree at the heart of the country." Bishop added, making Rook chuckled.

"FINALLY! Some action! I've been waiting for so long to reveal my true form in front of someone who can actually harm me for once!" Rook shouted.

"I see you are very pleased." Bishop chuckled.

"Of course I am! I can finally have my revenge on Kiva!" Rook laughed.

"Then go. You have received your orders."

End Flashback

"I've been waiting so long for you and our fight! With my shoulder healed up and fully protected, you have no chance of winning now!" Rook declared as he went through them, creating a path of destruction along the way.

Throughout the whole way, Arc–Kivat followed Rook closely, making sure not to be detected. The Kivat felt amused seeing the rampaging Rook and said, "That fool has a one track mind, doron~, doron~. I must watch this battle~." He said as he immediately followed the Fangire.

So with the entire army ready to go, we left Castle Doran behind back at the coast so that we don't attract any attention. However, as we walked along the way to the Mila Tree, I kept thinking about what Say'ri said the other day. The medallion Ursor gave me had something to do with my heritage. What does it even mean?

"Kurogasa?" Cordelia asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to see her on her Pegasus that was walking next to me.

"Oh, Cordelia." I said.

"Is something the matter? You look deep in thought." Cordelia said concerned.

"Oh, uh… it's nothing, really…" I told her. "It's just that I've been thinking about something…"

"About what?"

"About this medallion, my heritage according to Say'ri… everything… Heck, I dare to say this Matilda person has something to do with it too. If not, why did Ursor hand me his medallion in the first place?" I said while looking at the medallion.

"Your… heritage?" Cordelia asked confused. "What does that even mean?"

"I asked myself the same question."

"And do you think Matilda is somehow connected?"

"I don't know… Say'ri won't tell me anything." I said, shaking my head.

"I'm sure she'll reveal it to you once the time is right..." Cordelia said as both of us looked at Say'ri, who was leading the Shepherds to the Mila Tree.

"Everyone, we have arrived." Say'ri said as all of us came to a stop and boy, weren't we expecting this!

"Holy moly… this tree reminds me of the Tree of Mana!" Saigo exclaimed.

"The Tree of Mana~?" Athena asked.

"What is that…?" Emmeryn asked.

"Well, it's only fictional, but it's the source of an energy called Mana in the world. The tree is often at the center of an area of holy land usually known as the Mana Sanctuary." Saigo explained. "The Mana Tree is the embodiment of the Mana Goddess. As the tree withers, a woman of the Mana Tribe steps up to become or sustain the tree, and the men of the tribe protect it from harm."

"Really~?" Athena asked.

"Uh–huh." Saigo nodded.

"You sure knows a lot, Father~!" Athena praised.

"Well… it's nothin', really! This tree reminded me of it, that's all." Saigo said while nervously rubbing the back of his head.

"Whoaaa…" Lissa said in awe as she tilted her head all the way up. Just from their current position alone, was enough to indicate how big it really is. "I don't think I've ever felt so small…"

"I can't even see the top of it!" Basilio exclaimed.

"Most impressive indeed… So the shrine hides all the way up in its branches?" Frederick questioned.

"Aye, sir. A great staircase inside the trunk leads up to it. However, the empire has closed off the only route to the steps. Or perhaps "roots" to the steps, I should say." Say'ri said.

"Or even Roots of the King…" Saigo joked.

"It may take a while to get up there…" Miriel analyzed. "Judging by how tall this tree is, I wouldn't be surprised to see that there are enemies hidden amongst its braches…"

"Mou~!" Akane–chan whined. "I hate the manual labor of walking up the stairs! I bet there're tons of steps to climb!"

"Get used to it…" Aqua–chan deadpanned. "It's not like Storm's going to help you out this time since he's still at Castle Doran for the time being…"

"Urusai!" Akane–chan snapped.

"Ara~ no need to get all annoyed, Akane–chama~!" Kiva–la cooed.

"She's right. You must calm yourself." Rey–Kivat added.

"Still, I bet it's a ton of steps to get all the way up there." I said, looking up.

"KIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Wait a minute… that roar… it can't be! "Everyone, dodge!" Lucina exclaimed as most of us were able to dodge to the side while the flier units soar in the air. We were able to dodge the strong tackle from Rook, as it tackled down a nearby tree like it was nothing.

"Damn… not him again…" Chrom gritted seeing Rook again.

"When will he ever learn to forfeit the battle once and for all?" Frederick questioned.

"To say the least, at least this adorable Fangire appeared once more. It has been a while since we last saw him." Cherche cooed happily, as her Minerva roared. "See? Even Minerva is excited as well."

"Rook…" I gritted.

"KIVA!" Rook yelled as he turned to me. "It's time that we finish this battle! I will make you pay for what you did!"

"Not this time! Kivat!" I shouted.

"Yosha! Kivatte ikuze!" Kivat shouted, flying into my hand. "GABU!"

*CRUNCH!*

Chains wrapped around my waist before the blood red belt appeared and stain glass markings creeped up on my face. "Henshin!" I attached Kivat to the belt and he hung upside down. Quicksilver coated me and soon shattered to reveal my armor.

"Of all the times, this is getting more and more ridiculous!" Kivat complained.

"Yeah, no kidding!" I agreed.

"Out of the boiling water and into the frying pan..." Nee–san said.

"It looks like a few of us would have to occupy our time with this fiend while the rest of us save the damsel in distress!" Virion exclaimed.

"I'll deal with him." Morgan said as she stepped forward.

"Morgan?!" I asked shocked.

"Father, you, Aunt Melissa, Saigo, and Akane go and save Tiki. Danny, Aqua, Gerome, and I will deal with Rook."

"Are you crazy sis?!" Severa yelled. "You're going to get rammed over!"

"Someone has to put a stop to Rook's menace once and for all, right?" Morgan retorted.

"Morgan…" Cordelia said worriedly.

"Should you rather put your life on the line all alone, Morgan?" Gerome spoke up as he stepped forward. "I cannot allow you to do your bidding. As the prince of the Dark Emperor, I must also eradicate this Fangire's existence in my Father's place…"

"As do I…" Danny said, stepping forward. "He will return the lives he had stolen from God."

"So then let's do this." Aqua–chan said, stepping forward too. "Rey–Kivat!"

"Yes milady! Let us give Rook of the Checkmate Four a graceful yet violent ending!" Rey–Kivat said before flying into her hand.

"Kivat II!" Gerome shouted.

"Right! You should be grateful Rook that it will be us that will end you." Kivat II said.

"Kibat!" Morgan shouted.

"Yosha! Time for a big Wake Up call!" Kibat said, before flying into her hand. "KABU!"

"GABUI!"

*CRUNCH!*

R–E–A–D–Y!

"HENSHIN!"

"I, Transform!"

"Transform!"

"Henshin!" Rey–Kivat declared.

F–I–S–T O–N!

With the four Riders transforming into their respective armors, all four of them confronted the Rook, all rearing to go. "Daniel, are you certain you can do this?" Frederick asked.

"Father, I've faced much worse than this in my time. And with the assistance from the others, we will triumph in the end." IXA assured before looking at Nee–san. "You understand what I'm talking about, right, Mother?"

"Completely." Nee–san smiled before she looked at me. "Let us be on our way, dear. Aqua–chan can help them out, should they be cornered."

"Demo, Nee–san–!"

"She will be fine. Half of the Shepherds will be there to protect her along with the other Riders staying behind."

I hesitantly looked at Kiva–chan again. I really don't want to abandon my own daughter, but…

"Go Father! I'll be fine! I won't die on you! I promise!" Kiva–chan shouted.

"Yeah, and with me around, I'll be sure to protect her hind!" Severa assured.

"I will enjoy this battle!" Rook exclaimed as he advanced forward and so did Severa, Dark Kiva, Kiva–chan, Rey–chan and IXA.

"Come! Time is of the essence, Kiva!" Say'ri reminded.

I looked at the battle with Rook one last time, before saying, "Alright… let's go…" I said hesitantly.

Chrom nodded at that. "Okay Shepherds! Half of you stay with the Riders that are staying behind and assist defeating Rook! The rest of us will head for the Mila Tree!" Chrom commanded.

"Right!" The Shepherds said in unison.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Mila Tree, a group of soldiers were stationed on the ground. One of them was a general in red armor, with a big mustache and beard that covered his face while he happily combed it with his hand. "So! They arrive at last, eh wot!" the general began as he spotted the approaching Shepherds. ""Yes, come closer," said the hairy spider to the flies…"

"General Cervantes!" one of his fellow soldiers yelled running frantically to him, pausing as he took a deep breath after running. "Lord Excellus was right– the Ylissean League approaches!"

"…Are you daft, boy? Did you not hear what I was just saying?!" Cervantes snapped, making the soldier flinch in fear.

"A thousand pardons, sir!"

"Hmm… They must have some skill to make it this far…" Cervantes mused. "But no matter. We will show them the meaning of the word "fear"…"

"The meaning of "beard," sir?" The soldier asked confused. "Er, yes, I'm sure they would be most impressed… But perhaps–"

"Fear, you deaf ignoramus! FEAR!" Cervantes yelled.

"Y–Yes, sir! Of course, sir! …Sorry, sir!" The soldier apologized.

"…They are impressive, though, aren't they?" Cervantes chuckles. "My whiskers? Ha, ha! I've not shaved since my very first battle. And have I ever lost? No! Not even once! Ergo, my moustache makes me invincible. It's science, my boy– science!"

"Er yes… whatever you say…" The soldier sweat dropped.

Back at Castle Doran, Storm looked at the window nearby, sighing as he held little Danny on his lap. "Uncle sad?" little Danny asked, looking at him while Minerva the Griffon rested next to him.

"Yeah… looks like it, little one." Storm replied. "With these strains on my body, I can't aid the Shepherds. Heck, even walking around would be in pain in the butt…"

"Poopy?" little Danny said randomly.

