Far off into the Desertlands stands a mighty castle. Just outside at the top of a hill with blades mounted on it, a lone figure was standing on it. He wore a red sleeveless robe over a black uniform with golden accents along with black leggings and boots as he also had long black hair tied into a ponytail. He is soon joined by another figure, wearing leather armor.

"Are you praying, Hikari?" the young man asked. "Don't waste your breath. If you are going to pray… Pray for the ones fighting for their lives, not those already in the dirt."

"I didn't come here to pray. I came here to remember." the ponytailed young man known as Hikari said. "To remember the friends who gave their lives on the altar of our mission. Today I fight for them."

"It's time, my prince." the young man said.

"Then let's join the fray, Ritsu." Hikari said as the two men charged down the hill and into the battlefield.

(Cue: Jump Into the Battlefield Ver. 2- Dynasty Warriors 3)

Hikari and Ritsu swiftly joined the battle, helping their soldiers fight against the enemy army.

Clan Ku, Hikari's people, are a clan forever at war. For as long as they've lived, they have fought to claim their rightful place as residents of Hinoeuma. On this day, they are battling to secure the southern region of Hinoeuma.

"Don't soil your breeches, Hikari." Ritsu said, sword at the ready.

"...I would worry about yourself." Hikari said.

"My name will be remembered by history. I'll etch it upon the heavens themselves. I won't die in a hellhole like this!" Ritsu declared.

"Well said, Ritsu. Let us press on, for the glory of Ku!" Hikari said.

Hikari and Ritsu advanced forward, cutting down any enemy soldiers in their way. As they did, two figures were observing from above. One standing on the sands in a haori, and the other atop a horse clad in red demonic looking samurai armor.

"...Good. Prince Hikari's display has put the fear of death into them." the man in the haori said. "Now for the finishing touch."

"Our time has come at last." the man in armor said as he stepped forward. "Clan Ku shall rise from the desert as its ruler."

"General Mugen, you lead the pride of our military. The nation of Ku's fiercest soldiers ride at your back." the man in the haori said. "Become the tempest, and scatter those southern dogs to the winds. The sands shall wait for the time to strike, then follow in your wake and scour the field… And when the fury of the storm subsides, our enemies will be smothered and buried."

"A brilliant strategy as always, Kazan." Mugen said. "Your keen eyes see the battlefield as none other, Eagle of Ku."

Kazan then bows to Mugen. "...May you have luck on the battlefield."

"Luck has no place here. Only strength reigns supreme." Mugen said. "And the mighty shall build their castles upon the corpses of the weak." he said before pulling his sword out and raising it. "Cut them to ribbons! Bring the fury of the desert upon them!" he shouted as he descended to the battlefield.

The soldiers behind him roared in agreement, raising their own weapons in the air. Mugen led his cavalry into battle himself, using his sword to cut down a group of soldiers in one strike.

"Now you southern worms shall know the vast gulf between our strengths!" Mugen declared, cutting down two more.

"He's inhuman!" an enemy trooper called. "The Scarlet Demon of Ku… General Mugen!"

"Ageha!" Mugen called out.

"Aye!" a man named Ageha said as he cut down another group of soldiers.

"Does your will to live burn so faintly, curs?! Raise your weapons or be trampled beneath me!" Mugen said as he charged forward with his soldiers.

Meanwhile, Hikari and Ritsu continued forward as they were soon joined by a young woman in a warrior outfit with a blue cloth tied around the waist, a fur collar around her neck, and halberd in hand.

"Are you hurt, Hikari?" the woman asked. "The noble sands of Ku dance at your back, and they know no fear! Not a single enemy shall pass through our storm!"

"Rai Mei, stay close to me! Keep moving!" Hikari said.

The three continued on before stopping in front of the enemy general and two of his soldiers as the three readied their weapons.

"...Ah, here we are." Ritsu said.

"It's the enemy general. Now to prove your mettle, Hikari." Rai Mei said.

Hikari nods to Rai Mei and faces the general. "I shall honor the memory of my fallen allies. My blade will not waver."

"Now you pay the price for your tyranny, bastards of Ku!" the general said.

"It's time to finish this. Come!" Hikari said as he, Ritsu and Rai Mei lock into battle with the general.

Hero from Hinoeuma

Southern General

The trio battled the Southern general with their blades, the general himself backed up by two of his troops. The three warriors pushed the General back, but one of his troops snuck up from behind Hikari's blind spot and leaped right at him.

"Hikari, behind you!" Rai Mei warned.

"Die, scum of Ku!" the troop said before he was cut down by a blade.

