Previously...

"So what's this case?" asked Keitaro. He and Battler had taken seats while Kanako had provided tea and Phillip watched on, ready to begin researching on anything.

"Well, you'll need some background to understand it," Battler sighed. "I suspect that you already know that I'm part of the Ushiromiya Family."

"One of the largest families involved in conglomerates in the country," Phillip began, "Your grandfather, Kinzo Ushiromiya, built his fortune upon many different industries. It is said he found a literal gold mine and from there his fortune grew as he invested in many different industries. He has four children: Krauss Ushiromiya, Rudolph Ushiromiya, Eva Ushiromiya and Rosa Ushiromiya. He also has grandchildren from each of his children's marriages: George Ushiromiya, Jessica Ushiromiya, Maria Ushiromiya, Ange Ushiromiya and Battler Ushiromiya."

"Suffice to say, you're loaded and from a big time family," Keitaro nodded.

"Yes," Battler nodded. "Anyway, my grandfather is hosting a gathering. It's mostly family and a few extra guests he's invited. My parents are roping me to go along with them, mainly to help them out."


Kinzo Ushiromoya had a noose tied around his neck and was left hanging from his ceiling, with blood dripping from his mouth and a stake through his heart. The rest of the Ushiromiya family and guests also came up to see what's wrong and saw the same sight. Rosa pulled Maria into an embrace, shielding her daughter's eyes from the sight.


"OK, what's going on?" Keitaro asked as he, Phillip and Kitsune came across the entrance of the dining hall. The double doors were locked and standing in front were George, Jessica, Battler, Maria, Beatrice and Rosa.

"Someone locked the door," Battler said.

"I can see that," said Keitaro. "Did you get anyone to open it?"

"I sent Genji-san to get the key," said Rosa. Genji returned with the master key and unlocked the double doors. When the doors were opened, those assembled were treated to a grim sight.

Krauss, Eva, Rudolph and their spouses were sitting in their chairs with their throats slit.

Phillip recalled one of the lines of the riddle, "At the first twilight, you shall lift up as sacrifice the six chosen by the key."

The Urashima Brothers now had seven murder victims in total. As Rosa held Maria close, averting her eyes, Keitaro's eyes narrowed. The killer had struck again, this time right under their noses. Three of the Oyashiro children were dead along with their spouses and Kinzo. He looked at Ryuji who was comforting Kotonoha, holding her close and preventing her from seeing more of the grim scene. Then, he gazed at Rosa and Maria. The woman had more to benefit from this murder.

However, how had she done it. He examined the lock. It seemed the key only worked on the outside. The door could only be locked from the inside. Meaning, the killer could not have gotten out.

This was a Locked Room Murder.


"My mother had an uncanny resemblance to her mother," Leo sighed. "Growing up isolated like she was, she was...naive to many things. Kinzo, still mourning over the loss of his mistress just one night couldn't take it anymore and with mother's uncanny resemblance to Beatrice he..."

"Say no more," Keitaro grimaced. Man, just when he thought he couldn't hear of anything more twisted... "So then you came around."

"And my mother died at childbirth," Leo sighed. "I was raised here and if it weren't for the mother of my half-brother and sister demanding an education for us 'secret' children I may have ended up as naive and easily manipulated as my mother."

"Oh," Keitaro nodded, but then his eyes widened as a fact revealed itself. "Wait...you have a half-brother and sister?"

"Yes," Leo nodded. "Sayo and Yoshiya. They work as a maid and butler at the main house. I'm sure you must have seen them."

"Sayo? Yoshiya? I don't know anyone by those names," claimed Keitaro.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot. They're also known as Shannon and Kanon," said Leo. That was when Keitaro's eyes widened as his mind started to connect the dots.


Shannon and George were in the island's chapel which wasn't very far from the main mansion. The two had used an umbrella and raincoats to keep themselves dry in the middle of the storm so that they could reach the building. The chapel was, as always, unlocked, so they didn't find any trouble entering.

"Thank you, Sayo-san," said George as he smiled at the maid who smiled back at him.

"You told me you just had to come into the chapel," said Sayo. "I suppose, because of these dreadful events, you must want to speak with God."

