Chapter 21: Grudges
It was the following day after the three now former GIN-SHOCKER agents had tried to assassinate Yuji. They had snuck in but he'd known they were coming a mile away. They had fought. Actually, they had attacked and he'd dodged without even fighting back. They finally gave up since nothing they did worked. They were surprised when he'd invited them to stay with him and to leave GIN-SHOCKER. The only reason they had stayed in the organization was because they had nowhere else to go. Now they had options and were happy enough to accept his generous offer.
"Really? Michiru's birthday is today?" Yuji blinked. He was washing dishes with Hana at his side. The group had finished breakfast and Michiru and Misato were getting acquainted with Ruby and Yuki.
"That's right," Hana nodded. "It's today and she's 16 now. I haven't been able to pick anything out for her yet."
Yuji rubbed his chin, getting soap on it as he began plotting. "That gives me an idea," he grinned.
"Yuji, good morning," Shinichi spoke on the phone.
"Yo, Shin," Yuji greeted on the other line. "Hey, listen. How about we go to the amusement park today? You still need to reconnect with your mom, right? So how about?"
"Sounds good," Shinichi answered. "So I'm assuming that you, Netto and the other girls are coming too?"
"Yeah, there's that. Let's just say that there are some people I think you should meet."
"Well, if you say so," Shinichi nodded. "See you there." He put the phone down.
"What was that about Shinichi-kun?" Moka asked. She'd overheard the conversation.
"That was Yuji," Shinichi answered. "He said that it would be a good idea for all of us to go to the amusement park today."
"That sounds like fun!" Moka beamed.
Back at the Den, Yuji was treated to a small fashion show. The three former GIN-SHOCKER agents had changed their uniforms for something more casual. Hana's choice of dress was a Gothic Lolita dress with a spider-theme.
"Very nice," Yuji applauded. "I love it!"
Michiru was wearing a pink tank top with blue short shorts, stripped thigh-high stockings and combat boots
"Awesome!" he clapped and whistled, "Cool and Spicy!"
Misato was wearing a Chinese-styled dress with a short skirt, fishnet stockings and black stiletto boots.
Yuji turned completely red as steam blew out of his ears. Yuki put a hand on his face to cool him down. She wore a blue halter top and jeans that showed off the curves of her ass.
Ruby giggled at Yuji's reaction, already noticing that he liked his new guests. She herself wore a red tank top, white jeans, and shoes.
Misato smirked at Yuji's reaction, running her hands up her sides before cupping the underside of her breasts. She asked sultrily, "So, do you like this?"
Yuji coughed to return to his calm posture, "Yes, you all look great. By the way, where did you get the extra clothes? I remember you three wearing other outfits last night."
"Trade Secret," the cyborg girls chorused.
"Right," he nodded in defeat as he handed Michiru a blindfold, "Put this on."
"What are we playing?" she asked cutely.
"Where we're going is a surprise, and I don't want you to see it yet," he smiled.
"I don't like this place," said Yukari.
"Why not?" Shinichi asked. He and the girls had arrived at the amusement park. Shiori was there as well.
Yukari pointed to the clown giving out balloons.
"Oh, I see your point," said Shinichi as he cringed while looking at the clown.
"Afraid of clowns?" Kurumu asked.
"They're creepy," insisted Shinichi and Yukari. Shiori giggled.
"Ah, reminds me of your fifth birthday. You were screaming and crying when the clown came," said Shiori.
"Who would think something like that is funny?" Mizore asked, tilting her head to the side.
"Guess humans have an odd sense of humor," shrugged Kurumu. "And that makeup is all wrong."
"Hey, guys!" a voice called over. Netto, Qiao, Leon and Aphrodite approached the group.
"Yo," Shinichi greeted. "So Yuji called you guys too?"
"Yeah," Leon nodded. "He said that he made some new friends last night after dinner."
"I wonder who they are, kana, kana?" Aphrodite pondered cutely. "I hope they're cute, cause then I can take them home with me!"
"Is she always like that?" Kurumu blinked.
"All the time," Leon sighed.
Yuji was driving his car, 'Lancelot', into the parking lot before finally stopping. Ruby was riding shotgun, the girls sat in the back, and Yuki followed on her D-Board, Laser Beak. As they all exited the Mustang. Hana was guiding Michiru as she was still blindfolded.
"OK, now remove the blindfold," Yuji nodded.
Hana helps remove the cloth and Michiru opens her eyes to the site of the huge amusement park before her.
"WOW! An amusement park!" she gasped as she hugged Yuji, "Thank you, Spiky-Kun!"
"Hey, I figured you deserve it," Yuji blushed. "Besides, it's your birthday so we'll be doing more stuff as the day goes on. Consider this an appetizer."
"Hey, Yuji!"
Yuji looked ahead and sees Shinichi's group, "Yo!"
"Wow, are you trying to start a harem?" Shinichi teased, "You player!"
"They're guests!" the Manakyte snapped.
Shinichi looked at the girls and his scar throbbed. "Have we met?" he groaned, "You seem...familiar."
"You..." Hana glared. Misato cracked her knuckles as Michiru hid behind Yuji.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Shinichi gulped.
Michiru peeked out from behind Yuji and squeaked, "You...you really don't remember us, do you?"
"Doesn't matter, because we remember you," Misato growled.
"#13..." Hana finished.
"What are you talking about?' Mizore glared before realizing, "Wait… you are from…!"
Before she could finish, Yuji got between the girls and Shinichi's group.
