IDENTITY CHAPTER PART 2: JUSTICE

As Shinichi sat by his mother's bed, her body wrapped in bandages and her limbs in casts as she was hooked up to a respirator. She was a shadow of her former self but to Shinichi she was his mother. Rena had left to get some drinks from a vending machine.

"Kaa-chan, who could've done this to you?" Shinichi asked as he ran his hand through her hair. "Kaa-chan, please, talk to me."

And then it happened as his eyes closed.

He saw the car and his mother walking towards the takoyaki vendor. The driver didn't slow down but sped. Shiori froze and was hit as the car continued on its way.

Then, the image froze. His eyes focused on the car and its driver. He saw who it was. It was unmistakable.

"Teppei Houjou..." Shinichi realized as his eyes opened. The man who'd abused Satoko and Satoshi was out of prison. While in the world before this one he'd been sent to prison after being caught for abusing Satoko, in this world things had turned out quite differently. He'd been sent to prison for murdering Rina Mamiya, his lover. Rina had tried to run off with Teppei's money and he didn't like that, so Teppei killed her. He was sent to prison for her murder.

He'd seen the news report. "Kiisama..." When Rena returned she saw how serious he looked. She handed him a can of orange juice which he took before sitting down next to him.

"Will she wake up?" Rena asked.

"She will," answered Shinichi confidently. "She will..."

'You know who did this! Find him and kill him!'

"Yes..." Shinichi murmured in agreement.

"Did you say something, Shin-kun?" asked Rena.

"Oh, sorry, Rena-chan," said Shinichi. "Just talking to myself."

"OK." She accepted the answer.

'Teppei Houjou…' The man had sinned and needed to die.

'He must die!'

'For once I agree with you, BLACK 13…'

Later that night...

Teppei had parked his car outside of a warehouse where he hung out with his old gang. Getting out of prison wasn't easy. He had to wait and plan. When one of the guards came to deliver his food, he saw that Teppei wasn't in his cell. He opened the cell and Teppei had jumped him before stealing his clothes and keys and he walked out. He'd stolen the car after hot-wiring it and drove to Okinomiya. He couldn't show his face in public because it was plastered all over the city on posters and even on TV.

"Damn it!" Teppei dug into his pocket and took out a lighter to light his cigarette. He'd found the cigarette in a dash board. As he took a drag and blew out a puff of smoke, he heard a voice.

"Smoking kills..."

Teppei darted around, shouting, "Who's there!"

But no answer came.

"Damn it, I must be hallucinating," muttered Teppei. He put his cigarette on his mouth only for it to be snatched out of his hand. "Huh!" He shouted, "Hey! Who's there!"

He heard giggling.

"You're a bad man! A bad man!" Teppei got off the crate he was sitting on and shouted.

"WHO THE FUCK IS THERE!"

No answer but his echo.

And then the creepy voice laughed.

"Bad man! Bad man! Bad man! Bad man!"

"SHUT UP!" Teppei shouted. He took out a gun he had taken from the guard. "The warehouse was dark so he couldn't see anything. He saw something move and shot at it. A rat scurried out. "Damn rat..."

And then suddenly something hit him in the chest and sent him crashing against the wall. It stuck him to the wall. Horrified, he saw that it was a spider web. "What the hell is this!" he shouted.

"Welcome to the parlor, said the spider to the fly..." Teppei's eyes widened as a dark shape with eight legs and eight glowing red eyes came down before him. It was a giant spider!

And then he heard footsteps. Looking past the 'spider', he saw a man with red eyes slowly walking towards him. "Who...who are you...?" Teppei showed fear as he saw those inhuman red eyes. The spider rose up to the ceiling as Teppei watched. Looking down, the dark figure with red eyes was staring directly at him. "STAY BACK! DON'T YOU KNOW WHO I AM!"

"Oh, we know who you are," said the dark figure with red eyes. Three other dark figures slowly appeared behind him. "You're a pimp, a child abuser and a murderer. You're a sinner, and sinners must be punished." He took out a syringe and uncapped it.

"Wha-what is that?" Teppei shuddered.

"Your medicine," a large figure said.

"Scared of needles?" a female figure giggled.

"There are more things to fear than death," the other female figure said coldly.

"This won't hurt a bit," said the dark figure with a syringe as he pressed the tip of the needle against Teppei's neck. "It will hurt a lot."

And Teppei screamed.

"No. 13, you really have become ruthless, haven't you?" Yokoshima asked as he exited the warehouse with Shinichi, Hana and Michiru.

