Nanami had to admit that things were getting pretty wild since the Hasuma siblings came to her school. Of course, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. She had gotten to know each of them and found each of the quadruplets pretty unique in terms of their personalities.
Ryuji Hasuma was a punk in every sense of the word. He had a sour temper and he was a tough guy. He beat up people for what appeared to be small slights against him. Then again, he was head over heels in love with Kotonoha. It was as plain as day for anyone who took the time to get to know him. Ryuji was also capable of being a very nice person when you didn't try to hurt him or anyone he cared about.
Neko Hasuma fit in very well in school. She was bubbly and kind, but also serious when the situation called for it. She and her boyfriend Kenzaki got along with everyone and were some of the people Ryuji actually got along with. Neko knew her brother better than anyone save for Kotonoha. Neko also knew how to have real fun whenever the opportunity called for it.
Kat Hasuma was just plain wild. The girl didn't seem to care what anyone would think of her. That much was revealed when she confessed to being a lesbian in front of the class on her first day, flirting with the girls and threatening the boys. That fact was driven home when Nanami accidentally walked in on Kat and her girlfriend furiously making out inside a locker room one day. Apparently they had a fight and were making up for lost time. The elder female sibling was good at sports and was a real help to the basketball team.
She remembered Ryuki Hasuma from when he used to go to their school. He was the polar opposite of Ryuji. The guy had a following of starry-eyed girls who were hoping to become his girlfriend. She heard that he had a girlfriend so it made sense why he didn't go for them. Add in the Hasuma tradition of never giving up on a relationship and Nanami found herself wondering if her own boyfriend could take lessons from the boys.
"VENGEANCE OF THE HASUMA SIBLINGS"
Hikari sighed softly as she watched the three Hasuma siblings and their significant others heading away from school. Kat and Rose were snuggled tightly together with Bobby and Cathy following behind. Kenzaki and Neko were walking side-by-side, but Neko seemed really shy about something, and Kenzaki just seemed confused. Kotonoha was practically glued to Ryuji's side.
Hikari couldn't help but feel envious of them. They were so lucky to be in such serious and wonderful relationships. She wouldn't be surprised if one of them would pop the question sooner or later.
"I wish I could have someone like them," Hikaru huffed sadly. She used to have a crush on Taisuke but after finding out what he'd tried to do to Kotonoha, she found whatever feelings she had for him were fading. If he had noticed how much she liked him sooner than maybe they'd have a chance but sadly he'd been obsessed with Kotonoha. Hikari was also partly to blame for being unable to tell Taisuke how she felt.
She didn't notice the yellow orb hovering outside the window just above her.
"So, how's the KLLA been behaving?" asked Kat curiously as they all waited for the train at the station.
Ryuji just frowned in annoyance, "Damn idiots won't leave me alone."
"These are the same guys that tried to get between you and Kotonoha, right?" Kenzaki asked. Ryuji nodded. "They need a life."
"Yeah, they do, but now instead of trying to break Koto-chan and I apart they decide to test me to make sure I'm the perfect boyfriend," Ryuji grumbled. Those 'tests' had been ridiculous.
"I heard your girl threatened the leader with a dozuki," Kenzaki said with a grin.
Ryuji smiled, "That's right." He wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's waist and pulled her closer. "And I could not be any prouder."
"Oh, Ryuji-kun," smiled Kotonoha as she closed her eyes.
"She's definitely a keeper," quipped Kat.
Neko and Kenzaki had returned a few days ago after reaching a dead end on their investigations regarding Nanimo's whereabouts. He was being quiet but they knew he was responsible for some of the recent Imagin attacks, sending them to find contractors who had something against the Riders. The two that had tried to kill Ryuji and Kat last time were proof of that. None of them really believed in coincidences when it came to dealing with these monsters.
Neko was also quiet. She and Kenzaki had been having some really awkward encounters. She hadn't told him about the vivid dreams she'd been having and her behaviour just flat out confused him. She did love him and she never stopped loving him, but these dreams were really messing with her and she didn't know what to do. She needed advice.
So far, the only advice she'd been getting was from Gekiryuken. He was helpful but only to a certain extent. He was still male so he couldn't quite grasp the problem she was having.
The wielder of the Gekiryuken Keyblade cast a glance at Kat, Rose and Kotonoha. They were her closest female friends so maybe she could talk to them about this. Maybe she could arrange for them to have a talk later.
"Kat-neechan, can I talk to you later at your place?" Neko requested. Kat was busy talking with Rose when Neko said this.
"Sure, why not?" Kat shrugged.
Kenzaki spoke, "Neko…?"
"I just want to talk with my sister, Ken-kun," Neko said, blushing a little. "That's OK, right?"
Personally, Kenzaki didn't trust or like Kat (the feeling was mutual) but he did trust his girlfriend so he would allow this. "Alright, fine," he sighed.
"Kotonoha-chan," invited Neko, "Want to come over too?"
"Sure, I don't mind," smiled Kotonoha.
Neko smiled. She would need all the advice she could get. She never actually thought it'd be awkward actually asking for relationship advice from her man-hating sister, her ex-girlfriend, and her brother's girlfriend.
Back at school, Warren and Rachel were busy marking their students' homework. Rachel frowned a little at the atrocious grammar and the horrible handwriting some of her students had. At least she had a few good students like Kotonoha Katsura and, surprisingly, Ryuji Hasuma.
