We do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider Gaim. They belong to their respective creators. We just thought this idea would be fun and decided to give it a try. If you like it, then that's great. If you don't, then we tried. Anyway, come along and let's see what you think.


Sousou sat in her throne with only Shibai and Marcus standing beside her. Not too long ago, the ruler of Sou Gi had nearly been assassinated by the Armored War Devil known as Sigurd.

Fortunately, Mitsuki had saved her life.

Unfortunately, Mitsuki had tragically lost his own life in the process.

With Mitsuki gone, Marcus was left as Sousou's sole remaining Armored War God.

"This is a huge PR mess," Marcus grumbled miserably. There were fresh rumors surrounding the events of the previous night. Supposedly, Mitsuki had attempted to protect an Inves from Sigurd even after it had killed and harmed her subjects. It was Sigurd who slew the rampaging Inves.

In his era, such a thing would have been recorded and posted online almost immediately for all to see and the rumors that followed could destroy a person's reputation and good standing. While the people in this time lacked recording devices of any kind, rumors could be just as effective to ruin someone.

"Is that all you're worried about?" Shibai hissed angrily at Marcus.

"Of course not!" Marcus shot back defensively. He was distraught over Mitsuki's death too. "Monsieur Mitsuki was my friend too!"

"It just sounds to me like you're more worried about reputation than the death of your own friend!"

"Well, you must agree that this won't be good for our image! The people might revolt over this! There's also the fact that morale will go down because of this!"

"Screw the people! Who cares about morale!? We must avenge Baron-sama now!" She was not the only one. The rest of Mitsuki's lieutenants had just learned that their commander had been killed and they were demanding retaliation.

Sousou was getting a headache from listening to their shouting. Unable to take much more of their bickering, she stood up from her throne and gave them both a cold, hard stare.

"Stop arguing," Sousou ordered. She had not raised her voice. She had no need to. They heard her loud and clear. Her tone demanded that they ceased their nonsense and nobody could refuse her demands.

Marcus and Shibai instantly cowed. Though short in stature, Sousou's presence, power, and authority dwarfed them both. She was just so intimidating, which meant that disobeying her was not in their best interest.

"We apologize, Sousou-sama."

The people who had witnessed Baron protecting a monster denounced him while claiming Sigurd acted as a proper Armored War God for slaying the beast. The cult would no doubt use this incident to push their agenda and gain more followers. While the people persecuted Baron for allegedly protecting a monster, Sousou knew that it was not the full story.

"Why would Baron-sama protect a monster?" Shibai asked. Sousou was wondering the same thing.

"Inves were originally humans. They only turn into monsters after eating the fruit that grows in Helheim Forest. It must've been someone Monsieur Mitsuki knew," Marcus answered. "That's the only explanation."

"No, it was not just someone he knew," Sousou interjected. Mitsuki would not go so far for a mere acquaintance. "It was someone he cared about."

"But who?" Marcus asked.

Sousou had no answer and it was driving her insane.

"What should we do about the rumors then?" Shibai asked.

"Ignore them for now. We need to focus on arranging Baron's funeral and then we make plans to avenge him," Sousou ordered, her fists clenched in anger.

"Will that is possible? Sigurd's speed makes him quite formidable," Shibai warned.

"Then we take his power from him! He must be made to pay!" Sousou shouted.

"We could ask Monsieur Oda for assistance," Marcus suggested.

While Sousou would much rather handle this matter herself, she knew she was no match against Sigurd alone. Nagata had proven himself as a powerful warrior on numerous occasions and he could move just as fast as lightning, maybe even faster to catch Sigurd off guard.

Sadly, Shibai shook her head.

"That may not be possible. I received reports from our agents in Shoku. There are rumors that Gaim might be missing," Shibai informed Sousou and Marcus.

"Damn, so we won't be able to use him," Sousou cursed. The one time she needed Gaim and he had mysteriously gone missing. Although, this made her wonder if the RinJyuKen were somehow involved.

"We'll still need a plan in case Sigurd returns. I doubt he's done with us quite yet," Marcus said worriedly. He did attempt to assassinate Sousou before Mitsuki managed to drive him away, his final loyal act before his death. Marcus thought about Choho's magic and had an idea. "I'm going to ask Chiho if she has anything that can help us slow Sigurd down."

"Then do it," Sousou commanded. She swore that Sigurd would pay for what he had done and she would make sure he suffered the harshest punishment imaginable for taking her sworn brother's life.

Sousou returned to her bedchamber and closed the door behind her. She had sent Juniku away earlier because she needed to be alone to reflect on everything that had happened. As she stood with her back against her door, tears of sorrow flowed from her eyes, pouring from her grieving heart. She let out a heartbroken scream, one belonging to someone who had bottled up their feelings for too long before finally popping the cork. She slumped down to the floor, covering her face with her hands.

As a ruler, to display such weakness was shameful, so she could only weep privately. As a human, such emotions were understandable. However, as a ruler, she had to be above normal humans.

"You damn liar," she cursed her sworn brother. "You swore you'd always be by my side to help me realize my ambition." Mitsuki would not be able to keep his promise now. "You liar." She wished he had been invincible as a god should be, but he was just as human as any of them.

And so Sousou Motoku, ruler of Sou Gi, continued to weep not for the death of her Armored War God, but for her beloved sworn brother. The grief, however, would not last. Soon it would give way to rage, rage that demanded vengeance, vengeance that demanded satisfaction.

Sigurd would pay for his crime.


Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: End of the Armored War Gods

Co-Written By: Kamen Rider Chrome & Ten-Faced Paladin

Beta Reader/Editor: Busterleader92

Chapter 36: It Rises from the Ashes


Mei had mysteriously gone missing.

When the orphans woke up that morning to find that she was not around, they wondered where she could've gone to. It was an odd morning since Mei had not made breakfast and she would have never left without making breakfast first, even if she had errands to run.

She did not leave a note either, which was strange as well. Mei always left a note to tell them where she was going. Most of the time, she would tell them she would be gone for a few hours and put the older kids in charge of the younger ones.

Luckily, Mei had taught the older children to cook just in case. They had food to eat thanks to Mitsuki who brought them supplies. It was a simple meal of rice and boiled vegetables.

When Mei did not return until late in the afternoon, the children's worry grew. They began to fear the worst. They worried that something bad must've happened to her. Could the loan sharks have come back again?

The eldest of the orphans, Shizu, decided to go and find Mitsuki and ask if he had seen Mei. She was probably with him and forgot to tell them.

As Shizu stepped out of the orphanage, she saw Shibai coming on horseback. She remembered her well. She was Mitsuki's strategist.

