"Matchmaker, Matchmaker" Chapter Three
Chapter Three
Jiro did not return to his apartment until very late the next day and was shocked to find a woman asleep in his bed, wrapped in a robe and covered in bloody scratches.
“Oh, Jiro!” Masao greeted the Wolfen, smiling. “You’re back! I take it last night went well?”
“WHY IS THERE A WOMAN IN MY BED?!”
“Oh, that’s my sister, Maya. You remember her? The master seductress.” Masao was completely non-plussed by Jiro’s reaction. “She was already asleep when I came back last night, but I didn’t notice her body condition until I found her this morning. Apparently, she rubbed her skin raw last night.”
“Being around Otoya will do that to you.”
“Actually, I don’t think it was Otoya. He’s a bit off, but he’s not creepy.” Masao looked worried. “She hasn’t gotten up since I’ve been home. I hope nothing’s wrong.”
Jiro inhaled deeply and suddenly, a scent he had learned over time to absolutely fear assailed his nostrils. It was the scent of the Fangire King. “Masao…” Jiro turned to his guest and looked him straight in the eye. “…Your sister came across the Fangire King last night.”
Masao paled. “ Well, no wonder she rubbed her skin raw… knowing Maya, he probably took an interest.”
“You should return to your own time as soon as possible.”
“Oh don’t worry, I will… but the plan is not quite done.” Masao smiled. “But you didn’t answer my question, Jiro-san… did you and Yuri have a good time?”
At this, Jiro actually smiled. “Yes… yes we did.”
“Ah! Maya, my goddess!” Otoya greeted Maya with a kiss to her hand and a bow, causing her to almost forget her uneasy encounters with the powerful Fangire from the evening before. “You’ve arrived. I was waiting.”
“I hope I didn’t keep you too long, Otoya-kun.” Maya replied with a smile.
“No, no, not at all!” Otoya put his arm around her shoulder and they walked off together. “I was just thinking of where I should take you today. How about for a garden walk? I can serenade you.”
“I would like that.” She found Otoya rather sweet and charming, and a bit of a dolt, but he was very kind.
“Ah, a woman after my own heart!” Otoya boasted, causing her to laugh. “A lover of music!”
“I play the harp and I sing and play the violin… you could say music is in my blood.” Maya was trying to be modest, but she was proud of her musical talents. “Now, where are these gardens?”
“Follow me, my angel of music! I will take you to them.”
“Now, Jiro,” Masao was coaching Jiro again that morning over coffee. “… For your next date, I think you should take Yuri someplace very special: a favorite spot of yours, maybe? Like; the park, or a landmark or…”
“There are these traditional gardens I like.” Jiro began, hesitant. “When I walk through them, I feel closer to nature.”
“A fantastic idea!” Masao clapped his hands. “I’m sure she’d love that.” He smiled and pulled out a box for Jiro. “And give her this to wear. I’m sure she’d look lovely in it.”
“It’s not a ball gown, is it?”
“No. It’s a yukata I made for her. It is a hot day, you know; I bet she’d feel better in a yukata.”
At Jiro’s stare, Masao felt exasperated. “What?”
“You make clothes?”
“I do a lot of things.” Masao smiled. “So, why don’t you give this to Yuri and ask her on this garden walk? I think she’d enjoy it.”
Slowly, Jiro nodded in agreement.
Even though she was with Otoya, Maya didn’t feel quite safe in the gardens. It was more of a traditional Japanese garden, so even the landscaping was beautiful, but the young Fangire felt distracted.
She felt as though someone was watching her… and her skin was crawling.
“Are you alright, Maya?” Otoya stopped in his playing to observe her. “You seem uneasy.
“Oh, no…” Maya lied. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”
As she moved to follow Otoya, she was unaware of the Kivat that was watching her from his perch in a tree.
Meanwhile, Jiro and Yuri, dressed in light yukatas, had arrived and were sitting on a bench near a maple tree. Yuri was lightly fanning herself, more than enjoying her love’s company. “Jiro, I had no idea such a place existed here. It’s almost like being transported back in time.”
“I thought you’d like it.” Jiro smiled. “I wanted to take you someplace special… when I come here, I feel closer to nature.”
“I’m glad you did.” She smiled at him again and Jiro was awestruck by how beautiful she looked in traditional clothing. If he ever got her into a kimono, he might faint at the sight. “It’s a beautiful spot.”
“Then maybe one day, I should take you to a traditional garden in Kyoto.” He suggested. “I think you’d like some of the gardens there, too.”
“I’d like that,” she smiled, but just as she was about to say something else, she suddenly spotted Otoya. “Otoya!”
Otoya, who was accompanied by the Fangire Jiro knew as Maya, suddenly
stopped and gave Yuri a smile. “Oh, Yuri! I did not expect to see you today. And you’re with Jiro. How nice.”
For once, Otoya was not putting the moves on Yuri, something that shocked her. “Oh, who’s your, um, date?”
“Oh, this is Maya. She’s a goddess. She appeared to me out of nowhere, weaving her magical spell.” Otoya was smiling so much that Jiro wondered if his cheeks hurt. “She’s lovely, isn’t she?”
“She is very pretty.” Yuri bowed her head. “Hello, Maya. I’m Yuri. This is my boyfriend, Jiro.”
Jiro’s face practically lit up at being introduced in such a way. “Nice to meet you, Maya.”
Maya gave Jiro a smile and he bowed his head in response. “You have a very attractive boyfriend, Yuri, but not as attractive as Otoya.”
“Isn’t she precious?” Otoya beamed. “Well, we won’t interrupt you. Come, Maya.”
“Yes, dear.” Maya smiled at Yuri and Jiro and then commented: “You two make a lovely couple.” With that, she and Otoya departed.
“Where did Otoya meet her?” Yuri wondered aloud. “And how is he not driving her nuts?”
“Maybe she really did fall out of the sky… an angel sent to teach him a lesson.” Jiro shrugged, before reaching out and gently turning her face towards his. “At any rate…let’s not worry about those two and get back to enjoying our day,” he leaned forward. “Have I mentioned how lovely you look yet?”
She giggled before tugging him forward by the collar and kissing him soundly.
As Otoya and Maya walked on, they paused so Otoya could whip out his violin.
“You just sit and relax, Maya, my love.” Otoya said. “I will serenade you with a song.”
Maya could use the break. “How lovely.” She murmured. “I look forward to such sweet music.”
“Seems like that little girl doesn’t learn.” From her observation point, the elder Maya sighed. “Can’t say I did not warn her… no matter. I will steal Otoya right out from under her little nose.”
As Otoya began to play, the younger Maya felt a presence again. Something was definitely watching her… and her skin began to crawl all over again. Unconsciously, she began to scratch at her skin, wondering what on earth had her so uncomfortable. It was a gorgeous day, Otoya was playing music for her… and her skin was crawling. It was worrisome.
Suddenly, a voice called from behind her. “I don’t know who you think you are, loathsome pest… but Maya belongs to me.”
Otoya stopped playing. “And who are you?”
“Someone who can give her everything her heart desires.” The male Fangire from the previous evening chose that exact moment to appear, causing Maya to seize up in fear. He smiled at her. “I told you we would meet again.”
“Just who the hell do you think you are?!” It was the first time Maya had actually heard Otoya yell.
“The King of all Fangire.” The Fangire explained. “I am called Camui. Maya is to be my new bride.”
“YOUR WHAT?!”
Maya went pale white at the very idea of being married to such a man.