Back when she thought she'd lost her Warren, she was wondering what'd happened to him. When he finally came back to her she was so happy and wouldn't let him go. Warren then told her about his adventures in the Multiverse which included meeting and being a member of the ChronoLiner Riders.
"So, Rae," said Warren as he picked up his bag. "Ready to go home?"
"Just a bit," said Rachel as she finished up. "OK, there." She stood up and picked up her own bag as well. "Let's go."
"How does it feel being a teacher?" asked Warren as he and his wife exited the staff room together.
"It's different," she admitted, "Never thought it'd be as an English teacher but it feels nice."
"Never thought of being a wife and mother either," Warren quipped, earning a smile from her.
Her smile turned into a frown, "Though, I could do without some of the boys staring at my chest and ass."
Warren laughed. He couldn't really blame the boys for finding his wife attractive. She was the 'hot teacher' at school so they couldn't help it. She was also exotic with her peculiar hair color, which was natural, and her paler than normal skin tone.
"Come on, let's go out for dinner," said Warren, "My treat."
At the apartment they were both staying at was Vash. He'd been kicked out of Ryuji's apartment by Kat after she and her girls had decided to use it as living space for themselves. He'd bee living on the ChronoLiner for a good while until Warren invited him to stay at their place, only if he promised to behave, which he surprisingly did. Besides, the kids loved their Uncle Vash.
Kat, Neko, Rose, Cathy and Kotonoha were at the apartment where Kat and her family had taken up residence, after kicking out an annoying male (Vash). They all sat in the living room. Rose had made some tea and served some of Loki's cookies on a plate.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Kat asked Neko. "And don't deny that you want to talk about something bothering you. I know you."
Neko sighed, "Alright, it all started when…"
Both Ryuji and Kenzaki were at an arcade, playing Guitar Hero, while exchanging some words between them. Bobby had gone off to play something else.
"Have you noticed that Neko's been acting strange lately?" asked Kenzaki.
"Not really," confessed Ryuji. For him, Neko just seemed like her usual self. "Why? Is she acting strange?"
"It's like she's trying to avoid me sometimes," said Kenzaki. "And when we talk she won't look me in the eye."
"Sounds like trouble in paradise," joked Ryuji.
"That's not funny," frowned Kenzaki.
"So, you really don't know what's wrong?"
"No, and when I try to ask she just says she's fine."
"I've learnt a long time ago that when a girl says she's fine, she really isn't."
"So, do you know what's wrong with her?" asked Kenzaki.
"I'm not psychic," Ryuji remarked. "How the Hell should I know?"
"So you've been having wet dreams about Kenzaki, huh?" Kat snickered as she and Rose leaned with each other on the couch. Cathy was sipping milk while Kotonoha was having some cookies. Neko was blushing furiously.
"Yes," Neko squeaked.
"Well, I suppose we were too busy being evil to get the 'Talk' from mama," Kat sighed. "Well, first of all you should know that it isn't bad or evil or anything like that. It's perfectly normal for girls our age to have those kinds of dreams."
"I'm not that immature," Neko huffed.
"Coulda fooled me," Kat snickered. "Seriously though, have you ever jumped Kenzaki's bones in real life?"
"NO!" Neko cried. "We get kind of…heated, but that's it!"
"Well, I'm a mix between happy and sad about that," Kat sighed. "You know how I feel about him."
"We all do," Rose sighed into Kat's shoulder. Kat and Kenzaki could never got along. Kat didn't like how Kenzaki had tried to kill Neko and well Kat just reminded him of Sauron.
"Well it's deserved," Kat huffed. "Seriously, Neko-chan, you can do so much better! I may not desire guys, but at least I know a good one when I see one. I know at least a dozen that are better than Kenzaki."
"Well, it really is her choice, Kat-san," Kotonoha commented. "The least we can do is offer her advice when she needs it."
"Kotonoha is right," Rose nodded. "You can rag about him later."
"Yeah, yeah," Kat mumbled. She then looked to her sister and spoke up. "Okay, what you need to know is that those dreams are basically a reflection of your desires. Your body is reacting to that."
"Right," Rose nodded. "So logically, to get them to go away, you have to do something to release the tension."
"Did you have dreams like that, Nee-chan?" asked Neko.
"Nah," Kat smirked before she nuzzled Rose. "I was busy acting them out with Rosie-chan before they got a chance to come up!"
Ryuji, Kenzaki and Bobby were walking along the shopping district. After talking with Ryuji about what was wrong with Neko, he thought of the most possible conclusion.
"She's on her period," said Kenzaki. "It makes sense."
"Baka," snorted Ryuji. "If a girl's mood swings are all because of PMS then life would be easier for men. We wouldn't need to work so hard to figure them out."
"OK," sighed Kenzaki. "So, what do I do?"
"Talk to her and make sure she doesn't find a way to escape to listen to you long enough," said Ryuji, remembering when he had to explain to Kotonoha about why he'd befriended her in the first place. He held her in place and forced her to listen to him. He wouldn't have hurt her, but he wouldn't let go until she listened to the whole story.
"OK," agreed Kenzaki. "Hey, Bobby, what do you think?"
"I don't have that much experience with women," stated Bobby.
"Yeah, he's still learning," snickered Ryuji. "Cathy's his teacher."
Bobby's cheeks flushed, "Shut up!" he snapped.
"Hey, don't get mad at me. You were the one making out with her," teased Ryuji.
