Kenzaki and Neko were enjoying a nice and private boat ride in the middle of a lake. Kenzaki was the one with the oars and had rowed them there for some peace and quiet. It was Neko's suggestion to have a date on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. Neko was dressed in a lovely sundress that enhanced her beauty and made her look cute.
"Ne, Ken-kun?" asked Neko.
"Hai, Neko-chan?" replied Kenzaki. He only called her Neko-chan when they were sharing special romantic moments together.
"What do I mean to you?" she questioned.
"Um…what do you mean?" asked Kenzaki, confused by the question.
"You know…" said Neko sheepishly. "How much do I really mean to you?" She began playing with her braid as she looked down.
"You mean a lot to me Neko, more than anything else," Kenzaki answered honestly.
Neko smiled. "Really?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course," nodded Kenzaki. "You're precious to me, Neko, and nothing can ever change that." Neko smirked and then grabbed the front of his shirt. In his surprise, he let go of the oars and was pulled on top of her. "Neko?"
"Kiss me, Ken-kun?" pleaded Neko as she moved Kenzaki's face closer to hers.
Kenzaki smiled at his beloved girlfriend. "No need to ask me twice." He then leaned down and kissed her deeply and it soon turned into a make out session. Neko moaned in pleasure as their lips connected and they held onto each other close. They were oblivious to everything but each other and didn't even notice the boat drifting ashore.
The boat ended up on dry land and Neko's eyes opened before snapping wide at the sight of the audience gathered around.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" shrieked Neko as she saw the other members of the GaroLiner crew looking down on them.
"What the hell…are you idiots…DOING HERE!?!?!?" roared Kenzaki as he sat up quickly, angered that his private moment with Neko was ruined.
"Watching you and Neko-chan make out," answered Buraki as he enjoyed the show.
CRASH!!!
"Itai…" groaned Buraki. Kenzaki had broken one of the oars over the Imoogi Imagin's head and the pervert crumpled onto the ground.
"Who's next?" growled Kenzaki as he grabbed the other oar as his Violet Fierce Ki flared out.
"RUN!" Raion yelled out as he and the others turned tail and made a mad dash away from Kenzaki.
"COME BACK HERE!" Kenzaki roared as he chased after them, swinging the oar around, and leaving Neko alone in the boat.
"Why can't we ever have any privacy?" Neko questioned. She saw Buraki getting up and she smashed her fist onto his head to knock him out again. Pouting, Neko sat in the boat alone with her arms crossed.
"LIONS AND KITTENS AND WOLVES, OH MY!"
Kat entered Warren's study as Rachel exited. She knew this was a private matter and she didn't have a reason to pry. Still, that didn't mean she trusted the girl who had an ambiguous alliance. Kat never said she was good or evil. She was just being herself and doing what she wanted for her own reasons.
"So, you want to become stronger?" asked Warren.
"Hey, are those the test papers we did for the finals? Can I see mine?" questioned Kat.
"No, and don't change the subject. You told me that you wanted to become strong. Why? And don't try to lie to me," said Warren.
Kat knew there was no way she could pull the wool over Warren's eyes. He may have technically been the same age as her, but he was definitely wiser than her and could spot a lie a mile away. It was best to be honest with her intentions in order to get what she wanted. "Look, ever since I came here I've been pretty much overshadowed, mostly by you and Kenny. You two are powerful and frankly it scares me. It scares me because I may not have the power if I end up fighting against big opponents like Benitora or Ryuga. And since you're the strongest of us, I want to know how to become that strong. I want to know the secret behind your powers."
Warren replied, "You're right, you don't have that kind of power. People like me, Ryuga and Benitora are at a completely different level from what you can reach. And there's no secret behind my power. I simply trained and trained and trained until I reached this level. I needed to change and adapt to every possible situation. But there is a way you can come CLOSE to Kenzaki's level. You may not be able to surpass him but that is because of his years of battle experience."
"Experience isn't everything. Even the most experienced warriors can be taken down by surprise by a stronger opponent with less experience," said Kat spitefully.
Warren agreed, "I know. That's why Kenzaki is pushing himself to his limits. He pushes himself because he has an unselfish NEED to be the strongest, so he can always protect those important to him."
"I have my reasons to become strong too," argued Kat.
"And what are they?"
Kat answered, "I want to be able to defeat my enemies, I want to be able to hold my head up high in pride when I destroy my opponents, and I…I want to…" She hesitated a little.
"You want to what?" pushed Warren.
She finally confessed her reasons, "I want the power…to protect my family. My precious Rose, Cathy and even Bobby. I want to have the power to protect them all on my own. I don't want to rely on anyone anymore."
Warren noted her sincerity but he had to make sure. He then asked her, "What about Kenzaki?"
"What about him?" Kat replied with her own question. What did Kenzaki have to do with this aside from being the person she wanted to surpass?
"If you were the only person who could help him, would you?" Warren inquired.
Kat scoffed while crossing her arms, turning her face away from Warren as she answered, "He can go and die for all I care, but if he were to die then Neko would be sad. If you're asking if I would help him for her sake, then yes, I would."
Warren shook his head. "No, not for her sake. I'm asking that if Neko wasn't part of the equation, would you still help him, or would you let him die?"
"Against a common foe, yes, I'd help him."
Warren continued his line of questioning, "And if it wasn't a common foe? If you just happened to witness the fight on accident, would you allow him to die?"
"No, I wouldn't let him die, because…" Kat became silent as she lowered her head. Could she say how she felt of Kenzaki?
"Because?" Warren pushed.
"I've grown used to having him around" answered Kat. Actually, the synchronization she performed with Neko was the cause for this. "Plus, I want to be the one to defeat him myself."
"Still stuck on that, huh?" Warren snickered.
"The guy freaking bit me!" shouted Kat.
"You did shoot him with an arrow," pointed out Warren in Kenzaki's defense.
"Yeah, I did, but still he BIT me!"
"You did deserve it."
"OK, let's say I did, but we're getting off topic. I want to become stronger and you're going to help me." Kat wasn't going to give up her quest for power.
"I never said I would help you," sighed Warren.
"Why won't you help me?" Kat's eyes narrowed as her red eyes gleamed in anger at being refused.
Warren told her, "I need a completely unselfish reason. I know you want to protect your family, but you said you want to do it alone. You'll always need someone to help you. Why do you think I'm still part of a team back on my world?"