“I have decided to take another wife.” Camui explained. “I have chosen this little girl to be my new bride. She will be the Queen of all Fangire, feared, respected… and most of all, adored by me.”
At the idea of it all, Maya almost wished she were dead.
“I have no time for such nonsense.” Camui smacked Otoya, sending him to the ground. “I will be taking the girl. I have a wedding to plan.”
“I would much rather die than be your wife!’ Maya shouted, getting up and deciding to bolt.
“Oh, running away? Won’t do you much good.” Camui moved quickly, suddenly scooping Maya up into his arms as she kicked and screamed.
“LET ME GO!” She shrieked. “PUT ME DOWN!” Finally, as a last desperate act, she screamed for Jiro. “JIRO-SAN! HELP ME! JIRO-SAN!”
But by the time Jiro came running, Maya and Camui were gone, Otoya was unconscious on the ground and Yuri was suspicious.
“You know that girl!?” Yuri crossed her arms.
“I know her older brother.” Jiro explained. “He was the cellist from last night. He’s… a friend.”
“Oh.” Yuri dropped the suspicions, realizing that they’d practically witnessed a kidnapping. “Oh, god, what are you going to tell him?!”
“That a very powerful, very dangerous man just kidnapped his sister.” Jiro sighed. He wasn’t even sure how he was going to be able to get THAT much out.
From her hiding spot, Maya seethed with rage. Not only was that brat stealing her prey, she’d also stolen her husband! Even though Maya hated Camui and put up with his insanity out of duty, she was still not happy to know that she was to be disposed of… replaced, by that brat.
Furious, Maya vanished, plotting to get rid of her “rival” once and for all.
One thing could be said for Masao: he was a good big brother.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN MAYA WAS KIDNAPPED?!” Masao’s yell almost blew Jiro’s eardrums. “BY WHOM?!”
Jiro had decided to go back to his apartment and talk to Masao. He couldn’t say too much in front of Yuri out of fear of blowing both their plan and his identity clear out of the water. “The Fangire King, Camui.” The wolf explained. “He said he wanted Maya for his wife.”
If it was the Camui Masao knew of, the news just made him whiter. Maya was being forcibly married… to their paternal grandfather. It was enough to make his skin crawl. “…That’s… sudden.”
“I take it you know him?” Jiro remarked. “Your skin just went white.”
“…I’m going to try to explain this as much as I can without making your head explode.” Masao began. “That man, Camui, is my father’s father. Otoya is also my father’s father. I am the product of a love between half brothers. Maya is my grandmother.”
Jiro stared at the younger man as if he had completely grown a second head…or possibly a third. “What?”
“I told you, my family tree is complicated… and mostly Fangire.” Masao groaned. “I do know this much: if I don’t return without Maya, my fathers, both of them, are going to kill me.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Save my baby sister.” A pause. “Jiro-san… can I count on you to help me?”
“You helped me win Yuri…” Jiro nodded. “For that, I can never truly repay you, but yes, seeing as how I owe you… I will help you save your sister.”
Masao sighed in relief. “For this, we may need the IXA system. I am not sure if I can fight King on my own. He’s more powerful than even my own father.”
“I don’t want Yuri using that system. It’s dangerous.”
“Well, someone’s going to have to use it. Who should we get?”
To say that the sight of Masao left Otoya speechless was a bit of an understatement. “Who is this with you, pup?” Otoya pointed wildly, looking somewhat crazed. “And why does he look like me?!”
“Hello, Otoya-san.” Masao had no patience for theatrics. Maya was in danger. “We need your help.”
“Who are you?” Otoya was ready for a fight. “What do you want?”
“Do you want to save Maya or not?” Jiro cut in. The drama was irritating at best.
“Maya? You know where that bastard hid her? I’ll kill him. I’ll kill him with my bare hands for taking one of my muses away!”
“No, you will kill him using this.” Jiro handed Otoya the IXA system. “Yuri doesn’t know. We don’t want her to know and I don’t want her using it. It could kill her and if that happened, I’d never forgive myself.”
“How do you know my muse?” Otoya asked Masao.
“She’s my baby sister. If anything happens to her, I know my parents will kill me and so will her… good friend.” He wasn’t about to mention Takeshi. It would only serve to make things more complicated. “We want you to help us save her.”
At that exact moment, things got very, very complicated.
“What the hell do you mean, Maya’s been kidnapped?!” Masao turned around to find Fujimori Takeshi standing a few feet behind him. “I entrust you with the love of my life Kurenai, and you let her get kidnapped by some psycho Fangire!”
“Who is this?” Jiro asked.
“This is Takeshi.” Masao groaned. “He’s your son.”
“My WHAT!?”
“Well…” Masao began. “…One of them, anyway.”
There was a beat before Takeshi waved. “Hi, dad.”
Maya awoke to the fluttering sound of a Kivat flying around her head and she groaned. Her head was pounding, she was starving and more than anything else, she was scared.
“You’re awake.” The Kivat sounded a lot like one of the ones Maya knew, but with a lower voice. “Good. Camui will be pleased.”
“Who are you?”
“I am Kivat Bat the Second.” The Kivat replied. “I’m an ally, you could say.”
“Where am I?” Maya asked.
“Castle Doran.” Kivat the Second replied. “Once King disposes of Queen, this place will be your home and you will have a stepson… then, you and King will have children of your own.”
“A stepson?” Maya asked.
“Yes… his name is Taiga.”
“So let me see if I got this straight.” Jiro began, slowly as he and Otoya sat side-by-side on a bench, in shock. “Yuri and I, in the future, are married. I turned her Wolfen. We have 8 children. You’re engaged to one and Maya, your sister, is the girlfriend of another. Otoya is your grandfather. You have two fathers, and three younger sisters. And you came back here to keep Otoya away from Yuri so I won’t hate you in the future because you look like him.”
“That’s the gist of it, yes.” Masao’s jaw hurt from so much talking. “And also because I wanted to help make her happy, which is something in the future that I cannot do.”
“You send my granddaughter to seduce me?” Otoya cried. “What kind of sick freak are you?”
“He’s not a sick freak.” Takeshi stepped in. “Maya is a master of seduction. And in the future, you also happen to be dead!”
“How does he die?” Jiro had to ask.
“No one knows for sure.” Masao explained. “Now, can we please get back to the part where my baby sister needs rescuing?”
“From her grandfather, of all people.” Takeshi made a face. “Now
that man’s a sick freak.”
“We don’t consider Camui family.” Masao said. “Everyone in the family thinks he’s a lunatic.” A pause. “Well, either way, Takeshi, I am glad to see you.”
“I sensed Maya needed me, so I followed her scent and wound up here.” Takeshi said. “I’m happy to help in any way… if we don’t come back with her, your Dad’s going to skin us both alive and wear our skins.”
“Who is his father?” Jiro asked.
“The Fangire King. His name is Taiga.”
Maya was officially freaked out. Just when she thought her family tree couldn’t get any more complicated… she was betrothed to her psycho grandfather, Camui. She wanted to die.
The worst part of it all was that she was separated from Takeshi. She wasn’t even sure if he could sense her fear, she was so far from him. She cursed herself for even agreeing to her brother’s idiotic plan. She would be stuck her, in an unearthly nightmare, for the rest of her life.
Unable to do much else, Maya put her head down into a pillow on the bed she was lying on, and cried. Just as she began to weep, the door opened.