"Don't make me rip out your innards!" threatened Bobby. Ryuji just laughed at the seemingly empty threat.
"Wait, you and Cathy?" Kenzaki blinked.
Bobby looked to the ground, hands in his pockets. "I like her. I REALLY like her, OK?" confessed Bobby. "Maybe I even, you know, love her."
"Does Kat know?" asked Kenzaki.
"If Big Sis does, she's good at hiding it," said Bobby. He did fear what would happen if Kat ever found out about his relationship with Cathy. "But I can't help it."
"Love is pretty wacky that way," said Ryuji. "We don't know when it'll hit us but when it does it hits us hard."
"Like when you had to catch Kotonoha when she was falling?" Kenzaki stated. Kenzaki had been told about how Ryuji had saved her life from a suicide attempt. Well, Vash had a hand in it.
"Exactly like that," nodded Ryuji. "Say, I'm getting hungry. Wanna go grab some grub?"
Hikari was at home, lying in her bed and sighing. She cursed silently, "Damn it…" Why did everyone else she knew could find love and not her? At first she thought she could get Taisuke as a boyfriend but since his attention had been on Kotonoha, that didn't look like it would be happening. Added with what he'd tried to do, that just made him all the less desirable now.
Hikari never told anyone, but she did like Makoto. He was nice. Sadly, he was with Sekai. Ryuji was also good boyfriend material from what she witnessed; unfortunately, he too was taken and completely faithful to Kotonoha to an extreme level.
The glowing yellow orb from earlier was floating above her, having followed her from school. It could sense her despair. Oh, she was just perfect. The orb then darted straight into her body. The girl gasped and arched her back as sand spilt from her clothes and onto the floor. When she witnessed this, she suddenly sat up and backed away from the figure rising from the floor with its lower body and legs dangling above it.
"Tell me your wish and I shall grant it for you," the Imagin said with a sick and twisted smile.
Neko blushed furiously as Kat went on about ways for her to relieve her tension. She blushed ever further when her sister offered to let her borrow some of her 'toys'.
"Is…is all that necessary?" Neko stammered.
"Can't hurt," Kat grinned. "Rosie-chan and I don't complain."
"Not in front of guests!" Rose snapped as she swatted Kat's shoulder.
"Mama and mom make a lot of noise when they get new toys," Cathy smiled. "They sound like they have fun." Cathy had grown used to her parents' decadent ways.
"You bet we do," Kat grinned. "But I'm sure you and Bobby have an idea about that."
"Eeep!" Cathy blushed. "MAMA!"
"You were kind of obvious," Rose smiled. "Just make sure you keep your clothes on and we won't complain."
"You know, I would have thought you would be upset about Bobby being with Cathy," Neko commented suspiciously.
"Normally I'd be giving boys the third degree," Kat nodded. "But, if I can trust Bobby with my life, I think I can trust him with my baby."
"I'm not a baby anymore, mama!" Cathy pouted.
Kotonoha listened silently. She had never exactly indulged herself like that until after her and her boyfriend's first time. Sometimes when she was alone she would strip herself naked, close her eyes and touch herself. It felt really good when she imagined it was Ryuji touching her.
Kotonoha should've expected that Kat wouldn't be too shy about talking about this kind of thing. Like her boyfriend, Kat was the embodiment of the Yin half of Kat and Neko's old shared body. Kat just didn't have any inhibitions, it seemed.
"Kotonoha-chan, anything you can say?" asked Neko. She wanted an opinion from someone outside her crazy family.
"Well, not exactly," the girl shrugged. "All I can say is that you should get this over with soon. If you don't you may cause harm to your relationship."
"Hey, I'm surprised to see you here, kohai," said Warren as he saw Ryuji, Kenzaki and Bobby enter the restaurant.
"How many times have I told you not to call me that?" Ryuji sighed.
"Lost count," Warren shrugged as he popped a piece of food into his daughter's mouth. She liked playing that game at dinner sometimes. He was with his family, enjoying dinner. Vash and Teresa were also included. "Need help with something?"
"Kenzaki-nii needs some," Bobby commented. "He and Neko-nee are having relationship problems."
"And since I'm the one in an actual mature relationship, you came to me?" Warren asked with a grin.
"Pretty much," nodded Ryuji. He may not show it much but he respected Warren's opinion. It was because of him that he had a relationship with Kotonoha and the Wraith had also helped quell some of his doubts.
"…Yeah," Kenzaki groaned. If anybody could help him it would be a man married with children and with an open marriage that allowed him to have a girlfriend along with a wife.
"I thought we came here for food," Bobby frowned slightly. He didn't have any relationship problems, currently.
"Never turn down the chance for some free advice," Ryuji commented. "Now shut it. You might learn something."
"OK, but if we're going to be here let's order something to eat. I'm starving," said Bobby.
During the entire talk, Gekiryuken had remained silent. This was after all a conversation between women so he had no place in it unless Neko wanted his consultation.
"Ano, Geki-chan, can you give me some advice based on a male perspective?" she asked.
Damn, so much for his wish to remain silent. He then said, "Ojou-sama, I shall give you my honest opinion. If you both love each other than the issue of sex shouldn't be a problem. You need to face this. After all, you do wish to marry him, right?"
