Overview of 'Kamen Rider' Season 18

Episode 1 - Fate: Wake Up!

Release Date: 2008-01-27

An insular, agoraphobic boy named Wataru Kurenai begins his battle against the Fangire as Kamen Rider Kiva, a battle with connections to a conflict from 22 years in the past...

Episode 2 - Suite: A Father and Son’s Violin

Release Date: 2008-02-03

In 1986, Yuri is ordered to protect a violinist who is likely to be targeted by a Fangire and also happens to be a student of Wataru’s father Otoya. Meanwhile, in 2008, Wataru continues to try and figure out how to make a violin that will equal his father Otoya’s, as he finds himself repairing a violin damaged 22 years earlier…

Episode 3 - Heroic: The Perfect Hunter

Release Date: 2008-02-10

In 1986, Oyoya flirts with several women before Yuri arrives and they are attacked by a Fangire, where Otoya shows prowess fighting back and generating interest in him by Yuri’s boss. In 2008, Wataru is approached by a lawyer who details accusations against his father and victims of his crimes, forcing him to find one good thing Otoya did in the past to resolve matters with the people who were wronged.

Episode 4 - Reverie: Wild Blue

Release Date: 2008-02-17

As Yuri continues her investigation of Otoya in 1986, she reports back to Shima, who decides to pass on bringing Otoya into their group. In 2008, Wataru works to atone for his father’s crimes, but he discovers someone who refuses to ever forgive Otoya as she transforms into the Moth Fangire!

Episode 5 - Duet: Stalker Panic

Release Date: 2008-02-24

After a disastrous attempt to try to warm his neighbors up to him with a violin performance, Wataru pleads with Nago to help him become more confident. Nago tasks him to trail Megumi as her bodyguard, but he finds himself working with a strange man claiming to also be working for Nago!

Episode 6 - Replay: Every Person Gives Off Music

Release Date: 2008-03-02

As a bizarre Fangire attacks mother and daughter in both the past and present, both Otoya and Wataru must save their respective female targets before the Fangire is able to make them his bride!

Episode 7 - Hymn: Three-Star Full Course of Darkness

Release Date: 2008-03-09

In 1986, Otoya joins Yuri in tailing Jiro to investigate missing customers from Mal d’Amour, while in 2008, after leaving the hospital, Megumi invites Wataru on a date as cover while she investigates Maison Cercueil, but Nago interferes once again…

Episode 8 - Soul: The Angered Dragon Castle

Release Date: 2008-03-16

Megumi attempts to force Wataru’s attention away from Nago to prevent him from being manipulated as the investigation into the French restaurant continues while in 1986, Otoya tries to solve the mystery of the cafe victims as Jiro continues his attacks.

Episode 9 - Symphony: IXA, Fist On

Release Date: 2008-03-23

Wataru gains the assistance of a violin maker in trying to create an instrument that fits who he is while in 1986, Yuri and Otoya try to decipher the curse of a violin and a monster attacking those who possess it. In both the present and the past, talk of the IXA System leads to the appearance of another Rider on the battlefield…

Episode 10 - Sabre Dance: Glassy Melody

Release Date: 2008-03-30

As Wataru learns of Oomura’s promise from 22 years ago and his history with Wataru’s father, back in 1986, Otoya confronts Jiro about the monstrous transformation he witnessed but while following him and Yuri, he ends up face to face with Oomura as the men discuss the craftsmanship of their violins…

Episode 11 - Rolling Stone: Door of Dreams

Release Date: 2008-04-06

Wataru discovers rock music when he’s asked to help a musician with his band while in 1986, Yuri tries to position herself to become the first IXA in order to take revenge on the Fangire that took her mother.