“If anyone here should be crying, it should be me.” The tone was soft, but icy cold. The young Fangire looked up to see her grandmother, the elder Maya staring at her, venom in her gaze. “I am about to be thrown out and my son stolen from me. And it is all because of you, you little brat.”
“Do you think I want to be here?” Maya half-screamed, wanting to get up and strangle her grandmother. “I would much rather be dead than be married to him!”
“…That’s funny.” The elder Maya mused. “…I am the one he treated so poorly and yet, you are the one who would rather be dead than be his wife.”
“That’s not my fault.” The younger replied, sniffling. “I have a man, a man who loves me. I don’t want to be stuck here. I want to be with the man I love.”
“Is that Otoya? That’s a crime you know, to love a human."
“It may be a crime to love a human, but it’s not a crime to love a Wolfen.” The Fangire princess spat, enraged by her grandmother’s coldness. “All these years, I wondered who you were… what kind of Queen you’d been. And now, I am ashamed to be named after you… my own grandmother.” Suddenly, the younger gasped, realizing what she’d just revealed.
The Queen Fangire raised an eyebrow. “Your what?”
“This is not a good idea.” Jiro muttered. “Storming Castle Doran. It’s practically suicide.”
“If anyone else has any better plans, I’d like to hear them.” Masao replied. “Because right now, it’s two Wolfen, a Fangire Prince, a human IXA user, a Franken and a Merman trying to storm the castle of the Fangire King and Queen to save my baby sister from the King.”
“It kind of sounds like a fairytale.” Ramon piped up. ““Unless, of course, we all die in the end.”
Otoya looked at Ramon strangely. “What goes on in that head of yours?”
“Don’t pay him any attention.” Jiro said. “Ramon’s a bit…odd.”
“It… is… amusing…” Riki had to add his two cents in.
The small, intrepid band of misfits were standing at the edge of a forest, all armed with either weapons of some kind or their own powers, trying to think of an appropriate way to go “castle storming”. Jiro, was not fully focused on the mission at hand, instead wondering if he should have told Yuri the truth before leaving.
“Yuri doesn’t know you’re not human, does she?” Otoya asked, smugly, causing Masao to punch his grandfather in the arm.
“I haven’t had a chance to tell her.”
“Well, Dad, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but…” Takeshi pointed to the figure of Yuri, dressed in combat gear and holding one of her weapons. “Here she comes.”
“WHO TOLD HER!?” Jiro yelled.
Riki pointed to Ramon.
“She threatened to put me in some kind of child services!” Ramon cried. “I’m not going back to those people again!”
“Jiro!” Yuri vaulted into his arms and hugged him. “Thank god! What are you doing?”
“I’m helping Masao save his sister.” Jiro explained.
“Oh, the cellist…” she recalled. “That’s nice of you. I came to help, too.” She held up her weapon of choice. “Ramon told me you were storming a Fangire stronghold?”
“That’s the gist of it yes.” Jiro put her down. “Yuri… you… you shouldn’t be here. It’s too dangerous.” He ran his fingers through her hair as he spoke, his gaze full of concern.
Despite her heart fluttering at his regard for her, Yuri shook her head. “No.” She stood firm. “A young woman is in danger. I feel like I MUST help. It’s my duty as a member of the Aozora Association.”
“Yuri, Jiro is correct… this mission is far too dangerous for you.” Masao suddenly stepped out from behind Jiro and sighed. “You could be hurt.
Yuri stared at Masao, then at Otoya, then at Jiro.
“Oh, this is going to be good…” Ramon murmured.
Yuri crossed her arms. “Jiro… my love… is there something you’d like to tell me?”
The younger Maya would never be totally sure what happened once she’d accidentally revealed herself to her grandmother. She remembered a flash of light and then she woke up in another bedroom, tied down to a bed, and dressed in a gothic black ball gown.
Maya wondered when this nightmare would ever end.
“Dearest!” Camui threw open the doors and greeted her with a smile. “I am so sorry about the Queen’s behavior. Rest assured that she will be dealt with in time. Oh, that gown suits you perfectly. I had it specially made for my new Queen.”
Maya had to admit that it was a lovely gown. It was definitely something she would wear. “…Thank you very much.” She murmured in a quiet voice.
I cannot wait to give you the Queen’s power. I am sure it will be put to much better use than with Maya…” He paused. “How amusing. Both my soon to be dead Queen and my new Queen have the same name. I am pleased.” He chose that moment to climb onto the bed over Maya and kiss her.
Maya nearly threw up.
“So… let me see if I have all of this straight.” Yuri began, slowly. “In the future, I am married to Jiro, who is a Wolfen. I am turned and we have eight children.”
Masao nodded.
“You…” She pointed to Takeshi. “Are one of my four sons and Masao is engaged to one of my four daughters.”
Takeshi nodded.
“And you, are Otoya’s grandson, yet you are a full blooded Fangire Prince and your sister, whom we are trying to save, is also Fangire.” Yuri looked at Masao. “And you have two grandfathers, one grandmother, and your fathers are half brothers.”
“Yes.” Masao replied.
Yuri was rather shell-shocked. “None of you are going to eat me, are you?”
“That depends.” Ramon said. “Do you taste good?”
“Don’t pay Ramon any attention.” Jiro said to Yuri, while aiming a menacing glare at the boy. “He’s insane, even by Merman standards.”
“When were you going to tell me you weren’t human?” Yuri asked Jiro softly, almost pulling away when he reached out for her. “Were you ever going to tell me?”
The hurt in her features made Jiro’s heart sink and he sighed before stroking over her hand. “I wanted to tell you…so badly. I just wasn’t sure how.”
“Don’t you trust me?” she whispered.
“Of course I do!” Jiro placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her directly in the eyes. “I hated keeping this secret from you. It’s just…given the way you feel about Fangire…” he trailed off, trying to find the words to explain.
“He wasn’t sure how you would take it,” Masao decided to step in, wanting to help. “But believe me, Yuri-san: human or not…Jiro-san truly loves you. With all his heart.”
Yuri stared at Jiro for the longest of moments, searching his eyes until, finally, she said. “Show me.”
Jiro’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I want to see what you really look like,” she explained. “I want to see your true form. Show me.”
A silence passed, the pair staring at each other, and then Jiro’s eyes shimmered dark gold before his entire body changed, becoming taller and broader until he resembled a blue and gold wolf on two black legs. His eyes were a deep red, there was a horn coming out of his forehead and a long furry…
tail attached to the back of his head.
Yuri stepped back, gasping softly, her eyes widening.
“Yuri… it’s still me.” Jiro’s voice was more of a growl now, and he reached a clawed hand out to her. “I’m still Jiro…”
Ramon opened his mouth to say something else but Riki clamped his hand over his mouth before he could. “Quiet…you’ll ruin…the moment.”
Yuri tentatively stepped closer, touching the tail, the blue fur, and finally, looking into deep red eyes. There was a shimmer of gold there and suddenly, she saw Jiro.
Her Jiro.
“It is you.” She whispered reverently, stroking over his cheek.
“Human or not,” Jiro murmured, slowly turning back into his human skin. “I still love you, Yuri. Just you. Forever.”
Otoya was actually crying. “The angels are singing! This is a glorious moment of love!”
“Grandfather,
please.” Masao was mortified.
Yuri then launched herself into Jiro’s arms for a kiss that knocked the Wolfen clear off his feet and onto his back.
There was utter silence until Takeshi had to interrupt the moment between his parents. “Um, not that I don’t want you two to have a moment, but Maya needs saving before she winds up being her own father’s stepmother.”