Neko did want to settle down with Kenzaki and raise a family, but she just didn't feel that she was ready for that step yet. She wanted it to at least be special. "Yes, I do," she confessed, blushing. Maybe it was time she and Kenzaki sat down and talked this out. It was either that or using 'toys' like Kat had suggested that could help relieve her. The list of things she'd been given was…it was a colorful one to say the least.
A strange four armed figure was stalking the streets with its red eyes glowing menacingly. It knew what its contract holder wanted and so the Imagin went to find its targets. This would be easy with its abilities.
"I'm sorry," bowed Kotonoha as she stood outside the apartment. "But it's late and I need to get home soon."
"Well, it was good having you here," said Kat.
"Come back soon!" said Cathy cheerfully.
Kotonoha nodded and walked away.
As she made her way to the train station, Kotonoha could feel that something was…stalking her. She made sure she had her dozuki and things got really bad she could summon Athena to her aid.
When she heard footsteps she spun around and drew out her dozuki. She blinked in confusion when she saw nothing. "Huh?"
Suddenly, something struck her in the back and she just blacked out instantly.
After finishing his dinner and getting some useful advice from Warren, Kenzaki left the restaurant. He took out his phone and dialed her number.
"OK, it's time she and I talked about this," muttered Kenzaki. He placed the phone to his ear and listened to the phone on the other end that was ringing.
The Hunter should've been paying attention because as soon as Neko picked up on the other end his phone dropped to the ground as Kenzaki was being dragged away.
From his phone that was on the ground, Neko's voice could be heard, "Ken-kun? Hello? Hello? Ken-kun, are you there?"
Rose was out getting groceries for the house since Vash had eaten most of the good things and at the get-together they had had finished the rest of them off. They needed to get more food and they needed it immediately. Otherwise, none of them would be able to get lunch for school. Besides, Cathy and Kat loved their snacks.
"Halt!" a voice spoke up.
Blinking, Rose turned to see who was talking to her. Her eyes widened when she saw who…or what, it was. In this case, it was a tall humanoid wearing black and red clothing. The shoulders were puffy and the four suit symbols were placed on its chest. A gold cape hung from its shoulders and it had a gold beard and mustache hiding most of the black face. The red eyes were unmistakable. Another unmistakable feature was that this being had four arms.
"You will come with me," the King Imagin spoke.
"Like hell I will!" Rose hissed.
"I see," The King Imagin nodded. "Regrettable."
Flicking his wrist, Rose suddenly felt something hit her chest. Looking down, she spotted a regular playing card, the King of Spades, sticking to her chest.
"Huh?" Rose blinked before she suddenly blacked out.
"Hello? Ken-kun? Hello?" Neko continued to speak into her phone. "Why isn't he answering?"
"Maybe his batteries ran out," said Kat as she looked out the window.
"They aren't," replied Neko. "It's still on. Something must've happened."
Kat frowned. She'd sent Cathy to bed early because her daughter was tired. "She should be back by now," muttered Kat. The grocery store wasn't too far away. If Rose was running late she would've called. Suddenly, Kat's cell phone rang and she took it out of her pocket, hoping it would be Rose. Seeing Ryuji's name on it made her frown in frustration but she still answered it. "Kat's speaking."
"Kat, something happened to Koto-chan," said Ryuji worriedly. Ryuji would only ever call her if there was an emergency. This had to be important.
"Alright, come and get here," said Kat.
Ryuji showed up at the apartment, a cold sweat covering his face. Bobby was with him too. "What happened to you?" asked Kat as Ryuji brushed past her with Bobby behind her. "Hey!"
Ryuji sat down and saw Neko staring at her phone. He frowned. Somehow he could tell something had happened to Kenzaki too. The same thing that'd happened to Kotonoha if his guest was right.
"So, what's going on?" asked Kat.
"Athena called me earlier," said Ryuji. "She said she couldn't sense Koto-chan." When that happened, Ryuji knew something was wrong. Long ago the same thing had happened to him. "I tried to call Koto-chan's phone and nobody answered." His eyes were screwed shut. He didn't want to think his girlfriend was in any danger but right now he wasn't sure what was going on.
Fear gripped Kat's heart and she dialed Rose's number. She placed it against her ear and after an entire minute of ringing, there was no answer. The former Cat Knight gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes. Something had happened to Rose too. "Damn it," she cursed.
"What?" Neko asked.
"Looks like someone kidnapped Rose, Kotonoha and Kenzaki," concluded Kat. That was the only logical explanation. She went for the door. "We gotta find them!"
Ryuji and Neko both agreed and took off after her, leaving Bobby in the apartment alone.
Rose was unceremoniously dumped on the floor. She was still unconscious and tied up in steel cable to make sure she wouldn't escape. As soon as she hit the floor, she started coming to. Opening her eyes, she could see Kenzaki and Kotonoha, in the same state as she was. "Kotonoha! Kenzaki!" she gasped.
"You too, huh?" remarked Kenzaki.
"What's going on!?" shouted Kotonoha.
The King Imagin walked out of the shadows, causing Kenzaki to narrow his eyes. He attempted to call upon his Imagin but couldn't get a connection. 'Something must be messing with the connection,' thought Kenzaki.
The King Imagin squatted down, petting Rose's head. She tried to move her head away but to no avail. "Now, you three should sit quietly and wait till I get my contract holder and then I'll be out of your hair. Be good now!" With a laugh the King Imagin leapt away.
"Should've known it was an Imagin that got the drop on us," growled Kenzaki, struggling against his bindings.