"So, if I give you a completely, honest, and selfish answer, then you'll help me?" asked Kat.
"Yes, I will," answered Warren.
"Do I have to?" whined Kat.
"Well, if you don't want my help…"
"Fine, OK!" she surrendered. She wanted power and if it meant swallowing her pride then she would do it. "I want to be a better fighter to protect those precious to me! Not just my family! In this world, I've got friends (Nanami and Hikari) who I care about and who care about me. I also got family (Rose, Ryuji, Kotonoha, Cathy, Neko and Bobby) here who would do anything to help me. Frankly, the reason I want power is so that nobody has to suffer because I'm too weak to do anything at all! But most of all I want the power to make up for some of the horrible things I did in the past few years!"
"OK," nodded Warren.
"OK?"
"Are you willing to do anything to reach that level?"
"Anything at all."
"OK, guess we have to make a little trip to my world."
"For how long?"
The following day, which was Monday, Kenzaki was walking hand in hand with Neko to the gate. School was out for the day and the two were planning to have a nice and quiet time just going out on a short date. Once at the gate, they saw the same group of morons who called themselves the 'Cutey-Cutey Neko Soldiers' standing in their way. Kenzaki grumbled as Neko sighed. At first she never thought she'd be this popular, but it was really bugging Kenzaki. Didn't they get it after the last beating, or the ones before that? Apparently they didn't.
Kenzaki remembered the first time these people made their presence known. It all started before final exams.
On their way to school, Kenzaki and Neko met up with Ryuji and Kotonoha who had Siera and Rina tagging along with them. When they arrived at the gate to see a group of male students, like about 30 of them, standing in their way, it looked to be their typical morning.
"So," Ryuji said as he cracked his knuckles. "You numbskulls haven't learnt your lessons, huh?" He suspected that these guys were either from the KLLA, SSSS, the LLRB or all of three. It didn't matter to him anyway, though. Any idiot who came to challenge him deserved to get their asses kicked. Still, he was curious since he noted the absence of any armbands or buttons to identify their affiliations.
"WE ARE NOT HERE FOR YOU, RYUJI HASUMA!" shouted the leader who was a glasses wearing guy who looked a bit too old to be in high school. He was screaming through a bullhorn.
Ryuji blinked in confusion. This was odd. "You're…not?"
"NO, FOR WE ARE NOT THE KLLA, SSSS or the LLRB!" he answered. "WE ARE…"
The entire group of males threw off their shirts causing Ryuji, Kotonoha, Siera, Kenzaki, Neko and Rina to stare.
"What…" Neko began.
"…the…" continued Ryuji.
"…Hell?" finished Kenzaki.
They were all now sporting white t-shirts that had large hearts in the centre and in the hearts was Neko's face. The group of (insane and idiotic males) then put on headbands with fake cat ears.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," groaned Kenzaki.
The groupies then spun around to show off what was on their backs. There were the letters CCNS and then they all shouted, "WE ARE THE CCNS, THE CUTIE-CUTIE NEKO-CHAN SOLDIERS!"
Kenzaki could only gawk as Ryuji patted him on the back. "Welcome to my world, buddy," said Ryuji sympathetically.
From the rooftop, Kat watched with a large and feral grin through a pair of binoculars. "Men, so predictable and so easy to manipulate."
"Damn it…This is giving me a headache," groaned Kenzaki. "Let me guess, you guys won't leave me alone unless I beat you all senseless?"
The answer he got was for them to charge right at him, screaming, "FOR NEKO!!!"
"What do you idiots want this time?" growled Kenzaki. "Look, I'm actually having a pretty good day, so I'll give you guys a warning. Leave now and I won't be forced to hurt you."
"KENZAKI TSUKUBA!" the leader holding the bullhorn shouted, "WE HAVE BEEN GOING EASY ON YOU BUT NO MORE!"
Kenzaki's left eyebrow twitched. He was the one going easy on them, not the other way around here. "Fine, you guys wanna be stupid and get hurt, I won't stop you." He cracked his knuckles.
"OH, DON'T BE FOOLISH! WE WILL NOT BE THE ONE TO FIGHT YOU! OUR MASCOT WILL BE THE ONE TO DO IT!"
"Mascot?" Kenzaki and Neko parroted. Kenzaki suddenly realized that something felt off about one of the members.
'Imagin!" he realized.
The CCNS parted and allowed a figure to walk forward. It was an Imagin resembling an anthropomorphic cat and was female judging by the developing curves. She had bright orange fur with dark orange stripes, a human looking face with short red hair and orange ears on top. Her whiskers and nose twitched a little as she sniffed around. Her eyes were large and green. She wasn't very big either and was about the size of a small child.
"Nyaa~" yawned the Kitten Imagin. "This is boring! You guys promised me catnip!" The Imagin then began to pout cutely. She then saw Neko and her face brightened. She then pounced past Kenzaki and glomped onto Neko. Neko blushed uncomfortably as the Kitten Imagin began rubbing her face against Neko's breasts. "Kyaaa! You must be the Nee-chan those boys were talking about!"
Kenzaki tensed up. He wasn't sure what this Imagin's intentions were, but he doubted they were good. The way she was hugging Neko like that bothered him. Maybe it would try to lower Neko's guard and…
"KAWAII!!!" Neko squealed as she hugged the Kitten Imagin close, rubbing her cheek against the little monster's. Kenzaki just gaped as he watched his girlfriend getting all cozy with the Imagin. The Kitten Imagin purred cutely as her tail wagged, enjoying the attention. "Ken-kun, can we keep this cute little kitten?"
"Yay! Onii-chan! Can you keep me?" asked the Kitten Imagin.
"Do I really have a choice in the matter?" sighed Kenzaki.
"MASCOT!" shouted the leader of the CCNS. "YOU AREN"T SUPPOSED TO LIKE THEM! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO KILL KENZAKI TSUKU--" The leader was silenced when Kenzaki punched him in the gut.
"Shut up, your voice is bugging me," said Kenzaki.
Neko used her above than average strength to lift the little Kitten Imagin in her arms as the smallish figure wrapped her arms around the girl's neck. "Come on, little one. I'm gonna dress you up in cute little clothes. What's your name?"