"Yuji, get out of our way," Misato demanded.
"Girls, remember what we discussed last night," Yuji reminded. "Besides, this is Michiru's special day. Let's not ruin it with a fight."
Shinichi soon got another flash of memories:
"It's surprising that those two are still alive, ain't it? Still they're good at creating a distraction while we steal this engine thing for GIN-SHOCKER."
"OK, why don't we go and find other people? It's better than wading here."
"How long? What's long? I knew a giraffe once that was long! It was in a book! A giraffe book! The book wasn't long but the giraffe totally was because of its neck! You know what I mean? Do ya? Do ya?"
"#04, #07 and #11..." he muttered slowly.
"Fuck me," Yuji sighed. He then spotted Yukari and noticed her expression, "Scared of clowns, huh?" She nodded shamefully.
"Yuji-san, who are these girls?" Moka asked.
"New friends I made last night," he responded, "Or maybe I should say around 3 this morning…"
"And how do they know Shinichi?" Kurumu asked suspiciously.
"Is that what he's calling himself now?" Hana countered, narrowing her eyes at Shinichi.
"Now, now, everyone," Ruby interjected, "Like Yuji-san said, let's not start a fight."
Yuki nodded, "Onii-sama wants us to have fun, so we will have fun..."Her eyes glowed menacingly, "Or else I'll freeze everyone..."
Aphrodite beamed, "Oh, are these the new friends?-!"She scooped Hana, Michiru, and Misato into a powerful hug, "THEY ARE ADORABLE~!-!"
"You're...crushing...me..." Misato gasped.
"Breathe...need to..." Hana rasped.
"Ow..." Michiru whined.
"Aphrodite, enough," Leon spoke.
She obeyed and released the girls before kissing them on the cheek. "Splendid to meet you, new friends! I'm Aphrodite and I'm sure we'll become il nostro buon amico (good friends)!"
Misato, Michiru and Hana kept their eyes on Shinichi. They were staring at him like a specimen under a microscope, watching his every move.
"This…this can't be right," said Hana.
"Yeah, it's freaky," said Misato.
"And creepy," said Michiru.
"Hey, girls, I got snacks!" said Yuji. "Choco-bananas!"
"Bananas!" Michiru cheered as she took one and bit into it. "Um…yummy…"
Misato and Hana took the offered treats as Yuji asked, "So, see anything interesting?" He followed their line of sight and saw that they were watching Shinichi like hawks. "You really can't let it go, can you?"
"If you were killed by someone you trusted you'd feel the same," Misato retorted.
"But this isn't the #13 we know anymore," admitted Hana.
They watched as Shinichi conversed with his mother and they shared a joke before laughing. He was then wrapped in Kurumu's arms, his face pressed deeply into her breasts before being pulled away by a possessive Mizore. Moka tried to stop it and the girls argued with Shinichi trying to calm them down. He looked distressed when he saw the three teenage girls argue.
They also saw him buy cotton candy for Yukari and smiled at her. That was the weirdest part.
"He's smiling," said Michiru. "13-kun never smiles."
"Well, that just proves he's not the same guy anymore," said Yuji.
"His amnesia must be the reason why he's like this," concluded Hana.
"And he wants to stay like that," Yuji said. "As much as he wants to regain his memories, he prefers to stay like this. Believe it or not, the girls that are always clinging on to him gave him a new purpose in life."
"And Shinichi-san is quite noble," Ruby smiled. "He and Yuji-san fought to protect the Witch's Knoll from destruction just recently."
The girls took what their new friends said into consideration, but were still wary of #13 (Shinichi). While they didn't show it, they feared his power and they suspected it'd be only a matter of time before he decided to kill them again.
"Hey, where's Yuki?" Yuji asked as he looked around.
"She must've wandered off somewhere," Hana shrugged.
"Afraid your little sister might get defiled in this amusement park?" Misato smirked.
"Not really," Yuji shrugged, "She can look after herself. Come on, fun time's wasting."
"Yay!" Michiru cheered as she pulled on Yuji's arm and dragged him ahead as Ruby and the others followed.
"What kind of connection do those girls have with Shinichi?" Qiao muttered as she and her boyfriend watched Yuji and his girls walk from a far. "They don't seem to like him all too much."
"Yeah, wonder what happened?" Netto added with his arms crossed. "Still they might be a part of GIN-SHOCKER, so we better be careful of those three."
"Zhīdào le," Qiao nodded. She then smiled as she took him by the arm, pressing it between her sizable assets, "Well, come on now. We came here to have fun. Let's go to a ride where we can… get comfortable." She emphasized her suggestion by rubbing her hand up and down his chest and leaning in and licking his earlobe, making him turn bright red. Qiao loved the fact that she had a talent for teasing and riling up her boyfriend. He would always get so easily nervous around the women he liked.
"S-s-sure," he agreed in a daze. Smiling victoriously, the fox girl dragged him away with her.
Leon was walking through the grounds, with Aphrodite smiling as she was looped around his arm.
"Those girls with Mr. Yuji were so cute," she giggled.
"So cute you were close to suffocating them and breaking their spines?" Leon retorted.
"It's an unfortunate habit," she sighed.
"Leon?"
Said boy turned and saw Sora in casual clothes approaching him and Aphrodite. "So you insist on following me," Leon sighed.
"What? No, I didn't even know you were here!" Sora defended. "My house is a few blocks away from here so it's an easy walk. I didn't even think you'd come to amusement parks."
