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 9: Hunting Game
(Flashback)
A large group of mercenaries were walking through the woods while talking to each other. Raiga and Kiva were seen among the group before Raiga stopped while the others continued moving on ahead.
"So, you're the new Kiva?" A voice asked and Raiga turned to see an oddly dressed man standing beside a tree.
"Who are you?" Raiga questioned.
"I am Narutaki, a simple traveler." They doubted that but the man continued, "And I am here to warn you."
"About the Devil," Narutaki said, "known as Decade."
"Decade?" Raiga raised an eyebrow at the name.
"What kind of name is that?" Kivat asked sarcastically.
"He is a threat to everything in this world," the man continued, "Will make you loose everything in the process, and destroy you."
"Not that I care about many parts of the world," Raiga didn't react much as he holds a suspicious glance at him. "But how do I know if you're telling the truth?" he questioned.
"Then I will tell you something that might prove useful to you," Narutaki said. "Something in the corrupted Empire will help you in fighting Decade." He noticed that Raiga's glance morphed into a murderous glare upon hearing that place.
"What in the world does that place have that's anything useful to me!?" Raiga growled furiously at the mention of Empire.
"The IXA System that once belonged to the man, Daigo Asada," Narutaki said as both Raiga and Kivat's eyes widen and froze.
"T-That impossible…" Kivat said.
"How do you know his name!?" Raiga questioned sharply.
"That doesn't matter. IXA has fallen into the hands of those who are corrupt and wicked, used for purposes that stray from the original. From what I hear, if they don't find a way to manufacture it, they would destroy it eventually." Narutaki spoke in a grimace. "As his child, you wouldn't want that to happen, now would you?"
Raiga clenched his fist tightly after hearing what Narutaki had to say and mad up his mind.
(Present)
The three guardians of Castle Doran still look suspicious at the intruder who entered their home uninvited through unnatural means.
"What do you want?" Jiro questioned to the unwanted guest who entered their home.
"I'm here to restore IXA's power to what it once was." Narutaki spoked, making Fuuko looks surprised at what he just say.
"Can you fix it?" Riki asked, looking suspicious at the newcomer. Meanwhile, Narutaki keeps his stoic composition while standing his ground.
"I can. I know well enough about the technology that was used in building the IXA System." Narutaki answered firmly.
"But it means that you will drag Raiga-sama into fighting the one you call Decade…" Jiro scoffed. That is what this stranger wants in return for helping Raiga when it comes to restoring the armor of IXA to its fullest battle capabilities again.
"Why do you need him to fight Decade for you?" Fuuko asked. There is something about this man that makes her feel he doesn't belong here.
"Decade is the danger to not only this world but others. I know this is selfish that the Lord of this house has to carry on this burden, but we need his abilities in battling Decade and putting an end to his travels so he cannot influence other worlds and bring them to ruin!" Narutaki insisted with a desperate expression. "If I restore IXA's function to it's original, then Kiva will have a better chance of survival with another person fighting beside him when Decade shows up into this world."
Fuuko has some doubt about this man needing Raiga's abilities to fight against Decade. But she then thought back to her inabilities to being able to help Raiga with IXA being damaged. After thinking it over, she made up her mind about what to do.
"Alright…" Fuuko spoke before bringing out the IXA Knuckle and belt, "I don't know much about this Decade, but… if IXA is brought back to full capability, then Raiga-sama… won't need to carry all of the burdens by himself." She said.
"Thank you," Narutaki said before taking the IXA Knuckle and Belt from her hands. "I'll promise you that IXA will be restored soon."
(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 the 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 showed 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 cruel life shown on the street.
Shinjirareru kotae sagashimotomete. Tada samayotteru!
Soon the screen showed 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 shifts 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 that 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 they face against the white hooded man and army of a 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!
"All of those people associated with that family are wicked 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 and threatened to kill me and his unborn child like their victims. I'm upset with what they were 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 reasons for doing the things they do 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!"
Tatsumi stares up at the ceiling after waking up from his sleep. Even if it was a week ago, the young man can't help but still think about what that woman told him and Akame that night.
That was the first time Tatsumi ever had to face someone who pointed out something that he never considered before after being forced into Night Raid. He fights because he needs to earn money for his village. Even in a corrupted place like the Capital, people have done things even if others see them as evil.
Will the next time we got out on a hunt, will I face situations that they weren't evil like what others would say? Tatsumi thought frustrated before letting out a groan.
He decided that he got enough time in bed and decided to head off into the kitchen to make something for himself. Once he got there, he saw Sheele was the only one there and that she was drinking some tea.
"Morning, Sheele," Tatsumi responds.
"Morning Tatsumi," Sheele said, as she noticed his presence in the kitchen. "Were you able to sleep well?" she asked.
Tatsumi soon went to see what in the storage and decided on what to make for himself. "… I'm still thinking about that woman Akame and I had encountered. And what she said about us and the cause." Tatsumi answered reluctantly. This made Sheele look at him with sympathetic expression on her face.
