The DynoLiner was thrown violently onto its side as the huge serpent-like Gigandeath hissed victoriously. Gritting his teeth, Ifrit (Mammoth Form) tried to get his train back on track and attack. So far, he wasn't going to be getting any backup anytime soon. Kenzaki had just fallen off the radar a week ago and Neko was depressed. Kat was unusually happy than she should be but the Rider knew she had something to do with what was going on between Kenzaki and Neko. From what he heard from Warren, he'd seen Kenzaki frequenting some bars and getting himself drunk silly. Got into several bar fights, too.
And to top it all off, Rina and Siera were still trying to win Ryuji's heart. It was frustrating, really, with all these nuisances but he had to keep his head in the game.
Righting his train back onto its tracks, the Mammoth trumpeted as it dragged the Tyrano and Tricera behind it, racing towards the Serpent Gigandeath. The Serpent Gigandeath continued to fire energy blasts at the charging prehistoric-themed train but Ifrit was managing to swerve his train out of danger. He then accelerated, allowing the tusks of the Mammoth to pierce the beast. The Serpent Gigandeath released a screech of pain.
"Alright, freeze!" Ifrit commanded. This allowed the Mammoth to use its Trunk Cannon to fire a freezing mist that encased the Gigandeath. The Gigandeath was being held by the tusks and unable to avoid its frozen demise as its entire body slowly became encased in ice. Ifrit cracked his knuckles as the hatch above him opened and he jumped up, standing atop his DynoLiner Mammoth. "Now, to finish it off!" He ran forward and leapt onto the trunk cannon which then sprang him upwards. When he reached the appropriate altitude, he called out, "Gengi! IFRIT RIDER KICK!" His Genki engulfed his body as he dropped down at the Gigandeath with both legs stretched out and his feet aimed at it. He smashed right through its head, exiting out the other side. As soon as he exited, the frozen and brittle monster collapsed and shattered apart into many tiny pieces. Ifrit landed back on his train which was headed for the exit portal. His mission was complete and soon the reward would be added into his account.
He loved being a Rider.
"THE TRAGEDY OF LOSS"
"Should've known you'd be here," said Ryuji as he entered the bar in the King's Terminal. All he had to do was flash his Dyno Pass at the bouncer and he was allowed inside. Age wasn't an issue since he was a Rider and was considered an adult due to the responsibilities that came with it.
He found Kenzaki, sitting at a table and with a bottle of beer in his hand. He didn't look all too well and judging from the 3 empty bottles, Ryuji knew he was drunk. Ryuji sat down and saw the bottles and grimaced. Ryuji may drink once in a while but never in such excess. "You look like hell."
"Shaddup," Kenzaki slurred. "How the hell did you find me?"
"Okami pointed me in the right direction. He's also tired of your hangovers," Ryuji said. A waitress came and Ryuji made his order. He wanted a cold bottle of Heineken. He took out a box of cigarettes, slid one out and lit it with a lighter before putting it between his lips. Smoking wouldn't kill him because he was an Orphenoch and beer wouldn't make him drunk either. Of course, he wasn't going to tempt fate. He blew out a puff of smoke and asked, "So, mind telling me why you're drinking yourself to death."
"As if you didn't know," glared Kenzaki, "Or would understand."
"Try me," Ryuji challenged as his drink came. He removed the cigarette from his mouth and took a sip of the ice cold beverage.
"I proposed to your sister and she said no," Kenzaki complained. Ryuji already knew that. Right now Neko was staying with Kat. Even if Kat had tried to ruin the proposal, Neko wasn't as upset with her as she was with herself. "And you have three fiancées without even trying."
"I have ONE fiancée," Ryuji corrected. "Those other two don't count. They mean nothing to me."
"Whatever," Kenzaki slurred as he took another swig and then wiped his mouth. "It's all Kat's fault anyway! She's trying to break me and Neko up."
"Well, she doesn't need to work hard to do that," muttered Ryuji.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kenzaki demanded.
"You're avoiding Neko-nee because she said 'no' to your proposal. You're breaking her heart," Ryuji explained.
"Well she broke mine first!" Kenzaki snapped. "I take her to dinner, buy her this great ring, and when I take her to a nice romantic spot…she says no when I ask her."
"OK, maybe if you put it that way it's humiliating." Ryuji would probably be just as crushed if Kotonoha had said no to his proposal too but he'd get over it. It wasn't the end of the world. "Did she tell you why?"
"Something about redemption," Kenzaki said drunkenly. "It's been 2 years! I thought she'd gotten over it!"
"Time doesn't heal all wounds," Ryuji commented. "With Sauron back and all it just reminds her of all the terrible things she, Kat and that thing did when they used to share a body. I guess she still feels she can't be redeemed as long as Sauron exists."
"That bitch," Kenzaki spat, referring either to Sauron or Kat. Maybe it was both and with him that was a pretty good possibility. "Screwing with my relationship."
Ryuji rolled his eyes. "You never had much experience with relationships, have you?"
"I'm a bounty hunter. I never had time for a relationship. Way back when, I would just pick up some girl and sleep with her," answered Kenzaki.
"One night stands," Ryuji grimaced. Personally, Ryuji would never do such a thing. If he did have sex with a girl it'd be Kotonoha and only Kotonoha.
"And then I meet the girl of my dreams, the one I wanna spend the rest of my life with…and she turns me down," Kenzaki slumped over.
"Well, to be fair, you did try to kill her when you met," Ryuji reminded.
"I've gotten enough shit about that from Kat," growled Kenzaki. "Don't need that from you!"
"Sorry, sorry," Ryuji sighed, "But if it makes you feel any better, almost every member of my family has issues and excess baggage. You'll fit right in."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," grumbled Kenzaki with a snort. "Too bad Neko obviously doesn't want me in your family."
Ryuji added, "But, well, you need to get over it and go talk to her. She's waiting for you and still in love with you."
"I'll talk with her when I'm good and ready," Kenzaki said as he belched.
"You better," Ryuji frowned. "If not then I'm gonna stage one heck of an intervention." He grabbed the bottle and down its entire content before letting out a pleased burp. He then put out his cigarette in the ashtray before walking out of the bar. He gave Kenzaki one last look before walking out.
Kotonoha was in the bathroom, wearing her school uniform. In her hands was a home pregnancy test. She watched in anticipation as the indicator started to change color.
For a week now Kotonoha had been throwing up as well as craving strange foods. Ryuji was sure she needed to see a doctor but she kept snapping at him. When she looked up all the symptoms on the internet, she decided to go to the closest drug store and buy this thing she was now holding in her hand.
Her eyes widened as she saw the indicator turn a shade of blue, confirming her fears. "Positive. It's positive."
She heard a voice in her head, 'Congratulations, Lady Kotonoha. You're pregnant.'
"Hey, Koto-chan!" Ryuji called causing Kotonoha to jump. "We're going to be late."
"Hai!" Kotonoha tossed the test into the waste basket and got out of the bathroom quickly. She got out of the bathroom and ran down the stairs to meet up with her boyfriend at the door.
"What were you doing in there?" asked Ryuji as he opened the door.
"Oh, just last minute business!" Kotonoha answered.
"OK," Ryuji accepted. "Let's go," said Ryuji.
"Don't forget your lunch!" Loki said as he held up three bentos for Kokoro, Ryuji and Kotonoha. "I made something special for each of you."
"Must be hard, Loki," said Kotonoha.
"Oh, it's no trouble," smiled Loki. "I live to serve."
"I enjoy Loki's cooking," beamed Kokoro.
"Thank you," Loki's smile widened.
"Enough with the mushy stuff and let's go already," said Ryuji.
Kokoro decided to walk to school with friends today as Ryuji and Kotonoha walked towards the station. They didn't need to use the DynoLiner to get to school all the time. But, then again…
"Good morning, darling!" Rina waved as she exited her own home to catch Ryuji and Kotonoha coming out from theirs. Rina and Siera had gotten a place all to themselves and were Ryuji and Kotonoha's neighbors, much to the human girl's displeasure. Well, she didn't mind Siera; she kind of reminded Kotonoha of herself. It was Rina that made Kotonoha want to slice her throat open. The girl was just too forward and tried to seduce Ryuji whenever she had the chance. Ryuji paid her seduction no mind and greeted her politely. He'd gotten used to both princesses.
