NEW LIFE CHAPTER PART 14: ALLIANCE

Shinichi was proofreading his mother's new manuscript as they had some of Rena's homemade cookies together. The two weeks of Shinichi's grounding were almost up. Still, it wasn't so bad. Even if he couldn't participate in club activities as his mother had requested, he was still able to see his friends during school days. After school he would work at Dr. Irie's as a janitor, just mopping and sweeping the floors, cleaning the windows, and getting rid of the trash. Michiru and Hana were happy to have him around. Well…Michiru showed it. Hana never really smiled after what GIN-SHOCKER did to her but she no longed entertained suicidal thoughts. He and Chiaki were also on amicable terms.

It was Daichi who seemed to have a problem with him. One day, Rena had dragged him to the animal shelter to do some volunteer work. She wanted to help clean and feed the cute little animals. When he saw who was manning the counter, he and Daichi almost came to blows. The only reason a fight hadn't broke out was because Daichi refused to fight in front of the animals. After that, they agreed on a truce. For once, Daichi admitted that killing Shinichi would not make him happy, as satisfying as it would be. Like Chiaki, Michiru and Hana were doing, he would take advantage of this second chance at life. He even had time to compose new songs.

Now, the only NUMBERS who remained with Gebok were 00, 01, 04, 06, 09 and 12.

Then, the Banabaras heard a knock on their door.

"Go see who that is, Shinji," his mother told him. With an obedient nod, Shinji went to the door. Before opening the door, he looked through the peephole. It was a boy his age with spiked up hair, wearing a blazer over a shirt and cargo pants. He blinked. "Who is it, Shinji?"

"Just that weird kid who wanted an autograph from you, Kaa-chan!" Shinichi answered.

"Hey, I'm not weird!" the boy on the other side of the door yelled back. With a sigh, Shinichi opened the door slightly, keeping the door chain secured if the boy turned out to be another crazed fan. Shinichi had read some of his mother's fan mail and was disgusted by half of them written by people who wanted to do with her what she wrote in her books.

"Look, kid. My Kaa-chan's busy so if you want an autograph, make an appointment, OK?" Shinichi said. He was about to close the door when the boy outside said something.

"I'm actually here for you, No. 13."

Shinichi's eyes narrowed and he glared at the other boy. "Who are you?"

"You may call me No. 09," said the other boy as he rolled up the right leg of his cargo pants to reveal the IX tattooed on his right knee. "Or Yokoshima."

"Is he still there?" Shiori asked.

"Yeah, Kaa-chan! He's a stubborn one!" Shinichi called back. He returned and spoke in a harsh and hushed tone, "What do you want?"

"Look, I know you helped out 02, 07 and 11," Yokoshima said. "I…I actually want out of this whole deal with Gebok."

"You do?" Shinichi blinked and stared back in disbelief. "You serious?"

"Look, without those guys things are boring back at HQ. All I got to talk to are a bunch of psychos and sociopaths obsessed with killing you. Do you know I had to listen to No. 04 singing about raping and killing you? No. 12 wants to shove his bombs down your throat, and No. 01 wants to suck your powers dry. Even I'm getting annoyed. Without Hana, Michiru and Chiaki, I can't stand it!" He got down on his knees. "You've got to help me out!"

Shinichi grimaced. Yokoshima seemed genuine in his request, but Shinichi knew Gebok's tricks. "How can I know I can trust you?"

"Here," Yokoshima said as he handed a folded note to Shinichi who took it. "Read that. Please, I just don't feel like fighting anymore. I don't wanna die again. I just wanna live!"

Shinichi frowned as he stared at the folded sheet of paper in his hand. "OK, I'll consider it. Meet me at my school during lunch tomorrow."

"Thanks," Yokoshima smiled.

"Oh, Shinji," Shiori said as she came up behind her son. She looked to the crack of the door and smiled before slipping a book out to Yokoshima. "Here, an autographed novel."

"Wow, thank you, Banabara-san!" Yokoshima smiled wide before he ran off down the hallway. Shinichi shut the door.

He had a lot to think about and a letter to read.

"Thanks for letting me stay with you, Chiaki," said Yokoshima. "I tried to ask Daichi if I could stay at his place but he tossed me out and the girls wouldn't let me crash at their place either."