"It can't be helped. Like the Boss says the Empire was the one who forced those who can't stand them down this path, Tatsumi. The idea of people doing things more than just being corrupted is something we never considered as we believed that there was no going back. The mission of the Revolutionary Army is more important." Sheele explains with a small sigh. She knows that others affect her when the thought never crossed their mind. But they know that their actions will be too unforgiving and there was no going back for them.
Tatsumi wasn't sure what to say. But everyone sacrificed their own lives to make sure that the Revolutionary Army would succeed. However, there is a part of him to feel doubt about it. His friend Raiga seems to behave opposite when it comes to the Revolutionary Army and calling their goal weak spite that he showed not associated with Empire either.
"Do you ever regret becoming part of Night Raid, Sheele?" Tatsumi asked.
"No, I don't. I love everyone here." Sheele said before a light blush appeared on her face. "If I wasn't part of the Revolutionary Army… I won't have met Ruild either." She continued as this made Tatsumi raising an eyebrow.
"Ruild, who is that?" Tatsumi asked as he was unfamiliar with that name. Not to mention the look upon her face seems to be different.
"He is my boyfriend," Sheele answered.
"Eh!? You didn't tell me that you have a boyfriend!" Tatsumi said, both incredulous and shock expression. It was true since he was training with her two days ago and he learned her reason for being in Night Raid, making Tatsumi felt bad for her.
"Oh… I didn't? That's right." Sheele said, absentmindedly staring at her tea. "We didn't tell you we have another member, but he isn't currently in the base right now. He was on a long-term mission for the Revolutionary Army."
"I see. Do you miss him?" Tatsumi asked, as he becoming curious about this unmentioned member of Night Raid he didn't know about.
"Of course, I do," Sheele said. "The thought of Ruild not coming back scared me even though I understand the importance of serving the Revolutionary Army above all else. But I want to believe that he will come back to me and others no matter what."
"What is he like?" asked Tatsumi, curious.
"He is kind and gives a reassuring presence to those around him that make you feel like you'll always be safe," Sheele spoke thoughtfully.
"You're really lucky to have someone like that, Sheele," Tatsumi responded.
"Although…" Sheele has somewhat of a depressed expression. "I'm worried what would happen if he knew about your friend…" she spoke.
This made Tatsumi looks confused. "Raiga? What does he have to do with this?" Asked Tatsumi to Sheele who looks depressed.
"Because Ruild has an armor similar to that monster…" Mine replied coldly, as she entered the kitchen right now.
"Seriously?" Tatsumi has a mix of incredulous and frustration upon his face. "You guys never bothered to tell me about this!" he exclaimed angrily.
"But it doesn't mean we will let that monster go after him next if he learned about him." Mine countered serious, as she glares back at Tatsumi. That was one thing that she and the others agreed upon when Najenda planned to never reveal secrets of their own, or they would likely risk shifting the mark to Ruild.
Tatsumi still held his expression at the pinkette. "Do you think calling him a monster will make us feel any better?" he asked sharply. Even if Raiga might have issues with things here, he was right about getting Sayo out of the Capital which was something he was never able to do.
"Because he is too dangerous to everyone living in the capital and he turned into the thing that Sheele was afraid of!" Mine retorts at Tatsumi.
"He could almost kill Sheele, but he was paying more attention to the Fangire that was hiding in the top of the tree." Tatsumi pointed out, as he thought back to the accounts from Akame and Bulat. "The Fangire could have killed Sheele or anyone at any time! Does that ever occur to you?!"
This made both girls flinch as the thought had indeed never crossed their minds before. Tatsumi sighed with a disappointed expression. Even though he may have joined Night Right on his own free will, this is one thing he finds disappointing when it comes to solutions without killing.
"Ever since that night when Raiga showed himself, there were so many questions that I want answered before you guys took me away and attacked him. Now, I don't know if we'll ever get the chance to talk to each other like normal people." Tatsumi said with a bitter tone.
"Tatsumi, I'm sorry…" Sheele apologized.
Tatsumi didn't say anything as he takes his breakfast before leaving the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Akame was in another part of the base cleaning the shorten blade of her teigu, the Murasame. She was wearing gloves to ensure that she won't be killed by the poison of her weapon. Like it was used to kill many other people.
But Akame can't help contemplate what the woman said about her husband, who had been forced to work against his own will. Even though she understood that the Revolutionary Army's mission is important, why was is it hard to ignore what that widow had said?
"Have you all considered that not everyone is greedy and corrupt like that family? They have their reasons for doing the things they do because they have no choice?"
Akame gritted her teeth and slammed her fist hard to the ground. Sure, what they do is murder but the Empire was worse than them!
"Don't call the kettle black. The only ones I see as dangerous are those who kill people with teigu." The voice of the young man who eluded Night Raid.
She especially won't forget that man for breaking part of her Murasame. It was because of him; she can't simply depend on getting one cut with Murasame like before. All her enemies have made it difficult for her and that she must change the fighting style to use Murasame's ability.
