AWAKENING CHAPTER PART 2: DATE

Showa stood amongst the bodies of 13 other warriors, all clad in bug-like armor. His own suit of armor was covered in their blood and his eyes were blood red. He then threw his head back and let out a scream…

Shinichi suddenly sat up in his futon, with cold sweat on his face and panting. His eyes were wide open. Once he calmed down, he muttered, "That nightmare again…"

It was the same thing every night. He saw himself as Showa, the only survivor while 13 other men he barely even recognised lay dead around him. What could it all mean? Was it a vision of the past or future?

It'd been a several days since the festival and when Shinichi discovered his powers which he'd forgotten. He remembered how to fight and how to use his powers, but he didn't know where he'd gotten them. His past was still a mystery but the nightmares were giving him clues to his past.

He knew what his name was in that armor. He was known as 'Kamen Rider Showa'.

"Shinichi-kun!" he heard Rena cry out and turned his head towards the door to see the girl who'd taken him in. She was all smiles but then her face took on a look of worry when she saw the state he was in. "Shinichi-kun, are you alright?" She crawled over to him and placed a hand against his cheek. "You're all sweaty and hot." She gasped. "You must have a fever!" She was starting to panic.

"I'm fine, Rena," he told her reassuringly. "I guess I should try sleeping with the fan on." It had been a warm summer night after all." Rena, however, didn't look convinced but left the matter rest…for now.

"Well, breakfast is ready," said Rena. "I just came here to wake you up."

"OK, just let me brush my teeth," he said. Rena smiled and he blushed a little.

As the two walked along the path to school, Shinichi kept glancing towards Rena. He had to admit that his friend was cute but of course that was a given. She was just so sweet and kind. Well, she could get scary when angry but well as far as he knew any female could get very scary when they got really angry.

Shinichi hadn't told his friends his secret. Of course what was the point? It was best that they be kept in the dark about his powers. Though a part of himself hated lying to them, it was for the best. They need not worry about him, Showa or the Darkloids.

What worried him was that dream. Was it a memory or something? What did it mean?

They were soon joined by Keiichi, Mion, Shion, Satoko, Rika and Hanyuu. Before long Shinichi's worries had left him. They didn't need to know or get worried about him.

Still, something was bothering him and it was all about Rena.

The school day went about as expected. The teacher droned on and some pranks were played on Keiichi. Shion and Mion attempted to trade places to trick everyone, but Shinichi managed to foil their plan by calling Mion by her name while impersonating her sister. This got Mion mad and she chased Shinichi through the school for the better part of the lunch hour.

After school, the group was hanging out at the nearby town (Okinomiya). They used what pocket money they managed to scrape together or got through allowance. Using it, they got a round of sweets for everyone. Mion was still a little sore about Shinichi foiling her plan, but him bragging that he had a girl with a big bust chasing him sure didn't help.

"I was just kidding," Shinichi grumbled with a patch on his head after Mion finally caught up with him.

"Bragging about my boobs is not funny!" Mion hissed.

"Oh please, I know dozens of girls who would love a bust that's your size," Shinichi shrugged. "The fact that Shion shares it is a damn miracle. You both should be proud that you're so attractive."

Both twins blushed at the compliment. Somehow Shinichi could be a complete perv, but then he turns it around and says something incredibly sweet to them. Usually it was more than enough to get them away from the beatdown idea.

"I wish I knew his secret," Keiichi sighed. The ability to perv out on girls and just leave them blushing with sweet words. Nothing would stop him.

Of course something was bothering him all day. Since the festival incident, Rika and Hanyuu were staring holes in him when they thought he wasn't looking. It was bothering him but they denied that they were even looking at him.

"Say, how about we play a game?" suggested Mion.

"What kind of game?" Shinichi asked, interested. The club's activities were always fun, even if they were a little childish. It was the punishment games that weren't fun if you fall victim to them. Shinichi had managed to avoid the punishment game a good number of times but ended up getting it some other times too.

