ZERO CHAPTER PART 1: CONFRONTATION

"Itadakimasu!" Rika, Hanyuu, Shiori and Shinichi chimed at the low table in the living room. Shiori's agent had sent over a box with cheesecake inside. Chocolate cheesecake to be exact, with a strawberry on each slice. Hanyuu cut off a bit with her fork and popped it into her mouth. As she chewed, she beamed happily.

"Delicious!" Hanyuu commented.

"Yes, it is," agreed Rika as she ate.

"Eat up, girls! There's plenty more," encouraged Shiori.

"Kaa-chan, I think we should save it for the others," said Shinichi, referring to his friends. He was talking about the Gaming Club and NEO-NUMBERS, but judging by how many slices were left, he doubted he'd have enough for both groups. He'd have to settle with giving the extra slices to just one group. He finished his slice quickly and went to the kitchen to wash his plate and fork before saying, "I'm gonna go study for a bit." He went into his room and closed the door.

In his room, Shinichi sat at his desk. On the desk were scrapbooks but they were no ordinary scrapbooks. They were Miyo Takano's scrapbooks and also there was a copy of Miyo Takano's grandfather's research thesis on the Hinamizawa Syndrome.

A week ago, Shinichi had gone to Dr. Irie to ask for the books, stating he needed them to do research. The good doctor, aware of Shinichi's identity as a Kamen Rider, allowed him access to the research. He was quite willing to part with the material as long as Shinichi could use them in his mission.

Shinichi knew Dr. Gebok was going to use the Hinamizawa Syndrome as a weapon, but he didn't know how he was going to activate it in everyone on Earth. The Hinamizawa Syndrome was only exclusive to Hinamizawa and so only people who lived in Hinamizawa carried the disease inside of them. Fortunately, research towards a vaccine to prevent the activation of Hinamizawa Syndrome was being developed.

Shinichi planned on giving this research to Warren so that ARMOR's medical team could create a vaccine. He didn't want anyone to suffer because of the syndrome. He saw how terrible it could be, causing people to act on their violent impulses while they were normally docile. People like Shion, Keiichi and Rena were a good example. They were driven insane and to commit violent acts because of the syndrome.

He heard a knock at the door and said, eyes still focused on the research, "Come in." The door creaked open and Shiori was there in the doorway.

"Rena-chan's here," Shiori said.

Shinichi turned in his chair and mouthed, "Rena-chan?" He looked to the clock. It was 6 o'clock and getting dark soon. Of course it was also Saturday night.

Shinichi got out of his room and went into the living room to see Rena enjoying a slice of chocolate cheesecake. She had put the strawberry aside to have last. Her eyes sparkled as she saw him come in. "Shin-kun!" she said, smiling.

Shinichi sat down next to her at the low table, asking, "What brings you here, Rena-chan?"

"Do you want to go out?" Rena invited, holding up two movie tickets. "I got these and I wanted to see this movie with you."

Shinichi rubbed the back of his head. He was quite busy with his research. Maybe he could let her down gently. "Actually, Rena-chan I…"

"He'd love to go," Shiori cut in. Rika and Hanyuu knew what the woman was doing.

Shinichi whispered to his mother, "Kaa-chan?"

She replied, using a hushed but stern tone, "Shinji, you need a break. For the past week I've seen you do training right after school and studying those research notes. It's not healthy. Just go out with Rena-chan for one night."

Shinichi sighed, unable to argue with his mother. He looked to Rena and said, "Let me get my jacket."

The drive to Okinomiya on his Showa-Racer didn't take long. Speaking of which, all the NEO-NUMBERS had bikes. Warren had ARMOR develop the bikes, each with the NEO-NUMNERS' personal symbol and their own name. Chiaki's bike was called the Jungle Slasher, Daichi's bike was called the Songbird, Michiru's bike was called the Twin Blade, Hana's bike was called the Arachno, and finally Yokoshima's bike was called the Wrecking Ball. Each bike also had its own set of weaponry, perfect for each Rider and complimented their abilities well.

Also, Chiaki finally moved out of his tent and built a house in the woods. It was a small house, but still cozy. Chiaki didn't need electricity. He had lamps to provide heat and light and a nearby stream provided water. However, he still had a habit of using his stove as a campfire to roast his food and sometimes marshmallows with Hanyuu.

