PURGATORY CHAPTER PART 2: CHESS

The NEO-NUMBERS were all strewn all over the floor. When they came to, they found themselves in a strange dark space and the floor they were on was patterned to look like a giant Chessboard.

The last thing they remembered was falling asleep.

"Where are we?" Shinichi wondered aloud, "Do any of you know where we are?"

"The world's largest Chessboard," Chiaki truthfully said. The sky above looked red with the ground in a black and white square pattern.

"Damn it, why are you idiots in my dream?" snapped Daichi.

"Oh, shut up, Daichi!" snapped Michiru. She was holding a bundle of bananas and after pealing one she began to eat. Bananas helped to soothe her when she was feeling panic or nervous.

"This isn't a dream," Hana said. It felt so real and at the time surreal.

"You're right, it isn't," said Shogo as he pinched himself. The pain was real, meaning this was real.

"So, where are we?" Michiru asked. This was starting to feel weird and creepy.

"Well, like Chiaki said, it looks to me like we're standing on a giant Chessboard," said Yokoshima as he looked down. The large square tiles alternated between two colors, black and white, just like a Chessboard.

"But where are the pieces?" Shinichi asked.

"Right here!" a cheerful voice announced.

Yokoshima & Daichi exclaimed, "Ronove!"

Chiaki & Hana exclaimed, "Gaap!"

Indeed, the two demons in human form stood across from the 7 NEO-NUMBERS. Ronove was in his usual butler attire and Gaap was in her cute red dress as she waved at the NEO-NUMBERS.

"Friends of yours?" Shogo asked the four who'd identified the two strangers.

"No," Daichi answered.

"That butler guy fought us when we were hunting Misato," Yokoshima answered.

"Yes, and that woman got in our way as well," Hana said.

"Now, now, Ara-chan," Gaap said, wagging a finger, "No need to be rude."

"Did you bring us here?" Shinichi asked.

"Yes," Ronove answered, "Though it was Lady Gaap whom actually provided the portals that brought you here." Gaap cheerfully nodded.

"What is this place?" Chiaki asked. "It looks like the world's largest Chessboard."

"You're only half right, Chi-san," Gaap said, "But technically this is more of a pocket dimension than any place on Earth."

"So, what do you want with us then?" asked Shinichi. "Why have you brought us here?"

"To play a game!" Gaap answered. The NEO-NUMBERS stared at the red-clad woman like she was nuts.

"And what if we don't want to play?" Daichi questioned.

"Unfortunately, you have no choice," said Ronove.

"So, are we playing here?" Daichi asked irritably.

"Relax, this is more like a pit stop," answered Gaap.

"Why don't I like the way she said that?" Daichi muttered.

"Let the show begin!" Gaap called out as she waved her hands. Instantly, black holes appeared under each of the NEO-NUMBERS.

"You just had to say that, didn't you?" Hana glared at Daichi.

The 7 Kamen Riders were sucked into the hole which closed up soon after.

"Well, I've done my part. Now, we just have to watch the show," said Gaap.

"Come on," Ronove beckoned, "Lady Beatrice is waiting."

"I feel so jealous that the 7 Sisters get to play with them!" pouted Gaap. "Do you think Trice will let me play with them later?"

Ronove laughed pleasantly, "Maybe. Come, I have some cookies I've just baked."

"Yummy! Cookies!" And the two vanished into a cloud of golden butterflies.

A Chessboard was placed in the middle of the room. On one side of the board were figurines resembling the NEO-NUMBERS in their Kamen Rider forms and on the side opposite the NEO-NUMBERS' figurines were figurines resembling the 7 Sisters of Purgatory.

"Let the games begin," said Beatrice.

"Indeed," Topper smirked. "Kamen Riders VS the Seven Stakes of Purgatory! Let the matches begin!"

"What do you believe their chances of winning are?" Lambdadelta asked.

"Their chances of winning are created by them, but I can safely say that their chances of losing are zero to none," Bernkastel answered.