"Yes, I do," he confessed, "But I also wish to speak with you." He put his hand into his pocket. "Sayo-san, I've always loved you."

"And I you, George-san," Shannon replied, smiling. He then pulled out a velvet box and opened it. She gasped as she saw the diamond ring inside. "George-san, this is."

"I know I shouldn't say horrible things about my mother, since she's gone and all, but she wouldn't have let us be together," George said. "But now nobody can stop us, not her and especially not Grandfather." Tears were forming in her eyes and George assumed that they were tears of joy. She looked up at George then saw something lunging for him from behind.

"George-san, watch out!"


LOVE HINA/DOUBLE TROUBLE

Chapter 53: Murder on Rokkenjima (Part 4)

By: Kamen Rider Chrome & Ten-Faced Paladin


Keitaro, finally knowing the truth, pulled out the Double Driver. Leo watched as the detective put on the device and was amazed as a belt wrapped around, securing the Driver.

"What's that?" Leo asked.

"Phillip, can you hear me?" Keitaro called.


Back in the mansion, Phillip's Double Driver materialized as well. He was at the door with Battler, looking for George, Kanon and Shannon.

"Phillip, can you hear me?" Phillip heard in his mind. The Double Driver allowed both of them to communicate telepathically.

"Yes, I can hear you," said Phillip. "I'm with Battler. It seems that George-san has gone missing, along with Shannon-san and Kanon-san."

"The young maid and kid butler, right?" Keitaro asked.

"Yes," Phillip confirmed. "Is something wrong?"

"Yeah, and I just found out who's the killer! But right now, you need to get to where George is!"

"Well, then it's a good thing I have Fang," said Phillip as he took out the Fang Memory which hopped up and down on his palm. "Fang, go find George Ushiromiya, Kanon-san and Shannon-san." The Fang Memory growled and leapt off Phillip's palm. He headed for the door which Phillip opened. Battler then followed Phillip out into the rain with Fang leading them.


Meanwhile, back in the chapel, George was stunned as Shannon projected a barrier of golden light, saving his life. However, he was even more surprised when he learnt who she'd saved him from.

It was Kanon, and he was wielding some kind of blade made of light. He wasn't holding it, like in those Star Wars movies, as the blade seemed to extend from his own forearm. He had tried to attack George when Shannon had shouted out a warning before shielding him with her barrier.

"Sayo..." George uttered, shocked.

"Nee-san, get out of the way," Kanon demanded.

"Kanon-kun, please stop this. You don't need to kill him. It's enough," begged Shannon.

"No, it isn't enough," Kanon shot back. He was usually calm and composed, but his eyes reflected an insane rage in them. "They all must die for everything! Don't waste your time being with him! You know that you can't be with him!"

"Sayo-san, what's going on? What is he talking about?" George questioned.

"I'm sorry, George-san," apologized Shannon. "But..."

"Nee-san and I are both Kinzo's illegitimate children," Kanon finished and he watched as George's face went pale. He looked to Sayo whose face was filled with shame because of a secret being revealed to the man she loved. "Our mother was nothing more than his mistress whom he kept locked away. We didn't mean a damn thing to him and he just treated us like servants!"

"Kanon-kun, please, stop!" begged Shannon.

"It's too late, Nee-san!" Kanon shot back. "I've killed Kinzo, I've killed three of his children and their spouses. Now, one of his grandchildren will die as well!"

George gasped, "You killed my parents!"

"That's right!" Kanon confirmed, "And you'll be seeing them soon, IN HELL!" He struck and broke the barrier. "NOW DIE!" However, George would not just let himself be killed. Once Kanon was in range, George's foot shot forward and smashed into Kanon's face. The young servant boy went flying backwards into the chapel's pews.

George let out a battlecry similar to Bruce Lee's as he went into a Jeet Kune Do stance. His mother had him trained in martial arts to defend himself and right now George was going to use them against his opponent. He was also going to avenge his parents. Kanon spat out blood and glared at George before he flew towards the bespectacled older man. George anticipated Kanon's next strike as the servant tried to run him through. George blocked the strike with his own arm then buried his fist into Kanon's stomach. Kanon stumbled back and would've been knocked down if he hadn't dodged George's kick.

