Ryunosuke Kazama, or Ryan to his friends, had always hated Hollows. They were the ones that had ruined it life and it'd started a long time ago. He'd been only a young boy living in a small village Soul Society when a Hollow who'd killed some of his friends took possession of his body. The Hollow wanted to use his body as a disguise so it could eat everyone else in his village.
Fortunately, Ryan had the ability to suppress the Hollow. He didn't know where this power had come from but he was grateful for it. However, he knew he couldn't go home anymore so he left Soul Society. That was when he was found by the other Vizards and given a home and a place to be accepted.
The Vizards had trained him in both the ways of the Shinigami and also how to utilize the powers of the Hollow within him. The first time had been disastrous but overtime he was able to overcome the Hollow's influence on him.
Due to the great power he possessed, an invisible seal was placed upon the spot where his Hollow hole emerged. Not only that, his Zanpakuto had to be split into 4 different Zanpakuto, each with unique names and forms. Due to his love of music they assumed the form of musical instruments.
Then he realized that his Vizard form was different from the rest. His body would be clad in black suit of body armor with chains extending from the seal and he wore a black mask that covered his entire head. The Hollow mask ended up on his forehead and the faceless mask was decorated with red facial markings and two horns.
Wanting to master this form, he left the Vizards and traveled the world. He then met with the Kamen Riders and joined them in their training, eventually becoming one of them and being given his own Rider name. He was from then on known as Kamen Rider Oni.
Of course, despite his love of music and his heart filled with justice, he would always hate Hollows and Arrancar. There was an exception but he hated the majority of the creatures that had cost him so much.
"THE EVIL COMETH"
Miyako hated being out of the loop. Ever since meeting Ryuji and finding out he was one of the Kamen Riders she'd always been kept within the loop. She knew the Riders' identities and promised to keep them a secret in exchange for any information she could use for an article. Now this had to happen and she had to find out from other sources…like YouTube for example.
"Why didn't you tell me you had other forms!" Miyako demanded as she sat in the living room with Ryuji and Kotonoha who were sitting across from her. "Do you know how frustrating it is to find out things like this from watching YouTube?"
"You spend way too much time on that site, you know that?" Ryuji pointed out but Miyako glared.
"Well, anyway, why didn't you tell me you had more forms?" asked Miyako. The world had gotten the scoop on him with the giant monster in Kyoto and now the new forms of Ifrit.
"I wanted to surprise you?" Ryuji used as an answer but Miyako wasn't buying it. She had been lied to before by lots of people in her life, so she knew when someone was trying to pull the wool over her eyes.
"You still don't trust me, do you?" Miyako accused.
"Serizawa-san, it's not that. Ryuji-kun doesn't trust you. It's only that he wanted to master his new belt first," defended Kotonoha.
"And that's another thing," Miyako said. "How did you get that new belt?"
"You mean this?" said Ryuji as he raised the Dyno Belt for her to inspect. "Let's just say it was a steal."
Miyako wondered what he meant by that and quirked an eyebrow. It didn't matter at the moment though. She had some very pressing questions. "Well, in any case, I want to know about all these new forms you got and some pictures, OK."
"Fine…" sighed Ryuji. He had been expecting this at the very least. It might get her off his back, for a little while anyway.
"Oh, and I also heard you were fighting a new monster today," said Miyako. Ryuji knew what she meant by that. He'd been battling an Arrancar. "Care to elaborate."
Ryuji was about to speak up when he felt two powerful Ki signatures. He identified the first one as the Arrancar's and the other one was someone familiar. "Ryan?"
"Huh?" Miyako blinked. "Who?"
"Gotta go!" Ryuji called before he made a dash for the door.
"Hey wait!" Miyako cried as she tried to follow. "My exclusive!" When she opened the door after him, he was gone. He'd taken the DynoLiner, much to her frustration. "Drat!" She then gave a sigh and turned towards Kotonoha. She knew she could get something useful from Ryuji's girlfriend. "Hey, Kotonoha-san, how about an interview?"
"Rend their flesh and devour their hearts…Tigre de la Muerte!"
As soon as those words escaped his mouth, Rojotigre assumed his released state. This just made Oni stare at him with even more hate as Rojotigre clicked his claws. The now armored Arrancar darted forward and slammed his fist into the red Oni's chest that sent him flying backwards. Oni did a flip through the air and landed on his feet.
"I suggest you leave me alone, now," demanded Rojotigre. Unfortunately, Oni would not obey. Oni decided, like the Arrancar, to take his power to the next level.
"Bankai!" Crimson Oni called out as he unleashed his full power. His musical instruments/weapons, flew into the air. He caught Kachidoki and the other instruments became energy that bonded with the tuning fork-like Zanpakuto. In place of the tuning fork was now a sword with a black blade that was trimmed in red with an oni skull-shaped guard. The blade was connected with the top of the skull and was curved slightly like a katana blade. The back of the skull also had a shorter blade that was aligned with the main blade, making the sword look like a pincer weapon.
Energy engulfed Oni has his body armor changed. It turned completely black but then gained red and gold gauntlets and boots along with matching torso armor with sharp shoulders. Red flaps of armor hung from his belt. His mask also changed, turning red on the upper half with two extra horns and the eyes becoming covered by a black visor.
He was now in his Bankai form known only as Armed Oni and his Zanpakuto was the Oni no Amudo Yaiba...Oni's true Zanpakuto.
Ryuji wasn't the only one who'd sensed the sudden rise in Reiatsu. Warren and his wife, Rachel, were both spiritually aware and could sense the two releases. Warren knew both of them well. One was Benitora/Rojotigre while the other was his teammate, Ryan/Oni. The only reason they'd be in their released states was because...they were fighting.
"Should've known this was going to happen," said Warren as he got up from the couch. "Rae, stay here and put a shield around the house. We don't know if the kids are spiritually aware yet, and something like this could be bad for them." Rachel stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Be careful," said Rachel as she planted a quick kiss on his lips.
"I always am, my dark angel," said Warren as he vanished.
Kenzaki and Neko both sensed the rise of Ki and knew that they had to act fast. This wasn't an Imagin. This was something else.
"Let's go," ordered Kenzaki.
"Hai, Ken-kun," nodded Neko.
Sparks flew as both Armed Oni's Zanpakuto and Rojotigre's claws clashed as they battled. Both were antithesis of each other. One was a Vizard while the other was an Arrancar. Both were Shinigami and Hollow hybrids on different sides of the spectrum. Maybe this was why this battle was meant to happen. Then again, outside interference was also the cause of this battle. Kat would experience the consequences, if she got caught for this of course.
Ryuji arrived to the scene via the DynoLiner and he could see the two powerful spiritual beings in battle. Not only that, he could see Hikari standing there, shell-shocked, as she was seeing this. She just couldn't believe all this was happening but indeed it was.
"Oi, Hikari!" shouted Ryuji and the girl spun around to see him approaching.
"Ryuji, what's going on!" she demanded to know. Could he give her an answer? Had she seen…? "I saw Benitora turn into that monster we saw fighting Ifrit and then I saw Ryan change into a Kamen Rider! What's happening?"
"Hikari, there are some things you are just not meant to know about," said Ryuji as he focused his eyes on the fight that was happening in the sky. After his talk with Kotonoha, he'd been deep in thought. It was true that Benitora and himself were a lot alike. To be honest, he hadn't been fair either and had attacked Benitora without getting to know him. Now, his friend Ryan was attacking the Arrancar so there had to be a good reason for it, right?
Not too far away, Neko and Kenzaki were running towards the scene after the GaroLiner had dropped them off. They could sense two powerful Ki signatures clashing and these were signatures they were familiar with. One was Oni while the other was the Arrancar whose name was Benitora.
"What do you think is going on, Ken-kun?" asked Neko.
"I don't know, but I don't like it," said Kenzaki.
"Still, for something to produce this much Ki…" began Gekiryuken before he paused. He'd sensed a spike of power.
"Let's go," said Kenzaki. They soon arrived to the spot where the battle was taking place and found Ryuji and Hikari there.