"Yes, even that would be a pain too…" Storm sweat dropped before he sighed again. "If only there's a way to recover these strains on my body really fast, or some sort of miracle to take the pain away from my body, I would be a happy man. I don't want to become a burden to the Shepherds…"

"Actually, there is a way…" Jiro's voice said as he entered the room, making Storm look at him.

"There is?" Storm blinked.

"Yes. Wataru once faced the same situation where you've been: being unable to fight when he is at his weakest state. There is one way to recover your energy and get rid of your strains, shounen." Jiro explained.

"You're not talking about me being covered in rose petals all over me in this whole room while I lay on the bed sleeping, now is it?" Storm asked.

"The one and the same." Jiro nodded. "It is a ritual that will put you into a deep slumber for a certain period of time. Once you have awakened from it, your body will no longer feel the strain. However, there is a catch…" Jiro added.

"And that is…?"

"There is a possibility where it would put your body into an eternal pain, should it not be successful. That being said, are you still willing to go through with this?" Jiro challenged.

Storm looked at Jiro for a while, thinking about it until saying, "Let's do it."

"Very well."

"Whoa!" Kiva–chan shouted as she, Rey, IXA, Inigo, Kjelle, Severa, Brady and Nah were shoved back rather hard. Rook laughed at that.

"Hah! Is that the best you can do?! I'd rather fight with Kiva more, knowing how strong he REALLY is now!" Rook exclaimed before Dark Kiva advanced forward and swung his axe at the Fangire.

"What are we gonna do? His weak point is no longer a weak point!" Kiva-chan said worried.

"This guy really means business…" Inigo said before he looked at Severa. "Got any brilliant ideas over there?"

"Do I look like a genius to you?!" Severa snapped.

"No, but any idea would work!"

R–I–S–I–N–G!

"Cast off!" IXA shouted as several pieces of armor cast off and the remains of his armor turned blue assuming Rising Form. After that, he pressed 4 on the IXA Riser Phone.

L–A–S–E–R N–E–T M–O–D–E!

"UWOARRGHHH!" Rook roared out loud as he shoved Dark Kiva to the side before deciding to dash towards Rising, who was aiming his IXA Riser at him.

"Stop where you are…" Rising said before he pulled the trigger as each shot land on the Fangire, trying to slow it down, but it was little to no success as Rook used his katars to slash them away before delivering his own slash on Rising's armor, creating sparks.

"Gah!" Rising shouted in pain as he ended up tumbling down on the ground, making trails of smoke rise from his armor.

"Great… now even Mr. Stiff can't do what he's best at!" Brady complained.

"Should we try again on inflicting his shoulder?" Kjelle suggested. "His wounded shoulder seems to be heavily protected… if we can chop down its defenses, there might be a chance for us to deal heavy blows."

"Then let's soften him up first!" Nah said in her dragon form before spewing out flames.

"I'm… with you!" IXA gritted as he slowly got up and pressed 0 on the phone.

C–O–R–O–N–A F–L–A–M–E M–O–D–E!

"Hah! Mere flames won't work on me!" Rook boasted before he had to parry Rey's gigantic claws attack with his katars, forcing him to go on the defensive.

"You still have to worry about me, damn it!" Rey growled angrily as the two squared off, making the battle more intense than before.

"Better help the lady in distress before things get out of hand…" Inigo shrugged before he dashed forward.

While half of the future children decided to stay back, the other half of the future children and parents were on our way towards the Mila Tree.

"Man, I hope Morgan's okay." I said worried.

"No worries man! She'll be fine!" Saga assured. Oh by the way, while on the way, Nee–san and Akane–chan already transformed.

"That's when I worry the most…"

"You're starting to act like an old man worried for his child that goes overnight during the prom!" Saga explained.

"Where in the world did you get that idea?" I deadpanned.

"Relax, she has your blood in her! Knowing you, she'll be alright. Besides, she IS Kiva, right?" Saga assured.

"Saigo is right dear." IX–neesan said. "Trust in both her and Severa. They'll be fine."

"Nee–san…" I murmured.

"There they are. The Valmese force!" Say'ri said, as we all came to a stop.

As all of us Shepherds paused, we noticed a big general stepping forward before leading to a stop, confronting us from afar. "So, this must be the Shepherds that wipes out our Valmese fleet, eh wot."

"Got a problem with that?" Basilio roared back. "Those guys are nothin' compared to what we've been through!"

"Hah! All talk but no bite!" the general exclaimed, making Chrom step forward.

"Fiend! You invade kingdoms and bully them into submission! Why? What does it achieve?" Chrom demanded as he clenched his fist tightly.

"Do you even need ask, whelp? Emperor Walhart is destined to rule this world, plain and simple." The general answered.

"Yes, but to what end?" Chrom asked.

"Irrelevant! Walhart's mind is beyond the grasp of common men."

"So you don't even know what you're fighting for?!" Chrom asked incredulously.

"I tend to my own beard, boy. A soldier does not question orders. But he gives his loyalty– and maybe his life– in the service of greater men."

"Greater men?" Chrom growled as he glared intensely at the general. "Is living only to conquer so great an ambition?!"

"Milord, please calm, yourself down!" Frederick said worriedly as the general heartily laughed.

"Gregor thinks he not like this man…" Gregor spoke out.

"What could be greater?!" The general began. "Once, I had dreams myself of commanding a nation… But Walhart? Aye, he dreams bigger. He would rule the entire world!" He exclaimed while expanding his arms apart. "Mine is nothing compared to the moxie of the Conqueror. I, General Cervantes, am but a single tiny hair on the beard of a flea in his great mustache! Have you not tasted the thrill of being part of something bigger than yourself?"

"Not at the price of inflicting cruelty and suffering, no." Chrom muttered.

"Hmph. Then we have nothing more to discuss." The man now known as Cervantes said before preparing his stance. "Prepare to learn the meaning of the word "beard"!" He exclaimed, but realized what he said and corrected himself. "…Fear, I mean fear!"

"Is that guy even serious?" Kiva–la–chan deadpanned.

"Dunno… but he does look a bit goofy with his big whiskers!" Nowi giggled happily.

"Couldn't agree with you more!" Ricken nodded.

Cervantes then noticed the princess of Chon'sin within his sights. "…Eh wot?! It cannot be! Say'ri– my mortal enemy…" he exclaimed.

"General Cervantes… Your reputation– and your gut– precedes you." Say'ri gritted.

"But we have met in battle before, girl! Have you forgotten?!" Cervantes retorted. "Not long ago, you and I, locked in deadly combat. I was sure we had won the day until you appeared…"

"…Your beard again? Can you talk of nothing else, you imperial pig?!" Say'ri snarled, making Cervantes snap.

"Ap–PEARED! I said "appeared"!" Cervantes yelled. "Just… never mind! ATTAAAAAAAACK!"

"You heard him, men! Let's wipe out these fools!" the soldier shouted, and the army rushed towards us.

"Both Say'ri and I will handle their general." Chrom said as he drew out his sword.

"The rest of us would go for the kill!" Saga exclaimed.

"May Naga forgive us for this continuous bloodshed..." Libra prayed.

"Don't worry, Papa! When it comes to taking them out, you don't have to worry about it!" Apollo assured his dad.

"Then let's do this!" I shouted before taking out a Fuestle and placed it in Kivat's mouth.

WAKE UP!

"H–Hey, it's working!" Nah exclaimed happily. "He's actually backing off!"

"Yeah, who would've thought it!?" Inigo said happily as the same group built their momentum on the said Fangire.

"Gh!" Rook cringed in pain as it backed off and held onto its wounded shoulder. "Even after that thick padding, that stupid dragon managed to burn it down?! This protector should have taken tons of abuse from any physical attacks! WHY WOULD IT LOSE ITS EFFECT NOW!?"

"Because we're winning that's why!" Severa smirked.

"And now it's time to finish you off! Riders, time for an all out Wake Up call!" Kiva-chan shouted.

"Right!" Rising said.

"Let's do this!" Rey said.

"Embrace your fate Rook!" Dark Kiva said.

WAKE UP~!

WAKE UP!

WAKE UP TWO!

I–X–A R–I–S–E–R: R–I–S–E U–P!

As Kiva–chan and Dark Kiva leaped up high in the sky, Rising shot out a strong laser shot, with Brady, Severa, Inigo and Kjelle helping him to stay in one place. Even Nah aided him with her largest spew of flame at Rook. At the same time, Rey dashed forward and moments later…

"Darkness Moon Break!"

"King's Burst End!"

*SLASH!*

All of the attacks connected and an explosion occurred, making Rising lower down his weapon. "Did we finally kill him?" Inigo asked.

As the dust cleared away, they were surprised to see that not only the attacks stopped midway, but also– "No way! That thing still survived from all of our Wake Up calls?!" Severa snapped as Rook chuckled.

"Yes… Yes… that's it…" Rook muttered to himself before he pushed the three Riders back hard and moments later, the Fangire let out the biggest laugh it ever had. "THAT'S THE KIND OF FIGHT AND PAIN I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR! THIS IS GETTING MORE AND MORE INTERESTING!"

"Crap! That thing got its wires snapped!" Brady exclaimed as Rook threw away its broken katars onto the ground and got on all fours.

"NOW I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GOING OVERKILL! I'M GOING TO ENJOY THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!" Rook snapped as he let out a purple aura from its body and the sound of the shattered glasses sounded as its whole body got bigger and bigger. After a few moments, its true form finally appeared, which was the golden bull with a fiendish facial expression on it. "ENTERTAIN ME MORE!"

"Ahhhhhhh! Someone save me!" Inigo squeaked, jumping into Brady's arms.

"Get off of me!" Brady snapped, letting Inigo go and the latter fell on his butt.

"I was afraid of this…" Rising muttered.

"Hmph, that takes care of that…" Kan'shou said as he turned around from his current position. His facial expression immediately turned to being worried when he saw something. "Bakuya, behind you!"

