DHS CHAPTER PART 4: HOLIDAYS
When Shinichi entered the classroom, he caught the expressions on Satoshi and Keiichi's faces. It was like they were in bliss, like all their troubles had faded away and all their tension was gone. They were practically glowing. The twins were glowing too…and then it struck him.
Walking up to his two male friends, he grabbed them by the arms and dragged them out of the classroom into the hallway. Despite their protests and struggling, he still held firm. He was stronger than them, after all.
After closing the door, Shinichi dragged his two friends as far away from the classroom as possible before letting them go.
Keiichi rubbed his sore arm and demanded, "OK, Shinichi, what was that about?"
Shinichi looked them in the eye and then gave them a thumbs up with a wink. "Good job!" he congratulated.
The brunette and blond stared at the bluenette in confusion with question marks popping over their heads.
"Good job…for what?" Satoshi asked.
"For finally becoming MEN!" Shinichi grinned wide. Keiichi's eyes widened and then he blushed. Shinichi knew!
"What do you mean?" Satoshi asked.
"You have cast away your virginity, that's what I mean!" proclaimed Shinichi, causing Satoshi and Keiichi to blush.
"Shinichi!" they yelped.
"And don't deny. I have a 6th sense for this type of thing," said Shinichi, pointing at his antenna hair that bobbed up and down with each movement he made. "So, you and the twins, huh?"
Keiichi and Satoshi were silent as Shinichi continued.
"Let me guess," Shinichi crossed his arms and theorised the scenario aloud, "You went on a double-date, you two with Mion and Shion. Then, things got romantic. I'm guessing Mion spent the night at Keiichi's place while Satoshi spent the night at Shion's place. Since Keiichi's parents were out of town, it was the perfect place and also Satoko-chan was sleeping over at my house with Rika-chan and Hanyuu-chan. However, since Shion's place probably has a softer and bigger bed, I assume that Satoshi and Shion slept together there." He looked at the two boys, now men, in front of him and asked, "Was that what happened?" He didn't get a response, but both Keiichi and Satoshi wore nervous expressions on their faces. He let his arms hang at his sides and asked, "The twins are standing right behind me, aren't they?"
"Shin-chan…" twin feminine voices growled. Shinichi fearfully turned, paling, and gulped when he saw the identical looks of fury on the Sonozaki twins' faces.
"Oh, hey girls-"
"BAKA HENTAI!"
POW!
WHAM!
Shinichi was thrown across the hallway by the tandem punch of both sisters and out the door.
After dragging Shinichi back into the classroom, Mion and Shion dropped him in his seat. They were scowling. Satoshi and Keiichi nervously followed their girlfriends in. A little girl, a first grader from the looks of it, stared at Shinichi and pointed.
"Panda!" she said.
She said that because Shinichi sported two black eyes.
Mion sighed, "Sometimes I can't believe he's the same guy that saved the world."
"From the way he acts, who would?" Shion commented. "But, I'm kinda glad he's alive, y'know?"
"Yeah, we nearly lost him that day," Mion agreed. Seeing him in pain and finding out he was dying was really scary. "Even if he's a total perv sometimes, I'm glad he's with us right now."
Rena was busy checking Shinichi's face, fretting over him. He told her, "Relax, it'll fade."
"If you're sure, Shin-kun," the auburn-haired girl said before holding his face in her hands and kissing his forehead.
Watching him slowly withering away that day had been the most frightening experience in her life. It couldn't compare to the fear she felt when he'd become GIN-SHOCKER's High Commander. The thought of him dying had crossed her mind so many times. His life was a dangerous and she thought that with GIN-SHOCKER gone they could breathe easily and have a normal life.
However, with Gebok still at large, that would not be. As long as Gebok was still alive, Shinichi could not live a normal life. Despite that fact, Shinichi was unafraid. He would face Gebok and defeat him for good the next time they met.
Christmas was in a couple of days too and Rena had already gotten a special gift for Shinichi. She hoped he liked it and wondered what gift he got for her. She just hoped it was something cute.
"Its Christmas time in Shinichi's world right now," Warren said as he had tea in his office with Ryuki.
"Maybe you should give him a Christmas bonus," Ryuki suggested. "A nice present from his superiors."
"Sounds good, and he has been helping me by babysitting Alan."
"Not to mention risked his life to bring down GIN-SHOCKER from within," Ryuki supplied. "That was still a dangerous assignment, no matter how much training he has."
"I gave him a bonus for that already," Warren clarified, "And you're right, it was dangerous to send him alone."
"It's a good thing it all turned out well in the end." Ryuki sipped his tea. He checked his watch. "I have to get back to work, Director-san. Thanks for joining me for tea."
"Hey, you're pleasant company," said Warren.
Ryuki was about to get up but then said, "Oh, and is there any new reports on Infinity Fragments?"
"Not recently, but it's only a matter of time until one turns up," said Warren. "We can't let those fragments fall into the wrong hands. Who knows what will happen."
"Fragments filled with unpredictable cosmic power capable of bending reality are dangerous. In the wrong hands they could cause the end of existence."
"And I thought that was over when we defeated VICIOUS, but now there's this LEVIATHAN organization and we still don't know about it. However, right now what concerns me is this DHS organization that Gebok might be in." Warren had a forensics team sent to Shinichi's home and recovered the remains of a robotic mosquito. Within the circuitry was a chip that had the initials DHS.
"He calls himself Dr. Shinigami now," Ryuki corrected. "But I agree. Shinichi's troubles did not end when he defeated GIN-SHOCKER."
"DHS and LEVIATHAN…" murmured Warren. "What could they be planning?"
"Not sure, but Shinichi's already troubled with Gebok still being alive. That madman claims to be Shinichi's father." Ryuki snorted in disgust. "What a joke."
"He's insane, what do you expect?" Warren remarked.
The Banabara house looked ready for the festive season. A Christmas tree was in the living room and Christmas decorations were already up. Christmas was just two days away and Shinichi was looking forward to it. It was going to be his first Christmas with his mother.
When he arrived back home the two black eyes he'd gotten from Mion and Shion walloping him had already faded. He still had to perform a penalty game and was forced into a panda suit and made to dance in order to get their forgiveness. He knew he was just making a fool of himself and entertaining them at his own expense, but despite the humiliating aspect of the act it made him feel normal to just hang out with his friends.
"Kaa-chan, tadaima!" greeted Shinichi as he entered the house. Rika and Hanyuu were with him.
"Okaeri, Shinji!" replied Shiori. She was sitting at the kotatsu table. "Come and warm yourselves here at the kotatsu. It's nice and toasty."
Once Rika, Hanyuu and Shinichi were seated at the kotatsu, the children discussed their day at school with the woman.
"Why did Mion-chan and Shion-chan punch you?" Shiori asked.
"I said something I shouldn't have," he answered.
"He said something perverted," Rika added.
"I was just congratulating Satoshi and Keiichi for finally gaining their manhood," Shinichi murmured.
