ZK Chromedragozoid: The true power of Fang and Slayer will be unleashed.
"Nice décor," stated Steel as they reached the new chamber that was a level below the previous one. The walls had carvings of a centipede and it was twisting and turning and endless as the centipede's entire body and many legs completely covered the walls, floor and ceilings.
"Something tells me we'll be facing the Centipede," stated Superman.
"What tipped you off?" Tamashii said sarcastically, supporting an exhausted Devlin. "Amakusa, are you alright?"
Devlin panted a little, still affected by his last transformation. "I'm fine. I just need to rest for a bit."
"I believe you should sit this next battle out," said Dr. Fate. "That previous change, from what I gathered, took a lot out of you."
Devlin remained silent and removed a potion capsule from his bracelet. He popped it into his mouth and swallowed. Slowly, he was starting to recover.
"What was that?" Superman asked curiously.
"A potion I developed that reenergizes the body," Devlin said. "It also heals any injuries the user sustains." Devlin stretched. "Whatever comes by, I'll be ready for it."
"Ku, ku, ku, ku," a voice chuckled. "Such confidence. I think I'll enjoy playing with you."
The person rose up from a trap door. He was skinny, to the point of anorexia, with a bald head, pointed nose and insane eyes. He wore a white shirt and black baggy pants with sandals. On his head was a centipede tattoo curled around the number "5". He popped his neck and let his long tongue trail out. "Oh, I can smell your fear…"
"I'm not afraid," hissed Devlin. Tamashii placed his hand on his fellow Rider's shoulder.
"Devlin, this Fangire is insane," warned Fangula. "I don't think you should fight after last time."
"But I-" Devlin attempted to object. Suddenly, he felt the wind pass by and the Centipede was instantly between himself and Tamashii.
"Too slow!" the Centipede revealed his claws and was ready to slash at Devlin before a sword came rushing to his neck. He vanished in a blur before standing next to Superman. Superman threw a punch but the Fangire vanished in a blur again.
"Damn, a speed freak," muttered Tamashii.
The Centipede stood opposite the heroes before he said, "Oh, you're going to be fun!" He let out a laugh. "Time to CHANGE!" He spread his arms wide to the side before he changed into a Fangire with green, blue and yellow stained glass patterns on his skin. He had centipede legs sticking out from his arms and legs like spikes and his head had long antennae and menacing looking mandibles which were clicking with anticipation as he fidgeted. "Now, which one to take out first? Oh, it's hard to choose!"
"READY!"
"Henshin!" Tamashii called as he snapped the Slayer Knuckle to the belt.
"FIST ON!"
Masked Rider Slayer took Tamashii Akashi's place after a flash of golden light engulfed him. He got ready his twin swords.
"Let's take him down fast," said Superman warily. "With his speed he can take any one of us out."
Devlin was ready to transform when he felt a chill run up his spine. Something was happening…
Gillian returned to the Metrotower's infirmary before reassuming her human form as she landed.
"Hey, you okay?" Seras asked, noticing Gillian looked a little pale, was sweating and panting.
"I just need to take a breather," excused Gillian. "So, how is Sandy?"
"She's pale and cold," murmured Seras. "I hope Tamashii gets here soon with the antidote.
Unfortunately, Gillian's entrance didn't go unnoticed. Danielle could not maintain her invisibility any longer since it was exhausting her so…
"Hey, you're not authorized to be here!" a JLU personnel shouted.
"Oh, crap!" Danielle panicked. "Girls, let's go!"
"No," objected Seras. "Only the guilty run. We may have broken in here to see Sandy but we've got nothing to feel guilty about."
Danielle grimaced, "I hate it when you're right. Fine, we'll come clean."
The Centipede Fangire was indeed a slippery one. He kept dodging and striking them from behind. Devlin had transformed into Fang again but was warned to not use up all his energy. Still, this Fangire was too fast for any of them, except for Superman, to get a hold of. Unfortunately, aside from his speed, the Centipede Fangire also had another ability…
"Got you!" said Superman as he grabbed the Centipede Fangire in a bear hug after chasing him all over the chamber.
"Oh, really?" the Fangire snickered. Suddenly, his entire body fell apart in Superman's grasp, leaving him holding nothing. The Fangire's body had separated altogether but not dead. It was his special ability.
His head walked on tiny legs as he ordered, "Get them!" His dismembered arms and legs flew through the air and aided by his super speed slammed into Steel, Dr. Fate, Fang and Slayer. Superman was able to dodge.
"This adversary of ours is a tricky one!" said Dr. Fate.
"Tell me about it," agreed Steel. "Anybody with ideas."
"Just one," said Fang as he reached for one of his Whistles. He pulled it out and was about to activate it when Slayer snatched it out of his hand. "Hey!"
"Allow me," spoke Slayer. He had to be right about this. It couldn't be a coincidence that his Slayer System used the same kind of whistles as Fang's. It was now or never. "Superman, slow him down!" shouted Slayer.
Superman nodded and grabbed all the flying body parts. His speed was, luckily, on par with the Centipede Fangire's, but when he caught them, the sharp legs curled in and struck his arms. He winced in pain as the arms and legs struggled. The torso snuck up behind Superman and then jumped up and spikes came out of it, piercing the Man of Steel. Steel and Dr. Fate were instantly at his side, pulling off the Centipede Fangire's limbs. They reformed together and the Fangire chuckled.
"Yum…your life energy is delicious," he said. "Let me have more!"
Slayer slid the Juggernaut Whistle into the Slayer Buckle. It then announced, "JUGGERNAUT HAMMER: COME HERE!"
A purple statuette appeared instantly above Slayer and then transformed, becoming the Juggernaut Hammer, much to Fang's surprise. He gripped the shaft and his faceplate opened, revealing purple eyes instead of blue. He said to Fang, "Let me show you how it's done." He then walked towards the battle.
The Centipede Fangire was sent flying by one of Dr. Fate's spells and slammed into the wall. He broke apart but reformed. Steel was upon him and bashing him to the ground with his hammer. One of the arms grabbed Steel by the throat and started to crush his neck armor. Of course, Superman pulled it off before the limbs attacked him once more. He spun around, throwing them off, before using his super breath to send them flying. The Centipede Fangire reformed but was again zapped by a spell. Now, he was no longed amused. Now, he was pissed.