"Good morning, Rina," Ryuji greeted.
"Good morning, Ryuji," smiled Siera shyly.
"Likewise."
"Ohayo, Rina-san, Siera-san," Kotonoha greeted politely as she moved in closer to Ryuji while gripping his hand tightly.
"Why don't we walk to school together?" suggested Siera.
"The more the merrier," smirked Rina.
"Whatever," Ryuji rolled his eyes.
'Just keep your distance, bitch!' Kotonoha yelled mentally as she glared at the demon girl.
It'd been several days since Rina and Siera had enrolled in Sakakino High as transfer students. Their demonic and godly natures were hidden under their human disguises. Still, it didn't mean they didn't get some attention.
Once the four arrived at the gate, Ryuji's day began as usual.
"RYUJI HASUMA!" a generic student with a bullhorn called, wearing an armband with the letters KLLA on his right arm. "YOU ARE UNWORTHY OF KOTONOHA KATSURA'S LOVE FOR YOU ARE CHEATING ON HER!"
"And so it begins," muttered Ryuji.
"THAT'S RIGHT!" another generic student wearing an armband with the letters SSSS called out through a bullhorn. He was the head of the new 'Suki-Suki Siera Society'. They were Siera's fans. They even had buttons with her face on them. "FOR YOU ALREADY POSSESS THE LOVE OF KOTONOHA BUT NOW SEEK THE LOVE OF SIERA!"
"AND ALSO RINA!" another generic student shouted wearing a headband with the letters LLRB. This was the third new group dubbed the "Lovely-Lovely Rina Brigade". "TO HAVE THREE WOMEN WITH YOU MAKES YOU THE ENEMY!"
Ryuji picked his ears as he continued to listen to all this rubbish while ignoring it as well. He could see the gang of students behind the three heads of the fanclubs, with each of them holding a myriad of weapons. The members came from various clubs like the hockey team, baseball team, the rugby team and also a paintball club.
"Girls," said Ryuji. "You better get to class and tell Warren I'm going to be late."
"Will you be alright?" asked Siera.
"You should save your concern for them," said Ryuji as he jabbed a finger at the KLLA, SSSS, and LLRB.
"Personally," Rina said as she flipped her hair. "I find the attention flattering."
"You would," muttered Kotonoha.
"ATTACK!!!" the three group leaders commanded and the horde charged straight for Ryuji as the girls ran straight for the building.
"Now for some exercise!!!" roared Ryuji as he charged back at the horde of idiots.
"You're late," said Warren as Ryuji entered the class.
"Sorry, Sensei," Ryuji apologized. "But I was held up by something. Oh, and you might wanna call some ambulances. Those guys outside are gonna need it."
Everyone in the building had seen Ryuji take on the three groups without so much as breaking a sweat. There were about 80 unconscious bodies in front of the building, beaten violently.
"Just take your seat," frowned Warren and Ryuji nodded before going to where he sat next to Kotonoha. "Now, where was I?"
Ryuji was known as the strongest kid in school and the way he'd beaten up 80 people in 10 minutes was no exaggeration. At lunch, Kat gave him a slap on the back for what he did.
"I wish those idiots would come after me!" said Kat merrily.
"You could try helping," suggested Ryuji.
"Maybe some other time," Kat shrugged.
"So, how's Neko-nee doing?" asked Ryuji. Neko was absent today too.
Kat scowled. Neko was staying with her but was still a little depressed over what'd happened at the park. She'd said no to Kenzaki and now Kat wasn't sure if she should be happy or not. It was confusing and giving her a headache. "She cries in her sleep," Kat answered simply.
"This is tearing her up as bad as it is Kenzaki," frowned Ryuji.
'I don't get what she can see in him,' Kat wondered seriously. 'I mean he tried to put a bullet in her head.' "How is Kenny, anyway?"
"Last time I saw him he was in a bar in the King's Terminal," answered Ryuji. "He looked like shit."
'Sometimes he smells like it too,' added Kat cruelly in her mind. "Well, sure hope he comes back. For some strange reason he makes Neko happy."
"It's called love," Ryuji clarified.
"I don't get it. She can do so much better than him," Kat crossed her arms.
'And you never will,' Ryuji thought. Luckily for him, Kat couldn't read his thoughts. His Orphenoch mind had strong shields.
Meanwhile, Kotonoha was in the bathroom and thinking back to the pregnancy test. She needed someone she could trust to confide in. She needed someone who wouldn't blab this and turn it into gossip. She needed someone who wouldn't make a big deal out of this.
"Sekai, you're Koto-chan's best friend, right?" Ryuji asked Sekai who was with Makoto and having lunch with him. Makoto took one glance at Ryuji and paled. Everything had seen the result of him fighting the three fanclubs and getting out of the skirmish unscathed. "Have you noticed anything weird?"
"Not what I know of," Sekai shook her head. "Why, is something wrong?"
"Well, she keeps glancing at me before looking away," answered Ryuji. "And when I ask her what's wrong, she insists it's nothing but I can tell she's lying." He looked a little upset judging from the frown. "Why would she lie to me?"
Makoto butted in, "Maybe she's hiding a surprise from you?"
Ryuji glared, "Excuse me, but your girlfriend and I are having a private conversation. You're not part of it."
"Right," Makoto gulped. Even after all this time, Ryuji still didn't like him and didn't bother to hide it. "Sorry. Please, continue."
"Give her time," advised Sekai.
"I know but it's like she doesn't trust me," Ryuji sighed. "We don't keep secrets from each other no more."
"If it's important then she'll tell you," Sekai reminded. "In the meantime give her some space. Maybe it's not as bad as you think."
"Yeah, maybe." Ryuji wasn't so sure, though.
"So, out of curiosity, how are Rina and Siera?" asked Sekai.
"Siera's alright. She's nice and polite. It's Rina who's the pain in the butt," complained Ryuji.
"Lots of guys would want to have three girls in love with them," Sekai pointed out while giving Makoto a glance.
"What?" Makoto spoke up.
"Urusei, teme," Ryuji growled. He didn't want any lip from Makoto. Makoto gulped. He answered Sekai, "Sorry, but I'm an old-fashioned kind of guy. I'm a one-woman-man. Always have been, and always will be."
"Well, in that case, you better end this thing soon or else it'll get bad and really haunt you."
"Don't I know it," agreed Ryuji.
"I'm surprised you decided to drop by and visit," said Kat as she served Kotonoha some cold milk to drink. After school, Kotonoha had gone to Kat's apartment.
"I just thought it'd be nice to visit Ryuji-kun's sister," said Kotonoha as she tried to make herself comfortable.
"Uh huh." Kat didn't believe her. "Now pull the other leg. Nobody visits me without a reason." The few times Kenzaki had set foot into the apartment were because of Neko's coaxing. "So, talk." Kat sat down and crossed her arms. "And don't worry. Neko,Cathy, Bobby and Rose aren't here. They went out for a bit so it's just the two of us."
Kotonoha took in a deep breath of air. "Well, you see…"
Kat's eyes went wide once Kotonoha finished with, "And I don't know what to say to him."
"Wait," Kat held up a hand. "Back up. You took a home pregnancy test and got a positive?" Kotonoha nodded. "Damn." Kat ran a hand through her hair in disbelief. "He knocked you up." She grinned. "Looks like he is a man after all."
"So, what should I do?" Kotonoha asked. "I need advice."
"You do know that you're asking me, the evil twin?" Kat pointed to herself. "All I can say is tell him now because it won't be easy to hide it for long." She pointed at Kotonoha's stomach and the girl blushed. "If you do want my advice, go and ask Neko."
"She's still not home yet?" asked Ryuji as he came back to the Katsura residence. Loki was reading a magazine while Kokoro was doing her homework in the living room.
"She's at her part time job at the Radish," reminded Loki. Kotonoha was still a waitress there.
