As the Chameleon and Mandrake Imagin arrived in the forest, they were greeted by Tatsuya and the figure. The Mandrake Imagin looked terrifying. It had a green skull for a head, leaves for hair, a collar of leaves, leaves sprouting out of its shoulders and leaves on its forearms and shins. The parts not covered in leaves were brown and wood-like. Around its waist were seed pods. Its toes and fingertips were pointed and looked like roots.
"Well, it looks like your plan failed. The Wolf Rider's spirit wasn't broken when I took his girl's form," said the Chameleon.
"My plans don't fail," said the figure. "All you did was merely plant the seeds of doubt. Soon enough his spirit will break. And when that happens, we will be there to finish the job. Tatsuya, I leave you in charge." With that the figure vanished.
Tatsuya instructed, "Chameleon, you are to continue your psychological warfare on Garoh. Keep him questioning himself. Mandrake, your job is to take care of Ryukendo. Knock her out, do whatever you have to, but don't kill her. Nanimo says he wants her alive. When she's taken care of, go after Ifrit. Like I said; by any means necessary."
"And what about him?" asked the Chameleon Imagin, pointing to the large, bulky figure hiding in the shadows.
"Druk?" asked Tatsuya. "His mission is to destroy the most recent arrival, Wraith." The three Imagin nodded before vanishing.
Kenzaki was walking through town. Like Neko, he didn't want to head back to the apartment yet, but he did want to get some air. "Man, this world must be messing with my head," groaned Kenzaki. His relationship with Neko had turned to total crap since they had arrived in this world. Neko was mad at him now, and he highly doubted that giving her a kiss and saying he was sorry was going to fix things. "I can't wait till we take down Tatsuya and get outta here."
However, Kenzaki was unaware that he was being followed by a familiar reptilian Imagin.
Ryuji was riding his bike, a black Kawasaki with blue accents, as he sped along the road. He wore a black leather jacket and a black helmet with a blue tinted visor. Blue flames decorated his helmet and the edges of his jacket.
"Damn that Imagin," growled Ryuji. Ryuji hated it when his opponents would flee and leave a fight unfinished. That was his obsession. He loved to fight. It gave him an unbelievable rush. Obviously, he was an adrenaline junkie and fighting the Imagin gave him the adrenaline high he loved so much. He loved the feeling as his heart rate went up and the adrenaline pumping through his body. He just couldn't get enough of it. That was why he enjoyed sex with Kotonoha so much. The feeling was just so addictive.
As Ryuji raced past a sidewalk, Warren could only look at the young Rider disapprovingly. Though Ryuji wasn't as violent as before, he still had a temper. Coupled with his obsession for fighting and his addiction for adrenaline, the Ifrit Rider could become a liability due to his rage and could get himself killed.
Meditation was out of the question since Ryuji couldn't stay put in one place for a long time. His way of meditation involved hitting a punching bag over and over. Not a good way to deal with anger. At least being with Kotonoha kept him calm and sane. Loki and Athena also helped to keep Ryuji in line.
"Things are not going well right now," Warren frowned.
Sighing, he stood up from the bench he was sitting on. As he was just beginning to move, he felt a familiar presence of an Imagin appearing nearby. Turning slowly, he saw an Imagin standing on the sidewalk with people screaming and running away. Frowning, Warren slowly turned to face the Imagin.
"Hello, Wraith," the Imagin laughed. "I have an invitation from a friend of mine." The Imagin was pure muscle with golden armor covering it from head to doe. A dragon's head decorated its chest. It had sharp claws and blades protruding from its wrists. Hanging behind it was a golden cape with black lining. Its head a combination of humanoid and draconic with a long horn on its forehead pointing forward and a pair of horns shaped like lightning bolts curved backwards. It also had a mane of hair and sharp teeth as it grinned at the Rider.
"You do, do you?" Warren frowned.
"Yes," the Imagin laughed. "Let me give you directions. By the way, my name is Druk." Electricity crackled around Druk's body as Warren got ready to fight.
The Mandrake Imagin stood in front of the Katsura residence and grinned. This was where Ryukendo was and so this would be her grave. The Imagin leapt up and over the gate, landing on the other side, its soft feet making no sound as it landed on the grass. It removed two pods from its belt and gripped them. "Time to bring the house down," it snickered.
Inside the house, both Neko and Kotonoha were giggling as they exchanged stories about their boyfriends, unaware and unsuspecting of the danger that would soon befall upon them.
"BROKEN NIGHTMARE CORRUPTION"
Ryuji was still searching for the two Imagin who'd eluded him. He was on the open road and the traffic was light. His watch hadn't alerted him. While he was driving, a voice spoke in his head.
'Ryuji, you should come home and rest and let me take a look at your wounds,' spoke Loki.
"I'm fine," Ryuji responded.
'But-' Loki's voice was blocked out before he could finish. Ryuji was speeding down the streets when he noticed a man standing in the middle of the road. Ryuji braked as hard as he could and swerved, swinging around the man before coming to a stop.
"Oi, yarou! What the hell is wrong with you!" shouted Ryuji as he flipped his visor to look at the guy who'd stood in his way. The man was wearing black pants, a blue shirt and a blue jacket. His hair was short and black. His eyes were covered by a pair of sunglasses.
"Actually," the man smirked as he reached inside his jacket and pulled something out, "Nothing is wrong with me, Ifrit."
Ryuji removed his helmet as he glared at the man before dismounting from his ride. "Who the fuck are you?" Ryuji questioned.
The item the man took out from his jacket was a belt. It had a purple leather strap and a square buckle that looked like two jaws with sharp fangs. In the centre was a black orb. To the left of the buckle was a button. It was a Rider Belt!
"I am known as Tatsuya Hirakawa," the man said as he removed his sunglasses. With a swing the man fastened the belt around his waist. He looked towards Ryuji with his slanted red eyes.
Ryuji growled. This was Kenzaki and Neko's bounty. No wonder he looked so familiar.
"But to you, I am your executioner," he continued as he put his sunglasses into his jacket and took out a rectangular train pass with an 'N' stamped across it.
"So, you want a fight?" asked Ryuji. He reached into his jacket and pulled out his own belt. "Then you got it!"
Tatsuya pressed the button on his belt and said, "Henshin," before swiping his Pass over the buckle.
Acting quickly, Ryuji fastened on his own belt and slid in his Pass. "Henshin!"
"IFRIT FORM!"
"NIGHTMARE FORM!"
