Well, this is the final chapter of this arc. That's why this will end with a bang. I'm just thankful for all the support you've given me and I'm just happy that you enjoy reading this story as much as I do writing it. Now, let's get this show on the road.
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Chapter 6: The Rider's Justice
The sight of the Public Safety Commission, aka the Student Police, was always intimidating. They were clad in black and white uniforms, setting them apart from the rest of the student body who wore the standard green uniforms. They were enforcers of the school rules and were given rights, privileges and power to do what was necessary to keep the peace and protect the academy.
Of course, that was their public face. Behind the scenes, the Student Police force was corrupt. They would extort money from the other school clubs and those who refused were eliminated by the Student Police, ruthlessly. Nobody could oppose them and those who tried ended up disappearing. Because of this, members of the Student Police possessed a sense of superiority over the regular students. Right now, the Student Police was marching towards one classroom in particular. They were headed for Class 1-B.
The students of Class 1-B were having their usual break between classes. At one table, a group of students was gathered, chatting about. They were the members of the new History and Archaeology Club. Leading the conversation was Shintaro, who was describing their summer plans for them. Yukari, who was from Class 1-A, would often come over to hang out with her friends. She had made friends among her own classmates, but these friends were her first and closest, especially Shintaro.
"And you have to check out Akihabara," said Shintaro. "There's this shop that has a huge collection of retro video games for sale. Also, cosplay cafes, maid cafes..."
"Maid cafes, hm?" Kurumu smiled. "I'd dress up as a sexy maid for you if you'd like, Darling..." She leaned in but Mizore gently shoved her back. "Hey!"
"Sorry, he's mine," said Mizore as she claimed his right arm possessively. Moka puffed her cheeks in annoyance. They had learnt from Shintaro that Mizore had been attacked but he had saved her. It was why Mizore was being very clingy and lovey-dovey with Shintaro.
"Kaze introduced them to me," said Shintaro.
"You know, you don't really talk a lot about this Kaze person," said Moka. "I mean, you said he's the son of your guardian, but you've never gone into detail."
"Really, I haven't?" Shintaro questioned. The girls nodded. "OK, well Kaze is..." The classroom's door was thrown open allowing the Student Police to come in.
"Is Shintaro Mido present?" Kuyou demanded. The students in the classroom froze. "Well? Is he or isn't he here?"
"Who wants to know?" Shintaro asked as he stood up. Kuyou glared at him before smiling.
"Well, this makes things easier," said Kuyou. He noted Shintaro's stance. He didn't seem intimidated. Well, that would change soon enough. "Shintaro Mido, you are charged with the biggest crime here: being human." Shintaro's classmates all gasped. Murmurs could be heard, murmurs of disbelief and suspicion.
"Are you sure about that?" Shintaro asked.
"You are to come with us, immediately," Kuyou ordered.
"Hey, this is bullshit!" shouted Kurumu. "Shintaro's not human!"
One of the Student Police members stepped forward, "Show some respect to Kuyou-sama!"
"It's alright," said Kuyou, "She's just confused. She, like everyone else, has been deceived."
"It's alright," Shintaro said, putting his hand on Kurumu's shoulder, placating her. "Just calm down. I'll sort this out." He stepped towards the Student Police. "I'll go with you."
"Good," said Kuyou, "At least you're cooperative."
"Shintaro-kun!" Moka cried.
"Don't worry," Shintaro said to her and the girls. "I'll be OK." He then followed the Student Police out of the classroom. Everyone was speechless.
This was bad.
Shintaro showed no fear or any signs of being intimidated as he was led by the Student Police into an underground dungeon. The only source of light were lamps that hung over their heads and he could see dungeon cells on either side of the path they were on.
"So, Kuyou-san," Shintaro spoke, "How are we supposed to do this? Am I gonna be put on trial? Are you gonna try to force a confession out of me? I mean, you could try waterboarding, but I must warn you I can hold my breath for a really long time." The members of the Student Police scowled and glared at Shintaro threateningly for the way he was speaking to their leader.
"Nothing of the sort. We're not savages," said Kuyou.
'Could've fooled me,' thought Shintaro.
"You do know why I brought you here, correct?" Kuyou questioned.
"I'm suspected of being human, which is a crime here according to the rules," Shintaro answered with a shrug. "That is what you said earlier. What I want to know is how you came to this conclusion?"
"It was reported to me by an informant who is a credible source of information," said Kuyou. "However, some things don't add up. The things you can do are not the things humans are capable of. My informant has given me an explanation, but I find his words doubtful."
"So, then I'm not human," Shintaro replied.
"However, you have caused a stir and your actions appear to undermine the authority of the Student Police," Kuyou continued. "That is why you will be detained here, indefinitely."
"What? For making you look bad?" Shintaro asked. He suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck and yelped, "Ow! the hell!?" He spun around to see a girl around his age, dressed in the same black and white uniform as the other members of the Student Police, only tailored for girls. She wore the coat open to reveal a black tube top. She was beautiful, with narrow, reptilian eyes. What really got Shintaro's attention were the snakes she had on her head in place of hair. "Me...Medusa!?"
"Hitomi Ishigami, one of our newest recruits, and a very capable member," introduced Kuyou. "She's also the reason why our cells are so silent." Shintaro hissed in pain and examined one of the cells, only to see that it was filled with a statue, a statue of someone in agony. He examined the cell next to it, which also had a statue, and then another, which also had a statue.