Oni pointed his hand at Rojotigre and began to charge up a Cero. However, Rojotigre used Sonido to get behind Oni, shooting a Bala blast right into his back. Back on the ground, the shadows next to Ryuji flickered as Warren arrived.
"Damn it," cursed Warren.
"Sensei?" blinked Hikari. "Where did you come from?'
Warren ignored her and walked up to Ryuji. He asked, "You know what's going on?"
"They're fighting," said Ryuji. "But…I'm not sure why."
"I thought you'd be glad that the Arrancar was getting what he deserved," said Warren snidely.
Ryuji looked ashamed and said, "I've had a lot to think about regarding how I treated him."
"I see…"
"Still, why is Ryan fighting him?" Ryuji asked with some degree of confusion.
"Think about it. Who's the one person from our group not here right now, despite the obvious spike in spiritual pressure?" asked Warren.
Ryuji's eyes widened before narrowing in suspicion. "You think Kat has something to do with this?" asked Ryuji.
"No, I know she did. There's a small trace of spiritual residue on Ryan that bears the same feel of Kat's spiritual pressure."
"But then why…?" Ryuji didn't need to ask. He realized the answer. He knew why. His sister hated losing and being humiliated in front of the whole school was definitely upsetting her and wounded her pride. She would try to get even with Rojotigre/Benitora for her humiliation. "She's trying to get even with him."
"Should've known she was involved somehow," said Kenzaki scornfully.
Neko wanted to say something in Kat's defense but even she could believe her dark twin would do this. Kat took her honor and pride seriously and by humiliating her, Benitora had incurred her wrath. She wanted to kill him, and what better way than to use a Vizard who could match an Arrancar's power?
Both Oni and Rojotigre jumped back and began charging Ceros to fire at each other. Oni was shocked when his arm was knocked upward. "Warren!" he shouted as he realized his fellow Rider had knocked his arm upward. Rojotigre took this as his chance and fired. However, Warren held out his hand and stopped the Cero blast before cancelling it out.
"This fight's done. You two are coming with me," said Warren.
"Warren, he's dangerous!" insisted Oni but then Warren placed two fingers against Oni's forehead.
"Dispel," Warren commanded and Oni's form shimmered before he turned back to his human form. Still floating in the air, Ryan blinked and clutched his head, groaning. "Ugh, what happened?"
Warren answered, "I'll explain later." He then turned his attention towards the Arrancar. "You might wanna reseal your power too," Warren advised Rojotigre. The Arrancar reluctantly obeyed and sealed his power back into his Zanpakuto which he hid. Now Benitora again, the three spiritual beings floated back down to Earth. Benitora looked towards Hikari who looked frightened and he turned his eyes away in shame.
Ryuji tapped Warren's shoulder and asked, "Should I erase her memories?"
"No," Warren shook his head. "However, I want you to talk to Kat."
"I'm on it," nodded Ryuji.
"We're coming too," Kenzaki volunteered himself along with Neko. "She's got some explaining to do."
"Yes, I want to know why she did this as well," said Neko.
"OK, you three can go and have a little chat with Kat," said Warren. He turned his eyes on Hikari. "And, Hikari-san?"
"Hai, Warren-sensei?" Hikari spoke.
"You're coming with me too. You want answers too, don't you?" asked Warren.
Hikari turned her eyes towards Benitora. She was slightly afraid of him but worried too. She wanted to know more about what was going on. What was Benitora? Who was he really? "I wish to know what's going on."
Warren smiled, "Very well then. I sure hope you didn't have a huge meal before this because this is going to be a bumpy ride." He snapped his fingers, causing Benitora, Ryan, Hikari and himself to vanish in a flash of darkness.
"Now, for your sister," said Kenzaki.
The GaroLiner raced towards the three Riders and picked them up before speeding away towards Kat's apartment.
Benitora, Ryan and Hikari all appeared in Warren's home along with him. Warren's kids, Tessa and Alex immediately noticed their "Uncle Ryan" and went to say hi to him. Ryan loved seeing the twins and patted their heads before turning towards Warren to ask him something.
"So, Warren, how did you know where to go, and how were you able to stop our attacks?" asked Ryan.
"It's no simple task to stop two Cero blasts before they are released," added Benitora.
"That's simple, Ryan. I stopped your attacks because I'm much stronger than both of you. And finding you was simple given the amount of spiritual energy you were releasing. If I couldn't find you and stop you, it'd embarrass my Squad."
"Your squad?" asked Benitora.
"Oh that's right, you two don't know, and I haven't told Ryan yet. I am currently Captain of Squad 9 of the Soul Society's Gotei 13," answered Warren.
Kat was presently at home relaxing. She had a pretty satisfying evening. By sending Oni to take care of Rojotigre, she would not need to dirty her hands. She could sense both Ki signatures clashing but then they'd just vanished. "What's going on?"
"Something the matter, Big Sis?" asked Bobby as he turned his eyes away from the TV to take notice of his partner's discomfort.
"Something's up and I don't like it," said Kat. "There was a knock at the door."
"Kat, can you get that?" asked Rose from the kitchen. "I have my hands full here."
"OK, honey," said Kat as she stood up and walked towards the door. She was about to reach for the knob when she froze. There were three familiar Ki signatures on the other side and one of them was angry. Should she open it? She didn't have to. The door unlocked itself and was thrown wide open when a fist collided with Kat's face and sent her flying into the apartment. She crashed into the wall, shocking Bobby, Rose, and Cathy who'd been taking a catnap. Kat slumped against the wall and snarled, wiping the blood off her broken lip as she looked to see Kenzaki standing at the entrance with Ryuji and Neko with him. Ryuji had opened the door with a spare key and Kenzaki had burst in, attacking Kat.
"You know that by attacking me you made a challenge," said Kat as a bruise was starting to form on her cheek.
"Well, you had it coming," responded Kenzaki, gripping his fists tightly.
"I can't imagine how you came to that conclusion," Kat frowned, holding her bruised cheek. This…was turning out bad for her.
"Don't play stupid. It doesn't suit you," Ryuji growled. "You set up Ryan to fight against Benitora."
"Don't bother lying, Onee-chan," Neko frowned. "Warren-san felt your Rinki signature against his Reiatsu. He knows it was you and he told us."
"Oh crap," Kat gulped. She didn't know that Warren had that little ability. Now she didn't think things were going wrong, she KNEW they were going wrong.
"Big Sis," Bobby grumbled. "Didn't you promise Rose you weren't going to pull stunts like that while we're here?"
"I seem to recall that too, Bobby," Rose frowned, tapping her foot on the floor. "Kat, you promised that we'd be relatively normal here. Picking a fight with the Arrancar is one thing when you and Ryuji thought he was a threat. But to manipulate people to fight him for you?"
"Hey, Slade-sama did it all the time!" Kat whined.
"That's in our home world! Not here!" Rose snapped. "That's it, no nookie for a week!"
"AH! Rosie-chan!" Kat cried.
"Do you wanna try for two?" Rose frowned.
"Mama's in trouble," Cathy giggled.
Kat growled and glared towards Kenzaki. 'You'll get yours, Kenny. Oh, you'll get yours for sure.'
"I could take you in, you know?" reminded Kenzaki. "You still have a bounty on your head. It's not high but I can make an exception."
"And you, Neko-chan?" asked Kat. "Do you agree that I should be punished?"
Neko looked to her toes and clenched her fists. She gave a weak nod.
"I see," sighed Kat before letting out a weak chuckled, "Even my own family turns against me. Well, it's expected. I am the black sheep."
"Kat-neechan, I don't mean…" Neko tried to explain herself but her voice got caught in her throat by the red-eyed gaze Kat was giving her. "Please, promise you won't be causing any trouble. Swear on your honor." Neko knew that Kat took her honor seriously. That was the only way to control her.
"Sorry, but I can't do that," Kat objected. "You see, chaos is fun. When I cause trouble I cause chaos. It gets boring without chaos, don't you think?"
"Alright, that's it," said Kenzaki as he got out a pair of handcuffs. "I'm placing you under arrest!"