"I was invited," he shrugged.
"So good to see you again, Ms. Sora," Aphrodite beamed as she hugged the girl.
"Mello, Aphromite-fan," Sora muffled into the girl's cleavage.
"Would you care to join us?" she asked.
"Well, if you're offering then I don't mind," the miko smiled.
That was when the sound of crashing rang through the air and Leon looked to one of the game stands. He saw Yuki at the Milk Bottle stand. She had a pitcher's stance as she eyed a second stack of milk bottles. She made the wind-up, the pitch…
CRASH!
"That's stack #2!" the game operator cried as some onlookers applauded. "One more stack and you win a prize, missy!"
"Good arm," Leon applauded as he approached Yuki. "You're Yuji's sister, right?"
She nodded, "Yuki…"
"It's so good to see you again, Ms. Yuki," Aphrodite hugged the white-haired girl before moving back to give her room.
Yuki then focused as she wound up and pitched, striking the bottles with a thunderous *CRASH!*
"And we have a winner!" the game operator cheered as the crowd applauded. "Now pick your prize, missy!"
Yuki nodded and scanned the selection before spotted her prize: a cartoonish grim reaper plushy. She pointed at it and was given her prize and she turned and handed it to Leon.
"For me?" he blinked.
"It's kind of cute," Sora giggled.
"I thought it'd suit you," Yuki explained.
"How adorable," Aphrodite beamed. "Would you like to join us, Ms. Yuki?"
"OK…" she nodded as she followed behind her new group.
"Wow, that is a big rollercoaster," said Shinichi as he gazed up at the ride.
"Do you want to ride it?" Shiori asked. "Because I do."
"Isn't it a bit intense?" Yukari gulped.
"Life's too short to be scared of a rollercoaster," Shiori and Shinichi said in unison before they shared a laugh.
"That is gonna take some getting used to," stated Kurumu. Despite being separated for over 10 years, Shiori and Shinichi were getting along fine and were so in sync that it was scary. They even finished each other's sentences.
"I think it's cute," said Moka. "They are on the same wavelength."
"It explains some of Shinichi's unique traits," said Mizore. She gazed at Shinichi and Shiori whose ahoge bobbed up and down as they laughed. "They do seem really close."
"I'm glad he's found his mom," said Yukari.
"Yeah, me too, but you girls do know this means he might not come back with us to the academy," said Gin. They turned to look at him.
"What!-?" they exclaimed.
"Think about it. He's just found his mom. It just makes sense that he might…wanna…stay here. Oh crap." He had just made the girls sad. If Shinichi saw them like that he would automatically assume Gin was the cause.
"Hey, guys, let's go on the rollercoaster," said Shinichi. He noticed the girls looked sad. "Girls, what's wrong?" He glared at Gin, "What did you do?"
"Why do you automatically assume it's my fault?" Gin asked innocently.
Shinichi still didn't let go of his glare that was targeted at Gin but then his expression softened as he tried to find out what was wrong with the girls. "Girls, what's wrong?"
"Shinichi-kun, do you like the human world?" Moka asked.
"Well, I don't dislike it," Shinichi answered.
"But do you like it enough that you might want to stay?"
"Moka-chan, are you worried I might not go back to Youkai Academy with all of you?"
"A little," admitted Moka. She didn't want to lose her best friend.
"Well, you just found your mom," reasoned Kurumu. "It just makes sense that you'd want to stay with her."
"She did wait 10 years just to find you again," said Mizore sadly.
The girls made good point. His mom had been waiting to find him again for over ten years and if he just left her alone again then what? That would be too cruel. It was also cruel to just leave Moka and all the friends he had made.
Damn it, now he had a dilemma. What was he supposed to do?
Yuji and Michiru were sitting in a swan boat as they floated through the Tunnel of Love. Yuji was as stiff as a board and red in the face as Michiru hung on his arm and was stuck to him like glue with a dreamy smile on her face as her eyes were closed. The girls were outside, waiting for the couple to come out. Since it was her birthday, Michiru wanted to go with Yuji only so he had to oblige the girl.
"Today just gets better and better," Michiru sighed.
"Well, I'm glad you're having fun," Yuji smiled.
"You know, not many people are nice to me, like you are, Spiky-kun. The only one like that is Hana-chan," Michiru said.
"What about Misato?"
"Well, we've gone on missions before, but she can be mean a lot," she elaborated. "And she's scary."
"Well, you don't have to worry about that or GS for that matter," Yuji assured. "You'll be living with me, my sister, and Ruby from now on."
"Thank you," she smiled.
"So...um, Michiru, you like bananas?"
"Love 'em!" she beamed. "They're like my favorite food in the whole world."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I used to live on a tropical island and there was this banana plantation I always visited with my mom..." she trailed off before frowning deeply with sadness.
"Michiru, what's wrong?" he panicked.
"The day GIN-SHOCKER took me was the day I saw my mom get murdered."
"Michiru, I'm so sorry," he apologized before hugging her close.
"I've gotten over it," she muttered into his shoulder. "I just wished it never happened, but we can't have all have our wishes granted, can we?"
"No, we can't," he agreed.
"Can I ask you something, Spiky-kun?" Michiru requested.
"Anything," Yuji complied.
"Why did you decide to let us live with you? I mean, you could've easily kicked us out, or even kill us. But you let us; complete strangers that were trying to kill you, live with you. Why?"
