Toa Solaric: I don't own either Akame Ga Kill or Kamen Rider Kiva. They belonged to their respective owners and I'm only writing this for fun. The only thing I owe are the OCs that I have for my story here.
Kiva: Dark Moon Over Bloody Sky
Wake 4: Protecting the Archer!
Back in the hideout of Night Raid, Najenda has a concerned expression on her face after seeing the state that most of her best members were in right now.
Bulat was bandaged due to the bruises he received from Kiva's attacks and hadn't awakened after coming back to the hideout.
Akame wore a bandage cast over her body and couldn't even stand up from bed without causing her wounds to open.
The same goes for Sheele, but the purple haired young woman seems to be shaking in fear of something.
Lubbock's face was covered in bandages, but he was able to do work like reattaching Leone's arms back into place while Leone's Teigu tried to heal the sever beating from Kiva despite her unable to move from bed.
To do all of this… to my best members of the team without being dead, then Kiva could almost be close to the level of her, Najenda thought with concern.
Leone couldn't help but feel like she was hurt like hell. She wouldn't be able to go on her daily routines until her Teigu mends her injuries. Kiva had slice through her arms with that blade of his and without remorse. She never felt such terrifying killing intent that caused her animal instinct to shake in fear. And that they heavily underestimated him when they thought of trying to catch him will be no problem. They never realized he have this terrify power.
What in the world is he and why does he possess that power? Akame thought. The thought of the vampire theme Rider been on her mind even getting back to hideout. As an assassin she never had been this brutally beaten before. It wasn't until now though. Not only that but her Teigu Muramasa, the blade been broken in half.
"Sheele, what did you say?" Mine asked, confused. This made other members turn around to look at the shivering form of Sheele.
"He… reminded of those scary stories I heard back when I was little," Sheele said while reminiscing in fear. "About monsters that coming out from the woods and attack during the full moon." She said, placing her arms close to herself.
"Sheele…" Tatsumi whispered with sympathy. He can't help but feel bad for the purple haired woman being scared by Raiga after what happened.
"You mean a werewolf… right?" Lubbock asked as Sheele nodded fearfully. Although Lubbock wants to say that they were only folklores but he did find some similarities due to the foe that beat the shit out of them.
"His appearance does remind me of a werewolf…" Sheele answered in fear of Kiva Garulu now.
"I won't let that monster get away with this…" Mine growls angrily.
"Mine, if we couldn't defeat him… how will you able to do it?" Sheele asked with fearful expression. "He could've almost killed us without any hesitation…"
"We will do nothing to him now." Najenda said, making others look surprised while Mine have a shocked expression.
"What!?" Mine exclaimed with rage.
"If we forced him to join Night Raid, we will most likely be forced to face the consequences of our action." Najenda explains with a bitter expression. If Raiga can defeat her entire squadron then they will be putting themselves in danger if he choose to attack them in their own base.
"What do you mean by consequences?" Tatsumi asked, confused. "I'm sure that if I have more time to convince him… he could help us get rid of Honest for good!" he said.
"As much as I want to find out the truth behind the Fangire…" Najenda said with depressed expression, "the encounter with him shows how dangerous that goal might become." She said.
"But that's more reason why we need to kill him! He is a danger to us since he saw us and knows our Teigu!" Mine exclaimed with angry. "I will shoot him dead for hurting Sheele!"
"Mine, I forbid you from engaging in battle against him." Najenda said with more of a serious tone. "If you do somehow harm him, then the consequences will be not only on you but for all of us as a group!"
Tatsumi wasn't sure what to think about the decision made by Najenda. But there is a part of him feel relieved about it anyway. Although it might be a disappointment that Raiga didn't join Night Raid… he is slight worried if Raiga will do it or not, but the young man could hope that Raiga can inform Sayo about what happened.
Jiro is seen having a conversation about Night Raid with Raiga inside the library of Castle Doran.
"I see. So that's what happened before those assassins tried to ambush you." Jiro said while looking over the reports that Raiga wrote about Night Raid and their Teigu that Raiga planned to send back to his mercenary mentor.
"I wasn't expecting them to get the drop on me this early. But at least it clears up most of the rumors about what their Teigus would be." Raiga said.
"What are you going to do about Night Raid now?" Jiro asked.
"Now that I know what most of their members look like, I know who to watch out for." Raiga answer straightforwardly. "Even if they do make the capital a better place with their ways, I won't let myself get tangled up like Tatsumi did."
"See that you do." Jiro remarked. "However, you must remember they won't likely to back down after their defeat and will come after you again."
"If they do come after me again, I will destroyed their Teigu." Raiga said. "Although there is one I'm concerned about...Incursio."
"Yes, it was made from the flesh of a Danger Beast that even I consider troublesome before it was turned into a Teigu." Jiro said. Tyrant was the only few Danger Beasts that possessed incomparable life force and have caused trouble for the Fangires themselves before being made into a Teigu.
"But I don't think you need to worry about Tyrant breaking out in a fight for a long time." Jiro continued. Although he is a bit curious if Tyrant's life force is still editable after what happened.
"I see…" Raiga muttered before continued with writing his report.
In what looks like a restaurant, a young woman gasp slightly before falling on the ground as a glass husk.
"There isn't enough flavor in her soul…" A young man wearing a black clothes said with bitter tone. He soon wiping his mouth with his sleeves. Judging by the action of the man, it is certain that he isn't human.
"That is the Capital for you." Another young man said, but his outfit was that of a chief. "The human weakened their own nation and made the soul of human weaker. However, none of them wouldn't mind of missing a bunch who lives on the streets." He said.
