Toa Solaric: I don't own either Akame Ga Kill or Kamen Rider. They belonged to their respective owners and I'm writing this for fun. The only things that I own here are the OCs for my story.
Kiva: Dark Moon Over Bloody Sky!
Wake 7: Old Friend
General Budo is taking accounts from the soldiers about the fight between Castle Doran and Sabbat from last night. He wasn't able to assist in fending the giant Danger Beasts due to focusing on the Emperor's safety. Not to mention that the Prime Minister is currently more upset that his precious crown went missing and struggled to look for it.
"This is worse than anything I expected…" General Budo cursed angrily, "Curse those monsters." It's like these monsters come here as one of many misfortunes that The Empire must suffer for.
"General Budo!" A lone soldier ran across the hallway toward him.
"Did you find Garrison Officer Ubiquitous?" General Budo asked.
"Negative, sir. None of the officers know the whereabouts of Seryu Ubiquitous." The soldier reported.
"What?" Budo asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. "How long has anyone seen her?" he pressed for more information.
"For almost a week, General." The soldier answered quietly.
"Does anyone know where she was last seen?" he questioned about others' eyewitness accounts.
"There were some witnesses about her chasing a criminal, but no one knows what happened to her afterward." The soldier continued.
How could something like this happen without anyone realizing? Budo thought frustrated. There is only one conclusion in his mind about what happened and that someone killed her. But the question is how they did do it without being seen? Was this also the work of Night Raid?
"I see…" Budo said, "You're dismissed now."
Meanwhile another meeting occurs for the ones who oppose the corruption of the Empire is taking place in an unknown tent. Though not all of the faces were recognized except for Najenda, the commander officer of the assassin group known as Night Raid been shown.
"This Kiva…" One of them growled in outrage, "this monster can control a massive Danger Beast!?" There five individuals including Najenda were sitting together at a meeting table while Najenda telling them about Kiva and the incident, unknown this will cause a consequence in the future of the fallen country.
"Indeed. He is a dangerous enigma that could be a danger to our revolution." Najenda said coldly. "As of now, we can't do anything to him as he easily beat the strongest members of Night Raid. But revealing that thing, further proved that he could endanger our revolution for the people."
"Damn… if that monster keeps showing up with that thing, it will ruin everything! Our revolution will be nothing more than a mere joke!" Elder man spats angry. It wasn't just him, the other factor members of Revolutionary Army become aggressive after hearing about Kiva and what dangerous power he possessed.
"Do you know where this monster could be?" Asked one of the five shadow figures.
"We're still looking into it. Searching anywhere around the Capital where he could hide that beast of his." Najenda said straightforwardly. "Even if he is strong, he still has the same common weakness for wearing his armor as someone we know. If we find a way to get the suit, then we can use that power to destroy the Empire's strongest."
They know who she means by Empire's strongest if they were the hope of any chance to remove Honest for good.
"That if you find a way to catch him…" one of them pointed out.
(Play RISE- MADKID)
(Instrumental)
In the shadow, there were three figures that were standing in what looks like a dark room. Though it's unknown who other two are before focused on one who revealed to be none other than Raiga. His face was soon covered by the helmet of Kiva. The scene showed the Capital and then straight to the palace.
Oh oh oh oh oh ohh!
Oh oh oh oh oh ohh!
Raiga was standing looking over the heart of the capital and the people as the sun rising high over it.
Hikari mitsuketa kuuhaku no jikan!
Raiga was seen walking through the streets with a serious expression on his face. Flying above him was none other than Kivat the Third.
Mayoikonda chuuzuri no sekai!
The scene shown Fuuko is walking with chains on her wrists through a prison hallway and have despair look upon her face. The scene changed back to Raiga who continued his way through the street despite the cruelty life shown on the street.
Shinjirareru kotae sagashimotomete. Tada samayotteru!
Soon the screen shown back to Fuuko who reached to end of the cell and couldn't struggle with her chains.
Yeah!
Yubi no sukima nigeru light! Yosomi shiteru hima mo nai!
The screen soon changed to Tatsumi with the Night Raid organization with their Teigu.
Uketa kizuna ato sae kate ni! Seijaku kirisaiteku!
The screen shift from Tatsumi and Night Raid to that of the Jeager members.
Dare mo kare mo Dead or alive!
The screen soon shift to the throne room of the palace with Makoto and Honest while Budo and many imperial soldiers standing in the way.
Mamoru dake ja Can't survive!
Soon there is a sinister grin can be seen on the Prime Minister's face.
I don't wanna lie to myself!
Raiga soon finds himself dropped into the darkness as the memories of his home was burned reoccurring in his mind.
Keep on the fight, get right! I'll never lose and cry!
He didn't notice that he was in front of Fuuko's cell as the young girl noticed someone in front of her cell.
Keep run up day and night! Time to rewrite!
Soon the sky turned crimson as a mysterious white hooded figure standing over an army of monsters before a screen shown a massive figure sitting on a throne.
No matter what anyone say!
I find my way! Yeah, never go away!
Soon the screen between Raiga and Fuuko shattered to revealed Kiva and IXA standing back to back with each other. Soon Kivat the Third appeared on the screen and sang.
(Never go away!)
Now, nobody can't stop me no way! Wasurete shimau koto no nai you ni!
The Revolutionary army and the Imperial soldiers are fighting each other with the leading groups for each other; Night Raid and Jeager.
Nakushita mono subete torimodosu tame!
The screen shown inside Castle Doran was a throne with Kiva on it. Sitting nearby are the Arm Monsters in their human forms, Sayo, and Fuuko.
Rise suddenly in this world!
A child Raiga was on his knees in a ruin of the village and Bloody Rose was right beside him.
(I don't look back yeah)!
Kiva and his companions were back to back when the face against the white hooded man and army of monster before the man raising his head to send chilling winds. Kiva's companions were knocked back while Kiva holding his ground.
Kurikaesu tabi no hate! Nouri ni nokotta shippai nante!
Kiva soon places a red fuestle into Kivat's mouth and jumps into the air before coming down at him with a Darkness Moon Break. The white hooded figure revealed golden claws charged at him as the two collided as the screen turn white.
Zenbu torikaese ima Turn over! Rise suddenly in this world! (I don't look back yeah)
The scene changed to a meadow as Raiga continued his walk with Kivat riding on his shoulder and turned back to see Sayo and Fuuko as the two girls ran up to him. This made Raiga smile before they continued with their travel.
Oh oh oh oh oh ohh!
Oh oh oh oh oh ohh!
With a soft grunt, Raiga awakened from his slumber and let out a yawn. The sun shined brightly through the window of his room. Before the young man got up, he felt a slender arm around his waist prevent him from getting up. This made the young man turned around and see the peaceful sleeping form of Sayo next to him. Sayo's hair covered the quarter of her head that was facing upwards, shadowing the remaining part of her face. Raiga also noticed a content smile upon her face which is coupled with a small smile.
Normally, a boy around his age will be flustered when it comes to the opposite sex sleeping in the same bed. However, Raiga wasn't bothered as he saw Sayo as a troubled girl who has endured worse and needs help to get back up again.
At least, she is sleeping peacefully after calming her recent nightmare attack… Raiga thought.
When he manages to got Sayo off him and replace it with his pillow, the young man soon slipped on his exercise clothes before leaving the room. Raiga got this feeling as he went to the training room and knowing that she will be there like she did before.
Standing in the middle of the training room was none other than Fuuko who is practicing swinging with a wooden sword in her hands.
He wasn't surprised that Fuuko is training early in the morning by herself. It takes some time before Raiga made up his mind about helping her become stronger. When he saw the bandage around her forehead, it triggers memories of what happened a week ago.
(Flashback)
"Now let's begin," Jiro said as he and the other guardians along with Sayo are watching.
Both Raiga and Fuuko are standing in the middle of the training room. After hearing Fuuko wants to become IXA, Jiro thought up this test for her which involved actual sparring with Raiga in the armors.
"Kivat…!" Raiga said before letting his partner bites his hand.
"GABUU!"
"Henshin!" Raiga shouted.
After placing Kivat in the belt, Raiga soon surrounded by silver before shattered to form his armor as Kiva.
Fuuko soon looks at the IXA Knuckle in her hand before took a deep breath as she slammed the device against her palm.
"READY!"
"Henshin…!" Fuuko shout before sliding the device into the belt buckle.
"FIST ON!"
After a gold flash, she donned the armor of IXA.