"Koneko!" the Kitten Imagin answered with a meow.
"Aww…Kawaii…!" Neko squealed.
"That's it…" groaned Kenzaki. "My life has turned strange. Well…stranger." He looked over at Koneko to see her eyes were watering.
A second later the little Imagin burst into tears. "WAAAAHHH!!!! Onii-chan doesn't like me! WAAAAAHH!!!" Koneko cried uncontrollably.
Neko scolded, "Ken-kun, apologize to her now!"
"Why me?" Kenzaki groaned.
"Great, another brat," growled Okami. This caused Koneko to grasp onto Kenzaki and hide behind him. They were on the GaroLiner and introducing their newest addition.
"Don't scare her," warned Neko.
"Wow, she's really small," said Raion as he looked down on the tiny Imagine. She was only about half of the large Imagin's size.
Buraki looked at the little Imagin drooling. "Catgirl…"
Byakko then punched Buraki on the head. He knelt down to look Koneko in the eyes. "Don't worry, Koneko-san, I shall look after you."
Koneko smiled and looked up at the older feline Imagin. "Thank you!"
"She's supposed to be an Imagin?" asked Ryuji. He, Kotonoha, Neko, and Kenzaki were sitting in the Dining Car of the GaroLiner. Koneko was latched onto Kenzaki's back, and was dressed in a cute little sundress.
Kotonoha smiled at the little Imagin, "She looks…harmless."
"Get…off…of…me…" growled Kenzaki.
"Ah, but Onii-chan is so comfy! And his shiny skin is really cool!" said Koneko excitedly.
"Don't be mean, Ken-kun," scolded Neko. "She's just playing."
"Did Neko-nee make a wish for a little sister or something?" questioned Ryuji.
"It was those morons, the CCNS," answered Kenzaki. "They tried to create an Imagin to kill me. This was the end result."
"But she's so cute," cooed Kotonoha.
"Why do I get the feeling one of them has a catgirl and loli fetish?" asked Ryuji.
"I don't know why, but I have the feeling that Kat is behind this," said Kenzaki.
"You think Kat is the ringleader of the CCNS?" Ryuji question with an eyebrow raised.
"A group of fanboys dedicated to beating me and trying to break me and Neko up? Almost definitely," replied Kenzaki.
"You really believe that?" asked Kotonoha.
"Actually, it would make sense," said Ryuji. "Maybe this is her way of testing Kenzaki?"
"Maybe we should ask Koneko-chan?" suggested Neko. "Koneko-chan, who is your contractor?"
"Oh, she's a nice lady that looks like you, Onee-chan!" beamed Koneko.
"Let me guess, she had red eyes and laughed evilly every five minutes?" asked Kenzaki.
Koneko nodded, "And she has a cute bow in her hair!"
"I knew it…" growled Kenzaki. "It was that lunatic."
"Aw…" cooed Neko. "But Koneko-chan's cute."
"The nice lady said I was a gift!" beamed the tiny Imagin.
"She certainly is," said Ryuji, stifling a laugh.
"I'm actually kinda glad Kat formed the CCNS," admitted Kenzaki.
"Why?" questioned Kotonoha.
"The exercise, right?" said Ryuji.
"Nope, Kat and I had an agreement that if she pulled anything like this, I could beat her up! Now I finally have an excuse!" laughed Kenzaki.
"Don't do that, Ken-kun!" scolded Neko. "She gave us Koneko-chan as a present!"
Koneko hugged Kenzaki tighter, "I love you, Onii-chan and Onee-chan!"
"Aww…" cooed Neko.
"I wasn't talking about her. I was talking about the CCNS," Kenzaki cleared up.
"So, you're gonna beat those guys up whenever you see them?" asked Ryuji.
"Whenever they piss me off I will," nodded Kenzaki.
"But then you plan on challenging Kat-san to a fight too?" questioned Kotonoha.
"You bet I will! If she thinks she can create the CCNS and get away with it, she's got another thing coming!"
"Speaking of Kat," began Ryuji and he asked, "Have you guys seen her around by any chance? Coz I don't think I saw her at school." Kat wasn't able to hide her presence for so long.
"You're right," nodded Neko. "Usually I can sense her when she's around but it was like she wasn't there."
"Finally," spoke Kenzaki in a relieved tone, "Some long overdue peace and quiet."
"Well, even without her around, those CCNS idiots are gonna be a handful," Ryuji reminded.
"Ugh," Kenzaki frowned in disgust. "Don't remind me."
Koneko let out a yawn, causing Neko and Kotonoha to smile at the little Imagin.
"What's the matter?" asked Neko.
Koneko let out another yawn, "Sleepy…"
"Come on, you can sleep with me," smiled Neko as she lifted the Imagin girl up in her arms and carried her to her bedroom.
"You know, I don't say this much, but Neko-nee may make a good mother in the future," said Ryuji.
"Yeah, she really will," smiled Kenzaki.
A week passed at school without any word about or from Kat. Cathy, Rose and Bobby seemed to have an idea of where she was but were keeping a tight lip about it. However, Cathy did appear to be missing her adopted mama and wanted to see her badly again. Even Bobby was starting to wonder if Kat was going to come back.
Kenzaki himself was enjoying the peace and quiet following Kat's absence. However, the CCNS would still remind him of Kat since they were obviously affiliated with her. The theme just seemed to fit. Though, he was half expecting for catgirls instead of catboys.
Thus, Kenzaki would sometimes find himself getting attacked by the CCNS members who called Neko their idol and goddess. He found out after interrogating one of them that this all started with an e-mail that had a photo of Neko attached. Neko was dressed in her school uniform but sported cat ears and a tail, like a catgirl, and looked absolutely cute. That just got these guys, who had a catgirl fetish, riled up, and it didn't take long or much effort for Kat to unite them as a small army that was against Kenzaki being with Neko.
Kat didn't intend to break them up anymore, not since the last time which had hurt them both, but instead wanted to keep Kenzaki on his toes. The CCNS attacks could come out from nowhere so Kenzaki had to be prepared to keep Neko safe from harm and from them.
Like the KLLA, SSSS, and LLRB; the CCNS was one of the largest collection of groupies that were after one girl they deemed their idol. In Kenzaki and Ryuji's opinion they were just a bunch of otaku idiots who needed to get a life.