"Sometimes we do what we must," said Shinichi. "He put my Kaa-chan in the hospital. This is what he deserves."

"Then you should have made him suffer more," spoke Hana.

"Possibly," shrugged Shinichi. "But the look of terror on his face as he clawed his throat open was priceless." He gave a near sadistic grin.

"Well, wanna head to Angel Mort for some banana splits?" said Michiru.

"Don't you ever get tired of bananas?" asked Hana.

"No, not really," Michiru answered as she tilted her head to the side.

Shinichi's twin ahoge twitched. "You guys go ahead. I have to deal with something," said Shinichi. He was glad to have regained his powers, even if he could only transform. His Return to the Past system was still not functioning. Still, the doctor told him his mother would be alright. He had confidence since it was Dr. Irie who'd said that.

He put on his helmet and dashed towards the source of the disturbance.

The front wheel of the Showa-Racer collided with the side of the Minotaur Darkloid's head. It tumbled from the impact. Its appearance was of a tall and muscular humanoid, 8 feet tall in fact, with hoofed feet and a bull's head with red eyes. It carried a pair of clubs as weapons.

The Showa-Racer landed on the ground and skidded to a halt. Shinichi swung his right leg over to the side as he dismounted from his bike. It was still Showa, but the only difference was that his eyes were red instead of the usual green.

"Weapon Ride: Showa-Blaster," he said and he summoned his gun. As the Minotaur Darkloid rose, Showa pelted it with several shots. It let loose a bellow and charged and didn't stop charging despite the shots being fired upon it. It swung its clubs at Showa and the Rider was forced to roll away. He fired at the beast from the side.

"Kuso," Showa cursed as he discarded his gun and charged at the creature. Dodging a club by leaping upwards, he performed one of his signature moves.

"RIDER KICK!"

His foot smashed against the head of the Minotaur Darkloid with explosive force, breaking off one of its horns as it howled in pain. Enraged, it swung at Showa. This time the blow hit and sent Showa flying and he rolled along the ground.

The Darkloid, dragging its clubs behind it, marched towards Showa.

"It's just small fry," said Showa. "No need for the Higurashi no Yaiba." He pushed himself back up to his feet and glared at the creature. "Come on, you overgrown hamburger!" he challenged. The Minotaur Darkloid brought its arms and clubs up to smash Showa, but suddenly it let out a roar of pain as its arms were sliced off, followed by a splashed of black blood.

"No. 02," said Showa, identifying the work as Slasher made his presence known. The Termite Rider dropped down next to him, his chainsaws running. He'd attacked the Darkloid and sawed the arms off from the elbow down.

"Let's finish it," said Showa. "You have your finisher ready?" Slasher nodded. "Alright, let's finish this!"

The two leapt up and launched themselves at the Darkloid. His chainsaws became his normal hands which flared up with energy.

Slasher: 'SOLDIER PUNCH!'

Showa: "RYUUSEI PUNCH!"

Showa's punch and Slasher's punch collided with the Darkloid's head and it instantly exploded into a ball of flame.

Dropping down on their feet, the two Riders nodded to each other before parting ways.

The following morning, through an anonymous tip, Teppei was found in the warehouse, lying on his back, dead. His face was one filled with absolute terror as his hands were up to his bloodied throat which had been scratched wide open. His fingertips and hands were covered in blood.

Detective Oishi shook his head. He'd expected to catch Teppei alive, but instead found a dead body.

"What is going on here?" Oishi scratched his head. This was unlike anything he'd seen before. "Is it murder or suicide?" He scoffed, "At least one less scum to deal with."

"Yo, Shin-chan!" Mion greeted as she saw him and Rena at their usual meeting place before school. With her were Shion and Keiichi. They would meet the others at school. "Glad to see you again! How are ya doing?"

"Better than before," said Shinichi honestly. "Thanks for asking." He bowed deeply, "Sorry for being a jerk the other day, Club Leader!"

"Oi, no need for that!" said Mion, uncomfortable by the bowing.

"You can always get on your knees," suggested Shion.

"Like this?" Shinichi did and stuck his tongue out like a dog with his hands raised up like a dog's forelegs and paws.

"Baka! Get up!" a flustered Mion snapped as she hauled him to his feet. "Look, if you have trouble, talk to your friends! That's what we're here for."

"You can always trust your friends," added Keiichi, placing a hand on Shinichi's shoulder.

Rena looped her arm around Shinichi's and smiled at him. "Always. Together always."

"OK, let's race to school!" announced Mion. "Last one there has to wear a maid outfit and become the winner's slave for a week!"