When Shinichi came to, he found himself lying atop Rena's van. He knew this place. It was the junkyard in Hinamizawa. While he was familiar with the place, it felt off. It was the same, yet different.

Shinichi jumped off the top of the van and looked around. He then recalled what'd happened to his teammates. What had happened to them? He then sensed a presence and saw a figure approaching. What she saw was a girl in a red and black outfit with red eyes and pale hair.

"So you're the bastard," the girl in front of Shinichi spoke.

"Who are you?" Shinichi asked, looking straight at her. 'Does she work at Angel Mort?' The bottom part of her outfit did resemble the uniform that the waitresses of his favorite restaurant wore.

"The name's Satan, and I'm going to make you scream in agony," the girl sneered.

"Satan? Weird name for a girl," Shinichi said

"Ah, shut up!" Satan shouted. She produced a blade of purple light from her arm. She then charged at him. Shinichi dodged out of the way as she slashed at him, nearly cutting his body open with that blade of hers. She then whirled around and rushed at him again with her weapon.

"Henshin! Let's Ride: Showa!" Shinichi called out as she came at him, transforming into his Rider form instantly and blocked her sword with his gauntlet, causing sparks to explode on impact. "I don't know what's going on, but if it's a fight you want then it's a fight you're getting! Weapon Ride: Showa-Blade!"

Their weapons clashed and they began to swing at each other. Sparks flew from their weapons connecting. Satan's face was in the form of a scowl as she continued to attack furiously.

When she saw an opening, she thrust her sword forward and stabbed him. "Hah!" she yelled in triumph.

"Sorry, but your aim was off," said Showa, showing that he'd caught her blade under his left arm. He then used a right hook that hit her in the face. He let her sword go and smashed his foot into her gut, sending her skidding backwards.

Satan hissed in pain and anger. "Damn you!" In a burst of gold she turned into her true form, a demonic looking stake. She then flew at him, hoping to pierce through his armor. Seeing the flying Stake, Showa quickly sidestepped it. The Stake did manage to hit his side, sending sparks painfully flying as he grunted. He definitely felt that blow. Stopping behind him, the Stake turned back into Satan and she grinned.

"When it comes to speed, we Stakes of Purgatory are at the top!" she boasted.

"We'll see," said Showa, unimpressed. "Time to play follow the leader! Let's Ride: Skyrider!" His armor changed into the form of Skyrider.

"What are you doing?" Satan demanded as Showa hovered in place.

"Catch me if you can, Satan-chan!" Showa taunted as he darted away from her.

"Hey! Get back here!" Satan shouted in anger before she flew after Showa. Showa maneuvered around the mountains of garbage as Satan gave chase. When she got close, she swung, only for him to accelerate and avoid being cut in half. She did, however, crash into a pile of garbage.

Showa chuckled and said, "Getting down and dirty on me, Satan-chan?" All of a sudden, something small flew out of the pile of garbage and struck Showa in the chest, causing him to grunt as he fell to the ground, back in his default form. He looked up to see a metal stake hovering in the air. "Satan-chan?" he guessed. The Stake of Wrath darted towards him. He spun out of the way and the Stake flew past him.

Showa watched as the Stake form of Satan zipped around him. He knew that at the speed she was moving she could pierce through his armor. He had to time this just right...His eyes were trained on her, following her, and then as it was headed straight for his head he leaned backwards and the Stake zipped over him. As it came back to strike at him, he called out, "Let's Ride: Biorider!" His body flashed and Satan pierced right through him. Satisfied, the Stake returned to human form and laughed, "That's what you get for insulting me!" However, what she saw was the hole she'd made being sealed up as Showa, in Biorider's form, turned to look at her.

