AN: Hey guys, it's me. I know it's been a while since I've last updated and since I'm on a small vacation, I think it's suited time that I rectify that. I also want to make a couple of announcements, but I'm gonna save that until the end. Alright, enough talk….Showtime!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything, save for OCs.
Chapter 13: Ghost's World Part 2
Dark Decade emerged from a Gray Mirror with the remnants of her voice changer collar in hand to see Shadow Moon minding his own business before noticing his lord.
"My Lord!" He recognized as he approached her. "Your collar-!"
"No need." She assured as she tossed the broken collar away. "He did not recognize my true voice."
"Then his memory truly is gone." Shadow Moon said. "Does this change anything?"
"No." The female Rider said sternly. "It doesn't. Let me know if Argus reports in or if our other situation in this world changes."
"Understood, my Lord."
Dark Decade walked up to the master bedroom in her fortress. She stared at the mirror nearby before grabbing her hood and pulling it down, letting her long black hair out. She simply stared at the mirror with a sad face.
"The Nihlus that I knew is long gone. Fine, if that's how it is…"
(Play Hello, World! By Bump Of Chicken)
[Tobira hirakeba nejireta hiru no yoru. Kinou dou yatte kaetta karada dake ga tashika. Ohayo korekara mata maigo no tsuduzki. Minareta shiranai keshiki no naka de.] As the music starts up, the city of Vale in Faiz's world shines brightly in the night before time transitions to sunrise, changing the city to that of Tokyo-3 in W's world. Finally, the sunrise moves to full-on day time, changing the city one last time to Area 11 of Ryuki's world.
The song continues as the camera zooms out on a picture collection of different cities and worlds, until it reveals a collage making up a road.
[Mou damette omotte kara wari to nadaka yareteiru. Shi ni kiranai kurai ni joubu nanka chotto hazukashii.] The scene changes to the city's people, who are just as changing with the setting. One of the only constants was Nihlus, who seemed to be minding his own business while Chelsea was behind him
[Yaru beki kotow a wasurete ite mo wakaru. Sou shinai to totemo kurushii kara.] The scene changes to Nihlus and his friends having some fun, taking a picture of silly faces. The next scene shows a small slideshow of poor pictures with Nihlus waking up from bed as he checked his eyes. Another slideshow revealed Nihlus and his friends having lunch, with the former making a small accident of getting ketchup all over his face from a burger. Yugi offered him a napkin while the girls seemed ready to joke about it at his expense. Back to the city, an unhooded Dark Decade walks behind Nihlus in the opposite direction with the frame cutting off at her neck, only showing the majority of her body's backside and her long black hair.
[Kao wo agete kuroi me no hito. Kimi ga mita kara hikari wa umareta.] The scene then changes to a pedestrian scramble moving fast and changing like the city, occasionally showing Riders of their respective cities. But in the center, the only constant was Chelsea smiling before the background changed to the flower place where she was supposed to die. She smiled as the daylight shone before changing to night, where she was replaced by Decade whose green eyes were shining from having been transformed.
[Eranda iro de nutta sekai ni kakomarete. Erabenai kizu no imi wa doko darou.] The scene changes to Nihlus in the center of the background where the Rider War was supposed to take place. Around him was the good Kamen Riders showing off their abilities to fend off against the Dark Riders. Nihlus seemed blown away, stunned, and baffled by all this action. He then seemed resolute and composed as the setting changed to an unhooded Dark Decade in front of a ruined mansion, Fuu facing her inner demon Nanabi, and to Chelsea facing that flower field again. Then the background changed to a colorful stage with Nihlus being in the center of it all.
[Gojibun dake ga hiiroo sekai no mannaka de. Owaru made dezuppari sutteji no ue.] The scene changes to Shadow Moon smiling under his hood as the rest of the Dark Riders appear around him. The scene then transitions to Dark Decade, in her Rider armor, walking through a ruined city with a satisfied smile underneath her helmet. The scene then switches back to that lively stage with Yugi, as Kuuga, taking a bow with the other Riders, some of the hooded Dark Riders doing the same, then Chelsea and Fuu, a hooded Dark Decade just stared, and finally Nihlus taking center but the stage with the lights out and show over with only a spotlight shining down on him.
[Dou shiyoi karappo no furi mo dekinai.] Nihlus was holding the DecaDriver and Decade card in his hands before a cherry blossom falls and flies past him, making him grip his Rider Gear harder.
[Hello doumo boku wa koko. Hello doumo boku wa koko.] Nihlus is back in the ruined battleground alone, but seems steadfast, vigilant, and heroic, not afraid of anything. He was soon replaced with the title of the fic.
As the song ends, the final scene is in a room with a bright background before the camera zooms past all the Riders, with the last one being Nihlus, who is about to transform into Decade.
(With Nihlus)
Nihlus was waiting outside the operating room door as he was fiddling with camera in an attempt to try and forget everything that just happened. But what made that even harder was her dried blood on his outfit. He hasn't left his spot since dropping off the wounded woman with Takeru and the others. The world traveler silently prayed for her recovery, but his thoughts were cut off by…
"Hey!"
Nihlus looked up to see Tatsumi, who seemed annoyed.
"What?" He responded.
"I saw you barge in with Chelsea before taking her to Takeru. What happened?"
Nihlus took a while to try to find the words before Tatsumi grabbed his bloodied collar out of impatience.
"I said what happened?" Tatsumi repeated as Nihlus sighed and finally talked.
"Chelsea tried to go after Kurome after the battle that we've had." Nihlus replied. "I knew she wasn't ready for her and tried to convince to call of the assassination attempt. I couldn't stop her and well…" He then trailed off, not wanting to finish the sentence, but the brown-haired assassin knew where this was going.
"You bastard…" Tatsumi grabbed Nihlus by the collar and pushed him against the wall out of frustration. "You could've saved her and you allowed her to get hurt!?"
It was Nihlus's turn to look pissed as he kicked off Tatsumi.
"I did the best that I could!"
"Well, obviously, your best isn't good enough!"
"I don't see you doing any better!" Nihlus replied back as he instinctively dodged a punch from Tatsumi before attacking back.
This soon sparked into a small fight as they were exchanging and dodging blows. Fuu and Yugi were walking down the hallway before noticing said fight. The former immediately rushed at them, using her arms to break them apart.
"That's enough! You two need to calm down!" Fuu insisted as she broke the fight up and made sure that Nihlus wasn't doing anything to attack while Yugi did the same for Tatsumi.
"I tried to save all of her!" Nihlus told Tatsumi at the top of his voice. "I really did! You can blame me all you want! But it doesn't change the fact that I did my best and right now, she has the best chance of survival compared to facing Kurome! If you want to keep blaming me fine, but let me remind you that Kurome has earned at least a majority of the blame. Remember that!"
Tatsumi growled as he soon walked away, making Yugi and Fuu look at him.
"You okay?" Yugi asked as Nihlus sat back down and rubbed his bruised cheek.
"No." Nihlus replied.
"You did the best that you could. No one can fault you." Fuu assured with a soft smile as she started to focus on something before making healing webs for the bruise.
"Didn't seem that way with Tatsumi." Nihlus noted as Yugi walked up to the two.
"He's just frustrated and needs to vent it out. Since you were one of the ones involved in the situation, it's logical that he takes it out on you. He didn't mean anything by it. Trust me, police officers and citizens like to play the blame game with me when I couldn't save anyone from the Grongi." Yugi mused with a smile.
"And you know what life is like for a Jinchuriki like me. I have enough stories to last a lifetime, maybe two." Fuu joked. "Look, what matters is she's alive and you did your best."
Nihlus nodded as he took in that information.
"Thanks, you guys." He smiled.
"What are friends for?" Yugi replied as the door finally opened.
Leone and Najenda stepped out first before Takeru exited last with some of his operating clothes bloodied. He looked at Nihlus and tilted his head a bit in confusion upon seeing the small web on his face.
"It's an ability of mine." Fuu explained as Nihlus just looked at Takeru anxiously.
"How…How is Chelsea?" He asked.
"Well, the good news is that the operation is a success. We managed to connect the prosthetics and she'll live." Takeru smiled as Nihlus sighed in relief.
"Can I see her?" He asked.
"Well, the anesthesia hasn't worn off yet. But, if you would like to stay before she wakes up, you can."
Nihlus nodded as he walked into the room while Takeru looked down with a small smile.
"At least, that's one life I can save…"
"Huh?" Fuu heard that and was about to inquire more into that, but Takeru walked away,
Meanwhile, inside the room, Nihlus spotted Chelsea sleeping soundly without her headphones and in a white medical gown. He looked down at her body to see the lower half of her right arm was replaced with a metal gauntlet which was the prosthetic. He then spotted the other arm, which was still there, but replaced with prosthetic fingers with the exception of the thumb.
