Shinichi's subconscious was an unusually crowded place. Sure, it had space to house multiple entities since becoming their host, but it became noisy as a result. At first, he was unaware of their presence but Yabuki, Gokuaku, and Zennin soon appeared before him to help him master the abilities they had granted him. Later on, St. George and Dreigon had also moved in. While they made his mind crowded, it also helped since Shinichi had a group he could consult with in private.

"So, a woman has kidnapped you," said Gokuaku as he took a swig of sake from his gourd. "You think she wants you to marry her?"

"I don't think it's one of those kinds of kidnappings," Shinichi told the Oni. He was with Gokuaku, Zennin and Yabuki, the spirits of the Treasures of Hinamizawa as well as Dreigon and St. George. "It's like she's on a mission and needs me out of the way."

"Or she's trying to protect you," Yabuki suggested. "She seems to know a lot about your life."

"Well, I can't exactly talk to her now since she put me in a magical coma," Shinichi frowned. "If I could wake up, then maybe I could do something."

"But you've been hit with a powerful sleeping spell," Dreigon frowned. "I have never seen such a spell so powerful. It is almost like the sleeping curse from the stories of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. You won't wake up unless certain conditions are met or there is something stronger that surpasses the spell."

"Too bad Princess Shawna isn't here," St. George added. "A kiss from royal blood may work."

"Hey, do you think she's doing anything to your body while you're unconscious?" Zennin asked.

"Not until you mentioned it," Shinichi retorted. "Now I can't stop thinking about it."

"Some men would consider it a compliment if a woman takes advantage of them," Gokuaku said.

"Yeah, well I don't want a stranger violating my personal space," Shinichi scowled. "I need to wake up now."

"But how can you? This spell is too strong to break," St. George inquired.

"By doing something crazy," Shinichi answered as he summoned Kamen Rider Stronger. "I'm going to use Stronger's powers to zap myself awake."

"Alright, admittedly, that does sound crazy," Zennin remarked.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Yabuki asked.

"I just said it was crazy, so it's not wise, but I'm willing to try anything," Shinichi answered, bracing himself. "Hopefully I don't fry any brain cells by doing this." He turned to Stronger and nodded. "Do it."

"ELECTRO FIRE!"

...

Nothing.

"It seems this woman really doesn't want you to wake up," Dreigon commented in a matter-of-fact tone as Stronger slowly faded away.

"Crap, she must've planned this. That usually works," Shinichi muttered as he held his head, "If I can't shock myself awake, it looks like I'm going to have to do this the long way."

"And what exactly is the long way, lad?" St. George asked.

"I'm going to take a trip through my head. Maybe I might find a way to wake up. It could take a while though," Shinichi answered.

Showa Chronicles: The Powerless Ones

Act II: Your Karma Escape Warranty Has Expired

The Top Hat Trade Emporium (formerly known as Topper's Pawn Shop) was a unique store in Shishibone's shopping district. While it was technically a pawn shop, the owner was willing to barter and trade goods. His merchandise could only be described as strange, curious, and random. There were numerous things on shelves like antique toys, jewellery, and things that you may find in a museum.

However, their appearance may just hide something sinister and the price for them might just be too high.

Alan stood before the store. His brother worked here part-time, seemingly unaware of its true nature. The store itself was actually alive, an extension of the entity inside.

Alan really wished he did not have to rely on the Infernal Merchant for help but he needed to save Shinichi. If it meant making a deal with the Elder known as Topper Liquer, then so be it.

"You really don't want to do this, do you?" Bazel asked as he noticed Alan's hesitance.

"You have any better ideas?" Alan asked.

"Do you?" Bazel countered.

Alan did not answer as he saw no other alternative. Before coming here, he had tried to look up Zawadi in ARMOR's archives.

He found no information about her. She did not exist in their Multiversal database either. That meant he could not find out anything about her origins, her abilities or her weaknesses. That meant if he needed information on Zawadi, he'd have to speak to someone who had a knack for collecting rare and valuable items, which included information.

He pushed the door open and the bell on top rang.

"Welcome to the Top Hat Trade Emporium," Topper greeted with a wide, toothy grin. Friendly he may be, Alan did not completely trust the 'man' standing behind the counter. "How may I help you?"

Alan approached the counter and put his hands on the surface.

"You know why I'm here," Alan stated grimly.

"Of course," Topper replied, his smile never fading. "You seek answers."

"But it's not free, is it?"

"Is anything ever truly free?" Topper tilted his head to the side. "Everyone wants someone so to get it they need to give something. Everything has a price but it's not always money."

"What do you know about a witch named Zawadi and her netherverse?" Alan questioned.

"Oh, Zawadi. That rings some bells," Topper snapped his fingers as a lightbulb lit up in his head. "Now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time."

"So you know what's happened."

"Well, I know Zawadi has taken the powers of the meta-witches. For what I'm not sure."

"And yet you won't do anything. I thought they were your friends," Alan accused.

"We may play games together but that doesn't make us friends. We're more like colleagues, really. Besides, you know as well as I do that the meta-witches hardly stick their necks out for anyone. In fact, I do believe most of them are responsible for a few of the troubles you and your brother are often put through. It was only a matter of time until karma decided to pay them a visit."

Alan frowned at Topper's callous attitude but he knew who he was talking to. Topper regarded everyone as his playthings and mere objects to entertain him until they ceased being entertaining. That was his reason for opening this shop in the first place.