Episode 12 - First Gig: Golden Speed

Release Date: 2008-04-13

As Yuri demands to know why Jiro was chosen for IXA over her, she learns of the cost of using the still-incomplete system while in 2008, Wataru is injured after the attack by Nago, causing him to struggle with his role in the band…

Episode 13 - Unfinished: Daddy Fight

Release Date: 2008-04-20

As Jiro vows to rebuild the Wolfen race, Otoya protects a woman and is severely beaten by him, but in the commotion, Jiro loses the IXA Knuckle, and Oyoya seizes the opportunity. Meanwhile, Wataru continues to help Kengo to achieve his dream while Nago struggles with his loss to Kiva…

Episode 14 - Pomp & Circumstance: The Shocking Purple Eye

Release Date: 2008-04-27

After driving Jiro back, Otoya suffers from the side effects of the incomplete IXA System, but he puts on a front to deflect suspicions by Yuri. In 2008, Wataru pleads with Kengo to abandon the mysterious promoter, who he now suspects is a Fangire, but Kengo won’t listen…

Episode 15 - Resurrection: Checkmate Four

Release Date: 2008-05-04

After Otoya is knocked out during his fight with Jiro, Yuri recovers the IXA Knuckle and plans to track down the man who murdered her mother. But when she faces the man, she is swiftly knocked out as Jiro arrives and also recognizes him… as the man who slaughtered the Wolfen race. He is Rook, of the Fangire’s Checkmate Four! Meanwhile, in 2008, Wataru and Shizuka encounter Rook, who seems to be suffering from amnesia…

Episode 16 - Player: The Rules of Cruelty

Release Date: 2008-05-11

As Wataru and Shizuka try and help Rook, who they’ve nicknamed “Biggie”, recover his memories, he begins spending time with a young woman whose bike he helped fix. Their hope is this might jog his memory. Meanwhile, Jiro proposes an alliance with Otoya to take down Rook and protect Yuri, and Otoya tenuously agrees…

Episode 17 - Lesson: My Way

Release Date: 2008-05-18

Otoya is tasked with helping a young girl pass an audition, being promised a date with Yuri in exchange. In 2008, Wataru meets an archer named Mami, who takes him under her wing, while Nago angrily pursues a criminal that is also the Seastar Fangire…

Episode 18 - Quartet: Listen to the Voice in Your Heart

Release Date: 2008-05-25

Convincing his student that her slump is due to her not playing from the heart, Otoya gives her the confidence she needs to not only pass the audition but to realize where her heart truly lies. In 2008, Wataru loses his resolve to fight, but when he discovers that Mami has been injured by the Fangire, her pep talk about doing what his heart tells him inspires him to remember why he battles the Fangire…

Episode 19 - Fusion: Aura Storm

Release Date: 2008-06-01

In 1986, Rook begins to target women getting married, and Yuri finds herself face to face with him when he shows up at a wedding she was attending. After his attack, she begs Jiro to let her use IXA, but he continues to refuse while Otoya creates a distraction and steals the IXA Knuckle. Meanwhile, in 2008, Wataru meets with Kengo once more, who is convinced that Kiva will be his inspiration for his music. But when they attempt to learn more about Kiva, Wataru finds himself out cold as his body is suddenly inhabited… by his father?!

Episode 20 - Nocturne: The Messiah of Love

Release Date: 2008-06-08

As the Ladybug Fangire escapes from the Otoya-possessed Wataru, it takes Kengo and Keisuke as hostages to force Megumi into a fight as IXA. As “Otoya” tries to teach her about the resolve needed to be a warrior, she refuses to listen, and time is running out for the hostages. Meanwhile, in 1986, the actual Otoya runs into a mysterious woman at a wedding while looking for Yuri, who is revealed to be the queen of the Checkmate Four, Maya…

Episode 21 - Rhapsody: The Fate of the Ring

Release Date: 2008-06-15

After Yuri treats Otoya to a meal to thank him for what he did during the wedding incident, Jiro becomes angry at Otoya’s affection for Yuri, prompting Jiro to propose to her! Stunned, she isn’t sure whether to accept, but Shima thinks it’s a good idea. In her frustration, Yuri sets up a group date where Otoya runs into an old friend. Meanwhile, in 2008, Kengo suggests to Nago, Wataru, and Megumi a group date of their own, where things go poorly, including the antics of a clumsy waitress…

Episode 22 - Overture: An Intersection of Fates

Release Date: 2008-06-22

As Otoya works to help Yumi gather money, the Luxur store manager continues to attack patrons, until Shima explains what’s been going on and a trap is set to catch the Fangire. In 2008, Wataru learns the name of the awkward waitress he met before, and after running into her again, the pair hit it off as Mio asks Wataru on a date.