Nihlus then grabbed a nearby chair and sat down next to the bed as he watched her, waiting for the medication to wear off. Fuu and Yugi watched from the doorway before Yugi left.
"Come on Fuu, we should probably give them some space."
Fuu nodded as she wanted to talk to Takeru about what he just said.
(With Argos)
Argos was exploring the burned ruins of Takeru's village as his three retainers/warriors kept watch of the captured Akame.
Argos soon found what seemed to be the Tanaka home before entering. He looked around for something before noticing a bookcase nearby. The young man examined the bookcase before nodding to himself and kicking it down, revealing a hidden flight of stairs going down. As he went downstairs, he found himself in a room with a table to the side with various notes and in the center was a monolithic structure with an eye icon on it.
Argos approached the Monolith and was about to touch it, but…
"So, you are not the young man that I know of."
Argos turned and saw an old man in sage-styled clothing.
"Hello, old man." He greeted.
"You may look like an Argos I know, but that aura of yours…it is very different, I see. Are you perhaps from another world?"
"I see that your 'wisdom' is a constant in this world. Yes, I am not the Argos that you know, but one that comes from another reality."
"Then why come here?" The old man asked. "You know what the Monolith is for."
"I do and every time I look at it, I feel nothing but envy and anger. How come my siblings live with closure and I am left with nothing but failures…and death?" He asked as he remembered how Dark Decade told him of his Aila and Alain's lives in peace while his other brother Adel died with some measure of clarity and happiness upon his resurrection. It wasn't fair how they got happy and bittersweet endings, while he ended up dead for good.
"And do you plan to take your anger out on my versions? They haven't done anything to you."
"That's where you're wrong, old man. I've been studying this world for a long time and I've seen enough to know that my history will repeat. I plan to rectify that, starting by taking care your Ghost."
"And how do you intend to do that? You cannot kill that which is already dead." Sennin pointed out as Argos summoned his Ghost Driver and took out his Eyecon before pressing it.
"Only for a little while longer." He replied as he opened his Driver and placed in the Eyecon.
"EYE!"
"BACCHIRI MINNA!"
He pulled and pushed in the lever.
"KAIGAN: DARK RIDER!"
"YAMI NO CHIKARA! WARUI YATSURA!"
Argos then transformed into Dark Ghost who then summoned his Gan Gun Saber in Gun Mode. He then aimed at the walls and ceiling before opening fire at them, shocking Sennin as he quickly made his way to the exit. Dark Ghost soon finished firing as the whole room caved in, debris now burying the Monolith from access.
"What have you done!?" Sennin asked as he was shocked that Argos would have done such a thing.
"The Monolith is a gateway between our world and this one, correct? As long as a medium to the Great Eye. Without the Monolith, Takeru will not have access to the Eyecon Driver G as intended…correct?"
The older man seemed shocked at the extent of knowledge that his former prince held before Dark Ghost approached him.
"Remind the young healer that I'll be waiting in this home tomorrow for our duel. He has until nightfall on said day. Otherwise…I'll take the girl as well, just like everything else." Dark Ghost said as he then left, leaving the elder man with his thoughts.
"This is a grave problem indeed…"
(Later at night)
Chelsea started to stir as the anesthesia started to wear off. She looked around and found herself in the medical room of the Night Raid base. She then noticed Nihlus sleeping in his chair with her dried blood all over, indicating that he's been with her since he brought her to Takeru.
"Nihlus…" Chelsea was about to shook him awake before noticing her right arm feeling…off. She looked at it and saw that the lower half resembles something of an armored gauntlet, just like Najenda's. She then looked at her other arm to see that her fingers, with the exception of her thumb.
She stared at her arms as the haunting memory of her near-death experience at the hands of Kurome. Nihlus warned her what would happen and she didn't listen. Now, she has paid the price of her ignorance. She was supposed to be an assassin, a trained killer. And look where that got her. She lost her arm, fingers, and Teigu. Now, what was she supposed to do?
Before she can think of anything else, she saw Nihlus stirring before he soon woke up himself.
"Chelsea? Chelsea!" Nihlus saw that she was awake before rushing up to hug her.
"Hey, partner…" Chelsea got out as she too tried to hug back. These new prosthetics felt very odd to her and are going to take some getting used to.
"I suppose it's a good thing I got here just in time." Nihlus sighed in relief as he looked at Chelsea's prosthetics. "But what happened out there…"
"No, you did the best you could. I didn't listen to you and ended up paying for it." Chelsea said as she started to look down on herself.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, that's in the past. We should be more focused on the now." Nihlus replied, trying his best to console the young lady.
"I guess…" Chelsea let out before Nihlus patted her on the back in an attempt to comfort her.
"Come on, like I said; don't worry about the past. Now then, you're probably hungry-."
RRRAGGHH!
The two looked down to see Nihlus's stomach making that noise, which prompted the two to chuckle at that.
"I suppose I am too, given how I've waited for you to wake up." He said.
"So, what's for dinner then?" Chelsea asked curiously, trying to follow Nihlus's advice.
"Since Akame is not here. Dinner has been somewhat scarce. No doubt that everyone probably finished already with little to no food left. So, uh…" He then seemed nervous for an idea he had in his head for a while now. "Well, seeing how you need to take it easy and we're in need of food…h-how about we go to the Capital."
"What…?"
"Th-The Capital." Nihlus clarified. "Maybe a p-play show can help you cool off a bit after everything that happened."
"Boss would've wanted me to stay. But, Kurome might've reported my appearance and attempt to take her life, I can't just-."
"I-It'll be no problem! I already talked to Najenda when she came to check on you a little while ago. I'm sure if you wear a hooded cloak, no one will be the wiser. Especially since it's night, where there's not much people." Nihlus said as his heart was beating fast.
Chelsea seemed to be thinking about it before she sighed.
"Alright, I guess I can use the stretch." She said, making Nihlus smile.
"G-Great! I'll go change and get your clothes. I know where your room is." Nihlus said as he then left the room, leaving the auburn-haired girl alone.
'Everything I had...it's all gone…but, why do I feel at ease with him? Am I just trying to distract myself from the pain?' She thought as she looked back at her arms with a frown on her face. She tried to hold back the tears from the loss. The girl couldn't help but feel so helpless now. What would happen to her now that she's lost her Teigu? She couldn't be a proper assassin as she hasn't gotten any active combat experience. Would she have to leave Night Raid?
Before she can think any more on this, Nihlus came back in his more casual outfit. He had Chelsea's normal outfit, minus the headphones, folded up in one hand and a hooded cloak in the other.
Chelsea took the clothes and attempted to stand up from the bed, only for her legs to wobble a little from being still for too long. She looked like she was about to trip until Nihlus noticed and caught her.
"You okay?" He asked before the two noticed how close their faces were before separating, small blushes still on their faces.
"Y-Yeah." Chelsea said as she attempted to stand up before her legs fully awaken. "Now, can you please look away…or else I'll smack you. With the fully metal hand."
Nihlus nodded as he had immediately done so as Chelsea began to change. Luckily, her underwear from before didn't have blood from the near-death experience so she didn't have to worry much. Soon after a short while, Chelsea finally changed into her normal outfit with hooded cloak included. Lastly, she placed on her boots which were a bit nearby.
"Okay, I'm ready." Chelsea alerted Nihlus as the later placed on his driver and took out his card.
"Henshin!"
"KAMEN RIDE: KABUTO!"
Nihlus transformed into D-Kabuto before approaching Chelsea and sweeping her up into his arms.
"You know how to get to the Capital, right?" Chelsea asked.
D-Kabuto nodded as he used another card.
"ATTACK RIDE: CLOCK UP!"
He took off as a red blur with Chelsea along for the ride.
(15 minutes later in the Imperial Capital)
D-Kabuto finally stopped as he arrived in a discrete alley and gently dropped Chelsea to her feet.
"I don't think I'm ever gonna get used to that." Chelsea remarked as she placed on her hood while wrapping the majority of her body with the cloak.
D-Kabuto looked around and saw no witnesses so he reverted back to Nihlus.
"You know the closest tavern?" He asked.
Chelsea nodded.
"It's been a while since I've been to the city, but it shouldn't be that hard to find one." The auburn-haired girl said, prompting Nihlus to nod in acknowledgement.
"Okay, lead the way." He said as the two took off. The two were now walking for a bit before they noticed the bounty board. Chelsea stopped to look at it to see that her poster. It seems that Kurome reported back the attempt on her life as well as Chelsea's appearance. From what the young lady read, she is wanted dead or alive and the amount on her head can set a small family up for life.