Shibai stopped her horse in front of the orphanage and dismounted. She was a normally stoic woman, always serious and business-like whenever she came along with Mitsuki. She did not say much and only spoke when addressed. She left most of the talking to Mitsuki.

"Shibai-san, good afternoon," Shizu greeted in a friendly tone.

"Good afternoon," Shibai replied in a neutral tone. She had yet to memorize any of their names, but she recognized Shizu. Her expression was somber and Shizu wondered what was the matter. "Is your caretaker, Mei-san, home?"

"No, she isn't," Shizu answered. "When we woke up, she was gone. It's not like her to leave without saying anything."

"I see," Shibai responded with a frown. "I came here to deliver a message."

"What is it? Maybe I can give it to Mei-san," Shizu offered.

Shibai's frown deepened. She could not leave without delivering the message but it was meant for Mei. She was one of the few people Mitsuki was close to and she deserved to know what had happened to him.

"It's Baron-sama. Last night..." Shibai said with a pause. "...he was killed."

Shizu gasped, her eyes widened in disbelief as she covered her gaping mouth. She shook her head in denial. There was no way it could be true. She did not believe it.

"No, it's impossible! Mitsuki-san can't be dead!" Shizu denied.

"It's true," Shibai sadly confirmed.

"How did it happen?"

"He was killed in battle."

It did not seem possible. He was an Armored War God, the Crimson Phoenix Enforcer. There was no way he could've been killed. He was the strongest of all. He had saved her life.


Sousou had sent Mitsuki and the Crimson Guard to check up on a jade mining town. As winter was approaching, Sousou had instructed Mitsuki to deliver supplies and also investigate rumors of white-clad cultists attempting to convert the townspeople.

Instead, on arrival, the Crimson Guard came across a horrific sight. The entire town was wiped out with corpses sprawled all over the ground.

"Search the place for survivors!" Mitsuki ordered. With how quiet it was, it was unlikely that there were any survivors but they still had to try to search for any signs of life.

"Are you sure we'll find any, Baron-sama?" Ukin asked as the men spread out. She was skeptical that they would find any survivors. It looked like bandits had raided the entire town and killed everyone.

Mitsuki's expression was grim. He knew that monsters like those white-robed cultists were willing to kill anyone who did not share their beliefs. However, he would also like to believe that at least one person managed to survive. As much as he hated to admit it, perhaps Oda's optimization was rubbing off on him.

"I'm just making sure," Mitsuki said as he walked ahead with Ukin following him.

The Crimson Guard searched the homes and came across the same scene. Everyone in the town was dead with their throats slit. Judging by the looks of surprise frozen on their dead faces, none of them saw it coming.

Whatever, or whoever, had done this was fast. Superfast. He did not even leave anyone alive. Men, women, children and the elderly were all slain.

It was a horrid sight, but Mitsuki had gotten used to it all. He looked to Ukin who had tears in her eyes. She had seen the bodies of the children and he sympathized with her. It was not fair for a child to die so young.

"Sir! Sir!" a guardsman called Mitsuki. "We found someone! We found a survivor!"

Mitsuki ran over with Ukin. The guardsman had called them over to a well. Mitsuki peered inside and could see someone in the cold water.

It was a young girl and she did not look very well.

"Let's get her out of there," urged Mitsuki. "Grab me some rope. I'm getting her out."

Mitsuki tied the rope around his waist and climbed into the well. His men held the rope to slowly lower him down. Once he was in the cold water, he secured his arm around her. He then gave the rope a tug and his men pulled him out of the well.

The unconscious girl was wet and cold, but alive. She looked to be in her teens, with dark brown hair tied in pigtails. She was dressed in a pink shirt with matching pants which were soaking wet. There was no telling how long she had been in that well. She had probably been hiding down there from whatever had killed everyone else.

Right now, though, the girl needed urgent medical attention. It was the end of autumn, and winter was coming, so temperatures had dropped. The girl was lucky to be alive.

"Sawa, get her something dry to wear," Mitsuki instructed. He thought about the bodies they had found. He ordered his men to gather the bodies and dig up graves for them. These people had died, and he never knew their names, but they still deserved a proper burial.

The girl was put in a soft and warm bed after being redressed. They did not have to wait long for her to regain consciousness. All of a sudden, she awoke with a gasp and screamed as she shot out of bed.

"Where am I!?" the girl shouted frantically as she looked around. She was in a tent. It looked military.

Ukin, who was assigned to look after her, gasped when the girl suddenly woke up.

"It's alright," Ukin spoke softly, reassuringly. "You're safe now."

"Who...who are you...?" the girl asked nervously, pulling the blanket up to her chin as if to shield herself.

"My name is Ukin Bunsoku, and you're in our temporary campsite. What's your name?"

"It's Shizu," the girl answered.

"Shizu-chan, then."

"How did I get here...? The last thing I remembered was..." Shizu gasped. "Dad! Where's my dad!?"

Ukin just looked back at Shizu sadly.

"I'm sorry, Shizu-chan. Besides you, there were no other survivors."

Shizu's eyes widened and she shook her head in denial.

"No...No that can't be true! You're lying!"

"She's not lying," Mitsuki interjected as he entered the tent.

Ukin stood up and greeted him.

"Baron-sama."

Shizu recognized the name.

"Baron? You're Baron? The Armored War God of the Ultimate Spear? The Crimson Enforcer?" Shizu asked, stunned to meet one of the legendary Armored War Gods in the flesh.

"That's what they call me," Mitsuki confirmed as he took a seat.

"Then everyone, my friends, my family, they're all...?"

"Yes," Mitsuki confirmed, much to Shizu's dismay. "We searched the entire town for survivors. You were the only one."

Shizu teared up and sobbed.

"My dad...he was all I had left...and now he's...he's gone..."

Ukin offered the girl a handkerchief.

"We found you in a well. Can you tell us how you ended up in there?"

Shizu wiped the tears from her eyes.

"It happened so suddenly. My dad told me to hide so I went down in the well until everything was quiet. I was too afraid to come out."

"Do you know what did this?" Mitsuki asked.


Unfortunately, Shizu could not recall what had killed everyone in her hometown. It had all happened so fast. Left with nobody else, Shizu returned to Sou Gi with the Crimson Guard and was left in Mei's care. As the oldest of the orphans, Shizu decided to help Mei care for the children.

She was grateful to both Mitsuki and Mei for giving her a home, but now the two were gone and Shizu felt lost. It just seemed so unreal. Mitsuki was an Armored War God. She had heard tales of his exploits and of his power. He seemed invincible so the idea of him dying never occurred to her.

