Fen: What up people?! Fen and SD here for another chapter of Kamen Rider Kabuto: Days of Ruin!
SD: Last chapter, we ended with quite a cliffhanger: Isabella fell sick to the Creeping Derangea and Koji was captured by the Beast after sacrificing himself to protect the battalion.
Fen: So now it's a race against time to rescue Koji from the Beast and Isabella from the disease!
SD: But unfortunately, that won't be easy, because the Beast has found himself a new and mysterious ally. Luckily, Koji is going to get a new ally of his own to even the odds.
Fen: So let's do this thing!
Both: Henshin!
HENSHIN!
Both: Cast Off!
CAST OFF!
CHANGE: BEETLE/STAG BEETLE!
Disclaimer: Same thing.
After the last fight with the Beast and the Worm attack, things were not going well for the Wolves… In fact, that was an understatement. One of their senior leaders, Staff Sergeant Koji Shinamori of Tech Platoon, had been captured by the Beast. Along with that, Isabella, the young girl with the mysterious past, the battalion found, had fallen ill to the dangerous virus, Creeping Derangea.
As of right now, Will was sitting on a rock by himself, just a little ways away from camp. He was stewing in depression as he thought about what happened. The thing was, Will saw that Isabella was infected and the most despicable thing he did… was run away.
Capt. Brenner, the battalion commander and Kamen Rider TheBee, was pacing around the base with anxiety. He and two of the other three Riders would be going on a secret rescue mission to recover Shinamori. Out beyond the fence, he noticed Will sitting on the rock. "Will?" He asked as he approached the young military cadet. "What are you doing out here all alone?"
Will turned to see him before turning back to watch the horizon. "Nothing. I'm just…"
"I know you're worried about Isabella." Brenner said as he approached and sat next to him. "That's a normal reaction. But listen, I don't want you to lose hope. As long as there's life-"
"I ran away." Will interrupted. "I… I ran away from her."
The captain looked to his young protégé in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"When I knew…" Will began. "When I knew Isabella was sick. I didn't go to her. I didn't want to get sick too. I was only thinking about myself. She was really scared, you know? I could see it in her eyes. She wanted me to help her, but…" He hung his head low. "…I ran away."
"You did the right thing, Will." Brenner said. "If you'd gone to her, if you'd come into contact with her, you'd be in quarantine too."
"But you would have stayed with her, Captain!" Will protested. "You help people. That's what you do. You're committed. You're not like me…"
"I've spent more time running than you'll ever know, kid. Heck, I'm STILL running."
"What do you mean?" Will asked confused.
Brenner sighed as he looked away from Will and out to the horizon. "All the people I couldn't help, all the soldiers who died because I wasn't good enough…" He ran a hand through his hair as he took a moment to breathe. "I've spent many a sleepless night telling myself it couldn't be helped, that I did all I could." Smiling sadly, he shook his head and said, "That's just the sound of me running, Will. Running from a past I'll never escape."
"Oh…" Will got out.
Brenner couldn't resist a chuckle at Will's response. "You disappointed? I was hoping I could protect the illusion for you." He went silent for what seemed like forever before putting his hand on Will's shoulder. "No matter how I grieve or regret my actions, the men who've died because of me will still be dead. But Isabella's still alive. You've got nothing to regret. There's plenty you can still do, right? For her?"
As he said those words, he then thought, 'Just like there's still plenty I can do for Koji because he is alive… I hope.'
Will shook him out of his thoughts as a determined smile came to his face. Leaping to his feet, he came to attention and saluted sharply. "Sir… Yes, Sir!"
Brenner chuckled again as he said, "Just remember Will. Where there's life…"
"There's hope!" Will finished.
(Cue Theme D–Technolife by UVERworld)
(Ienai itami kanashimi de kizutsuita kimi yo) The scenery is a barren wasteland, with a sky that blotted out the sun. The camera pans slowly to the right as Kurogasa, with his back facing the camera, looks at the barren wasteland on top of a cliff.
(Kesenai kako mo seoiatteikou ikiru koto o nagedasanai de) The camera then suddenly changes to a close up of Kurogasa's face before it went around his head, the camera's view being blocked momentarily when it reached the back of his head and when the camera finally circles to the side of his face, it showed Kurogasa as Kamen Rider Kabuto, before panning out showing him in his full armor. Looking up at the sky, a ray of light suddenly burst through the clouds shining on Kabuto before the screen goes white.
([WHOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAHHHH] tsunaida kimi no te o) The title Kamen Rider Kabuto: Days of Ruin appears on the screen and just before the song enters the next phrase, the ZECTers flew, crawled, and hopped around the title from behind and jumped towards the screen before changing to the next scene.
(Itsuka ushinatte shimau no kana) Koji sits on the edge of his bed, sadly looking at his guitar on one side, his rifle on the other, as Gatack flew up and lands on his shoulder.
(Usurete yuku egao to kimi wo mamoritai kara) Rika was in the medical wing of the base, sighing and wiping sweat off her brow as she tries to organize her medical supplies, Sasword crawling around on a table while Brenner, Lin, Isabella, and Will were discussing plans for their next move.
(Hibiku~ boku wo yobu koe sae kare) Kurogasa was cooking and Kabuto watched on his shoulder before Kurogasa noticed something from afar on the horizon.
(Toki ni sou kaze ni kakikesaretatte) Drake and TheBee fly past him as we see what Kurogasa was looking out: a swarm of Salis Worms flanking Dr. Caulder with Admiral Greyfield, Waylon, showing up one end of the battlefield along with Tasha and Gage on another end and they sending out their troops alerting the 12th Platoon.
(Kimi wo mitsu–ke–da–su) Kurogasa grabs Kabuto and transforms into Kamen Rider Kabuto, before casting off his armor and charging towards Dr. Caulder.
(Ienai itami kanashimi de kizutsuita kimi mou) Dr. Caulder snaps his fingers and Kamen Rider Punch and Kick Hopper appeared out of nowhere and jumped towards Kabuto for an attack only for the latter to dodge before going to attack them.
(Waraenai nante, hito kirai nante kotoba sou iwanaide) Koji transforms into Kamen Rider Gatack and leads the Tech Platoon with their heavy weapons attacking some of the Salis Worms as Brenner transforms into Kamen Rider TheBee and he, Lin, and Will attack the rest of the forces.
(Mienai mirai ni okoru koto subete ni imi ga aru kara) Rika and David "Deadeye" Stevens transforms into Kamen Rider Sasword and Kamen Rider Drake respectively and attack some of the Salis Worms.
(Ima wa sono mama de ii, kitto kizukeru toki ga kuru darou [WHOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAHHHH]) As Kurogasa battles Punch Hopper and Kick Hopper, Caulder surprisingly joins in and transforms into Kamen Rider Caucasus, going to punch Kurogasa, only for the latter to dodge and he and Caulder stared each other down.