"You alright there, Akame?" Leone asked as the blonde haired woman with concerned expression come by to noticed her frustration spite the black-haired girl was cleaning her sword.
"I'm fine… Leone. I still think about what that woman said." Akame honestly replied
"Well, you aren't the only ones who feel that way…" Leone agreed. "Killing was the only way out of this madness. But it can't be helped that the Empire was the one who makes everyone feel oppressed."
"But there is someone else making everyone feel threatened: Raiga," Akame answered.
"Yeah… I still hadn't forgotten what he did to us. The next time we find him, we will have show him why we are assassins in the first place." Leone response, looking darkened.
Even though Najenda made the order to pursue the truth behind Fangire to be dangerous, Akame agreed that Raiga and the power he possesses as Kiva being too dangerous to leave for those in the Empire to try and obtain said power. Leone and Lubbock tried to look for the whereabouts of the armored man individually and his dragon castle. There was simply no way for someone to hide that big of a castle from those who live around the capital. Akame believed even if Raiga must go down, they could least try to get information about Tatsumi's friend and rescue her.
Unknown to them, the goal wasn't going to be that easy. For that, the young man who is known as an armored warrior was no longer in the capital.
Fuuko is talking with Sayo in her house about why Raiga isn't present in the village right now. Even though the affair with Asuka was done with, the only thing left is to keep an eye on Sayo especially her mental condition from the trauma she experienced in the Capital. It's a good thing that both Sayo's grandfather and younger sister weren't present due to their errands or it will make thing things more awkward than before.
"I see, so Raiga doesn't feel well and decided to sleep in," Sayo said, sitting in the opposite chair directly from Fuuko. "No doubt it's about what happened yesterday…" she pondered with a concerned look.
"Did anything happen in the village after what happened?" Fuuko inquired, as she was curious about what Asuka had possibly done that might impact the village.
"Umm… I think many believed we passed out from drinking despite none of us recalling what happened." Sayo quietly replied.
Fuuko sighs with relief. It means they will likely not be kicked out of the village at any moment as the villagers hadn't figured out Asuka being a Fangire.
"So…how do you feel about being home again after coming back?" Fuuko asked as she wants to change the topic of the subject with her friend.
Sayo started with a quiet voice. "There are so many things I can't described…but it felt like I was away for so long after what happened back in the Capital. Everything is still the same as they were. But…"
"But…?" Fuuko tilted her head to the side and looking confused.
"I still can't help think about what happens at that mansion and that family," Sayo said. This made Fuuko look slightly nervous as she recalls seeing something like this when Raiga must calm her down. It makes her regret asking what her thoughts are about seeing home which was a bad trigger for her trauma.
"Sayo, you no longer need to be afraid—"
"NO!" This made Fuuko flinch at the shout of her voice. "I still wish we could've noticed and done things differently! Was there anything I could do? All that training we had done in the village didn't help us…nothing helped up prepare for what lied ahead…I must keep talking about it, or I will go mad! I'm sorry for the outburst even though-"
"No! I-It's fine…" Fuuko whispered with a slightly fearful tone and uncertainly. "You can keep going." She replied, as she holds onto her hand and continued listening to the distraught black-haired girl's story once again.
Fuuko stayed where she was while listening to Sayo's story from her perspective and what she thought would be different if there are other choices for her and Ieyasu to make. It wasn't long until she felt Sayo's hands were lessened as the black-haired girl soon stopped after retelling her account once again.
"I'm truly sorry about making you hear that once again, Fuuko." Sayo answered, "You might think that it was wrong for me to keep them in despite how disgusted I am."
"No!" Fuuko shakes her head. "Y-You aren't the only ones who felt that way… with what things have been done to you and have your life being completely ruined… but most of all, you're more considered fortunate to have a family waiting for you and didn't reject you." she responds timidly.
This made Sayo look and feeling guilty after hearing what she says. She might not know exactly what happened to Fuuko except that Raiga took her in from the street of the capital and kept her from dying.
"I'm sorry…"
"It's fine. I don't have anyone in the capital who would care if someone like me went missing; death tends to be more peaceful for those who don't have anyone to support them." Fuuko said with a stoic expression. "Sayo, what are you going to do from here on?" she asked curiously, as this made her friend look confused.
"What do you mean?" Sayo wanted clarification.
"Raiga-sama brought you back to your village, what are you going to do now? Or do you feel you were better off with us?" asked Fuuko. Although Fuuko felt that it would be nice to have another girl in Castle Doran where she can have a conversation with, she knew Sayo have people here for her.
Sayo wore an expression of conflict when Fuuko asked her that one question. She still has trouble finding an answer. "To be honest…I don't know what I want to do now." She replied quietly. "I can't hunt any Danger Beasts again without getting panic attacks. Not to mention my village is still suffering from food and poverty problems."
"That's true…" Fuuko responded. "But I am surprised that your village didn't consider leaving the country and start a new life elsewhere."
