Sitting in his home at one of the chessboards in which he would engage his nephew in a casual battle of wits, a man waited for news on his nephew.

'It was all supposed to be very simple,' Ryubee Sonozaki thought to himself. 'Unfortunately, I underestimated Saeko and Isaka. Now they have one of the vital pieces to my plan.' He was angry, and annoyed. He gripped a chess piece tightly in his hand and it snapped in half.

"Sonozaki-san." Ryubee turned his head as he heard his name to see someone he knew hadn't been there before. They were hidden in the shadows but Ryubee knew who it was.

"Jun Kazu," Ryubee identified. "What brings you here?"

"The Foundation has heard about what happened to your nephew," Kazu stated. He remained in the shadow, not revealing himself. While it was said that the walls had ears, they also had eyes and the less who saw him in contact with the Sonozaki family, the better. Secrecy was their bread and butter after all.

"Really?" Ryubee asked. "And so quickly? I thought you people would be too engrossed in your lab work to care about the happenings of the outside world."

"Do not underestimate Foundation X, Sonozaki-san. We do have eyes and ears everywhere," claimed Kazu. "Now, as I was saying, we've heard about what has happened to your nephew and heir and would like to offer our assistance in helping you locate him."

"I'm listening," replied Ryubee. He would do anything to get Ryuji back. The boy was important, way too important.

LOVE HINA/DOUBLE TROUBLE

Chapter 37: Accel's True Trial

Written By: Kamen Rider Chrome and Ten-Faced Paladin

With nothing much to do while being tied up and gagged, Ryuji could only think. First he was thinking of how worried Wakana and Kotonoha were. His cousin-who-was-like-a-sister-to-him and fiancée were possibly miserable with not knowing about his condition. As for his thoughts about his uncle, they were rather mixed. Saeko had really dropped the bomb on him and while he'd denied her words violently, once he calmed down he could actually think more rationally.

'Could she have been telling the truth? Could Uncle Ryubee have had my parents killed? It just doesn't make sense. Sure, Uncle could be a little unscrupulous, but he wouldn't do anything to hurt family…would he? Even if Mom and Dad did find out about the Museum, he wouldn't have killed them for it, would he?' He thought about how his uncle had conveniently appeared to adopt him and take him into his home. At the funeral, Ryubee had shown some sadness but he hadn't shed a tear. Ryuji just thought it was because it was unbecoming for a gentleman of Ryubee's station to shed tears at a funeral.

All this was making his head hurt. The only way he could get answers if he spoke to Ryubee himself, but he was a little tied up at the moment. He wished someone would come to his rescue, even if it was the Kamen Riders.

The creak of the door alerted him to someone entering. Glancing, Ryuji saw that it was Saeko returning to the cabin with a bag full of food from a store which was likely nearby. Coming inside, she set the bag onto the table before turning to look at her captive relative, "Now, are you going to be at least a little more pleasant?"

Ryuji's eyes narrowed at her.

"Stubborn to the end," Saeko sighed, shaking her head. "Ryuji, I'm not doing this to be cruel. If I was, I would have followed Isaka-kun's suggestion to just kill you and be done with it. I know I'm not exactly being gentle about this but I feel this is the only way I can be kind to you about this."

Ryuji continued to glare at her.

"Ryuji, you know Otou-sama was grooming you to take over Museum when he decided to retire," Saeko continued. "I don't think you know just what that entails. There are many horrible things that go on within Museum's research facilities. Things which people have died doing and many other sell their soul to do in return for nothing but cold hard cash. I am already used to doing such things from my time being so entrenched in such activities. You aren't. You're too emotional, still too human for this sort of business. I don't want you to turn into a monster like me." She shook her head ruefully and looked out the window. "Of course, Otou-sama wouldn't let you go no matter what so the only course of action left to me is to take the position of heir is order to spare you from it."

Ryuji gazed at the bag of food and his stomach growled loudly. Ryuji blushed as Saeko laughed softly. "So, you really are hungry, aren't you? Would you like food? I can't untie you but I will remove the gag. Just promise you won't yell or curse."

Ryuji nodded and Saeko gently removed the gag.

"Now, it's not much. Just convenience store food, but it should be good enough," said Saeko as she picked up the chopsticks and opened up the plastic container.

"You know, if you went back, Uncle might be able to forgive you," said Ryuji. Saeko laughed as she picked up a piece of friend shrimp with the chopsticks and held it to Ryuji's mouth.

"You obviously don't know Otou-sama as well as I do," said Saeko and Ryuji took a bite. At least he was eating. She didn't want him to die and he should know that he was only alive now because she was able persuade Isaka and convince him that Ryuji could be useful to them. Also, she didn't want Ryuji to be harmed.

She'd already lost one brother, she didn't want to lose another.