Kiva and IXA stare at each other before Kiva gives a come gesture with his hand to IXA. IXA took out the Ixa-Caliber and ran at him. IXA struck him with the Ixa-Calibur, but Kiva got out one of his battle fans to block the strike before pushing her back from him.
IXA soon changed her weapon to the gun mode and fired at Kiva who rolled out of the way. But at the same time, IXA was sending skidding backward a few feet.
"What was that?" Sayo asked, confused.
"Recoil." Ramon answered.
"I guess it makes sense due to her lack of familiarity with gun." Kivat commented quietly.
Kiva got up and charged with his war fan in hand before slashing her across the chest. This caused sparks flying across her armor and sending IXA backward with the IXA-Calibur out of her hand.
"Oww…" IXA groan, struggled to move from where she was.
"Do you still want to continue or is that all you can manage, Fuuko?" Kiva asked stoic. "Being a warrior is something that not everyone can do. If you cannot land a hit on me, then I don't need someone that incompetent to wear IXA. It's my duty to protect humanity from Fangire, and I don't need someone like that by my side."
This shocked IXA. It was surely such a cruel thing to say, yet this was not the time for such thoughts. Kiva needs to make sure that if this is what she truly wants, by acting this way to get a clear reading on her resolve.
Then the unexpected happened…
"I understand…"
IXA managed to get herself back up as she took out the only Fuestle on her belt and inserted to the IXA Knuckle. She then pushing in the IXA Knuckle. It sparked a bit as she took it off the belt and clenched onto it tightly.
"IXA KNUCKLE: RISE UP!"
IXA then punched the air, letting loose a blast of heat that engulfed Kiva. The blast sends Kiva skidding few feet back before Kiva stopped himself.
It wasn't long until IXA collapsed to her knee and the armor vanished immediately as Fuuko passed out on the floor, clenched in pain.
(Present)
Raiga still felt bad about putting her through the pain, but it was also necessary for her to understand the risks involved with IXA.
"Good morning, Fuuko." Raiga greeted as the young girl stopped her training and looks at him.
"Good morning, Raiga-sama." Fuuko replied. "How is Sayo doing?" she asked.
"She seems fine when I woke up. I'm letting her get more sleep." Raiga answered.
"That's good to know. Raiga-sama, do you mind helping me with my training?" Fuuko requested.
"I guess a warm up before breakfast sounds good." Raiga answered before he went to the barrel and picked up a bokken of his own and moved a few feet from Fuuko.
"Come at me whenever you're ready." said Raiga with a serious expression.
Fuuko charged at him with her bokken and Raiga blocked the over heading blow and pushed her back a bit. Raiga dodged the swing for his head by ducking down and sidesteps away. But what he didn't see was she using the hilt of her bokken and hit him in the chest, thus sending him skidding a bit back.
"That's not enough!" Raiga shouts before he turns around and comes back.
Fuuko soon tried her best to block the incoming blows from Raiga before she moves to her left side at the last second to dodge. Soon the two circled around each other before Raiga came after her again.
The young man soon tried to deliver blows that Fuuko blocked before countered with her own and she pointed her bokken close to his neck.
"I win." Fuuko stated with a smirk.
While Raiga kept a neutral expression on his face. "I wouldn't be too sure," Raiga said. "Look down."
Fuuko glance down to see Raiga's bokken close to her stomach and looking back at him.
"I suppose that this is a draw, Raiga-sama?" asked Fuuko.
"Indeed. Though it impressive that you got used to using a bokken." Raiga commented before moving the wooden sword from her stomach.
"Though how are you feeling… after the experience with IXA?" he asked with a worried expression.
"Don't worry… I think that I feel fine." Fuuko said. "Though I never imagined it would be painful…" she recalled the crucial pain from the armor.
"I won't deny that is one of the reasons I'm not letting you use it again," Raiga answered. They don't have any way to fix IXA due to the advancement of technology it took to make it.
Fuuko was at full pout, complete with a frown, "But Raiga-sama, I will be alright… and I will be able to help you with the fight!"
"But the IXA System is unstable right now and there is no way to fix it… if you use it reckless next time, you could've died." Raiga stated seriously.
"You… don't want me around?" asked Fuuko, looking somewhat hurt.
"No," Raiga's eyes locking with hers. "It's because I wanted to keep you safe and help you recover after what you went through in the capital. Someone like you shouldn't be there in the first place. Someone should've been protected."
This made Fuuko stop her protest when hearing those words. 'He cared about my well-being…' she thought shocked.
"With how The Empire is going to fall and everyone else going into war, I'm making sure you and others won't get caught up in a bloody crossfire by being the ones that does the protecting." Raiga continued. "I know that looking after you might be both difficult and challenging…but I hope that you will find your own dream." He looks away with a sheepish look.
"My dream…?" asked Fuuko, blinking.
"Something you want to achieve on your own and give you hope for tomorrow." Raiga explains. "It's how people try to move forward."
"I see."
Raiga felt like he should change the subject. "But if you really want to fight, you should at least do it because you have a reason to and not because others made the decision for you. Being IXA means you have the responsibility to protect humanity, but will you be able to live up to that responsibility?" He asked. "I can't simply allow anyone to abuse the power again or they will be nothing but destroyers." He stated.
Fuuko remembered a conversation after Raiga decided to leave the Capital. Though she and Sayo were shocked that they were still alive while Castle Doran flipped over during the fight against Sabbat.
(Flashback)
"It's hard to believe that we managed to get out alive…" Sayo commented, somewhat nervous.
"You two didn't need to worry as Castle Doran makes sure that all of the residents are safe," Kivat assured while Raiga and Ramon were building something with wooden blocks on the table.
"Raiga-sama, there is something I want to ask you." Fuuko said with a concerned expression. "If you can use Castle Doran in the fight against Sabbat… why didn't you use it to destroy the palace?" she asked. Though she knows that it is not in her place to ask him, but she is worried about what happens if the Empire would come after them if Raiga didn't finish them.
"Even though it might sound wrong, but I want to know why as well." Sayo said, slightly hesitant.
"And end the corruption at last, right? Sorry, but it probably won't be worth as much as you expected." Raiga answered nonchalantly.
"What do you mean?" Fuuko looks shocked at his words.
"You two know how big the palace is, right?" Ramon asked to the curious girls.
"Yeah…" Sayo answered. "What about it? Will Castle Doran have hard time dealing with anything that big?" she asked, confused.
"True, it has the power to destroy the palace, but it might also destroy the Capital and those who live there." Raiga said, making them look shocked.
"What do you mean?" Fuuko asked, confused.
"It will be hard to explain so that's why we created this model to showed you two." Ramon answered, showing the makeshift castle out of blocks. "Think of this as the palace."
"And these blocks will represent the people and buildings." Raiga showing the random blocks that were set around the palace. "Kivat, do it." He said to his partner.
"Right…!" Kivat said before he flew from above and slammed at the makeshift castle from behind. It results in the piece of the makeshift palace, the people, and buildings were scattered across the floor.
This left both Fuuko and Sayo look surprised at what happens.
"They all fall apart…" Sayo uttered before she realized something. "Wait, are you say that if you tried to destroy the palace, it will collapse like an avalanche on those who live in the capital?!" she asked shocked.
"That's right." Raiga nodded grimace. "The palace is so big that it will easily be like an avalanche. And not to mention that no one will get away in time." He sighed over the mattered. "If I didn't feel anything about the people, I would just let them burn." He said with a cold expression.
(Present)
"You are the first person ever to tell me about power never being used recklessly while everything in the Capital care about who has power, and use it to do what they please. Those who claim like that tend to get executed for standing up to the Empire's way." Fuuko remarked dryly. But she admits that is also the first time she ever felt a sense of envy towards Raiga who has a purpose as Kiva.
"Well, it is something to remind me that even if I have power...I can't really save everyone," Raiga stated, "Drawing a line that I refuse to surrender, that's the only thing to protect if the world falls."
"I see. It's true that I might not have a dream..." Fuuko responded. "But I want to be useful to the one who saved me from the Capital and that is you. I know that you're strong, but you don't have to bear all of the responsibility on your own. One person cannot save everyone on their own." She responds with confident.
Raiga looks a bit surprised by the way she speaks to him. Surprised at the way this girl gets back up after what he told her of responsibility. He soon places his hand on her shoulder and looks at her. "We should get some breakfast now. It will be rude for everyone else wait until we come." Raiga said.
"As you wish, Raiga-sama." Fuuko replied before she placed the wooden sword to the barrel and following Raiga from behind.
