BONK!
"MOTOKO!"
The girls of Hinata-Sou rushed to their resident kendo expert as she collapsed to the ground. Her eyes were swirly and there was a large steaming bump on her head from where the projectile stone had hit her. Everyone had rushed to her side to determine if she had been killed or not, but judging by the dazed moan which was coming out of her mouth, she was still alive, if not out cold.
"It figures," Haruka sighed. The one time there were people watching the fight, his sort of thing had to happen. Looking to the small sandbar island, she spotted Double and the Nazca Dopant still slugging it out. Removing the cigarette from her mouth and shaking the ashes off, she puckered her lips and unleashed and powerful whistle.
"Huh?" the Rider and Dopant blinked as one, looking to the older woman.
"You two feel like stopping the senseless destruction? We've got wounded here," Haruka reported, pointing at the downed Motoko.
"Oh crap!" Keitaro gasped, Double's left eye flashing.
"Oh no," The Nazca Dopant groaned. Not only had an innocent gotten hurt, but no doubt Haruka was going to give him hell for it.
LOVE HINA/DOUBLE TROUBLE
Chapter 36: The Abduction of Ryuji Sonozaki
By: Kamen Rider Chrome and Ten-Faced Paladin
Motoko was quickly rushed back to her room where medical treatment could be given. Thankfully Haruka was trained in assessing and treating injuries. Phillip was also capable of helping by researching the symptoms and possible treatments they could use with the Gaia Library. Soon enough, Motoko's head was bandaged and she was left to rest for a while. Su was given bed duty with Sarah keeping company while the others waited for any word.
Soon, Haruka returned downstairs to give her report.
"She's fine," she spoke with an exhale of smoke.
The group had let out breaths of tense anticipation. All of them collapsed into their various seats as they got the good news.
"That said," Haruka continued as she entered the living room proper and took her own seat in one of the available chairs. "All we can do is wait and let her recover. That was still a pretty damn hard hit to the head."
"I can relate," Kirihiko mumbled, rubbing his jaw. Naru and Motoko had been dealing him similar hits ever since he started staying at Hinata-Sou.
"So there's nothing we can do?" asked Naru. Seeing Haruka shake her head she sighed.
"Well then," Kitsune shrugged, getting up. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I need some sake to calm my nerves. Today has just been too stressful already."
"I hear you," Keitaro nodded.
With nothing else to contribute to Motoko's recovery besides their patience, all of the residents decided to occupy their time and keep from worrying too much by doing something or anything. Naru decided to go and see the town so to keep her mind off things. Kitsune went to get herself buzzed while Shinobu volunteered to make snacks for everyone. Keitaro and Phillip opted to go over their case files and archive any new knowledge on Dopants they might need. Haruka just went to continue her business at the café with Kirihiko being relegated to chore boy once again. While Tatsuma and Mutsumi…
Tatsuma was out shopping with Mutsumi. Actually, the couple was out on a date. To be honest, Tatsuma never really gave dating much thought since he had dedicated himself to bringing Isaka to justice. However, after realizing what he could've missed, not to mention the fact that he liked Mutsumi, he decided that he needed to live for more than just revenge.
Mutsumi was good company. Despite being what one would call an airhead, she wasn't really stupid. She just got easily distracted. Then there was her constant fainting which happened because she was anemic. Tatsuma couldn't help but want to protect her. Remembering how Isaka had hurt her made him angry but he was relieved that Mutsumi was safe, unlike his family.
Mutsumi was cheerful as usual but it was different as normal. She had a boyfriend, who was a cop and a Kamen Rider! She felt so lucky! Her mother had been telling her to find a nice man to date and maybe marry but Mutsumi had focused most of her time into getting accepted to Tokyo U. Now that her dream of becoming a student at one of the nation's most prodigious schools had been achieved, she decided to give dating a chance.
The two were holding hands and Tatsuma couldn't help but notice some guys giving Mutsumi 'the look'. He wasn't blind. He knew Mutsumi was attractive with nice curves. She was also very tender-hearted and kind, something that Tatsuma had forgotten about since he became obsessed with tracking down his family's murderer.
He had not forgotten, though. He knew Isaka was still out there but now Tatsuma would be bringing the man to justice instead of using his powers to kill him. He would not become a murderer, for whatever reason. His parents would not have him kill in their name.
And Mutsumi didn't want him to become a murderer either.
"Wonder why there's a fog right now," said Mutsumi and Tatsuma realized that a thick fog had covered the area. He knew this fog.
"Ryo Tatsuma," said Shroud as she appeared before the couple.
"Shroud," Tatsuma identified.
"Ara, Tatsuma-kun," said Mutsumi, unfazed by Shroud's appearance. "Is this a friend of yours?"
Shroud ignored Mutsumi as she addressed Tatsuma, "Ryo Tatsuma, have you forgotten that promise you have made?"
"No, I have not," answered Tatsuma.