Once Camui left Maya alone, she really did throw up. In fact, she managed to rush into a bathroom and bend over the sink and puke until she had nothing left in her. Once she was done, she wept, curling up into a miserable ball on the bathroom floor.
“You should be rejoicing!” Kivat the Second was fluttering around her head. “So many young Fangire women would KILL to be in your shoes today.”
“Shut up!” Maya screamed at him, her markings showing. “I DO NOT WANT TO BE THE STEPMOTHER TO MY OWN FATHER! I don’t want to be Queen! Being Queen is a curse!”
She was unaware that her grandmother was listening outside the door.
“Nothing good can EVER come from being Queen!” Maya yelled, mostly out of terror, but also pain. “My grandmother had her power taken from her and she was left abandoned and alone to live in a cave until one day, she died from a broken heart! The second Queen, Mio, Bishop murdered her because she loved my Papa more than she did Dad! My onee-san’s friend, Sakomi, she too was Queen! And she was beaten and broken and almost executed because her King despised her! My oneesan is also Queen! And she was locked up in Doran because Dad didn’t know what to do with her. I would rather be DEAD than be Queen!”
“Camui will not let you say no.” Kivat the second told her. “Your grandmother was the same way. She was once a human, in love with an artist, until Camui spied her and stole her away. She has been Queen ever since and that was five hundred years ago.”
“I don’t want to be Queen…” Maya whimpered. “I want Takeshi… I want to go home.”
At that exact moment, Takeshi felt the sharpest of pains in his heart, so powerful and strong that it sent the Wolfen Prince to his knees right in the middle of their expedition to Castle Doran. He could feel it… he could feel Maya’s pain. She was suffering… and she needed him so badly.
“Takeshi!” Masao knelt down beside him. “Are you okay?”
“Maya… she’s in pain.” Takeshi grunted. “I can feel her emotions. They’re so powerful that it’s almost overwhelming.”
Masao helped Takeshi to his feet. “Come on, don’t worry. We’ll save her.”
“Stop.” A soft voice said as they reached a clearing. Jiro protectively, instinctively, grabbed onto Yuri.
A swirl of black rose petals appeared and suddenly, a woman in a black hooded cloak and boots appeared. She did not lift her hood, but Otoya alone knew who she was.
“Are you looking for a Fangire Princess?” The woman asked. “A Maya?”
Takeshi forced Masao to move him forward. “You know her?”
The hooded figure lowered her hood and Otoya gasped. “Maya?!”
The Fangire Queen looked at the small group of rescuers. “I am risking losing everything by aiding you… but, as a mother and grandmother, I cannot stand by and watch my own blood suffer.”
“My sister and her mouth.” Masao muttered.
“I am glad she told me.” Maya murmured. “I was ready to kill her for nearly costing me everything, but none of this was her fault. My husband, King, he is truly to blame. I have put up with his ego for five hundred years. I will not do it a second longer, not when he is abducting women and forcing them into marriage. He did the same to me… and I won’t let it happen again. Come with me.” She pulled her hood up and led them to Castle Doran.
Trying to escape from her own wedding was something Maya never thought she would have to do, but she bravely made a break for it the second she had the chance. Unfortunately, King was far too quick for her.
“Come now, Maya.” King murmured as he put her down and chained her to a throne. “You should be happy today. It is our wedding day. And you shall be Queen. I thought you would like that.”
“Isn’t this a little soon?” Maya asked. “I mean… I barely know you.”
“The old Queen said the same thing when I married her. But we got to know each other. It took a few centuries.” He chuckled. “But I do not love her. I do love you and I will give you everything you desire as long as you don’t stray.”
“You have a strange way of showing it.” Maya muttered.
“That’s what they all say, dearest.” He kissed her hand. “Bishop!”
Bishop entered the throne room and bowed. “King.”
“It’s time. Prepare the wedding ceremony. I’ll just strip Maya of her power later.”
Bishop bowed again, but suddenly, the doors blasted open and Kamen Rider IXA was standing in the doorway, holding the IXA Knuckle.
“TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF MY GRANDDAUGHTER!” Otoya’s voice was distorted by the system, but he sent a blast that sent Camui and Bishop running for cover.
Maya had never been so thankful to see the IXA system in her entire life. “Otoya!” She cried, straining against her bonds. Once the smoke cleared, she noticed that IXA was not alone.
Yuri was there, so was Jiro, Masao, the elder Maya, Riki, Ramon and to Maya’s shock… so was her Takeshi.
“Takeshi!” Maya called, trying to break the chains. “Takeshi!!”
“What madness is this, Maya?!” Camui bellowed at his wife. “You DARE betray me?”
“Five hundred years ago, I loved a man named Ryuhei Kurenai. An artist. Then one day, you kidnapped me and made me your wife. For five hundred years, I waited to see Ryuhei once more, only to discover he’s alive in Otoya. And now, you are kidnapping another young woman, someone’s daughter, to be your bride. I have put up with your arrogance for FAR too long, Camui and I would much rather be DEAD than let you do this to another woman!” Maya shifted forms and charged at him.
Bishop suddenly found himself waging a battle against a Fangire Huntress, Masao and Ramon, who were actually giving him the worst of it. As this fight was going on, and it was mostly a distraction, Riki shifted into his Franken form, lumbered over to Maya and effortlessly broke the chain.
“There… better.” He lifted Maya up and carried her into Takeshi’s waiting arms.
“Thank you, Riki.” Maya said, eyes brimming with tears.
“No… problem.” Riki then charged into battle to help the others, leaving Takeshi and Maya alone for a moment or two.
“Dearest!” Maya threw her arms around him. “How did you get here?”
“Never mind that now.” Takeshi managed to scoop her up as though he was preparing to carry her over the threshold. “We’ve got to get you out of here!” With that, he and his father left, managing to drag Yuri with them.
Somehow, Camui had managed to lose the Zanbat sword in the fight, but he was still giving Maya the worst of it, throwing her effortlessly into the wall.
“You whore!” Camui shouted. “I will make you pay for this! I will ensure that your life is a miserable one. First I’ll take your powers and then I’ll take your son!”
Masao, now having an opportunity to right another wrong, picked up the Zanbat Sword and charged, just as King focused his powers.
Suddenly, just as Maya was about to shut her eyes, the Zanbat Sword was sticking out of Camui’s chest, having been rammed right through his heart.
Right then, King exploded and Bishop fled, taking Taiga with him.
Maya let out a scream.
Otoya was the first of the remaining few to say something. “What the hell just happened?”
~Three Weeks Later~
“Masao, I cannot believe you went through all that trouble just to keep Otoya out of my parent’s hair.” Akane Fujimori, or as she as now to be called, Akane Kurenai, murmured to her new husband as they rode in the car to their wedding reception. “I guess it worked. Not even Tsumeko hates you anymore.”
“The best part about it is that we still exist.” Masao kissed her hand. “I don’t know what Bishop did with Dad or what happened between Grandmother and Grandfather after Camui was killed, but… obviously, everything worked out.”
“Masao, you’re too much.” Akane kissed him softly on the lips.
“Nothing is too much for a man in love.”
The car then stopped and the two got out, suddenly greeted by cheering friends and family, people throwing white roses and just general happiness. It made Akane blush and Masao beam.
His smile only grew wider when he saw Jiro and Yuri standing nearby, kissing, as ageless as they had been back in 1986. At this, he had to smile and began to sing a little song to himself.