With a snarl, he ran at the heroes at top speed but suddenly…he just froze. "WHAT!?" He couldn't move. "What is going on!?" He then realized that purple electricity was running up his body. The purple lightning was the cause of the paralysis. He lifted his head up to see Slayer holding the Juggernaut Hammer out in front of him, the hammer's fist open to reveal the True Eye.
Fang was shocked. Was it possible that Slayer had bonded with Juggernaut, which was why he could use the weapon with ease? He had no time to contemplate this as Slayer's voice caught his attention.
"Now!" Slayer shouted and Fang ran ahead before jumping onto Slayer's shoulders and bounding up into the air.
Superman, Dr. Fate and Steel prepared their own attacks as well. As soon as Fang came down with a kick, they attacked.
Spells, a steel hammer, heat rays and a kick smashed into the Fangire. At once, his body was sent flying into the wall but this time he didn't fall apart only to reform but shattered completely. His soul hovered into the air before Fangula swoop at it and gobbled it up, returning only to Fang to give it to him.
Fang's eyes went over to Tamashii who'd sent the Juggernaut Hammer away. He was curious as to how Tamashii was able to use one of his whistles but right now he couldn't care less. They were on a mission.
The elevator doors opened and the group went in. Fang wanted to give Slayer the Soul Stone but was rejected. Slayer said, "I got a different prize in mine." Fang accepted that answer as the elevator took them down.
Gillian, Danielle and Seras were being questioned in the Metrotower by none other than Hawkgirl. She didn't look too pleased but she didn't want to scare these girls too much either. They were still just young children to her.
"So, you have powers," said Shayera/Hawkgirl as she eyed Danielle suspiciously.
"I flew us here and phased ourselves into the infirmary," confessed Danielle.
"We didn't mean to do it, we just wanted to see Sandy," said Seras.
"The girl in there? The poison victim?" Shayera asked.
"Yes," the three girls nodded, answering in unison.
Shayera had to give them the benefit of the doubt, despite the claim being too good to be true. They seemed like nice kids, but they still broke into the Metrotower. She then remembered something…
"Are you all related to Fang and Slayer?" Shayera asked. "Because I remember something about Superman going with them to find an antidote."
'Tamashii…' thought Seras.
'Dev…' thought Danielle.
'Master Devlin. Lord Fangula…' thought Gillian.
"Hey, don't worry. They'll be fine…" said Shayera confidently.
This new room was glowing a deep yellow as the team of heroes entered, still feeling the effects of their previous battles. It was beginning to wear on them but they had to keep going.
"Come out already!" Tamashii called out to the echoing chamber.
Devlin cast a suspicious eye at the room. The amber glow and the numerous hexagons in the walls reminded him of a beehive.
'Wait. Beehive?' he thought. The idea suddenly dawned on him. "I think we may have met this one before."
"What do you mean?" asked Steel.
"We had him in our clutches and he still got away," Devlin frowned. "Am I right, Suzu?"
A sharp chuckle echoed through the chamber before a panel opened in the floor, allowing the Fangire in question to rise up.
"Right you are," Suzu laughed. "I wondered who would figure it out first."
"YOU'RE a Hive Lord?" Tamashii glared.
"Bingo," Suzu grinned. "Call me the Ultimate Shooter." He revealed his tattoo, which was on his palm and was in the shape of a wasp with the number "4" on it.
"But how did you hide that from us under Devlin's potion?" Dr. Fate asked in a demanding fashion.
"Simple, helmet-head," Suzu shrugged. "Fang asked me about the Hive Lords in general. He never asked if I was one of them."
"It doesn't matter," Tamashii growled as he drew the means of changing into Slayer. "You're still dead!"
"Let's take care of this fast," said Superman as he floated into the air.
"NO!" growled Tamashii. "He's mine and mine alone! Anyone who interferes will meet the same fate he's about to." He slammed the knuckle duster into his palm.
"READY!"
"Henshin!" shouted Tamashii, initiating the transformation.
"FIST ON!"
Slayer charged ahead at Suzu, roaring in rage as his faceplate opened and wings spread out, shifting from Save Mode to Burst Mode. With the energy released, Slayer was able to fight at his optimum level. Suzu quickly morphed into his true Fangire form, the Wasp Fangire.
Slayer tried his best to fight the Fangire, but the Wasp Fangire was using his wings and his speed to his advantage, flying high, then pelting the Slayer with arrows. The others wanted to help, but Devlin knew that would only make things worse for his fellow Rider.
Slayer charged at the Wasp Fangire. "I'll destroy you!" roared Tamashii. The Wasp Fangire watched as Slayer approached him. The Fangire then snapped his clawed fingers.
"Die." As the Fangire said this, hundreds of arrows plummeted from the ceiling, Tamashii managed to avoid most of the arrows, but was unable to avoid a few. The impact caused the Slayer System to shut down as Tamashii was impaled by the arrows.
Tamashii fell to the ground. He glared at the Fangire. "Miyuki…chan…" said Tamashii as his Ryuugan activated, showing him memories of a time long since past.
A bowl of rice was presented to Tamashii. "Eat up!" said a beautiful young woman, approximately 18. She had short black hair and deep brown eyes, and looked shockingly similar to Seras. This was Miyuki, Tamashii's wife from over 400 years ago. Tamashii happily took the bowl.
"Arigato, Miyuki-chan," said Tamashii, almost solemnly. He seemed distant, even for him.
"Tamashii-kun, what's wrong?" asked Miyuki. She was concerned for her husband. Ever since discovering she was pregnant, Tamashii had seemed detached.
"It's been over 3 years, and I still haven't found the ones who took my family from me. And now that I have a family of my own, I'm afraid that I may lose you too" answered Tamashii. "And I never want that to happen."
"They maybe you should stop being a samurai and go into politics. Mother always said you were with Grandfather during his political meetings. Besides, I don't think you're cut out to be a samurai," said Miyuki.
Tamashii looked at Miyuki in shock. "You're right. Maybe I'll quit," said Tamashii.
POW!
"Don't joke about it," said Miyuki as she dusted her hands. Tamashii now sported a large bump on his forehead.
'You were the one who suggested I quit…' thought Tamashii "You know…Sometimes I think I was just born in the wrong place… Maybe things would have been different if I were never born an Akashi."