"And yet here you are, on a date with a girl," said Shroud. "She makes you happy, does she not?" Tatsuma's hand gripped Mutsumi's tightly as Shroud continued, "Isaka once targeted your family and they died, and this girl was also targeted to become his test subject. Who's to say he will not target her again in retaliation towards your interference?"
"I won't let him hurt Mutsumi-san again," Tatsuma swore.
"And yet he is still free," Shroud argued. She asked, "Ryo Tatsuma, are you in need of more power? Isn't Accel's power enough?"
Tatsuma had to be honest, "No, it isn't. Accel's power isn't enough to deal with Isaka."
"Then let me offer you more power," said Shroud. The fog enveloped her, Tatsuma and Mutsumi and when it was gone, so were they.
When Tatsuma and Mutsumi opened their eyes, they found themselves in a motocross course. Shroud was standing next to a dirt bike.
"How did you bring us here?" asked Tatsuma.
"Magic," said Shroud before tossing a helmet to Tatsuma. "Get on this bike."
"What for?" asked Tatsuma.
"This will be your training," said Shroud. "Once you've completed this course in the fastest time possible, I will give you your new power."
"And what is the fastest time?" asked Tatsuma.
"You must complete this course in less than a minute," challenged Shroud.
"Tatsuma-kun, gambatte," encouraged Mutsumi. Tatsuma smiled as he put on his helmet before getting on the dirt bike. Shroud was holding up a stop watch.
"Ready, set, go!" Shroud pressed the start button on the stop watch and Tatsuma raced off into the motocross track.
"We haven't been formerly introduced," said Mutsumi as she approached Shroud. She extended a hand in greeting, "I'm Mutsumi Otohime."
Shroud cocked an eyebrow at Mutsumi. Wasn't she a bit disturbed by Shroud's bandaged face? "Shroud," was Shroud's simple answer as she shook Mutsumi's hand.
"So, Tatsuma-kun told me you were the one who gave him his Kamen Rider powers," said Mutsumi pleasantly as the two watched Tatsuma run through the course.
"That is correct."
"So, what is this new power you wish to give Tatsuma-kun?" Mutsumi asked.
"You'll just have to see."
Tatsuma finished the course and returned as Shroud looked at the stop watch. "Not yet," she said.
"What's my time?"
"1 minute and 1 second," Shroud informed him.
Tatsuma frowned. He was one second over the limit. He had to do the course all over again. The condition was that he was to complete the course in less than a second so that he would be able to receive the new power Shroud had promised.
"You can do it, Tatsuma-kun." Mutsumi encouraged.
Tatsuma smiled and then started up the bike again to redo the course. Tatsuma did it, again and again. However, even after five times his time had not improved. He never could finish the course in less than a minute. However, he never gave up. He couldn't give up. If this power Shroud promised him could help him defeat Isaka and bring him to justice then he would do anything to earn it.
Shroud sighed at Tatsuma's final time. "1 minute and 23 seconds."
"Once more," said Tatsuma as he started up the engine. He was focused this time. He was not going to fail again! Mutsumi was still cheering him on. She still had so much faith in him. He traveled the course, jumping over obstacles in his path as he raced towards the goal. Shroud watched with arms crossed as she looked at the stop watch.
Tatsuma saw the goal in front of him and sped up. He was not going to waste even a single second. "LET'S BREAK THROUGH!" he shouted as he accelerated and he crossed the goal as Shroud pushed the button.
She looked down at the numbers and smiled an invisible smile. "59 seconds," she read.
"Yatta!" Mutsumi applauded. Tatsuma tossed the helmet away and approached Shroud. He then held out his hand, palm up.
"The new power, as promised," he said, smiling proudly.
Shroud then handed Tatsuma what she'd promised as she explained, "It's a new Gaia Memory, the Trial Memory." It was a blue Gaia Memory, modeled like the ones used by the Kamen Riders, and there was a digital stop watch attached to it. The blue Gaia memory had a 'T' on it
"Trial..." murmured Tatsuma.
"Go and try it out," said Shroud.
Tatsuma nodded and put on the Accel Driver before taking out the Accel Memory.
"ACCEL!"
"Hen…Shin!" Tatsuma commanded as he plugged the Accel Memory into the Accel Driver and revved it up.
"ACCEL!"
Mutsumi watched as the familiar red colored Kamen Rider Accel armor formed over her boyfriend. He then pushed the stop watch on the side of the Trial Memory down so that the red, yellow and blue lights on the side pointed forward.
"TRIAL!"
He removed the Accel Memory and replaced it with the Trial Memory.
"TRIAL!"
Accel revved up the Accel Driver. The red light lit up, followed by the yellow light and finally the blue light. Accel's armor turned yellow before blue energy pistons burst from his body and spun around his body, starting at his feet up to his head, shattering the yellow armor to reveal his new form.
