DHS CHAPTER PART 10: WISDOM
Shinichi was dressed in a fine looking tuxedo and his dance partner was in a beautiful aqua blue ball gown with matching gloves. Her hair was up in a bun and she wore a beautiful smile for him. His partner, however, was not Rena but a blonde girl. She danced gracefully with him and they were the centre of attention in the ballroom. Around the girl's neck was a gold necklace and hanging from the necklace was a blue orb with a Kanji character inside that meant 'wisdom'.
2 Days Earlier…
"Looks like some foreign princess is coming to Japan," said Shiori as she watched the news on TV with her family. A beautiful girl with long blonde hair and crystal blue eyes was stepping off a jet. She had on a white blouse with a pleated pink skirt. She was also wearing a tiara.
"She's so pretty," admired Hanyuu.
"She's a princess, Hanyuu. What else do you expect?" Rika said.
"What's her name again?" Hanyuu asked for clarification.
"Shawna. Princess Shawna of Genovia," Shinichi answered. Her full name had been revealed but was too long for him to remember.
"And where is Genovia exactly?" the curious goddess asked.
"Last I checked it was somewhere between France and Spain," shrugged Shinichi. His eyes then bugged open when he saw what the princess was wearing around her neck. "NANI!"
"What is it, Shinichi?" Rika asked.
"That princess is wearing the Orb of Wisdom!" He pointed. "Look!" Dangling from Princess Shawna's necklace was a blue orb with the Kanji for 'wisdom' inside.
"That is the Orb of Wisdom," confirmed Rika.
"I gotta go and tell Warren about this," said Shinichi urgently. There was no doubt that the DHS knew about this too so he had to work fast.
Princess Shawna was elated. She was finally able to persuade her father to allow her to visit Japan. The country known as the Land of the Rising Sun had always fascinated her. She'd heard tales of noble samurais and mysterious ninjas and wanted to see what the country was like in person. Originally, her father would not allow it but she managed to compromise with him. He had her best bodyguards on the job to protect her so that she would be safe.
She wanted to see all the sights in Japan. Her entire visit would begin in Japan's capital, Tokyo, and then she'd venture forth to experience Japan to its fullest. The limo was on its way to a hotel. The penthouse sweet would be where she would stay during her time in the city.
She sat in between her two bodyguards, Anthony and Chris, in the back seat of the limousine. Anthony was a huge, tanned and muscular man with wild afro-like hair and Chris who was a slim man with squinted eyes and a shaved head. They were her father's best bodyguards and were loyal to a fault. They had also served in her country's military, though she did not know in which units.
The limousine also had police escorts. Police officers on motorbike flanked the limo as several police cars followed close behind. They were extra security for the princess. It was a safety precaution since many bad people could try to hurt the princess or kidnap her for a huge ransom. It could also cause an international if something were to happen to her while she was in Japan.
All of a sudden, the limo stopped. Shawna asked the driver, "What is it?"
"Your Highness, there are some men blocking the road," the driver said. In front of the limo was a barricade made up of several men in matching black coats and fedoras. The driver leaned his head out and shouted while honking, "Get out of the way! Move it!"
The group of coated men parted to make way for something inhuman. It was a creature resembling a humanoid porcupine. It sported sharp quills on its hunchback and sharp claws. Its grin revealed sharp teeth and it chuckled.
Shawna shrieked when she saw the monster and the police went straight into action. Her bodyguards stayed in the car with her.
"Princess, we better stay in here where it's safe," Chris advised her.
Anthony was cracking his knuckles. He had been waiting for a fight since they got on Japanese soil.
The police officers had their guns out and aimed at the monster and men blocking the limousine. "Put your hands up and don't move!" the lead officer commander.
"Let's do as he says, men," the monster, Porcupine Igor, ordered. The Demon Beast raised its clawed hands as did the coated men. Suddenly, Porcupine Igor bent over and fired its quills at the police officers. The sharp spikes went sailing towards the police officers but all of a sudden a figure jumped in just in the nick of time and deflected the quills with several swings of his sword.
Shawna gasped as she who it was. He was clad in emerald armor and armed with a sword. It was a samurai!
"Kamen Rider!" the lead police officer identified. News of the mysterious armoured superheroes had already spread all over the country. There wasn't a single person who didn't know who the Kamen Riders were.
"Get the princess to safety," Showa told the officer. "I'll handle these freaks."
"GET HIM!" Porcupine Igor ordered and the DHS Fighters threw off their coats before charging with their swords.
"HIGURASHI ZAN!" Showa called out as he swung and with a single blow destroyed the DHS Fighters.
Shawna let out another gasp. "He's so powerful..."
Chris silently agreed. He opened the door and said to the princess, "We better leave now, Your Highness. We can take one of the police cars to safety."
Shawna nodded as Chris opened the door and escorted her out with Anthony not too far behind.
With all the DHS Fighters down for the count, only Showa and Porcupine Igor remained standing. The Demon Beast saw the princess and grinned before he bent over and fired his quills like missiles at her.
"NO!" Showa shouted as he dashed in front of Princess Shawna and shielded her from the quills with his own body. Sparks exploded from his body as he took all the quills. His Higurashi Form faded, leaving him in his default Courage Form.
"Heh, now you're mine, Kamen Rider!" laughed Porcupine Igor as it charged. Showa gritted his teeth and charged back before jumping high to execute his attack.
"BURST KICK!"
The explosive flying kick smashed into Porcupine Igor, destroying the DHS Demon Beast in a single blow. Showa stood in the ring of flames created as a result of Porcupine Igor's destruction before his armor shattered away and he fainted due to his injuries.
Princess Shawna gasped and ran over to Shinichi. She didn't know who this young man was but she'd protected her. He was like the samurai she'd read about who protected the princesses during the feudal era of Japan. "Mr. Samurai..."
"Princess, we should leave," advised Chris. "It's dangerous!"
"Yes, I agree, but this young man was injured for protecting me. I owe him my life." Shawna commanded, "Anthony, carry him into the car. We shall take him with us."
Anthony obeyed and picked Shinichi up in his arms.
When Shinichi awoke, he found himself staring at an unfamiliar white ceiling. It definitely wasn't a hospital since the bed he was in was far too large to be a hospital cot. It was king sized. The sheets felt like silk and were colored brown with golden embroidery and the blank was designed the same way. The pillow his head was lying in was soft and felt like he was resting in a nest of pillows.