"Makes sense to why their soul tasted so bad…" The man in the business suit grumbled before getting up and walking past several glass husks and heading for the door. "Anyway… I am going to find more worthy meals… good luck with your own work."
"Hmph." The man in cooking clothes turned and snapped his hands to shatter number of glass husk. "Time to clean up."
Raiga and Fuuko arrived at the front of the clinic in the capital.
"So this is the place…?" Fuuko asked quietly. Raiga nodded.
"Indeed, it is." Raiga replied, looking at the clinic with distant expression. "This is where I left Sayo with the doctor in hopes for her recovery."
If only he had known that Night Raid had trackers like Leone, then he would have done more to keep Tatsumi from going down the path of carnage against his free will.
It's been a few days since his fight against both Night Raid and the Crow Fangire, Raiga decided that he will make certain that Sayo is alright. If Sayo is possibility conscious, then he will inform her about the corruption in capital and what happened to her friend Tatsumi. It's better than leaving her to ignore of what's going on.
He asks Fuuko to come along with him as an extra pair of eyes and his assistant for today. After what happened with Night Raid, Raiga won't take any risks for them of them sneaking up on him in broad daylight. But he also wants to help Fuuko get used to the life he lives by accompanying him outside of Castle Doran and establish good relations between them.
Raiga opened the door to the clinic as he and Fuuko walked into the building. They were soon greeted by an elder man who looks up from his paperwork.
"Oh, it is you…" The doctor said, looking at Raiga who he recognized from before. "Is there something the matter?" he asked.
"I want to know how Sayo is doing and if it's possible to speak with her." Raiga requested calmly.
"Well, there is good news and bad news." The doctor said. "She regained her consciousness a few days ago."
"And… what's the bad news?" Raiga asked curious.
"Follow me." The doctor instructed as Raiga and Fuuko accompany into the room where Sayo was in the bed.
There they saw Sayo with the bed covers over her head and her expression resembled that of someone who just enduring through a lot of pain.
Raiga then looks at the doctor for an explanation.
"You remember the event you told me about her?" Raiga nodded to the doctor. "Well, it seems that event traumatized her that she' struggling with what happened and barely spoke. Nothing seems to get the girl out of her sorry state…" The doctor explains grim.
"Don't tell me… she has PTSD?" Raiga asked before looking at the sorry state of Tatsumi's childhood friend. If the Night Raid didn't interfered then, Tatsumi would still be here to greet her when she wakes up.
The doctor nodded sadly.
"Raiga-sama…" Fuuko looks at him with a raised eyebrow. "What is PTSD?" she asked, confused at the word.
The doctor was the one who answered her question, "She's going through what caused that shocking moment in her life. Though the disorder is quite rare in the Capital. What she is going through is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD for short."
This made Fuuko looks somewhat surprise before turns toward Raiga. "Have you seen this before?" she asked.
"Yeah, the Empire is the least place I've seen this happen," Raiga answered with a depression sigh, "It's not easy to cure either. Those who suffered under PTSD take a really long time before they can overcome it."
"What are we going to do with Sayo?" Fuuko asked while watching him move close to an empty table.
Raiga soon placed his violin case on top of the table and opened the case. He then take his violin and bow out, he then rested his instrument on his shoulder and soon begins to play it, the room start to fill with music.
While Raiga was focused on playing, Sayo's shoulders started to stop shivering as she felt whatever troubled her slowly melt away and her attention slowly focused on the music. It was very beautiful and Sayo has become entranced by the sound. She slowly shifted her attention to the source of the music.
By the time Raiga finished, both the doctor and Fuuko applaud but he didn't notice that Sayo's attention was focused on him now.
"I never heard someone as remarkable as you." The doctor said. It seems the doctor feels quite touched by the music performing by the young man.
"Who are you…?" A female voice asked. The voice was soft, but it was blunted after not using it for few days.
Raiga turned around and seeing the young girl with black eyes on bed. He got a good look at her face which wasn't covering in dried blood or bruises like before. Although there is few scars on her pale face. Her hair doesn't have any dried blood on them either.
Dark. It was completely dark. Forest and bushes filled the area as only faint winds and dripping water can be heard for miles…
She didn't know how she'd end up here or where this place she was. Not to mention that she doesn't have Extase with her. But it wasn't long until the purple haired female assassin heard the sound of a low growl from behind her.
"W-Who is there…?" Sheele asked, looking frightened.
But no matter where she looks, there is no one there.
She soon turned around and her eyes widened in fear as something stood in front of her and growls at her. The young woman cannot help but shudder at the blue eyes starting at her.
"S-stay away…!" Sheele said before she turns and runs for her life.
Her pursuer started chasing her from behind.
Sheele didn't know how long she has been running, but the forest looks almost endless and her pursuer continuation behind her. Her heart couldn't help but keep pounding fast, with the fear that came from within starting to take control.
When she thought that she was about to seen an exit out of the woods, her pursuer soon reappears in front of her. This stop Sheele as her legs are completely paralyzed to the ground.
"S-Stay away…" Sheele begging in a voice above the whisper.
The creature come close and revealed what looks like Kiva Garulu but more monstrosity. The monster soon pinned her straight to the ground and taking the life from Sheele.
"AAAAHHHH!"
(Real life)
"AAAHHH!" Sheele screamed as she sat up, she was breathing heavily with cold sweat running down her forehead.
"Sheele!" Mine shouts after opening the door. "Are you alright?" she asked before she come to her friend's side. But Sheele was still screaming in shock.
"Sheele, please calm down." Mine said, trying her best to calm her down.
It wasn't long until Sheele calmed down after realizing that she was in her room and Mine is here with her.