Both Ryuji and Kenzaki entered into the classroom. Their clothes were dirty and their knuckles were bloodied. Warren took one look at them and knew what happened. "Groupies again?"
"Yep," nodded Ryuji.
"They just can't take a hint," sighed Kenzaki.
"Well, go and take your seats. I was about to give back your exam papers," said Warren. Warren taught both World and Japanese History, so he had the exam papers stapled together. He called each of them out to take them back.
"Kenzaki Tsukuba," Warren called after handing Otome her exam papers.
"Huh, not bad," said Kenzaki. He got a 91 for World History and a 93 for Japanese History. "So, Warren, any idea what happened to the psycho?"
"If you mean Kat, then no," said Warren with the shake of his head.
"Oh, OK," Kenzaki said, shrugging. He trusted Warren. The Wraith had no reason to lie to him. "Well, thanks for the grades."
"You've earned them," said Warren as he watched Kenzaki go back to his seat. "Vash Miyata." He was just calling by the order in which he placed the papers together.
"How did you do, Ken-kun?" Neko asked once Kenzaki sat down.
"I aced them," he grinned and Neko applauded.
"Neko Hasuma," Warren called. Neko went to collect her papers as Warren continued calling on students' names.
The large beast hovered over a figure dressed in a tattered black cloak. The beast itself was a huge Cyclops with a mouth full of razor sharp teeth and a horn atop its head. It was about 15 feet tall and wore nothing save for a loincloth and its body was pure muscle. It skin was red and its fingernails were long, sharp and dirty. The place itself was a desolate wasteland with dead trees and tumbleweeds rolling by without a care in the world. The sky was blood red with no clouds at all and a viciously hot sun shining down.
The Cyclops roared and made a move to strike down on the small figure. The figure didn't even move as the creature's hand came close to capturing them. The fingers encircled the figure but before they could close down on the individual the fingers themselves were snapped and bent at odd angles by an invisible force. The Cyclops roared and clutched his spare hand around the ruined one. Before it could grieve over his mutilated limb, the small figure leapt up and then drove a fist through the Cyclops' eye, blinding it. The creature roared in pain as it brought it hands up to cover its eyes. The figure showed no mercy and threw its feet into its face, breaking its teeth and sending it falling backwards with great force. Once the Cyclops was on its back, the figure stood on its stomach and walked along before arriving at its chest.
"Sayonara," the figure said in a female voice which sounded sinister. She aimed her gloved hands at the chest and energy crackled around her fingers. A ball of black and violet energy formed and grew right in front of her palms. She then fired, the recoil throwing her arms over her head as the ball connected with the Cyclops' chest. The explosion threw her backwards and her ruined cloak was vaporized along with the Cyclops which ceased to exist because of her power.
The figure landed, revealing a female human dressed entirely in black armor with red eyes. It stared around at all the dead monsters that lay sprawled all around her before giving a snort. "Heh, looks like I'm done here," she said with a grunt. A bright light glowed behind her and she flashed a feral grin, "And it looks like my ride's here." Without hesitating, she just dove towards the light without a second thought.
It was Sunday once more. Warren waited in front of the mystic door. It looked like a large set of double doors decorated by mystic runes. It radiated with an odd light. With him were his and Kat's family and they were waiting to welcome back someone who'd been gone for a long time. The door slowly creaked open as Tessa looked expectantly at it as did Cathy. Both wanted to see the person again. Instantly, the doors were suddenly thrown open, revealing a bright white light. A human silhouette walked towards them and the doors slammed shut behind them before they vanished into thin air. Cathy wore a wide smile as Rose covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes tearing up with joy.
"Hey, everyone," smiled Kat. Kat's body then radiated with a black and purple aura. "I'm back."
"Welcome back, Kat," said Warren as he handed Kat back her Henshin Belt and Byakko no Gai card. She took them back into her possession. "So, what are you going to do now?"
"What else?" asked Kat rhetorically. "Can I use your phone? I gotta make a call."
At the time of Kat's return, Ryuji, Kotonoha, Rina, Siera, Makoto, Sekai, Benitora, Hikari, Setsuna, Vash, Taisuke, Kenzaki and Neko were at the indoor water park. Nanami had plans with her own boyfriend so she couldn't come and Otome was elsewhere with her girlfriends doing some shopping.
"Oh, the horror…" Ryuji groaned, mortified, as he saw Vash and Taisuke in matching red Speedos. "Someone please gouge my eyes out." It was scary how those two had become close friends. Maybe it was because they were perverts or something. Judging by the way they were ogling every female in a skimpy swimsuit he wasn't too far off.
"Come on, Ryuji-kun," said Kotonoha as she tugged Ryuji's arm. "Let's go for a swim. Just ignore them and have fun."
Ryuji eyed Kotonoha who was dressed in a bikini with a top that barely kept her ample breasts contained and smiled warmly. "OK."
Siera wore a pink and strapless one piece that hugged her body. Rina too was trying to draw some attention and wore a string bikini that didn't leave much to the imagination. She enjoyed how all the males drooled and stared at her but her eyes were on Ryuji who was presently being led away by Kotonoha.
"Let's go, Makoto," said Sekai as she dragged her boyfriend away.
"Want to try the water slide?" Hikari asked Benitora.
"Sure," the Arrancar nodded. The Gigai he was using hid his true nature.
"How do you like my suit, Ken-kun?" asked Neko flirtatiously. She wore a black tube bikini top and a pair of bottoms that looked like a REALLY tight pair of shorts. She had a heart in the centre of the top.
In a daze, Kenzaki questioned, "How in the world did I get a babe like you as my girlfriend again?"
Nekogiggled and grabbed his hand. "Come on, Ken-kun, let's go for a swim."
Koneko was in the GaroLiner's dining car, passing the time by coloring in a coloring book, humming a tune Neko had taught her days ago. Okami was taking a nap, Raion was listening to a tune on his iPod, Byakko was reading a book on martial arts techniques and Buraki, well…he wasn't in the dining car and none of them wanted to know where he was and what he was doing. He was probably off doing something perverted. Shiori just minded her station as Kumiko sat across from Koneko and watched her color.
The small Kitten Imagin absolutely loved living here. She got to spend time with her Onee-chan and Onii-chan. Still, she did miss them when they were away like this while leaving her alone with the Imagin and Shiori to take care of her.
