Though it was still winter and several days before the New Year, anything could happen. Presently a residential building was on fire and the local fire department was doing its best to suppress the fire while at the same time trying to rescue the people trapped in the building. No matter how much they sprayed the flames the fire still wouldn't die.
"We need backup!" a fire fighter shouted.
"The roads are blocked, sir! We can't get anymore backup!" another fire fighter answered.
Suddenly a multicolored portal formed in the air and two train-like vehicles flew out of it. Both separated, transforming into the Fire-5 and the Gyro-6. The Fire-5 landed slowly descended and landed in an open area as people watched. In the air, the Gyro-6 was rescuing the people who were still trapped on the upper levels of the building.
The Fire-5's cannon rose up and fired water and fire extinguishing foam upon the fire. Slowly but surely the flames were being put out.
The door on the side of the Gyro-6 opened and a bridge slid out between the entrance and a window. Tenshi stepped onto the bridge and walked over, extending a hand. "Get on, please." The people looked to her oddly before accepting the female Rider's help and stepping carefully onto the bridge and into the chopper. "Be calm and do not panic," Tenshi advised. She didn't need people panicking or pushing when on the bridge. She looked to the building and scanned it for anymore people who were trapped inside. It was a big building and there could still be people trapped.
Inside, Vortex heard some people screaming for help in the elevator. He grabbed the elevator doors and pulled them apart to reveal the trapped people inside. "Follow me!" he instructed. He was going to get them to safety.
"SURGE! MIZU NO RYU!" Kamen Rider Efreet commanded as he drew his Zanpakuto. His katana instantly transformed into a Chinese broadsword with a shining silver blade. The flat side of the blade was decorated with a blue dragon which glowed as water danced around it. The water produced by his blade put out the flames. He then sheathed his sword and went over to the old man who was pinned under the beam and tossed the beam off before helping the man up. "It's alright. I'm going to get you out of here." He carried the man on his back and to the Gyro-6.
Ifrit was busy too. Inside he'd found the cause of the fire. It wasn't a Nytemare, but a Horror. If it were a Nytemare, a Stasis Field would've been created. Obviously, she was using Horrors to spread fear and pain. The Horror he was facing was a skeleton of flames and it was slashing at him with its clawed hands.
"Hmph, weak!" said Ifrit as he swiped the pass over his belt.
"FULL CHARGE!"
"HYAH!!!" He slashed at the Horror repeatedly and watched in satisfaction as it exploded. He tapped a button on his watch and spoke into it, "OK, everything clear here. How about you, Tenshi-chan?"
"I've rescued all the people trapped inside, Ifrit-kun," answered Tenshi.
"OK, what about you, kid?" Ifrit asked.
"Same here, Oyaji," said Efreet.
"Gaki, don't call me that," scolded Ifrit. "Rookie, status report?"
"I'm leading some people I found trapped in an elevator to the Gyro-6!" answered Vortex.
"OK, good work, team!"
"HEARTLESS NEW YEAR"
Warren read the morning paper and smiled. The headline read, "MASKED RIDERS SAVE THE DAY!" Under it was a picture of the Riders after they rescued several people from a burning building.
"Looks like that kohai of yours is doing well," said Rachel as she sat down with a cup of tea in hand and reading the same headline next to him.
"Yeah. I never knew he had the knack to be a rescue worker," said Warren.
Rachel leaned against Warren. In front of anyone else she would never show this kind of emotion. It was only when she was with Warren or her kids was she like this. "So, looking forward to another baby?" questioned Rachel.
Warren smiled. "Yeah, I am. Best damn thing I ever did was be a dad." Rachel looked forlorn. "Hey, what's wrong, Rae?"
"Do you think we'll ever get to raise our family in our home world?"
Warren answered, confidently, "One day. Hopefully soon the world will realize what an ass Osborn is and things will go back to normal."
"December 30th," Ryuji mused out loud as he saw the calendar after crossing out the previous date. A circle was around the 31st and written under it was 'New Year's Eve Party'. The Riders would be going to a ryokan (Japanese style hotel) with an amazing view of the upcoming fireworks display that would be launched to usher in the New Year. The ryokan was outside the city in a small town and the Riders did deserve a break from all the hustle and bustle.
Yuji and Ryuushin would be with the princesses' in the princesses' home world to celebrate the New Year. That was a good thing. Ryuji seriously didn't want to see the kings drink themselves silly again like at the Christmas party.
Sadly, Kotonoha's parents could not make it. However, they did send their best regards and some presents through the mail. Ryuji also received a not so subtle written warning from Kotonoha's father. Ryuji still felt chills when he recalled what was written.
"Ryuji-kun, are you ready?" asked Kotonoha. She, Kokoro and Tatsu were all packed.
"All packed," answered Ryuji. "OK, let's go. All aboard the DynoLiner Express."
"What is a heart?" Sauron mused as she held up a glass container with a human heart floating inside the fluid within. "What does it mean to have a heart?" She put the container down. "And what is inside the heart?"
"Why so philosophical today?" Rosalinda asked.
"Oh, just thinking of this and that," answered Sauron.
"Again with the heart?" Rosalinda questioned.