"Was that supposed to hurt? My turn!" He turned his body into liquid and flew at her in the form of a blob of water. She tried to strike at him but her blade just went right through him. He then got behind her and smashed her in the back with his fist. Growling, Satan glared at him only for her eyes to widen in shock as his weapon, the Bioblade, ran right through her. "Sorry, you may be cute, but I really don't like being killed." Satan gurgled as she glared at him before smiling. "Huh?"

"You really are fun to play with. Maybe next time we can hang out," said Satan. Showa withdrew his sword and as she began to collapse he caught her and laid her gently onto the ground. He watched as her body burst into a golden cloud of butterflies that fluttered away.

"Right, next time," nodded Showa. When a black hole formed under his feet, he merely commented, "Here we go again."

The figurine representing Satan shattered before the figurine representing Showa moved to take its place.

"Score one for me," said Topper. He knew Shinichi would win from the start. With the power he had at his disposal, BLACK 13 was nearly undefeatable.

"So many bananas!" exclaimed Michiru in complete mirth. All around her were banana trees with bunches of ripe banana hanging from them. It was like a dream come true. She'd dreamt of owning her own banana plantation and here she was!

Skipping over to one of the trees, she picked one of the bananas off and as she was about to peal it, it suddenly vanished from her hand. "Huh? Where is it? Where's my banana?"

"Yo," Beelzebub said as she appeared in a flash. She'd just snatched Michiru's banana out of her hand and started eating it.

"HEY! Don't steal other people's food!" Michiru yelled angrily.

"Hmm, maybe I should have some Creme de Banane shaved ice after this," Beelzebub muttered while still eating.

"Hey, pay attention when someone talking to you!" Michiru yelled rushing forward; Beelzebub formed a blade of light and swiped at the charging Michiru who dodged. She did, however, nearly get her shirt cut in half.

Beelzebub finished the banana and said, "OK, Banana-Girl, let's fight. By the way, my name is Beelzebub!"

"Alright! You can call me Kamen Rider Carmen! Henshin!" Michiru called out. Flower petals covered her body before flying off her, revealing her armored Rider form.

"Pretty cute," commented Beelzebub.

Carmen's hands turned into her Mantis Scythe and she charged at Beelzebub. Beelzebub leapt out of the way as Carmen swung, causing the banana-loving girl to chop down one of the trees.

"You missed," Beelzebub giggled. Carmen glared and rushed at Beelzebub, slashing the Sister of Gluttony with her scythes, missing as she dodged, and chopping down banana trees in the process. Perfectly good bananas were also being squashed by the falling trees.

"My turn, mantis girl," said Beelzebub as she produced her blade of light and charged, going on the offensive. Carmen began trading blows with Beelzebub, sparks flying as their blades connected. Beelzebub was forcing Carmen backwards but then the Mantis Rider's shoulder-mounted flowers burst to life, firing petals at Beelzebub that blinded her. A kick into Beelzebub's midsection caused the dark-haired girl to double over with a grunt before Carmen knocked her down with a roundhouse. Carmen swung down with her scythes only for the Stake of Gluttony to morph into her Stake form, becoming a smaller target that slipped out between Carmen's legs. Carmen's eyes widened and then she yelled out as the Stake stabbed her between the shoulder blades. The Stake then turned back into Beelzebub who had her blade of light lodged between Carmen's shoulder blades.

"I win," Beelzebub declared proudly.

"Did you?" Carmen chuckled only to suddenly burst and change into flower petals that fluttered to the ground. Beelzebub's eyes widened when she realized what had happened and then she whirled around to see Carmen waving at her as she leaned against a banana tree.

Beelzebub angrily growled and charged at Carmen but the Mantis Rider parried with one of her scythes. Her normal hand then struck Beelzebub in the chest, sending her staggering backwards.

Carmen then charged at Beelzebub before leaping into the air and aiming her left foot at her opponent's chest. Beelzebub saw this in time and sidestepped the attack. She then turned around and slashed at Carmen's back.

Carmen winced but she recovered quickly to whirl around and deliver a punched to Beelzebub's face with a right hook that made her fly backwards.