"I've been asking that myself," he admitted with a blush. "While it's true that you did try to kill me, something in me told me to let you in. It's…hard to explain coherently." His eyes were wandering scanning the tunnel as they glowed in the dark.
"Well, thanks for being so nice to us," she smiled before kissing him on the cheek.
Moka, Mizore and Yukari were resting on a bench after a ride on the rollercoaster. It had been extremely intense for them. Only the rest of their little group hadn't been affected by it. Moka actually threw up after the ride and looked really pale. Yukari was just pale and Mizore…well…she wanted a snow cone to comfort her nerves.
Shiori, on the other hand, had found the whole ride exhilarating. She had sat next to her son in the same car and had thrown their arms in the air, screaming in elation.
Shinichi and Kurumu had gone to get their friends some drinks and on their way back to the others the succubus started up conversation, "Shinichi, I noticed how you were looking at those girls earlier. Do you know them from somewhere?"
"They seem…familiar," said Shinichi, a bit unsure of himself. He could've sworn he recognized them from somewhere. He did get flashes of IV, XI and VII in his head, along with images of a mosquito, praying mantis and tarantula.
"They were also glaring at you and I noticed they've been watching you," said Kurumu. "Where did Fudo meet them anyway?"
"He didn't say," Shinichi responded.
"Shinichi, we think they might be from GIN-SHOCKER," Kurumu stated.
"If that's true then why is Yuji with them?" Shinichi questioned.
"I don't know, but I'll find out. I won't let some evil organization take away my Destined One!" Kurumu said firmly. Shinichi pecked her gently on the cheek which made her blush. "Wha-wha-what was that for?"
"For caring, and I appreciate it," said Shinichi, smiling in a way that made Kurumu's heart melt.
"Next time, aim for my lips, OK?" Kurumu requested.
"I'll be sure to remember that."
"What the hell?-! Now he's flirting!-?" Misato cried as she pulled at her hair. "How the fuck did he become a fucking Casanova overnight?-!" She had reason to be confused and angry. Many times before she had attempted to seduce him, but she could never get past that cold shell.
"I am now unsure if this is the same #13 we grew up with," said Hana.
"What was he like back then?" Ruby asked.
"A coldhearted and badass machine," the two cyborg girls answered.
The "couple" exited the swan boat, with Michiru smiling dreamily as she still hung onto Yuji and with him still blushing.
"OK, so what's next?" he asked.
That was when Shinichi stood before them, hands in his pockets.
"What's up?" Yuji asked.
"Are you a member of GIN-SHOCKER?" Shinichi questioned Michiru bluntly. Michiru gasped in response.
"I knew he was gonna ask eventually..." Yuji sighed.
"So, are you?" Shinichi pressed on. Michiru nodded. Shinichi took his hands out of his pockets and clenched his fists.
"Easy, man. It's her birthday," Yuji said.
Shinichi glared at him now. "Yuji, you knew, didn't you?"
"I was gonna tell you."
"Then tell me why GIN-SHOCKER wants me so badly?-!" Shinichi demanded.
"Hell, I don't fucking know! We just met last night!" Yuji snapped.
"It's because you're GIN-SHOCKER's ultimate weapon!" Michiru blurted out before covering her mouth fearfully.
Shinichi's eyes widened, "What...?"
"Seriously?" Yuji blinked.
She trembled as she began explaining, "You're a cyborg weapon created by GIN-SHOCKER and one of the most powerful that was developed by their technology."
Shinichi began to chuckle and laugh like a lunatic. "I should've known...it makes sense...haha! So, how do we know each other?"
"We're the NUMBERS," she answered as she hid behind Yuji.
"Neo-Underworld Multi-Bionically Enhanced Revenge Squad," Misato spelled out as she, Hana, and Ruby approached.
"Whoa..." Yuji breathed.
Shinichi glared at the purple-haired girl, "You..."
Misato introduced herself, "I'm #04."
Hana introduced herself as well, "#07."
Michiru sighed, "#11."
Misato pointed to Shinichi, "And you are #13, aka BLACK 13 which stands for 'Black Legion Assault Chaos Killer 13'."
"Oh my..." Ruby gasped.
"I knew it had to be some acronym," Yuji murmured.
"I knew there was something odd about me," Shinichi frowned.
"Trouble in paradise?"
They all turned to see Jack Cisco approaching.
"Jack!" Yuji smiled as he walked over to him. "Hey man, what are you doing here?"
"Just here on a little "business", kid."
He blinked, "You work here?"
"Not exactly," Jack grinned.
Shinichi's danger senses were acting up. Looking at Jack's eyes, he remembers Lightning Saix's eyes. "Hey!"
Jack then kicked Yuji in the gut, launching him into garbage cans.
"YUJI!" the girls gasped.
"Jack..." he growled as he tried to rise after getting the wind kicked out of him. "What the hell...?-!"
"Time to get to work," Jack grinned. He snapped his fingers and is covered in light as he transformed into Lightning Saix. He aimed his rifle to the sky and starts firing, causing a panic as civilians frantically leave. "There, now we can have fun without distractions, Liger."
"Let's Ride: Showa!" Shinichi cried.
Lightning Saix got in his face and slaps a pair of hand cuffs on his wrists which send EMPs though his body.
"ARGH!" he roared. He went stiff and collapsed as his transformation was forcefully deactivated.
"Those Stasis Cuffs should keep you still for a while," Lightning Saix said, "I already had my fun with you, so just sit here and relax."
