Part 80: Difficult Choices
Hi, I'm Ant.
Now I know you already know I'm pretty powerful but that's after making way too many sacrifices along the way. It cost me the life of my family, a girl so sweet, and countless others.
I didn't plan on this happening, to be honest. I was only guided by my own heart as to where I went (Except that time when I went off the deep end).
In short, do not judge me because of my power. Seriously, if I could defy Creation Laws like the Dai Gurren Brigade or joined up with them...or started to recreate life like God...then and only then would I be considered too powerful.
I am currently the owner of the ChronoLiner. From the looks of things...It's a combination of a TARDIS, with some more sprucing up (Mental Note: Go find Washu for consultation to make the inside look more Jurian).
That is already one of terms for expulsion from the Dragon Force. Time travel was forbidden and destroying a solar system…well, that was just wrong.
I took my expulsion like a man and started to live my life like one my heroes...MacGyver, who solved problems.
Who am I? I'm still a fourteen year old in a 29 year old body, nicknamed Ant, with a large load on his shoulders.
-Antonis Fenton McCrown.
As Draco and Warren walked through the dark tunnel, the only source of light being the ball of flames the former was producing, all of a sudden the Dragon Knight of Combustion received a vision.
Unlike Tazuka, Ryuki had no control of the Power of Pisces. The visions he would have would appear at random times and often times during his dreams. They came as bits and pieces and never formed a clear picture. The times that they did show him a vivid vision…it was never a good thing.
Draco's eyes widened with horror. He screamed out, "CRAIG!" and then he ran forward at full speed. This shocked Warren and the interdimensional guest ran after his comrade.
"Draco, what's wrong?" Warren asked worriedly.
"Something happened to Craig, something bad! We need to hurry!" His feet exploded with flames that catapulted him forward like a rocket. Warren had to pick up speed to keep up with his friend. He held Chaco protectively in his arms and the small dog was whimpering. She could sense that something bad was happening. It was instinct.
Kat was in the surveillance room. She had been here for quite some time now. She had killed the guard, a weak Chimpanzee Orphenoch, while setting up bombs when she found this room. She had witnessed all the fights and was compelled to join in. However, she had a mission to complete.
She had set up bombs in certain strategic spots and once they were detonated, this whole temple would go down. Heck, those explosives could even sink Zandia with the power they're packing.
Her eyes scanned the surveillance monitors and when they came over the one displaying Mortuary being turned put into the tube, her eyes focused on Grave. She narrowed her eyes menacingly. That little shit had humiliated her! No, she was not going to let it stand! Before this whole place came down, she was going to dig him his own grave, and put him there herself as painfully as possible.
This she swore!
Sitting down in front of the monitors, she crossed her arms. A black unholy aura seemed to emanate from her very being. It was the darkest of auras, suffocating even, filled with lust, hatred, envy, anger and hunger…A hunger for power that was so strong that it had to be…inhuman.
Her finger tapped his custom SB-Watch. Just a simple tap of a button would bring this whole place down. As much as Copycat liked destruction, she wanted to see how this whole thing turned out.
Her lips were curled into an evil grin, so sinister, that it was befitting a demon more than a human.
Was she even human anymore? That was up to debate.
Her eyes then caught sight of something in the late Saber's chamber. Focusing her eyes, she knew what it was.
The Zodiac Deck of Aries! It was just lying there, discarded, forgotten, and right for the picking.
Grinning evilly, she stood up. With a simple twist she teleported from the room to where her bounty lay.
Grave's eyes opened slightly. He spoke in a stern and even voice, "There is an intruder."
Occultus looked towards his young ward. "An uninvited guest? Is it one of those heroes?"
"No," Grave responded with a shake of his head. "It's a cat."
Occultus realized what Grave meant. "So…Slade sent his little apprentice to ruin my fun. Well, my son, you know what to do."
Grave nodded and teleported out of the chamber. Andrew didn't know anyone could act so much like a…well…a machine. Grave just creeped him out. He was like Mortuary, save for that spark of humanity. Speaking of Mortuary, he looked towards what he'd become.
Andrew never really wanted to betray Mortuary, but he'd been left with little choice. As soon as the gang split up, he was killed and became an Orphenoch. He enjoyed the rush and the power it gave him, but then came the consequence of his decaying cells and DNA. In a matter of years he would be dead, again. Occultus had approached him. At first, Andrew tried to resist but then Occultus gave him a choice and Andrew chose that he wanted to live.
He became Occultus' spy. All he had to do was deliver Mortuary to Occultus. It was simple. When the Orphenoch King awoke, the genetic flaw in all Orphenochs would be fixed, granting them with not only greater power, but with longer lives at well. It was worth the exchange, really…really…
Was he trying to convince himself here or someone else?
The aura that came from the Orphenoch King was unlike anything Andrew had ever sensed from any other Orphenoch. It was massive but also feral to say the least. How much of the original Craig remained, he did not know. What he did know was that when the Orphenoch King rose…humankind would fall…and the Orphenochs would take their rightful place as masters of the world.
"Craig!" Snow Blood shouted, suddenly, shocking Jinx.
"What's wrong?" asked Jinx who was holding a flashlight. Snow Blood froze, "Ashleigh? Ash? Ash!"
"I can feel it!" Snow Blood answered, "Something has happened to Craig!" She ran ahead. "We need to hurry!"