Carmen then leapt up and dove at Beelzebub, casting an illusion to make it seem like there were two of her.

Beelzebub looked up and drove her blade into the left one, "Gotcha!" she shouted in triumph only to gasp when her target disappeared and turned into flower petals.

"Hah, you got the wrong one!" Carmen laughed as her scythes appeared. They glowed as she pumped energy into them. "MANTIS X CRASH!" Carmen yelled slashing at Beelzebub in an X pattern.

"Gak!" Beelzebub coughed blood from the large wound before falling backward and turning into butterflies.

"I win!" Carmen did a 'V' sign but then she cried out in shock as a black hole appeared above her and sucked her inside. She wailed, "But I haven't even had the chance to get another banana!"

Once Beelzebub's figurine broke apart, Carmen's figurine took her space as it glided over.

"And yet again victory to the NEO-NUMBERS," said Topper. While not his piece in the game, the NEO-NUMBERS' association to Shinichi made them just as valuable and their victories filled Topper with a sense of pride. Speaking of pride, the next fight was coming up to be viewed.

Shogo looked around. It looked like a field. Looking ahead, he saw a girl clad in red and black and sporting a blade made of purple energy on her arm. "Who are you?" Shogo asked.

"I'm Lucifer, now if you don't want to die I suggest you surrender," Lucifer said arrogantly while pointing her blade at Shogo

"I'm not going to lose to someone who fits that old saying," Shogo said as he prepared to transform.

"Old saying?" Lucifer remarked, cocking an eyebrow.

"He who barks loudest is probably the weakest," Shogo said, making Lucifer flinch. That definitely hit too close to home.

"Sh-Shut up!" snapped Lucifer as she produced her sword of light. "Come on, fight me!" she demanded.

"Very well," Shogo obeyed. "Henshin!" Wasps of energy buzzed around him and enveloped him. When the wasps left his body and faded, he was clad in his Zero armor. His stingers slid out from his wrists and he said, "Let us begin."

Lucifer was the first to attack as she swung at Zero. He raised a stinger and blocked the attack before punching forward to stab the other stinger into her. She leapt back from the attack. He then aimed both his fists at her and fired a storm of needles at the girl. She parried with her sword of light but a few stuck into her arms. She hissed in pain as she glared at Zero.

Zero continued firing his needles at Lucifer who burst into golden butterflies. She got behind him holding her weapon but Zero used his stingers to block her attack. He then kicked her in the stomach making her stumble back.

Zero then made a come hither gesture. With a Lucifer rushed forward ready to pierce him with her blade but Zero dodged and grabbed her arm.

He then picked her up and placed her over his shoulder so that Lucifer was dangling over his back by the waist. He then held Lucifer in place by holding her legs with one arm and applying a headlock to the opponent with his other arm. Lucifer was now bent into a circle. He then dropped to a seated position, driving Lucifer head into the ground with enough force to crack her skull open. It was a wrestling move called the Kryptonite Krunch. It was also known as the Schwein.

"Hmm, No. 05 was correct in his presumption that mixing other styles can improve one's battle abilities," Zero commented. He then noticed Lucifer getting back up, wobbling slightly. He was ready to fight but she held up her hand

"I concede defeat. You're stronger than me," Lucifer surrendered.

"Thank you but I must congratulate you. You've proven yourself to be a strong opponent," Zero commented

"Heh, thank you for your kind words," Lucifer said before falling down and bursting into butterflies.

"You were a worthy opponent, Lucifer," said Zero. "Now, how to get out of here?" He got his answer when a black hole formed in front of him and sucked him inside.

The next figurine to shatter was Lucifer's and Zero's figurine took its space soon afterwards.

"Another point for me!" Topper declared with a grin. He so loved winning. It filled him with joy.

"I don't see why you should be happy," frowned Warren. "They're risking their lives in this game."

"I thought you'd be proud that your agents are winning," Topper commented.