Tatsuya's armor formed over his body. It was an all black Plat Form suit and as soon as it finished forming, the additional armor pieces for his Rider suit also appeared before slamming onto his body. The shoulders resembled skulls and the chestplate had a horizontal row of sharp teeth. A pair of spikes protruded from his back. The final piece was a black bat that slid over his helmet. The head of the bat folded in as the wings attached themselves to the faceplate, becoming the visor. The red membranes of the wings flashed, signifying the transformation's completion.
Ifrit stared at his opponent and grinned. "So, you're supposed to be a Kamen Rider?"
"Call me Morpheus," the evil Rider said, in a voice different from his own. Obviously he was possessed by an Imagin and cooperating with it.
"Well, now I have a name to inscribe on your tomb stone!" shouted Ifrit as he went on the attack. He threw his fist at Morpheus only for his opponent to catch it in his hand. "Huh?"
"That temper of yours will be the death of you," said Morpheus. He then threw Ifrit backwards. Ifrit landed on his feet as he watched Morpheus detach his Gasher pieces from his belt, one at a time and putting them together. Once completed in a vertical line, the Gasher extended. At the top, a curve blade extended and sharpened, forming a scythe. "Now, this is much better."
Ifrit's hands became coated in blue flames which formed and solidified into his Ifrit Dao. With a smirk, he said, "Let's dance."
Warren leapt away as a bolt of lightning struck where he had been standing. "Well, you're serious, aren't you?" asked Warren.
"I really am…" Druk turned his body into electricity and shot past Warren, grabbing a young girl who had been running toward her mother. And with that, the Imagin had sealed his death. You see, the little girl he had grabbed was none other than…
"Daddy!" screamed Tessa, reaching out for her father.
Warren glared at the Imagin. He slowly reached up and removed his sunglasses, revealing his empty black eyes. "That…was a very big mistake," said Warren. He then vanished momentarily before appearing behind the Imagin. The Imagin looked for his hostage and noticed she was no longer in his grasp. Instead, she was now clutching protectively to her father. He set Tessa down and smiled gently. "Tessa, go find mommy. Daddy's gonna beat the monster now," he assured. Tessa was crying but she nodded and ran off toward Raven and Teresa, who were waiting nearby.
"What? Telling the little girl goodbye?" taunted the Imagin.
"No. I told her to pray for you. For the second you threatened my family…" Warren pulled out his buckle, and slid it into his belt. "Your fate was sealed." He slammed his fist into his buckle, causing it to crack. "SHATTER!"
The Mandrake Imagin juggled the two pods in his hands. They were actually bombs that would explode as soon as he threw them. "Say bye –bye, Ryukendo," the Imagin chortled.
"Goodbye," the Imagin heard before he turned and got hit in the face with a shovel, hard. Holding the shovel was none other than Kotonoha and standing beside her was Neko.
"What!" the Imagin gaped. "How!"
"Geki-chan here sensed you," said Neko as she pointed to her pendant. "Also, I could hear and smell you a mile away. You stink." The two girls had snuck out through the back door and silently crept behind the Imagin as it was juggling.
Growling, the Imagin got back to its feet but then the shovel came at its head sliced its head clean off as the edge had been aimed right for its throat. Green 'blood' splashed across the ground as its body collapsed onto the floor.
Neko knew Kotonoha had a hidden mean streak. She could see it in the girl's eyes. Maybe she was mad because these evil Imagin had ruined her day and she wanted to relieve some stress.
"There," Kotonoha said as she exhaled.
"Actually, that was a bit too easy," said Neko.
"She's right," the Mandrake Imagin said as it got back to its feet, its severed head in its hands. It then connected the head back to its neck, allowing tendrils to join them back together. "You're going to die for that, girl."
"Kotonoha-chan, get in the house," instructed Neko as she turned Gekiryuken into his sword form. He gripped her weapon tightly in both hands. "I'll take care of this." Kotonoha nodded before running off.
"You can't run!" the Imagin shouted with a sneer as he went after Kotonoha but got slashed for his trouble. "Damn you!"
"Your opponent is me," said Neko as her eyes narrowed. "So, get ready. Gekiryu Henshin!"
"So, here you are Ken-kun," said a voice behind Kenzaki. He turned to see Neko walking toward him. Of course it wasn't really Neko, but the Chameleon Imagin in disguise. "You have a lot of nerve accusing me of cheating on you."
Kenzaki's eyes narrowed in suspicion but he decided to play along, "Well, what do you expect me to think when I saw you locking lips with Itou?"
'Neko's' frown deepened, "Well, maybe we should break up then, buster! I could do a whole lot better than a freak with metal skin!"
That comment hurt Kenzaki. This may or may not be Neko, but to hear those words coming from her mouth and in her voice made his heartbreak.
"Heck, I can find someone better even! You just wanna have sex with me!"
That caused Kenzaki to relive his guilt regarding the matter. He continued, "Well, you're just ungrateful! I saved you and this is how you repay me?"
"You tried to kill me!" 'Neko' snapped. "Tried to put a bullet in my head!"
Kenzaki gripped his fists. He still felt guilty about their first meeting and had apologized. She'd forgiven him but the guilt never went away. He knew this wasn't Neko, but this fake was voicing out the things that were troubling him, like how Neko could still possibly love him.
"Answer me!" 'Neko' demanded.
Kenzaki turned around, his back facing the false Neko. "You know, you got your Intel wrong," said Kenzaki. "Neko has red eyes, not blue." He turned to face 'Neko'.
The Imagin blinked and the storm blue eyes turned a menacing red. "Are you blind? I've had red eyes all along," said 'Neko'. Kenzaki then drew back his fist and slammed it into the Imagin's face, causing the illusion to fade.
"Oh, that's right. Neko has blue eyes. Her sister Kat, who I hate by the way, has red eyes. Thanks for making that easy for me," said Kenzaki as he cracked his knuckles. He the reached into his jacket and swung the Rider Belt around his waist before pulling out his Rider Pass. "Henshin!" he called before transforming into Plat Form. Garoh then pulled out a cell phone out of one of the pouches on his belt. He dialed 3-6-9-# and ENTER.
"OKA-BYA-RAI-BURA!" said the phone. "EMPEROR FORM!"
Druk was obviously mistaken if he thought taking out Wraith was going to be easy. Since the Imagin had threatened his daughter, Wraith wasn't pulling any punches. Two chains shot out of Wraith's arms and lifted the Imagin into the air before slamming him into the ground. Wraith then pulled the chains back in, slamming his foot into the Imagin's gut, causing it to double over.
"What the hell are you?" groaned the Imagin.
"One really pissed off dad," replied Wraith as he drew his guns and began firing. Each shot knocked the Imagin backward. Warren then holstered his guns and pressed the white button on his belt. "Rider Kick," said a mechanical voice that somehow sounded angelic. Chains shot out from Wraith's arms, ensnaring the Thunder Dragon Imagin.