"They're...all...statues!" Shintaro exclaimed.
"And you will join them too," said Kuyou. "Already, your body is beginning to go stiff and in a few moments you will turn to stone!"
"BASTARD!" Shintaro roared and lunged at Kuyou. However, the process had already finished and he had turned into a statue, with his hand a few more inches from Kuyou's throat.
"He's got spirit," said Ishigami, "And he's cute too." She asked Kuyou, "Can I keep him?"
"With him the way he is, he won't be a problem anymore. Do with him what you will. Just get him out of my sight," Kuyou ordered.
"Thank you, Kuyou-sama!" Ishigami smiled.
News of Shintaro's alleged humanity spread throughout the school. That wasn't the worst part. He was also exposed as a Kamen Rider and the Student Police described him in the worst light possible. They told the students that Kamen Riders were monster hunters and for the past 40 years had been hunting monsters to kill them. It seemed that the Student Police's propaganda was working as this prompted angry outcries from the students. Now, nobody would come to Shintaro's defense knowing that he was not only a human, but a monster hunter as well.
However, Moka, Yukari, Kurumu and Mizore had made their decision. Even if Shintaro was a human who had gained special powers, it didn't change the fact that he was their friend. Yukari had seen his kindness, and it didn't matter if he was human. Kurumu and Mizore didn't care either. Besides, what did it matter? He never once showed any type of discrimination against them. In fact, he befriended them. He even befriended Kurumu even though she had tried to turn him into slave using her charm.
And as for being a Kamen Rider, they didn't hunt down monsters for the sake of killing them. Kamen Riders fought monsters to protect the world. So what if they mostly did it to save humans? In the end, they were heroes.
As the girls were exiting the main school building, there stood their history teacher and faculty advisor, John Smith.
"You know, confronting the Student Police will be dangerous," said Smith-sensei. "Some say it's suicide."
"You can't stop us, Sensei," said Moka respectfully.
"I'm not trying to stop you," said Smith-sensei, "I'm just here to wish you luck, and be careful."
"Aren't you coming?" Mizore asked.
"No, I don't think I will be needed," he said. "Just promise to return in one piece. I don't want any of my precious students to turn up dead because they got careless."
"We'll return safely," Moka promised.
"You better hope so. I'm looking forward to that trip you kids have been planning. Would be bad to lose my club when it's only just started," Smith-sensei said.
Meanwhile, Shiroku was admiring the now petrified Shintaro. "Hm, when he's like this he doesn't seem all that scary." He poked at Shintaro's face, but got no response. "He makes an ugly statue, though."
"Ishigami's bites are always effective," said Kuyou. "I believe our business here is done, then."
"Well, it should look like it is," grinned Shiroku, "But I'd like to hang around and see what else you have to offer. It might be interesting." He tossed Kuyou a camera who caught it. "Come on, take a picture of us! I want to immortalize this moment!"
"You are a very strange person, Shiroku-san," said Kuyou.
"I get that a lot. Most people call me nuts or insane, but I prefer to describe myself as being eccentric." grinned the Man in White. "How's this pose?" He leaned against Shintaro, doing the peace sign behind his head to make it look like he had bunny ears.
Currently, Moka, Kurumu, Mizore and Yukari were making their way to the Student Police's headquarters. The building itself was shrine-like and also surrounded by guards. The guards, seeing them, confronted them.
"This is a restricted area," said one of the guards. "Turn back and walk away."
"That is not going to happen," said Mizore and her freezing aura came out. A blizzard blew forth and the guards were frozen solid.
"Nice work," Kurumu praised. Mizore nodded.
"Now let's find Shintaro-kun and rescue him," said Moka.
"But we might have to fight our way through," said Kurumu. "Can you do it without releasing your seal?"
Moka's hands went around the cross hanging from her choker. She had told Kurumu and Yukari that the seal restricted her powers and only Shintaro could remove it. Her inner self hadn't had a chance to fight in a while. "I want to save him. He's always protected us. It's time for us to return the favor."
"We'll teach those meanies a lesson!" declared Yukari firmly.
"Time to go into the lion's den," said Mizore, her eyes claws ready to hack and slash. Moka looked at her friends. Mizore had ice powers, Kurumu had her wings and claws, and Yukari had her magic. What did regular old Moka have? A violent alter-ego that could fight. However, she couldn't release her alter-ego without Shintaro's help. She wasn't sure how he had done it before, but she actually had a suspicion of how he had done so.
"Sir, we have intruders!" a member of the Student Police reported as he barged into the room. Shiroku was currently painting the word 'LOSER' across Shintaro's forehead.
"Ah, looks like we have uninvited guests," grinned Shiroku. He asked Shintaro, "Are they your little friends? Have they come for you?" Shintaro couldn't answer and Shiroku giggled in amusement, "Oops, I forgot! Stone can't talk!"
"Intruders?" Kuyou asked. "Are they all female?"
"Yes, the member reported, "A succubus, a yuki-onna, a witch and a vampire!"
"It's them," Kuyou scowled. "So, they dare to come and rescue their filthy pet."
"Then you should go greet them, Kuyou-san. They deserve a warm welcome," Shiroku suggested. Kuyou agreed and exited the room with Shiroku following. The Man in White was always up for a show. Playing with a statue could get really boring and Shiroku hated boredom.