"Tamashii-kun…" said Miyuki. "I know, Tamashii-kun!" Miyuki grabbed a large pot of stew and slammed it in front of Tamashii. "Look, just eat and be strong! You're a man, aren't you?!" shouted Miyuki.
"Mi…Miyuki-chan…? The whole bowl?" asked a slightly shocked Tamashii.
"But…at least protect me and our child. Just think of that as the reason you were born an Akashi" said Miyuki with a large smile.
"Miyuki-chan… You're right. OK. I'll protect you" said Tamashii.
Tamashii stood up, the arrows still impaling him. He imagined Miyuki's face, 'Aishiteru, Tamashii-kun. I know you'll become strong.'
"Never again. I won't let that happen ever again. I'll never let someone I care for die. I'm going to save Sandy! No matter what happens!!" Tamashii grasped one of the arrows and yanked it out, "One." He then pulled each one out, counting accordingly, until he reached five. "And the three in my wife and child. That's eight times you'll die for this! You here me Suzu!?"
Suzu drew two more arrows and fired them, only for them to be knocked away. "How did he?"
"You'll need to shoot better. A lot better," taunted Tamashii.
"Akashi…" said Devlin. 'I've never seen him like this before. I can feel his rage from here.'
"Fine, how bout this!" He drew his entire quiver of arrows. "Hail of Arrows!" He fired them all at once, only for Tamashii to knock them all away.
"I thought I told you. Your arrows won't work on me." Tamashii charged right at the Wasp Fangire.
'Fine fool, rush towards your doom. With the shield I have set up, you'll die before you reach me!' thought Suzu. Just as Tamashii got right in front of the hated Fangire, arrows once again plummeted from the sky, hitting Tamashii in several vital points. "Now to take your…" The Wasp Fangire stopped when he noticed Tamashii still standing; in fact, it didn't even look like the arrows affected him. Tamashii positioned his swords.
"Not so fast," said Tamashii. "Eight Heavenly Linking Dragons!!" Tamashii appeared behind the Wasp Fangire.
"What… what are you…Tamashii Akashi?!" said Suzu as his skin began to crack.
"Like I said, you'll pay for those wounds with your life," said Tamashii. Suzu's body finally broke down. All that remained was Suzu's disembodied soul. Fangula flew off Devlin's shoulder and went to seal the soul, but was outraced by a strange black cloud. Fangula and Devlin looked and saw that the cloud had extended from Tamashii's hand. "The Exelon absorb souls, no matter how foul they are."
"You wield the Exelons," stated Dr. Fate.
"Does it bother you?" questioned Tamashii. When he received no answer, he said, "Guess not. Let's go. We got a few more Hive Lords to beat." He went ahead towards the elevator.
"Hey, Supes," said Steel. "Are you okay?"
"I never liked killing," said Superman. "No matter what I've tried not to kill but now…I know these Fangires are dangerous but must we…"
Dr. Fate sighed, "It seems cruel but we did what we had to do."
"How about you?" Superman directed his question towards Devlin. "How do you feel about killing Fangires?"
Devlin answered, "Truthfully, I know sometimes you need to use extreme measures for extreme circumstances." Fangula flapped at his sides. "Sometimes we need to make sacrifices for the greater good." Such talk reminded Superman of the Justice Lords. "But, even so, I do it with much regret."
"Are you coming or not?" asked Tamashii impatiently as he kept the door open for them. "Hurry up!"
"Who died and made him boss?" grumbled Steel.
Back in the Metrotower's infirmary, Sandy's condition was worsening. She'd suffered a violent convulsion but had been stabilized. Still, he female halfa, vampire hunter and Fangire all could only watch as Sandy was being tended to.
"Come on, Dev," Danielle bit her lip. "Hurry up."
"Tamashii…" Seras prayed, "Dear God, please let him get the antidote in time."
Gillian didn't say anything, but she was silently hoping her masters would return in time. She'd seen too many innocent deaths and she didn't want to add Sandy to that list.
The heroes exited the elevator and found themselves in yet again another chamber.
The new chamber looked like some sort of wrestling arena. They were surrounded by seats and there was a large ring in the middle of the chamber.
"I'm guessing the next guys are wresting fans," pointed Steel out.
"That's right!" a voice came and they looked to see two people standing in the ring. They had large muscular builds and were clad in nothing but boots and shorts. They also wore masks like Luchadors. They looked exactly the same save for the stag beetle with the number "2" on one wrestler's mask and a rhino beetle and numbed "3" on the other wrestler's mask.
They started posing and flexing their muscles in display.
"Stag! Ultimate Attacker!" announced "Number 2".
"Rhino! Ultimate Defender!" announced "Number 3".
"WE ARE THE BEETTLE BROTHERS! PREPARE YOURSELVES!"
The collective heroes looked on blankly.
"I've always thoughts wrestling was bad on television but that was the most disturbing display I have ever seen," said Devlin.
"Still, they are in the way," said Tamashii. "Let's just finish them off."
The Beetle Brothers growled and then roared before assuming their true forms. Stag was a ruby red Stag Beetle Fangire and Rhino was a sapphire blue Rhino Beetle Fangire. With shouts, they charged at the group.
Without a word, both Devlin and Tamashii transformed into their Rider form before charging at the two wrestling Hive Lords along with the Leaguers.
Fang threw a punch at the Rhino Beetle Fangire but his fist bounced off his adversary, much to his surprise. Suddenly, the Rhino Fangire used an uppercut and sent Fang skyward. Superman caught him before the Man of Steel attacked with eyebeams, only for them to be reflected by the Fangire's stained glass skin and back at him. He flew to the side.
Dr. Fate received a heavy punch to the gut before the Stag Beetle Fangire prepared to smash his face in with a haymaker only for Steel to get in the way and smash his hammer into the Fangire's own face. Slayer followed up with the Slayer Knuckle and executed a weaker version of the Broken Fang to send the Fangire staggering backwards. The Fangire cracked his neck and clicked his mandibles before charging forward and grabbed both armored heroes by the neck. Steel and Slayer tried to remove the Stag Beetle Fangire's grip from their throats but he was starting to crush them. Fortunately for them, Dr. Fate chanted a spell and a bolt of mystical energy forced the Stag Beetle Fangire to let go. Slayer took out his X-Calibur and shot the Fangire a few times before Steel knocked him backwards into he seats.