"Just try it!" Kat snapped as her Rinki flared from her body, taking shape of a lioness around her. Kenzaki's Geki also took shape, forming into a wolf. "Try it and I'm going to smear your blood all over these walls."
"Nee-chan! Ken-kun! Yamette kudasai!" Neko shouted. She didn't want her sister and boyfriend to fight.
"Kat, STOP!" shouted Rose.
Kat closed her eyes and allowed her Rinki to fade as Kenzaki did the same. "Fine…but don't expect me not to cause trouble. It's in my nature. I am what I am."
"Well, I'll be there to stop you," swore Kenzaki.
"We shall see," Kat smirked sinisterly. Kenzaki hated that look. It was the same face that had killed his family. The red eyes gleamed darkly.
"Let's go," ordered Kenzaki. "I can't stomach looking at her face anymore."
"Which is ironic since Neko-chan and I share the same face," quipped Kat. Kenzaki ignored her and walked out the door with Neko following after him. Neko glanced at her sister briefly before exiting with Kenzaki. "Cheh, bleeding hearts." She noticed that Ryuji was still there. "Why are you still here?"
"I'm not done with you yet," growled Ryuji.
"I'm surprised you're here at all," Kat shot back. "I mean I thought you wanted that Arrancar dead as much as I do."
"I've been doing a lot of thinking. Killing him now without a good reason would be unfair," said Ryuji. "Sides, while my reasons were noble, your reasons were selfish. You just wanted to get even with him."
"So what if I'm selfish! You want a reason! He humiliated us! He's also a risk to everyone!" Kat screamed.
"The same as us," Ryuji rebutted. "We've been to the dark side before."
Kat argued, "Still, you can't deny he's possibly an even bigger threat than us."
"I know, but I think it's only fair that we treat him as innocent until proven guilty," said Ryuji.
"You've changed," said Kat.
"We've all changed. It's all part of growing up," he said.
"Well, all I know is that the old you wouldn't hesitate to kill."
"I'm not a murderer anymore, Kat. That's not who I am."
Kat snorted, "Obviously."
"And this is also about you manipulating my teammate," said Ryuji. "That was uncalled for."
"Whatever it takes," said Kat. "That's what Slade-sama taught us."
"Well, then I guess I'm a deviant," Ryuji crossed his arms. "Next time, don't try and manipulate my friends again. Good night." He turned towards the door and walked out, slamming the door close behind him after exiting the apartment. Kat watched him leave. Her nails had dug into her palms and they were bleeding but she ignored them.
Hikari was feeling a little shell-shocked at what she was hearing so far. From what she understood, there were actual Shinigami and ghosts that existed in the world. Spirits who were new or had been dead for a little while were called Wholes and acted like they did in life, only they were dead. The other ones were called Hollows, spirits who had been on Earth for so long that they lost their hearts or had been eaten by other Hollows.
Benitora used to be a Hollow until he managed to gain the powers of a Shinigami and removed almost all of his mask. The only part left was the bottom jaw she had thought to be a necklace. She also saw his hole and it broke her heart to hear how he had lost his heart so long ago.
Ryan was the opposite. He had started off as a Shinigami, but gained the powers of a Hollow with a mask to go with it. It was a little weird, but she could deal with that.
"I am…stunned," Hikari blinked. She and the others were in Warren's home where he explained the situation.
"I know," Warren nodded. "It's a lot to take in."
"So, Benitora-kun is an Arrancar and is an…Espada?" Hikari asked uncertainly.
"Former fifth," Benitora nodded sadly. "It means I was the fifth strongest in the organization."
"Oh, and Warren-sensei is one of the…Gotei 13?" Hikari continued.
"Hey, even death gods need to get organized," Warren chuckled. "How would they keep track of all the people who died?"
Hikari's eyes were on Benitora who refused to look back at her. It broke her heart to see him like this. She could not imagine how he must've suffered and how long he'd suffered like this. Did he even remember who he had been when he used to be human?
"I think these two need some time alone," Warren commented.
"Right," Ryan nodded before both men left the room. The only ones who were left were Hikari and Benitora.
Benitora was silent for a little while before he looked up to Hikari. She was waiting patiently for him to say something, but he didn't know what to say. Well, if all else failed, he would have to apologize.
"I'm sorry…for lying to you," he spoke.
"I'm fine with that," Hikari answered. "I don't think I would have believed it if you didn't tell me and prove it."
"Yes. I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't want to see me anymore," Benitora nodded.
"No!" Hikari gasped. "I still like you, Benitora-kun! I really do! So what if you're some kind of ghost man or something? You sure feel real enough to me!"
Benitora nodded, but then stood up and opened his shirt. Hikari's eyes landed on the hole where his heart should have been and the jaw of his old mask resting near his collarbone.
"My heart is hollow, Hikari-han," Benitora sighed. "I know I like being around you, but this emptiness is so deep. I have forgotten how to feel. I know these feelings are good, but I can't tell what they are."
Hikari almost began to cry at hearing that. What a horrible way to live. Stepping forward, she let her left hand rest against his chest and mask fragment before she gently slipped her hand inside of the hole. It didn't feel wet or cold, but it did feel empty.
"Hikari-han!" Benitora gasped.
"Now I am in your heart," Hikari spoke softly. "Can you feel it?"
"Yes. Strongly," Benitora nodded.
"So, what's the verdict?" asked Warren.
"I think you have more authority over that than me," stated Ryan.
"Yes, but I want to hear your opinion," said Warren.
Ryan sighed. "The last time I met an Arrancar that was good was when I met Tazuka. Let's just say it made me rethink my opinion on Hollows."
"But not enough to accept them, I suppose," Warren added.
"It's hard," admitted Ryan. He placed a hand to his chest. "I feel it sometimes, trying to get free. I may have suppressed it with training myself and dividing my power but that thing is still inside, reminding me of what I am. I am neither Shinigami nor Hollow and yet I am also both."
"I guess Benitora and you can relate on that," said Warren.
"I guess, but still, I just can't get over one thing."
"It's about Kat hypnotizing you?" questioned Warren.
Ryan nodded. "Exactly. I let my guard down for a second and she used me like a puppet. It's like, despite being on our side, she also has her own agenda. Sometimes she's working with us and other times she's working against us."
Warren had to agree with that. He knew that Kat was focused on other things when in class. She was, by nature, a villain and unlike Ryuji never thought of changing who she was or deceiving herself. She would always be bad and would try to stir up some chaos when things got boring for her. Chaos, to her, was the epitome of fun and she felt great pleasure at causing chaos whenever she went. The only reason she fought GIN-SHOCKER was because they'd tried to harm her family. Kat valued her family most of all so that meant she still had some good in her. It wasn't much but it's a start.
"Still," Ryan continued. "I still think we should keep an eye on him. If he's on the run then we should expect some trouble."
"Keep our eyes peeled, right?"
"Right."
Back at the Katsura residence, things were tense. Kenzaki and Neko had invited themselves inside. Kenzaki was still mulling over Kat. In his opinion she was more trouble than she was worth. Sure, she was a Kamen Rider but that in name only.
Ryuji and Neko were just as upset. While Ryuji had changed, Kat was still the same as before. Neko too wasn't sure what to think of her sister. She thought that Kat might've changed for the better but clearly she hadn't. The first clue was the merciless way she'd dispatch the Imagin and then the Catgirl Incident when she'd temporarily brainwashed everyone and turned them into catgirls. Neko herself had been a victim but was able to shake off the brainwashing bit after several minutes.
The question was; could Kat be trusted? That was a little hard to answer. She had a code of honor but it was warped. It mostly benefited her. Her word was her bond but even so she could twist her words around and find loopholes so she could be as bad as she wanted. Was she good? Sometimes. Was she evil? That was most of the time. Clearly, Kat was ambiguous but what everyone agreed upon was that Kat enjoyed causing trouble and stirring up chaos. She hated feeling bored and would do anything to get rid of the feeling. When she was bored, she was dangerous.
