Episode 10: Rider Rescue
Two days had passed since the reveal of Kitaoka as Kamen Rider Zolda and the extermination of the Zebraskull horde. After that battle, Mirror Monster activity seemed to go silent, giving the Kamen Riders some time to recuperate. Currently, Shinji was relaxing in his apartment.
"This is probably the most peaceful moment I've ever had in a while." Shinji thought out loud as he laid back on his couch. "Better enjoy it while I can. There's no telling when another huge horde of Mirror Monsters is going to attack. Or worse, someone with an Advent Deck decides to use it for personal gain. Either way, I'd have one heck of a fight on my hands."
A familiar gentle rumble snapped Shinji out of his thoughts and directed his attention to the nearest window. Shinji couldn't help but smile as he saw Dragreder emerge from the window, the dragons' head poking into Shinji's apartment.
"Nice to see you too." Shinji chuckled as his Contract Monster closed the distance between them before nuzzling him. "Hey, no need for that. I'm not in a funk like last time."
Dragreder's only response was a light growl.
"This isn't the first time you've paid me a visit." Shinji mused.
Lately, Dragreder had been making more frequent visits to Shinji's side of the mirror. Shinji wasn't opposed to the company; it certainly beat how lonely his apartment could get.
"You know, I don't know if you're actually being friendly, or just showing up because I keep you well-fed." Shinji muttered as he stared right into Dragreder's eyes. "Oh, who am I kidding? You probably can't understand me anyhow."
Dragreder tilted his head in confusion before resting it on Shinji's couch, staring at his contractor expectantly. Shinji couldn't' help but blink in surprise.
"Do you… want me to pet you?" Shinji asked. Dragreder's only response was to maintain his stare.
"Well, okay then." Shinji sighed as he reached his hand out and lightly petted Dragreder's head, eliciting a pleased growl from the dragon. Shinji couldn't help but smile at Dragreder's response. "Yeah, this relaxes me too. I wonder what Tezuka and Ren do with their Contract Monsters."
Speaking of Tezuka, he was also relaxing at his own apartment. It was a nice day out, so he decided to lounge by the pool of his building. The fortune teller couldn't help but smile as he stared at the water. From the other side of the water's reflective surface, Evildiver was happily swimming around the pool. While he was mainly seen flying, the stingray beast was happiest when he was in the water.
As he observed his partner, Tezuka couldn't help but chuckle as a memory came to him. It was only a month after he'd contracted with Evildiver, the pair getting along quite swimmingly as they fought and defeated Mirror Monsters. Tezuka had just gotten done with a long day, and was taking a shower to wash off the grime and stress of his work. Not an opportune moment for Evildiver to suddenly surface from the water beneath him. The fortune teller would've fallen if it werent' for Evildiver diving back down and using his tail to stabilize his contractor.
"I wonder how Shinji and Dragreder's relationship is progressing?" Tezuka pondered.
Back with Shinji, the dragon rider was just lounging with the TV on, Dragreder staring at the device with interest. A few minutes later, Shinji's stomach growled.
"Hmm. Could use a snack." Shinji muttered as he got up from the couch and made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a package of cookies from one of the cupboards. Returning to the couch, he sat down and began to snack. What he didn't expect was Dragreder to look upon the treats with interest.
"Hey. I've gotta eat too." Shinji chuckled as he showed off a cookie to Dragreder. "Besides, I don't know if you'd like cookies as much as Mirror Monsters' energy cores."
Shinji went back to snacking on the cookies but noticed from out of the corner of his eye that Dragreder's gaze never once left him. Seeing only one solution to this, Shinji fished out a cookie from the package and offered it to Dragreder. The Contract Monster gave the treat a sniff before gobbling it up in a single bite. An instant later, the dragon's eyes seemed to light up and a pleased purr escaped his throat.
"How about that?" Shinji smiled. "A dragon with a sweet tooth. If only all you needed to run on was cookies. It'd save both of us energy."
Meanwhile, at Atori Café, Ren was sitting down at one of the tables, staring down at the necklace usually hidden behind his turtleneck sweater. On the chain were a pair of rings one would typically see on an engaged couple. A sad look was in Ren's eyes as he gazed at the rings, gripping them tightly and bringing his hand to his head.
"Eri… " Ren said as he closed his eyes. "Hold on. Please, hold on."
Not a minute later, Ren's eyes snapped open, and he turned his attention to the nearby mirror. In it, Darkwing was perched like any other bat, gazing at his contractor. Ren had been fighting with Darkwing by his side for so long he could just feel when the bat would show up. But instead of reacting with warmth or joy, Ren glared at Darkwing with a mix of disgust and anger.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here." Ren growled as he gripped the engagement rings tighter. "Because of you, I have no choice but to fight. No choice but to kill. Things I never wanted to do."