"I-It's just… a dream…" she breathed slowly.
"Yeah, that's what it was. It's not real." Mine said in a calm tone.
"B-But it felt so real… he was going to eat me…" Sheele whispered while the pinkette trying her best to calm her friend down.
Sayo was sitting on a wheelchair and she was looking at Ieyasu's gravestone with grief expression.
It wasn't long after they introduced themselves to Sayo. She was quite distraught and nervous about the events and true nature of Empire that transpired while she was unconscious. This left Sayo in an emotional state. The reason why she was outside of the clinic because she learned that is where Ieyasu was buried and she wished to see it for herself.
"Ieyasu… you were the best friend a girl could ever have…" Sayo said softly, "we laughed together… we played together… we always talked about our dream. But now… those moments won't continue… those moments will never be retold by us like we always did…" But she couldn't help feel it was a bit wrong that her friend has to be buried here.
Raiga and Fuuko watched quietly as Sayo talks to the tomb of her friend. It wasn't long until the black hair girl turned around and her eyes focused on Raiga.
"Raiga… I want to thank you. For saving my life…" Sayo said quietly.
"It was the right to do." Raiga answered.
"So it is true? The Empire is truly corrupted…?" Sayo asked. They both nodded.
"Indeed. It is."
"There are people who were executed in public because they didn't like the way of things," Fuuko added her own knowledge about the Empire. "Or even trying to convince the Emperor that he been lied by the Prime Minister."
"O-Oh…" Sayo gulped. "I… I had no idea."
"Are you going to join your friend?" Fuuko asked.
Raiga is also wondering about that too. From what Tatsumi told him about Sayo, it seems the he and Sayo are pretty close childhood friends. The only person that she has left to care about is Tatsumi and would likely to follow him …even if it means to joining Night Raid.
"I… I don't think… I want to fight anymore… not after everything has happened… even though we promised… I want us to be alive after everything…! But the dream that we shared… it's gone now," Sayo said sadly, thinking about what she enduring in the shed. "If I join Night Raid… I would only slow him down because… I can't stand the pain anymore… I just want to get away—" But her rant was stop when she felt a hand on her shoulder and looks at Raiga.
"I don't think there's anything wrong about feeling afraid of something, everyone has fear of something. Though they can't be easy to get rid of. It proves that you're alive." he told her. "I'm certain that you can overcome this someday."
Even though it didn't make Sayo recover from her PTSD, she can't help but feel a bit better.
"I… I…" Sayo whispered with full of sadness and carrying on with a pleading tone, "…is it alright if I can come with you than staying here?" she asked slowly. This made both Raiga and Fuuko look surprised as Sayo made this unexpected request.
"I don't want to be alone... and I'm really afraid of what happened if I stay here…" Sayo said, putting her hand close to her chest. "… If it cost something, then I'll trade anything in exchange."
Although she is aware that she cannot make a bargain to those who she barely know, but she hoped that it accept. She knew she had practically nothing to give, but she hope that they will let someone like her stay with them. Even if it means giving up her own body for protection.
"Are you sure that you want to come with us?" Raiga asked. "We barely know each other and we could lead you into a false sense of security like what happened to you and your friend Ieyasu." He pointed out.
The memories of what happened in the mansion still lingers in her mind but Sayo struggled to speak up.
"I don't think… someone so heartless can play a beautiful melody like you did… or try to help me than let me die… back there…" Sayo reasoned softly and quiet.
"Raiga-sama… what do you think?" Fuuko asked.
"Alright. I guess that I will let you come with us." Raiga said.
He wasn't doing this as any favors to Tatsumi. However, Sayo would be a lot safer from the conflicts between the Empire and Revolution Army. Also he doubts the Revolution Army have anyone who can help with Sayo's condition due to how rare PTSD occurs in this country.
"D-Do you want anything in exchange…?" Sayo asked… with a worried expression toward Raiga.
"I hardly believe you have anything I want." Raiga replied. "But were you thinking of giving up your virginity?" he asked as this caused a blush to form upon Sayo's face and wide eyes from Fuuko.
It looks like Sayo is really that desperate to bargain with her life when she didn't have anything else to offer, but Raiga wasn't those type of people accept that sort of bargain. It will make him no better than those who live in Capital and doing questionable things. Things that his own father and everyone who he cared will frown upon.
"Umm…well," Sayo stammered nervously.
"I don't know what you're thinking… but I'm not those type of people who are willing to accept that type of payment. It sounds like something only those who are born here does it." Raiga clarified with a serious expression. "You can stay with us until you recover." He declared with finality.
"T-Thank you…." Sayo said. "I-I will find a way to repay you someday!"
"As long as it doesn't involve sex!" Raiga pointed out his condition.
Raiga then looks at Fuuko who been quiet the whole time.
"Is this alright with you?" Asked Raiga.
"I don't mind at all, Raiga-sama." Fuuko reassured with a nod.
"Fuuko, I want you to watch Sayo for a bit while I have words with the doctor." Raiga said as both girls nodded to him.
Raiga turns around and sees Kivat who was watching on the rooftop. Kivat soon took off into the air and leaves the area without making his presence known. At least his guardians can get prepared for another guest living with them now. Raiga soon walking into the clinic and talking with the doctor about being responsible for looking after Sayo.
Fuuko was seen pushing Sayo's wheelchair with Raiga walking beside them. It wasn't long since the three left the clinic and walked down the street. They still have a long way before they can leave outside of the capital wall.
The second time I look at this place, everything looks sad… Sayo thought as she looks to the side. She could see some people wearing drags or just pieces of clothes that barely covered them. There was also the fact that some of these people were skinny and just about hopeless.