"Huh?" Bakuya blinked pulling out her katana from the mage. She hadn't noticed an assassin walking silently towards her. Before she can grasp the current situation–

*SLASH!*

The assassin was sliced down, courtesy of Apollo's axe, surprising the Shrine Maiden. "W–What the–?!"

"Watch yourself!" Apollo said.

"Uh…" Bakuya blinked.

"What are you gawking at me for?! We got enemies to deal with! You can thank me later!" Apollo said before running off to the next enemy.

"Are you alright, imouto?" Kan'shou asked as he approaches to his twin sister.

"I'm alright… I just wasn't expecting his sudden appearance…" Bakuya said.

"You should be grateful to have him aid you when I'm far from where you are." Kan'shou said, which somehow triggered Bakuya's nerves.

"I shan't allow a rival of mine to protect my rear, brother! I shall not make the same mistake again!" Bakuya exclaimed before she moved forward, making Kan'shou sigh.

"Fie, when will their silly rivalry end?" Kan'shou asked himself.

"Take this!" Sully shouted, stabbing a soldier with her lance.

"Hey, leave some for the Vaike!" Vaike shouted as he slashed a berserker down with his axe.

WAKE UP!

"Sempai, one group of soldiers coming your way!" Saga shouted as the large Kiva insignia appeared in the sky. His Jacorder went into Bute Mode and whipped it towards a group of soldiers, wrapping them up. Then, Saga jumped into the insignia and came out from the other side, landing safely, while the group of soldiers, were raised up.

"I got them!" IXA said before placing a Fuestle in her belt.

I–X–A K–N–U–C–K–L–E: R–I–S–E U–P!

She detached her IXA Knuckle off from her belt and held it in her hand, preparing herself for the Broken Fang attack. "Let this attack purify your soul…"

"Kiero!" Saga exclaimed as she punched her Broken Fang towards the trapped enemies while he moved his finger down his Jacorder. Moments later–

*SNAP!*

*BOOM!*

Both of the attacks connected, leaving nothing more than thin air as Saga yanked his Jacorder back to its original length. "That takes care of that…"

"Yes dear." IXA said. "Let's move on to the next enemy."

BASHAA MAGNUM!

The Monster Statue came over to me before changing to the Magnum itself. I grabbed it and soon assumed Bashaa Form.

"So, how many of them are cornering us?" I asked while looking at the enemy circling me, Laurent, and Miriel calmly.

"According to my calculation, there should be about 15 of them…" Laurent analyzed.

"And the percentage of hitting all of them would be 100%, courtesy of your never–missed shots." Miriel added.

"Perfect." I smirked under my mask. "Both of you get down!" I shouted and the two did, as I spun around and shot water bullets at the enemies, going trigger happy on them and hitting all of them too.

"Now Laurent!" Miriel commanded.

"Yes mother! Arcthunder!" Laurent yelled and multiple strikes of lightning rained down on the soldiers. It was more effective since the water on them conducted electricity and thus frying them.

"Ah, yes. Electricity works effectively and splendidly on water, does it not?" Miriel said.

"No doubt about it, Mother." Laurent nodded in agreement.

"I guess that takes care of this part… now onto our next fray…" Miriel said as she looked to her side and spotted Henry happily moving forward with a sword in hand, ready to slay down some enemies.

"Wohoo! This is so much fun!" Henry cheered, hacking at the enemy without a care in the world.

"I agree." Tharja chuckled darkly as she sent discs of dark energy at more of them.

"Arcwind!" Cordelia shouted as she sent a blast of wind at another group of Valmese soldiers to blow them away.

"Haha! Gregor thinks he likes his new job as Hero!" Gregor laughed heartily as he blocked the enemy's lance with his shield and countered back with a swing of his axe, snapping the lancer's lance in half before being cut down by him.

"N–Noire, a little help here!" Yarne exclaimed as he was being hunted down by a few mages.

"Eep! Don't bring them here!" Noire squeaked as she also trotted her horse to safety.

"Then bring them to us!" Basilio said before hacking a mage with his axe.

"Leave some for me!" Flavia added doing the same thing too.

"Take this!" Lucina shouted as she jumped up and somersaulted down, slashing a third mage with her Falchion.

"Da–da–da! Da–da–da–da–da!" Cynthia shouted, singing… the Superman song as he skewered a fourth one with her lance? How does she know that song? "As the wings of justice penetrate its lance to the heart of the enemy, the job of a hero will never end!" Cynthia said triumphantly.

"Is your sister always like that, Lucina?" I asked

"It is one of her habits that's hard to forget…" Lucina sighed.

"I figured as much…" I sweat dropped.

"Mou~! Stay down already!" Kiva–la–chan whined as she slashed a Pegasus Knight with her saber.

"I'll help~!" Athena said as she cast a thunderbolt at another Pegasus Knight.

"…Now!" Emmeryn shouted as she sent a blast of wind at a group of soldiers. However, as soon as we finished them off, more take their place!

"At this rate, we'll be overwhelmed!" Lucina grimaced.

"Don't worry. We'll get through this." I assured. "We just have to keep pushing!"

"GWARGH!" Both IXA and Dark Kiva shouted in pain as both of them tumbled down with trails of smoke coming out from their armor while Rook skid back in his raging form.

"Damn it! Mr. Stiff! Gerome!" Brady cursed as he tried to heal up the wounded Kiva–chan and Severa while Inigo and Kjelle stood in front of both of them, protecting them from harm.

"HAHAHAHA! I've never had so much fun other than my Time Play! I'm going to stomp you kids down before facing the REAL Kiva!" Rook exclaimed.

"Grr… at this rate, we'll be done for!" Inigo gritted.

"Is there any way to beat this guy?" Severa snapped.

"Whatever it is, I can't find it." Kiva–chan grimaced. "It's like that new form healed him completely."

"What's the matter? Can't keep up with my pace?!" Rook taunted as his front left foot scratched the ground, preparing for another attack.

"Even multiple Wake Up calls won't work against him…" Rising hissed while he stood up and held onto his right arm.

"You're not done yet!" Nah exclaimed as she spewed her fireball at Rook, followed by Rey diving down and tried to deliver the slash using her claws, only to have the agile bull quickly dodge it and easily kicked Rey off from Nah's back with its hind legs, resulting in her crashing down on Inigo and Kjelle.

"Nah! Rey! Inigo! Kjelle!" Severa cried out.

"Darn it… at this rate…" Kiva–chan gritted. She was thinking of what to do, before deciding and finally standing up.

"Whoa! What are ya doing?! Hold still!" Brady scolded.

"I got to fight Rook! And there's probably one thing that can beat him!"

"You're not saying–" Severa said.

"Hold on, Morgan! You're not ready for that!" Kibat exclaimed from his perch.

"I know, but we don't have a choice Kibat!" Kiva–chan argued.

Kibat was silent for a while thinking about it before saying, "You sure you wanna do it?"

"I'm sure!" Morgan said firmly.

"Ok… if you say so. Let's do it!"

"Right!" Kiva–chan said before placing the Fuestle in Kivat's mouth.

TAA–CHA~N!

"Rrraaarrrggghhh!" Rook charged forward, only to have its eyes struck down by Tatsulot, making his grand entrance with style.

"Pyun, pyun, pyun~!" Tatsulot chirped happily. "A–re~? Kurogasa–sama didn't call me~?"

"Forgive me, Taa–chan! But Morgan insisted on using your power for this situation!" Kibat explained.

"Sokka~ Okay then!" Tatsulot chirped.

"Let's go Tatsulot!" Kiva–chan said, raising her left arm.

"Hai Morgan–sama! Doramachikku ni ikimashou~!" Tatsulot cheered before breaking the chains on her shoulder armor, to open up the bat wings before Tatsulot attached to Kiva–chan's arm. "Hen~shin!" When Tatsulot latched himself onto her arm, Kiva–chan felt a sharp pain that ran through her body, making her wince. "Morgan!"

"Hey, sis! What do you think you're doing?!" Severa snapped. "Can't you see the electricity wrapped all over your body?!"

"Even so… I must… defy this pain… and gain… new power!" Kiva–chan shouted as she was able to overcome the obstacle and platinum colored bats flew out from her shoulder pads before they flew towards her armor. Before long, with a swing her arm, a golden cape appeared within the silver flame, making her don in her final form.

Kamen Rider Kiva: Empress Form.

"I don't believe it…" IXA murmured.

"She did it…" Dark Kiva added.

"Morgan gained her final form!" Severa cried out.

"This is a first…" Kibat muttered to himself. "To think the Empress Form is just a recolored version of Kurogasa-dono's Emperor Form…"

"In platinum!" Tatsulot chirped happily.

"All that glitter caught my attention for a bit…" Inigo smiled cheekily.

"No way…" Nah murmured.

"Incredible…" Kiva–chan said, looking at herself. "I feel the power flowing through me…"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is getting more interesting!" Rook laughed.

"Hmph! We'll see about that!" Kiva-chan exclaimed advancing forward with new vigor in her.

"Don't count us out yet…!" Dark Kiva gritted underneath his mask as both he, IXA and Rey stood up from where they fell.

"Time to purify your existence once and for all!" IXA declared as he moved forward, followed by Dark Kiva.

"And bring to an end to this madness!" Rey shouted as she also moved forward towards the charging bull.

While Brady was healing up Kjelle and Nah, who was still surprised, Inigo approached Severa and asked, "Hey, is it okay if I tried to hit on your sister? She caught my interest, for sure!"

*POW!*

"OW!" Inigo cringed in pain after being kicked where the sun doesn't shine, by Severa.

"Don't even think about it!" Severa snapped.

"It's just a question… you don't have to be that blunt…" Inigo cringed in pain.

"Whoa!" Kiva–chan exclaimed as she jumped to one side, avoiding the rushing tackle of Rook at her. "That was a close one…"

"You became more faster like your dad! Just the way I like it!" Rook said excitedly as it made a quick detour around a tree and immediately charged forward once more.