Episode 23 - Variation: Fugitives Forever

Release Date: 2008-06-29

In 1986, Ramon and Riki’s massage parlor is shut down for operating without a permit, so Jiro arranges for them to work at Mal d’Amour, leading Otoya to give Riki advice on love. Meanwhile, Maya is continuing to eliminate Fangires who have fallen in love with humans, but one Fangire named Shinji manages to escape her as he struggles with his relationship. In 2008, Megumi convinces Mio to model with her when one of the other models is ill, leading Wataru into a confrontation with the Grizzly Fangire!

Episode 24 - Emperor: Golden Fever

Release Date: 2008-07-06

After Jiro’s attack, Otoya is rescued by Ryoko and Shinji, who nurses him back to health, and he inadvertently repays the favor when he interrupts Maya as she’s about to eliminate Shinji. At the same time, Jiro has taken Yuri hostage and loses control, madly declaring that she’ll be his forever, but the admission she makes shocks him. In 2008, as Ryoko’s illness takes a turn for the worse, Shinji takes her to the tree they planted 22 years ago, but when Nago confronts him, he flips into a rage and attacks Mio, upsetting Wataru and unleashing a new power…

Episode 25 - Fanfare: The Queen's Awakening

Release Date: 2008-07-13

With Jiro’s disappearance, Yuri supports Otoya’s induction into the Wonderful Blue Sky Group as IXA’s official user. But when they plan to seek out her mother’s lost ring, Otoya finds himself suffering memory loss after a battle with Rook, when Maya, the Fangire Queen, arrives and claims to be Yuri! Meanwhile, in 2008, Wataru finds Mio has distanced herself from him after an encounter with Bishop, another member of the Checkmate Four!

Episode 26 - Metronome: Miraculous Memory

Release Date: 2008-07-20

Continuing to take advantage of Otoya’s memory loss, Maya attempts to learn more about human love as Otoya searches for the lost ring. But when Yuri finds them, she may have to be the one to explain it to the Fangire Queen! In 2008, Wataru worries about Mio’s whereabouts as she hides from her duty as Queen. With Bishop demanding her obedience, she turns to Wataru for help, but gets ambushed by the Spider Fangire, who has stolen the IXA gear!

Episode 27 - 80's: Angry Rising Blue

Release Date: 2008-07-27

Nago offers his resignation to Shima, but Shima refuses, granting him access to IXA’s Rising upgrade as he feels Nago has accepted his own weaknesses. However, the celebration is short-lived when Megumi and Shima are arrested. Nago is informed by the senior officer responsible that his former dealings with the Blue Sky Group 22 years prior led him to be injured by IXA, and in order to save his colleagues, Jiro appears and grants Nago access to Castle Doran’s Time Door, sending him back to 1986 and bringing him face-to-face with Otoya!

Episode 28 - Request: Time-Altering Battle

Release Date: 2008-08-03

Still in 1986, Nago tries to explain to Tanahashi that he’s from the future and trying to change history, but Tanahashi believes he’s lying. After Nago attempts to throw Otoya off by kidnapping Yuri, Maya saves him and asks about human love, and while Nago can’t explain it directly, he gives her the button from his first bounty, calling it a good luck charm. Later, when the events leading to Tanahashi’s injury begin to unfold, Nago changes the future and vanishes, but upon his return, after assisting Kiva, he discovers that Wataru holds the very button he gave Maya! But why does Wataru have it?