"My, my, doesn't this sound interesting," smiled Shiori. Her own ahoge bobbed up and down as she got ideas. She knew what her son meant and already was she thinking up scenarios for her next book. "So, you, Satoshi and Keiichi are now in the same category, right?"
"That's right, and I got two black eyes for it, but it was totally worth it," Shinichi said.
"Maybe I can interview your friends for inspiration!" Shiori clapped her hands optimistically.
"Nah, not right now. I think I embarrassed them enough already," Shinichi protested.
"Oh, well. Maybe when the time is right. It's not like we're in the red or anything," said Shiori.
"Yeah, I quit my job delivering newspapers and got a better one working at ARMOR," he remarked.
"With higher occupational hazards," Rika supplied. "I guess you can rake in the hazard pay and overtime."
"And that's a lot of money too. I got a huge bonus from the time I worked in Operation: Trojan Horse."
"That bonus went into paying for your medical treatment, right?" Hanyuu asked.
"Yeah, it wasn't free," sighed Shinichi.
"At least you got better, Shinji. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you again," Shiori said as she ran a hand through her son's hair. Her son was back in her life after ten long years. The thought of losing him again was just too painful for her.
Rika spoke seriously, "Shinichi, I need you to come up to my room later. There's something important I want you to take a look at."
Whenever Rika spoke in that tone of voice, he knew he had to do as she said. "OK, Rika-chan."
In the laboratory within the DHS floating castle, Dr. Gebok Shinigami was examining a very interesting item.
"So, this is an Infinity Fragment," said Dr. Shinigami as he stared at the tiny shard that was floating within a cylindrical glass container which had metal lids on the top and base. It was shining. He had a scanner that he used to measure energy readings. "Interesting. The energy it's giving off is off the charts."
"Indeed, and that is just one small fragment," said Priest Venom. "Our superiors in LEVIATHAN let us have it to see what we can do with it. So far we've had…complications due to its unpredictable nature."
"Oh, I like unpredictable things. Surprises make everything less dull," said Dr. Shinigami as he grinned wide. He was looking forward to discovering the secrets the fragment held.
"And there are still more our there in the Multiverse, scattered. There could be a few in this world as well. That's why we're here. Once we've gathered all the Infinity Fragments here then we will cleanse the world of humanity," said Priest Venom.
"Just leave a few specimens for me, OK?" Dr. Shinigami needed subjects for his experiments.
"But of course, Dr. Shinigami, but of course."
"OK, Rika-chan. What did you want to show me?" asked Shinichi.
"These," Rika said as he put down the scroll and an old book she'd found in her family shrine. "When Hanyuu and I were cleaning up, we found these hidden beneath one of the floor panels." She opened the scroll. "It turns out that the Higurashi no Yaiba, the Kage no Hoshi and the Oni no Hone are not the only treasures of Hinamizawa."
"They aren't?" Shinichi blinked. He always thought the three treasures he'd been using as weapons were the only ones of their kind.
The scroll depicted three orbs, each with a different Kanji character written inside. The characters were 'Courage', 'Wisdom', and 'Power'. "The Legendary Mystical Orbs of Onigafuchi," Rika read, "According to this, the orbs fell from the heavens and landed on these grounds. These orbs possessed a great power far beyond anything that existed in the mortal plain. My ancestor, and the ancestors of the Sonozaki and Kimiyoshi Clans discovered these orbs and used their power to forge the Higurashi no Yaiba, Oni no Hone and the Kage no Hoshi. These orbs also served as a source of power for these treasures."
Shinichi leafed through the book. It provided more information on the orbs. Each orb possessed a different power and when used with the Three Treasures could increase their power far beyond than Shinichi ever had access to. "It says here that with the orbs and treasures, your ancestor and his comrades were able to exorcise the land of demons, but then they were afraid that the orbs would corrupt them so they scattered the orbs so that nobody would ever see them again." Shinichi knew how absolute power could corrupt a person and these orbs were power incarnate. It was a scary thought. What if GIN-SHOCKER had them? Fortunately, GIN-SHOCKER was gone so he didn't have to worry about them. However, there was still Gebok and the madman would do anything to get his revenge.
While it was just a legend, so were the Higurashi no Yaiba, Oni no Hone and Kage no Hoshi, and yet Shinichi was able to use them to transform his Rider form into more powerful forms. The legends were true and the legend of the Orbs of Courage, Wisdom and Power had to be true as well.
"Rika-chan, is it okay if I bring these to ARMOR and have Warren-san take a look at them?" Shinichi asked for permission.
"Yes, because I have a feeling that these orbs will play an important part in the future."
In the corner of the ceiling, a small mechanical fly was watching and recording everything Rika and Shinichi said. On its head were the letters 'DHS'. It then buzzed away.
Warren was surprised to see Shinichi back at ARMOR and then saw what Shinichi had with him. He put the scroll and book on Warren's desk and said, "Read them."
"No need, already knew everything they said the second you stepped on base," said Warren casually. "I'm gonna need to teach you how to put up Psi-shields sometime." He opened the scroll which depicted the three orbs. "So, you wanna go looking for these, right?"
"Yes," Shinichi confirmed. "Gebok's still at large and since he's aware of what the Hinamizawa treasures can do for me, he might try and look for these items to increase his own power. Thus, I wish to use ARMOR resources to go look for them."
Warren nodded, accepting Shinichi's reasoning. "Fine but when you do find them, before you take them, contact me first. I have a theory I'm working on. Oh, and give Satoshi and Keiichi my congrats." He heard about what happened.
Shinichi cocked an eyebrow. "Sir, with all due respect, do you make it a habit of reading the minds of your subordinates or does it just happen?"
Warren shrugged. "A little of both. My telepathy only picks up surface thoughts unless I delve deeper. I have control over it, but its fun to freak out the newbies."
Shinichi frowned and said, "I just hope these orbs don't fall into the wrong hands." After saluting, he picked up his things and walked out of the office.
Warren picked up a file on his desk labelled "Project: INFINITY". He frowned, "You and me both, Shinichi. You and me both."
A man walked out of the shadows. He was dressed in a purple shirt with a black tie, black trench coat with matching slacks and black leather shoes. He had pale white skin and eyes that had black sclera, red irises, and narrow slit-like pupils that were covered by glasses. His hair was jet black and reached down to his chin and his bangs were combed over his forehead like they were hiding something. His name was Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa-Akuma, President, owner and Head CEO of Smart Brain Corporation of his world.
Ichijyo scoffed, "So, he's the infamous Kamen Rider Showa? He doesn't seem much."
"You'd be surprised," retorted Warren. "So, Ichijyo, how's my favourite Vampangel?"
"I just dropped by for a visit. How are Ryuki and Takada doing working under you?"
"Ryuki is working fine as head of DORA. Takada on the other hand…"
Ichijyo understood. "I had him working in my R&D department for years and the damage he caused cost me a lot. So, Orbs of Courage, Wisdom and Power, huh?"
"Yep, and chances are they're Infinity Fragments," Warren said.
Ichijyo cocked an eyebrow. "Oh, and what makes you say that?"
"Call it a hunch, or gut feeling," Warren said.