The chains wrapped around Druk, trapping him like a rat. The Rider leapt high into the air, the chains fastened tightly to both his arms and the creature. "HEAVEN'S CRASH!" he called. He then pulled the chains, causing him to plummet toward the demon. His foot connected with the Imagin, causing a powerful shockwave, knocking dust into the air. When the dust cleared, the Rider was on the other side of Druk, who now sported a large hole going right through the center of him. The chains were still fastened tightly around Druk. "Fall to the shadows, and never return," spoke the Rider. With a wave of his arm the chains shattered away, and the Imagin fell into nothingness.
"Daddy!" cheered Tessa as she ran towards her father. He gripped his helmet and removed it, allowing it to vanish along with his suit. He knelt down and caught his daughter who was crying.
"It's okay, Tessa. Daddy's alright," he assured his little girl.
"Arf! Arf!" a small dog barked as it ran towards the daughter and father. This was Chaco. She once belonged to Mr. J, the Alligator Orphenoch. Warren honored his enemy by taking care of Chaco and giving her a home. Tessa and Alex loved her.
"Chaco," Warren smiled as he pet the dog. However, he felt uneasy. The fight…could it be…?
The Mandrake Imagin was annoying Ryukendo to no ends. Despite how many times she slashed at it or sliced off one of its limbs, it would regenerate by ensnaring any of its dismembered body parts in vines and then attaching it to its body. It disgusted her since its green blood would ooze from the stumps before vines grew out and reconnected the pieces of its body back together.
It had tried to use its sleeping and paralysis spores on her but luckily for her that her armor protected her.
The two were fighting on the roof. The Imagin attacked with the explosive pods around its waist and Ryukendo nearly got knocked backwards by the concussive blasts. She knew that this Imagin could do a lot of damage and thus sent Kotonoha way to safety.
"Kuso," cursed Ryukendo. "This thing is annoying!"
"Ojou-sama, don't lose your temper!" advised Ryukendo. "You'll get sloppy."
"I know that!" she snapped.
The Mandrake Imagin then aimed its palms at her and fired off its spores. The spores fell around Ryukendo and she realized what they were but she was unable to dodge as the spores made contact and sparks exploded off her body as she screamed. She was forced to her knees as the pain continued to ravage her body.
The Mandrake Imagin snickered as it grasped two more explosive pods. "First you, then the girl. Maybe I can keep that fancy sword as a souvenir."
Ryukendo gripped her weapon tightly and got back to her feet. "Fat chance!"
"Well, looks like it's time to shut you up and finish you off!" the Imagin juggled its pods and then caught them. "Sayonara!" It was about to throw its pods when a pair of hands grabbed its wrists from behind. "What!"
"Sorry, but I can't let you do that," said Athena.
"Athena?" Ryukendo gaped.
"I swore to protect Lady Kotonoha, and thus I shall assist you, sister," said Athena with a smile. "Now, do it!"
"Hai!" Ryukendo nodded.
"Let me go, traitorous bitch!" the Mandrake Imagin howled as it tried to struggled from Athena's grasp. It released a cloud of paralyzing spores from its head to stun Athena but it didn't seem to be working. This horrified it greatly and now it could feel heat emanating from its original target. "Oh, shit…"
"Ryuou!" Ryukendo called out as her blade became enveloped in flames. "Kaen Giri!" She charged and then swiped her sword across the Imagin's chest. Athena let go and fell backwards but Ryukendo lunged and grabbed her before she fell off the roof. The Mandrake Imagin wasn't as lucky as the flames completely engulfed its body and turned its body to ash.
Ryukendo landed on the grass, holding Athena bridal style. "Athena-chan, are you okay?" Ryukendo asked. The Amazon Imagin gazed upon Ryukendo and blushed before nodding. "I should get you inside. Maybe Kotonoha-chan can help wash off those spores."
"Come inside," Kotonoha invited as she opened the front door. Ryukendo walked inside, carrying Athena. Kotonoha looked upon her partner who was silent.
"She's paralyzed," said Ryukendo. "That thing used its spores on her."
"Put her in the bath tub and use the showerhead to wash those spores off," instructed Kotonoha. Ryukendo nodded and walked towards the bathroom as Kotonoha pointed to where it was.
Kotonoha was worried, though. She felt it growing. She knew her Ryuji was out there but she could feel something awful would befall him.
"Be careful, Ryuji-kun," she prayed.
Sparks flew as swords met scythe. Both Morpheus and Ifrit were fighting furiously. For Ifrit, this was the most fun he was having in ages. The thrill of battle was exhilarating and he wanted more. Morpheus was a worthy opponent and he was going to enjoy this for all it was worth.
For Morpheus, this was a chance to gauge Ifrit's power and skill. The Rider had defeated many Imagin before and thus gained some attention for it. Nanimo had told him all he needed to know about the Rider's past.
As Ifrit and Morpheus' weapons ended up in a deadlock, the evil Kamen Rider began to speak, "You feel it, don't you?"
"What are you on about?" demanded Ifrit as he pushed back with his twin Dao.
"I'm talking about your instincts. You want to destroy me, I can tell that much."
"Of course. You're the enemy," retorted Ifrit.
"I can also see that you and I aren't so different."
"You don't know anything about me!" snapped Ifrit.
"I know you're not human." Ifrit froze at his words before Morpheus continued, "You're just a monster wearing human skin. No different from Imagin who take possession of humans."
"Shut up!" Ifrit growled.
"Deep down, you're filled with a thirst that needs to be quenched; a hunger that needs to be satisfied. You enjoy fighting the Imagin because it allows you to destroy them. You wish to destroy, to kill and to cause pain. You don't really care for this world. You only protect it so you can fight the Imagin."
"Shut up!" Ifrit said again, trying to drown out the words.
"Anger, aggression, rage; that all you are, isn't it? You're not just a monster. You're half a man. You're the Yin half of someone else. You can only feel anger, hate and vengeance. There's no place for emotions like love or happiness."
"Shut up!" Ifrit repeated, trying to deny those words.
"You're never happy and how do you know what you feel for that girl is indeed love and not lust. Face it, deep down, you know this is true. You're a monster and there's nothing you can do to change that. Your school knows you turned into a monster. Everyone has been giving you dirty looks and those who don't look upon you in pity, like an injured animal. You can never truly belong here. Maybe that girl just thinks of you as a pet. You do follow her around like a puppy."
Ifrit gritted his teeth as he was forced to listen. "URUSEI!" He jumped backwards from a slash aimed for his chest. Morpheus looked across to stare at Ifrit. The Rider was shaking. Morpheus smirked under his helmet. Breaking him would be easy.