Yokoshima was sitting in Chiaki's campsite. The Termite Rider lent Yokoshima an extra sleeping bag. The tent was big enough for the two of them.

"So, you're really defecting?" Chiaki wrote.

"Going up against No. 13 is not worth it. I mean sure Gebok revived us but Hana did have a point. He was probably just using us again like GIN-SHOCKER intended." Chiaki nodded in agreement. "I mean, I thought BLACK 13 was bad news, but No. 13 and that sword is just something else. I am in no hurry to die again."

Chiaki nodded. He noted Yokoshima's backpack was opened slightly and pointed.

"Oh, those are just some of the books 13's mother wrote. They are really good." He took one out and handed it to Chiaki. "Check it out."

Chiaki took the book and his eyes widened at the cover and title. The book was entitled 'XXX-crossed Lovers'. He opened it up to the middle and he blushed at the descriptive writing before shutting the book immediately. Yokoshima chuckled.

"Hey, the sex written in there is very descriptive. She's like the most famous erotica novelist in the country!" Yokoshima said. "Well, anyway, I sure hope I get a place to live away from Gebok and GIN-SHOCKER."

Chiaki wrote, "I doubt that. They may have plans for us. We need to keep our guard up."

"I got it," Yokoshima nodded in understanding.

Shinichi was reading Yokoshima's letter.

To No. 13:

I heard about how you helped 02/Chiaki, 07/Hana and 11/Michiru find a new lease on life. I just couldn't believe you convinced that depressing Goth to actually become a nurse. Michiru fits the role better since she knows how to make people feel better. I'm surprised Hana hasn't scared anyone to death yet. Now, all I'm asking is for you to help me find a new purpose. Sure, GIN-SHOCKER made me a weapon. I'm like a human wrecking ball, but I don't want to destroy things. I mentioned I'm a big fan of your mother's work and I meant it. If I killed you, then she might stop writing and I can't have that on my conscious. So, please, help a fellow comrade out. Sure, you killed me. You don't want to know how and I don't want to remember how, so I won't describe it. I just want to do something else with this second chance. I understand what Gebok wants to do. He just wants to use us to collect data on you. My words can't reach 00, 01, 04, 06 and 12. Those guys are nuts. Plus, I feel lonely. If there is any way you can help me, I'd like to hear it.

From: No. 09/Yokoshima Ryuunosuke

Meanwhile, in the Sonozaki Estate, another letter was being read. As soon as she finished reading the contents of the letter, Oryo tore it in half in anger. She coughed.

"Grandmother, your blood pressure," said Mion kindly.

"I'm fine, Mion," coughed Oryo. "But I will not stand for this. Some cur dare boasts that he will steal our precious family heirlooms and antiques!"

"We'll find out who it is. We can have Father's men help and catch anyone suspicious."

"Good," nodded Oryo. While she didn't approve of her daughter marrying Mion's father, his connections to the Yakuza proved to be very useful to the Sonozaki Clan.

Mion picked up the two halves of the pictures and looked at the signature. It was a VI, the Roman numeral for 6.

"NUMBERS," Mion mumbled. She was going to have a talk with Shinichi and then ask the other defected NUMBERS in the village.

"No. 06 sent you a letter?" Shinichi asked as he spoke into the phone.

"That's what the signature in the letter implies," answered Mion. "Now, do you remember anything about this guy?"

Shinichi rubbed his chin and then scratched his head, trying to recall any information on No. 06. "Well…not really, but I can ask the others if they do."

"Please, do that," replied Mion. "My grandmother has put guards all over the estate so that nobody can break in, but I don't know if they can stand up against a member of NUMBERS."

"Don't let them fight 06," warned Shinichi. "We NUMBERS were made to be weapons so there's little they can do. You may be able to outnumber 06 but 06 can outmatch all of you."

The following day, Rena and Shinichi met with the group at the watermill as usual so they could walk to school together. Mion decided to cut to the chase. "So, who's 06?" She had spread the word among the Club Members who were worried that this No. 06 might hurt her if he broke into her home.

"Well, I spoke to Michiru and Hana yesterday," said Shinichi. "He's supposed to be a thief and a greedy one too. The recent robberies on the news where people have been covered in crystal were in fact committed by him. The victims were broken out safely, but his abilities make him a dangerous opponent."

