Chapter 2: Welcome to the Club

Yuuki was a guy who thought he could do well under pressure. Heck, he had just become a Kamen Rider and defeated a monster by himself. He didn't freak out then and he was still remaining calm. Of course, being held by the scruff of your shirt and dragged through the streets tended to rattle anyone's nerves.

"Um…Hasuma-san?" Yuuki asked uncertainly.

"Shut it," Ryuji frowned. "We're going to go talk to someone. You had better have some answers."

"Uh…" Yuuki gulped. Ryuji was mad. People tended to get their bones broken when that happened.

Ryuji continued to drag Yuuki to an apartment building. He was slightly confused when Ryuji continued to drag him inside. They both traveled upstairs and straight to one of the apartments. He knocked on the door and it was opened by Vash. Ryuji just continued to drag Yuuki into the apartment with Vash watching. Once Ryuji arrived at a door, he slammed it open to reveal Warren-sensei sitting at his desk with some papers.

"Hello to you too, Ryuji," Warren blinked as he eyed the pissed off Hasuma dragging his schoolmate along. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes. Meet the newest Kamen Rider," Ryuji huffed as he pushed Yuuki forward.

"Ashikaga-san?" Warren blinked. He recognized the boy from class 2-1.

"Show him," ordered Ryuji.

Yuuki obeyed and held out the Vortex Driver belt to Warren with the Vortex Book. Warren took the items and began to inspect them. Yuuki wondered why Ryuji had brought him here to their history teacher's house and then he realized why. There was only one conclusion and it surprised him too.

"Sensei? Are you a Kamen Rider too?" Yuuki asked in surprise.

"In a way, yeah, I am," answered Warren. No reason to lie at this point with Ryuji bringing Yuuki here for an interrogation of sorts. He began to study the belt buckle and found something. Behind the buckle there was a logo stamped on it resembling a top hat. "Interesting…"

Ryuji peered over and saw the logo. "A top hat?" blinked Ryuji as he stared. His eyes widened in realization. "Wait…no way."

"Crap, it's that Elder," groaned Warren.

"Elder?" questioned Yuuki.

"OK, Ashikaga, did you meet any guy wearing a top hat with a long pointed nose?" asked Ryuji.

"N-no…" stuttered Yuuki. "Wait, the guy that delivered that package looked kinda like that. He didn't wear a top hat, though."

"Yo!" Kenzaki had arrived to see the exchange. "OK, I got your call. What's up?"

"Topper," Warren and Ryuji answered.

"That asshole Topper again," groaned Kenzaki. "What did he do now?"

"Tsukuba-san, are you a Rider too?" asked Yuuki.

"OK, who's he and what's he doing here?" Kenzaki pointed at Yuuki.

"The newest Rider on the block," answered Ryuji.

Kenzaki looked Yuuki up and down and snorted, "He doesn't look like much."

"So, who's Topper?" questioned Yuuki. He tried to ignore the crushing blow to his ego.

"You know those annoying door-to-door salesmen? He's like a devil version of those. He sells you something, grants wishes, but always with a price," explained Ryuji.

"And although he claims the price to be equal to what you're buying, it normally ends up costing you more in the long run," added Warren.

"Of course, the question is what you had to give up in exchange," said Ryuji.

"Can you tell us how you got the buckle?" asked Warren.

Yuuki then explained how he got the package and when he looked inside he found the buckle, book, cards and an instruction manual in the box. Along it was a note that said 'Make Your Dream Come True'. He also told them how he was on his way to the post office to have it returned when the Stasis Field formed.

"Um…" began Yuuki. "I may not know this Topper, but if he gave me the means to fight these monsters, I don' think he's a bad person."

"Apparently, you don't know him like we do," sneered Ryuji.

"He claims to be neutral…but then again sometimes neutral can be worse than being evil," said Kenzaki.

"And once you sign a contract with him, he owns you," added Ryuji.

"But I don't remember signing a contract," argued Yuuki.

"You had to sign something when it was delivered, right?" asked Kenzaki.

"I…did. Oh no…" gasped Yuuki. "Is there a way to break the contract?"

"Besides killing him, no way that I know of," shrugged Warren.