“Matchmaker, matchmaker… make me a match.”
The End
Jiro did not return to his apartment until very late the next day and was shocked to find a woman asleep in his bed, wrapped in a robe and covered in bloody scratches.
“Oh, Jiro!” Masao greeted the Wolfen, smiling. “You’re back! I take it last night went well?”
“WHY IS THERE A WOMAN IN MY BED?!”
“Oh, that’s my sister, Maya. You remember her? The master seductress.” Masao was completely non-plussed by Jiro’s reaction. “She was already asleep when I came back last night, but I didn’t notice her body condition until I found her this morning. Apparently, she rubbed her skin raw last night.”
“Being around Otoya will do that to you.”
“Actually, I don’t think it was Otoya. He’s a bit off, but he’s not creepy.” Masao looked worried. “She hasn’t gotten up since I’ve been home. I hope nothing’s wrong.”
Jiro inhaled deeply and suddenly, a scent he had learned over time to absolutely fear assailed his nostrils. It was the scent of the Fangire King. “Masao…” Jiro turned to his guest and looked him straight in the eye. “…Your sister came across the Fangire King last night.”
Masao paled. “ Well, no wonder she rubbed her skin raw… knowing Maya, he probably took an interest.”
“You should return to your own time as soon as possible.”
“Oh don’t worry, I will… but the plan is not quite done.” Masao smiled. “But you didn’t answer my question, Jiro-san… did you and Yuri have a good time?”
At this, Jiro actually smiled. “Yes… yes we did.”
“Ah! Maya, my goddess!” Otoya greeted Maya with a kiss to her hand and a bow, causing her to almost forget her uneasy encounters with the powerful Fangire from the evening before. “You’ve arrived. I was waiting.”
“I hope I didn’t keep you too long, Otoya-kun.” Maya replied with a smile.
“No, no, not at all!” Otoya put his arm around her shoulder and they walked off together. “I was just thinking of where I should take you today. How about for a garden walk? I can serenade you.”
“I would like that.” She found Otoya rather sweet and charming, and a bit of a dolt, but he was very kind.
“Ah, a woman after my own heart!” Otoya boasted, causing her to laugh. “A lover of music!”
“I play the harp and I sing and play the violin… you could say music is in my blood.” Maya was trying to be modest, but she was proud of her musical talents. “Now, where are these gardens?”
“Follow me, my angel of music! I will take you to them.”
“Now, Jiro,” Masao was coaching Jiro again that morning over coffee. “… For your next date, I think you should take Yuri someplace very special: a favorite spot of yours, maybe? Like; the park, or a landmark or…”
“There are these traditional gardens I like.” Jiro began, hesitant. “When I walk through them, I feel closer to nature.”
“A fantastic idea!” Masao clapped his hands. “I’m sure she’d love that.” He smiled and pulled out a box for Jiro. “And give her this to wear. I’m sure she’d look lovely in it.”
“It’s not a ball gown, is it?”
“No. It’s a yukata I made for her. It is a hot day, you know; I bet she’d feel better in a yukata.”
At Jiro’s stare, Masao felt exasperated. “What?”
“You make clothes?”
“I do a lot of things.” Masao smiled. “So, why don’t you give this to Yuri and ask her on this garden walk? I think she’d enjoy it.”
Slowly, Jiro nodded in agreement.
Even though she was with Otoya, Maya didn’t feel quite safe in the gardens. It was more of a traditional Japanese garden, so even the landscaping was beautiful, but the young Fangire felt distracted.
She felt as though someone was watching her… and her skin was crawling.
“Are you alright, Maya?” Otoya stopped in his playing to observe her. “You seem uneasy.
“Oh, no…” Maya lied. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”
As she moved to follow Otoya, she was unaware of the Kivat that was watching her from his perch in a tree.
Meanwhile, Jiro and Yuri, dressed in light yukatas, had arrived and were sitting on a bench near a maple tree. Yuri was lightly fanning herself, more than enjoying her love’s company. “Jiro, I had no idea such a place existed here. It’s almost like being transported back in time.”
“I thought you’d like it.” Jiro smiled. “I wanted to take you someplace special… when I come here, I feel closer to nature.”
“I’m glad you did.” She smiled at him again and Jiro was awestruck by how beautiful she looked in traditional clothing. If he ever got her into a kimono, he might faint at the sight. “It’s a beautiful spot.”
“Then maybe one day, I should take you to a traditional garden in Kyoto.” He suggested. “I think you’d like some of the gardens there, too.”
“I’d like that,” she smiled, but just as she was about to say something else, she suddenly spotted Otoya. “Otoya!”
Otoya, who was accompanied by the Fangire Jiro knew as Maya, suddenly
stopped and gave Yuri a smile. “Oh, Yuri! I did not expect to see you today. And you’re with Jiro. How nice.”
For once, Otoya was not putting the moves on Yuri, something that shocked her. “Oh, who’s your, um, date?”
“Oh, this is Maya. She’s a goddess. She appeared to me out of nowhere, weaving her magical spell.” Otoya was smiling so much that Jiro wondered if his cheeks hurt. “She’s lovely, isn’t she?”
“She is very pretty.” Yuri bowed her head. “Hello, Maya. I’m Yuri. This is my boyfriend, Jiro.”
Jiro’s face practically lit up at being introduced in such a way. “Nice to meet you, Maya.”
Maya gave Jiro a smile and he bowed his head in response. “You have a very attractive boyfriend, Yuri, but not as attractive as Otoya.”
“Isn’t she precious?” Otoya beamed. “Well, we won’t interrupt you. Come, Maya.”
“Yes, dear.” Maya smiled at Yuri and Jiro and then commented: “You two make a lovely couple.” With that, she and Otoya departed.
“Where did Otoya meet her?” Yuri wondered aloud. “And how is he not driving her nuts?”
“Maybe she really did fall out of the sky… an angel sent to teach him a lesson.” Jiro shrugged, before reaching out and gently turning her face towards his. “At any rate…let’s not worry about those two and get back to enjoying our day,” he leaned forward. “Have I mentioned how lovely you look yet?”
She giggled before tugging him forward by the collar and kissing him soundly.
As Otoya and Maya walked on, they paused so Otoya could whip out his violin.
“You just sit and relax, Maya, my love.” Otoya said. “I will serenade you with a song.”
Maya could use the break. “How lovely.” She murmured. “I look forward to such sweet music.”
“Seems like that little girl doesn’t learn.” From her observation point, the elder Maya sighed. “Can’t say I did not warn her… no matter. I will steal Otoya right out from under her little nose.”
As Otoya began to play, the younger Maya felt a presence again. Something was definitely watching her… and her skin began to crawl all over again. Unconsciously, she began to scratch at her skin, wondering what on earth had her so uncomfortable. It was a gorgeous day, Otoya was playing music for her… and her skin was crawling. It was worrisome.
Suddenly, a voice called from behind her. “I don’t know who you think you are, loathsome pest… but Maya belongs to me.”
Otoya stopped playing. “And who are you?”
“Someone who can give her everything her heart desires.” The male Fangire from the previous evening chose that exact moment to appear, causing Maya to seize up in fear. He smiled at her. “I told you we would meet again.”
“Just who the hell do you think you are?!” It was the first time Maya had actually heard Otoya yell.
“The King of all Fangire.” The Fangire explained. “I am called Camui. Maya is to be my new bride.”
“YOUR WHAT?!”
Maya went pale white at the very idea of being married to such a man.