Darkwing's only response was a head tilt.
"Get lost." Ren snapped.
For a moment, Darkwing didn't budge but complied all the same. But what Ren couldn't see was that as Darkwing flew away, a hurt expression was on the bat's face. As he watched his Contract Monster leave, Ren let out a sigh.
"I doubt Kido's having as hard a time with his dragon." Ren muttered. "He probably even enjoys the company."
Sure enough, the brief period of peace came to an end. Each of the heroic Kamen Riders went back to their daily routines. Be it Ren at the café, Tezuka reading fortunes outside said café (to Yui's joy and Ren's annoyance), and Shinji was hard at work at ORE Journal's office. The hours had ticked by in their quiet but quick way, Shinji stretching as he scooted away from his desk.
"And so ends another day of journalism." Shinji groaned. As he got up to leave, he spared a glance at Nanako. Today was one of the days she'd be working late, so Shinji thought it'd be courteous to wish her the best. "Hope you get done earlier than expected, Nanako. Get home safe, you hear?"
"Thanks Shinji." Nanako smiled.
About an hour or two passed at the office before Nanako finished her work for the day. It was dark outside as Nanako left the office, taking her usual route home. However, she would not reach her destination as a figure snuck up behind her and muffled her mouth with a rag! Nanako struggled, but soon found herself losing consciousness. Then, everything went black.
As Shinji arrived at work the next day, his eyes widened as he noticed a pair of police cars parked outside. Once he was in the office, Shinji saw an officer and detective talking to Daisuke.
"Chief Okubo!" Shinji called out as he approached. "What happened?!"
"Shinji." Daisuke said with a worried tone. "Last night... Nanako was kidnapped after she left. The kidnappers called me this morning just as soon as I entered my office. They're holding Nanako for ransom. That's why the police are here. I'm going to be accepting their demands."
"Chief, you can't do that!" Shinji protested. "That could nearly bankrupt us! ORE Journal's not some big name in news, we don't have that kind of money! It's a miracle you're able to pay us!"
"And if I don't, Nanako could get hurt or worse." Daisuke sighed as he slumped in his chair in defeat. "I've a responsibility as chief to look out for those who work under me. To consider their safety above my own. I'm glad that you have such concern for the journal, Shinji, but I'd be failing in my duties if I were to refuse this ransom. The kidnappers will be calling again soon to deliver the rest of their instructions. I wish there was another way, but I just don't see one."
'Maybe you might not,' Shinji thought as he reached into his back pocket, his fingers brushing across his Advent Deck. 'But I certainly do.'
Within the next minute, the phone rang, Daisuke answering the call without any hesitation. A minute or two passed as the kidnappers relayed their requests before hanging up, Daisuke sighing in defeat and worry.
"They want the ransom money delivered by an employee who works here. No police." Daisuk stated.
"I see." The detective nodded. "Standard procedure for a ransom. We've already prepared the money, Mr. Okubo. If you'd like to deliver it yourse-"
"I'll go." Shinji declared, stunning the entire office. "I was the last one to leave the night Nanako was kidnapped. I should be the one to deliver this and get her back safely."
"Shinji… " Daisuke said in awe before snapping out of it. "No. No, I couldn't have you do that. You're only an intern. They specifically requested an employee."
"They won't know the difference!" Shinji countered. "Besides, they wouldn't care anyhow. If you sent Reiko, then they might use her to get even more ransom money! She's our best and only reporter, we can't afford to lose her! Me? I'm just an intern. Easily replaceable and common to find. They won't even bother giving me a second look."
"But you haven't been in a situation like this!" Daisuke objected.
"Actually, chief?" Reiko said. "I think he should go. Part of journalism is handling yourself in tense situations. If anything, this might be good for Shinji to grow a bit more. And he's right. The kidnappers wouldn't think to nab an intern who could just be swapped out. We know how much you care about us, but they don't."
"I… " Daisuke sighed. "Alright. You win, Shinji. Just make sure not to do anything reckless. What matters most is you AND Nanako making it out safely."
"Got it." Shinji nodded with a determined look on his face. "Both of us will come back okay. I promise."
Within the next few minutes, Shinji was given a briefcase filled with the ransom money requested by Nanako's kidnappers. Mounting his bike with a determined look on his face, Shinji sped off towards the specified location, a run-down building that had seen better days out near the woods. As he dismounted, Shinji froze when he heard a familiar ringing.
*EEEEEeeeeeEEEEEeeeeEEEEEeeee!*
'Not good.' Shinji frowned. 'Now Nanako's in even bigger trouble! I've got to work fast, or she could be a Mirror Monster's next meal!'
Shinji grabbed the briefcase and entered the ruined building. It wasn't long before he ran into one of the kidnappers.