"Oh, I forgot," nodded Ryuji. She was still at that place, getting ogled at, and maybe…No, he promised not to attack the customers. One of them threatened to sue even. "I'm just worried."
"Don't worry, Ryuji-niichan," said Kokoro reassuringly. "I'm sure Onee-chan will be fine. She has Athena-neechan."
"You're kidding, right?" Neko blinked as she sat across from Kotonoha in the Radish. Kotonoha had told her everything. "You asked Kat-neechan for advice first?"
"It seemed like a good idea at the time," said Kotonoha sheepishly.
"Well, if you want my advice, you should tell Ryuji-chan quick," said Neko. "You won't be able to hide this forever."
"That's what Kat-san said but I'm not sure how to break the news," Kotonoha looked down to her stomach and rubbed her hand up and down along the surface.
"Trust me when I say he won't be mad. He'd be shocked, but not mad," Neko smiled reassuringly. "I have a feeling that he's been wanting a family himself too."
"Arigatou, Neko-san," Kotonoha smiled.
"Anything for my future sister-in-law," Neko smiled back. "So…can I order now?"
"Oh, yes," nodded Kotonoha as she stood up. "What would you like?"
Kotonoha noted that Neko was depressed. She'd heard about Kenzaki's proposal and was confused as to why Neko had declined. Ryuji had told her that Neko still had some personal demons of her own to face before she could even think of settling down.
Though Neko seemed happy, she was actually doing a good job at hiding her depression. She was staying at Kat's for a little bit, skipping school, because she just didn't feel like going there and facing anybody. She may end up running into Kenzaki which was impossible since he was getting himself drunk but she couldn't risk it. She'd broken his heart by declining the proposal.
"Maybe I should've said yes," said Neko as she stopped at the door. She shook her head, "He deserves better than me. He doesn't need a girl who reminds him of a demon as a wife. It'll just end badly." Neko's pacifistic thoughts were just adding fuel to her depressing fire. She loved Kenzaki and only wanted what was best for him but was starting to regret her decision. She'd even called his cell phone but had chickened out at the last second and hung up. Hearing his voice would just make matters worse.
"Ojou-sama, you miss him, don't you?" asked Gekiryuken. Neko was starting to wipe the tears forming in her eyes. She didn't answer but her actions spoke louder than words. She slid the key into the lock, gave it a twist, before pulling open the door and entering the apartment. Today had been emotionally exhausting for her.
"Ryuji-kun, I'm pregnant," said Kotonoha as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. As soon as she'd gotten home, she went up to her room to practice her speech. She shook her head, "No, too direct." She was practicing how to break the news. "Ryuji-kun, we've been together for a long time and now that we're engaged, there's something you need to know…" Once again she shook her head. "Too long. I might as well jump up to him and shout, 'Hey, Ryuji-kun, I'm having a baby'!"
THUD!
Kotonoha heard the sound and spun around to see Ryuji had fainted at the entrance of her room. She blinked. "Well…that was easy." She then noted how his eyes looked blank and grew worried.
"Ryuji-kun, Ryuji-kun," Kotonoha tried to shake him awake.
"Let me," volunteered Athena before throwing a glass full of water in Ryuji's face. The Rider sputtered as his eyes opened.
"What the hell!?" he cried out.
"Ryuji-kun, you're awake!" Kotonoha smiled.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Ryuji seemed relieved. "Koto-chan, I had this bad dream. I was walking by your door and…"
"I said I was pregnant," she finished.
Ryuji's eyes widened in horror before he fainted dead away.
"This is going to be a long day," Athena muttered as Kotonoha tried to reawaken her fiancé.
Kat laughed as Neko giggled, the twins finding Kotonoha's story hilarious. She'd gone to Ryuji's sisters for some more advice.
"He fainted!?" Neko giggled.
"For real!?" Kat laughed out loud. Her sides were ready to burst.
"I was practicing in front of the mirror when he walked past my room and heard me," Kotonoha blushed. "You think he'll remember?"
"You'll be lucky if he thinks it was a dream," said Kat, wiping a tear from her eye.
"He did," Kotonoha answered and Kat just laughed harder.
"My goodness; Ryuji Hasuma, biggest thug in Sakakino High history, fainting. Now that's gonna be a big story."
"Well, here's hoping you two can handle a baby," said Neko as she held up a glass of juice. "Because you're both going to need a lot of help."
"I know," agreed Kotonoha. She needed help and advice on how to take care of a baby. Then she was going to have to break the news to her parents. She could only imagine their reaction. Kokoro had been fine with it. Actually, she'd been cheering about the new baby like Eros, but their parents weren't going to be happy. Her father may even forbid her from seeing Ryuji. However, there was no need to think of such things. Kotonoha just needed some time to think and someone to ask for parenting advice.
"You fainted!?" laughed Warren after Ryuji explained the situation to him. "Well, there goes your tough guy image." They were both in a café located in the King's Terminal
"Warren, I need some advice," said Ryuji, still slightly in shock from the news.
"OK, well…this is what I discovered when Raven was pregnant with Tessa and Alex. Women have settings when they're pregnant. First, you have the anger stetting. It's the worst one and also the most frequent. Then you have the tender setting. That one's OK. Basically she'll just want to be near you and be held by you. But be careful with what you say and do. The wrong thing puts her right back into the anger setting. Then you have the emotional setting. Basically, everything she sees will remind her of something sad so you have to be there for her. Again, doing the wrong thing goes right back to anger."
"Any suggestions on how to deal with the anger setting?" asked Ryuji.
"Just be glad Kotonoha doesn't have super powers…or large, heavy books," said Warren, wincing at the memory.
"Thank you for having me," said Kotonoha as she sat in the Smith family's living room.
"Herbal tea?" offered Rachel. "It's very soothing."
"Thank you," Kotonoha took the offered cup. "I came to you because you're a parent and I was hoping you could give me some advice."
"Well, let's just say my pregnancy wasn't exactly comfortable," stated Rachel. "But, after having Tessa and Alex, everything felt…different."
"Different how?" asked Kotonoha.
"Before Warren, I was almost shut off from the world. But after being with him, and having his kids, I felt…lighter is the only way I can describe it. I would do anything I can to make sure they have the best life possible, and so would Warren. Trust me when I say that I have the feeling that Ryuji will be a great father."
"I believe it too. I know my Ryuji-kun will protect me and this baby. He has good instincts too so I have no doubt he'll be a great father," said Kotonoha.
"Besides, my kids seem to enjoy being around their 'Uncle Ryuji'," said Rachel.
"He's good with children. Kokoro-chan's also looking forward to meeting her future niece or nephew," nodded Kotonoha.
"Your family will play a major part in this child's life," said Rachel. "Because of Warren's 'family', I'm a little afraid of how my children will turn out. Knowing how much they idolize him, they'll probably end up following his line of work."
"I have the same worries," sighed Kotonoha. "Ryuji-kun's a hero so he has to fight to protect this world. I could try and hide this from my child as they grow up but they'll find out and may want to take over the 'family business'. I'm not sure if they'll be born with powers or not."
"Warren and I are both afraid of that happening for our kids. Warren never contacted his sister until he was 17 because he wanted her to live a normal life. We both want the same for our kids but they probably will develop powers one day," said Rachel.
"I wonder if my child will be like their father. Would they develop his ice powers, or gain his fighting skills. Or…" Ryuji had told her Orphenochs gained their powers after death. She didn't want that to happen.
Rachel knew where Kotonoha was coming from. She and Warren are both terrified at the thought of Tessa and Alex falling victim to their more demonic heritage.
"So, are you thinking of names yet?" asked Teresa.
"If it's a girl, it'll be Kohana. If it's a boy, it'll be Ryuta," said Kotonoha.
Rachel said, "You may end up with both. Warren tells me that Ryuji's family has a history of giving birth to twins or more." The only reason Tessa and Alex were twins was because of the same reason.
Kotonoha smiled, "Twins, huh? I like the sound of that. But I'm also worried about my own parents."
"I'm sorry but I can't help you there. Warren's family was never an issue, while my mother didn't know about Tessa and Alex until after they were born," said Rachel.