Nihlus noticed and immediately ripped the poster from the wall, crumpled it up, and placed it in his pocket. He awkwardly laughed in an attempt to change the mood.
"C-Come on, we should probably go get something to eat, right? How much farther is this tavern?" He asked.
Chelsea glared for a few seconds before continuing to guide him. After a few more minutes of walking around, they soon arrived at the entrance to the tavern.
"Finally, I'm starving." Nihlus said as the two approached the door. But even before any of them can touch the doorknob…
CRASH!
The two turned and saw a random drunken stranger get thrown out the window. They looked into the window to see an all-out drunken free-for-all brawl occurring between everyone. Whatever the reason for this seemingly random event, it was obvious that the two weren't going to get satisfaction there tonight.
"A-Are there any other places that we can go tonight?" Nihlus asked as Chelsea then led him to a couple of other spots around the city, but they ended up being dead-ends. For instance, the next tavern they went to was shut down due to recent reports of numerous customers ending up with food poisoning. The next restaurant was destroyed in a recent storm and the last food establishment they went to was simply just booked.
"We should just forget it. There's no way we can find a place to eat for the night." Chelsea said, resorting back to her depressed mood as the night soon grew darker.
Nihlus was about to say something before noticing that the studio was right next to them. He smiled, remembering how Mr. Hitachi can cook for them.
"Oh wait, Chelsea! I think I know a place that we can eat for the night without any trouble." Nihlus said as he then entered the studio with Chelsea right behind him.
"Oh, you lot are kind enough to come, but I'm not taking any more cust-." Mr. Hitachi started as he appeared before noticing Nihlus. "Nihlus! I've missed you! How are you? Are the others doing alright?"
"They're doing fine for now. I'm here with a friend of mine, actually. You can trust him, Chelsea." Nihlus assured Chelsea as Chelsea hesitantly removed her hood.
"My, what a pretty friend you have here." Mr. Hitachi joked as he took his arm out to shake. "My name is Hino Hitachi. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Chelsea was about to shake back before realizing her prosthetics. It wasn't uncommon for people to have prosthetics in this society, but she didn't want to look down on the brutal scar.
"S-Sorry, I'm not much of a shaker. Though it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hitachi. My name is Chelsea." Chelsea replied back with a smile.
"Anyways, I was hoping that Chelsea and I can eat here for dinner. The places we've been to have been a no-go." Nihlus requested, earning a smile from the older man.
"Of course, I still have enough food for you two. Please, make yourselves comfortable. It's also still fresh, so there's no need to heat it." Mr. Hitachi said as he allowed the two to enter further into the studio.
It was now Nihlus's turn to take point as he led Chelsea to the kitchen and gestured her to seat, which she took after removing her hooded cloak and placing it on the chair. Nihlus noticed covered plates of food and used them to make individual meals for him and his partner. He laid them out on the table before fetching utensils.
"Alright, let's eat." Nihlus said as he started eating while Chelsea stared at the cooking for a bit. "Come on, you should try some." He insisted, pointing at her food.
"Oh, I, uh, don't really feel that hungry…" She said as she scratched the back of the head before stopping as he new metal skin was a bit hard against her skin. The assassin just got these prosthetics and the only thing she can do with them was just open and close her fist with the fully mechanical one. The fingers were easier to control, but the feeling was still foreign to her.
"Come on, we didn't come all this way for nothing. At least, try some." Nihlus insisted as he continued eating.
Chelsea stared at the food before she grabbed the fork with the fully mechanical arm. She seemed to struggle as she tried adjusting her fingers to hold. Nihlus noticed her cursing under her breath before dropping his utensils and helping Chelsea pose her arm to hold the fork properly. Getting the knife with just the fingers on the other arm was a little easier thanks to the thumb, but it still took a while.
"It's good…" Chelsea remarked as she mentally struggled to keep her prosthetics from messing up the position that she and Nihlus put them in.
"See? Mr. Hitachi really knows how to cook." Nihlus smiled as he and Chelsea slowly started eating a lot more.
"So Nihlus, how do you know the old guy?"
"He's my boss before I joined Night Raid with Fuu and Yugi. However, after we're done with a certain mission, the three of us are planning to come back here." Nihlus half-lied.
"You are? Why's that?"
"Well, the four of us are, well, travelers. There are places that we have to be at. Business to take care of." Nihlus explained as right now all he wanted was to help Chelsea break out of her depression, even it meant distracting her thoughts.
"So, you're gonna be gone soon?"
"Yeah, but don't worry. I'm sure one day we'll see each other again." Nihlus answered. He didn't really know if they would, but he didn't want to make her sad. Soon after, the two soon finished their meal. "That was great!"
"You're telling me." Chelsea smiled, having enjoyed the meal as a whole. "I'd eat more, but I don't want to ruin my figure."
"Doesn't stop you with sweets." He smiled back, earning a light playful kick to the shin.
"Shut it, you."
The two then laughed, reminding the two of happier times when they were partners.
"Anyways, we should get going to a theater."
Chelsea then looked at the time.
"I don't think that's possible. It's already too late. The theater is probably already closed by now." Chelsea said as she got up and stretched. "Maybe we should just go back home."
"No, I promised you a good time tonight and I'm giving you just that." Nihlus said as he started thinking of what to do before coming up with an idea. Regardless of the worlds they're in, power runs in this studio along with the appliances.
He then grabbed Chelsea by the hand and took her to the living room.
"Nihlus, what are you doing?" The auburn-haired girl asked as the amateur photographer sat her down on the couch and turned on the TV. "And what is that?"
"This is a television, or TV for short. This is going to play the movie. Think of a movie as a…moving picture show. They're common from the faraway lands that I've mentioned." Nihlus answered as he looked through the nearby cabinet before grabbing a DVD.
Chelsea leaned in a bit forward to examine the TV and DVD player. This was all very new to her. To hear that these things can play something like a moving picture show sound extraordinary. Sounds like the power from a minor Teigu or so.
"Nihlus, I don't understand. How can these things play?"
"You'll see." Nihlus smiled.
He then entered it into the DVD Player and sat down next to Chelsea as the movie soon started playing.
As Nihlus didn't know what genre of fiction that Chelsea was into, he had to pick something of a comedic action movie. As the movie started playing the opening act, Nihlus didn't seemed so focused on the movie but rather, he was more focused on Chelsea. Right now, she seemed astonished and amazed at the technology that existed right before her. This was a promising start.
As the movie progressed, Nihlus noted how Chelsea was getting invested by giving small bits of commentary, laughing at the funnier parts, and cried a little at the sadder parts. Right now, they were at the third act of the movie and Chelsea looked at Nihlus.
"Hey, Nihlus?"
"Yeah?"
"I, uh…just wanted to say thank you for the night." She smiled.
"You're having a good time?"
She nodded before having a doubtful look on her face.
"Though do I really deserve it? We're supposed to be partners and I didn't listen to you when it counted. I even knocked you out! It costed me my Teigu and limbs. If you hadn't been there, I 'd be…" Before Chelsea can finish that sentence, Nihlus stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry about it. It's all in the past." He smiled. "I regret that I couldn't save all of you but…you're here now and alive. That's what should matter. Just promise me that you'll start taking my word more seriously, okay?"
Chelsea seemed surprised and blushed a little before nodding.
"Good, now come on." He smiled, facing the screen. "The movie isn't over yet and it's just getting to the good part!"
Chelsea smiled and looked at the screen, re-focusing on the movie. As the movie continued playing, the two just decided to spend the night just watching and not focusing on anything else.
Unknown to them, Mr. Hitachi watching from the door way before smiling and leaving to close up shop. Nihlus wanted to cheer Chelsea up and it's sufficed to say that he did.
(With Takeru)
Takeru was at his desk, clicking on the Billy the Kid Eyecon, only to see it unresponsive.
"Come on…come on…" Takeru cursed before putting it back with the others. Since his duel with Argos, not only has he lost Akame but a couple of his Eyecons as well. He was missing Edison, who introduced the concept of using electricity in daily lives to the Empire but was killed when pushing for the usage in all social classes. The Night Raid medic was also missing Benkei, a warrior monk who was best renowned for serving as a retainer for one of the very few pure Emperors of the Empire.
"Takeru, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself." The Bulat Eyecon said, being one of the few Eyecons that interact with Takeru. The others are Musashi, a famous swordsman renowned for his unique dual-wielding swordsmanship, and Robin Hood, one of the earlier rebels when the Empire started showing signs of corruption.
"I need everyone to be ready. If I can't be on par with that man, then all those lives lost aren't worth anything!" Takeru said as he then thought about his friend. "And Akame…"
"You're gonna kill yourself with all this stress." Fuu said as she appeared in the doorway.