The girls arrived in the dungeon with many of the student police members sprawled all over the floor. They were either frozen or slashed. Some even had lumps on their heads and covered in bruises with wash basins littering the floor. Not only that, but there was also a kitchen sink and what appeared to be a large anvil.
"Isn't this place a little too quiet?" Kurumu asked once she noticed something. "I mean, it's a dungeon. And why are the cells full of statues?
"I don't think those are statues," said Yukari as she studied them.
"The witchling is correct," said Kuyou as he entered the dungeon. The girls gasped. "Those are our guests."
"Kuyou, where is Shintaro-kuin?" Moka demanded.
"He's safe, for now that is. You're all either very brave or very foolish to come this far," said Kuyou. "Breaking into our base, assaulting our officers, all to free some freak that's neither human nor monster."
"We came to rescue our friend," said Moka. "And we won't let you stop us."
"Moka Akashiya, an S-Class monster known as a vampire," Kuyou said, "However, you had a seal put on your true power. You're as weak as the rest of the rabble as a result. You may have beaten my men, but I am out of your league."
"We'll see about that," said Mizore coldly and she blew another blizzard that froze Kuyou solid. He hadn't even tried to dodge.
"Well, that was easy," Yukari remarked.
"A little too easy," said Moka.
"Come on! He was obviously all talk!" Kurumu gloated. "We beat the big boss! Now we need to go and save-!"
The ice exploded and as the mist settled, the girls could see Kuyou with a flaming aura around his body.
"It seems that you girls need to be taught a lesson," said Kuyou as he cracked his knuckles.
Moka's hand clenched her rosary seal tightly. So, this was their enemy. They could feel the youki that was pouring out of him and it was immense. Almost suffocating. Sweat poured down their faces as Kuyou slowly walked towards them. However, despite the fact that his presence was frightening, the thought of losing Shintaro frightened them even more.
Shintaro was Moka's first friend in like forever. He was kind to her and didn't mind that she was a vampire. He had also, somewhat, gained the respect of her inner self. Shintaro was powerful, but didn't let that power get to his head or make him arrogant. Also, he loved to have fun. Sometimes he could do something completely goofy just to see if he could make them laugh. He was kind, compassionate, fun loving and also courageous. He used his power not to lord over the weak, but to protect the weak. He fought those Freaks so that he could protect those he cared about.
That was true strength and he had even willingly given himself up to protect them. He was willing to give up his freedom and life just so that he could protect them. He hadn't wanted them to be involved. However, he was their friend. No, he was more than that. He was someone Moka loved dearly and she knew the other girls felt the same way.
The red stone in her rosary seal glowed and Moka decided that she wanted that power. No, she needed that power. She would endure any pain for that power if it meant saving Shintaro.
With that thought in mind, she tugged on the rosary seal with all her might. Kurumu, Mizore and Yukari attacked, but Kuyou was quick and able to knock them backwards with just a wave of his arm, sending out a blast of fire that forced them to dodge. He was a fire-based youkai. Luckily for Moka, he wasn't a water-based one or he'd be in trouble. Moka still tugged on her rosary seal as the other girls resumed their attack. Mizore's claws did nothing as they melted and Kurumu couldn't get close because of the fire. Yukari's wash basins were batted away without a care by Kuyou.
"Now, time to die," he said.
"NO!" Moka shouted and with a final tug, the rosary seal came off her choker's chain. With the seal removed, Moka screamed as a violent red aura burst from her body. It rivalled Kuyou's own aura. Her hair turned silver, her eyes narrowed and became blood red, and finally her figure became more curvy. She hadn't assumed this form since the confrontation with Saizou and since then it had always been Shintaro who transformed to fight. But this time, this time she was going to be fighting.
"Wow...so cool..." said Yukari in amazement.
"So, that's the real Moka, huh?" Kurumu asked.
"I can feel it," said Kuyou. "So, this is the true power of a vampire, another S-Class being like myself."
"You are going to pay for taking what's mine, Kuyou," said Inner Moka, her eyes glaring at Kuyou, "And you will learn your place!"
"My place?" scowled Kuyou. "The only one who will learn their place here is you!"
Ishigami was going through Shintaro's pockets. As he had been petrified earlier by her venom, he offered no resistance. Not even an ounce. Only his clothes hadn't turned to stone, which meant she could rummage through his pockets to see what he had on him.
"Right now your friends are probably getting burnt alive by Kuyou-sama. In the meantime, let's see what you got," she said and she pulled out an array of items. She took out a magnifying glass, a flashlight, a yoyo, a slingshot, an unopened bag of gummy bears, a toothbrush...all worthless. She discarded them all. Then she came upon the real treasure. It was an antique pocket watch. "Hm, I wonder how much this will sell?" she asked. It seemed valuable enough as she studied it. "You can keep the rest of your junk but leave me this lovely trinket, OK?" He gave no answer. "I don't hear a 'no'. I'll take that as a yes!"
The pocket watch suddenly snapped open on its own, shocking Ishigami. It then, literally, shocked her further with a jolt of electricity, causing her to drop it. The pocket watch's face was then pointed at Shintaro and it shot a beam of light at the petrified young man. Ishigami swiftly picked up the pocket watch and snapped it shut.