"Thanks anyway for the advice," thanked Kotonoha. "You've been very helpful. Goodness, when my stomach gets big, the other students at school are going to freak out."
Rachel sighed, remembering when she had a big belly during her pregnancy. "You get used to it."
"You know your orders," said Nanimo to his assassin. It was an Imagin that looked like a blue humanoid wearing emerald armor with a golden trim and a green crown on its head. It had a bird-like face with a blue visor covering its eyes. Hanging down its back like a cape were peacock feathers.
"I am to kill Ryuji Hasuma, also known as Kamen Rider Ifrit," the Peacock Imagin repeated the orders Nanimo had given it.
Nanimo, while observing Kenzaki, was also observing Ryuji. The young Rider had broken out of his control and was getting stronger. He was slowly turning into a huge threat to his plans. Still, he enjoyed watching how Kenzaki was suffering right now. If he could still feel emotions, he'd be laughing at his brother's plight, especially when he'd found out the cause. His damned brother, the jilted lover.
The Peacock Imagin stepped backwards and vanished into the darkness. It was ready to carry out its mission.
It didn't take very long for both Ryuji and Kotonoha to accept the fact that she was indeed pregnant and that they were going to have a baby pretty soon. After asking for advice from close friends who had experience in parenting, both Ryuji and Kotonoha had sat down to talk about it over dinner, alone, in the King's Terminal.
Kotonoha had been afraid at first. What would her parents say? What would the school say? She didn't know the answers to those questions. However, the question of whether or not she would keep the baby was easy enough to answer. One word: Yes. She was not going to get rid of this baby. Ryuji agreed with her and promised to be by her side. They would tell her parents…eventually.
Ryuji would tell his parents eventually too. He knew his mother would be overly excited over the idea of grandchildren. She adored children.
Several days later, Sunday came by and both Kotonoha and Ryuji were walking, hand in hand, in the park. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and since it was summer, the sun was shining and it was nice and warm. Also, because it was Sunday, that meant that neither of them would need to face the stupid KLLA, SSSS and LLRB. They probably took day offs too…
"Ryuji Hasuma! I am a member of the KLLA and I order you to-"
POW!
Well…maybe not all of them but at least it was a nice and quiet Sunday afternoon.
The two had spent the entire day together. They'd gone for ice cream, had lunch at a café, and went shopping for baby clothes. The only thing they argued about were the cute little clothes Kotonoha wanted to dress her child in. Ryuji was hoping for a boy, or at least raise his daughter to be a tomboy. He didn't have anything against girls, really, but he would like a boy first, then a girl.
They'd discussed their plans for the future while Loki and Athena interjected in their minds. Loki appointed himself to be the child's godfather while Athena herself wanted the duty of protecting and guarding the child. Both Ryuji and Kotonoha had doubts about that but they couldn't find any reason to decline both generous offers. Loki and Athena could be trusted.
While in the park, Kotonoha and Ryuji sat on a bench together. "So, if it's a girl we'll call it Kohana, right?" asked Kotonoha hopefully.
"And Ryuta if it's a boy?" added Ryuji.
"Em," Kotonoha nodded. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and snuggled against his arm. He removed his arm from her grasp and wrapped it around her shoulders so she could lean against his chest. She wore a lovely red sundress while he wore a black t-shirt with blue jeans and black sneakers.
The couple watched as a mother pushed a stroller along which carried a cute little baby. Kotonoha actually imagined herself as the mother with Ryuji by her side. Then, she saw a family at the playground. A father and a mother were watching their children play as Kotonoha had a warm smile and sighed as he continued to watch.
Earlier, when Ryuji had heard the news, he'd pretty much freaked out. It wasn't about the kid but it was more about him. Could he be a good father and role-model for the kid? He wasn't exactly stable. He had a bad temper, was violent, cursed and loved to fight. As much as he wanted his child to be tough and not let people push them around, he also wanted his son to not pick fights for the sake of fighting and only fighting when they needed to…or when someone annoyed them.
Then there was the issue of providing for his family. Ryuji didn't exactly have many skills save for his martial arts skills. Could he open a dojo and make money? What if it flopped? It would be worse still if he ended up in debt. Sure, his and Kotonoha's families were wealthy, but he wanted to stand on his own two feet. Even with the rewards he got from killing Imagin, it wouldn't be enough to provide for a family for the long run.
He then looked over to his fiancée and watched as she rubbed a hand up and down her tummy. "Ours…" she murmured.
For some strange reason seeing her so content had just blown all of his worries away and calmed him down. He could do this! He could be a father! He could be a good husband!
"Koto-chan, when do you want to get married?" he asked. "With the baby coming along and all, maybe we should do it early."
"I was hoping we could get married on the anniversary of the day we met," Kotonoha said, "Or the anniversary of when you saved my life, or the anniversary of our first kiss."
Ryuji smiled. He remembered those dates. Those would be so perfect. "How about Christmas? The anniversary of when we first made love?" Ryuji suggested.
"Oh…" Kotonoha flushed and giggled.
"We can have it in the hotel, a western ceremony, and invite all our friends," he said to her.
"They'll be so surprised," said Kotonoha.
"Yes, pretty much," agreed Ryuji. "We can have Ant perform the ceremony."
"Can he do that?" asked Kotonoha.
"As far as I know he has the authority," Ryuji shrugged. "Kokoro can also be the ring bearer."
"She would look so cute in her dress," Kotonoha beamed.
"Not sure about whom I'm going to choose to be my best man, though," Ryuji wondered.
"We should get prepared for this," said Kotonoha hurriedly.
"I agree. Why wait? Why don't we just go and get registered as a married couple and get a license right now?"
"You mean it?"
"I guess."
"You're so sweet!" She hugged him tight.
"Anything for you, Ore no Tenshi."
"Watashi no Senshi," she added.
Of course, the happy moment was ruined when Ryuji's watch beeped.
The Peacock Imagin had been following and spying on the pair all day. Its orders were to kill and destroy the Rider, eliminating him completely. The Peacock Imagin decided to be discrete about it and had followed the couple all around town.
It was disgusted. Ryuji was definitely how it'd pictured the Rider to be. He was being so lovey-dovey with his girl that it nearly made the Peacock Imagin throw up. How could the Rider degrade himself in such a way, talking of sweet and cute things like weddings and babies? It just made the Imagin's skin crawl.
Now it was watching them sitting on a bench, lightly flirting with each other. It was time to strike.
"Watch out!" Ryuji shouted as he grabbed Kotonoha in his arms and leapt off the bench right before several energy shots shot at them and blew up the bench. The rest of the people, upon witnessing this, were shocked and then fled in terror once the perpetrator revealed itself.
"Imagin!" growled Ryuji as he got a good look at the Peacock Imagin. It had its tail feathers spread out like wings behind its back and the 'eyes' were glowing.
"Kamen Rider Ifrit!" the Peacock Imagin proclaimed. "You die right here!"
"Koto-chan, take cover! Hurry!" Ryuji ordered and the girl nodded. Before she ran away, she gave her fiancé a quick kiss before running off.
Several more energy shots flew at Ryuji and he rolled out of the way. He kept dodging the shots being fired by the Peacock Imagin's tail feathers. "Stand still!" the Peacock Imagin growled.
"Hah! I'm not as dumb as you look!" Ryuji laughed. He took out his belt and jumped high into the air. The Peacock Imagin watched as he strapped on the device and fastened it around his waist before shouting out, "Henshin!" He pressed the blue button, releasing a bellow, before swiping his pass over the belt buckle.
"TRICERA FORM!"
The blue armor formed over his body as the visor flashed, signifying the finished change. He landed on his feet and stood up straight. He cracked his knuckles before he said, "You, it's time for your extinction."
"It's your execution, you mean!" the Peacock Imagin corrected as it fired its energy shots at Ifrit. The Rider calmly walked towards the Imagin as the shots either missed him or bounced off his armor. The Tricera Form armor may lack the same power as the other forms, but it had a high defense rating. "Nani!?"