(You and Me, two have spoken.) The Hyper ZECTer appears from the distortion of time and Kurogasa grabs it to become Hyper Kabuto.
([WHOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAHHHH] Itsuka wakariaeru kara) Kurogasa then grabs the Perfect ZECTer and he and Caucasus leap at each other, their attack causing a huge flash of light. When the light fades, we see Kurogasa, Koji, Rika, Brenner, Will, Lin, Isabella, Tasha, Gage, and Stauffenburg looking out into the sunset, the ZECTers with them as well before the song ends.
Chapter 9: The Beast
The night before, Deadeye, Brenner, and I had worked out our plan to infiltrate the Beast's camp and rescue Koji. We chose not to include Rika because we wanted to keep one Rider at OUR base in case the Worms attacked, and we were worried that Rika might be a little irrational when we go to save him.
As of now, I was in my tent, getting my stuff ready for our secret mission, making sure I got everything.
"Going somewhere?" A voice asked. I turned to see Lin at the entrance of my tent.
"L–Lin… What are you doing here?" I asked in surprise.
"Brenner told me where you guys are going," she stated flatly as she came in. "He's ordered me to take the rest of the battalion to the facility where we believe that we can find a cure for Isabella's disease."
"Oh… h–he did huh?" I asked.
"Yes he did." Lin answered. "Kurogasa, do you know what you're doing?"
I then was a bit serious as I said, "I know what I'm doing Lin. I'm saving Koji."
Lin looked at me for a few moments before saying, "…Alright then." She stared at me for a few moments more before saying, "Koji is someone I consider a friend. But I can only imagine how important he is to you."
"Very important." I said. "He's like a brother to me and Rika. We've been through everything together, no matter what the obstacles were."
Lin couldn't help but smile. "I think Rika sees him as MORE than just a brother."
"Heh, well you got THAT part ri– whoa, whoa, whoa, what?"
The lieutenant shrugged. "They've been with the battalion longer than you have. You start to notice things when you work with people all the time."
"Oh…" I said dumbfounded, making Lin chuckle.
"But all that aside," Lin said before approaching me and placing a hand on my shoulder. "Just be careful alright? Don't do anything stupid."
I couldn't help but blush slightly at Lin's words. However, putting on a brave face, I placed my hand on top of hers and said, "I will. Promise."
"Hey Kurogasa," I heard Deadeye as… he came in... "We need to– am I interrupting something?"
I got freaked out and said, worriedly, "D–Deadeye… I, uh… Oh boy, I… I, uh… can explain! I–um–!"
"Oh really?" Deadeye grinned. "Let's hear you explain your way out of–"
"Sgt. Stevens," Lin said, giving him a dark, terrifying glare, "I suggest you shut up and not repeat anything you just saw, that is of course unless you DON'T want to have children…"
Deadeye flinched at that and gulped saying, "Uh, you won't hear anything from me."
"Smart man," Lin said before returning to normal. "Now then, what did you want to tell Mr. Kururugi?"
"Um, I was about to tell him that we're about to head out."
I nodded as I stepped away from Lin to go and grab my gear. "Got it. I'll meet you and Brenner at the base perimeter in a minute."
"BRENNER! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!"
Uh–oh… it's the Mayor. What does he want NOW?
The three of us looked to each other and groaned. "This day could not get any worse."
When we reached the base gate, we found the mayor come stomping up to Brenner who was already there with Dr. Stauffenburg, Dr. Morris, Will, and a still distraught Rika. "Brenner!" The mayor shouted. "I need to talk to you! Is it true the girl traveling with you is sick?"
Brenner sighed, rubbing his temples as he said, "Yes, it's true. It's nothing you need to worry about, though. The virus only affects people under a certain age. No one in your group is in danger."
"That's not the point!" The Mayor snapped. "Sickness and disease make people nervous, and nervous people panic. We can't have that! You've got to get rid of her. We can't afford the risk."
Deadeye quirked an eyebrow with a scowl. "'We' can't afford the risk? Or 'you' can't afford the risk? What's the matter, Mr. Mayor? Afraid of your people abandoning you?"
"You need to stop talking now." Brenner frowned. "We're in this together. All of us. Is that clear?"
"No, it's not!" The Mayor yelled. "Would you put us all in danger to protect one girl? We don't know who she is or where she came from! She has to go, Brenner!"
Angrily, I walked up to the mayor and said, "You don't get to make that decision! You may not have noticed, but we don't abandon people. We help them. And we are NOT going to abandon Isabella. She is one of us."
"Exactly." Brenner said. "No one gets left behind. Not you, or your people, not Will, and not Isabella. If you have a problem with that, you're free to leave whenever you want."
The mayor looked like his head was about to explode. "You… You fool! You're too soft, Brenner! If this goes wrong, it's on your head! I'll hold you personally responsible!"
Deadeye gave the mayor a disbelieving look. "Please explain to me just how you plan to do that."
The mayor angrily flushed red at Deadeye's calling his bluff. Huffing, he turned and walked away, mumbling to himself.
"Geez, what's his problem?" I muttered.
Stauffenburg shrugged as he said, "Someone must have peed in his Cheerios this morning."
"That's not painting a good image…" I sweat dropped.
I then saw Rika standing there, still distressed. As everyone started to go off, I went over to her. "Rika… you alright?"
"I'd be lying if I said yes…" Rika murmured.
I bit my lip slightly nervously. Finally, I took a deep breath and said, "We're going to get him back. Brenner, Deadeye, and I."
"I know but… I should be helping you guys too."
"No, Rika." I shook my head. "Not with your condition. And besides, we need at least one Rider to stay behind and help out the battalion."
Rika sighed and nodded as she leaned against me. "You're right… I just wish you weren't, heh…"
"Rika…" I said sadly.
"It's okay, I understand." Rika said, before she hugged me tightly saying, "Just promise me, you'll bring him back alive… okay…?"
Hugging Rika back tightly, I said, "I promise. He's the closest thing I have to a brother."
Rika then kissed my cheek and said, "And you better come back alive, too."
"I will." I smiled gently.
"Hah… hah… hah… hah… hah…" Koji panted, still tied to the chair after the latest drug that was injected in him was out of his system. The young soldier's body was covered in bruises and he was bleeding from several spots. At that moment, though, was just happy to be breathing. The last drug had made Koji feel like he was drowning and yet he was nowhere near water.
"Such a resilient man… very interesting…" the mysterious scientist said intrigued as he wrote down his findings on a notepad.
The Beast, though, growled as he clenched his own arms tightly. "Can I PLEASE kill him now!? It's about time I gave him what's coming to him."
The scientist chuckled, "Oh, but I have so many other drugs you can try out."
"Like what?" The Beast asked curiously.