"Ken-kun, were you serious about locking her up?" asked Neko.
"She has a bounty on her head. It's lower than what we usually go after but for her I'll make an exception," answered Kenzaki with a grunt.
"Well, I sure hope she learns her lesson soon," said Ryuji. However, he doubted that. Kat would be peaceful for a certain period of time but that was when she plotted and schemed. After that chaos would erupt with her in the centre.
"I don't think she's going to start something," said Neko.
"You saw the look on her face. She was unremorseful," Kenzaki reminded. "She didn't care if anyone got hurt."
"I can't believe that…" Neko shook her head in denial. She wanted to believe Kat was good but recent events had made her doubt her own sister.
"Well, let's hope she doesn't try anything," said Ryuji. He wasn't going to get involved with Kat on another crazy caper. Last time he did he had to face Kotonoha's wrath and the consequences. He wasn't ready or keen on experiencing that again. Once was too much already.
"In any case, it's best we keep an eye on her," said Kenzaki. "I know Rose can keep her on a leash but that leash is gonna break and then we have to gun her down." Neko wasn't sure if he was being literal or not. "I'm not even going to be surprised if she tries to resurrect the Rinshi."
"The what?" Ryuji questioned.
"Zombie foot soldiers the RinJyuKen Akugata used a while back," clarified Kenzaki.
"Would she really go that far?" Ryuji asked.
"Knowing her, she would," nodded Kenzaki.
"I guess you're right about that," agreed Ryuji. He knew his dark sister would attempt such a thing. GIN-SHOCKER had foot soldiers of its own so she would resurrect these Rinshi to even the playing field.
"Then there's that Arrancar," spoke Neko. She wasn't interested in the conversation which spoke ill of her sister anymore.
"Yeah, what are we going to do with him?" asked Kenzaki. He knew Arrancar could be dangerous if left unattended.
Ryuji surprised both of them, "Let's leave him alone."
Kenzaki stared, "Weren't you the most gung-ho about taking him out?"
"I was, but let's just say I did some thinking and well…he and I aren't so different. I mean, we're monsters trying to act human. In a way, he and I are alike. We want to live our lives and not be reminded that we're not human."
"Wow, that's deep," stated Kenzaki, surprised by such an insight.
"I had help," said Ryuji as he glanced at Kotonoha.
Several days had passed since then and both Benitora and Hikari had grown close after getting to know each other better. She now knew who he truly was but wasn't afraid. She did, however, want to see his Zanpakuto and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Still, she had to keep this a secret from her friends, even her best friend Nanami. She was still pretty much in the dark of the identities of the Kamen Riders but was aware that Warren had special abilities and that Ryuji, Kenzaki and Neko were more involved than they were willing to share. They had been there and knew what was going on. She didn't know how big a secret it was, though.
Benitora had become part of the circle of friends both Ryuji and Kotonoha were in. though Ryuji was still wary of Benitora, he was going to give him the same chance he'd been given and give him the benefit of the doubt. Race and species didn't determine alignment.
As for Kat, she wasn't entirely welcomed since she tried to manipulate Ryan, who'd gone home since that night. She was tolerated but the other Riders kept their eye on her. They knew it was only a matter of time before she pulled something like this again. Once she got bored, chaos would begin. That was the obvious pattern.
It was Saturday and the girls decided to go hangout in town. While walking the street with the girls, Kotonoha caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of her eye. "Ryuji-kun?" She turned around check and saw that the person had gone. 'Was it my imagination?' Her thoughts were interrupted by a car horn and she quickly rejoined her friends.
Miyako tossed the newspaper in front of Ryuji after inviting him to Radish.
"What's this?" asked Ryuji.
"I was hoping you can tell me. You're the expert on weird," Miyako said.
Ryuji picked up the paper. It read "MYSTERIOUS MURDERS. VICTIMS TURNED TO DUST. IS IT AN EPIDEMIC OR SOMETHING WORSE?"
"Do you know something about this?" asked Miyako.
Ryuji continued to read it. People had been dying mysteriously and their bodies had turned to dust. The only thing that remained was clothes and grey ash. This made Ryuji tremble. He knew this scene all too well. "Orphenoch," he murmured.
"Huh?" blinked Miyako.
Ryuji clenched the paper, rumpling it up, before letting it go. He then stood up and stormed out of the restaurant. She blinked in confusion. "What was that about?"
Ryuji returned home later to find Kotonoha waiting for him. "Ryuji-kun, okaeri-nasai," she welcomed him. He didn't say a word and went up the stairs.
"What's wrong with Ryuji-niichan?" asked Kokoro.
"I don't know," Kotonoha shook her head. She was going to find out, though. She hated it when Ryuji kept secrets from her. She wanted him to trust her more.
Ryuji lay on his back, in bed, as he stared at his hands. How come people were dying like an Orphenoch had attacked them? Was it possible that he was the one doing it? How come he didn't remember? Was he going out of control? That newspaper headline had brought back horrible memories. He never wanted to think back on those days again and yet when he read the article he could see himself as the murderer…the monster.
"What's going on?" Ryuji asked himself. He heard a knock at the door. "Come in, it's open." The door creaked open and Ryuji turned his head over to see that it was his girlfriend. "Koto-chan?"
"I became worried. You ran up here without a word and you looked upset. Want to talk about it?" she asked.
"No, I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive," he gave a strained smile. She didn't look convinced and didn't want to leave him alone if he needed her.
"Ryuji, were you in town today?" asked Kotonoha.
"I was in Radish with Serizawa but that was about it," said Ryuji.
"Oh, so you weren't near the mall then?" she asked.
"No." He sat up. "What is this about?" Was it an interrogation?
"It's nothing. I just thought I saw you." This made Ryuji freeze. She continued, "But maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me."
"I guess it could be," he said to her, though he was feeling guilty about lying to her.
"When it's dinner time I'll come get you. You just relax, okay?" she smiled before exiting the room.
Ryuji looked up at the ceiling.
Both Kenzaki and Neko had read the paper and were stunned. Could an Imagin have done this? Or…
"Orphenoch," said Neko.
"You mean that thing your brother turns into?" asked Kenzaki. Neko nodded.
"This is the same scene I saw a few years back when an Orphenoch was on a rampage," stated Neko. "It's the same."
"So, you really think an Orphenoch is involved?" he asked.
"If an Orphenoch is doing this, that would mean…" she shut her eyes. "Oh no. I don't want to think that…that Ryuji…"
"You think it's Ryuji?" questioned Kenzaki.
"There aren't people here with the Orphenoch gene aside from him. That's the only conclusion," said Neko, sadly.
"But do you really believe he's capable of doing this?"
"I don't know what to believe but if he is responsible…" She didn't want to believe it. She knew what it would lead and she didn't want it to come to that.
"Let's do some investigating first before jumping to conclusion," advised Kenzaki.
"A good idea. If we attack Ryuji-sama without proof then it would go horribly wrong," Gekiryuken agreed.
"But we have to also be prepared for the worst. He may turn on us and you know what we have to do," continued Kenzaki.
"I know," understood Neko.
Neko just hoped Ryuji hadn't lost control for good. If he had then they would have to…they would have to…
…Kill him.
Warren had too read the newspaper and was thinking along the same lines as the Hunters. This was definitely an Orphenoch. After being friends with Ryuki, Mortuary and Ryuji for so long he'd learnt about Orphenochs and how they killed. People turning into dust/ash were definitely the MO of an Orphenoch. It could be an Imagin with a similar MO but still...the biggest possibility was that Ryuji had lost himself.
He wasn't going to let that happen to a friend. Not again. He was going to save Ryuji, even if it killed him.
"Looks like someone's been busy," frowned Kat after reading the paper. It was on the news on TV too. Several restaurants had been closed down by the police because they were crime scenes and were under investigation. All the victims had turn to dust/ash. Kat knew an Orphenoch was responsible and she knew only one Orphenoch lived in this world. "Looks like someone can't control his violent impulses."
"You don't think your brother is responsible, do you?" asked Rose.