Accel's armor had now become blue and had lost much of its bulk. The chest had become silver. His helmet now resembled a motocross helmet with a brim over the orange visor which was now bisected by the letter 'A' with a black mouthplate.
"Sugoi…" Mutsumi uttered in awe.
"Accel Trial," said Shroud. "This is Accel's new power."
Accel Trial stared down at his hand and clenched his fist. With this new power he would be able to defeat Isaka. However, he still needed to test it out.
"I suppose you want to test your power," said Shroud. "Very well then." She took out a gun which resembled Double's Trigger Magnum, only that it was black. The gun was called the Shroud Magnum and she had it aimed at Accel Trial. "Dodge," she said and she began firing, much to Mutsumi's shock.
Accel Trial heard the shot being fired and began to move. His body was like a blur as he blurred the shot and ran towards Shroud, catching her wrist with one hand and disarming her with the other.
"In exchange for less armor, the new Trial Memory grants you incredible speed," said Shroud. "Your strength has also been decreased as a result."
"So, I'm weaker now?" Accel Trial demanded. "Then how…"
"How will you defeat Isaka?" Shroud finished. "If one blow won't defeat him then 100 should do it. You have the speed to hit him with 100 blows in a matter of seconds. Imagine what kind of damage that can do."
"So fast…" Mutsumi uttered. Accel Trial was faster than she could blink.
"However, the Maximum Drive is a risky one. If you do not complete the Maximum Drive within 10 seconds, Trial will automatically deactivate. Therefore, you must not waste any time when you use it," Shroud warned.
"Then I'm going to train myself," swore Accel Trial.
"You may not have time for that," said Shroud. "Time waits for no man." A fog enveloped Shroud and when it passed she had vanished.
Accel Trial removed the Trial Memory from his Accel Driver and the armor shattered away. Mutsumi hugged him proudly, "Isn't it wonderful?"
Tatsuma gazed down at the Trial Memory. "Yes, it is," he agreed.
The door to the Hinata-Sou thundered from the knocking. Naru, irritated from the noise swung the door open. "What?-!" she roared. She quickly gasped in shock.
Standing before her was Takayuki, battered and beaten. His left eye was swollen shut and he was covered in cuts and bruises. The worst wound however was his right arm. It was GONE. Severed from just below his shoulder. "Bring...me...Double..." gasped Takayuki as he collapsed.
Motoko was still resting in bed, nursing her headache, when she heard feet pounding outside her door. Su threw the door open and in an uncharacteristic display of panic, she shouted, "Motoko, we have trouble!"
"What is it?" Motoko said as she got up. Su grabbed her arm and dragged her along. "Su! Wait!"
Su led Motoko over to a spare room and threw the door open. Lying in a futon with bandages covering his body was none other than Takayuki.
"Takayuki-dono," gasped Motoko.
"He came at the front door, all beaten up and he hasn't woken up yet!" said Su. Motoko went and sat next to Takayuki, wondering what had happened to the young samurai.
Ryuji was slowly coming to. His head was still pounding and his entire body ached. But that wasn't the problem. The real problem was that he was gagged and was tied to a chair! His eyes wandered wildly as he tried to regain his bearings. He tried to remember how he got here but it was hard to keep his mind focused when he was so angry?
Why was he angry?
Then he remembered. He had been taking a walk with Wakana when Saeko confronted them. Suddenly, without warning, Saeko assumed her Taboo Dopant form and attacked both him and Wakana. He was far too stunned to transform. He couldn't believe that his cousin whom he looked up to as an older sister was attacking them. Wakana had retaliated and assumed her Claydoll Dopant form but a single well-aimed blast from the Taboo Dopant shattered the youngest Sonozaki daughter's Dopant body to pieces. The shock of seeing his other cousin being shattered like that made him an easy target when he was knocked out.
And here he was, tied to a chair in what would appear to be a log cabin. The door opened and Ryuji looked to see Saeko enter with a plastic bag from a convenience store. His eyes narrowed in a glare as he saw him and Saeko almost flinched when he glared at her.
Saeko went over, putting down the plastic bag and undid his gag. "Ryuji, I-"
"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!-?" he shouted in her face. "WHY DID YOU ATTACK WAKANA-NEECHAN AND ME!-? WHY DID YOU KIDNAP ME!-? ANSWER ME, SAEKO-NEESAN!"
-SLAP!-
Ryuji's head was knocked to the side by the vicious slap as Saeko warned sternly, "Don't you raise your voice at me, young man."
Ryuji still glared at her. The slap had broken his lip and Saeko saw blood. Gasping, Saeko took a napkin and started to dab the blood away. She had to be careful. Ryuji could easily bite her.
Among them he had the worst temper but he only lost it during times of great stress. Being kidnapped and tied up by one's own cousin would be one of them. He couldn't be reasoned with when he was angry like this so Saeko had to wait it out.
Unfortunately, the cold glare he was giving her made her uncomfortable.
"I brought food," she said.