"It's no use," sighed Rose. "I've tried to cut through it too but these cables are tough."
"So, what do you suggest?" Kenzaki questioned. Rose narrowed her eyes.
"Wait to be rescued."
"Damn, now I'm the damsel in distress," huffed Kenzaki.
Kotonoha didn't have anything to fear. She had faith that Ryuji would come rescue her.
At the park after parking their bikes, Neko, Kat and Ryuji all knelt down around a map.
"OK, so far we haven't found them," said Neko.
"That was obvious," said Kat cynically. Her tone wasn't one Ryuji wanted to hear.
"Now's not the time, Kat," he told her.
"Excuse me, but I can't be cheerful when my girlfriend is in danger," said Kat seriously.
"Sarcastic remarks won't help either," Ryuji shot back.
"Stop fighting," urged Neko as she took off Gekiryuken and then lay the medallion down on the map of the city. "They must've taken them to the same place so right now all we need to do is put our hands on Gekiryuken so he can help find where they are.
"Are you sure this will work?" asked Ryuji doubtfully.
"It has helped find some bounties in the past," nodded Neko, placing her hand atop Gekiryuken.
"Whatever helps!" exclaimed Kat, placing her hand on Neko's. "Don't be shy, Ifrit!"
Rolling his eyes, Ryuji placed his hand atop hers. He would do anything to make sure his girlfriend was safe.
"OK, Geki-chan, do your thing," said Neko, "And you two. I want you two to focus your thoughts on the ones you want to find." Neko closed her eyes and Kat and Ryuji followed her example. They glowed and then so did Gekiryuken. He started to move around the map with their hands on top of him before he stopped at the location.
"There!" announced Gekiryuken. The three siblings opened their eyes and looked down at the map.
"OK!" Ryuji said as he stood up and ran to his bike. He pulled on his helmet and revved the engine before kicking off the stand. "Ikuze!"
"Hey, wait for me!" shouted Kat as she watched Ryuji race off. "Hey!" She soon dashed after him.
"Matte!" shouted Neko as she tidied up the map, put Gekiryuken back on, before getting on her own bike, putting on the helmet and driving after them. "Oi! Chotto matte! Ryuji-chan! Kat-neechan!"
The King Imagin returned with Hikari held in one of his arms. She was kicking and screaming bloody murder at the Imagin. Once it was back with its three captives, it dumped her on the ground.
"Ow!" Hikari moaned as she got up. Her eyes landed on the captives as she did so. "Huh? Kotonoha? Kenzaki? Rose?"
"Your wish," the King Imagin spoke as he gestured to the three.
"What?" Hikari gaped. She immediately rounded on the Imagin. "I didn't wish for this!"
"Your wish was and I quote: 'I wish I had people to love me just like them'," the King Imagin quoted. "And here you go. I delivered on my end. Now it is your turn."
Hikari cowered in and trembled as the Imagin came close. It then tapped her forehead and split her open, revealing the swirling green portal, "Ah, how lovely."
Suddenly, a trio of bikes crashed right through the warehouse's steel door. The three vehicles skidded to a halt, their tires screeching against the ground.
"Chotto matte, Imagin-teme!" the trio shouted together.
Kat, Neko and Ryuji had arrived where their significant others had been kidnapped. Using simple ki manipulation, a map and Gekiryuken they were able to find the warehouse. They had crashed right through the door on their bikes. When the trio got there, they found Rose, Kotonoha and Kenzaki tied up in thick metal cables. Hikari was there too and was opened up like a door, revealing a swirling green portal.
"Contract Complete!" the King Imagin announced as it was about to dart into the portal within Hikari.
"Don't think so, teme!" shouted Ryuji as he fired an ice beam but unfortunately for him he was too late and the King Imagin managed to fly through the portal. Hikari returned to normal and collapsed onto her knees. "Kuso," growled Ryuji.
The Hasumas dismounted from their rides, threw off their helmets and ran towards the hostages. Using Gekiryuken in his Keyblade form, Neko managed to cut them free. She then hugged Kenzaki, crying. Even Kat did the same and wrapped her arms tight around Rose. Ryuji was showing some restraint but even he couldn't resist pulling Kotonoha into his arms. The siblings were just glad that the ones they loved were safe.
"Koto-chan, are you hurt?" Ryuji asked.
"I'm fine," she told him. "The Imagin just grabbed me." Ryuji was unconvinced but he would check if she had any injuries later.
Rose was being fussed over by Kat, despite insisting that she was fine repeatedly. Kat just wanted to make sure her silver haired lover was alright and unharmed at all. "Kat, stop worrying. You came to my rescue so I'm fine."
"OK," Kat accepted but then her red eyes narrowed dangerously, "But that freak is gonna pay."
Neko and Kenzaki's reunion was a bit more passionate. She'd tackled him to the ground and kissed him senseless. After a minute they broke apart, cheeks flushed. "We're going to have a real long talk after this, Mister," she said with a smile. He just nodded dumbly.
"Did you just give me tongue?" he asked and she just smacked him. He wouldn't feel it but he knew the gesture was a playful one.
Ryuji held one of his tickets over Hikari's head and instantly the Imagin's image appeared on it with a date. It was February 14th 2006, the previous year's Valentine's Day. "Hey, Kat, Neko-nee, we have a train to catch."
"Hey, what about me?" asked Kenzaki.