"I don't know what to think but who else could it be? Only an Orphenoch could do this," said Kat. "And the only Orphenoch I know is the one whom lent us this place."
"How about an Imagin?" suggested Rose. "One with cremation powers."
"I don't think so. Ryuji-chan's watch would've gone off if it was one of those sand freaks. This has Orphenoch written all over it."
"So, what will you do?"
"Whatever it takes to protect my family," said Kat with pure conviction. Her entire fist was covered in Rinki. "Just like how Slade-sama taught me. Do whatever it takes to achieve your goals."
Kotonoha wasn't sure what was upsetting Ryuji since he wouldn't talk about it at dinner that night. It depressed her, really. She hated it when he couldn't trust her to talk about his problems.
The next day, early morning, she was taking a morning jog. It was in the training schedule she'd been given. It was meant to increase her stamina. As she jogged by a playground, she saw someone sitting at the swing set. She could also hear wonderful music coming from the person who was playing a harmonica. Curiosity got the best of her so she walked over to see who it was.
To her surprise, he looked just like Ryuji! The only differences she could find were his pale skin and silver hair. He has his eyes closed as he played. He also wore a pitch black coat with matching slacks, gloves and boots. When he sensed her presence, he looked towards her, revealing that his eyes were blood red. Was he an albino? "What?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized. "I just heard you playing and when I saw you I was reminded of someone I know."
The man, who couldn't be any older than 18 judging by his youthful appearance, smiled, "I bet this person is very good looking."
"He is," confessed Kotonoha. "I'm Kotonoha Katsura. Nice to meet you."
"Call me Ryuga," the silver-haired man introduced himself. "Why not take a seat?" he offered, gesturing towards the other swing.
She sat down and asked, "What's song is that? It was beautiful."
"Someone I cared for long ago taught it to me," said Ryuga. He gazed down at the harmonica. "She was even the one who picked out this harmonica."
"She?" asked Kotonoha.
"Yes, the one woman I would ever love. She's gone now," Ryuga looked to the ground sadly. "I barely have anything to remember her by and all I have left is her fading image in my mind and this harmonica as well as this son. I play it so I never forget."
"You must've really loved her," said Kotonoha.
"I gave all my heart to her, which she took to the grave," he said. "So, you have someone special?"
"Yes," Kotonoha blushed. She shouldn't be talking about this to a total stranger but she felt comfortable around Ryuga. It was the same feeling she had when with Ryuga. "A boy that I really love."
"The one I remind you of?" Ryuga asked with a gleam in his crimson eyes. "Tell me more…"
"She's late," Ryuji said checking her watch. "And she's not answering her cell."
"Oh, don't get so worked up, Ryuji," said Loki. "She has protection."
"Athena couldn't do much before," Ryuji reminded. He remembered the incident with the King and Shogun Imagin. Even with Athena's so-called protection, she still was endangered.
"I don't like your tone of voice, male," growled Athena. The door opened up and Kotonoha entered. "And here she is."
"Tadaima!" Kotonoha greeted.
"Okaeri," greeted Loki.
"Where were you? You're two hours late from your jog," said Ryuji. He was just about to go look for her.
"Gomen. I lost track of time," Kotonoha apologized.
Ryuji's expression softened. "Just…don't scare me like that again," said Ryuji. He hugged her. "I was worried."
"I promise," said Kotonoha as she hugged him back. The only reason she'd been late was because of an interesting conversation she'd had with her new friend Ryuga. He just seemed so mature and wise. She just couldn't tear herself away. Of course, he did seem strangely familiar and it wasn't just his near resemblance to Ryuji and Ryuki. Where had she seen him before and why was his name so familiar?
He had done this several times already. He'd eaten at several restaurants for free and when demanded to pay he killed everyone that was present. Strangely, he let the children live. Maybe he had a soft spot for them or his sadistic tendencies wanted them to suffer more.
He'd hit a takoyaki stand and had killed the guy who'd given him the stuff.
Then, he went for sushi and killed the customers along with the guy making the sushi as well as anyone else who saw him.
Even a local fast food place wasn't let off.
The death toll kept rising every minute.
In the next few days, these mysterious murders were the talk of the school. Nobody knew who was responsible and the students suspected that it was another monster. A few knew what was responsible thought and suspected him.
There was also some gossip.
"Are you sure?" asked Sekai.
"I did. I was walking by a playground yesterday morning and saw her talking to a guy and it wasn't Ryuji," said Nanami.
"But Kotonoha? She wouldn't cheat on Ryuji," said Sekai.
"Hey, all I saw was that she was being friendly with some guy," shrugged Nanami. "It could mean anything."
"Ryuga. Ryuga Hasuma. I'm pleased to meet you," the new kid introduced himself.
Class 3-4 had just received a new student. He wore the standard boy's uniform neatly and as soon as the girls saw him, they had hearts in their eyes while the boys glared at him scornfully. He had long and silver hair that hung down his back in a braid but the most incredibly feature he had were his crimson eyes.
"Hey, are you related to Ryuji Hasuma?" one star struck girl asked.
"Oh, you might say we're practically brothers," Ryuga smiled. Of course, that smile hid his malicious intent. These students didn't know how lucky they were that Ryuga was in a good mood. Once he got angry he would kill them all without any hesitation or remorse.
Kotonoha wasn't sure what was going on but she sure didn't like it. She was being interrogated by Hikari, Nanami and Sekai and the subject was her secret meetings with a boy. She gasped at the accusation. "I would never see another boy behind my Ryuji-kun's back!"
"Hikari saw you talking to some guy with long silver hair," Sekai pointed out. "So, out with it. Who is he and what are you doing with him?"
Kotonoha gripped her fists. How dare they try and pry into her private life? She locked her angry eyes on Sekai.
"I don't need to tell you anything," said Kotonoha, suddenly turning cold. "And don't you dare accuse me of cheating, Sekai-san." Sekai was taken aback. "After all, you stole Makoto-kun from me." Sekai was stunned by the accusation, which was true, but Kotonoha had forgiven her. "Don't ever accuse me of cheating on Ryuji-kun. Goodbye" She then went and left. She'd never felt so insulted in her life. Nanami and Hikari stared at their quiet friend who just watched as Kotonoha left.
"Woah," Hikari blinked. She'd never seen Kotonoha so mad before. It was scary.
"I was half expecting her to draw her dozuki on you," stated Nanami, having heard the rumors.
Sekai's hand absently went to her neck and she gulped. The feeling of cold serrated steel against her jugular was not one she was looking forward to.
"OK, how many does that make?" asked Kenzaki as the mystery murders once again ended up on the front page of the newspaper. The death toll had escalated. He was with Neko in an empty classroom.
"A whole lot of dead people because of an Orphenoch," said Neko. "But, it does say that only the children survived." That was what the newspaper said, "Unfortunately, those kids are in shock."
"Can you blame them? They saw people dying right before their eyes," said Kenzaki, "Killed by an Orphenoch, no less."
"Still, to say that Ryuji-chan did this is just…he would never…" Neko tried to deny.
"He has lost control of his Orphenoch side," Kenzaki reminded. "Maybe it just manifests when he least expects it. Maybe he doesn't know it's even happening."
"What should we do?" asked Neko worriedly. She knew the answer.
"If we have to, we may have to kill your brother," said Kenzaki.
"I don't think there's a need for that," said Warren as he came in with Vash, Kat and Rachel.
"How so?" asked Kenzaki with a quirked eyebrow.
"Well, I was able to acquire this bit of video," said Kat as she showed them her digital camera. "You might be interested. It's from a surveillance camera that survived." She put it down on the desk and turned up the screen so everyone could see. "Now, take a look."
What the screen showed was gruesome and completely horrendous as people fell to the floor, their bodies disintegrating to dust. It started with the staff of the restaurant, followed by the customers. The one responsible just sat in his chair, eating out of a bowl of ramen. He looked normal enough...if you count the spike tipped tentacles that were coming out of his back, normal. They had struck the customers in the hearts before withdrawing.
"That's the Orphenoch," Neko realized.