Ifrit went into a stance with his arms spread, gripping his blades. "GenJyu Ifrit-Ken! Gengi! Kyofu Toppu!" He raised one leg and started to spin like a tornado and then moved straight for Morpheus.
Morpheus fearlessly and casually took out his N-Pass and swiped it over his belt. "FULL CHARGE!" the belt spoke in a demonic voice as it transferred energy into his scythe. The curved blade began to glow. He threw his Pass over his shoulder and gripped his weapon horizontally as he watched the 'Terror Top' coming closer. "Come and get it," said Morpheus.
Ifrit came in close to slice Morpheus' head clean off. Unfortunately, his attack…
FLASH!
SLASH!
Both combatants froze as they stood on opposite ends, their backs towards each other. Morpheus stumbled a bit and dropped onto one knee, his grip on his scythe failing. Ifrit, however…
"Ugh," Ifrit groaned.
Ifrit, however…
He dropped his swords.
Ifrit, however…
His swords fell from his hands as his armor shattered.
Ifrit, however…was defeated.
Ryuji collapsed onto his knees before dropping to the ground. Morpheus stood up and turned to look at his defeated opponent. He picked up his scythe and turned around to walk towards Ryuji. He walked around and stood over Ryuji who looked up at him with rage-filled eyes. "Teme…" Ryuji gasped out.
"Sayonara, Kamen Rider Ifrit," Morpheus said as he raised his scythe.
Ryuji didn't know what else happened as his vision faded into darkness.
Kotonoha gasped and dropped her cup of tea. It spilled its contents all over the plush rug as she suddenly stood up. "Ryuji…"
The Chameleon Imagin was sent staggering backwards by Garoh's fist as he continued to pummel the reptile viciously. This was payback for making him doubt Neko and so this Imagin would pay.
The Imagin turned invisible at the last second and Garoh's fist hit nothing but thin air.
"Shonen, focus!" commanded Okami. "Use your senses! Sniff him out!"
"I know!" snapped Garoh as he looked around. "Guys, you sense him?"
"I'm getting nadda, boss," reported Raion.
"This reptile is slippery," added Byakko.
"Maybe he ran off?" suggested Buraki.
Suddenly, a barrage of fireballs shot out of nowhere and Garoh leapt back to dodge them. He landed on the ground as he looked ahead and was shocked.
There stood his mother, father and sister, but they looked pale, like ghosts.
"How could you?" his mother said. "How could you?"
"To fall in love with that girl," his sister said, "It's unforgiveable."
"You should avenge us," his father said. "Kill her. Kill that girl who did this to us."
Garoh looked at his 'family' and snorted, "Sorry, but you gotta try better than that. I already visited my family with Neko and they love her. My world has been restored so you can stop with the act."
The image of his parents faded away, revealing an irate Chameleon Imagin. "Fine then!" roared the Imagin. "I'll kill you myself!" He charged at Garoh.
Garoh pressed the ENTER button again before passing his Pass over the belt.
"CHARGE AND UP!" the belt announced.
Garoh, Buraki, Byakko, Okami and Raion all roared together as they dashed at the Imagin, his entire armor glowing with a multicolor aura as lightning arched all around him. His wings spread out and took him into the air and then went into a flying sidekick. He rocketed straight towards his target. "IMPERIAL SMASH!" roared Garoh and all the Imagin as they, literally, smashed into the Imagin, sending it sliding backward. Garoh landed in front of the Imagin and lifted him up.
"Talk. I know Tatsuya's not smart enough to pull off something like this, so who? Who's pulling the strings!" demanded Garoh.
"Nani…Nanimo…" groaned the Imagin before it turned to sand and fell to the ground, defeated.
"No…It can't be him…" said Garoh in shock.
"Something happened to Ryuji-kun," Kotonoha trembled. "He doesn't take this long for a fight."
"I'm sure he's okay," Neko reassured the scared girl
After taking down the Imagin, Neko decided to relax with Kotonoha. They tried to get some tea and calm themselves, but they hadn't heard from the boys yet. Kenzaki wasn't calling and Ryuji hadn't been seen since.
"I get worried," Kotonoha confessed. "Whenever he fights an Imagin or goes to the past to defeat them, I get extremely worried." Her hands were clutched together. "Especially when he goes into the past. I'm afraid that he won't come back."
"Ifrit-chan is strong," Neko said confidently. "He won't lose to an Imagin."
"I know that, but still…"
"Tadaima, Onee-chan!" Kokoro greeted as she came into the living room. "Oh, Neko-neechan is here too!"
"Okaeri, Kokoro-chan," greeted Kotonoha as she smiled.
"Konichiwa, Kokoro-chan," Neko waved.
Kokoro approached her sister and then saw the troubled look in Kotonoha's eyes. "Is something wrong?"
"No," Kotonoha shook her head. "I'm fine."
"I heard monsters attacked your school again," said Kokoro. "It was all over the news. Is Ryuji-niichan OK?"
"He is," Kotonoha answered but she wasn't sure herself. Maybe she could call him later to make sure. He always had his cell phone on him. "He's perfectly fine."
Kokoro seemed satisfied by the answer and smiled, "OK." She then ran up the stairs to her room.
"I'm going to call him," said Kotonoha as she took out her cell phone. She searched her phone book and selected Ryuji's name. She placed the phone against her ear, muttering, "Pick up, pick up…"
The response she got was, "The number you have dialed is currently unavailable."
Kotonoha stared at her cell phone, frightened, as she listened to the recording over and over. "No…Ryuji…"
"Maybe he's busy?" Neko reasoned.
"Nobody else calls him but me!" Kotonoha said. "I'm sure something-" There was a knock at the door. Kotonoha got up and answered to see Loki in his holographic human disguise.
"Loki!" Kotonoha gasped as she took notice of the disguised Imagin's panicky state. Loki was panting.
"Ryuji…I can't sense Ryuji!" he told her.
Kotonoha wore a horrified look on her face.
Warren picked up Ryuji's watch which was lying next to the smashed up cell phone. He muttered, "This is bad…Ryuji's gone MIA."
In an undisclosed location, Ryuji was lying on a table with his ankles, wrists and neck bound to keep him still as he remained unconscious. Tatsuya had brought him to Nanimo. Standing besides Tatsuya was an Imagin that looked like a living black shadow with red eyes and long tendrils hanging from behind its back. It had long fingers and didn't have any facial features.
"You've done well, Tatsuya," said Nanimo. "You were able to subdue Ifrit and bring him here to me."