"Hey, wait up!" Jinx called, running after Ashleigh. "Ash! I'm the only one here with the flashlight!"
'Craig…' Snow Blood hoped. 'Please…for God's sake…please be alright…' She had lost him once; she wasn't going to lose him again. A chill ran down her spine and she was imagining the worst.
She just hoped she could get there in time.
Renia and Wyvern were walking through the tunnel when the two girls shivered.
"Brr…what was that?" Wyvern asked.
"I don't know, but I doubt it's good," Renia replied.
"We better get out of here," said Wyvern, holding herself to keep warm. "This place is freezing."
Renia frowned. Their only source of illumination being the lights that hung above the two. Not all of the tunnels had these crystals that glowed in the dark to provide light. Renia had taken one to analyze for later. Maybe she could even duplicate its properties in the future.
"Tell me about it," Renia agreed.
Beast Boy shuddered. Terra who was walking beside him asked, "You okay?"
"No," Beast Boy admitted. "The animal inside me is sensing some really bad juju and mojo on the other end."
"You're just imagining things," Cyborg said, using the built in flashlights that were on his shoulders to light their way. "My sensors aren't picking up anything."
"Even animals can sense an earthquake before it happens, Cy," Beast Boy informed. "This is one of those times."
"Please, guys," Terra begged, pinching the bridge of her nose, "Don't argue now." She was in no mood to play peacemaker at the moment.
"Just, trust me on this when I say something doesn't feel right," Beast Boy said, taking hold of Terra's hand and squeezing it. "I don't feel like losing you again."
"And you won't," Terra spoke, giving him a calming smile. Beast Boy tugged on her arm and pulled her down for a deep kiss. Startled, Terra eventually relaxed to kiss him back. Cyborg turned around to give them some privacy. "Wow, what was that for?" Terra asked after Beast Boy pulled away.
"Just felt like it, babe," Beast Boy grinned roguishly, which he pulled off well with his fang sticking out.
"Well, thanks." Terra kissed his cheek. "You're sweet."
Cyborg rolled his eyes. All this lovey-dovey stuff was reminding him of how much he missed Sarah.
Kat stepped over Bruiser's unconscious body and skipped towards her prize. Squatting down, she picked it up and looked it over. This was no fake, this was the real deal! She stood up gleefully.
"Oh, this is gonna be so sweet!" grinned Copycat. "Now, should I take the powers now or give this to someone else." She tapped her chin. "Ah, decisions, decisions." She heard groaning and looked over her shoulder to see Bruiser waking up.
"Ow…my head…" he grumbled. Kat rolled her eyes and walked over to the large boy. Taking something out of her utility belt, which was a small spray bottle, she squatted down and sprayed the contents into his face. He took a whiff and passed out from the knockout gas.
"Well, that was easy enough," Kat said, standing back up. She then looked back down at the deck she had in hand. "Now, what to do now?"
"Leave," spoke an angered and steely voice. Kat smirked, recognizing that voice. She turned around to regard the genetically engineered soldier.
"Hello, Grave," Kat purred.
"Copycat," Grave returned, eyes narrowed and glowing with his master's Psycho Power.
Copycat pocketed the Aries deck and took out her own. She called out, "Empowerment of the Zodiac Cat!" before sliding it into the slot of her Zodiac Belt. In a flash of light, glass shards encased her body and then morphed into her armor. The red eyes of her helmet flashed as she untied the whip from around her waist.
"What are you up to?" Grave asked suspiciously.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" responded Copycat, grinning under her helmet. "I'm gonna pay you back for what you did to me."
Grave gave a smirk, the first sign of emotion he'd shown for a good while now, "You want revenge on me so badly? What's the matter? Can't take getting beaten by a child?"
Snarling, Copycat lunged at Grave, ready to give him a peace of her mind. The young soldier darted towards her, hands engulfed with necroplasmic flames.
They were going to clash.
Occultus stood beside his newest minion, the Orphenoch King. With promises of repairing the Orphenoch Gene's flaw, Occultus would have full control over all his Orphenochs. The Orphenoch King was just a puppet as he'd always been before when he was once known as Craig. Occultus had been pulling his strings long ago and right now wouldn't be any different.
Andrew, however, wasn't feeling very certain about all this. The Orphenoch King frightened him. Was this the power of a 'perfect' Orphenoch? It radiated off the awakened Orphenoch King in waves.
Suddenly, the door into the chamber was blasted right open. Draco and Warren rushed right in. As soon as Draco's eyes went wide as his gaze fell upon the Orphenoch King.
The King appeared to be the pinnacle of physical perfection with a muscular build and ivory white organic armor. Hanging from his back was a light blue cape that mimicked insect wings. The Orphenoch King's head was insectoid in appearance, resembling a locust with his antennae and large blue compound eyes.
"Impossible," Draco spoke, trembling. This was the monster from his visions months ago after he'd defeated his evil future self. This was the true Orphenoch King.
"Is that the Orphenoch King?" Warren asked. Draco gave a silent nod. Noticing Ryuki's silence, he asked, "Hey, you okay? Don't freeze up on me now."
"But…how?" Draco asked. How was it possible?
"You seem surprised," said Occultus.
"Occultus," Draco growled. "What have you done!?"
Warren's eyes fell upon Andrew. He put 2 and 2 together and frowned deeply, "Traitor. I knew it."
"Unfortunately, Craig didn't believe you," said Andrew.