"What was that?" Ritsu asked.

"Phew… That was a close one." a voice said as it was revealed to be a young man in a leather jacket and pants, an outfit quite foreign to the people of Ku. "You guys don't mind, if I cut in, do you?"

"Who are you?" Hikari asked, sensing a sort of presence emanating from him.

"My name shouldn't be a concern right now." David said.

"You don't look like you are from Ku. Why do you insist in intruding in our affairs?!" the general asked.

"Let's just say I'm a mercenary sent to protect Prince Hikari here." David said. "Also don't bother running. I've got others scattered across the battlefield."

"Hmph. I don't care how many of you there are. I shall strike you all down where you stand!" the general said.

"You can try, but you will still fall." David said as he drew Soul Calibur Replica and swiped, sending a gust at the general and his soldiers.

"Gah! To think an outsider whelp like you would have this much power." the general said.

"Now's our chance, Hikari!" Ritsu said.

"Right. Ritsu, Rai Mei, with me!" Hikari said.

With the Southern General off guard, Hikari, Ristu and Rai mei attacked the general together and felled him, keeping him alive, but undoubtedly defeating him.

(end song)

"It's over." Hikari said.

"No. We won't… We won't leave the desert in your clutches…" the general said. "The accursed clan…must be…"

"Get back!" David called out as Mugen charged in and sliced at the general, cutting him down.

"Brother…" Hikari said in shock, as Mugen got off his horse.

"Softhearted whelp. Show sympathy to the enemy, and you tarnish the name Ku in the process." Mugen said, before turning his gaze towards David. "...I didn't think you would have to rely on outsiders for such a simple task, Hikari." he said before walking towards his troops. "The enemy general is slain! Victory is ours!"

The army cheered in raucous victory, before the leader of the Ku Clan stepped forward through the crowd, causing Mugen to kneel.

"Your majesty." Mugen addressed.

"Today's glory was paid for with the blood of many…" the king said. "But victory is ever an occasion for celebration, Mugen, Hikari. Our enemies have been put to heel, their forces crushed under our might. The nation of Ku shall know prosperity untold…"

The army cheered once more, before the king faltered, Hikari rushing to his side.

"Your Majesty…?" Hikari asked.

"Hikari… I tire of this heat…" the king said as he soon left.

"But what was that thing the general said before? Something about the accursed clan?" David asked.

"Put it out of your mind. A half-blood like him and outsiders such as yourselves need not worry of such things." Mugen said.

"Can you hear it too? That voice?" Hikari asked Mugen.

Mugen just stood there as Ritsu ran up.

"General, you struck the killing blow. Go with glory." Ritsu said.

"What is your name?" Mugen asked.

"It's Ritsu Mishuyo, my lord." Ritsu said.

"Compassion has no place in Ku, Hikari. You have no place to stand among us." Mugen said as he departed from the battlefield.

As sunset fell that day, Ritsu met with Hikari on the hill.

"Your brother is wrong, you know." Ritsu said. "We wouldn't have made it to the enemy general without you."

"You don't need to flatter me. I didn't do it alone." Hikari said.

"How long have we known each other? And not once have I bested you at swordplay." Ritsu remind. "You may be the prince, aye, but it was by dint of strength that you were made captain. It's all a lowborn urchin like me can hope for to simply be allowed in your presence."

"Don't be ridiculous, Ritsu. You will always have a place by my side." Hikari said.

"Heh, is that so? I'll try to keep up then, you can count on it." Ritsu assured.

"We live to fight another day, it seems." Rai Mei piped in, appearing before them. "The battle was long and trying. Let us dedicate this victory to the countrymen we lost today."

"It was an honor to have you with me, Rai Mei." Hikari replied.

"House Mei is the spear of Ku. We are to be wielded against its enemies." Rai Mei said.

"Oho, may I be welcomed among this vaunted company?" Kazan asked, coming to the trio's side.

"Of course, Kazan. Without your cunning strategy, we may very well have been buried under the sands." Hikari replied.

"They say victory is the sweetest of libations, or so they say. I wager tonight's drinks shall be sweet indeed." Kazan said.

"We can't toast yet, Kazan. The road ahead will be long and fraught with battle. Drinks will have to wait." Hikari replied.

"If you insist, my prince. I see war has only tempered your commitment to duty." Kazan said. "Still, promise me that when our conflicts are behind us, we'll raise our glasses in celebration."

"Consider it done." Hikari acknowledged.

Alas though, the chance to fulfill that promise would never come. After that battle, the conflicts soon came to a halt. The flames of war were now mere embers as Rai Mei and Kazan went their separate ways beyond the deserts. 3 years have passed since that battle.