"I need to go. We need to prepare for his funeral," Shibai informed Shizu.

"I'll make sure to pass this message along to Mei-san," Shizu promised. 'Where are you, Mei-san?'

The kids would be devastated by the news. They loved Mitsuki.

And how would Mei react when she learned that Mitsuki was dead?

Sadly, Mei would never learn of this.


If Juniku was honest about how she felt about Mitsuki, she could sincerely say that she initially disliked him. When Sousou started to show interest in him, she became filled with jealousy. Luckily for her, Mitsuki only had familial affection for Sousou, seeing her as a sister.

Over time, Juniku and Mitsuki reached a mutual understanding. They may never become friends, but they were comrades and Juniku could not deny that he was loyal to Sousou in spite of his attitude. While he may backtalk and question Sousou's orders often, even tease her by calling her 'loli' frequently, there was no denying the fact that he would put his life on the line for Sousou. Their soldiers were loyal to Sousou simply because she was in power or because they feared her, but Mitsuki's loyalty came from a strong bond that they had forged. That sort of loyalty was commendable.

If there was one thing Juniku would ever regret, was never actually getting to know Mitsuki better. They could've been friends because they both shared an unbreakable loyalty to Sousou. Too bad that would never happen. They had merely been as close as colleagues could be, never exactly bonding. At best, Juniku had merely tolerated him but she still respected him.

A shrine would be made for Mitsuki and Ten'i was preparing a feast in his honor as well as serve as an offering for him in the afterlife. Ten'i normally enjoyed cooking. In fact, it was her passion and she loved it when people enjoyed the food she made for them. Being able to cook for Sousou was a great honor and cooking with Sousou had allowed them to bond. However, Ten'i did not particularly feel happy about cooking for a funeral, but it was something she had to do. So she made all of Mitsuki's favorites. Just making all the dishes he loved brought her to tears.

"How's the cooking coming along?" Juniku asked as she came to check on Ten'i and she saw her crying over the stove. "Is something wrong?"

"It's nothing," Ten'i lied as she wiped her tears away. "I was just cutting up some onions, that's all."

Juniku did not spot any chopped onions anywhere and knew Ten'i was lying. However, she would not call out the cook for her fib. She was grieving like all of them.

Ten'i was not the only one who was depressed. Kyocho was sad as well. She looked up to Mitsuki like a big brother, admiring him for his strength and power. She respected him and never once thought he could fall in battle. In her eyes, there was nobody who could kill him. However, she was proven wrong when she heard the news. Usually a big eater with a great appetite, Kyocho had been skipping meals since Mitsuki's death. She often claimed she was not hungry, but she was in fact too sad to think about food.

Juniku could only imagine how this affected Kakoen and Kakoton. How did they handle Mitsuki's death? They had been his lovers too.


Kakoton was devastated. It was a feeling she shared with her sister and Mitsuki's second-in-command. Together, the three women sat at a table inside of a tavern, drinking away all of their woes. Gakushin and Kakoton had wine while Kakoen opted for tea instead.

Riten claimed she needed to be alone. Gakushin knew better than to question her friend. As for Ukin, well, the last time Gakushin saw her, the bespectacled girl was in her room, crying. Gakushin knew that Ukin felt like a failure. She believed that, if she had been with Mitsuki that night, then maybe he would not have died. Gakushin wished she had been with Mitsuki as well. As his second-in-command, it was her responsibility to watch his back and she had failed.

"He's gone," Kakoton sobbed after taking another gulp of wine. Her cheeks were red and she was getting drunk, but she did not care. She just wanted to numb the pain. "I can't believe he's gone."

"Me neither," Kakoen sighed, her eyes watering. "It was just yesterday when we last saw him alive. How could this have happened?" She had not even told him the good news. She had been waiting for the right moment to surprise him, but now she would never get the chance to tell him about it.

"I don't know," Gakushin told them.

"It should never have happened!" Kakoton yelled and she dropped her cup. It shattered to pieces. "I need another cup!"

"Maybe you've had enough," Kakoen reasoned.

"I need another cup! Ah, screw it!" Kakoton snatched the bottle and chugged the rest down her throat. She slammed the bottle on the table before ordering another. "One more bottle! Make haste!"

"I think you had enough." Kakoen wanted to stop Kakoton from drinking but found herself powerless. Even Gakushin understood that Kakoton needed this, at least for now.


Riten lay on the floor of her workshop, surrounded by her tools and parts of her projects. She had trashed her workshop in a fit of grief. Her plans for future projects lay scattered on the floor, torn to shreds but she did not care. There were tear marks on her face. She had cried and cried and cried until she could cry no more.

Riten had feelings for Mitsuki, something which she was not shy about expressing with how often she tried to seduce him. The man must have incredibly strong willpower to resist her amorous advances but she was undeterred. The challenge just made it all the more fun and satisfying once she managed to get him in bed with her.

Mitsuki had been more than just a man or an Armored War God to her. He had inspired her. When she had first laid eyes on the Rose Attacker in action, she had begged him to let her take a good look at it. It was way more advanced than anything she had ever worked on and she wanted to know how it worked. He had refused, citing that he did not want her to accidentally break it when she took it apart. Instead, he told her stories about the machines of his world like horseless carriages called 'cars' as well as flying machines called 'airplanes'.

Riten had been working on something based on Mitsuki's stories. He had told her about the thing that powered his Rose Attacker. He called it an 'engine' and it was what powered the horseless carriages and flying machines of his world. Riten was trying to design something similar and it would revolutionize the world. She had already installed a miniature one onto her drill spear which she had modified to make it into a working drill to gore enemies.

Riten sat up and her hand landed on a piece of paper that was fortunate enough not to be torn apart by her grief. She picked it up and saw it was the plans for her ballista.


"Mao," said Mitsuki as he entered her workshop.

"Ah, Baron-sama," Riten smiled as her commander came into her workshop.

"How goes the ballista?" Mitsuki asked. He was referring to the designs of the giant crossbows and catapults. While they may not be as advanced as Lockvehicles, they could still be used to bolster Sou Gi's military power. He was thinking of setting them up as defenses on the city's walls.

Mitsuki's interest in history has always been in weaponry and warfare, how humanity evolved in their use of weapons either as tools of defense, harm, or to wage war on each other. The most primitive of weapons could still be applied today. Even a simple rock could be a dangerous weapon and a sharpened stick was just as deadly as a sword.

So, he gave Riten ideas. Her skills as an engineer allowed her to design weapons. He was reminded of the concept drawings done by Leonardo Da Vinci. The Renaissance man was definitely ahead of his time. He had so many great ideas and he had given these ideas to Riten.