In Shinichi's dreamscape, he sat down to talk with Yabuki, Gokuaku and Zennin to confirm some information.
"Yes, the three weapons we represent were created using those orbs," Yabuki confirmed.
"I see," Shinichi nodded. "So, the power of the Three Treasures isn't their full power."
"You got that right. Back when our original masters had those orbs we were unstoppable!" boasted Gokuaku.
"So, it's true that these orbs can make me more powerful," Shinichi realised.
"Are you kidding? Those orbs allowed us to access our full power to the max!" exclaimed Gokuaku.
"And our original masters also used those orbs to purify the land this village was built on," Zennin continued.
Yabuki finished, "And not only that the orbs were a sumbol to what the village stood for. Power, Courage and Wisdom. Those were the traits of the Sonozaki, Furude and Kimiyoshi Clans." Yabuki frowned as he added, "However, the founders feared they would become corrupt with all that power so they got rid of the orbs."
"What'll happen if an organization like GIN-SHOCKER found out about those orbs?" Shinichi asked cautiously.
"Then everyone you know and love will be as dead as a dodo," was Gokuaku's simple answer.
"The orbs can't be allowed to fall into the wrong hands," Zennin cautioned. "Therefore, as our present master and Hinamizawa's Guardian, it is your duty to find them before that can happen."
Shinichi's eyes hardened when he heard those words. "I won't let that happen. I'll find the orbs before they can."
December 25th 1985
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
The Banabaras, Rika and Hanyuu cheered. It was Christmas day. Presents were under the tree, the house was decorated, and most of all there was a delicious Christmas breakfast on the dining table.
"Delicious!" Hanyuu said as he took a bite of the food.
"Hanyuu-chan, do you still have that gift you plan to give to Chiaki-san?" Shiori asked.
"Yes, I do!" Hanyuu was blushing. "Oh, I should go now!" She grabbed a winter coat, scarf and mittens before running out of the house with the present in her hands.
Shinichi stood at the door of Warren's apartment in Okinomiya.
"Here, Merry Christmas," said Shinichi as he presented the gift to Warren.
"Is that for me?" Warren asked as he took the gift.
Shinichi answered, "Yeah. I didn't know what to get you so I hitched a ride to the King Terminal and looked around. It's a skull-shaped paperweight that's also a Magic 8 Ball."
"Thanks Shinichi." Warren offered, "So, you wanna come in for a glass of water? Just so you know, the whole family's here."
"Your whole family?" Shinichi asked.
"Yeah, and I do mean the whole family," Warren emphasized.
"I wouldn't want to intrude..."
"Hey, it's fine!"
"Well, if that's the case, OK then," Shinichi accepted the invitation and went inside. "By the way, we're having a Christmas Party at my place. You can come if you want, Warren-san."
"Thanks," said Warren. "I might take you up on that offer."
Mion, Shion, Shogo and Kasai were all headed to Shinichi's house. The twins were holding a present each that they planned to give Shinichi at his house.
"I hope Shinichi appreciates the stuff we got for him," said Mion. She was dressed in a thick yellow jacket with a blue scarf around her neck.
"And I sure hope he gives us something good in return, Onee," added Shion. She was wearing a grey coat with a blue scarf as well.
"Hey, Shogo. How come you don't have a present for Shinichi?" Mion asked. "I mean you guys are on the same team and all."
"Actually, I only had this small thing for him," said Shogo as he reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out a small wrapped package.
Shogo was officially Mion's bodyguard while Kasai was officially Shion's bodyguard. The two men performed their duties efficiently and without fail. Shogo's only problem was to loosen up. Kasai actually had a present he wanted to give Shiori.
"Ohayo, Mion, Shion and Shogo!" all three blinked as they saw Yokoshima holding a sack and headed towards them. He had a Santa hat on. He was also wearing a red coat over a red-shirt with blue jeans, black boots and white gloves.
"Hey, Yokoshima! What's up?" Mion greeted.
"Eh, I'm doing fine." He snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah, that reminds me." Yokoshima opened up his sack and reached inside, pulling out three presents. "Merry Christmas!" he greeted, giving the presents to the twins and his fellow Rider.
"Gee, thanks!" Shion smiled as she accepted.
"No problem! Heh, heh! Now Daichi will be forced to stop calling me a cheapskate!"
Yokoshima was unaware he'd said the last bit aloud causing the three who'd received his gifts to sweatdrop.
"Well, come on or we're going to be late for the Christmas party Shiori-san's holding," Shion said
"Right, right!" Yokoshima grabbed the sack and slung it over his shoulder. "Let's go!"
Kasai wondered internally, 'Where's my present?'
"There, it's done," said Chiaki, smiling. He was wearing a thick blue duffle coat over blue overalls and a white shirt. He also had on a blue snow cap and his usual scarf that covered the lower half of his face. He heard a knock at his door and said, "Come in."
"Chiaki-san!" Hanyuu greeted. "Merry Christmas!"
"Oh, Merry Christmas, Hanyuu-chan!" Chiaki greeted back. The little girl blushed bashfully and held up her present. "Here, I have a present for you."
"Oh, thank you!" Chiaki accepted the gift and unwrapped the present. His eyes widened when he saw that it was a red and silver pocket watch with 'II' on it.
"The store clerk said you might like it," she said, hoping he did.
"Thank you, Hanyuu-chan." He patted her on the head, making the tiny goddess blush. He then presented the gift he'd made for Hanyuu. "Here, for you."
Hanyuu gasped. It was a full-coloured water-color portrait of her in her shrine maiden clothes while sitting in a tree. "Sugoi!"
"I just thought you'd like to hang it in your room," said Chiaki. "It's not framed yet, but…"
"I love it!" Hanyuu hugged him. "Thank you!"
"Here, Merry Christmas," said Daichi as he handed Satoko the stuffed cat doll. He'd shown up at the Houjou's house just to give that present to the little blonde girl. Daichi was wearing a chesterfield coat over his clothes and a fedora on his head. Hanging from his back was his trusty guitar.
"Wow, thanks, Daichi-san," smiled Satoko. It was smaller than the teddy bear her brother had gotten her before he went into a coma, but it was still a nice present. It was a black cat with a bowtie and top hat.
"Don't think anything about it, OK? I just wanted to be nice," he frowned.
"Well, Shiori-san is having a party. Do you want to come with us?" Satoshi offered.
"That was my next stop anyway. Shinichi's mom asked me to be the entertainment," Daichi answered.
"OK, then let's go!"
Hana and Michiru were also doing a presents exchange in their apartment.
"Merry Christmas, Hana-chan!" Michiru handed her friend her gift.
"You too, Merry Christmas, Michiru," Hana returned.
Michiru opened her gift quickly and her eyes brightened when she saw what was inside. "Wow, you know me so well, Hana-chan."
"I think this one would be more your taste, Michiru," Hana responded as she took out the dress Michiru had gotten for her. It was purple, gothic in design with a spider-web design and a black spider in the front. Hana gave a small smile before hugging Michiru.
"Say, you wanna give the present you gave me a test run?" Michiru grinned.