If we only knew about this sooner… then we wouldn't have put ourselves in danger. I was left behind… Ieyasu is dead... Tatsumi went out to fight with Night Raid…Sayo thought with sorrow.
It wasn't long until the three come passed a large crowd as Raiga feel an ominous aura.
"Raiga-sama…" Fuuko said to Raiga who nodded.
"Yeah, I can be certain of it…"
"What's going on over there?" Sayo asked before she looks up and her eyes widen in horror.
There were about six people pinned to a cross each. A few of them were missing a body part while the others seemed to be dead due to the loss of blood. Sayo was looking so sick before she felt a hand on stroke her hand and looks at Raiga.
"Don't try to look at them too much…" Raiga said.
"I-It's just unfair that the emperor let this happen…" Sayo said, quiet and shock.
"It isn't just him to blame but the one who's pulling the strings. And I don't acknowledge the kid as an emperor." Raiga said.
"That is an interesting thought." A voice said. The three turned around and seeing a black hair man in what looks like a black suit and wearing a clear glasses.
"Are you going to rat on me?" Raiga asked.
"Not really… seeing this is quite refreshing to the depression here." The man with the glasses answer with a chuckle.
The man then looks at Raiga's companions but stares Sayo. "Oh my… did you lost your leg?" he asked.
"Umm… It's a long story." Sayo said with a nervous tone which the man noticed.
"Oh, my… I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." The man said. "My name is Ahkmou. I wonder if we can chat somewhere."
"What do you want?" Fuuko questioned with caution.
"I promise that it wouldn't cause you any trouble." Ahkmou assured. "I'm an engineer and I might helped that girl be able to walk again."
It wasn't long until the trio followed Ahkmou to what looks like a diner place and seated at a table for four with some drinks. Soon Ahkmou brings up an offering for Sayo which made them look surprised.
"So you… can help me walk again by giving me an artificial leg?" Sayo asked.
"That is correct." Ahkmou answered before taking out a blueprint for artificial leg. "You see… I work with a doctor in building prosthetic for those who lost their part of themselves."
Raiga picks up the blueprint and takes a good look at it.
"I see where you're getting at. But why are you willing to help Sayo?" Raiga asked. "Prosthetic limbs are usually grant for those who work for the Revolution Army." He said as this made both girls look surprised at his words.
"It's true that I help with building prosthetics, but I always want my talents to be for those who are also lost because of the brewing conflicts here." Ahkmou said. "I can tell that Sayo lost a lot here, and I can assure that you will walk again."
"I see…" Raiga said. 'Even if what he says is true… can't help but get this odd feeling that we shouldn't trust his offer yet…' he thought to himself.
"Well… I don't know… but…" Sayo looks a little unsure of Ahkmou's offer.
"Don't worry… I understand if it might be hard to choose to trust me or not. But if we see each other again, then I want to know your decision." Ahkmou said before standing up and left the money for the drinks on the table.
Ahkmou soon left the three alone and made their way.
It wasn't long after Raiga, Fuuko, and Sayo left the small restaurant and were on their way close to the gate of the capital.
"And how long will it take us to get there?" Sayo asked, curious.
"We still have to get through the wall and straight into the woods." Raiga answered. This way he can have Kivat call Castle Doran without too many people around.
"Do you ever get troubled by the Danger Beasts?" Sayo asked with concern. She knows what it's like since Danger Beasts often wander too close to her village before.
"Not really. But if any Danger Beasts ever get close, they will be dealt with." Raiga answered. Hunting Danger Beasts happened to be another hobby of his guardians.
"What about bandits?" Sayo asked.
"We don't have to worry about them." Fuuko answered.
It wasn't long until they were out of the capital wall and enters straight into the woods. But Raiga suddenly stop when he felt a presence in the wood.
"Raiga-sama, what's the matter?" Fuuko asked.
"Fuuko… hold my violin for me." Raiga said before Fuuko take his violin case.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Sayo asked as she notices a serious expression upon Raiga's face.
It wasn't long until they heard the sound of bullets and Raiga jumps out of the way as several trees got struck with holes in them.
"What in the world is going on?" Sayo asked in shock when seeing bullets in the trees.
"Hehehe…" A voice chuckled before the three can see the one who's responsible for the shots. The one who did it wasn't human. The male had black-leather like skin with a bit of white armor on his arms legs and chest. He had extensions that looked like long pieces of braided wool that hung down around his body creating a coat like appear with a pair of sharp curved horns jutting out of the sides of his head with another horn on his chin curved up. In his hand was what looks like a pistol. This is the Sheep Fangire.
"W-What in the world is that thing?" Sayo asked in shock of the Sheep Fangire's appearance.
"It's a Fangire." Fuuko answered.
The Sheep Fangire fired his pistol at Raiga, but Raiga dodges the incoming shots for him. It wasn't long until a familiar gold blur assaulted him by surprise and made the Fangire stumbled back a bit.
Hope that I didn't arrive too late, aibou." Kivat said.
"No, you're on time…" Raiga said before getting up and raising his hand into the air.
"Kivat!" Raiga called.
"Yosha! Kivatte Ikuze!" Kivat said before flying around Raiga and biting his left hand, "GABUUU!"
His Fangire marks show up on his cheek as his belt materialized around his waist.
"Henshin!" Raiga shouts before his entire body covered into silver and shatter as Kiva emerged from it.
"You… You're Kiva!?" The Sheep Fangire exclaimed.
"What the hell!?" Sayo gawked in surprised at Raiga's transformation into Kiva.