"…we don't know where else to go nor do we have the money to do so," Sayo answered honestly.
Fuuko takes a deep breath. "That is something that can't be avoided…" She replied. There is no way Castle Doran is capable of supporting an entire village especially with the dangerous contraptions in the living dragon.
In the training ground of Night Raid, Tatsumi was seen thrown across the field by Bulat in their sparring session. Both men were at it since Bulat invited him after noticing him being by himself.
"You're getting better, Tatsumi," Bulat remarked. "Lasted longer than the last round."
"Again…" Tatsumi breathed out, standing up on weary legs. The young man was panting heavily and looked on the verge of collapse. "One more time… Bro!"
"Tatsumi… I can still see that you're still troubled by the encounter. Will you still be able to keep on fighting?" Bulat asked with a concern expression.
"I don't know… What would happen if the next time we were send off to kill, we ended up killing another innocent individual without knowing?" Tatsumi asked.
"That is something that can't be avoided. Do you remember my former Master? Gensei?" asked Bulat.
Tatsumi looked with grimace. He and Akame were with him when they were out on the mountain before encountering Bulat's former master, who used to be the stronger general of the Empire. The reunion soon turned into a sour revelation on Bulat's former master who and others in the White-brown association were responsible for killing many people in the Capital. Night Raid was dispatched with Bulat and his former master fighting one last time.
"He who used to be someone who I thought to admire before giving into murder due to being a warrior for almost all his life…making himself unable to be attached to normal people. Even though there was no way for him to stop, I wished that he didn't have to turn out to be like this." Bulat said before looking at the wooden blade in this hand.
"I see…" Tatsumi replied.
"Another person in mind is your friend Raiga… he is someone with strength and motivation completely unknown to us." Bulat answered.
It was the first and only time that nearly all members of Night Raid get the roughest battle by someone who they thought would be easy to capture. Raiga pulled out an unexpected trump card in changing his armor's form. That wasn't the only thing Bulat noticed was the behavior of Kiva was more hot temper and animalistic, more than Leone could ever be. It left Bulat to wonder how someone like him could be capable of such power enough to cancel out his Incursio.
"There are things that I still don't understand about him. Like, how he could be that strong and why he used his power for…well, he seems to be aware of the corruption but won't destroy the ones responsible for it." Bulat responded. Even if Najenda forbids the goal of looking more about the story behind Raiga and his Kiva armor, he still can't help wonder what the story behind them.
"Maybe… he is worried about the people being caught in the attack?" Tatsumi guessed. "The palace is pretty massive, and it could be dangerous if they fall on top of the people."
This made Bulat look a bit surprised at his words.
"From what I knew about the Emperor's palace; it was made from materials to prevent it falling and no one saw it fall in a long time," Bulat informed. "But if something like that monster could damage the palace, it would likely fall on the rest of the capital."
"How many lives would be lost if the palace falls on the rest of the capital?" Tatsumi asked.
"It's hard to say..." Bulat answered.
In Castle Doran, Jiro was looking though a large book while sitting in one of the dinning room chairs. Before the man known as Narutaki left after restoring IXA back to its original condition, the man left them with two objects that endure they would be able to take care of IXA if there were any damages— a Fuestle and a book.
The Fuestle was mean for the members of the MotorBat Kivat clan while the book were instructions around the IXA System that could be simple repair bools. They didn't need to worry about the Fuestle as they did have a good connection with branch clans of the Kivat family.
Jiro decided to have a look at the book himself. Though he finds it lengthier than he would originally expect with some terms that he doesn't understand.
"It looks like you have a hard time reading it, Jiro," Ramon said with a somewhat amused expression.
"After all, someone needs to make certain that the IXA System won't fall into the wrong hands once again." Jiro grunts, still looking through the book.
"Do you think that Fuuko-neechan will be able to take care of herself?" Ramon asked.
"It will be determined whether or not she will be fit to stand beside Raiga-sama as his partner," Jiro replied gruffly.
"I see."
"Were you able to pick up anything odd from Narutaki?" Jiro questioned.
Soon the Last Merman has a frown on his face. "To be honest, there is something off about him as I can't hear his thoughts," Ramon stated with a concerned expression. "Someone like him simply can't be an ordinary human. He doesn't feel like he belonged in this world."
"I see. I don't know what trouble that man might get us involved with, but there are also hidden objectives from unknown parties that want to ruin this nation." Jiro responded.
True, they know well that Fangires won't hesitate coming here to satisfy their hunger from stubborn mortals who are fighting among themselves to the death. But there seems to be a hidden objection according to the letter of Raiga's former friend.
"To get that much souls… who are they intent on bringing back?" Riki asked.
"Who knows? This is not how they work." Jiro responded.
It wasn't long until Sayo left her house with Fuuko accompanying her. Sayo still hadn't made up her mind about what she's going to do from here, though she didn't know what to feel about staying in her house despite it being warm from the cold weather that was always part of her village's life.