"So, then do you have any information on her? Anything that can help us beat her?" Alan prodded.

Topper turned away. "I might have it in my inventory but it's pretty expensive. He leaned backwards, his spine bending 90 degrees, as he looked Alan dead in the eye. "Are you sure you can pay the price?"

Alan's frown deepened. Topper would ask for something of value from him in return. It could be his ring, Bazel, Kusanagi, and maybe even the TARDIS. Hell, Topper might even want him to pay with his soul and/or freedom.

Alan was willing to do anything to save Shinichi but he would try to negotiate first. "You know she has Shinichi, right?"

That got a reaction from Topper as he straightened his back and spun around, his smile now gone. "Excuse me?"

Alan knew he got him. If there was anything Topper hated, it was someone messing with his investments and clients.

"So, there's something even you don't know. Zawadi has Shinichi and I know you have a soft spot for him."

Topper's smile reappeared but it was menacing. He was aware of what Alan was trying to do, trying to manipulate him. It was impressive but also disrespectful.

"Are you trying to use how I feel about Shinichi to get what you want?" Topper growled quietly.

"Shinichi made a contract with you a long time ago. I just thought you wouldn't want some witch to have her hands on him."

Topper's eyes narrowed and he released a sigh. Yes, he had a soft spot for Shinichi. He enjoyed watching the boy's struggles as well as his successes. He was the best source of entertainment that he had found in centuries and a very strong investment. But, as much as Topper liked Shinichi, he would not relinquish anything for free. He was a businessman, after all.

"I see. Well, you're right. I don't want anyone taking what's mine."

"So you'll give me what I need."

"I will but I'd like to propose a question to you first: why do you think Zawadi took Shinichi?"

"To get Yuji so she could take the powers he took from Anastasia."

"You are partly correct. The magic Yuji stole from Anastasia was the final piece she needed, but there is far more to it than that. You know about Rika Furude's attempt to change her fate, resulting in Bernkastel's creation and the Endless June, right?"

"Right?" Where was Topper going with this?

"Rika must've gone through hundreds of timelines to get her Happy Ending. And yet, the new world where she survived has other dangers like Gebok, GIN-SHOCKER, and monsters. But at least there are Kamen Riders here to protect it."

"What are you saying?"

"All of Rika's timelines were similar with some minor differences such as the series of events leading up to her death. But this timeline diverges after she survives because of one thing: Shinichi."

"Are you saying Shinichi does not exist in the other timelines?"

"Did I say that?" Topper smiled mysteriously as he took off his hat and turned it upside down. Reaching inside, he pulled out the book and placed it on the counter. It looked ancient yet seemed to be in pristine condition. It had a blank black cover with nothing on the front, back or spine. Not even a single marking or symbol. However, the blackness was not normal. It was the type of blackness that an abyss was made of, infinite and never-ending like a black hole, as if it was trying to suck you right into it. "That's everything you need to know about the Netherverse. Sorry, but Zawadi's origins are a complete mystery even to myself."

"Well, it's a start." Alan reached for the book but Topper pulled it back, wagging his finger.

"Ah, ah, ah. It's not free," Topper chided. "First, let's discuss payment."

Alan swallowed. He knew this was coming, "Alright, what do you want?" Alan asked.

"Nothing in particular. Just a small favour," Topper said cryptically.

"A favour?" Alan blinked.

"Yes, that's right. I'm helping you find your brother, so in return, I want you to help me. An 'I scratch your back, you scratch mine' kind of deal, so to speak. It could be tomorrow. Maybe next week. Or perhaps in the next five years. Whatever the case, when I have a need for you then you will answer," Topper said, the smile still on his face. He extended his hand, a blue flame engulfing it, "Do we have a deal?"

Alan's gaze lingered at the flaming hand. If he took the deal, it would be like making a deal with the Devil. To be fair, Topper was helping him but the price might be too great. Owing Topper a favour meant that the Infernal Merchant could have him do anything he wanted when the time came for him to cash in that favour.

Still, Alan needed to save Shinichi and find a way for them to safely travel into the Netherverse. There was no other option. With some hesitance, Alan grasped Topper's hand and the blue flame quickly covered Alan's hand. The deal was sealed.

"Thanks for the book," Alan said with a firm frown as he took the book.

"Thanks for doing business," Topper tipped his hat. "Best of luck. Oh, and you have my condolences."

Alan returned to Beatrice's mansion with the book on the Netherverse. He knew the deal he made with Topper would bite him someday but he could not dwell on that right now. Instead, he needed to focus on saving Shinichi and he had the key to get him back.

Alan sighed, composed himself, and entered the game room. There he saw that they had already gathered up the witches on futons with each of them lying side by side. Already they had begun ageing very quickly. Their hair was turning pale and their faces were becoming very elderly. Lambdadelta in particular looked the most unnerving since she looked like the youngest. She looked like something out of 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. Yuji was among them, and some colour was slowly returning to his face. It made sense as he didn't need magic to survive in the first place.

He was not prepared for the conversation he just walked into.

"Let's go with 'Operation: Meatshield'," Daichi suggested.

"And how does that help, exactly?" Hana asked pointedly.

"While she's busy mauling Yokoshima, we can take her by surprise," Daichi answered.

"You know, I'm starting to see a pattern here. It's like most of our plans involve throwing Yokoshima in front of us as a human shield or a distraction," Chiaki remarked.