Kiva got out his war fans and flew toward the Sheep Fangire, who dodged out of the way and fires at him. But Kiva dodges and tackled the Sheep Fangire straight into a tree hard. It wasn't long until the Sheep Fangire recovered before he dodges and parried with Kiva's attacks.
Meanwhile Fuuko moved herself and Sayo away from the fight but remained nearby to watch.
Kiva tried to give a roundhouse kick to the Sheep Fangire, but the Fangire jump away and leap to a tree before kicking Kiva in the gut and sending him rolling across the ground.
"That is one fast-moving sheep…" Kivat remarked as Kiva getting back up from the ground.
Kiva decided to change a different tactic against the Sheep Fangire and took out the blue fuestle in the process. He soon gives it to Kivat to blow on.
"GARULU SABER!"
Kiva caught the Garulu Saber and he changed into Garulu Form as his visor turned blue. Soon the Sheep Fangire came to attack him with his fist but Kiva blocked it with his right arm before slashing the Sheep Fangire across the chest.
The Sheep Fangire flinched before recovering, moved away from him in a lighting fast speed and reappeared behind Kiva before headbutting him.
Kiva recovered and adjusted his legs to the tree before he leap from the tree and coming with a downward slash on the Sheep Fangire. But the Fangire once again dodges and moves out of the way as Kiva looks surprised.
Kiva tried to slash the Fangire's leg to slow him down, but the Fangire again moved out of the way and keeping his distance away.
The Sheep Fangire then got out his gun and fired at him. But Kiva soon moved out of the way of the firing range and take shelter behind the tree as cover.
But the Fangire continued firing at the tree before it was destroyed in the process. However, the Fangire stops when he saw his enemy wasn't there anymore.
Where could he be? The Fangire Sheep thought before scanned around the dense forest. It wasn't long he heard the sound of rustling leaves and Kiva come down with his Garulu Saber.
The Sheep Fangire was about to jump away, but Kiva made the Garulu Saber fire howling shock at the Fangire himself. The Sheep Fangire was sent flying backward and crashes into several trees making them break down.
The Sheep Fangire grits his teeth before getting back up from the ground. He then turns around and spotted Fuuko and Sayo not to far from where they are.
Kiva was about to charge at him, but the Sheep Fangire pulled another pistol out and shoots him before sending the Rider backward and smacked against the tree. By the time, he regains his sense the Sheep Fangire was gone.
"Coward…" Kivat spat.
Kiva grunted in agreement before he hurries to check on the girls only to find out something was wrong. Fuuko is unconscious on the ground with his violin case and Sayo was nowhere to be seen. This made Kiva realize what happened— The Fangire had taken Sayo! The only thing remains of her was the wheelchair and her flower accessory.
Kiva let out an angry growl before slamming his fist hard to a tree, causing a large crack on it. It wasn't long until his armor vanished after Kivat dropped from his perch and the Garulu Saber returns to Castle Doran.
"Fuuko… are you alright?" Raiga asked, shaking the shoulder of his maid.
It wasn't long before Fuuko regains conscious and looks up at Raiga. "Ra-Raiga-sama…" she said slowly, "I'm sorry… it's my fault that the Fangire took Sayo. Please forgive me…" she apologized with guilt expression.
"It's not your fault." Raiga reassured softly. "If only I had reacted fast enough."
"But you told me to look after her and I messed up…" Fuuko said, still feeling bad for what happened.
"It's neither of your fault." Kivat said, "That sheep was too fast. But we will find him and get Sayo back soon."
"But how would we do that?" Fuuko asked, confused.
"There is one thing that I know could help…" Raiga said before picked up Sayo's flower accessory.
Raiga digs into his pocket and pulls out a Fuestle. He then tossed it into the air for Kivat to catch.
"CASTLE DORAN!" Kivat called out as he blew into the Fuestle. Fuuko knows the drill and moved away after a few steps.
It wasn't long until Castle Doran land and results in several trees being crushed under its immense weight. Soon Castle Doran blow an orange sphere around Raiga, Fuuko, and Kivat before the orange sphere soon went into Castle Doran's mouth and throat.
After returning to Castle Doran, Raiga sits at the table with a map of the capital in front of him. He tied Sayo's flower accessory to a pointer of a compass with skeleton design placed on the map as Fuuko and Kivat are watching with interest. This isn't an ordinary compass but a Teigu known as the Life Finder.
It was a unique Teigu that Raiga found during an abandoned ruin that he went to with his mercenary company a while back. It can help him find anyone as long as he has an item of the person and that was Sayo's flower accessory. Raiga also needs the map to pinpoint a location.
"Umm… can't Raiga-sama use the compass to find what he's looking for, Kivat?" Fuuko asked while Raiga is concentration with his Teigu.
"If you mean IXA, it's quite difficult since we can't exactly ask where to look for it, otherwise we would have found it by now." Kivat explained.
"Not to mention finding and retaking IXA is his responsibility." Jiro added.
"I see…" Fuuko said.
I hope that I'm not too late… Raiga thought seriously while continuing his search.
Sayo groaned lightly as she felt herself awakening. She looked around and saw that she was in some kind of room or basement.
"W-Where am I?" Sayo asked, feeling afraid. Not to mention that both Raiga and Fuuko aren't here, making the young girl feel more afraid than before.
Sayo tried to move her hands, but finds them were tied together and only her remaining leg wasn't.
How did I end up here?! She thought before she remembered that monster had knocked her and Fuuko out and possibly dropped her here.
"I see you're awake, my future bride." A familiar voice said as Sayo looked up to see someone at the door with a suitcase and her eyes wide in surprise.
"You're… Ahkmou…" Sayo gasped.