"I had to fight him for 5 minutes to break the contract he had with Neko," answered Kenzaki.

"But…I also think that I don't want to give this up. I used the power for the first time and it…it was…exhilarating," said Yuuki.

"Being a Rider ain't glamorous, no matter how the magazines paint it out to be," pointed out Ryuji.

"So, why do you all do it?" asked Yuuki.

"Profit," answered Kenzaki. He was still a bounty hunter after all.

"The same, but also to protect Koto-chan and her family. Not to mention the friends I got here," answered Ryuji.

"Eh, I only get involved when these two screw up. But I use it to protect those precious to me," shrugged Warren. Kenzaki and Ryuji glared at the mention of 'screw up'.

"So, you're the newbie. That means we're your sempai," smirked Ryuji.

"But you're still my kohai Ryuji, so don't let it go to your head," argued Warren.

"Cheh, like I'd admit that," scoffed Ryuji.

"Sugoi. I can't wait to tell my sister!" exclaimed Yuuki. That made the three Riders glare at him, causing the boy to shiver. "N-Nani? Why are you staring at me like that?"

"You're not allowed to tell anyone," ordered Kenzaki.

"It's a rule. You gotta keep your identity a secret. You can't trust anybody with it. Tell him why, Warren," said Ryuji.

"We all have people we need to protect. People without powers. If our identities got out, those people would be put in danger because of it," explained Warren.

"I see…" nodded Yuuki.

"I just keep it a secret because I don't wanna be hassled," began Ryuji, "But Warren's reason is good too."

"Wait a second. If you're a Rider, that means you're gonna get a bike," pointed out Kenzaki.

"A bike? As in a motorbike?" asked Yuuki.

"What else would it be? A mountain bike?" snickered Ryuji.

"But, if my parents or sister see it, they're going to ask where I got it from!" complained Yuuki.

"Heck, just tell them you entered a contest on the internet or something," said Ryuji.

"But I'd learn how to ride it if I were you," suggested Kenzaki.

"Anyway, can I ask what that monster I saved Hasuma from was?" asked Yuuki.

Warren and Kenzaki stared at Ryuji who blushed and screwed his eyes shut in embarrassment. A newbie saved him. It was embarrassing.

"You got saved by the newb?" laughed Kenzaki.

"No!" snapped Ryuji. "He finished it off before I could." He then turned to Yuuki. "I didn't need help, especially from a newbie."

"Yuuki, thank you for saving my kohai," said Warren.

"Oi! Listen to me! He DID NOT save me!" roared Ryuji. Ryuji knew that they would not let him live this down. "Hey! Listen! The newbie ripped me off!"

"Ripped you off?" scoffed Kenzaki. "Mad because he took your kill from you?"

"He copied me!" shouted Ryuji.

"Copied you?" asked Warren.

"Yes, I have these cards depicting Kamen Riders," answered Yuuki. He dug them out of his pocket and showed them to Warren. They were blank now, though.

"There's nothing on these cards," stated Kenzaki.

Warren took one card and examined it. For a brief moment he saw his Rider form's image on it before it became blank again. "Hm…this could be interesting," muttered Warren.

"Great…another copycat," groaned Ryuji.

"I motion for Ryuji becomes Yuuki's mentor," said Warren.

"I second!" added Kenzaki.

"Nani!? Why me!?" shouted Ryuji.

"Because I'm your mentor and you have to do what I say," said Warren, a smug smile on his face.

"Since when are you MY mentor!?" argued Ryuji.

"Since I started calling you kohai," answered Warren. "Or would you rather spend every weekend of the term doing extra homework?"

"You wouldn't dare…" challenged Ryuji.

"I'm a teacher. I would. I'll ask Rae to assign you extra work too," threatened Warren.

"I'd rather babysit Kenzaki's brats!" shouted Ryuji.

"Oi! Don't talk about my kids like that!" roared Kenzaki.

"They bit me! And the girl wouldn't stop crying! I had to get Kokoro-chan and Koto-chan to help!" complained Ryuji.

"They bit you because you were bothering them! And Maya-chan was crying cause you scared her!" countered Kenzaki.