"Save it," he shot back. "You might've poisoned it."
Saeko couldn't blame him for feeling angry. She had attacked him but she needed to persuade him that she was on his side. "Ryuji, there's a lot you don't understand."
"That's an understatement. I mean you attacked Wakana-neechan and now I'm tied to a chair in a log cabin somewhere. Of course I don't understand what's going on! The only conclusion I can make is that you've gone nuts!"
"It's complicated…"
"Complicated!-? It seems pretty straight forward from where I'm sitting!"
Saeko ran a hand down her face. She then forced the gag back on. He struggled but eventually she had it tied tightly and he was unable to make a sound, save for some grunts and muffled swears. If Saeko could understand what he was saying…well she was glad she didn't.
"Ryuji, there's a lot you don't understand," she began. Since he was gagged he had no choice but to listen. "It's about the Sonozaki Family and Otou-sama. Things aren't as they appear."
The door opened and Isaka announced, "Honey, I'm home!"
Ryuji's eyes widened then narrowed as he glared at him. He should've known that psycho was involved. He never trusted him from the start.
"What happened?" asked Saeko.
"There were…complications," said Isaka, sighing. He then saw Ryuji, "Ah, Ryuji-kun, are you feeling comfortable?"
Ryuji growled behind his gag. He then saw a figure behind Isaka entering. It was a Dopant modeled after a Viking with a muscular body and thick, bolted on, armor with skulls on his shoulders. Both his hands had been replaced by battle-axes and he also had a helmet with axe-blades instead of horns. His entire face was featureless save for a visor and he had big, steel-toed boots. "That samurai didn't stand a chance," the Axe Dopant boasted.
Ryuji's eyes widened, 'Samurai…Takayuki!'
"Yes, but he still stopped us from taking out Ryubee," frowned Isaka. "At least you wounded him."
Ryuji screamed curses from behind his gag.
Hinata Sou
Motoko sat at Takayuki's side, watching over him. She couldn't believe that such a strong an honorable man could end up in such a state. However, this just proved that he was only human. He looked like he'd been hit by a train. She looked down at the stump where his left arm used to occupy. For a kendoka, the loss of one's arm was like a death sentence. It would be difficult for Takayuki to wield a sword proper with one hand, especially his left hand. Granted, it would not be impossible but it would almost be like starting sword training all over again.
"What did this to you…?" she asked, caressing his face. "Takayuki-dono…"
Kirihiko stood outside the room. He wasn't sure how to feel right now. He and Takayuki hadn't been particularly close back at the Sonozaki Mansion but he knew that the injured swordsman was extremely loyal to Ryubee.
There had to be a reason why Takayuki had come, requesting Double's aid. It had to be something serious if he would come straight to enemy territory. While the Urashimas knew that Takayuki was part of the Museum, Takayuki had no idea that they knew as well. Of course now Kirihiko would need to hide from Takayuki. If anyone from the Sonozaki Family were to know that he was still alive…well he would prefer a quick and painless death compared to what Ryubee might put him through.
Meanwhile, back up at their office, Keitaro was pacing back and forth while Phillip sat with a book in hand. Kanako was pacing around with Keitaro too, both wondering what had happened to Takayuki. With no clues, they couldn't provide Phillip with any keywords to use for a search.
"Do you think maybe his boss tried to kill him?" suggested Kanako.
"By cutting off his arm? I don't think the Terror Dopant had any weapons like that," said Keitaro.
"Well, it could be the Smilodon Dopant. That thing has pretty sharp claws," said Kanako.
"Possible, but why would Ryubee want to get rid of one of his most loyal subordinates?" asked Keitaro. "Something's going on here."
That was when Phillip's Stag Phone rang and he flipped it open. "Hello?" he answered.
"Phillip-kun, you have to help me!" Wakana screamed from the other end.
"Wakana-hime?" Phillip responded. Hearing that name made both Keitaro and Kanako stop in their pacing and they practically teleported to Phillip's side to listen in on the conversation. He looked at the two, annoyed, and they gave him space. "What's wrong?"
"It's awful, Phillip-kun!"
"Calm down, and please tell me what's wrong."
"It's Ryuji! Ryuji's been kidnapped!"
The Urashimas' eyes widened as Wakana continued, "We were taking a walk when all of a sudden…I was knocked out. When I came to he was gone. I've tried calling him but he won't pick up! Please, you need to help me!"
"We will," Phillip promised. "Don't worry, we'll find him. Call us again if you have any new information."
"Thank you, Phillip-kun." She hung up.
"Her cousin's been kidnapped," said Phillip. "Coupling this with Takayuki's injuries make me believe that something is happening within Museum itself.
Kanako frowned and remarked, "It might be a trap."
"Maybe not," Keitaro countered. "We have Takayuki lying injured in the other room, and now Ryuji's been kidnapped. I guess they have other enemies besides us."
"Ransom?" Phillip suggested.