He sat up and looked around. The walls were white and there were painting hanging on the walls which depicted flowers. The tall windows that were letting in the light had the curtains drawn. He heard the double wooden doors open and a beautiful blonde girl entered. She was of European descent and he recognised her.
'Princess Shawna!'
"Oh, I'm so glad you're awake, Mr. Samurai!" said Princess Shawna gleefully as she dashed over to his bedside. "Are you still hurt?"
"Mr. Samurai?" Shinichi cocked an eyebrow, then he realised what she was referring to. She'd seen him in armor and he realised that she must've seen his deactivated transformation since the last thing he remembered was blacking out.
"I'd like to thank you for saving me. You didn't have to, but you did!" Shawna smiled beautifully, making him blush.
He then remembered what he was supposed to do. "Ano...Princess Shawna, I mean Your Highness!"
"Yes?" the young princess asked cutely, still smiling. Shinichi's cheeks reddened further but then reminded himself that he had Rena.
"Could I ask for your orb?"
"Orb? What orb?" the princess asked, confused. She then gasped. "You must be hungry! I shall call for room service to deliver some food for us!" She then dashed off.
"Wait!" Shinichi called but she'd already left the bedroom. He fell back and his head landed on the pillow. "Now what have I gotten myself into?" He looked himself over. He still had his red turtleneck on and his black pants on. At the foot of the bed were his boots and hanging from the back of a nearby chair was his coat. His camera was sitting on a table.
"I better call Warren and tell him what's going on," muttered Shinichi. As he was about to activate his wrist communicator, the door opened. He quickly put his hands down and sat up to see one of Shawna's bodyguards. It was Chris and he was approaching the bed.
Shinichi gulped. There was just something about this man that made him feel uncomfortable.
"Hello," Chris greeted.
"Hi," Shinichi returned the greeting.
"I wish to thank you for protecting the princess, Mr. Kamen Rider. For that, you will be handsomely rewarded."
"That really isn't necessary. I was just doing my job."
"Oh, but I insist. Since you risked your life to protect Her Highness, you are now her guest. As such, you will remain here until she returns home to Genovia."
Shinichi couldn't refuse such a reward, but he felt there was a catch to this whole deal. "There's something else, isn't there?"
"The princess was attacked by a monster and since you have the ability to combat these creatures from what I've heard then you will also be her personal bodyguard and guide during her stay," Chris informed Shinichi.
'Personal bodyguard, huh? Guess she does need me for that. As long as she has the Orb of Wisdom, DHS won't leave her alone. I can't let her get hurt. Maybe I can even convince her to give me the orb once I get her to understand how important it is.'
"I'll do it!" Shinichi agreed. Chris smiled.
"Good. Oh, and if anything terrible were to befall the princess, I will kill you," Chris threatened without changing his calm expression.
Shinichi paled and gulped as a bead of cold sweat rolled down his face.
The princess cheerfully returned the bedroom and announced, "The food will be here soon, Mr. Samurai!" She noticed one of her bodyguards. "Chris, what are you doing here?"
"I'm just thanking this young man for risking his life to protect you," Chris told her.
"I've already given Mr. Samurai my thanks, already."
Chris nodded and then he whispered to Shinichi, "Remember what I said," before bowing to the princess and leaving her and her guest alone.
Shawna skipped towards the bed and grabbed a chair to sit down on. "Mr. Samurai, may I ask for your name?"
"It's Shinichi."
She clasped her hands together. "What a wonderful name, befitting a noble samurai!"
Shinichi chuckled lightly. "So, Princess Shawna, about the orb..."
The doorbell rang.
"That must be the food!" She asked Shinichi. "Can you stand? I'd like you to join me in the dining area."
Shinichi sighed. Maybe he could ask her for the orb during dinner.
"Isn't this a bit much?" Shinichi questioned, with an awkward sweatdrop. The entire table was covered with plates of food. He could see that the princess had ordered a lot. The food was all Japanese, French, Italian and Chinese cuisine.
"I know, but my servants keep telling me I must eat so I can stay healthy," Shawna said. She loved her servants but they could be a bit overprotective. It was an order from her father.
Shinichi began to eat and in a matter of minutes had already emptied several plates.
"You have quite the appetite, Mr. Samurai," admired Shawna as she joined him for the meal.
"Listen…umm…Princess Shawna. That orb is far more powerful than you realise. Both my enemies and I are trying to get that orb. In order to protect the world I must have it," Shinichi explained.
"Like a race to save the world from the power of the orbs? How heroic!" she squealed excitedly.
"Yeah…so I must ask again. Can you please give me that orb?" Shinichi requested.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Samurai, but the orb is a precious heirloom of my family. I can't give it away to you."
"I see." Shinichi understood but he still needed to get that orb. Her life was in danger as long as she had it.
"You can't have it, Mr. Samurai…unless... you marry me," she said just as Shinichi was taking a sip, forcing him to do a spit-take.
"Pardon!" Shinichi shouted in shock.
She explained, "Yes, because this orb used to belong to my mother and she gave it to me. My father told me that I should only give it to the man I intend to marry."
Shinichi really didn't know where this was headed. "You mean...you can only give it to...the person you marry?"
"Exactly," she confirmed. "As the crown princess, this orb is a symbol of my birthright." She then asked, "Why is the orb so important to you, Mr. Samurai?"
"It's because..." Shinichi paused. Information on the Infinity Fragments and anything associated with them was classified information. He couldn't let that kind of information leak. Who knows who could be listening in? He then remembered the story Rika told him and decided to go with that. "It's because that orb is originally a treasure from my village."
"Your village?" Shawna asked. "Really?"
"Yes, and I was sent to retrieve it," he told her.
"I would need to ask my father first but do you mind telling me about your village?"
Shinichi thought about it. It wouldn't hurt to tell her a little bit about the village he lived in. "Alright, it's a village called Hinamizawa." He then proceeded to tell her about Hinamizawa and his life in the village which she found quite interesting, especially when he mentioned his friends.
Shawna mused aloud, "Friends. It must be nice to have friends."
Shinichi asked her, "Don't you have friends?"
Shawna shook her head. "No, I don't, unfortunately. My father rarely lets me venture out of the palace and when I do I'm always surrounded by my bodyguards. I'm also home-schooled by tutors. My father is a bit overprotective of me. He has been since my mother passed away, but it gets lonely."