In what looks like a village in a snowy field. The villagers seem to help carried dead bodies of various Danger Beasts.
"I don't know what to say, but if you didn't come our village might face food shortage again." The villager said to someone.
The person that the villager is speaking with was a young woman. She looks around the age of 18. She has long, black hair that was tied in long twin ponytails, and bronze color eyes. She happens to be wearing a long, brown jacket with a red scarf around her neck, brown shoes.
"Of course, I cannot let a debt go unpaid when you let me take shelter in the village." Asuka respond.
"No, no… though it strange for a young lady like you traveling by yourself and pack only light." The villager replied. "Though would you join us for a banquet?"
"Don't worry about little old me," the young woman responds. "I will be going to get some well deserve rest…" she soon went passed the villager and move elsewhere.
"Hard to believe that she came all this way, carrying that lighten stuff." The villager said as he watches her before he helped his fellow villagers.
(Next day)
Raiga, Fuuko, and Sayo were dropped off at a cold place as Castle Doran was flying elsewhere. Not to mention they are dressed in proper warm clothes due to the cold weather, where Sayo's village is located.
"So cold…" Fuuko whined, surprised at the weather out here. She is familiar with cold weather, but she is really not used to something like this.
Sayo, on the other hand, didn't seem to be troubled by the temperature as she was born in a cold place like this. Not to mention she feel strangely nostalgically at the same time.
"How does it feel of being back?" Raiga asked.
"I'm still a little nervous about it…" Sayo answered with a nervous smile. Though she wondered how her family was doing anyway.
"Do you know where the village is from here?" Raiga asked curiously. Sayo carefully looking around the snowy woods.
"Let's see…" Sayo muttered.
"Achoo!" Fuuko sneezed.
"Are you alright?" asked Raiga.
"I'm fine… Raiga-sama," Fuuko reassured.
It wasn't long until Sayo remembered where her village was as she once remembers training in these woods before. But it also brings sadness to her as she looks back at her new friends.
"Well, Sayo?" asked Raiga.
"Yeah, I do… it will be a few minutes of a walk from here. But there are some Danger Beasts that roam around here. Be careful." Sayo answered. Though she wasn't scared due to Raiga being here which makes her feel assured that they can find her village without any problems.
"Then let's be on our way." Raiga responds as they start walking through the snowy woods.
"Will there be any Danger Beasts around here?" Fuuko asked with concerns.
"Not really. They all live further away from my village." Sayo recalled. But she doubts that they will have any problems.
As they continued walking, they hear a loud thud as an arrow hits a tree. Not far from them, was a young girl around the age of 12, practicing on her own. They noticed that she has long black hair and there is a small, white flower decoration on the left side of her hair. She wears a long, black jacket, black kimono underneath, and sandals.
'Could it be…?' Sayo thought in shock.
"Who do you think that is?" Fuuko asked before she and Raiga noticed Sayo slowly approached the young girl.
"It's possible someone… that she knows." Raiga spoke quietly.
"Ruiko…?" Sayo asked, hesitate as this got the younger girl's attention.
"That voice…" The young girl stuttered before her dark colored eyes turned and widen in shock to see Sayo in presence. "Is it really…" she stuttered in disbelief.
Both Raiga and Fuuko noticed that the younger girl resembled that of Sayo.
It wasn't long until the young girl dropped her bow and ran to Sayo before hugging her. Sayo looks surprised at first before wrapping her arms around her and tears come out of her eyes.
"I missed you!" The two girls cried out, holding each other tightly.
"What are you doing here?! I thought that you were in the Capital to make money!" Ruiko questioned.
"It's hard to explain… but a lot has happened." Sayo started, her shoulders began to shake.
"S-Sayo-nee…? What's wrong?" Ruiko asked, never seen her sister acting like this.
"This might take a long time to explain." Raiga intervened for Sayo who couldn't speak for herself. "I take it that you're her little sister, right?" he asked.
"I am. But who are you two?" Ruiko asked. "And where are Tatsumi and Ieyasu?"
"We're her friends…but as for what happened to them, it would be better if we head to your village first. I don't want to explain it until we meet the Chief of your village." Raiga stated with a serious expression.
"What do you mean?" Ruiko asked suspiciously before her sister spoke up in Raiga's defense.
"You can trust them, Ruiko. They won't do any harm to us." Sayo answered softly.
This made Ruiko felt somewhat conflicted. But if her sister does trust these two… then there must be a reason.
"Alright. I will guide all of you to our village." Ruiko said.
It wasn't long until they reached the village's front gate. Ruiko stayed beside her older sister as they're walking into the village. Raiga can tell that Ruiko certainly cared for her older sister a lot and curious about how she will take in the events of the Capital?
"Raiga. Fuuko. Welcome to our village," Sayo said to her friends.
Raiga and Fuuko took the appearance of the village. The village wasn't that impressive as it was mostly made of wood and brick houses, while there are people who wear snow clothes.
"What do we do?" Fuuko asked quietly to Raiga.
"Just keep walking," Raiga instructed stoic.
"Is that Sayo?" Someone asked, looking surprised. "What happened to her?"
This commotion caused confusion among the people. As a result, whispers could be heard among the men and women as they watched with their eyes to the group were walking through.
"Sayo, is that you?!" An old voice questioned.
Suddenly coming toward them was an old man around the age of sixty or seventy with a long white beard while wearing dark brown and tanning winter clothes.
"Chief..." Sayo said quietly, "It's been a while…"
"Why did you come back?" Chief asked, confused. "And where are Ieyasu and Tatsumi?" If Sayo managed to come back, then what about the other two children.
"I-It hard to explain," Sayo answered uncomfortably, looking away from the Chief.
Raiga decided to step in for Sayo and stared at the old man. "A lot of things happened to her and others. But do you have a place where we can talk privately?" Raiga requested seriously.
"It's very important," Fuuko added into Raiga's request.
Chief stares at Raiga as he sensed the urgency of his tone that something serious must be going on.
"Alright… then you three better follow me. Ruiko, go fetch Cole as well." Chief said.
"Yes, Chief." Ruiko said before ran off in a hurry.
Soon the Chief leaded Raiga and the girls to his home as he gently guided them into his house.
"Please sit down. I'm sure that coming back here must exhaust you three." Chief requested to them. Raiga, Fuuko, and Sayo soon sat down on the couch that was near the fireplace.
It wasn't long until Ruiko showed up with an elderly man. He has dark tanned skin with long white hair and white beard, dressing in white robes but dressed in gray wool jacket, gray pants, and black boots.
"Sayo… you really did come back…" The elderly man said, surprised.
"Hello, Grandfather…" Sayo said, hesitant.
"So you're her Grandfather…" Raiga muttered. He recalled that Sayo mentions her grandfather was the one who raised her and her younger sister after her parents die in accident with Danger Beast.
"I am. And you're the one who brought my granddaughter back here… but for what reason?" The grandfather asked. "Our village experiences the worst time and needs the money for support." He stated the misfortune of the village.
The grandfather glares back at Raiga who in turn hold his own in responding. Raiga is familiar with what Sayo's grandfather tried to do as he is quite familiar.
"I know that…" Raiga respond. "But the truth… that the Capital isn't exactly what you all hope for." He said grimace.
(An hour later)
Raiga finished telling those in the house about what happened, while Sayo showed them her prosthetic leg to further prove the corruption in the capital. Though the only things he kept out were the Fangires and his armor as he doesn't want them being afraid of him.
Ruiko didn't know what to say about what her sister went through before hugging her sister tightly as she is afraid of losing her in the process.
The grandfather stares intensely at the metallic leg that his granddaughter wore after losing her leg. But he is deeply troubled that Sayo developed PTSD from the trauma.
The village's chief has misty look in his eyes after Raiga finished the story. It wasn't long until he spoke up. "I… I never should sent them there…" Chief whispered hoarsely. "Ieyasu never should have died there…" The thought about the young man died was horrible to him.
Sayo couldn't stand the guilt that Chief is going through right now. "You didn't know it would be like that… Chief," Sayo responded, little lightly. "Even if we didn't get separated, there is no doubt that we would've died at the same time. All of us were confident and didn't see what the Capital truly was when we were focused on our promise. But the training that we learned while we were younger... didn't help us prepare for what the Capital is truly was."
"Cole, do you agree with this?" Chief asked.
"She is right… though I wished Sayo didn't get out unscratched, but not bring the attention of the corruption been going on in there." Her Grandfather responded.