"For starters, there is one drug that makes his entire body feel like it is on fire."
The Beast had to smile at that one. "That DOES sound fun."
"Heh, I thought you might find that intriguing," the scientist explained. "I also have one that will make him feel like insects are crawling in his skin and many, many others."
*BZZZZZZT!*
The Beast turned then to see two of the scientist's men working on the ZECTer Gatack. "And speaking of insects, what are you doing with that metal bug?"
"Oh just an experiment I'm working on the side." The scientist waved off, "You needn't worry about it."
The Beast snorted in response. "Suit yourself." Then, as he looked at more of the drugs in the briefcase, a wonderfully malicious idea came to mind. "I wonder what would happen if I gave the roach more than one at the same time."
"Go ahead. All my drugs are compatible with each other when mixed."
"AHAHA! Now we're talking!" The Beast declared proudly as he grabbed five of the remaining syringes and went to the room Koji was being held in.
"Hmhmhmhmhm… now then…" the scientist said walking over to his henchmen working on the blue mechanical beetle, "Let's see the progress of my latest experiment."
Gatack groaned as he received another shock when the scientist approached. "Y–Y–Y–You'll n–n–nnn–never get away–ay with this–AH!" Gatack shouted.
"Oh but I am." The scientist chuckled. "You're the latest of the ZECTers. With your data, I will create something not even ZECT can ever perfect!"
Gatack grunted in pain, his pincers chattering. "I w–won't let you take my–my–my data–ta–ta–ta…"
"What do you think the shocks you're feeling are for?"
Gatack couldn't say anything in response as he was shocked again by the scientist.
Meanwhile, Koji gave a defiant grunt when the Beast came into the holding cell. "You know you… run one lousy hotel?" Spitting blood at his feet, Koji said, "You should teach your staff… better manners."
The Beast grumbled as he grabbed Koji by the collar and pulled him up. "You should take your own advice, roach!"
*BAM!*
Koji went tumbling back to the ground after the punch to the jaw. "You've insulted me for the last time, punk!" He then showed him the five drugs of the scientist's he had to inject Koji with: burning flesh, bugs under the skin, hallucination, flesh freezing, and shock. "I'm gonna enjoy watching these drugs kill you. Then, I'll go and squash your friends!"
"Gh…!" Koji flinched as the Beast slowly approached him.
Meanwhile, back at camp, Will was talking to Dr. Morris about Isabella's condition. "How's Isabella doing, Dr. Morris?" Will asked.
Dr. Morris sighed as he said. "You're going to worry no matter what I tell you, so here's the truth. It's not good, Will. She needs medicine, and she needs it now."
"Can I see her?" Will asked.
"Absolutely not!" Dr. Morris snapped. "We've had this conversation before. This virus is most dangerous to people of your age. I won't allow you to see her."
"But, Dr. Morris, I–"
"Once we get to the shelter, there's a good chance I'll be able to treat her. But until then you have to stay away. You don't want to get sick too, do you?"
"I don't care! What would it matter anyway? If I don't see her now, I may never get the chance to apologize. So please…"
"Your apology can wait, boy." Dr. Morris said. "I'm more concerned with her well–being, and you should be too."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Will asked confused.
Dr. Morris was silent for a while before saying, "I don't wish to betray doctor–patient confidentiality, but I have spoken to her. What's troubling her most is the fear that she's become a burden to us; she thinks it would be better if she'd died before you found her,"
Will looked really shocked, "How can she think that?!"
"But she hasn't given up hope." Dr. Morris interrupted. "She never even complains about the pain. The other Creeper patients I've treated have all begged me to… end their suffering. But Isabella has chosen to live. And do you know why? It's because she owes that life to you."
Will didn't know what to say.
Dr. Morris then replied, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder, "She believes that if she refuses to give up, we'll find a way to cure her. Her first memory is of you telling her she was going to be all right. She trusts you implicitly, the way a newly hatched chick trusts its mother. She believes everything you told her about having hope. I suggest you believe it, too."
Will was silent for a moment longer before saying, "You… you're right. I'm sorry, Dr. Morris. Thank you."
"No need to apologize." Dr. Morris waved off. "Now I can't allow you to see her, but… Oh ho! Yes, you could try speaking to her through the door."
"Really? Would that be okay?" Will perked a bit.
"Certainly. Just for a little while, though."
"…This route will take us directly to the Seratta Mountains," Lin explained to Brenner, Deadeye, and I. "But the Beast's men have set up an ambush there."
Brenner nodded and said, "Well, that should make iy easier for us to go in and get Koji. Lin, if you guys can make your way up to the factory that way and keep them busy, we can grab Koji and then set up a sneak attack of our own to help you guys."
"We can do that." Lin nodded.
"And this airport here the scouts found report that it is in fine working condition. You can produce new air units whenever you need them!" Dr. Morris added pointing to an airfield not far from our location.
"Air units, eh?" Deadeye replied with a nod. "That could be useful, assuming we have air force guys able to pilot them."
"We do." I said. "The pilots that Waylon decided to leave behind for us to take care of."
"Outstanding," Brenner replied excitedly. "Alright, if they have helicopters, have one on standby. We can use that to evacuate Koji when we find him." He then got a little more worried as he said, "What about Isabella, Rika? Have you and Dr. Morris been able to work up anything for her?"
"Unfortunately, not yet." Rika said regretfully.
Dr. Morris nodded sadly in agreement. "Indeed. The only way I can create a potential cure is in that factory."
"Then we better move out now. The sooner the better." I said.
"He's right. We have to–" Dr. Stauffenburg began, but then one of his devices started beeping and he looked at it. "Hm? What's– AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Doc! Doc, what is it!?" I shouted. "What's making that noise!?"
"My ZECTer Detector! Gatack is around here!"
"EHHH!?" We all shouted in disbelief.
"Gatack!? Where is he!?" Kabuto shouted excitedly.
"We've been looking all over for that whippersnapper," Sasword concurred.
"C'mon, c'mon tell us!" TheBee urged.
"If you let him talk, he'll tell us!" Drake snapped.
Stauffenburg began pressing several buttons on his device, his fingers moving so fast it looked like he had a million of them. When he finally stopped, he looked scared and gulped. "He's… He's in the Beast's camp."
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!" We all asked shocked.
"NOOOOOO! GATACK! OUR LITTLE BUDDY!" All the ZECTers shouted, starting to cry.
"Will you calm down?!" I snapped. "We're gonna save him along with Koji!"
Drake sniffled as he looked to Deadeye and said, "You guys promise? He's the newest of us. He's like our baby brother…
"Don't worry, we'll save him." Deadeye sighed. "Just stop bawling."
"O–Okay," Deadeye said as he landed on Deadeye's shoulder.
Sasword, who was on Rika's shoulder, wiped his eyes with one of his claws and said, "I wasn't bawling. This old ZECTer was just leaking coolant."