"But why does he look so familiar?" asked Warren, blinking.
"Oh, he has to look familiar," said Kat. "It's…"
Ryuga's Ki senses were pointing him to a source of familiar and malevolent Ki. It was when he hoped to never sense. It was one he didn't want to remember. It reminded him of a dark future.
"Greetings," Ryuji heard and he froze.
'That voice…' Ryuji shivered.
As soon as Ryuji saw that hated face in the hallways, he went off like a rocket. He was so enraged when he saw him once more, the face of the true monster.
"What the hell are you doing here!" demanded Ryuji as he reached into his pocket for his pass. His silver haired and red eyed double was standing just five feet away from him.
Ryuga, however, answered in English, "Are you sure you really want to do what here with all these students present?" Ryuji gritted his teeth. Both he and Ryuga were standing in the middle of the hallway. "One wrong move and they'll all be dead," warned Ryuga. Ryuji knew he wasn't bluffing. Ryuga was capable of ruthless murder without hesitating for a second.
Ryuji forced himself to relax and spoke in English, "What are you doing in this school, Ryuga?"
"Oh, I was bored," Ryuga said with a smirk, "And seeing as you went to school here I just thought I should enroll here. Getting the paperwork done was easy and the young man who owned this uniform didn't argue when he gave it to me." Ryuji knew the underlying meaning. Ryuga had killed the original owner of the uniform.
"We'll stop you," swore Ryuji. "One way or another we'll stop you."
"Just like you tried to stop me before?" taunted Ryuga. "Even with all your powers combined you cannot hope to beat me, the Orphenoch King."
"Ryuki did it before," remarked Ryuji. Ryuga's red eyes narrowed. "So it can be done."
Ryuga's lips curled into a cruel smirk, "By the way, you got great taste in women. As much as I adored Jinx she was lacking in the breasts department." Ryuji knew who Ryuga was talking about and the temperature fell.
"You stay away from her…"
"Or what? You'll beat me up?" scoffed Ryuga. He boasted, "You'll hardly make a mark on me, even with those trains." He then walked past Ryuji and gave him a message, "Try and get strong really quick to beat me. I don't know how long I can keep myself from killing again. Maybe I'll start with this place." Ryuga laughed as he walked off. Ryuji gripped his fists tightly, hating how Ryuga made him feel helpless and powerless.
"The Orphenoch King!"
That was the general reaction from everyone else once Kat identified the person on the tape.
"The same bastard who came from the future? The one Ryuki told us about? Hell, yeah!" Kat confirmed. Ryuki had told her the story and well she herself had remembered that alternate timeline as well even after Libra had it taken care of. "Red eyes, silver hair, with tentacles flying out of his back that turn people into dust? No doubt about it."
"But Ryu-chan also said that he killed the Future Orphenoch King," said Neko in shock and confusion. "How can he be here?"
"That's what we're going to find out," said Kenzaki.
"Be careful. Ryuki once told me how powerful this guy could be. Don't engage him alone," Warren warned. He knew that if need be he could fight him, but he had resigned himself to being an observer for the other Riders. This was because he'd need to keep a tight rein on his powers. If his powers were to flare out of control, he could wipe out this entire universe. As such, he now had several seals placed on his powers, ranging from Level 10 to Level 0.
The door was thrown open as Ryuji marched into the classroom. He saw everyone assembled and said, "Guys, we got a problem."
"Oh, before you say anything, we wish to apologize for suspecting you of killing people," said Neko bluntly.
"You suspected me?" Ryuji blinked before remembering what he'd come to tell them, "Ryuga's here, in the school."
That got an immediate reaction.
"NANI!" Kat and Neko shouted in shock.
"Yes, I reacted like that too," Ryuji said plainly.
Kotonoha was going to meet with Ryuji when she bumped into a familiar face. "Ryuga-san!" she smiled. "What are you doing here?"
"Just transferred as a new student," Ryuga stated.
"Well, that's good. Sorry, but I got to run."
"Hey, Kotonoha-san," the silver-haired boy smiled. "Mind if we talked for a bit?"
"Oh, I would, but I'm going to meet my boyfriend," said Kotonoha.
"It won't be long. Just give me 5 minutes," requested Ryuga. "What's the harm?"
"Oh, alright," Kotonoha accepted. "Just 5 minutes."
"Excellent," Ryuga smiled.
In class, Ryuji noticed that Kotonoha wasn't present. It wasn't like her to miss class like this. He tried calling her but she wasn't answering his calls. Something was wrong. Maybe he should go look for her. Still, seeing Ryuga in the school was worrisome. He hadn't been able to tell Kotonoha about this guy and he was worried if she would get hurt. Ryuga was probably responsible for all those murders. It was his style. He just hoped Kotonoha didn't get too involved than she should.
She came into class late, much to Ryuji's relief, but she was acting a little weird. Oh, she didn't seem like it but he knew something was off with her aura. "Koto-chan, where were you?" he whispered. "You're late."
"I lost track of time," she said to him. "Gomen."
"Well, please leave your phone on. I tried calling and you didn't pick up."
"Gomen."
"It's alright."
Kotonoha had some business to take care of after school so she sent Ryuji home without any other reason. She said she would be home a little later than expected and didn't want him to wait. He insisted on waiting, however, but she told him to go home and wait for her.
"I have Athena with me," Kotonoha said. "I'll be fine."
"If you're sure," he said. Despite the Amazon Imagin's presence, he still had reason to feel concerned.
"I'm sure," she smiled reassuringly. "Now, get going."
"OK," Ryuji nodded before leaning in for a kiss. She stopped him with two fingers. "Huh?" he blinked.
"At home, later," she told him.
"OK, and be careful," he advised. "Call me if you need me."
"I promise." Kotonoha watched as he disappeared out the gate before she felt his presence again minutes later. She turned around and smiled at Ryuga. "Ryuga-san."
"Shall we be going, my sweet?" he said, taking her hand.
"Alright," she nodded, her eyes seemed mesmerized.
They then vanished without leaving a trace.
Later, back on the GaroLiner, Kenzaki was looking through some bounties using his computer when he came across one with a familiar face. "Neko, take a look." Both were in the dining car and sitting next to each other. Neko looked over and gasped. On the screen was a picture of Ryuga.
"It's him," realized Neko.
Wanted
Name: Ryuga
Bounty Class: C
Reward: 10,000 Credits
Info: Unregistered Dimensional Jumper, responsible for mass-murders and serial-killings in several dimensions. He is able to turn people into dust/ash. Approach with caution.
"Are you thinking what I am thinking?" asked Kenzaki.
"This is our next job," said Neko. Though the GaroLiner Hunters had a policy against going after 'small fish' (Class-C or lower), they could make an exception this time. Her cell phone rang and she picked it up, holding it to her ear, "Moshi moshi."
"Neko-nee, I need help," said Ryuji on the other end. He sounded alarmed. "Follow these coordinates."
"Who was it? What is it?" asked Kenzaki as Neko pocketed her phone.
"It was Ryuji and he's in trouble," said Neko seriously.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Ryuji now knew what an idiot he was. He shouldn't have left Kotonoha alone like that. Ryuga was in the school. How could he have been so stupid to allow his judgment to wane because of Kotonoha's charm? He was riding the Dyno-Breaker and using his phone to track hers.
He should've been there to protect her but he stupidly allowed her to talk him out of it. The power she had over him was amazing. She could make him kneel down with just one word. Maybe that was why he liked her. She could keep him in line.
He could hear a couple of bikes behind him and looked into his rearview mirrors to see Kenzaki and Kat's bikes following close behind. Ryuji knew that Neko would call for Kat's help. They were sisters after all and any help would be appreciated against Ryuga.
Ryuji always had nightmares that one day he'd end up like Ryuga. They'd been the reasons why he hated to use his Orphenoch form and tried not to use it anymore. The form reminded him of all the evil Ryuga had committed and with Ryuga here the fear grew even further.