"No way am I losing!" Shinichi exclaimed. "You're on, Mion!"

"Ready, Set, GO!" Mion dashed ahead, following by Shinichi, Shion, Keiichi and Rena.

"Looks like we get Keiichi-kun as a slave!" said Rena happily as Keiichi slumped in defeat. Rena had tied with Shinichi when arriving at school.

A tired Keiichi entered the classroom and…

WHAMMO!

A steel bucket fell on his head and knocked him out.

"He really should remember that Satoko always sets traps for him," said Shinichi with the shake of his head. Satoko laughed as did Satoshi, though Satoko's laughter was louder. Shinichi dragged Keiichi to his seat and planted him there before taking his own seat.

"Good to see you in school, Shinichi-san," said Satoko.

"Good to be back," said Shinichi.

"How is Shiori-mama?" Rika asked.

"She's sleeping in the hospital," answered Shinichi. "But the doctor said she'll be fine and will wake up soon."

Rika accepted that answer. She had other questions but those could wait until later. When Chie-sensei entered, Mion did her usual 'Rise, Bow, Sit' routine before class started.

Rika looked to Shinichi. He seemed to be in a good mood…too much of a good mood.

He wasn't over what had happened to Shiori. In fact he hadn't recovered much emotionally. The happiness he was exuding was simply a feeling of satisfaction he had for avenging his mother.

Lunch…

"Here's your bento, Shin-kun," said Rena as she gave Shinichi the boxed lunch she had made for him.

"Thank you, Rena-chan," said Shinichi, smiling. He removed the lid and his eyes brightened. "Wow, octo-sausages (sausages cut into the shape of octopi), fried rice and shrimp tempura!"

"You favorite!" Rena beamed.

"Looks like you'll make a good wife for Shinichi," Shion teased. "Onee, when will you make Kei-chan a homemade boxed lunch?"

Mion grumbled something about, "Some day…"

"I've made lunch for you too, Satoshi-kun," said Shion. "Eat up."

"Thanks, Shion!" smiled Satoshi.

"This lovey-dovey atmosphere is really annoying," muttered Satoko. Her eyes darted around. All the boys in class were not up to her taste and next year she would be 13.

"Hey, Shin-chan, do you think we can visit your mom this weekend?" asked Mion.

"I don't know…" said Shinichi uncertainly. "I mean she's sleeping and I don't want her to be disturbed."

"I got it," said Mion. "Hope she wakes up soon."

"Yeah…hope," said Shinichi. One did not get the job done by hoping. Only by acting could things happen.

After school…

It was raining quite heavily outside and so the students could not go home until the sky cleared. Shinichi yawned. Rainy days always made him sleepy. To pass the time, Mion suggested they play a few rounds of Go Fish. As usual, the punishment game rule applied to the loser of the game.

Rika still kept her eye on Shinichi. There was definitely something off with his body language.

Later, in the evening…

When Rena saw the news report in the evening, she could only say, "It was the curse..." It had to be. What else could it be? Teppei had angered Oyashiro-sama and was cursed. He was cursed for all the bad things he did. He was cursed for hurting Satoshi and Satoko.

"He was a bad man," said Rena. "He deserved it."

In Rika's house, while they were having dinner, Satoko, Satoshi, Rika and Hanyuu saw the news report and let out breaths of relief. Their abusive uncle was gone. The cause of death was not disclosed but both Hanyuu and Rika knew that it had something to do with the Hinamizawa Syndrome.

"He's gone," said Satoko, hugging her brother. "He's finally gone."

"That's good," said Satoshi.

Rika and Hanyuu shared a stern look with each other. They were going to see Shinichi later for an important chat.

When Shion saw the news, she just smiled. The cause for her beloved Satoshi's pain was no more. Originally, she planned on murdering the man and covering it up using the Sonozaki Clan's resources.

Now, there was nothing stopping her from being with her Satoshi.

Daichi saw the news and sighed. He knew what had happened. Michiru came over earlier and told him. He didn't really care, but this just proved that a part of BLACK 13 still existed in Shinichi.

"Well, at least he used it to avenge someone he loved," Daichi sighed. He then got up and went to the cages. It was time to give one of the cats a bath.

Shinichi was watching the same thing and said, "He deserved it."

'Good work,' the dark voice said. 'You even convinced No. 09, 11 and 07 to help you.'

"It was easy," Shinichi answered back. "They all like Kaa-chan too and think this man deserves to die. He was dangerous and deserved to be put down."

'But there's someone more dangerous out there. Gebok. He has to be put down as well.'