"Yes, pretty much." Sauron asked, "Ne, Rosa-chan, do you think I'm heartless?"
Rosalinda answered, "Your heart is strong, dark and cold, but you're not heartless."
"Yeah, but a lot of people think I'm heartless," said Sauron. "Well, not anymore. I got a pure heart right here to prove it." She grinned insanely.
Rosalinda giggled at the joke before gliding over and wrapping her arms around her beloved. "My Lord, I wish for another child…" She was nuzzling Sauron's neck.
"Even after Demona and Damon?" asked Sauron. He recalled when Rosalinda had gone into labor several years ago. Her vocabulary had been very…colorful.
"Yes," Rosalinda said huskily. "I wish for another child with you."
"Let's see what I can do," said Sauron with a smirk.
Both the GaroLiner and DynoLiner dropped off their passengers at the station. From here they would need to get to the inn by foot.
The group composed of Yuuki, his sister Chie, Ryuki, Ryuji, Neko, Kat, Cathy, Rose, Bobby, Joseph, Kenzaki, Kumiko, Warren, Teresa, Rachel, Kotonoha, Koneko (in a Gigai), Kokoro and Tatsu. Alex and Tessa, along with the babies Gou and Maya were also present. Vash was unable to come since he'd caught a cold and was being taken care of by Andie. Yuuki was upset too since Roka wasn't able to come since her family had gone off to another town to celebrate the coming of the New Year. They did promise to see each other on New Year's Day, though.
Benitora was going to be celebrating with Hikari, which would explain his absence as well.
"OK, let's go!" said Ryuji.
Tired from the walk, the members of the group checked into their rooms and put down their luggage. They were welcoming the rest.
"Nice place, isn't it, girls?" Warren asked as he, Teresa, Rachel and the kids got settled into their room.
"It sure is," answered Teresa.
In the Tsukubas' family room, it was the same. Both Maya and Gou were fast asleep in portable collapsible cribs. Neko gazed fondly at her two children. Koneko was also smiling at the two babies, purring.
"I still have trouble believing they are ours," said Kenzaki.
"How come, Ken-kun?" Neko asked.
"I never thought I'd raise a family, ever," Kenzaki admitted.
Ryuki and Jinx were in another room and the hex mistress was feeling rather randy after the train ride. As soon as Ryuki closed the door she had shoved him onto the floor to make out. Joseph has made himself scarce.
Ryuji would be sharing a room with Tatsu, Kokoro and Kotonoha. He actually would've liked it if he got a room for himself and Kotonoha, but well Kokoro and Tatsu both wanted to come and it wasn't fair just to leave them behind.
Chie and Yuuki had also gotten settled. Yuuki still hadn't spoken to her about Demones. He was afraid of how she would react.
Kat was already curled up and taking a catnap on a futon with Cathy doing the same. Bobby went to do some exploring and bumped into his fellow Saint Beast in the hallway. Rose decided to go and take a bath.
Later that night, a few of them would be having not so pleasant dreams.
Kenzaki opened his eyes and blinked. He found himself...in a mall. This was the mall he'd met Neko and...He felt his hand gripping something and saw the gun in his hand. The barrel was smoking. He looked further down to see a girl who was lying on the floor, staring at the sky, with wide eyes, but then his eyes widened when he saw the bleeding hole in her forehead along with the growing pool of blood that was beneath her.
He dropped the gun in shock as he stumbled backwards, shaking his head in denial. "No…"
Sauron appeared before him, taunting him, "Congratulations, you killed her." She faded from sight and was replaced by Nanimo
Nanimo spoke, "Always hurting your loved ones, eh, brother? Just like me?" He faded from sight and was replaced by Kat.
Kat screamed angrily and full of hate, "I knew it! I knew you would do something like this!"
Neko then appeared before him, covered in blood with the wound in her head. She looked confused and saddened with tears in her eyes. She asked him, "Ken-kun...why?"
Kenzaki shouted, "No…No, no, no, no, no...NOOO!!!!"
He snapped awake when he heard the babies cry and Neko looking down at him in worry. Kumiko was a deep sleeper so she hadn't been awoken. Koneko hadn't stirred either.
Neko shook him, "Ken-kun, wake up. You're having a nightmare."
Kenzaki looked up at Neko and suddenly hugged her tight, afraid to let her go.
Neko blinked. "Ken-kun, what's wrong?"
Kenzaki answered with eyes closed as he continued to hug her. "Nothing...as long as you're here, there's nothing wrong..."
Neko hugged him back. What had he dreamt about? It had something to do with her, somewhat.
"We should help the babies go back to sleep," suggested Neko.
"Right. I'll take Maya and you'll take Gou."
Warren stood in the middle of the battlefield. He was back in World War Two. Not too far from him was the body of a young child. It was Noel.
Warren uttered, "No…Not again…not again…Noel…"
Noel's dead body rose up to her feet.
Noel asked, "Why...didn't you...protect me...?" Her skin began to rot away as her eyes bled and maggots crawled out of her sockets and nostrils. "Why...? You said you'd protect me…"
Warren answered, desperately, "I tried...but I couldn't...I'm sorry...Noel..."
Captain America appeared before him, saying with disappointment and shame, "You don't deserve to be a hero, Warren."