Shinichi frowned when he heard about her mother. He knew what it was like to be alone. Being BLACK 13 left little room for friends. At least now he had them in Hinamizawa.
Shinichi corrected her, "Shawna, you have a friend now." He put a hand to his chest. "Me. I'm your friend."
Shawna's eyes sparkled. "Really, Mr. Samurai?"
Shinichi gave her a grin. "Hey, would I lie to you?"
"Oh, thank you!" She hugged him. "Thank you so much, Mr. Samurai! You can't imagine how happy I am to hear that!" She let him go and put her hands against her heart. "A friend! I have a friend!"
Shinichi felt sympathy for this girl. She had incredible wealth and was heir to her country's throne but also lonely. He felt guilty for asking her for the orb once he realised how important it was to her. It'd once belonged to her mother too.
He then got an idea. It was a risky one but he decided to go for it, "Princess Shawna, would you like me to give you a tour of the city?"
That question just made her smile brighter and eyes sparkle. "I accept your invitation, Mr. Samurai and in return I'd like to invite you to a party."
"A party?" Shinichi questioned.
"A ball, actually, in honour of me being in this county, and I was hoping you'd come as my date." Shawna her fingers were running over the hem of her dress nervously.
"Well..." Shinichi said hesitantly. He didn't have experience at a fancy party so he was afraid that he might make a fool of himself.
"Please come," Shawna pleaded. "I don't know anyone else here in Japan."
"Sure," he accepted. "I did say we're friends, and friends help each other out."
"Thank you." Shawna hugged him.
Shiori was worried. Her son still hadn't called after he left the house. She knew he was probably on another assignment but she couldn't help but feel concerned. She'd lost him once and nearly lost him several times over.
When the phone rang, Shiori quickly picked it up. "Hello?"
"Kaa-chan, it's me."
"Shinji! Where have you been? You missed dinner and..."
"I'm fine. Listen, I don't want you to worry but things have become complicated here."
Shiori raised an eyebrow. "How complicated?"
"I've been appointed the visiting Princess Shawna's personal bodyguard and guide during her stay here in Japan," he informed her.
"WHAT!" Shiori shouted, shocked.
"What is it, Shiori-mama?" Rika asked as she ran down the stairs with Hanyuu. They'd heard her scream.
"Shinichi's been appointed Princess Shawna's personal bodyguard and guide!" Shiori informed the girls.
"No way!" Hanyuu let out in disbelief.
Rika sighed. She wasn't surprised. She knew something like this might happen sooner or later.
"That's not the only thing. She's also asked me to be her date to her Welcoming Ball," Shinichi told her.
Shiori just couldn't believe it. Her son was living a fairytale. He was attending a ball with a princess! Images and ideas ran across her mind as her imagination went into overdrive.
"Kaa-chan, I'll be back after I'm finished here. Please tell the others for me, alright? Bye."
"Bye, Shinji! And good luck! Come home soon and tell me about it!"
Shinichi was absent at school the next day but his friends knew why. They were discussing about it after school.
"Man, Shinichi is good!" Keiichi said, impressed, but quickly changed his tune when Mion gave him a hard look. "Though, I'm sure he'd stick with Rena! I'm 100 percent certain!"
"Rena, are you...?" Shion began to ask.
Rena suddenly jumped and cheered. "WOW! MY SHIN-KUN IS GOING DANCING WITH THE PRINCESS!"
"You're... not mad?" Satoshi asked tentatively. That wasn't how she behaved when Sakura was around.
"Nope, because I trust Shin-kun. He's just acting like a friend to her," Rena said cheerfully. Shinichi had called her earlier and managed to tell her what was happening. Besides, she knew that deep down in her heart that Shinichi would never betray her like that.
"Hey, Shawna-chan, do you want to go out for a walk?" Shinichi asked.
Anthony, who was present, was ready to pummel Shinichi for being so informal with the princess. He wasn't addressing her as 'princess' or 'Your Highness'.
"Yes, I do," Shawna accepted but Chris cleared his throat.
"Actually, that would not be possible. We have a schedule prepared for the princess," said Chris in objection.
"Hey, this is the princess' first visit, so let her decide," Shinichi said. "Shawna-chan?"
"Actually, I'd like to go out for a walk with Mr. Samurai, if that would be alright, Chris," said Shawna. "And I don't want any bodyguards. It'll just be me and Mr. Samurai."
Anthony shook his head.
"Actually, I must insist, Your Highness," said Chris sternly. "Your safety is of the upmost important."
"Tell you what." Shinichi challenged, "How about the big guy and I have an arm-wrestling match. If I win, I get to take Shawna-chan out on a walk. If the big guy here wins, we'll do things your way. How does that sound."
Chris was about to retort when Anthony came forward and cracked his knuckles. Chris sighed. "I believe Anthony accepts your challenge."
"Well, come on then. The table's over there." Shinichi and Anthony sat at opposite sides of the table and grasped each other's hands tightly. "OK, on three! 1…2…3!"
Anthony and Shinichi started. While the princess' powerful bodyguard straight and struggled to pin Shinichi's hand down, Shinichi simply yawned. Anthony was beginning to sweat with strain and exertion. "Are you even trying?" Shinichi taunted. Anthony began to grunt. "Time to end this."
SLAM!
Shinichi had just pinned down Anthony's hand.
Shinichi grinned. "I win. Shawna-chan goes out on a walk with just me. But first, she needs a disguise."
Shinichi and Shawna were walking down the street. Shawna was in disguise so she wouldn't make a large spectacle, and to avoid the paparazzi. She was wearing a brown leather jacket over a pink t-shirt with blue jeans. Her long blonde hair was tucked under a cap and she was wearing sunglasses. On her feet she wore leather shoes.
"It feels so nice to stretch my legs. The media here is a bit crazy," Shawna said, happy to be with her 'Samurai'.
"You can say that again," Shinichi agreed. Mentally, however, he was trying to find a way out of this mess he was in. He didn't want to hurt the princess' feeling by telling her he was already in love with Rena, but he still needed that orb. "I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place," he muttered to himself.
"Oh…Mr. Samurai!" Shinichi snapped out of his musing as his eyes roamed over to see Shawna holding a kitten in a pet store. "Isn't she cute? I wish I could keep her."