"So, my family's guards have no chance?" asked Mion.

"Your guards have as much chance as a colony of ants against a herd of elephants," stated Shinichi, "And that if they're lucky. The only NUMBERS who haven't defected are psychos and sociopaths."

"Mii-chan, I think you should have Shin-kun guard your home," said Rena.

"And I'm volunteering too," said Keiichi.

"I really appreciate the help, but you know my grandmother. She basically doesn't like you two all that much," Mion said.

"The issue isn't whether she likes us or not, Mion," said Shinichi. "The issue is if she wants all her family's heirlooms and antiques stolen by a super powered thief."

"She's pretty stubborn."

"I think I can persuade her if given the chance," said Shinichi confidently.

"Your funeral," Mion deadpanned.

"Hey!"

The eyes of the entire group looked ahead to see a young man walking in the opposite direction. He wore black gloves, a red jacket over a blue shirt, grey pants and white shoes. He sneered as he stared at each of them but his leer came upon Rena, Mion and Shion.

"Hey, pretty ladies. Wanna ditch the loser brigade and hang out with a real stud?" the man said.

"Who the hell are you?" snapped Keiichi.

"Sorry, but I don't talk to people beneath me," he snorted. "But, if you want something to call me by, call me Jin." He appraised Rena. "So, baby? How about it?" Rena immediately hid behind Shinichi. "Aw…don't be like that," he said, reaching for her. Shinichi grabbed his hand. "Let go," he growled.

"Hands off my girl!" Shinichi snapped possessively. Snorting, Jin tore his hand away. His eyes fell on the twins.

"So, is it true that a threesome with twins is better than one with two different women?" Jin asked.

Mion and Shion's faces reddened in anger, but Satoshi and Keiichi were the ones to act as they tried to punch Jin in the face. However, he caught their fists and twisted their arms, causing them to cry out.

"Hmph, wimps!" he scoffed as he pushed them backwards. He snickered before he yelped. "Ow!" He looked to Satoko who had a slingshot aimed at him. "Why you little brat!"

"Stay away from my sister!" Satoshi snapped as he grabbed Jin's shoulder. Jin shrugged him off.

"Hmph, fine! Be that way!" He pocketed his hands and then walked past the group who glared at him.

"Who was that jerk?" Mion hissed. "And who does he think he is?"

"I don't know," Shinichi answered with narrowed eyes, "But he's trouble."

"I'm sure if he causes any trouble you can handle it, Shinichi," said Rika.

"That's right!" Hanyuu chirped.

"Come on, let's get to school before we're late," Mion ordered. "Onward march!"

The group arrived at school and waited until Chie-sensei arrived to begin the lesson. Then, they did self-learning to help each other with the subjects meant for their grade levels. Shinichi's eyes were on the clock. Yokoshima was to meet him at lunch.

When lunch came around, Shinichi was about to take a bite out of the bento his mom had prepared for him when he heard a tap on the window. The others heard it too and saw Yokoshima waving at them.

"Shin-kun, who's that?" asked Rena.

"No. 09," Shinichi answered calmly. All eyes were on him. "He wants to defect and asked me to help him get started."

"Shin-chan, I know you've had a good track record with converting your enemies, but are you sure this isn't a trap?" commented Shion.

"I told my Kaa-chan about it and she told me to give him a chance," replied Shinichi.

"Why?" Satoshi asked.

"He's a fan of Kaa-chan's work," Shinichi answered offhandedly. "When I told Kaa-chan that she told me someone who likes her books can't be bad…just perverted."

"Shin-chan, that really isn't very convincing," Mion said.

"Guys, it's alright. I don't sense any killing intent from him," said Shinichi as he stood up.

"We just don't want you getting hurt," said Rena.

"Don't worry. I'll be right outside the window." Shinichi said. "Trust me."

"We do trust you," Satoshi said.

"It's that guy we don't trust," added Satoko.

"But Shinichi is right," Rika said. "I don't think he has any bad intentions."

"I agree!" Hanyuu nodded. "Not all the NUMBERS are bad!"

Shinichi sighed. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Excuse me. Oh, and Mion, don't touch my lunch."