"Zombie Tag!" Mion announced proudly.

"Zombie Tag?" Shinichi blinked. "What's that?"

"Oh, it's like regular tag," said Shion, "Except that when the person who becomes 'It' catches someone, that person doesn't replace 'It'. The person caught is added so 'It' multiplies."

"Guess that's why it's called Zombie Tag," said Shinichi.

"I'm in!" Keiichi said.

"Me too! Me too!" said Rena excitedly.

"Heh, I am so going to win," said Satoko confidently.

"OK, so let's do Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who's it!" said Mion.

"Actually, we could draw these chopsticks," said Shinichi as he took out eight chopsticks.

"Why do you have them in your bag?" asked Rika curiously.

"Seemed like a good idea at the time," said Shinichi. "OK, one of them is marked. The one who gets the marked one is 'It'." He held them in his fist and one by one they took the chopsticks. Shinichi smile faded when he saw that Rena was 'It'. He recalled how Rena could become super-strong and fast when in her 'take-home mode'. If she ever got into that mode, she'd be unstoppable.

"OK, I'll count to 100, okay?" said Rena.

"Well, let the games begin," said Shinichi.

"Actually, I need to get to work," said Shion. "Sorry, maybe next time." She handed the chopstick back to Shinichi. She then waved to the group and walked off to Angel Mort.

"The time limit is 1 hour," said Mion. "OK, Rena, start counting!"

Rena shut her eyes and eagerly counted, "1…2…" The rest then took off to find someplace to hide. Of course, Rena cheated and skipped several numbers, "3…4…70…80…90…100!" Her eyes shot wide open as she exclaimed, "Ready or not, here I come! Hau! Hau!"

Even in a place like this they would find no place to hide from Rena.

"Omochikaeri!"

If Rena was a real zombie, the world would have been overtaken in a matter of weeks. Rena managed to hunt down everyone and get them at a rapid pace. Not even Shinichi, who was used to Rena's outbursts, was able to get away before Rena tackled him to the ground.

"I win!" Rena cheered as she managed to tag Keiichi. Of course, she still hadn't let him go, pressing her breasts against his back, making the boy blush.

Shinichi's eye twitched.

"Congratulations!" Satoko cheered.

"Yeah," Mion nodded as she pried the pair away from each other. She didn't like the sight of Rena being so cozy with Keiichi. "Now, who's up for round two?"

"Sorry, but I have to go," Rika sighed. "I have to get back to the shrine for training."

"Me too," added Hanyuu.

"Well, guess we can leave the punishment game for later," said Mion. "Rena, hope you remember that you won."

"I know," said Rena, smiling. "Shinichi-kun, want to go home?"

"Actually…" Shinichi's eyes darted around. "I…wanted to talk to you, Rena."

Rena and Shinichi were sitting on a bench, eating some ice cream. The boy's eyes went towards his best friend. He considered her as such since she'd been good to him. She and her father had taken him in. To repay them, he took a job delivering newspapers in their village and did some odd jobs. He didn't want to be a freeloader. He was always happy to help.

Of course, Shinichi noticed that he was starting to develop some strange feelings for Rena.

"Ano…Rena?" Shinichi began.

"Hai?" she looked to him cutely.

"I know we've known each other for a short time, and well you and your father have been good to me. I'm a stranger to you and to myself, and yet you took me in and cared for me. For that I thank you." He smiled.

"You're welcome, Shinichi-kun," Rena beamed.

"That…that's why…" Shinichi stammered. "How about you and I go on a date this Sunday?" He shut his eyes, ready to endure her rejection.

"Shinichi-kun?" She sounded stun and her ice cream cone nearly fell from her hand.

"I know, just forget it, it was a bad idea!" Shinichi said.

"Of course I'll go out with you!" said Rena.

Shinichi's eyes popped wide open and he blinked as he stared at Rena. "Really?"

"Really, really!" She nodded. "But…I always thought you liked Mii-chan or Shi-chan."