"Aren't you allowed pets?" Shinichi asked curiously.
"No, for my father is allergic to the fur of animals, but I've always wanted one, Shawna said, smiling sadly as she stroked the kitten's head, making it purr.
"Well I'm sure that any pet you get would be happy to have you as its owner," Shinichi said, smiling slightly.
Shawna beamed at him, somehow knowing that Shinichi meant what he was saying. She then blushed as her stomach growled. "Oh my!"
"I'm guessing you're hungry," Shinichi said, chuckling. "I am too. I could use a hamburger right now."
"What's a hamburger?" Shawna asked.
Shinichi gawked at her. "You don't know what a hamburger is?" She shook her head. "Honey, you don't know what you're missing!" Shinichi then saw a takoyaki stand. "Shawna-chan, let me show you what we Japanese call a local snack!"
Shawna took his hand as he led her towards the stand. He ordered, "Two baskets, please," and the vendor made the takoyaki for them. Shawna watched, intrigued, as the vendor made the takoyaki before serving them up in two baskets. Shinichi then paid the man and led Shawna over to a nearby bench to show her how to eat.
"You use this toothpick here and pop a ball into your mouth," he instructed before showing her. She copied him and gasped. "What's wrong?"
Shawna finished chewing before swallowing. "This is so unlike anything I've ever tasted!"
"You're exaggerating."
"No, I'm not! The flavour is...is completely...I can't describe it."
"It's just takoyaki," he deadpanned.
He watched as she finished up the takoyaki before wiping her mouth clean with a napkin. "What else can we eat here?"
Shinichi rubbed his chin. "Ever had okonomiyaki?"
The NEO-NUMBERS had heard about Shinichi too. They were in the base, talking about it. Daichi seemed completely irate about it.
Daichi complained, "OK, this is so unfair! How in the hell did Number 13 score a date with a princess!"
Yokoshima teased, "Jealous?"
Daichi denied, "Hell No!"
Chiaki shrugged. "Call it luck. Right place, right time."
Shogo, serious as always, reminded them, "Remember, people, we're on an assignment. Shinichi asked us to look out for trouble."
Michiru whined, "I wanna go down to the dance!"
Hana shook her head. "Sorry, Michiru, but it's an exclusive invitation-only party. You gotta be on the list." Michiru pouted
Shogo reminded them again, "Remember, our mission is to make sure that Orb of Wisdom doesn't fall into the wrong hands..."
Daichi added, "Or get swallowed."
Shogo nodded. "Yes, that too. The last thing we want is for Shinichi to accidentally swallow this orb too."
Chiaki inquired, "Any suggestions on how to do that?"
"First we ask permission from Warren and then we move in," Shogo said sternly. He was always by-the-book.
Shinichi and Shawna did tons of stuff together. They went to see a movie together, which was a samurai movie that Shawna had chosen. It was Akira Kurosawa's '7 Samurai'. Afterwards she talked about how chivalrous and honourable the samurais were while comparing them to Shinichi. Then, they went for karaoke and Shinichi discovered that the princess had a lovely singing voice. After that they went into a kimono store to try out the kimonos.
When Shinichi saw her in one, he thought he was looking at a vision of beauty. Fortunately, the old shopkeeper had bad eyesight so she didn't realise who Shawna was when the princess removed her cap and sunglasses to get a better look at herself in the mirror.
They ended up buying the kimono and Shinichi was happy to carry the bag for her. When the princess got thirsty, he introduced her to the wonders of vending machines. He showed her how to work one and she drank her purchase happily. To think she'd never had a soft drink before.
Next, Shinichi and Shawna went to visit a zoo together. It was a place that Shawna had always wanted to visit but never got the chance too. She'd only seen animals in books or on television, but never in real life. She had horses and hounds at home but never the exotic wild animals like tigers, lion and bears! (Oh my!).
"Wow!" Shawna uttered, looking at the zoo animals with awe in her eyes.
"I knew you'd like it." Shinichi chuckled. Shawna's eyes sparkled.
She then spotted a man holding a small chimpanzee with people crowding around him. "Mr. Samurai, what's he doing?"
"Oh, he's just showing off the chimp," Shinichi informed the princess. "You know, you can hold the chimp too and I can take a picture."
"Will you?" Shawna seemed eager. "Let's do that!"
The two approached the zoo worker with the chimpanzee.
"Excuse me, could I hole this delightful creature, please?" Shawna requested politely.
"Sure, miss," the man said as he gently handed the small chimpanzee over to Shawna. The primates' arms encircled Shawna's neck as she held to the animal's lower back.
"OK, Shawna-chan. Say cheese!" said Shinichi as he pointed his camera at Shawna. However, before he could take the picture, the chimpanzee did something mischievous. It grabbed Shawna's cap and pulled it off, causing her blonde hair to spill out. Then, when she tried to retrieve her cap, her sunglasses came off.
"IT'S PRINCESS SHAWNA!"
Screaming was heard as the princess was identified.
"Oh no!" she gasped. She handed the chimpanzee back to the zoo worker. "Thank you for your time!"
Shinichi grabbed her hand and they both ran away as people started taking pictures. It wasn't long before they were being chased by a stampede of paparazzi.
"AGGH!" Shinichi screamed, running away from what could be best described as a stampede of the media.
"I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!" Shawna apologized frantically as they tried to get away from the paparazzi
Shinichi rapidly looked left and right to try and find an exit until he spotted a phone booth. "Quickly, in there!" he shouted as he took her inside and pulled the door close over the entrance.
"They went in here!" one of the paparazzi shouted and they crowded around the phone booth. When one of them threw the door open, the booth was empty.
"Where did they go?"
"They just vanished!"
"Come on, continue looking! This is huge news!"
The paparazzi spread out to look for Princess Shawna and Shinichi, not realizing for a second that the two were right under their noses.
Shinichi and Shawna were actually invisible. Shinichi had transformed into his Kage Form and used the power of invisibility to conceal himself and Shawna. When the media was gone, Showa sighed. "Gotta thank the Kage no Hoshi and invisibility."
"I'm sorry," Shawna apologized.
"Heh, it's okay," the ninja-like Rider told her. "We better head back to the hotel." He frowned. He knew this was going to end up in the tabloids soon.