Warren shook his head in denial. "This isn't real...this can't be real..." He spun around to see Damien smirking.
Damien said, "In the end you'll end up like me. Everyone you know will die."
Warren now stood in a graveyard and in front of him is a large tombstone engraved with the names of everyone he knew in life.
Sauron sat at the top of the tombstone, mocking him, "They're all gone. You killed them yourself." She pointed to the names of Rachel, Teresa, Tessa, and Alex. "They're all dead because of you."
Warren denied, "No…you did this...I couldn't have...It had to have been..."
Sauron cut him off, "Ask them yourself."
Tessa appeared, but she was covered in blood. "Daddy, why did you kill me? Didn't you love me? Why?"
Warren exclaimed, "Tessa...No! This isn't real! None of this is real!"
Warren suddenly woke up, covered in cold sweat. He looked around and saw his family asleep. "A dream...it was only a dream...only a dream..."
"Huh, isn't this Itou's apartment building?" Ryuji asked himself as he stood in front of said apartment. He heard chattering and looked behind him to see Sekai and Makoto. "Sekai? Itou?"
There was a cluttering sound and Ryuji looked down to his feet to see a broken cell phone. "Huh?" His blood ran cold when he looked upwards to see something…someone falling. "KOTONOHA!"
She had a dead and lifeless look in her eyes and an insane smile right before her head smashed against the cold hard ground. Blood splattered and stained Ryuji's clothes. There was a shrill scream. It was Sekai's scream.
"Koto…noha…?" Ryuji said as he stood at the spot in shock, staring at Kotonoha's dead body. His eyes turned to both Makoto and Sekai in fury. "Your fault…this is all your fault…" He roared, "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!"
Sekai and Makoto screamed as Ryuji morphed into his Orphenoch form. The two ran but the Orphenoch managed to catch Makoto before ripping him apart, slicing his throat open and then his chest to rip out his insides. He then set his sights on Sekai and lunged right for her. His jaw crushed her shoulder and she went down before he tore her to pieces and mutilated her body.
"IT'S YOUR FAULT SHE'S DEAD! YOUR FAULT! YOUR FAULT!!!" he continued to roar. He stared at the blood on his hands and then he realized what he'd done as he reverted. "What…? What have I done?"
Sauron appeared and said, "No matter what you do to try to hide it, by the end of the day you're still just a monster trying to pretend to be a human. This is who you really are."
Ryuji's eyes snapped wide open as he gasped. He was breathing hard. He turned over to see Kotonoha sleeping at his side, perfectly alive. This made him feel so very relieved. The nightmare he'd experienced was one of the many endings which occurred in the School Days game. That version of Kotonoha had her heart broken and lost her will to live.
Ryuji stroked her cheek. She was alive, and with him. That nightmare would never become a reality. However, deep down, he knew that was how he would react in real life if she died. He would kill and kill and turn into a mindless berserker.
Yuuki stood in a canyon, wearing a torn and dirty school uniform. He wasn't sure how he had come to this place and was confused. Suddenly, his confusion turned into panic as an explosion erupted behind him. He screamed out in terror and squatted down while covering her head.
"What…what's going on!?" he wondered in panic. Suddenly, he heard the howl of motorcycles and the roar of thousands. Once the dust cleared she saw them. Thousands of them wore identical bug-like suits of armor and only a few of them were riding motorcycles. The ones riding motorcycles wore unique suits of armor than most of them who were running. Among the running ones were others in unique suits of armor that made them look more distinctive. One he assumed looked like a bee and then another that looked like a slender figure in black and red.
He knew what they were. He knew who these people were…
Kamen Riders!
They all ran or sped past him without even blinking in his direction, like he was invisible. Laser fire started to fly as explosions erupted everywhere. Two armies of people in strange armor – Kamen Riders – clashed and fought violently with whatever weapons they had in their disposal. He saw magnificent beasts flying through the air and caught sight of a pair of Chinese dragons that were suddenly shot out of the air. Flying in the sky were also Kamen Riders. They were either equipped with jetpacks or had wings. Some rode on flying machines that seemed like something out of a Sci-Fi movie.
The war (which he thought was an appropriate term for what was going on) was incredibly brutal. Explosions sent many of them flying and some were knocked off their vehicles to fall onto the ground. There was another loud roar and he was stunned to see a dragon that wore castle for armor. Riding atop its head was a figure in red armor and atop the clock tower of the castle was another red figure with more gothic looking armor. They wielded swords but a stray energy blast hit the dragon and caused it to crash into a canyon wall. The two figures riding it had jumped off to safety and then ran past him, ignoring her like everyone else. They continued to fight.
Looking up into the sky he saw various flying trains shooting out incredible amounts of ammunition but they were too shot out of the sky and crashed before they exploded. He screamed. A warrior that had a wolf theme landed next to him and charged forward. Standing far off in the distance was a figure with a skull-like helmet.
"Warren-sensei? Tsukuba-sempai?" Yuuki asked.
Then…there was silence. Looking around, she saw all the Riders sprawled on the ground. They were either dead or unconscious but she couldn't be sure. She was just too stunned and scared. Then, she saw a bright crimson light and looked over to see a lone figure standing amongst the defeated Riders.