He knew he was taking a big risk by causing changes in the future, but he did not care. He promised he would do anything to help Sousou realize her ambition. Besides, the presence of the Armored War Gods and RinJyuKen Akugata had long since altered events. What were a few small changes in the grand scheme of things?

"It's going well, and I've been working on designs for a giant arrow launcher," said Riten as she showed Mitsuki the plans. The weapon was big but could propel dozens of arrows in a single shot.

"Very nice," Mitsuki approved. He looked at talent as a form of strength and Riten's talent was very strong. Of course, she also flirted with him. It was flattering, but at times annoying. Still, he should give her a reward for all her hard work.

"Thank you, Baron-sama," Riten grinned at the approval. She would always do her best and work her hardest for her commander.

"Mao," said Mitsuki softly and Riten looked up at him as he addressed her. He took hold of her shoulders and she gasped. She didn't expect what happened next as his lips were pressed against hers in a kiss. She couldn't do anything but respond as she opened her mouth to accept his kiss. The kiss turned passionate as soon as he initiated it, and Riten felt like she was melting as her beloved commander, her General Baron, was showing her how he felt.

Nearly a minute passed before they broke the kiss. The purple-haired engineer had a very red blush across her cheeks and Mitsuki cleared his throat.

"That was your reward for doing such a great job. Keep it up and maybe you'll get something more," said Mitsuki before he left her workshop. Riten stood frozen in the middle of her workshop as she processed what had just happened. She touched her tingling lips with her fingertips before her face broke out into a huge smile as she let out a yell of triumph.

"YATTA!"


Since then, Riten worked even harder to impress Mitsuki and kept churning out new ideas. Maybe if she really impressed him with the engine she was designing, then perhaps he could reward her in a way more intimate fashion.

Sadly, that may never happen.


Marcus was not particularly fond of writing sad songs and having the Chou Sisters sing them. He honestly preferred songs that brought people together in harmony, songs that made people happy, even love songs. A song for a funeral, and for one that had been his closest comrade, it was something he hated to do. However, as much as he hated writing sad songs, it needed to be done. He needed to show his respects his way.

For a long time now, Marcus was content in serving under Sousou at his present capacity. As chief propaganda officer and manager of the Chou Sisters, he was not always called to the frontlines. It was only when a huge battle was taking place that he would be summoned, but that rarely happened since Mitsuki became the Sovereign Rider of the Crimson Phoenix.

Now with Baron gone, Bravo was Sou Gi's sole Armored War God and he had quite the huge pair of shoes to fill in. It was now his turn to put on the big boy pants and pick up the slack by filling in for Mitsuki's job.

That would be difficult to do. While Marcus had his charm, he lacked the powerful charisma possessed by the Ultimate Spear. While Marcus had his own troops, he was not blind to their devotion to the Chou Sisters. They only listened to him because he was the Chou Sisters' manager. However, Mitsuki could command an army with his own power and influence. He could make his men follow him without question.

If Marcus could put it in a metaphor, then Mitsuki was the flame and his men were the moths that were drawn to it. It was why he had been made a general.

How could a mere artist like Marcus himself match that?


At Mitsuki's funeral, Sousou's court and members of the Crimson Guard were in attendance along with Shizu and the kids from the orphanage. They were here to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes to Mitsuki.

The food offerings were all of Mitsuki's favorites. Ten'i had done well. Though hampered by her tears, she made sure every dish was made perfectly. Additionally, they offered prayers so that his journey to Heaven would be a smooth one as well.

Inside the coffin, Mitsuki's body lay still. His body had been prepared for his funeral as every mark, wound and blemish had been cleaned or covered up with his clothes replaced by funeral robes. They were unable to remove his SengokuDriver and Zhuqiao Lockseed from his body. No matter what anybody did, the belt and Lockseed were stuck on him. So, they had no choice but to leave them alone.

He just looked like he was sleeping peacefully like he could spring awake at any moment, but that was just wishful thinking. They could not deny that he was gone anymore.

The funeral procession followed with a mournful song performed by the Chou Sisters. It was Marcus' own composition. It had quite the beautiful melody, but the Passionate Fury was not particularly happy about it. Nonetheless, he did a great job.

Sousou would make sure both Ten'i and Marcus were rewarded properly for their efforts. It could not have been easy for them as they were artisans who preferred that their crafts be used to bring smiles.

The Crimson Guard marched, with Ukin, Riten, Gakushin, and Shibai carrying Mitsuki to the cremation site which had been set up at the local cemetery. At the head of the solemn somber procession, Sousou carried a portrait of Mitsuki which Marcus had painted. It was painted to display his strength, both inner and outer. They traveled a planned route. The streets were empty as people watched from their homes.

Once they arrived at the cremation site, they gently placed Mitsuki's body onto the pyre and the Crimson Guard flag was draped over his body, covering him from head to toe like a funeral shroud.

With a heavy heart, Sousou lit the funeral pyre with a torch as she mournfully sent her Armored War God back to Heaven. The Gi faction watched sorrowfully as their Crimson Enforcer was engulfed in flames. This was the end he would've wanted. This was a true honor. He wouldn't have wanted to rot in the ground.

Sousou tried to stay strong, but Juniku knew better. The young queen had wept when her sworn brother had died in her arms. She could break down at any moment so Juniku would stay by her side to comfort her.

The rest of Sousou's officers were also filled with grief. Kyocho, Ten'i, Kakuka, Teiiku, Chokaku, Choho, Choryo, Chouryou, Marcus, Kakoton, Kakoen, Juniku, Riten, Gakushin, and Ukin hung their heads in sorrow as they paid their final respects.

Shibai glared at the fire and hissed out through gritted teeth.

"Saji..."

He was going to pay for this.


Mitsuki gasped as he suddenly woke up and found himself sitting in the middle of an empty field. It was beautiful. The grass was green, the sun was shining and there was a cool breeze as well.

It was peaceful and comforting.

And then he remembered.

They say that when you die, your life flashes before your eyes. For Mitsuki, he wasn't just seeing his own life flash before his eyes. In fact, he was re-experiencing every major moment of his life which shaped him into the man who would become the Crimson Enforcer.

He got to see his sister and father again before they died. He even got to see Chitoge again. He could truly admit that he missed her and hoped she was doing well. He also witnessed all the battles he had taken part in since gaining Baron's power and joining Sousou's army.

And finally, he saw his final moments after he was killed by Sigurd.

Was he in Heaven?

"Ani-chan."