"Maybe later, Michiru. We're going to be late for the party."
When the doorbell rang, Shinichi opened the door to see Rena and Keiichi. "Hey, guys. Come on in. Merry Christmas!" Shinichi let them inside. They took off their boots and put on the house slippers.
"Merry Christmas, Shinichi," Keiichi greeted as he gave Shinichi his present.
"Here's mine, Shin-kun." Rena pushed her gift towards Shinichi and he accepted it along with Keiichi present.
"Thanks, guys. Come inside. My Kaa-chan just made a fresh batch of hot chocolate. You can have some to warm yourself up," Shinichi offered.
"So that's what that smell was," Keiichi said as he entered. Rena was about to go in too when Shinichi stopped her.
"Shin-kun?" she blinked. He had a glint in his eyes as he held mistletoe over both their heads.
"You do know what happens when two people get caught under the-mpph!" Rena had grabbed him and kissed him full on the lips.
"Hey, are you gonna make out or let us in, Shin-chan?" Mion called.
Shinichi broke the kiss, making Rena pout. "Oh, right! Sorry! Come on in, guys!"
"Merry Christmas! Santa Yokoshima is here!" declared Yokoshima. "Where's the milk and cookies?"
It wasn't long before Shinichi's friends in both the NEO-NUMBERS and Hinamizawa Gaming Club arrived for the party. Daichi was already starting to play Christmas songs. Yokoshima was especially pleased when he saw that Asmodeus was present.
"Hello, Asmo-chan!" Yokoshima greeted happily "I'm so glad you made it!"
A tint of pink was on Asmodeus' cheeks. "So tell me, Yoko-kun. What did you get me?"
"Ah, I think you'll like it," Yokoshima said, bringing out a box from his sack.
Asmodeus opened the box and picked up its contents. It was a pendant with a brilliant round sapphire, surrounded by a golden triangle and hanging on a chain.
"Oh, Yoko-kun." Asmodeus purred, admiring her gift. "I got you something as well." She gave him the present she had for him. Yokoshima grabbed the box and opened it up to see it filled with candy. "I had to ask a friend of mine to make them!" Asmodeus said, leaving out the part that said friend was Ronove.
"Oh, thanks, Asmo-chan!"
"And look…" Asmodeus pointed up at the mistletoe hanging above them. "Mistletoe~" She quickly stole a kiss from Yokoshima before deepening the kiss.
FLASH!
Shinichi pulled the camera down from his face. "And another one for the album!"
"Shinji, what's that?" Shiori pointed at the silvery veil that was hanging above Shinichi's head. It was a Dimensional Rift.
Two people suddenly fell out of the Dimensional Rift, right on top of Shinichi.
"Hey, Merry Christmas!" Hitomi greeted, waving as he sat on the floor with Rui.
"Yeah, what the bozo said," added Rui.
"So, where's Shinichi? I got a present for him," said Hitomi.
"GET OFF ME!" Shinichi shouted, struggling under his two outer-dimensional friends.
"Oh, Shinichi," Hitomi blinked. "How did you get down there?"
"GET OFF ME!" Shinichi repeated. The two did and Shinichi was helped up by Rika and Rena. He rubbed the wrinkles out of his shirt and glared at them.
"Oh, Merry Christmas," Hitomi said again, holding a war hammer that was wrapped in coloured paper and tied with a bow. He handed it over to Shinichi. "That's for you, buddy."
"Thanks," Shinichi accepted.
"And this is my gift to you," Rui said as she held Shinichi's cheeks. His eyes widened as Rui leaned in, eyes lidded. Rena glared, growling.
"Merry Christmas," Rui whispered before she drew herself backwards and then slammed her forehead hard against Shinichi's, knocking him out as his body crumpled to the floor.
"Shin-kun!" Rena exclaimed. Shinichi was on the floor with a bump on his forehead and swirly eyes.
Meanwhile, in the DHS Castle, Shinigami was whistling an old Christmas tune in his lab. Christmas was one of his favourite holidays. It was a time for giving and while his last gift (the virus) had gone unappreciated, he had a new one prepared just for the NEO-NUMBERS Kamen Riders.
A door opened behind him and a DHS scientist who was of a lower rank than him entered. The man trembled at the sight of Dr. Shinigami. His reputation was a frightfully legendary one and his bragging was no lie. Dr. Shinigami had done a lot of horrendous things. Kidnapping children and converting them into genetically enhanced cyborgs was just the tip of the iceberg.
"Dr. Shinigami," the scientist spoke, "We've finished the minor details to the 'present' you've intended for the Kamen Riders, sir."
"Excellent, excellent," Dr. Shinigami laughed. "I'd hate for BLACK 13 to think I was stingy during this holiday season. He deserves to know that I still care for him."
Later, Mion challenged everyone to have a snowball fight outside. It was a free-for-all so the winner was the last person standing in the end.
"Yikes!" Keiichi shouted, ducking a large snowball. "Hah, you have to try better than that, Satoko!" Keiichi laughed. Unfortunately, he tripped a wire making a basket filled with snow fall down on top of him, burying him in snow.
"You were saying, Keiichi-san?" Satoko said letting out her trademark laugh.
Daichi gave a roll of his eyes along with Scar as he said to the now buried Keiichi, "You must remember to never let your guard down around trap-makers, Maebara." A snowball crashed against his face. "Hey!"
"You should take your own advice, Daichi," teased Shinichi.
"I'm gonna get you for that, 13!" snapped Daichi as he started to make a pile of snowballs. "Just you wait!"
Shiori and Warren were watching from the engawa, having hot cocoa. "You've been a great influence on my son, Warren," remarked Shiori.
"Hm, how so?" Warren responded.
"Well, he may be almost an adult, but he still needs a father figure. I think he looks up to you," she elaborated.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Warren agreed. His cell phone rang. "Excuse me." He pulled it out of his coat and flipped it open. There was a text message. His expression turned grim as he read it. Standing up, he called, "Riders!" The NEO-NUMBERS stopped their playing and looked to the Director of ARMOR. "We have a situation! Gebok's in Shishibone City!"
Dr. Shinigami whistled a tune as people ran in terror from him and his 'Christmas present'. It was a mechanical monster that was half blue and half red which looked like a demonic humanoid lizard. It only had one mechanical eye and sported three arms, the third in the centre of its chest. The left arm had a bazooka for a hand, the middle arm had a flamethrower for a hand, and finally the right arm had a clamp for a hand. It also had a long prehensile tail which was thrice as long as its body that thrashed around with a life of its own. It was with this tail that it crushed many objects on its rampage.
"Listen to those screams! Listen to those screams!" Dr. Shinigami cackled. "Christmas is indeed a happy time of year…"
"GEBOK!"
Dr. Shinigami looked up to see the NEO-NUMBERS, in full armor, standing at the top of a building. They jumped down and landed before him and his monstrous 'present'.
"Ah, BLACK 13…and friends," grinned Dr. Shinigami. "Merry Christmas!"
"It ain't merry for you, you psychotic freak!" sneered Musician.