"No, not yet. There's someplace else I wish to go to," Shawna said. "Please?"
He could not resist those pleading eyes.
"Alright, one last place, then we're going back to the hotel."
"Thank you, Mr. Samurai!"
"Um…I'm not exactly a samurai right now."
A small child with a balloon had been staring at the phone booth when he heard the voices. When Showa and Shawna reappeared, the little boy panicked and shouted, "Mommy! Mommy! Ghosts!" before he ran off to look for his mother.
"We better get you another disguise," he told Shawna.
"That's fine," she told him as she took out another pair of shades from her jacket and put them on. She also pulled out a scrunchy and used it to put her hair up in a ponytail.
Showa blinked. "Let me guess: backup plan?"
Shawna smiled at the Rider.
Shawna wanted to go to Tokyo Tower. The fastest way to get there was to use the Tokyo Metro subway system. Shinichi guided her in how to buy a ticket before waiting at the platform for their train.
As they waited, she wrapped an arm around his. He blushed slightly at the contact as he gazed down at her.
'She really is cute,' he thought. He shook his head. 'Baka, you got Rena-chan!' His mind wandered, 'But…still…' He felt the urge to protect her just like how he protected Rena.
When the train came, people exited before the Rider and the Princess boarded. They found some empty seats and sat down but when an old lady entered the train Shawna gave up her seat to her. Shinichi offered Shawna his seat but she refused. So, he stood up next to Shawna.
"Is it always this crowded?" Shawna asked holding tightly onto one of the rings hanging from the ceiling.
"No, it's way worse during holidays." Shinichi grunted when she accidentally elbowed him.
"I'm sorry," she apologized.
"It's okay. I've taken worse," he said to her.
"It's just…I've never been around so many people before."
"And I thought a girl like you would be used to crowds," he commented.
When they reached their destination, Shawna and Shinichi entered the Tokyo Tower. They took the elevator straight up to the observation deck.
"Amazing!" Shawna said as she looked down at the city from the observation deck. "Did you know this is even taller than the Eiffel Tower?" the princess informed him.
"Really?" Shinichi responded.
"Indeed, and I must say, that it gives a lovely view of Tokyo," Shawna said admiring the view.
Shinichi smiled, amazed how Shawna could find beauty in Tokyo. He rarely could stop and smell the flowers. His duty prevented him from enjoying life to the fullest. He looked around. The observation deck was supposed to have people visiting at this time of day but they were the only ones present.
"There's something off here," he said and then he cursed himself for his words when the elevator opened and DHS Fighters spilled right into the observation deck. "I hate being right," he mumbled. He put himself protectively between the princess and the DHS Fighters. "Shawna-chan, you don't happen to be wearing the Orb of Wisdom right now by any chance, do you?" She gave him a nod and he muttered, "Great…"The DHS Fighters charged at him and he quickly engaged them.
"Henshin!"
Using his whip-blades, he knocked them all down with ease. As they got back up, Showa grabbed Shawna's hand and shouted, "Come on!" The DHS Fighters charged at them but were sent flying by a single punch. "OUT OF THE WAY!" The Rider and Princess then fled into the elevator and went down.
When they exited the Tokyo Tower, Showa's bike was waiting for them.
"Ever ridden a motorbike before?" Showa asked the princess. She shook her head. "Now's your chance! Hop on!" He mounted the bike and she got on behind him. The DHS Fighters were coming out of the Tokyo Tower and about to attack when Showa dashed away. The DHS Fighters started to give chase when they were all suddenly ran over by a van.
Shinichi took Shawna straight to the penthouse and slammed the door behind them. Chris and Anthony, who were having a game of Chess – with Chris winning – looked over to them.
"Back already?" Chris asked.
"Chris, your job is to protect Shawna-chan, right?" Shinichi inquired.
"Yes, that is true," nodded Shinichi.
"So, how about you get Shawna out of here?" suggested Shinichi.
"You want me to leave?" Shawna asked sadly.
"It's for your own safety, and also you need to give me that orb," he said.
"But…it's a family heirloom," she protested.
"It also makes you a target," Shinichi reasoned. "As long as you have it, DHS will try and attain it to further their ambitions. I, and many others, can't allow that to happen."
Shawna sobbed and then stormed towards her room before shutting the door behind her with a loud slam. "Shawna-chan, wait!" He went after her but was blocked by Anthony and Chris. "Move!"
"I'm sorry, but we can't allow that," said Chris.
"Chris, you know I'm right. With that orb she's a target," Shinichi said.
"Say I believe you," Chris responded, "How do I know you don't have your own devious plans for that orb?"
"Because…because I…" Shinichi wanted to say he wanted to protect the world but Chris would not believe him. However, he had to try anyway, "Because I can't allow the enemy to make people suffer."
Chris examined Shinichi, looking for any signs of a lie, but then sighed. "You're honest, but also reckless."
"Hey!"
"The princess wants to go to the ball with you but now she thinks you don't want to accompany her anymore. Also, the way you told her to leave was like spitting her friendship back in her face," Chris said to him.
"I'm doing this because I am her friend!" Shinichi retorted. He didn't want Shawna to get hurt.
"We'll stay until after the ball and then we'll leave. We can discuss about the orb and how to resolve the matter after the ball as well. For now, I think you need to give Her Highness some space."
Shinichi relented. "Fine, but I'm staying close. Her room is secured, right?"
"I'll be inside to keep watch over her," volunteered Chris.
"Thanks."
"No need to thank me. It's my job after all."
The van that had run over the DHS Fighters earlier was parked in front of the hotel. Inside the van there were six people. Two were in the front while six were in the back. The back was filled with surveillance equipment with four people working on it.
"Surveillance duty," muttered Daichi. "I hate surveillance duty."
"Yes, we know, we know," Yokoshima rolled his eyes. "Sheesh, and you say I complain too much."
"Remember what's at stake here," reminded Hana.
"Yup, we have to protect the Orb of Wisdom and Princess Shawna," added Michiru.
"I still find it unbelievable that Shinichi's up there with a real princess," said Chiaki, impressed.
"Yeah, lucky bastard," grumbled Daichi.
"Focus, people," commanded Shogo seriously. "Keep your eyes and ears open. Nobody sleeps tonight."