Fang and Superman were using their raw strength against the Rhino Beetle Fangire but the Hive Lord was taking the hits without even flinching. No wonder he was called the Ultimate Defender. Switching tactics, Superman used his breath to encase the Fangire in ice. "Now, were done," said Superman. The ice slowly began to crack and then shattered, releasing the Fangire within.
"No, you're not," Rhino sneered before he tackled into Superman. His horn didn't penetrate since Superman caught it but even the Man of Steel's strength wasn't enough against this Fangire. Despite being known as the Ultimate Defender, his strength matched Superman's.
The Stag Beetle Fangire returned to the ring and used a surplex on Dr. Fate to take him down before he grabbed Steel by the arms and spun around and around. Slayer couldn't risk shooting the Fangire because he might hit Steel.
The Rhino Beetle Fangire, meanwhile, had just performed a piledriver on Fang to break his neck before he restrained Superman in a submission hold. Fang picked himself up and looked between the two Fangires. He reached to his belt and pulled out the Juggernaut Whistle. "Sorry, Francis. I'll make it up to you…" He then gave the whistle to Fangula to blow.
Francis was currently relaxing in a hot tub, when he heard the familiar call of his whistle. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and the felt himself shrink down into his statuette form before flying towards his master.
"Akashi, here!" shouted Fang as he tossed his ally the Savage Whistle. "Use it!" Slayer caught the whistle and without a second thought slid it into his belt.
"SAVAGE SABER: COME HERE!"
Lobo growled angrily as he was interrupted once again from enjoying his coffee. Standing up, he discreetly went into the bathroom before he shrank into his statuette form and launched himself out an open window.
As the Juggernaut Hammer was gripped in Fang's hands, so was the Savage Saber in Slayer's. Slayer's faceplate split open and revealed his blue eyes, now in the shade of cobalt. At the same time, the chains wrapped around Fang' body and shattered as he transformed into Juggernaut Form. His purple visor flashed as he made his way towards the Rhino Beetle Fangire. He tapped his enemy on the shoulder. Rhino turned around and his horn was grabbed before Fang brought his hammer down on the Fangire, causing him to howl in pain and let go of Superman. He let go of the horn and stood by the Kryptonian's side. "Need help?" Fang offered as he gave Superman his hand.
"Let's do this," said Superman as he gripped the young Rider's hand.
Slayer unleashed a howl of fury and with both his X-Calibur in Sword Mode and the Savage Saber lunged at the Stag Beetle Fangire, slashing with both swords and causing him to drop Steel. Dr. Fate managed to recover and they both stood before their enemy.
The Rhino Beetle Fangire was trying to defend himself against Superman and Fang but found it difficult due to the strength the vampiric Rider was putting behind his swings as Superman joined him in on the attack. The Fangire could feel chunks of his body being smashed away by the duo powerhouses.
Dr. Fate used a restraining spell on the Stag Beetle Fangire, binding him in chains of white magic. His raw strength would allow him to break free but neither Steel nor Slayer would allow it. Slayer snarled before slashing the Fangire repeatedly and savagely like a berserker before he stabbed the Fangire between his mandibles with the Savage Saber. As the Fangire roared in agony, Slayer pulled out his X-Calibur Whistle and slid it into the belt.
"SLAYER X-CALIBUR: RISING UP!"
At the same time, Fang had Fangula bite the shaft of his weapon, "JUGGERNAUT BITE!" Superman sent the Rhino Beetle Fangire skyward with an uppercut which had the screaming demon flying towards the ceiling.
Fang's Juggernaut Hammer created the Phantom Fist. Superman stepped back as he gave Fang some room to swing his hammer around, the Phantom Fist following his motions, before he swung it in an arch.
"JUGGERNAUT THUNDER SLAP!!"
The Phantom Fist flew at the Fangire and smashed into him, shattering his body into a million pieces and releasing the soul. Fangule flew up towards the soul and swallowed it before it could get away.
With a roar, Slayer executed his, "HEAVEN'S JUDGMENT!" finisher to slash the Fangire across the chest. Steel then used his hammer on him. The Fangire screamed before his body shattered, leaving no soul unlike Fang.
Both Fang and Slayer reverted to human form, the Arms Monster weapons flying back to where they came from. Devlin dropped to his knees. He'd transformed so many times in a day already.
"Hey, are you okay?" asked Superman as he helped the younger hero up. Devlin wiped the sweat off his brow.
"Just tired," said Devlin. "Never changed that many times in a day before."
"Why can't you just stick in Rider Form?" asked Steel curiously.
"Because it'll waste energy," explained Devlin.
"Yours or the armor?" asked Dr. Fate.
Devlin avoided the question, "Come on. We got no time to waste."
Scorpion screamed in outrage as he tossed his coffee mug at the screen, destroying it. It was inconceivable! His Hive Lords were the best of the best in the entire clan and yet they'd been defeated by these…these…inferiors!
"Well then," Scorpion said as stained glass patterns appeared on his skin. He stood up and headed for the door, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." He would avenge his clansmen and maybe even improve his standing amongst the clan heads. Maybe he could even become King by destroying the Fang and Slayer…
In the elevator, Superman was giving Devlin worried glances. A boy so young shouldn't be taking on the responsibility of fighting these Fangires alone. Thought he had Tamashii's help, he could see that the two had a more competitive relationship. It reminded him briefly of his first time meeting Batman.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Superman asked.
"I'm fine," Devlin insisted. "Don't worry."
Unconvinced, Superman suggested, "Maybe you should sit this one out."
"No."
"No?"
"No," Devlin repeated. "I need…to save Sandy."
Before Superman could utter another word, Dr. Fate spoke, "We're here." The bell 'pinged' and the doors opened before they exited.
The team of heroes soon found themselves in the final level and was being welcomed by none other than Scorpion. He applauded them, "Well, well, well. It appears you all got here after all. I shouldn't have wagered otherwise, though."
Give us the antidote, Fangire scum," growled Tamashii.
"Oh, and what would be the fun in that?" Scorpion sneered before he morphed into his true Fangire form. He had an odd mixture of gold, black and red stained glass skin. His hands were now scorpion claws and hanging from the back of his head was a long tail tipped with a stinger. "You want it?" he showed them the vial tauntingly. "Come and get it."
Devlin was about to transform when he felt Superman squeeze his shoulder. "Let us do this," offered Superman.