"And it works very frequently," Daichi insisted.

"I don't mind," Yokoshima said brightly.

"Well, I do," Asmodeus protested.

"But it's fine. It's what I'm literally made for. I got skin like tank armour. I'm only risking minor braaaaaaaaaain..." Yokoshima trailed off.

"Yoko?" Asmodeus asked, snapping her fingers in his face. "Yoko, are you alright?"

"...Damage," Yokoshima finished and then looked puzzled. "Wait, what were we talking about again?"

"How about we don't use Yokoshima as a human shield and also get him scheduled for a brain scan?" Shogo suggested. Everyone but Daichi raised their hands. "Daichi."

"OK," Daichi raised his hand reluctantly. "Let's at least call it 'Plan B'."

"Which would suggest we already had a Plan A, which we don't," Hana commented.

"So running in, screaming with guns blazing is not an option then?" Michiru questioned.

"Guys, seriously, this is an all-powerful witch and we're about to enter her domain. We can do better," Misato insisted. They were the elite of GIN-SHOCKER but this was different. Zawadi wasn't just an all-powerful witch. She had stolen the power of every witch they knew for whatever scheme she was pulling off.

The NEO-NUMBERS started to argue, their voices rising as they tried to suggest a plan to rescue Shinichi.

"Hey," Battler greeted Alan and saw the book in his hands. "What's that?"

"Hopefully something that can help us," Alan answered. "What's been happening since I left?"

"A weird planning session. I had to stop them from storming the library," Battler replied.

"So what else did they plan to do?"

"Storm the Netherverse with time trains."

Alan already knew that was a bad idea. It could work but it could also backfire horribly. His dad, however, might be willing to give them what they needed once he knew what was at stake here. Well, at least with the book in their possession, they could actually come up with a plan that could work and hopefully not backfire on them.

"Hey, guys!" Alan called out as he tried to get their attention. "Guys!"

"They can't hear you," said Bazel.

Alan grimaced. He actually considered making a huge megaphone but he did not want to disturb the resting witches.

"Allow me," Battler said and he clapped his hands. "Silence."

The NEO-NUMBERS instantly went silent as if their voices were taken away. This confused and freaked them out as they panicked until Battler spoke up again.

"Alan has something important he wishes to say," Battler informed them before he unsealed their voices. "Alan, you have the floor."

"Thanks," Alan stepped forward. "Guys, I think I got something that can help us save Shinichi and it's all in this book."

"That book?" Shogo asked sceptically, looking at the item in Alan's hand.

"Yeah," Alan answered. "Hopefully."

"And where did you get such a convenient plot device?" Hana questioned.

"I-"

"Who cares!?" Satan snapped impatiently. "If it can help us save Shinichi, Beatrice-sama and Onii-sama then we should take a look at it."

"You are impatient/You should practice caution here/It might lead to doom," Hana said as she recited a haiku, warning them that the unknown book could be their ruin instead of their salvation.

"Hey, it's not like we've got any better alternatives," Alan reasoned and so he flipped open the book and immediately his eyes widened.

"What's wrong?" Yokoshima asked as Alan suddenly fell quiet.

"OK, I can't read this language," Alan admitted. His ring was a universal translator, allowing him to understand all languages, either written or verbal. However, there were some exceptions.

This book was one of them. It was written in a completely unknown language, one even his power ring could not translate.

"Son of a bitch ripped you off!" Bazel shouted, outraged.

"Let me see that!" Satan ripped the book out of Alan's hands and flipped through the pages. "What!? What is this!?"

"Can't you read it?" Shogo asked.

"It's all gibberish!" Satan tossed the book to the floor. "Useless!"

Yokoshima gently picked the book up and examined it. As he thought about what to do with the book, he got an idea.

"From what we saw, Zawadi's magic revolves around shadows, right? If this book is about her or this Netherverse, maybe it's supposed to be read in the dark?" Yokoshima suggested.

"How will reading a completely unintelligible book in the dark help?" Daichi snarked.

Normally, Yokoshima would not say anything in response to Daichi's snark. As biting as his tone was, Yokoshima did not mind. However, right now, Yokoshima was not in the mood for it.

"Damn it, Daichi, what do we have to lose by trying?" Yokoshima argued, standing up for himself. Asmodeus smiled proudly.

"OK, let's put out the lights and we'll see if this works," Lucifer said and she snapped her fingers, shutting off all the lights.

There was nothing but darkness.

"Hah, see? I told you-" Daichi was unable to finish his sentence as Yokoshima opened the books and the pages lit up. No, it was more like words were glowing on the pages, proper words and not the gibberish that were written on the pages. Yokoshima looked smug as Alan went to examine the pages.

"Can you read it now?" Satan asked from over Alan's shoulder.

"Yeah," Alan nodded, "It says... 'the trees lurk, the jungle prays, bringing to life fears and sins left unpunished'."

"Ominous," Leviathan quipped.

Hana, who enjoyed poetry, cocked her head to the side.

"Those verses, they're a warning," Hana translated.

"Did it say anything else?" Misato spoke up.

The pages began to rapidly turn by themselves as if manipulated by an invisible force. Suddenly, to everyone's shock, the pages tore themselves free from the book and began to swirl around the group like a tornado. Everyone stepped back, forming a tight circle. Michiru immediately clung to Hana as she was afraid of being sucked into the vortex. The tornado of paper then flew over to a wall and arranged themselves to form an arch-like structure that glowed with dark eldritch energies.