"Isn't that your sister?" Fuuko asked as she pointed to Ruiko and other villagers talking among themselves.
"I never heard of this before… did something devour them so quickly?" One of the villagers inquired.
"It's hard to believe, but there were only glass-like corpses of them left." Another villager said.
"What's going on?" Sayo asked, getting some attention especially from her sister.
"We were going to around the mountain area to hunt for Danger Beasts before finding most of them as glass-like corpses," Ruiko revealed, as this made both girls look bewildered at the fact.
"H-How many are we talking about…?" asked Sayo, looking grimace. If what she is telling them is true about most of the Snow Danger Beasts were out, then—
"Nearly enough that might make the village starve." Another villager answered, making them see the grim path for their village. "Whatever devoured them is leaving them in glass-like husks that shatter after we've touched them."
"Has anyone seen what it was?" Fuuko asked, weary of what might cause the Snow Danger Beasts to be corpses.
"We hadn't figured it out, no matter how far we tried to search." Another villager responds grimly.
So, it's a Fangire… The girl thought calmly. After all, who else could leave glass corpses behind than Fangire?
"Say... is your friend around?" asked another villager to Fuuko. "We didn't know where Asuka was, but we all need the help that we can get." Though the villagers didn't notice there was a slight flinch upon the mention of Asuka's name.
"S-Sorry, my Master doesn't feel well and is resting." Fuuko apologized awkwardly, "That is why I will go in his place instead." She answered as she realized that this is her opportunity to prove herself and see how far she can go.
This made both Sayo and Ruiko look surprised at her.
"Are you sure?" The villager inquired skeptically. It was not that they doubted her words, they just think she is too fragile loping to be a fighter.
Fuuko nodded, with a serious expression. Although it was her first time in cold weather like this, she needs more practice to get used to everything.
"Fine, we just need more help with the lookout for any clues about what's responsible for what happened to Danger Beasts. If she doesn't get into trouble, she should be a fine lookout for us." A villager voiced out. "Do you think you're okay working with us tomorrow?" he inquired.
Fuuko noticed that Ruiko stares at her oddly and thought that she wants to say something. Fuuko nodded to the villager who asks her the question.
"I guess that settles it."
It wasn't long until the villagers went their way, though Ruiko stays where she was while looking at Fuuko and her sister, who have shown to be a bit worried.
"Are you certain that you'll be able to keep up with us? You aren't that used to the weather out here." Ruiko questioned, trying to figure out whether she is capable or not.
"I'm fine with it. I will adapt to the situation." Fuuko replied calmly.
The two girls stare at each other for a few minutes before Sayo was the one who spoke out.
"If it is alright… maybe we can tell her what to expect around the forest and Danger Beasts." Sayo intervenes as quickly as possible. She is aware that Fuuko has been training within Castle Doran, though she doesn't know this region like her and the rest of the village.
This made her sister look bewilder at her older sister. "Are you certain that you want your friend to be involved?" she asked.
"At least it will help her know things better so she could take care of herself." Sayo reasoned to her younger sister.
Ruiko soon let out a sigh before turned toward Fuuko. "Alright, if you are going to come with us to hunt what responsible, you better listen to what I have to say about the woods." She said, with a serious expression.
"Fine by me." Fuuko answered flatly. But she felt relieved that she does get a chance to fight something real for the first time.
(Tomorrow)
Fuuko is with Ruiko and other villagers left in the village and going onward to the mountain area a few hours ago, where they're looking into other hunting grounds that the villagers were familiar with.
The more we come here, the more chilly it becomes… Fuuko thought while holding herself together, marching through the woods with the others. It might be something that those who live in the area were more used except for her. One thing she decided that after finishing this mission is getting a hot bath to overcome the chill.
"Look over there." One of the villagers spoke, pointing his finger in the direction.
They turned to see what looks like a large Danger Beast, but its appearance was so transparent that make it see-through.
So, it's true that there is a Fangire around here… Fuuko thought to herself. She watches Ruiko and others examine the empty husk of the Danger Beast. Though there is not much for them to do as she recalls from the guardians of Castle Doran that they will shatter after something makes contact with them.
"There are some fresh tracks here that are different," Ruiko said after noticing unusual footprints not far from the corpse.
"How long do these tracks usually last?" asked Fuuko raising an eyebrow at what she says. She may not know how long footprints last, but she least could get some pointers.
"The easy way is to see if the surrounding area of the footprint is dirty. If not, then they were made recently." One of the villagers explained. "You could also compare footprints with your own to see the difference of how long that they last." He demonstrated by placing his foot down beside the unknown footprint.
"I see…"
"It's better that we get going or we could lose the target," Ruiko stated.
"I see…" Raiga said, looking at Sayo who sat in front of him. "I knew that something like this would occur." He said.
"Are you okay with her going out there?" Sayo asked with a concerned expression.