It was Vortex.
Yuuki then heard someone whisper into his ear, "You will be the one to destroy everything."
Yuuki gasped after he was shocked awake from his dream. "What was that?"
At breakfast, in the large dining room, Ryuki noted the exhausted looks on Ryuji, Yuuki, Warren and Kenzaki's faces.
Ryuki asked tentatively, "Bad night?"
Ryuji grumbled, "I don't want to talk about it."
Yuuki answered, "I had a bad dream."
Kenzaki muttered, "More like a vision of Hell..."
Ryuki asked his friend, "Warren-san, what about you?"
Warren answered, "Sorry, still a little shaken up."
Ryuki wasn't affected by any bad dreams since he has Yaminekoryu guarding his thoughts. He decided not to comment. Suddenly, the sliding door slid open and a man with spiky hair, an eye patch, and a girl hanging from his shoulder stomped into the room.
Zaraki yelled, "OK, WHERE'S THE GRUB!?"
Yachiru added, "I'm hungry too!"
"Taichou? Fukutaichou?" Tatsu stared in surprise.
Warren exclaimed in surprise, "Zaraki? Shrimp? What are you two doing here?"
Zaraki snorted, "Oh, you're here too, huh, Smith?"
Yachiru waved, "Hi Oni-chan! Ken-chan and I are on vacation! Are the chibi-onis here too?"
Warren snapped, "Don't call them that!"
Tatsu knew the real reason they could be here. He commented, "Vacation? Last I heard Zaraki-taichou had to be ordered to go on leave."
"Picking fights again? No shock there," quipped Warren.
Tatsu clarified, "Actually, he put half a class of academy students in the hospital and the other half are so scared to death that they need counseling."
Zaraki spat, "Che, bunch of weaklings."
Chie was stunned and confused. She asked, "Sensei, you know this...brute?"
Warren nodded and explained, "He's actually a pretty good friend and associate of mine."
"What is he supposed to be?"
Tatsu answered, "Captain of the 11th Division of the Gotei 13."
Chie blinked. "Huh?"
Tatsu clarified, "Shinigami."
Chie's eyes go wide. "You're kidding, right?"
Warren shook his head. "Nope, Tatsu's one too. Same as me."
Chie pointed to Yachiru, "And that little girl is his daughter?"
Tatsu answered, "Close."
Warren answered, "She's also a Shinigami. But she's more of a nuisance than anything else."
Tatsu added, "She's also my Squad's lieutenant."
Chie blinked in disbelief. "She's a lieutenant? But she looks so..."
Warren supplied, "Small? Cute? Innocent?"
Chie finished, "Young."
Warren corrected, "She's actually older than most of us in the room. Only one older is Zaraki."
A woman entered. She was attractive with a large braid in front of her. This was Retsu Unohana, captain of the 4th Squad of the Gotei 13. "Ara, Zaraki-san, must you be so loud?" asked Unohana.
Tatsu yelped in shock, "Retsu-mama!?" All eyes were suddenly on him. "I mean, Unohana-taichou!?" He tried to hide his blush but failing.
Ryuji cocked an eyebrow oddly at his son. "Did you just call her 'mama'?"
Tatsu denied, "No! I mean...um..."
Unohana smiled when she saw the young boy. "Oh, hello, Ta-chan."
Almost everyone in the room mouthed, "Ta-chan?"
Warren smiled at his fellow captain and greeted, "Ah, Retsu. It's good to see you again."
"You too, Warren-san," Unohana bowed
Tatsu got down on his hands and knees and bowed respectfully. "Welcome to the human world, Unohana-taichou."
Unohana smiled. "Ta-chan, I do believe I asked you not to be so formal with me."
Another woman entered. She had purple hair and was very attractive, despite the passive look on her face. This was Nemu, lieutenant of the 12th Division.
Nemu asked, uncertainty in her voice, "Unohana-taichou, must I be here?"
Unohana smiled, "Of course, Nemu-san. Don't worry about your father. I managed to get him to agree to let me bring you along." Actually, she scared the man into letting Nemu come along with her.
Warren pointed, teasing the young Shinigami, "Look, Tatsu. It's Ne-ne." Tatsu blushed.
Tatsu murmured, "Why me...?"
Ryuji asked, "There's a story here, isn't there?"
Warren grinned. "Oh yeah. Tatsu, it's your life. You should tell 'em."
Tatsu looked around and sighed. He couldn't escape. Might as well confess. Tatsu explained, "Unohana-taichou was the one who helped raise me when I was a baby. Nemu-fukutaichou once saved my life." He didn't want to get too specific. Tatsu was surprisingly on first name basis with Nemu, but still referred to her as a vice-captain.
Warren questioned, "Nemu-fukutaichou? I thought you called her Ne-ne." He was obviously teasing.
Tatsu snapped, "Urusai!"
Kotonoha walked over to Unohana and bowed gratefully, "Thank you for raising my child. I'm glad he had a good female role-model."
Chie had long decided not to comment about the weirdness. She would just sit down and listen. The Riders were weird, end of story.
Unohana looked at Kotonoha whom Tatsu had spoken fondly of whenever he would come to visit her. "Oh, so you're Ta-chan's mother. It was an honor for me to raise him. He was always like a son to me and still is. Pity he couldn't join the 4th Division."