"Well, I had help," Tatsuya huffed, gesturing towards the black creature known as the Nightmare Imagin. "I don't think I could've done it alone."
"Well, you're welcome," nodded Nanimo. "I can sense a lot of rage, anger and hate in this one," he continued as he stroked Ryuji's face. "Such inhuman rage."
"Tell me about it," said Tatsuya. "He looked ready to rip my head off."
"He would've," Nanimo agreed. "I also sense his connection to that girl. It is strong, but not unbreakable…"
"So, you're going to use him against the bounty hunters? What about me?" asked Tatsuya.
"Oh, you'll be able to fight too, but I need to do some tweaking." Nanimo snapped his fingers,
"What do you mean?" Tatsuya asked curiously.
"As an Orphenoch, he has powerful shields against psychics," explained Nanimo. "Telepaths will only hit a wall. But, Nightmare can enter into his dreams."
"Dreams? How would that help?"
"Nightmares can look to be so real. Sometimes you can't tell them from reality, and I am going to break him with his greatest fears and make him experience the worst horrors repeatedly until his mind is completely broken. Then he will make an ideal puppet."
"Hope one of your plans actually works," Tatsuya frowned. "Breaking bonds in the hunters proved to have limited or no success."
"Don't…doubt…me," Nanimo growled dangerous.
Shaking its head, the Nightmare Imagin turned itself into a glowing orb and entered Ryuji's body.
Several Days Later…
Kenzaki and Neko had gone out for a walk. Ryuji was still missing and they were all worried in their own way. Kotonoha was obviously the most worried of them all. She had become quiet and depressed but there was still hope in her eyes, hope that Ryuji would return. Luckily she had Athena to act as a pillar for support.
Kenzaki and Neko were out under the pretence of looking for the wayward Rider, but in truth, were sorting out their own relationship problems. This wasn't a date, per se, just a walk shared between two people who cared for one another. They were in the shopping district and talked about things in general.
Of course, the subject of Ryuji and Kotonoha did arise.
"Kotonoha hasn't been the same since Ryuji went missing," Kenzaki said. "When I see her in class, she just sits there quietly."
"She's worried," Neko replied. "It's natural. Even Loki is worried because their link has been broken and he can't track Ryuji. We need more clues to find where he is."
Kenzaki had a suspicion. Nanimo was behind this. Tatsuya was just a minor nuisance now compared to Nanimo.
"Um…Neko?" he began, remembering a conversation he had with the Chameleon Imagin who'd disguised itself as Neko.
"Nani, Ken-kun?" she blinked.
"Why do you like me? I mean I tried to kill you the first time we met?" he questioned.
Neko frowned, "Must we go over this again? I mean I can't believe you love me either."
"How can I not?" he responded.
"Because…I wear her face," she answered. She turned away as she continued, "No matter what you say, I will always remember what she did to your family and what she did to your world and many others. I can't forget that."
"Neko…" He then wrapped his arms around her from behind. She gasped. "Why do you love me? I'm a freak with metal skin. How can you love me?"
"Baka," she said as her eyes starting tearing up. "You're not a freak. Even if you are, then I'm a freak too."
"That's not true," he assured her.
"And as to why I love you, I'll give you the same answer I did on our first date," she turned in his arms and looked into his eyes. "Because you have a big heart. You're brave and you care for others. You're also dedicated and loyal. Plus, you love me despite my flaws."
"Neko…" he smiled before she took hold of his face and gave him a quick peck on the lips. She gave a bright smile before meowing caught her attention.
"Oh, look, kittens!" Neko eyes brightened. She giggled as she looked into a store window. They'd stopped in front of a pet shop and she was looking at the cute little kittens that were on display. They were playing around in their little window. "Kawaii!" she squealed.
Kenzaki smiled as he watched Neko cooing at the kittens. Maybe he should get her one. She liked cats since her room could be considered a shrine to them with the wallpaper, figurines and stuffed animals. She may be a bounty hunter and warrior, but she was still a girl.
Maybe this gift could help with their relationship.
Kotonoha was in Ryuji's apartment. She would come every day to see if Ryuji had returned and even waited on the couch. She was desperate. She felt her heart was breaking bit by bit everyday that Ryuji was gone. Otome was kind enough to talk to her and give her words of encouragement, even Sekai and Makoto. Still it didn't quell her worry.
She held onto her cell phone, sending text message after text message to Ryuji, even though his phone had been smashed to pieces. Maybe this was her way of coping. She was obsessed with making sure he was alright, wherever he was.
Athena would tell her to never give up hope and trust that Warren and the others would find Ryuji. Kotonoha had her doubts but she never lost hope. She didn't want to think that…
She just hoped Ryuji wasn't suffering.
Loki placed down a plate of freshly baked cookies in front of Kotonoha. They were chocolate chip. "Here you go," he said. "Please enjoy."
"Thank you," Kotonoha said as she took one of the cookies, her voice filled with sorrow. 'Ryuji loves chocolate chip cookies. He smiles more when he eats them.'
Loki sat down and gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry too much. Ryuji is strong."
"Are you worried?" she asked Loki.
"Ryuji is my partner," Loki responded. "Of course I am worried, but I know that he's a fighter. He can survive anything."
Kotonoha clutched her phone tightly. This was just like the time when Makoto had ignored her but she knew Ryuji wasn't ignoring her. He'd been taken away from her. Horrible thoughts started to flood her mind. She wanted those that had taken her beloved to pay.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a heart-shaped piece. It was cool to the touch. Not surprising since it was made of ice. Ryuji had given it to her on Christmas. It was his gift to her. He hadn't bought it. He'd made it with his own powers. It was a symbol. It represented how he'd given her his heart and that a part of him would always be with her. Since the day he'd gone missing, Kotonoha carried it with her every day. Originally, she'd kept it in a box full of the valuable things she and Ryuji had collected during their relationship. They appeared to be small trinkets to most but not to her. They were special.
She held the ice crystal against her heart, closing her eyes. She prayed for Ryuji's safe return.
Tatsuya and Nanimo watched as Ryuji continued to scream due to the Nightmare Imagin's power. For days he'd been subjugated under this form of torture. His body hadn't been harmed in any way since they needed him to be strong for their plans. His mind, however, was another thing.
Ryuji had been forced to experience the same nightmare, over and over again. He saw many images. He saw Makoto and Taisuke rape Kotonoha. He saw Sekai murdering Kotonoha. He saw himself in his Orphenoch form killing and destroying. Every single day, for hours, had he been forced to see these images in his mind, breaking him bit by bit.
It wouldn't be long until Ryuji was ready to become one of his servants. Breaking his mind like this was just so much fun to watch. The Nightmare Imagin even extracted some interesting information from Ryuji's mind.