"You've got the cash?" The kidnapper asked.
"Here." Shinji grunted as he set the briefcase down on the ground and slid it over with his foot. "You've got what you want, now let Nanako go."
"Hold your horses." The kidnapper snorted. "Gotta make sure it's all here. Your friend's alright, we didn't do anything except for keeping her knocked out. Even then, we didn't lay a finger on her."
Shinji frowned at the kidnapper's response. However, his frown only deepened as the ringing of the Mirror World grew louder. And as the ringing reached its peak, the sound of a boar's squeal and a man's scream snatched the attention of both Shinji and the kidnapper nearest to him!
"What the hell!?" The kidnapper ran to where Nanako was being held, and was horrified to see no trace of his partner! He wouldn't even have time to cry out his name as the culprit responsible came charging out of the nearby mirror!
This new Mirror Monster resembled a humanoid boar with shields on its forearms, sported four tusks on its torso, and was red in color. The Wildboarder let out a fierce squeal as it rammed into the kidnapper, tackling him into the Mirror World! While Shinji was grateful that Nanako was unharmed, but he couldn't waste another moment lest the Mirror Monster turn its attention on her. Spying a somewhat-intact mirror, Shinji raced towards it and held up his Advent Deck up to his reflection!
"HENSHIN!"
Shinji slotted in his deck the instant the V-Buckle materialized around his waist, greyscale phantom images colliding with him to transform him into Kamen Rider Ryuki! Mounting the waiting Ride Shooter, Ryuki sped off towards the Mirror World, arriving only to see the Wildboarder absorbing the last specs of the kidnapper it had tackled.
"You just ate your last meal, you greedy pig!" Ryuki growled as he charged at the Wildboarder!
The Wildboarder spun to face him, and fired lasers from the tusks on its chest, each bolt hitting Ryuki's torso! While the Rider was jolted from the laserfire, the Wildboarder stomped its foot and launched into its own charge, ramming into Ryuki full-force and sending the Rider flying!
"AGH!" Ryuki screamed in pain as he was sent flying and landed on the ground in a heap 'Need to slot in a card fast! Having my sword or gauntlet means little if I still tank a hit with my body, so… '
Ryuki staggered to his feet, but not before slotting open his Dragvisor and drawing a card form his Advent Deck. Once he was upright, Ryuki slotted in the card!
"GUARD VENT!"
At the Dragvisor's announcement, the Dragshield materialized in Ryuki's left hand, ready to be wielded in defense of its user. The Wildboarder, infuriated that the rider was far from fallen, stomped its foot in rage before letting out a hail of laserfire from its tusks! Acting quickly, Ryuki raised his shield to block the shots, all the while slotting the Dragvisor open once more and drawing yet another card as he advanced upon the Wildboarder! When he was only a few steps away, Ryuki slotted in his new card!
"STRIKE VENT!" The Dragvisor announced as the Dragclaw materialized around Ryuki's right hand!
Gauntlet in hand, Ryuki launched a fireball pointblank at the Wildboarder's chest! The Mirror Monster squealed in agony as the force of the blast sent it flying and the flames seared its hide! Intent on ending the fight quickly, Ryuki raised his gauntlet again. Only this time, instead of a fireball, a stream of flames spewed forth from the Dragclaw's mouth! The Wildboarder squealing as the flames licked away at it! With his enemy flailing, Ryuki drew his Final Vent!
"Hope you like pork, Dragreder." Ryuki muttered as he slotted in his card!
"FINAL VENT!"
At the visor's announcement, Ryuki crouched down before leaping into the air, Dragreder coiling around him as he positioned himself into a flying kick. Once Ryuki was positioned, Dragreder let out a blast of flames, propelling Ryuki into the Wildboarder and killing it with an explosive kick! Dragreder happily gobbling up the core released from the Wildboarder's defeat. Satisfied that all was well, Ryuki exited the Mirror World from the same way he'd come in. Once he was back in the real world, Ryuki removed his Advent Deck, turning back into Shinji. Shinji couldn't help but let out a sigh as he thought of the two people the Wildboarder had just devoured. Sure, they might have been criminals, but they didn't deserve a fate like being devoured.
'Don't dwell on who you couldn't save, Shinji.' Shinji thought to himself with a resolved expression. 'Just be glad you were able to save somebody.'
Keeping that thought in mind, Shinji rushed over to Nanako's side. To his relief, she was starting to regain consciousness.
"Nanako! Nanako!" Shinji cried out as he lightly shook her awake.
"Nnnh… Shinji?" Nanako groaned as she opened her eyes. "Shinji, what are you doing here?!"