Now that they were agents for ARMOR, they did not need their old jobs. However, they decided to keep them for a sense of normalcy. 10 years in GIN-SHOCKER had stripped them of a normal life or childhood, so they were making up for lost time.

Unlike Shinichi, the NEO-NUMBERS did not go to school. While they were the same age, the others did not see a need to go to school at all. Their minds had all the practical knowledge they needed to survive in the real world and they lived alone so they didn't have parents to tell them what to do. Shinichi wondered what the NEO-NUMBERS' original families were like. Knowing GIN-SHOCKER, they were killed while the NEO-NUMBERS were kidnapped to be used by GIN-SHOCKER.

Shinichi parked his bike in front of the movie theatre and helped Rena off it. He then went inside with her, holding hands. They bought some candy, popcorn and drinks at the concession stand before entering the theatre and taking their seats. The movie was an action/sci-fi movie which took place in a galaxy far, far, away.

Shinichi and Rena both walked out of the movie theatre, the girls arm around his as she leaned her head against his shoulder. He smiled at her. During the film, they had stolen kisses a few times and right now Rena wanted to be alone with her boyfriend to find a private spot so they could make out. However, their plans would soon be derailed by the appearance of someone from Shinichi's past.

"Are you Shinji Banabara?"

Shinichi blinked as his gaze went from Rena to the young man in front of him. He wore combat boots, camouflage pants, a dark green t-shirt with dog tags hanging from his neck and wearing a brown jacket. He wore a green cap on his head.

"Who wants to know?" Shinichi asked.

The man removed his hat to reveal he had a short military cut and also the number 00 tattooed over his right eyebrow. Shinichi's eyes widened as he saw the tattoo and his hand went up to his own mark which was throbbing.

"Zero…" Shinichi growled.

"That's right, No. 13," Shogo Kuso, the Rider known as Zero of the GIN-SHOCKER NUMBERS, confirmed. Rena gasped and tightened her hold on Shinichi's arm to the point she might cut off his circulation.

Shinichi looked around. There were still some people around. He focused his eyes on Shogo and asked, "What do you want?"

"To talk, in private," said Shogo. He elaborated, "Just you and me. The girl isn't included."

"Wherever Shin-kun goes, Rena goes!" Rena argued vehemently.

"Rena-chan, stay here," Shinichi denied. Rena's eyes widened as she looked at her beau. "I'll be fine," he assured her, smiling gently. He said to Shogo, "Look, I'd rather not fight with you tonight, but if you want a talk then let's talk."

Shogo nodded and said, "Follow me."

"Rena-chan, stay with the bike," said Shinichi. He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek before following after Shogo.

Rena just watched with a worried expression as her boyfriend and his enemy walked together to find a private place to initiate their altercation. She shook her head and ran off in the opposite direction, leaving the bike instead of staying as he'd instructed her.

Shogo and Shinichi stood atop a building away from prying eyes. Shinichi's gaze was locked on Shogo as Shogo returned the gaze with an intense leer of his own. Shinichi flexed his fingers. He knew what was to come.

"OK, let's do this," said Shinichi as he summoned his belt. "Hen-"

"Before we fight, I wish to understand something," Shogo interrupted.

Shinichi lowered his arms as he was in the middle of performing his Henshin sequence. "Alright," Shinichi nodded. Shogo wasn't making a move to attack. Maybe he was here to talk…But Shinichi still needed to be cautious.

"Why do you fight against GIN-SHOCKER?" Shogo asked.

Shinichi let out a, "Heh!" and replied with a question, "Why? You ask why? After all they've done you ask me why?"

"Yes," Shogo nodded.

"Shouldn't you ask yourself why you're still even fighting for them after what they did to us, what they made us do, what they turned us into?" Shinichi questioned angrily.

"All they did was awaken our true potential," replied Shogo.

"No! All they did was turn us into weapons and killing machines!" Shinichi argued. "They took me away from my family, messed with my head and emotions, and finally made me kill someone precious to me! Do you have any idea what that's like? Do you?"

Shogo answered, "I never knew my family. Before GIN-SHOCKER I was abandoned at an orphanage."