"I'm already dead, so this is just plain torture." Takeru replied as the young shinobi walked over to him and examined the Robin Hood Eyecon, feeling a small vibration from it.
"Hey! Hey! They don't like being touched like that from unknown hands!" Robin Hood remarked as Fuu just gotten a closer look.
"So, these things are basically containers for undead heroes?" Fuu asked, trying to understand the concept of these items a bit better.
"That's a very rough explanation of it, but yes." Takeru replied, looking at her. "By the way, is Chelsea awake yet? I need to run physical therapy for her new prosthetics."
"About that…I saw her take off with Nihlus." Fuu replied, remembering the feeling of Kabuto's speed brushing past her.
"What!?"
"I'm sure they'll be back soon." Fuu tried to assure.
"She shouldn't be up yet. Not until her body is adjusted to the prosthetics and-." Fuu then grabbed Billy the Kid's Eyecon and threw it at Takeru's face.
"Ow!" The medic got out. "What was that for!?"
"You're worrying too much." Fuu stated as if it was obvious.
"Well, considering that a patient of mine had just undergone major surgery, my friend has been taken, my village slaughtered, and now most of my Eyecons are malfunctioning. I think that I'm allowed to worry."
"No, it doesn't." Fuu simply replied. "If you're gonna keep fighting, then you need a clear head to survive. Even though you're already dead."
"You don't know what it's like-."
"You think you're the only one that knows hardships? Trust me, I know what it's like to have nothing or lose what little is left." Fuu said, her tone of voice sounding a bit more serious than usual. "But if you're just gonna sit down and mope around, you should just go back to being a corpse. Can't the dead act a bit alive and focus on the now?"
"…" Takeru didn't say anything before Yurusen appeared.
"The old man sent me here! Wants me to remind you that your duel tomorrow for your girlfriend is in what's left of your village tomorrow!" The small ghost reminded him and Fuu can tell just who his opponent is.
"If you're serious about dueling a Rider, then you should probably take Nihlus with you. He's a Rider too." Fuu added.
"Jin is also a Rider, similar to me. Maybe I'll take him with me to watch in case things don't turn out well." Takeru pointed out.
"If you want, but Nihlus has experience dealing with these particular types of Riders. Think on that." Fuu said before yawning. "Alright, I'm gonna get some shuteye. I suggest that you do the same too."
The young female then left the room as Takeru had now his thoughts to occupy him while the active Eyecons gave him silence to think with.
(The following morning at the studio)
Chelsea was sleeping and stirred before opening her eyes. She found herself on a bed and jumped a bit as she remembered starting to sleep when the movie ended. The auburn-haired girl looked down at herself to see that her outfit was still on, but a bit crumpled from having to sleep in it. The only thing missing was her boots and tie, which were to the side.
Soon the door opened, revealing Nihlus.
"Morning, Chels." Nihlus greeted as Chelsea rubbed her eye a bit with her flesh arm.
"Hey, good morning. So, when did I get here last night?" Chelsea asked, emerging from her drowsiness while being a bit worried as she didn't remember getting to bed.
"Around the ending credits you fell asleep. I just carried you to the remaining guest room that we have left." Nihlus explained. "Anyways, we should probably get going after a quick breakfast. Boss is going to kill me when we get back. I convinced her to take you out for dinner, not for a sleepover."
"Yeah, I'd hate to be you right now. Glad I'm not." Chelsea smiled as she placed on her tie, straightened her clothes out, and placed on her boots.
"You can at least sound a little sympathetic." Nihlus said. "Anyways, I'm not carrying you again today. We're going to get there with something else. A bit slower in comparison, but I think you'll like it."
"Oh?"
(Later in the woods)
"W-Woah!"
After that short breakfast, Nihlus was driving Machine Decader with Chelsea as his passenger. Luckily, since it was still early morning, not a whole lot of people managed to see Chelsea or the bike.
"I-I didn't think a vehicle could move so fast!" Chelsea remarked, holding on to Nihlus as she was unused to such speed. Maybe to the more conventional means of travel within this world, but definitely not a motorcycle.
"Don't Takeru and Jin have something similar?" Nihlus responded as he was focused on trying to avoid the trees while driving.
"I've heard about them, but I never seen them in action." Chelsea responded as Nihlus then remembered that in the manga, the auburn-haired assassin didn't really stay in Night Raid for too long before her death. Now that she's still alive, he wondered what she would do next. He would've asked Chelsea, but it was still too soon as her wounds and prosthetics were still fresh.
After a short while, Nihlus stopped the bike and noticed the two Ghost Riders packing up on their bikes with Najenda. Najenda noticed Nihlus and the latter sweated a bit in nervousness as he stopped the bike right in front of her, allowing Chelsea to get off.
"H-Hello, good morning."
"You know, when you suggested that you were gonna take Chelsea for a good time…I didn't expect that it would be THAT kind of good time." Nagenda remarked, making both Nihlus and Chelsea blush a bit.
"I-It wasn't like that! We just happened to take up too much time last night watching a show." Nihlus tried to explain.
"I'm sure." Najenda said, not sounding fully convinced before looking at Chelsea and then her prosthetics. "How do they feel?"
Chelsea looked at her arms and tried testing them. It took a bit of a mental struggle and it lagged a little, but they worked.
"It's gonna take some time getting used to them." Chelsea remarked.
"I can help you with that. Don't worry." Najenda assured as she looked at her own prosthetic. "Anyways, I sent the others away on a job. Nihlus, I want you to assist Takeru and Jin in rescuing Akame back from that unknown assailant-."
"Argos. He told me his name is Argos." Takeru interrupted.
"Yes, him. If he's the same as Takeru, then killing him would be impossible. Just get back Akame and incapacitate him, even if it's only for a little while."
"I understand." Nihlus said.
"Argos challenged me to a duel for Akame in what remains of my village. Not sure what he has planned. If we're the same, then it'll just be a waste of our time. He is up to something." Takeru guessed.
"But, what? The only thing there is the Monolith and that is useless to him, given his abilities." Jin added as everyone started thinking.
"The last time that we've fought, he told me that his only desire is to break me. Probably that's why he wiped my village and killed everyone there."
"So why capture Akame, someone close to you, when he could've just easily killed her?" Najenda asked back.
"Either way, we need to focus. Since Takeru and Argos will be fighting in the village, Nihlus and I can easily sneak around and search for Akame." Jin replied.
"He'll have his three Necrom cronies with him." Takeru recalled. "And I thought the original Necrom was bad enough."
"There's an original Kamen Rider Necrom? How come we haven't seen him?" Nihlus asked out of curiosity.
"The last time we've faced Alain, the original Necrom, he seemed to be under orders from his brother to get close to the Empire. That includes aiding them in rooting out a pirate fleet that's been causing trouble for everyone." Jin replied. "My last assignment from Najenda was to keep an eye on him until recently when this mess started."
"Back on track, what if Dark Decade shows up again? We all saw how easily she killed Seryu and her mutt." Nihlus recalled.
"Then I guess one of us has to force that fight elsewhere." Takeru replied. "All that matters is defeating Argos and rescuing Akame."
The two Riders seemed to agree with that as Najenda smirked.
"Alright, well, there's your assignment for today." The older assassin said before looking at Chelsea. "Alright Chelsea, it appears that we have a lot to talk about."
"About the prosthetics?"
"That and where do you stand with Night Raid now that your Teigu has been destroyed." Najenda replied, making Chelsea wince from a flashback of that.
"You'll be okay." Nihlus assured Chelsea as he patted her on the back. Chelsea nodded back as she and Najenda went back into the main base before looking at the two other Riders. "Alright, let's ride!"
The three soon started and revved up their bikes before leaving the area. Unknown to them, the hooded Dark Decade was watching the entire scene from a nearby cliff before summoning a Gray Mirror and leaving through it in silence.
(With Argos)
The Dark Rider was waiting patiently in the village for the arrival of Takeru as the Gray Mirror opened up behind him. It dropped off Dark Decade before vanishing.
"It appears that the Riders are making their way to you now, as expected."
"Excellent." Argos said as he turned to face his master.
"Tell me, why bother with this duel at all? Neither of you can't die in your current conditions." Dark Decade pointed out.
"That is true, but we still have energy, bodies that can still be broken, and emotions…." Argos explained. "I want Ghost broken and as I kill his girl, I want him to see it and feel how powerless he is before me when I'm done."
"Sounds generic." The female Dark Rider remarked, sounding a bit unimpressed.
"When you hunger revenge from the afterlife, you tend not to think too complicated. Even so, with you and my Necrom forces at my side, a rescue attempt wouldn't even be possible." Argos replied, being so sure of himself.
"Hmph, and what then?"