"Well, they are cute," admitted Shinichi. 'And one time I did have a dream about them…damn, twins kissing! HAWT!' "But, to be honest, they're not my type."

"So, you like me?" she asked hopefully.

"Of course, who wouldn't?" he said, smiling back. "So, you really want to go out with me?"

"Yes, and I can't wait to tell everybody!"

"WAIT!" Shinichi exclaimed, panicked. "Please, don't tell them!"

"Why?" Rena asked.

"Coz…well…they might turn this into a big deal. I just want this to be between you and me, so don't tell your dad, okay? As far as he's concerned, it just you and I going for a walk around town."

Rena thought about it. She didn't like lying to her friends but she really wanted to go out with Shinichi. "OK, but you also have to do something for me! It's for the punishment game!"

"Do I have to dress up like a teddy bear again?" Shinichi asked warily. Rena then had a dazed look on her face. "Crap…I lost her. Rena? Rena?"

"Oh, sorry, but you were so kawaii! Omochikaeri!"

"I already live with you, so it's a moot point," he said with a laugh. "Now, finish your ice cream and then let's head back."

"OK!"

The next day at school was as monotonous as ever. Pranks, boring lectures, lunch. It all seemed to blend together. However, it was at lunch that everything seemed to change. Everyone was getting bento and such out to get ready for lunch. Before anyone could actually leave for their usual lunch spots, Rena ran straight to the front of the room and hopped onto a desk.

"Everyone!" she called out, getting the attention of everyone in the room. Shinichi felt his heart stop. "Shinichi-kun and I are going out on a date Sunday night!"

Forget stopping, Shinichi just had a heart attack.

"Way to go, Shinichi!" Keiichi grinned, slapping Shinichi's shoulder. "You lucky dog!"

"I knew you had it in you!" Mion laughed.

"I'm so happy for you two," Shion smiled.

"Will it be a romantic date?" Satoko asked excitedly.

More jeers and whistles continued from the students of the small class, leaving Shinichi with a beet red face. Rena seemed to be all smiles and giggles at what she did, chatting with all the girls for tips and advice. The boys were asking how Shinichi was going to make the date memorable and how far he would try to go.

After class, Shinichi was still blushing while Rena was glowing with happiness.

"Rena-chan, I thought I asked you to keep it a secret," Shinichi mumbled.

"I kept the part secret where you asked me," Rena smiled. "Now everyone thinks that I asked you."

"But why did you have to announce it at all?" Shinichi groaned, still embarrassed.

"Because that's my punishment game!" Rena giggled.

Shinichi groaned but then he too laughed. He couldn't help it. Rena's cute giggles were just so infectious. Still, now he was hoping that this news didn't reach Rena's dad.

No such luck. It was a small town and well Rena's dad must've overheard. So, when the two got home, Shinichi was met with Mr. Ryuugu's intense stare.

"Rena, would you mind leaving me alone with Shinichi-kun?" said Rena's dad.

"OK, daddy!" said Rena. Shinichi was hoping for some support, but he wasn't going to get any from his best friend. His eyes went over to Mr. Ryuugu and he gulped.

"Now, Shinichi-kun, I heard this odd rumor that you were taking my daughter out on a date," said Mr. Ryuugu. "Is this true?"

"Well, she was the one who asked me out," lied Shinichi.

"Well, she's my little girl, so I want you to treat her right," said Mr. Ryuugu.

"I promise to take care of her, sir. It's the least I could do for all you've done for me. You took me in and gave me a place to stay," said Shinichi.

"You're like the son I never had," said Mr. Ryuugu, placing a hand on Shinichi's shoulder.

"Thanks." However, he began to flinch as Mr. Ryuugu's grip tightened.

"But, if you ever make her cry, I'll make you cry," threatened Mr. Ryuugu darkly. He then let go.

"Oh, look at the time! I gotta go to Dr. Irie's clinic! Bye!" Shinichi then dashed off.