"Hello again, Sayo…" Ahkmou said with a cheeky smile.
Soon Sayo snapped out of her shock. "Who in the world are you? And where is that Danger Beast?!" she questioned.
This caused a tick mark on Ahkmou's face and tossed the suitcase aside. "A-Are you comparing me to those lowly animals?!" he shouted in rage, "I AM A FANGIRE!"
With that his cheeks seemed to crack revealing strain stained-glass like marking before he shimmer and he changed into the same sheep like monster that kidnap her.
"No…" Sayo looks fearful at the Sheep Fangire before he changed back into his human form and picking up the suitcase.
"As for why I want you," Ahkmou said with lustful look as he walked closer to the struggling girl, "First, you're going to be my bride, and then I'm taking your soul so we can be together for eternity. But don't worry, I will do something about your missing leg before getting into your wedding gown and our marriage… for eternity."
Sayo screamed in fear as the Fangire drew closer.
Back in Castle Doran, Raiga watches the Life Finder glow before a tiny purple flame lit from the Teigu and land on what looks like a western part of the capital. Raiga then marks an X-mark with his pencil.
"Fuuko, is anything there?" Raiga asked.
"Well… I remember there is an abandoned church." Fuuko informed.
"Okay." Raiga said as he gets himself up from the table. He pocketed the butterfly accessory before he rushed out of the door.
"Raiga-sama!" Fuuko shouted as she hurries after him.
"No, you need to stay here." Raiga said. "It's safer for you to stay here than getting hurt again."
"But who will help Sayo to get away?! She still has one leg, remember?" Fuuko asked, hoping that Raiga will let her make amendment to her mistake.
Raiga went quiet realizing that she has a point.
"Fine, you can come along. But don't get caught in the crossfire." Fuuko nodded.
It wasn't long until they made their way to Barikion's door.
"We are taking Barikion, aren't we?" Kivat asked.
Raiga nodded before they went inside and saw his horse waiting for them. Raiga got on first before helping Fuuko next and she holding onto his waist.
"Yeah… so you two might have to hang on tight." Raiga said.
It wasn't long until an orange sphere surrounding them before flung them outside of Castle Doran.
When Sayo opened her eyes, she finds herself in what looks a white wedding dress. As a country girl, she never seen a fine dress like this due to how poverty her village was. Through she want to feel awe, but she remembered the situation she was in and feeling disguised off the supposed engineer who happened to be a perverted monster.
Sayo noticed something off with the weight from where her supposed missing left leg, she lifts up the skirt part of the dress and was surprised to see a prosthetic leg that replaced what she lost from her mid-thigh. It was grey and bulky which Sayo thought how in the world someone places this on her.
Sayo couldn't believe that she was given a prosthetic leg already and trying to get herself up when she thought she will never do again. But she finds herself crushed hard straight to the ground and unable to get up due to her hands being tied together.
It seems that the Sheep Fangire wasn't stupid even if giving Sayo prosthetic leg and making it completely useless to prevent Sayo from even escape.
"Raiga… please save me…" Sayo begging in tears.
(Few hours later)
"Perfect…" Ahkmou stood at the back of an old deserted church as Sayo lay on the altar in front of him. She was unconscious once again with her wrists and ankles tied securely to the altar with rope.
"Beautiful," The Fangire said softly, "You are the woman most qualified to be my bride, Sayo."
Sayo slowly started to wake up as the Fangire looked at her.
"I will be taking your soul so we can be together forever!"
He closed his eyes as his form shimmer and his braids from his true form and slowly coming toward Sayo. Sayo's eyes widen as she saw the braids coming and screamed in fright.
Suddenly two glowing war fans coming out and slashing the Sheep Fangire from behind and forcing the braids back to his body.
Both the Sheep Fangire and Sayo turned around to see Raiga and Fuuko standing behind them right now. Sayo cannot help feel a great sense of relief upon seeing them here.
"Who would thought that it was you who after Sayo…" Raiga said with hint of angry at the Sheep Fangire's human form.
"Kiva…" The Sheep Fangire growls before he stumbled to the front of the altar. It wasn't long until he dropped his human form and stays in his Fangire form.
"KIVAT!" Raiga shouts as he raising his hand into the air.
"Let's finish this lamb for good!" Kivat said before biting his partner's arm, "GABUU!"
Fangire marks appeared on Raiga's face and his belt materialized around his waist.
"Henshin…" Raiga said before placing Kivat on his belt.
He was soon covered in quicksilver before it bulky in a few seconds then shattered to reveal Kiva in his place.
Kiva soon leaps forward and tackled the Sheep Fangire straight to the wall.
"Fuuko, I'm counting on you get Sayo out of here!" Kiva said before the Fangire slammed him straight to the altar.
But Kiva soon released a double kick to push the Sheep Fangire back and then drags him out of the church door right now. Fuuko watching Kiva and the Sheep Fangire fight before they were out of the way as she made her way to Sayo.
"Did the Fangire do anything to you?" Fuuko asked.
"I'm fine… but he somehow gave me a prosthetic leg which I can't really use." Sayo said as Fuuko noticed the metallic leg on her.
"I see…" Fuuko said before she looks at the ropes. She soon looks around and find a broken knife that can still be used and working on cutting the strings from Sayo.
Sayo starting to rub her sore wrists after the binding on her arms were undone.
"How did you find me?" Sayo asked.
"Raiga-sama has his ways…" Fuuko answered before helping Sayo up from the ground and heading outside of the abandoned church.