"And what the hell is THAT thing?" Armadillo pointed at the cycloptic monstrosity next to Gebok.
"Oh, this is my gift, from me to you. He's called Murderos!" Dr. Shinigami introduced.
"You have a really bad taste in gifts," remarked Carmen.
"Well now, maybe you'd like to see what Murderos can do before you judge him, kiddies!" Dr. Shinigami ordered, "Murderos, light them up like a Christmas tree."
With a roar, Murderos fired its flamethrower arm, firing a stream of flames at the NEO-NUMBERS. They quickly evaded before launching a counterattack. Zero fired his needles as Musician began firing sonic blasts at it. Showa's attention was all on Shinigami.
"You're mine, GEBOK!" Showa roared as he charged. He summoned his Showa-Blade and swung down, cutting Dr. Shinigami straight down the middle. Instead of flesh and blood, he'd cut through metal and circuitry. It was another decoy! "DAMN IT!"
"Hey, Shinichi! I think we should worry more about this freak!" Carmen called as Murderos fired its bazooka. Carmen was nearly hit but Arachnea quickly weaved a spider web to shield her friend and send the explosive shell flying back to Murderos. The monster roared as it was hit by its own ammo. "Thanks, Hana-chan."
Arachnea shrugged before removing her Spider Kamas from her back and rushing at the monster, slashing at it repeatedly. It slammed its tail into her stomach, knocking the wind out of her and sending her flying. She smashed right through a store window.
"Hana-chan!" Carmen screeched. "YOU BASTARD!" The flowers on her shoulders fired petals like bullets, which caused a series of explosions to erupt from the monster's hide. It roared and swung its tail at her, but Armadillo rolled in the way and grabbed the tail.
"Hah, I got it!" he declared, only for the tail to detach off Murderos and wrap around him. "I ain't got it!" the Pill Bug Rider shouted as the tail began to crush him.
Zero used his needles and fired them at the tail binding his comrade, making it fall off him.
"Thanks, Shogo," Armadillo said gratefully.
"You can do that later. Right now we have a monster to kill," Zero remarked.
Showa was firing with his Showa-Blaster, grimacing, "Damn it, what's this thing made of?" After fighting the GIN-SHOCKER army, he thought he didn't have to worry about powerful monsters in a long time. However, Dr. Gebok Shinigami seemed to have kept himself busy by creating a new type of Kaijin.
"I think now would be a good time for you to change modes," suggested Slasher who charged past Showa with his chainsaws out. He slashed at Murderos who roared out in pain from the blows. Slasher managed to slice off Murderos' left and right arms but then received a blast full in the face from Murderos' eye laser.
"Chiaki!" Showa shouted. He summoned, "Oni no Hone!" From within a tornado of fire, wind and lightning that surrounded him, Showa quickly transformed into his Oni Form. After dispersing the elemental cyclone, he hefted the Oni Kanabo above his head and called, "TIME TO BRING DOWN THE THUNDER!" He smashed it down and instantly lighting struck down upon the monster. It yowled in pain.
"This one's mine!" Musician called out as he dashed straight for the monster. He stabbed his Cricket Fork right into its mouth, silencing and muffling its roars. "Eat a full blast of sonic power!"
Sonic vibrations began to reverberate within the creature and intensify by Musician's will. Finally, the creature exploded, leaving nothing but scorched earth. "Have a Merry Christmas you bastard," he scoffed before hefting his Cricket Fork onto his shoulder. "And a Happy New Year."
December 31st 1985
It was New Year's Eve. The Banabaras, Rika and Hanyuu were cleaning up the house to bring in good luck.
Shinichi was cleaning the windows and smiled when he ran his hand across the glass. When he heard a 'squeak' he smiled. Peering out the window, he saw Rena waving at him. He waved back.
Rena was welcomed at the door by Shiori. "Oh, Rena-chan. What brings you here?"
"May I borrow Shin-kun please?" Rena requested. "He promised to go treasure hunting with me today."
"Oh, he did, did he?" Shiori asked.
"Gomen, Kaa-chan," Shinichi apologized. "If you want I can stay and help out." She ruffled her son's hair.
"Go on and have fun, but don't come home late," she advised.
"Hai!" Shinichi went back in to quickly grab his coat before leaving the house to go to the junkyard.
When Shinichi returned hours later, he found it odd to see people surrounding the house. There was also ambulance.
"Shin-kun, what's going on?" Rena asked.
Shinichi felt a cold feeling welling up inside as he pushed through the crowd. He saw two people carrying something to the ambulance on a stretcher. A sheet of white cloth was strewn over it. There was a sudden gust of wind that blew the cloth off and Shinichi's eyes widened in horror.
Shiori's body was lying on the stretcher with her neck beck bent in an unnatural angle. "KAA-CHAN!" He rushed towards her. In denial, he grabbed and shook her, trying to wake her up. "Kaa-chan! Kaa-chan!" he cried. Dr. Irie pulled him away.
"Shinichi, calm down!" Dr. Irie told him.
"Kaa-chan!"
"Shinichi, calm down!"
Shinichi trembled and turned to face Dr. Irie with tears running down his cheeks. "What happened?" he demanded, grabbing onto Dr. Irie's coat. Nearby, Shinichi could see Hanyuu crying and sobbing as they held each other. Rika looked ready to cry herself. "What happened?" he repeated.
Dr. Irie explained sadly, "Your mother snapped her neck when she slipped while going down the stairs. She died instantly. Rika-chan was the one who called."
Shinichi let go and fell to his knees, trembling and pale.
"Shin-kun!" Rena knelt beside him. She pulled her boyfriend against her in order to comfort her. There was nothing she could say to make it alright. His mother was dead.
However, there was something he (Shinichi) could do. He murmured, his belt forming around his waist, "Return to the Past Now."
December 31st 1985
It was New Year's Eve. The Banabaras, Rika and Hanyuu were cleaning up the house to bring in good luck.
Shinichi was cleaning the windows and smiled when he ran his hand across the glass. When he heard a 'squeak' he smiled.
"Shinji, you didn't need to cancel your date with Rena-chan to stay and help," Shiori said to her son. She noted his expression when he's told Rena earlier that he couldn't go treasure hunting with her. It was a look of worry.
"It's fine, Kaa-chan," Shinichi replied. "You need me more here." That was true. If he stayed then he could prevent her death. He could prevent her from falling down the stairs.
Hours later, as predicted, she slipped and fell down the stairs. However, instead of breaking her neck her son had saved her life. "Wow," Shiori uttered, awed. "You saved my life, Shinji."
"It's what I do," he replied, smiling.
At dinner time, Shinichi felt relieved. His mother was safe. The day had run smoothly. The phone rang. Shiori went and picked it up. "Hello? Oh, it's you, Retsu-kun." The call was from Rena's father. "How are you doing?" Shiori's eyes widened in shock. "WHAT!"
That made Shinichi jump as well. Rika's eyes narrowed.
"Okay, okay. Calm down, Retsu-kun," said Shiori, trying to calm the man on the other end of the line down. "We'll help look for her, okay. You're welcome. Bye." She put down the receiver and turned to look at her son, not knowing what to say.