Raiga sighed slightly depressed. "I won't deny that I'm worried… after all, I promised her that I would give her a different life than what she has in the Capital. And she'll become better and didn't need to worry about living in the affair of conflict in the Capital anymore." He answered. With the IXA System being repaired, he should at least make certain whether Fuuko could handle the mantle of IXA than letting her end up being driven crazy like that fake justice woman. He is still sore about what happened to his old friend Asuka, especially with the fact that he dealt with the final blow on her. And knowing that it already too late for her. The only solace he could take was that her essence won't be disturbed.
Sayo soon takes a deep breath. "I think that I want to stay in my village, Raiga." She answered.
"I see." Raiga sigh as he acknowledged Sayo's own decision.
"I also enjoyed the time with you and your household, Raiga. I do want to keep hanging out with you and Fuuko. I want to see Tatsumi again. But it's just…I'm afraid of fighting. I'm afraid of the sight of blood being spilled. I can't stand fighting. Someone like me… will probably hold others back." Sayo confessed.
Raiga is about to say something before he hears a familiar violin tune playing in his head and makes him curse before getting up from the chair.
"Sorry, Sayo. I have to go now." Raiga answered.
Sayo nodded sadly before Raiga left her house and closed the door behind him.
Back in the forest, Fuuko and others continued onward from there while they kept their guards. As they keep traveling through the woods, they kept noticing more Danger Beast's transparent corpses around the woods.
Suddenly they hear a painful roar into the air.
"What is that noise?" asked Fuuko.
"We might find our target!" Ruiko said as she and other villagers charge ahead.
Fuuko hurried as she quickly followed them from behind as Ruiko and the villagers stopped upon seeing something that they never saw before.
Standing from afar was a Fangire feeding on a large Danger Beast. The Fangire resembled a buffalo. The stain glass body was mainly brown with fur-like a coat over his chest resembling armor, hanging down from behind his head was hair resemble the tail of a buffalo. The head itself resembles that of a buffalo but with a face that had a fanged mouth and evil eyes. Its shoulders have large horns point out of them.
"What in the world is that thing?" Ruiko gasped in shock.
"That hit the spot…" The Buffalo Fangire said after finishing his latest meal. He then turns around and noticed that he wasn't alone. "Oh? I never thought that I get to have desert next…" he said with a sick smile.
"It can talk!?" A villager exclaimed in disbelief.
"You will be more than that…!" The Buffalo Fangire shouts, before coming charged at them.
Fuuko and others moved out of the way from the Fangire's rampage as the Fangire skids across the snowy ground. The villagers got out weapons such as spears and swords to charge at the Fangire while Ruiko got her bow and arrow.
The Buffalo Fangire let the villagers come at him as their weapons that didn't do much to his body, as they ended up breaking apart from contact with his body. This promoted the Fangire to slam his fists to the ground, causing a large quake toward their direction.
Fuuko moved out of the way while everyone else is launched off unbalance in the process. The brown haired girl checked on others to see that the attack cause them to end up unconscious.
"What are you going to do, little girl?" asked the Buffalo Fangire.
"I… I will fight!" Fuuko answered before getting out the IXA Belt and wrapped around her waist. She then gets out the IXA Knuckle next and pressed her palm on it.
"That knuckle and belt… Impossible!" The Buffalo Fangire gasped in shock. He thought those things were no more after the previous one died.
"READY!"
"Henshin…" Fuuko shouts, sliding the IXA Knuckle into the belt.
"FIST ON!"
Soon a gold mirage appeared in front of her before it merged with her as she donned the armor as IXA. She soon picked up the IXA-calibur and goes into a battle stance.
"IXA!? I thought that he was gone!" The Buffalo Fangire responded, looking in disbelief at the sight of the armor.
IXA soon charged and tries to slash the Fangire. But the Fangire snapped out his shock and moved out of the way from the attack for his head. She then tries to swing again and struck the Buffalo Fangire in the chest, though the Fangire didn't seem to faze.
"My turn…" The Buffalo Fangire said before grabbing the IXA-calibur with his right hand and send it with IXA flying away from him.
The white armored female soon rolled out of the way when the Fangire come charging at her and smacks his head into the tree.
IXA barely managed to get back up from the ground and charged once again before slashing the Fangire from behind.
This made the Fangire scream in pain before freeing his head from the tree, and slams his fist hard to the ground releasing shockwave blast at her.
IXA rolled out of the way from the shockwave attack before turning the IXA-calibur into gun mode and pulled the trigger.
The bullets went straight at the Fangire, but the Fangire didn't flinch from the pain and was about to unleash another shockwave attack.
IXA was about to dodge when she hears a groan and turned her back before her eyes widen in shock. Not far from where she was, were Ruiko and other villagers that were still unconscious. This made her frozen insight.
No…! IXA nearly forgot that they were still unconscious and couldn't move from where they are. She found herself in a difficult situation that she can't avoid. If she dodges the next attack, then it would hit them—
But Buffalo Fangire already unleashed his attack and fired at her. However, a powerful razor wind appeared out of the woods and blocked off the attack. IXA turned toward the direction and saw Kiva with his battle fans in his hands.