"But why didn't you bring Tatsumi back as well?" asked Chief to Raiga.
"Tatsumi seems to have his own plans after what Night Raid showed him and holds onto the promise he made to you. If he wanted to be rescued…he would've asked or joined me back then." Raiga answered, still thinking about the moment when he found out about Tatsumi being with Night Raid.
"What about you? What side you are on in this affair?" Chief asked.
"I'm on neither sides…" Raiga answered stoic, "the only battle I fight is my own battle and not anyone else's."
"I see," Chief hummed, "What are you going to do now after bringing Sayo back here?" he questioned.
"For now… we would like to stay in this village for a while to keep watch over Sayo," Raiga said. "After all, this village is her home. An environment that she is more familiar could help her get over her PTSD." He answered.
"What do you think, Cole?" Chief asked to Sayo's and Ruiko's grandfather who remain quiet during the request.
"I will give them a chance to help as they're the ones who looked after my granddaughter," Cole said. "Though my home doesn't have enough room to support both of them." He added with concern.
"Well, if they want to be close in watching over Sayo… I supposed it will be alright with them live in Ieyasu's house," Chief suggested. "I hope that is alright with you, Sayo?" he asked.
"I'm sure he won't mind…" Sayo said.
(Later)
Raiga and Fuuko soon steps into what looks like an old house as the two have a look around the place. The house of Ieyasu looked like no one has lived here for a few months despite the stench smell and really dusty. Raiga approached the fireplace where something caught his attention. There on top of the fireplace was a picture of Ieyasu and the possibility of his parents.
To him, it looks like a perfect family. Raiga couldn't help but feel a bit envious of the picture of a perfect family.
Thinking back to the young man who dies of the disease in the capital, Raiga felt bad for Tatsumi and Sayo for losing their friend even when he cannot prevent it.
But he is in a better place and with his parents… Raiga thought.
"What do you think of the place, Raiga-sama?" Asked Fuuko. "It's so dusty…"
Raiga let out a sigh before facing her. He can't help but agree with her more about this place. "This place certainly needs some cleaning before it can be useful to us." Raiga respond.
"I couldn't agree more. Someone should've tided up this place." Fuuko asked, looking at the dirt of the place.
"There are a lot of things, but we should at least make this place nice since the Chief says that they will cook dinner for us." Raiga replied, rubbing the top of his nose. "I will look for the mops and brooms. Fuuko try to see if you can get the fire in the fireplace started." He instructed.
Fuuko nodded before looking around the fireplace to find something to start the fire in the fireplace.
While Raiga and Fuuko are focused on cleaning the place, Sayo is seen resting on her old bed in the house of her family as she felt nostalgic in her old bed once again. It's hard to believe that everything in her room is still the same as she left when she traveled to the capital.
"Sayo-nee… how do you feel?" Ruiko asked hesitated, making sure that her sister is alright.
"I'm fine… Ruiko, if you were asking," Sayo respond calmly. "How are things with you and Grandfather?" she asked.
"Well, I got a lot better with my aiming and gramps thinks that I might be ready." Ruiko said smiling.
This made Sayo smile a bit at her younger sister. It's not a surprise since their parents were killed by Danger Beast and their grandfather took the two girls in before teaching Sayo how to used bow. "At least, you can help with the village more…" she commented softly.
"Sayo-nee… will you ever hunt again?" Ruiko asked with a worried expression.
This made Sayo frown in response. "I'm sorry… Ruiko." She apologized sadly. "I'm afraid that after what happened in the Capital… it's made me scared about what happens if I try to kill something or someone especially with repeated nightmares." She answered.
Ruiko can't help but frown at the thought of the Capital and the ordeal she went through there. She vowed to never forgive the people in the capital for what they did to her older sister. But her sister is her main focus of attention right now.
"So… what is his place like?" Ruiko asked bluntly.
"Let just say that his place is really big…." Sayo commented when thinking about Castle Doran, "and there are comfortable beds."
"He doesn't give off the impression of being rich…" Ruiko admitted.
"I was the same when I first met him." Sayo remarked nostalgically as she took a deep breath and exhaled, "Though I was used to his place plus his staff members, they did the best they can to help me even when we came back here."
"Wait, does that mean you guys didn't come by wagon?" Ruiko asked in shock.
Sayo tried to think up a plausible explanation about that. Before she remembers reading something in Castle Doran's library about certain Danger Beast. 'I hope that he forgives me for this…' "Well, we did come here on transportation of sort…" Sayo began.
"What is it?" Ruiko asked, curious.
"Raiga's household has an Air Manta that we used to travel here but dropped us off as I fear that our village might get scared and attacked it. So Raiga sent the Air Manta back to his household." Sayo answered calmly.
This made Ruiko blinks in surprise. She is surprised that Raiga has an Air Manta which can be used transportation. The more she hear about Raiga, it made her more curious about what kind of guy he is.
It wasn't long after the cleaning that both Raiga and Fuuko went to the dinner house of the village. Most of the villagers were seen eating a lot of dishes that involved meat and fruit on the table.
"Are you not going to enjoy yourself, young man?" asked Chief, coming toward him.
"Despite how the poverty is in this village, I'm amazed that you were able to get this much meat from hunting." Raiga commented as he watches Fuuko eating the food carefully from the table. It's true that is what got his attention as he remembered Sayo mentioning that hunting Danger Beast tends to be dangerous and not a lot of people come back from the hunting.
"Well, you two weren't the only visitors… a skillful young woman came to stay in our village and help hunt more Danger Beasts." The Chief informed, somewhat getting Raiga's attention.
"Hmm… to get that many Danger Beasts, she must be really strong," Raiga remarked.
"Raiga-sama, hurry up before all of the food is gone!" Fuuko called from her chair.
"I will be right there," Raiga responded before excusing himself from Chief and walks over to where Fuuko was sitting at.
After getting there, Raiga sat down next to Fuuko and carefully took whatever there is to offers before eating.
"Do you think Sayo is doing alright with her family?" Fuuko asked curious.
"After being away from them, it might be awkward for them to get used to it..." Raiga shrugged. "Though the meat could do better with different seasonings." He commented.
"I can't believe it… I've finally found you." A new voice said as this made the two turned around and saw Asuka standing behind them.
This made Raiga looks confused at the girl.
"Who are you?" the young man asked before being crushed by a sudden hug from the girl.
"E-Eh!?" Fuuko looks shocked. And it wasn't just her, but everyone in the building looks shocked at the interaction.
"I… uh… ah," Raiga mumbled as his head was close to her chest. As a guy, he would enjoy this, but Raiga has standards where he wants to enjoy such joys. This girl is way too close for comfort. And when you felt like you're going to suffocate… you will do whatever it takes to get out.
It wasn't long until Asuka being pushed away when Raiga got out of her grip and looks angry at her.
"What is the big deal!?" Raiga demands, looking angry at her. "You were tried to suffocate me!"
This made Asuka look shocked at Raiga's reaction as if she didn't expect him to have that type of reaction.
"Y-You really don't recognize me?" Asuka asked, looking mortified and shocked.
Fuuko looks shocked and turned to Raiga who still hold skeptically. "Do you know her?" she asked.
"No," Raiga stated with a neutral and cold tone. "I've never seen you before."
"How cruel… Rai, how could you forget your own childhood friend who used to play with you after all this time?" Asuka asked, looking rather heartbroken.
When she mentions 'Rai', it made Raiga look more carefully at the girl in front of him. In Asuka's place was a little girl with short black hair, dressing in a red shirt and black skirts with red ribbons, and black shoes. This made Raiga gasp with a shocked expression. He knows that he was the only survivor but she's here and grown up.
Fuuko and others noticed that Raiga's arms are shaking uncontrollably before standing up from his seat and looks at Asuka.
"A-A-Asuka…?" Raiga whispered in shock. "Is that really you?"
This made Asuka smile in response. "It's been a long time, Rai." She said.
With that, Raiga pulled her into a surprise hug, making Asuka blush in response and hugged him back in return. They soon released each other before looking at each other.
"I-I thought that I was the only one who left…" Raiga replied. "Where were you after all this time?" he asked.
This made Asuka's eyes glance to the side. "I'm sorry, Rai. But… that is complicated." Asuka apologized quietly.
"You can tell me." Raiga insisted.
"Maybe another time… you know when we're alone," Asuka pointed out.
Raiga soon remembered that they were in the dinner building and turned to everyone especially Fuuko who didn't speak at their interaction with each other. He couldn't help but blush and feel extremely awkward at the scene he caused.