"What's wrong, Kaa-chan?" Shinichi asked worriedly.
"Shinji, Rena-chan hasn't arrived home yet. Her father's worried. He's been waiting for her for hours."
Shinichi's eyes widened.
Later, Shinichi and his mother went to look for Rena at her favourite spot, the village junkyard. Shiori always found Rena's fondness for the place strange. However, she also knew how teenagers were awkward at that age and needed a special place where they could be themselves. The two had flashlights and were calling her name.
"Rena-chan!" they called her. "Rena-chan!"
"Where could she be?" Shinichi wondered worriedly. His head snapped up when he heard his mother's shriek. "KAA-CHAN!" Oh no! Was his mother in danger again? He then rushed towards the direction of the screen to see her standing straight, trembling. The flashlight had fallen from her hand and her hands were to her face. "Kaa-chan, what is it? What's wrong?" The woman immediately grabbed Shinichi and blocked his view.
"Don't look!" she advised cautiously.
"Kaa-chan, what is it?" he asked as he broke free. He looked to what she'd been staring at. His eyes widened as his pupils dilated in shocked horror. "RENA-CHAN!"
They had found Rena Ryuugu, with her entire body impaled on a bed of rusty pipes.
"No…No…NO!" Shinichi screamed in denial. "RETURN TO THE PAST, NOW!"
December 31st 1985
Instead of going out with Rena, Shinichi invited her inside their house so they could play together. Rena ended up volunteering herself to help clean the house. Shiori tried to politely decline but Rena insisted.
Shinichi kept his eyes on both of them. Thus way he could keep both of them safe.
"She'll make a good wife, some day," Shiori teased.
Blushing, Shinichi shouted out, "Kaa-chan!" Shiori giggled.
"Alright, I'm going home now," said Rena. She kissed her boyfriend on the cheek. He was just relieved to have her alive. "Bye, bye!" she waved before she skipped along her way home.
Later that night, Shinichi heard frantic knocking at the door. He began feeling anxious. "I'll get it," he volunteered and he went to open the door. When he did, he saw Mion with tears threatening to leak out of her eyes like a waterfall. "Mion, what's wrong?"
She immediately lunged at him and hugged him, crying as she wailed, "He's gone! He's gone!"
Shinichi felt a horrible weight in his heart when he heard that. "Mion, calm down," he said his friend. "Tell me what happened." He hoped in his heart, 'Please, God, please don't let it be…"
"Kei-chan's been murdered!" she wailed.
Shinichi face paled. 'No…Not again…' He croaked out, "H…how?"
Mion explained, "I…I was on my way to his place when I saw the police was there. I went to see what was going on. Detective Oishi tried to stop me but when I went inside to see if Kei-chan was alright, I…I…"
"Mion…"
"I saw him on the floor, dead!" Mion screamed. "Detective Oishi told me that someone must've broken in but when Keiichi tried to fight back he got beaten to death!"
'No…not Keiichi too…' thought Shinichi, horrified.
Mion looked at him with a crazed look in her tear-filled eyes. "That's why…that's why I came to you, Shin-chan. You…you can bring him back. You can make it all better, right?" She was hoping that Shinichi could.
Shinichi gave her a sad look and spoke, "I can sure try." He summoned his power and called out, "Return to the Past…NOW!"
December 31st 1985
"Welcome, Rena-chan!" Shinichi said as opened the door for Rena.
"Hello Shin-kun," Rena said cutely as she walked through the door. Shinichi had invited her to his house. That way he would be able to prevent both her and his mother from dying. He had also sent Yokoshima to keep an eye on Keiichi.
"Please make yourself comfortable." Shinichi said. He led her into the living room and turned on the TV. The news was on
"In latest news, tragedy struck as both Satoko and Satoshi Houjou were found murdered today!" the news reporter said.
"NANI!" Shinichi and Rena shouted, horrified.
"The murderer is the escaped convict Teppei Houjou who is also the victims' uncle. He managed to escape prison using mysterious means and killed both his niece and nephew. He was sighted leaving the scene and caught not long after by local police."
"This... this can't be!" Shinichi shouted, feeling as if the world's sickest joke was being played on him. He trembled as he gritted his teeth.
"Shin-kun?" Rena asked before he let out a yell, causing her to gasp. "Shin-kun!"
"RETURN TO THE PAST, NOW!"
December 31st 1985
Shinichi, after making sure all his friends were going to be alright by having the NEO-NUMBERS watch them, he went to check up on Shion in Okinomiya. However, for some strange reason, his Return to the Past was also affecting their memories. They could not remember the resets, not even Rika or Hanyuu. He shelved these thoughts elsewhere. Right now he had to make sure Shion was alright. It was already starting to get dark.
At the balcony of her apartment, Shion was admiring the sky. When she saw the first star of the night she clasped her hands together and made a wish in her heart. After making her wish, she saw Shinichi's bike headed to her apartment. "Wonder what he's here for?" she questioned herself. As she turned to go back inside, she slipped on the floor and fell backwards before going over the balcony railing.
"NO!" Shinichi shouted as he sped up, hoping to catch her. "Henshin!" he called out, transforming into Kamen Rider Showa. He was just about to reach her when all of a sudden his back wheel jammed, causing him to be thrown off his vehicle. As he fell to the ground, his eyes watched helplessly as Shion crashed to the ground. A sickening crack was heard as her head was split in two by the impact. "SHION!" He shouted out, "RETURN TO THE PAST, NOW!"
December 31st 1985
Shinichi was no longer taking any chances. After calling his friends, he decided that they should all take a walk in Okinomiya for some fresh air. They didn't question the sudden invite. Shiori was also joining them, along with Shogo and Kasai. Shiori had gone to a café that Detective Oishi had recommended and asked for Kasai to join her. The others had gone to Mion's shop, leaving Mion to walk with Shinichi and Shogo who stay close to keep the heiress safe.
"Man, can you believe it's gonna be New Year's tomorrow? Isn't it exciting?" Mion asked. "Time sure flies, huh, Shin-chan?"
"Yeah, it does," he answered absently. He wasn't really paying attention to what Mion was saying. He was only focused in keeping them all safe from harm until the day was over. He'd told Shogo about what'd happened and while Shogo did not remember the day repeating itself, he took Shinichi's word for it and kept his eyes open.
"Hey, check it out!" Mion went over to a store window to check out what was on the other side. There were some dresses on display.
Shinichi chuckled, his spirits lifted. While Mion was a tomboy she also had a girly side she kept hidden. Despite having a heated rivalry with Mion in the Gaming Club, they were best friends. He was about to tell her where they were going to meet with the others when all of a sudden…
BANG!
A gunshot was fired. Mion's head jerked backwards as blood shot out. Shogo quickly went towards Mion, but she was already dead from the shot to the head. She'd died so suddenly and instantly that her eyes were wide open as blood trailed down her face.
"She's dead," Shogo reported.
A horrified and shocked Shinichi looked up and saw someone on the nearby rooftop making his escape. He could see a rifle in the person's hands. A sniper!