Shannon watched, horrified, as the two young men fought. "Please, stop!" George, hearing her cry, was distracted and Kanon took advantage of the distraction to land a cut on George's leg. George screamed as he was sent reeling, falling down next to Shannon. "George-san, are you alright?"

"It's just a flesh wound," he grunted. "I'll be fine."

"Not for long," said Kanon as he stalked towards them.

"Yoshiya, wait!" Shannon shouted. "Please, you don't have to kill him!"

"I have to," said Kanon.

"But does that mean you'll kill Maria-sama and Jessica-sama?" Shannon questioned. Kanon paused. Maria was just a little girl. And Jessica...Jessica was... "Jessica-sama has always been kind to you."

"Yes..." Kanon muttered. He shook his head. It did not matter what he felt for Jessica. They could never be together. As soon as he'd learnt the truth, his resolve for this plan had been set. He would wipe out the Ushiromiya bloodline, and take the fortune so he and his big sister could live in peace and not have to serve anyone ever again. "But that was then, and this is now. Now, George-sama, say hello to your grandfather, your parents, and your relatives in HELL!" He was about to strike when the sound of applause was heard.

"Well, isn't this an interesting little show?" said Ryuji as he stepped into the chapel. "Illegitimate children, a series of murders, and now I've stumbled into another murder attempt. It seems my luck is starting to change."

Shannon recognized him as one of their guests and cried out, "Please, sir! You must leave and get help! George-san is hurt!" Ryuji ignored her and looked at Kanon's energy blade.

"Now, this is interesting," said Ryuji as he studied the blade. "What kind of energy can produce that blade? I don't see any device. So, does that mean it's either Ki energy, or even magic?" Takayuki had taught him that it was possible for humans to manipulate Ki to generate weapons like a blade. Of course, Ki wasn't the only kind of energy humans could learn to manipulate. There was also magic. At first, Ryuji scoffed at the idea of magic, but he'd lived with the Sonozaki Family long enough to know that there was no such thing as the impossible.

Kanon gritted his teeth. Now there was witness. Since George was incapacitated, he wouldn't be going anywhere fast. Leaping at Ryuji, Kanon thrust his energy sword towards the Sonozaki heir who grinned. Ryuji dodged to the side and backhanded the back on Kanon's head, sending the boy dropping to the floor painfully. Kanon grunted and recovered to return to his feet. He glared at Ryuji who reached into his pocket to pull something out.

"Kid, you've been scaring my fiancée and I really don't appreciate that. Now, I'm going to have to return the favor," said Ryuji coldly. "Now, show me what you fear."

"PHOBIA!"


As Phillip and Battler were following the Fang Memory, Phillip's Stag Phone began to beep rapidly. It only did that when there was a Dopant activation within range. Stopping a moment to take it out of his phone, Phillip looked at the screen.

A Dopant, here on Rokkenjima? Was it the killer? Had they gotten their hands on a Gaia Memory? Since Ryuji Sonozaki was here, he could've found the killer and sold them the Gaia Memory. However, why was the killer using it now? Had he been cornered and forced to use it, or were they testing their new power by committing another murder?

"Battler, follow me," commanded Phillip as he followed the signal that would lead them to the chapel.


SMACK!

The palm of the Phobia Dopant connected with Kanon's face and painfully sent the boy crashing into the chapel pews again.

"Get up," ordered the Phobia Dopant with disgust. "You've killed plenty of people who couldn't fight back now you're up against someone who can. Not so easy now, is it?" He commanded again, "Get back up." He scoffed, "Fine, stay down. Makes it easier for me to kill you." The Phobia Dopant flicked his wrist and produced a blood red energy whip which glowed and crackled with energy. "An eye for an eye," he stated hatefully before drawing his arm back to strike. He swung the energy whip forward but then his attack was deflected as a golden shield of energy erected itself before him.

"A force field!?" exclaimed the Phobia Dopant. He then saw the source as Shannon was glowing the same color as the shield, her hand pointed to where Kanon lay. "I see. Defending your little brother. Touching."