“I have decided to take another wife.” Camui explained. “I have chosen this little girl to be my new bride. She will be the Queen of all Fangire, feared, respected… and most of all, adored by me.”
At the idea of it all, Maya almost wished she were dead.
“I have no time for such nonsense.” Camui smacked Otoya, sending him to the ground. “I will be taking the girl. I have a wedding to plan.”
“I would much rather die than be your wife!’ Maya shouted, getting up and deciding to bolt.
“Oh, running away? Won’t do you much good.” Camui moved quickly, suddenly scooping Maya up into his arms as she kicked and screamed.
“LET ME GO!” She shrieked. “PUT ME DOWN!” Finally, as a last desperate act, she screamed for Jiro. “JIRO-SAN! HELP ME! JIRO-SAN!”
But by the time Jiro came running, Maya and Camui were gone, Otoya was unconscious on the ground and Yuri was suspicious.
“You know that girl!?” Yuri crossed her arms.
“I know her older brother.” Jiro explained. “He was the cellist from last night. He’s… a friend.”
“Oh.” Yuri dropped the suspicions, realizing that they’d practically witnessed a kidnapping. “Oh, god, what are you going to tell him?!”
“That a very powerful, very dangerous man just kidnapped his sister.” Jiro sighed. He wasn’t even sure how he was going to be able to get THAT much out.
From her hiding spot, Maya seethed with rage. Not only was that brat stealing her prey, she’d also stolen her husband! Even though Maya hated Camui and put up with his insanity out of duty, she was still not happy to know that she was to be disposed of… replaced, by that brat.
Furious, Maya vanished, plotting to get rid of her “rival” once and for all.
One thing could be said for Masao: he was a good big brother.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN MAYA WAS KIDNAPPED?!” Masao’s yell almost blew Jiro’s eardrums. “BY WHOM?!”
Jiro had decided to go back to his apartment and talk to Masao. He couldn’t say too much in front of Yuri out of fear of blowing both their plan and his identity clear out of the water. “The Fangire King, Camui.” The wolf explained. “He said he wanted Maya for his wife.”
If it was the Camui Masao knew of, the news just made him whiter. Maya was being forcibly married… to their paternal grandfather. It was enough to make his skin crawl. “…That’s… sudden.”
“I take it you know him?” Jiro remarked. “Your skin just went white.”
“…I’m going to try to explain this as much as I can without making your head explode.” Masao began. “That man, Camui, is my father’s father. Otoya is also my father’s father. I am the product of a love between half brothers. Maya is my grandmother.”
Jiro stared at the younger man as if he had completely grown a second head…or possibly a third. “What?”
“I told you, my family tree is complicated… and mostly Fangire.” Masao groaned. “I do know this much: if I don’t return without Maya, my fathers, both of them, are going to kill me.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Save my baby sister.” A pause. “Jiro-san… can I count on you to help me?”
“You helped me win Yuri…” Jiro nodded. “For that, I can never truly repay you, but yes, seeing as how I owe you… I will help you save your sister.”
Masao sighed in relief. “For this, we may need the IXA system. I am not sure if I can fight King on my own. He’s more powerful than even my own father.”
“I don’t want Yuri using that system. It’s dangerous.”
“Well, someone’s going to have to use it. Who should we get?”
To say that the sight of Masao left Otoya speechless was a bit of an understatement. “Who is this with you, pup?” Otoya pointed wildly, looking somewhat crazed. “And why does he look like me?!”
“Hello, Otoya-san.” Masao had no patience for theatrics. Maya was in danger. “We need your help.”
“Who are you?” Otoya was ready for a fight. “What do you want?”
“Do you want to save Maya or not?” Jiro cut in. The drama was irritating at best.
“Maya? You know where that bastard hid her? I’ll kill him. I’ll kill him with my bare hands for taking one of my muses away!”
“No, you will kill him using this.” Jiro handed Otoya the IXA system. “Yuri doesn’t know. We don’t want her to know and I don’t want her using it. It could kill her and if that happened, I’d never forgive myself.”
“How do you know my muse?” Otoya asked Masao.
“She’s my baby sister. If anything happens to her, I know my parents will kill me and so will her… good friend.” He wasn’t about to mention Takeshi. It would only serve to make things more complicated. “We want you to help us save her.”
At that exact moment, things got very, very complicated.
“What the hell do you mean, Maya’s been kidnapped?!” Masao turned around to find Fujimori Takeshi standing a few feet behind him. “I entrust you with the love of my life Kurenai, and you let her get kidnapped by some psycho Fangire!”
“Who is this?” Jiro asked.
“This is Takeshi.” Masao groaned. “He’s your son.”
“My WHAT!?”
“Well…” Masao began. “…One of them, anyway.”
There was a beat before Takeshi waved. “Hi, dad.”
Maya awoke to the fluttering sound of a Kivat flying around her head and she groaned. Her head was pounding, she was starving and more than anything else, she was scared.
“You’re awake.” The Kivat sounded a lot like one of the ones Maya knew, but with a lower voice. “Good. Camui will be pleased.”
“Who are you?”
“I am Kivat Bat the Second.” The Kivat replied. “I’m an ally, you could say.”
“Where am I?” Maya asked.
“Castle Doran.” Kivat the Second replied. “Once King disposes of Queen, this place will be your home and you will have a stepson… then, you and King will have children of your own.”
“A stepson?” Maya asked.
“Yes… his name is Taiga.”
“So let me see if I got this straight.” Jiro began, slowly as he and Otoya sat side-by-side on a bench, in shock. “Yuri and I, in the future, are married. I turned her Wolfen. We have 8 children. You’re engaged to one and Maya, your sister, is the girlfriend of another. Otoya is your grandfather. You have two fathers, and three younger sisters. And you came back here to keep Otoya away from Yuri so I won’t hate you in the future because you look like him.”
“That’s the gist of it, yes.” Masao’s jaw hurt from so much talking. “And also because I wanted to help make her happy, which is something in the future that I cannot do.”
“You send my granddaughter to seduce me?” Otoya cried. “What kind of sick freak are you?”
“He’s not a sick freak.” Takeshi stepped in. “Maya is a master of seduction. And in the future, you also happen to be dead!”
“How does he die?” Jiro had to ask.
“No one knows for sure.” Masao explained. “Now, can we please get back to the part where my baby sister needs rescuing?”
“From her grandfather, of all people.” Takeshi made a face. “Now
that man’s a sick freak.”
“We don’t consider Camui family.” Masao said. “Everyone in the family thinks he’s a lunatic.” A pause. “Well, either way, Takeshi, I am glad to see you.”
“I sensed Maya needed me, so I followed her scent and wound up here.” Takeshi said. “I’m happy to help in any way… if we don’t come back with her, your Dad’s going to skin us both alive and wear our skins.”
“Who is his father?” Jiro asked.
“The Fangire King. His name is Taiga.”
Maya was officially freaked out. Just when she thought her family tree couldn’t get any more complicated… she was betrothed to her psycho grandfather, Camui. She wanted to die.
The worst part of it all was that she was separated from Takeshi. She wasn’t even sure if he could sense her fear, she was so far from him. She cursed herself for even agreeing to her brother’s idiotic plan. She would be stuck her, in an unearthly nightmare, for the rest of her life.
Unable to do much else, Maya put her head down into a pillow on the bed she was lying on, and cried. Just as she began to weep, the door opened.