"Not like this," answered Warren, shaking his head. Members of ARMOR were meant to fight for good, not to fight for the amusement of others.

Hana found herself in an empty hospital ward. The ward had multiple beds for multiple patients. The beds were empty, except for one. Sitting on it was a girl with dark hair in a ponytail.

"Hi, I'm Belphegor," the Stake of Sloth introduced herself, waving lazily at Hana.

"Let me guess; you brought me here and I can't go back unless I fight you?" Hana assumed with a bored expression.

"That is correct. I'm impressed that you manage to keep your cool," Belphegor said, smiling.

"I've experience too many strange things in my life so it takes a lot more to shock me. I do give you an A for effort, though," Hana said

"Then shall we begin," Belphegor said, producing her blade of light.

"Henshin," Hana said softly. Spider silk wrapped around her and became a cocoon that shattered to reveal her Rider form. Clutched in her right hand was her Spider Kama (8 scythes connected to one handle).

"Nice armor," said Belphegor, producing her blade of light, "And nice weapon too."

"It was specially made. A custom job too," answered Arachnea. She then dashed towards Belphegor and swung. The Stake of Sloth leapt off the bed which was rendered to pieces by the blades of Arachnea's weapon. The Tarantula Rider whirled around and swung at Belphegor who dodged. For a Stake that represented the Sin of Sloth, she was fast. She showed off her agility as she avoided from being cut by Arachnea's Spider Kama.

Belphegor then went on the offensive and slashed at Arachnea repeatedly, swinging at Arachnea. Arachnea then spat a spider web into Belphegor's face, blinding her. Belphegor tore the web off her face just in time to see a fist come slamming into her face. She was sent flying and collapsed onto a bed.

"Take a nap," joked Arachnea as Belphegor collapsed onto a bed.

Belphegor spat as she wiped the blood from her nose with her sleeve. "So funny," she muttered before, in a flash of gold, she turned into her Stake form and flew at Arachnea, intending to impale her.

Arachnea was using her Spider Kama to block the Stake as she came striking at him, bouncing around the ward and flying at her with the tip flashing ominously. Arachnea swung, one of her weapon's blades sending the Stake flying away and spinning through the air before it righted itself and reverted back into Belphegor. The Stake of Sloth charged at Arachnea and the two locked weapons.

"Any last words?" Belphegor asked sweetly.

"Welcome to my parlor," Arachnea said.

"Huh?" Belphegor quirked an eyebrow. Arachnea drove Belphegor backwards with her foot and then rushed at her, grabbing the Stake of Sloth by the throat before tossing her into a huge pre-made spider web. Sloth was stuck and no matter how hard she tried to pull herself out of the web, her body would not budge.

Arachnea, seeing her opponent immobile, decided to finish her off. With a swing of her arm, she sliced Belphegor through with her Spider Kama. The black and red clad girl let out a scream before vanishing into a burst of gold butterflies.

"Said the Spider to the Fly," finished Arachnea coldly. However, it was not over yet as a black hole formed under her feet and she fell into it.

Belphegor's figurine crumbled to pieces as Arachnea's figurine took its space.

"Hm, it seems the Stakes aren't doing so well," commented Libra idly.

"And I had such high hopes for them too," lied Lambdadelta.

"Interesting," Beatrice remarked. Out of all her stakes Belphegor was definitely one of her most reliable. So it was impressive to see that someone could have defeated her.

The place Daichi found himself in was a room filled with musical instruments. He could see trumpets, tubas, guitars, cellos, violins and other musical instruments on display. It looked like a museum for musical instruments.

When he heard a piano being played he followed the music and then found himself staring at a girl with green hair sitting at a piano as her fingers glided over the keys. When she was done, she smirked at him.

"So, who are you supposed to be?" Daichi asked the green-haired girl who was sitting at the piano. The girl got up from her seat and introduced herself.

"Call me Leviathan. So I have to fight you?" Leviathan snorted looking at Daichi. "You look like a pathetic wimp."

