Chapter 4: An Intervention
When Kenzaki arrived at the school's rooftop later that night, he saw Yuuki waiting for him. "Ashikaga? Why did you call me up here?" He noticed that Yuuki looked a little nervous. "Ashikaga?"
"Gomen, Tsukuba-san," said Yuuki apologetically, "But I have to ask you to no longer look for information on Topper-san."
Kenzaki fell silent but then smirked. He replied, "So, you're his errand boy now? Was it part of the deal?"
"It is. Please, Tsukuba-san, you need to stop this," pleaded Yuuki.
"I can't. Topper has to be stopped from messing with people's lives," said Kenzaki.
Yuuki sighed. He didn't want to do this, but the contract Topper held had him in a tight grip. "Then, I'm sorry for this." Yuuki tossed off his coat and revealed that he'd been wearing the Vortex Driver around his waist. The buckle was twisted up and ready for card insertion. Held within his hand was the Vortex Rider Card.
Kenzaki slung his Garoh Belt around his waist and fastened it on. Gripped tightly in his hand was the Garoh Pass.
"Henshin," Yuuki called as he slid in the card.
"Henshin!" Kenzaki called as he pushed the button.
Yuuki pushed the handles on the sides of his buckle as Kenzaki swiped his pass over his belt buckle.
"MASKED RIDE: VORTEX!"
"HUNTER FORM!"
Ryuji drove onto school grounds with his Dyno-Breaker and hit the brakes before kicking down the stand. He dismounted from his vehicle and tossed off his helmet before running into the building. "Crap! Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap!!!"
As a precaution, Ryuji had put a bug on Yuuki's cell phone. From it he found out that Yuuki had sent a message to Kenzaki. It was no doubt a challenge to a fight between Riders.
Ryuji ran up the stairs which led to the roof and then kicked open the door. What he saw were Garoh and Vortex, with their blades clashing and sending a rain of sparks falling to the floor as their weapons connected. He got his own belt ready but hesitated. Both were comrades and fellow Riders. Though Kenzaki inherited the power of Garoh, Yuuki was chosen to become Vortex. However, their clash was because of Topper. Yuuki was bound to Topper and Kenzaki held a hatred for Topper that rivaled Ryuji's. Sure, Topper was bad news but you didn't have to get into a fight over him.
Both the GaroGasher Scimitar Mode and the Vortex Book Sword Mode were locked as Vortex and Garoh's eyes met. Their eyes narrowed as they pushed against each other. Vortex was, without a doubt, the most powerful Rider suit ever made but it was only as good as its wearer. Kenzaki had the skill and experience to use the Garoh armor and its weapons, making him just as dangerous.
Ryuji stood rooted at the spot and just watched. He couldn't get involved, not without hurting either of them. This was a matter of personal pride, honor and duty. He couldn't get involved.
"Interesting, isn't it?" spoke Topper as he suddenly made his presence known. He stood next to Ryuji, startling the young man. In his hands was a walking stick and he was leaning forward with his hands atop of it. "Two Riders fighting each other. Both warriors of justice. It's like poetic irony." He smiled in amusement.
Ryuji clenched his fists as he glared at the Infernal Merchant. "You asshole! You set this whole thing up!"
"Language," Topper lightly chided. "But, you're right; I did set them up to fight each other. Your friend has been sniffing around with his nose where it doesn't belong. So, I sent Yuuki to persuade him to stop. And, by persuade, I meant stop him anyway he could. You see, Yuuki has to follow my every instruction as long as I hold his contract, which means he has to do whatever I say. I have my own champion and errand boy, all in one." He chuckled.
"He's just a piece in your sick game of Chess," growled Ryuji.
"Speaking of Chess, I think I have a game schedules with old Wolfy," said Topper nonchalantly. He was grabbed by the scruff of his coat and pulled towards Ryuji. His hat nearly fell off in surprise. "Testy, are we?" That annoying smirk hadn't left his face.
"You'll stop this now, Topper," threatened Ryuji.