Shinichi sat in the penthouse living room, looking out at the stars through the window. He'd finished his dinner. Shawna had her dinner in her room and refused to come out. He sighed, blaming himself. All Shawna wanted was to dance at the ball with her new friend but now she thought that all he cared about was the Orb of Wisdom and not her.
He heard a door creak open and looked to see Shawna coming out in a pink dressing gown. "Mr. Samurai, are you awake?"
"Yeah, I can't sleep," he told her.
Shawna took a chair and sat beside him. "Mr. Samurai, do you hate me?"
"Of course I don't," he told her. "What ever gave you that idea?"
"You want me to leave."
Shinichi explained, "It's because I care about you. Your life is in danger as long you have that orb and remain here. My enemies will use you against me and I can't allow that to happen. You'll be much safer back home."
"So, you really just care about the orb?" she inquired.
"Not entirely. It's an important relic of my village but I care about you too. That's why you should give it to me. It's the only way to keep it and you safe."
Shawna though about it. His words made sense. Those black-garbed people had already attacked her twice with the intention of claiming the Orb of Wisdom. Still, as much as it was a relic to Shinichi's village it was also a valuable family heirloom. It was meant to be given to the one she wished to wed.
"Tomorrow, after the ball, I'll give you the orb," Shawna stated. "Just be my escort and dance with me."
"If you insist," he agreed. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Mr. Samurai." She kissed his cheek before leaving for bed.
The next day was the day of the ball. Chris managed to get Shinichi something to wear for the event. It fit perfectly.
"I kinda look like James Bond," Shinichi remarked as he looked himself over in the mirror.
"Yes, you appear quite handsome, Mr. Samurai." Shinichi looked to see Shawna in her gown and his jaw dropped.
"Wow…" Shinichi was stunned. "You look beautiful."
"Shall we go, Mr. Samurai?" Princess Shawna said, offering him her hand.
"Yes, we shall."
The media flanked the red carpet, held back by the velvet rope, as the limo stopped in front of it. The first to exit were Chris and Anthony, the princess' bodyguards. Then, the princess came out with her date for the evening.
Shawna was dressed in a beautiful sleeveless aqua blue ball gown with spaghetti straps and golden patterns embroidered onto it. Her hair was up in a bun with two hair sticks in it. On her head was her tiara. She also wore aqua evening gloves. Hanging from her neck was the Orb of Wisdom.
Shinichi was dressed in a formal tuxedo that made him look dashing. He wore black shades to hide his eyes.
The cameras flashed on the couple as speculations were made of their relationship.
Anthony scowled as he watched the princess enter the ballroom with Shinichi. Chris, seeing the look, rolled his eyes. "It's your own fault for not taking the initiative. Besides, you got nothing to worry about."
When Shawna and Shinichi entered the ballroom, they were announced and soon got the attention of the other guests. The guests were politicians, people in high society and executives who owned many of the big businesses in the city.
"Who is that with the princess?" One man muttered
"Probably some poor sap she paid to come as her date," one woman said arrogantly
"I don't know. I think they may be friends," a girl said
"Preposterous. This is the princess' first trip to Japan," an annoyed man said.
Shinichi, who was listening, sighed as he stated, "I hate gossipers."
"Ignore them. Let's just enjoy ourselves," Shawna told her date.
"You're right." Shinichi looked around. There was an orchestra band playing. "Wanna dance?"
"Oh, of course," Shawna accepted graciously. He took her hand and led her into the middle of the ballroom. It didn't take long before they became the centre of attention.
"You dance really well," said Shawna.
"I'm a fast learner," he told her. Ballroom dancing was just one of the things he'd learnt back in GIN-SHOCKER. It was to help him blend into his surroundings if a mission required him to infiltrate such functions.
As the two were enjoying themselves, smoke began filling the room, covering it in a purple mist.
"W-whats going on?" a confused Shawna panicked but Shinichi's eyes narrowed. He realised quickly that this was the work of the Dark Hatred Society.
"Something bad," Shinichi said. "Stay close to me. Chris, Anthony, protect the princess at all cost."
Chris nodded while Anthony snorted. He didn't need anyone telling him how to do his job
Suddenly, horrible cackling is heard and it made Shawna cringe while holding tightly to Shinichi's arm. First it was disembodied but then a figure came out of the purple mist, revealing it to be none other than Countess Lovesoul.
"Ah a party. How interesting. Do any of you folks mind if I summon A few friends?" Lovesoul grinned as she snapped her fingers, making several DHS Fighters swarm out and surround the guests. They also blocked the exits so nobody could escape.
"Who do you think you are!" one of the guests demanded.
Countess Lovesoul introduced herself, "Oh, I am but a humble member of an organization dedicated to the irradication of trash and filth."
"Why don't you start with yourself?" Shinichi said as he took off his shades. Countless Lovesoul looked towards him and gasped in mock surprise.
"Oh, you're here too, BLACK 13," Countess Lovesoul grinned.
"That's right and I'm not alone," Shinichi told her. He commanded, "NEO-NUMBERS! Front and centre!"
The servers dropped what they were doing and leapt over the guests, flipping through the air before standing side-by-side with Shinichi.
"See, granny?" Shinichi stated. The NEO-NUMBERS had been posing as servers, waiting for DHS to strike.
Countess Lovesoul was enraged. "Granny? GRANNY!" With a scowl she ordered. "Get the princess!"
"Let's HENSHIN!" Shinichi ordered and in a matter of seconds the NEO-NUMBERS were in Rider form, completely shocking the guests. "Shawna-chan, the orb!"
"Mr. Samurai, catch!" Shawna tossed the orb through the air and it landed in Showa's hand.
"Thanks!" Showa nodded and found himself surrounded by DHS Fighters. He used a sweep kick to knock them all down. "Slasher!" He tossed the orb to his fellow Rider who caught it. It was a game of Keep-Away as the NEO-NUMBERS passed the orb from one another. When the DHS Fighters lunged at him, he subdued them with a powerful punch that sent them all flying.
"Musician, catch!" Slasher tossed it to the Cricket Rider. The DHS Fighters charged but were blasted away by his Cricket Fork.
"Armadillo, here!" Musician signalled as he threw the orb to the Pill Bug Rider.
Armadillo caught it and then rolled into a ball, bowling over the DHS Fighters. After he unrolled himself, he threw it at the Tatrantula Rider. "Arachnea, go long!"