HINATA-SOU

"This isn't good," Keitaro murmured.

"Yeah, no kidding, Sherlock," snapped an annoyed Tatsuma. The Riders were currently in the Urashimas' office and sitting together for a private brainstorming session to come up with ideas on how to take care of the Weather Dopant, the Axe Dopant, and to rescue Ryuji Sonosaki.

"Well, at least we know Isaka isn't working alone," said Kanako.

"I doubt he's the mastermind," said Phillip. He was covered in bandages due to the injuries he'd receive in the previous battle.

"What makes you say that?" Keitaro asked his brother.

"Don't you remember? He said something earlier about Saeko not wanting him to kill me," Phillip reminded. He didn't know why Saeko Sonozaki didn't want him killed since it would be advantageous for Double to lose one of his halves, but Phillip wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. However, his curious nature would want him to seek answers.

"That just raises further questions," Tatsuma grumbled.

"Maybe, but at least we know there are three of them and they're holding Ryuji hostage," said Keitaro. "It's also obvious that we won't be able to get anywhere by sitting here twiddling our thumbs. I say we start looking for some clues and find out where they're holding the kid."

"You guys should go on ahead," Phillip said. "It wouldn't be a good idea for me to go outside with these injuries."

"Will you be able to handle it if we need to become Double?" Keitaro asked. "If not then…"

"You can count on me," Phillip smiled. "I won't let you down, Keitaro."

"As touching as this moment of brotherly love is, we have a psychopath to find," Tatsuma interrupted.

The group nodded as a whole before the detectives got up and headed from the room to begin their search for clues. Phillip likewise prepared to research for what might be able to help their investigation. Even though his body had more than a few injuries, his mind was still as sharp as a tack. In a situation like this, a powerful mind was just as important as a powerful body.

Mick the Smilodon Dopant was jumping from rooftop to rooftop in search for his young master. So far, he was having little luck in his search. The lack of any sort of trace of the young master made the cat turned Dopant snarl in anger. He didn't like not being able to find Ryuji. He was probably one of Mick's favourite people aside from Ryubee and Raito since they all knew the right way he liked to be petted as well as what snacks he liked to eat. As he was about to turn, his nose picked up a familiar scent moving among the mass. A few hops across the buildings later and the Smilodon Dopant spotted Isaka moving through the masses with that same smug grin still on his face as always and smelling like a forest.

The Smilodon Dopant snarled and looked ready to attack but then it realized that if Isaka had just come out of a woodland area, then that meant that Ryuji was probably there. The Smilodon Dopant gave Isaka one last glare before swiftly moving towards the closest source of trees and nature.

HINATA-SOU

"OK, put that crate down over there," Haruka instructed and Kirihiko put the crate down.

"So, just where is everybody?" Kirihiko asked.

"Most of them have gone out," Haruka stated. "Shinobu went shopping with Kaolla, Naru's at Tokyo U, Kitsune's at a bar somewhere in town, Queen and Elizabeth are both at a recording session, and Motoko's getting some new bandages. You know what our Kamen Riders are doing, though."

"And Phillip?" Kirihiko asked. "Is he out too?"

"No, he's busy reading in Kaolla's lab," Haruka shrugged.

There was a moment of silence before they both heard a loud scream.

"That was Mutsumi!" Haruka shouted. The two dashed off to see what was wrong.

Mutsumi was just in the garden when she stumbled backwards at the sight of the Weather Dopant.

"Greetings, my former patient. It's nice to see you well," the Weather Dopant greeted with mock-kindness.

"W-what are you doing here?" Mutsumi stammered.

"It's simple, really? I need a hostage to keep the Riders in like and since Accel cares a lot about you, I figured why not?" He reached to grab her but then he was slammed in the side.

While not exactly a lethal blow, the angle and the force behind it had caused the Weather Dopant to stumble. Grunting, the Dopant turned to see none other than the former bodyguard of Ryuji Sonozaki standing in a ready stance. Still, he was panting and obviously tired. More worrisome, several of the bandages which were wrapped around his body were slightly stained red thanks to some of his wounds reopening. Despite this, his samurai spirit refused to allow the mad Dopant to have his way without a fight.

"Takayuki-san!" Mutsumi gasped.

"Stay away from her!" Takayuki ordered. He was gripping a bokken he'd gotten from Motoko's room after sensing the Weather Dopant's presence.

"Ah, Takayuki-kun. Back on you feet, I see. My, my. Most people would be in too much pain after losing a limb. I must say I'm impressed," the Weather Dopant admitted.

"Just shut up, Isaka," Takayuki growled. Meanwhile, Haruka and Kirihiko had arrived to see what was happening. Kirihiko gritted his teeth as he identified the Dopant. He knew he could assume his Dopant form and fight, but that would also reveal to Ryubee that he was alive as well if the news was spread and he couldn't risk that knowing what Ryubee was capable of. So to that end, he kept himself hidden behind the corner of Hinata-sou out of sight next to Haruka.