Kiva makes his way toward the Buffalo Fangire and grabs the said Fangire away from others as the Rider soared through the air.
"HEY! Let go of me, you bastard!" Buffalo Fangire shouted before trying to break himself free.
"Then don't mind if I do…!" Kiva taunted as he released the Fangire before he could attack him.
The Fangire was rolling across the snowy ground before slipping down the hill in the process until he stopped by a snowy cliff wall.
Kiva landed on the ground not far from where the Fangire was and goes into a combat stance. "Now there's no need to worry about the other getting caught in the attack."
The Fangire got back up from the ground and come charging at him with his horn. Kiva moved out of the way after the Fangire break a large boulder.
Buffalo Fangire turned around and slammed his fist to the ground as he released a shockwave attack. Kiva rolled by his right shoulder to avoided the attack and continued rolling to avoid another.
Before the Fangire could continue his attack, IXA coming out of the woods and released a downward slash with IXA-calibur. This made the Fangire stagger forward and screams in pain.
"BASSHA MAGNUM!"
Kiva reached for Basshaa Magnum and his visor turned emerald green as he fired icy shots at the Fangire in response. IXA charged forward and released multiple slashes on the Fangire in the process, causing the Fangire more pain.
"You… I won't forgive this!" The Buffalo Fangire screamed before charging at IXA and tackled her against the hard wall. He grabbed her by the neck and starting to choking her in the process.
"Fuuko!" Kiva shouts before reaching for his gun.
But the Buffalo Fangire turned around and used IXA as a shield while still holding her in a choking position. "Don't come any close or she will die very soon…!" he taunted as Kiva hesitated to reach for the trigger of his weapon.
IXA struggled to move from where she was while feeling the heat within the armor starting to building up right now.
"I… I will not lose!" IXA screamed as she started kicking the Fangire with her leg right now. Though this made the Fangire laugh knowing the kicks don't hurt him at all.
IXA's golden faceplate opened, revealing red eyepieces. The faceplate had opened in four sections with the lower sections going to her cheeks and the upper ones rising just above the eyes. At the same time, she released a burst of heat that sent the Fangire skidding backward. Kiva chooses to stay where he was to avoid the burst of heat while looking at IXA with a surprised expression.
IXA was breathing heavily trying to catch her breath before taking note of a surge of information inputted in her mind. Information occurs after the eyes revealed themselves.
"Let's go…!" shouted IXA, becoming serious. She got out her IXA-calibur and charged forward at the Fangire before slashing the back of the Fangire a couple of times.
This sends the Fangire rolling across the ground before getting back up. When he noticed the ground beneath him starting to freeze him, he gapped.
"What!?" Buffalo Fangire turned around and saw Kiva's visor glowing before the Rider firing a more incoming barrage of icy cold shots at him and starting to freezing the rest of his body.
"Finish this, Fuuko!" Kiva shouts to IXA who got out a Fuestle from her belt.
"I will!" She inserts the Fuestle into the IXA Knuckle before pushed the knuckle attachment against it. It made some beeping noises.
"IXA-CALIBUR: RISE UP!"
Suddenly a mirage of sun shined behind IXA, that blinded the Buffalo Fangire while the charge transferred from her armor into her weapon.
IXA used a horizontal slash on the frozen Buffalo Fangire across his waist, creating a large crack through the body. She then held her sword in front of him before thrusting forward and striking where the Fangire's heart was located. The Fangire shattered, releasing the soul which was in the form of an orb of light. Castle Doran appeared and ate the soul before it could escape. Kiva's home then swallowed and then flew through the sky which turned to normal.
IXA breathes heavily before her armor canceled and reversal back to her original form. She was about to fall to the ground before a pair of arms caught her, this made her look up to see Raiga.
"That wasn't a bad start for you, Fuuko," Raiga answered, standing beside her in a warm dressed jacket.
"Why?" she asked, looking confused.
"Though you need help carrying the villagers back." Raiga response before he started walking together with her back to others.
The duo made it back in a few hours with Ruiko and other villagers in what looks like a makeshift snow sled before getting a checkup by the village doctor.
"I'm sorry." Fuuko apologized to Raiga who was not far from where the doctors were treating Ruiko and other villagers.
"There is no need for that, Fuuko. Ruiko and others lived. So, there is no harm." Raiga pointed out. But Fuuko stayed where she was and stares hard at him.
"No, you don't understand… I hesitated at that moment. I was stuck between moving out of the way or letting someone else get killed. I didn't know what the right decision—" Fuuko answered until she felt Raiga placed his hands on her shoulders.
"It's fine if you aren't ready to do something. No one expected you to jump to take a blow for someone else yet. It's something that others only do when they're willing to do it for another." Raiga assured, making her look surprised. "But you did last long enough after the armor restored and fought against your first foe. That is enough for letting me know I can trust you can take care of yourself whenever I'm absent." He continued.