"Sure you were," I deadpanned.
Brenner coughed intentionally to get our attention. "Alright, we need to move out now. Kurogasa, Deadeye, and I will go after Koji and Gatack. Lt. Lin will take the rest of the battalion to the factory with Dr. Ryusaki supporting as Rider."
"Yes sir." We all nodded.
"I'll go with." Dr. Stauffenburg said. "You'll need me if we're to find Gatack."
My face became filled with doubt at the former ZECT scientist's words. "You sure about that, Doc? Chances are we're gonna get into a fight at some point."
"Oh don't worry, I came up with a couple inventions I made to defend myself, so it's all good!"
Patting Stauffenburg on the back, Deadeye then said, "Don't worry, Doc. If nothing else, you can keep behind cover with me and I'll cover your six."
"Thank you." Dr. Stauffenburg nodded.
"Alright, let's move out now!" Brenner ordered.
It seemed like days, but in truth, it had been two hours when the drugs had finally left his system. He was laying on the floor of his cell, shivering, covered in sweat and blood as he tried to keep from breaking down as he returned to normal.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! THE DRUGS AREN'T KILLING HIM!" The Beast roared.
He practically ripped the briefcase in half, trying to find more, only to find that all the drugs were used up. The scientist simply shrugged and said, "I never promised they'd kill him. I simply said you could use them to make him suffer before dying."
The Beast grumbled at the scientist. "You roach… I oughta kill you."
"Come now, Sergeant," the scientist said in a patronizing tone, the use of the term "sergeant" annoying Beast, "You must admit you enjoyed seeing him in all that pain at least. And I got to see how those drugs affected him. It's a win–win. You can kill him now yourself, if you wish."
"Che…" the Beast scoffed.
Just then, a raider came running to them. "Sir! We're under attack! The 12th Battalion is coming at us with copters, jets, bombers, and tanks!"
"WHAT!?" The Beast shouted.
"They're heading towards that factory we discovered with all the supplies!"
Growling angrily, the Beast threw a nearby chair into a pile of crates, sending them crashing down. "Send out as many of our remaining troops as we can! Leave the fewest number of roaches here we can to protect the base! Meanwhile…" His knuckles then cracked. "…I'm finally gonna execute Sergeant Shinamori."
"NOT WHILE I'M AROUND!"
The Beast and the scientist looked to the chained up ZECTer when he made his shout. With a snorting laugh, the Beast said, "What are you gonna do?"
"THIS!"
*CHINK! CHINK!*
Gatack managed to somehow break the chains with his pincers, and flew towards the Beast to crash into his face.
"OWWWW! MY FACE! YOU HIT MY FACE!" The Beast shouted as he grabbed Gatack and tossed him against the wall. "You stupid little roach! I am gonna squash you!"
*BAM!*
"Ow…" Gatack groaned after hitting the wall and fell next to Koji.
Koji blinked a few times when he saw the ZECTer land next to him in his cell. He tried to speak, but at first, he coughed up some blood. When he finally came to, he asked, "G–Gat… ack?"
"How do you kn–know me?" Gatack asked in surprise.
"Your… ZECTer buddies… are looking for ya."
"My… friends?" Gatack whispered painfully.
Nodding slowly and painfully, Koji smiled as best he could. "K–Kabuto, TheBee, D–Drake, and… S–Sasword… my friends have them."
"Really?"
"Yeah… what do you say…? We partner up… and get ourselves out… of this place…"
Gatack was silent as he examined Koji. "…They tortured you?"
"Yeah…"
"And yet… you're still strong enough to resist," Gatack mused before chuckling. "I like you. What's your name?"
"Koji… Shinamori…"
Gatack gave a small nod. "I see. Well… Koji Shinamori… I'd love to partner up with you. Unfortunately, without my… Rider Belt… we can't transform."
Koji cursed under his breath. "There's always a catch." He then coughed again, rolling onto his side. However, he gulped painfully when he saw the Beast nod to the scientist before walking down the stairs towards Koji's cell. He was carrying a machete. "Uh–oh…"
"What is it?" Gatack asked.
"We're in big trouble," Koji got out.
"…Mhmm… Mhmm… copy that," Brenner said, he, Deadeye, and I in Masked Form with Stauffenburg in some experimental armor, examining the Beast's outpost. "Understood, Lieutenant. We'll start our op now, then." Letting go of the "talk" button on his radio, he then said, "The battalion has engaged the Beast's men in the mountain pass. Most of his forces have been drawn out. We should be good to move in."
"Yeah, we better cast off the armor and be fast and quick about it." I agreed.
Deadeye took a look over the outpost with his binoculars. "Shouldn't be too difficult to go stealthy. There's only a few guards, about two dozen or so. No sign of Shinamori, though. Doc, you detecting Gatack's signal?"
"Yep. It's very strong." Dr. Stauffenburg said, looking at his device.
"How exact a location can you get?" I inquired.
"Very exact. Gatack's signal is at an abandoned warehouse just 500 yards from here."
Deadeye picked up his binoculars again and scanned the outpost quickly. "I think I see it. There, the bigger one at the west end."
"Then that's where we're going." I said, before grabbing Kabuto's horn. "Cast off!"
CAST OFF!
Brenner and Deadeye also activated the Cast Off functions of their suits as their outer armor and mine ejected.
CHANGE: BEETLE/WASP/DRAGONFLY!
"Clock up!"
CLOCK UP!
The three of us entered Clock Up mode with me carrying Dr. Stauffenburg as we rushed towards the warehouse. We entered the outpost just as the ZECTers Clocked Over. Taking cover outside the warehouse behind a large oil drum, Brenner said, "Doc, Gatack's definitely in there?"
"Oh yeah, the signal is definitely strong."
"What about Koji?" I asked, worriedly.
"That I don't know, we have to actually get in the warehouse."
I sighed as my fists tightened, clenching open and closed a few times.
Brenner placed his hand on my shoulder to calm me down. "Let's go. Drake, you cover the doctor while he goes after Gatack. Kabuto and I will track down Shinamori."
"Yes sir." Deadeye nodded. "Let's go Doc."
"Ri–Right," Stauffenburg said nervously as he followed after Drake, going in the door first.
"Let's go, Kurogasa," Brenner ordered.
"I've got your six, Captain," I replied as we went in the door after them. We crept through the building trying our best to avoid detection and not get caught. Every now and then we'd run into a patrolling raider and Brenner or Deadeye silently knock them unconscious and drag their bodies somewhere where the other guards won't see them.
As we made our way through, I looked and saw the Beast head towards what looked like a holding cell with a machete in his hand. "What the–?"
"Looks like he's going to chop someone up," Deadeye muttered.