"As temperamental as ever, I see," said the Weather Dopant. "But you're clearly forgetting one thing, Takayuki-kun. You are lacking your Memory, your Driver, or even both of your arms You're obviously outmatched. Now, just let me take the girl and I'll be on my way."

"Like I'll let you!" Takayuki roared as he charged forward, concentrating his ki into the bokken. Unfortunately, the Weather Dopant froze him with a blast of arctic winds. He was contained in a block of ice, frozen, with an expression of shock on his face.

"Takayuki-san!" Mutsumi cried in dismay. The Weather Dopant grabbed her wrist. "Let me go! Let me go!"

"No, you're coming with me," the Weather Dopant said coolly as a tornado whipped around them and they vanished. That was when Phillip finally came down.

"What happened?" he asked Haruka and Kirihiko.

Meanwhile…

Keitaro and Kanako met up near the corner of the street. They had been checking their usual sources and comparing what they knew about Isaka in particular, they tried to determine just where he might be in terms of hideouts. Still, psycho he may have been but Isaka was clever. He had hidden himself very well and whoever his accomplices were had done the same. It had all dried up for the trio of detectives as they met up together at a street corner which was a common point in their search areas.

"Found anything?" Keitaro asked his sister.

"Nothing yet," she said, shaking her head. She then turned to the police detective. "What about you?"

"Nothing," Tatsuma growled in response. "I think we're going to have to expand our search and try some more unusual leads if we're going to be getting anywhere."

Before he could suggest what kind of leads they could use, his Beetle Phone went off. Pulling it out, he opened up to receive a phone call. He brought the phone to his ear and listened to the phone call. At first there was a warbling sound that sounded like a panicked cries. After that…

"SHE WAS WHAT!-?" Tatsuma roared in anger with his Beetle Phone in hand. The force of his cry made Kanako and Keitaro step back from the sheer force of his outrage. The red-clad detective quickly ended the call and angrily shut his phone off.

"Tatsuma, what's wrong?" Keitaro asked.

"Mutsumi-san's been kidnapped," Tatsuma answered.

"WHAT!-?" the Urashima siblings shouted in shock.

"Yeah, Isaka's got her now," Tatsuma growled. "Just spirited her away in a tornado."

"Dammit, this isn't good," Keitaro cursed. One of his tenants, his responsibility, was his danger. Now it became more prudent than ever to find out where the psycho doctor was hiding out and this time he would make sure that Isaka didn't…

"Excuse me?" The three detectives looked up to see a young man who was looking at them. He was dressed in a white business suit and holding a white briefcase. He was apparently a curious onlooker who noticed the distress in the trio and decided to lend a hand. Other than that, he didn't seem to be one to stand out all that much. "I can't help but overhear you. You mentioned a tornado, right? I think I saw one headed for the woods."

"Um, what do you mean?" Keitaro asked, but he knew what the man meant. He was just asking to confirm.

"Well, me and my friends were just driving by the forest when we noticed a tornado flying towards it, which is strange since we didn't hear about it on the weather report."

Tatsuma grabbed the guy by his collar. "Where!-?" he demanded, startling him. The man quickly gave them directions.

"OK, thanks. Let's go!" Keitaro said as he and the others went for their bikes. The man who'd just given them the information smirked as he watched them drive off. Rather than be nervous or concerned like he had been a moment ago, a cold analytical smile appeared over his face.

"Well, this is as good a time as any to see if Double is any good at all," said Jun Kazu of Foundation X.

Ryuji sat, bored and annoyed. After finishing his meal, Saeko had put the gag back on him and left with the Axe Dopant. The Dopant had informed Saeko that Isaka had returned. That left Ryuji alone with his thoughts and trying to think of a way to escape. 'I knew I should've read up on escape artists,' he thought.

Suddenly, the door fell in pieces and Ryuji's eyes widened as he saw the figure which entered. 'MICK!' The Smilodon Dopant spotted Ryuji and immediately ran towards his young master. He licked Ryuji's face, causing him to grimace.

"What's going on here!-?" Saeko demanded. "Mick!-?"

The Smilodon Dopant snarled and used his claws to cut the ropes, freeing Ryuji.

"No!" Saeko activated her Gaia Memory.

"TABOO!"

Transforming into the Taboo Dopant, she launched a plasma sphere at Mick who dodged. Taking cover, Ryuji looked around and spotted his Memory Driver and Gaia Memory nearby. He ran for it, ducking plasma spheres and grabbed the items off the table before putting on the Driver.

"WOLF!"