"Don't hurt him anymore," pleaded Shannon.

"I'm only giving this little bastard what he deserves," said the Phobia Dopant venomously. "A murderer like him should receive a punishment that fits the crime; he's killed so he must he killed too." He threatened, "Get in my way and I will kill you too."

"I will not allow anymore people to die," declared Shannon.

"Then, it's time for you to face with true fear...the fear of death!" The Phobia Dopant's eyes glowed and his wings spread out before he lunged for the maid. However, with great effort to ignore the pain in his leg, George leapt forward and landed a flying kick into the Phobia Dopant's face, the force of the strike sending the Dopant reeling. Growling, the Dopant roared, "OUT OF MY WAY!" He swung his claw and slashed George across the chest. Blood splattered the floor as George went down.

"GEORGE-SAN!" Shannon cried.

"Don't worry about your boyfriend. He's not dead, yet," said the Phobia Dopant coldly before turning his gaze towards Kanon, "Your little brother on the other hand..." He went to where Kanon lay, groaning, and prepared to execute the lethal blow. However, the door to the chapel was thrown open and a blur flew before slamming into the Phobia Dopant's face, causing him to grunt in annoyance, "Damn it! Why always the face!?" He looked to the door to see Phillip standing with Battler as the Stag Phone hovered in the air. In Phillip's hand was the Fang Memory. "Raito..."

"Ryuji Sonozaki," Phillip identified. "That's you, isn't it?"

"How did you guess?" the Phobia Dopant sneered.

"It just seems logical. An alert for a Dopant activation showed up on my phone. The only person here connected to Museum here is you. I just connected all the dots," said Phillip proudly.

"Smart," said the Phobia Dopant. "But you're too late. I got the killer right where I want him and he's going to pay for killing Kinzo and his kids."

"No," Phillip shot back, "He must live to face justice for his crimes." He folded the Fang Memory into its Gaia Memory form. "Keitaro, let's do this! Henshin!" The Joker Memory appeared in the left slot and Phillip put the Fang Memory into the right slot before pushing it down and spreading the buckle.

"FANG-JOKER!"

Phillip roared and charged at the Phobia Dopant as a tornado surrounded him. Metal fragments materialised and fused together to form Double Fang-Joker. The black and white, half-and-half warrior's eyes flashed as the edges of his armor sharpened. With a roar, he slashed the Phobia Dopant with his claws. However, the Phobia Dopant was able to catch the wrist of Double's right arm.

"I've been hoping for a rematch, Kamen Rider," the Phobia Dopant grinned. "Thanks!"He then drove his fist into Double's stomach, sending him skidding backwards. "I've been bored! Now, let's start the real party!" He unfurled his wings and soared towards Double who grunted. Looking up at the airborne Dopant, Double performed a duck and a dodge-roll to avoid being tackled.

"SHOULDER FANG!"

Removing the Shoulder Saber, Double threw the white blade like a boomerang. It homed in on the Phobia Dopant who was stopped in mid-air by the repeated slashes of the Shoulder Saber as it arched around him. The Shoulder Saber returned to Double's hand as he leapt into the air to land a diagonal slash along the Dopant's chest, causing sparks to fly. A snap kick sent the Dopant crashing into the pews, causing broken wood to go flying.

Grunting in annoyance, the Phobia Dopant snarled and hovered up into the air. He dusted himself off and glared at Double. "Raito and Keitaro Urashima, the two in one Kamen Rider, Double. You really are all I ever wanted in an opponent."

'Raito?' Keitaro wondered mentally.

"Ryuji Sonozaki, there has been so much blood already spilt on this island. Is it necessary for us to fight?" Phillip questioned.

"You're an enemy of Museum, Double," said the Phobia Dopant, "You're also in the way of letting me avenge Kinzo Ushiromiya."

"And would Kotonoha Katsura be happy about that?" Phillip argued. "Would she approve?"