"Booby trapped?" she asked and then she saw Shintaro starting to crack. "What's this?" Blue light was seeping through the cracks. "This...this isn't supposed to..." Ishigami's eyes widened as the cracks began to spread and the light grew brighter. She backed away, but it was too late.
BOOM!
There was an explosion, with a shockwave that sent Ishigami flying. She hit her head on the wall and was knocked out. Once the smoke and dust cleared, Shintaro was shown back to normal. He blinked then yawned before stretching his stiff limbs. "Man...I'm stiff." He rotated his shoulders, flexed his fingers, and stretched, bending his knees and elbows. He then spotted Ishigami lying unconscious, holding his pocket watch. "Ah, now I remember." He went and picked up the pocket watch before sliding it back into his pocket. He saw the rest of his stuff and swiftly pocketed them too.
Adjusting his tie, Shintaro then said, "OK, time for me and Kuyou to have a few words. No point in sticking around here." He looked around and added, "But first I have to find him." This was a dungeon, so it stood to reason that it would be maze-like.
Inner Moka panted. Kuyou was a strong opponent. Her kicks had knocked him down, but the problem was getting him to stay down. He had also assumed his true form, and then he had assumed a humanoid battle form which allowed him to access even more power than before. He had also used the power to injure the girls. Mizore couldn't get close to him and due to her sensitivity to heat felt her strength draining away. Kurumu had been hit and her clothes were ruined, with her wings damaged. Yukari's magic was also ineffective.
Inner Moka kicked at Kuyou's head but he blocked with his forearm before grabbing her leg and tossing her behind him. She rebounded off the wall to execute a flying kick, but he grabbed her leg and tossed her to the ground.
"Even the legendary vampire falls before me!" laughed Kuyou.
"You bastard!" snarled Inner Moka as she recovered.
"Haven't you reached your limit? Let's face it. You can't beat me. Nobody can," said Kuyou, "You're just insects compared to me and insects should be squashed."
Inner Moka gritted her teeth. Kuyou was strong, much stronger than she though. However, her pride would not allow her to surrender. It wasn't just her pride, but also her other self's desire to save Shintaro Mido. He was her friend. No, to be more precise, he was their friend. Inner Moka respected him for his strength but never got to really know him as she slept within her other self. However, she and her other self shared the same body, the same mind, and the same heart, so Inner Moka knew that her other self felt strongly for Shintaro. It didn't matter what he was. He was someone precious, someone who was willing to fight to protect others, and someone who needed their protection now more than ever.
He was also someone who had an amazing sense of timing, apparently.
"HONEY, I'M HOME!" Shintaro announced loudly, stunning everyone present in the dungeon. "Do you have any idea how many twists and turns I had to go through before I got here? It ain't easy, I tell ya!" He saw Inner Moka facing against Kuyou. Also, he saw Kurumu, Yukari and Mizore, injured. His eyes narrowed at Kuyou who had changed. His skin was completely pale, with tribal markings on his face and torso. He was also completely naked, save for a pair of black briefs. He sported a pair of fox-like ears and also four fox-like tails that had flames at the tips.
"Shintaro!" Kurumu cried out happily at the sight of Shintaro. He was OK!
"How did you turn back to normal?" Kuyou demanded. Ishigami's petrification was supposed to be permanent.
"Trade secret," Shintaro winked, infuriating Kuyou. "Let's see...fox-like features, four tails, fire...you're a Yonbi no Yoko, aren't you?"
"Seems you know a lot about youkai," Kuyou remarked, "Then again, you've had ample time to learn about us."
"It's a bit obvious," Shintaro replied. "So, would you like some deep fried tofu? I'm sure I can make it if you give me the chance. Whaddya say, truce over a meal?" Shintaro's jovial attitude then shifted as his eyes narrowed and he asked coldly, "Did you hurt my friends?" The girls were slightly taken aback by Shintaro's change in personality. They had never once heard him speak so coldly.
"They were getting in the way of justice," Kuyou said. "They needed to be punished."
"Justice?" Shintaro repeated before he laughed, "Justice!? Hahahaha!" He recovered and continued, "What you're doing is far from justice. You're just using your power to extort and bully. You're all corrupt. What you call justice, is a perversion of the term."
"YOU DARE!?" Kuyou yelled.
"OF COURSE I DARE!" Shintaro shouted back, "AND I SWEAR, THIS ENDS TODAY!" Kuyou didn't want to hear anymore and decided to silence Shintaro, with a fireball.
"Shintaro, move!" Inner Moka shouted. Shintaro didn't move and the fireball hit, engulfing him.
"Shintaro!" Mizore screamed.
"Shintaro-san, no!" shrieked Yukari.
"Shintaro!" Kurumu cried out. Inner Moka was speechless and her Outer Self was probably screaming in grief.
"If you want something done right, do it yourself," said Kuyou. But then he noticed that his victim was not screaming in agony. His fire should've caused agonizing pain, and he would've heard screaming as his unfortunate victim flailed about, trying to put out the flames by rolling along the floor. Such actions would be futile. However, none of that took place. Instead, Shintaro's flame-enveloped silhouette began to glow with a soft indigo light before he stepped out of the flames. He was clad in his Rider armor, but now the armored plates on his body were indigo, along with his eyes and his belt's crystal core. He also had additional armor plating on his legs and arms.