"Yeah, but why leave Wakana-hime alone?" questioned Keitaro. Wakana was a much more public figure than Ryuji and would no doubt have brought a much bigger price than one nephew that was keeping their connection to the family a secret. "Wait…unless Ryuji's somehow very important."
"I still think it's a trap," Kanako stated. She couldn't trust Wakana anymore considering that she was a member of the family behind the Gaia Memories and the death of their mentor. "And why should we risk ourselves for Ryuji?"
"Because Ryuji's a good kid," Keitaro said. "I've fought with him a few times, and I have spoken to him when he's involved in a case, but whenever he's with Kotonoha-san, I see this look in his eyes. Those aren't the eyes of someone evil. Also, remember what Boss always taught us."
"The victim of a crime is always important, no matter who they are," Kanako quoted. Ryuji may be their enemy, but he had people who loved him and Wakana had called them for help. True, this might be an elaborate trap but could they risk it when someone's life was on the line."
"We just have to wait until Wakana-hime calls again to give us more information," said Phillip. "For now, we just have to start looking the old-fashioned way."
Kanako and Keitaro grabbed their fedoras and put them on. It was time to put such details such as what one did for a living aside. Someone was in need and it was their duty to help them.
Kotonoha trembled as she sat alone in her room, trying to not panic, not despair, and just keep praying. Wakana had called her earlier, desperately hoping that Ryuji had turned up at her house. When she had replied he hadn't, Kotonoha received the unfortunate news that the boy she loved had likely been kidnapped by none other than Ryuji's cousin Saeko and that man Isaka that no one seemed to like.
"Ryuji-kun…" she whispered, "Please be alright…"
Wakana had called again, and this time provided Phillip with more information. Apparently, Saeko had been the one to kidnap Ryuji and Wakana suspected that Isaka might've been involved. Saeko might've been coerced by the evil doctor to help him but that was unlikely. Everyone in the Sonozaki Manor saw how close they had gotten.
Wakana was with her father, both in the living room. The dining room was in shambles and there was blood on the floor. Wakana even saw blood trailing out of the estate and she'd been told that Takayuki had also been injured.
Wakana knew her sister wanted the position of family head, but to go to such length and having Isaka assist her in their coup was definitely unexpected. What was more unexpected was that she had kidnapped Ryuji. Ryubee had been slightly injured by Isaka, a slight electrical burn, but was otherwise fine. Now Wakana was worried about her beloved cousin. Would Saeko hurt him?
She just hoped that Phillip could find him before it was too late. She'd lost one little brother, she wasn't about to lose another one.
In his personal study, Ryubee frowned deeply. He should've known better than to trust Saeko with so many cards. Worst of all, she had stolen Ryuji who was one of the pieces he needed for his master plan. He was, however, grateful that she hadn't killed the boy. Despite Saeko's treacherous nature, she didn't have it in her to kill someone she saw as a younger brother.
"Amakusa!" barked Ryubee.
"Yes, Ryubee-sama?" the family lawyer responded, stepping out from the shadows.
"Call all our people and tell them to sweep the city. Leave no rock unturned. I want my nephew found," Ryubee ordered. Amakusa nodded and went to summon all the available Museum agents.
Ryubee put his fingers into a triangle and thought, 'Saeko, I hope you've prepared to face punishment because no one, not even you, should be standing in between me and my plans.'
Ryuji remained gagged, his body sore from being kept tied up and also feeling hungry. However, he would not beg for anything. He just kept his ice cold glare on Isaka and Saeko. He knew Isaka would do something like this but he felt betrayed by Saeko.
So what if his uncle was grooming him to take over? Did she really think that Ryuji would just drop her when he took over? Kick her to the curb like trash? Did she really feel he would do such a thing to her? To his own family?
Despite what Saeko thought, Wakana wasn't the sole big sister in his life. Yes, Wakana acted more like the loving elder sibling, but Saeko was the responsible sibling. She was the one Ryuji could count on to help keep him straight, help him remember what his goals were, remind him of what he was working towards. He needed her just as much as he needed Wakana in his life.
Wasn't she able to see that?
Saeko slowly approached Ryuji and pulled down his gag. "So, are you ready to talk like a civilized human being?" she asked, "Or do I have to gag you again?"
Ryuji responded, coldly, "Uncle will find me, and when he does you're going to get yours."
Saeko sighed. It was time for her to lay down some hard truths before her cousin. She knew the time would come for him to choose sides. She just hoped that he would believe her.
Ever since Ryuji came into their home, Saeko felt happy to have a younger brother again. The loss of Raito had been painful. Oh, she knew Raito was still out there, alive and well, but without his memories. Now he was known as Phillip.
Now she had a chance to save another brother. "Ryuji…" she began slowly, "You know nothing of Otou-sama's true nature?"
"What are you talking about? Uncle has been nothing but kind to me," Ryuji retorted.