"Damn it…DAMN IT!" Shinichi cursed angrily. He transformed and jumped onto the rooftop, giving chase after the sniper. His eyes were glowing blood red as he demanded, "You! Stop!"
The sniper turned around and aimed, firing a shot at Showa. However, his bullet bounced harmlessly off Showa' armor. He was about to try again when Showa rushed forward and grabbed the barrel of the rifle before twisting it upwards. The terrified sniper was then grabbed by the front of his shirt and hauled up. Showa looked ready to kill him, which he fully intended. The sniper wet himself before passing out in Showa's grip.
Showa was tempted to kill the sniper for killing Mion but instead dropped him at his feet. He collapsed onto his knees and punched the roof he was on repeatedly. He shouted, "Why! Why! WHY! WHY! WHY! WHY!" With each punch, cracks formed around him and then a crater formed under him. He stopped and sobbed, "Why…? Why does this keep happening?"
He called out his power, determined to stop his friend from dying again, "RETURN TO THE PAST, NOW!"
In DHS's flying castle fortress, Priest Venom was gazing deeply into his crystal ball, enjoying Shinichi's despair as he watched the boy repeat the same day over and over again in order to prevent the death of his friends. "No matter how many times he tries to change the outcome, it always ends with someone dying." He said to Dr. Shinigami who was also witnessing this. "See? I told you breaking him mentally would be more fun than breaking him physically."
"Indeed," Dr. Shinigami agreed, impressed. "Why did I ever doubt you, my friend?"
"So, how long can he keep reversing time?" Priest Venom asked. He'd been using his dark magic to mess with Shinichi's powers by making sure that Shinichi would be the only one to remember when everything was reset.
"As long as he wants," said Dr. Shinigami. "Limitless, even."
"Well, then I can keep having fun with him until he falls to pieces!" Priest Venom cackled.
"Director-san, there's something I need you to take a look at," a concerned Ryuki said as he put a thick stack of papers down on Warren's desk.
"What's this?" Warren asked as he scanned the papers one by one.
"That's a report of activity in Shinichi's world," Ryuki answered, "He's been using his Return to the Past over and over again, repeating the same day. He's been repeating December 31st 1985 over and over again. I think we better check it out."
"Yes, something has to be wrong if Shinichi's repeating the same day," Warren said. Time loops were never a good thing.
"Oh, Warren-san! Ryuki-san" Shiori said, relieved. "Thank goodness you're both here! Please, I need your help!"
"What's wrong, Shiori-san?" Ryuki asked.
"It's Shinji and well…you better come with me and see." She led them upstairs and into Shinichi's room.
Shinichi was sitting on his bed with his knees drawn up to his chest as he hugged his legs. He murmured repeatedly, "It's hopeless, it's hopeless, it's hopeless, it's hopeless, it's hopeless…" He was filled with dread and despair. It was thick in his aura.
"I tried to get him to tell me what's wrong but he keeps repeating that phrase," Shiori said.
"Let me see what I can do," Ryuki volunteered. "Warren-san, do you mind?"
"Be my guest, Ryuki," Warren allowed.
Ryuki went over and sat down on Shinichi's bed. "Shinichi-san, what's wrong?"
"It's hopeless, it's hopeless, it's hopeless…" Shinichi repeated in response.
"What's hopeless?" Ryuki asked gently.
"100 times over. I repeat 100 times and then do it 100 times again," he murmured, "But no matter how many times I repeat they die. They always die. It's hopeless, it's hopeless, it's hopeless, it's hopeless…"
"I see," Ryuki knew what was happening. He stood up and went to talk to Warren. "I think I know what's going on."
"What?" a worried Shiori asked.
"Shiori-san, your son has the ability to reverse time. I think he's been using his power over 100 times and then repeating the process 100 times more," he told her. Shiori gasped.
"But why?" Shiori asked.
"To prevent deaths," Ryuki answered. "He's been trying to prevent the death of his loved ones, namely you and his friends. It's starting to break him inside. Each time he sees someone he cares for dies, it breaks his heart. He can't take it."
"Oh my!" the woman gasped.
Ryuki spoke to Warren seriously, "Director-san, this is your field now. Do what you have to do to get him back."
"Right," nodded Warren. He walked toward Shinichi, a calm blue glow emanating from his body. "Shinichi, can you hear me?" He gently put his hands on Shinichi's head.
"I have to save them. I can't stop. I have to save them," Shinichi responded.
"I know," Warren understood. Shinichi was trying his hardest to protect all his friends but failed each time, prompting him to reverse time repeatedly to save them and then failing again and again. "Shinichi, I know you want to save them, but even heroes can't save everyone."
"I have to save them…" Shinichi uttered. "I have to protect everyone. I have to."
Warren assured him, "Do not worry Shinichi. All will be well. You just need a bit of hope." Shinichi was engulfed in the blue light before he fell backwards onto his bed, unconscious.
"Shinji!" Shiori gasped.
"He's alright, now," Warren assured her. "Shiori, I swear I'll find out what is happening to your son." A black orb formed in Warren's hand. "And make whoever is responsible pay."
"Thank you, Warren-san," said Rika as she and Hanyuu appeared just outside Shinichi's room. "We've been quite worried for him."
"Yes, me too!" Hanyuu agreed.
"So, neither of you sensed time resetting?" Warren asked. They shook their heads. That was odd. Rika and Hanyuu should've been aware of what'd been happening. Just what was causing their memories to be reset?
"Director-san, I think we need to go and make sure Shinichi's friends don't die this time. It'll prompt him to use his powers again. I theorised that if they survive past December 31st, this cycle can be broken," Ryuki spoke.
"Make it happen, Ryuki. I refuse to let one of my agents fall into insanity and despair," Warren ordered.
"Roger, Director-san!"
January 1st 1986
"Happy New Year, Kaa-chan!" Shinichi said as he knelt down before Shiori. Shiori was sitting on a chair. She was giving out New Year's money.
Shinichi had gotten better. After his experience with his own time loop he'd nearly broken down. However, with Warren's help he managed to recover with his sanity intact.
"Happy New Year to you too, son." Shiori was dressed in a dark blue kimono decorated by cherry blossoms. Shinichi was dressed in a green turtleneck sweater with blue jeans and his usual scarf. She handed him the envelope filled with money.
"Happy New Year, Shiori-mama!" Rika and Hanyuu said as they too knelt down before Shiori. They were wearing matching kimonos, both coloured pink and decorated by roses.
"Oh, how cute!" Shiori gave them their envelopes of money. "Now, spend wisely."
"We will!" Rika nodded.
Hanyuu was shaking her envelope and frowned. "There's no sound."
"That's because it's filled with paper money, Hanyuu-chan, not coins," Shinichi told her.
"Well, we should all head to the Furude Shrine now," said Shiori. "People are going to be praying for good fortune during the New Year."
"Yes, we should," Shinichi agreed. "Rika-chan, Hanyuu-chan, let's go."