Episode 29 - When the Saints Go Marching In: I Am King

Release Date: 2008-08-10

As Yuri cleans Otoya’s house, she worries about feeling happy when Rook is still on the loose, reaffirming her desire to defeat the powerful Fangire, but Jiro has his own revenge plans and enlists the help of Otoya to plan a four-way attack with Ramon and Riki while keeping Yuri in the dark. In 2008, Wataru reconciles with Mio, but Bishop refuses to accept these circumstances while Megumi is approached by her brother, who makes a donation to the Blue Sky Group in order to force her to return home to her family.

Episode 30 - Curtain Raising: Kiva's Identity

Release Date: 2008-08-17

Having been attacked by Rook, Yuri is nearly killed before Jiro manages to intervene, landing her in the hospital. Jiro and Otoya visit her, telling her not to rush back into action, but she rushes out, falling for their diversion as they bait Rook once more. In 2008, Wataru’s relationships are increasingly strained, with Kengo upset by Wataru’s lie about his recovery, and Mio once again rejecting Wataru due to Shizuka’s meddling. With her brother still demanding Shima relieve her, Megumi goes undercover to tail a Fangire target, and when IXA and Kiva enter battle, Nago makes a shocking discovery…

Episode 31 - Applause: A Mother-Dedicated Transformation

Release Date: 2008-08-24

In 1986, Rook enjoys his reward for beating IXA and the monsters as Yuri steals the IXA Knuckle and rushes to Rook, who steals the Knuckle and transforms into IXA! The monsters fight back, but Rook overpowers them easily as he runs wild. But when IXA overloads, Otoya and the others reveal their plan, as Yuri becomes IXA to finish off her mother’s killer. Meanwhile, in 2008, Nago discusses Wataru’s role as Kiva with Wataru, who he takes on as his pupil, further upsetting Kengo. As Bishop pushes Mio further into her role as Queen, Megumi discovers her mother’s notes on Rook and begs Nago to lend her IXA in order to exact her revenge…

Episode 32 - New World: Another Kiva

Release Date: 2008-08-31

In 1986, Yuri is happy after defeating Rook and suggests marriage to Otoya, who is taken aback. Soon after, he runs into Maya, who is playing the violin and poses a question to him about her playing before she leaves to visit her infant son. But when Riki attacks her as she visits Otoya to see if he knows the answer to her question, her role as Fangire Queen is revealed! In 2008, Wataru finds an injured Mio, and the two patch one another up, both unaware as to one another’s roles, while Taiga, Wataru’s first friend, and the Fangire King, reappears!

Episode 33 - Supersonic: Saga of Battle

Release Date: 2008-09-07

After Maya defeats Dogga, she is surprised that Otoya has remained in spite of her true identity as a Fangire. She asks him once more for the answer to her question as she offers to help him construct a violin able to bring out his true talent. As they work side by side, Yuri watches with a pained heart as Otoya grows closer to the Fangire Queen. In 2008, Saga watches Kiva’s battle before retreating, while Wataru promises to stay by Mio’s side as the battle concludes. However, when Wataru discovers that Taiga’s fiancee is Mio, Wataru is crushed, despite Mio’s assurances that the pairing was arranged.

Episode 34 - Noise: Melody of Destruction

Release Date: 2008-09-14

Wataru celebrates his broken heart as he tries to move on from Mio, but it doesn’t seem like that will be easy as he still finds himself spending time with her and Taiga. While at an amusement park, an escaped prisoner takes a hostage and Nago attempt to defuse the situation but the newest member of the Blue Sky Group intervenes. It’s Kengo! And he’s sporting a new look and a new attitude, disrespecting both his former friend and his ex-mentor. Meanwhile, a scientist works to infuse one Fangire with the stolen powers of other Fangires, and Mio seeks an audience with Maya to come to terms with her role as queen…

Episode 35 - New Arrangement: Flying Rose

Release Date: 2008-09-21

With the Bloody Rose complete, Otoya plays it for the first time for Maya, blessing it with a prayer to preserve music for all time. Yuri, fed up, runs off and encounters Jiro, who learns of the strange relationship between Otoya and Maya and confronts him about it. In 2008, with the Bloody Rose damaged due to Wataru’s state of mind, he attempts to fix it, but it lacks something that gives it power. Meanwhile, Mio begs Maya to release her from being Queen, but Maya explains that the power itself chooses the Queen, while Kengo is given the IXA Knuckle to Nago’s dismay.