"Young Andrew here has been my spy the whole time, you see," Occultus informed.
"We trusted you!" Draco spat angrily, his grip around his Keyblade tightening. "Why!?"
Andrew morphed to his Orphenoch form, shocking the two. "Because I wanted to live."
Draco knew what he meant. The genetic flaw. "But…how can you…?"
"People have turned traitor for far less," Warren said, speaking from experience, "Trust me, I know."
"Well, if you also must know, Andrew here also delivered young Mortuary for me," Occultus said, patting the Orphenoch King's arm. "And he made a great host for the King's essence."
Draco's eyes widened, horrified at the revelation. The Orphenoch King was Craig.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!" Draco roared, his Keyblade vanishing and SB-Watch cracking from the energy he was releasing. The inhibitor malfunctioned and immediately Draco morphed into his Ifrit Orphenoch form. Releasing a feral scream, he charged right straight at Occultus, ready to gut him with his claws. However, he never got close enough as the Orphenoch King darted forward and smashed his fist straight into the Ifrit Orphenoch's face, sending him flying backwards. Draco reverted to normal form on impact.
Draco looked up, and said, "Craig! Craig, this isn't you! Fight it!"
Occultus shook his head, "He can't hear you, boy."
Draco fell silent and cursed in disbelief. How could he have let this happen?
The other Titans and Red Wolves entered seconds later. Jinx, seeing her boyfriend against the wall, ran over to him to check. "Baby, are you hurt?" She noticed the tears running from his eyes. "Ryuki."
"I…couldn't save him."
"Couldn't save who?" Jinx asked and Ryuki told her.
"So, that's the big bad King, eh?" Renia smirked confidently. "Doesn't look so tough to me."
"Let's finish this," spoke Terra, ready to battle. "We take this freak down and we take down Occultus."
"Red Wolves," Snow Blood commanded, "Attack!"
"Titans, Go!" Cyborg ordered. The two teams rushed at the Orphenoch King and Occultus.
Jinx shouted at them, "STOP!!"
They froze in mid-charge and tumbled to the ground in a heap.
"What!?" Snow Blood demanded.
"Yeah, Jinx! What's the deal!?" Cyborg shouted.
"The Orphenoch King…is Craig!" Jinx yelled, earning everyone's attention.
Everyone froze at the revelation.
"And that bird Orphenoch there is really Andrew," Warren added as he joined in, "Turns out he's been working for Occultus all this time."
"No way…" Wyvern said in disbelief. "You're lying! That can't be! Andrew's our friend!"
Snow Blood looked towards the Falcon Orphenoch and asked, "Andrew?" Instantly, he morphed back to human form, "ANDREW!?"
Cassandra's heart broke as a result.
Andrew wore a neutral expression as he looked upon his former teammates. "Sorry, guys, but I decided to join up with the winning side."
"How could you!? After all we've been through!" Terra cried. Andrew turned his gaze away. To be betrayed by a friend…This situation brought back unpleasant memories to Terra. She'd betrayed the Titans in the past and was now betrayed by her own friend. It was karma.
"Well, I actually gave Andrew here an offer he couldn't refuse," Occultus explained, earning glares. He was so much like Slade to the Titans. Manipulative and evil…
"So…" Snow Blood said shakily, eyes on the Orphenoch King, "That really is…" She shouted, "Craig!!"
"Young Craig Smith has embraced his destiny and soon the Era of Man will cease as the dawn of the Orphenochs' Age will commence with me as its leader," Occultus spoke boastfully.
"Not if I can say anything about it!!" Renia yelled, firing spikes at Occultus. In an instant, Andrew turned into his Orphenoch form and used his wings to blow them back to Renia. Occultus shook his head in disdain.
"Really? Did you really think that would work?" Occultus asked.
"After we're done with you, you're gonna wish you never messed with the Titans!" Cyborg shouted, charging up his sonic cannon.
"And then we'll turn Mort back to normal!" Beast Boy added. Occultus responded in kind.
He laughed.
"You think you can cure this? This isn't a disease," Occultus said, gesturing towards the Orphenoch King. "He can't be cured! Being an Orphenoch isn't something you can cure! Ask your friend there!" he pointed to Draco, "He should know better than anyone of you."
"Urusai!" Draco shouted, standing up with Jinx by his side. Tears still stained his face. He was going to save Craig, he had to.
"Well, now," Occultus folded his hands together. "I might as well watch as you fight my new puppet. Andrew, lend a hand, will you?"
Andrew nodded and faced the heroes. As he was ready to fight, something unexpected happened.
There was the sound of something being pierced followed by a scream. Looking down, Andrew could see a sharp point sticking out of his chest. His head slowly swiveled around to see that it was one of the Orphenoch King's tentacles, which was really one of his elongated fingers. The others were shocked by this as they watched Andrew's body slowly becoming petrified. The Orphenoch King removed his tentacle, shrinking it back into his finger, before approaching the petrified traitor. He then slowly tapped the body and it crumbled to dust.
"Good," Warren uttered, "He deserved it."
The Orphenoch King squatted down and they watched as he collected the ashes. He opened up his mouth and started to shove the ashes inside, swallowing them. Beast Boy blanched and turned away, looking rather ill. The Orphenoch King was eating Andrew, committing cannibalism!