"What she knows won't hurt her," the Phobia Dopant said before he lunged at Double. He clawed at the black and white Rider who sidestepped from the attack. Double then landed a kick to the Dopant's side. However, the Phobia Dopant grabbed hold of Double's ankle before tossing him into the air. Conjuring his crimson energy whips, the Phobia Dopant lashed at Double repeatedly, causing sparks to go flying from the armor before binding him tightly. Spinning around and around, the Phobia Dopant proceeded to smash the Rider against the pews violently, uncaring of the collateral damage. He then swung and smashed Double against the wall and watched as Double fell awkwardly and painfully to the ground.

Dismissing his Bloody Whips, the Phobia Dopant snorted. Clearly, Museum had overestimated Double. Then again, Ryuji was using a gold Museum Gaia Memory, and not his old Wolf Memory. His high synchronization with the Phobia Memory also allowed him to use its abilities to the fullest.

"Now, back to business," said the Phobia Dopant. He looked towards Kanon and frowned as Shannon was protecting him. "Che, pointless." Suddenly, the doors to the chapel opened, and there was Leo with an unconscious Keitaro on his back. "What!?"

"Alright!" Keitaro's voice came from Double before Fang leapt off Phillip's Double Driver, with the Joker Memory returning to Keitaro's Double Driver. Phillip groaned as he stood up, and Keitaro got off Leo's back. "Thanks for the lift." Leo nodded. "Aibou, let's go."

"Hai," Phillip plugged in the Cyclone Memory. The Memory then transferred to Keitaro's Double Driver before he spread the buckle.

"CYCLONE-JOKER!"

A squawk was heard as the Xtreme Memory burst in. It digitized and absorbed Phillip's body before flying towards Double to combine with the Double Driver.

"XTREME!"

A pillar of shining data erupted around Double as the Crystal Server manifested on his armor, transforming him into Double Cyclone-Joker-Xtreme.

"Dammit!" the Phobia Dopant roared as Double charged at him, summoning the Prism Bicker in mid-run. He drew the Prism Sword after inserting the Prism Memory. The Phobia Dopant's Bloody Whips reappeared again, and then shortened before turning rigid, becoming swords. Sparks flew as Double's Prism Sword crashed against the Bloody Blades. The two continued fighting, the Phobia Dopant using the moves he'd been taught by Takayuki. However, while Ryuji was proficient in the use of swords, he was no master. Phillip, however, could master any skill. So, it went without saying how the fight ended.

"PRISM: MAXIMUM DRIVE!"

"HYAH!" Double cried out as he slashed the Phobia Dopant across the chest with his energized sword. The force of the attack sent the Phobia Dopant flying, crashing through the stained glass window, and out into the rain, screaming. With the Phobia Dopant defeated, it was time to focus on other, but still important, matters.

"Alright, that's taken care of, at least for now," concluded Double. He closed the Xtreme Memory and it flew off before the armor vanished, revealing both Phillip and Keitaro.

"Is everyone alright?" Keitaro asked.

"Yes, we are, well most of us at least," hissed George. His chest was still bleeding and soaking through his clothes, but he was otherwise fine. He glanced towards Kanon who was still unconscious. He had sustained numerous injuries from the Phobia Dopant's beating. Battler glared at Kanon and clenched his fists. The kid had caused their family so much misery in the span of two days and needed to pay. He stepped towards the wrecked pews but then Keitaro put his hand on his shoulder.

"Battler, don't," advised Keitaro. "We can't take the law into our own hands."

"But-" Battler wanted to protest.

"Hate the crime, don't hate the person," Keitaro added, "That's what Boss once told me. Besides, I think more than enough blood has been spilt already." Battler clenched his eyes shut. Keitaro had a point. He then looked at Kanon and how Shannon was worried about him. "Come on, we better get everyone to Dr. Nanjo. George needs bandages and Kanon probably has some broken bones."

"We better restrain him too," added Battler logically. "We need to keep him until we can contact the police."

"The storm will let up tomorrow," said Phillip.

"So," Battler began curiously as he looked at Leo. "Who are you? I've never seen you before."

"That is a long story," said Leo. "A very long and complicated story."

"I'm sure we'll love to hear it," sighed Battler. His gaze went back to the broken stained glass window. "Shouldn't you be going after that Dopant?"

"I don't think it's necessary," said Keitaro. "I'm sure he won't be going very far."