My eyes widened under my mask. "Koji! That's gotta be him! And that means–! Oh no…"
"Don't say another word." Brenner said before hitting the Clock Up pad.
CLOCK UP!
Up in the control room, though, just as we Clocked Up, someone was watching us. "Ah, they're here." Nodding to two of his men, he gestured and said before we went to lightspeed, "Ready your disruptors. Let's test them."
What?! Disruptors?!
Suddenly, the two strangely armored men leveled these strange looking guns that looked like something out of a sci–fi movie at us. Firing them, what appeared to be sonic waves were released. It disrupted our movements momentarily before… we were already Clocked Over?! What the heck?!
We returned to real time as the Beast looked to the side and saw us. "YOU!"
"G–Guys…?" I heard a voice whisper painfully.
"KOJI!"
"How did you get in here?!" The Beast demanded. "MEN! KILL THESE ROACHES!" Alongside the two strangely armored men, several of the Beast's men popped up, pointing heavy weapons at us. "Destroy them while I cut my special roach to bits!"
"Darn it!" Brenner gritted.
Meanwhile, I looked up to the control room and said, "Guys, cover me! I'm gonna get whoever's up there!"
Deadeye fired several shots to clear a path for me. Brenner then said, "I'm going after Koji!"
"No you're not!" The Beast shouted as he was about to slash Brenner with his machete, but Brenner blocked with one of his armored arms. Meanwhile, Deadeye shot at some of the Beast's men and the two strange men while I went up the stairs to the control room to see who were ordering those guys to disrupt the Clock Up system.
By the time I arrived at the top after running up the flight of stairs, I kicked the door down and there in front of me was a man in his early 50's with very pale white skin and shoulder length white hair with crimson red eyes wearing a black long-sleeved turtleneck shirt with black pants, shoes, and gloves while wearing a tattered white lab coat.
"Hold it right there, whoever you are!" I shouted as I held the KunaiAx Gun at the ready in Ax Mode. "Who are you!? How did you make us Clock Over!? And why are you helping the Beast!?"
"Heh, heh, heh, heh, heh… at last we finally meet Kabuto." The mysterious man chuckled.
I grumbled angrily as I gripped my ax tighter. "I don't know how you know me, but I want answers to my questions! And what have you done to Koji and Gatack!?"
"Who I am is none of your concern." The man said. "As for your other questions, I am performing an experiment and you are my test subjects."
I could feel a blood vessel pop in my head. "'Test subjects!?' Is that what you consider us!?"
"Yes. And I must say, I find the results rather fascinating."
I growled angrily as I gripped my weapon even tighter. "BASTARD!" I then rushed towards him as fast as I could, wanting to cut him in half.
But the man simply sidestepped, making me miss. "My, my, you shouldn't waste your efforts on attempting to kill a simple man like me, perhaps I should give you a better test subject to experiment your fighting skills on."
Crashing through the control room skylight came a new Worm. It was a four winged Worm with a black and orange exoskeleton with bulging red eyes. It had two large arms with hooked hands and muscular legs. It bashed the hooks together causing sparks to fly. Its pincers gnashed as it growled at me. This was the Cicada Worm.
"What the–!? You have a Worm under your control!?"
The scientist gave a soft chuckle and shrugged. "I do. All thanks to a prototype of mine." He then pointed to what appeared to be a small device under the Worm's right arm that was blinking.
"That device," I noticed.
"Yes. And I like to see how well it responds to my commands." The scientist said. "Attack Kabuto, Worm," He ordered. The Cicada Worm nodded before running at me, making an angry noise as it clashed its hooks together. When it reached me, it began furiously slashing at me.
*SLASH! SWISH! SWOOSH! SLASH!*
"GAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I writhed in pain as sparks flew off my armor. I barely managed to stay on my feet as I raised my ax. "You overgrown gnat… time for me to swat you!"
"Hmhmhmhmhm… I'll leave you to your fighting. I'll be watching you." The scientist said before causally walking out of the room.
"Get back here!" I shouted, but to no avail. The Worm, in my distracted state, then attacked me again. "AGH!" I grunted. Slamming back against the railing outside the control, I slashed at the Worm with my ax, but it caught my every attack. Then it swatted me away, causing me to go over the railing and I fell to the ground. Luckily, some old wooden crates broke my fall. "Ow…"
Meanwhile, as Deadeye and Stauffenburg were covered behind a pile of crates, Deadeye shooting at the Beast's men, Brenner was busy fighting the Beast himself, trying to get past him to free Koji and Gatack.
"Can't you get us any closer?!" Dr. Stauffenburg asked.
"Whaddya think I'm trying to do?!" Deadeye snapped, as he kept shooting.
From within the cell, Koji looked out. Despite the immense pain he was in, Koji felt angry, seeing us fighting and him trapped, unable to help. "Dang it… they're here… because of… us… we've gotta… do–" He then froze. "G–Gatack… Dr. Stauffen–… Stauffenburg… he has your… Rider Belt… can you bring it… here?"
"Sure, I can try," Gatack said before managing to somehow fly.
Flying between the bars, he came up to Stauffenburg and said, "Eh… What's up, Doc?"
"G–Gatack!" He shouted happily.
"Sorry to cut this short, but I need to borrow this," Gatack replied, seeing the Rider Belt attached to Stauffenburg's utility belt. With his pincers, he grabbed the belt and flew back to Koji's cell.
"H–Hey!" The doctor snapped.
"Alrighty, here you go! Get this around your waist!"
Groaning, Koji struggled to get to his feet. "O–Okay, I'll– GAH!" Koji groaned in pain as he lost his grip on the wall and fell to the ground again. "G–Gatack… I think… I'll need your help… to get up."
"What can I do? I'm small and you're big! I can't carry ya!"
"I know that," Koji growled. "Just grab the back… of my gear vest and… pull… That should help me get to my feet," he explained as he started to stand up again.
"Okay, if you say so." Gatack said before using his pincers to grab the back of his vest and started pulling. "Man, what have you been eating?! You're heavy!"
Koji grumbled angrily. "It's muscle. I'm a soldier… "
With that, Gatack managed to somehow get Koji back to his feet, "Yeesh, you need to lose the weight!"
"SHUT UP ABOUT MY WEIGHT– ITEITEITEITE!" Koji then groaned in pain as he held his side with one hand, the other keeping his balance on the wall.
"And you need to quit whining! Now hold still!" Gatack said before using his pincers to wrap the Rider Belt around Koji's waist. "Now to do this! Henshin!" He said before attaching to the Rider Belt.
HENSHIN!
Energy hexagons formed around Koji until he went into his armored form. Koji's body armor is black, but slightly more colorful than the others. The abdomen section is silver with black running across it while the pectoral sections are pure deep blue. He doesn't have shoulder plating, but instead has mounted with black double barrel guns specifically made to kill Worms. His arms sport the standard issue segmented protection armor but for him it is not so much a hindrance since his weapons are mounted. His helmet it deep blue with small horns on the forehead and a pair of large red eyes.