"Sorry… you guys can go back to eating now," Raiga said.
Back in the capital, Tatsumi is in a fight of his life. His enemy is a taller man with more build than Tatsumi could, but with a twisted grin upon his face and wearing something on his forehead with a green gem. This is none other than Zanku the Executioner. It's hard to believe that Tatsumi comes across the insane killer after seeing him took on Sayo's form which is awkward for him.
But he is the most difficult opponent that he's ever faced due to the teigu attached to his forehead. The teigu is known as the Spected with one of the abilities to read the target's mind.
"But it's still no use when I can read your movements." Zanku the Executioner taunted with a massive grin as he dodged Tatsumi's first slash, and began to taunt him. "You step into my space and attack with a slash from above. And try to end it with an upswing of the blade to my midsection… which is a feint… to leave me open for your thrust to my windpipe." Tatsumi's eyes wide with a blank expression after Zanku avoided the attack and deliver slash across his chest with one of his blades. "So… is that what you were thinking?" Zanku asked.
"How? How did you predict my moves?! I cleared my mind of all thoughts!" Tatsumi exclaimed, fiercely glaring at Zanku.
"I can see the subtle movement of your muscles, and predict all of your moves." Zanku replied, which caused Tatsumi's eyes to widen.
He's strong… Tatsumi thought, tightening his grip on his sword. 'He's far stronger than any opponent I've faced.'
"The look on people's faces when you cut their heads off is undeniably pleasurable," Zanku said, as a shiver ran down his spine. "Most of them have this blank look on their face, like they have no idea what's happening to them… I'm curious as to what type of face you'll make… how utterly delightful!"
"My neck's not so weak… as to be cut by the likes of you." Tatsumi said, retaking his fighting stance. 'I'm not going to die here! I will live, and come back to Sayo! I will make amendments with her no matter what!'
While the fight is going on, Akame is looking for Tatsumi after his disappearance when he left to get leak out of his blabber.
Back in the fight between Tatsumi and Zanku as Tatsumi being able to dodge most of Zanku's attacks, but not all of them.
Tatsumi is few feet away from Zanku and clenched his teeth, as he applied pressure to the cut on his arm; trying his best to slow down the bleeding.
"You're quite fast, but I can see that you're running out of steam… Looks like I'll have my prize soon enough… how utterly delightful." Zanku said, his twisted and toothy smile returning. "Now… Beg! It might buy you just enough time for your friend to arrive!"
"Screw you, I'll pass." Tatsumi said, as he wiped some sweat from his brow. "I'd never beg for my life from some disgusting scum like you… who's only good at cutting heads off!" Tatsumi braced himself, and took a fighting stance. 'He's looking into my heart, so I'll keep it simple… I'm putting everything on the line… With this one strike!'
"Oh my, what a courageous lad you are." Zanku said, smirking at Tatsumi. "Your wounds must hurt, and you look awfully tired. I'm somewhat of an expert at beheading, so I can help end your suffering."
"Here…" Tatsumi exclaimed, as he launched forward; much faster than Zanku was expecting. "I… Come!" Tatsumi slashed his sword, and he felt his blade hit flesh. A large cut appeared along most of Zanku's cheek; blood flowing from the fresh wound. "Heh, I finally gotcha, you bastard…" As soon as the words left Tatsumi's mouth, he grunted in pain. Seconds later, Tatsumi collapsed to the ground with blood seeping down his back. Zanku had managed to hit Tatsumi as he passed; slicing a horizontal wound along assassin's back.
The attack was far faster than any of his previous attacks… Zanku thought, wiping the blood from his cheek. He turned his head to glance at Tatsumi, who could barely move on the ground.
"You call yourself an executioner." Tatsumi taunted, as he struggled to at least get onto his knees. "You completely missed my neck! You're nothing but a joke!"
"You little shit!" Zanku roared, charging towards Tatsumi. But when Zanku was a few feet away, a sword impaled into the ground. A moment later, Akame withdrew her blade from the ground and pointed it at Zanku.
"Akame…" Tatsumi breathed out, a pained smile spreading across his face. "I knew you'd come."
"I'm so glad I finally found you." Akame said, smiling. "Just give me a moment, Tatsumi. I'll finish this guy off quick, and then heal your wounds."
"Oho, it's the infamous Akame and her demon sword Murasame. Though the blade is shorter than I heard," Zanku remarked, flashing Akame a twisted smirk. "From what I heard… you have faced a powerful monster that broken the fang of Murasame. How the mighty have fallen."
Tatsumi gritting his teeth at Zanku knows about that from his mind. After what happens to her blade, Akame started training to get used to fighting with shortening the length of her weapon.
Akame has a darkened look at Zanku's words. "But I can still fight with Murasame," Akame said, as she clenched her teeth. "I've wanted to meet you as well. After all, I am on a job."
X-ray vision! Zanku thought, the eye on his head opening. He scanned over Akame's form, searching for any hidden weapons. 'So she has no hidden weapons on her!'
"Be careful, Akame…" Tatsumi said as he leaned against a low wall. "That eye of his can read your thoughts, and see your muscle movement."
"Got it," Akame respond, locking her eyes onto the teigu on Zanku's head. "So that's how his teigu works." Taking a deep breath, Akame charged towards Zanku. "Even if he can read my mind and predict my movement, it means nothing if he can't match my moves."
Seconds later, Akame and Zanku come close to each other as their blades clashed with each other. Sparks flew as Zanku's arm blades and Akame's Murasame grinded against each other. But to Zanku's surprise, Akame didn't seem to have trouble with her blade being shorten and overpowered him easily. The red-eyed assassin quickly overpowered Zanku and sent him flying back; crashing into the wall.
"I never expected that you would encounter someone you once knew." Kivat said.
After dinner, Raiga and Fuuko returned to the house where Kivat was checking on the place they were staying.
"I won't deny how something like that is possible." Raiga shrugged, still thinking about Asuka who left to her house.
Fuuko won't deny that it was a surprise to see Raiga behaving differently around Asuka, but she can't help feel something is off about Asuka.
"So how did you two become friends?" asked Fuuko, curious about Raiga's childhood life. After all, this is a good chance for her to learn more about him.
"Well…" Raiga began and began thinking back when how it all started it.
(Flashback)
A 6-year-old Raiga's first day of school and he was eating his lunch by himself. He glances to the outside of his classroom to see others eating together. He thinks back to how his father wants him to make friends with children his age, but one thing holding Raiga back from accomplishing such task was that he was very shy to make friends.
While being depressed about the thought of not making friends, Raiga felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to see a girl with short black hair talking to him.
"Hey, what are you doing here by yourself?" A Younger Asuka asked curious.
"Umm…" 6-year-old Raiga wasn't sure how to respond to her greeting. He is certainly surprised that the girl is talking to someone like him!
"My name is Asuka," Younger Asuka said, "what is your name?" she asked curiously.
"I-It's… Raiga…" Younger Raiga stuttered, nervous. His stutter made Asuka giggle, promoting Raiga to blush in embarrassment.
"What are you doing here by yourself?" Younger Asuka asked, curious.
"Umm… I-I'm eating by myself." Younger Raiga stammered quietly. Though this is the first time that he ever talk with a girl like Asuka.
"If you like, do you want to eat with me?" Younger Asuka asked.
"R-Really…?" Asked Younger Raiga, slightly hesitate. Younger Asuka nodded enthusiastically.
(Present)
"It's hard to believe that you two reunited again…" Kivat said after Raiga finished his story.
"Well… it just something on my mind, Raiga-sama." Fuuko said, quietly. "But what do you think she is doing out here alone?" she asked.
"Good question…" Raiga said, "Something must have happened to her on that day."
"Raiga-sama, I know that she is your friend… but you should be careful at least." Fuuko said with a worried tone.
"I would agree with her, Aibou. We don't exactly know what's going on with your childhood friend. You can't forget what happened in the Capital." Kivat pointed out.
Raiga doesn't want to believe that Asuka has changed after a long time, but he himself isn't any different after what happened back then.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine," Raiga assured.
"So what do we do now?" Fuuko inquired.
"Anyway, let's get some sleep and get ready for tomorrow. I guess we should check on Sayo to see how she's doing, learn a bit more about the village, and do some training in the woods." Raiga responded as this made Fuuko raise an eyebrow.
"What about Asuka? Don't you want to talk to her seeing as she's someone close to you?" Fuuko asked, confused. It doesn't make sense to her that Raiga won't try to reconnect with his old friend.