It was no book on the Netherverse but a book to the Netherverse.

"OK, creepy, creepy portal," Yokoshima said while hiding under the carpet with Asmodeus.

"And our way into the Netherverse," Alan said. "Hopefully." The darkness of the arch's threshold did not inspire confidence or safety. He really wished he had Amore along for this.

"So, are we just going to stand around and look at the damn thing or are we going in?" Everyone looked over to the sudden new voice. There was Yuji, already pulling himself out of the futon.

"Onii-sama!" the Stakes cried.

"Hey, are you sure you're up for this?" Alan asked worriedly. "You were just drained."

"I'm fine. I just had a nap. Besides, I never really needed magic to survive to begin with," Yuji answered as he rolled his shoulders and did some stretches. "So, are we going in or what?"

"I don't think going in just like that is a good idea. This is unknown territory for us. If we're going in, we should tether ourselves to each other for safety so we don't get separated," Shogo instructed.

"You should also be ready for whatever that realm throws at you. Magical realms are alive in their own right," Battler warned them. "Ronove!"

"Yes, Battler-sama?" the butler asked as he appeared.

"Could you get something that can help them tether themselves to each other?"

"I have just the thing."

Ronove produced the items, causing Daichi to gawk.

"Fluffy handcuffs?" Daichi questioned, eyebrow twitching.

"Beato likes to get kinky sometimes. If you're not comfortable with this, we've got some rope or ribbons you could use," Battler explained, embarrassed.

"Oh my god, she's just as bad as Shinichi!"

"Better than nothing though," Alan said. "I think we'll go with the handcuffs."

The NEO-NUMBERS, Alan and Yuji handcuffed themselves to each other with the magical, fluffy handcuffs, forming a chain as they held hands as well.

"None of you will speak of this again," grumbled Daichi in embarrassment as he felt the fluffy handcuffs around his wrist. "We should've gone for the rope."

"Sorry, too late," Yuji retorted.

"Hey, will these things hold?" Yokoshima asked.

"They're magically augmented so they're stronger than regular handcuffs," Battler informed them. "Trust me, I know."

"Why do they need to be stronger anyway?" Misato asked.

"Do you want details?" Battler inquired. Misato realized what he was implying, and a blush covered her face. A perverted grin didn't help her case.

"No, not the time for that," Alan said as he stood at the head of the chain with his ring pointed forward. "Everyone, stick together and try not to break the chain. The Netherverse might suck the magic out of the cuffs, so hold tight and we can get through this and rescue Shinichi."

"Before you all head off, I need to make clear that you all know what to expect out of Zawadi," Battler said.

"Are you referring to the type of magic she uses?" Shogo asked.

"Yes," the Endless Sorcerer nodded, "As you all know, the magic witches use is tied to their titles. As the Endless Witch, Beato's magic can restore an object endlessly, granting whomever she chooses the power to kill someone many times by restoring the victim to its previous state. Bernkastel, as the Witch of Miracles, can cause events to happen as long as a miracle is possible. Lambdadelta's Certainty magic consists in magically rewarding the efforts of someone by bringing absolute results. Virgilia being the Witch of Theater is able to rewrite the script of reality to her liking. And Yuji possesses, or at this point possessed, Anastasia's Terror Magic, which allowed him to create events as long as there was something to fear from them. Meanwhile, Zawadi's magic revolves around calamity."

"Alright, Beatrice said she was basically a mistress of destruction. What does that mean?" Yuji asked.

"It means just that," Battler replied. "She draws power from disasters and can cause them as she pleases. The greater the destruction, the more power she has. But, that doesn't compare to her true magic."

"She has another magic ability?" Alan frowned. That really didn't sound good. "What is it?"

"Nothing," was his answer.

"Huh?" Daichi blinked.

"Nothing. As in emptiness. Absence of everything," Battler clarified. "It's something that the other witches were unable to understand, but she has the ability to erase anything she wishes, from people, to worlds, even magic. It is a completely unpredictable power."

"OK, I just got the chills. Did anyone else just get the chills?" Yokoshima asked, shuddering.

"Wait, 'erase'," Hana pondered. "Doesn't that sound like Shinichi's powers?"

"Shinichi controls time, not nothingness or destruction," Michiru reminded.

"Yes, but remember that whenever he destroys something then rewinds time, the thing he destroys is erased from the timeline," Hana reminded. "Or, at least, he erases an event so it does not play out exactly the same way."

"Even so, it is clear that her power isn't like the other witches. If anything, the magic she has is more dangerous than miracles or certainties," Alan reminded them. "All the more reason we should watch out."

"Good luck to you all," Battler said as he, the Stakes and Ronove stayed back to look after the witches.

"OK, gang! Here we go! GERONIMOOOOOOO!" Alan went in, pulling everyone into the arch as they all screamed and cried out as they vanished into the shadows cast by the archway.

Their journey through the portal could only be best described as a psychedelic drug trip through a wind tunnel. Various swirling colours rushed past them at high speed as it felt like they were being blasted by gusts of wind. Their lips flapped as their eyes were stuck wide open as they screamed.

In a dark chamber, filled to the brim with African artefacts and other oddities as well as royal purple curtains and carpets, Shinichi's unconscious body was suspended against a large mirror, his arms held out to the side.