Warren shrugged, "Eh, he's too much like his dad."
Ryuji grinned, "So...got any baby pics of the gaki?"
Warren answered, "Several."
Tatsu begged, "No, please for the love of Kami-sama, please don't show them!"
Warren announced, "As a gift to bring in the New Year, I present...Tatsu and Ryuji's baby pictures!" He held up several photos and fanned them out.
Ryuji shouted, "WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE!?"
Tatsu yelled, "SMITH-TAICHOU, NO!!!"
"Oh, ho, ho!" Kat laughed. "This is gonna be interesting!"
Kenzaki questioned in confusion, "Baby pictures? Ryuji has baby pictures?"
Warren clarified, "He was trying to learn magic and accidentally turned himself into a toddler."
Ryuji and Tatsu both went and tackled Warren to grab the pictures but then the photos get tossed into the air and landed on the floor, face up. One was a picture of Tatsu as a baby latched onto Unohana as she cradled him. Another picture has him latched tightly to Nemu when he was a young boy. There was a pic of a toddler Ryuji riding a tricycle. Kotonoha quickly grabbed one photo and smirked before slipping it into her sleeve.
Kokoro gazed at the pictures. "Kawaii…"
Ryuji snarled, "Warren…"
Tatsu growled, "Smith-taichou…"
Warren answered innocently, "Yes?"
"SURGE! MIZU NO RYU!"
"ETERNAL FROST'S REALM!"
After breakfast, the people decided to take a bath in the bathing room. The women's side was full of gossip.
Kotonoha asked, "So, why does Tatsu call you Ne-ne, Nemu-san?"
Nemu answered, "It was because he first met me when he was about 2. It was just how he said my name."
Unohana teased, "Oh, you know Ta-chan has a crush on you."
Tatsu sneezed on the men's side.
Rachel spoke, "I still remember when Ryuji turned into a toddler. Even I have to admit it was cute."
Kotonoha stated, "He never told me about that. What was he like?"
Rachel laughed, "He called Warren daddy and thought I was his mommy."
Ryuji sneezed.
Unohana spoke, "Ta-chan was always so affectionate when he came to visit me. Sometimes he just falls asleep with his head in my lap. Even though he's not really my son by blood, I love him as such. I just wished he wasn't so formal."
Chie sighed. This was the weirdest conversation ever. She commented, "I'm surrounded by crazy people."
Jinx spoke up, "Get used to it. Superheroes and their friends are not exactly normal."
"I'll take your word for it."
After the bath, Tatsu was walking along the corridor as he groaned, "That was embarrassing..."
Nemu suddenly spoke as she approached him, "Tatsu-san."
Tatsu stuttered in surprise, "Ne-ne-ne-ne-ne-Nemu-fukutaichou!"
Nemu invited, "Would you please accompany me for a walk?"
Tatsu accepted readily, "H-hai!"
During a walk around town in their street clothes, Nemu began a conversation.
Nemu told him, "Tatsu-san, when you were younger I couldn't help but see you as only like a little brother."
Tatsu was deflated. His dreams were crushed it seems. "Oh…"
Nemu continued, "But you're growing up and I must say you've also become quite handsome…"
Tatsu blinked and stared up at her. "Huh?"
Nemu finished, "I'll wait until you're older before I give my answer."
Tatsu blinked. 'Did she just…? No way!' Tatsu inquired, "When I'm older?" She nodded. Tatsu grinned widely, "Sweet."
It was later that night and ten minutes to midnight. Before this the group had gone their separate ways to either do some shopping or to spend some time alone on their own or with their loved ones. Some even used this time to get drunk. They all promised to regroup in order to watch the fireworks display which would take place near the big temple in town.
They were all dressed in warm clothes in this cold weather. However, Warren felt an odd chill in the air. Something was definitely up and he didn't like it. He looked to Rachel who looked like she had similar worries.
High above in the sky with the moon behind her was Sauron, bedecked in her demonic armor. She spoke in a sing-song voice, "When the clock strikes midnight, everything will start and then everything will end."
"OK, it's almost time," said Kokoro eagerly as she saw the large clock that was set up about to strike midnight. "Oh, I can't wait, Onee-chan."
"Me neither," said Kotonoha honestly.
The second hand ticked and finally the clock chimed. It was midnight and thus the New Year.
However, instead of fireworks all celebration halted when the sky turned blood red and everyone without special abilities froze like statues.
"A Stasis Field!" Ryuki shouted.
"Sauron…" Ryuji growled.
"Zaraki, get them out of here," Warren said to his old friend. He handed Tessa and Alex to the large brutish swordsman.
"You expect me to run, Smith?" scoffed Zaraki.
"I expect you to protect my family and the people I love," said Warren seriously.
Okami burst out from Kenzaki.
"Take the babies and Kumiko and run," Neko said as she handed Maya to Koneko and Gou to Okami.
"Keep them safe," added Kenzaki.
The Imagin didn't need to be told anything else as they darted from the scene.
"Nee-san, get out of here and take cover," said Yuuki seriously.
Loki also appeared. The orders were simple. "Protect Kokoro-chan," Ryuji told him.