In Nanimo's hands was a black and red mask with one half represented "Comedy" as the other half represented "Tragedy".
"He's a fighter, I can tell you that," said Tatsuya. "It's been days and he still hasn't broken down yet."
"All things take time," said Nanimo. "Even Rome wasn't built in a day."
"Yeah, but it's been 5 days." Tatsuya crossed his arms, "He's a tough nut to crack."
"Not for any longer. Soon those images will hack away at his soul and sanity. Nobody can watch their loved ones suffering over and over again without leaving any scars. I need him to be in that condition because I need him to kill the Wolf Rider."
"I'm curious," spoke up Tatsuya. "What do you have against Kenzaki anyway?"
Nanimo turned away, angered at the mention of Kenzaki's name, "It's personal. That bastard left me to die. I plan on making him wish he was dead."
"Onii-san! Wait!" called a young boy, only eight.
"Hayaku, Nanimo! If mom and dad get home before we do, we'll be in big trouble!" shouted a young Kenzaki, who was only ten.
"You're the one who thought it'd be a good idea to do this!"
"Hey, who wouldn't want to check out an old army base?" asked Kenzaki as he stopped, waiting for his little brother. He also needed to catch his breath, so he leaned against the pole behind him. However, the pole was weak and gave out. "AH!" shouted Kenzaki as he began falling. He reached out and grasped the railing.
"Onii-san!" shouted Nanimo as he went to help his brother. The young boy grabbed his older brothers arm and began pulling, as Kenzaki began pulling himself up. Soon Kenzaki was back up on the railing, panting. "Are you OK?"
"Yeah, thanks, Nanimo," said Kenzaki. The railing began to shake, and soon, Kenzaki was holding on for dear life, but Nanimo wasn't lucky or fast enough and he fell off the railing, toward the bubbling vat of silvery liquid below. "Nanimo!"
"Onii-san!" shouted the boy as he hit the liquid. The metal shot upward and splashed onto Kenzaki, quickly covering his torso and arms.
"Onii-san!" was all Kenzaki heard as he lost consciousness.
That day replayed in Kenzaki's mind over and over again, haunting his dreams. Neko didn't notice the troubled look on his face as she looked over the cute kittens. They all stared up at her curiously, as if sensing she was just like them. When she reached inside, they all padded towards her hand and started rubbing their heads against it. She just loved the feeling of her skin against the soft fur of kittens. She wanted them all but unfortunately she could really take one home. The GaroLiner had a strict policy when it came to pets.
"Ken-kun, I'll take this one," she said as she called to him. He was silent. "Ken-kun?"
"Oh, sorry, Neko," he responded after realizing she'd been talking to him. "What is it?"
Neko frowned but then smiled as she pointed to a kitten which had orange fur and black stripes. "I want that one. It reminds me of Garfield."
"Sure," Kenzaki nodded. However, he couldn't get his mind off Nanimo. 'Nanimo…where are you?'
Nanimo shut his eyes and then turned towards Ryuji who'd stopped screaming. The golden orb left his body and reformed into the Nightmare Imagin.
"It is done," said Nanimo. "Get him dressed. I have an assignment for him."
The two stepped out of the pet shop together, Neko's new kitten riding inside a pink pet carrier. Kenzaki had brought it for her and she'd repaid him by kissing him. He was one step closer to fixing their relationship.
"Arigatou, Ken-kun," beamed Neko.
Kenzaki smiled but instantly his face held an expression of panic. He could sense something violent coming their way, filled with intense Ki.
"WATCH OUT!" Kenzaki shouted as he pushed Neko out of the way. She held onto her new kitten protectively as she watched Kenzaki being smashed into the ground.
CRASH!
"KEN-KUN!" she screamed. Dust flew everywhere from the explosive impact but Neko could make out a figure standing over Kenzaki. The dust subsided and now Neko's eyes widened.
The assailant was dressed in a full black bodysuit with red gloves and matching boots. He also had long black hair pulled into a tight braid. However, what shocked Neko the most was the mask he wore. A half red and black Comedy/Tragedy mask. She knew that mask anywhere. It was the mask her brother had worn under the service of Slade when he had been known as Ifrit. The black hair was a tell-tale sign of the assailant's identity.
"Ryuji…" she uttered.
Ryuji was on one knee and had his right hand firmly gripping Kenzaki's throat. Kenzaki struggled. He gripped the wrist and tried to pull off Ryuji's hand but his attacker wasn't loosening his grip. He was tightening it. Despite unable to feel pain, Kenzaki was slowly losing air as the grip on his throat tightened.
SMASH!
Neko had smashed a sign over Ryuji's head, forcing him to remove his hold on Kenzaki's neck. Focusing onto his Violet Fierce Ki, Kenzaki shouted, "Ro Ro Shu!" and kicked Ryuji hard in the stomach. The force sent Ryuji flying across the sidewalk and into a tree, which broke in half due to the impact. The force of the impact even knocked off his mask.
"Ken-kun!" shouted Neko as she helped her boyfriend up. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he assured her, messaging his neck as he took deep breaths. "What about the cat?"
"Right here!" said Raion, holding the pet carrier with the kitten inside. "Neko called for help so we're here!" Standing with him were Buraki, Okami and Byakko."
"We will assist you in defeating this foe, Kenzaki-sama!" said Byakko confidently.
Kenzaki gave a nod of thanks and turned to look at their enemy who'd started walking towards them. His mask hung in his hands as he strode towards them. That was when Kenzaki got a good look at his face and eyes.
"That's…Ryuji," said Kenzaki in shock.
"I kinda figured it out from the mask and hair," said Neko. "But his eyes are all wrong."
And she was right. Ryuji's eyes were cold, blue, and soulless. He wore a neutral expression. He wasn't smiling or scowling. He just looked like a lifeless shell. As he stepped towards them, ice formed on the spot his foot touched and spread. The temperature went down several more degrees as he fixed an eerie and unblinking gaze upon them.
"What happened to him?" Neko asked.
"Nanimo," growled Kenzaki.
As Kotonoha stared at her phone blankly, ignoring the television, all of a sudden there was a sudden newsflash.
"This is the scene in Sakakino City's shopping district," reported the anchor as a video feed showed the destruction of the area. It would seemingly appear to be another monster attack but in reality the Riders are fighting each other." Kotonoha lifted up her head to see and gasped when she saw it. Garoh and Ryukendo…were facing Ifrit.
"Ryuji!" she gasped. Loki came out of the kitchen when he heard her cry.
"What's wrong, Kotonoha-san?" he asked. She pointed to the TV and his eyes widened in shock. "It's Ryuji!"