In the centre of the chamber, a woman in dark robes with a staff in her hands was pouring out magical energies into a mirrored orb. From how she was forcing herself and the sounds of her grunts, she seemed to be struggling. As she continued to throw magic into the orb, it suddenly gave a loud pop.

A gasp of frustration echoed.

"Again!?" she gritted her teeth, scowling deeply in frustration. "That was the fourth time! Even with the combined magic of my former brethren, is there still nothing I can do?!"

The woman took a few deep breaths to compose herself before deciding to try again. In the middle of her chants, a wave of darkness swirled behind her before forming into a large four-legged creature. The darkness took shape and flesh, turning into a large lioness.

"Mother, we have intruders," the lioness spoke in an ethereal voice as it bowed.

The woman stiffened as she turned to face the lioness, a look of surprise on her face.

"His friends are here? How did they find this place?" She shook her head, "I suppose that doesn't matter now. Gather your sisters, Jojo, and we shall deal with them."

"Ndiyifumene!" the lioness responded as it nodded before vanishing in a wisp of darkness.

The woman - Zawadi - approached Shinichi. Strangely enough, she reached out and gently caressed his cheek, "Somehow, against all odds, your friends have found their way here. It will be the last mistake they'll ever make." After whispering those words, she disappeared in a wisp of darkness.

Their ride suddenly came to a stop as Alan was spat out and he fell in what looked like mud that also smelled like sulfur.

"Argh!" Alan spat out. "Oh, it's in my mouth! It's in my mouth!" He spat out some more of the gunk. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box of Tic Tacs so he could pop a few of the mints into his mouth to get rid of the terrible taste.

"You done acting like a drama queen?" Bazel quipped.

"Hey, you don't have a mouth! You don't know how this tastes!" Alan complained. "OK, is everyone..." He trailed off and looked down at his wrist to see the handcuffs were now gone. "Oh, shisno."

"What happened?"

"We just got krutacking separated." Alan frowned as he looked over his surroundings. He found himself in what could easily be described as a jungle. Tall trees were as far as his eyes could see. But these trees, as he noticed, were black with red leaves. The sky above him was purple with stars everywhere and two moons. "Looks like an edgelord just painted the trees."

"Everyone has their taste," Bazel joked. "Don't think the others have gotten too far, do ya?"

"We better go find them," Alan said as he started his trek through the jungle, taking out his Sonic Screwdriver which was keyed in on the NEO-NUMBERS' unique signatures.

He found Hana who was stuck upside down to a giant spider web.

"Hana?"

"Bitter irony/Trapped in a spider's parlour/Now I am the fly," Hana deadpanned.

"Can you get down from there?" Alan asked.

"Just a minute," Hana pulled her legs free from the sticky web and then swung them forward to rip herself free. "This place separated us. We need to find the others," Alan said. "Let's just hope you guys can still sense each other in this place."

"So this is the Netherverse," Hana scanned the place they had found themselves in. "I was expecting a dark wasteland full of unholy nightmares, not a tropical rainforest."

"The Witch of Calamity must've made it like this to feel at home," Alan theorized. "So, which way should we go?"

Hana closed her eyes and a radar formed in her head as she tried to lock onto the nearest NEO-NUMBER.

Suddenly, they heard a loud angry scream from the sky and Hana stepped back right before Daichi faceplanted on the spot.

"Found one," Hana pointed down.

Daichi picked himself up and grumbled, "What the Hell!?"

"Welcome to the Netherverse," Hana quipped.

As Alan trekked through the strange forest with Daichi and Hana, they managed to find the rest of their rescue team. First, they found Michiru just chilling on a large leaf like it was a hammock. Next, they found Yokoshima up to his neck in quicksand. After that, they found Chiaki sitting against a dead monstrous Venus flytrap while sketching. They found Yuji and Misato together sitting near a lake. Finally, they found Shogo who just happened to be scouting from the air, looking for them.

"OK, we're all here," Alan said as he looked at each of the NEO-NUMBERS, along with Misato and Yuji.

"Great, now that we're all here, what's the plan?" Daichi asked.

"First, can you please not sound so damn cynical?" Alan requested, annoyed.

"This is how I always sound. Whaddya want from me?" Daichi scoffed, folding his arms.

"OK, OK, listen. The goal here is to find Shinichi. Now, I know we're in unknown territory since this is a world where the regular laws of our world may not apply. That Witch of Calamity could be watching us now or controlling everything here. We can't be sure but let's assume that everything in this will kill us and - Yokoshima, put down that fruit!"

"What?" Yokoshima said as he was about to take a bite out of a mango he'd just found. "It's just a mango."

"I just said everything here could kill us and that includes the fruit! Now throw it away!"

"But I'm hungry!" Yokoshima whined.

"Throw it away or so help me. I'm going to shove it where the sun don't shine!" Alan yelled, causing Yokoshima to drop the fruit. "We need to take this seriously. This means we cannot split up."

"Like in horror movies?" Michiru asked.

"This is unknown territory for all of us. Even if splitting up can help us cover more ground, we don't know what will happen if we separate," Alan answered.

"Then how about we divide ourselves into teams?" Shogo suggested. "That way we can cover more ground but we won't be alone."

"Whaddya think, partner?" Bazel asked Alan.

"There's safety in numbers, no pun intended," Alan answered. "But we also need to find Shinichi quickly. We can't afford to waste any time."

"Does the concept of time really exist in this place, though?" Hana asked.