"My turn," said Ifrit as the triceratops head on his left shoulder slid down along his arm before attaching itself to his fist. He then aimed it at the Imagin. The jaw of the head opened up to reveal double gun barrels.
Ifrit fired upon the Peacock Imagin using the Tricera-Buster. This weapon actually compensated for the lack of power this form had. Each shot collided with the Peacock Imagin with the force of a cannon shell. The Imagin howled out in pain as the shots kept on bombarding it. It wouldn't be too long now. It was then on its back from a powerful close ranged shot and now Ifrit stood over the Imagin with his Tricera-Buster aimed at its head.
"Any last words, teme?" Kamen Rider Ifrit questioned.
Instead of fearfully, begging for its life, the Imagin said, "Yes. You don't have backup, do you?"
Ifrit quirked an eyebrow but suddenly his armor exploded in sparks. He was sent flying backwards as sparks continued to erupt from his armor.
The Peacock Imagin got back to its feet as six Ninja Imagin came to its aid, all holding blowpipes which they were using to attack Ifrit. The ammunition they were using were needles that had small explosives on them. In small quantities, they only stung but in high quantities they were painful.
"DIE!" the Peacock Imagin shouted as it fired destructive shots from its tails upon Ifrit and the Rider howled in pain.
"Ryuji-kun!" Kotonoha gasped. Sand poured out from her body and reformed into her Imagin partner. "Athena!"
Athena drew her sword and said, "Let me assist your mate!" before charging towards the battle, letting out her signature battlecry.
Sand also shot out from Ifrit's body and slammed into the Ninja Imagin before reforming into Loki. "Ryuji," the loyal Imagin said as he helped Ifrit up. "Are you okay?"
"You're late," Ifrit growled.
"Sorry," Loki apologized.
"Stop apologizing and help the Amazon!" ordered Ifrit.
"OK!" Loki obeyed as his hands ignited with flames. He and Athena joined forces to fight the Ninja Imagin.
The Peacock Imagin shouted out as it attacked Ifrit who dodged each of its strikes before countering with his own blows, punching it in the stomach, chest and face. "My beak!" the Peacock Imagin yelled.
"It's good look for you," said Ifrit.
The Peacock Imagin's eyes narrowed but then it caught sight of Kotonoha in her hiding place. With a smirk, he aimed its attack. Ifrit took notice of where its eyes were aiming at and quickly ran towards where Kotonoha was. However, the shots had been fired and he wasn't fast enough, unless…He quickly pressed the white button, unleashing a savage roar and swiping the Dyno Pass over the buckle.
"TYRANO FORM!"
The blue Tricera Form armor was quickly replaced by the white Tyrano Form armor. Ifrit's speed increased and he was able to outrun the shots and intercept them…with his own body.
"Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggghhhhh!!!" Ifrit screamed as the shots collided with his body, causing the armor to erupt in sparks. Once the shots had ceased, he dropped to his knees, his armor smoking.
"Ryuji-kun!" yelled out Kotonoha as she rushed to his side. "Are you okay?"
"I will be," he groaned. "Now, go, get out of here!"
The Peacock Imagin was approaching the two and ready to finish them off. Kotonoha didn't leave. Instead she stood up and spread her arms out in front of Ifrit, facing the Imagin with her back facing the Rider. "Koto-chan! Run!"
"I'm not going to let him hurt you," said Kotonoha.
"Don't be stupid! You'll be killed! What about our baby!?" shouted Ifrit.
Kotonoha froze. 'The baby!'
She didn't move out of the way, instead she was grabbed by the throat and lifted off her feet. Athena and Loki couldn't get to her in time since the Ninja Imagin were keeping them busy.
"A baby, huh?" the Peacock Imagin smirked. "Interesting…"
"Let her go," groaned Ifrit as he struggled to his feet.
"Oh, I will…" the Peacock Imagin said. "But first…" it drew back its fist, "A present," and slammed it into Kotonoha's stomach hard. Kotonoha's eyes widened as she let out a bloodcurdling scream of pain before the Imagin let her go to drop onto the floor. She held onto her battered stomach, eyes screwed shut in pain.
"NO!!!" Ifrit roared in outrage. He fired an ice blast at the Imagin responsible for harming his beloved Kotonoha. However, he missed.
"Bye bye!" the Imagin waved before it took off into the air. The Ninja Imagin then all vanished with puffs of smoke.
"Kotonoha!!!" Ifrit yelled as he allowed his armor to vanish before rushing to his fiancée. He knelt down and cradled her in his arms.
"Ryuji-kun…" she moaned in pain. "It hurts!"
"I'm going to get you to the hospital!" Ryuji told her. He heard his DynoLiner approaching, as if it'd sensed his distress, and it appeared out of a portal. He entered his vehicle and it raced off to the closest hospital.
Ryuji was in the hospital's lobby, waiting for any news on Kotonoha's condition. She'd gotten hurt in the middle of an Imagin attack. He just hoped nothing happened to her or the baby. A doctor came out and Ryuji recognized him to be the one that was looking after Kotonoha. The Rider approached him, hoping for the best but then he saw the grim look on the physician's face.
"Doctor, is my fiancée alright?" Ryuji asked.
"Oh, she's going to be alright," the doctor told Ryuji.
"And the baby?" Ryuji asked again and he noted the sad frown on the doctor's face. "Please, is the baby alright?"
"Sit down, son," the doctor said and Ryuji did as told, not wanting to make a scene. "Unfortunately, we couldn't save the baby. She had a miscarriage." Ryuji's heart broke when he heard the news. There was no telling how Kotonoha would react. "I'm sorry. This must be hard for you."
"Can I go see her?" asked Ryuji.
"Yes, you may," the doctor answered.
"Does she know about the miscarriage?" The doctor nodded. "I see."
"She needs someone in her time of need," the doctor said. "Go and comfort her."
"Don't worry. I will."
Once he entered the hospital ward, he could see Kotonoha staring blankly at the ceiling. Her eyes were lifeless. It would appear she'd taken the news pretty hard and had lost her will to live. Ryuji clenched his fists. The Imagin could wait. Right now his beloved needed him. "Koto-chan, I'm here." She turned to see him enter.
"Ryuji-kun," she gave a weak smile as she sat up. "The baby…it's…"
"It's gone," Ryuji finished, painfully. "I know. The doctor told me."
The life slowly returned to her eyes as she recalled what had happened. Her...their baby was gone. The life she and Ryuji had created was gone. She then screwed her eyes shut and sobbed, gripping the sheets. "My baby…"
Ryuji walked over to her and gently embraced her. He rubbed her back, up and down. "It hurts, I know…" he told her honestly. There were no words he knew that could comfort his distraught fiancée. "But we'll get through this, together. I'm not leaving your side until you're all better."
"Our baby's gone…" She cried into his shirt. "It's gone."
"I know. I know." Ryuji did her best to console her.
"Was this how you felt when you lost yours?" asked Ryuji as Warren came to see how he was doing. Ryuji was leaning against the wall in the hallway while Kotonoha was resting in the room. She'd cried herself to sleep.
"Do you feel like hitting something, hoping that it will fix everything?" asked Warren. Ryuji nodded. "That's exactly how I felt. But you're lucky. You don't have to face this alone."
"I know," said Ryuji. "I just wish I could help her forget her pain."
"She can't though," said Warren. "Just forgetting would only make her lose touch. She needs you there, to hold her and help her through this."
"I know she needs me, but I also need her to recover. I think I know a way to help her forget all this," said Ryuji as he took out his SB-Cell.
Warren quickly grabbed it from him. "I can't let you do that. She needs you, Ryuji, not to forget what happened. Remember, if you ever need someone to talk too, I'm always here."
Ryuji snatched the phone back. "I know I shouldn't do it, but I can't bear to watch her suffer. She needs to move on and forgetting this is the only way I know how."
Warren, again, took the phone back, this time crushing it. "You can't do that!" he snapped. "Is that how you're going to solve all the problems you two go through? Just wipe her mind?"
"She's in pain!" cried Ryuji. "I can feel it when I look into her eyes! She's too fragile. This…this is breaking her. I can't watch her break down on me. I just can't."