"Jack! What the hell is going on?-!" Yuji demanded. "What happened to you?-!"
A weighted chain wrap around his neck and thick strands of webbing restrain him as well as red tendrils. Lightning Saix is being held by the NUMBERS girls.
"So, I see you girls were enjoying a good time," he snickered, "Sorry for disturbing your fun, but this is business." He turned to Yuji, "I see you've been rather busy, kid. Bagged yourself quite the females." He shredded though the bindings with his claws and dashes toward them, slapping more Stasis Cuffs onto them.
They fall, paralyzed by the EMP the cuffs emitted.
Yuji's eyes narrowed, "It can't be... You're working for GIN-SHOCKER!"
Lightning Saix nodded, "That's right, in return for the good doctor fixing me and getting me back on my feet. It cost me my humanity, but it's a small price to pay so I can walk again. Even got myself a few upgrades." He flexed his claws for emphasis.
"The rehab... This is what you were talking about!-? You've become nothing but an abomination!" Yuji snapped.
"Like I said; a small price to pay. And the good doctor promised me more power if I brought back his special project." He pointed to Yuji, "But first, he wanted me to have some fun with you as well."
"Fine then!" Yuji growled as he slung the belt on and slotted the Z-CAS card. "Henshin!"
"ZERO FORM!"
Yuji roared as he was donned in his default Zero armor.
"Shinichi-kun!" Moka called as she and the other girls came running.
"Dammit, what are these things?" Kurumu growled as she tried to pull off the cuffs
"Stasis...Cuffs..." Shinichi struggled. "They emit an EMP that paralyses cyborgs…"
Yukari saw Ruby trying to help Michiru and the others out of the same cuffs, "Those girls have them too. Are they...?"
"Yeah, they're cyborgs too…"
Kurumu gritted her teeth angrily, "I knew it."
"We need to get these cuffs off you!" Moka exclaimed.
Shiori tries to help her son and remove the cuffs.
"Kaa-chan... You have to...have to run!" Shinichi said.
"I'm not leaving you!" she denied.
Lightning Saix smirked, "Looks like we have an audience. Ready to do this?"
Gebok was sitting in a Ferris wheel car and watching the whole 'show' via a pair of binoculars. He frowned as he saw Michiru, Misato and Hana bound by Stasis Cuffs. He should've known something was up when they didn't report back. He didn't expect them to defect but he should've known that was inevitable.
His eyes wandered over to Shinichi who was paralyzed by the Stasis Cuffs. Now would be a good time to snatch him up but Dr. Gebok wanted to enjoy the show. He already had a bowl of popcorn in his lap and cup of soda in hand. He sipped on the straw and continued watching.
"Hey, boys, who do you have your bets on?" Gebok asked as several GS-Shoulders were revealed sitting in the other Ferris wheel cars.
Shiori tried to break the chain linking the cuffs but they were too strong. "Break, damn you!"
"Kaa-chan, it's dangerous!" Shinichi shouted. "Girls, get her out of here!"
"Not without you!" shouted Moka as she lifted up Shinichi and hefted him over her shoulder like a sack.
Ruby begged, "Please, help me with the others."
"Why?" Kurumu asked. If those cyborg girls were members of GIN-SHOCKER then why should she risk her life for them?
"For Yuji-san, please," insisted Ruby as she went to help Hana up. Kurumu sighed and went to carry Michiru as Mizore lifted up Misato.
"Let's go!" said Yukari.
As Ruby made her escape with them, she looked over her shoulder, "Be careful, Yuji-san."
Music – "Dark Battle" by Otani Kou
Lightning Saix attacked first, dashing at Liger and slashing with his claws from all angles. Throwing Liger Zero for a loop as sparks erupted everywhere. Liger was falling and he spotted Lightning Saix dashing at him, and he stuck his foot out at the last second, tripping the Cyborg Mutant as he was sent crashing into a game stand. Liger jumped into the stand and pinned him down, slamming his fists together as they ignited.
"Karyuu no Tekken (Iron Fist of the Fire Dragon)!" Liger shouted as he started pounding his flam-powered fists into Lightning Saix repeatedly.
While taking the beating, Lightning Saix reached for his rifle and shot Liger in the chest and kicked out into the open again as he leapt over the table. Lightning Saix drew two bowie knives and was ready to gut Liger like a fish.
Yuji drew his S-CAS card and slotted it in.
"SCHNEIDER FORM!"
The Zero armor shattered as it was replaced by the orange Schneider armor. Liger growled as the Vi-Blades on his arms extended in response. Lightning Saix dashed to Liger Schneider but the blades were sliced clean by the Vi-Blades. Liger swung down and Lightning Saix sidestepped the attack, going for a speedy roundhouse kick that launched Liger Schneider into a pole as it bent in from the impact.
"Jack…" Liger Schneider grunted as he rose up.
"You're too slow, kid," Lightning Saix said. "And for the record, I gave up that name a long time ago."
The fleeing group were far away from the battle but not far away enough as GS-Soldiers suddenly leapt out of nowhere, blocking their escape route.
"What?" Shiori gasped.
"Damn it, GIN-SHOCKER mooks!" Kurumu cursed. Now they had no choice but to fight.
The GS-Soldiers then charged at them but all of a sudden they were flash frozen by a burst of ice energy that encased them in blocks of ice.
"Mizore-chan?" Moka whispered.
"Wasn't me," Mizore answered.
Yuki approached the group as she was followed by Leon, Aphrodite and Sora.