Shinichi silently listened.

"Day by day I watched as children from my orphanage get adopted and become part of a new and happier family. I tried to understand why my parents abandoned me and I concluded that I was weak," Shogo continued, "Then one day I was adopted…"

"But the one who adopted you was working for GIN-SHOCKER," Shinichi finished.

"That's right," nodded Shogo. "I finally found a purpose. Of course the treatments were painful and the training was harsh but finally I found a reason for being. GIN-SHOCKER gave that to me."

"Zero," Shinichi began to retort, "What GIN-SHOCKER did to us was nothing but evil. Imagine, 6 year old children taken from their homes, from their families, and turned into weapons. True, you never had a family, but I did, and yet I can't remember a single detail before GIN-SHOCKER took me away from my Kaa-chan and Tou-chan."

"You're lucky then," said Shogo, "To find your family. The others, they had their families…"

"Executed by GIN-SHOCKER," Shinichi finished. GIN-SHOCKER didn't want anyone looking around. Shiori was just lucky. Shinichi also reasoned that his father's death was tied into all this as well, but he had no proof.

"So, why do you fight against GIN-SHOCKER?" Shogo asked.

"You saw why."

"That girl?"

"Yes," Shinichi confirmed. He elaborated, "And not just her. There's Kaa-chan, my friends and Hinamizawa. They all mean everything to me. I fight GIN-SHOCKER for them. I fight so GIN-SHOCKER does not have its way." Shinichi asked, "Do you understand now?"

"A little, but it's a waste of time for you to fight GIN-SHOCKER."

"What?" Shinichi's eyes narrowed.

"No. 13," Shogo began again, "By fighting against GIN-SHOCKER, you put yourself and your loved ones at risk. GIN-SHOCKER has an army. What do you have?"

"You'd be surprised," Shinichi smirked. He was part of ARMOR now.

"You've faced General Nagazawa," Shogo commented, "And he was able to defeat you. Not only that, he nearly killed two of your friends."

"I know that," said Shinichi. Hitomi and Rui had been taken to the Terminal by Lucy. They had been treated for their wounds and Warren was aware of Nagazawa.

"So, you know how foolish it is to fight. Nagazawa is our superior and as soldiers we obey our superiors," said Shogo.

"I'm no puppet, and neither are you," Shinichi reasoned.

"It's all I have. Without orders I have no purpose," Shogo denied.

"That's not true, and you know it!" Shinichi shouted.

Shogo commented, "I envy you."

"Huh?"

"Unlike me you can enjoy the carefree days with your friends."

"Yeah," Shinichi nodded, "And that's what I'm going to protect. Our carefree days and friendship. That's what I'm fighting for as well."

"But continue on your path against GIN-SHOCKER and your carefree days will be over," Shogo warned.

"I'll take my chances," said Shinichi.

"I see I am unable to persuade you," Shogo said, "Very well." He saluted, "GIN-SHOCKER NUMBERS member Shogo Kuso, No. 00! Preparing for battle!" His belt formed. "Henshin!" the crystal in his belt released a swarm of wasps made of light that enveloped him before solidifying into his suit. As soon as he was done transforming, his stingers slid out of his gauntlets.

"Henshin! Let's Ride: Showa!" The jigsaw puzzle pieces of light enveloped his body and formed his suit of armor. The eyes flashed once the transformation was complete.

The two Riders circled each other before charging. Showa called, "Weapon Ride: Showa-Blade! Showa-Blaster!" The sword appeared in his right hand as the gun appeared in his left. He aimed and fired at Zero who zipped around, dodging the shots which flew past him. He returned fired, unleashing a storm of needles at Showa. The Protector of Hinamizawa swung his sword around, deflecting the needles that came at him. He then charged forward, swinging his sword horizontally, only for Zero to leap backwards and then jump forward to land a kick at Showa. Showa sidestepped the attack and performed a side kick but Zero leapt up and over it. Showa swung again at Zero but hit only the stingers. Energy crackled as their weapons connected before Zero pushed and sent Showa sliding backwards.

"Take this!" Zero thrust his right arm at Showa and fired a beam of yellow energy. Showa dodged to the side but the beam had grazed his arm and he hissed in pain. "My Sting Beam works as well as my stingers."