"Dad, where did Shinichi-kun go?"

"Oh, he had some work to do."

Sweeping and mopping the floors, organizing documents, and doing the windows at the Irie Clinic was one of the Shinichi's many odd jobs. He'd offered to do the work for Doctor Irie for 500 yen an hour.

Dr. Irie had told Shinichi a bit of the village's history too, regarding something call Oyashiro-sama's Curse. Shinichi suspected this was linked to the Darklings and Darkloids but didn't comment. The Darklings and Darkloids were his problem.

He did notice a door that was locked. Dr. Irie told him to stay away from it and never try to open it. Shinichi knew this place was probably hiding something, but he wasn't going to pry just yet.

In the days he'd worked here, he noticed that Shion would come and visit the clinic and Dr. Irie would take her to the door. Now, Shinichi never asked Shion about it, but he knew it was important. Of course if she wanted to keep it a secret, that was her business. He himself had his own secrets and worries.

One of those worries was what he was going to do on Sunday with Rena? He didn't have any dating experience as far as he could recall.

Eventually Sunday rolled around and Shinichi was running out of ideas. Their village was just so small there wasn't much for anyone to do there. Still, Shinichi could think of something on the fly. Okinomiya had that doll store that Rena always wanted to visit and a movie theatre was always good. The restaurant Shion worked at might be good, but only if Rena thought the outfits of the waitresses were as cute she he thought them as hot. Getting dressed in some decent clothes, he waited in the living room for Rena to show up.

Eventually she did, and wearing some of the nicer clothes that she had. It definitely reminded Shinichi that Rena was one of the cutest girls out there. He was lucky to have met her.

"Okay you two, picture time!" Mr. Ryuugu called out as he brought up a camera.

"Daddy! It's my first date!" Rena blushed.

"Yeah, and I want to commemorate it," Mr. Ryuugu replied as he snapped a couple of photos with Rena hugging Shinichi's arm. After Mr. Ryuugu had his fun, he escorted the two to the door.

"She had better have all her clothes on when she gets home," Mr. Ryuugu muttered to Shinichi. Even though he knew Shinichi just as well as Rena did, his fatherly instincts made him make this threat.

"Yessir!" Shinichi gulped.

"Let's go, Shinichi-kun!" Rena giggled as she pulled her date along and off the property.

"Ah young love," Mr. Ryuugu smiled as he watched the pair go. Even with the fond smile he entertained dark thoughts of what he would do to Shinichi should anything improper happen to his little girl.

The pair got to Okinomiya without any trouble. Of course, a part of him was left wondering.

"Rena?"

"Yes, Shinichi-kun?

"Do you have the oddest feeling that we're being followed?"

Rena grew worried. "No."

"Hm, guess I was worrying too much. I just thought our friends might spy on us."

"You really think they would? They would?" asked Rena cutely.

"If it was Satoko, definitely," said Shinichi. "But I'm not gonna let them ruin our fun. Come on, let's go!"

"Can we check out that doll shop?" asked Rena.

"Of course, my sweet angel," he said to her causing the girl to blush.

"You called me that the day we first met," she recalled fondly.

"Yep, I did, didn't I?"

The duo reached the doll shop and Rena gushed over all the cute dolls. She wished she could take them home with her but well most of them were out of Shinichi's price range. He did, however, promise to get her something for her birthday. That made her kiss him on the cheek and he nearly knocked over a display when he lost his balance.

Their next stop was Angel Mort. Shion was working there and was dressed in a nurse's costume. The waitresses of Angel Mort were required to cosplay in sexy costumes. Shinichi's eyes looked around at all the males who were seated and staring at the waitresses. "Pervs…" Of course he was being a hypocrite. He was a bit of a pervert too. Thankfully Rena's eyes were wandering too, but not because of the sexiness of the outfits, but because she thought they were cute and wanted to bring them home.

The two sat down and ordered their food. Of course, as soon as they sat down, their friends came in through the door.