Kat wasn't sure what was happening but it had to be serious. It involved Ryuga after all. When she passed by the guy she felt an unpleasant chill run down her spine. She also felt sick and nearly vomited. As malevolent as her Rinki was, Ryuga's was poison. Right now, she would follow along to see where it would lead. Better than boring old homework anyway.
The cemetery was surrounded by a thick fog. It was like soup and nobody could see what was ahead of them until it was too late. Within the fog, however, were two figures, standing in the middle of the cemetery.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Ryuga asked as he held Kotonoha in his arms. "And also somber. Humans have such short and fragile lives. It's amazing how so many humans who seek power always end up like the people they trample over. It doesn't matter if you have power. When you're human, it just doesn't matter. Life is short after all," He then turned his attention elsewhere, "And speaking of short lives…"
"Let Koto-chan go!" demanded Ryuji as he and the other Riders surrounded the Orphenoch King from the future.
"I don't think so," said Ryuga as he continued to hold the girl against his chest, his hands on her hips. Kotonoha's eyes looked empty and lifeless. It was like the lights were on but nobody was home. "You see, it gets a little lonely when you're jumping dimensions all the time so I was thinking of bringing along some company. This girl, it seems, is quite charming. We had the most interesting conversations."
Ryuji strapped on his belt as did the others while Neko turned Gekiryuken into his Keyblade form.
"Hm, a Keyblade," Ryuga admired Neko's choice of weaponry. "How interesting…" He noticed the belt around Ryuji's belt. "Hm..."
"You're going to let go of Koto-chan now or else I'm-" Ryuji began to warn.
"Kick my ass from here to next year while slicing me up six ways to Sunday," finished Ryuga mockingly. "Honestly, those threats can get old. You must be the darker half that belonged to my past self."
Ryuji hated to be connected to this monster. This was why he hated being an Orphenoch. He was afraid he was going to end up like Ryuga.
"Are we just gonna stand around chit-chatting or fight?" questioned Kat impatiently.
"Hold your horses," Kenzaki advised. He didn't like Kat, and trusted her even less, but he knew that in a fight she would watch his back.
"Don't order me around," Kat hissed.
"You two, not now," pleaded Neko.
"Ah, a ragtag group of misfits," snorted Ryuga, "Brought together against one common enemy. Just like the Titans. Oh, how I missed them." He wiped away an imaginary tear.
"Why should you? You killed the Titans in your timeline," said Ryuji.
"Yes," Ryuga sighed. "So I did." He shrugged. "Oh well." He let go of Kotonoha and reached into his jacket to pull out something none of them expected…A Rider Belt. It resembled Ryuji's but completely charcoal black with red fangs within the jaw-like buckle. The area between the 'jaws' was pitch black like the rest of the belt.
"How did you get that!" Ryuji demanded.
"Don't be surprised. I once piloted the ChronoLiner too." Ryuga strapped on the belt and fastened it to his waist before taking out a black train pass. Ryuji recognized it since it bore a cross within a circle on it.
"That's mine!" Ryuji identified.
"It was yours. Your girlfriend was kind enough to provide it for me," smirked Ryuga. "And now I'll be able to use this belt. I guess a field test is in order. Henshin." He passed it over the belt before tossing it away.
"KING FORM!"
The armor formed. The base armor, known as Plat Form, was the first to appear. It was a blood red bodysuit under white torso armor with silver gauntlets and boots. Then, the additional armor formed and snapped on. The chest armor was silver and decorated with a black cross that had a red gem in the centre. Running along the outside of his arms to stop at the elbows was armor plating. Starting from his belt was armor plating that covered the outside of his legs down to his knees. The visor that snapped onto his faceplate was silver with red slanted eyepieces on it.
"This has increased my strength," Ryuga said once in his armor. A dark aura formed in his right hand before it stretched and expanded into a shockingly familiar shape. It looked like a large key with a blood red guard and black shaft. Hanging from the Keyblade was a black inverted cross.
"You've got A Keyblade too!" Ryuji shouted incredulously.
"A magnificent and mysterious weapon is it not?" questioned Ryuga as he displayed it them, "It's called the Empty Soul and this gives me even more power than ever," boasted Ryuga. "Now, please just be good and die."
"Henshin!" Kat, Ryuji and Kenzaki called out simultaneously.
"SABRE FORM!"
"PREDATOR FORM!"
"Gekiryu Henshin!" Neko called out as she thrust Gekiryuken forward.
Energy shards encased Kenzaki, Kat and Ryuji, transforming them into their Rider forms, turning them into Kamen Rider Garoh Predator Form, Kamen Rider CopyKat and Kamen Rider Ifrit Sabre Form. As for Neko, a blue bodysuit with white boots and gauntlets formed on her body as a blue aura dragon flew around her before shooting into the air. It then came down to crash into her body, exploding into energy shards which bonded onto her body to form her armor. Finally, the helmet formed over her head and the blue visor slid down to cover her face. She had become Kamen Rider Ryukendo.
"Now this is going to be interesting," snickered Ryuga before he darted forward at his four opponents. He swung wide with his Keyblade, sending a blade of black magic at them. They leapt away to dodge and several headstones were destroyed by the blade.
"We have to end this quickly," instructed Gekiryuken.
"Right," agreed Ryukendo. She shot forward like a bullet with Gekiryuken gripped tightly. Once she was in range she swung her Keyblade at Ryuga's neck. He blocked with his own Keyblade and soon both fighters were using a flurry of moves, their Keyblades clashing and sending sparks flying from each connected hit made by the two mystical weapons.
Both Keyblades continued to clash, sending sparks flying. Soon, it ended up in a deadlock.
"Give her back!" Ryukendo demanded.
"Never!" Ryuga roared back.
With a grunt, Ryukendo pushed but then Ryuga twisted his Keyblade to the side, causing Ryukendo to stumble before using a heel kick that slammed into her chin. Ryuga then grabbed her leg and smashed her down to the ground before pointing the tip of his Keyblade at her. "Goodbye, again," Ryuga spoke,
"Neko!" Garoh shouted as he rushed at Ryuga, gripping his axe tightly. He swung at his neck but he vanished before the attack could connect. "Huh?" Garoh blinked.
"Behind you!" Ryukendo warned.
Garoh spun around and sparks were ripped off his armor as the Empty Soul Keyblade slashed him across the chest.
Both Ifrit and CopyKat lunged for Ryuga, armed with swords and claws respectively. Ifrit went for a swing at his midsection as CopyKat attacked from above.
"Predictable," scoffed Ryuga as he snapped his fingers, freezing them in midair. "And pitiful." He opened his palm and sent both Ifrit and CopyKat flying, smashing them against a pair of headstones. He turned his attention back to Ryukendo and Garoh who were now attacking him together, using their GekiJyuKen martial arts style. Garoh was striking fast, targeting Ryuga's vital points with elbow and knee strikes as Ryukendo's attacks were also swift, her fingers curled into claws like she was trying to scratch him. Their movements mimicked beasts which Ryuga recognized. "GekiJyuKen? Just like Craig."
"Don't mock GekiJyuKen!" snapped Garoh in his and Byakko's voices.
"It's the fist of justice and it's going to take you down!" Ryukendo added. She generated her red Fierce Ki into the form of a gorilla. "Gekiwaza!"
Violet Ki engulfed Garoh and he struck forward. "Gekiwaza!"
"King Kong Ken!" Ryukendo hurled a fist encased in red Ki in the shape of a gorilla's fist.
"Gon Gon Ken!" Garoh hurled a fist at Ryuga.
The fists connected with air when Ryuga leapt high into the sky. He landed on one of the tombstones. He crossed his arms and looked over the group of people who were against him. He seemingly amused at what was happening.
"GekiJyuKen, RinJyuKen, and GenJyuKen. Powerful styles. How about Lost Beast-Fist?" questioned Ryuga.
"Lost…" Ryukendo began.
"Beast-Fist?" Garoh finished.
"A little something I picked up in one of the worlds I've been to," Ryuga laughed. "Man, what a bunch of fun guys. I miss them. But they did give me the copies of their teachings since they liked me."
"There's no such thing!" Garoh roared.