"Where is Onii-sama?" she asked coldly. She was clearly in no mood for games.
"Yuji-san is fighting one of those Cyborg Mutants," Ruby replied.
"Yeah, you're right," Liger Schneider agreed as his clenched fists trembled. "You're not Jack Cisco, not anymore!" Flames engulfed his body as he shouted, "You're just another GIN-SHOCKER lackey who's gonna die!"
"Then try and catch me," he challenged as he sped off.
"I will," Liger said as he reached for the card case and pulled out a blue CAS card with neon blue circuit lines and a matching "J". He ejected the orange card and slotted in the blue card.
"JAGER FORM!"
Music – "Strike Laser Claw" by Otani Kou
The orange Schneider armor shattered into shards of energy as blue shards gathered onto Liger. The shoulder armor covered from the shoulders to the elbows. A part of both pieces stuck up behind Liger like shark fins. Another white blade was positioned about mid-bicep on each arm. Liger had similar armor on his hips. The forearms' armor were a narrow oval shape, like two thin shields on each arm. Again, he had similar armor on his legs, this time on the shins. The armor around all four limbs covered his arms and legs completely in black metal. His torso was covered in a large, black, box-like chest piece. On his back, the armor was also black and box-like except for two large, blue, vent-like structures. The open parts of the vents showed the black insides of the structures. The helmet was now was now covered with blue armor on the sides of the white lion-themed face plate along with long, blue, ear-like extensions. The padding on his arms and legs were blue as well.
"Oh my," Gebok grinned from his position as he watched through the binoculars. "A new mode?"
"Don't blink," Liger Jäger warned, "or else you'll miss the show!" And he took off after Lightning Saix.
"Nobody can keep up with me," the Cyborg Mutant boasted to himself as he raced through the now-empty park. "This wasn't even a challenge." An alert went off in his helmet and he watched his HUD. "Huh? Object approaching from the rear…?" a monitor opened and displayed the Liger in a new armor. "Liger…!-? How can that kid keep up with me?"
"Raaagh!" Liger Jäger shouted as he knocked into Lightning Saix's side.
"Looks like I got myself a serious contender," Lightning Saix grinned as he sped up and left Jäger behind.
"Activating Jäger Ion Booster!" Yuji called. The back thrusters opened and ignited, launching Yuji forward as he quickly caught up with Lightning Saix.
They zoomed past the group as they turned the next corner.
"Was that Fudo?" Kurumu asked.
"And a new armor!" Yukari beamed.
Yuki nodded, "Kamen Rider Liger…Jäger…"
"Not bad," Leon nodded.
"Whoa!" Sora gaped.
"Bellissimo!" Aphrodite beamed.
"Yuji-san," Ruby smiled.
"Hey!" Netto called as he and Qiao approached them. "What's going on? One minute we hear gunfire and the next minute I saw Yuji racing with some black cheetah guy. Everyone else bolted too!"
"Can you do something?" Moka requested. "Shinichi-kun and the others have been paralyzed by these cuffs."
Netto kneeled down and his eyes glowed in techno blue as he touched the Stasis Cuffs on Shinichi's wrists. Blue wireframes started to spread across the cuffs before unlocking and opening as the cyborg was freed. "There we go," Netto sighed as he went to work on the girls' cuffs.
"Thanks," Shinichi nodded as he massaged his wrists. The girls were free and he turned to them, "Look, I get you three hate my guts and I'm sure you got every reason to. But right now my friend needs help and since you're his friends too then that makes you my friends, for now anyway. Let's Ride: Showa!" He transformed into Showa. After that he called, "Let's Ride: Skyrider!" His armor changed to mimic Skyrider's and he took off into the sky soon after.
"Be right back," Netto added. "Henshin!"
"DIGITIZING."
He transformed into his cybernetic armor and started jumping after Showa-Skyrider.
Misato looked to Michiru and Hana, "I don't know about you two, but I'm not gonna sit here and let that jerk kill my new meal…err…friend."
"Yeah, and it's still my birthday!" Michiru exclaimed.
"I promised myself I wouldn't let Yuji out of my sight," Hana added, "I don't plan on breaking that promise."
"Then let's go!"
Back with Liger Jäger and Lightning Saix, their race continued and they were both neck and neck all the way as they turned another corner.
"I can't shake 'em," Lightning Saix began to grin, "I…don't understand what's goin' on here…!"
"Come in, Jack," Gebok called though Lightning Saix's helmet com-link. "What's the matter?"
Lightning Saix grinned manically, "It's been a long time since I had a rush like this!"
"Jack, are you hit?-! Should I…"
He cut off the link, "Stand back and watch the pro!"
The race was kicked into second gear as Jäger and Lightning Saix continued ramming into each other with neither fighter letting up.
"Dammit…" Liger Jäger grunted as he struggled against the increasing pressure of the G-Forces, "I dunno how much more my body can take this…!"
"Oh, yeah!" Lightning Saix exclaimed. "This is what I've been waitin' for!"
The two made it to the center of the park where there veered off in separate directions to make distance between them before they started charging at each other.
"Time for the final strike," Liger Jäger muttered as he hit the magic button.
"FULL CHARGE!" the belt called as energy began to collect in Jäger's claws before glowing with golden light.
"Let's go!" Lightning Saix challenged.
They got closer and closer before jumping to meet each other in midair.
"STRIKE…LASER…CLAW!-!-!" Liger Jäger roared as he swung his claw forward at Lightning Saix.