"So, you've gotten upgrades," Showa frowned as he twirled his gun in one hand. He clutched the grip and fired as he swung his arm in an arch. The beam that was fired also curved. Zero never saw it coming as the shot hit him from behind, "And so have I."

Zero clenched his teeth and fists before dashing straight for Showa. He began to unleash a barrage of punches and with those stingers on his gauntlets plus the force of his punches he could puncture Showa's armor.

Showa was not about to allow that. He swung up with his sword; hitting one of the stingers and slicing it clean off. He then landed a kick in Zero's gut and then swung his sword again, slicing the other stinger in half again. Zero looked at his ruined stingers and they popped out of his gauntlets before being replaced by a new pair.

"Did you really think it would be that easy to disarm me?" Zero questioned sarcastically. "My stingers are part of me, and so I can regenerate them whenever I need them."

"Regenerate this!" Showa took aim and fired but Zero buzzed out of the way. He flew around Showa who shot but missed each time. Zero got behind Showa and the good Rider was unable to dodge in time before he was stabbed in the back, literally. Showa cried out in pain as the burning pain ran through his body. Zero withdrew his stinger and watched as Showa stumbled backwards from the wound.

Zero's eyes narrowed and he frowned. What was this? BLACK 13 wasn't supposed to be so weak. "Why are you holding back?" Zero demanded.

"Who says I am?" countered Showa.

"You could've defeated me by now," said Zero.

"Let's just say you haven't done anything that warrants me using my full power on you," Showa commented.

Zero eyes narrowed as he growled, "Don't insult me!" He fired a storm of needles at Showa.

"Kage no Hoshi!" Showa called and all of a sudden he vanished from Zero's sight.

"Surprise!" Showa Kage Form laughed as he reappeared behind Zero. Zero whirled around and thrust his stinger at Showa's face, only for it to pass through.

'A hologram!' Zero realized, but realized too late. Suddenly, shuriken and kunai rained down on him, ripping sparks off his armor as he tried to block the weapons. Looking up, he saw Showa coming down for an axe kick. Zero flew into the air just in time as the attack connected with the floor, causing cracks on impact. Zero grimaced as he looked Showa over. 'So, this is the power of one of those treasures.'

Showa reached behind his back and pulled the large shuriken mounted there off. There was a grip in the hollow centre and he clenched it tightly as he held it at his side. "I like this form," stated Showa. "You want to know why?"

"Enlighten me," Zero replied.

"Because I can do this! Kage Bunshin!" Instantly, three Showa clones appeared and the four Showa ninjas surrounded Zero, all wielding a Dai-Shuriken each. "Now you're surrounded," said the four Showas before they attacked.

Using his impressive speed, Zero was able to avoid the sharp edges of the Dai-Shuriken as they came close to cutting him. The Showas attacked in a circular pattern, limiting Zero's movements. However, Zero looked up and flew into the air. The Showas anticipated this and hurled their Dai-Shuriken up and after Zero. Seeing the huge throwing stars coming at him, Zero spun around in mid air, deflecting them with his limbs and sent them back to their owners. The original Showa caught his Dai-Shuriken but his clothes were taken out as their own Dai-Shuriken tore into their bodies. They disappeared in puffs of smoke.

Showa stared up at Zero and decided to change himself to play in a different playing field. He jumped up and called, "Higurashi no Yaiba!" A green streak flew at him and he grabbed it, his armor shifting into Higurashi Form instantly. The wings spread out and allowed him to fly after Zero.

Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, the sound of metal meeting metal echoing in the night's sky. Showa swung the Higurashi no Yaiba at Zero but Zero dodged the slash and kicked out with his leg, striking Showa in the chest and pushing him back. Showa stabilized himself and pointed the tip of his sword at Zero.

"Fire!" Showa ordered and an arrow of energy flew at Zero at high speeds. Zero, unable to dodge, received an arrow that pierced through his right shoulder. He grunted in pain. Showa then continued to fire energy arrows at Zero who zipped around to dodge them. However, he was starting to lose power. Showa then flew at Zero and slammed his shoulder into Zero's gut, sending them both crashing upon the roof of another building. They both tumbled along the surface. Showa got back up but Zero could only struggle. His legs were trembling and he was clutching his shoulder.