"My boy, you shouldn't threaten your betters," said Topper from behind Ryuji suddenly in the blink of an eye. Ryuji was now holding air. He whirled around in anger as Topper casually looked over his shoulder. He twirled his walking stick around and tapped his feet against the floor. "You see, I hold all the cards here so you should be careful around me."
"Not me, Elder," said Warren as he suddenly stood behind Topper. Topper smiled.
"And, Mr. Smith is here too. Why am I not surprised?" said Topper, as if he'd predicted it. Nothing surprised him, really. He'd lived too long already to be surprised. People wee just too predictable to him.
Meanwhile, the fight between Garoh and Vortex had intensified. With a front snap kick, Vortex sent Garoh staggering backwards. The Vortex Driver's belt buckle twisted upwards and Vortex already had a card in hand. He slid it inside and pushed the handles in to reset it.
"MASKED RIDE: GAROH!"
"Ooh, now we're seeing double!" said Topper. Ryuji and Warren looked over to see Garoh VS Garoh. Well, it was easy to tell which was which since Vortex was still wearing the Vortex Driver and holding the Vortex Book.
The real Garoh growled at this imposter. He'd warned Yuuki before about using this form because he hadn't earned it and yet the young boy was mocking him with it.
Inside a Stasis Field, both Vortex and Garoh (Hunter Form) were dealing with a Nytemare which resembled a humanoid grizzly bear. The Grizzly Nytemare had large metal claws, black fur tinted in red and demonic red eyes. Its mouth was filled with teeth and it wore a skull helmet over its head to add a more intimidating look to it.
"Tsukuba-sempai!" Vortex called as Garoh was slashed across the waist and sent tumbling. The Garoh Belt dislodged from his waist and he was turned back to his normal form.
"Glad I can't feel pain," said Kenzaki gratefully as he picked up his belt. He then watched as Vortex continued to fight the monster.
"ATTACK RIDE: SLASH!"
"Hyah!" Vortex shouted as he sent the Grizzly Nytemare stumbling backwards with a powerful sword slash. Then, he followed up with a tornado kick that sent it rolling across the pavement. Once on his feet, Vortex took out a card and activated it with his Vortex Driver.
"MASKED RIDE: GAROH!"
Kenzaki's eyes widened as Vortex changed into an exact duplicate of Garoh's Hunter Form. His eyes then narrowed as he watched Vortex as Garoh execute the Nytemare.
"ATTACK RIDE: HUNTER SLASH!"
Vortex performed a downward slash with his charged up sword and sliced the Nytemare in half. With its defeat, the Stasis Field vanished. Kenzaki then stomped over to Vortex and gave him a look of warning. At that moment, the Vortex Buckle twisted up and ejected both the Garoh and Vortex cards, with the former going blank. Yuuki's armor then vanished when Kenzaki got in his face, looking pissed.
"Don't you EVER use that form again without my permission," Kenzaki warned.
Angered by the insult against him and his adopted father, Garoh attacked. Vortex copied not only his form but his movements as well. Vortex could predict Garoh's attack pattern perfectly. Blades clashes and sparks flew, but neither was hitting their opponent. They kept parrying their blows and locking blades and the only contact was from their fists and feet.
Garoh was slashed across the chest and sent tumbling. Vortex bent down with his hands on his knees, panting. He was getting exhausted. Once Garoh recovered, Vortex got his second wind. They then continued to battle.
"Topper, stop this, now," said Warren. He wasn't joking.
"Wait for it," informed Topper. "This is when it gets good."
Garoh's blade hit Vortex's wrist causing his look-alike to drop his weapon. Then Garoh kicked the imposter hard in the stomach and Vortex was sent flying and into the guard fence surrounding the rooftop. The belt buckle twisted upwards and shot the card out which became blank. Thus, his body was covered in digital pixels before reverting to his default form.
"He's lost," said Ryuji, smirking at Topper victoriously.
"Not yet," said Topper as he held up a card. "Yuuki, catch!" Topper tossed it at Vortex who caught it. Without hesitation, he slid it into his belt buckle and pressed the handles.