They flew past each other and collapsed on opposite sides on the ground as they struggled to get up.
"Dammit…" Liger Jäger grunted, "That one hurt…"
"Come on, Lightning Saix! Get on your feet…!" Lightning Saix ordered himself as he stood proudly…before his right arm fell off from the shoulder. "My arm!"
That was when he saw Showa-Skyrider touching down to stand at Liger Jäger's side to help him up, with his armor shattering away. Seras, Arachnea, and Carmen were right behind as Seras supported Yuji's other side. Mega was also present as he jumped into view. It was now 5 Riders against 1 injured Cyborg Mutant and the odds were clearly not in Lightning Saix's favor.
"That was pretty slick of you, Lightning Saix," Seras glared.
"Time we returned the favor," Arachnea added.
Lightning Saix growled before he received an incoming call. "What? Fine…" He looked to Yuji, "Looks like you won this battle, kid. But a fair warning for you and your friends; the war hasn't even started yet." And he retreated from the group in a flash.
End Music
"He's getting away!" Carmen alerted.
"Leave him," Yuji winced. "He'll think twice about coming back to mess with us…"
"Are you OK?" Seras asked.
"I'll be fine," he smiled.
Carmen picked up the arm and asked, "What do we do with this thing?"
Showa-Skyrider heard beeping coming from the arm and shouted, "GET DOWN!" as he dashed forward and kicked the severed arm in the air, and pulling Carmen down to cover her with his body before the arm exploded. Mega was also on the ground and Yuji shielded Arachnea and Seras as well.
"What the heck was that?-!" Mega demanded.
"Erasing evidence," Yuji winced as the girls helped him back up.
"The arm was destroyed by a remote detonator," Arachnea said.
"So that no one would learn any secrets from it," Seras finished.
Showa-Skyrider looked down at Carmen, "You OK?"
"Yeah," she nodded as he helped her up. "Um…thanks for saving me," she nodded.
"I know this doesn't make up for what I did, whatever I did," he admitted. "But if that's the case, then I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't happen again."
Carmen's armor vanished in the form of flower petals that flakes off her body and Michiru smiled, "OK!"
Seras' armor seemed to melt off her body while Arachnea's armor fell off like loose cobwebs as they shook their heads in disbelief at how Michiru forgave him so easily. But she was the youngest of them, so maybe that had something to do with it.
After almost two hours of explaining the situation, Yuji had finally debriefed Shinichi and the others about his "relationship" with the three former GS assassins. They had apologized for the trouble they caused and said they wouldn't go after Shinichi, since he wasn't their target to begin with; though that could've happened later down the road. Moka, Qiao and Yukari were basically the only people that were polite to the girls, while Kurumu and Mizore were still glaring daggers at them. Mizore even threatened she'd freeze them solid if they tried anything against Shinichi. Hana and Misato weren't afraid of the Yuki-Onna and succubus, but noted to be wary of them. Michiru, however, was pretty scared.
Since the night was still young, Yuji treated his group to a birthday dinner at Café La Salle. While there, Michiru received several gifts: a teddy bear from Hana (earning the Goth a kiss), a novel by Shiori from Misato (also a fan), a mantis ice sculpture from Yuki, and a dream catcher from Ruby. There was also cake for the birthday girl, of course.
"And here's one cake for the birthday girl and company," Kat called as she carried the cake to Yuji's table. Of course, it had sixteen candles.
"Go ahead and make a wish, Michiru-chan," Ruby urged.
Michiru nodded enthusiastically and took a deep breath before blowing out the candles, earning claps from the girls and Yuji.
"So, what'd you wish for?" Misato asked.
"I can't tell silly," Michiru frowned, "That's bad luck!" She then thought, 'My wish is to have peaceful days like this from now on, especially with Yuji-kun…'
"Oh, and Yuji," Kat spoke.
He looked to her, "Sup?"
"I'll be bringing my bike down to the Den this week for her maintenance. You know how I don't trust anyone with my baby but you."
"Gotcha," he nodded.
"By the way, you didn't give Michiru her present yet, Yuji," Hana pointed.
Michiru stared at Yuji with puppy-like eyes, even with a quivering lip and Yuji laughed, "Take it easy! In fact…" He looked to where there was a set of instruments: a bass, drum set, electric guitar, and keyboard, "I've got something special in mind. Come on Yuki."
"I like how you think," Kat grinned before skating to the kitchen. "Leo, get out here," she called, "Time for a gig!"
"Hai, Onee-chan," Leo beamed as he removed his hat and apron before following her to the stage as he took a seat at the drums and she grabbed the bass.
Yuki sat at the keyboard and Yuji took hold of the guitar. He adjusted the microphone and spoke into it, "OK, if I could your attention, please?" All eyes were on him now. "Thanks. We're gonna play a quick song for you all while some let their meals settle. And this song is for four very new friends I made recently, especially for a bright star who turned 16 today: Michiru Masami!" Applauds rang across the room and Michiru blushed. Yuji then calmed down and spoke almost cool, "And without further ado, this "You say ~Ashita e~". Happy birthday, Michiru," he looked to her before he and Kat started strumming and Yuki hitting the keys as they began playing. Leo kicked it into second gear as he and Kat began playing as well, with applauses already happening as the crowd got fired up.