This was Kamen Rider Kai Aegis Form.
"WHAT!?" Kuyou shouted. "HOW DID YOU SURVIVE!?"
"I guess I'm just that lucky," Kai smiled under his helmet. Kuyou seethed, his blood boiling, and he hurled a blast of intense flame at Kai. Kai raised his right hand and the flame blast collided with his palm as a transparent hexagon shield of energy emerged. This caused the flames to harmlessly disperse. Kuyou continued to launch flame blast after flame blast, but the number of hexagon shields multiplied, protecting Kai as he began to move towards his opponent. As the flame blasts rained down on Kai, the indigo plates on his armor began to glow, brighter and brighter. Kai knew what this meant as he glared at Kuyou.
"Take this!" Kai shouted as he joined the hexagon shields together. He named the attack in his mind, 'Aegis Reflector!' An intense beam of energy burst from the combined shields and smashed into Kuyou. The yoko howled as he was sent flying back by the energy blast. The beam slowly shrank as it ran out of power, but it had dug a long gouge between Kai and Kuyou.
The glow of Kai's armored plates faded and he watched as Kuyou rose back to his feet. He grimaced. It seemed as if this fox was tougher than he looked. Though, Kai noticed the insane rage in Kuyou's eyes as the yoko launched himself at Kai like a rocket. Kai raised his shields and sparks flew as Kuyou's claws continued to crash against them. Kai was being forced back, a step at a time, as Kuyou advanced on him to break his shields. The glow of Kai's armored plates changed, shifting from indigo to yellow. The additional armor vanished as yellow lines replaced them on his sleeves and legs. His eyes also turned yellow along with his belt's core. The shield vanished and Kuyou thought he had broken his opponent's defenses, only to be slashed across the chest by a blade of yellow energy. Kuyou howled once more, in outrage and agony, as Showa stood in another new form. The energy blade that had struck Kuyou extended from the armored plate on Kai's right arm, with another blade extending from the left arm.
Kai had activated Plasma Form.
"OK, this is new. But I like it," Kai smirked and he turned to slash at Kuyou. Kuyou erected a flame barrier but the Plasma Sabers easily sliced through the flames to land a devastating slash across Kuyou's chest. Kuyou screamed and hurled a fireball but Kai sliced it in half. He then kicked out with his right leg and hit Kuyou in the face. Another swing of his Plasma Saber nearly removed Kuyou's arm, but the flaming yoko dodged. He then lashed out with his tails but Kai jumped backwards to avoid them.
'Plasma X-Slash!' Kai named his attack and performed an X-slash maneuver that sliced into Kuyou's chest. Kuyou howled as blood burst out of the wound. The flames cauterized the wound, but a scar was left behind as a result.
"How many forms does he have?" Inner Moka wondered out loud.
"Yeah, Shintaro! Slice and dice!" Kurumu cheered.
"Show him what you can do!" Yukari joined in, encouragingly.
Mizore even constructed her own version of the foam finger, made of ice, as she went, "Yay~"
Kuyou was enraged, his blood boiling at volcanic levels. The indignity was an insult to his superiority. How could this abomination match him? How!? It didn't make sense. Shintaro Mido was just a human freak and yet he was able to do what the vampire bitch couldn't! He could actually harm him! Now, Kuyou even had a scar on his body, a scar left by his present opponent. This was a mockery to his status as the supreme youkai in Youkai Academy!
"THIS IS IT!" Kuyou roared. "I WILL NOT BE MADE A FOOL OFF BY A PIECE OF FREAK TRASH!" He conjured up a massive fireball with his tails, the flames swirling together to form a sphere. The temperature in the dungeon began to rise and the girls shied away from the heat. Kai, however, stood his ground and Kuyou grinned. The fool thought he could withstand this!? "DIE, SHINTARO MIDO!" He hurled the massive fireball at Kai.
Kai once again activated his Aegie Form and formed a massive hexagon shield in front of him. The fireball crashed against it but it was too strong and cracks formed on the shield. However, Kai still stood his ground. The armored plates on his body began to change color before the shield shattered and the flames engulfed him. The girls screamed his name and Kuyou grinned. However, the screams of agony he was expecting from his soon-to-be burnt to a crisp victim did not come and he witnessed as the flames engulfing Kai seemed to be absorbed into Kai's waist. The flames were being sucked into Kai's belt which glowed with an orange light and once all the flames had been absorbed, Kai now stood in another new form.
It was a different color, again. The bodysuit was black, while the gloves, boots and torso armor were red. The colored pauldrons, chestpiece, forearm guards and greaves were now orange. The eyes on his now red helmet were also orange and the X-shaped was jagged, resembling flames. His bodysuit also had red and orange flame patterns on the sleeves and legs. The eyes glowed brightly.
Instead of burning Kai, the flames were subdued and absorbed by his armor, much to Kuyou's shock and the girls' relief. Kai clenched his fist, embers dancing along his knuckles as he said, "Is that all ya got, Kitsune-san?"
This was Kamen Rider Kai Vulcan Form.
Kuyou roared and flung a volley of fireballs at Kai. The Rider didn't dodge the flames as he started walking towards Kuyou. The fireballs connected with his armor but did no damage. Like the earlier assault, Kai simply absorbed the barrage, casually making his way towards his opponent who was furiously trying to put him down.