"I take care of my siblings. A family reunion would be in order." Argos replied as his master nodded in understanding as a response. "After that, I'll take my empire back, find the rest of the Eyecons and then…"
"Thinking too far ahead, I'd recommend on the now." Dark Decade interrupted as she started to walk away from Argos. "I suggest that you get ready. I'll hang back with your Necrom force to keep an eye on Akame."
Argos nodded in acknowledgement as Dark Decade was now gone from sight while the former sat down on a set of stairs.
(With Nihlus and the Ghost Riders)
After a while, the three bikes stopped before their drivers got off. Nihlus looked around and the damage looked catastrophic. It looked as if a Danger Beast came through here on a monstrous rampage. Nihlus looked at Takeru, who seemed to be staring at the destruction before taking a deep breath.
"You sure you're up to this?" Nihlus asked as Takeru looked back with a sad smile.
"I'm fine, really. You two find Akame, while I deal with Argos." Takeru said as he advanced into the village.
Nihlus then looked at Jin.
"Is it ok to let Takeru take off on his own like that?"
"No." Jin answered honestly, surprising Nihlus. "If Akame, hadn't been captured, I would've gone in after him as well. He takes a lot of weight on his shoulders. That has been doubled now, considering he's now the only survivor of his village."
"Really? I would think that being undead with a time limit is pretty stressful." Nihlus said as he started thinking of his own burdens. 'Then again, what would I know? I'm a world-travelling Kamen Rider.'
"Even when dead, Takeru tries to make the best of his situation. Connecting with others and healing them as a proper doctor." Jin explained as Nihlus looked back at the direction that Takeru went off in. "I overheard his conversation with Fuu last night and I agree, he needs to focus on now. Fighting Argos for his village alone is not going to help him."
'Connecting, huh?'
"Anyways, we should focus on finding out where they have taken Akame. Most likely, they're a bit farther away from the camp."
"I can scout it out." Nihlus said as he placed on his Driver and used his Kabuto card once more.
"Henshin!"
"KAMEN RIDE: KABUTO!"
He then quickly used another card.
"ATTACK RIDE: CLOCK UP!"
D-Kabuto then took off as a red blur as he moved around in the village. He looked to see what was going on with the duel for a few nanoseconds. He saw that Ghost, in his Toucan Boost form, was dealing with Dark Ghost with the Benkei Ghost Parka attached. D-Kabuto soon went a bit south of the village and found the three Necrom goons untransformed with a tied up and gagged Akame stowed on the back of the wagon.
D-Kabuto was about to go for her…until a hand grabbed his and another punched him in the chest, making him stumble back. D-Kabuto quickly regained his composure as he then saw DD-Caucasus in front of him.
"Really? Didn't want to go with Dark Kabuto?" D-Kabuto asked as he took out his Ride Booker in sword form.
"A little to on the nose if I do that, don't you think? Have to give all my Dark Riders a chance here." DD-Caucasus responded as she too withdrew her sword.
The two Riders stared at each other before charging and engaging in a swordfight. To Jebil, Jey, and Jered, all they saw was a red and yellow blur streaking around and occasionally clashing. Meanwhile, D-Kabuto ran to Jin and grabbed him, seeing that he has no time to explain where Akame is. He attempted to run to the Necroms' locations before DD-Caucasus appeared and tried slashing him. D-Kabuto just dodged as best as he could while running to where the Necroms were before he was slashed away by his counterpart.
D-Kabuto flew and landed through the roof of a nearby house, the damage enough to revert him back to Decade.
"Ow…" Decade said as he tried to muster back enough strength as he can before DD-Caucasus appeared in front of him, reverting to Dark Decade. "Humor me, will you?"
"Hm?"
"I saw how you easily killed Seryu and Koro, so I have to know…why are you holding back on me?" Decade asked as he recalled that brutal memory. "Would it have anything to do with how I know you?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'd like nothing more than to kill you. But if only it were as easy as that annoying justice bitch." The female Rider replied. "Long story short, I still need you for the Rider War. You are an essential figurehead. So, while I can't kill you, that doesn't mean I can't fuck you up. Really badly."
"Glad to know you care." Decade quipped followed with slotting a new card in his belt.
"ATTACK RIDE: BLAST!"
Decade aimed his gun and fired, Dark Decade quickly jumped to the side and charge. As she charged, she used her own card.
"ATTACK RIDE: SLASH!"
Her sword charged with blue energy as she ran up to Decade and slashed him multiple times before he flew and landed on a table. Decade struggled to get up as his armor was now smoking a bit.
"Even when I'm holding back, you can't hold a candle to me." Dark Decade remarked. "Let me show you a trick. And make sure you pay attention; you might learn something."
She then put a new card in her belt.
"ATTACK RIDE: ILLUSION!"
Dark Decade then allowed herself to split into two copies of herself before each one drew a whole new card.
"KAMEN RIDE: KICKHOPPER/PUNCHHOPPER!"
They then sighed and looked downwards before taking on the form of the KR dynamic duo known as the Hell Brothers, or Sisters in this case.
"Okay, that's new…" Decade said as DD-KickHopper stepped up first.
"Come on, me, let's go." The green hopper said to her transformed copy.
"Surely, me." DD-PunchHopper added as she stepped forward, before they charged at the recovering Decade.
He quickly grabbed his gun and blasted away DD-KickHopper before getting his Kabuto card out again. But before he can use it, DD-PunchHopper grabbed his arm before twisting it. The magenta Rider screamed in pain as he was forced to drop the card.
"You've been way too dependent on this card lately." DD-PunchHopper said as she picked up the card as her other half joined her.
Decade quickly grabbed a new card from his book.
"Souji's power isn't the only one in my arsenal." He quickly used the card.
"KAMEN RIDE: KUUGA!"
Decade stood up as he transformed into Kuuga before using another card quickly.
"FORM RIDE: KUUGA DRAGON!"
D-Kuuga transformed into Kuuga's Dragon form before the form's weapon, the Dragon Rod, appeared in his hand. He twirled it and got into a combat pose.
(With Ghost)
Ghost stumbled back a bit as Dark Ghost rested his hammer against his shoulder.
"You couldn't save your father, your village, or that girl. How much more should I take from you?" Dark Ghost mocked as Ghost stared defiantly at the Dark Rider.
"I'll tell you; no more!" Ghost responded as he took out Musashi's Eyecon and pressed on it before replacing the Toucan Eyecon in his belt.
"EYE!"
"BACCHIRI MINNA! BACCHIRI MINNA! BACHCHIRI-!"
He then closed it before quickly pulling and pushing the lever on his Driver.
"KAIGAN: MUSASHI! KETTO ZUBATTO! CHO KENGO!"
Ghost's hoodie and faceplate soon vanished as another Parka Ghost appeared from the Driver. It was red, had blades for arms, and had a blank bun on the top. This was the Musashi Parka Ghost. It managed to slash at Dark Ghost a bit before merging with Ghost, putting its arms to the back as a black faceplate with two red swords crossing each other appeared on Ghost's face. This was Kamen Rider Ghost Musashi Toucan form.
He summoned his own Gan Gun Saber in one hand and tightly gripped the Sunglassesslasher in the other.
"Here I go!"
He charged and Dark Ghost swung his hammer, only to miss and be slashed across the chest multiple times. When Dark Ghost stumbled, Ghost managed to land a spinning kick to Dark Ghost's helmet.
Dark Ghost stumbled back as his helmet was a bit cracked from that attack.
"Heh, I suppose that's fair given everything I've done at this point." Dark Ghost chuckled as he took a new Eyecon and pressed on it. He replaced his Benkei Eyecon in the same process as Ghost did before closing his Driver.
"EYE!"
Yet again, another Parka Ghost appeared as the Benkei hoodie and faceplate vanished. It was silver and yellow with a pair of antennas, had cups for arms that resembled lightbulbs, sticking out of the hood. This was the Edison Parka Ghost.
"BACCHIRI MINNA! BACCHIRI MINNA!"
Dark Ghost chuckled as he pulled and pushed the lever again.
"KAIGAN: EDISON! EREKI! HIRAMEKI! HATUMEI-O~!"
Edison merged with Dark Ghost as its arms moved to the shoulder before a new faceplate popped up on Dark Ghost's helmet, a dark one with a yellow lightbulb imprinted on it. Dark Ghost removed the Kumo Lantern Ghost Gadget from his Gan Gun Saber before transforming it into Gun Mode.
Ghost just readied himself as he charged again, only for Dark Ghost to jump and float away. Ghost looked up to see Dark Ghost aiming his gun before firing an electrical surge. Ghost tried to block it with his sabers. At first, it looked like Ghost had the advantage, but he was slowly getting pushed back. Dark Ghost noticed this as he landed back on the ground.