"But why is he fighting Kenzaki-san and Neko-san?" Kotonoha questioned. A part of her was relieved to see Ryuji again but another part of her was confused. Why was Ryuji fighting his sister and her boyfriend? They weren't enemies.
Athena exited Kotonoha's body and said, "That's what we should find out. Lady Kotonoha, Loki, let's go!"
"Hai!" Kotonoha nodded, determined to find out what was going on. She couldn't let this fight continue.
"Look at him; the perfect warrior. No fear, no remorse, and no will of his own," spoke Nanimo as he and Tatsuya watched as the three warriors did battle. "Everything is going according to plan."
"What about the other Rider, Wraith? Or Ifrit's girl? Those two may complicate matters," said Tatsuya.
"That is why you are here. The second the girl shows up, you are to take action. Until then, we wait." Nanimo wanted to watch as Garoh was killed by his own friend. 'You brought this on yourself, brother.'
Garoh Emperor Form screamed as he was slashed across the chest by Ifrit and sent tumbling to the ground. Ifrit then lunged at Ryukendo and started swiping at her with his swords like crazy. She attempted to parry his strikes but one last one slipped through her defenses and she took a hit to the arm, causing her to drop Gekiryuken. Ifrit then sent her flying with a vicious kick to the chest. Garoh caught her as she willed Gekiryuken back into her hand.
"How is he so strong?" Ryukendo asked. "I mean he had trouble fighting you before but now he's kicking both our butts."
"Mythical Ki," growled Garoh.
"Huh?"
"He's using the Mythical Ki he's developed since studying GenJyuKen and is using all of it," Garoh explained. "You can see if you take a look."
Ryukendo's eyes narrowed and she noticed the golden energy flare out of Ifrit's body. "OK, now I see it."
Ifrit crossed his blades and they both glowed. The Dao in his left hand glowed blue while the one in his right hand glowed red. They then ignited with cold blue flames and red hot flames, respectively.
"Fire!" Ryukendo shouted, gaping. "But he could only use ice!"
"Now he has access to the full potential of his style," said Garoh. 'Damn that Nanimo. What did you do to him?'
Okami snarled, "Damn Gaki is going to be tough to beat now."
Buraki said confidently, "Let me at him! I can take him!"
Ifrit looked towards his two opponents coldly before twirling his two swords around and around, streaks of flames spinning around him before he crouched down.
"Here it comes!" shouted Garoh as he stood up. "Get ready!"
Ifrit didn't make a sound before he swung his swords in an arch, unleashing two crescent blades of hot and cold fire.
"DODGE!" yelled Garoh as he jumped to the side. Ryukendo leapt in the opposite section. The blades sliced through the ground but Garoh was unlucky enough and took a hit from the cold blade and screamed.
"Garoh-chan!" Ryukendo shouted.
"I'm fine!" Garoh retorted as he held his right side which had gotten hit. It was starting to become covered in ice.
"Brr! I know I wanted to be cool, but not like that!" Raion quipped.
Okami snapped, "Shut your whining. Shonen, use the Imoogi's power to warm yourself up!"
Garoh placed his left hand to his right side and focused on Buraki's fire power.
"Time to fight fire with fire!" shouted Garoh as he engulfed both hands in flames. "Ryukendo!"
"Hai!" Ryukendo shouted but she was hesitating. She looked across from them as Ifrit made his way towards them. She steeled her heart and engulfed her blade in flames. "I'm ready!"
"ATTACK!" Garoh and his Imagin all shouted as he attacked. Garoh took swipes at Ifrit who was blocking with the flat side of his Dao. Garoh growled and unleashed a punch.
"GON GON KEN!" shouted Garoh as he threw his fist, engulfed in Violet Fierce Ki, straight at Ifrit who blocked by crossing both swords. Garoh's fist slammed into them and sent Ifrit skidding backwards. He stopped by stabbing his blades into the ground.
"Ryukendo! Now!" shouted Garoh.
"Ryuou Kaen Giri!" Ryukendo shouted as she dropped down from above and performed an overhead swung. Ifrit looked up, took up both his swords, and then crossed them above his head to block. The force of Ryukendo's attack caused the ground under Ifrit's feet to crack in a spider-web pattern. Unleashing Mythical Ki, Ifrit threw Ryukendo backwards and she landed on her feet. He banished his blades and decided to do this with his bare hands. He snapped his fingers and enveloped his hands in flames. Flexing his fingers he then went into a crouch like an animal and eyed the two Riders in front of him. Like an animal, he ran on all fours straight at them. He picked up speed and before Neko and Ryukendo could react, he slashed them both across the chest. He then bounded off the ground and slashed them again, and again, jumping all over the place. When he finally stopped his assault, parts of Garoh and Ryukendo's armors were either covered in ice or scorched. It wasn't looking good for either of them.
He summoned his Dao once again and walked towards them. It was time to finish them.
Suddenly, several shots bombarded against his chest, sending him staggering backwards. His chestplate was smoking and he looked up to see who'd attacked him.
Wraith.
"Hey, you two!" shouted Wraith as he ran over and helped Ryukendo and Garoh up. "You okay?"
"I've had better days," responded Garoh.
"Same here," groaned Ryukendo.
"What happened to Ifrit?" Wraith asked. "I mean it's like he's…"
"Someone messed with his head," growled Ryukendo. "We have to stop him and then help him."
"That is if he doesn't kill us first," said Garoh.
Ifrit spread his arms outwards, his blades gripped tightly in his hands before he started to spin around and around, red and blue flames surrounded him before he became a tornado and charged for the three Riders.
"HOLD ON!" ordered Garoh. The trio of Riders jumped out of the way and then grabbed onto anything that was attached to the ground like a railing, a fire hydrant or a tree. They braced themselves. Anything else that wasn't bolted to the ground was sucked into the vortex, became frozen, burnt and then sliced apart by the destructive force of the tornado. After several moments Ifrit stopped spinning and was unaffected. He didn't even look like he was dizzy from using that attack.
"OK, he's stronger than he should be," said Wraith.
"We need to force him out of his armor and subdue him," said Garoh. "Then we can repair whatever damage has been done to him."
"If we survive," said Ryukendo.
"Ojou-sama, do not lose faith. We will be able to save him," said Ryukendo.
"I hope so."
Ifrit stared his three opponents down. He joined his swords into his dual-bladed weapon and then charged at the trio of Riders. They were the enemy and had to be destroyed.
"He's taking on all three of them by himself," Tatsuya admired.
"Yes, my finest work," smirked Nanimo. "Obedient and doesn't question orders. Just a puppet that follows orders to a 'T'."