"I don't think so!" Dark Kiva shouted.

"Cool off!" IXA added.

WAKE UP ONE!

B–L–I–Z–Z–A–R–D M–O–D–E!

IXA aimed his IXA Riser at his target and shot out a few pellets of small ice cubes directly on its face. Upon contact, it immediately dispersed on its face, annoying Rook. As soon as it was able to get rid of the ice from its face, it wasn't expecting the dark–imbued axe swinging towards him, courtesy of Dark Kiva.

"GRAH!" Rook screamed in pain after receiving a slash on its face before Rey approached and immediately landed another scratch attack on its face.

"How's that for a change?!" Rey mocked.

"GRAHHHH! YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" Rook roared.

"Morgan! Now! Finish him off!" Rey yelled.

"Right!" Kiva–chan said before pulling on Tatsulot's horn, spinning the reel inside his back.

WA~KE UP FE~VER!

"Not going to happen!" Rook roared as it charged forward like a rabid bull, making the rest of the Riders scared all of a sudden.

"Morgan, watch out!" Dark Kiva, IXA, and Rey exclaimed, but Kiva–chan continued.

"Are you crazy, sis?! You're gonna die if you charge in head on!" Severa snapped, but with the first kick, it connected to its face, making Rook cringe in pain.

"W–WHA–?!" Rook said surprised, as Kiva–chan continued delivering a few rapid kicks on its face.

"Yes! She's winning!" IXA cheered.

"No way…" Brady gasped.

Kiva–chan kept going, not stopping until finally, she finished with a 360 roundhouse kick on Rook's face, like a certain other Kamen Rider, with Rook standing there before saying, "Time Play finished…"

"Gh… Gah! GAH! GRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Rook yelled as silver electricity crackled all over Rook before…

*BOOOOM!*

As Kiva–chan stood tall, she looked up high in the air, seeing the shattered remains of Rook where it once stood tall. "Oh yeah! We did it!" Inigo said happily.

"That was amazing!" Nah exclaimed happily.

"Heh… like father, like daughter indeed…" Rey scoffed but then noticed Kiva–chan wobbling for a bit before she de–henshined and reverted back to her normal self.

"Morgan!" Severa exclaimed as she immediately dashed towards her sister and held her in her arms. "Hey, you ok?!"

All Morgan replied back was a heavy snore, tired from all of the punishment she had to endure.

"She's out cold." Rey said, as she and the others de–henshined.

"I don't blame her. She took a lot of abuse and strained her body with that form." Danny said.

"But still… to think that she would beat Rook… it's incredible…" Gerome said impressed.

"Indeed. Well done shoujo." Kivat II said.

"Aw man, I missed it already?!" A voice whined.

Eh?" the group, other than Morgan, said in unison as they spotted Storm rushing towards them, fully alerting Gerome.

"F–Father?!" Gerome got out. "Aren't you supposed to be at Castle Doran, healing?!"

"I already am fully healed, son!" Storm grinned widely. "Thanks to a certain ritual, my body's completely healed!"

"What ritual?" Nah asked.

"Well, it involves a person to conduct it, a person to be healed up, which is me, another person to transfer the pain and strain I've had in my body, and a whole lot of rose petals to cover up the whole room and myself!" Storm elaborated.

"When you said another person… you mean–" Inigo began until his eyes went wide open, thinking of the possibility of involving someone else within Castle Doran.

"Before you jump the gun, apparently, there was an enemy thief that tried to steal the stuff in Castle Doran. Dunno how he got in there in the first place, but hey, at least it works like a charm!" Storm chirped happily. "And I don't feel a single strain of pain in me!"

"Well I'm glad you're back with us Storm." Kivat II said, flying over to him. "I have to say, I was most impressed when your son used my powers as Dark Kiva."

"Did he now?" Storm asked rather surprised before looking at his son and smiled widely, excited. "Well, whaddya know? You can use Dark Kiva's powers!

"Of course he can. Only those of your kin can wield my power." Kivat II said.

"I–It's nothing really…" Gerome stuttered.

"Aw don't be modest, take it all in son!" Storm laughed, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"Father, you're embarrassing me…" Gerome hissed.

"I'd hate to interrupt, but we need to get to Kurogasa and the others." Aqua said.

"Now that you mention it, where are they?" Storm wondered, looking around.

"Long story." Aqua said.

"Take this!" Lissa shouted, hacking a soldier with her axe.

"See how you like this!" Ricken yelled, casting a fire spell at a group of Valmese soldiers.

"Add it with this!" Nowi said in her dragon form, spewing her flames to add more fire power and burn the soldiers more.

"See ya, sucker!" Gaius grinned as he suddenly blurred in front of a mage, before ending up on the other side and the mage spewed out blood from his wound.

"Woo whee we got 'em on the ropes!" Donnel cheered.

"Then we must not falter! Press on!" Virion urged before firing an arrow at an enemy sniper.

"You don't have to tell ME twice!" Owain said theatrically. "By my sword hand, be slain!" He shouted before jumping up. "RADIANT… DAAAAAAAWN!"

"Eeeeek! Get away!" Olivia shouted as she danced away from the enemy while swinging her bladed fans. That was when Kellam popped out of nowhere and stabbed that enemy.

"Gosh, you need to be more careful." Kellam said.

"T–Thank you Kellam." Olivia stuttered.

"It's no problem."

"Take this!" Maribelle yelled, casting a thunder spell at a soldier, shocking him before her horse kicked him with its hind legs.

"Raaaaggghh!" Panne yelled in her beast form before pouncing at a mage and ripping his head off.

"Here's a freebie!" Anna said, slashing a swordsman with her Levin Sword.

"And this one is for you!" Stahl added, stabbing a lancer with his lance.

"My, these darlings won't give up." Cherche mused, as Minerva spewed out flames at a group of soldiers. After that, Cherche moved in and slashed at them with her axe.

"And they're never ending too!" Sumia added, stabbing a Falcon Knight.

"But we still need to keep fighting." Lon'qu said, slashing a myrmidon.

"Lon'qu is right. We must keep fighting if we are to stop this bloodshed." Libra said calmly.

"I hope you're right." Sumia said worriedly.

By now, most of the enemies were scattered and killed off. I ran towards Chrom and Say'ri who was having a time battling against Cervantes.

"Ha! What's wrong Ylisseans?! Is that the best you got?!" Cervantes mocked.

"He's strong…" Chrom gritted, while kneeling on one knee, while having Falchion keeping him steady.

"Aye… as expected from General Cervantes." Say'ri said. "He will not be an easy opponent to defeat."

"Haha! You can't defeat me! My great mustache makes me invincible!" Cervantes boasted.

"Let's see if you're invincible when I do this!" I shouted, surprising the three before I jumped up high and placed a Fuestle in Kivat's mouth.

WAKE UP!

"Kurogasa?!" Say'ri said in shock.

"Where did he come from?!" Chrom also said in shock as I dived down for the kick after breaking the bindings on my kicking foot, and pretty much dashing down VERY fast.

"Darkness Moon Break!" I shouted. I was about to land my kick on him until without warning, a dark veil covered the said general, letting my kick pass right through him and landed it on the ground. As the Kiva insignia printed on the ground, I noticed that Cervantes teleported at the other end of the Mila Tree.

"Ehehehehehe!" the General laughed heartily. "You think I do not know of your origins, my boy? Hah, it would take light years to have your attack actually hit me!"

"Hey, you guys!" A voice shouted nearby. We turned around and saw that Basilio shouted with Flavia following suit.

"The enemies have been taken down! All that is left is a few of them resting in this gigantic tree!" Flavia exclaimed, catching Cervantes' attention.

"Eh wot? Is that so?" Cervantes asked while combing his beard. "I shall take my leave then! We'll meet again and when we do, I shall make you all disappear!"

"…your beard again?" I sweat dropped. "Some guy you are…"

"Dis–APPEARED!" Cervantes yelled out loud before the dark mage stood next to him and before long, his body was nowhere to be seen, meaning one thing.

"Curse it all, he has gotten away!" Say'ri cursed while she put her katana in her sheath and looked at me. "Many mercy, Kurogasa. Neither Chrom and I cannot defeat him posthaste…"

"No, it's okay." I waved off before de–henshining. "I'm just glad you two are okay."

"Now all that's left is to save Lady Tiki." Say'ri said.

Oh man, I completely forgot about that! I was so in the battle, I completely forgot! I looked around quickly and behind Say'ri was… some sort of stairway? That must lead to the shrine! Dashing past her and Chrom, I ran for the stairs.

"Oi, aibou! Where are you going?!" Kivat yelled.

"I'm going to save Tiki!" I shouted back before running up the stairs. "TIKIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

"He's sure worked up for no reason…" Kivat commented.

"But he's right. We still need to save her now!" Chrom urged before he noticed Lissa and her group approaching them.

"Hey, we've done with our job!" Lissa said happily as Frederick looked around.

"And where's Kurogasa?" Frederick asked.

"He went up the stairs of the Mila Tree." Say'ri said, pointing to it and it was a really long way up.

"Aw man! Are you kidding me?!" Lissa complained.

"That's one long staircase." Gaius whistled.

"It may look as so, but it is the one place where Lady Tiki is in." Say'ri said.

"Then we have no other choice! Come, Shepherds! Let's go up there and save her!" Chrom declared as he immediately rushed up the staircase.

Just as Cherche was about to tell her partner to fly up, Minerva let out a small roar, which caught Cherche's attention. "Minervykins, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong Cherche?" Cordelia asked.

"I don't know, it's…"

"OOOOOIIIIIIII!" A voice shouted. Cherche's eyes widened when she turned her head around to see… Storm and the group that stayed behind?!

"S–Storm?!" Cherche asked shocked.

"MORGAN!" Cordelia panicked seeing her in Severa's arms.

"Heya, Cherche! Miss me?" Storm smiled brightly as he got off from Gerome's Minerva.

"Did I now?" Cherche said with a smile.