Episode 36 - Revolutionary: Sword Legend

Release Date: 2008-09-28

Bishop begins the preparations for the wedding of Taiga and Mio, but Mio admits she is in love with someone else and can’t go forward, enraging Taiga. Not realizing it is Wataru she loves, Taiga enlists the help of Wataru, who is himself blind to Mio’s true feelings, to try and determine who she has feelings for. When she meets with Kengo in the park, Taiga confronts her as Kengo attacks Wataru, but Jiro brings Watary back to Castle Doran to observe a mysterious sword embedded in the wall, said to be extremely powerful…

Episode 37 - Triangle: Behead the King

Release Date: 2008-10-05

Mio reveals her feelings for Wataru as Taiga lurks nearby, discovering the truth for himself. As Wataru basks in his happiness, Taiga confronts Wataru and invites him to Mio and Taiga’s wedding, telling Wataru he’s always been weak. Jiro brings Wataru back to Castle Doran, suggesting he try once more to claim the Zanvat Sword by wishing for its power from his heart. Meanwhile, in 1986, Yuri confronts Maya, but Maya refuses to attack, knowing she’s taking something far more precious from her…

Episode 38 - Erlking: A Mother-Son Reunion

Release Date: 2008-10-12

Mio and Wataru discover one another’s identities, along with Taiga realizing that as Kiva, Wataru is his half-bother. In denial, Wataru runs off, collapsing in the woods. Taiga decides to go speak to Maya to demand answers, while Nago attempts to coach Keno in the use of the IXA System, but his efforts don’t end well. In 1986, Otoya visits Yuri and tells her he intends to find Maya, while the Fangire King is confronted by Jiro as he summons a dark version of Kiva to finish off the Wolfen for good.

Episode 39 - Shout: Targeted Brother

Release Date: 2008-10-19

Jiro fights a losing battle with the Fangire King, who has also tracked down Ramon and Riki to eliminate them all Arms Monsters, but the trio narrowly escape and run into Maya and Yuri, demanding that Maya act as a shield for them, but she quickly dispatches them, revealing to Yuri that she is a Fangire. Shocked, she confronts Otoya, who calmly says he knew, enraging Yuri. In 2008, Wataru questions his half-Fangire heritage and requests a meeting with Shima and the others to reveal his secret, telling them he intends to be the bridge between humanity and Fangires.

Episode 40 - Encore: Return of Nago’s IXA

Release Date: 2008-10-26

Now aware that Maya is a Fangire, Yuri encounters her once more and intends to kill her, but Otoya stops her, suggesting a picnic, but she storms off. Maya takes her place, and afterward, Otoya passes the Fangire King, who tracks down the Arms Monsters and agrees to spare them if they’ll kill Otoya. In 2008, having regained his senses after Bishop released his Fangire nature, Wataru relapses into isolation as he fears that he’ll hurt another human, while Nago regains the IXA Knuckle, but finds himself facing Taiga as Wataru ignores the Bloody Rose’s call for Kiva…

Episode 41 - Lullaby: Release the Heart

Release Date: 2008-11-02

The Arms Monsters attempt to eliminate Otoya in order to be spared by the King, but none of them can go through with it and the trio decides to split up and run, but they don’t get before the King uses his dark Kiva powers to seal them into the weapons Wataru will use in the future, imprisoning them in Castle Doran. In 2008, Shima fires Kengo, who begs Wataru not to give up with Nago and the others, but Wataru won’t budge. But when a vision of Maya comes to him in a dream, will he find his resolve to believe in himself?