"That's what you think, but you have to realize that his kindness is conditional. He's only treated us kindly because he knows we're more valuable to him alive than dead." He looked him in the eye, "Ryuji, he sees you as his most valuable pawn of all. You've just lost your parents so he took you in and made you his heir just so he could wrap a leash around your neck."
Ryuji snapped angrily, "YOU'RE LYING! YOU'RE TRYING TO TRICK ME INTO BETRAYING HIM!"
"Then he must've told you about what happened to my younger brother and mother, right?" Saeko questioned.
"He told me they died," Ryuji answered. Of course what was odd that there weren't any pictures of either Ryubee's wife or son in the mansion. Maybe he put them away because looking at them would be painful.
"Of course he did. That's the same lie he used on Wakana when she was little," Saeko murmured. "Then let me ask you this: do you believe that your parents died in a traffic accident?"
"What are you saying?"
"The truth is that your parent discovered something disturbing, something about the Museum and they threatened to take this information to the police. Otou-sama was not pleased about this so he made preparations to have them dealt with," Saeko explained.
Ryuji was confused by her words before his eyes widened once he realized that she was implying. "No…you're lying…" he denied.
"Ryuji, please-"
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP! I REFUSE TO LISTEN TO THIS BULLSHIT ANYMORE!"
Saeko sighed and stuffed his mouth with the gag again to prevent him from screaming anymore cursed at her. She frowned sadly and murmured, "I'm sorry for this, but this is for your own good. You will understand everything when all this is over." She got up and left her cousin alone as he struggled, shouting through the gag.
When the door slid open, Motoko immediately reached for her sword, planting herself firmly between Takayuki and the door. When she saw that it was only Kitsune, her grip slackened and she let out a sigh of relief. Kitsune had frozen when she saw Motoko reach for her blade but was relieved too once Motoko released her grip. "Oh, it's you, Kitsune."
"Yeah, it's me," said Kitsune. "I've brought something for you to eat. Shinobu whipped it up for you."
"Thank you," said Motoko as she let Kitsune sit down next to her as she put the tray down. There was a cup of tea and a plate with riceballs. Kitsune frowned sadly as she looked at Takayuki.
"He looks really messed up," said Kitsune.
"Indeed, and I'm not sure how I can help him once he regains consciousness," said Motoko. "He has only one arm. He won't be able to wield a katana proper that way."
"You kendoka really take the sword seriously," observed Kitsune.
"It's a foundation we live by," said Motoko. She wondered how Takayuki would cope with the possibility of not being able to wield a blade again. He could try doing it with one arm but a katana needed a two-handed grip.
"Say, have you noticed anything weird about Kirihiko?" Kitsune asked.
"What do you mean?" Motoko questioned.
"Well, I spotted him eavesdropping just now and when he saw me he ran off," said Kitsune. "Speaking of which, isn't he a member of that Sonozaki family?"
"He married into the family, I believe," said Motoko.
"So, why hasn't be gone back to them? I mean I read the papers. He was pronounced dead. Shouldn't he go back to them or something?" Kitsune inquired.
"You're…right," said Motoko. "But we know he used to sell Gaia Memories. Maybe he's just trying to protect his family," said Motoko.
"Yeah, maybe, or there's something he isn't telling us," said Kitsune.
"Even so, I have no time to think of such things when a friend of mine is injured," said Motoko, looking back at Takayuki.
"You really care about him, don't you?" Kitsune asked. Motoko didn't offer an answer and simply kept vigil watch on Takayuki, waiting for him to open his eyes.
Mick, the Smilodon Dopant, had been sent out to look for Ryuji. The loyal cat of the Sonozaki Family was running at full speed. He had his orders and those orders were to find Ryuji and bring him back home.
Meanwhile, Tatsuma and Mutsumi were sitting on a bench together when the redhead saw the blur run by, causing a gust. "Ara?" Mutsumi uttered. Tatsuma's eyes narrowed and he activated the Beetle Phone to follow that blur.
Meanwhile, a man was walking up the steps leading towards Hinata-Sou. From what he'd been told, Takayuki would probably be here. There was still a fresh trail of blood leading up from the foot of the steps all the way up to the building. He grinned as he thought about finishing the job. He'd already cut off the swordsman's right arm now it was time to cut him up even more.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a red Gaia Memory with the letter 'A' on it that was stylized to look like an axe. As he slowly began reaching the building, he put the Gaia Memory against the slot-like tattoo at the base of his neck.
"AXE!"
Phillip's Dopant detection system, built into the Stag Phone, immediately alerted him of a Dopant's presence. Looking at the screen, his eyes widened as he quickly got up. "Fang!" he called as he rushed out of the room and once he was in the foyer he heard a loud scream coming from outside. "Shinobu-san!"