"Don't worry, mom. Morgan's just tired, that's all." Severa assured.

"Yeah! That kid kicked the tin can outta Rook!" Brady exclaimed.

"WHAT?!" The Shepherds exclaimed.

"Morgan… beat Rook?!" Saigo asked shocked.

"She sure did!" Kibat chirped. "She went Empress Form and roundhouse kicked him!"

"EHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"

"As surprising as it is, it is what we saw." Aqua said.

"Sonna… to think Kurogasa–dono's daughter would be the one to achieve such a feat other than himself…" Bakuya said.

"Rather than worrying about it, shouldn't we have a mission to accomplish?" Gerome said sternly.

"Oh right! Kuro ran up the stairs to the top of the Mila Tree!" Lissa remembered.

"Then let's go! We must save the Voice of Naga!" Owain said theatrically.

I ran and ran as fast I could. Not stopping. I didn't care if my legs and feet were on pain and on fire from all the running. But seriously, how long is this staircase?!

"If only the modern world would apply to this place, an escalator or a lift would be just fine!" I exclaimed before eventually, after a long run, I've reached a large closed door but it was guarded with two lancers pointing their lances at me.

"Hey, an enemy!" One of the lancers exclaimed.

"Stop right there!" Another one shouted as I tried to catch my breath after running for so long.

"Can you guys… let me… catch my breath for a minute?" I panted having my hands on my knees.

"No way! Let's get 'em!" A lancer shouted.

"Right!" The other said, before the two of them charged, pointing their spears at me. Oh geez, c'mon! Thinking quickly, I grabbed both of their lances, one in each hand, stopping them, and pulled them forward, making the two fly and roll and tumble down the long staircase.

"WHO–HOAA–AAH!" both of them shouted in unison as they rolled down the stairs, tumbling really hard…

…Really hard.

"Have a nice long trip towards the ground…" I said before I managed to catch my breath. Once I've fully recovered from my tiredness, I looked at the door and grabbed hold of the handles. "It's now or nothing… I hope I'm not too late."

"Oi, aibou!" I heard Kivat shout as he flew to me. "Wait… up…" He wheezed.

"You okay?" I asked.

"I'm… fine…" Kivat panted. "Man, you run fast."

"Kurogasa–sama~!" Tatsulot chirped happily as he also came, flying towards me. "I'm back~!"

"Never mind about that, Taa–chan!" Kivat said. "What matters most is that we're able to catch up with him!"

"Sorry about that, Kivat. I'm just worried about her condition, that's all…" I said.

"You do know how worried your wife was after you, took off like that right?" Kivat questioned.

"Like I said, I'm sorry, okay!" I said.

"By the way, Kurogasa–sama, there's something you should know!" Tatsulot chirped happily.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Morgan–sama went into Empress Form and destroyed Rook~!"

"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!" I asked shocked.

"Nandato?!" Kivat exclaimed.

"Yep~!" Tatsulot chirped happily. "Although~, she went unconscious right after that~!"

"WHAT?!" I exclaimed.

"Dai~jo~bu~! She's alright! She's just tired from taking that punishment from Rook's final form~!" Tatsulot further informed.

"Oh…" I sighed in relief. "WAIT, ROOK'S FINAL FORM?!"

"Uh–huh~! But don't worry! Like I said, Morgan–sama is just tired~!"

"Ok…" I sighed. "Still, Morgan gained Empress Form and destroyed Rook? Heh, heh, that's my girl.

"So then, should we get in?" Kivat asked.

"Yeah, let's go." I said.

As I grabbed the handle again, just before I can open it fully, I heard a few more voices along the stairway, which caught my attention. "Hurry, it is this way!" Say'ri's voice echoed out.

"Mou~! I hate stairs!" Akane–chan exclaimed.

"You and me both!" Lissa's voice echoed too. "How many stairs are there in a case of stairs? Because I'm already sick of this stupid staircase!"

"Huh?" I said, turning around.

"Hey it's them!" Kivat exclaimed.

"And ri~ght on time!" Tatsulot perked, as the Shepherds finally arrived, most of them tired from all the walking.

"We have arrived…" Say'ri said without a hint of tiredness. She's probably used to this place.

"This is… the last time… I'll be taking… the steps to get… up here…" Sully complained.

"Heh, it's a good thing Mom's a Dark Flier. I can ride on her Pegasus without getting tired at all..." Severa said as she got off from her Pegasus while my wife made sure Morgan didn't fall off from her Pegasus.

"Severa! Morgan!" I shouted running over to Severa.

"Hey Daddy!" Severa chirped before I suddenly hugged Severa, surprising her.

"I'm so glad you and your sister are okay. I heard everything from Tatsulot." I said, as I broke the embrace.

"Oh~, Daddy! Don't worry about both of us!" Severa assured me with her kind smile. "Besides, we Kururugis are good at butt kicking Fangires!"

"Indeed." Kjelle nodded in agreement.

"You should be proud to have a daughter to stand up against the odds, Uncle." Danny said.

"I suppose." I sighed with a gentle smile, before turning to my wife. "How's Morgan?"

"She's still sleeping." Cordelia said, looking down at her youngest daughter, smiling. "You should be proud of her."

"I am." I said.

"As much as we should enjoy the family moment, we must see if whether Lady Tiki is alright." Say'ri interrupted.

"Yeah… let's do this." I said as I grabbed a hold of the handles for the third time and this time, I opened it up to reveal what was behind the door.

As soon as I opened it, the very first thing I noticed was the beautiful broad plain grass field with a few more branches around the area that acted as a small forest. In the very middle of it, was a temple where Say'ri said to be where Tiki is sleeping. Also, I noticed a small temple at the other end of this place, having no idea what it was…

So, this is Mila Tree… call me weird, but when I set foot here for the first time, even though this place is a complete stranger to me, it still brings me peace within my soul… have I… been here before?

"The Voice truly lives all the way up here?" Lucina asked as she looked at the temple in the middle before she looked at me. "What do you think, Kurogasa?"

But still, for some reason, I didn't reply back at all…

"Kurogasa?" Chrom called out.

"Otouto?" Nee–san asked as she shook me for a bit, which eventually broke my trance.

"H–Huh?" I said, startled.

"Are you okay?" Nee–san asked a bit concerned.

"I'm… fine." I said, shaking my head. "It's just that… this place feels nostalgic somehow."

"Really?" Lucina asked. "Have you been here before?"

"No, but… for some reason, it feels so familiar…"

"Dude, did you get hit in the head or something?" Saigo asked.

"No, as far as I can remember…" I said.

"Maybe you might have missed your home already?" Aqua–chan guessed.

"I don't know…" I said.

"Lady Tiki! Are you here? Prithee answer!" Say'ri called out.

Oh right! We still need to find Tiki! "Hey, wait up, Say'ri!" I shouted as I give chase, heading towards the temple.

"Kurogasa seems… eager, don't you think, beloved?" Frederick asked.

"It seems so, my love…" Nee–san added as the rest also followed suit.

Meanwhile, Arc–Kivat was flying until he came back to Fangire Castle where Verion was waiting for him. "I have returned, doron~ doron~!" He said, as he hung upside down from his perch.

"Oh?" Verion asked. "Do tell. What did you see?"

"Rook was destroyed~!" Arc–Kivat informed.

"Ho~?" Verion raised his eyebrow in interest. "Is that so?"

"Yes~, and the one that dealt the final blow is none other than Kiva's kid, doron~, doron~!" Arc–Kivat explained.

"Hm…" Verion smirked. "Has the Checkmate Four– wait, allow me to correct myself. Has the Checkmate Three know of this news yet?"

"Nuh–uh~!"

"I see… this would be very interesting." Verion chuckled.

"Tiki!" I shouted as we entered the small temple that was in the middle of the plain field earlier. As soon as we entered in, we saw her sleeping at the very middle of the room on a large stone slab.

"So, that's Tiki, huh?" Saigo asked.

"Alas, the Voice is now presented in front of us!" Virion added.

"Doesn't she felt a little bit uncomfortable while sleeping on that thing?" I heard Storm, which scared the heck out of the rest of the Shepherds.

"Don't do that Storm…" I said, putting a hand over my heart. "Wait a minute, Storm?!"

"Heya." Storm waved.

"H–How did you–"

"Long story, short: A room filled with rose petals did the trick." he summed up.

"Rose petals?" Kellam blinked in confusion.

"A–Are you doing some sort of flower prediction too, Storm?" Sumia asked.

"Nope." Storm grinned.

"Castle Doran healed you with the rose petals didn't she…?" I said.

"Pretty much." Storm grinned.

All of a sudden, we heard a yawn. Tiki must be waking up!

"Tiki?" I asked, walking up to the stone slab where she was sleeping.

She stretched herself up, trying to loosen up her muscles after all that sleeping she had. "Ah, my lady… I'm so relieved to see you're all right." Say'ri sighed in relief seeing her.

Lucina stepped forward, looking at the half–asleep Tiki. "So you are Lady Tiki? She who speaks for the Divine Dragon?"

"…Marth?" Tiki mumbled in her sleep before her eyes were wide open seeing Lucina. "Oh, Mar–Mar, is that you?!"

Mar–Mar… that's what she called Marth… Now that I think about it, with that disguise she had when we first met. I guess she kinda did look like Marth.

"…My name is Lucina, milady. Though I did go by the name Marth for a time. Might we have met?" Lucina asked.

"…Alas, no. I'm sorry…" Tiki sighed, realizing what she said. "You reminded me of someone I knew. But he is gone now. Lost during my endless sleep…"

Tiki…

"You and your father are of the exalted bloodline, are you not?" Tiki asked.

"Yes, milady." Chrom answered.

"Do you yet possess the Fire Emblem? It should have been passed down through your family…"

"I… Yes, I have it…" Chrom said, showing the Shield that was the Fire Emblem mounted on his arm.