Meanwhile, Ryuji was supporting himself against the tree and had his teeth gritted. Clenched in his hand was the Phobia Memory. Fortunately, it had not been shattered. However, right now, his pride had taken a hit. He trembled with rage.

"Raito..." he growled, "...Urashima...!" He then took a deep breath to calm himself down. There would be other chances. Right now, he needed to get back to Kotonoha. She was probably worried sick about him now.


The next morning, the nightmare was over and the storm had cleared. The police could finally be contacted. However, while everything was resolved, it was still tragic. While Keitaro was on the island, many people had died and loved ones were lost. Jessica was an adult but now she was alone. Fortunately, her cousins and Aunt Rosa would be there for her, as well as the staff. It still shocked her that Kanon/Yoshiya had committed the murders. In all the years she had known him, he had not given any indication that he was capable of committing something so horrible. Apparently, she was wrong.

The ferry would come to take them off the island and return them to the mainland. Of course, there was another ferry arriving along with the police.

It was the Sonozaki private ferry and at the bow was Wakana as she called out, "RYUJI! RYUJI!"

"WAKANA-NEECHAN!" Ryuji waved before the ferry docked at the island. Wakana jumped onto the platform and ran over to hug her cousin/little brother tightly.

"I was so worried!" she cried. After not hearing from him for two days, she had feared the worst.

"I can take care of myself," he defended but he returned the hug. "And I'm sorry for worrying you." Wakana smiled and broke the hug before hugging Kotonoha. Ryubee Sonozaki stepped off the ferry next to address his adopted son. "Otou-sama," greeted Ryuji. "I'm sorry."

"So, Kinzo is truly gone, as well as most of his children," said Ryubee with a frown. "That is unfortunate."

Keitaro and Phillip looked at the Sonozaki Patriarch, the latter averting his eyes as he pulled the hood over his head. Keitaro knew why. Last night, Phillip had finally revealed the truth to him.

Phillip's real name was Raito Sonozaki, son of Ryubee Sonozaki.


Hinata-Sou - Urashimas Office

It was some time later after they had returned home. Keitaro sighed, looking at his final notes on the Rokkenjima case. So much life had been lost over grudges, greed, and bitterness. It wasn't his first murder case, but it had become quite personal for Battler Ushiromiya.

Rosa had been named the head of the Ushiromiya Family, even if it was in name only, by the lawyers until such a time that the riddle Kinzo had written was solved. Even in death, his will was holding strong. Rosa would receive a stipend from the profits Kinzo's holdings brought in even if she didn't have a say in how to control those holdings. From what Keitaro found out, she was using the stipend to help her surviving relatives with any troubles they had. She had also taken Jessica into her home, the poor girl suffering depression from what happened to her parents and learning the boy she was crushing on was responsible for it all.

George took control of his father's business, having been groomed for it. So far he was staying true to his father's methods and practices which kept the modest profits coming in. He and Shannon weren't sure how their relationship was going to progress, but he didn't want to give her up. In Japan it was legal for cousins to marry and what relation they shared was just as distant as cousins so he held some optimism for what they shared. Shannon still pined for George, but she was so ashamed about what her brother had done she couldn't really bring herself to enter the public eye. George was helping her deal with that.

Battler had the unfortunate duty to inform his sister Ange about what had happened to their parents. The detective quickly took legal custody of his sister and Beatrice stuck by his side the entire time. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police were praising him for his role in solving the case of such a prominent murder and rumours were flying that he was to receive a medal of commendation for working such a case. It felt rather hollow to him considering what had happened to his family though.

As for Leo Ushiromiya, the young blond gentleman had remained sheltered and isolated in Rokkenjima for a very long time. With the revelation of his existence, he was finally able to head out and explore the world. The surviving Ushiromiyas were of course appalled that Kinzo had done such a thing which conceived Leo, but they didn't let it affect their efforts in getting to know him. In the face of the tragedy they had been dealt, knowing that they had more family remaining was a comfort.