"Very well," said Loki with a nod.
The ChronoLiner flew out of a portal and opened its door to allow them inside before closing up to keep its occupants safe. The shields of the train would protect them from harm.
"Sauron, where are you!?" Ryuki called.
"Right here," Kamen Rider Sauron said tauntingly as she sat atop the clock, kicking her legs. "Come and get me, Riders."
As soon as Sauron was spotted, the Riders did what they did best. "Minna, ikuzo!" Ryuki called out. "Henshin!"
They transformed.
"Will this be a new year of prosperity or eternal darkness?" Topper spoke as he viewed the events from his own little private pocket dimension. "Only the Riders can decide that."
Despite facing unfair odds as she was outnumbered by the Riders and their allies, Sauron didn't seem to be having trouble against the Riders. They attacked her hard and fast with whatever weapons or skills they had and she countered them without any effort. Of course, she was focused on the biggest threat.
As she blew both Draco and Ifrit away, Sauron charged straight for Wraith.
"RAIKA!" she called out and activated the skates that gave her the speed of a god. She rushed towards Wraith and with a clawed hand struck at his skull buckle. The buckle flew through the air and Wraith's transformation was cancelled. She then used her claw to tear open Warren's shirt and with a grin she saw her prize.
"What do you want?" Warren demanded.
"Let's see what you look like once your darkness consumes your entire heart completely," said Sauron coldly as the Heartless emblem on her palm glowed. She then pressed her palm against Warren's bare chest, branding him with the emblem, before letting him go. She stepped back to watch the show. "Now, be free."
Warren stood there for a moment, his eyes blank and staring at nothing. However, soon darkness completely engulfed his body, causing him to roar out. Everyone, with the exception of Sauron was forced to cover their ears. The roar was a horrible sound, like a beast from the depths of hell crying out in pain and agony. When the darkness finally subsided all that was left was a humanoid being, covered by what appeared to be living darkness. The shadow being had two glowing golden eyes that seemed to gaze into the very heart of nothingness. Ribbons of shadows flowed from the body as he moved.
"Wa…Warren?" said Rachel.
"Oh, the Warren you knew is gone, Ravie," grinned Sauron from behind her mask.
Everyone was stunned. Had Warren been corrupted completely? Was this all that was left of their friend and comrade?
"YOU BITCH!!!" roared Ifrit as he lunged at her. "GIVE ME BACK MY SEMPAI!!!"
As soon as Ifrit had acted, the others followed suit, wanting to make Sauron pay for turning their friend. Sauron rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers. As commanded by their dark mistress, several Horrors and Heartless rose from the shadows.
The being that was once Warren Smith looked at the creatures and cocked its head. What were these things? What was the strange liquid falling from the two smallest of the fleshy creatures? So confusing. It didn't like confusion, so it decided to rectify the situation, and get rid of the strange creatures. With shadows flowing from its body, it slammed a claw through one of the Horrors, causing it to swirl and be absorbed into its body. The other creatures immediately recognized it as a threat and focused all their efforts on the being.
It vanished, bounding from creature to creature, killing and absorbing them. Soon, the annoying creatures were completely wiped out. It then turned its attention to the strange beings clad in metal.
"What are you doing!?" Sauron demanded. She never ordered for Warren's Heartless to attack her Heartless or Horrors. "Attack the Riders!" Warren's Heartless stared at her oddly. "What are you waiting-URK!"
She hadn't expected the attack but even if she could there was no way she could've been fast enough to avoid it. The Riders all stared as the Heartless who was once their friend suddenly had his hand plunged right through Sauron's chest. Warren's Heartless let out a sound of breathing as it started to absorb Sauron. Sauron could feel her entire self vanishing and she didn't like it. Slowly, an emotion she thought to have cast away crept up on her. It was fear. Fear of death. Worse. It was the fear of being totally erased.
"No...STOP! Let me go!!!" Sauron roared as she struggled, her hands on Warren's Heartless' arm as she tried to pull his hand out. "No, you cannot have my power!" She began to convulse as she felt her essence slip and her consciousness fade. "No..." Desperately, she took out a whistle and slipped it between Grimm-Bat's lips.
"HORRORLINER!!!" Grimm-Bat called as he blew. The dark portal of the HorrorLiner formed as it flew out of it. Warren's Heartless turned his attention towards the train that was coming right for him. With his attention shifted, Sauron took advantage of this and kicked at him, loosening his grasp from the inside of her chest.
Without a word she allowed the HorrorLiner devour her before carrying her to the exit portal. She did leave some playmates for her enemies as the passenger cars opened and released her Horrors.
Inside her train, Grimm gently laid Sauron onto her seat as she recovered. The hole in her chest was closing up but it would take time for her energy to restore itself. Her teeth were gritted and the cracks on her skin bled out darkness. Her eyes narrowed hatefully as she cursed Warren's name. She then smirked. "No matter. I may not be able to control him, but he'll kill his own friends for me. Either way, I win."
The Riders were tense as their gaze focused on Warren's Heartless. Draco was the first to ask, "Warren?"
Warren's Heartless stared at Draco for a moment before unleashing a loud roar. A shockwave of dark energy was produced which pushed the Riders backwards.