"Ah! What relief to know it has not been lost." Tiki smiled, but then noticed something different, and frowned a bit upon closer inspection. "…But where are the Gemstones? I see only Argent."

"Gemstones?" Chrom asked confused.

"Yes, there are five of them: Argent, Sable, Gules, Azure, and Vert. Each holds a portion of Naga's power. When mounted upon the Emblem, they allow one to perform the Awakening." Tiki explained.

"The Rite by which the First Exalt channeled the Divine Dragon's power…" Frederick stated.

"The very same." Tiki nodded. "With the Fire Emblem's power, the First Exalt was able to defeat Grima. But such power was too much for men, and so the Gemstones were scattered. I kept Azure here with me."

"Now that you mention it…" Saigo said as he looked at the Fire Emblem. "…I thought that gemstone mounted on the Emblem is nothing more than a piece of jewelry."

"Yeah, even the Vaike thought that too!" Vaike exclaimed.

"Then, you are simple minded man–spawn indeed…" Panne scoffed.

"Don't judge a book by its cover!" Ricken quoted.

"Golly, what happened to the rest of the gemstones?" Kellam asked.

"My kingdom has safeguarded Vert for generations." Say'ri recalled, then her sad frown showed. "But the gem was recently stolen by Walhart's men."

Lucina got worried as she looked at Tiki. "Milady, do you know where the other two Gemstones might be?"

"The remaining Gemstones, Sable and Gules, are no longer known to me. They may have been taken long ago, at the time of the Schism." Tiki said.

"Schism?" I asked confused.

"Regna Ferox was founded during the Schism. As were most all nations in the realm, I believe." Basilio said.

"Wait– does that mean you guys have one of the Gemstones, Basilio?" Lissa asked.

"Ha! As if anyone would entrust the oaf with such a thing!" Flavia scoffed.

"Actually, it's true– we did keep one: Gules. …Did I never inform you?"

"You most certainly did not." Flavia frowned.

"Hmm… Must have slipped my mind." Basilio said calmly.

HOW COULD SOMETHING IMPORTANT AS THAT SLIP YOUR MIND?!

"Regardless, yes. The West–Khans once safeguarded Gules. But it was lost long before my lifetime." Basilio said.

"I see now…" Tiki nodded in agreement as her hand went towards her pouch at her side and takes out a familiar gemstone. "Here. Take Azure, exalted ones." She said while handing it to Lucina. "With it, you possess two of the five Gemstones. Now you must seek out the others and perform the Awakening. Our world must be defended from Grima at all costs!"

"No kiddin'…" Donnel sweat dropped, probably thinking that the task was so hard for him to handle.

"But I'm confused…" Chrom got out. "I thought Grima's power was sealed away."

"Yes, but ever since, there have been those who would change that." Tiki said. "Grima's life force grows even now, and with it, the long shadows of despair."

Lucina gritted her teeth at that.

"When will he return? And where?" Chrom asked.

"I cannot know these things. But I can feel his presence… It looms, closer and closer…" Tiki stated. "This task is a heavy burden, but as he of exalted blood, it must fall to you, Chrom."

"I understand. Thank you, for all your help." Chrom nodded, before mounting Azure in one of the holes on the Shield. Argent was on top and Azure was on the top right.

"We owe you a great debt, Tiki. Especially me." I smiled gently before Tiki turned to me, recognizing me.

"Ah, Kiva. We finally meet in real life." Tiki smiled.

"Yeah… about time." I smiled back at her, making Cordelia look at me in confusion.

"You… met her?" Cordelia asked.

"Didn't I tell you before, Cordelia?" I said. "She saved me twice within my dreams. One was during that time before you and I met and the other is when my so–called dad tried to brainwash me into joining the dark side."

"Oh… I see…" Cordelia said.

"Yes… And I'm grateful that Kiva has now saved me this time, since I saved him twice. It's only fair that he would return the favor." Tiki said.

"Hmmmmm…" Akane–chan said, smiling mischievously. Oh no… not this again…

"Akane–chan…" I said sternly said.

"Hey, Nowi, guess what?"

"What?! What is it?!" Nowi asked excited.

"I think Kuro here is trying to two–time here!" Akane–chan exclaimed out loud like she doesn't care about anything else.

"Oh my gosh! REALLY?!" Nowi's screamed which wasn't helping out. "And I thought having seeing him, talking to Lucy every now and then sounded legit!"

"OI! STAY OUT OF MY PRIVATE LIFE!" I shouted, chasing Akane–chan and Nowi, and the latter ran away from me.

"Oh boy…" Nah sighed.

"Lucina?" Chrom asked, looking her eldest daughter with suspicion.

"W–What is it?" Lucina stuttered.

"Is it true on what both of them said?" Chrom asked.

Lucina was silent for a bit before she finally spoke up. "Yes, Father. But there's a reason for all of that."

"And that would be…?"

"He is trying to cheer me up as I kept wondering about what happened in my future…" Lucina said.

"Ara, that's just like otouto: comforting people who seem to be down, even though most of us comforted him instead." Nee–san teased with a slight giggle.

"Yeah, that's just like him." Storm smiled as I started feeling tired from chasing both of them around.

"Hey, c'mon! Catch us already!" Nowi chirped happily.

"Yeah, Kuro! I thought you'd last longer than before!" Akane–chan said, being able to outrun me, even though she doesn't like to run because it would make her sweat.

"KONOOOOOOOOOO! GET BACK HERE!" I yelled, mustering the last of my strength to run really fast.

"WHAT?!" King roared.

"Yes, my King…" Bishop bowed down sadly. "It is what my spies have told me…"

"DAMN KIVA!" King roared furiously, as he flipped the dining table in front of him. "Rook has lost… to a female Kiva?!"

"And a strong one indeed…" Bishop added. "To think his successor would actually deal the finishing blow…"

"And where's my Queen?!" King demanded.

"She is still at the outside world, perishing the betrayers as we speak." Bishop added.

"Summon her back at once! And once you have done that, order all our troops to mobilize! We're going to war with Kiva!"

"At once my King." Bishop bowed before leaving.

"GRRRRRRRRR! DAMN YOU KIVAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" King yelled.

Meanwhile, from the other side of the wall, Verion chuckled. "Fufufufu… it looks like King finally snapped.

"Hai~! How delightful, doron~ doron~!" Arc–Kivat said gleefully.

"Yes, how delightful." Verion smirked. "If this keeps up, I won't have to deal with King anymore. Kiva can do all the work for me. Oh, it will be so savoring seeing that. I can't wait."

After all that running, Nee–san finally decided to stop them and gave them the smile while releasing the dark aura scaring the two. After that, we called Castle Doran to the top of the Mila Tree and we all decided to have dinner outside.

"Boy, this place ser' is nice!" Donnel said. "I mean, look up there! Those stars are twinkling pretty! Like my wife!"

"Oh, Donnel. What a nice compliment you give to a lady, though, you should fix your manners of speech." Maribelle reminded.

"So, Cordelia, how's Morgan doing?" I asked as I sat next to my wife, while she combed the sleeping Morgan's hair gently.

"Lissa has treated her wounds, Kurogasa. It's too bad she has to miss her dinner…" Cordelia said.

"I know. But don't worry. She'll be hungry for food by the time she wakes up." I smiled.

"Yes. There's no doubt in that." Cordelia giggled.

"Kurogasa, may I speak with you alone?" Say'ri called out, making me turn to her.

"Eh? Say'ri?" I blinked.

"And I believe even Tiki requested this as well." Say'ri further added.

I looked at my wife concerned, before she replied back with an assuring smile, "Go on, my love. I know it sounds important to you, but be here to pick Morgan up to her room once you have done your stuff, alright?"

"Right." I nodded before giving a quick peck on her lips and leaving her to meet with Say'ri and Tiki. After a while, Say'ri and I met up with Tiki at the stone slab where the latter slept.

"Thank you for coming Kurogasa." Tiki said.

"Sure, but… what's this about?" I asked.

Say'ri and Tiki looked at each other before the former gave… back the Rook Medallion to me?

"The Rook Medallion?" I asked confused taking it back.

"Yes. It is time to reveal your heritage…" Say'ri announced.

"My… heritage?" I asked. That's right… Say'ri said something about that.

"Yes Kiva. You will also need these." Tiki added, reaching into her pouch and brought out three more golden medallions to give to me, which I took. And they had… the Bishop, Queen, and King symbols?!

"W–Where did you get these?" I asked.

"These medallions have been passed down in my family from generation to generation since the Founder of Chon'sin passed away many centuries ago." Say'ri said. "My family has guarded the Tomb of the Founder since. And we have been waiting… until now. These medallions act as keys that lead to the Tomb of the Founder."

"The Tomb of the Founder?" I blinked in confusion.

"Aye. The founder of Chon'sin himself…"

"Who is he?" I asked.

"You will have to find that out for yourself." Tiki said.

"Okay… but there's one thing that confuses me. How did Ursor get a hold of the Rook Medallion?" I asked.

"That one is easy." Say'ri answered. "He and I encountered each other a year ago."

"Really?" I blinked.

"Aye." Say'ri nodded. "On our first meeting, I only thought of him as another visitor from a foreign land. Upon asking him, he asked me the location of where the Tomb of the Founder is."

"And your reply was…?"

"At first, I did not want to show him, as it is a sacred place and not many foreigners are allowed to enter there. But as soon as he showed me the medallion he possessed, I was left with no other choice but to lead him to where Lady Tiki was." Say'ri explained.

"Ursor… one of the Checkmate Four." Tiki recalled. "I remember him. He was once the stone pillar under the orders of King, years ago. But a year before, he is now a mere mercenary trying to adapt to the human world. Knowing him having the medallion of the Founder is proof, which is the key to unseal the Tomb of the Founder. We cannot leave it as it was and informed him of the matter."

"And the other three Medallions?"

"Back in his days, before the Queen stripped his title, he was in charge of holding the medallions. That is what Ursor told me." Say'ri recalled.