Kuyou hurled fireball after fireball at the advancing Rider, whose body continued to absorb the flames. Kuyou could not comprehend it! He just couldn't! No being, other than creatures of fire, was impervious to the flames of a Yoko. But seeing Kai now, walking through the flames and absorbing them, filled the arrogant Kuyou with a feeling that he had not felt before.
Fear.
NO! This shouldn't be happening! This 'Kamen Rider' was an abomination! Neither human nor monster! A man-made freak of science! There was no possible way Shintaro Mido could be more superior than he!
Kai continued to advance, his armor absorbing the fire that Kuyou was launching at him. He spoke, "I could've just frozen you in time, conjured a storm to blow you away, or crushed you with your own weight. But..." Kai then concluded, his fists clenched, "I think it's more fitting that you are beaten with your own power!" He punched his fists together, the orange plates and eyes glowing brightly. He crouched, knees bent, and then he roared, punching the air repeatedly to send his own barrage of fireballs at Kuyou. Kuyou shielded himself with his tails and then lunged at Kai, swinging his flaming tails at the Rider. Kai ducked under the tail sweep and then nailed Kuyou with a flaming uppercut. Kuyou spun around to smash his blazing tails into Kai who then caught the four tails in his hands.
"WHAT!? UNHAND ME YOU FILTHY FREAK!" Kuyou roared in outrage. His tails were not meant to be touched by the likes of Kai. Nobody had a right to take hold of a yoko's tail!
"I don't think so," said Kai as he tugged and then tossed Kuyou into a wall by his tail. He swung, smashing Kuyou against another wall, repeating the process as he used Kuyou's tail to smash him into the walls, again and again, and sometimes the floor. The girls were watching, stunned by the display of power. Holding a yoko's tails like that while they were on fire was a guaranteed way to get burnt. However, Kai showed no pain and no signs of discomfort. He was immune to the heat.
Swinging Kuyou over his head, Kai sang, "Around, and around, and around he goes! Where he stops? Nobody cares!" Kai released Kuyou and he smashed into the iron bars of one of the cells, bending the bars with the force of the impact.
"YOU...BASTARD!" roared Kuyou. "I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!" His entire body was engulfed in flames. He would burn all of them to death for this insult. Kai would die, and so would those girls who dared to oppose him. They were going to suffer his wrath. "DIE!"
The flames were meant to blast outwards, burning everything in their path. However, Kai adopted a stance and waved his arms in a circle. The flames no longer obeyed Kuyou's will as they flowed towards Kai. The tendril of flames were gravitating towards Kai who then wrapped the flames around his arms before absorbing them, the armored plates glowing brighter and brighter. His body temperature was rising as a result and he was hot to the touch.
Kuyou couldn't believe it. He was a yoko, a being of fire, and yet here he was being overpowered. His flames were also subdued. He just couldn't comprehend how this could happen. He was the mightiest of all in Youkai Academy. It just wasn't plausible. It just didn't make sense.
"Now, it's Time's Up for you," said Kai. That was his declaration to end the fight and it always ended with him as the victor. Kuyou stood no chance against Kai who could control and absorb his flames. "Oh, and don't think it's just flames I can control."
"WHAT!?" Kuyou shouted. The girls were wondering this too.
"HYAH!" Kai roared as he stomped his foot down and spikes of stone rose up, surrounding Kuyou. The tip of the spikes were all pointed at his neck. Kuyou was pinned in place. He struggled but he couldn't even break free.
Kai crossed his arms before him, wrist to wrist, fists clenched as the flames around him danced. Rocks rose up around him, flames covering them. The plates on his armor glowed with bright intense light which then lit up in flames along with his eyes. He then punched forward, sending the blazing rocks towards the immobilized Kuyou. 'Vulcan Ballistic!' he named the attack mentally as he launched the blazing rocks. Flames trailed behind said rocks, like meteorites entering Earth's atmosphere.
The resulting explosion from the impact caused the entire dungeon to shake. Once the explosion subsided along with most of the smoke, Kuyou was seen lying in a smoking crater as Kai dusted his hands, back in his Chrono Form. "Like I said, it's time's up for you," he concluded. He looked at the girls, "Ah, yes. Time to take care of you girls." He reached out with his power and reversed the damage done to their bodies and clothes. "There, good as new," he smiled before his legs suddenly gave out. Suddenly, he collapsed forward, but Inner Moka caught him before he crashed face first into the floor. His armor also vanished from his body.
"He must've exhausted himself," said Kurumu, noting that he was now unconscious. They had witnessed him use so much power. That was probably more than he could normally take.
"Yes," said Inner Moka as she carried Shintaro, bridal style. "Unbelievable."
"He really is," smiled Mizore.
"Let's get out of here," urged Yukari. She didn't want to stay down here any longer.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that!" announced Shiroku as he stood next to Kuyou's body. "None of you will be leaving this place alive." With that said, he dropped a Freak Chip onto Kuyou's body. "LET THE PARTY CONTINUE!"
The Freak Chip's tendril-like wires buried themselves into Kuyou's skin. His eyes snapped open as he screamed in agony. Shiroku watched in amusement as the transformation took place. His grin widened as Kuyou stood up and dropped on all fours, turning into a black-furred, fox-like creature with four tails. Then, bone-like armor started growing out of Kuyou's body to cover him in a protective shell made out of bone and cartilage. He also started to grow in size, as his eyes glowed. His body radiated with bluish flames before he howled like a wolf.