"Then go stay with her. She needs you, not a blank mind."
"OK, but I'm still planning to erase her memories as a last resort."
"That won't be necessary. Like I said, you have people who know what you're going through to support you."
"Arigatou, sempai," said Ryuji.
Warren knocked on the door before entering Kotonoha's room. "Hi Kotonoha, how are you doing?" he asked. He knew it was a stupid question, but in this kind of situation, there wasn't much else to say.
"How do you think I'm doing?" she asked, venom in her voice.
"I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone. I know what you're going through."
"How could you possibly understand!?" she shouted.
"Because this same thing happened to me when I was 15!" snapped Warren. "My girlfriend had a stillborn birth and then she died! So don't you dare say I don't understand!"
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I'm sorry," said Kotonoha as she began sobbing.
"It's fine," said Warren. "I'm sorry I snapped at you like that." He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "You're not alone, Kotonoha. If you or Ryuji need anything, I'll be there for you. You don't have to face this alone. You've got friends to help you both through this."
"Katsura," said Rina gingerly as she entered the ward with Siera. Ryuji had fallen asleep and slumped over in his seat, his head on the bed. "Aw…how cute."
Kotonoha glared at the two princesses venomously. "What do you want?"
"We came to visit," said Siera as she walked over with a bouquet of flowers. "Here, these are for you."
Though the two were her rivals, Kotonoha accepted the flower anyway. "So, why are you here?"
"We heard from Warren-sensei that you…" Siera bit her lower lip. "And I'm sorry."
Kotonoha was surprised. Rina was actually being sympathetic. "Thank you."
"I know how you feel, really," admitted Rina. "Well, I can at least understand. When my mother gave birth to me, I had a twin but she was stillborn." Rina shook her head. "What happened to you was horrible. No mother should have their child die before they can hold them."
"Thank you," Kotonoha smiled slightly, glad for the emotional support. "Can you two keep this a secret from the school?"
"You can count on it," smiled Rina. "But, once you get out of here, our battle is going to continue. I'm not giving Ryuji up."
"And neither am I," smirked Kotonoha. Both Rina and Siera were hurdles but with Ryuji's support, she knew she would win. She was confident of the fact.
"Well, I do hope you get better soon," said Siera. "School will be boring without you two."
"Oh, don't worry. The SSSS and the LLRB will take good care of you," teased Kotonoha.
Rina snorted, "Glad to see that this hasn't affected your sense of humor."
"Well, they say laughter is the best medicine," said Kotonoha.
"Well, just get well soon. I know Ryuji won't come to school until you're better so I hope you get well quick," said Rina.
"Oh, I will," nodded Kotonoha.
Kat had heard what'd happened to Kotonoha and the baby. The unborn child was gone forever leaving Kotonoha a complete mess. She knew her brother, Ryuji, would be there to comfort her. Well, he should be there. He couldn't leave her side because she needed him right now. Her parents would be arriving in the morning after receiving the emergency call. At least Kotonoha wouldn't be alone.
Kat hadn't gone to the hospital. Instead she spent the rest of the day hunting down the Imagin which had gotten away. She jumped from roof to roof, trying to look for it from above with no such luck. Could it have gone to the past already? If it had then she would've noticed some changes occurring in the present.
This wasn't her world, this wasn't her timeline, but she felt at home here for some reason. At least without Kenzaki she had a measure of peace. Neko deserved better than him.
Kat's eyes then saw the Imagin and she grinned. With her card in hand she called, "Henshin."
Kotonoha's parents had gotten the emergency call and had come back via a private jet to see their daughter. While Mrs. Katsura was with Kotonoha inside the ward, Mr. Katsura was confronting Ryuji.
"And where were you when my daughter was hurt?" the man demanded.
Ryuji answered, "I was trying to protect her, but we got separated in the crowd. In the midst of the chaos, the monster attacked her. Luckily, Ifrit helped bring us here."
Mr. Katsura's eyes narrowed in suspicion. He knew this boy was hiding something but right now he could see that the boy was just completely distraught over what'd happened. His child with Kotonoha was gone now, due to a miscarriage from the impact. Now wasn't the time to pick at wounds.
Ryuji placed his face in his hands. He felt guilt. He'd promised to protect Kotonoha but he hadn't been able to do that and now she was hurt and the baby she was so looking forward to hold in her arms was gone. It was just tragic.
Mr. Katsura sat down next to the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Look, kid, I have to admit that I had doubts about you and my daughter. From what I heard, you're nothing but trouble."
"You're right about that," Ryuji muttered.
"But, as I saw you two together, I started to see what my little girl sees in you. You genuinely care about her, don't you?" asked Mr. Katsura.
"I do. She's the one who's stolen my heart. I've changed because of her," Ryuji confessed.
"And you've changed her. She used to be shy but now she's more outspoken," Mr. Katsura smiled. "She really needs you, right now."
"I know. I know," Ryuji nodded.
Mr. Katsura noted the ring on Ryuji's finger, having seen a similar one on Kotonoha, "So, when were you going to tell me you and my daughter were engaged."
"We were thinking by the time you got back from your business trip," answered Ryuji.
"Yes," Mr. Katsura sighed. "We have to go back in a week. We can't stay long." He then requested, "And I need a favor."
"Anything," Ryuji agreed.
"Take care of both of my little girls," said Mr. Katsura. "Like their mother, they're everything to me."
"I will, I swear on my honor," swore Ryuji seriously. "So, does this mean I get to call you dad?"
"Don't push it," Mr. Katsura frowned.
Ryuji sighed. "Well, it was worth a shot."
Even if Kat was a Kamen Rider in name only, she still had a strict code of honor. An eye for an eye, a life for a life. This Imagin had taken the life of Kotonoha's baby and so now its life was forfeit. It had been marked for death as soon as Kotonoha ended up in the hospital.
CopyKat wasn't subtle in her attack. Instead she was completely savage. She showed no mercy as she slashed at the Peacock Imagin with her clawed gauntlets. The sharp blades cut deeply into the Peacock Imagin's hide, causing it to scream out in pain. CopyKat didn't have any snide remarks. The only thing she'd said at the start of this fight was, "You die now."
The Imagin let out a howl of pain as it was sent flying by CopyKat's 'Raigo Dan' and then received a pummeling from her 'Resshuken'. But the violent punishment came from both her 'Goyu Koha' and 'Shishi Hokoha' techniques.
CopyKat was nearly done with punishing this Peacock Imagin. Now, it was time to end it. It was execution time.
She focused all her Rinki into her fists and focused her eyes on the Imagin who'd taken the life of a child who would've been her niece or nephew. She roared, "RINGI! GOYU SHODA!" and rushed towards the Imagin. She drew her right arm back before thrusting it forward and sank her claws right through the Imagin's body. She pushed her Confrontation Ki into the Peacock Imagin's body before withdrawing her claw and turning her back to it. She walked away as the Imagin fell backwards and exploded in a fiery blaze, defeated. However, the Rinki hadn't disappeared and flared out in all directions. She then leapt into the air, leaving a trail of black and violet Ki. She'd avenged both Kotonoha and Ryuji.
"I could make all this go away," said Topper as he appeared next to Ryuji.
"Go away. I'm not buying anything you're selling," growled Ryuji.
"But what if I say I can give you back your child?" questioned Topper. Ryuji looked at him. "Now I got your attention."
"You can do that?" asked Ryuji hopefully.
"I can take away her pain and give her back her baby," Topper offered. "But like all my offers there's a price to pay."
"What's the price?" Ryuji asked. He was careful not to say 'I would do anything' in front of Topper. That guy was a shrewd businessman by nature and could take anything as payment.
"Something of equal value, as always," Topper explained. "Today, another couple is expecting the birth of their own child. All I have to do is…" Topper was suddenly grabbed by his collar and slammed against the wall.
"Don't you even say it," growled Ryuji. He knew he should've have listened. "I'm not going to let another couple suffer so we can have our child back."
"But what about Kotonoha's suffering?' questioned Topper. "She was looking forward to having a child of her own. By doing this, I can ensure that she will have that."