"Whoa…" Koji said as he looked over himself, amazed at his new armor. "And the pain from my injuries… It's like it's not even here."
"The Rider System's power is strengthening your body to overcome the pain," Gatack explained.
"Awesome," Koji said as he made a fist in determination. "Alright, aibou… together we're… Kamen Rider… GATACK!" Turning towards the cell gate, he shouted, "Shoulder Cannons! Fire!" Two powerful blue energy blasts shot out, blasting the gate into nothing as he stepped through effortlessly.
As he dodged a punch from Brenner, sending him backwards with a blast from his shotgun, the Beast looked at Koji wide-eyed. "Wha–what the–!? That roach, he… he…!?"
"K–Koji?" Brenner asked in shock.
"Aibou…" I gritted as I managed to get out of the piles of crates that broke my fall and my eyes widened behind my helmet at seeing him.
A smug smirk came from Koji. "Alright," he said as he scanned the warehouse, getting a reading on the situation, "Time to show you what the most powerful Rider can do."
"Not just the strongest, but the fastest too! Cast off that armor!" Gatack said from the belt.
Koji nodded before firing his Shoulder Cannons again, sending the Beast's men and the two soldiers that worked with that scientist flying out of the warehouse. "Now then, for the Beast and that Worm," Koji replied as he partially pushed back Gatack's pincers, causing the armor to begin separating as electrical energy began to generate. "Cast Off!"
CAST OFF!
The armor split apart and ejected out, sending out various part of the armor towards the enemy soldiers before two jagged beetle horns rose up and attached to Koji's helmet frame.
CHANGE: STAG BEETLE!
BGM: Full Force by Rider CHIPS feat. Ricky
When Koji's outer armor broke off, his sleeker Rider Form armor appeared. On his helmet, two large stag beetle pincers came up as his face mask had two red composite eyes and a silver mouth piece. His arms, legs, and lower torso were similar to my mine, consisting of a black body suit with silver armor pieces. As for his upper torso, his chest plate seemed like the exoskeleton of a beetle with rounded shoulder pads that extended into curved blades similar to those of his head–pincers. "Now these are some far–out threads!" Koji declared.
"You like it huh?" Gatack said with a laugh. "Just wait until you fight!"
"Oh I'm gonna start fighting now!" Koji said smugly before taking off the pincer-like swords off his shoulders. When he saw the Cicada Worm he added, "And I'm starting with that jive–turkey!"
Twirling his swords, he rushed at the Worm and slammed into it with his shoulder, knocking the thing back before giving a cross slash with his swords. Turning to me, he then asked, "You alright, aibou?"
"I've been better…" I grunted, getting up. "I'm surprised you managed to hold out until we arrived."
"I'm surprised, too," Koji said distraught, thinking back to what happened. "I'm… it wasn't pretty…" The Cicada Worm got back to its feet and looked to us, growling angrily. "But enough of that! We got a Worm to kill!"
I smiled under my helmet and said, "Right! Let's take him, Koji!" Switching my weapon to Kunai Mode, we rushed at the Worm, me going in first for a feint as Koji leapt over me and gave a downward slash with his swords. The Cicada Worm reeled as it staggered back before I moved in and slashed it multiple times with my Kunai, making sparks fly off.
Deadeye looked up as he killed two more of the Beast's men, grinning beneath his helmet. "Dang... Shinamori's armor has some bite to it!"
Brenner looked to the Beast and I could hear how smug his smile was. "This might be a good time to consider surrendering, my friend."
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…!" The Beast growled. Seeing that he would get killed if he kept up the fight, he went for a desperation move. "Surrender, this!" He turned and fired his shotgun, sending a bunch of the crates tumbling down towards Brenner. As he dodged, he ran and hopped into a jeep to escape. "NEXT TIME I SWEAR I'LL KILL YOU, KOJI SHINAMORI!"
After that, he sped off.
"Oi! Get back here you meanie!" TheBee cried out angrily from Brenner's wrist.
"Let him go, TheBee," Brenner said before rolling over to rejoin Deadeye and Stauffenburg. "Beast's a coward. We'll get him another time."
"Yeah, we got a Worm to kill." Deadeye added.
Drake chuckled as Deadeye used him to shoot another one of the Beast's men. "I think Kurogasa and Koji have it covered. We just need to finish off these guys and let them squash the Worm."
Deadeye looked over to me and Koji before he shrugged, "Meh, I guess you're right."
"Hey Aibou, I think it's time to cut this Worm in half!" Gatack said. "And by cut I mean scissor cut!"
Koji looked down at Gatack and asked, "Eh? Scissors? What do you mean, Gatack?"
"The pincer swords you're using now can be crossed together and be used as scissors and perform a finisher called Rider Cutting!"
"Rider Cutting…?" Koji asked, looking to his swords as I held back the Worm.
"Go for it, Koji!" I shouted. "This one's all yours, buddy!"
Koji stood there for a moment before saying, "Alright, if you say so!" He said before putting his pincers swords together to form a pair of scissors and yellow electricity crackled from the armor's helmet to the pincer scissors.
RIDER CUTTING!
Koji let out a yell as he rushed forward, opening the pincer-scissors. I leapt out of the way as he then clamped the scissors around the Worm's waist, causing it to yell in pain. And then, Koji– HOLY COW! Koji LIFTED the Worm OVER HIS HEAD! High above him, the Worm hissed and clicked in pain as Koji gave another yell and cut the Worm in half, instantly causing it to explode…
End BGM
…Dang, considering the torture Koji had underwent, the fact that he could do that was impressive. Heck, even Brenner and Deadeye were shocked that Koji could do that.
After the Worm was destroyed, Koji stood there, still holding his scissor weapon over his head, panting heavily as he did. "Way to go, partner!" Gatack shouted excitedly. "I knew you'd be a perfect match for me!"
However, he didn't say anything.
"Koji?" I asked, worriedly.
And that was when Koji collapsed to the ground.
"KOJI!" I shouted, running over to him and Kabuto got off my belt, having me go back to civilian form.
Gatack disconnected from him, leaving him in civilian form as Brenner, Deadeye, and Stauffenburg came to join us. "Aibou!" Gatack shouted worriedly.
Dropping to my knees, I helped Koji sit up slightly, giving my first good look at how badly beaten Koji had been over the last day. He looked horrible, bruised, bloodied, beaten, and probably other issues from the drugs they pumped him full of.
"K–Kurogasa," he whispered in a pained whisper. "I, uh… think–k I may have… overdone in it… in that fight."
"You think?!" I snapped. "Rika's gonna be worried sick about you once she sees you like this!"