"That's not Warren!" shouted CopyKat. "We gotta bring him down!"
"But!" Draco tried to protest.
"He's a Heartless now! That means he's dangerous!" said CopyKat as he mounted Byakko no Gai's back and gripped her axes. "ATTACK!!!"
"NO!" Draco denied, but CopyKat, ALPHA, OMEGA and Byakko no Gai had already gone on the attack. Warren's Heartless watched as they came curiously before vanishing in a blur. All of a sudden, the four of them dropped to the ground in pain as Warren's Heartless appeared above them suddenly.
"So…so fast…" said Draco with a shiver. Apparently, Warren's Heartless still possessed Warren's abilities.
"Smith-taichou, snap out of it!" cried out Efreet but his words were ignored. Instead, he was thrown backwards by an invisible force and sent flying.
Tenshi and Ryukendo were next as Warren's Heartless was immediately in front of the girls before they were slashed across the chestplates savagely.
"NO!" Ifrit and Garoh shouted. They attacked and swung their swords down at him. Warren's Heartless caught their swords in his hands right before tossing the two Riders up into the air. He then vanished in a blur before Ifrit and Garoh were pummeled and attacked by an invisible force, sending sparks flying off their suits.
"CLOCK UP!"
Scarab vanished in a blur and so did Warren's Heartless. Seconds later…
"CLOCK OVER!"
Scarab felt onto her knees before collapsing forward.
Draco felt grip wrap around his heart. Had Warren turned into a creature of darkness for good and was now unreachable? No, he couldn't believe that. If he gave up now then he would be forced to take Warren down. He needed to subdue Warren since Warren's Heartless was not giving him any choice. The AuraLiner of the ChronoLiner surrounded him as he rushed forward to execute his attack, "FULL THROTTLE BREAK-DENSHA GIRI!!!"
At the same time, Vortex struck as well. "FINAL ATTACK RIDE: VOR-VOR-VOR-VORTEX!"
The three Riders attacked simultaneously. However, Vortex was batted and Draco's blade never connected as he brought it down. Warren's Heartless had caught it. With a roar, Warren's Heartless sent out a shockwave of power that sent the Riders flying backwards and cancelled out their transformations.
Warren's Heartless had defeated all the Riders. Its attention was then focused on Rachel. With a loud roar he lunged right for her.
"Rachel-san, watch out!" shouted Kotonoha. Raven didn't move an inch as Warren's Heartless extended his claw and…
The claw stopped just as it was about to pierce Rachel's chest. "Rae…" muttered Warren's Heartless. The shadows then began to recede into the Heartless symbol that rested over his heart. Warren looked like he was back to normal…before he collapsed to the ground.
"W…what happened?" Ryuji asked.
Rachel knelt down to her husband's unconscious form and answered, "All that power must've bled out of him." She stroked the Heartless emblem which now scarred his chest.
"We should take him to the King's Terminal for treatment," suggested Ryuki.
He awoke and found himself in a strange place. It looked like some sort of train station…a terminal. "Where am I?" He looked over himself. He wore a white trench coat that reached the ground. Under this he wore a white shirt that depicted an inverted skull and blue jeans. His eyes were hidden behind a pair of sunglasses. His hair was also ebony black but he couldn't see that without a mirror. "Who am I?"
"Oh, you know the answer to that," said Topper as he suddenly appeared in front of the young man.
"Who…are you?" the young man asked. He felt he should know this oddly dressed person.
Topper answered, "Oh, just a simple merchant, but I'm offering you a special service. Right on the house!" He whipped off his and then pulled out what appeared to be letters and tossed them into the air. "W, R, A, I, T, H," Topper said as he tossed up the letters before tossing the last one up, "And an X!"
The letters seemed to float, arranged randomly, before they floated down in front of the young man. He blinked as the letters spun around and around before arranging themselves into a sequence. They now spelt a word…a name…
XAWRITH
"Xawrith," the newly born Nobody said. That was his name. "My name is Xawrith." He asked, "So, why do I feel incomplete?"
"Find your answer with these," said Topper as he handed the Nobody a rail pass and several train tickets. "Ride the train to the other worlds to find yourself."
"Find myself," said Xawrith as he stared at the tickets and pass.
"He looks so…peaceful," said Jinx as she looked at Warren who was lying in the infirmary bed. Once they managed to restore him from being turned into a Heartless, he just went into a coma. Currently, he was in the hospital in King's Terminal.
"Yeah, but looks can be deceiving," said Ryuji. "Rae, you got anything?"
"He's in there, but I can't contact him," said Rachel. "We have to go in."
"Inside Warren-san?" Ryuki asked. "You mean astral project."
"That's right," Rachel nodded.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" said Ryuji eagerly. He wanted repay Warren back for helping him.
"I'm coming too," volunteered Kotonoha.
"Koto-chan…" Ryuji tried to object.
"Ryuji-kun, he's our friend and he needs us," said Kotonoha.
"Me too," Ryuki added. He wanted to help Warren too who'd assisted him non-stop since their first meeting. Also, he looked up to Warren like a brother.
"You can count me in too," said Jinx. Part of her wanted to help because it was the right thing to do but another part of her was curious about Warren. She didn't know much about him, save for what Ryuki told her about him. Maybe this was her chance to learn more.