"So then how did the Checkmate Four get these medallions?" I asked.

"From what Ursor told me, they thought that they were merely spoils of war, but Ursor had his suspicions, so he researched into it more until he found out what it was really used for." Say'ri recalled. "That's when he decided to confront me about it."

"I see." I nodded.

"Well then…" Say'ri said as she stood up. "It is time to reveal your heritage. Your friends and family can join you if you'd like."

"Yes, I'd like that. For all I know, this is practically the most important day of my life…" I said. In fact, I know it is the important day of my life. Finally after so long, I can finally know where I really come from.

Inside Castle Doran, after Severa had a nice warm bath, she was about to head outside for dinner, until she heard a call from behind. "Severa! Hey, Severa!"

Severa groaned in annoyance as she turned around and confronted him. "What is it now, Owain?!"

"I was going to help you name your–"

"I thought I made myself quite clear. My weapon does not need a name." Severa glared, making the latter take a step back.

"Oh no, you were very clear on that point. That's not what I was going to say." Owain defended before he let out a small cough and pointed his finger at her. "I think you should name your special moves!"

Things were silent between both of them and Severa's left eye twitched. After that moment of awkwardness, she spoke saying, "You're kidding me… did you really just say "special moves"?"

"Like "something–something… SWORD!" or "whatever… THRUST!" and stuff." Owain said putting his finger down. "Come one, it's easy. I'll help you!"

"I wasn't aware you had moves at all, let alone special ones." Severa deadpanned.

"Of course! I'm at 45 and counting. Just a few more, and I'll hit an even 50! Pretty impressive, huh?" Owain grinned.

"And you shout these names out loud while on the battlefield?"

"That's kind of the point. It strikes fear in the enemy's heart!"

"Or it just makes them easier to kill when they're doubled over laughing…" Severa scoffed.

"…Something tells me I'm not convincing you." Owain frowned.

"Listen, Owain." Severa began after her sigh. "Ridiculous names and insane shouting is cute when you're six. But you're a grown man now! It's gone from embarrassing to just plain… creepy."

"Oh yeah? Well I've got a name for the move you're pulling right now! Grumpy… BLAST!" he exclaimed, making Severa facepalm.

"What if a real man decides to stab you while you're shouting? Hmm?" She questioned, making Owain feel speechless. "You're left gurgling on your own blood while we find ourselves one fighter short! Go on! Ask anyone in camp! They all think you're ridiculous."

"Y–You think… Do they really…?" Owain stuttered.

"Yes, really! So I'm sorry if I don't have time to indulge your weird little hobby! Now drop it!" Severa commanded, making him slump down in defeat.

"…S–Sorry." Owain muttered quietly.

Kivat then fluttered in, looking at Severa. "Oi, kiddo! Your dad's calling you out! He'll be waiting at the small shrine!"

"Huh?" Severa asked looking at Kivat. "Oh, ok! Lead the way Kivat!"

"You got it!" Kivat said before he and Severa left, leaving Owain to stand there.

"I'm… creepy…" Owain mumbled depressed.

Outside Castle Doran, as Storm and Cherche were having their wonderful time together during dinner time, Gerome constantly kept glancing over a certain character from afar, where she was chatting with Cynthia, Nah, Athena and Lissa, while Nowi and Akane joined along with them, making it livelier. Melissa was singing a lullaby to the sleeping little Danny, while Frederick sat near her while looking at their child.

"…" Gerome kept quiet to himself while looking at that said character.

"You like her, don't you, son?" Storm asked. "Lucy, I mean."

"H–Huh?!" Gerome stuttered looking at his father.

"I said you like Lucina don't you?" Storm asked again.

"I–I don't know what you're talking about." Gerome stuttered, looking away from him, blushing.

"Oh you can't hide it from me son!" Storm chuckled.

"Your father's right, Gerome. It's quite obvious to see your nose brimming red." Cherche teased, making the latter look away from his parents.

"Tch, I don't have time for this nonsense…" Gerome scoffed.

"If you like her, why don't you let your feelings out then?" Storm suggested.

"Do you really think it would be easy, Father?" Gerome glared sternly at Storm.

"Well, it may not be easy at first. Believe me, I know." He said while looking at his wife, smiling. "But, after telling your mother how I felt and she accepted my feelings, things have gone quite livelier for me since then."

"Yes, I agree with you, love." Cherche smiled back before she looked at her son. "Why don't you give it a try? You wouldn't know if you haven't asked her, yes?"

Gerome looked at his parents before looking back at Lucina, thinking about it. "Well… I suppose it couldn't hurt to try…"

"Then go on son." Storm grinned.

"You can do it." Cherche encouraged.

Gerome was a bit hesitant before finally nodding and leaving his parents to meet with Lucina.

"Our boy's growing up." Storm sighed happily.

"He is. I'm sure he'll become a great man once he tells Lucina how he feels." Cherche smiled.

"Me too."

"Apollo… do you have a moment?" Bakuya called out after Apollo brought the empty pot into the castle.

"Oh, Bakuya." Apollo said. "What's wrong?"

"I would like to thank thee for assisting me earlier today…" Bakuya thanked.

"Oh, sure. We always look out for–"

"But that does not change the fact that you and I are rivals in terms of beauty, Apollo!" Bakuya began.

"Ugh… again, we have to argue about this?!" Apollo groaned with a facepalm.

"I'm not losing to you!" Bakuya exclaimed.

"WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP?!" Apollo shouted, making Bakuya flinch in surprise. "THIS IS STUPID! WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS STUPID! YOU THINK I WANTED TO BE BEAUTIFUL?! IT'S NOT MY FAULT I'M LIKE THIS! I DON'T EVEN CARE MUCH ABOUT MY LOOKS, UNLIKE YOU!"

"I… I…" Bakuya got out.

"YOU KNOW WHAT?! FINE! IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY, YOU WIN! YOU'RE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN I AM! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" And with that, Apollo stormed off.

Bakuya was left standing there all alone, not knowing what she should do next… until Rey–Kivat fluttered in. "Milady, Kurogasa-dono is calling us out…"

"E–Eh?" Bakuya blinked in confusion. "Rey–Kivat?"

"What's the matter, milady? Why the long face?" Rey–Kivat asked.

"I–It's nothing…" Bakuya said.

"Are you sure?" Rey–Kivat asked.

"Y–Yes… I'm fine. Let's go."

Meanwhile, Apollo was running in the hallways of Castle Doran, not stopping until he saw Akane who was also in when she had to leave the girl's chat to go to the bathroom.

"Apollo?" Akane asked confused.

"Mama…" Libra sobbed, with tears flowing out.

"Apollo, what's wrong?" Akane asked worried, before Apollo suddenly hugged her, to her surprise.

"MAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Apollo cried loudly.

"Uh…" Akane blinked in confusion. "I don't know what happened, but… as a mother, I can't leave it be…" she said while she gave Apollo a reassuring hug to comfort him.

"Ara~, ara~, Akane–chama grew up quite a bit, ne~?" Kiva–la cooed, which caught her attention.

"Yes, she did, Kiva–la." Libra smiled. "Akane, what seems to be bothering Apollo?"

"Don't ask me, he just ran at me without a second thought." Akane explained.

"Bakuya's… being mean to me…" Apollo sobbed.

"Hm?" Libra asked confused.

"Oh no…" Akane groaned. "I think I know what's going on… I suppose some of the blame is on me for trying to dress up our son."

"I believe so, Akane…" Libra smiled with a sweat drop.

"Ara~, ara~, poor Apollo–chama being sad and all that~." Kiva–la cooed while fluttering close to him.

"Ah, before I forget, I have a message to relay to you from Kurogasa." Libra recalled.

"From Kuro? About what?" Akane blinked before she realized something and gets into a stance, breaking off the hug that she and Apollo shared. "I–Is he setting up a trap for me and Nowi so both of us would fall for it?!"

"No. He just said to come to the small shrine along with the other Riders."

"Oh…" Akane said dumbfounded.

"We should go now. He's waiting for us." Libra suggested.

"Mama… can I come along?" Apollo asked.

"Of course you can! You're a part of the Rider heritage!" Akane spoke happily before she approached Libra and hugged his arm. "Let's go!"

A little while later, after I put Morgan in her bedroom to sleep in Castle Doran, all the Rider families along with our partners, Chrom, and Lucina, met up with me Say'ri and Tiki at the shrine.

"Thanks for coming guys." I said.

"Of course otouto, but… what is this meeting for?" Nee–san asked.

"Yes, and it was out of the blue." Cherche noted.

"I'm sure he has his reasons for that, Cherche." Aqua–chan said.

"Aye." Kan'shou nodded before he looked at Say'ri. "Sensei, what is this all about?"

"And why did you call us out as well?" Chrom asked.

"Because you are about to see the origin of everything that has been taking place today." Say'ri said.

"Everything?" The group asked.

"Everything." Tiki said. "And these four medallions will show you that." She added as I held up the Checkmate Four medallions for them to see.

"Hey, isn't that the one Ursor handed to you, Kuro?" Akane–chan asked.

"Yeah. And it has something to do with my… heritage. My true heritage…" I said.

"In this world, dear?" Nee–san asked, and I nodded.

"This is a first…" Danny said.

"Indeed it is, Daniel." Frederick agreed. "After all this time, the time where the revealing facts of brother–in–law has appeared itself before us."

"Correct. Now Kurogasa, please place the medallions in their respective places." Say'ri said.

"Okay." I nodded then slowly went up to the small shrine. On the wall of the shrine were four slots surrounding a decorated Kiva insignia. I placed the King Medallion on the top slot, the Queen Medallion on the bottom slot, the Bishop Medallion on the left slot, and finally the Rook Medallion on the right slot.

When that happened, the four medallions glowed a bright golden color and the Kiva insignia glowed golden too. When that happened, something slid from below me. I looked down and quickly jumped back when a stone door slid back to reveal a staircase.

"A staircase?" I got out.