"Your endurance may be remarkable, but it won't save you!" Dark Ghost said as he stopped firing, only to give Ghost a punch to the face which created a matching crack on his helmet. Ghost flew and landed on the ground, groaning a bit as he tried to get up. "Oh no you don't."
Dark Ghost resumed firing his electrical surge at Ghost, making the latter scream in pain as electricity was coursing through his body.
"Knowing you can't die from any of this strangely makes even more enjoyable for me." Dark Ghost remarked.
(With D-Kuuga)
D-Kuuga managed to jab DD-PunchHopper with the staff and gaining back his Kabuto Card. D-Kuuga placed it away as he started to block and dodge kicks from DD-KickHopper as her other half recovered.
"Aright sis, how about we end our fun right here? Take it up a notch." DD-PunchHopper proposed as she stood and joined DD-KickHopper, who nodded.
"It's as if you're reading my thoughts." She joked as a response as they grabbed a couple of chairs and tossed them at D-Kuuga.
D-Kuuga swatted them away before seeing the Hopper Riders right in front of him. Before he can have a chance to react, DD-PunchHopper punched him in one of the eyes while DD-KickHopper kicked him away. While still recovering from the attack, DD-KickHopper took D-Kuuga's Dragon Rod and smacked him with it a few times before following up that attack with a jab to the chest.
D-Kuuga flew out of the window nearby and landed next to Ghost, who was still being electrocuted.
Dark Ghost noticed this before looking behind to see the Hopper Riders approach him, throwing the staff to the side.
"My Lord." Dark Ghost greeted as he stopped. "Shall we?"
"Let's." Both Hopper Riders agreed as they took out their finisher cards and placed them in their belts.
"FINAL ATTACK RIDE: K-K-KICKHOPPER/P-P-PUNCHHOPPER!"
Dark Ghost used Edison's power to conduct electricity as he brought his gun to his belt.
"DAI KAIGAN! GAN GAN MINA~! GAN GAN MINA~!"
The Hopper Riders jumped high in the air as electricity gathered to the tip of his gun, forming an electric yellow version of the eye symbol before aiming at the two downed Riders while the Hopper Riders were now descending towards them. DD-KickHopper had her left charged foot ready in a flying side kick position while DD-PunchHopper had a charged right hook ready.
"OMEGA SHOOT!"
Dark Ghost pulled the trigger, unleashed a powerful electrically charged energy shot as the Hopper Riders flew down. The three attacks met the two good Riders, causing in a massive explosion.
Decade and Ghost flew and crash-landed on the ground, reverting to their civilian forms due to the damage they had taken. The two of them were covered with dirt, cuts and blood. The two struggled to get up as the Hopper Riders merged back into Dark Decade. The Dark Riders approached them with Dark Ghost aiming his gun again, until Dark Decade stopped him.
"Remember, I need Decade alive for the time being." She reminded, making Dark Ghost rest his gun on his shoulder.
"Of course, My Lord. Besides, I've grown tired of beating this weakling." Dark Ghost said as he looked at the nearby cliff. "Jebil, Jey, Jered, bring out the girl!"
"No…" Takeru can tell what was about to happen as he struggled to get up. Nihlus also braced for the worst because there was no way Jin can manage a three-on-one fight. However, there was no response or any sign that they were coming out.
"You three! Come out now!" Dark Ghost commanded, but, again, there was no response. "What is wrong with you three!?"
There was no response yet again before…
"Sir!" Dark Ghost turned to see Jered and Jey, a bit injured, making their way toward him.
This instantly confused Dark Ghost as he walked up to them. "What happened!? Where is the girl!? And where is Jebil!?"
"You mean him?" A familiar female voice said. Everyone turned to see a freed Akame with her katana out and in front of her was a downed Jebil. The blue-haired lackey of Dark Ghost looked at him and stretched his arm out as if trying to reach him.
"Prince Arg-."
SLASH!
Everyone could only watch in surprise as Jebil's head fell and rolled off the cliff before Akame pushed the body down to follow suit.
"That was for the 'hospitality' you showed me yesterday." Akame coldly said as she sheathed her sword.
"How the hell did you get free!?" Dark Ghost questioned as Specter stepped up, appearing next to Akame. And to everyone's surprise, Kuuga stepped up next along with Fuu, Tatsumi in his armor, Lubbock, Leone, and Mine.
"Guys...I thought Najenda sent you out for today." Takeru remarked, smiling for the first time in a while.
"She did, but we got worried." Kuuga explained. "So, we tailed you guys after pretending to leave."
"You're not the only one worried sick about Akame, Takeru. We may be not be your father or village, but we're still your family." Tatsumi said as Nihlus chuckled at that.
"I told you that you worried too much." Fuu added with a playful smile.
"Fine then, I'll kill you all!" Dark Ghost declared as Takeru finally managed to regain enough strength to stand back up.
"I won't let you kill them." Takeru said, sounding resolute with venom in his voice as well.
"Oh? You think you can save them? You couldn't even save your village. What hope do you think you have?" Dark Ghost questioned.
"That's easy." Nihlus instantly replied as he managed to stand back up. "Takeru is dead and the thing is...that is the best hope he has against you. He is a bridge between the past and present, speaking for those long since perished and making new connections at the same time. He still does...as he's shown me for what he did for a certain friend of mine."
He then smiled, looking at him.
"You're a doctor, right? You know how important it is to reach those connections."
Takeru nodded.
"Hell, that's what gonna lead to your downfall, right here and now. You've underestimated Takeru's present in us. And because of that, Akame is freed and we can now go all-out on you two." Nihlus said as he placed on his Driver while Takeru summoned his. The latter took out his normal Eyecon before opening his belt, placing it in there, and closing it, summoning his default Parka Ghost.
"EYE!"
"BACCHIRI MINNA! BACCHIRI MINNA! BACCHIRI MINNA!"
Nihlus opened his Driver and readied his card.
"Bastard, who do you think you are for talking down to me like that?" Dark Ghost asked Dark Decade just sighed as she shook her head.
"You have to ask..."
"Just a passing-through Kamen Rider! Remember that!"
"Henshin!" The two then activated their belts.
"KAMEN RIDE: DECADE!"
"KAIGAN: ORE! LET'S GO! KAKUGO! G-G-G-GHOST! GO! GO! GO! GO!"
Nihlus and Takeru transformed into Decade and Ghost respectively before charging with the latter putting his hood down. Their dark counterparts charged and proceeded to fight.
The Night Raid team was about to join before Kuuga and Fuu stopped them.
"Trust us." Fuu smiled.
"I'm really curious what Takeru's is gonna be." Kuuga added, confusing the assassins.
Meanwhile, Decade managed to step back before his book opened and out came three new cards. Thanks to Akame being safe and Takeru now feeling resolved, Decade's Ghost cards have now been activated and ready for use.
Ghost managed to reach Decade as the latter used a new card.
"FINAL FORM RIDE: G-G-GHOST!"
"This might tickle a bit." Decade said on instinct, confusing Ghost.
"Eh?"
"Just trust me." Decade said as he placed Ghost's hood back on and walked behind him. He then placed his hands on him, making Ghost's orange lines glow.
"Aaaaahhh..." Ghost let out as his head folded back into his neck, his arms folded onto his shoulders, his chest plate ra and his lower half bending onto his back. Ghost has now transformed into the Ghost Parka. "What is this?"
"Our combined power!" Decade answered as his shoulder pads disappeared, allowing the Ghost Park to link-up with him. Ghost's chest armor then solidified on Decade as his green eyes turned orange as a symbol of the successful link between the two Riders.
"Don't think some flashy transformation will save you now!" Dark Ghost said as he opened fired at Decade. The magenta Rider, using Ghost's power, leaped back in the air and floated around. He was dodging all the electric-based shots that the Dark Rider was shooting at him.
Dark Decade took her gun out before using a card.
"ATTACK RIDE: BLAST!"
Dark Decade then aimed and fired, releasing multiple rapid shots. Decade then went transparent and invisible, allowing the shots to phase through him. Everyone just watched in amazement.
"Did Doc just transform into one of those weird hoodie ghosts?" Mine questioned.
"He's using Takeru's powers." Akame remarked.
Meanwhile, both Dark Riders were on guard and were looking for Decade. Just then the magenta rider appeared between them and slashed them multiple times. The two recovered and readied their own attacks as Dark Decade transformed her gun to sword mode before using a new card.
"ATTACK RIDE: SLASH!"
Dark Decade readied her energized saber as Dark Ghost prepared to fire at Decade, who was still in the middle of them. Just as they launched their attacks, Decade vanished again, and the attack hit each other instead. The two struggled to get up as Decade materialized in front of them.