“If anyone here should be crying, it should be me.” The tone was soft, but icy cold. The young Fangire looked up to see her grandmother, the elder Maya staring at her, venom in her gaze. “I am about to be thrown out and my son stolen from me. And it is all because of you, you little brat.”
“Do you think I want to be here?” Maya half-screamed, wanting to get up and strangle her grandmother. “I would much rather be dead than be married to him!”
“…That’s funny.” The elder Maya mused. “…I am the one he treated so poorly and yet, you are the one who would rather be dead than be his wife.”
“That’s not my fault.” The younger replied, sniffling. “I have a man, a man who loves me. I don’t want to be stuck here. I want to be with the man I love.”
“Is that Otoya? That’s a crime you know, to love a human."
“It may be a crime to love a human, but it’s not a crime to love a Wolfen.” The Fangire princess spat, enraged by her grandmother’s coldness. “All these years, I wondered who you were… what kind of Queen you’d been. And now, I am ashamed to be named after you… my own grandmother.” Suddenly, the younger gasped, realizing what she’d just revealed.
The Queen Fangire raised an eyebrow. “Your what?”
“This is not a good idea.” Jiro muttered. “Storming Castle Doran. It’s practically suicide.”
“If anyone else has any better plans, I’d like to hear them.” Masao replied. “Because right now, it’s two Wolfen, a Fangire Prince, a human IXA user, a Franken and a Merman trying to storm the castle of the Fangire King and Queen to save my baby sister from the King.”
“It kind of sounds like a fairytale.” Ramon piped up. ““Unless, of course, we all die in the end.”
Otoya looked at Ramon strangely. “What goes on in that head of yours?”
“Don’t pay him any attention.” Jiro said. “Ramon’s a bit…odd.”
“It… is… amusing…” Riki had to add his two cents in.
The small, intrepid band of misfits were standing at the edge of a forest, all armed with either weapons of some kind or their own powers, trying to think of an appropriate way to go “castle storming”. Jiro, was not fully focused on the mission at hand, instead wondering if he should have told Yuri the truth before leaving.
“Yuri doesn’t know you’re not human, does she?” Otoya asked, smugly, causing Masao to punch his grandfather in the arm.
“I haven’t had a chance to tell her.”
“Well, Dad, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but…” Takeshi pointed to the figure of Yuri, dressed in combat gear and holding one of her weapons. “Here she comes.”
“WHO TOLD HER!?” Jiro yelled.
Riki pointed to Ramon.
“She threatened to put me in some kind of child services!” Ramon cried. “I’m not going back to those people again!”
“Jiro!” Yuri vaulted into his arms and hugged him. “Thank god! What are you doing?”
“I’m helping Masao save his sister.” Jiro explained.
“Oh, the cellist…” she recalled. “That’s nice of you. I came to help, too.” She held up her weapon of choice. “Ramon told me you were storming a Fangire stronghold?”
“That’s the gist of it yes.” Jiro put her down. “Yuri… you… you shouldn’t be here. It’s too dangerous.” He ran his fingers through her hair as he spoke, his gaze full of concern.
Despite her heart fluttering at his regard for her, Yuri shook her head. “No.” She stood firm. “A young woman is in danger. I feel like I MUST help. It’s my duty as a member of the Aozora Association.”
“Yuri, Jiro is correct… this mission is far too dangerous for you.” Masao suddenly stepped out from behind Jiro and sighed. “You could be hurt.
Yuri stared at Masao, then at Otoya, then at Jiro.
“Oh, this is going to be good…” Ramon murmured.
Yuri crossed her arms. “Jiro… my love… is there something you’d like to tell me?”
The younger Maya would never be totally sure what happened once she’d accidentally revealed herself to her grandmother. She remembered a flash of light and then she woke up in another bedroom, tied down to a bed, and dressed in a gothic black ball gown.
Maya wondered when this nightmare would ever end.
“Dearest!” Camui threw open the doors and greeted her with a smile. “I am so sorry about the Queen’s behavior. Rest assured that she will be dealt with in time. Oh, that gown suits you perfectly. I had it specially made for my new Queen.”
Maya had to admit that it was a lovely gown. It was definitely something she would wear. “…Thank you very much.” She murmured in a quiet voice.
I cannot wait to give you the Queen’s power. I am sure it will be put to much better use than with Maya…” He paused. “How amusing. Both my soon to be dead Queen and my new Queen have the same name. I am pleased.” He chose that moment to climb onto the bed over Maya and kiss her.
Maya nearly threw up.
“So… let me see if I have all of this straight.” Yuri began, slowly. “In the future, I am married to Jiro, who is a Wolfen. I am turned and we have eight children.”
Masao nodded.
“You…” She pointed to Takeshi. “Are one of my four sons and Masao is engaged to one of my four daughters.”
Takeshi nodded.
“And you, are Otoya’s grandson, yet you are a full blooded Fangire Prince and your sister, whom we are trying to save, is also Fangire.” Yuri looked at Masao. “And you have two grandfathers, one grandmother, and your fathers are half brothers.”
“Yes.” Masao replied.
Yuri was rather shell-shocked. “None of you are going to eat me, are you?”
“That depends.” Ramon said. “Do you taste good?”
“Don’t pay Ramon any attention.” Jiro said to Yuri, while aiming a menacing glare at the boy. “He’s insane, even by Merman standards.”
“When were you going to tell me you weren’t human?” Yuri asked Jiro softly, almost pulling away when he reached out for her. “Were you ever going to tell me?”
The hurt in her features made Jiro’s heart sink and he sighed before stroking over her hand. “I wanted to tell you…so badly. I just wasn’t sure how.”
“Don’t you trust me?” she whispered.
“Of course I do!” Jiro placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her directly in the eyes. “I hated keeping this secret from you. It’s just…given the way you feel about Fangire…” he trailed off, trying to find the words to explain.
“He wasn’t sure how you would take it,” Masao decided to step in, wanting to help. “But believe me, Yuri-san: human or not…Jiro-san truly loves you. With all his heart.”
Yuri stared at Jiro for the longest of moments, searching his eyes until, finally, she said. “Show me.”
Jiro’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I want to see what you really look like,” she explained. “I want to see your true form. Show me.”
A silence passed, the pair staring at each other, and then Jiro’s eyes shimmered dark gold before his entire body changed, becoming taller and broader until he resembled a blue and gold wolf on two black legs. His eyes were a deep red, there was a horn coming out of his forehead and a long furry…
tail attached to the back of his head.
Yuri stepped back, gasping softly, her eyes widening.
“Yuri… it’s still me.” Jiro’s voice was more of a growl now, and he reached a clawed hand out to her. “I’m still Jiro…”
Ramon opened his mouth to say something else but Riki clamped his hand over his mouth before he could. “Quiet…you’ll ruin…the moment.”
Yuri tentatively stepped closer, touching the tail, the blue fur, and finally, looking into deep red eyes. There was a shimmer of gold there and suddenly, she saw Jiro.
Her Jiro.
“It is you.” She whispered reverently, stroking over his cheek.
“Human or not,” Jiro murmured, slowly turning back into his human skin. “I still love you, Yuri. Just you. Forever.”
Otoya was actually crying. “The angels are singing! This is a glorious moment of love!”
“Grandfather,
please.” Masao was mortified.
Yuri then launched herself into Jiro’s arms for a kiss that knocked the Wolfen clear off his feet and onto his back.
There was utter silence until Takeshi had to interrupt the moment between his parents. “Um, not that I don’t want you two to have a moment, but Maya needs saving before she winds up being her own father’s stepmother.”