Hinoeuma had known peace in those years, and the Brave Adventurers watched as Hikari went about his daily life without worry of conflict. Though he was a warrior, as the Prince of the Ku Clan, Hikari longed for the day when a world would be made without conflict or bloodshed.

"Hikari has grown to be quite the warrior. He is well-respected among his people." David said.

"Yes. If this keeps up, he may become king of this land. But…" Sectonia said.

"Yeah, we know what you're thinking about, Sectonia. Lotta guys serving under Mugen think he's gonna take the throne." Law said.

"Both of them have different visions of the future of this land." Leopardmon said.

"If it's all the same to you guys, my vote's for Hikari." Rantaro said.

"I dunno Rantaro… somethin' tells me Mugen's not gonna sit back and watch as Hikari takes the throne." Miu said.

"The only way he would become king would be if both the current king and Hikari died." Crusadermon said.

"And Mugen himself is aware of this. No doubt he will set a plan into fruition." Kabuki said.

"Perhaps we should uncover what that plan is now. That way, we'll be prepared to help Hikari on his journey." Dynasmon recommended.

"Dynasmon has a point. If we have the forethought of what his plan is, we might find a way to help Hikari counter it." Sachiko said.

"Where do we ask around for information about Mugen's plans though?" Trish asked.

"I know a place." Himiko said.

Himiko led the group to the merchants warehouse.

"The castle merchant?" Rinwell asked.

"If you know the right way to ask them, merchants can tell you anything." Himiko said.

"I'd wager that information won't come cheap." David said.

"True, but you're rich, ain't ya? Whatever he asks for, I'm sure you can pay." Trish said.

"Its not that easy. The currency in Solistia is Leaves, same as in Orsterra." Himeno said. "Do we still have some left over from our last adventure with H'aanit?"

"Yeah, I think we do. About 10000, but it should suffice for the time being." David said.

"Perfect." Himiko said as she bribed the merchant. "Now…tell us what we wanna know."

"Ah, the wandering mercenaries know well the ways of the world." the merchant said. "I've heard rumors that unusually large shipments of weapons have been delivered to the castle as of late. Soldiers get chatty during long watches, you see…They say General Mugen meets with this arms merchant upon the Crest of Heroes. Mugen may be stoking the embers of war…" he said before going back to his business.

"Just as we thought. Mugen is planning a coup." Meitenkun said.

"But if we catch him in the act, we might be able to stop him before anything begins." Shuichi said.

"Only one way to find out. We're going to this Crest of Heroes." Milo said.

The Brave Adventurers ventured out into the desert that night as they saw Prince Hikari standing there.

"Well…it seems I'm not the only one who visited the merchant." Hikari said.

"We meet again, Prince Hikari." David said.

"You… You were that mercenary from before. I take it this is your company?" Hikari asked.

"The Brave Adventurers, at your service." Zacian said.

"So, you are out to stop my brother as well before he usurps the throne." Hikari said.

"That's right. We heard from the merchant that Mugen is planning a coup." Tenko said.

"It's been too long, Hikari…" a voice said as Ritsu approached. "You can call me captain now. To think I used to look up to you, now fate has brought you low."

"Ritsu? Why are you here?" Hikari asked.

"What? Did you expect General Mugen? Or perhaps this 'arms merchant'? It was a trap. The king is dead. And Mugen's reign has begun." Ritsu said as the group looked to the city as flames spread across it.

"Damn it. The city is up in flames!" Omnimon said.

"You bastard!" Law said.

"I don't believe it… you're betraying your own kingdom? Why?!" Alphen asked Ritsu.

"I'm not betraying my kingdom. It cries out for change, and Lord Mugen will bring it." Ritsu said as two soldiers joined his side. "Sadly, none of you have a place in his Ku."

"Ha. Joke's on you. We wouldn't want a part of it, anyway." Miu said.

"Good….we'll be sure to engrave it on your tombstone…as you find your place in the sands!" Ritsu said as the soldiers attacked.

Traitorous Ku Captain

Ritsu Mishuyo

"Don't think we'll go down easy." Shionne said as she summoned her rifle.

"I guess we're doing this. You ready, Claude?" David asked.

"At the ready." Claude said.

"Right. Emblem, Engage!" David said as he Engages with Claude, now sporting Failnaught. At this, he fires a rain of arrows at Ritsu's soldiers. "Wow… H'aanit's bow skills are coming in handy here. Thanks, Claude."