"The life of one baby for another?" Ryuji looked hatefully at Topper. "Making another couple suffer? I won't allow that and I won't do it." He let go of Topper. "No deal."
"Then how about another one? I can make you completely human," offered Topper.
"Get out of my sight," ordered Ryuji.
"Fine," sighed Topper. "I guess you're a tough customer to please, but the customer is always right." He took off his hat and put it upside down on the floor. He then dove into his hat, vanishing inside the portal within before the hat blinked out of existence.
"God I hate him," grumbled Ryuji.
"You know you're underage right now, right?" said Warren as he saw Kat chuck an empty can of beer away.
"Screw off!" she snapped. "I'm not in the mood."
"I saw what you did to that Imagin," said Warren with a frown.
"So?" she retorted. "You think I went too far?"
"Actually…I think you went too easy on it," said Warren.
"What?" hissed Kat.
"That bastard killed a child. The fact that you even allowed it to die before calling me kinda pisses me off," answered Warren.
"The child would've been my future niece or nephew. It was a family matter. It was personal," said Kat
"I understand that," nodded Warren. "You still would have been the one to deal the finishing blow; I just wanted to help in the torturing."
Kat stated firmly, "Sorry, but I work alone. Always have, always will."
"Do you know what it's like, Kat?" Warren asked sadly. "To lose something as precious to you as a child?" Those were memories that haunted him to his very core, and right now he was reliving them.
"I almost did," answered Kat. "Do you know how I found Cathy?"
"No, I don't believe I've heard this story."
"It was after one of my missions. I found her in a dumpster. Can you believe the nerve of some people, throwing a child away like garbage?"
"Unfortunately, I can," sighed Warren. "You were on my world with us remember, during the War?" Warren was referring to his time with the ChronoLiner Riders, when he had been trapped on his own world, except back in World War 2.
"The memories are vague…but yes I do remember that time, even if the Living Gate was in control."
Warren rolled up his sleeve, showing Kat the tattoo on his wrist. "I witnessed atrocities no one should have too."
"I know. I sensed it coming off you in waves. You've suffered a lot and survived."
"I've also lost 2 daughters…first the baby I had with Meryl, and then Noel." Even saying her name pained him. Noel was a four year old girl who escaped with Warren from a Concentration Camp. However, one night the American camp they were traveling with was raided by Nazi soldiers. Warren saved her from them, but he got shot multiple times, and one bullet went right through him and into her, killing her instantly. He still had a bullet lodged in his shoulder, a constant reminder.
"I nearly lost Cathy once too. Some sick bastards kidnapped her for experiments. When I found them…let's just say there was not enough left to bury."
"I know the feeling. Getting vengeance on those that wronged you or your loved ones."
Kat nodded, "Wanting to make them suffer. You know I discovered that one of them even raped children. He was the one I spent the longest killing slowly."
"Good, but I try not to focus on vengeance these days," said Warren.
"Suit yourself," shrugged Kat. To her, hate, anger, revenge and violence were fuel for her Rinki.
"The only reason is because those feelings are what gave birth to Damien," said Warren grimly. Kat shivered at the very mention of his name.
Kat stopped shivering and said, "Damien's not someone I want to see ever again for as long as I live."
"You're not the only one." Warren then tapped his head, "Luckily he's locked away safely in here."
"Good," nodded Kat. "Well, I have to go now. I have to visit Kotonoha. How is she doing right now?"
"Better I think," answered Warren. "Ryuji hasn't left her side."
"The girl's like a porcelain doll, physically and mentally. Something like this could break her so she needs someone that can mend her."
"No memory wipes," warned Warren firmly. "I've already been over that with Ryuji."
"Alright, I won't mess with her mind. I swear on my word of honor." She then heard a mighty shriek and looked up to see a huge bird-like monster soaring through the sky, "And looks like you're going to get your chance at making that thing suffer." The Peacock Imagin had reformed into a flying Gigandeath.
"Excuse me," said Warren. The ChronoLiner pulled up beside Warren. He leapt in and stepped into the cockpit. As Warren mounted the bike and took the controls, something happened to the ChronoLiner. A dark aura surrounded the train, turning its white paintjob pitch black. The red cover of the cockpit turned stark white with a black skull-shaped emblem on the front.
Introducing, the ChronoLiner Wraith Mode!
The tracks went up high into the air as the train raced along it after the Gigandeath. The weapons were immediately activated and released their ammo upon the bird-like beast. Lasers, bombs, and missiles bombarded the monsters but the Gigandeath screeched and released laser blasts from its beak. The feathers were also weapons and were fired like homing missiles which exploded against the train.
"Damn!" Wraith cursed as he tried to keep the train on track. "Need help!"
Four portals formed in the air and released the four Rescue Cars dubbed Fire-5, Gyro-6, Digger-7 and Submarine-8. They all transformed and attacked. They were drones but could also be piloted.
The fire truck-like Fire-5 fired its water cannon upon the Gigandeath, soaking it with violent jets of water. The Gyro-6 and Submarine-8 fired upon it with their missiles and torpedoes. It screeched and flapped its wings, blowing the train cars away. The Digger-7's drill spun as it charged at the Gigandeath and drilled into its body. The Gigandeath struggled to get free but the Digger-7 was holding it for the other Rescue Cars to continue their attacks.
"Time to finish this!" Wraith shouted as he focused his shadow power into the train. The cannon rose up atop the train's first car and aimed at the Gigandeath. "Target's locked on…and fire!"
The cannon charged up and then fired a concentrated beam of dark energy at the beast. The beam plowed right through the Gigandeath and it screeched out in anguish as its body exploded.
Ryuji continued to watch over Kotonoha as she slept. Her father and mother had returned home. They would be going back on their business trip after a week. They wanted to be there for their daughter in her time of need. Her condition would still be kept a secret and Ryuji swore to never tell anyone he didn't full trust.
A part of him wanted to change this. He had a time traveling train. All he had to do was board it and go back to that exact time and change what happened. He could save the baby and Kotonoha from breaking down.
However, another part of him remembered his responsibility. His job was to protect the timeline from being altered. He couldn't abuse the power he had for his own reasons, even if they were for Kotonoha. He could end up making things worse.
Maybe this was meant to happen? Maybe it was fate? He never really believed in fate but right now he wasn't so sure what he believed in. If he believed in God, then why would God let this happen?
Right now Kotonoha needed him, here, in the present. The past could wait. If she wanted, he would go back. To hell with the rules! All that mattered was Kotonoha's happiness and if getting back the baby made her happy, then he would get her baby back…but at what cost?
He didn't take Topper's deal because of what it would cost. Was altering the timeline really worth one baby?
One week had past and Kotonoha was feeling much better. Her parents had gone back on their business trip and leaving their daughters in his and Loki's care. Right now, Ryuji was help giving Kotonoha a sponge bath. He would be taking care of her at home and taking leave from school.
"You shouldn't miss school because of me," said Kotonoha as she felt the sponge run over the skin of her back. She was nude from the waist up and covering her chest with the blanket. The life had returned in her eyes and even though she missed the baby, she knew she needed to move on lest she worry her friends. They'd come to visit the hospital but never knew what'd happened to her. The story they'd been fed by Warren was that she had a fever and a bad stomach ache.
"I don't really need school," Ryuji shrugged. "Plus Warren's covering for me. And I can just copy notes off Rina and Siera. Not to mention I won't need to face those annoying KLLA, SSSS or LLRB morons." As much as he enjoyed beating on them, even that could get boring after a while.
"Don't say that," Kotonoha frowned as she looked over her shoulder at him. "An education is important." She shuddered when she felt his lips kiss against her back. "Ryuji-kun..." she moaned.
"You're important," he retorted. "Anyway, I'm going to cover for you at work later."
"Cover for me?" she blinked.
"I called Sekai's mom and she's got time for an interview for me this afternoon. Loki, Athena and Eros can take care of you," Ryuji said.
"You're so sweet, you know that?" stated Kotonoha. "I don't know why I even deserve you."