"MASKED RIDE: ANTI-CROSS!"
A new transformation overcame Vortex and he emerged in a new suit of armor. This one was black with an upside-down cross acting as the visor. Garoh easily recognized it, having his ass handed to him by it once before. The only difference was that the belt was the same as Vortex's.
"Now you've crossed the line," Garoh growled as he prepared to fight.
Over with Ryuji and Warren, the two Riders were in shock about what they were seeing. Any Rider that Vortex had transformed into in the past was one that they recognized. However, this one was new. They never heard of a Kamen Rider Anti-Cross before.
"Who the hell did he change into now?" asked Ryuji.
"Me," Topper answered with a grin. Both Riders turned their attention to him. "You see, while I offered to help create the Slayer System in Master Amakusa's world, I created a second system should Slayer prove…unwilling, to fulfill his purpose."
"So you mean in case that Akashi asshole decided to kill Devlin and all Fangires good or bad?" asked Ryuji.
"Anti-Cross is the Yin to Slayers Yang," Warren frowned.
"Bingo," Topper snickered. "However, since Akashi has decided to fulfill the purpose as Slayer…or is it that Aono boy now? It's hard to recall."
In truth, Topper was lying. There was a failsafe for the Slayer System to keep the user from misusing it. In truth, it was one of the rules of existence that Topper himself didn't dare break. If he created something in any world, he was forced to create a direct opposite of it. Anti-Cross was the opposite of Slayer. Yin to the Yang. Ironic how Slayer was considered evil when he first appeared and Ichiro pondered bringing out Anti-Cross to stop him.
"The Ultimate Rider," proclaimed Topper proudly. "That is what Vortex is. A warrior able to assume the form of any Rider in the entire Multiverse with just a single card in the belt. Amazing, isn't it?"
"And your own personal errand boy," said Warren with a hint of venom in his voice.
"Yes," said Topper. "I own his contract, I own him. It's as simple as that."
Vortex threw a fist and the impact caused an explosion of sparks from Garoh's chestplate. Another fist smashed into Garoh's helmet and sent him tumbling against the floor. He rolled along the rooftop as his armor deactivated. "OK, Ashikaga. Time I showed you what us REAL Kamen Riders can do!" proclaimed Kenzaki. He summoned Tenrou and his Rider Pass and prepared to enter Lunar Form.
Vortex's belt buckle then twisted upwards and shot out the card which then vanished into the thin air. His body became covered in digital pixels and reverted back to his default form. Then, Vortex's armor deactivated as Yuuki collapsed onto his knees before dropping facedown onto the floor.
"Ashikaga!" cried out Ryuji as he ran towards his junior. He examined his young comrade and was relieved to see Yuuki alive. But, the strain of the Anti-Cross form had caused him to pass out.
"Hey, Kenzaki, are you okay?" asked Warren.
"I'm glad I can't feel any pain," muttered Kenzaki. He picked up his belt which had dropped to the floor and then peered over to where Yuuki was lying, facedown. Ryuji was helping the boy up with one arm around his back and draping Yuuki arm over his shoulders. "And later on that kid's gonna wish that he couldn't either."
Topper sighed. "The boy's still weak. I'll leave him to you." He tapped his walking stick onto the floor before he vanished in the blink of an eye.
"Damn Elders," Warren cursed. "Come on. We better get Yuuki back home."
"His sister's going to kill us," Ryuji sighed. A pair of multicolored portals formed in the sky right before the DynoLiner and GaroLiner flew out of them. The GaroLiner picked up Kenzaki as the DynoLiner picked up Warren, Ryuji and Yuuki.
Chie was having a depressing day so far. Her confrontation with Ryuji earlier that day hadn't gone so well since he wouldn't make Yuuki give up being a Kamen Rider. He even threatened to erase her memories and after the demonstration she witnessed, she believed he was capable. Then Roka and she got to talking, with Roka feeling bad that Yuuki was barely talking to her. It just made Chie more depressed since it looked like the chances of a relationship between Roka and Yuuki were getting worse and worse. Finally, Roka came over to hopefully spend time with Yuuki, but that flopped since he was late again, leaving Roka to go home in more disappointment.