Occultus realized that the Orphenoch King needed to be fed. Though he'd lost Andrew, it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. Grinning, he said to the Orphenoch King, "So, you're hungry!" He pointed towards Draco, "Well, there's another tasty morsel there! Go and get him!" The Orphenoch King didn't budge from his spot. Occultus grew angry. He shouted, "Do you hear me!? I said go! Kill them! Attack them! Do as I say!"
The Orphenoch King remained stationary. Occultus lost his patience and grabbed the King's shoulder.
Big mistake.
Occultus saw a blue flame that flew straight at him. It incinerated most of his robes and his hair. He screamed as the flames tore into his flesh. He was then sent flying into the wall with incredible force.
There was silence before someone spoke, "Dude…"
The Orphenoch King had just attacked Occultus. This could only mean one thing…
…Trouble.
Copycat and Grave had been exchanging blows for quite some time now, neither of them letting up. Grave then sensed something wrong. "Master?" he uttered. Copycat took this as her chance and struck Grave hard in the stomach with her fist, causing him to double over. She then gave him a right hook in the face, followed by a left and then a roundhouse kick that sent him flying.
Grave struggled to get up, trying to use his Psycho Power. Unfortunately, Copycat had turned that ability against him, copying it and adding it to her arsenal of various powers she'd copied. He sent a blast at her but she returned another blast at him, with double the intensity. He was smashed into the wall, hard, making a crater on impact.
Copycat casually made her way towards him. He grabbed him by his hair and hauled him up, her other hand to his throat with her claws tickling the skin. She could finish him off right now but she had a job to do. She dropped the weakened Grave and headed out.
After this…Zandia would be a thing of the past.
At least it'd go out with a bang.
"HENSHIN!"
"CAST OFF!"
"CHANGE LEAFCUTTER ANT!"
"CHANGE SCARAB!"
"CHANGE PUNCH LOCUST!"
As hesitant as they were to fight the King, they had to face facts that Craig was gone. The Orphenoch King had overtaken him and if he could do what he did to Andrew and Occultus to the rest of them, they had to take him down…no matter how much it hurts.
Draco was hesitant. Could he kill his best friend?
The Orphenoch King fixed his gaze on them and snarled. He then let out a roar that echoed around the chamber. It sounded like he was screaming…
…or CALLING…
Draco heard it and realized what it meant. "Minna, he's calling the other Orphenochs!"
The realization came to them fast as they could hear something stampeding into the chamber from the many tunnels.
Renia spoke ominously, "They're here…"
Ant was sitting in the cockpit of the ChronoLiner. He had picked up all the people that followed his specifications. He just hoped he could get there in time.
"Wait for me, fellas," spoke Ant as he piloted the time train. "You guys better be alive by the time I get there."
It was pandemonium in the large chamber as the massive army of Orphenochs battled with the Titans and Red Wolves. The invading heroes were horribly outnumbered. Luckily for them, the Inzecter users could use Clock Up to handle these numbers.
Draco had advised them to not kill these Orphenochs. They were only pawns that Occultus had been manipulating all this time. Of course, these Orphenochs were now under control of the Orphenoch King. Why it hadn't worked on Draco he didn't know, but he was glad for it.
Warren had transformed once again into Kamen Rider Wraith as Draco transformed back into his Zodiac armor. Brandishing their weapons, a Zanpakuto and Keyblade, respectfully, they battled against the Orphenoch King. Their strikes did little damage against the Orphenoch King's armored hide. This could either mean the Orphenoch King was far too powerful, or that Draco's heart wasn't in it. After all, this had been his friend. This was still Craig.
Wraith pushed Draco out of the way as an energy blast went sailing at the Dragon Knight. As a result, Wraith got hit and flung into a wall, reverted to his normal human form.
"Warren!" Draco shouted, his armor vanishing. "Daijoubu?" Warren shoved Ryuki away. "Warren-san?"
Warren poked Ryuki in the chest, "Kid, get your head in the game!"
"Demo," Ryuki tried to protest but Warren grabbed his shoulders, shaking him.
"That's not Craig anymore!" Warren snapped. "Now, help me bring him down."
Ryuki was unsure. "I don't know if I can…"
"Kid, the world needs us, or else all human life on Earth will cease to exist. Do you want that?"
"I…" Ryuki hesitated in his answer. Could he kill Craig to save the world? He'd been put under the same kind of pressure when he'd battled his sister to save the Multiverse, but he was able to save it without killing her. However, now, he had no other choice.
Before he could answer, the ChronoLiner came crashing into the scene, causing Orphenochs and heroes alike to scramble so they wouldn't end up getting crushed by the massive machine. A door in the side opened up and Ant hopped out of the ChronoLiner.
"Hey, guys," Ant waved, ducking under a swipe from a Crab Orphenoch. He grabbed its claw and threw it into another Orphenoch, causing them to fall.
"Ant, what are you doing!?" Warren shouted.
"Hey, I brought some help!" Ant waved and then he pointed towards the ledge where 17 people stood. They were all clad in suits that had insectoid features save for one who looked reptilian and another themed after a demon. Ryuki's eyes widened in shock as he saw them.
"Who…who are they?" Jinx asked. She recognized Faiz/Xander, Oni/Ryan, Kaixa/Shinji and Delta/Selene, but the rest of the men were strangers to her. However, Ryuki had once described to her a band of brave heroes that had saved the world many times before. They were called the…
"K…k…Kamen…" Ryuki stuttered out. Everyone watched as the warriors called out their names and Ryuki felt he was about to faint.