"Higurashi Zan!" Showa called out and released the energy arch that slammed into Zero, sending him skidding backwards. The damage on his armor and body was already showing, evident by the cracks. Zero's vision was starting to blur.

"Oni no Hone!" Again, Showa changed as a whirlwind of fire, lighting and wind enveloped him, changing his appearance into the demonic Oni Form. Showa dashed towards Zero with a fist enveloped in flames. Deciding to withdraw, Zero leapt into the air.

"No you don't!" Showa denied as the fire in his hand turned into lightning. "Lightning Spear!" He threw the lighting spear at Zero, hitting him directly. The electrical shock severely damaged his wings, causing him to plummet down again and landing with a crash. There were char marks from the Lightning Spear attack. As soon as he crashed, his armor deactivated and vanished. He could feel a breeze and looked up to see Showa with a Cyclone Drill in hand. He pointed it at Shogo's face. Shogo stared down but when the attack did not come, he looked up to see Shinichi walking away.

"Why are you sparing me?" Shogo asked.

Shinichi stopped and looked over his shoulder, answering, "You didn't want to fight me. You were ordered to. As far as I'm concerned you're an innocent in all this and I protect the innocent."

Shinichi then left a confused Shogo alone with his thoughts. No. 00 then felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Daichi. "You…"

"Come on, I'll take you to Hana and Michiru's," said Daichi. "They can get you patched up all right."

"Shin-kun!" Rena cried out as she hugged her boyfriend. She was right where he'd left her, unaware that she'd gone off to find him help.

Shinichi returned the hug, kissing her cheek before saying, "Come on, let's get some dinner. That fight really gave me an appetite."

Shogo sat at the low table with Hana and Michiru. The female Spider Rider was handing a cup of tea to the Wasp Rider who took it with his good arm. His other arm was in a sling due to the damage to his shoulder. Because they were nurses, they were stocked with medical supplies from Dr. Irie's clinic.

"He could've killed me," said Shogo. "Why didn't he?"

"Because Shinichi isn't like that," said Michiru.

"Shinichi? You mean BLACK 13?"

Hana warned, "Don't call him that. He's nothing like the way he used to be."

"I agree," nodded Shogo. "The old BLACK 13 would've killed me without hesitation or a second thought. He really has changed."

"And for the better too!" added Michiru cheerfully.

Shogo wanted to ask, "How did you two find the strength to defect?"

Michiru answered, "Divine intervention." Hanyuu had actually scared them into changing sides and changing their ways.

"But ultimately it was out decision. Despite the programming GIN-SHOCKER gave us, our wills were stronger and we managed to break free like Shinichi," added Hana.

"Free…will…" Shogo was unfamiliar with the feeling. All he ever knew was following orders without question. He knew what GIN-SHOCKER was doing was wrong, but as a soldier he should be loyal to the organization. That was all he was meant to do. Just follow orders blindly and without question.

Long ago, BLACK 13 was like him but lacking in emotions. What he saw was definitely not the BLACK 13 he knew. He should've seen it during their earlier confrontations.

"So, are you going back to GIN-SHOCKER?" Hana asked No. 00. Shogo swirled the tea around in his cup.

"I…don't know what I should do," admitted Shogo.

"Why not sleep on it?" suggested Michiru. "We have an extra futon, and if you're hungry we have food in the fridge."

"Just don't touch Michiru's bananas. She's very possessive and territorial of them," warned Hana.

"I'll keep that in mind," replied Shogo, aware of Michiru's insane love of bananas.

"Also, tomorrow, you're coming with us to the clinic so Dr. Irie can check you out," added Hana.

"I'll do that. Thank you." What was he to do now? He definitely didn't want to become one of GIN-SHOCKER's pawns but what other choice did he have left?

Shogo had a lot to think about, namely what he wanted to do now with his life.

Bomber laughed after he'd finished receiving his upgrades. "Soon, BLACK 13! Soon you will pay for what you did to me! I am going to make you suffer!" He laughed like an insane maniac as he began shooting into the sky.

Kamen Rider Chrome: Will Zero join the NEO-NUMBERS after this? Will he find a true purpose soon? Stay tune for the next chapter, my friend!