Mitsuki blinked when he heard it and looked to his right to see his little sister smiling at him and holding his hand.

His eyes widened in shock. He could not believe his eyes.

"Ka...Karin...?"

Sitting beside him, smiling beautifully, was his baby sister Karin Akechi.

"Ani-chan, you're finally here."

Mitsuki could scarcely believe it. It couldn't be true, could it? He had to be dreaming if his sister was here with him, but he knew he was not asleep. If Karin was here, then this must be Heaven. However, how could he have ended up here as well? Hadn't he committed too many sins to even deserve a place here in Heaven?

He did not dwell on the questions for long. He was overwhelmed with emotion as he hugged his baby sister.

"Karin...Karin..."

He wept, shedding tears of joy as he held her and she returned the hug. For so long, he wallowed in misery over the death of his loved ones. He missed them so much but now Karin was here with him and he was holding her in his arms. It was like the first time he held her all over again. He was so overwhelmed by joy.

"It's OK, Ani-chan. You don't have to be sad anymore," she spoke soothingly.

The siblings separated. Mitsuki was happy to see her but he was still confused.

"But...how is this possible...?" Mitsuki wondered. "Is this really Heaven?"

"It's our Heaven, Ani-chan," Karin answered.

Their Heaven? What did she mean by that?

"Look!" Karin pointed and Mitsuki looked at what his little sister was pointing at. His eyes widened as he saw the two familiar adult figures standing in the distance.

"Mom...Dad..."

"Come on! They're waiting for us! Let's go!" She took Mitsuki's hand and pulled him along, running toward their parents.

Mitsuki followed, unable to resist. He could not believe that he was reunited with his family.

"Mom! Dad!" Karin yelled as she ran toward them with Mitsuki. "Look who's here!"

The Akechi siblings came to a stop in front of their parents. They were just as Mitsuki remembered them, young and alive. His dad no longer looked stressed, fatigued or even drunk. And his mom, she smiled happily as she saw her two children.

Raveru Akechi smiled at her son and Mitsuki smiled in return. He did not know what to say, but she did.

"Welcome home, Micchan," Raveru greeted her eldest son, causing him to blush. 'Micchan' was his childhood nickname. It was something his mom used to call him.

"Mom, please. Don't call me that. I'm all grown up," Mitsuki responded in embarrassment.

"Yeah, Rav-chan," Issei added. "He wouldn't even let me call him that."

"He'll always be our son so he'll always be my Micchan," Raveru retorted firmly.

Mitsuki suddenly embraced his mother.

"I've missed you, Mom," Mitsuki whispered.

"Oh, Micchan. I'm so sorry I left you, your father and your sister so suddenly," Raveru apologized. She could not be there for her children and they had to grow up without their mother. Even Karin had to grow up without any memories of her mother as well. She only knew about her from what her brother and father told her.

"It's OK. We're together now."

"Hey, Mitsuki," Issei greeted as he patted his son on the shoulder.

"Hey, old man," Mitsuki replied and Issei playfully punched his son on the arm.

"Still no respect, huh?" Issei teased with a light chuckle. The Crimson Enforcer saw no sign of the depressed wreck his father had become. Instead, he was full of life and joy. Ironic that he seemed more alive now since his death.

"Come on, let's go inside," said Raveru.

"Inside?" Mitsuki asked and all of a sudden, a house appeared in front of him. "What...?" It wasn't just a house, but a Western mansion. This was the house his mother used to live in before she was disowned by her family for marrying Issei.

"It's Mom and Dad's dream home," Karin explained.

"Come inside, Micchan. Then you can tell us what you've been up to," Raveru told her son.

"Ah, OK," Mitsuki nodded.

"By the way, I hope you still practice chess."

Raveru was the one who taught Mitsuki how to play chess. Even as a young child, he was able to learn the game very quickly, almost like a prodigy.

"I still play."

"Good because it's been years since I've had a good opponent and your father is just very bad at the game."

"Well, it's only because my lovely wife is a champion chess player," Issei praised.

"Oh, you flatterer," Raveru giggled.

Mitsuki sat down at the dining table with his family. At first, the table was empty but as soon as they sat down, food magically appeared and it was all their favorites.

Mitsuki took a bite out of his katsudon and it tasted delicious, it tasted heavenly (no pun intended).

"I bet you're wondering how we have this big house and how food can magically appear on our table," Issei said to his son.

"Because it's Heaven," Mitsuki stated.

"Exactly! This is Heaven! You can have anything you can imagine something like this!"

All of a sudden, another Raveru dressed in a sexy bikini appeared in Issei's lap. Mitsuki quickly covered Karin's eyes as Raveru smacked the back of her husband's head to make her copy vanish.

"Honestly, even when you're dead, you're still a pervert," Raveru muttered.

Mitsuki had heard his mother. His dad used to be a pervert? That was news to him.

"You can also do this," Issei said. With a snap of his fingers, he changed Raveru into a young teenager and in her old high school uniform. "Just like how I met you, honey."

Mitsuki was blown out of his mind. He even measured his height and compared it with Raveru's. As Issei snickered like a hyena, Raveru's veins popped and she snapped her fingers back at her husband. She now had him dressed like a janitor and holding cleaning equipment.

"Oh, come on!" Issei complained. "Not cool, Rav-chan!"

"Serves you right," said Raveru with a frown. She looked herself over. "And as nice as this is, I like myself the way I am." She changed back to her proper age and clothes. "Maybe later when we're alone. OK, honey?"

"So, we can have anything we wish for here?" Mitsuki asked.

"You're only limited by your imagination. Anyway, I was wondering if you managed to get yourself a girlfriend, Micchan," said Raveru hopefully.

"Actually I had a couple of girlfriends," Mitsuki answered. He had to use the past tense since he was dead. "I also had four young women as subordinates."

Issei slammed his head on the table.

"Issei?" Raveru asked and Issei rose up.

"NO WAY! YOU HAD A HAREM! A FREAKING HAREM!" Issei yelled at Mitsuki.

"Jealous, old man?" Mitsuki smirked, not denying the allegations.

"OF COURSE I AM! I HAD A DREAM TO BE A HAREM KING BEFORE I MET YOUR MOTHER!"

"I managed to satisfy him enough that he did not need a harem," Raveru remarked. "I'm so glad I found that book on the Kama Sutra. It really spices things up in the bedroom."

"Ugh, Mom," Karin said as she made a disgusted face. "I did not need to hear that." Mitsuki shared the same sentiment. His parents' sex life was not something he wanted to hear about. TMI.

"BOY! GIVE ME ALL THE DETAILS!"