"But-" Devlin was about to protest but he sighed. He was still a little tired. "Fine."
"You can sit this one out," said Tamashii as he produced his swords, "But not I. I'll even fight without the armor."
"Let's go!" shouted Steel as he, Superman and Dr. Fate flew at the Fangire. Tamashi ran alongside them. The Scorpion Fangire got ready to receive their attacks.
Devlin watched as blows were exchanged, powers were let loose and spells were chanted as the 3 Leaguers and the leader of the Slayers. His eyes then wandered over to the large timer behind the Scorpion Fangire. He wondered what as it counting down to?
He would get his answer soon enough as the timer stopped.
The Scorpion Fangire leapt back from the group looking as the timer behind him finally reached 0. "Well, well, it appears that I will receive a small victory after all. Sorry to say, but time's up. Young Sandra is dead."
"What?" Devlin froze. "But she had 24 hours! It hasn't been that long!" He was in denial.
"Oh, you must have got that from Suzu. Well, it's true that the poison will kill the victim within 24 hours but he didn't tell you the whole truth. You see, the person doesn't die after 24 hours, but within 24 hours. It depends on the person's will to live. I'm sad to say that young Sandra didn't make it. Oh, well, that's one less Fandiri freak to worry about. Abominations, every one of them."
Devlin was angry but not as angry as Superman and Tamashii. Superman's eyes were narrowed and glowing red. He was ready to blast the Scorpion Fangire to oblivion. Devlin gripped his fists as he ran forward and stood beside Tamashii.
"Amakusa, let's do it," said Tamashii.
"Yes," Devlin agreed as he grabbed Fangula and placed him against his free hand. Fangula bit down on the hand. However, instead of the usual Orphenoch markings, what showed up on Devlin's skin were tribal markings that resembled stained glass patterns in red, blue, green and purple. Fate was surprised by this but Devlin didn't seem to notice as he felt the energy flow through him and form the belt. Devlin said, "Henshin," before placing Fangula onto the newly formed Fang Belt.
"Wake Up!"
"READY!"
"Henshin!" Tamashii called.
"FIST ON!"
Chains and golden light engulfed the two young men before forming into their armor. Now stood two Masked Riders…Fang and Slayer.
"You three stay out of this!" shouted Slayer to the Leaguers. "Now, this is personal!" He summoned his twin blades as Fang go into a stance.
"But-" Superman tried to protest and sighed. He'd known these boys only for a short time but they were stubborn. "Fine, but we'll provide backup if it gets too much for you."
"Thank you," nodded Fang. He was still angry but keeping it under control. However, his rage had seeped out. It had called him.
Topper's hat rocked back and forth on his head, drawing the two Amakusas' attention. Ichijyo, curious, asked, "What's wrong with your hat."
Topper removed his hat and instantly a small golden dragons with a pair of silver horns on its head, one on its snout, a pair of golden wings with silver membranes, green eyes and claws at the sides of its head shot out from the hat. It had an oval window on its back. The small dragon zipped around the three men before shouting out, cheerfully, "Tadaa! Yes! I'm free! Now to go help the Lord!" The dragon then flew off.
"Roulette has awakened," admired Topper. "The Demon Emperor will soon awaken, along with his Paladin."
"The Paladin System…" Ichiro sighed. "It has been installed, hasn't it?"
"Yes," nodded Topper. "Now, we'll see what they can really do, together, as it was meant to be."
Slayer was put down by the Scorpion Fangire's tail which he was using as a whip. Fang tried to attack from above but got stung in the chest before the Fangire swung his arms, sending energy blades at the Rider. Sparks exploded from his armor as he was put to the ground.
"You're both weak," the Fangire mocked. "I cannot understand why you're both a threat to us, but clearly they were overestimating you."
Slayer got back to his feet. "Don't make assumptions…"
Fang panted "We're going to take you down for what you did to Sandy…"
"Oh, I'm shaking…" the Scorpion Fangire scoffed.
"You should…" Fang gripped his fists, "For what you did to Sandy…to an innocent child…I SHALL DESTROY YOUR SOUL!!"
"Tadaa!" a cheerful voice shouted gleefully as something golden zipped past the heroes and floated above Fang. "Tension Fortissimo!"
"What?" Superman blinked. "What is that?"
"A dragon," Dr. Fate answered.
"But it's…tiny…" said Steel.
"Who…what are you?" asked Fang.
"Your servant, master!" the small dragon introduced. "Call me Roulette!"
Fangula smirked. Now it was time for Devlin to experience the TRUE power of his armor.
"Well, just stay back, Roulette," dismissed Fang. "You might get hurt."
"Oh, I am full of surprises! Here we go!" Roulette zipped across Fang's shoulders and snapped the chains holding his shoulder pads. Slayer looked at this in confusion and then he felt something…it was power…Fang's power…and it was rising…
Fang stood up straight as the shoulder pads unfolded and enlarged into a pair of bat wings. The wings glowed golden letting loose a swarm of golden bats. Fang involuntarily raised up his left arm and the golden dragon attached himself to it, shouting out, "FINAL WAKE UP!" thus engulfing his master in light.
Slayer gawked but his belt suddenly spoke, "INITIATE: PALADIN SYSTEM!"
"Huh?" said Slayer in confusion and he felt energy running through him.
Fang stood in front of a black background with a blood red full moon. The bats came flying back and engulfed Fang's body. They started on the legs as the right armored boot's chains broke and opened it up. The boot closed back up again and turned gold along with the left leg that gained a golden boot as well. The bats also engulfed his arms, giving him golden gauntlets. The bats' next target was the torso. The silver armor turned gold as the chestplate gained an appearance similar to the inside of his right boot whenever it opened up as he performed his Dark Moon Break/Bloody Moon Smash finisher. The breast armor looked like bat wings and the three gems traveled down his chest piece. The wings shrunk down and folded down to become new spike adorned shoulder armor. Twin flaps of armor hung from the sides of his belt to his knees and ended with claws. The bats covered his helmet, adding a golden crescent moon shaped ornament in place of the bat's head and giving his visor a silver trim. Fangs also seemed to be added to the visor, framing his mouth plate, which had also turned pitch black. Fangula's eyes now had a mix of red, blue, green and purple in them. Finally, with a wave of his left arm, a stream of flames burst from his back and transformed into a blood red cape.