Shinobu had been sweeping up the path in front of the building when the Axe Dopant reared his ugly head. Frightened, Shinobu dropped her broom and let out a loud scream. The Axe Dopant looked straight at her and grinned. "Oh, lookie here, something for me to cut." He raised his axes and Shinobu was frozen in terror. When the door was thrown open, she heard a familiar call.
"Henshin!"
"FANG-JOKER!"
Phillip's body was instantly encased in the armor of Double Fang-Joker, and without wasting any time he tackled into the Axe Dopant and stood protectively in front of Shinobu, planting himself firmly between the girl and the monster. "Shinobu-san, get inside," Phillip spoke as Double's right eye flashed.
Naru, who'd come down to see what all the commotion was about, gasped and saw Double facing the Dopant. She also saw Shinobu. Knowing how dangerous these fights could get, Naru quickly collected the younger girl and brought her inside. She spared Double a glance before closing the door.
"What do you want?" Double asked.
"I came here for Hirakawa," said the Axe Dopant as he pointed at Double. "Hand him over."
"Sorry, but he's a guest here so we're obligated to take care of him," replied Phillip.
"In short, the answer is no," said Keitaro.
"Well, then I'll just have to slice you in half!" The Axe Dopant roared and charged at Double who pushed down on his Fang Memory's horn.
"ARM FANG!"
CLANG!
The axe blade met with the Arm Fang and sparks burst from the impact. Growling, Double lashed out with a kick aimed at the Axe Dopant which only pushed him back by an inch. Double then began swinging but the Dopant defended himself with his axes. He swung at Double from the side but the Rider jumped up and then hopped off the Dopant's head before rolling through the air and getting behind him. He then dropped down and executed a sweep kick that knocked the Axe Dopant off his feet.
Phillip gritted his teeth. As powerful as Fang-Joker was, he needed Double Cyclone-Joker-Xtreme to take down this monster quickly. He just hoped that Kanako was on the way with Keitaro's body.
The Axe Dopant got back to his feet and lashed out at Double who only jumped backwards to avoid being bisected. The Rider then jumped and performed a reverse roundhouse kick that slammed into the Axe Dopant's face, knocking him down. The Axe Dopant managed to get back to his feet and tackled into Double. The two went tumbling down the steps of Hinata-Sou until they ended up at the bottom, far away from the building. Double tossed the Axe Dopant off him and flipped back to his feet.
"Phillip, we better finish this now," suggested Keitaro, "Once we break his Memory we can question him about Ryuji."
"Alright, Keitaro," said Phillip as he pushed the horn of the Fang Memory three times.
"FANG: MAXIMUM DRIVE!"
The Maximum Saber was summoned and attached to Double's right ankle. He then jumped, spinning in the air with a blazing blue aura. "Fang Stryzer!" The attack was about to hit when all of a sudden a bolt of lightning crashed upon Double, causing an explosion of sparks as he cried out and dropped to the ground.
"I'm sorry, but I still need him," said the Weather Dopant as he reared his ugly head.
Safely inside Hinata-Sou, everyone was crowded around the television which showed them the battle which was occurring outside. "Double-sempai!" Shinobu cried.
Double slowly staggered to his feet. His red eyes glared at the Weather Dopant and he pointed at him, demanding, "Isaka, where is Ryuji Sonozaki!-?"
"Oh, he's safe, for now," answered the Weather Dopant. "I can't say the same for you, though." The Weather Dopant snapped his fingers. The Axe Dopant, recognizing the signal, began to transform and morph until he assumed the form of an oversized axe with a grip for the Weather Dopant to hold onto. "You have your special attacks, well here's mine. THOR'S THUNDER STRIKE!"
Closing the gap between them, the Weather Dopant swung the Giga Axe down upon Double, and the blade cut him straight down the middle. There was a violent explosion of sparks as the Rider was sent flying. He them went rolling along the ground, the armor shattering, leaving a wounded and unconscious Phillip in his place.
The Weather Dopant let go of the Giga Axe who then reformed into the Axe Dopant. Eagerly, he approached the unconscious Phillip only for the Weather Dopant to say, "That is enough. We don't need to kill him."
"Why not?" asked the Axe Dopant. "Without him, Double won't be able to form."
"Saeko asked me too," answered the Weather Dopant. "Now, come on. We have more important work to do." A tornado spun around the two of them, carrying them both as they vanished into thin air.
The girls were running down the steps, Shinobu and Kaolla the most vocal, as they screamed Phillip's name.
Meanwhile, Takayuki groaned as his eyes slowly began to open. He felt sore all over and then realized shortly after regaining consciousness that he was covered in bandages and lying in a soft futon. He also noted that he could no longer feel his right arm and realized that it was gone. Turning his head, he saw Motoko lying asleep next to him. She'd been watching over him since he was brought here.
He remembered fighting that Axe Dopant and then it managed to cripple him before he could assume his Dopant form. His Driver and Swords Memory were probably still at the manor. He knew Ryubee could take care of himself but he still went to Hinata-Sou to ask Double for help. Ryubee could punish him however he wanted for asking aid from an enemy, but it had been an emergency. He also recalled Isaka stating that he had special plans for Ryuji, meaning his young master was in danger.