"I ask myself the same thing," Ryuji murmured. He wondered how a guy like him could get a girl like her. He checked his watch. "OK, I'm gonna be heading to Radish right now." He turned her around and was about to give her a kiss when he admired her half nude body. She still had her pajama bottoms on. He smirked. "Do you think we have time for a quickie?" Kotonoha gave him a glare. "Right, sorry." He kissed her deeply before getting off the bed and handing her pajama top back. "See ya later, Koto-chan, and don't forget your meds."
"I won't," Kotonoha smiled as Ryuji walked out of the room.
Ryuji past Loki at the stairs and reminded his Imagin, "Make sure she takes her meds."
"I understand," nodded Loki. "Have a good day at work!"
Ryuji got out of the house and went to his bike. He mounted it and pulled on his helmet before revving up the helmet. He kicked up the stand and then drove out of the gate. He was headed for Radish.
Youko Saionji was sitting across from Ryuji at one of the table in Radish. They were talking over a certain deal. Actually, Ryuji had asked to talk to her.
"Oh, poor Kotonoha-chan," said Youko regrettably. "How is she doing?"
"She's stuck in bed rest until she gets better. Doctor's orders," answered Ryuji. "Since she won't be coming to work until she recovers, I wish to cover for her."
"You wish to work in Radish?" blinked Youko.
"Yes, yes I do," nodded Ryuji. "I know you mainly employ girls as waitresses, but I think I can do a pretty good job and-"
"You're hired," said Youko abruptly.
"And can you please let me finish?" sighed Ryuji. "I'm hired?"
"Well, my daughter has told me a lot about you. Despite your rough exterior, you are a nice boy deep down," said Youko honestly. "And I've seen how much you love Kotonoha-chan. She's lucky to have you as a boyfriend."
"I actually think I'm the lucky one sometimes," Ryuji admitted. "She's too good for me but she loves me anyway."
"Well, anyway, I also hired you because I've actually been thinking of hiring waiters too," confessed Youko. "I already have a uniform ready. I'm not sure if it'll fit you, though."
"Let me see it first," said Ryuji.
"How do I look?" asked Ryuji as he came out of the changing room. The uniform was a white shirt with short sleeves, a blue vest over it, a yellow bowtie and blue pants with black shoes. The other waitresses swooned while Sekai gawked. Ryuji cleaned up pretty well. He even braided his hair all nice and tidy. He didn't feel comfortable with all the stares, however.
"Wow!" Sekai let out.
"Oh, my!" Youko clapped. "You look amazing! I never thought it would fit!"
"So, what should I do? Mop the floor? Clean the dishes?" Ryuji asked. "I'll do anything to help."
"Just stand there," said Youko before she took a snapshot with her camera phone. The other girls also did the same, except for Sekai. Ryuji might be attractive, but she already had a boyfriend.
"What am I? Eye candy?" asked Ryuji.
"Just like the rest of us," one of the waitresses smirked while she snapped one more picture.
"Whatever," Ryuji huffed. "Am I going to do anything besides standing here and looking good?"
"Well, you'll be serving as well as making sure some of the problem customers don't cause our girls trouble," Youko explained.
"Sounds like my kind of thing," Ryuji grinned.
"Just don't kill them," Sekai warned.
"I can't make promises."
"Still here, I see," said Warren as he found Kenzaki at the bar, again, just like the night before, and the night before that, and the night before that.
"Leave me alone," Kenzaki slurred. "Just go away." He seemed even more depressed now than he did the last time Warren had seen him.
"Nah, I think I'll stay here and have a couple of drinks," said Warren as he took a seat next to the depressed and drunk bounty hunter. The waitress came over and took his order, a Jack Daniels in Coke. "A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks."
"Yeah? Like what? Kat finally convince Neko I'm no good for her?" asked Kenzaki.
"Ryuji found out that Kotonoha was pregnant. Then she had a miscarriage because of an Imagin attack," answered Warren solemnly. The waitress returned with his order and the Wraith took his drink.
"A miscarriage? You're kidding, right?" asked Kenzaki.
"I wouldn't joke about something like that," said Warren as he took another drink.
"Damn…" muttered Kenzaki. "How are they holding up?"
"Kotonoha seems better now. But it's not the kind of thing you can just get past."
"I don't know how I would be able to deal with something like that if it ever happened to…" he paused. Kenzaki still couldn't bring himself to say her name
"She misses you, ya know? She's been skipping class," said Warren.
"Whatever…" muttered Kenzaki.
"Wow, you sure are taking it hard," Warren pointed out sarcastically.
Kenzaki glared at the Wraith. "I bare my heart to her, protect her, and then I propose to her. She said no. No! After all we've been through and she says no! Do you know how it feels to be rejected like that? Two years with her just went down the drain the moment she said that word," he growled.
Warren shook his head. "No, they went down the drain when you up and left. I know where she's coming from, but I also know where you're coming from. Maybe if you told her how you felt instead of drowning yourself in booze things could get better."
"I bet that bitch is dancing and laughing at my expense," snorted Kenzaki. "How is that psycho anyway?"
"Well, she let out a lot of frustration on that Imagin that attacked Kotonoha, but she doesn't get how you could make Neko happy. Obviously she hasn't figured out what you two mean to each other."
"She hates men. Says I remind her of an old boyfriend."
"Her old boyfriend was Takada, who cheated on her."
"Heh, you don't say," laughed Kenzaki. "He was the dog and she was the cat. It wouldn't have worked out."
"You know, wolves and dogs are pretty similar," said Warren. "Maybe she's afraid you'll do to Neko what Takada did to her."
"I would never cheat on her!" shouted Kenzaki, "I…!" He wanted to continue but his words got caught in his throat.
"I know you wouldn't, Kat doesn't. Trust me, like dogs, wolves can also be pretty loyal to someone they love."
Kenzaki nodded in agreement. "So, family man, got any words of advice for this lone wolf?"
"Get better booze, the stuff you're drinking is horrible," laughed Warren. "And after that, go talk to Neko, and prove the psycho wrong."
"Hey, toots!" one lecherous college student grinned as he wrapped his arm around one of the waitresses. "How about you me and my buddies all head out and party somewhere?"
"Um…no," the waitress grimaced. "I'm still working. I have a boyfriend too."
"Aw don't be that way," the guy grinned. "I can make it worth your time. What do you say?" He pressed further by squeezing her shoulder uncomfortably. "I really have to insist."
"The lady said no," a gruff voice spoke from behind.
Blinking, the guy turned around to see who was talking. He found himself looking at the only male employee he had seen in the place since he and his buddies had entered.
"And who's gonna make me?" asked the guy.
"I thought that was obvious," the waiter frowned. He cracked his knuckles and let his threat hang.
"Oh yeah?" the letch growled. "Let's see you try!"
Several moments and the sounds of a brutal fight later, the letch was thrown out the front doors with his buddies running and screaming out of the place. Ryuji was standing at the door, dusting his hands.
"Learn the rules!" he shouted after them. "Look but don't touch! And don't ever come back!"
"Thanks, Ryuji," the waitress aid gratefully.
"Hey, it's my job," Ryuji smiled.
Kat was in her dark room, admiring her handiwork. It looked like an arrow and it was glowing with a faint miasma of black and violet. Her evil grin widened as she spoke to herself, "Soon, very soon, my sweet little sister will be free of that wretched wolf. Oh, this is going to be so much fun." She heard a knock at her door. "Yes?"
"Nee-chan, dinner time," Neko called. Neko had been staying with Kat all this time and appeared to be getting better despite Kenzaki's absence. Kat just thought this was her getting over the guy.
"OK, I'm coming," said Kat as she put the arrow under the mattress of her bed. When Kenzaki came back, she was going to break some hearts.
ZK Chromedragozoid: Uh-oh. Not good. What is Kat gonna do with that arrow? Anyway, this chap was pretty tragic but at least Kotonoha's recovering.
Ten-Faced Paladin: I never liked the tragic stuff. At least Kotonoha and Ryuji are able to recover. Live to love again and all that.
Shadow Element 13: Looks like Kenzaki and Neko's relationship is still going through some rough patches. Hopefully everything will work out. A small look into Warren's past in this chap as well.