Once Camui left Maya alone, she really did throw up. In fact, she managed to rush into a bathroom and bend over the sink and puke until she had nothing left in her. Once she was done, she wept, curling up into a miserable ball on the bathroom floor.
“You should be rejoicing!” Kivat the Second was fluttering around her head. “So many young Fangire women would KILL to be in your shoes today.”
“Shut up!” Maya screamed at him, her markings showing. “I DO NOT WANT TO BE THE STEPMOTHER TO MY OWN FATHER! I don’t want to be Queen! Being Queen is a curse!”
She was unaware that her grandmother was listening outside the door.
“Nothing good can EVER come from being Queen!” Maya yelled, mostly out of terror, but also pain. “My grandmother had her power taken from her and she was left abandoned and alone to live in a cave until one day, she died from a broken heart! The second Queen, Mio, Bishop murdered her because she loved my Papa more than she did Dad! My onee-san’s friend, Sakomi, she too was Queen! And she was beaten and broken and almost executed because her King despised her! My oneesan is also Queen! And she was locked up in Doran because Dad didn’t know what to do with her. I would rather be DEAD than be Queen!”
“Camui will not let you say no.” Kivat the second told her. “Your grandmother was the same way. She was once a human, in love with an artist, until Camui spied her and stole her away. She has been Queen ever since and that was five hundred years ago.”
“I don’t want to be Queen…” Maya whimpered. “I want Takeshi… I want to go home.”
At that exact moment, Takeshi felt the sharpest of pains in his heart, so powerful and strong that it sent the Wolfen Prince to his knees right in the middle of their expedition to Castle Doran. He could feel it… he could feel Maya’s pain. She was suffering… and she needed him so badly.
“Takeshi!” Masao knelt down beside him. “Are you okay?”
“Maya… she’s in pain.” Takeshi grunted. “I can feel her emotions. They’re so powerful that it’s almost overwhelming.”
Masao helped Takeshi to his feet. “Come on, don’t worry. We’ll save her.”
“Stop.” A soft voice said as they reached a clearing. Jiro protectively, instinctively, grabbed onto Yuri.
A swirl of black rose petals appeared and suddenly, a woman in a black hooded cloak and boots appeared. She did not lift her hood, but Otoya alone knew who she was.
“Are you looking for a Fangire Princess?” The woman asked. “A Maya?”
Takeshi forced Masao to move him forward. “You know her?”
The hooded figure lowered her hood and Otoya gasped. “Maya?!”
The Fangire Queen looked at the small group of rescuers. “I am risking losing everything by aiding you… but, as a mother and grandmother, I cannot stand by and watch my own blood suffer.”
“My sister and her mouth.” Masao muttered.
“I am glad she told me.” Maya murmured. “I was ready to kill her for nearly costing me everything, but none of this was her fault. My husband, King, he is truly to blame. I have put up with his ego for five hundred years. I will not do it a second longer, not when he is abducting women and forcing them into marriage. He did the same to me… and I won’t let it happen again. Come with me.” She pulled her hood up and led them to Castle Doran.
Trying to escape from her own wedding was something Maya never thought she would have to do, but she bravely made a break for it the second she had the chance. Unfortunately, King was far too quick for her.
“Come now, Maya.” King murmured as he put her down and chained her to a throne. “You should be happy today. It is our wedding day. And you shall be Queen. I thought you would like that.”
“Isn’t this a little soon?” Maya asked. “I mean… I barely know you.”
“The old Queen said the same thing when I married her. But we got to know each other. It took a few centuries.” He chuckled. “But I do not love her. I do love you and I will give you everything you desire as long as you don’t stray.”
“You have a strange way of showing it.” Maya muttered.
“That’s what they all say, dearest.” He kissed her hand. “Bishop!”
Bishop entered the throne room and bowed. “King.”
“It’s time. Prepare the wedding ceremony. I’ll just strip Maya of her power later.”
Bishop bowed again, but suddenly, the doors blasted open and Kamen Rider IXA was standing in the doorway, holding the IXA Knuckle.
“TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF MY GRANDDAUGHTER!” Otoya’s voice was distorted by the system, but he sent a blast that sent Camui and Bishop running for cover.
Maya had never been so thankful to see the IXA system in her entire life. “Otoya!” She cried, straining against her bonds. Once the smoke cleared, she noticed that IXA was not alone.
Yuri was there, so was Jiro, Masao, the elder Maya, Riki, Ramon and to Maya’s shock… so was her Takeshi.
“Takeshi!” Maya called, trying to break the chains. “Takeshi!!”
“What madness is this, Maya?!” Camui bellowed at his wife. “You DARE betray me?”
“Five hundred years ago, I loved a man named Ryuhei Kurenai. An artist. Then one day, you kidnapped me and made me your wife. For five hundred years, I waited to see Ryuhei once more, only to discover he’s alive in Otoya. And now, you are kidnapping another young woman, someone’s daughter, to be your bride. I have put up with your arrogance for FAR too long, Camui and I would much rather be DEAD than let you do this to another woman!” Maya shifted forms and charged at him.
Bishop suddenly found himself waging a battle against a Fangire Huntress, Masao and Ramon, who were actually giving him the worst of it. As this fight was going on, and it was mostly a distraction, Riki shifted into his Franken form, lumbered over to Maya and effortlessly broke the chain.
“There… better.” He lifted Maya up and carried her into Takeshi’s waiting arms.
“Thank you, Riki.” Maya said, eyes brimming with tears.
“No… problem.” Riki then charged into battle to help the others, leaving Takeshi and Maya alone for a moment or two.
“Dearest!” Maya threw her arms around him. “How did you get here?”
“Never mind that now.” Takeshi managed to scoop her up as though he was preparing to carry her over the threshold. “We’ve got to get you out of here!” With that, he and his father left, managing to drag Yuri with them.
Somehow, Camui had managed to lose the Zanbat sword in the fight, but he was still giving Maya the worst of it, throwing her effortlessly into the wall.
“You whore!” Camui shouted. “I will make you pay for this! I will ensure that your life is a miserable one. First I’ll take your powers and then I’ll take your son!”
Masao, now having an opportunity to right another wrong, picked up the Zanbat Sword and charged, just as King focused his powers.
Suddenly, just as Maya was about to shut her eyes, the Zanbat Sword was sticking out of Camui’s chest, having been rammed right through his heart.
Right then, King exploded and Bishop fled, taking Taiga with him.
Maya let out a scream.
Otoya was the first of the remaining few to say something. “What the hell just happened?”
~Three Weeks Later~
“Masao, I cannot believe you went through all that trouble just to keep Otoya out of my parent’s hair.” Akane Fujimori, or as she as now to be called, Akane Kurenai, murmured to her new husband as they rode in the car to their wedding reception. “I guess it worked. Not even Tsumeko hates you anymore.”
“The best part about it is that we still exist.” Masao kissed her hand. “I don’t know what Bishop did with Dad or what happened between Grandmother and Grandfather after Camui was killed, but… obviously, everything worked out.”
“Masao, you’re too much.” Akane kissed him softly on the lips.
“Nothing is too much for a man in love.”
The car then stopped and the two got out, suddenly greeted by cheering friends and family, people throwing white roses and just general happiness. It made Akane blush and Masao beam.
His smile only grew wider when he saw Jiro and Yuri standing nearby, kissing, as ageless as they had been back in 1986. At this, he had to smile and began to sing a little song to himself.
“Matchmaker, matchmaker… make me a match.”
The End