"A janitor at a clinic? Seriously?" Yokoshima stared.

"Take it or leave it. I can only do it part time and I have a paper route to do in the morning," said Shinichi with crossed arms.

"Fine. It's a dirty job but somebody's got to do it, right?"

"And Hana and Michiru know you so they can help get you the job too. Do you know how to get to his clinic?"

"I went there a few times to visit the girls," said Yokoshima.

"Good, and with them around you won't feel so lonely," said Shinichi.

"Hey, 13?"

"Hm?"

Yokoshima pointed at the window. The Gaming Club had their hands and faces pressed against the glass, staring at them. "Are those your friends?" Yokoshima paled when Rena pressed her notebook onto the glass.

HURT MY SHIN-KUN AND I WILL KILL, KILL, KILL YOU!

She had written it in red ink to emphasize her seriousness.

"They're just being overprotective," laughed Shinichi. "Now, get out of here before she gets her cleaver!"

Yokoshima dashed out of there as fast as his legs could carry him.

"I'm going to walk Mion home," volunteered Keiichi.

"Oh, hoping to get some private time with the heiress?" Shinichi teased.

Blushing, Keiichi and Mion denied loudly, "NO, IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!"

Shinichi frowned, "I still think I should go with you."

"Oni-baba really doesn't like you," Mion reminded.

"I could put on a disguise," he suggested.

"Then she'd hate you more for deceiving her. Look, you can't come in but you can guard from outside, can't you?" Mion said.

"Roger, President!" Shinichi saluted. "But, I gotta walk Rena home first before I go to your place, Mion."

Rena had her arm looped around Shinichi and smiling wide with a blush. "I get to take Shin-kun home! Hau~!"

Yokoshima whistled as he exited the clinic's bathroom. He'd just finished cleaning it. "I should really thank No. 13 for getting me this job."

"Are you seriously enjoying yourself?" asked Hana who had her hands to her hips.

"Well, of course I am!" smiled Yokoshima.

"Idiot," she muttered.

"Look, if there was anything else I could do, I would, but this was the only job he could get me," said Yokoshima. "OK, now that I've cleaned the bathroom I'll do the windows!" He walked past her.

"Oh, did you know No. 06 was in the area?" Hana asked.

With a frown, Yokoshima answered, "Yeah, I did."

"Do you think 13 can handle him?"

With a confident smile, Yokoshima answered, "He took out No. 10, 03 and 05, and fought 00 and 12 and survived. He'll be able to take care of that thief."

Jin was kicked out of Angel Mort after he tried to proposition the waitresses with money and jewelry. The manager really didn't appreciate his girls being treated like easy women. Tidying up his jacket, he went on his way only to bump into Daichi who was walking a few dogs.

"So, this is what you've been reduced to, No. 08," sneered Jin.

"No. 06, I really don't have time to talk to you," said Daichi quickly.

"Hmph, you're like a coward. You couldn't defeat No. 13 so you chickened out. This time, I'll be the one who finishes him!" boasted Jin.

"Your arrogance will be your downfall, No. 06," remarked Daichi.

"Heh, whatever. I got something to do tonight so see you around, pussy." He walked away, leaving Daichi to glare at his back.

"Leaving was the best decision I ever made," said Daichi to himself.

Later that night, when Shinichi arrived at the Sonozaki Estate, he was stunned to see everyone in the compound covered in crystal. When he entered the manor, he saw the family's servants all in a similar state. "Mion! Keiichi!" he gasped when he saw his two friends encased in crystal. "Guys!" He then sensed another presence and turned to see a young man with silvery white hair, a red jacket and grey pants sitting on the clan's head's seat. "You!"

"I knew you'd arrive, No. 13," Jin said with a grin.

"You…No. 06," Shinichi identified.

"That's right," said Jin as he removed his left glove and proudly displayed his NUMBERS tattoo which was on his palm. It was VI.

"That letter wasn't meant for Mion, was it? It was for me," Shinichi realized.

"I knew that green-haired girl would tell you," said Jin as he stood up, "But you're a bit late. I was about to leave."

"No, you're not," Shinichi objected, summoning his belt.