The Demon Emperor was reborn…
"SLAYER SYSTEM: CAST OFF!"
As for Slayer, he stood in front of a blazing sun as his torso armor, plate by plate, started to loosen and then exploded off his body, revealing blue torso armor trimmed in gold. The cross on his chest was now ruby red and had extra red streams extending from the centre in four directions. His shoulder pads also gained some gold under them and red crosses on the surface. His white wings spread out and engulfed his body before they were absorbed, changing the bodysuit from pitch black to ivory white. His gauntlets and boots also turned sapphire blue like his armor. His helmet, now blue, had red eyes and the mouthpiece popped out, revealing golden plating underneath, and dropped into his hand, revealing it to be a cell phone. The lower sections of his faceplate in Save Mode reattached themselves to the spot where his ears were and the upper sections reconfigured into a pair of horns with a blue gem in the centre.
"PALADIN MODE: ACTIVATE!"
And next to the Emperor…was the Paladin.
Superman, Dr. Fate and Steel stared at the two Riders. What had happened? Even the Scorpion Fangire was shocked by this latest turn of events.
"I don't know what's happening," said Slayer as he summoned his swords. "But I like it."
"Me too…" agreed Fang. "Let's do this."
Dr. Fate stared, "That…is the Demon Emperor's true form…"
Topper smirked as Ichiro and Ichijyo felt the energy. It was dark, powerful, and intense.
"Is that my brother?" Ichijyo asked.
"My son…" Ichiro mumbled. He smirked. "Looks like he's paved his own path after all."
"The Lord has awakened the true power of his armor," stated Topper. "What will happen now will be up to him." He tipped his hat. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time. The Paladin System will finally activate, as well as the Demon Emperor's aide."
Gillian's eyes shone as her eyes snapped towards the window. She stood up, body rigid.
"What's wrong?" Seras asked, concerned, only to receive a grin from the green eyed girl. "Gill?"
"Nothing's wrong," smiled Gillian. "The Master has awakened…"
"The Master?" Danielle repeated, curious. Was she talking about Devlin?
Lobo looked up from his coffee with glowing blue eyes and smirked ferally. "Looks like the boy is accepting his destiny. This ought to be interesting." He took a sip of his coffee. He always loved it strong like this.
Francis' eyes glowed purple as he sensed the energy. He smiled as he realized what it was. His new master had just awakened his true power, the full potential of the armor. The Demon Emperor…with a smile, he popped a piece of candy into his mouth. Any Fangire who was facing his master now would be a fool.
The Scorpion Fangire clicked his claws before charging at the Riders. Fang was the first to counter attack and started to kick the Scorpion Fangire like crazy. He wasn't giving the Fangire a chance to fight back. All he wanted was to bring this Fangire down. He used forward snap kicks, a knee strike to the gut, a side kick and finally he spun and used a back kick to send the Insect Clan's leader flying. The head of the Insect Clan fell to the ground, hard.
Slayer glared at the Scorpion Fangire as he walked towards him. Anger was flowing of the Rider in waves. He summoned his twin swords, and slammed them, blades down, into the ground. "Now die…" Slayer charged full force at the Fangire.
As Slayer got face to face with the Fangire, a blinding light was seen. When the light subsided, Slayer was behind the Fangire, with his blades forming an arc over his head. "What…what did you do?" asked the Fangire as his skin began to crack.
"Akashi style. Ultimate technique," began Slayer. A deafening roar was heard and the entire building began to shake. The ground beneath the Scorpion Fangire began to crack. "Ascending Earth Dragon." As Slayer said this, the ground beneath the Scorpion Fangire shattered, and a massive dragon, made of energy, blasted clear through the Fangire leader.
Fang raised up Roulette and tugged the dragon's head. The empty window started to spin around, showing several other images swirling before stopping at Fang's emblem, but with wings flanking it. A red aura rose up around Fang as Roulette shouted, "WAKE UP FEVER!!"
Fang bent his knees, arms spread to the side before he leapt upwards. He then delivered the finishing blow as he dropped down on the Scorpion Fangire with both feet aimed at his opponent. A pair of sharp energy blades were attached to his ankles, formed from his own energy and shaped like pickaxes.
"IMPERIAL MOON BREAK!!"
He smashed into the Scorpion Fangire and rapidly delivered several powerful kicks in succession as the energy wings slashed into the Fangire repeatedly. The Fangire's feet dragged along the ground as Fang kept striking Fangire violently.
The Scorpion Fangire slammed into the wall before Fang leapt off him and landed on the ground. He turned away and threw his cape off his shoulder before walking away from the Scorpion Fangire as Fang's emblem formed in the air and faded away. The Scorpion Fangire's felt his entire body tremble as it shattered into glass shards.
"You both did it," said Steel as he, Superman and Dr. Fate approached the two Super Riders.
"But we're too late," said Slayer sadly. "Sandy's gone…" Suddenly, the cell phone that had once been his mouthpiece rang. He picked it up and flipped it open before placing it to where his ear was.
"Hello?"
"So, you've managed to activate the Paladin System! Good job!" said Topper cheerfully.
"But how-?" Topper was about to reply but was cut off.
"And the Fandiri girl is fine," Topper added. "We gave her the antidote already." Slayer's jaw dropped when he heard this. Was this a lie? Sandy…alive? "She really wants to see you, Mr. Slayer, so I suggest you get here. Bye!" Slayer flipped the Paladin Phone close and turned to the rest of his allies.
"What? Who called?" asked Fang.
"Sandy's alive…" Slayer uttered. "She's alive!" He felt like dancing but that would ruin the image. Suddenly, the ground they stood on shook and started to crack. Fang leapt away as Slayer, Steel, Dr. Fate and Superman flew. The floor caved in and made a hole, allowing a large monster resembling a chandelier with demonic features to rise up.
"SABBAT!" shouted Fangula as the monster roared and then flew upwards and through the ceiling.
"That…looks bad," said Steel.
"And it gets worse," said Dr. Fate. "That thing is going to attack the city. It cannot be reasoned with."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" shouted Superman as he flew up the hole.
"You heard the man!" shouted Steel as he flew after Superman. Dr. Fate followed after his fellow Leaguers.
"Need a lift?" asked Slayer.
Fang shook his head before his red cape morphed into a pair of blood red bat wings. "I'm fine. Right now we have a Sabbat to go after."