He inserted the Wolf Memory into the slot and he transformed into his Dopant form. With a howl, he sent the Taboo Dopant flying backwards before he and the Smilodon Dopant fled out the window.

"We need to catch them!" the Taboo Dopant yelled.

"Right, and this time I'm chopping his legs off!" snarled the Axe Dopant only to receive a face-full of plasma.

"Don't you dare hurt him!" the Taboo Dopant yelled. She flew after her cousin with the Axe Dopant following after her.

The Wolf Dopant and Smilodon Dopant continued to run and the latter was forced not to use his usually impressive speed so Ryuji could keep up. "Dammit, we're just running in circles!" shouted the Wolf Dopant. A plasma sphere exploded in front of him. "Saeko!" he snarled.

"Ryuji, come with me," the Taboo Dopant ordered. Standing next to her was the Axe Dopant. The Smilodon Dopant growled and lunged towards both, claws slashing across both of them. Sparks flew as they were knocked down. The Axe Dopant tried to cleave the Smilodon Dopant in two but the feline Dopant was much faster. As for the Wolf Dopant, he was dodging the plasma spheres and unleashing his concussive howls on Saeko.

"No!" he snarled back at his cousin. He didn't want to be taken prisoner. Even if her attentions might be good, she was still working with Isaka and he didn't think any good could come from working with a man which mad Ryuji comfortable. A bolt of lightning hit the Wolf Dopant in the chest and he crashed into a tree, his transformation cancelled out as his Gaia Memory ejected itself from the Driver.

"You should listen to your cousin, boy," said the Weather Dopant as he hovered down via a tornado swirling from the waist down. He was carrying an unconscious Mutsumi on his shoulder. He looked to the Taboo Dopant affectionately, "Hello, dear."

"Isn't that the girl you experimented on with the Sleep Memory?" the Taboo Dopant questioned.

"Yes, and she's going to be bait for the other Riders," said the Weather Dopant.

The Smilodon Dopant slashed at the Axe Dopant one last time before running towards his master. Ryuji groaned as he clenched his Wolf Memory before the Smilodon Dopant took hold of him and speedily fled the area.

"They're getting away!" the Taboo Dopant was about to give chase only for the Weather Dopant to stop her.

"There's no need to go after him, dear," the Weather Dopant assured her. "Have you already planted the seeds of doubt within him?"

"Yes," nodded the Taboo Dopant. Suddenly, the sound of motorcycle engines was heard and Kanako, Tatsuma and Keitaro all arrived. Tatsuma, spotting the Weather Dopant saw Mutsumi was being carried by him.

"ISAKA!" Tatsuma roared as he sped towards the Weather Dopant.

"Heh," the Weather Dopant snorted as he unleashed a rainbow colored beam that hit Tatsuma's Diablossa. The bike was knocked to the ground along with Tatsuma. "Distract them," the Weather Dopant ordered and a tornado wrapped around him and the Taboo Dopant before they both vanished.

"ISAKA!" Tatsuma shouted as he witnessed the Weather Dopant escape from him again. At the same time, the Axe Dopant was attacking the siblings.

"Henshin!" Kanako cried as she activated her belt and Memory.

"SKULL!"

Transforming into Skull, she ducked from a beheading strike before ramming her fist into the Axe Dopant's chest, sending him skidding backwards. "That's for hurting my Phillip-niichan!"

"Phillip!" called Keitaro as he put on the Double Driver. "Henshin!" he called as he put the purple/black Joker Memory into the left slot as the green Cyclone Memory appeared in the right. Securing the device into its slot, Keitaro spread the Double Driver.

"CYCLONE-JOKER!"

Aiding Skull, Double used a flying kick that sent the Axe Dopant staggering. Providing cover fire, Skull fired her Skull Magnum at the Axe Dopant. Her shots exploded across the Dopant's body as Double struck it with wind-powered kicks. Striking forward, sparks violently erupted from Double's chest as the Dopant's axe-hands connected with him. Staggering back, Double called, "Dammit, I don't have time for this! Xtreme Memory!"

Squawking, the bird-like Gaia Memory came down and united with the Double Driver before spreading open.

"XTREME!"

Assuming Double-CJX, Double summoned the Prism Bicker.

"PRISM!"

"With the Prism Memory slotted, he separated the Prism Bicker into the Bicker Shield and Prism Sword. The Axe Dopant was going for Skull but she jumped back to avoid the axe blades. Several trees had already been chopped down during the fight. Double slashed with his sword and the Axe Dopant cried out as he was hit, sparks bursting out. He staggered and swung his axes at Double, only for the Bicker Shield to get in the way. Skull kicked the Dopant in the side. Double pushed the button on the Prism Bicker's hilt down.

"PRISM: MAXIMUM DRIVE!"