There was actually a valid reason why Chie protested about Yuuki being a Rider. At least, that was what she told herself. It was actually because of a dream she had not too long ago…which she still remembered quite vividly.
Chie was in a canyon and wearing a torn and dirty white dress. She wasn't sure how she had come to this place and was confused. Suddenly, her confusion turned into panic as an explosion erupted behind her. She screamed out in terror and squatted down while covering her head.
'What…what's going on!?' she wondered in panic. Suddenly, she heard the howl of motorcycles and the roar of thousands. Once the dust cleared she saw them. Thousands of them wore identical bug-like suits of armor and only a few of them were riding motorcycles. The ones riding motorcycles wore unique suits of armor than most of them who were running. Among the running ones were others in unique suits of armor that made them look more distinctive. One she assumed looked like a bee and then another that looked like a slender figure in black and red.
She knew what they were. She knew who these people were…
'Kamen Riders!'
They all ran or sped past her without even blinking in her direction, like she was invisible. Laser fire started to fly as explosions erupted everywhere. Two armies of people in strange armor – Kamen Riders – clashed and fought violently with whatever weapons they had in their disposal. She saw magnificent beasts flying through the air and caught sight of a pair of Chinese dragons that were suddenly shot out of the air. Flying in the sky were also Kamen Riders. They were either equipped with jetpacks or had wings. Some rode on flying machines that seemed like something out of a Sci-Fi movie.
The war (which she thought was an appropriate term for what was going on) was incredibly brutal. Explosions sent many of them flying and some were knocked off their vehicles to fall onto the ground. There was another loud roar and Chie was stunned to see a dragon that wore castle for armor. Riding atop its head was a figure in red armor and atop the clock tower of the castle was another red figure with more gothic looking armor. They wielded swords but a stray energy blast hit the dragon and caused it to crash into a canyon wall. The two figures riding it had jumped off to safety and then ran past her, ignoring her like everyone else. They continued to fight.
Looking up into the sky she saw various flying trains shooting out incredible amounts of ammunition but they were too shot out of the sky and crashed before they exploded. Chie shrieked. A warrior that had a wolf theme landed next to her and charged forward. Standing far off in the distance was a figure with a skull-like helmet. He didn't make a move toward the war.
Then…there was silence. Looking around, she saw all the Riders sprawled on the ground. They were either dead or unconscious but she couldn't be sure. She was just too stunned and scared. Then, she saw a bright crimson light and looked over to see a lone figure standing amongst the defeated Riders. She dared to look closely at the figure and uttered one word:
"Vortex."
Chie was shocked out of her thoughts when she heard the doorbell ring. "I'm coming!" she called as she ran to the door and opened it up. She gasped out in shock.
"Yuuki!" Chie shrieked as she watched Ryuji drag Yuuki into the house. "What did you do!?" she accused. Yuuki was being dragged in by Ryuji Hasuma, the one she held responsible for him becoming a Rider.
Ryuji prepared himself for the screeching to come. Chie made it pretty obvious that she held him responsible for Yuuki's status as a Rider. So logically, she was going to give Ryuji hell for bringing Yuuki home all beaten up and exhausted. She was the annoyingly overprotective type and it just ticked Ryuji off when she would get mad at him even though it wasn't his fault.
"Nothing I did," said Ryuji as he carefully dragged Yuuki up the stairs.
Chie was about to argue when she heard, "Ashikaga-san, calm down." She turned to see Warren at the door.
"Smith-sensei," she gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"I was at school, doing some late night work, when I saw your brother fighting," said Warren. "So, you know he's a Rider."
"Sensei…how do you…?" Chie began to ask.
"I'm also known as Skull Rider Wraith," Warren informed her. Chie's eyes widened.
"You're a Kamen Rider!" she cried in shock.
"Sort of," said Warren. "May I come inside? I think I can shed some light on this subject unless Yuuki has told you everything."