"OK, look. We get it. We're in a witch's realm and that can be scary stuff but we won't be doing Shinichi any good if we're being too cautious. We didn't get this far without taking a few risks. I mean, us coming here was risky enough already," Daichi said.

"I hate to say this but Daichi makes a good point," Misato agreed.

"OK, we'll split up into teams of two then," Alan decided.

"That'll leave someone going solo," Michiru pointed out.

"Don't worry. I'm not alone. I got Bazel," Alan said, tapping his bracelet.

"Nah, I don't think so. I know that bracelet is powerful but I can't see him helping you out of a jam while we're here," Yuji said. "No offence."

"Some taken," Bazel replied.

"You're coming with me and Misato, Alan."

"Sure, thing babe," Misato said while Alan gave a nod.

"Thanks for the help," Alan replied. "I used my Screwdriver to link up our communicators. Even if this is a realm we know nothing about they should work just fine. We just have to..." His voice trailed off as he noticed something approaching from behind Yuji. Yuji followed his gaze and blinked at what they were seeing. Standing from within the gaps of the trees was a lioness. It didn't look any different from any other lioness, but they could clearly see its eyes glowing bright yellow.

"Is that... a lion?" Misato asked as the rest of the NEO-NUMBERS quickly noticed the jungle cat.

"Lioness. Female lion," Hana corrected. "But look at her eyes. She's part of this space."

"Meaning that she's working for Zawadi. At least we're getting somewhere," Yuji said, before speaking out in a demanding voice, "Hey you! Bring out your boss! She took a friend of ours and we want him back!"

The lioness suddenly gave a snarling hiss, hunching up her back and baring her fangs. The group quickly got onto the defence and whipped out their weapons.

"Pretty sure she didn't like that very much!" Yokoshima gulped.

"I don't think her friends liked it either!" Michiru squeaked as more big cats emerged. Surrounding them were six more large cats, all of them slowly stepping out of the shadows. There was a tiger, a cheetah, a panther, a leopard, a jaguar, and a puma. All of them with yellow glowing eyes, snarling viciously at them.

"You know, it's against my principles to harm animals but since they're just furniture they can be revived as long as their witch wills it, right?!" Daichi yelled, holding his Cricket Fork aggressively.

"Wait!" Alan shouted, holding out his hand in front of them. "Wait, just wait. We don't have to fight them." He stepped forward with his hands up. "Hello, my name is Alan Smith. We're here to find our friend."

"Alan, what are you doing?" Yuji demanded.

"I'm being reasonable and using diplomacy," Alan answered. "Hopefully, we can get through this without resorting to violence." He turned to the jungle cats. "If it's not any trouble, can you please take us to your leader?"

"There is no need. I am already here," another voice spoke.

"Hm?" Alan tensed as a small shadow puddle formed before them before it shot upward into a geyser. It quickly dispersed and formed into a more humanoid shape. She was dressed in a sleeveless, black, floor-length evening gown that showed off her generous curves. It also had a low V-shaped neckline that ended below her navel and showed a significant amount of cleavage as well. The dress was decorated with golden nodes that stood out against the black fabric. The front of the skirt was split down the middle to reveal her long and slender legs with black heels that were adorned with gold-plated toes. She wore gold bracelets around her left wrist and a gold band around her neck. She hid her features with a tribal mask that resembled a lion and a long hooded cloak. In her left hand, she held a wooden staff with a crescent-shaped ornament on top that held a shimmering blue stone. She waved her hands around all the cats around them, commanding them to stop. The cats all calmed down but didn't stop glaring at the rescue team.

He was gaping at the sight of her. It took Alan a moment to find his voice, "Are you Zawadi, the Witch of Calamity?"

"That I am," she answered, her voice thick with an African accent that was being distorted by her mask, "I'm surprised you found your way to my domain. I think I know why you have come here."

"Yeah, give us back our friend!" Yuji yelled.

"Silence," Zawadi ordered coldly. As soon as she said this, Yuji's mouth literally vanished. The Manakyte immediately felt his face become lighter, feeling around his head and felt his bottom half a lot smoother than it should be. He panicked, screaming out something that came out only in muffled grunts. "And you need not worry about him. He is safe."

"Alright," Alan accepted. He did not completely believe that but this was Zawadi's realm so she had the home-field advantage. "But can you answer one question, then? Why have you taken him?"

"I am under no obligation to tell any of you anything as you are intruders," Zawadi sniffed.

"Then can you at least tell us why you stole the magic of the other witches?" Alan asked politely. His eyebrows began to furrow as Yuji's wordless screams continued to get louder as he freaked out, "...And can you give him back his mouth?" The witch gave a deadpan stare and rolled her eyes under her mask. She stamped her staff down next to her and the stone flashed briefly.

"-IN SLIFER'S VAGINA!" Yuji blurted out. Finally hearing that his voice came back to him, he clamped and rubbed his mouth. "Whew..."

"So you asked why I took the magic from my former brethren?" Zawadi asked.

"That is something worth knowing," Hana reasoned, "Did you do that because you wanted to get back at them for the Rokkenjima Murder Game?"