There was no way Mitsuki was going to tell his dad about his sex life. That was private. However, he had a lot of stories to share with them.

Mitsuki told them about everything that happened after they died, starting with the fateful day at the museum. He told them how he had stopped a thief but then ended up in an alternate version of Ancient China where all the famous heroes, warlords and generals being women instead of men. He also told them how he was 'Armored War God Baron' who was basically his own version of Kamen Rider Baron.

He told them how he joined the Gi Faction and became Sousou's Crimson Enforcer before he was promoted to general. He told them about his team and his Crimson Guard who were basically Sousou's royal police force. He also told them about his adventures and how he proudly fought against the RinJyuKen Akugata and Armored War Devils alongside others like himself. He couldn't help but boast a little bit. He did go into a lot of detail about the Battle of the Bloody Valley.

"And that's pretty much it," Mitsuki concluded his story.

"Wait, so you worked for a girl because she reminded you of me?" Karin asked.

"Karin, she could've passed for your twin sister," Mitsuki answered. Sousou and Karin just looked so much alike. "You even share the same name."

"And she's a lesbian with a harem," Karin deadpanned.

"Yeah, I had to get used to that too." Mitsuki could never picture his own baby sister with an active sex life.

"And you were like a superhero too," Issei said.

"An 'Armored War God'," Mitsuki corrected.

"Sounds like you had quite an exciting life, Micchan," Raveru said.

"It was," Mitsuki said with a sigh. "Too bad it ended without me avenging Mei."

"I'm sure she knows you tried your best," Raveru consoled her son.

"I just wish she was here."

"If she died as a good person then she's in her own Heaven."

"Well, at least she's in a better place now," Mitsuki accepted. "So, how about that game of chess, Mom?"

"Sure, but after dessert."


Mitsuki followed his mom to the game room. It was a single hexagonal room with mirrors instead of windows. In the center of the checkerboard floor was a table with a chess set on it. When Mitsuki looked at the mirrors, he did not see his reflection, but a series of images.

"What are these?" Mitsuki asked.

"Memories," Raveru answered. "The good and the bad."

"These are my memories," Mitsuki said as he recognized the images.

"Everyone who looks in the mirrors sees their own memories," Raveru clarified. "I'm seeing the first time I met your father and how much my family disapproved of him."

"Mom, I know that your family disowning you must've hurt," Mitsuki said as he sat down across from his mother.

"It did hurt. My mother, my father, and my brothers just kicked me out because I chose a man they did not approve of. I also know I would not be able to access my wealth. Yet, I had no regrets. Even when I knew I was going to die while giving birth to your sister, I did not have regrets except that I would never see either of you grow up," Raveru said.

"It wasn't your fault, Mom," Mitsuki said reassuringly. "Yeah, times were tough, but we were happy. At least, as happy as we could be with everything going on."

"I know, and I'm so happy that you're here with me. I just wished your dad hadn't been killed in that traffic accident or that your sister hadn't died so young without realizing her dreams," Raveru spoke sadly. "She could've had a good life if it hadn't been for that disease."

"I know," Mitsuki concurred. Karin had suffered and yet she could still put on a smile whenever Mitsuki and his dad came to visit at the hospital. "She was strong until the very end."

"And now you're here too and so young as well. You left people behind too," Raveru added.

"I'm going to miss them but there's nothing I can do about it. I messed up and got killed," Mitsuki replied. Raveru frowned. "What's wrong, Mom?"

"It's nothing. Now, how about that game of chess?"


"Checkmate."

"You've gotten good," Raveru praised. "Really good."

"Mom, I was pretty much a toddler when you taught me the game," Mitsuki grinned. "Of course I've gotten better." He also had gotten a lot of practice recently.

"And yet you never entered any competitions."

Mitsuki could have become a champion, but chess had always been something he cherished. He did not want to tarnish it by flaunting his skills. However, since becoming a general, many of his strategies had been based on chess. It was all about outmaneuvering his enemies, misleading them and luring them into a trap before finishing them off in one final confrontation.

"How about one more game?" Mitsuki offered as he set up the board again.

"Micchan, what would you do if you could, hypothetically, go back?" Raveru asked oddly. Mitsuki paused. That was a strange question to ask. He answered nonetheless.

"Honestly, hypothetically, if I could go back I would. There are a lot of good friends I left behind. When you all died, I was not in a good place and I don't want to put them through that."

"I see."

"Why did you ask, Mom?"

Raveru was silent, for almost a minute. She struggled with herself to say what she wanted to tell him. She wanted their family to be reunited, but she could not keep this from him. It would not be right.

"You're not really dead," Raveru told her son. "Not completely, at least."

"What do you mean, Mom?" Mitsuki asked, surprised. Not really dead? How could that be possible? Sigurd had stabbed him through the heart. Nobody could survive that.

"You're standing on a crossroad right now." Raveru showed him the Zhuqiao Lockseed. "Thanks to this."

"That's my Lockseed." How did his mom have it? Also, it looked so pristine, like when he first got it.

"This power is keeping you in a state between life and death. You're here with us, now, but it's more like an outer body experience for you than actual death," Raveru explained.

"So, I could go back," Mitsuki surmised.

"You could and that would be your choice, really. But you can decide to stay if you want but then that's it," Raveru informed her son. Honestly, she would prefer if he stayed. That way, he would not have to fight anymore. She only wanted what's best for him. However, as she said, it was his choice to make and she would have to trust him to make the right one. "I'll let you think about it, OK?"

Mitsuki did not respond. He had a lot to think about.


Mitsuki found his dad in his Rec. Room. As this was Heaven, Issei could have anything he wanted so he wished for a Rec. Room. There was a gigantic plasma flat screen TV mounted on the wall and a collection of the best game consoles ever made set up underneath it. A library with shelves filled with the best video games ever made occupied the room.

Mitsuki sat down next to his father and picked up a controller. Issei smiled as he started the game. It was Mortal Kombat, one of the bloodiest fighting games ever.

"Hey, Dad," Mitsuki said. "Can we talk?"

"Oh, well, I think you know enough about sex that you don't need 'the talk'," Issei replied.

"No, not 'the talk'," Mitsuki sighed. "Seriously, we need to talk."

"OK, what do you want to talk about?"

"Let's say that if you had a one-way ticket to come back to life, would you take it?" Mitsuki asked.

Issei paused the game and looked to his son.

"Well, it all depends. Say I died before your mom and I was given the choice. You know I'd choose to come back to life to be with your mom," Issei admitted.