Kiva throws the Sheep Fangire into a ruined house and the Sheep Fangire land on many bricks in the process. The Sheep Fangire recovered quickly and saw Kiva throwing his war fans at him. The Fangire dodged easily with his incredible speed and pulled out his pistol before firing at Kiva. This made Kiva dodge the shots, and he charges at the Fangire before lands a few punches and kicks, and delivered a swift kick to sending him flying out of the building.
The Fangire soon lands across the abandoned graveyard as Kiva trailing not far from where he was. Not far from where they were, Fuuko and Sayo were hiding nearby while watching the battle between the Sheep Fangire and Kiva.
Kiva was about to charge at him until the Fangire got back up and firing at Kiva with gun again. Causing sparks coming off the Rider's armor, before he rolls over his shoulder and took cover behind an old tree.
"After I'm done with you, I'll be together with Sayo, and I will even consider feeding on your maid as a snack." The Sheep Fangire chuckled deviously.
"We might need him for this one." Kivat said to his partner who nodded.
Kiva then brought out a different Fuestle that was colored green and have a head of fish, he inserts it into Kivat's mouth.
"BASSHAA MAGNUM!" Kivat called out as the sound of trumpet come out.
Back in Castle Doran, Jiro and Riki were playing chess while Ramon was looking out the window with a bored expression before they heard the Fuestle being played.
"Ah, I'm being summoned!" Ramon said.
With that a bright green light started to shine above him causing Riki and Jiro to look away. Soon the appearance of a child was replaced by a gold and green fish-man with red eyes and fins sticking from the sides of his head. Gold fins and emerald scales made up the entire body with small red stones in the centre of his chest. His hands and feet were finned as well, indicating a definite affinity with water. This was the last living member of the Mazoku Clan known as the Mermen, Bashaa!
Basshaa soon turned into a small statue that resembled him well and flew through the hallway.
Castle Doran soon shoots the statuette out of his mouth.
A green streak flew through the air as Kiva caught it with his right arm and it transformed into a gun. Soon chains wrapped around his right arm, soon shattered with small splashes of water, which turned into scarly green armor with fins, and chains warped around the chest armor and broke changing into green armor. The yellow visor turned green along with Kivat's eyes.
This is Kiva Basshaa form!
"It's over," The Sheep Fangire declared as his human form appeared on his glass armor. "Come out."
The Sheep Fangire got his answer when his gun was shot out of his hand and Kiva emerged from behind the wall.
Both girls and the Fangire were surprised to see another form of Kiva. Unlike the form with Garulu Saber, this one feels completely different as it seem more calm and confident. But the Fangire let out a snorts before starts running around Kiva.
Kiva soon pulled the trigger and firing rapid water like bullets at the speeding Fangire, but the Fangire dodges them with his lighting fast speed, and continue spins around the Rider in hope of confused him. Kiva wasn't worried as he following his movements, but was hitting old grave stones.
The Sheep Fangire soon stops.
"With my speed, guns won't work on me." The Sheep Fangire stated.
"Hmm…" Kivat hummed, "Oh really?"
Kiva brought the Basshaa Magnum down to Kivat's mouth as the cartoon-shaped bat bite down on the hammer of the gun, bringing green energy rippling through it.
"BASSHAA BITE!"
Moving his left arm in clockwise and his right arm counter-clockwise rotations, Kiva brought his Basshaa Magnum up pointed at the sky. Soon the sky turned into night with a half-moon, and the ground beneath his feet turned into water.
Kiva soon spread his arms apart before looking at the Sheep Fangire, Kiva's emerald visor flashed brightly. He then raised the Bashaa Magnum into the air as the turbine begin to spin at a rapid pace, soon the water beneath him started to swirl in the air, keeping him from sight.
Within the funnel of the water, Kiva gripped the Basshaa Magnum with both hands and aimed it directly at the Fangire, as the turbine continued to spin, a sphere of dark green water began collecting at the barrel, and soon grow into size of a large ball.
The Sheep Fangire got a bad feeling about the attack, and decided on running away.
But Kiva didn't allow that to happen as he pulled the trigger, and fired orb of power immediately flew through the water funnel at the Sheep Fangire. As the Fangire tried to outrun with his speed, but the orb bullet was lock on and was homing in on him, until it hits the Fangire like a splash of water before the image of the aquatic humanoid head appeared, as the Fangire was in its crystalized state.
Kiva walks towards the Sheep Fangire until he was in arm's length. Kiva then lightly punches the Fangire shattering him to pieces, and his soul orb begin flying to the sky.
It wasn't long until Castle Doran shows up in the sky and consumed the Fangire's soul orb in the process.
Seeing the job was done, Kiva made his way to the girls as he noticed that Sayo's eyes widen in shock at the appearance of Castle Doran.
"Sayo, are you alright?" Kiva asked politely.
Sayo says nothing before she fainted in Fuuko's arms as this made those in presence look shock. Kivat soon detached from his body allowing Kiva's body turned silver and then he reverted back to Raiga as the chains detached from his body. The Basshaa Magnum returns back to it's statuette form before it flying away in a streak of green light, its duty is done.
"Hmm… did the Fangire just give Sayo a prosthetic leg?" Kivat asked, noticing the metal leg on her.
"Yeah, but Sayo says she can't seem to get it working for some reason." Fuuko explains while Raiga studied Sayo's prosthetic leg. "What should we do now, Raiga-sama?" the maid asked.
"I think there is someone we know that can help solve this problem… even though the Fangire was troublesome," Kivat hummed. "but we can use this good opportunity, don't you agree?"
"Let's head back to Castle Doran now before we been seen by anyone else." Raiga answered. Kivat nodded before Raiga gives him the Doran Fuestle to blow on.