"Whatever. But if I'm gonna be training the newbie, you both are gonna help me," ordered Ryuji.

"Sorry, I have stuff I need to do," shrugged Warren

"I have my own kids to look after. You're on your own," said Kenzaki.

Ryuji grumbled. His mood hadn't improved after Yuuki defeated the Nytemare. Then, he realized, he'd be training the 'newbie' and grinned. "Oi, Rookie, let's go," ordered Ryuji.

"H-hai, sempai!" obeyed Yuuki.

"Sempai?" Ryuji grinned. "Hm…I like the sound of that. Let's go. We got work to do and lots of it."

"So, what are we doing here?" asked Yuuki as he and Ryuji stood on the roof of the apartment building. Ryuji's answer was to take out his Dyno Belt and wrap it around his waist before pressing the red button. He then took out his pass and swiped it across the buckle.

"Henshin!" Ryuji called.

"MAMMOTH FORM!"

Ryuji transformed into Ifrit Mammoth Form as the red armor snapped onto his base Plat Form suit. The armor was made for raw strength, but also provided strong protection due to its thick armor.

"Transform," Ifrit ordered.

"Hai," Yuuki nodded. He put the Vortex Driver in front of his waist and the belt wrapped around him before fastening on to the other side of the buckle. He opened up the Vortex Book and took out the Vortex card before clipping the book to the belt. The buckle automatically twisted up and Yuuki called out, "Henshin!" before sliding it in and pushing the handles to reset the buckle.

"MASKED RIDE: VORTEX!"

Vortex now stood across Ifrit. Ifrit popped his neck from side to side and said, "Let's see how tough you really are," before charging at Vortex. Vortex hesitated for a second before ducking to the side as a fist came flying at him. The fist hit the floor and the force behind it made a crater. Ifrit pulled his fist out and turned to see Vortex trembling. "Stop shaking," Ifrit commanded, "And fight!" He then charged forward, throwing his fists like a boxer. Vortex tried to dodge but one of the fists slammed into his chest and knocked him down to the ground.

"Itai…" Vortex groaned and looked up to see Ifrit raising his foot. "Matte!" Vortex wailed before he rolled out of the way as the foot came slamming down, creating another crater.

Vortex got back to his feet and yelled, "I thought this was training! Take it easy!"

"Your enemies won't be taking it easy on you, so why should I? In training, I take things VERY seriously!" Ifrit thrust his arm forward, opening his palm to release a ball of ice the size of a basketball. Vortex's eyes widened under his helmet but he couldn't dodge in time and got the ball directly in the chest which shattered, knocking him backwards onto his back.

"Get up," said Ifrit as he gripped his DynoGasher Axe. "We're not done yet."

Vortex quickly got to his feet and unclipped the Vortex Book from his belt. He gripped the black handle and flicked his wrist, allowing it to align parallel with the diagonal stripe on the surface of the book as a black and silver blade unfolded from the other end. Ifrit looked upon the weapon indifferently. It was impressive, but was it powerful? After all, up until he became a Rider, Yuuki never handled a weapon before.

With a battle cry, Vortex charged at Ifrit with his sword and got ready for some payback.

Ifrit smirked. Now Vortex was taking it seriously. Good. He didn't have to feel guilty for beating him up then.

The blades of their weapons clashed as they fought. Actually, Vortex was doing much of the attacking as Ifrit only raised his axe to block the blows, causing sparks to fly from the contact and friction of the blades. He was merely parrying Vortex's blows and studying the new Rider's combat style. It would appear that in his default form, Vortex had some combat capabilities. They weren't impressive and Ifrit considered his victory against the Nytemare earlier as just beginner's luck. Vortex even used his own image to finish the job.

This time, when Vortex swung down, Ifrit swung up and the sword was thrown into the air. Vortex looked up at the flying weapon for a second before realizing his mistake and looking back as Ifrit smashed a fist into his stomach, causing him to double over before a knee struck him in the face and forcefully straightened his body before a kick sent him flying across the floor.

Vortex fell yet again on the floor of the rooftop as his sword dropped down next to him, the blade sticking in the floor inches away from his head. He groaned in pain as he picked himself up, grasping the handle for additional support, as he pushed himself back to his feet.