This was the four-tailed Kitsune Freak.
"Well, it's time I blew this joint," said Shiroku. "Have fun!" He snapped his fingers and vanished in a flash of light.
"We have to get out of here!" Inner Moka ordered.
"But that thing's blocking the exit!" Kurumu shouted.
The Kitsune Freak breathed out a plume of fire that headed towards the girls. They screwed their eyes shut but then, all of a sudden, a magic circle rose up and shielded them. The flames splashed harmlessly over the magic circle before the Kitsune Freak stopped. The magic circle then faded, and the girls realized that there was an extra person present, a stranger. He had dark hair that was slightly tinted green and tied into a short ponytail at the base of his skull. He was dressed in a black vest over a white and black checkered dress shirt with black, white pinstriped, slacks.
"He's always overdoing things," said the stranger as he looked at the unconscious Shintaro.
"Who are you?" Inner Moka asked/demanded.
"Oh, we haven't met yet, have we? Bonjour, my name is Kamikaze Liquer. Now, do you mind taking my dear friend out of here? I really can't fight while bystanders are around. They tend to get in the way."
"Kamikaze...you're Kaze?" Inner Moka questioned.
"Sorry, but you really gotta go," insisted Kaze. "I'll hold this thing off."
"How are we going to get away with that thing blocking the exit?" questioned Kurumu.
"Look down," said Kaze and the girls did. They saw the magic circle glowing under them. "Au revoir!" With a flash of light, the girls and Shintaro had vanished. He turned his attention back at the Kitsune Freak and said, "Now, the show must go on!" He then said something else, "Henshin!"
Dark energy engulfed Kaze, forming into an equally dark suit of armor with glowing red trim. Once his helmet formed, a black visor slid down to conceal his face before red eyes glowed behind it. "En garde!" He drew his sword and prepared for battle.
The magic circle which had transported the girls and Shintaro away from the dungeon reappeared on the ceiling of the infirmary. The girls and Shintaro then dropped out of the circle and landed on their butts. Shintaro's fall was fortunately cushioned by the girls.
"OK, what the heck was that!?" Kurumu demanded.
"A teleportation spell," said Yukari. "A very advanced spell."
"I'm guessing you haven't learnt it yet," remarked Mizore and Yukari nodded. Inner Moka sighed and lifted Shintaro up before carrying him to one of the infirmary beds. After gently laying him down, she tucked him in before gently stroking his hair.
"You are one troublesome guy, Shintaro Mido," she said with a fond smile. "Troublesome indeed."
Suddenly, the same magic circle appeared and Kaze dropped down from it. He dusted off his hands and grinned, "Well, that takes care of that." His sudden appearance had startled them.
"Wait, what are you doing here!?" shrieked Kurumu. "Shouldn't you be fighting whatever it is Kuyou turned into!?"
"Took care of it already," shrugged Kaze. "Wasn't that hard."
"Wasn't that hard?" Inner Moka repeated, eyes narrowed.
"Why would it be?," Kaze answered. He looked at each of the girls, "Let me see if I got this right: Moka Akashiya, Mizore Shirayuki, Kurumu Kuruno and Yukari Sendou, am I right?"
"You know our names?" Mizore asked.
"Shintaro talks a lot about you girls. I can see why, though. I have to say, Shintaro has really good taste-" began Kaze.
"Stop it," Shintaro interrupted, surprising the girls again. He was glaring at Kaze.
"I was just complimenting them," defended Kaze innocently. "And I thought you were asleep."
"Your voice woke me. As for complimenting them, I know when you're flirting. You're always flirting," countered Shintaro.
"And you're always overdoing things and overworking yourself," retorted Kaze, "If I hadn't shown up, you would've been roasted with your girlfriends. Show some gratitude. Don't be so ungrateful."
"Thank you," Shintaro thanked. Kaze smiled in response. "Now, what are you doing here, Kaze?"
"Well, I read today's horoscope and it told me something bad was going to happen to a dear friend of mine. Since that's usually you, I dropped by to check up on you. Good thing too. You really were in a heap of trouble," said Kaze. "Plus, I actually missed you."
"Well, I'm glad you came. It's good to see you again," said Shintaro. He sat up but Inner Moka pushed him down, gently.
"You should be resting," said Inner Moka, "You overexerted yourself enough already."
"Didn't think you cared," said Shintaro. Inner Moka scowled.
"I don't, but you're precious to my other self," she retorted. "Which reminds me, I need to go back to sleep." She put back the rosary seal and turned back to her other self, the pink-haired Moka. Moka blinked and then looked at Shintaro. "You're OK."
"I said so, didn't I?" he reminded. "I just passed out because I used too much of a new power. A few new powers, actually, but I think I'll get used to it."
"Well, since you're in good hands, I'll be off now," said Kaze as he conjured a magic circle. "Au revoir, frérot."
"Ja ne, Kaze," Shintaro greeted back and Kaze smiled before vanishing into the circle.