"Alright Takeru, let's finish this!"
"Right!"
Decade then used his new trump card for this fight.
"FINAL ATTACK RIDE: G-G-GHOST!"
Ghost's arms begin moving as the hands started performing a certain gesture, which summoned a giant energy eye symbol behind Decade. All the symbol's energy went into Decade's right foot before levitating into the air. The Dark Riders managed to stand back up as Decade descended in a flying sidekick position. His attack collided with them, resulting in a huge explosion.
Both Argos and Dark Decade in hooded civilian form flew out of the explosion and crashed on the ground. Decade landed on his feet as the Ghost Parka detached and reverted to Ghost as Decade went back to his original form as well.
Ghost approached Argos before searching him, taking back the Edison and Benkei Eyecons.
"I'll be taking these, and as for you…" Ghost then took out his sword and looked ready to kill Argos. "This isn't just for my village, it's for trying to take advantage of me and Akame from it. That is something I can never forgive you for."
"…" Argos didn't say anything; he simply flashed a look of contempt as Ghost raised his sword. But before he could bring it down, Jered and Jey regained enough strength to try and attack Ghost, making him step back.
Jey helped Argos up as Jered summoned a Gray Mirror.
"This is far from over…" Argos remarked as the three entered the portal, leaving the downed Dark Decade by herself.
Decade and Ghost reverted to their civilian forms as they approached her before she laughed.
"HA! HA! HA!"
Nihlus and Takeru readied themselves as Dark Decade easily picked herself up from the ground.
"Not bad, Nihlus! Not bad at all! Keep reaching for that potential!" Dark Decade said as she summoned her own portal. "You're going to need it after all…" She stepped through it before the Gray Mirror vanished.
"Dark Decade…just who are you?" Nihlus quietly muttered to himself.
Takeru then looked at his ruined home before walking inside.
"I need to see something." Takeru explained as Nihlus followed suit. Takeru entered the basement before seeing the Monolith covered by rubble. "Dammit…"
"What? What is this?" Nihlus asked, wondering what's gotten Takeru worked up again.
"Another problem, but…I'm gonna not worried about that for now. Right now, I need to see Akame." Takeru said as he then left what was left of the basement. Nihlus looked back as he felt a presence, but he ignored it before leaving the place completely. Unknown to them, Sennin and Yurusen were watching, with the former having a bright smile. He was happy that Takeru was able to move on.
Outside, Takeru and Nihlus were met with the sight of their friends with Akame in front of them. Takeru gulped as he stepped up to her and took a deep breath before he finally started speaking.
"Akame, about what happened back then… I lost my cool. I shouldn't have just rushed in headlong-."
Just then, Akame then hugged him and Takeru looked completely surprised for a couple seconds before his face softened.
"I'm just happy that you're back to normal." Akame smiled as Takeru then hugged back.
Everyone smiled at the scene.
SNAP!
Nihlus took a picture of the moment, having a small smile on his face.
(With Dark Decade)
Dark Decade arrived at her fortress before sitting on her throne. Shadow Moon then walked into the throne room and knelt before Dark Decade.
"My Lord, Argos and what's left of his Necrom force are recovering in the infirmary ward."
"Good."
"Argos has been wondering if you will revive Jebel."
Dark Decade sighed upon hearing that request.
"No, I'm no god. It's not a power that I can use freely, which is why I didn't revive every Dark Rider. Besides, Argos failed in his goal in trying to break Ghost. The death of Jebel will serve as a reminder of his failure."
"Yet you do not seem all that bothered about his loss."
"No, Decade has accomplished in achieving Ghost's powers. That is all I can ask of him now."
"Fattening him up like a turkey dinner?"
Dark Decade chuckled at that.
"Only when he is primed during the Rider War, will killing him give me satisfaction." She replied. "Now onto our other business, have you and the others managed to track him?"
Shadow Moon nodded.
"He wasn't easy to find, but we have him in the dining room. He says that he is open to negotiations."
"Excellent, best not to keep him waiting."
(Later at Night Raid HQ)
"I should be furious that you all abandoned your missions without authorization." Najenda stated as everyone who joined in on the rescue attempt stood at attention. Sheele and Susanoo were present, while Akame was getting a checkup from Takeru for any injuries after being Argos's prisoner. She then sighed before smiling. "But right now, I'm glad things worked out. Though, I do expect you all to work extra hard in any future missions, understand?"
The group nodded in understanding.
"That said, I do have a couple of announcements." Najenda said as Nihlus scanned the room before looking out the hallway.
"Hey, is Chelsea coming here soon?" Nihlus asked, wanting to share what happened with her.
"Well, that's my first announcement. As I have told Chelsea right after you and the others left, she will no longer be an active member of Night Raid."
Nihlus and the others, save for Sheele and Susanoo, looked surprised.
"No longer an active member?" Fuu asked.
"Yes, Chelsea's skills as an assassin has always been attaining to stealth and use of Gaea Foundation. With her Teigu destroyed…"
"She can't be an assassin." Nihlus finished.
"That's right. I talked with her about it and offered other support roles in the Revolutionary Army. However, she turned me down." Najenda revealed, surprising everyone once more. "She explained that she's been thinking and that her near-death experience and how it made her realize how crucial life is. So, in the end, she started traveling to see what the world has to offer."
Nihlus seemed particularly down at that, which Fuu caught on.
"What's wrong?"
"I just didn't get to say goodbye." Nihlus stated, earning a pat on the back from the young shinobi.
"On the topic of goodbyes, it seems that Nihlus and his group will be departing as well." Najenda announced, which surprised the assassins save for the three travelers. "I've received a letter today from the Revolutionary Army, stating that their services are now required elsewhere."
Nihlus wondered who would send out such a letter. Did someone know about them or was it this world's way of saying it was time to move on? Still, either way, he accomplished his goal in obtaining Ghost's powers along with helping Takeru move on. No point staying anymore. His thoughts were then cut off as he noticed Najenda looking at him.
"I'll let you and the two others leave now to pack up." Najenda explained as they nodded before leaving the room.
A little while later, Nihlus and the others packed up their things moved them onto the Machine Decader and TryChaser 200, which Nihlus had to bring in via Kabuto form. As they finished packed, Nihlus noticed Tatsumi and Takeru at the door.
He stared at them before they gestured him to come up to them, to which he complied.
"Hey, what's up?" Nihlus asked as Tatsumi had a guilty smile on his face.
"Look man, I just wanted to say sorry for being so harsh on you about Chelsea. She explained everything that happened before we went to support you guys, even blaming herself for what happened. If anything, I should be thanking you for saving her. You did prevent a dire situation from getting worse."
"I just wanted to help." Nihlus replied before looking at Takeru. "So, how is Akame?"
"Minor injuries. Nothing that a few days of rest can't fix. I also wanted to say thank you for helping me save Akame and getting me to focus on the now. The same can be said to Fuu for her advice." Takeru added as he looked at girl, who seemed to be finished tying Yugi's share of items onto his motorcycle.
"It's no problem, us Riders should really look out for each other." Nihlus smiled as he then took his arm out.
Takeru noticed and smiled before shaking it.
"It's been a pleasure working with you. I do wonder though; will we ever see you again?" Takeru asked.
"Most likely." Nihlus smiled, trying to be optimistic.
"In that case, I won't say goodbye, I look forward to fighting by your side again. I wish you luck on your travels and should you ever need medical attention, do not be afraid to consult me. I may be an assassin, but I am also a doctor." Takeru said as Nihlus nodded in acknowledgment and went back to his friends.
The two guys watched the three take off as Najenda appeared behind them, smiling as well. Tatsumi noticed her first before seeing a piece of paper in her hand.
"What is that?" Tatsumi asked.
Najenda didn't say anything, but just gave the paper to Tatsumi. He saw that it was folded up and it has his name written on it. He opened it up to see a letter before scanning the penmanship.
"This is Chelsea's handwriting." Tatsumi recognized as Takeru looked at it as well.
"Chelsea didn't forget Nihlus." Najenda said as the two guys read the letter.
As they read it, they find Chelsea's words explaining what she felt during the past day, where her mind is right now, and some personal feelings best kept with the intended reader; that being Tatsumi. There was also a closing section of the letter which detailed what are her plans for the future. As they finished reading, Tatsumi looked at his leader with a small smile and teary eyes. Takeru just had a soft smile
"I'm gonna miss her, but…you didn't tell Nihlus?" Takeru asked as Tatsumi wiped his wet eyes against his sleeve.
"Why ruin a pleasant surprise?" Najenda asked.