"You are skilled, I'll give you that. But it won't be enough to defeat me." Ritsu said.

"Why go so far as to betray your best friend?" David asked.

"I told Hikari that my name would go down in history. With General Mugen…it'll go down for generations." Ritsu said.

"So all of this is to satiate your own ego? I truly pity you." David said.

"Shame…I say the same for you!" Ritsu said throwing sand right in David's eyes.

"Gah…! I can't see." David said.

"First rule of battle…there's no such thing as a fair fight!" Ritsu said going for the kill before being blocked by Hikari.

"The city burns. We must help!" Hikari said.

"You never did take me seriously. If you wanna help them, you'll have to cut through me first." Ritsu said as the two friends fought.

"You leave me no choice." Hikari said.

When he has no other option, or when the situation calls for him to hold nothing back, Hikari relies on one of three powerful techniques to cut down his foe swiftly. This can only be accessed through his Latent Power, Shadow's Hold.

"My blood boils…!" Hikari said, tapping into his inner darkness. "Hienka!" he said dealing two slashes to Ritsu, causing the captain to kneel.

"By the tempest, why does it always end the same? You're always…one step ahead." Ritsu growled. "Well…what are you waiting for? Do it! End it!"

Hikari simply sheathed his blade. "It's done."

"Hikari? You okay?" David said as he cleaned his eyes from the sand.

"Yes. I am fine. We have to hurry. The king is in danger!" Hikari said.

The group ran with Hikari and rushed through the burning stronghold. They were able to reach King Jigo's throne room to see Mugen confronting him.

"Grraaaa!" Mugen cried out as he landed the killing blow on the king.

"Father!" Hikari said running to his side.

"Hikari…will you…become king?" Jigo asked.

"Yes. I will. I will become king…and end this bloodshed." Hikari said.

"Mugen…is too strong. None of you…can face him alone. Run…gather your strength…your allies…only then…can you restore the light to…our…nation." Jigo uttered with his last breath as he passed away.

"His final words are proof of his weakness. That he would rely on others. Only I can become king. I will engulf this world in the fires of war." Mugen said.

"...That was the same world that Father lived in his whole life. A world he regretted making. But he came to believe in my vision. A vision of a world not forged by war, but by fellowship. Enjoy your grip on the throne while you can…but I will return and defeat you. And build a country father would be proud of." Hikari said.

"Hikari…" David said.

"He's right. One day that world will come to fruition. For now, though. We should take his advice and leave." Sectonia said.

And so they did. Hikari and the Brave Adventurers fled Ku Castle straight into the desert sands of Hinoeuma through the night. But neither Hikari nor his accompaniments looked back. With Hikari's eyes set firmly on the future, he rode…

Three Days Later, in a nearby town….

"Did you hear about what happened in Ku?" a passing traveler said.

"Is it as bad as they say?" another asked.

"Seems the younger prince wasn't satisfied with his lot. He and some mercenaries killed the king. The older brother repelled them and took the throne." the traveler said.

"How dreadful. We've had peace for so long." the other one said.

The group, who had heard this, was passing through the small town as the two travelers talked.

"It's so easy to pass rumors if you're not the one involved." Ming said.

"But Mugen still took the throne of Ku. Of course people would believe him." David said.

"Let him have it…for now. We will take it back. But we cannot do it alone." Hikari said.

"Very well…what's our first move, Prince Hikari?" Alphen asked.

"We need to cross the sea and travel east. To the city of scholars, Montwise. That…is where we'll find Kazan." Hikari said.

"Kazan… He was the strategist, if I remember correctly." David said.

"That's right. If there's anyone who would help enact a plan to liberate Ku, it would be him." Leopardmon said.

"But first before that, we need to get a ship." Shionne reminded.

"There is a port city on this continent. We can use that to make a stop at Toto'haha and take another ship to the eastern lands." Rantaro said.

"Then that is our course." Hikari said. "Our journey begins here… and you have my thanks, Brave Adventurers, for assisting me with my quest to gather my scattered allies."

"Ah, don't worry about it. We weren't just gonna sit by and let Mugen run a land like Ku to the ground." David said. "I've seen how war crazy monsters can destroy a nation. I won't let it happen to Ku."

"Glad we agree." Hikari said.

"Then let us be off. Next stop, Montwise." Alphamon said.

Prince Hikari of Ku, branded a traitor and driven from his home. Even Ritsu, once his comrade in arms, betrays him. In the end, he loses the throne to General Mugen, his own brother. With only the embrace of the desert sands to comfort him, he sets his gaze forward. In silence, he and his allies ride east…