"Don't worry. We'll get him."

Later that night, after receiving a phone call from Rika, Shinichi drove towards the Furude Shrine where both Rika and Hanyuu were waiting for him. There was a bridge but it was made of planks of wood and rope so Shinichi took the long way around to reach the shrine.

"Shinichi," said Rika in her adult voice.

Removing his helmet, Shinichi looked Rika dead in the eye. "What's so important that you needed to call me?"

"Shinichi, you killed Teppei, didn't you?" Rika asked bluntly.

Sighing, Shinichi answered, "So, what if I did?" He wasn't even denying it. "The man deserved it."

"What could he have done to warrant such a death?" asked Rika.

"Simple. He was the one who put Kaa-chan in the hospital," Shinichi answered. Hanyuu gasped.

"He did?" Hanyuu asked.

"How do you know this?" Rika asked.

"You know I get visions, right?" Shinichi asked. Rika and Hanyuu nodded. Shinichi pointed to his temple. "I saw it, in my mind's eye. Teppei was driving. It was a hit and run, Rika-chan. He didn't care if my mother lived or died." Shinichi's eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists at his side. "He deserved to die."

"You used the Hinamizawa Syndrome on him," said Rika.

"It was easy. The drug was in Dr. Irie's clinic. I asked Hana and Michiru to get it for me," said Shinichi.

"So, you made it look like it was caused by Oyashiro-sama's curse," accused Rika.

"Yes, and I am not sorry I did," retorted Shinichi. "Even if he did not cause my Kaa-chan to end up in the hospital, he deserved to die for the suffering he put Satoko and Satoshi through."

"Shinichi, I'm afraid that you're going down a wrong path," said Rika worriedly.

"That's right. This isn't like you!" added Hanyuu.

Shinichi laughed, scaring Hanyuu who quickly hid behind Rika.

"Not like me? Hanyuu-chan, don't you know? I'm BLACK 13! The cursed number!" Shinichi's eyes narrowed as he glared at the two girls. "And I will punish those who harm my loved ones." His twin ahoge twitched. "There is a Darkloid and Darklings nearby. I have to go." He put on his helmet and mounted his bike before driving off.

Rika and Hanyuu watched as Shinichi disappeared into the night.

"This is not good," said Rika.

Showa swiftly cut the Darklings down using his Showa-Blade and shot them down using his Showa-Blaster. He watched them fall. The only difference was that he was enjoying it as his blasts sent them to oblivion as his sword sliced them to ribbons.

"HYAH!" Showa spun in a circle, beheading the Darklings surrounding him.

"Come on!" Showa challenged. "Give me something that'll let me break a sweat! Come on!" Then he got his wish as it burst out of the ground. "YEAH!" The Darkloid looked like a snake but when it opened its mouth, tendrils shaped like snakes were revealed. It went to swallow Showa hole and Showa let it. However, that was a bad idea on its part.

"RIDER BOMB!"

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Its entire head exploded as Showa used his Rider Bomb attack, freeing himself and killing the Darkloid in the process. He landed on the ground and watched as the dark creatures faded away into nothing.

"Too easy," scoffed Showa.

TOKYO Headquarters

The NUMBERS were sitting at a table waiting for Gebok who said he had a surprise for them.

"What do you suppose it is?" a bored Todoriko/01/Scanner asked Misato who shrugged as Jin was to busy counting his stolen loot. Todoriko Shiki was a skinny young man with a shaved head who wore a sleeveless shirt, grey pants and Chinese slippers. Located on his right arm was his NUMBERS tattoo.

Only Shogo remained silent as he had been informed about what the surprise was.

"Heh, whatever it is, I bet it's boring!" Saisen/12/Bomber said. Saisen Koremitsu wore an old style pilot's helmet and goggles. He also a yellow shirt with brown cargo pants and loafers on his feet. His left eye was completely cybernetic with XII in the centre. "We should be going to kill BLA-AUGH!" Saisen suddenly yelled as his head was smashed to the table by a mysterious being.

"Who the fuck are you!" Jin shouted while getting up and ready to transform, only for Gebok to grab his hand in a vice-grip.

"Calm yourself, kiddie. This is just WHITE 14's way of getting attention," Gebok said making the NUMBERS' eyes snap at him.

WHITE 14 was dressed in a white jumpsuit with black gloves, boots and a white jacket with a furred collar. He had indigo hair and his face was hidden behind a white mask with narrowed red eyes and the XIV stamped over the eyes. The XIV was also on his right sleeve. On his back was the number 14.