"Hn. What I am doing has nothing to do with that disgusting excuse for entertainment, but I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy every moment of their agony," Zawadi replied with a shrug. "For centuries I have watched them, abusing their magic and power on mortals who knew nothing of them and knew no way to protect themselves. Because of all the rules that they placed during that time I had no way of interfering. I could do nothing except watch them toy around with humans, giving them false hope before they destroy them once they were utterly broken. It was like watching bratty children with magnifying glasses gazing down at the world from the sky to abuse harmless insects running through the dirt." The eyes of her mask flashed purple as her grip on her staff began to tighten. "But what really made me lose what little respect I had for them was when that butterfly bitch Beatrice decided to make entertainment out of the Ushiromiyas! And how does she do it? By making a bloody whodunnit?! They all had to watch their families die! Not even the children were spared! All just to relieve her eternal boredom!"

"But how is what you're doing any different?" Yuji demanded, "What about the Stakes? If the witch's go, they'll die too!"

"Please, don't act so sentimental. I have no sympathy for those who enjoy the suffering of others," Zawadi scoffed, "They will not vanish, as long as they are not killed. There is still a sufficient amount of magic left in them, enough for them to survive normally."

"OK, so you wanted to teach them a lesson for their cruelty. I do mostly agree with you on Bernkastel and Lambdadelta, but Beatrice has changed for the better," Alan argued. "Not only is she married to a good man who can keep her in check, but she's also a grandmother."

"And just like that, I'm supposed to forgive her?" Zawadi rebutted.

"She's learned her lesson so there's no need to punish her like this," Alan reasoned. "She's become a better person. Can't you let her be?"

"It takes more than just being married to become a better person, it takes far more effort than that. And I can say for a fact that she hasn't changed. She simply stopped breaking her toys. I will only tell you all this once: go home. Don't involve yourselves in my business. It won't end well for mortals like you," Zawadi commanded.

"Not without Shinichi," Daichi said. "Yeah, the guy pisses me off sometimes, but he's still our friend and we've always looked out for each other."

"Yeah, you can't make us leave without him!" Yokoshima stated firmly.

"He's coming with us even if we must go through you, ma'am," Shogo warned.

Chiaki quietly cracked his knuckles.

"He gave Michiru and me a chance for a better life. We owe it to him," Hana claimed.

"And there's no way we're leaving him with you," Michiru added. "He's got friends waiting for him back home so you're not keeping him."

Zawadi could see the resolve in the NEO-NUMBERS's eyes as they would not back down and leave their friend. She was impressed, which was no small feat.

"You've all done good, redeemed yourselves," Zawadi acknowledged but then her gaze fell on Misato. "All except for you."

"Me?" Misato pointed to herself. The rest of the NEO-NUMBERS all looked at her in surprise.

"I know of you, the artificial vampire. You have killed many people. However, unlike your surviving comrades, you have done nothing with your new life," Zawadi pointed out. "You were just rescued and decided to turn over a new leaf without actually doing anything to earn it. Even Shinichi had to work the most out of all of you to get where he is, and there are those who still despise him and want to destroy him. But you... all you did was get banged up by a dragon several times over, get kidnapped and used as a negotiation device and all of a sudden everyone loves you!"

"Hey, back off," Yuji stood in defence of Misato.

"And you!" Zawadi continued, causing Yuji to flinch in surprise, "You are not blameless either. If you felt so compelled to save her, why did you not do the same for the others?"

"They... Shinichi gave them the offer before, and they didn't take it. I'm sure they would've done the same with me," Yuji answered, his voice sounding uncharacteristically weak from the accusation.

"But you still gave it to her. I'm sure that I already know the reason why you offered a better chance at life only to her, and I doubt it was because of her (lack of) potential to do good. And immediately after you saved her you married her with everyone to see. Such a fairy tale ending," Zawadi droned with dripping sarcasm, "She was handed everything for nothing. So obnoxious, unapologetic, and with no regard for the consequences of her actions. She personifies the three things I absolutely despise. Even her own father was blind to the crimes she committed, crimes that he was very much aware of, and still decided to brutalize Shinichi for killing her. I weep for the boy for being surrounded by such hypocrites." The venom from the witch's voice could practically be felt. She was feeling as though there was a great injustice that had yet to be answered.

"Yuji, let me," Misato said as she stepped forward. "Yes, you're right. I did some bad shit. I mean, I killed people, I drank their blood and I was a murderous psychopathic cunt. Did I feel guilty about it? Not at the time. But thinking back, yeah, I wished I didn't become a killer. But things didn't work out so well for me. I had my dad, Washam, looking out for me. I may not have done anything to atone for what I've done, but I'm trying to leave that all behind so I can raise a family with Yuji and our daughter."

"Yet you've done nothing to earn that family, have you?" Zawadi sneered.

"That's why I'm here," Misato confessed. "That's why I volunteered to help rescue Shinichi. What I'm trying to say is that by introducing me to Yuji, he saved me from myself. Call me whatever terrible thing you want, but I owe Shinichi for that so I'm with them and we're going to save Shinichi from you."

Despite the former cyborg's declaration of resolve, Zawadi remained unconvinced, "And then what? What will you do afterwards? Will you return to the life of a guiltless housewife and not do anything else? Will you continue to bask in your easily given forgiveness while he continues to struggle to earn his? Your empty words are nothing more than deadweight. You did not work for your redemption then, so how am I to believe that you all of a sudden have a change of heart? No, I will need much more convincing from you." She raised her staff over her head as the stone flashed brightly. And then, a shadow pool opened underneath Misato. She didn't even get a scream out before she sank in.