Arachnea grabbed it and when the DHS Fighters attempted to take it from her she slashed at them with her weapon, knocking them down, right before she tossed it at her best friend. "Carmen, take it!"
Carmen was about to catch it but Lovesoul jumped right in front of her and caught the Orb of Wisdom in her hand. "Hey, that's mine!" Carmen snapped but was smacked to the ground by Lovesoul. Arachnea was about to attack the DHS executive for striking her friend but Zero was quicker. He launched his needles at the countess and one scratched her cheek. The shocked Countess Lovesoul dropped the orb which Michiru caught and tossed it at Zero who then tossed it back to Showa.
"Yatta," said Showa in celebration. Not only had they subdued the all DHS Fighters which were now sprawled all over the ballroom floor but they had also humiliated one of DHS' executives.
Lovesoul reached up to her face. One of Zero's needles had scratched her cheek and blood leaked out. Her face twisted into a furious scowl filled with hate and disgust.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorn.
"How dare you scar my beautiful face!" Lovesoul snarled angrily as Showa and the others guarded the princess
"Aren't you overreacting a little?" Musician snorted
"No, this is overreacting!" Countess Lovesoul snarled as her body began changing. Her entire body became inflated like a balloon, ripping her dress at the seams. Her face elongated as her teeth became sharp. Her skin began to become sickly green and scaly. Her once straight hair had turned black and messy and her eyes had become red with violet reptilian pupils. Her hands morphed into spiked clubs and her breasts were covered by steel cups.
Countess Lovesoul had become Alligator Ogress.
Showa took one look at the new form and mumbled, "Man... that just ain't right. You just turned from a granny to fugly."
With a roar, Alligator Ogress' metal breast cups opened, revealing hidden cannon barrels. She fired, blasting a hole in the wall, missing the Kamen Riders she'd been aiming for as they jumped out of the way. Several of the ball guests screamed.
"Damn it, those knockers of hers are deadly," commented Carmen.
"And there are still people in here too," said Showa. "We can't have her blasting around."
"Yeah, but the exits are still sealed," agreed Armadillo.
"Then why not make our own exit?" inquired Musician. He activated his wrist communicator, "Requesting one Dimensional Rift curtain, ASAP!"
The request was answered instantly as a silvery veil – a Dimensional Rift – rose up, stunning the guests. Arachnea immediately instructed them, "Go into the veil and you'll be transported outside!" A few were sceptical and hesitant.
"Hey, do you wanna die so much, stupids!" Carmen yelled. That got them moving as they all rushed through the Dimensional Rift. They weren't even doing it single file.
Shawna watched as Showa faced against the monster. He stared back at her and gave her a nod before she, Chris and Anthony walked through the veil before it collapsed.
With a roar, Alligator Ogress rushed at the NEO-NUMBERS. She swung hard at Musician, knocking him into several tables. When Armadillo tried to run her over in Ball Mode, he was batted away and into a wall. Carmen tried to confuse her with illusions but the DHS executive Demon Beast was not easily fooled. She caught the real Carmen in her jaws, the razor sharp teeth digging in the female Riders' shoulder. Carmen screamed out as she struggled to break free.
Arachnea reacted quickly and swung her weapon, the blades of her Spider Kama swiping across Allgator Ogress' face. She dropped Carmen, who whimpered in pain, and prepared to fire her breast cannons only for Slasher to seal them shut with his adhesive spit. Alligator Ogress opened her mouth and roared but her jaws were sealed shut by Arachnea's webbing.
"We have to look at your ugly face. We don't have to listen to your horrible ranting," Arachnea remarked. Alligator Ogress demonstrated incredible speed and swung one of her spiked club hands into Arachnea, sending her tumbling along the floor.
Alligator opened her jaws wide, breaking the webbing around her mouth. She then breathed fireballs that exploded around the ballroom, causing fires to erupt.
"She's trying to bring the whole place down!" shouted Armadillo.
"No duh, genius!" snapped Musician.
Showa held the Orb of Wisdom in his hand. It wasn't activated. Looking at Alligator Ogress, he narrowed his eyes at the monstrous female executive. The NEO-NUMBERS continued their attacks, injuring but not yet finishing her off.
He then called on his full power and in a flash of golden light was transformed into his strongest form, Hinamizawa Guardian Form. Additonally, the Orb of Wisdom now hung from his neck as he stood proudly. The Orb of Wisdom glowed and so did the Orb of Courage within him. He then reversed his grip on the Higurashi no Yaiba. The pommel was aimed at the DHS executive's mutated form and it glowed with energy.
"HIGURASHI…BURST!" Showa called and a powerful blast of golden energy burst forth from the pommel. The NEO-NUMBERS all got out of the way when Showa called his attack but Alligator Ogress ended up being hit by the full force of the attack. She blocked with her spiked clubs but even they could not withstand the force of the attack as they shattered. The beam then crashed straight into her body.
BOOM!
The resulting explosion was huge but while the NEO-NUMBERS expected their enemy to be dead, a naked and charred Countess Lovesoul staggered out of the flames. "I won't forget this humiliation! I…will…be…BACK!" she swore before vanishing into a dark portal.
Showa reverted back to his default form, exhausted, holding the Orb of Wisdom in his hand. He looked to the NEO-NUMBERS who nodded back at him. "Come on, let's get out of here."
Once the NEO-NUMBERS exited the building, cheers and camera flashes erupted. "I hate the paparazzi," Showa muttered.
"MR. SAMURAI!" Shawna suddenly shrieked. Showa looked to see Dr. Shinigami with an arm around Shawna's waist and a strange looking gun aimed at her temple. Chris and Anthony were being restrained by DHS Fighters.
"Gebok!" shouted Showa. "Let her go!"
"Not so fast, BLACK 13!" Dr. Shinigami retorted. "One wrong move and this little princess goes bye-bye."
Showa gritted his teeth. The NEO-NUMBERS froze up when they saw what was happening. Dr. Shinigami was holding Shawna hostage. People could only watch the exchange with trepidation.
"You see this gun I have against the princess' temple? It's called an Eraser Laser. To put it simply, one shot from this gun will erase dear Princess Shawna from existence. Not even your Reverse to the Past can save her once she's erased," Dr. Shinigami explained. "Now, if you don't mind, please hand over the Orb of Wisdom."
Showa looked at the Orb of Wisdom in his hand.