"Uh oh," said Tatsuya as he looked in another direction. "Look who's coming."
"Ifrit's girl?" Nanimo frowned.
"Not only that, but his Imagin and that girl's too." Tatsuya took out his henshin belt. "Well, looks like it's my turn."
Kotonoha, along with Loki and Athena, arrived at the scene to see Ifrit fighting against Wraith, Ryukendo, Garoh and winning. Though Kotonoha was relieved to see her boyfriend had returned, she was frightened too because he was attacking his fellow Riders without any qualms.
"Loki, what's wrong with him?" asked Kotonoha.
"There's something wrong with his mind," Loki focused. "It's all broken like someone tore it apart."
"What?"
"I'll try to fix him. The others are distracting him so maybe I can-"
"Do nothing," someone spoke as a black blur rushed forward and attacked Loki. The Imagin was struck across the chest and then sent to the ground with a fist to the face. Athena went to draw her sword but was knocked backwards and into a lamppost by a powerful strike to the chest. Kotonoha gasped. Everything had happened so fast. Standing in front of her was none other than Kamen Rider Morpheus.
"So, you're Ifrit's girl," said Morpheus. "You're kinda cute. Too bad I have to deal with you."
"What have you done to Ryuji-kun?" said Kotonoha as she reached behind her back.
"Let's just say we revealed his true nature," chuckled Morpheus. "Deep down he's a monster. We just helped liberate him."
Kotonoha acted quickly and drew the dozuki she'd hidden behind her back and swung it at Morpheus, aiming for his throat. However, he managed to grab her wrist and with a squeeze caused her to drop her weapon.
"Little girls shouldn't play with sharp things," scolded Morpheus mockingly. He put his left foot under the dozuki and kicked it up into his free hand. "Now, let's see how you like it. Maybe I should carve a permanent smile on your face."
As the blade came close, Kotonoha shivered in terror. Only one thing came to mind: screaming.
So, she screamed.
"RYUUUUUUUJIIIIIII-KUUUUUUUUUUN!"
Ifrit froze when he heard the scream and turned around. "Ko-Koto-chan?" He stopped attacking Garoh, Wraith and Ryukendo who didn't seem like they could take anymore judging from the damage on their armor.
"He can't save you," said Morpheus as he pressed the edge of the dozuki against her face. "Say 'bye-bye'."
Kotonoha closed her eyes. After several agonizing seconds she felt…nothing. The blade was no longer on her face. When she heard the sound of the dozuki clatter on the ground, she dared to open her eyes to see what was going on and gasped.
Morpheus was standing, frozen, with a Dao driven through his back and out his chest. He shivered as he turned his head around to see Ifrit standing with his grip on the Dao. "W-What?" Slowly, ice began to spread from the wound. It began to cover Morpheus even after Ifrit withdrew the blade. "How…how can this…?" He was unable to finish his sentence as he was completely frozen. Ifrit twirled both his Dao and performed a series of swings before banishing them. With a snap of his fingers, Morpheus's body collapsed into several frozen pieces at the Rider and girl's feet.
Kotonoha looked up to his helmet covered face. "Ryuji-kun?" she asked. "Is that you?"
Ifrit reached up and placed his hands gently on her shoulders. He then ran them up her neck before resting on her face, caressing her cheeks.
"Koto…chan?" he questioned. Kotonoha placed her hands on his.
"Yes, it's me."
"Koto…chan," his voice shook. "Koto…chan…" His armor vanished as he removed his hold on her face and embraced her, burying his face into her bosom. "Koto-chan!" He was crying.
"It's okay," she cooed softly. "You're safe now." She combed her hand through his hair. "Everything is going to be okay." Kotonoha vowed to undo the damage that'd been caused to Ryuji once she figured out what'd happened. Garoh, Wraith and Ryukendo watched the scene, stunned.
"Wow, she saved the day," Wraith said in awe.
"And our lives," added Ryukendo.
Garoh looked up towards a building and narrowed his eyes. He could see a figure standing there before it vanished. Could it be? "Nanimo?"
Ryukendo kept hearing about this Nanimo character and she was going to get answers. Not right now, though. Now they had to take care of Ryuji who had been broken.
Nanimo sighed as he returned to his hidden lair. "Tatsuya's dead. Oh well, he was of no use to me anymore anyway." At his side the Nightmare Imagin appeared, having survived Tatsuya's death. "I could always find a replacement anyway, though." He held up the N-Pass. "Any fool who wants power. It would be easy."
After returning to his apartment, Ryuji was once more placed in bed with Kotonoha and Loki watching over him. Warren, Kenzaki and Neko were in the living room. Neko's eyes were trained on Kenzaki. Right now it was time for answers.
"OK, Ken-kun, it's time for you to tell us who Nanimo is," demanded Neko.
"Neko, I…"
"We deserve to know," Warren frowned. "He did this to Ryuji so we deserve to know what's going on."
Kenzaki frowned. "Very well. Nanimo is…Nanimo is…" He paused. "Nanimo is my brother."
You could hear a pin drop from a mile away due to the silence. Seconds later, Neko screamed, "YOUR WHAT!"
Kotonoha sat motionlessly as she watched over Ryuji, who was resting after his traumatic experience. Loki had given him a cool cloth to help keep his temperature down, but Kotonoha was offering a much more important support. Ryuji's hand was clutching her hand almost like a vice. Normal folks might have experienced some pain, but Kotonoha felt how much Ryuji needed her to be there. He needed her desperately and she knew it. Keeping him safe was more than enough to block out any pain she might feel.
For the first time in her life, Kotonoha felt like she wanted to murder someone. She had felt an inkling of this feeling when she found out Makoto was cheating on her with Sekai, but Ryuji had smothered those flames with his love. Now though, with him emotionally wounded like she was, the flames had become an inferno. Kotonoha wanted to kill the one who hurt the man she loved so much.
"I'm going to kill him," she murmured.
"Kotonoha-san?" Loki gasped in shock.
"The one who did this to my koibito (lover)," she whispered. "I want to make the one who did this suffer. Ryuji-kun saved my life, saved my heart, gave me his, and even stole mine. He is…Kami's gift to me."
Loki remained silent. Kotonoha was slipping into the frame of mind that Ryuji commented she had at the end of the anime which was based off this world. Being an Imagin, Loki was well-versed in the realms of alternate timelines and different dimensions. He was especially proud and happy for his contractor had saved and fell in love with Kotonoha. He had also been told that Kotonoha had become blank and cold near the end of the series. It seemed she was beginning to get that way again.
'Wake up quickly, Ryuji,' Loki silently prayed. 'Kotonoha-san needs you. Please, before she does something she will regret.'