"Misato!" Yuji went to grab her but he was too late as she vanished into the shadow pool. "Bring her back right now!"

"You and the Green Lantern have... other guests that are waiting for you." She waved her staff again, causing an orb of shadows to slink around them and cover them completely. The orb vanished into the ground, with Alan and Yuji being taken by it.

"Crap!" Yokoshima cursed.

"NEO-NUMBERS, battle positions!" Shogo ordered.

"Take them," Zawadi ordered and her jungle cat furniture obeyed as they pounced on each of the NEO-NUMBERS. The jungle cats were swift as they expertly divided their prey.

"Hey! Hey! Stay back!" Yokoshima fired his arms cannons at the puma who deftly weaved between the blasts. It then slammed into him and pushed him into a shadow portal that had formed behind him.

Daichi fired sonic blasts with his Cricket Fork but the tiger was ridiculously agile as it dodged the blasts which flew by harmlessly. All he did was ruffle its fur slightly. It then bit Daichi in the arm, forcing him to release his weapon.

"Hey, leggo! I don't like hurtin' animals but I swear I'll kick your ass!" Daichi screamed. The tiger then flipped its body backwards like an acrobat and threw Daichi into a shadow portal.

Hana slashed with her spider kama and nearly hit the panther who dodged to the side. Just then she heard a scream coming from Michiru and spun around to see her on her back with the jaguar looming over her.

"Michiru!" Hana yelled.

"Hana! Look out behind you!" Michiru warned. Hana turned and was swiped by the panther and knocked to the ground. It then grabbed hold of her leg and dragged her into the shadow portal with it. "Hana!" Michiru went next as she sank into a shadow portal.

Chiaki swiped at the leopard who leapt right over him. He turned around when it lunged and slammed into his legs. The force tripped him up and sent him falling into a shadow portal.

Shogo was the last one left as he stared down the cheetah. His whole team had just been taken out. He fired his stinger blasts at the cheetah who quickly sidestepped. It then began to run circles around Shogo, getting faster and faster, becoming a blur as he tried to track its movements.

"Gotcha!" Shogo fired but his shot missed as it passed through a mere afterimage. Shogo looked up as a shadow appeared over him. The cheetah pounced on top of him, shoving him into the ground as a shadow portal appeared under him. Both of them sank inside before it vanished.

With all the intruders gone, Zawadi turned back and walked into the jungle.

"Come, Jojo. If everything goes as planned, your sisters and the other two visitors should play their parts well," The lioness gave a satisfied purr, following her mistress through the trees.

With nothing to do since he was essentially trapped in his own subconscious, Shinichi decided to wander around for a bit. He paid Shinji a visit as the little guy always looked forward when he came over to play. Shinichi felt sorry for his inner child as he always felt lonely. He had to make cognitive constructs of people from his memories just to have a semblance of a family inside Shinichi's head.

Maybe Shinichi could help the boy and make a perfect cognitive version of Shiori to look after him.

Kuro's space, as always, was spartan. They did not talk much. All Kuro wondered was what their plan of escape was. He really couldn't help if Shinichi did not know.

Now, Shinichi's subconscious was a place that changed constantly, corresponding to his own growth. So, there was always something new.

This gate that stood before him was the latest addition to his inner world.

Standing three times his own height, it was a golden gate with his mask set in the centre. Arranged around it in a circle were locks with emblems corresponding to the Riders whose powers he could channel and use for himself.

He sensed power behind the gate, a power that desired to be awakened. However, Shinichi wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.

It was alive and, of course, calling for him, beckoning for him to open it.

He put his hand against the mask and the eyes lit up with an emerald shine. This caused the locks to come undone, one by one.

ICHIGO! NIGO! V3! RIDERMAN! X! AMAZON! STRONGER!

SKYRIDER! SUPER-1 ZX! BLACK! BLACK RX!

SHIN! ZO! J!

With each name called, the Riders emerged from behind Shinichi.

His mask twisted, turning upside down, like a doorknob. In fact, this was the final lock for the gate.

SHOWA!

With a loud crack, the gate slowly opened before him. There was a great white light that flashed from within, forcing him to cover his eyes with his hand over his head. He squinted his eyes to try and get a better look through the gate. He could see some sort of figure standing in the light.

He did not know who or what it was, yet...it felt so very familiar.

"I have been expecting you... host of mine."

END OF ACT II

Tailsmo4ever: And so we finish off the second chapter of this rendition of Kamen Rider Showa. So the culprit of this caper has been discovered, but she is very different from the other enemies the NEO-NUMBERS have had to contend with before since she has a conscience. Not only that but she also forces them to recognize several elephants in the room, and one of these elephants is named Misato Kurushina. Now I'm gonna be blunt here, Misato was a certified bitch who did nasty things and enjoyed every moment of it. I do like the direction Bushido, bless his soul, gave her for her Heel-Face-Turn, but it was very lacklustre, no effort on her part. All she had to do was sleep with Yuji a couple of times, get made into a damsel in distress, and all is forgiven by everyone and gets a happy ending. Meanwhile, Shinichi, who was brainwashed into being an obedient robot and had years of his life taken from his memory, can go above and beyond in heroism just about every day, being bashed and beaten every time he does but still keeps moving forward, and people still treat him like dirt because they dislike his attitude or still hold a grudge or a combination of the two. Does that sound fair? It doesn't to me. I have some plans in store for Misato, plans that will have her being redeemed for real.