(Later with Nihlus)
After parking the bikes, Yugi and Fuu started to unpack and move in their stuff while Nihlus decided to hold off on doing that for a bit as he went into his room and looked at his manga shelf. He took out a particular copy of Akame ga Kill and turned to a certain page, where he saw Chelsea's decapitated head resting on a pike.
Nihlus sighed as he closed the book a few seconds after finding the page, not wanting to think about it any further.
'It's over...she's safe now and thankfully, away from anywhere too dangerous.' Nihlus thought as he smiled to himself before…
"What are you reading?" A certain female voice asked, scaring Nihlus for a few seconds as he placed the book in his pocket out of instinctive panic.
He turned around to see that it was Chelsea.
"C-Chelsea?"
"Yup." She smiled.
"What are you doing here? Najenda told me that you were gonna explore the world."
"I am." The auburn-haired girl responded.
"So, you're here to say goodbye?"
"No, I'm coming with you."
"Eh? Wait, why? What made you come to that decision?" Nihlus wondered.
"Well, it all started when you, Takeru, and Jin left…"
(Hours ago)
"Chelsea, as you are aware, your assassination skills mainly rely on your Teigu, Gaea Foundation."
Chelsea nodded as she had an idea of where this was going.
"Given recent events, I have come to the decision to remove you from Night Raid and have you placed in a supporting role within the Revolutionary Army. Do I make myself clear?"
Chelsea nodded.
"I'll give you some time to pack up your belongings." Najenda said as she gave Chelsea the signal to leave before she started writing a letter to the Revolutionary Army regarding Chelsea's status.
Chelsea slowly walked to her room and mentally cursed herself for letting her hubris nearly kill her. She only had been with Night Raid for a short time and already she has to leave because her current status.
She went into her room before taking out her empty bags and started packing for a bit. Chelsea then stopped a little while later to seriously think about her situation. What else can she do? Best case scenario, she would be assigned a non-combative supporting role in the Revolutionary Army, but she wasn't the type to stay in one place and hope for change to come on its own. Plus, with her near-death experience, is staying with said army even an appropriate choice? She's only 21, a young age. She hadn't really lived her life to the fullest, it's been servitude at first before transitioning to espionage and assassinations.
However, before she could think further…
"Oh, Chelsea!"
"Huh?" Chelsea looked at the doorway to see Sheele with her usual smile on her face. Sheele looked at Susanoo, who was currently pushing her wheelchair.
"Can I talk to Chelsea for a bit, Su?"
The humanoid Teigu nodded as Sheele seemed to get up from her wheelchair, only for her legs to wobble a bit. Chelsea quickly walked up to her and helped her to the bed.
"Idiot, what are you thinking? You know you still haven't fully recovered yet."
"I know, but I really want to practice with my legs. Even if I haven't gotten those crutches that Takeru promised me. Speaking of which, I heard he recently operated on you to give you those new prosthetics."
"Yeah…" Chelsea said as she looked at her false arm before trying to move her fingers again. She would still get some lag as a response. "This is really going to take some getting used to."
Sheele then looked at her bags.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yeah, since I lost Gaea Foundation, I have to leave Night Raid but, uh…between you and me, I don't know if I even want to stay in the Revolutionary Army."
"Why?"
"You've had a near-death experience too, right? How did it make you feel after?"
"It made me value my life even more." Sheele responded. "Takeru always said to me that, 'life is like a bright light that can easily be put out.' I understand your reasoning to leave in that case, but I want to stay because my friends need me, and I need them to help me recover. What about you?"
Chelsea thought about it.
"Well, that is a good quote from the Doc, so…I want to see how bright my light can be. There are so many things I want to see and do in my lifetime. So…it's settled then, I want to see what's out there in the known world and beyond."
"How are you going to do that?" Sheele asked, making Chelsea think. She then thought back to the night she spent with Nihlus and the otherworldly experience she had with him. She recalled how he helped her feel better and how he said he was going to leave soon, which gave her the idea.
"Oh, I think I have a way." Chelsea said before going to her desk, grabbing a piece of paper with her mostly intact hand before struggling with her entirely prosthetic one to hold a pen. "Come on, you piece of junk…"
Sheele just watched for a few minutes before Chelsea got a proper grip and started writing her farewell message.
(Present)
"After I left that message, I told Najenda my plans to go with you and she approved." She finished off while Nihlus looked concern as he didn't want to drag another soul into this.
"Chelsea, are you sure? This isn't like a simple trip. You can be gone for a long time; I'm talking weeks or months."
"Nihlus, this is what I want. I know it." Chelsea said firmly. "I've know you long enough that you wouldn't force me out, even if you wanted to."
"I, uh…." Nihlus then groaned. "Dammit, you do know me well. Fine, you can come with us."
Chelsea then hugged him with a wide smile on her face.
"Thank you! Thank you! You won't regret this!"
"I hope not…but…" He then broke the hug and made her look at him in the eye. "Does Mr. Hitachi and the others know?"
"Only Mr. Hitachi, I was unpacking stuff in my new room before you guys came in." Chelsea explained.
"Did he tell you where we're going?"
She shook her head.
"Said it would be better if you say it."
'Typical…' He mentally groaned. "Okay, where to start-."
"Hey guys, I'm changing the world destination!" Yugi said, catching the two's attention. Chelsea was a bit confused with what he meant while Nihlus rushed downstairs with the former following.
"No Yugi, wait-!" Nihlus wanted to give Chelsea his full story and have her time to process the fact that there are other worlds.
The two made it downstairs, only to see Yugi activate the switch, pulling down a new background. It shone for a few seconds, before the light died down. When it did, Nihlus saw that new background consisted of a red Chinese dragon-like creature looking over a downed black version of it. Nihlus widened his eyes as he recognized the two beings on the background.
"Ryuki…" He said as he realized what world he is in.
(Elsewhere in the Mirror World)
"Do what…you have to do…" A dying voice let out as the person it belonged to then died seated on the ground with his back against the wall.
In front of him was a tearing young man with a pale complexion, dark raven-styled hair, purple eyes, and was in black school uniform.
"Suzaku…SUZAKU!" Lelouch called as he started crying furiously as he started to shake him, hoping for some life to show. It didn't.
Lelouch looked at the ground, seeing his broken Advent Deck before looking at his hand to see the one that Suzaku had bequeathed him in his dying breath.
A figure approached him as Lelouch stood up furiously with tears still running down his face. He faced him while gripping his new Advent Deck tightly
"You took EVERYTHING from me…" Lelouch stated as he then held the new deck out, allowing the V-Buckle to materialize and latch onto him.
"Henshin!"
He then placed the new deck in, allowing three silhouettes to merge with him. When they did, he was replaced with an armored figure. He was wearing silver armor that had a red bodysuit underneath of it. His helmet was black and had a silver horizontal grille across his face with bright red compound eyes underneath of it. The helmet also had a silver dragon emblem. He also had silver sockets on his shoulders and knees as if something was meant to be locked into them. He also had a red dragon-themed gauntlet attached to his left arm. This was Kamen Rider Ryuki.
Ryuki then pulled out a card with a golden wing on it with flames in the background. The flames surrounded Ryuki and the figure before Ryuki's Dragvisor turned into a gun, which resembled a dragon's head with a grille over its eyes. The gun instinctively opened its mouth, allowing Ryuki to place the card in. He quickly closed it.
"SURVIVE!"
AN: And finally, there is that! Done with the Ghost Arc of Decade and now moving onto Ryuki's world. As for the announcements that I've mentioned earlier; I am thinking about rebooting Blade. Just to be clear, I'm not abandoning it, I am thinking about rewriting it in the standard of writing that I currently use as opposed to back then. I would also like to announce that following the recent stuff with Ryuki, it had inspired me to try writing Code Ryuki again. Just as soon as I figure out what direction to take it in.
I also may post a preview idea of what I have in mind for Zi-O. I can't tell you a lot, but it is linked to my Decade. And lastly, I would like to thank those who helped me write and edit this chapter. Couldn't have gotten out earlier without your help.
Anyways, please review or send PMs for questions, comments, or concerns. Don't be afraid to review this chapter, send questions, or look at my other fics.
Here are the worlds right now;
Kuuga – Yu-gi-oh! (Cleared)
Agito – Shakugan no Shana
Ryuki – Code Geass
Faiz – RWBY
Blade – Senki Zesshou Symphogear
Hibiki – Omamori Himari
Kabuto – Naruto (Cleared)
Den-O – Familiar of Zero
Kiva – FFXV
W – Neon Genesis Evangelion (Cleared)
OOO – Accel World
Fourze – SSSS Gridman
Wizard – Haruhi Suzumiya Series
Gaim – Sword Art Online
Drive – Infinite Stratos
Ghost – Akame ga Kill (Cleared)
Alright, I'm done, goodnight.