"Prism Break!" Double called as he swung the sword at the Dopant. He tried to block but the axes were shattered and the Dopant was cut down the middle. After an explosion, the Axe Memory shattered and its pieces were on the ground and lying on the ground was the Axe Dopant's human form. He was well built and dressed in a sleeveless black shirt with wrappings around his forearms and scars all over the rest of his arms. He wore black kung-fu pants and he had short, crew-cut hair. His hair was riddled with scars. He had square jaw and a crooked nose with a scar running across his face from his right cheek to his left, crossing over his nose.

"Kuso…" the man growled as he lay on the ground. He dragged himself back to his feet and stood defiantly in front of the Kamen Riders. Suddenly, Tatsuma grabbed him and slammed him against a tree.

"Where is Isaka? Where has he taken Mutsumi?" Tatsuma demanded. "WHERE!-?"

The man, however, laughed and dropped something on the ground. There was an explosion as smoke suddenly filled the area. Tatsuma coughed as he covered his mouth while the man fled. Double used his wind manipulating power to clear the area and the man was gone.

"DAMMIT!" Tatsuma punched the tree.

"Tatsuma, it's OK," said Double.

"How can it be OK!-?" Tatsuma snapped at Double. The Spider Shock crawled up Tatsuma's body to perch onto his shoulder.

"I manage to put a tracer on Isaka before he left," said Double. "We should be able to find him using the Spider Shock."

"We know where they're going so now we can get them!" Skull insisted.

"Then let's go!" shouted the policeman before he dashed for his motorcycle.

As the former Axe Dopant fled, cursing due to his humiliating defeat, he stumbled and began tumbling down the hill. He reached the bottom, face up, grunting. He was able to escape, but being hit by a Maximum Drive had been painful and right now he was weakened. His body was suffering from withdrawal due to the destruction of his Gaia Memory. However, he would survive. He wasn't exactly human to begin with. He heard footsteps and sat up to see a man dressed in white standing in the distance. "Who are you?" he questioned.

He didn't give his name and instead gave advice, "I recommend you going to your left lest you want to run into Ryuji Sonozaki. He's quite unhappy and willing to take his anger out on anybody."

Confused, the former Axe Dopant didn't argue and ran to the suggested direction. Once he was gone from sight, Kazu spotted Ryuji being escorted by the Smilodon Dopant to safety. He'd contacted Ryubee and several Masquerade Dopants had appeared to recover Ryuji and bring him back home. Fortunately Mick's Gaia Driver had a tracking beacon on it in case the cat turned Dopant needed to be recovered. Gazing at the scene neutrally, Kazu left to reach his next observation point.

Saeko and Isaka sat together on a couch in the middle of a quarry, drinking tea. Dangling above them from a crane was Mutsumi in chains and she was still unconscious. On the table next to the tea kettle was the tracer which Double had planted on Isaka. The mad doctor had found the tracer but instead of discarding it he'd kept it on his person. He decided to stay and confront the Riders. For too long they had been interfering in his business and now it was time for them to receive their punishment for such disrespect. He'd toyed with them for too long and it had cost him. Now he would do away with them as he should have a long time ago.

"And here they come now," said Isaka as he finished his tea. He gave Saeko a kiss and told her. "You better find someplace to hide so you can watch the show, Saeko-san."

Saeko nodded and gave him another kiss before heading for cover. Picking up his umbrella and bowler hat, Isaka put the hat on and stood up to welcome the Riders. Keitaro, Kanako and Tatsuma wheeled into the quarry. They spotted Mutsumi hanging from the crane.

"Mutsumi-san!" Keitaro dismounted as Tatsuma ran past him.

"Stay where you are," said Isaka as he held up his Gaia Memory.

"WEATHER!"

He plugged it into his ear and allowed the change to overtake him. He pointed his finger at the Riders and fired bolts of lightning, halting their advance. He pointed the same finger at Mutsumi. "You don't want her to get hurt, do you?"

"You monster!" Tatsuma shouted. "You took my parents from me and now you're-"

"Going to kill this young lady that you love?" the Weather Dopant finished, amused. "Oh, and she should be coming to right about now."

Mutsumi's eyes slowly fluttered open as she let out a confused, "Ara?" She realized her arms couldn't move and she was bound tightly. "What is this?" Her vision focused and she found herself 100 feet in the air. "Nani!-?" she screamed. "What's going on! Somebody help me!"

Tatsuma yelled, "Mutsumi-san, don't worry!"

"Tatsuma-kun!" Mutsumi cried.

"I'll save you, I promise!" swore Tatsuma.

"If you want to save her, Ryo Tatsuma, then you must fight for her," said the Weather Dopant. "One on one, you and me, with no interference."

"Oh, like he's going to accept a stupid deal like that," scoffed Kanako.