"Sorry, Kenny," grinned Kat. "But this is family business. When that thing kidnapped you all it became personal."
"So, it will only be us," added Neko, clutching Gekiryuken tightly. Kenzaki wrapped his arms around Neko.
"Be safe," said Kenzaki.
The three Hasuma siblings then ran for the exit. They heard the trumpet, roar and bellow of the three DynoLiner cars before they boarded the vehicle towards the time printed on the ticket
February 14th 2006
Hikari stood in front of the shoe lockers. Her crush was about to show up so she didn't have any time to waste. She reached over to open the locker up when she witnessed sand falling off her.
"Huh?" she uttered as she watched the sand fall some more before it piled up and then reformed into the King Imagin. It turned around and grinned. Her eyes widened in shock and horror at the appearance of this monster.
"Hello again," the King Imagin said. Hikari screamed before she fainted. "Heh, I love it when they do that."
The King Imagin emerged from the junior high school where the students were yelling and running in terror. All it had to do was stand there and the students would freak. Sometimes getting a rise out of people was just that easy.
"If they think this is terror, then wait until I begin my mission," the King Imagin laughed.
Heading towards the streets, passersby began to grow panicked as they watched the monster come closer.
Before it could reach the sidewalk, a portal opened with a trumpet and two roars. The DynoLiner quickly followed before passing in front of the stoic Imagin. As it went past, Ifrit, Ryukendo, and CopyKat were found standing in its way.
"Let me tell you this from the start; I am pretty pissed off," announced Ifrit. His two sisters shared the sentiment.
"Heh, so you came to kill me, huh?" the King Imagin snorted. It reached behind its back before pulling out four scepters, each with one of the suit symbols as an ornament at the top. "Let's see you try!" Both sides then charged at each other, roaring loudly.
Ifrit threw a fist at the Imagin's head but it ducked and managed to backhand him. Both Ryukendo and CopyKat lunged at it with their weapons poised to strike but using its scepters, it fired at them with energy projectiles shaped like the card suits on his chest. They tumbled painfully along the ground from the attacks. Ifrit gritted his teeth and summoned his Ifrit Dao before charging at the Imagin.
Despite their numbers, the Imagin proved to be formidable opponent with its four arms. Ifrit tried to slash at it but got knocked backwards brutally by one of the scepters. Ryukendo and CopyKat tried to strike from the sides but were then blasted with energy projectiles. Sparks exploded off their armors, causing the girls to scream.
The King Imagin then pressed on its attack, slashing with the sharp heads of his scepters. The trio of Riders tried to fight back but theywere outmatched by this one Imagin.
The King Imagin gloated, "Is this the best you three can do? Hah! Pathetic! Now, kneel and bow down to me!"
"Kuso…" growled Ifrit as he pushed himself back to his feet.
"I won't lose," swore CopyKat.
"Me neither," added Ryukendo.
"Ojou-sama, get up!" urged Gekiryuken. He could see the Imagin preparing the killing blow. The suit symbols on its chest were glowing and so were the scepters. He aimed them at the three Riders and fired.
The projectiles flew through the air at the Riders and then exploded. The King Imagin expected to see three dead Riders once the smoke cleared but what he could see shocked him. They were unharmed and with a dome barrier surrounding them. "What!?" the King Imagin cried.
The dome faded and someone spoke, "When you mess with the Hasuma siblings, be prepared to take them all on." The three Riders saw a familiar face with braided red hair and green eyes, wearing a black jumpsuit with red gloves and boots. In his right hand was a red sword with a round hilt decorated by elaborate masks. Hanging from it was a keychain shaped like a bullet train.
"Ryuki!" exclaimed Ifrit.
"Ryu-chan!" gasped Ryukendo
"Otouto!" cried CopyKat.
Yes, it was none other than Ryuki Hasuma, who was also known as…Kamen Rider Draco.
"Henshin," called out Ryuki as he slid a card like Kat's inside his belt buckle. It then split open to reveal a golden dragon crest on a blue background.
First to form was a black bodysuit with red diamond patterns on the sides of his body, legs and sleeves. Then, his torso armor formed, which was white and red with broad shoulders and red headlights on the chest. Finally, the helmet formed with large red triangular eyes and silver spikes under them. The golden dragon emblem under his collar glowed as he gripped his Keyblade in his hand.
Now all four Hasuma siblings stood together as Kamen Riders.
The King Imagin sneered, "Four or four hundred, I shall still defeat you!"
"Let's see about that," said Draco. "Kyoudai! Ikuzo!"
"Hai!" CopyKat, Ryukendo and Ifrit responded with nods.
The four Hasumas then charged at the Imagin, brandishing their weapons. The Imagin roared and fired its energy projectiles but they just flew harmlessly past its targets and exploded. Its eyes widened as they came close and struck.
The first to strike was Ifrit who started to swipe away at the King Imagin, spilling sparks as he struck with his Ifrit Dao. He then used a back kick that connected with its chest, sending it staggering backwards. Ryukendo dashed past him and continued the assault with export swings of her own Keyblade, striking at vital points with the sharp edge of her sword. The Imagin cried out in anguish. She then switched to stabbing it repeatedly with Gekiryuken and then using a front kick to send it back.
CopyKat and Draco dropped down on it and swung down with their weapons. The Imagin raised up its scepters of block and they locked weapons. Draco and CopyKat continued to push down as the King Imagin tried to push them back. Suddenly, he was being bombarded by shots as Draco and CopyKat leapt away.