"You all know this will be a dangerous journey," said Rachel.
"We've been through a ton of danger," said Ryuji confidently. "Just get us inside his head so we can bring him out."
"Alright. Everyone, join hands," Rachel instructed. "Focus your thoughts on Warren."
In the blink of an eye the group now stood in a dark void. "Where…where are we?" asked Kotonoha.
"In Warren's mind," answered Rachel. "You should all stay close to me. Warren's mind acts similar to a human body. If it senses intruders, it'll try and destroy them." Suddenly a giant door appeared before them. Rachel pushed open the door and grimaced what she saw behind it. "Great, looks like we'll have to work our way up from Hell."
"What do you mean?" questioned Jinx as she looked over Rachel's shoulder. She immediately stiffened. "Why the hell is that place here!?"
"Because Warren spent time here as a boy…Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Arkham Asylum," stated Rachel as the group looked at the dark and foreboding prison.
"Oh, great," muttered Ryuji. Kotonoha tugged on his arm. "Koto-chan?"
"What is Arkham Asylum?" asked Kotonoha.
"It's a place where the worst of the worst are kept," Ryuji answered. "Crazies and nut jobs of all kinds."
"It was meant to be a hospital, but then some of Gotham City's worst criminals were considered criminally insane so instead of prison they were sent here," added Ryuki. "Somehow Arkham Asylum turned into the prison for the abnormal criminals."
"Two-Face, Killer Croc, the Riddler, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy," Ryuji began the list and continued with a frown, "The Joker…"
"If you wear a costume and commit a crime, here is where you go," said Jinx. "Trust me I was nearly sent here awhile back."
"Glad you weren't," said Ryuki as he softly took her hand.
Kotonoha felt a chill run down her spine but then felt Ryuji's arm curl around her protectively. A sense of relief washed over her. She could always count on Ryuji to protect her.
"Stay together," Rachel advised. "And prepare yourself. This is going to be scary."
They entered the building with an eerie creak, as if signaling their presence. And the signal reached someone…
"Ah…now who has entered my domain? Such familiar scents…" Out of the shadows stepped someone Rachel hoped was gone for good. He looked exactly like Warren, but the two couldn't be more different. This was Warren's darker personality…Damien.
"Is that Warren-sensei?" Kotonoha asked.
"No, that's Damien," answered Ryuki, having bad memories of this man since they last saw of him.
"Damien?" Kotonoha asked.
"Warren's evil twin," answered Ryuji. "Just list all the good things about Warren then do a complete 180 with them. He's basically Reverse-Warren."
"Evil twin? How cliché" sighed Damien. "Katherine is an evil twin. Why, you yourself are an evil twin, Ryuji. But me? I am no twin. I am Warren's darkest desires given shape. The want to destroy, kill, maim and torture! Every last evil thought Warren's ever had…" Damien tapped his head. "Is in here."
"You're a sick freak and a monster," stated Rachel.
"Flattery will get you nowhere Rae," said Damien. "Now, why don't you all move along? There's nothing here for you."
"How do you know?" hissed Jinx.
"I know everything Warren does. Something's happened…I'm still here, but my powers are gone."
"So, we can beat you up," said Ryuji as he cracked his knuckles.
"Chotto matte kudasai," said Ryuki. "Damien, if you know everything Warren-san knows so you know where we can find him, right?"
"Yes, I do…doesn't mean I'll tell you though. The longer he is out of the picture, the more pull I get, and soon I'll have his body," smirked Damien. "Though, taking over this body with no one to try and stop me is boring. He's at the very end of your journey…In the Void. I do wish you luck…maybe all of you will get out of this alive…" And with that, he vanished back into the shadows.
"I really, really hate that guy," growled Ryuji.
"Yes, I can see why," agreed Kotonoha. "He was very unpleasant."
"Come on, let's move forward," said Rachel.
"Yeah, let's go," shivered Jinx. "Place gives me the creeps already."
Ryuki closed his eyes. 'Yaminekoryu-kun, are you still there?'
'Yes, Aibou.'
'Can you sense Warren's consciousness?'
'Aibou, it's all around us right now. It's gonna be hard to pinpoint this Void if that what you're asking me to do.'
'Please, just try.'
'Well, since you asked so nicely.'
"Baby, let's go," said Jinx as she pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Hai, ikuzo," said Ryuki.
Kenzaki: Kamen Rider CopyKat, also known as Kat Hasuma, is my insane and twisted sister-in-law. In her past life she was incredibly evil and slaughtered my family. Now freed from the Living Gate, she's still evil and I don't trust her at all. Unlike me, she practices RinJyuKen and is a deadly adversary. She aims to kill her enemies the quickest way possible. Of course, when she isn't fighting, she's either scheming or having crazy fun at the expense of others. While I may not trust her, I know that she will do anything in her power to defend and avenge her family. As a Kamen Rider, she fights using a pair of axes and clawed gauntlets. She also possesses access to Dorinki, which activates her new Black Lioness form. She has a twisted code of honor as well. All I can say is that I'm not so sure if it's a good thing she's on our side, but I guess it's better than having her fighting against us.