Episode 42 - The Power of Love: The King's Rage

Release Date: 2008-11-09

In 1986, Otoya battles Dark Kiva with IXA but is hopelessly outmatched and is taken prisoner by the King, intending to feed him to Castle Doran. Maya pretends not to care, but she seeks out Yuri and begs her to help rescue Otoya after she admits she is in love with him. Yuri agrees, and the two enter the Lost Woods, where Castle Doran sleeps. In 2008, Taiga is upset by Wataru’s decision to fight for humanity, pointing out they’ll end up fighting one another eventually. As Shima visits Yuri’s grave, he is attacked by a Fangire and gravely wounded, but Taiga offers Wataru a way to help him…

Episode 43 - Wedding March: A Time of Parting

Release Date: 2008-11-16

In search of Otoya, Yuri and Maya battle the Silkworm Fangire as Otoya’s life is drained into Castle Doran. As time is nearly up, he requests that the King allow him one final performance, playing a song to act as a beacon for Maya and Yuri. As they escape with him, Otoya dons IXA to defeat the Silkworm Fangire while Maya is stripped of her powers. In 2008, Shima acts strangely as the Sungazer Fangire appears, but everyone is stunned when it changes back into Shima! Meanwhile, Taiga and Mio begin the wedding ceremony, but Mio has plans of her own…

Episode 44 - Punk: Back to Father

Release Date: 2008-11-23

In the aftermath of Mio’s death, Wataru confronts Taiga until Jiro drags him to the Time Door, hoping that Wataru will regain his composure if he meets his father. But when Wataru returns to the past, he is hellbent on saving Mio by erasing his own existence and keeping his parents from getting together. When he is forced to reveal his parentage, Otoya is unable to believe it, but he slowly comes around until the two are attacked by a Fangire, leading father and son to fight side by side.

Episode 45 - With You: The Last Transformation

Release Date: 2008-11-30

After Wataru rescues Otoya, the King reveals his true Fangire form and attacks, but Otoya escapes and encounters Kivat-bat the 2nd, who tells him that Maya sends a message: they can never meet again. If they do, the King will kill Taiga, who he is holding hostage. Disgusted by his actions, Kivat-bat the 2nd proposes a pact with Otoya, granting him the Dark Kiva powers at the risk of his life! In 2008, Taiga agonizes over Mio’s death until Bishop reveals Wataru did not kill her, he did, in order to send Wataru into despair. Taiga reacts violently, angering Bishop into acting on his own, plotting revenge…

Episode 46 - Full Stop: Goodbye, Otoya

Release Date: 2008-12-07

Wataru battles the Bat Fangire after his father is injured, but he’s no match for the incredible power wielded by the King. Enraged, the injured Otoya switches to IXA, but the weaker prototype is easily dispatched by the King, as the IXA armor shatters. Despite knowing that using Dark Kiva again will mean his demise, Otoya transforms and the two Kivas stand side by side and finally destroy the King. Otoya begins to die but puts on a brave facade as his son fades away, returning to the future he came from. Back in the future, Wataru exudes new confidence while Nago fights Bishop but is severely injured in the process…

Episode 47 - Break the Chain: Obey Me!

Release Date: 2008-12-14

Taiga and Wataru resume their fight after eliminating Bishop’s revived Fangires. With the embracing of his Fangire side, Wataru defeats Taiga and tells his brother he refuses to help him. While Bishop’s plans to revive the previous King continue on, Taiga visits Maya after she refuses to grant him the power of Dark Kiva, he attacks her and obtains Kivat-bat the 2nd. Meanwhile, Nago plans to resign due to his injury, but Megumi demands he continues to fight, with her acting as his eyes.

Episode 48 - Finale: The Inheritors of Kiva

Release Date: 2008-12-21

With Wataru as the self-proclaimed King of the Fangires, Taiga confronts him and claims to have killed Maya. The brothers begin to fight, but Bishop appears with his army of Fangires, so the two switch targets, with the Arms Monsters arriving to back them up. Nago, with the help of Megumi, engages Bishop at the same time, struggling with his damaged eyesight, but with Megumi’s help, he triumphs. But in defeat, he succeeds in reviving the King, forcing the brothers to team up and fight the Bat Fangire just as Wataru and Otoya did 22 years earlier. The fate of humanity and the Fangires is about to be decided!