Koneko wanted to go out and play but the only place she could do that was at the King's Terminal. There was no way to hide what she was if she ever went outside into the real world. She was an Imagin just like Okami and the rest, even if she was a small child. People may panic at the sight of her or try to attack her.
But, even if the GaroLiner could get lonely sometimes, she endured it. Sooner or later, her Onee-chan and Onii-chan would walk through that door and then she would hug them.
Koneko loved her Neko-oneechan the most and always slept with her in bed and took baths with her, and played with her. It was so much fun. She just wished there was a way she could go to the water park and have fun with them there.
Koneko then turned her attention back to her coloring book and did some more coloring. The book was filled with colorless pictures of the Kamen Riders and she enjoyed coloring in it. It was so much fun. When she was done, she would show it to her Onee-chan and Onii-chan.
Shiori was watching Koneko coloring with a smile when the phone rang. She picked it up and asked, "Moshi-moshi? This is the GaroLiner. Who do you wish to talk to?"
Meanwhile, the Reaper Imagin had shown up at the water park. He remained in the shadows and with the Reaper Imagin was another crab-like Imagin colored green.
"So, Master Nanimo wants me to stir up some trouble?" the Crab Imagin asked.
"That's right," nodded the Reaper Imagin. He was known simply as Ripper by Nanimo while his partner, the Demon Imagin, was known as Debiru. Their late comrade, the Nightmare Imagin, had been destroyed. He had been known as Scarem.
"Oh," the Crab Imagin snickered. "This is gonna be fun." The Crab Imagin strode forward but should have been paying attention when the Reaper Imagin, Ripper, raised up his scythe.
The gang of teenagers pretty much had fun just playing around and relaxing at the water park. Rina was gaining some admirers as she relaxed in a deck chair, drinking a tropical fruit punch. Siera herself was playing in the water. She did feel a little envious as she watched Ryuji teaching Kotonoha how to swim. Sekai was at the high board and diving into the water like an Olympic diver, impressing Makoto who didn't have the nerve to do it. Benitora decided to try it out though and splashed everyone, even those outside the pool, when he performed a cannonball. Vash and Taisuke were just 'hunting' and looking for hot girls to flirt with. For all their efforts, they got slapped in the face and kicked in the groin, and nearly got beaten up by those girls' boyfriends. Setsuna herself was playing on the waterslide. Hikari tried it too.
It wasn't long until the couples were relaxing in a Jacuzzi together.
"Ryuji-kun," sighed Kotonoha as she laid her head against his chest. He had an arm around her shoulders, holding her close. Sekai narrowed her eyes and grabbed Makoto's arm to wrap around her waist and pull her close as well. Up until now, Kotonoha and Ryuji were winning the award for being the most lovey-dovey couple. As for Hikari and Benitora, they were a little shy to show such affection in public but still sat close to one another. As for Neko and Kenzaki, she was rubbing her hand up and down his well muscled chest, causing him to tremble a little from the sensation.
"This is the life," said Ryuji with a grin.
"You said it," agreed Kenzaki. Being here with Neko, just relaxing, felt great. It wasn't summer break yet but it felt like it right here.
"So, I saw that lane pool," gestured Ryuji. "Wanna try and race me?" Ryuji challenged.
"Heh, you're on," accepted Kenzaki.
"Hey, can I play too?" asked Benitora.
"Sure," smirked Ryuji boastfully. "It'll make it all the more sweeter when you're both eating my splashes."
"Oh, now it's so on," retorted Kenzaki as he cracked his knuckles. "You're gonna lose big time."
Neko let out a sigh, "As much as I enjoy this show of testosterone and machoness, can you three just get on with it?"
"I shall referee," volunteered Setsuna.
The three super powered boys exchanged confident smiles before climbing out of the Jacuzzi and heading to the lane pool where they would have their race. Their girlfriends also followed to cheer them on. Once there, the three boys stood on platforms at their lanes and performed stretches.
Hikari cheered, "Go get them, Benitora-kun!"
"Gambatte, Ryuji-kun!" cheered Kotonoha.
"Don't lose, okay, darling?" Rina cheered.
"You can win this!" Siera cheered.
"Good luck!" Neko encouraged. The three boys stood straight and got ready.
"On your mark, get set…" began Setsuna.
However, before Setsuna could say 'go', screams erupted from the direction of the wave pool which was near the artificial beach. People ran out of the water as a large serpentine shape burst from the surface, roaring out loud.
It was green, covered in scales, with a sharp beaklike mouth that had rows and rows of razor sharp teeth within it. This was none other than a Gigandeath Hades.
"Crap," cursed Ryuji as he jumped off his platform and ran to Kotonoha. "Koto-chan, you and the other girls get out of here. Find some cover."
"Hai!" nodded Kotonoha. She and the girls ran for their lives. Well, Neko remained there for a second.
"Be careful, OK?" said Neko before giving him a soft kiss and then running off with the girls.
"Benitora, you take care of them," Ryuji ordered the Arrancar. Benitora nodded and ran with the girls to make sure they got to safety.
As the civilians evacuated, Ryuji and Kenzaki looked upon the Gigandeath Hades which was pretty much tearing up the place. Ryuji's wristwatch was beeping like crazy. Both Riders brought up their belts and swung them around their waists, fastening them on with a click as they each pushed a button.
"Henshin!" they both called as they swiped their passes over the buckles.
"SABRE FORM!"
"HUNTER FORM!"
As their armors formed, both Riders ran straight towards where the Gigandeath Hades was. It fired energy blast everywhere, causing rubble to rain down all around the two Riders.
"Kuso, if this goes on any longer, this place is gonna be a nothing but a huge mess!" cursed Ifrit.
"And using the Liners in here is out of the question," added Garoh. As much as he wanted to kill this thing, his weapons in this form were severely lacking. Plus, using the time trains indoors wasn't a good idea. They may end up destroying the water park with their combined fire power.
"Well, let's see it handle THIS!" roared Ifrit as he brought up his hands and fired a beam of frost energy at the Gigandeath, covering it up in a layer of ice which started from its head and spread all over its long serpentine body and eventually spreading out to freeze the water it was in. "Heh, too-" Ifrit began to boast right before the ice exploded, thus freeing the trapped Gigandeath. "NANI!?"