Ifrit saw that the sun was setting. It was getting dark soon. "We're done here," said Ifrit as he turned away from Vortex.

"Huh?" questioned Vortex.

"If you overexert yourself, this training won't do you any good. You'll need to practice moderately, so meet me everyday after school for training," Ifrit said.

"But I have to do my job in the library," said Vortex. Ifrit sighed.

"Fine, when you're done with that, come see me for training. Also, come see me during the weekends as well. I'm going to whip you into shape."

The Vortex Driver twisted upwards and shot out the card which Vortex caught before the digital pixels enveloped his body and turned him back to human form. As for Ifrit, his armor shattered into energy shards which fell off his body and faded before they hit the floor.

"Go home and get some rest," advised Ryuji, "You've got a long road ahead of you, Rookie."

"Hai, sempai."

Yuuki headed home later that night. He was sore all over. Ryuji had tossed him around like a rag doll. Obviously, the other Rider was sore for having his kill taken from him.

"Itai…" Yuuki sat down on a bench. He had bruises under his clothes.

"Not enjoying your new life?" Yuuki heard. He jumped to his feet. He then looked over in front of him to see a strangely clothed man.

"Are you…Topper-san?" asked Yuuki to the man who now stood opposite him. Everything had stopped moving, like time itself had frozen still. The man before him had mismatched eyes, wore an overcoat despite the warm weather, and a top hat resembling the logo on the package.

"I go by many names, but in this form that is my name," Topper said cryptically.

"Were you the one who gave me that belt buckle and the cards?" Yuuki asked, wanting answers.

"Yes, I was," answered Topper without hesitation or reluctance. He had no reason to lie at all for this. One didn't lie when there was profit to be gained unless that lie brought greater profit.

"Why?" Yuuki asked.

Topper smiled and quoted, "'I wish I was just like the Kamen Riders, and then maybe she would notice me'." He reminded, "Isn't that what you wanted?"

Yuuki recalled thinking about it, once a long time ago, but never expected anyone to know. But, from what he heard from Ryuji, Kenzaki and Warren, Topper was one person who had a myriad of abilities and used them for amusement.

"I never meant it," Yuuki said, trying to make an excuse.

"Didn't you?" Topper replied. "Are you sure it wasn't what you wanted? You didn't want to be a hero?"

"Well…I…" Yuuki stammered.

"On those MMORPG's, what character do you play? Personally, I like to be a merchant or maybe a travelling one if the game will let me," said Topper. He knew all about Yuuki's likes and dislikes. In fact, he knew EVERYTHING about Yuuki and that was no exaggeration.

"I play a warrior," answered Yuuki. Why was he telling Topper this?

"A warrior? Like a hero? Kill the monster, save the damsel, and all that stuff?" Topper smiled again and tipped his hat. "You know that MMORPG's are an outlet for people to play as what they really want in real life, correct?"

"Yes, but, still…" Yuuki began as he tried to think of an answer. None came.

"Mr. Ashikaga…" Topper paused. "Or, may I call you Yuuki?" he didn't wait for an answer as he continued, "Yuuki, I've granted your wish and you signed the contract."

"I don't recall a contract," Yuuki denied. He remembered signing for the package, but he didn't remember anything that looked like an actual contract.

"At the door when you signed for the package," Topper reminded. "You signed, right there, on the dotted line."

Yuuki's eyes widened. That was the contract!? He'd suspected it when Kenzaki told him but now it was confirmed. He'd signed an actual contract with Topper without even knowing it.

"I was told that you never give anything for free. Is that true?" Yuuki questioned.

"I'm a businessman," Topper stated. "Everything has a price."

"What is mine?" asked Yuuki.

"You'll fight for me, from now on until the end of your career as a Rider," said Topper ominously. "You'll be my champion. You'll work for me and follow my every instruction. That is the price you pay."

"But we never made an official deal!" Yuuki shouted in protest.

"True, very true," Topped nodded. "But it's either that or selling me your eternal soul."

"What's the difference?" Yuuki asked. Topper wanted him as his slave until his life ended.