And that's when Yuji began:
Oh nogarerarenu unmei dato shita nara
Oh, if fate were to be inescapable,
genjitsu ni me wo soresazu ashita e to mukau yo
I'll head towards tomorrow, never turning a blind eye to reality.
shinjita omoi ga senaka oshitekureru
My beliefs are giving me a push on the back.
tomo ga ite kizuna wo shiru ashita mata tsuyokunareru
When I have friends, I learn about bonds, and tomorrow, I can get even stronger.
mirai nara sugu soko ni mieteru yo
One can see the future right there.
itsudatte hora sono ipposaki de
One can see the future right there.
nando mo hohoenderu kimi mo mieru hazu sa
And always, you know, one step ahead, I bet one could see you, smiling time and time again.
You say, always, you never give up. I believe!
That's when Yuji rocked out with a solo that had the customers cheering and raving. Even Michiru was applauding and whistling her heart out at Yuji's performance before he continued:
sou kizutsu ite mo nigiri shimeta omoi
Even if we get hurt, the wishes we keep grasped
butsukeai tagai wo shitte tsunagatte yuku no sa
will clash together, learn about each other, and link together.
tomo ni miageta yozora ni hoshi ga hashiru
Stars race across the night sky as we both admire.
tachi tomari mayou toki wa ano hoshi wo omoidasu yo
Whenever I'm stuck and lose my way, I'll remember those stars.
massugu na nete miru kono sekai wa
I understand, this world that I look at with eyes on straight
omou hodo warui mono janain da to
isn't as bad as it may seem.
tooku wo mitsume nagara yoake wo matteiru
While I look off afar, I wait for that first dawn.
kokoro kara ima shinjirareru kara
Since, right now, I can wholeheartedly believe,
taisetsu na mono mamori tsuzukeru yo
I'll continue to protect what I hold dear.
kotoba wa nakutemo sou katari aueru hazu sa
Even without words, yes, we can talk to each other, I bet.
You say, always…
The music continued until Yuji made a last quick solo.
Hana couldn't help but consider the words in the lyrics and the power of bonds. Yuji wasn't just singing the words. He actually meant them and that he would protect them. They were all traitors to GIN-SHOCKER and would be hunted down for betraying the organization they had served up until they were sent to kill Yuji.
Misato was touched by the conviction in Yuji's voice. At first she had looked forward to draining him of his blood while she killed him but he was the first to ever willingly let her feed off him. He was also kind to them despite the fact they had tried to kill him and gave them a new home and purpose. She had only stayed with GIN-SHOCKER out of respect for her former handler but now her life was here with Yuji.
Michiru enjoyed the performance. Yuji was just so wonderful. He gave them a choice besides GIN-SHOCKER and she was happy enough to leave that organization. There were too many bad memories and she hated doing what she was ordered to. She hated killing but what else could she do? She was a killer cyborg. Yuji didn't see that and took them in with the kindness of his heart. Not many had been kind to her and those who had were her dearest friends.
KAMEN RIDER DATABASE
"Alright, in today's chapter we witnessed another variant of Liger Zero known as Liger Jäger," began Shinichi as he pointed to the screen which showed Liger Schneider in action. He explained, "This form is generally meant for speed and recon." He pointed to Liger Jäger's back, "This blue variation armor of the Liger System is sleek and possesses two thrusters that enable Yuji to achieve speeds of up to Mach 2 when maxed out. While this form is the fastest of Liger's forms, it lacks defensive power and cannot last in a prolonged battle. Its strongest attack is the same as Zero Form and its manageable maximum speed is Mach 1." He then saw that there wasn't much else to add so he finished up, "Well, it seems that there's not much I can say so…"
"Wait, wait, wait," said Yuji as he walked up the stage.
"Yuji, today's not your turn to take the segment," said Shinichi.
"I know, but I think you're forgetting something." He pushed a button on the remote to show the NUMBERS girls in their armored forms, "These three."
"Yuji, this is the 'Kamen Rider Database' and they don't officially count as Riders," Shinichi argued.
"Neither was Denpa Ningen Tackle and a segment was done for her anyway," Yuji rebutted.
"In association to Stronger!" Shinichi shot back.
Yuji ignored Shinichi and spoke, "Anyway, what you see behind me are the armored forms of Misato, Hana and Michiru; known as Seras, Arachnea and Carmen, respectively. Seras is capable of manipulating special blood vessels that are tipped with syringes and can drain blood from her target, use them as whips, or even tendrils. Quite the fierce combatant," he mused.
"How come she never tried any of that on you?" Shinichi asked.
Yuji shrugged, "She never caught me in them. Next is Arachnea, who excels in stealth and melee combat, as well as creating webs to provide field advantage for her attacks. Then there's Carmen, and she can transmute her hands into scythes and possesses a flexible and acrobatic body, as well as casting illusions on her target."
"Interesting," Shinichi acknowledged. "So, what is your relationship with them anyway?"
"We're friends," he dismissed. He then faced the camera, "So, expect more epic battles and dramatic drama, next time on "Showa & Vampire"!"
Shinichi looked at him, "Dramatic drama…? Seriously? Isn't that redundant?"
"Shut up."
KAMEN RIDER BUSHIDO: Lightning Saix has retreated, but he will return and he has his sights on Yuji. Also, the girls have been officially accepted (by some) so we'll wait and see what's in store for them. Wonder what other surprises GIN-SHOCKER has for our group.
KAMEN RIDER CHROME: Well, the three NUMBERS girls have fully been introduced to the Youkai Academy group. What does this mean in the future? Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as we did writing it.