"Any other ideas?" asked Garoh. Ifrit remained silent. "Ifrit?"
Ifrit stared at the Gigandeath and then looked towards Garoh. After summoning his Liner Cross-Rod, he quickly converted it from its default mode to its Gun Mode. He pushed the chamber up along the rod until it touched the tip before pushing down the rod 90 degrees. "Garoh, here," said Ifrit as he handed the Cross-Rod to Garoh.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" questioned Garoh as he took hold of the strange weapon.
"Just pop open the chamber and put in your pass," instructed Ifrit as the Ptera-Glider appeared and attached itself to his back. "I'll distract it while you charge up your attack." With those final words, Ifrit launched himself into the air to engage the Gigandeath. "Hey, snakey, EAT THIS!"
As Garoh examined the weapon, he found the switch that allowed him to pop open the chamber. Taking out his pass, he gave a smile, realizing how this thing was supposed to work. "Now this I can work with!" said Garoh as he slid his Pass in the Cross-Rod and closed the chamber. The energy of his Liner transferred into the weapon via the pass, causing the 'X' and the rod to glow brightly.
"FULL POWER CHARGE!" the Cross-Rod announced.
Grabbing hold of the grip tightly in both hands, Garoh aimed the Liner Cross-Rod at the Gigandeath as the energy gathered in the barrel of the weapon. He waited for the right moment since Ifrit was still flying around its head, distracting it as Garoh got ready to take a shot. He then shouted out, "IFRIT, MOVE!"
Hearing the signal, Ifrit flew out of the way just as Garoh was pulling the trigger.
"GAROLINER EXPRESS SHOT!!!" A blast of energy shot out from the gun, throwing Garoh backwards as his arms snapped up. The blast of energy soon took on the shape of his time train, the GaroLiner. The aura train, covered in black flames, sped through the air before smashing straight into the Gigandeath. The resulting explosion rocked the entire building as the Gigandeath Hades ceased to exist.
Ifrit landed next to Garoh who was admiring the Liner Cross-Rod with some sense of awe and satisfaction. "How does it feel to have the power of your train right at the palm of your hand?" asked Ifrit. He already knew the answer after having used it once before.
"It's intense," said Garoh, "I like it."
"Come on," invited Ifrit. "Let's go find the others and get out of here. I've had enough wet fun to last a lifetime."
"Yeah," agreed Garoh.
Kat was waiting in the training room of the GaroLiner, bored out of her mind. She had been waiting for Kenzaki to come for a good half hour now and was slowly losing her patience. She tapped her foot on the floor in annoyance. She had challenged him, the least he could do was to come on time. Was what too much to ask? A little common courtesy?
She had spent an entire week training for this day. Actually, that was an understatement. With each day that went by, she actually spent an entire month in a hell dimension in the name of training. Therefore, while she had been missing for a week, she had actually been training for 7 whole months in different hell dimensions, each one worse than the last.
The first time she returned from her hellish training, she was covered in green gunk with her bow missing, her clothes torn, and a look of murderous fury in her crimson eyes. She stormed up to Warren and started yelling at him the moment she got into hearing range. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR, YOU BASTARD!? I ALMOST GOT EATEN!!!"
Warren listened to her rant understandingly, occasionally nodding, as if in agreement. Eventually, after cursing Warren's family to the seventh generation, cursing Warren himself, and threatening her teacher with the most creatively painful methods of death-by-torture she'd managed to invent during her month in hell, she finally calmed down enough to flop down on a nearby couch with an audible groan of weariness.
"Here," Warren said, gently helping her up from the couch. "You probably need a good hot bath right now…Just come this way…"
Mind numb with exhaustion and her fury burned out, Kat staggered after Warren to the door, too tired to even think of protesting though she would actually have preferred to just stay and sleep. On the other hand, a bath full of hot water was looking pretty good too…
Warren opened the door and stepped aside to let Kat pass. She blinked as images slowly processed themselves through her brain. "Hang on…this isn't the bathroom…"
A gentle push…
"YOU DID ASK FOR THIS!" Warren yelled as Kat screamed bloody murder while falling into another dimensional portal.
Moments later, Warren was alone in his house once more. He looked at the slime-covered couch and sighed. That was going to be hell to clean up…
The second time Kat came back, she simply charged in blind in berserk fury at Warren who was sitting so comfortably on his new couch. Her face was contorted into a mask of wrath and rage with a silent snarl twisting her lips. So focused was she on her object of vengeance that when Alex popped up in her path, she was taken utterly by surprise with an almost comical look of shock replacing the one of anger on her face as she skidded to a halt so as to avoid running over the child. While she was still reeling and off-balance, 'Alex' calmly walked up to her, reached up, and shoved her in the stomach. The last thing she saw as she fell into yet another world was 'Alex' shimmering into Warren's form and the Warren on the couch revealed to be a dummy.
The third time she came back, she approached the whole affair a good deal more cautiously. First, she scouted out her enemy's lair to be certain Warren was indeed alone at home. She watched him for a time to be certain that he was indeed the real Warren. Finally, she broke into the house, moving as stealthily as a shadow as she crept up behind the figure on the couch with one claw upraised…There was a blinding flash of light as she stepped on the mystic symbol Warren had hidden under the carpet. When the spots from her eyes cleared, she found herself in what looked like a tropical jungle with a large creature, jaws filled to the brim with teeth, already bearing down on her.
Kat threw her head back and screamed with utmost rage, "I'M GONNA GET YOU FOR THIS WARREN!!!"
When the door opened, she saw Kenzaki enter. "Took you long enough," sneered Kat. "I thought you ran away or something."
Kenzaki ignored the crack. "So, you actually came to challenge me to a fight. You know you're not at my level," said Kenzaki, a hint of smugness in his voice. "You're way out of your league."
"Things change, Kenny," smiled Kat. "Rinkaiho (Confrontation Release)!" Kat then revealed her Dorinki in its entirety. It flared out around her like a black flame tipped in purple, its intensity no doubt revealing her new power level.
"So, you've achieved Dorinki?" questioned Kenzaki, surprised a little by this development.
The Dorinki (Fury Confrontation Ki) receded into her body. "And it was absolute HELL to get, but still totally worth it! And, I've learnt a few new tricks while I was gone. Wanna see?"