Slayer nodded before flying up the hole with Fang in tow.
The Sabbat broke right through the ground and roared before it flew straight for the city. It sent energy shards flying everywhere, destroying anything and everything it could see. Superman and Dr. Fate tried to use eyebeams and magical blasts, respectively, but they didn't seem to have any effect on the beast.
Superman pressed a finger on his com-link and said, "This is Superman! A monster is attacking the city and we need backup! Lots of backup!"
Fang and Slayer were the last two to come out of the hole and were greeted by Topper.
"Yo," Topper waved.
"Topper!" Fang demanded, "What are you doing here?"
"To give Mr. Akashi these," he said as he removed his hat and pulled out four new whistles, three of them resembling the Arms Monster Whistles that Fang wielded. "Here you go," Topper said, handing the four new Power Whistles to Slayer. Slayer inspected them and recognized the design of three of them.
"What are these?" Slayer asked.
"New gear," Topper said cryptically. "I suggest using the one that looks like a snake. You'll be surprised."
Slayer quirked an eyebrow before sliding his set of Arms Monsters whistled into their slots before he inserted the fourth whistle into his belt buckle.
The belt announced, "SLAYER MECHA DRAGOON: COME HERE!"
Back at Smart Brain, the Mecha Dragoon awoke. It then glowed brightly before being teleported to where Slayer was.
The Mecha Dragoon appeared in front of Slayer and the Paladin Rider admired it as Fang looked at it in shock. "This is yours, my friend. Enjoy." He turned to look at Fang. "And I think my help will be needed now. Fang nodded and gave the Dragoon Whistle to Fangula to blow.
Topper heard the call of the whistle and grinned. "Well, looks like it's time." Removing his hat, Topper gave Slayer a bow. "Please, enjoy your new toy." A black aura surrounded him before changing him into the Great Dragoon as his top hat turned into Mini-Dragoon. Fang leapt up and onto the dragon's clock tower. Slayer got into his seat and took hold of the joystick at his left while his right hand gripped the lever on the right.
"Let's move," said Slayer as he turned his new mecha around and sped towards the city, the Great Dragoon flying above him.
Back in Metropolis, the citizens were in a panic as the Sabbat descended, roaring as it began its campaign of mindless destruction. The Justice League came to stop it but despite the power they wielded, they were only able to slow the beast down. Some of the Leaguers were helping the civilians escape. Danni was there too and was happy to see Valerie in her Red Huntress garb, blasting at the Sabbat.
"Was it that thing?" Valerie asked.
"That's a Sabbat, something you don't want a Fangire to turn into," Danielle explained before she heard a loud and familiar roar. "And here comes the cavalry!" Valerine gaped as he saw a large dragon wearing a castle for armor descend and roar at the Sabbat. The Great Dragoon and Mini-Dragoon started their attack, blasting the Sabbat with fireballs.
"What the hell!?" Valerie shouted.
"That's the Great Dragoon," explained Dani. "So that means Devlin is on top of…" She gasped when she saw Fang's new armor. "Woah."
"I'm guessing that armor is new too," stated Valerie and she received a nod. "OK."
Shrieking with rage, the monster turned its attention from the city to the dragon instead. However, before the chandelier-shaped demon reached the dragon, the Mecha Dragoon clamped the Sabbat's head between its jaws and then tossed it into the air where the Great Dragoon followed.
"That's new," said Danni as she saw the Mecha Dragoon. Though it was half the Great Dragoon's size, it was just as formidable. She could see the pilot and didn't recognize him due to his armor. She did, however, make a connection when she saw the belt. "Tamashii."
Slayer pressed a few buttons on his console which activated the vertical lift jets under his mechanical dragon. He was lifted up into the air and joined the Great Dragoon. Using the lever as a controller for the head and neck, he pulled it backwards and made the Mecha Dragoon reach for the bin on its back and grab one of the capsules. By pushing the lever forwards, he made the Mecha Dragoon catapult the capsule at the Sabbat. The capsule was a bomb and it exploded against the Sabbat's body. Slayer repeated this process twice more since he only had three explosive capsules but they were enough as the Great Dragoon and Mini-Dragoon continued to blast it with fireballs.
"Master, let's go! We finish this!" Roulette shouted and Fang agreed. He tugged Roulette's head, causing the image to spin around before it settled. "WAKE UP FEVER!!"
Slayer leapt off his seat and stood in the jaws of his mechanical beast. It then hurled him forward. At the same time, Fang leapt of the clock tower and straight for he Sabbat.
The two warriors executed a Double Rider Kick, smashing right through the Sabbat. The beast roared in pain as the two Riders pierced through its body before exiting and finally it exploded in a massive and blazing fireball.
Everyone watched as the two Riders dropped from the sky and landed. There were cheers coming from the people of Metropolis. "Now this I could get used to," said Fang.
Later…
Devlin really didn't want to be in the same building with his father and Ichiro knew that very well. For all he did for his youngest son, he still resented him. Then again, he did have his youngest put into the assassin program. It was the most logical choice given Devlin's ability to turn into gas which would be good for silent infiltration. It hadn't turned out as well as he'd hoped and now his relationship with his youngest son was suffering for it. That was why Devlin had left home in the first place. He didn't want to be under the same roof as his father. He wanted to also pursue his own dreams. At least they were on speaking terms now…they were civil but Devlin would not be ready to hug his father. It was a good thing Devlin didn't hate his mother. He wasn't sure if Keiko could handle it if her youngest son, her baby, hated her. She'd objected to sending Devlin to the Academy but normal schools couldn't take him after what'd happened the last time.
Presently, Devlin was with Tamashii and Topper, sitting in the lab. Various technicians were working on repairing some of the damage sustained by the Mecha Dragoon.
"So, the Slayer System was meant to aid Fang," stated Devlin after getting all the information from Topper.
"Exactly," Topper tipped his hat.
"And you designed the Slayer System?" Devlin questioned.
"That would explain why your whistles worked with the system, wouldn't it?"
Good point.
"But, it wasn't all my idea. Your father started the project…" Topper noted Devlin bristled at the mention of his father but continued anyway, "And the Slayer System was the first of many Rider Systems. Of course, I did have help from a Professor Takeshi Hongo…"
"And this new upgrade?" Tamashii asked. "What is this Paladin Mode?"