"Kamen Rider Ichigo (#1)!"
"Kamen Rider Nigo (#2)!"
"Kamen Rider V3!"
"Riderman!"
"Kamen Rider X!"
"Kamen Rider Amazon!"
"Kamen Rider Stronger!"
"Kamen Rider Super-1!"
"Skyrider!"
"Kamen Rider ZX (Z-Cross)!"
"Kamen Rider Black RX!"
"Kamen Rider J!"
"Kamen Rider ZO!"
"Kamen Rider Faiz (Xander)!"
"Kamen Rider Kaixa (Shinji)!"
"Kamen Rider Delta (Selene)!"
"Kamen Rider Oni (Ryan)!"
"WE ARE KAMEN RIDERS!!"
And then there was an explosion of flames behind them to announce the amazing and heroic presence of these legendary warriors. Ryuki couldn't believe his eyes. The Riders…the real Kamen Riders…were here.
"Let us help out new junior member out, alright?" said Kamen Rider Ichigo. The rest of the Riders nodded in agreement, going, "Hai!"
Any other time Ryuki would've gone and ask for their autographs but now wasn't the time. The only reason the Kamen Riders would be here would be for the safety of the world.
The Riders leapt off the ledge and joined with the Titans and Red Wolves, battling with the horde of Orphenochs. Ryuki shouted to them, "Sempai-tachi! Don't kill them! They are only being controlled!"
"OK, kiddo!" Faiz shouted back as he gave an Orphenoch a powerful kick.
"We can try!" added Delta, ducking under a blow before she unhooked her Delta Blaster and began firing.
Kaixa was rushing at the Orphenochs, slashing with his Blaygun. He had set it to minimum. He didn't want to kill them either. As far as he could tell from Ant's explanation, these Orphenochs were under mind control which was coming from the Orphenoch King.
Ant decided to join in the battle and fastened a belt around his waist. He then took a card out of a case attached to the right side of belt. The card was actually a train ticket depicting a man clad in armor. The belt buckle was rectangular with a white clock face for an emblem. Ant called out, "Henshin!" before sliding the ticket into a slot to the right of the buckle.
"ANT FORM!" the belt announced. Shards of energy bonded with his body before solidifying into a suit of armor,
Ant's Rider form was pretty much a black bodysuit with white boots and gauntlets. His upper torso armor was mainly white with a red chestplate and rounded shoulders. Like his namesake, his helmet bore large compound eyes and antennae, like an ant. A scarf also hung from his neck. In this form, he was known as Kamen Rider Chronos.
"OK, let's have some fun!" Chronos said as he charged forward. He started to punch and kick at Orphenochs who were in his way.
Oni charged forward, bashing Orphenochs aside with Hibiki, his drum clubs. He approached his old crewmates, "Warren, Ryuki, are you two okay?" asked the Vizard Rider.
"Hai," Ryuki said, standing up with some difficulty. His wounds were healing slowly but they still hurt. He had a shaky grip on his Keyblade. Warren on the other hand had seen better days.
"That's Craig, isn't it?" Oni asked. Ryuki gave a weak nod of regret. "What happened to him?"
"Occultus happened, that's what," Warren replied, gripping Kage Enbu. "That bastard went too far."
"Can we save him?" Oni asked.
"I…I don't think we can," Ryuki said with guilt. "It's my fault he's…"
"Kid, don't blame yourself," Warren told him. "Now, come on, we need to finish this."
"Hai," Ryuki said as he got out his Zodiac Deck and his belt fastened around his waist. "Henshin." He slid the deck into the belt, allowing his Zodiac Armor to encase him.
"Shatter!" Warren commanded, once again transforming into the Skull Rider, Wraith.
"Ikuzo!" Oni commanded, brandishing his clubs. Wraith was gripping Kage Enbu tightly as Draco stood with them, hands tightly around his Keyblade. The trio rushed at the Orphenoch King.
As the grand battle between Titans, Red Wolves and Riders against the Orphenochs continued, there was a rumbling sound as a pile of rubble collapsed, revealing Occultus, singed and missing a large amount of his skin. He also had none of his hair left. Luckily his armor was still intact, though a little scorched from the blue flames that had burnt him.
Things were getting out of control. The Orphenoch King was not obeying his commands and had actually summoned all the Orphenochs to assist him in the battle. It only served to make Occultus angrier. This was not how it was supposed to happen! The Orphenoch King was supposed to be his puppet, making him the ruler of the world! It was his right! It was his destiny!
"I won't have this!" he growled. "I'll take the King's power for myself! I will take this world as my own! This is my right!"
Completely ignoring the grand battle, Occultus staggered to his feet and began charging towards where the King, Oni, Draco, and Wraith were doing battle.
One powerful blow from the Orphenoch King and Warren was flung to the back of the room, reverted out of his Skull Rider form, watching as his friends tried to stop the Orphenoch King.
"Looks like I have no choice…" muttered Warren has he struggled to his feet. He rolled up the sleeve on his left arm, revealing mystic seals on his arm. "RELEASE!!" exclaimed Warren as he ripped the seals off his arm. Suddenly, he felt immense pain as black energy crackled all over his body. He stumbled but then the pain grew more intense as he began to grunt and convulse. Then, he began to scream out as even more energy was coursing through his body. His eyes glowed with white energy.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!"