Fuuko soon let herself take a deep breath and looks back at him.
"Do you think we should check on Sayo first before discussing what we will do afterward?" Fuuko asked. Raiga nodded.
The duo soon makes their way back to the patients' room before they saw Sayo ran past them and leaving out of the building which leaves them in shock. This made them run after her as she runs not far to a nearby tree and seeing her thrown up to the ground.
"Sayo, are you alright?" Fuuko asked, looking shocked.
"I… I…" Sayo mumbled.
"It's alright. I'm sorry." Raiga apologized, feeling like that they were the cause of this.
"Not… your fault." She shuddered as she then began to cry, "I… No! I'm…" pulling back from the tree, she stumbled backward, falling against the wall. "I didn't mean to run from my little sister! Even if her injury was minor… than mine! I… why? I'm so pathetic!" she screamed out in frustration.
Raiga remembered the conversation and approached her closely.
"Sayo, it's not your fault," Raiga reassured her, kneeling to her level.
"Then why do I felt this way?" she asked. "All I can think was what happened in the warehouse. All… It was just that family all over again. Drugging me, threatening… Why?"
Raiga frowned as he held her hand. "Trauma… It doesn't leave very easily, Sayo." He knelt in front of her, one hand holding hers while the other rubbed her head softly. "What happened to you… It was terrible. An act done to you by things beyond redemption. I'm… Sorry."
"Why am I so weak, Raiga?" She asked, trying to ignore the acid taste in her mouth.
"You. Are not. Weak." Raiga frowned, pushing their foreheads together.
"But. But I-" she frowned, looking at his gray-colored eyes.
Raiga sighed. He closed his eyes as he thought back to Asuka's letter and takes a deep breath. He found his voice at last. "Listen, Sayo. You're not weak. Those things might break a bone in your heart. Injuries take time to recover. Me, Fuuko, and everyone in this village will happily help you do so. We will be there to support you. Both your friends Tatsumi and Ieyasu never mention you being weak. We all believe you are strong, which is why you will stand strong again. Alright?" he asked softly. It may be too late for him to save Asuka. It doesn't mean he can still be able to prevent terrible fate to others.
Sayo can't help feel shocked at his words. "…Why do you have to keep being so close to me?" she joked nervously.
"Maybe I want to get close to break you out of your shell." He joked. "Did I get to you this time?"
"Y-Yeah… I feel better." Sayo answered as she slowly gets up. "I… WANT to get strong. I can't disappoint Ruiko by keep getting sick from illness and injuries again." She said confidently. This is a lot more confident than she usually sounds.
"You'll overcome it someday. It will take time, but you'll get better." Raiga turned to look at Fuuko, "We will stay here for few more days to help Sayo before leaving her with her village. Is that alright, Fuuko?" he asked.
"If that is what you want, Raiga-sama. I accept." Fuuko answered.
"Thank you, Raiga. Fuuko." Smiled Sayo to them.
"Let's go back and see your sister again. We will make certain that you won't outrun her once again." Raiga offering his hand to her.
Sayo soon got up from the ground as Raiga and the two girls returned to the building.
In an unknown area within the woods, the white hooded man seen the presence of many dead bodies of possible native tribes belonging to this land. He watched is companion, who was wearing a black cloak, gathering the life force before it formed into a large ball.
"Their greed and fear… will satisfy our Lord's awakening." His companion spoke before sending the large energy orb deep into the ground before an unknown energy symbol crafted and vanished.
The white hooded man hears flapping wings before looking up to see what looks like a Kivat. His body is around the same size as Kivat the Third, but his body is mostly snowy white with blue ears, and red eyes. It also had a nose. It also had a nose.
The white hooded man raising his arm as he let the white Kivat bat landed on his arm. "Souei, it seems that Asuka failed her mission and Kiva is presence in that spot." The Kivat bat said, his voice sounding almost stoic and cold.
"What do we do about Kiva, Souei?" His companion asked.
It takes a few minutes before the white hooded man spoke up, "With her down, that place is of no use to us. We're going to make certain that we hit every part of the map before the escalation of both sides of the Empire." He said.
"Very well, we will be continuing onward to the next village." The black cloaked companion spoke as they soon make their way out of the area.
To be continued…
AN: That is the end of the chapter. And I like promised one reviewer that I will show what's going on with Night Raid after making them not shown and how most of them deal with the consequence of their action. Don't worry, I might do more scenes on them. After all, no one among them had face terrible loss yet even with Seryu being kicked off the stage.
As for the question about Decade or AR Kiva that appeared in my story and the plot, I will leave it ambiguous. The only reason why I have Narutaki making an appearance is to help with IXA repaired.
About Sayo staying with her family and everyone else, I was struggled to come up with a reason for whether she has a reason to stay with Raiga and others or staying in her village to continued onward healing after what happens. I listened to few opinions from others before deciding that Sayo should get proper rest away from the corruption. It's for the best that she stayed behind to get well needed rest and timing recovery from her personal trauma.
That's all for now!