Mitsuki had no doubt about it. His dad loved his mother. Her death had devastated him, but he knew he could not break down and let depression take him. He had kids to take care of. But then Karin had died and Issei ended up drowning in a whirlpool of depression.

"You'd choose a life with her instead of an eternity in Heaven," Mitsuki commented.

"An eternity without her wouldn't be Heaven," Issei shrugged. "And I did not want to wait."

Mitsuki could respect that, actually. His father had a chance to find someone else and remarry, but he stayed faithful to his mother even after she had died. Although, she probably would not blame him if he moved on and met someone else. He could've found happiness, but Issei believed his life with his kids had been enough.

"You know what I like about video games, son?" Issei asked.

"The women have big boobs," Mitsuki deadpanned.

"No, ok, yes, but that's not it. You see, in video games, you have a chance to redo things if you get killed," Issei explained. "If you make a mistake, you can go back to your last save point and try again." Mitsuki wondered what Issei was talking about. "OK, when I started going out with your mom, there were tons of hurdles. There was our status, then there was her family-" Issei muttered the rest. "-bunch of yakitori jerks. They're just rich because they own a whole international fried chicken franchise." He spoke normally again, "Anyway, they did everything they could to get me to back off, like bribing me with supermodels they paid to sleep with me, but I did not care. I fought to be able to date your mom until, eventually, we got married."

Mitsuki suspected there was more to the story than meets the eye.

"You didn't accidentally knock her up, did you?" Mitsuki questioned.

"If you're asking if your mom was pregnant with you before we got married..." Issei trailed off. "Look, that's not important. All I'm saying is, if something is important to you, it's worth fighting for."

"Couldn't you have found someone who was more in your league?" Mitsuki asked.

"Hey, I was in love, and the heart wants what the heart wants." Issei may have been a pervert in his youth, but he was a romantic at heart. "Doesn't matter if Heaven or Hell tries to stand in your way, you gotta man up and take that chance with your own hands."

Issei unpaused the game.

"Now, how about we finish our match?"

As they played their match, Mitsuki looked to his father with newfound respect. He loved his father, but when he had turned into such a pathetic state after Karin's death, Mitsuki just saw weakness and resolved never to become that weak. But after Issei told him his story of how he fought against all odds just to be with Raveru, Mitsuki learned that his father was still strong. However, even the strong could fall when something precious was taken from them. Issei was only human and after losing both his wife and daughter, he had been devastated. His grief turned into depression which led to alcoholism.

Losing his entire family had just made Mitsuki emotionally numb, with only anger fueling him. It was not until he met Chitoge that he started to recover and getting ready to move on. Mitsuki always believed that his anger would fuel his strength, but it had failed him when he needed it the most. Issei had taught him that the desire to protect something could be more powerful than rage, and it could strengthen him. Protecting Sousou's ambition had become his main drive, but then he realized he wanted to protect more than that.

"FATALITY!" boomed from the TV.

Mitsuki wanted to protect his new family. His failure to protect Mei had caused himself to be consumed in rage and in the end, his life was snuffed out.

Issei gaped at the bloody words that appeared on the screen.

"I win," Mitsuki smirked.

"Rematch! Best 2 out of 3!" Issei demanded.

But Mitsuki was not interested in another game. There was a question that nagged at him, something he needed to ask Issei. It was a sensitive subject, but he needed to know the truth.

"Dad, the night you died, do you remember what happened?" Mitsuki asked.

The smile faded from Issei's face when he heard his son's question. He knew that sooner or later, Mitsuki would ask about what happened. To be honest, he was hoping to avoid talking about it, but he knew his son needed to know his side of the story.

Well, it's not like he could put it off forever even if he had eternity now.

"What do you know?" Issei replied to the question with a question.

"That you were run over by a car," Mitsuki answered. "Were you trying to get a drink?"

Issei should be hurt by the accusation, but he was not. Of course, his son would think that. After all, he had been relying on alcohol to numb his own pain.

"No," Issei answered. "I wasn't." That surprised Mitsuki. "You pretty much sobered me up when you yelled at me. You were right. Your mom and your sister really didn't like what they saw. I didn't like what I saw when I looked in the mirror. For the first time ever, I was ashamed at what I saw. I knew I had to get my act back together. I went outside for some fresh air. I didn't even see the car coming before it was too late."

Mitsuki listened as his father recounted his own death. He always believed his dad had just stepped out to get himself a drink after Mitsuki had thrown out all of his beer. Now he knew the truth.

"It wasn't your fault," Issei said.

"Huh?" Mitsuki blinked.

"My death wasn't your fault. You thought I died because you threw out my beer. You blamed yourself, didn't you?" Mitsuki did not answer verbally and quietly nodded his head. Issei ruffled his hair as he used to when Mitsuki had been a kid. "Don't beat yourself up over it anymore, Mitsuki. I'm in a much better place as you can see."

Mitsuki could not deny that. In death, Issei had been reunited with his wife and daughter. Now Mitsuki was here and their family was whole again.

Yet, Mitsuki still felt like something was missing.


Mitsuki sat with Karin atop a hill near their house as he played his guitar while she sang. She had such a beautiful voice and he had missed hearing her sing. Once they finished, they fist-bumped each other.

"Just as good as I remember," Mitsuki praised. "Probably even better."

"Well, I've had a lot of time to practice here," Karin stated.

"No doubt," Mitsuki agreed. "It's nice here. I could spend the rest of eternity here," Mitsuki said as he put down his guitar. It was so peaceful and the anger that had been a part of him since the loss of his family was just gone now. He felt like a completely different person without all that rage bottled up within him.

"Then why don't you?" Karin asked.

"Huh?"

"You could stay and spend the rest of eternity with all of us, your family."

Mitsuki wanted to stay. His family was here. He could finally rest, he could finally be happy, and be at peace. Before everything that had happened since the museum, he would've given up anything to be reunited with his family. However, he had changed so much.

His mother had told him he was not really dead, just in a limbo between life and death. He could go back if he wanted to but if he decided to stay, then that's it. He could not go back.

Would that be so bad? He was reunited with his family. He would not have to fight anymore. Everything was good.

No, not everything was good. There were still people he would leave behind to suffer if he was not there to help them.

As much as he wanted to stay in Heaven with his family, he knew he couldn't. Doing so would mean abandoning his new family who still needed him and that would be selfish.

An afterlife of peace or a lifetime of war?

The choice seemed simple, but truthfully this was the hardest decision he would ever make.

"I'm sorry."

"Ani-chan?" Karin asked as Mitsuki looked at her sadly. She was here, with him. Their whole family was together.

Unfortunately, it was not his time yet.