"Chief sent me to deliver the ransom money for your return." Shinji beamed. "I handed it over, but, something weird happened. One of the kidnappers disappeared. Same thing happened to the other guy when he went to go look for his partner. Haven't seen a trace of them."
"Like the mysterious disappearances going on lately." Nanako mused.
"Yeah." Shinji's face had a grim expression for a brief instant before returning to a more relieved one. "Well, I'm just glad you're alright, Nanako. Plus, as a bonus, we won't have to worry about ORE Journal going bankrupt anytime soon."
Nanako smiled in relief too, but the happy moment was not to last as the police soon stormed in. They'd come after they'd heard screaming from inside the building. It turns out, Shinji had just been bait for the squad of officers the police had sent to quietly tail him. Shinji and Nanako told their story, but the police asked that Shinji come with them to the station all the same. And that was how Shinji Kido, for the first time in his life, got arrested.
'They can't seriously think I was in on the kidnapping, can they?!' Shinji mentally fumed as he let out a sigh of frustration before looking to the officer outside his cell. "Could I have my one phone call please? I'd like to get in touch with my lawyer."
A quick phone call later, and Shinji soon found himself waiting in his cell before he was informed that his lawyer was here to see him. After he was seated on the inmate side of the visiting area, Shinji found himself staring Kitaoka in the face. An amused smirk gracing the lawyer's face.
"Shinji, Shinji. Shinji." Kitaoka chuckled. "I didn't think you'd be the type to get in such trouble."
"I wasn't in on the kidnapping plot." Shinji muttered from his end. " There was an… outside party involved with the disappearance of the kidnappers."
"… I see." Kitaoka's expression turned serious for a moment before reverting to a more relaxed one. "Well then, it looks like you're in need of a get-out-of-jail free card, huh?"
"Yep." Shinji sighed. "If you're wondering about payment for your services-"
"No need." Kitaoka answered quickly. A small, but genuine smile on his face. "I still owe you for helping me out when we first met. I'll have you out of here in a few minutes."
True to his word, Kitaoka worked his legal magic, attesting to Shinji's character and explaining there was no connection between him and the kidnappers. In less than fifteen minutes, Shinji was a free man once more.
"Thanks, Kitaoka." Shinji sighed in relief as the two walked toward the exit together.
"Consider us even now." Kitaoka smirked. "Though if we need to team-up on some Mirror Monsters, you'll owe me one if I need to save your bacon."
"Is that because I fought a boar today?" Shinji chuckled. The pair soon arrived at the exit, Reiko waiting for Shinji outside. Shinji waved in greeting, but Kitaoka was frozen stiff as he laid eyes on ORE's best and only reporter. In an instant, Kitaoka put on his most charming smile and strode towards Reiko, extending his hand forward in greeting.
"Shouichi Kitaoka at your service, miss." Kitaoka grinned. "You've me to thank for getting Shinji out of this terrible misunderstanding."
"I see." Reiko blinked in surprise before regaining her default professional expression. "I guess an encounter like that would make people grow pretty close."
"I couldn't let a debt go unpaid." Kitaoka chuckled. "I'd say this was much more worthwhile than a simple meal out. I knew Shinji was quite the reporter in the making. It's easy to see why because of the fine specimen of journalism I see before me. Very fine indeed."
"Cute, lawyer." Reiko smirked. "But you're not the first one to take a shot at me. It takes more than a handsome face and charming smile to win me over."
"I'll have you know I'm an excellent marksman." Kitaoka chuckled. "I do hope ORE Journal will interview me again, soon. It's always to enjoyable chatting with you."
"We'll see." Reiko giggled. "C'mon, Shinji. Chief Okubo's been itching to congratulate you for your heroics today."
"Wouldn't say I was heroic." Shinji smiled. "Just doing the right thing. See you around, Kitaoka."
Kitaoka waved goodbye as the pair drove off back to ORE Journal. However, before he departed, one of the officers at the station came up to him.
"Sorry to keep you, Mr. Kitaoka, but there's something you should know." The officer said nervously. "You-know-who, is requesting you for a visit again."
Kitaoka's face flashed with a mixture of annoyance, worry, and a hint of disgust before a sigh escaped his lips.
"I see." Kitaoka nodded.
"You know, you don't have to go." The officer said.
"If I don't, then he'll just make more trouble." Kitaoka sighed. "For you, AND the other inmates. It's for the best I see him. After all," Kitaoka's eyes narrowed as his mind drifted to a key memory.
"He's the one person who couldn't pay me enough to take his case."
AN: Sorry it took so long. Metroid Dread just released, and I only beat it today. Anyway, this chapter's a bit short, but I hope you're all entertained! Also, for those of you greatly interested in my EoH story, I've got a poll up that's got a question that's really been bugging me. Offer your input if you'd like! Until then, see you next mission!