First to change was Warren's trench coat. It melted onto his skin. Out of his back unfurled two pitch black angel wings. His right arm flexed as his hand and turned into a black claw. Two small spikes shot out of his forearm. Large curved spikes shot out of his shoulder. Next his left arm flexed as it turned into a black claw. Where his seals once were there was now a strange metallic looking whip. It was serrated on both ends and seemed to be imbedded in his arm. The end of the whip swung back and forth off of his forearm. Curved spikes shot out of this shoulder as well. Strange glowing markings formed on his left arm. The rest of his body then turned pitch black.Warren's mouth vanished into the shadows of his body. His pale white hair vanished and was replaced by flickering black flames. His black eyes now glowed white with energy.
Introducing the Angel of Death, Wraith Angel Form!
"Now we end this," said Wraith, unfurling his wings.
"DIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!" Occultus roared as he attempted to strike at the Orphenoch from behind. However, by giving away Grave most of his Psycho Power, he couldn't do much else. The Orphenoch King gave Occultus a look and sent the now powerless old man flying into the wall. His head hit the wall with a crack, knocking him out.
Draco witnessed Warren's transformation to his Angel Form. Knowing fully well that such a transformation was done only during dire emergencies, which this was, he had to accept the next course of action…they had to kill the Orphenoch King.
Wraith slammed into the Orphenoch King, causing the creature to fly backwards. Wraith followed him quickly, slashing at the King with his claws. Wraith then blasted the Orphenoch King with shadow energy, blasting him through the wall. "Craig, I am sorry about this, but you will not suffer long, my friend." He lashed out his whip, slicing the Orphenoch King across the face. Wraith then swung his whip around, wrapping it around the Orphenoch King's neck.
Faiz Accel Form rushed past Wraith and smashed his fists into the Orphenoch King. After his form timed out, he leapt back from a strike, allowing both Delta and Kaixa to perform their Lucifer Hammer and Golden Smash attacks, respectively. They were knocked back by the Orphenoch King and tumbled on the ground.
"Ryan-senpai…we have to…" Draco began and received a sympathetic look.
"I know," Oni nodded. Draco then used the Pactio card to call forth his ultimate Keyblade, the Masked Rider Sword. In the time that'd passed since he'd attempted this, it took a lot of energy from Jinx. Now, he could do it himself quite easily without the need for her to invoke the power of the Pactio. It was the result of a lot of training that he'd done with Jinx to control their Pactio.
Oni rushed at the Orphenoch King, holding his Guitar Axe, Zanki, over his head and brought it down on the Orphenoch King. The Orphenoch King blocked with his powerful forearms and slammed his palm into Oni's chest, sending Oni flying backwards. The demonic Rider touched down and took out his Trumpet Blaster, Ibuki. He blew into it, firing a shockwave that smashed into the Orphenoch King, dragging him across the ground. Snarling, the Orphenoch King smashed Oni into the wall using his eyebeams.
Draco removed the Dragon Zodiac Deck from his belt and inserted it into the slot behind the Keyblade's blade. "Liner Drive Form!" he called out as his armor changed, taking on the Drive Form in an instant. His red visor flashes as he rushed forward, aiding Wraith as he fought with the Orphenoch King. Oni decided to lend his strength to the others who were fighting the Orphenochs. The bodies of unconscious Orphenochs were lying on the floor, some injured and others dying. Of course, the latter was due to their genetic breakdown.
Draco slashed and swiped with his Keyblade, knocking the Orphenoch King backwards, making sparks fly. With each strike, memories came to haunt him. He remembered how he and Mortuary first met, he remembered Mortuary eating his cooking, he remembered when Mortuary helped to train him and he remembered when they'd fought alongside one another to save the world…and now he was fighting his own friend to save the world.
The blade came down and the Orphenoch King caught it. Draco couldn't pull it away since the Orphenoch King was stronger. He watched as the Orphenoch King's eyes glowed and he was ready to launch his attack.
Draco shut his eyes, waiting for the strike, but it never came. He opened his eyes to see the Orphenoch King, trembling.
He then heard a voice.
It was Craig's.
"Ryuki…kill me…now…" the Orphenoch King spoke with Craig's voice. It was faint, but Draco could hear it.
"But…" Draco began to protest.
"KILL ME NOW!! PLEASE!!" Craig/the Orphenoch King pleaded desperately. "I don't want to live like this!" For a second, Draco could see his friend inside the Orphenoch King, in deep pain. "I don't want to do this…Don't hesitate. Finish me off, please…"
Draco couldn't hesitate. As much as he hated to do this, he had to do it, for Craig. He knocked the Orphenoch King backwards with a bash of his Keyblade and spun the turntable hilt. At the same time, Faiz had entered Blaster Form and had entered the code into the Blaster to perform his Crimson Smash kick. He leapt up and then came down on the Orphenoch King, smashing him in the head with his foot. The Orphenoch King howled in pain as he was knocked backwards. He picked up his Faiz Blaster and activated its Blade Mode before slashing at the Orphenoch King who dodged. The Rider was knocked back by a vicious kick to the gut.
Wraith and Draco looked at each other, knowing what needed to be done. Wraith focused his shadow energy into his hand, which then took the form of a medieval blade. He flew at his former ally. "Blade of Heaven! Holy Shadow Slash!" Wraith appeared behind the Orphenoch King, as several gashes appeared on the Orphenoch King. The Orphenoch King roared out in pain.