"Something tells me that it might not be that easy for her to tell me what happened. As much as I want to see her, I would like to give her some space. At least, until she's ready to talk to me about the truth." Raiga answered. That will give us a bit more time helping you train, especially learning how to adapt in the cold environment. I hope you're okay with it."
Fuuko nodded.
In the deep dark woods, there was a shadowy figure was seen wandering through the woods alone and it wasn't long until they reach a certain point that they took out what looks like a mirror.
Suddenly the mirror flash as the white hooded being's face appeared within the reflection itself.
"What is the progress of your mission?" He questioned.
"Don't worry, I'll finish with the village soon enough before moved to the next destination when I fatten their souls soon enough." The shadow figure spoke quietly.
"Were there any obstacles in your way?" The white hooded man questioned.
"No, there isn't anything worth going against my mission…" The shadow figure responds quietly to the white hooded man. "I will contact you once again after I finish my mission."
With that done, the white hooded man disappeared from the mirror and the shadow figure places the mirror away before looking at the full moon in the sky.
"When this is over, you will be mine forever… and I won't let anyone else get between us." The shadow figure said with a threatened tone.
After killing Zanku, Akame took Tatsumi as she tried to carry him back to the base on foot alone through the forest before briefly stops to check on Tatsumi's wounds to ensure that they didn't spread.
"How are you doing?" Akame asked.
"I'm fine, Akame. My wounds didn't spread any further after bandaged the best you can." Tatsumi assured.
"I see…" Akame said. The red eyes assassin turned and looking at the bushes not far from where they are. "Whoever you are… come out!" she demands sharply.
It wasn't long until someone emerged out of the bushes and it was none other than a woman who is older than both of them, dressing in a night color dress.
"A woman…?" Tatsumi asked, surprised. But what surprised Tatsumi is that the woman has an animosity expression toward him and Akame.
"I finally find you, Night Raid…" the woman said scornfully.
"Why did you following us?" Akame questioned.
"I saw you when you were jumping through the rooftop and followed you up here." The woman respond. "As for why, you killed my husband… Night Raid."
"Your husband?" Tatsumi asked, looking shocked.
"He was a guard of that rich family you were sent to assassinated." The woman stated scornfully. "The ones who pretend to be those invited those from the countryside with their sweet offers, but torturing them to death."
This made both Akame's and Tatsumi's eyes wide in shock. They know which family that the woman is referring to…
"Your husband was working for that family who tormented Sayo and Ieyasu to death!?" Tatsumi growls in frustration.
"All of those people associated with that family are wick and corrupt. Your husband is no different." Akame countered.
"You think that my husband is an awful person for trying to provide his family and his unborn child!?" the woman countered scornfully. "They forced him to keep silent about their latest victims or threatened to kill me and his unborn child like their victims. I'm upset with what they're doing, but I know that there was no other way to obtain money and we could get out of there. My husband only wants to provide enough money… so we can leave the capital for a normal life!" she snapped angrily.
This information left both Tatsumi and Akame to become quiet and speechless.
"Have you all considered that not everyone is greedy and corrupt like that family? They have their own reasons to do the thing because they have no choice?" the woman questioned. "You didn't and… you killed my husband in cold blood!"
"I'm sorry." Tatsumi said apologetically, "Isn't there anything that I can—"
"Like I need your help, you assassins!" The woman snapped furious, making Tatsumi flinched. "You caused nothing more than misery!"
"Are you going to report us?" Akame asked.
"No, I will leave you with your mad quest against the Capital after you and Empire took my husband." The woman responds before turning around and leaving in the process.
Akame was shocked by her words before feeling a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Tatsumi who show a solemn face.
"Akame, we should leave her be." Tatsumi said.
"Are you sure?" Akame asked.
"I doubt that she will tell the capital about us…" Tatsumi said with a bitter expression. Though the words of the woman haunted still haunted in his mind.
"But we have to tell others about this." Akame respond.
(Next day)
The morning comes without a hitch as Raiga and Fuuko are currently at Sayo's house during breakfast. They're currently sitting with Sayo's family at the large table as they were checking on how Sayo's family handle each other.
"How are you guys anyway?" Raiga asked curious.
Cole sighed with depression. "You weren't making up about the attacks that she has at night… as she is still haunted by her torments." he responded. "Ruiko stayed with her even when she was falling asleep."
"It was kind of tough sleeping even in my own home." Sayo commented slightly depressed.
"So how have you two handled this?" Ruiko asked curious.
"We stay with her and assure nothing bad will happen to her, so she can fall asleep easily," Raiga answered. Though they sometimes sleep in the same bed, mainly his bed, but he's not saying anything about that.
"What are you two going to do today?" Sayo asked, curious.
"We're going to explore around the village for a bit before training in the woods," Raiga answered. "What about you, Sayo?" he asked.
"Well…I wondering if it was alright to come with you for a bit, since I hadn't seen the rest of my neighbors for some time." Sayo requested.
"I will come to make sure nothing bad happens to Sayo-nee." Ruiko added. "Is it alright, Gramps?" she asked.
"I don't mind as long as both of my granddaughters doesn't get into any danger," Cole responds with a strict tone.
"If anything happens… I will tell them to run back here." Raiga stated serious.
It wasn't long until Raiga and the girls left the house as they walked around the village. It wasn't a surprise when a lot of villagers came across Sayo and want to talk with her as the news about her sudden return did spread so fast.
"Umm… Thanks anyway." Sayo respond to another villager.
While her sister is distracted with the conversation, Ruiko decided to take her chance to get some information from Raiga and Fuuko.
"I was wondering something, is it true that you own a Danger Beast?" Ruiko asked.
"Why do you ask that?" Fuuko asked confused.
"Sayo-nee says that you guys ride on an Air Manta to get here." Ruiko said. "Is it true?" she asked.
"Yeah. I won't deny that's how we came here. But we also don't want to scare anyone or cause a serious misunderstanding." Raiga answered calmly. He couldn't imagine what would happen if the villagers saw Castle Doran aside from probably wetting themselves.
"Morning, Rai. How are you doing today?" A familiar voice greeted as Raiga turns around to see Asuka who came toward them.
"Asuka, how are you doing this morning?" Raiga responds back.
"Good. Thank you very much," Asuka said smiling.
"I'm surprised that you know famous huntress." Ruiko comments surprised.
"Of course, she and I are old friends." Raiga answered as this made Sayo and Ruiko look surprised.
"That's right, Rai. I know that I might've been rude yesterday, but is alright if we can hang out…? Just the two of us like when we were kids?" Asuka offered with a hint of seduction.
"Sorry, Asuka. I'm kind of busy right now…" Raiga responds, making Asuka look surprised. "Maybe at a later time."
But Asuka grabbed onto his arm to prevent him from leaving, thus making him stop. "No, no… I insisted right now." Asuka protested. "T-There are things that we hadn't discussed and-"
"HELP!" This made everyone stop and turn around to see an injured villager who was running with a panic expression on his face. The villager also carried a little boy on his back.
"What's wrong?" Raiga asked.
"Shunichi's father fell into the well when we were chased by an unknown Danger Beast!" The villager explained as this made the villagers look shocked.
"Where is this well?" inquired Raiga.
"Northwest of here." The villager said.
"Don't worry, I will get rid of it and get his father out of there." Raiga assured before Asuka gets in his way.
"Wait, Rai! You can't take on Danger Beast by yourself!" Asuka argued with a worried tone.
"Don't worry, I can take care of myself." Raiga said, getting out his war fans. He soon leaps into the air and flew ahead of them, this surprised those who were present.
"I don't believe it… he can fly?" Ruiko gawked.
"Yeah, we know." Fuuko and Sayo said in union.
But Asuka stares quietly at Raiga who went on ahead and started running in order to catch up with him.
Raiga flew through the air and it wasn't long until he discovered the hole that the villager was possibility talking about. He descended to the ground and approached the hole.
"Is anyone down there?" Raiga shouts loudly.
"Thank god, someone came to help…" A male voice responds from the hole, "Is the Danger Beast still around?"
After the question ask, Raiga hears a growl before jumping out of the way of claws coming for him, but keep his eyes on the beast.
The Danger Beast has a white immense body and large head, a short neck and broad chest. It has several red horns protruding from its body. It's glowing red eyes are glaring intense at him right now.
"Wow, it is a Torikupusu..." Raiga remarked, surprised. But it's kind of rare to see one in such a cold region like this one.