"I accept," said Tatsuma.

"I stand corrected," Kanako groaned.

Accel clenched his fists and glared at the Weather Dopant. He took out his Accel Memory as he strapped on his Accel Driver.

"ACCEL!"

"Hen…shin!"

He plugged the Accel Memory into the Driver and revved it up.

"ACCEL!"

In an instant he was enveloped in his red, motorbike-themed armor. Kamen Rider Accel drew his Engine Blade and prepared himself to confront his parent's murderer. "Let her go, Isaka!" Accel demanded.

"And I will," promised the Weather Dopant. "But you and I have unfinished business, don't we?"

"Yes, we do," agreed Accel and he charged at the Weather Dopant with a roar. The Weather Dopant fired a bolt of lightning which hit Accel in the chest. Sparks exploded as he screamed. Mutsumi gasped.

"Tatsuma!" Kanako was about to intervene but Keitaro held her back. "Onii-chan?"

"This is something Tatsuma must do alone," Keitaro said. He looked at Mutsumi. If they tried to interfere then Mutsumi could get killed It was all up to Accel now.

More lightning bolts flew at Accel who deflected them with his Engine Blade. A few bolts penetrated his defences and sent him staggering backwards.

"Tatsuma-kun! Tatsuma-kun!" Mutsumi cried. He was doing this for her sake and while she was touched it was painful for her to watch him receive such punishment.

Taking out his signature weapon, the Weather Dopant lashed out with energy chains, striking Accel and knocking him to the ground. Accel grunted and opened up his Engine Blade to insert the Engine Memory.

"ENGINE!"

He squeezed the trigger.

"STEAM!"

He covered the area in steam.

"JET!"

Blades of red energy flew at the Weather Dopant but they hit a barrier of ice instead.

"ELECTRIC!"

The Weather Dopant flew the steam cloud away and saw Accel coming at him. Accel swung but the Weather Dopant caught the blade and absorbed the electricity.

"Is that all? No wonder you couldn't even protect your parents," sneered the Weather Dopant. He punched Accel hard in the stomach, blasting him across the quarry. Keitaro and Kanako watched helplessly as Accel was taking punishment.

Coughing, Accel rose to his hands and knees and dragged himself back to his feet. He gazed at Mutsumi. The girl had somehow changed him and he'd started to care for her, a feeling which had grown and developed. Now she was in danger and it was probably his fault.

Of course it wasn't like he couldn't change things. He removed the Accel Memory and took out the new Trial Memory. Keitaro and Kanako had never seen it before.

"That's a new Gaia Memory," Kanako identified.

"Shroud must've given it to him," said Keitaro. Frankly, there was no other way that a Gaia Memory made for their arsenal could be given to them. Accel gripped the Memory in his hands and activated it, announcing its name.

"TRIAL!"

"Shinkuro Isaka, it's time for you to stand trial!" said Accel as he plugged the Trial Memory into his Accel Driver.

"TRIAL!"

The indicator light on the Trial Memory flashed from red, then yellow (which caused his armor to turn yellow) before finally the blue light flash. Blue pistons appeared, encircling Accel before rising up his body, stripping him of his heavy red armor as he transformed into Accel Trial.

"Hm, a new Memory?" the Weather Dopant scoffed. He fired rainbow beams at Accel Trial but the Rider was able to dodge as he ran to the side. The Weather Dopant continued to fire but Accel Trial dodged, running around to avoid the attacks with the Weather Dopant unable to follow. "STAND STILL!" Frustrated, he formed a storm cloud around Accel Trial and lightning lanced out. However, despite the closed space, Accel Trial was able to dodge the lightning bolts with incredible speed as he weaved around them without being hit. "What?" uttered the Weather Dopant in shock.

"Too slow," Accel Trial spoke darkly before he dashed forward in a blue blur.

The Weather Dopant attempted to retaliate, but even his power wasn't fast enough before Accel appeared in front of him and unleashed a rapid barrage of punches which made the Dopant's head make like a punching bag. A powerful uppercut made the Weather Dopant stumble backwards with stars in his eyes. How was this happening?-! He was being hurt! He was losing the battle! This wasn't supposed to happen! He was on the verge of becoming a god! What could a man on a vengeance kick do against HIM?-!"

Desperate for a distraction so he could think of a plan, the Weather Dopant glanced at Mutsumi. He smiled darkly and threw a lightning bolt at her. The chain was snapped in half and Mutsumi was sent plummeting to the ground.

"Mutsumi-san!" Accel Trial ran, ran faster than he'd ever ran before and got under her to catch the girl. "I got you. I got you." He put Mutsumi down and broke the chain around her. The relieved girl hugged him.

"Thank you."