"So, you want to fight. Very well…" Jin grinned as his belt with a green crystal in the buckle and a VI in the crystal also formed around his waist.

"Henshin!"

Flashes of light flared out from their belts.

When Jin transformed, his armor was shown to be based on a jewel beetle. It was emerald green in color and his chestplate resembled a beetle's abdomen. His helmets visor had three horizontal slits running over his eyes so he could see.

Showa then charged towards him, aiming a flying kick right at him. "Hyah!"

BOOM!

A wall exploded as both Showa and Petrifier flew out of it. They rolled along the lawn, exchanging blows. Their fists were smashing against each other hard. Petrifier then kicked Showa off him and got on one knee with his legs spread and in a crouch with one hand on the ground.

Showa got into a boxing stance and hopped in place.

"So, guess your skills haven't diminished," said Petrifier.

"No, they haven't," agreed Showa. "Let me show you! Weapon Ride: Showa-Blaster!" He summoned his gun and opened fire upon Petrifier. However, he slammed his palms onto the ground and erected a crystal shield that blocked the shots.

"My turn!" Petrifier smashed his fists down and sharp crystal spikes burst out from under Showa, threatening to impale him. Showa was struck and sent flying high. Petrifier leapt and twisted his body to land a king into Showa's back, sending him crashing into the crystal structure which shattered on impact.

Petrifier remarked as he landed, "It's too bad my powers don't work on my fellow NUMBERS like you, but that doesn't mean I can't kill you." Crystal blades formed from his hands as he charged towards Showa. He proceeded to perform a series of brutal slashes on Showa, causing him to scream as sparks flew from his armor. Cuts began to appear on his suit as Petrifier continued his assault. He then kicked Showa who skidded along the lawn.

"Now, time to end this," said Petrifier. "Goodbye, BLACK 13."

"CANNONBALL!"

"Huh?" Petrifier looked up and his eyes widened as a large round shape came plummeting down. "WARGH!"

SMASH!

The large shape had come crashing down on Petrifier. It looked like a large ball but then it unrolled itself to reveal a Rider whose armor was based on a pill bug. He had large shoulders and plates running down his arms and legs with large spiked boots, thick chest armor and a large segmented backplate. His helmet had small antennae and his visor was in the shape of a pair of small black eyes. His entire armor was metallic silver with black highlights. His belt was silver with his IX symbol in the crystal buckle.

It was No. 09, also known as Kamen Rider Armadillo.

He stepped off Petrifier and stomped towards Showa before helping him up. "No. 13, are you okay?"

"Yokoshima?" Showa blinked. Armadillo nodded. "What are you doing here? How did you know to come here?"

"Well, 06 kept bragging about robbing this place back in HQ, and well it was just a lucky guess. Plus, Hana told me she saw No. 06 in the area," Armadillo explained. The two looked towards Petrifier who was slowly rising up from the indent he'd made when Armadillo had crashed onto him.

"You…damn…traitor…" growled Petrifier. He fired crystal spikes at them.

"Watch out!" Armadillo grabbed Showa and rolled himself into a ball. The spikes bounced off his thick armor. He then rolled towards Petrifier at high speed as No. 06 continued to shoot a barrage of crystal spikes. Petrifier jumped out of the way before the ball could hit. Armadillo then unrolled himself, releasing Showa.

"Now, kick me!" instructed Armadillo as he rolled himself back into a ball.

Showa pulled his right leg back then kicked it into Armadillo. This sent the Armadillo Ball flying at Petrifier. Armadillo slammed into Petrifier hard and sent him crashing into the outer wall of the Sonozaki compound. As a result, there was a huge hole in the wall.

Showa grimaced as a huge bead of sweat ran down the side of his head. Mion's grandmother would kill him. The Armadillo Ball came rolling back in and it unrolled back into Armadillo who stood beside Showa. "Where's No. 06?" asked Showa.

"Flattened," Armadillo joked. "I don't think he'll be stupid enough to come back after that. So, are you going to kill him?"

"No," answered Showa, sighing. "I'm through killing." He surveyed the damage. "Now, I just want to fix all this." He looked to Armadillo, "No. 09, thanks for the help."

"Hey, you're my idol's son," Armadillo said. "I don't want her to become so distraught that she can't write if you die."