"Sure, let's see what you can do, you lunatic." Kenzaki was interested to see what Kat had gained in her absence.
Kat glared at Kenzaki for the crack. "RinJyu Lioness-Ken! Ringi! Rinki Gaiso!" Her aura flared out and assumed the form of a black lioness that broke apart and then formed her black armor. The head formed the chestplate; the front paws formed her shoulder pads, the lower paws hanging from her belt, and the rest of it forming gauntlets and boots that were colored black and gold. The rest of the armor resembled a skintight bodysuit and finally a helmet formed over her head. It looked like the head of a lioness complete with the ears. Her face was between the jaws and finally a black visor slid over her face to hide it. She let out a growl as she rolled her shoulders and flexed her fingers. She then spoke, "Fighting for my pride and my personal gain. The dark Queen of Beasts. RinJyu Lioness-Ken! Black Lioness Kat!"
"So, that's how you want to do this, huh?" sighed Kenzaki. The armor was a big surprise. It did radiate with Rinki and was possibly a reflection of her own power.
"That's right, Kenny. Now, come on. Armor up and let's do this," said Kat with a smirk that was hidden by her pitch black visor.
He flipped open the top of the Morpher, giving it a gong-like appearance. "Hibike! Beast Howl! Beast On!" He pushed a button on his Morpher, causing the gong to sound. The gong released a wave of energy.
A purple and black bodysuit with white trimmings and silver arm and legs bands appeared on his body. There was the sound of a wolf howling and a full moon shone behind Kenzaki. Instantly, a purple helmet based on a wolf formed over his head and the visor slid over his eyes.
"Excitement! My style, to the limit of my will! Iron Will! GekiViolet!" Kenzaki posed, now transformed.
"Let's do this," said Kat. The two JyuKen artists charged at each other and then launched themselves into the air and drew back their fists before throwing them at each other. Their fists collided with thunderous force, rocking the training room itself with an impressive explosion of Rinki and Geki.
This would be one battle for the history books. It was a showdown between RinJyuKen and GekiJyuKen.
ZK Chromedragozoid: Wow, the GaroLiner Express Shot was amazing, wasn't it? Wonder how hellish Kat's training really was? Hm…guess we'll find out soon enough.
Shadow Element 13: Kat vs. Kenzaki, now that's going to be a good fight. Wonder if Kat's training put her up to Kenzaki's level?
"ANT'S CORNER"
Ant bowed politely to the readers before a large screen behind him showed Ifrit using the Ptera-Glider and then the Liner Cross-Rod being used by both Ifrit and Garoh.
"Now, the Ptera-Glider is part of Ifrit's arsenal. It can be utilized in two ways. The first is to ride it like this surfboard," he pointed to a surfboard, "or like this skateboard," he finished while lifting up a skateboard for everyone to see. "The second way is to have it attach onto the user's back like a jetpack." He showed the clip of when Ifrit used the Ptera-Glider in both ways. "The Ptera-Glider has missiles hidden in the wings and the wings themselves are sharp and can cut deeply into an Imagin's hide."
And continued, "Then, we have the Liner Cross-Rod, which I developed and gave to Ifrit. The Liner Cross-Rod is a powerful weapon that allows the user to literally hold the power of their Liners within their hands. There are two modes. The first is a Sword Mode. The interesting thing about Sword Mode is that it's not the rod itself that causes the damage, but the energy discharged when it connects with the target. The second mode, Gun Mode, also possesses the same kind of power as Sword Mode. In Gun Mode, a blast of energy is shot out that resembles the shape of a time train."
Ant gave a bow. "That's all the time we have here. Next, we have 'Loki's Liner Lessons'."
"LOKI'S LINER LESSONS"
Kokoro beamed brightly as she sat in a classroom with only her filling up one of the seats, leaving the rest empty. The walls were decorated with posters of the Kamen Riders. In front of her was Loki, with glasses over his eyes, and wearing a cap and gown like the ones they wear for graduation ceremonies.
"Now, class," said Loki, trying to sound intelligent, "Today we will learn about the most powerful weapons a Time Kamen Rider has in their arsenal." Behind him was a screen and with a press of a button a projector cast an image onto the white screen. "Their trains." On the screen was a picture of the DynoLiner, ChronoLiner and GaroLiner.
"Sugoi," beamed Kokoro.
"Time trains are used for two things. The first is to travel through time or other timelines, and the second is to battle against gigantic Gigandeath who possess great power and must be taken down quick. Each train possesses its own set of weaponry."
Loki pressed another button so that the picture of the DynoLiner's three cars would show on screen.
"Now, we shall examine the DynoLiner. It has three cars. The first car is the DynoLiner Mammoth." Loki pointed at said steam engine. The screen then showed the train in action. "The Mammoth is a steam engine modeled after a wooly mammoth. It uses its brute strength to ram into its enemies. In addition, it tusks can shoot powerful energy bolts to zap at them and finally its most powerful weapon is the Trunk Cannon, which can shoot powerful blast of frost energy." The Mammoth on screen crashed through a huge Gigandeath and fired energy bolts at it. Finally, it tossed the monster into the air using its tusks before firing an incredible blast of ice.
He pressed another button to display both the DynoLiner Tyrano and DynoLiner Tricera. "Unlike the Mammoth, the Tyrano and Tricera are both bullet trains and not steam engine cars. They are pulled along by the Mammoth but can also separate to attack independently. Now, let us focus on the Tyrano." He pressed a button to show the Tyrano in action. It raced along the tracks, snapping its jaws. "Primarily, the Tyrano uses its sharp teeth as a weapon to chomp down on enemy Gigandeath. In addition, it can breathe fire as well." The screen shows the Tyrano firing a jet of flames from its mouth. He pressed the button once more to show the Tricera bellowing as it fired lasers from its horns. Loki finished, "And, finally, the DynoLiner Tricera which possesses three horns that fire lasers. Together, these trains are a powerful combination that is very tough to defeat."
"Sugoi!" applauded Kokoro. "Loki-sensei, the DynoLiner is so cool!" Loki rubbed the back of his head and smiled.
"Oh, arigatou, Kokoro-chan!"
"Hold it right there!" shouted a gruff voice as the door swung open to reveal Okami, Raion, Buraki and Byakko.
"Class is in session!" snapped Loki angrily. "You can't be here!"