Accel Trial glared at the Weather Dopant who was collecting energy for a truly fierce attack. Accel Trial's eyes narrowed behind his helmet in cold fury at his opponent.

It was time to end this.

Digging his boots into the dirt, Accel Trial charged at the Weather Dopant, leaving a blue trail as he raced towards his enemy. The Weather Dopant unleashed a massive bolt of lightning at his enemy. The Attack sizzled the air as it flew, but Accel Trial didn't even slow down. He immediately darted past the attack, the lightning making his right shoulder armour smoke from the proximity.

The blue Rider gripped the Trial Memory and shifted it into Maximum Mode. Pressing the button, he tossed it up and executed his attack. As the Memory flew, it began to count up in bright red numbers towards that 10 second limit which the armour held. Accel Trial continued his charged as he reached the Weather Dopant unleashed a furious flurry of kicks which hit the Weather Dopant. 5…10…20…40…80…160…the speed of the kicks accelerated as the number of strikes rose and he was leaving a glowing blue trail in the shape of a T on the Weather Dopant's body. Accel then twisted on his heel and unleashed a savage roundhouse that brought a blast of blue from the impact which made the Weather Dopant stumble backwards. Accel Trial opened his hand and caught the Trial Memory which halted its count.

9.8 seconds.

"TRIAL: MAXIMUM DRIVE!"

"Despair awaits you at the finish line," Accel Trial said coldly as the Weather Dopant began to choke. The T which the Rider had created from his attack began to glow brightly as its power tore apart the Dopant body formed by a Gaia Memory. Unleashing a defiant bellow, the Weather Dopant exploded in a red haze of fire and heat. Out of the top of the fire ball came the Weather Memory. Reaching the apex of its flight, the Memory shattered, littering the area with the pieces.

Walking away from the site of the explosion, Accel Trial removed his belt and turned back to human form as he walked towards his friends. He smiled at Mutsumi who smiled back warmly at him. The two stood in front of each other with a sense of relief falling over the both of them.

"Tatsuma-kun…" she smiled happily.

"Ryo," he corrected. "You can call me Ryo."

"Ryo-kun," she repeated. She liked the sound of that.

Meanwhile, Isaka was on his hands and knees, gasping. His entire body hurt as he looked at the Riders. "Kamen Riders…" absolute venom was in his voice, his whole world crashing down around him with the defeat. Hs ambitions, his dreams, gone… "Shroud is not to be trusted…!" he snarled. "She will destroy you for the sake of her hate!" Isaka laughed manically, but soon began screaming when his body was enveloped by multiple Memory Slot tattoos which spread all over his body as he screamed. Mutsumi and the Riders watched in horror as the man seemed to dissolve on the spot, turning into dust in the wind.

"What…just happened to him?" Kanako gaped.

"The ultimate fate of anybody who uses Gaia Memories like the Dopants for too long," Keitaro frowned, recognizing the process which Phillip had explained to him. "Eventually…they are devoured by the Memory."

Mutsumi trembled before she latched onto Tatsuma's arm, the day's terror catching up to her. "I'd like to go home please."

"Then let's go," Tatsuma nodded, holding the Okinawan girl close.

Saeko witnessed this too and grimaced sadly. Her main supporter and weapon against her father was destroyed with no means of recovery. She was now alone in the world. "Isaka…sensei…"

Not wanting to be caught by any authorities who would come to inspect the commotion, she began to flee the area.

SONOZAKI MANOR

Meanwhile, Ryuji was welcomed with open arms by his uncle. Mick padded into the mansion as Ryubee hugged his nephew at the door. "I'm so glad you're safe, Ryuji."

"Yeah, I am too," said Ryuji. "Is Wakana-neechan OK?"

"She's waiting for you, and your fiancée is here too," said Ryubee. "They're in the dining room. Come."

As Ryuji followed his uncle into the dining room, he couldn't help but think about what Saeko had told him before. Once in the dining room, Wakana squealed and glomped him. Kotonoha was next as she embraced her fiancé and kissed him. Ryuji sighed. He didn't feel like thinking about such negative thoughts.

It was good to be home.

HINATA-SOU

It was a victorious group that returned to the dorm much to the relief of everyone there. Queen and Elizabeth both began to grin when they saw Mutsumi hanging so comfortably onto Tatsuma's arm. To them it was a true sign that the two were meant to be a pair. Keitaro and Kanako both had pleased smiles on their faces as they knew they scored a major victory by taking down a psychopath like the Weather Dopant.

"I take it you guys won?" asked Naru.

"Yeah we did," Keitaro nodded. "The Weather Dopant won't be hurting anyone ever again."