Takayuki slowly sat up and looked at the stump which remained of his right arm. Everything from the shoulder down was gone now. He let out a sigh. Better to lose an arm than his life, he supposed, but still what good could he possibly do with just one arm. "At least…I have a spare," he joked to himself.
"I see you're awake." Takayuki looked up and his eyes widened. He looked like he was seeing a ghost and in his opinion it could've been one. Standing at the entrance was Kirihiko who he'd been told had died.
"Kirihiko…I thought you were dead," said Takayuki as he started to calm down.
"Reports of my demise have been great exaggerated. It's a good thing that Saeko did a poor job. She didn't even bother to check to see if I was really dead." Kirihiko saw Takayuki's look of confusion and sighed as he added, "I'll tell you later. Right now you're going to need some rest." Motoko began to stir and he looked down at her. He looked back at the entrance but Kirihiko was gone.
'Was that…a hallucination?' Takayuki thought.
As Motoko slowly awoke, she raised her head slightly too see what was making all that noise. Her eyes widened immediately as she gasped before hugging Takayuki, relieved to see him conscious.
Isaka and the Axe Dopant reappeared and their small hideout where Saeko and Ryuji were both holed up. Saeko herself was waiting outside of the building while the sounds of muffled rage and utmost loathing could be heard from within.
"I see you told Ryuji the truth about his parents," the mad doctor commented.
"It needed to be said," Saeko replied. "It did not endear him to me, but may break the bond between him and Otou-sama."
"Ah, while not quite a weapon for us yet, it may mean one less weapon for our enemies," Isaka grinned as he eyed Saeko speculatively. "Bravo my dear. Bravo."
"Hm," Saeko smirked. "Has Takayuki been eliminated?"
"No," The Axe Dopant cut in. "Double got in our way but for some reason the Doc didn't want to kill him when we knocked him out."
Saeko blinked before looking to Isaka, "Was it Raito?"
"Indeed," Isaka nodded. "Fear not. He isn't terribly injured. Just something of a warning to prevent him from disturbing us. However, we both know he is not the type to listen to warnings such as that."
"True," Saeko nodded, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Keitaro Urashima has been a terrible influence on him."
"Yes, but it has also made him predictable," Isaka snickered. "We know their habits and what they will do with the information Takayuki no doubt gave them. So we will plan accordingly and wipe out our enemies in one fell swoop."
The Smilodon Dopant stopped to sniff the trail. He wanted to find Ryuji. His master told him to so he would not fail. Mick the cat had always liked Ryuji since he came to the house. Ryuji would also feed Mick tasty fish and even scratched his ears the way he liked. It was like having Young Master all over again. Young Master had named Mick and Mick missed him.
The Smilodon continued on its search, unaware that it was being pursued by the Beetle Phone.
Phillip had been carried to the detectives' room and put in a futon while his wounds were tended to. Meanwhile,Takayuki sat alone in the room. Motoko had gone to get him something to drink. He let out a deep sigh, "It's just one arm. It could have been worse." He felt energy flow through him. The door suddenly flung open to reveal Motoko, battle ready. "Motoko-dono?"
"I sensed demonic energy in the room," said Motoko. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Takayuki smiled. "Well, as fine as I can be. Thank you for your concern."
Motoko sat down, with the tray of with a cup of water on it. "Takayuki-dono, can you tell me what happened to you?"
"Someone attempted to harm my Master," Takayuki answered, "In response I came to his defense and my arm was sacrificed in the process. I also heard that my Young Master had been taken hostage so I came here for help."
"But you could've bled to death," she reminded. There was so much blood.
"I know, I wasn't thinking straight. All I cared about was for my Young Master's safety," said Takayuki.
"You and he must be very close," observed Motoko.
"We are, and Master was the one who took me in when I was a young child too so I owe him. My Young Master and I, well, we're like brothers now," smiled Takayuki. Ryuji didn't treat him as a servant or as someone beneath him. Ryuji treated him like family and to repay his kindness and acceptance Takayuki swore to protect him. However, he had failed. "I must save him now to regain my honor."
"Not in your condition," she protested.
"No, this is something I must do," he insisted.
KAMEN RIDER CHROME: OK, a lot of stuff happening here. First of all, we see that Ryuji has been kidnapped by Saeko. Also, Tatsuma finally gets his Trial Memory. Would this mean Isaka's finish? Then there's Takayuki. He's only got one arm now. Will he be able to recover and rescue his Young Master? How about Mick? Will he be able to find Ryuji? Also, you guys might be wondering if what Saeko says is true or maybe just something she told Ryuji because she wanted to mess with his head. To find out the answer to these questions, well you better catch the next chapter of Love Hina/Double Trouble which is coming to a computer near you.