"Watch me! Tyrano-Ken!" Ryuga bellowed. "Shingi!"
The others who knew JyuKen also called forth their attacks.
"Gekiwaza!" announced Garoh. "RO RO DAN!"
"Gekiwaza!" called out Ryukendo. "SHISHI DAN!" Ryukendo's new Gekiwaza called forth a lion made of her white aura. It let loose a roar.
"Gengi!" growled Ifrit. "JIGOKUHA!"
"Ringi!" summoned CopyKat. "SHISHI HOKOHA!"
The quartet of JyuKen users sent their aura beasts flying at the Orphenoch King. Ryuga stood no chance, or so they thought.
Ryuga shouted, "KING'S ROAR!"
The aura around Ryuga formed into the shape of a tyrannosaurus' head before it let out a powerful roar. The shock wave released shattered the other aura beasts and sent the four Riders flying. The technique shattered several more tombstones which were in the path of his attack. Strangely, Kotonoha remained unharmed.
"The Lost Beast-Fist is a martial arts style based on extinct animals. It's the most powerful form of Beast-Fist around. Of course, you felt it for yourself," Ryuga boasted. "Now, leave and let me be."
With a snort, he turned to get Kotonoha went he felt massive killing intent targeted in his direction. He spun around in time to use his Keyblade to guard himself from Ifrit's twin Dao swords which had come down on him.
"I'm not letting you take my Koto-chan away!" shouted Ifrit as he tried to push back the Keyblade with his own Ifrit Dao. "She's mine!"
"I guess that's what we have in common. Our devotion to the women we love. Unfortunately for me, the one I loved died a long time ago, bringing my heart along with her," said Ryuga in an almost sad and regrettable tone.
"Then I will send you to her…Ryuga," said a voice. Ryuga lifted up his leg and kicked Ifrit back. He then turned and saw Warren approaching him. He had his gun drawn which was steady and set to fire.
"Ah, an old friend," Ryuga smirked under his helmet. "You haven't changed since the last time I saw you." Ryuga, having once been Ryuki, had all his memories and remembered Warren from his past. They'd been close but sadly Ryuga didn't feel anything for Warren.
"What would Jinx think of you now?" asked Warren sadly. He just couldn't believe that this...person before him had once been Ryuki. The Ryuki he knew was kind, courageous, selfless, and possessed a heart of justice. What he was seeing was just a shadow of his friend.
"Why not ask her?" growled Ryuga. He hated it when anyone said her name. It reminded him of what he'd lost and caused his descent into darkness, madness and evil. Worse of all it was Warren who should've understood.
"Because I have no intention of dying," Warren retorted calmly. He had so much to live for. His kids, for one, and his wife Raven. His friends and family were what he lived for. They were what kept him going.
"You know, I should really show you respect for what you meant to me in the past…but that's not how I work. I am going to make you feel the same pain I went through when I lost Jinx. I'm going to take away everything and everyone you hold dear. That way…you'll understand me better." Though Ryuga tried not to show it, he did have a great deal of respect for Warren…his former friend.
"You're a fool," said Warren. "Do you have any idea how many times I've lost everything? Did you actually think I'd let something like that happen again?" Warren's childhood and past hadn't been a good one. It was a miracle he hadn't gone mad up until now.
"Did you think I let Jinx die?" Ryuga snarled. He hated it when people would assume he allowed his beloved to die. "Do you think I allowed her to take my heart with her?" He'd loved Jinx dearly and given him his heart, which she took to the grave. "We've all suffered. It's better to share the pain." That was Ryuga's philosophy. Why should he be the only one to suffer alone? That was why he killed mercilessly. He wanted to make others suffer as he had. Warren wasn't going to let that happen.
"I know you'd never let harm come to Jinx," responded Warren. He knew that there had to be a small spark of the former Ryuki in Ryuga. Ryuga still loved Jinx after all this time. "And your love for her was so deep that you couldn't go on after she died. But you aren't the only one who lost true love to a cruel twist of fate, or do I need to remind you about Meryl?"
"The daughter you lost?" Ryuga had learnt about Warren past a long time ago. "True, I don't know the pain of losing a child, but losing the woman I love was just as bad. Sure, I went mad but it was how I coped with my pain. I went to Occultus, I became the King, so I could get rid of the pain. But it stayed with me, it festered, and everything else meant nothing. Power is filling up the void but it's not enough. I felt lonely without Jinx." In the process he'd betrayed his friends and his ideals.
Warren shouted, "But you were never alone! All you did was take the coward's way out. You couldn't cope so you ran! Just like with Tazuka! No more running, RYUKI! You have nowhere else to run." Ryuga was just like his past self. When he couldn't cope with pain he tried to escape it. At least the current timeline's Ryuki wouldn't share the same fate as this one.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" roared Ryuga. That name just reminded him of his weaker past self. He'd changed his name to separate himself from that past. The weak Ryuki had died the day Jinx had perished in that explosion.
"Why not, RYUKI!" shouted Warren. "Does it remind you of what you lost? Of what you gave up?" He knew he was just provoking Ryuga, which was the plan.
Ryuga roared, "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! I'M NOT THAT WEAK LITTLE KID ANYMORE! I AM THE KING!" He was in denial over his identity and past.
"No you're not! You're just a scared little boy who couldn't take it anymore!" Warren corrected. He was finally getting through to this evil Rider.
"DIE!" roared Ryuga as he charged at Warren. His anger had reached its limit. He wanted to take Warren's head and eat it off a platter.
"Releasing control art restriction level to Level 3. Situation A. The Cromwell Approval is now in effect. Hold release until target is silenced," said Warren. "Now it's time to teach you…how a Keyblade should be used." In a flash of light, the item in question appeared in Warren's hand, much to everyone's shock.
"Are they giving away those things or what?" muttered Ryuji.
The Keyblade Warren wielded took its theme from demons. The keychain was fashioned after a Hollow Mask, which was attached to the hilt by a chain. It had a facsimile of a Hollow Mask which resembled a white Oni's face adorning the hilt with the guard being black wings coming from the sides of the mask's 'collar'. The teeth of the Keyblade were fashioned after a bat hanging from the blade.
"So, you too, huh?" questioned Ryuga. "What do you call it?"
"The Inner Demon," answered Warren. "And now, prepare yourself."
"Gladly," replied Ryuga with eyes narrowed.
Both former friends then charged straight for each other and their Keyblades clashed, sending sparks flying from the impact of the mystical weapons.
The Keyblade…a great weapon that could bring salvation or destruction…and it could go either way right here.
Setsuna drummed her fingers on her desk at home. Something very wrong was happening and she felt like she was on the edge of it. People were being killed and turned into dust piles. It was a very horrible way to die in her honest opinion. Still, that young man named Ryuga made her feel very scared. Something about him just didn't feel right. She knew he was…off, in the same sense as Ryuji, but Ryuga just made her feel like she was near a dangerous and untamed animal that would attack without warning.
With Ryuji, she just felt like she was near a guard dog that wouldn't attack unless told to. Ryuga, however, felt like an animal that would attack anything that moved and kill it as ruthlessly as possible to make it suffer.
That was frightening.
She knew Ryuji felt the same. He had been acting on edge all day. Not the kind of edge that could be connected to one of the people that would upset him. It was the kind of edge she had seen him on when a monster was hanging around…times one hundred. Ryuga scared Ryuji…and that scared her.
What kind of a monster would one have to be to scare a guy like Ryuji, who fought monsters on a regular basis?
Setsuna herself wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer to that question at all.
ZK Chromedragozoid: Looks like Keyblade users are popping up everywhere. This is gonna be a fight between old friends. In fact, Warren is keeping his promise to Ryuki.
Shadow Element 13: Warren's Keyblade is based on the Pumpkinhead Keyblade from the first Kingdom Hearts, with some changes. Let's just say the Hollow Masks will be important later on.
Ten-Faced Paladin: The Lost Beast-Fist is a JyuKen based on extinct animals, rather than real or legendary ones. In Ryuga's case, his is based off dinosaurs. Others might be showing up sooner or later.