Ifrit was responsible and using his Sub-Zero Shooters to send the Imagin stumbling back with repeated shots. Seeing an opening, Ryukendo launched her attack.
"Ryuou…RAIMEI GIRI!" Her blade became electrified and with a swing of it she sent several lightning bolts surging towards the Imagin. They struck and it became electrocuted by the attack.
CopyKat twirled her axes around before crossing them in front of her. Putting one foot in front of the other, she bent her knees before she drew her arms back and then throwing them forward to toss her axes through the air. The edges of the blades gleamed as they spun through the air like spinning discs of death. The axes slashed at the Imagin repeatedly as they flew around him, cutting wounds open in its arms. The Imagin let out agonizing cries from the assault.
Ifrit and Ryukendo then jumped up into the air and executed a Double Rider Kick which sent the King Imagin sliding backwards.
"Now, to finish it! Hissatsu waza!" shouted Draco as he spun his turntable hilt. It did several rotations before finally stopping at the red mask which aligned with the blade. Both blade and masked shone brightly in red as energy tracks appeared under Draco's feet which led towards the Imagin. Gripping his weapon tightly in both hands and at his side, he rushed along the train tracks. The Imagin saw this but it was too late for it to do anything. It couldn't even escape seeing as Ifrit had frozen its feet to the ground.
"FULL THROTTLE BREAK-DENSHA GIRI!" shouted Draco as he performed a horizontal sword slash, unleashing a crimson energy blade which cut right through the King Imagin on contact. Draco sped past as the Imagin exploded before he screeched to a halt with the energy tracks fading.
"Yatta," said Draco as he hefted the Keyblade onto his shoulder. He turned to look at his brother and sisters, giving them a thumbs up gesture. "Good job."
Once the Riders returned back to the present, there was a huge celebration held at Kotonoha's house. It was a celebration to commemorate the reunion of the four Hasuma siblings. Ryuki, Ryuji, Kat, and Neko were in attendance with the significant others being with three of the four. Bobby and Cathy were leaning against each other while Kat remained snuggled with Rose. Neko never left contact with Kenzaki. Ryuji had his arm wrapped around Kotonoha's shoulders. Kokoro was enjoying getting a visit from her Ruji-niichan's brother and sisters. Loki was happy to serve snacks and beverages to the guests. Even Athena and Eros took the time to relax and have a little fun.
"Kampai!" the group toasted as they clinked their glasses together.
"So, otouto," Kat spoke up. "Just how the heck did you know we were in trouble?"
"Just a feeling," Ryuki shrugged. "I felt an upswing in emotion from the three of you. Siblings' bond and all. Knowing you don't get THAT emotional for no reason, I decided to see what was happening."
"Well, you came at the right time, Ryu-chan," Neko smiled. "We needed the backup."
"I could have come," Kenzaki sighed.
"Hey, it was family business," Ryuji snorted. "Hasumas only."
Kenzaki rolled his eyes and took a sip of his drink. He was just glad that Neko was alright and vice versa. Neko gave Kenzaki a nervous look before she whispered something into his ear, "Ken-kun, we need to talk in private."
Kenzaki silently nodded and they both walked away from the party and to someplace private. Nobody seemed to take notice that they had gone. He was just happy to have her back. She had just been so distant with him lately.
"So, tell me, Bobby-kun," began Ryuki, "How long have you and Cathy-chan been dating? And don't try to deny it. We all know it's true."
Bobby paled as Cathy blushed dark crimson.
Setsuna was currently working on her computer. She had been researching the Kamen Riders in her spare time and was discovering a bunch of things. Mostly it was about the Riders' abilities, but also about the odd new Rider that would pop up for a little while before vanishing again.
"Feb 14th 2006, a strange four armed monster attacks a junior high school," she read. "Strange armoured heroes stopped it."
A picture followed the headline, revealing four armored heroes standing around a four-armed monster. Three of the heroes she recognized. The fourth one was new.
"Strange," Setsuna pondered. "I don't remember finding this article yesterday."
So far, in her research about the Riders Setsuna had drawn up several theories about them, even if they sounded illogical, but even so how else could she explain their existence and their abilities?
The first theory was that they were aliens and so were these monsters and the Riders job was to eliminate these evil aliens.
The second theory was that the Riders were secret military group that were given the duty of killing these monsters.
Both seemed plausible but she hadn't found anything to support her theories. Also, the fact was that the Riders also used trains, which was strange. Why trains?
If she wanted answers, that would mean asking the Riders themselves, but could she really do that without repercussions?
For now, she would just observe and see where the Riders stood. Were they truly the protectors they were publicly seen as or did they have ulterior motives. Nobody did anything at this scale for no reason. The Riders were definitely a mystery Setsuna was determined to solve just so she could return to a more normal life.
Neko and Kenzaki stood in front of each other. Neko shuffled her feet on the floor as she played with her fingers. "Ano…Ken-kun?"
"Yeah," he responded.
"You've noticed that I've been acting strange lately, right?" she said. In fact he did but he wasn't going to say anything to agree with that, knowing how it would embarrass her. He did nod, instead.
"I really think we should talk about this," she said. "This has been put off for a pretty long time." She gulped, cheeks reddened.
'What does she mean?' Kenzaki thought.