The Keyblade's turntable hilt spun several revolutions before the blue Rod Drive Form's mask lined up with the blade. It glowed blue along with the clock emblem in the centre of the turntable hilt. The golden energy tracks appeared under his feet and he rushed straight at the Orphenoch King at full speed like a bullet train. He gripped his energized blade and rushed straight towards the Orphenoch King.
"FULL THROTTLE BREAK-DENSHA SHISHOU (Train Stab)!!" Draco roared with tears streaming down his face, hidden under his helmet, as a blue aura in the shape of the ChronoLiner enveloped him.
At the same time, Faiz entered a code into his Blaster. Setting it down, he then leapt up with the aid of his jets. His extended right foot was enveloped in red photon energy as he dropped down towards the Orphenoch King. This attack, like the Crimson Smash, was a powerful kick called the Blaster Smash.
Both Riders unleashed their attacks, which slammed straight into the Orphenoch King. There was a bright flash of crimson and blue power from the impact that blinded all that were present.
Draco could hear Craig's voice as he spoke two final words, "Thank you…"
Copycat stood at the coast, looking up at the temple. With a smile, she said, "Sayonara," and pressed the detonation button on her watch.
Draco banished his armor and weapons and went to check on the body of the Orphenoch King. The attack hadn't obliterated the Orphenoch King since his body now lay there, unmoving.
"Craig," Draco spoke hopefully as he reached towards the Orphenoch King.
Warren had reverted back to normal and could barely stand now. The transformation took too much out of him. He looked over and his black eyes filled with hate. "YOU!" Draco looked where Warren was looking and saw Occultus, trying to escape. However, that wouldn't happen as shadow energy engulfed the old man and flung him towards the angered Skull Rider. "I'm going to make you pay…"
"What, do you want me to beg for my life?" wheezed Occultus. "Not going to happen, whelp."
An orb of black energy appeared in Warren's hand. "No, Occultus. I won't make you beg for life, you'll beg for death. This is not hatred, this is retribution. This is not revenge, this is justice. But this is only the beginning, Occultus. Only the beginning. Your final judgment will come from God." He placed the black orb against Occultus' head. "Now, it's time for your penance!" Warren placed the black sphere into Occultus' head.
Occultus' body began to convulse. He opened his mouth, trying to scream, but no sound came out. "Do you feel that? All the pain? All the death? It's your fault, Occultus. All the pain you're feeling, is all the pain you've caused. It won't kill you but it will never end either."
Suddenly, the entire chamber rumbled as the sound of several large explosions erupted. The floor began to crack as rocks went flying. The ceiling was also coming down as the place shook. Fighting stopped in an instant.
"The place is coming down!" Draco shouted.
"Evacuate! Everyone, get inside the train, NOW!" Ant shouted from the ChronoLiner.
The Riders, Orphenochs (now human form and free), Titans and Red Wolves all quickly boarded the ChronoLiner. The Orphenochs carried their wounded aboard the ChronoLiner, choosing survival over defeating their opponents. Snow Blood noticed something. "Hey, where's Billy?"
"Right here!" Bruiser shouted as he ran towards the time train. "Wait for me, guys!"
"Hurry up you big dope!" Wyvern shouted. The big boy climbed into the time train as Wyvern and Snow Blood helped pull him inside..
"Draco, we have to go!" Jinx shouted, tugging on his arm.
"But, Craig!" Draco yelled, looking over where the Orphenoch King was lying, motionless.
"There's no time!" Jinx pulled him into the time train and the doors all slid close.
Ant, who was in the cockpit, piloted the ChronoLiner out of the temple as it collapsed. Draco pressed his face against the window, watching as they left Zandia behind. Watching as they left Craig behind…
'No…'
Copycat watched with satisfaction as the temple exploded, sending pieces flying. The large demonic statue also collapsed. She could see the ChronoLiner flying out of there at full speed, carrying a large cargo. With a shrug, Kat boarded her submarine again and pulled down the hatch. The submarine rolled back into the water.
She called up Slade on her communicator, reporting the status of her mission to Slade. Not only that, she was admiring the Zodiac Deck in her hand. With a cruel smile, she crushed it in her hand and felt the rush of power that came with the absorption of new Zodiac energy.
Her eyes flashed as the Power of Aries was added to her arsenal of Zodiac Powers.
Ant had arranged to return all the Orphenochs Occultus had duped to their proper homes and families. If not, he could find them new homes. Currently, the Red Wolves and Titans were in the dining car, exhausted as hell. Renia was not there. She was probably in her room, crying over the loss of Mortuary. Bruiser had been absent during the entire battle so he had to be told the entire story.
"Andrew…was a spy?" Bruiser repeated what he'd heard in disbelief. "No, that can't be true."
"That's what I thought so too," Wyvern sighed. "But I guess we should've seen it. He was shiftier than usual."
"And Craig?"
"He's gone," said Snow Blood, hugging herself.
Angered and filled with rage, Bruiser roared and lunged at Draco. Draco pushed Jinx, who'd been tending to him, out of the larger boy's path and was hauled up by his jacket and slammed against the wall.
"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!" Bruiser roared. Cyborg and Beast Boy (gorilla form) tried to pull him away but since Bruiser's strength came from his emotions and those of others, anger being the strongest, Cyborg and BB could not pry him off. Draco didn't try to defend himself and looked away in shame. "YOU KILLED HIM!!"