"Mr. Samurai, don't do it!" Shawna yelled at him but was silence as Dr. Shinigami pressed the gun against her head a little harder. "Mr. Samurai..."
Dr. Shinigami negotiated, "What's it gonna be, BLACK 13? The orb or the girl? Choose wisely and choose quickly. Tick-tock. Time's running out."
Showa surrendered. "I give up. You can have the orb."
"Good boy. Now, toss it over," instructed Dr. Shinigami.
Showa did as told and Dr. Shinigami tossed Princess Shawna roughly to the ground before catching the Orb of Wisdom. "Thank you!"
"Get him!" Zero ordered but then before they could stop him, Dr. Shinigami vanished into a dark portal and became out of reach.
Showa ran over to Shawna and helped her up. "Shawna-chan, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she told him. "Why did you give up the orb? Didn't you say it was important?" she asked him.
Showa told her, "I'm not the type to ignore a person in danger and I wasn't about to sacrifice a friend just to complete my goals. That would make me no better than Gebok." It was still a difficult choice to make and he would still have to report this failure to Warren. "Shawna-chan, there's something I should tell you. I'm already in love with someone else."
"It's alright." Shawna said smiling happy at Showa. "I understand."
"Eh?" he uttered, confused.
"It's okay that you are in love with Rena and can't return my feelings."
"How did you know I was in love with Rena-chan?" Showa questioned.
"When you talked about your friends, you spoke of her the fondest. I'm not blind, Mr. Samurai. I wished it was me you loved but as long as you are my friend, I can live with that." Shawna smiled
"What an understanding princess," Carmen sniffed, overhearing the conversation.
Showa ordered, "Riders, let's go." A Dimensional Rift erected itself and swept over the Riders, taking them away from the scene.
Shinichi sat across from Warren in the latter's office, reporting his failure. Warren wore a neutral expression. When Shinichi finished, Warren spoke, "I see. So now DHS has the Orb of Wisdom."
"Yes, because of my carelessness the Dark Hatred Society has one of the orbs. I take full responsibility and I'm willing to take any punishment for my failure, sir."
"That won't be necessary, Shinichi."
"Huh?" Shinichi looked up to see Warren smiling.
Warren told him, "I completely understand. It was a difficult choice but you still made the right one. Our job is to preserve innocent lives. If you'd sacrificed the princess to keep the orb away from the DHS then it wouldn't be right. You did the right thing when you chose the princess over the orb."
Shinichi was still regretful. "But Dr. Gebok still has the orb."
Warren put an optimistic spin on things. "That just means that we're tied, for now. There's still one more orb left, the Orb of Power. We have to obtain it before DHS."
"I'll make sure they won't get that one, sir. I swear it."
Shawna continued with her tour of Japan. Since she no longer possessed the Orb of Wisdom, she was no longer a target. She travelled Japan with her bodyguards, visiting historical landmarks and places while experiencing the culture. Shinichi received post cards from her from all the places she visited and he kept them in the album.
Several weeks passed since he last saw the princess in person. He only got to see her on TV, the newspaper and magazines. It seemed that people had already forgotten about him being her date and he was fine with that.
One day, as Shiori came to visit the Gaming Club at school and maybe even participate in a game or two, Shinichi was going to get a surprise visit.
"Hey, who's that?" Mion pointed. They saw a limo heading for the school and they all exited to see who it was. Shinichi knew, of course, and was already surprised.
All the Gaming Club members and Shiori blinked as they saw a limousine pull over in front of the school only for them to gawk at seeing Princess Shawna exit the vehicle.
"T-T-T-The P-P-P-PRINCESS!" Satoshi managed to stutter out in surprise, wondering whether he should kneel or not, with everyone thinking the same thing
Shawna looked at everyone until she spotted Rena and walked to her. She recognised her from the picture he showed her of his friends. "You're Mr. Samurai's lover, yes?"
"H-Hai!" Rena said, still reeling from this surprise. Shawna smiled
"You're a very lucky woman. I wish you both a happy future," Shawna said sincerely, smiling serenely. If Rena wasn't so shocked, she would've enterer her 'Take-It-Home' mode.
"Shawna-chan…what are you doing here?" Shinichi asked, shocked. She just smiled as Chris walked over and opened a case revealing a silver medallion depicting a goddess of sorts. She picked up the medal and approached him.
"For saving my life and protecting me at the risk of your own life I award you this medal of honor," Shawna declared as she hung it around his neck.
"I didn't do it alone, Shawna-chan," he said to her, rubbing the back of his neck humbly. "I had help."
"Yes, I know. I already paid them all a visit and given them similar medals. I can't help but notice how you were like the 7 Samurais we saw in that movie the other day." She then placed her gaze on Shiori. "You are Mr. Samurai's mother, correct? You must be proud of him."
Shiori dumbly asked, "Can I put you in my next book?"
"Kaa-chan!" Shinichi exclaimed, embarrassed. "How can you ask that!" Shawna tilted her head in confusion, unaware why Shinichi was yelling at his mother like that.
Shiori shrugged. "It's just a simple request."
"Speaking of simple requests. Mr. Samurai, do you mind giving me a tour of your village?" Shawna requested.
Shinichi answered as he bowed, "Princess, your wish is my command."
RIDER SPECIAL REVIEW!
"Hi, I'm Rika!"
"And I'm Hanyuu!"
"Welcome to Rider Special Review!"
"Wow, a real princess came and visit!" Hanyuu gushed.
Rika spoke seriously, "Yes, indeed, but now let's focus on our review." The screen showed the image of the segment's focus Rider. "Today we will be reviewing the late Kamen Rider Dancer, also known as Goemon Jaga."
Hanyuu explained, "Dancer's armor was based on a centipede and he could also turn into a hybrid form where his lower torso turned into the body of centipede. This form gave him incredible speed and those spiky legs of his gave him an even bigger edge in battle. Not only that, the extended body allowed him to bind and crush his enemies."
Rika concluded, "He was also armed with a Pata, which is a gauntlet sword, and utilised break dancing in his fighting. However, despite this and his hybrid form he was still defeated by Kamen Rider Showa."
Hanyuu added, "Wasn't that princess pretty? I wish I could be a princess."
Rika decided to end the segment, "And that's our review. Come back next time for the Rider Special Review. See you again!"
"Bye-bye!"