"After Mom died, it was just you, and me and Dad. Then after you and Dad died, I felt dead inside. Without you guys, I just stopped being happy. Now that I'm here, I'm happy, happier than I've ever been in my life. That's why I'm sorry, Karin. I can't stay here with you. I don't belong here," Mitsuki told her.

"What do you mean? How can you say that?" Karin questioned, surprised.

"Because I have blood on my hands, Karin! I've killed people!" Mitsuki furiously confessed.

"But you were a hero, Ani-chan," Karin refuted.

"Murder is still murder," Mitsuki argued. "No matter the reason, I still killed people, so I shouldn't be here."

"No! I refuse to believe that!" Karin protested, grabbing Mitsuki's arm. "Just stay here with us! We can be a happy family again! Besides, you can't leave!"

"Mom says I could."

"...What?"

"Mom says the power I gained has put me in a state between life and death. I could return if I wanted to."

"But why would you want to go back? If you go back you'll have to fight, and fight, and fight! Haven't you fought enough? Now you don't have to fight anymore! Now you can finally rest! Can't you accept this as your reward?"

Mitsuki swiftly embraced his sister, hiding his face from her. He did not want her to see his turmoil. He did not want to leave either, but he had to.

"I didn't fight for any reward, Karin and I'm still not done yet. I still have a promise to keep. That's why I can't stay with you."

"She's not me, you know. She's not your sister," Karin told him.

Mitsuki knew she was referring to Sousou.

"She's not you, I know that. But she's still my sister and she needs me," Mitsuki countered.

It was so unfair, but Karin could sense her big brother's resolve. He was not the type to back down. He was not the type to break a promise.

As reluctant as she was, she had no choice but to let him go.

"I understand," Karin smiled in understanding, but she wept nonetheless.

"Looks like you've made your decision," said Raveru, surprising the siblings who stood up to see their parents standing nearby.

"How long have you been standing there?" Mitsuki wondered.

"Oh, just long enough to hear your decision," Issei answered. "You know, it's a shame you can't stay, but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, right?" Issei raised his fist and both Akechi men fist-bumped each other.

Mitsuki looked to his mother.

"Mom, I'm sorry I can't stay with you. I really wish I could but I can't."

"It's OK," Raveru reassured her son. "You still have important work to do and people waiting for you on the other side." Raveru pointed behind Mitsuki and he turned to see what she was pointing at.

Mitsuki saw Mei and Chitoge standing in the distance with the entire Gi Faction.

It was Chitoge who had taught him to grieve so he could move on. Before he met her, he'd been stuck in anger for so long. It was thanks to her that he could understand that he needed to live his life to the fullest.

Mei was also someone important to him. She had opened up her home to him and for the first time in a long time, he felt the warmth of a family. It was just so tragic that she died.

Sousou and her faction gave him a sense of purpose.

Raveru returned the Zhuqiao Lockseed to her son.

"Burn brightly, Micchan."

Issei gave his son a thumbs-up for encouragement and a cocky grin.

"And make your harem happy, son."

Karin hugged her big brother.

"We'll be waiting for you, Ani-chan. We'll always be waiting. Just remember that even if we're not with you, we'll always be by your side."

Raveru and Issei joined their children in a group hug and Mitsuki had to resist the urge to cry. Saying goodbye was probably the hardest thing he had to do, but now he could do it without feeling any guilt. By saying goodbye, he could finally let go and accept what had happened.

He could finally move on.

Mitsuki and his family ended their hug. While he knew he would be leaving his family and would not be able to see them in a very long time, he would leave knowing that they would be waiting for him. When it was his time, he would come home to them.

His SengokuDriver appeared on his waist as he unlocked the Zhuqiao Lockseed.

[ZHUQIAO!]

"Henshin!"

[LOCK ON!]

He hit the Cutting Blade.

[COME ON!]

The flaming phoenix emerged from its portal and engulfed Mitsuki in its hot flames.

He could finally come to terms with the death of his family.

He could finally move on.

He could finally ascend.

He was going home.

"I'm on fire. Wait, I'm on fire! WHY AM I ON FIRE!?"


KRC: And this is the second part of this season's Baron Arc. Now, if you see how the titles of Chapter 35 and Chapter 36 are read together, you can see they make a complete sentence: "When a phoenix dies, it rises from the ashes". That was deliberate. Honestly, trying to come up with the right title was just as difficult as writing this chapter. Fortunately, I was able to do it. So, yeah, it was a sad chapter with the Gi Faction grieving over Mitsuki's death. Also, Mitsuki's time in his family's Heaven and he's reunited with his entire family. It was a beautiful scene. Sadly, it could not last. He needed to go back and continue the fight. Of course, as we all know, coming back to life could mean a new power-up. So, let's see what he has evolved into.


The pyre finished burning as smoke wafted in the air. Once it cooled down, they would gather Mitsuki's ashes and salvage anything they could find. The SengokuDriver and Zhuqiao Lockseed would no doubt be intact. If an explosion could not destroy them, then a funeral pyre would do nothing.

But then, everyone watched as the remains of the pyre began to glow orange. Was the fire going to start again?

All of a sudden, a tower of flame burst skyward. Everyone recoiled as the tower of flames suddenly morphed into the shape of a bird. The firebird spread its wings and cried loudly, stunning everyone present. The firebird engulfed the pyre's remains and exploded, releasing a bright flash of blinding orange light. Everyone shielded their eyes from the flash which soon faded.

Everyone looked perplexed, confused and flabbergasted, stunned and shocked by what had occurred.

"What in the world just happened?" Juniku asked Sousou.

"I don't know..." Sousou answered, unsure of what to make of the phenomena. As soon as they cleared away the burnt wood, they found a huge glowing red crystal egg in the center of the pyre's remains where Sousou had burned Mitsuki's body. She was drawn to the egg but Juniku protested.

"Wait, Karin-sama! It might be dangerous!"

Sousou ignored her chief advisor. Nobody tried to stop her as she went to inspect the egg. She reached out and touched it. It was warm to the touch, smooth, and alive as she could've sworn she felt a heartbeat.

The shell cracked and Sousou backed away in surprise. The cracks glowed with a soft golden light and the glowing cracks soon spread all across the shell of the strange crystal egg. Everyone raised their guard, preparing themselves for whatever would emerge from the egg.

The shell fell away and all of a sudden the silence was broken by a loud wail.

"WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

It sounded like the cries of a newborn.

Sousou found an infant inside the egg. The petite ruler felt a tug on her heart and gently picked the baby up. The baby whimpered then started to quiet down as he looked up at Sousou.

She recognized those eyes.

"Mitsuki?"