Chie gazed at the stairs which led to her brother's room and sighed. "Fine. Would you like some tea, sensei?"
Ryuji gently put Yuuki in his bed and then took some time to examine the room. There was a shelf filled with various books, a computer, and also on the wall were posters of the Kamen Riders.
"Figures…he was a fan," Ryuji sighed. He glanced back at Yuuki. To be honest he actually started to like the kid and considered him one of the few friends he had. To Ryuji, true friends were the people he could trust with his secrets. Yuuki was just some dumb and innocent kid who had his dream come true but now had to suffer the consequences.
"You lucky baka…" If anyone could help Yuuki, it was Warren.
After several minutes of getting settled in the living room with cups of warm tea in hand, Warren began to explain Yuuki's Rider situation to Chie.
"He made a deal?" Chie questioned.
"Unwittingly, actually," Warren clarified. "He didn't know what he was getting himself into, you see. He just signed without reading at fine print."
"So, in exchange for the Vortex Gear, he has to do whatever this Topper asshole tells him?" Chie looked pissed. Her brother was being taken advantage of.
"Yes," Warren replied with a nod. "But, so far, your brother has become a great asset to our cause."
"Yes, he told me he's been helping you fight these monsters called Nytemares," Chie stated. "So, how can I find this Topper?"
"You can't," Warren shook his head, "And you don't have to worry," said Warren. "I'm about to go take care of that little contract." Warren stood up and made his way to the door. Chie watched as Warren exited her home before she went up the stairs. Midway she bumped into Ryuji.
"How is he?" Chie asked.
"Asleep," Ryuji answered abruptly. "Now, get out of my way. I know I'm not welcomed."
Chie bit her lower lip. She knew Ryuji had no reason to be nice to her, much less trust her, since she'd threatened to expose him, but at least she could talk with him. "I…didn't know about Yuuki's entire circumstances. I didn't know he signed a contract and well…"
"You blamed me," Ryuji finished, "Because I happen to be the Rider he admirers."
"Well, you are almost like those superheroes Yuuki always liked to watch on TV," Chie reasoned. "I thought it was your influence that made him a Rider."
"You could say that, but he was the one that made that choice." Ryuji crossed his arms and stared.
"Yes, Warren-sensei explained to me about this whole mess," Chie answered. Yuuki hadn't told her anything about a contract or deal so she was just quick to judge and put the blame on Ryuji. "I know…Look, I know we don't see eye to eye on this whole Yuuki being a Rider, but we both care about him. That was why I was worried that he was hanging around you too much. Because of your…reputation."
"People do spread rumors about me," Ryuji acknowledged. "I don't really give a damn. They don't know me."
"And neither did I, and I didn't bother to get to know you. Yuuki…he did and he said that deep down you're a kind person. I just didn't believe him. I thought you threatened him to say that."
"I don't threaten people close to me," Ryuji retorted.
"I guess he really is your friend, huh?" Chie asked.
"I've considered him as such," Ryuji admitted. "At first he was just an annoying rookie who just lucked into all this. He had no prior training and suddenly got advanced Rider Gear. He could've gotten himself killed the first time if he wasn't so smart and lucky."
"Yes, Yuuki is smart," Chie said with a smile. "He's just shy."
Ryuji noted that. He also knew Yuuki had a crush on Kotonoha. He wasn't blind. He could see how Yuuki would stare at her from afar in the library way back when and even now Yuuki blushed whenever she was nearby. They'd spoken a couple of times and had become friends. Ryuji didn't feel threatened. It was just a crush. Though Yuuki's reasons for wanting to be a Rider was to impress Kotonoha, Kotonoha was Ryuji's fiancée and that would never change.
"I'm actually trying to set him up with a girl on my team," said Chie. "Roka."
"Kitsuregawa?" Ryuji questioned. Kat knew that girl. She was short, but was fast, and able to throw the ball far. A real asset to the team. Kat had told Ryuji about her. Of course, Kat also added that Roka had some growing to do in the breast department. "Kat's told me about some of her teammates. You're her sempai, right?"