"Originally, we wanted to fit it into the prototype but well it didn't work. The original name would've been the Paladin System, but we changed it to Slayer System and have been reworking on the Paladin System since."
Tamashii gazed down on the Paladin Phone in his hand. It was the mouthpiece of his Slayer suit and activated Paladin Mode. Of course, its initial activation was due to reacting to Devlin's newest transformation, aptly named Demon Emperor Form.
"Well, gentleman, if you have no more questions, I do believe some people wish to see you…" Topper clapped his hands together. "And there's one little girl happy to be alive."
'Sandy…' both men thought.
"So, how was it?" asked Danielle as she stood in the lobby with Seras and Gillian. Devlin and Tamashii approached them.
"Well, we just found out a few new things about the Slayer System," answered Devlin.
"But what about that new armor?" asked Danielle.
"I'll need to ask Fangula about that later. For now, we should go and see Sandy-"
Suddenly, there was a loud exclamation from a voice that Devlin knew all too well.
"Oh, Kyoichi-chan!" Keiko Amakusa exclaimed happily as she grabbed her youngest child in a tight embrace. If there was one thing the red haired and ember eyed woman was, she was overly affectionate with her children to the point that she could literally hug them to death.
Keiko was a beautiful woman, even in her forties, with long red hair and amber eyes. She was dressed in a sharp pink female business suit. Despite being a professional accountant, she still had retained some childish tendencies like hugging her children.
"Mother!" Devlin gasped, "I need to breathe!" Keiko let go of her son, gazing deeply into his single eye. Devlin smiled tenderly and embraced his mother back gently.
"I've missed you, Kyoichi-chan…"
"Mother…" Devlin groaned, rolling his single eye. "Please, not in front of my friends." He could see Gillian and Danielle giggle at hearing his nickname as Seras tried to hold in her laughter. Tamashii looked surprise as his Ryuugan activated. He scanned Keiko and detected large amounts of holy energy inside of her.
"Oh, you must introduce them to me," said Keiko as Devlin let go.
"Oh, well you already know Danielle…" Devlin said as he gestured towards Gillian and Seras. "These are Gillian Merman and Seras McDowell."
"Hello," Seras waved.
"It's great to finally meet you," spoke Gillian, curtsying. "Master Devlin has spoken highly of you."
"Master Devlin?" repeated Keiko, quirking an eyebrow. "Oh, well, it's a pleasure to meet you both." She noticed Tamashii. "Oh, and who is this young man? A friend of yours too?"
"You could say that," Devlin responded begrudgingly. "He's Tamashii Akashi."
"I hope you've all been taking good care of my son," Keiko smiled her thanks.
"Oh, he has," Devlin smirked, an idea forming in his mind.
Tamashii realized that Devlin was planning something.
"Oh, and why have you grown your hair so long?" Keiko asked, referring to the fringe that covered over the right half of her face.
"I decided to grow it out, actually," Devlin spoke a half-truth.
"Oh, may I see both your eyes?" Keiko asked, brushing past the fringe. She then gasped in shock when she saw the eye, scarred shut. "What happened?"
"I got stabbed in the eye by an overzealous hunter," Devlin answered honestly, glancing at Tamashii who knew where this was going.
"Who?" Keiko questioned, her face wearing an extremely stern expression. "I shall teach him a lesson."
"Oh, he's closer than you think," Devlin smirked at Tamashii. Keiko caught on as Tamashii's eyes widened in horror.
"It was you?" Keiko asked, eyes focusing directly on Tamashii, eyes glowing with holy white fire. Tamashii stepped back in fear from this furious mother.
"It was a misunderstanding, actually," Tamashii tried to explain, miserably.
Seras, Gillian and Danielle stepped back as Tamashii was backed into a corner by Keiko.
"You hurt my son over a misunderstanding?" Keiko spoke, her anger rising.
'Amakusa! You're dead!' Tamashii swore in his mind as he watched Devlin grinning.
'I said I would pay you back someday, Akashi,' thought Devlin in amusement.
While Keiko was threatening Tamashii, everyone turned when they heard someone enter the lobby. Devlin almost went on the defensive when he saw who had entered. He was a tall, very muscular 18 year old man with short green hair and long bangs, wearing a smart business suit. "You!" growled Devlin. However he was stopped short of attacking when Tamashii put his arm in front of Devlin.
"Why are you here, Mitsuomi?" asked Tamashii.
"I came to watch you fight the Insects," said Mitsuomi. "You have become much stronger since 400 years ago."
"Cut to the chase, Mitsuomi. I know you're not here to shoot the breeze."
"I'm here to congratulate you on killing your wife and child's murderer. Quite an accomplishment, considering he was one of the best assassins back in the feudal era. I also came to deliver a warning."
"And what would that be?" questioned Devlin.
"End your fight against the Fangires, lest you wish to repeat the events of 400 years ago," warned Mitsuomi. "The Dragon will not be denied his destiny." He walked forward and placed a hand on Tamashii's shoulder. "Please, heed my warning…little brother."
"Bro--brother?" gasped Seras.
"You haven't been my brother since you abandoned our family for those damned Fangires," growled Tamashii as he threw Mitsuomi's hand off his shoulder. "I cut my ties with you long ago."
The tension grew as these two brothers stared each other down. What would happen afterwards was anybody's guess.
FANG DEMON EMPEROR FORM
This is Devlin's most powerful form at his disposal, unlocked by Roulette who is known as the Golden Wyvern. Roulette can break the chains binding Fang's shoulders, releasing the golden wings and bats that engulf him and change him into the true form of the Demon Emperor. Fang's true power is unlocked by this act alone and he can shatter a Fangire as well as destroy their souls with any of his "Fever" themed finishers. Fang also possesses the ability to fly in this form, an ability that was unavailable to him in his previous forms. This form proves that Devlin is the heir of the Demon Emperor.
SLAYER PALADIN MODE
All of the Slayer System's limiters are removed and the parameters are at 100 percent in this form because this is the Slayer System's perfect form. Known as Version XI, this form was under development and was dangerous to use so it needed to be reworked over and over again. It activates for the first time when Fang first turns into his Demon Emperor Form but it can also be activated by the Paladin Phone which is stored in his mouthpiece. The code 777 activates the transformation. This is dubbed as Project Paladin, which was the original plan of this system. The original purpose of the Slayer System was to assist the 'heir' of the Demon Emperor.