"Oh, crap!" Shinichi cursed. He tried to hide behind a menu. Not gonna work.

"Hey it s the lovebirds!" Mion smiled as she waved at the pair.

"Hi Mii-chan!" Rena smiled while Shinichi groaned. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We came here to spy-OW-I mean, see Shion," Keiichi spoke, correcting himself after Mion stomped on his foot.

"I'm sure," Shinichi muttered. "You guys know we're on a date, right?"

"Oh we know," Satoko smiled. "You're both looking great. Rena, remember how pervy this guy can be. You'd better keep him on a short leash."

"Urusei," Shinichi groaned.

"But these outfits are so cute! Who wouldn't look?" asked Rena, "Omochikaeri!"

"So where are you guys going next?" Mion asked with a sly grin. "It had better be good."

"Shinichi-kun's taking me to a movie after dinner!" Rena squealed happily.

"You're spoiling her, pal," Keiichi snickered.

"She's worth it," Shinichi smiled fondly. She had probably saved his life if she hadn't found him that day they first met.

After dinner, and some desert, Rena and Shinichi walked hand in hand to the movie theatre. Once in a while, Shinichi would look over his shoulder. He could just sense that something was following him. Darklings? Or worse, a Darkloid? He glanced at Rena. She could get hurt if those things came and suddenly attacked. His belt was ready to burst out at a moment's notice.

The two arrived and Rena selected a cute little romantic comedy for them to watch. Shinichi got them their snacks and they went in.

The pair had laughed, cried, and enjoyed the movie. Then, Rena placed her hand on his and leaned against his shoulder. He took away his hand and wrapped it around the girl's shoulders. This moment…it just…felt so perfect.

He didn't want to lose this, this feeling he had with Rena. Sure, she was…eccentric and overly hyper, but he couldn't think of anybody he would rather spend his time with. Sure, the Gaming Club were his closest friends, but Rena held a special place in his heart. She was the first face he saw when he opened his eyes in this place and would forever be engraved in his mind as an angel.

Leaving the theatre, the pair walked down the streets arm in arm. The night had been wonderful so far and they were definitely going to remember it. At the moment, Rena was considering giving a goodnight kiss to Shinichi. He had certainly earned it after going through so much trouble for her. Besides, she liked the idea of kissing Shinichi.

As they were walking past an alley, Rena suddenly screamed as four tentacles shot out of the darkness and wrapped around Rena's torso. "Ahhhhh! Shinichi-kun!"

"Rena!" Shinichi cried as he watched his (almost) girlfriend being yanked into the dark alley. In a flash, a familiar belt appeared n his waist. "HENSHIN! LET'S RIDE: SHOWA!"

Another flash of light shone, covering Shinichi in armor like puzzle pieces. Running towards the tentacles, he leaped up with his arm raised, "Rider Chop!"

Coming down, he used a chop on the tentacles. All four of them were cut like rotten meat. The beast in the darkness screeched in pain as it recalled the cut tentacles. The remains dissolved into darkness before vanishing. Showa took the time to get Rena out of the darkness and into some open space.

"Shinichi-kun?" Rena gaped seeing her (almost) boyfriend covered in the suit of armor.

Out of the alley in a fit, was the Darkloid. It was tall gruesome thing appearing like a malformed octopus with four tentacles acting as legs and another four lashing about with blades. It had a single evil eye and what appeared to be a beak full of razor sharp eyes. The head was roundish and kept pulsing like a bizarre beating heart. Its cut tentacles had already grown back and it looked mad.

"Beast for a beast, eh?" Showa frowned behind his mask. Gently pushing Rena to the side, he stepped forward. "Fine by me. LET'S RIDE: AMAZON!"