"At least if you just worked for me you have a chance of going to Heaven."

"Is that a threat?"

"It's an option."

"So, I have no choice?"

"Provided someone challenges me for your contract, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon. But, just think about this. You can be a hero, and protect those you care for."

"But…I…" Yuuki fell silent.

"Despite what you think, you're more than capable of getting the job done," Topper continued. "When I grant a wish, I make sure that the one I am assisting is capable of coming through on their end. Whether they choose to pay up or not is something else entirely. Still, my point is that I know you are capable of fighting, surviving, and winning."

Yuuki gulped.

"Besides," Topper grinned. "You did pretty well for your first time out. I mean, you took down a Nytemare and managed to rescue Ifrit. Not bad for a rookie."

"Ah…well," Yuuki gulped.

"So just relax, Vortex," Topper grinned. "All you have to do is what Riders do; fight evil and protect people."

"I'll…try," responded Yuuki.

"Ashikaga-san…is a Rider?" Kotonoha was in a state of disbelief after listening to Ryuji's story.

"Sugoi," said Kokoro in amazement. "Another Rider!"

"Yup," Ryuji nodded. They were sitting down for dinner and Ryuji had told her everything that had happened today. "He is."

"Oh, I do hope he'll be okay. Did he get hurt?" Kotonoha asked with concern.

Ryuji frowned and muttered, "He got lucky." Saving him? Yeah right! Yuuki just copied his form. Indirectly, Ifrit had saved Yuuki.

"So, what will he do now?" asked Kotonoha. She had spoken with Yuuki. The boy seemed nice, too nice for something like this.

"He'll have to train," answered Ryuji. "And I'm stuck with him because of Warren and Kenzaki."

Kotonoha blinked. "You mean you're training him?"

"And Ryuji was a bit rough with the boy," said Loki.

"I had to, because whatever he'll be fighting will be much rougher," stated Ryuji.

Kotonoha observed that Ryuji seemed…agitated.

"How did he become a Rider?" Kotonoha asked. Ryuji bristled. "Ryuji-kun? Are you alright?" asked Kotonoha.

"I'm fine," answered Ryuji. "I just…don't want to talk about it anymore tonight."

"Alright." Kotonoha knew how to coax him for answers later. She just had to scratch that special spot under and he would be putty in her hands.

"I'm back," said Yuuki as he came through the door. He saw his elder sister, Chie, standing at the entrance with her arms crossed. "Nee-san…"

"Where have you been?" Chie asked. She was taller than Yuuki, with the same hair color as his but longer and going down in waves past her shoulders. "I was worried sick. When I came home you weren't here." She was worried for her brother. He would get beaten up for no reason and picked on for being weak. It was all because of her that he wasn't a target like he had been in junior high, not to mention his friendship with Kyouchi.

"I'm fine, Nee-san," answered Yuuki as he limped past her.

"Why are you limping?" she asked.

"Um…" Yuuki hesitated.

"And why do you look like someone beat you up?" she asked.

Yuuki fell silent. Technically he'd been beaten up, but it was training.

"I fell," Yuuki lied. Now Chie knew something was up. He used to use the same excuse back when they were in elementary school and junior high when he got bullied.

She walked past and blocked him. He stopped when she put her hands on his shoulders. "Yuuki, you can tell me anything," said Chie tenderly. "You can trust me."

'I can't tell you, Nee-san,' thought Yuuki. 'Not about something like this.' He couldn't tell her he was a Rider now. "Nee-san, I'm tired and hungry. I'm going to take a bath."

Chie frowned. "Alright…" She watched as Yuuki went up the stairs. With a sigh she went into the dining room where a friend was waiting. Chie informed, "He just got back."

"Oh, I was worried." She was Roka Kitsuregawa, Chie's underclassmen and a student in class 2-2. She was also a member of the women's basketball team. She liked Yuuki, a lot. She just thought he was cute. Roka had dark hair that framed her face and wore her hair in a low ponytail. She also stood at his height, making it easy for them to see eye-to-eye, literally. It was surprising how she could fit the height requirement for the team but she was fast and good at passing. "Will he be joining us?"

"He's taking a bath right now so we have to wait."