Koji gave me a look as he said, "No, really?" He sighed as I held him up before grunting painfully. "Can we… can you just… go take me home?"
"Yeah, yeah…" I sighed. "Seriously, you are a pain in the butt sometimes."
"I love ya too…" Koji muttered, making me chuckle.
"Baka…" I shook my head.
After the battle was over, we made our way to where the battalion was, the new factory, after they had defeated the Beast's men there. Well actually to be more precise, it was a huge nuclear shelter, that was towering over us. Brenner and Deadeye were carrying Koji as Stauffenburg and I ran ahead to get my buddy help.
"Lieutenant, Captain Brenner and his team are back!" One of the soldiers in the watch tower shouted.
"What?" Lin gasped as she, Will, and Rika looked and saw us. "Kurogasa!"
"Captain! Deadeye!" Will called out.
"KOJI!" Rika shouted.
Lin looked to Rika in confusion before looking back to the five of us and gasping in shock when she saw how badly Koji was beaten up. "Corporal, get a medical team and Dr. Morris down there to get Sgt. Shinamori!"
"Yes ma'am!" The soldier saluted before running to get the EMT and Dr. Morris. Meanwhile, the three of them ran over to us.
"You made it back!" Will said happily.
"Hey, have you ever doubted us kid?" I smirked.
Will grinned sheepishly as Rika rushed past us to Koji. "Oh my, gosh, what happened to him!?"
"Koji… has been through a lot. He was tortured really, really badly." I said.
Dr. Morris arrived soon after. "My word…"
"Kurogasa," Rika stated, "I need specifics. Obviously he was beaten, but what else?"
"I think the Beast slipped him one heck of a cocktail of drugs, drugs I've never even heard of before," Deadeye answered.
Rika gave a frightened gasp as Koji hollowly breathed. Morris looked to the corpsmen who had come over to them and said, "Put him in the back of one of the empty trucks. Dr. Ryusaki can examine him there."
"Yes sir!" The corpsmen said before they put Koji on a stretcher and took him to one of the empty trucks with Rika and Dr. Morris following.
"Well, in any case, we managed to rescue Koji." Stauffenburg said.
"Yeah! And you got me a bonus!" Gatack said, suddenly flying in front of Will. "Hiya! I'm Gatack! Nice to meet ya!"
"Uh, hi there," Will smiled as the mechanical stag beetle flew before him. "So, you're the final ZECTer, huh? Where'd they find you?"
"Well I was captured by some mean men who wanted to experiment on me for some reason, but I managed to fight them off and I teamed up with Koji, so now he's an official Kamen Rider!" Gatack chirped happily.
Will gave a small laugh. "Looks like he finally got his wish of being a Kamen Rider, then."
"Glad to see you in one piece." Lin said approaching me.
I scratched the back of my head sheepishly as I said, "Thanks. Glad to see you are, too… and everyone else, too, I mean!"
"Hm?" Lin raised an eyebrow.
"N–Nothing," I said a little too quickly. Clearing my throat, I asked, "What have you guys found here?"
"Well, we found the nuclear shelter as you can see." Lin said, looking at the towering shelter.
I gave a long whistle as I looked up at the shelter. "It's remarkable. This place is humongous."
"Yeah, but we got one problem. It's locked tight and we need an access code to get in."
"Access code?" I asked in confusion.
Lin nodded as she led us to a control panel by the gate. "In order to protect the base, shelters like these have some kind of security code to keep intruders out."
"Pretty obvious." I said.
"All we need now is a way to open the security doors."
["Welcome to Fortress. Enter access code."] A computerized voice said.
Lin approached the control panel and began examining it. "Okay… The access code is of standard military issue, but I don't have the proper security clearance. Captain, do you think your clearance is high enough?"
"I doubt it, but we've got to try. I'm only a captain, but here goes…" Brenner said before going up to the control panel. "Code number: 0848124390."
There was a buzzing sound before the computer voice said, ["System: Identification error. Access denied. You have one chance remaining to enter a valid code."]
"Che…" Brenner scoffed. "Guess the politicos never planned on letting grunts into their private club. Looks like I should have taken those promotions when I had the chance."
Lin sighed and shook her head. "More importantly, Captain, we only have one chance remaining. I think we're done."
"Great, another wild goose chase," Deadeye snorted.
"No! Don't say that!" Will cried out. "We've come so far… There must be something we can do. We have to get inside. We have to! Otherwise, Isabella will… she'll…
"We need someone with the right clearance, but…" I began.
Lin shot me a look as she said sarcastically "I don't see any generals or high–ranking government officials in the area, Kurogasa. Did you happen to see the president's corpse on the way here? Perhaps he's carrying the code."
"That's morbid, Lieutenant. And decidingly unhelpful." Dr. Stauffenburg said. "Truth be told, we don't have time to go looking for the code. It's not sophisticated, but how about starting at 0000000000 and working our way up?"
"Now who's being unhelpful?" Lin rolled her eyes. "We only have one chance left."
"Well, you got a better idea?"
"I'm merely stating the facts. And the fact is, we have no chance of guessing the correct access code." Lin reminded. "We have one more try to get a ten–digit code correct. The odds of guessing it right… …are almost zero."
"We're talking a probability of one in ten billion." Dr. Stauffenburg said.
"I'd rather try and fail than just walk away." Brenner said. Anyone have a favorite ten–digit number?"
"Ten digits… Wait a second!" Will exclaimed.
"What is it, Will?"
"9693872914… That's ten numbers, right?"
"Don't tell me you actually have a favorite ten–digit number." Lin said incredulously.
I put my hand up and looked to Will as I replied, "Wait a minute, Lin, I think Will may have something."
Will scratched the back of his head as he said, "I just… have a feeling. I think it may get us inside."
Brenner gave a deep sigh. He paused to look to everyone before looking back to Will. Nodding finally, he gestured to the control panel and said, "Well… what have we got to lose? Go ahead, Will."
With a nod, Will went up to the control panel.
["Welcome to the Fortress. Enter access code."]
"Please let this work…" Will gulped. "9693872914…"
…
…
…
…
*BEEP–BEEP–BEEP!*
["Identification accepted. Security locks disengaging."]
NO WAY!
Brenner had a huge smile on his face as he patted Will on the back. "You did it, Will!"
Lin was just stunned. "…I don't what to say."
"I feel like this is something out of a video game or something," Deadeye replied, equally amazed.
At that point, there was some huge clanking noises coming from the inside of the door, most likely the locks being unlocked and the huge doors slowly opened.
Dr. Morris chuckled as he wrapped an arm around Will's shoulder. "Are you some sort of idiot savant? Or wait… Perhaps you are the president's secret child! Oh ho! Oh ho ho ho ho ho!"
Deadeye and I both facepalmed.
"What?! No… that's not it. It's the number Isabella was whispering." Will corrected.