His body flashed with a bright light and instantly he'd turned into a different Rider. His body was clad in a green bodysuit covered in red stripes that looked more like a second skin with black boots and gloves. The gloves and boots sported jagged fins and his fingertips were clawed. He also had a fin on his back. An orange chestplate was on the suit and he had a white scarf which hung from his head. His helmet had also changed into resembling a chameleon's head with large red eyes and a horn jutting out from his forehead. There was also an armlet on his upper left arm.

"Shinichi-kun?" Rena asked.

"Rena, take cover. When this is all over I'll explain," he said.

Rena nodded and got ready to get as far away as possible. However, she hadn't been fast enough and neither was Showa.

The Octopus Darkloid had struck fast. One of its bladed tentacles had shot past Showa and hit Rena in the side of the body. She let out a shriek and Showa froze when he saw the girl fall.

He immediately lost it. As he was now in Amazon's form, he had the Rider's animalistic qualities, and berserker fury.

"RARGH!" Showa roared as he lunged at the Darkloid. His claws lengthened and he started to swipe and slash at the Darkloid like crazy, ripping off chunks from its dark body. He didn't give it a chance to fight back as he used his forearm spikes to impale the eyes before digging his hands into its body to rip out anything that would be considered an important organ. The Darkloid thrashed around but eventually it stopped moving and faded into the darkness, defeated.

Showa reverted back to his default form and panted. He finally remembered something gravely important.

"Rena!" Showa cried out as he ran to the girl. He knelt down and picked up her body. The wound wouldn't stop bleeding and blood pooled under her. "Rena!"

"Shinichi…" Rena uttered weakly. She reached up to his helmet covered face.

"Rena, don't leave me!" he cried out desperately. "Please, don't leave me! Just, hold on!"

"Sorry, Shinichi-kun…" she said weakly. "I really am…" Her eyes dulled and she closed them.

"No…" Showa shook his head in denial. "No…" He then let loose a scream, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He held her body against his, clinging to her desperately and telling her, "Rena, I love you, I really love you! Please, don't leave me!" However, it was too late for that. There was only one chance. He shouted, "RETURN TO THE PAST, NOW!"

The crystal in his belt glowed and instantly a pillar of light rose up into the air before it expanded and engulfed the entire area within its bright light.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Shinichi shouted as he shot out of bed. His face was pale, covered in sweat and tears fell from his eyes. The reset, had it worked? Only one way to find out.

"Shinichi-kun, what's wrong?" asked Rena as she suddenly burst into his room. She knelt at his side and was shocked when he pulled her into a hug. "Shinichi-kun?" she gasped, blushing.

"You're alright…you're alright…" he was relieved, so very relieved. She, of course, was confused.

Once time had reset itself, Shinichi decided that he should tell Rena now. What'd happened before reminded him that he should just take his chances and worry about the consequences later. He had to tell her.

"Rena, I love you."

Shinichi was enjoying some ice cream, trying to shake off the memory of holding Rena's dead body in his arms. Sugar was good for making him feel better. Rena was in a happy daze from his confession and was now REALLY looking forward to their date later. Well, for her it would be their first date, but it would be his second date with her, a repeat of the first.

"Shinichi," a voice spoke.

Shinichi looked up and saw Rika and Hanyuu standing a few feet away from him. Both looked rather grim and serious at the moment. Shinichi could tell that something was wrong.

"Uh…can I help you?" Shinichi blinked.

"Where did you get that armor?" Rika asked bluntly. "The one you used to fight that octopus monster?"

"Huh?" Shinichi gaped. He quickly started playing dumb. "Armor? What are you talking about?"

"The one that you used to kill the octopus monster and then turn back time after Rena died," Hanyuu answered. Shinichi stiffened. There was no way that the pair could remember, but…they still did.

"Do…the others know?" Shinichi asked.

"No," Rika answered. "We're keeping this secret for now. But we need to know what that armor and those monsters are about."

"I don't now a lot of it since I can't remember," Shinichi answered. "I only know a little about that."

"Then tell us what you do know," Hanyuu insisted.

"Okay," Shinichi sighed. "Here's what I managed to recall…"