The Torikupusu growls at Raiga before charging straight at him, but the young Fandiri moved out of the way again. The Danger Beast soon turned around and coming back for Raiga once again.
Raiga got out both of his war fans and then began to move like a twister, blocking the incoming attack from Torikupusu with ease before sending the Danger Beast backward.
"How about this?" Raiga asked.
Raiga leaped up and performed a spin as he fell toward the Danger Beast. The fans' sharp edges cut through and scarred the Danger Beast's face, making it bellow in pain.
Before Raiga could continue, Asuka comes out of nowhere with a unique longsword as she slashes off the large horn of the Danger Beast.
"Asuka…?" Raiga looks surprised at Asuka who was using her longsword.
"Rai, I will take over from here!" Asuka said serious to her childhood friend. "Torikupusu is too dangerous!"
"Sorry, but I didn't spend time making violins to be protected." Raiga refuted, serious. "Besides I don't ever recall you being interested in swords."
"It's something I've had to learn!" Asuka said before both of them heard a roar from the Danger Beast as the powerful fireball was fired from it's mouth.
This made both of them move out of the way from the attack.
"Let's talk about it after we beat this thing!" Raiga shouts as he and Asuka charged at the Danger Beast at the same time.
The two slashed the Torikupusu's respective eyes at the same time as the Danger Beast move around uncontrollably due to the loss of sight as it moving around uncontrollably, resulting in a large quake in the process. Raiga wasn't affected by the quake, but Asuka stumbled hard from the quake and knocked to the ground.
The Torikupusu couldn't see where it was going before about to crashed into Asuka. But Raiga accelerated forward and snatch Asuka into his arms, unknown making her blushing in the process.
"Are you alright?" Raiga asked with concerned expression to Asuka who looks away.
"Yeah, don't worry about me…" Asuka mutter, blushing slightly. "I don't mind if we're this close…" she whispered the last part.
But Raiga didn't hear as he places her gently to a nearby tree and faced the out of control Danger Beast. His eyebrows narrow as he glares at the Danger Beast before charging forward as he leaps up into the air. He slashes one of the joints of the Torikupusu which caused the Danger Beast to cripple its movements.
Raiga continued moving around the air as he slashes other joints of the monster and making the Danger Beast even slow moving in the process. It wasn't long until Raiga descends down the ground and throws both of his war fans into the air.
Raiga soon began to move his war fans with his two fingers from his left hand and the war fans begin moving around like rapid disk with sharp blades as they sliced through the Danger Beast.
What have you been doing over the years? Asuka thought in shock at what Raiga did.
It wasn't long until the Torikupusu collapsed to the ground hard and didn't seem to be able to move for long. Raiga regains his war fans and looks at the dumbstruck expression on Asuka's face before he walks toward her.
Just then Asuka saw the Torikupusu suddenly let out a roar in the air and trying to give one last charged at Raiga who barely have time to move around.
"Raiga, look out!" Asuka shouted before trying to push her childhood friend out of the way from the Danger Beast's rampage.
But something else beats her to it as a powerful air pressure blast knocked the Danger Beast away from Raiga. This made Asuka turned around and her eyes widen in shock...
The one who did was none other than Fuuko who is holding the IXA Knuckle. She is standing beside Ruiko and Sayo at the same time.
"Why…?" Asuka asked in disbelief. Why did she have the IXA Knuckle here? But more importantly, how in the world did she obtain the IXA Knuckle in the first place?
"Raiga-sama, are you alright?" asked Fuuko with a concerned expression.
"I'm fine. But that was a good shot." Raiga said, smiling. He soon turned around and checks on the Danger Beast as he made certain that it is dead for good.
Meanwhile, Ruiko and Sayo went to check on the hole where the man supposed to fell in.
Still, kind of rare to see one around this region… Raiga thought after confirming that it was dead.
"Why do you have that!?"
Raiga turns around and saw Asuka glaring at Fuuko, who looks somewhat startled by her outburst.
"Asuka! What is going on?" Raiga questioned before getting between her and Fuuko.
"Why is she using that? Isn't it supposed to belong to you?" Asuka questioned furiously.
"Yes, but I entrusted Fuuko with the responsibility," Raiga answered. But he entrusts ONLY the IXA Knuckle to Fuuko as a test to see if she can wield the responsibility while he holds onto the IXA belt.
This didn't seem to calm Asuka down a bit. "How could you entrust it someone like her? Wasn't it supposed to be your heritage as the White Knight?" she questioned, obviously angry.
Unknown to her, both Ruiko and Sayo looks shocked at how Asuka is behaving toward Raiga as they don't know what to say.
"I have my reasons for trusting her," Raiga said, defensive for his maid.
"Who is she to you anyway?" Asuka question, obvious looking jealous.
"That is not of your concern, Asuka…" Raiga stated in a rather cold manner.
"Is it because you still don't think you could take your father's place?!" Asuka growls, angry. "How could you let someone as weak as her use it?! Don't you remember the promise we made years ago?!"
"I do. But it was meaningless after what happened to our home and I thought you had died…with everyone else." Raiga stated with a neutral expression.
This response didn't seem to sit well with Asuka.
"What happened to you!?" Asuka exclaimed.
Silence graced the two childhood friends, save for the cool wind. Asuka stood still waiting for his answer, she heard him mumble something but she couldn't quite hear it. She was about to ask him to repeat what he said before stopping when tears streamed down his cheeks but the raging inferno in his eyes told her that he was not sad.
"For 9 years…you've been for 9 years…do you—do you know how hard it was for me!?" he breathed out.
It took a moment for her to realize what he meant; she lowered her head not able to meet his eyes. "I don't know where to start…" She said, not sure how to explain it to Raiga.
"Start with where were you when the village was attacked," Raiga started. "Right here and now."
The sound of his voice made her flinched in fear.
"I was far from the village…" she said.
"Why?" Raiga questioned.
But he didn't get any answers from Asuka who couldn't answer the question. "I can't explain, it's difficult…"
She then notices Raiga turns around and left, "Wait, Rai!"
"If you can't explain it, then don't." Raiga finished before turned away from her.
It wasn't long until Ruiko approached him with a worried expression.
"Excuse me… but can't you help Shuichi's father get up from the hole?" Ruiko asked, somewhat quietly.
"I will see what I can do." Raiga responds before approached the hole and jumps right into it.
It wasn't long until Raiga reemerged from the hole with one of his fan in hand and other carried a thirty-year-old man with short black hair.
"Uh… thank you, sir." The older man said awkwardly.
"How are you feeling, sir?" Sayo inquired.
"I cannot walk on my right leg." The man responds stern and depressed.
"Don't worry, you will see your son soon enough," Raiga assured calmly before looking at Fuuko. "Fuuko, time to head back to the village."
"Yes, Raiga-sama." Fuuko respond before following them from behind.
"Rai, I—"
But Raiga didn't listen to Asuka while helping the older man back to the village with other girls followed him from behind.
Asuka is watching them before clenching her fist tightly. 'Damn, why did it have to be like this!?' she thought, feeling more frustrated.
But she glared at Fuuko who seems to follow her old friend from behind.
(Later)
Raiga is looking out of the window from the couch. After returning the man to the village for the doctor to see, the villagers seem to praise him for his heroic and Raiga didn't ask for anything in return but only take a break back in the house. The only thing on his mind is about his childhood friend Asuka. It hard for him to believe that she will end up behaving like this. But what upset him is the most is belittling Fuuko like that when she only tried to help him. Not to mention that she won't reveal where she was before.
Fuuko soon returned to the house after fetching some food from the Dinner Building.
"Raiga-sama, I brought some food for you." Fuuko replied, carrying a bag of food. "I hope that it's alright for you."
"Sure… Fuuko." Raiga said before getting off the couch.
He approached the table to see what Fuuko got as he sees some cooked meat and dried fruit before taking a bite of the cooked apple.
"It's not bad…" Raiga said, "Aren't you going to have some?" he asked.
"N-No, thank you… I already had some before." Fuuko answered.
"Fuuko… were you bothered by what Asuka said?" Raiga asked with concern expression.
"I won't deny that it hurt a bit…" Fuuko replied, "Though… what is this promise she talked about, Raiga-sama?" She asked, slightly curious.
"It was something from a long time ago…" Raiga said, averting his eyes from her. "But it doesn't matter anymore." He said before stops when Fuuko places her hand on his shoulder and made him looks at her.
"I know that it is not in my place. But I really want to know." Fuuko pleading, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Normally, Fuuko would just leave it like that. But she can't ignore this as Raiga tried to close himself from her.