In the bathroom, Yuuki inspected himself in the mirror. He had ugly bruises all over his body from Ryuji. "He was serious," Yuuki mumbled. "Guess he was very annoyed with me." It was probably something to do with something Topper did. He would ask about it when they met again at school. Right now he needed to take a bath, and maybe get dressed without his sister seeing his bruises.

Neko and Kenzaki were in the GaroLiner and he'd just told her about the new Rider.

"And it was Topper that gave him the gear?" questioned Neko.

"Who else uses a top hat as a logo?" retorted Kenzaki. "I don't trust Topper so this can't be good."

"Well, it seems like his style," acknowledged Neko. "But…Yuuki Ashikaga isn't a bad person. He's that bookworm that's always at the library, right?"

"Yeah, he is, and in my opinion he's not cut out to be a Rider," stated Kenzaki.

"But Ryuji-chan is going to be training him," spoke Neko, and then she realized what would happen. "Oh, he's so dead."

"I agree. Ryuji is territorial and he doesn't welcome newbies," Kenzaki commented. He recalled when he and Ryuji had first met. "Not to mention Ashikaga stole his kill."

Neko's ears then picked up a sound. "Looks like Maya-chan and Gou-chan are awake and hungry." She stood up. "I need to go." As Kenzaki watched Neko leave, he smiled. He'd married a wonderful young woman and she was a wonderful mother. How did he deserve someone like her? After all that had happened, it felt good to be with Neko.

"I'm so lucky," said Kenzaki.

It didn't take long for Kat to get the news. Warren had called and told her. Since they were all fellow Riders fighting against the same foe, it was prudent that they stay in contact and report anything new they might find. Vortex sure counted.

"So, another Rider," said Kat as she grinned. "How interesting…" Right now she was playing 'Old Maid' with Rose, Cathy and Bobby. She picked one of Rose's cards and pulled it out of his hand before adding it to her own. Smiling, she tossed the pair of twos onto the table.

"So, what are you going to do about it?" asked Rose curiously as it was now her turn. She picked out a card from Cathy's hand and smiled before tossing a pair of Queens onto the table.

"Right now? Nothing. The new Rider's just a rookie. Even with Ryuji's training, he'll be at the bottom of us and call us his sempais."

"Awfully confident, Big Sis," said Bobby as he picked a card out of Kat's hand. He grumbled as he got the Joker, making Kat grin.

"Well, he's new," said Kat. "You need experience to survive this job. He's gotta be able to handle all the occupational hazards."

"Maybe we should meet him?" suggested Rose.

"Maybe," shrugged Kat.

It was Cathy's turn and she chose to pick a card out of Bobby's hand. When she did, she grinned and said, "All out!" as she tossed her two remaining cards onto the table.

The next morning, Yuuki was headed to school early because he had to help arrange some books and clean up the library. That was when he saw what was parked in the driveway. He froze when he saw the motorbike and his eyes went wide.

The bike itself was a sport's bike that sported a mainly red point job with black and white accents. On the front was the Vortex emblem which was the same one on the Vortex Book. The headlights were green. On the side of the gas tank was a black X with a red 10 stamped on the side. It looked to be built for speed and combat and looked big enough for two people.

"Oh…why me?" Yuuki groaned as he went over to the motorcycle. There was a note on it with a top hat stamped on the corner. He picked it up and read it.

'Just thought you'd like you own ride, Kamen Rider Vortex,' the note read. Yuuki slipped it into his book bag. Where was he supposed to hide this thing? Also, how was he supposed to ride it? He'd never ridden a bike before in his life.

"Hey, Yuuki, what's the hold…up?" Chie began and her eyes fell on the bike. "What is that?"

"A bike?" answered Yuuki uncertainly. She stomped over.

"I know it's a bike, but what is it doing here?" she asked.

"I won it on a contest…on the internet," answered Yuuki weakly.

Chie rubbed her temples. "Goodness…well, maybe we can sell it since we both know you can't drive it and I don't have a license."

"I could learn," mumbled Yuuki.

"What was that?" asked Chie.

"Nothing, let's just go," said Yuuki. He really couldn't deal with this right now.