WHITE 14…? That would mean…

"EHH! You mean there's a NUMBERS after BLACK 13!" Saisen said while his face was still squished to the table.

"Correct, Bomber-kun." Gebok smiled as he snapped his fingers making WHITE 14 let go. "And I want him to see how powerful his seniors are, so he and I've decided on a little... test."

"Test?" most of the NUMBERS questioned.

"Why yes. All of you will go out on a full-frontal assault to attack either Hinamizawa or Okinomiya to draw N0. 13 or the traitors out and kill them. If you are able to do that, you will gain his respect," Gebok said smirking.

"... Understood," Shogo said.

"Why should we give a damn of what a newbie thinks!" snapped Jin.

"Because with him you'll be even with BLACK 13 and his team of traitors! 6 for 6!" answered Gebok. "A fair fight!"

"Who cares about a fair fight!" snapped Saisen. "We all want a chance to kill BLACK 13!"

"No," denied WHITE 14. "BLACK 13 is mine."

"Who the hell-!" Saisen began but then froze as WHITE 14's gaze was on him. Saisen shivered at the killing intent.

"BLACK 13 is mine," WHITE 14 repeated.

Saisen did not argue again after hearing that.

And Gebok grinned. 'Son, this is going to be your ultimate test. Let's see if you can pass or fail.'

Topper Liqueur sat in an octagon shaped room with white walls and tall windows. He sat in a cushioned armchair with a round table next to him to put his cup of tea. He wasn't alone, however. Sitting in the seat to his left was Frederica Bernkastel the Witch of Miracles and to his right sat Lambdadelta the Witch of the Absolute. Frederica Bernkastel resembled Rika but a much older version in a black dress that sported a cat's tail. Lambdadelta resembled a younger Miyo Takano with short blonde hair and wearing a pink dress with red ribbons and a Jack-O-Lantern shaped purse. With them was Beatrice the Endless Witch and also known as the Golden Witch, who had strawberry blonde hair tied in a bun with a rose in her hair and wearing a dark Victorian dress. Beatrice's mentor Virgilia was also present. She had silver hair and wore a dark blue Southern Belle dress as well as a hat decorated by roses.

They all were seated in the room, all discussing their new game. This game was of course something Topper Liqueur the Infernal Merchant had put in motion.

"Ah, a new piece has been put on the Chessboard," said Topper as a replica of WHITE 14 was placed on the board. "How interesting. Is it not, ladies?"

Bernkastel took a sip of tea and said, "It would appear your client's life is becoming more and more difficult."

"So much is happening," smiled Lambdadelta with a grin. "So much fighting and so much action!" She looked to Bernkastel and said, "Better than our old game, Bernkastel!"

Bernkastel gave a nod.

"So, are we just meant to watch?" asked Beatrice. "Or do something to make the game more interesting?"

"Bored, Beato?" asked Topper.

"I have plans for a game in Rokkenjima, Top Hat," huffed Beatrice.

"No need to be rude, Beato," chided Virgilia.

"Sorry, Teacher," Beatrice apologized.

"You know, we could make this more interesting. How about a wager?" asked Topper as he pulled off his hat and tossed it to the middle of the room. It hovered off the ground.

"What sort of wager?" asked Virgilia. This was getting interesting. Lambdadelta and Beatrice seemed to agree.

"In this phase of the game, my client is going to face his ultimate test. It's a test of identity. The wager is if he can overcome it or not," said Topper.

"Well, he's your client so you'll know what happens to him," said Beatrice.

"Ah, but you see, mortals have great power in them. They have the power to change fate and create miracles," said Topper. "Isn't that right, Frederica?"

Bernkastel nodded.

"So, please write down what you think will happen in the future, and don't forget to sign." Sheets of parchment and feather quills appeared before the witches and Topper. "Shall we, ladies?"

"How exciting," Lambdadelta scribbled her scenario as did the other witches. Topper also scribbled down his own scenario.

"Now, sign with your own blood," said Topper. He pricked his finger with the tip of his quill and touched it upon the parchment. The others did the same and as soon as the blood was on their respective sheets of parchment, they became their signatures. "Now, put them into the hat," he said. The hat floated over to each witch and they placed their rolled up parchments into the hat that finally returned to Topper.

"Now, let the game begin," said Topper with a grin as he put in his parchment and scenario.

A/N: A new player has entered the game. WHITE 14. What will this mean for Shinichi? Speaking of Shinichi, he's slowly slipping into the dark side. The witches here are from the series Umineko no Naku Koro ni which is a sequel to Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

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