"Well, guess that's good enough," shrugged Showa. He called out, "RETURN TO THE PAST, NOW!"

A pillar of light arose from him and spread out, engulfing the entire world as time was reversed.

Yokoshima sighed as he and his fellow defected members sat at a table in Angel Mort. "So…what should we do now?"

Chiaki shrugged. He knew that Zero was still honorable enough to not kill his fellow NUMBERS but his loyalty to GIN-SHOCKER exceeded that plus there were still the other remaining NUMBERS who may share thoughts on how to kill traitors. He was not afraid for himself but rather for Hanyuu and her friends.

"We'll align ourselves with Black 13." All heads snapped to look at Daichi. He was the unlikeliest of them to say that

"Interesting thing for you to say," Hana spoke up. "I thought you still hated him."

"Don't get me wrong, a part of me still does, but GIN-SHOCKER will not rest till we're dead and will use any tactics to their advantage. We also have to consider the TOKYO organization that Gebok has aligned himself with," Daichi said.

"What do you think, Yokoshima?" Michiru asked.

Yokoshima pondered this for a bit before closing his book. He said, "Well, it's worth a shot. I mean he helped us out and he deserves to be given a second chance like we have."

Daichi snorted, "Speak for yourself."

"Come on, Daichi. He didn't kill you even if you gave him a reason to," said Yokoshima.

"I still don't like him. Remember, he killed us all."

"You seem to be forgetting he's not the same guy," Yokoshima pointed out.

"I will never forget and I will never forgive, but an alliance with No. 13 would be the best course of action," said Daichi.

"You're contradicting your own feelings," commented Hana.

"I'm just being logical here. I won't let my emotions or grudge against him get in the way of survival," reasoned Daichi.

"OK, then it's decided! Tonight we go see him!"

"An alliance?" Shinichi blinked. Hana, Yokoshima, Chiaki, Michiru and a reluctant Daichi were now in the Banabaras' apartment.

"Look, we know you can fight us when we come at you one at a time, but I doubt you'll be able to face 00, 01, 04, 06 and 12 when they join forces. What will happen if they come at you all at once?" stated Yokoshima.

Shinichi recalled the NUMBERS' initial assault on him. He reminded, "You should know. You were there when it happened."

"Oh, that smoke cloud ambush thing. If it makes you feel any better, I didn't attack you then."

Shinichi didn't believe him.

"GIN-SHOCKER and Gebok will eventually be coming after us for defecting," explained Daichi. "We've discussed this and thought that officially joining forces with you would be in our best interest."

"This has something to do with me and the Higurashi no Yaiba, right?" Shinichi asked.

"Well, from what we've heard and seen about that sword, it's a powerful weapon," admitted Hana.

"Come on! Let's team up!" Michiru added excitedly as she munched on a banana.

Shinichi crossed his arms. While he didn't fully trust them, he also knew they were right. Unlike his friends in the Gaming Club, the NUMBERS were trained soldiers of GIN-SHOCKER. After ten years of training along with genetic and cybernetic enhancements, they were a lethal fight force incarnate. They each had special skills and abilities of their own and areas of expertise.

And Shinichi did need a team he could count on. He just wasn't sure he could trust people who had initially the desire to kill him. Well, Daichi still had it even if he wasn't actively trying to kill Shinichi anymore.

"Please, No. 13. Help us to help yourself," Yokoshima offered.

He looked at each of them. He knew Chiaki the longest and he had helped him a couple of times. Hana and Michiru weren't so bad either. Yokoshima was a fan of his Kaa-chan's books. Finally, there was Daichi. He was unsure of him.

He then realized that they could help him stop Gebok. He had a feeling that the evil doctor was up to something.

Shinichi laid his hand, palm down, on the middle of the table and said. "Let's bring them together." Smiling, Yokoshima put his palm on his, followed by Hana, Michiru and finally Chiaki. They all looked expectantly to Daichi. He gave a sigh and put his palm on the top.

"OK, from now on, we are the NEO-NUMBERS!" declared Shinichi.

Daichi had to ruin the moment and say, "That is a horrible name."

A/N: OK, we have NUMBERS and NEO-NUMBERS now. What will this mean in the future? Find out next time, my dear readers! Find out next time!