"Let him go, Billy!" Snow Blood ordered sternly.
"But, Ash-" Bruiser began to protest.
"That was an order, Billy. It was not a request." Judging from the tone of her voice, which was as icy cold as her powers, she was too hurt by this. However, she wasn't going to take it out on Draco.
Bruiser reluctantly put Draco down and the Dragon Rider slumped down against the seat of the booth he was sitting in. Jinx went over to him to check on him.
"Are you okay?" Jinx asked.
"Hai," Draco nodded. Physically: yes. Emotionally…that was left for debate.
"And, besides, he wasn't the only one responsible," spoke Xander in Draco's defence from his spot in the dining car. Both Selene and Shinji were negotiating with the rescued Orphenochs. "I was there too."
The Kamen Riders that Draco had grown up to admire were onboard the ChronoLiner too. Any other day he'd be excited but after what'd happened, he was not in the mood. "I need to go get some air," Draco said. Jinx stood up and allowed him to pass by. He walked towards the door with his head down, avoiding eye contact with anybody.
Once outside the dining car, Draco leaned against the wall. He slid down and ended up sitting on the ground with his knees against his chest. He hugged his knees and cried with his head down.
He was breaking down, emotionally. Tears were streaming from his emerald eyes. They were tears of pain, regret, grief, guilt and sorrow.
"Gomen nasai…" he apologized.
Ant entered the train car and turned on the lights with a flick of the switch. He looked about all the boxes and crates which had been stacked up to create a path in between them. This car was specially made for important cargo only and none was more important than the one he'd stored here. He walked forwards, mumbling, "I sure hope Draco won't be pissed at me."
"He'll understand," spoke someone who walked in behind him. It was Warren. "I'm glad I was able to pick him up in time."
"Yeah," Ant agreed. The two walked towards a tarp that was covering something. The owner of the ChronoLiner pulled the tarp away to reveal a stasis pod not unlike the ones used by the Sabretrons or Deathtrons. Wonder what was inside? "His body is healing, but I'm not sure about his mind."
"Once I'm through with him, he'll be back the way he was, with some improvements," Warren assured Ant. "Back home I have friends in high places. I'll put every resource I have towards getting him help."
"Let's just hope you're right," said Ant, tapping a few buttons. The oval window on the pod was fogged up, hiding the face of the person sleeping inside. The fog was cleared away revealing the face of the Orphenoch King!
"So, how do you plan on helping him?" asked Ant.
"I'll bring him to Dr. Strange and Dr. Fate first. They can take care of the mystical matters. Then I'll call in Dr. Richards and Hank Pym for the science end. Once we have him back to normal, I'll bring him to JSA headquarters to get his mind back in order," said Warren. "Craig…we'll bring you back," Warren promised, placing a hand on the pod, "I swear."
Emiko Narukawa was enjoying the sea breeze on her private motor yacht. The only source of company that she had was her two bodyguards, a blonde with short hair and a brunette with long wavy hair. She often went on these leisurely cruises to relax and gain inspiration for her next set of designs. She stood at the bow, looking up at the stars, when she heard one of her bodyguards approaching her.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Madam, we found someone drifting out at sea and brought him up onboard," reported her bodyguard, the blonde.
"Oh, my," Emiko gasped. "Where is he?"
"I'll take you there," the bodyguard said as she led her employer to where they'd put the one they'd rescued. He was on one of the cabin beds with a thick blanket covering his body. The radiator had been switched on to provide warmth and his clothes had been hung up to dry. He didn't look so well since he had cuts and bruises all over his body, which were slowly healing.
"He's just a little boy," Emiko observed, walking over to the young boy who was only 13 years of age in appearance. Her maternal instinct kicked in as she ran her hand through his damp hair. "You poor dear," she said, "How long have you been lost at sea, alone and cold?"
"What should we do with him?" asked Emiko's second bodyguard, the brunette.
"We shall return home and put him in a hospital to be treated," Emiko said seriously.
The boy was no simple boy but Emiko didn't know that. She didn't know that she could be making a grave mistake. What she did know was that he needed help.
Heroes have heart, heroes have strength, and heroes put the lives of others before themselves. I thought it was so easy to be a hero. All I had to do was to protect the innocent and save lives.
I was wrong.
A true hero sometimes has to make the biggest call of his life for the greater good. A true hero has to make the toughest choice of all.
Whether it was the right choice or wrong one is up to interpretation.
I'm not the true hero here. The true hero was Craig Smith, a good friend of mine who sacrificed himself to save the world.
If only I had been able to save him…
If only…
I may have saved the world…but I failed a friend…
Can I be called a hero?
Can I?
Do I even deserve the name Kamen Rider?
Tell me, please…
-Kamen Rider Draco.
To Be Continued…
ZK Chromedragozoid: Well, that's a tragic end to the Orphenoch King Arc of ZKD Vol. 3. I'd like to thank my friends, Ten-Faced Paladin, Shadow Element 13, Ant Crown, Zombi 138 and Hikari Ino for their help and the characters they lent me for this epic. Also, for those who ask, I only chose the pre-2000 Riders because of their classic feel, OK?
Shadow Element 13: I was glad to be allowed to work on such a great fic. It was truly an honor. I'm glad Warren got a chance to shine in this fic, and you'll be seeing more of him later in "Hyper Dimension Wars", as well as my fic "The Wraith". Like I said, it was a pleasure.