"You see, my behavior as of late is actually because…because…" she hesitated and stammered. She couldn't say it but she had to. "It's because I've been having wet dreams."
Kenzaki blinked, "Say what?"
"I've been having very vivid, hot and sweaty wet dreams about you and me," she elaborated.
His eyes widened and he didn't know what to say as his jaw dropped.
"Baka!" she cried, "I've been having dreams about us having sex!"
That was a big bomb dropped on Kenzaki. Shaking his head, he decided to speak, "So, how long have you been having these dreams?"
"Once in a while but recently I've been having them a lot. Remember that day when you woke me up?"
"Oh, yeah," he said, rubbing the cheek she'd slapped.
"And remember when I walked into the control room in my bra and panties?" she blushed a little.
As much as he liked seeing her in little as possible, he knew this was serious. "It's a bit hard to forget that."
Blushing, she continued, "I asked Kat-neechan and she thinks that these dreams are a reflection of my repressed sexual urges."
"So, that's normal," said Kenzaki.
"Still, I don't know what to do!" she cried. "I don't want us to break up because of these dirty dreams!"
'Break up? She thinks I'm going to break up with her because of this?' Kenzaki thought. "Neko…Neko-chan," he began. "It's normal to have dreams like that, even at your age."
"Really?" she said, looking at him.
He rubbed the back of his head, "I've had…dreams like that. Fantasies too." This was a bit awkward for him to admit but if Neko was willing to bare her secrets, he should be able to do it too. "There's nothing wrong with you."
"I know, but does this mean we have to have sex?" she asked.
"No, it doesn't," Kenzaki asked. "Not if you're not ready."
"I don't know if I am or not anymore," Neko shook her head in confusion. "Are these dreams telling me I should go for it?"
Kenzaki did want to be intimate with Neko, to be one with her, but he didn't want to harm her by being selfish. He pulled her into an embrace and she gasped before closing her eyes in his warm embrace. "Those dreams are just a message. You're the one that interprets them. If you're ready, then you'll know. I'll never force you into something you don't think you're ready for."
"I want it to be special, Ken-kun."
"I know." He looked into her eyes. "I know."
"Ken-kun…"
"Neko-chan…"
The two then pressed their lips together in a passionate kiss, just holding onto each other like that.
"Smile!" announced Kat as she suddenly jumped in front of the couple with a camera phone.
Click!
"Oh, yeah, now that's a keeper!" she chuckled and then she called out, "Hey, everyone, wanna see Kenny and Neko smacking lips?"
Kenzaki growled, "Kat…" He then roared, "Give me that phone!" He lunged for her but she jumped out of the way before she ran off, laughing. "Come back here!" he shouted as he gave chase.
"You can't catch me, Kenny!" taunted Kat.
Neko sighed. With Kat around her tender moments with Kenzaki were going to be interrupted a lot. Still, she was happy. With a smile on her lips she went back to join the party.
ZK Chromedragozoid: Well, that's the chap. Next you're gonna see two new guest Riders and you wouldn't believe who they are.
The GaroLiner Hunters are a group of Multiversal bounty hunters who hunt down criminals with huge bounties on them. One of their bounties is that they never go after any small fish (Class-C and below) and only hunt after Class-B and above bounties. They are based in the GaroLiner. Originally, Kenzaki was the only Rider of this train, succeeding his adoptive father, the original Garoh. Then, Neko joined up and became his partner.
GaroLiner Hunters membership
Neko Hasuma/Kamen Rider Ryukendo
Bio: She is the co-owner of the GaroLiner and girlfriend of the owner, Kenzaki Tsukuba. She is the Yang half of Kat and possesses her memories and skills. She also possesses the ability to absorb the physical attributes of any material she touches but her main combat ability rests in her sword fighting skills. Like her brother, Ryuki, she also possesses a Keyblade which has a spirit sealed within in. Gekiryuken is her weapon, transformation device and partner, assuming the form of a medallion when not in use. Gekiryuken gives Neko advice. Though she is shown to be cheerful, she can never forget about the time when she and Kat had been whole and evil due to the influence of the Living Gate. She DOES love Kenzaki but she feels she is undeserving of it.
Kenzaki Tsukuba/Kamen Rider Garoh
Bio: He first appears to kill Neko but after receiving an explanation he becomes her friend and something more. 12 years prior in his own world Copycat showed up and killed his family and destroyed his world. He was then found by Gou Tsukuba (formerly Gou Fukami) who became his surrogate father. After Gou's death, Kenzaki inherited the GaroLiner and the title of Kamen Rider Garoh. At first he hated Neko but then he started to fall in love with her. This caused tension between himself, Neko and Rose. He and Neko become close and Neko too starts developing feelings for him. In the end they confess their feelings to each other and become a real couple. He has four Imagin partners named Okami, Buraki, Byakko and Raion who each help him assume different Rider forms and also can combine for Emperor Form. He also possesses an ultimate form called Lunar Form.
Kumiko Tsukuba
Bio: She is Kenzaki's adopted sister and the only person who can keep the Imagin in line aside from Kenzaki himself. Though she doesn't actively fight the Imagin, she provides a support role. She loves Neko like a sister and hates it when she sees Neko and Kenzaki having trouble with their relationship.
Shiori
Bio: She is the gynoid maid and waitress of the GaroLiner, cooking and serving food and drink to the residents of the train and any passengers they pick up. She doesn't serve much of a role aside from her initial one as Kenzaki's maid.