"Yes, and your sister is a huge part of the team," said Chie. "She has a very fiery and passionate competitive spirit. She never lets anything knock her down too long. It's just…"
"She's a perv and likes to grope girls," Ryuji finished. Chie seemed surprised. "Don't be surprised. She's my sister. I know her well enough. Also, I caught her groping my girl so it wouldn't be too farfetched if she had done it to the rest of the girls on the team…including you and Kitsuregawa."
Chie blushed. One time while she was just changing, Kat had just pounced on her from behind and began to molest her breasts. Kat did get scolded for the stunt but it had been harmless. It was common knowledge that Kat was a lesbian and she was proud of it, so a fair number of girls were a bit creeped out whenever Kat started groping breasts and comparing their sizes. "But…she's still a great basketball player. Her reflexes and agility are amazing."
Ryuji smiled. He knew Chie was just trying to make light conversation with him. But things were serious now. "So, how can I find this Topper?" she asked Ryuji.
"You don't," Ryuji replied. "He finds you." That was almost the same answer Warren had given her. "It's a good thing it's the weekend tomorrow. Watch your brother and let him rest. Also, I suggest you take care of some bruises he collected today." Chie got out of the way and let Ryuji walk past her. She turned to see him headed for the door.
"Good night," she heard him say before he walked out the door. Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy like the rumors say, but Yuuki was still hurt and it was going to take time for her to trust Ryuji Hasuma who she still held partly responsible for Yuuki becoming a Rider.
It didn't take long for Warren to find where Topper was at. All he had to do was look for someone wearing a top hat and overcoat with a pointed nose. Though Topper was a shapeshifter, Topper only did so under certain circumstances.
"There you are," Warren said as he saw Topper at a park's bench.
"Ah, good evening, Mr. Smith," greeted Topper casually as he tipped his hat. "What do I owe the pleasure of this meeting?"
"I want the contract," Warren demanded.
"Oh, young Yuuki's contract," Topper replied. "I see. So, you wish to win it so he doesn't have to serve me."
"As long as you hold it, you pull the strings that make him your puppet. Now, are you gonna hand it over, or am I going to have to kick your ass?"
Topper shook his head in disapproval. "Such language, and coming from a teacher no doubt."
"I'm off duty, so I can curse like a sailor if I wanted to," Warren countered.
"I suppose," Topper shrugged. A dark gleam then entered his eyes. "Tell you what. I will offer a fair challenge. We will do battle with each other. Each time one of us scores a hit, it will get us a point. After ten minutes, whoever has the most points wins. Should you win, I will hand over the contract. If I win, I keep young Yuuki as my employee."
"You're on," Warren frowned. "SHATTTER!"
Topper watched the transformation into Wraith with a smirk. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out a black belt before wrapping it around his waist. He then produced a knuckle duster with a short blade equipped to it. Bringing it to his hand, he cut himself and let his blood collect on the metal.
"READY!"
"Henshin," Topper grinned. He then inserted the bloody blade into the buckle.
"BLADE IN!"
"Oh, and one more little wager," said Anti-Cross as he raised a finger.
"What?" Wraith retorted.
"If you should lose, I own you too," stated Anti-Cross.
"So, not only do you get a little kid with a little power, you also get one of the most powerful beings in the Multiverse under your thumb? How's that fair?" Wraith retorted.
"Well, it wouldn't be fair if I kept what is already mine in the first place should I win. I should gain something too, and you are one very valuable prize."
"OK, but I'd also like to add in a wager of my own," said Wraith.
"Go ahead," Anti-Cross allowed. This was a business transaction just like any other to him.
"I win, and you leave, for good. You'll get off this world and never set foot on it ever again."
"Hm…interesting…" Anti-Cross tapped his chin. "Alright, Mr. Smith, you have a deal." He clenched his fists. "Now, shall we get down to business?"
Wraith smirked, "Thought you would never ask."
They then rushed at each other with fists enveloped in energy before throwing them at each other, resulting in a thunderous explosion of demonic power.