Keitaro finished up the case report and put it away into a file folder like he always did with every case. Speaking of family, to think that Phillip was actually the son of Ryubee Sonozaki. However, that just brought up more questions. Like, had Sokichi Narumi known? Why had Phillip been kept at that facility? Why could Phillip access the Gaia Library? And why couldn't he remember his past before? This mystery was something Keitaro needed to solve. However, despite knowing who Phillip really was, it didn't matter much to Keitaro or change how he treated his adopted brother. Phillip was family and he was his partner.

Then there was the issue of Ryuji Hasuma-Sonozaki. To think the kid he'd met before wasn't just a member of Museum, but the same Dopant responsible for putting all those people in the hospital. He had originally thought the kid to be decent, despite his thuggish appearance, but looks were deceiving. The kid was a genius. He was the one who came up with the research which sped up the production of the T2 Gaia Memories' production. Right now, what else was he probably working on?

Keitaro had suspected that Ryuji must've known about the Phobia Dopant but he would have never had suspected that the kid was the Phobia Dopant. It just didn't seem like him. According to Takayuki, the kid was decent and noble despite his appearance and actually believed in the use of Gaia Memories to achieve something great. It came as a shock to Keitaro to find out that the kid had been using the Phobia Memory's powers on people to put them into comas.

Of course, there was still something else that Keitaro could not believe. When they had returned, they learnt that something horrible had taken place in their absence.

Takayuki Hirakawa had been murdered.

He heard a knock at the door, and then he heard Kitsune's voice, "Kei, can I come in?" Keitaro put away his notes and stood up. Walking over to the door, he slid it open to allow her entry. He could see that the case had really affected her deeply and emotionally. In just two days she had seen people murdered. That kind of experience was traumatic for anyone who wasn't used to it.

Kitsune didn't look too well. Her face was absent of the usual vibrance and she looked like she had bags under her eyes. She hadn't been drinking. He didn't smell any alcohol. Well, maybe she had sobered up before coming to his room. Regardless, she knew she had come to talk.

"Would you like a seat?" he offered and she took a seat on the floor with him. "Want to talk about it?"

"How do you cope with these murder cases?" she asked.

Keitaro sighed and answered, "The first time I saw a dead body was back when I was with Boss. I just froze and felt nauseous. I even threw up afterwards. After that, I just got used to it."

"So, it gets easier?" she asked.

"Maybe," he said, unsure. Did it ever get easier? The sight of a murder victim was never pleasant. When he saw a dead body, he wondered about the people who had known the victim and how they must be feeling. He could imagine their devastation and misery.

He could understand how Motoko must be feeling right now at the news of Takayuki's death. According to the rest of the household, she barely left her room, and Su claimed that Motoko had been crying herself to sleep. Su let herself into the Kendoka's room to comfort her since she learnt the news. It really hurt to be a friend in pain and not being able to effectively fix things.

"I tried to drink to make myself forget," she admitted, laughing bitterly. "I passed out, then I had a nightmare. I saw their bodies, all the blood. I woke up and ran to the bathroom to throw up."

"Kit...if I had known that something like that would happen..." Kitsune pressed her index finger against his lips to shush him.

"It's OK. These things happen," said Kitsune. "I mean, you're a detective. I guess it's just fate that you stumble on these cases. I should've expected something like this might happen. Happens all the times in detective novels."

"Are you going to write about it? You're a witness to it," said Keitaro.

"Maybe, but when I do, it'll be in memory of the people who were murdered," said Kitsune. "I just can't believe that they had so many secrets."

"Everyone has secrets," said Keitaro, his thoughts drifting towards Ryuji and Phillip, "Some much darker than others." He put his arms around Kitsune, comforting the woman.


"If Double can use more than one Gaia Memory, I should find a way to do the same," Ryuji resolved. On his laptop's monitor was a wireframe image of a device he'd just designed. Over the image was a caption: GAIA INTEGRATOR ADAPTER. His fingers flew across the keyboard as he got to work.


KAMEN RIDER CHROME: Well, that's the end of the Rokkenjima Arc. I would like to thank Ten-Faced Paladin for his help. Because of circumstances, it took longer than expected to finish this chapter. However, I am proud to finally bring you an update. Now, what's next? Well, it'll get heavy into the mystery of Phillip Urashima/Raito Sonozaki, not to mention what Ryuji has in store for the Riders.