"Don't get your panties in a bunch," grunted Okami as he led his comrades to the front of the class. "We're here to give the little girl a lesson on our own train."
"Yes, as the Imagin housed in the GaroLiner, we should be the ones to teach her about it," said Byakko as he moved forward.
"Pay attention, cutie," grinned Buraki at Kokoro.
"Yeah, and keep your eyes and ears opened. This is gonna rock!" Raion smiled.
Loki was pushed aside by Okami who took the remote and pressed a button to display the GaroLiner. "The GaroLiner is currently owned by Shonen-kun," said Okami, using his nickname for Kenzaki. "But before him, it was owned by Gou Tsukuba, the first Garoh. Back then, it only had one car that functioned as a weapon. The first car and my car, the GaroLiner Tsume." Okami clicked the button to show Tsume in action. "Tsume is normally based on close range offense attacks, tearing at the opponent with its teeth and claws." The screen showed Tsume doing just that, slashing and biting at a Gigandeath. However, then it began firing lasers and missiles. "It also has long range firepower. It finishes the fight like this." The screen showed Tsume slicing the Gigandeath in half. He passed the remote to Byakko.
"Next is my car, the great GaroLiner Kulon!" called Byakko proudly as he pushed the button, showing the GaroLiner Kulon in its Warrior-Mode, striking a martial arts pose. "Whereas most cars are piloted by using the Rider's bike, my car is based on the Rider's movements. Any move Kenzaki-sama makes my car will copy it perfectly. This makes my car deadly in close quarters." The screen showed the GaroLiner Kulon attacking an opponent ferociously, destroying it. Byakko then gave Kokoro a V for victory sign. "Just remember the basics and you will always be victorious!"
"It's time to rock little lady cause I'm up next!" sung Raion as he took the remote and clicked a button to show off his own train car. "My car is the always rockin' GaroLiner Kin! My car can't be destroyed by any attack. It can take any hit and never gets hurt!" The screen showed GaroLiner Kin taking a barrage of hits without looking at all damaged. It then opened its mouth to reveal a speaker, sending out a sonic blast. "I told you my car rocks! It lets me send a sonic blast at my opponent." Additional speakers opened up on the sides to attack with sonic blasts like the mouth. Raion smiled at Kokoro. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"And as always we save the best for last," said Buraki as he stepped forward, taking control and pushing the button. The screen showed the serpentine GaroLiner Hageshi slithering toward its target. "My Hageshi is the strongest car, and makes up the remainder of the GaroLiner." The screen showed Hageshi wrapping itself around a Gigandeath before it began to constrict. "My Hageshi isn't afraid to fight dirty. It wraps up the opponent before doing one of two things." The screen showed the GaroLiner Hageshi breathing fire and roasting the Gigandeath. "It'll breathe fire, or…" It then showed two fangs protruding from the car's mouth, which it used to rip open the Gigandeath. "It'll rip out the throat, going for the instant kill."
Kokoro clapped in amazement. "The GaroLiner is so cool!"
"The coolest yet!" Raion agreed.
"Oh, and FYI, Kenzaki gave this train to Neko for her own use," added Buraki with a wink.
"Chotto matte!" shouted Athena as she pushed the door open.
"What now?" groaned Loki. His lesson was ruined anyway.
"We're here to talk about another train," added Eros who'd entered with Athena.
"Athena-neechan, Eros-niichan!" Kokoro exclaimed happily to see the two Imagin who lived in her house.
Athena pushed all the males aside and took control of the class.
"Alright, now it's my turn, little one!" winked Athena
"Sugoi, Athena-neechan!" Kokoro applauded.
"Hey, what's the big idea!?" yelled Okami.
"SILENCE!" Athena snapped before clearing her throat. The male Imagin, except for Eros, cowered, and took seats facing Athena. She pressed a button to display the ChronoLiner. "This train, the ChronoLiner, resembles a normal looking bullet train, but far from it. It is actually a time traveling train armed to the teeth with weapons to deal with bothersome Gigandeath. Though most of the cars are passenger cars, the first four train cars are the ones armed with weapons." She pressed a button to show off the ChronoLiner in action. "The first car is named Cannon-1 and is aptly named due to the laser turrets it carries within. Then, we have the Missile-2, which contains a powerful missile launcher to fire missiles in rapid succession. Following that we have the Bomber-3, which is a bomb slinger. And, finally, we have the Jet-4, which is a jet platform to launch a robotic jet. The jet itself is controlled by an AI and programmed to attack Gigandeath with its sharp wings, lasers and missiles." Athena then gestured for Eros who decided to add in a few word of his own.
Eros explained, "Ant has also recently commissioned the construction of four more auxiliary train cars known as the 'Rescue Cars', simple because they function as rescue vehicles." With a push of the button, the Fire-5, Gyro-6, Digger-7 and Submarine-8 were shown in action, rescuing civilians in their own ways. "The Rescue Cars have 2 modes. The first is Liner Mode in which they look like normal train cars. However, once they enter Rescue Mode, they each transform into a specific rescue vehicle."
Eros pressed a button to reveal the Rescue Modes and continued his lecture with the Fire-5. "The Fire-5 is a futuristic fire truck and equipped with extendable and a fire-extinguishing cannon that can shoot blasts of water strong enough to send a Gigandeath reeling. The cannon can also shoot ice beams as well as foam to extinguish flames if water isn't enough." He continued, "Next, the Gyro-6 is a helicopter equipped with armor-piercing lasers and powerful missiles. The rotor blades themselves are sharp enough to slice up the toughest enemies." He added, "Then we have the Digger-7 which is equipped with a powerful drill that allows it to dig deep into and through the ground. This drill is also its primary weapon and combined with its digging ability, it can launch surprise attacks from the ground. He finished, "And, finally, we have the Submarine-8, which can be used for both underwater and air combat. It's armed with a variety of torpedoes ranging from homing torpedoes and heat-seekers." He gave a bow as Kokoro watched the Rescue Cars in action.
"Anymore questions?" asked Eros.
"Sugoi, the Kamen Riders' trains are amazing," said Kokoro as she applauded their presentation.
Everyone then looked towards the viewers before asking, "So, which is your favorite time train? Please, tell us why as well in your review!"
"Bye, bye!"
"Ja ne!"
"Sayonara!"