The grounds of the Furude Shrine looked like a festival. Stands were put up and vendors were already selling treats and festive items to the people coming to give their New Year's prayers.
"Chiaki-san!" Hanyuu immediately went straight to the mask stand Chiaki was operating.
"Man, today the shrine sure is crowded," Shinichi commented. Then again it was Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the New Year in Japan, so he shouldn't be too surprised.
"O-Mamori for sale!" Shinichi turned around to see Daichi and Yokoshima selling to a crowd of people
"Damnit, Yokoshima! Stop calling people over!" Daichi shouted, annoyed.
"Are you kidding? We're making a king-size profit!" Yokoshima remarked excitedly, counting all the yen they were getting.
One of the traditions during the hatsumode was that new o-mamori (charms or amulets) were bought and the old ones were returned to the shrine so they could be burned. The o-mamori varied substantially in price.
Another common custom during hatsumōde was to buy a written oracle called omikuji. If your omikuji predicted bad luck you could tie it onto a tree on the shrine grounds, in the hope that its prediction would not come true. The omikuji went into detail, and told you how you would do in various areas in life, such and business and love, for that year. Often a good-luck charm came with the omikuji when you bought it, good luck and money would come your way.
And money was coming Daichi and Yokoshima's way.
"Shin-chan, over here!" Mion called Shinichi over. She was with the rest of the Hinamizawa Gang. The guys were dressed casually but the girls were in beautiful kimonos. Mion wore a yellow kimono with a blue bird pattern, while Shion was wearing a green kimono that matched her hair. Satoko was wearing a pink kimono. What caught his eyes was Rena in a cute looking orange-coloured kimono which was decorated by cicades. She was also wearing a ribbon in her hair.
"Kawaii…" Shinichi uttered with hearts in his eyes. She blushed.
"Happy New Year, Shiori-san," Kasai greeted.
"Happy New Year to you, too, Kasai-kun," Shiori greeted back.
Not too far away were Michiru and Hana. "Why do festivals have to be so noisy?" Hana frowned. She was wearing a dark-red kimono with golden koi fish on them.
"C'mon, it's not that bad, Hana-chan," Michiru said, eating some cotton-candy that Hana had bought for her. It wasn't banana but it would do. She was wearing a dark blue kimono with cloud-like patterns.
Hana rolled her eyes, silently cursing Michiru for giving her the 'puppy-dog-eyes'. Though, she had to admit that Michiru looked good in a kimono
"Thank you," Michiru replied as if reading her mind.
'How did she know?' Hana blinked.
"Lucky guess," Michiru said making Hana give a slightly startled look. Michiru giggled at her girlfriend's bewildered look.
Back with Shinichi, while his mother was talking with Kasai, Shinichi bumped into Warren. "Ah, Warren-san, sir."
"Hey, Shinichi. Happy New Year," Warren greeted.
"So, do you have a New Year's wish, sir?" Shinichi asked.
"Nah, I just came to see the festivities," Warren looked around. "Hey, your mom looks happy with Kasai."
"Yeah, she does," Shinichi agreed. "Anyway, thank you for protecting my friends and for saving me."
"No problem." Warren could see Shinichi smiling sadly as he looked at his mother. "Hey, what's wrong?" Warren asked. "It's the New Year. You should be happy."
"Just thinking. I don't know why Kaa-chan even bothers with me sometimes," said Shinichi as he watched his mother. "I can take care of myself, and I'm not even human anymore. A long time ago I might have been her little Shinji, but now I'm just a cyborg with some freaky genetic enhancements."
"Shinichi," began Warren. "She'll always view you as her little boy. Never underestimate the love of a parent for their child…and never underestimate how much it hurts to lose your child."
"I know. She tells me she loves me and I know that, but Shinji died the day I was born. I'm just using his body now."
"Shinichi, do you know where I was a bit younger than you?" asked Warren seriously.
"No, where?" Shinichi responded.
"I was sitting in a hospital hallway, having a doctor tell me that the woman I love had died due to complications in childbirth. I have lost both parents. I have lost countless friends. I lost the first woman I ever loved. I lost the closest things I ever had to both a father figure and a mother figure. And I've lost two daughters. So I'll only tell you this once." He threatened, "If I EVER hear you complaining about having a mother that loves you, about not really being her son, I will give you nightmares for the rest of your life. Do you understand me?"
Shinichi shivered under Warren's gaze. Warren was dead serious and Shinichi nodded. "I understand, sir."
"Good, now you better go back to your mother, son. She might miss your company," Warren said, smiling.
"Hai!"
Shinichi went with his mother to the shrine. They put money in the box and prayed, making their wishes. Shiori asked, "What did you wish for, son?"
"The usual," he responded.
Shinichi's wish was for his friends to always be safe.
Meanwhile, in the meta-world, Asmodeus was the centre of attention of her fellow stakes. Surrounded by her sisters, Asmodeus was being mercilessly teased by them.
"Onee-samas, stop it!" she whined.
"Why does Asmodeus get a boyfriend? I want one too!" complained Leviathan.
"I wonder if he tastes good," said Beelzebub as she licked her lips.
"You're such a pervert!" snapped Satan.
"Oh, and didn't I hear you being awed at Showa?" Mammon teased.
Satan blushed, "S-shut up!"
"Aww, the youngest of us has had her dream fulfilled," Leviathan said, slightly happy for her sister but also envious.
"So, tell us; did you do 'it' yet?" Belphegor asked, wiggling her eyebrow.
Asmodeus' face went red as she stammered, "W-what?"
"Nope, she's not blushing hard enough. So probably not," Mammon remarked.
"Heh, chicken," Leviathan and Lucifer snickered.
"Onee-samas! You're so mean!" Asmodeus cried. "I'm going to go see Yoko-kun! With that said, she vanished in a cloud of golden butterflies.
"RIDER SPECIAL REVIEW!"
"Hi, I'm Rika!"
"And I'm Hanyuu!"
"Welcome to 'Rider Special Review'!"
"On today's show, we'll be looking at a new Rider. It's the Director of ARMOR himself, Warren Smith!" declared Rika.
On the screen showed Warren standing between his two Rider forms with Wraith to his right and Avenger to his left. Hanyuu explained, "Unlike most Riders, Warren-san has two different Rider personas. Wraith has a skeleton and ghost motif while Avenger draws powers from the superheroes from Warren-san's world."
Rika continued, "As Wraith, he utilises his dark energies in battle. He conjures shadow chains to bind his enemies and is armed with a pair of guns that shoot bullets energized by the dark power inside him. As Avenger, he uses cards that temporarily grant him the abilities of the superheroes depicted on them."
Hanyuu pointed out, "As Wraith he uses the Wraith Buckle to transform using the command 'Shatter!' But to become Avenger, he uses the Avenger Driver and the command 'Avengers Assemble' to transform."
Rika added, "Now, Warren doesn't have a specific Rider bike, but he does own one."
Hanyuu commented, "Doesn't Shinichi look up to Warren-san?"
"Yes, he does," Rika agreed.
"And so ends our review!" Hanyuu concluded. "Please, stay tuned for the next Rider Review!"