Raiga let out a sigh with a solemn expression upon his face. "When it comes to being the only son of a man who can don special armor, there are some high expectations on my shoulders," Raiga said. "I won't deny that I want to be like him, but I was somewhat hesitant about fighting especially how shy I was and I was more interested in playing music. This also attracts taunting, especially how meek I was and that I could never be a warrior like my father from other children."
"That is something I can kind of see happening…" Fuuko remarked.
"Asuka is always the one who stood up for me. She believed that I can be like my father." Raiga said. "She made a promise that if I ever become confident… she will be my girlfriend."
"Wow…" Fuuko looking surprised at this information.
"Yeah… Tou-san said the exact thing when I told him that and he says that I shouldn't take it too serious." Raiga said with a sigh.
"So do you still feeling anything for her?" asked Fuuko.
"I don't know… It took a long time to accept those closest to me had perished, but I'm not sure if I can respond to that promise. It really is troubling." Raiga responded, eating fried meat.
"Huh?" Fuuko looks confused at him. "But I thought that you felt something for her after being reunited?" she asked.
"I prefer relationships to be built on trust, honesty, and truth. They are rare currencies and must be spent wisely in this world. It's true that Asuka is my childhood friend, and I am glad that she is alive…but I'm afraid that things aren't what they used to be when we were kids. With her unable to tell me, I don't know if it's possible to go back to whatever we had." Raiga explained.
"I see…" Fuuko said, "Are you still okay with me holding onto the IXA Knuckle, Raiga-sama?" she asked with hesitated expression.
"After seeing you make that shot, it shows me that I didn't make a mistake about who I chose as my maid." Raiga replied. This made Fuuko blush slightly.
"Thank you, Raiga-sama." Fuuko replied shyly.
"Anyway, I feel a bit better. Let's head to the woods and do some training, okay?" Raiga replied as Fuuko nodded.
It wasn't long until the two left the house and out of the village.
In the woods, Raiga makes several makeshift snowmen before coming back to Fuuko who is curious about the training in hand.
"From this distance, I want you to be able to fire the IXA Knuckle and hit the snowmen. This task to have you understand how to use the IXA Knuckle as a ranged weapon." Raiga explains calmly before taking out the IXA Knuckle, "Like this."
Raiga looks carefully at one of the snowmen and raised his hand with the IXA Knuckle before pulling the trigger. It wasn't long until a small burst of heat energy raced from the knuckled and hit the snowman as it was destroyed.
"Here. Even if you don't make it on your first shot, it's always better to keep trying to get used to it." Raiga said to her.
"I understand, Raiga-sama…" Fuuko answered before Raiga entrusts the IXA Knuckle to her.
Fuuko then looks at the snowmen with a serious expression before focusing on the one that is closer. She clenched on the IXA Knuckle and fired a shot at the snowman.
But to her shock, her shot missed and the snowman is still standing with a blank expression.
"Fuuko, you need to calm down." Raiga said, as he walked up behind Fuuko. The young girl blushed when she felt Raiga's hand on top of her own. "Take a deep breath and relax." Doing as she was told, Fuuko took a deep breath. "Good, now loosen your grip on the handle part." Fuuko hadn't even noticed that she had, a death grip on the IXA Knuckle. "Relax your shoulders and don't lock your elbows." Following Raiga's advice, Fuuko entered into a much more relaxed stance. "Now fire. Don't press the trigger too fast, just give it a gently squeeze."
Fuuko raises the IXA Knuckle once again. She took aim at the snowman's chest. Taking one last calming breath, Fuuko gently squeezed the trigger. With a loud bang, the IXA Knuckle fired the heatwave across the air and caused an explosion in the process.
"Not bad…" Raiga commented as the smoke faded away in the process for them to see the result. The shot didn't hit the mark, but only the bottom part of the snowman still remained after Fuuko's shot.
"That was easy…" Fuuko commented, feeling a surge of confidence.
"Then how about trying to blast the other ones?" Raiga suggested, giving Fuuko some space.
Fuuko soon looks at the other snowmen before firing shots of heat waves after another to destroy each snowman in the process.
Raiga was about to say something before he and Fuuko saw a large shadow in the sky as a Fangire descend down from the sky and tackle Fuuko to the ground. This one resembled a humanoid moth with dark orange and brown armor.
"You'll pay for stealing what could've been mine!" Moth Fangire snapped angrily, trying to choke Fuuko who was pinned to the ground hard and making her loosen her grip on IXA Knuckle.
But the Moth Fangire didn't achieve her goal when Raiga grabbed the Fangire by the wing and move her away from Fuuko.
"Fuuko, are you alright?" Raiga asked worried to the younger girl who tried to get some air.
"How could you get in my way of killing her!?" Moth Fangire screeched in angry before charging again.
But Kivat soon got in the way and smacking the Moth Fangire backward with his small wings in the process.
"Just made it in time," Kivat respond.
"Kivat!" Raiga shouts, raising his left arm in the air.
"Yosha! Kivatte Ikuze!" Kivat said before biting his partner's arm.
With the glass like mark appeared on his face, Raiga's belt materialized around his waist.
"Henshin…" Raiga said before placing Kivat into his belt.
It wasn't long until he was wrapped in silver and transformed into Kiva.
"No… It can't be…" Moth Fangire gasped at the sight of Kiva, "You… you are…"
Kiva slammed his knee into the Moth Fangire's face, sending her flying backward and hitting hard against a tree in the process.
The Fangire managed to get up and tried to fly away with her wings, but Kiva got one of his war fans and throw into the air before slashing one of the wings off and sending the Moth Fangire pummeling straight to the ground hard.
Kiva walks slowly to her after regaining his war fan while the Moth Fangire struggled to get up from the ground. The Fangire charged forward and tried to knock him down but Kiva blocks the attack before launching barrage of punches to send her flying backward. The Moth Fangire let out a groan before getting herself back up and tried to send a double kick at Kiva. But Kiva stops the double kick as both legs landed on his chest and quickly spun around, taking the Fangire along for a ride.
After a few spins, Kiva throws her further into the woods and knocked down several trees in the process. Not wanting to give a Fangire the chance to get away after what she did, Kiva charged forward…. But only to stop at the shocking sight.
No… it can't be, Kiva thought in shock.
Fuuko managed to get up and checked on Kiva before she stops at the sight.
The Fangire had changed back into the one person that they never imagined to see.
"ASUKA!?" Kiva shouted in completely baffled.
Suddenly they heard a chuckle from Asuka as she managed to get up from the ground despite the scrape on her clothes and there is a large scar upon her face.
"Hehehe… I never want you to find out about this… Rai," Asuka replied with a twisted smile.
Kivat soon removed himself from the belt as Kiva's armor vanished to revealed Raiga with a shocked expression.
"Why…? Why did you do this?" asked Raiga shocked.
"Because she is taking my white knight away from me!" Asuka pointed her finger accusing at Fuuko, "She took you away from me! She took the heart was that meant for me!" she exclaimed.
"Asuka, whatever happened back then… we were only kids! We didn't know if that was really love at all!" Raiga argued serious.
But whatever Raiga said didn't seem to reach her as there is a twisted laugh from her. "You were the only thing that kept me from going insane, from the corruption of the world! But don't worry, your love will be mine and mine alone!" Asuka giggles madly with a stain like glass on her face. "You will thank me soon enough…!"
"Like hell!" Raiga growled before trying to stop her.
But Asuka fired yellow spores into the air as it exploded in front of him to stop him. Raiga tried to find Asuka, but she vanished after the smoke vanished.
"ASUKA!" Raiga shouted but there wasn't any response as he looked around the woods. However, Asuka didn't leave any tracks for him to follow.
To be continued…
AN: That is the end of the chapter. Sorry for those people were expected update for long, but I felt like doing this one first. Yes, Raiga and companions are in Sayo and Tatsumi's village than hanging around the Capital after the Castle Doran battle with Sabbat draws a bigger target mark on his back. Yes, the Night Raid still think he is still around the Capital but is too difficult to track down. Not to mention that I want to do a change of scenery.
Also I decided that with incident, I should just pass the Zanku fight but with a twist encounter. My associate who I call 'Mr. J' suggested the idea when I didn't make any of the Aria's guards act evil before they got devour by the Cat Fangire. After all, Night Raid assumed every soldier are corrupt monsters without any reason, this will somewhat affect them as this thought never occur them. But this will affect Tatsumi when he meet Wave and Jeager.
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.