After the incident, the Public Safety Commission was abolished for corruption and misuse of power. Their members were expelled and their prisoners were taken away to be cured of their condition. It was all because Smith-sensei had been able to clear things up. The charges of Shintaro being human were proved to be false and dropped. Of course, the fact that he was a Kamen Rider couldn't be denied. However, with the Student Police now exposed as a corrupt organization, their credibility was ruined and anything they said could not be taken at face value anymore. Also, the fact was that Shintaro never actively tried to hunt anyone actually helped to prove Shintaro's innocence. He only fought against monsters that were a threat to the school and students, like the Lizard Freak and the Sea Serpent Freak.
Shintaro was currently recovering and regaining his strength. Using his new powers had strained his body and exhausted him. It was just fortunate that he had activated them when he did. If not, they would not have been able to survive against Kuyou. Still, it made Shintaro wonder more and more about where he got his powers, and his own origins. Kaze hadn't hung around long enough for Shintaro to ask any questions, but by the time summer vacation came, Shintaro would ask Topper. He wanted answers. For now, he would enjoy his school days with the girls. Even if Youkai Academy wasn't always peaceful, it was the place where Shintaro felt most at home.
"So, he's alright then," said Topper as he played a game of Solitaire. He was in the backroom of his pawn shop with his son.
"That's right. It's a good thing he's so lucky," said Kaze after finishing his report. "Papa, don't you think it's time he's told the truth of who he is, and of what he is?"
"When he's ready, my son," said Topper as he laid down another card. "He's not mentally or emotionally prepared yet."
"And when will he be prepared, Papa?" Kaze questioned.
Topper spoke cryptically, "When and how that happens will also be up to him. Now, he's just starting his journey. When he's reached the crossroads, that is when the next leg of his journey will begin. When that happens, that is when he must decide his path and once he has decided, that is when the truth will come to him. That is when he will be enlightened."
"He isn't just another piece in your game with Mama, is he?" Kaze asked suspiciously.
"Maybe he is, maybe he isn't," said Topper. "What do you think?" Kaze didn't reply. The bell at the door chimed. "It looks like we have another customer."
"I'll get it," said Kaze as he left the back room to entertain their latest customer.
Shiroku stepped out of the tunnel and gave a sigh before grinning. "Well, that's the end of that experiment. Guess it's time to resume work my work out there." His grin faded as he spoke coldly, "Kuro-no-Shinigami, your time of reckoning will soon come." With that said, he walked away.
KRC: And thus ends the first arc of Kamen Rider Kai. I actually imagined this as a reboot of Showa and Vampire that focuses more on Shintaro, but then I decided to go in a different direction. A new, different Shintaro, with different armor, forms and powers. Now, since I introduced three new alternate fighting forms for Shintaro, it's time for an overview and description like they do in Wikipedia. So, here we go!
KAMEN RIDER KAI
Kamen Rider Kai is the alter-ego of Shintaro Mido, which he discovered during the fight with Saizou. When transformed, Shintaro is donned in a suit of protective body armor, with colored plating on his chest, shins, forearms, and shoulders known as Spectrum Plates. The Spectrum Plates change color depending on which form Kai is using and glow when the power of the form is charged up for the form's unique finisher. His eyes and the crystal in his belt also change color to match. He is also armed with the Twin Edge Chrono Blade, which can separate into two individual swords.
The following is a list of Kamen Rider Kai's forms:
Chrono Form: Chrono Form is Kamen Rider Kai's default form. The armor has green Spectrum Plates. In this form, Kai is able to utilize a wide variety of time-manipulation techniques to assist him in battle. His finisher is the Chrono Drill Kick. He can also perform the Double Saber Slash with the Twin Edge Chrono Blade.
Tempest Form: In this form, the bodysuit gains lightning bolt patterns and has blue Spectrum Plates. Kai also gains the ability to manipulate water, wind and electricity, hence the name. His base speed and agility has increased, and he gains long-ranged combat capabilities. He can execute the Tempest Harpoon and Tempest Bolt attacks with the Twin Edge Chrono Blade.
Gravity Form: In this form, the bodysuit turns white, the armor turns silver and the Spectrum Plates turn violet. Kai gains the ability to manipulate gravity. In addition, this is the only form which possesses the power of flight, an extension of his ability to manipulate gravity. His finisher attacks in Gravity Form are the Graviton Fist and Graviton Crusher.
Aegis Form: This is a primarily defensive form. When Kai assumes Aegis Form, the Spectrum Plates turn indigo and he gains extra armor. This form can wield the protective Aegis Shield barriers and the finisher is called the Aegis Reflector, which transmutes the offensive force absorbed by the Aegis Shields into a beam that is sent back at the opponent. The Aegis Shields are not impenetrable, however, and there is a limit to how much force they can endure.
Plasma Form: Another offensive form. In Plasma Form, Kai's Spectrum Plates turn yellow and he gains the ability to wield the Plasma Sabers which extend from his arms. It seems this form relies on agility and focuses on swordsmanship. This form can perform the Plasma X-Slash attack.
Vulcan Form: In this form, the armor turns red with the bodysuit gaining flame-like patterns. The Spectrum Plates also adopt an orange color. This form grants Kai the ability to manipulate flames and earth. Additionally, the Spectrum Plates can absorb flames to increase Kai's power. However, this could endanger Kai's health as his body can only contain a finite amount of flames and he must expel the flames he's absorbed. The strain of this form will also cause Shintaro to pass out from exhaustion. His finisher in this form is Vulcan Ballistic.