It wasn't long until they were surrounded by an orange sphere and was lifted straight into the sky and being consumed by Castle Doran in the process. Soon Castle Doran left through the sky and being unseen by naked eyes.
"Hmm… I think that will do." A male voice said.
Sayo begins to stir up and finds herself resting on a couch before she slowly regained her sight and got herself up. She noticed that she wasn't in that wedding dress, but dressing in a magenta color dress instead.
"Where…?" Sayo wondered curious before she noticed that Raiga is engaged in a conversation with an oddly talking bat.
This one is about the same sized as Kivat the Third. But the colors of this talking bat are black and grey. There are orange gear marks on the bat's wings and the eyes were green.
"Sayo, how are you feel?" Raiga asked, noticed that Sayo regains conscious.
"W-Where are we?" Sayo asked, confused and startled. "And why are you talking with a bat?"
"I'm not just a bat, I'm MotorBat the Tenth, the engineer of the Kivat Clan!" The black and grey Kivat-bat corrected.
"As for where we are. We in Castle Doran… you remember the dragon with castle on its back? That is no dream and it's my home." Raiga answered.
Sayo cannot help but blinks at the information. "I think that I might start losing my mind…"
"He isn't kidding… since he improved your prosthetic leg so you will be able to walk." Raiga answered.
Sayo looks down to see the prosthetic leg and noticed that it a lot different from before. It's more slender and the color is light blue. Sayo was a bit hesitant at first before she got up and she was surprised, this time, she was able to stand and walk.
Whoa…" Sayo uttered in surprise. "I can stand again…"
"Now try to run with it." Raiga instructed.
Sayo nodded before she try to run and she finds herself almost collapsed on the ground. But she didn't due to Raiga catching her before she could hit the ground.
"Thank you…" Sayo said to Raiga.
"It will take some time for the girl to get used to her new leg, Raiga-sama." MotorBat said. "And don't worry, your leg is water proof so it won't rust." He added.
"I don't know what to say… but thanks. I'm truly grateful that I won't be stuck in wheelchair for the rest of my life." Sayo said. Although she cannot believed that she saying thanks to a talking bat who able to help her walk again.
"If there isn't anything, I will be heading back home now." MotorBat said before he flew out and the door opened as the black-grey Kivat-bat flew through it.
Sayo then looks back at Raiga. "Raiga… I want to thank you for saving me from that monster." She said quietly.
"I only help since it was our fault for letting you get kidnap in the first place." Raiga said.
"Even so, but you saved me from him." Sayo said before a frown form upon her face. "He wanted me to be his bride and—"
"It's okay, Sayo. You don't have to worry about him anymore." Raiga said, comforting the distraught girl.
"I'm sure having some soup will make you feel better. Riki says it will help calm you down." Raiga said before handling a bowl of soup to her from a nearby table.
"T-Thank you…" Sayo said before taking a sip of the soup. Her eyes wide in surprised at how delicious the soup was.
Sayo soon sat in her new room that Raiga shown her into. The room wasn't fancy, but average looking and there is a personal bathroom next to so she won't be disturbed while taking bath on her own.
As of now, she and Fuuko are currently listening to Raiga who is playing his violin. He soon finished his piece and gives a bow as the girls applauded in respond.
"I still can't wrap my head that I'm stay inside an actual dragon while all of you are so calm." Sayo said. Not to mention she is shocked of what she learned about existence of monsters other than Danger Beasts.
"Don't worry. You will get used to it after living here." Raiga answered.
"I can understand why Night Raid were after you because of your power… but what are you going to do about the corruption?" Sayo asked, nervous.
Raiga just stares at her with a blank expression. The question is certainly unexpected. Sayo was taken aback by the silence and felt bad about it.
"I… you can forget what I said, it just a blur out thought—"
"No, it's fine…" Raiga interjected with a calm voice. "As for your question, I really have no interest getting involved in the war between Empire and Revolutionary Army. I know there are people who can't be changed even if through peaceful means. But if they're fine with killing each other, then I want nothing do with them. Unlike Tatsumi who's do this to save your village… I can't trust either sides."
Sayo just looked at Raiga not knowing what to say. What could she say? "You're the same with him? Not being involved with the fights?" she asked to Fuuko.
Fuuko nodded.
"Like that doctor says, PTSD is rare in the Empire compared to other countries. I think that I will stick with helping your recovery than fighting in a bloodshed war." Raiga said.
Sayo felt touched by his dedication to helping someone like her. Maybe become a guest inside a giant dragon wasn't bad. But there is a small part of her hope that Tatsumi will be alright and hope that he will come back to her someday.
"There is another request I wish you can make…" Sayo requested.
"What is it?" Raiga asked.
"It's about where you buried Ieyasu." Sayo said. "If it alright with you… won't you buried him far from the Capital? I don't want his grave been disturbed by whatever happens there." She requested politely.
"Is that so?" Raiga hummed.
Sayo stayed silent.
"I will see what we can do." The young man said after a few minutes.
"Thank you…" Sayo said.
"Try to get some sleep." Raiga said.
Although Sayo is still afraid of sleeping due to the memories of her torments by Aria, but hearing Raiga's playing help calmed her down a bit.
"I will…" Sayo said.
"If you need anything, don't hesitated on calling on us…" Raiga said before he and Fuuko left through the door.
To be continued…
AN: That is the end of the chapter. Yes, Sayo have PTSD is a surprise here compared to other fics. Characters with PTSD were rare well-done in AKG fics except for The Empire's Doomsday. Anyway, be sure to review or message me for any questions, comments, or concern. And don't be afraid to look at my other stories. See you all next time.