"It was awesome!" Su squealed, dashing into the room with what looked like a large screen television being held in the air with Mecha Tama-chans. Motoko immediately cringed at the sight, but when Su activated the screen to reveal the battlefield in which Tatsuma took on his Accel Trial form and battle against the Weather Dopant she focused on the screen instead. The speed and striking power of the new form managed to bring all of the girls to silence as they witnessed the Weather Dopant's demise.

"Su…how did you get this?" asked Kanako.

"My Tama-Cams! Did you forget?" the MolMol girl beamed. "They are on the constant search for Rider action!"

"Isn't Ryo-kun's new power amazing?" Mutsumi beamed, still not letting go of Tatsuma's arm.

"Your boyfriend's amazing!" Queen cheered.

"Why can't we get great boyfriends like him?" pouted Eilizabeth.

"You know, Mutsumi," Kitsune spoke, "We should double date."

"That sounds like a great idea!" Mutsumi beamed.

Takayuki had been melted out of the ice following the Weather Dopant's defeat but now he'd developed a cold. Motoko was taking care of him, the kendoka owing him that much since he'd tried to protect Mutsumi. The door opened and Takayuki saw who it was. "Ryuji-sama," he uttered.

Motoko, in the past, wouldn't have welcomed the intrusion but Takayuki knew Ryuji as a close personal friend. Motoko left the two along as the young Sonozaki heir entered and knelt at Takayuki's bedside. "How are you feeling?" Ryuji asked.

"Are you worried about my arm, Ryuji-sama? Don't. I have a spare," Takayuki joked. "I'm glad you're safe."

"Mick saved me," Ryuji said.

"Mick-sama is indeed loyal family pet and companion," agreed Takayuki. "Ryuji-sama, I'm going to be staying here to recuperate."

"I see," said Ryuji. He dug into his pocket and took out the Swords Memory. "You dropped this."

"Keep it," Takayuki denied. "I'm not going to be needing it right now."

"I see," Ryuji pocketed the Gaia Memory. He grinned, "So, who was that girl tending to you? Your girlfriend?"

"Urusai!" Takayuki snapped, blushing.

"I don't hear a no," an amused Ryuji smiled. "Well, I heard the hot spring here is good for the body. It's one of the main reasons Uncle wanted it."

"The people here are good too," said Takayuki. A part of him considered telling Ryuji that Kirihiko was alive but he decided against him.

"I'll try to come and visit more often, OK?" Ryuji promised. He shook Takayuki's remaining hand before standing up to leave.

In the hallway, Ryuji walked past Keitaro and warned him, "You shouldn't interfere with Museum business."

"Museum business is a threat to this city," the detective replied. "That makes it my business."

"Your funeral. Don't say I didn't warn you," Ryuji shrugged as he continued walking. He was in enemy territory so it was best he left as soon as possible and not make Takayuki's stay uncomfortable.

Tatsuma closed the case file. His family had been avenged. Putting the file away, he sniffed the air and smelled food cooking. Leaving his room, he looked to the kitchen to see Mutsumi cooking.

"Dinner will be ready soon, Ryo-kun," the Okinawan said. She was going to make him dinner. It's the least she could do after he'd rescued her.

"It smells great," he complimented, making her blush.

"Ano…Ryo-kun…I'll be going home to visit my family in Okinawa soon, so I was hoping if you'd like to come with me."

Gaia Memory Report

By: Shroud

Subject: Axe Memory

User: Unidentified Male

Status: Broken, but at large.

This Object-Class Gaia Memory grants the user incredible offensive and defensive strength while arming the user with powerful axes capable of chopping almost anything in half. The Dopant visually resembles a Viking and the axe blades are the Dopant's hands itself. The Dopant fought Takayuki and was able to defeat the swordsman, cutting of one of his arms in the process. It later attacked Hinata-Sou but was confronted by Double Fang-Joker. He assumed a Giga Axe form wielded by the Weather Dopant to defeat Double Fang-Joker, injuring Raito. In his final confrontation with Double, the Axe Dopant was defeated by the Prism Sword's Maximum Drive. However, the user managed to escape using a smoke bomb as cover.

KAMEN RIDER CHROME: You guys have been waiting a long time for this, haven't you? Thanks for being patient. Anyway, Isaka has been defeated and Mutsumi is finally allowed to call Tatsuma by his first name. Ryuji's back with the Sonozakis but how long with his loyalty to his uncle will last? Saeko's already planted the seeds of doubt but now she's alone and on the run. So, what do you think is Tatsuma's answer to Mutsumi's request? Anyway, the Axe Memory's user is still at large.

TEN-FACED PALADIN: Okay, we're back with a new chapter and we hope you guys enjoy it. It's been a while but hopefully all of you enjoy it. Isaka has finally been defeated, but don't think that things are going to get any easier for the Double crew. There's still a lot of evil plots to come and we still have plans for Kirihiko to deal with before we can even consider calling the fic finished. So stay tuned!