"Aye, this staircase will lead you to the Tomb of the Founder." Say'ri informed.

"This is the first time I've heard such a thing~!" Athena said.

"As… do I, Athena…" Emmeryn added.

"Please follow me." Say'ri said as she and Tiki; were the first ones to enter, followed by me and the rest of the group.

When we went down, torches that lined up the wall lit up one by one, lighting the way, noticing that it was a long way down.

"Okay, that's just plain creepy…" Akane–chan shuddered.

"Don't worry, Akane. I'll be here for you." Libra assured, making Akane–chan blush slightly and happily hug his arm.

"Thanks, Libra! I knew I can count on you!" Akane–chan chirped happily.

"Too bad Morgan can't come along with all of us. Her curiosity would be at its peak to know more about Daddy's heritage." Severa said.

"That's true. She loves to learn about new stuff." Cordelia said.

Say'ri, Tiki, and I along with the rest of the group continued going down the steps, with the torches guiding our way. A few minutes later, we arrived at the bottom and front of us was a pair of wooden slide doors having the Kiva insignia.

"Beyond that door is the Tomb of the Founder." Say'ri said, turning to me "Are you prepared?"

I was silent as I grabbed the handles. Truth to be told, I'm actually nervous. What lies behind this door would definitely change my life forever…

"Otouto…" Nee–san said as she noticed that I was nervous as my grip on the handle slightly trembling.

"Do not worry, Sister. He knows what he is doing…" Cordelia assured.

"Yes, he is Kiva, after all, beloved." Frederick also assured.

"The Tomb of the Founder, hm? I believe this is the first time I've actually arrived here…" Kan'shou mused.

"Aye, I agree with you, brother." Bakuya nodded in agreement.

"What mystery would unveil before him?" Lon'qu asked.

"There's only one way to find out…" Aqua–chan gestured while they looked at me.

"Whenever you are ready, Uncle." Danny said.

"Yeah aibou! We're with ya!" Kivat encouraged.

"Pyun~ pyun! You can do it!" Tatsulot said.

Well, that at least made me feel better. Nodding at my partners, I slowly slid the doors aside. When I fully opened the sliding doors, we all went in and were amazed to see the chamber itself filled with many candles on both sides of the room. The wall on both sides had drapes having the Kiva insignia leading to the tomb. At the end of the room was the tomb itself. However, we all looked what was above the tomb, which was a huge portrait and when we did, we saw that it was a portrait of… NO WAY! IT CAN'T BE!

"BAKANA!" Storm exclaimed with eyes wide.

"USO!" Saigo shouted.

"NO WAY… IT CAN'T BE! WATARU?!" I said shocked.

"W–Wataru?!" Aqua-chan asked surprised. "As in… Kurenai Wataru?!"

"Whoa…" even Akane–chan was speechless.

"It looks like you are familiar with the Founder." Say'ri said.

"Are you kidding me?! He's nothing more than a mere fictional character back in my world!" I exclaimed.

"Otouto, please calm down…" Nee–san said trying to calm me down.

"He may be fictional in your world, but here, the Founder exists." Say'ri said while she looked at the portrait.

"Wataru Kurenai… the bearer of Kiva from many years ago. Sealing the power of Arc before his legacy passed on..." Tiki said. "Not many have recalled him for his successful attempt of freeing the world from Arc, as he tried to rule this planet. Alas, Wataru isn't the only one that defeated him…"

"The original Dark Kiva…" Storm muttered. "His half–brother, Taiga Nobori…"

Tiki nodded in agreement. "Then… what does this have to do with my legacy?" I asked.

But before Say'ri could answer…

"WATARUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

WATARU–SAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Kivat and Tatsulot flew over to the tomb and hugged it with tears flowing out of their eyes.

"Oh man… I feel bad for those two…" Saigo said sadly.

"Can you blame them? Their original partner has been dead for so long." Storm said.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! HAAAA–HAAAA–HAAAA–HAAAA–HAAAA! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Kivat and Tatsulot cried in despair.

"Get a grip, both of you!" Kivat II fluttered in, scolding them. "This isn't the time to weep for their losses!"

"But, Tou–san! This is Wataru's tomb!" Kivat cried out. "Who knows what happened to your partner!?"

"All I can tell you is one thing, young Kivat. He has done his duties and I accepted this fact, as hard as it may be." Kivat II said.

"Ara~, ara~, when we thought Wataru–chama is not real and us being toys from the beginning, this tome says it all~!" Kiva–la cooed.

"Yep! Sagark knows too! Family of Sagark appeared in this world!" Sagark perked up while he did a flip in midair.

"Quite so." Rey–Kivat added. "I believe my former partner also suffered a graceful, yet violent ending in his time."

The rest of the group was silent, looking at the crying Kivat and Tatsulot over their former partner, resting on his tomb. Who would've thought that Wataru Kurenai that we thought was a fictional character actually existed here?

"And as I've said before, Kurenai Wataru is the Founder of Chon'sin, a place where we humans can live in peace."

"So… does that mean Wataru was a human back then?" I asked.

"Nay." Say'ri denied. "He was actually a Fangire… a full–fledged Fangire with a heart of peace and many people in the past saw him as their equal. Not even once has the Founder tried to suck their lives out, hence the respect he gained from our people…"

"A full–fledged Fangire huh?" Storm pondered.

"In our world he was half Fangire, half human." Saigo said.

"But here he was a full Fangire." I said. "Still, what does this have to do with my heritage?" I asked Say'ri.

"Please, allow me to tell you a small tale of the past." Tiki said as she looked at the portrait. "Before the war, Wataru Kurenai married another female Fangire, who shared the same passion as he did: peace. After the defeat of Arc, the aftermath of the battle he and Taiga had in the past, cost their lives, leaving his wife behind… and soon after that, a child was born during those peaceful times." Tiki added as her hand rubbed Wataru's tomb. "The mother of the child always told the story of her father that prevailed in justice for the sake of world peace, knowing that the threat has gone, just as how the Hero–King Marth sealed away the Dark One."

"Then… what happened to this child's mother?" Nee–san asked.

"She died… of aging." Tiki added. "Before long, the child was able to collect and put away her parents' shattered remains in a safe place and became the guardian of this temple. At that time, I allowed her to place a shrine here, as she wanted to be close to her parents…"

"Such dedication…" Emmeryn said.

"Aye…" Say'ri nodded. "When I was just a child, I visited this place for a blessing from the Voice of Naga. I have often seen the woman and she was actually a loving person. Not a single moment went by as she taught me how to fight and taught me about the beauty of life. Yen'fay and I were impressed by this Fangire and thus, she was like a mother to both of us…"

"And a true friend to me, keeping me company for a while…" Tiki smiled.

"I see." I nodded.

"She really must be a kind Fangire." Akane–chan said.

"Aye. That she is." Say'ri nodded.

"Did this child have a name?" Nee–san asked.

"Yes…" Tiki nodded. "Her name was… Matilda."

Matilda?! You mean… the person that appeared in my dream and the same one that Ursor told me about?! "Kurogasa…" Cordelia got out, which left Severa confused for a bit.

"Is something the matter?" Say'ri asked. "You look like you have seen a ghost."

My eyes widened as everything that happened, started piecing itself together. From what Validar told me, to what Ursor said, the dream I had, everything. When I put the final pieces together in my mind; that was when I realized it. "No… it can't be…" I sobbed as tears fell from my eyes and I fell to my knees.

"Kurogasa, what's wrong?" Cordelia asked worried as he came to my side.

"Matilda… she's… she's…"

"She's what?"

"…She's my mother…"

The rest of the Riders and Shepherds were surprised from what they heard. "Sonna…" Nee–san gasped as she covered her mouth.

"D–Daddy…" Severa stuttered. "D–Does that mean that Morgan and I are…"

"Part Fangire…" Cordelia added as she was in shock too.

"Yes… that is the truth, Kiva…" Tiki said sadly.

"Aye. I have received a letter from Ursor a few weeks back, regarding your presence." Say'ri added. "When he said that you have her aura within you, there was no doubt about it… Wataru Kurenai is your grandfather."

"No way…" Storm gasped.

"Matilda… was your mother…" Aqua–chan said stunned.

"And Validar killed her…" I sobbed. "Mom… Mom…" That was when I finally broke down into tears, burying my face in Cordelia's chest. My wife and Nee–san both hugged me for comfort.

"Oh Kurogasa… I'm so sorry…" Cordelia said sadly.

"We're here to comfort you…" Nee–san said while she also comforted me and I was still sobbing in my wife's embrace.

"I can't believe it!" Severa exclaimed as her tears also flowed out, "I never thought the one who killed my grandmother would be that cruel Validar!"

"Nor would I, Severa…" Aqua–chan said as she approached Severa and let my daughter cry on her chest. "I'm so sorry…"

"It's official then…" Chrom said. "Validar is one enemy that we must kill for the sake of the future!"

"And prevent him from reviving Grima too." Lucina noted.

"We might have a big task ahead of us… but none shall be an obstacle for us…" Gerome noted.

"You're right, Gerome. We'll be sure to teach that man a lesson for his wrongdoings…" Cherche added.

I continued crying in my wife's embrace as her hug around me felt more assuring, with Nee–san gently combing my hair as she also gave me a hug. I now know what my true heritage is. I'm the one who filled in Wataru's place of the Tokusatsu's world, becoming the bearer of Kiva. Heck, after knowing that I came from tainted royal blood, no thanks to Validar, everything that happened to me was similar to the episodes of the Kiva series… all but one.

My mother died in his claws.

Validar, I'm coming for you and I will make sure you'll pay for what you did to my mom! And that's a promise!

TWF: And there you have it, the Double Feature has ended and it was quite a shock for our main character. After hearing the tales from Say'ri and Tiki, there's no doubt about Kurogasa being furious. He is on the hunt for Validar. Beware, Validar; Kiva and the Shepherds are coming for you! Wake Up! Break the Chains of Destiny!