"What are you talking about?" Lin asked.
"She's been saying it randomly ever since she remembered this shelter was here. In fact, she said it again just before she got sick."
Everyone was surprised at that. Even me. "So once again, it's Isabella to the rescue. I feel like we've got our own guardian angel. Do you think she really is the daughter of some high–ranking official?"
"That's the one explanation I would be comfortable with." Lin agreed.
"Well, in any case, we're in! And that's something to celebrate, my friends! Oh ho ho ho!" Dr. Morris laughed. "And now that we're in, we should be able to find the machinery and medicine we need."
"I'll go back down and get Isabella." Will offered.
"No, you won't! You're not allowed to have any contact with the patient, remember?" Dr. Morris reminded. "I'll take care of Isabella. It'll give me the chance to tell the mayor that we're inside."
"Take some of the men with you." Brenner said, "There's no sign of hostiles, but we can't let our guard down."
"I'll take charge of reconnoitering the shelter. Will, Kurogasa, you're with me."
"Yes, ma'am/You got it!" Will and I nodded.
"NOT SO FAST!"
We all turned around immediately and found ourselves face to face with those bug–faced soldiers from before, the ZECTroopers. Brenner signaled our men to immediately level their weapons at the soldiers. "Soldiers, at the ready!"
"LOWER YOUR WEAPONS!" Another voice shouted. We were confused, before the ZECTroopers moved aside and the leader of ZECT came to the front. "After all," he said with a deceptively pleasant tone, "There's no need for us to destroy each other, is there?"
"What do you want?" I asked, gritting my teeth. "Actually, I should be asking how you manage to find us in the first place."
The man chuckled as he said, "No need to worry about that. All you need to know is that my men and are here to help your people."
"HUH?!" Everyone asked surprised.
"'Scuse me?" Deadeye raised an eyebrow.
He chuckled again. "Perhaps my organization was… a little hasty in our previous encounter. Allow us to make up for what we did."
"What's the catch?" Lin frowned in suspicion.
The man was silent for a while before shrugging. "Nothing to worry about for now. What we desire in return can be discussed later."
"Nuh–uh, not gonna happen." I said. "We want answers now. What do you want in return?"
"Hmph… impatient." The man scoffed. "Very well, in return for us joining you, we'll allow you to continue to use the ZECTers."
Deadeye snorted. "You'll 'allow' us to keep using them? Somehow I doubt you could stop us."
"Who said I was stopping you?" The man said. "You and I both know that this world is no longer what it used to be and the only way to survive is by co–operating with one another."
Brenner eyed the ZECTroopers suspiciously as he said, "Forgive me if I'm a little skeptical. What made you decide it was better to team up instead of killing us?"
"For one, we've been monitoring your actions since your escape from our base and… you've done more good than I expected." The man said.
I looked to Dr. Stauffenburg, who was cowering behind a boulder, trying to keep out of sight, before looking back to ZECT's boss and asking, "How have you been monitoring us?"
"From the ZECTers. Their eyes have a two–way conduit feed so we see what they see."
Kabuto, TheBee, and Drake all gasped. "They've been using us as cameras!?" Drake shouted.
Kabuto began crying anime style. "I feel so violated!"
"In any case," the man cleared his throat intentionally. "Your actions changed my mind about you and would like to offer you my organization's cooperation. You'll have full access to our resources."
Lin's eyes bugged. "Wait, full access?" Our whole group huddled up together as Lin whispered to us, "I hate to admit it, but that could be a huge benefit to us. ZECT developed some of the most advanced weaponry in the world. Having access to that would be great help."
"Yeah, and they used their resources to capture and imprison us." I hissed.
Brenner bit his lip briefly before relenting, "I hate to admit it, but the lieutenant is right, Kurogasa. Even with all they did to us, they are giving us an offer we can't really refuse right now.
"What about whatever we find in the shelter?" I asked.
"Well, since they're offering their resources, it's only fair that we give them access to ours."
I was speechless. Turning to Deadeye, I stammered out pleadingly, "Deadeye, c'mon… you're with me, right!?"
"I have to admit, it's something even I can't refuse."
WHAT?!
"Look Kurogasa, I understand that what they did back then was wrong, but they're willing to give us everything they have in order to make up for it." Brenner tried to reason.
Will looked guilty and stated, "I'm sorry, Kurogasa, but I'm with them. Besides, they may have what we need to cure Isabella in case the shelter doesn't."
"And Koji as well," Lin added. "We don't know exactly what drugs the Beast pumped him full of. Dr. Ryusaki may need other supplies to help get him back."
I can't believe this…
"Look, if it makes you feel better, we'll keep an eye on them, just in case." Lin offered. "I know you're skeptical since this is all too good to be true, but this is an opportunity that we can take while we still can."
There was only one other person there in the circle who might take my side. "Dr. Stauffenburg… What do you think?"
Stauffenburg shuffled his feet nervously before saying, "…I don't like it, but… they're right."
I sighed at this seeing that they were adamant about this before saying, "Alright fine, I might as well bite. But if ever betray us, don't say I didn't warn ya."
"You're entitled to as many 'I told ya so's' as you want," Brenner said with a groan, massaging his temples. We then broke the huddle and Brenner said, "On behalf of the 12th Battalion, I would like to welcome ZECT with open arms."
"Excellent," the ZECT leader said with a smile before walking towards Brenner to shake hands.
"If we're going to be working together," Brenner replied, "Mind telling us your name?"
"Just call me Kagami,"
"Kagami?" Brenner said, quirking his eyebrow. "Is that your first or last name?"
"Does it really matter?"
Brenner sighed deeply through his nose at the man's unnecessary crypticness, but got over it. "Okay, Mr. Kagami, Welcome to Brenner's Wolves." He then turned to Lin and said, "Lieutenant, let's get to work on exploring the shelter. Priorities are any medical supplies that can cure Isabella, any Rika may need for Sgt. Shinamori, and food supplies."
"Yes sir." Lin saluted.
Man, this better be worth it.
Fen: Oh yeah! Koji became Kamen Rider Gatack!
SD: And became a total badass when he did! XD Not that he wasn't before, but even more than he was prior! I mean, did you see that, Fen!? He freaking lifted a Worm over his head! And then cut it in half!
Fen: Yep! Awesome!
SD: Of course, now things are more concerning for the team. As our two doctors try to fix up Koji and Isabella, they now not only have to search the nuclear shelter, but also have to now deal with the arrival of ZECT and their supposed interest in an "alliance."
Fen: Will it benefit or bite them? We don't know. Oh wait, we do know. We're the authors.
SD: Well, we will know when we get to that point. XD But yes, stay tuned until next time. Things are gonna get even crazier for them next time. Plus, Koji and the Beast will come face–to–face in an epic showdown.
Fen: Until next time!
SD: Ja nee!