Daichi was looking at the ground silently

"Oi, are you even listening to me?" Leviathan said walking forward but had to jump back as Daichi summoned his military for and tried to slash at her.

"HEY! You ruined my clothes!" Leviathan shouted as there was a tear in her vest and shirt.

"Shut up," Daichi growled. He then looked at her with a very angry and almost demented glare. "You remind me of her."

"Huh?"

"You remind me too much of my sister. Henshin!" Daichi said as he transformed to Musician. "And that pisses me off more than anything else in this world!" He slammed his tuning fork onto the ground, causing his weapon to vibrate, "So, you die!" He then aimed his Cricket Fork at her, sending sound waves flowing through the air. Leviathan tried to escape but then the sound waves messed with her balance.

Musician dashed towards Leviathan and swung. Leviathan erected her blade just in time to counter his swing. She pushed the military fork away but a snap kick to her gut caused her to double over. He then slammed the butt of his weapon into her forehead, causing her body to snap backwards in pain. He then got to his knees and swung his weapon at her legs, knocking her off her feet. He then got up and pinned her down with the sharp tip of his weapon pointed at her throat.

"You're finished!" declared Musician as he thrust down, only for her to vanish into a cloud of gold butterflies and replaced by a demonically designed stake. The Stake of Envy flew into the air and hovered in front of Musician before it zoomed at his head. He dodged by moving aside but the Stake turned around, aimed at his heart. He saw her coming and slammed his Cricket Fork onto the ground before thrusting it forward, sending a sound wave at Leviathan's path. The Stake of Envy wobbled in the air before reverting to the human form of Leviathan. Smirking, Musician concentrated and fired a ball of sonic energy at Leviathan. The green-haired girl saw the ball and barely avoided it as she jumped over it. It sailed past and hit the wall, destroying several of the instruments on display.

Musician growled and then spun around, aiming his Cricket Fork at her. He sent another sound blast flying at the green-haired girl.

"Woah!" Leviathan yelled as she dodged a sound blast. Musician rushed forward and started thrusting his weapon at Leviathan not giving her a chance to counter-attack.

She jumped up and changed into her stake form. 'Now let's see how you like it,' she mentally sneered and zipped towards Musician who was force to dodge. She then began to move faster, starting to hit his arms and legs.

Musician ignored the pain. 'Wait for it,' Musician thought. He then saw Leviathan heading straight towards him 'NOW!' He then sent out a powerful sound blast at her making the Stake of Envy crack.

'AHH!' Leviathan mentally shrieked. She teleported and came back in her human for. Musician seeing this rushed forward and stabbed her through the gut mercilessly.

"Damnit..." Leviathan grunted coughing a bit of blood. She then broke apart into golden butterflies.

Musician hefted his Cricket Fork on his shoulder and then turned to leave, only to fall head first into a black hole which had suddenly appeared.

The figurine of Leviathan shattered and as the pieces lay in its space, Musician's figurine slid over and took over the now empty space.

"Oh my," Virgilia uttered in surprise

"Beatrice, are you sure your 7 Stakes are supposed to be strong?" teased Lambdadelta.

"Strong, but not invincible," Beatrice responded. "As powerful as they are they are still flesh and blood."

"And if you can hurt it, it can be killed," Bernkastel added.

Chiaki was back at the forest he called home. However, something was out of place. Looking up, he saw a girl with long brown hair waving at him sitting on a tree branch. "Who are you?" he asked.

The girl jumped off the branch she was sitting on and introduced herself, "Call me Mammon! Mammon of Greed!"

"Mammon?" Chiaki repeated as he looked at the girl oddly.

"So before we begin do you have anything valuable on you? I can spare you if you do," Mammon said to Chiaki.

"Sorry... all I have are my drawings and I haven't even cashed in my check yet," Chiaki slightly joked at the last bit.

"Hmm, pity," Mammon said as both prepared to fight. She summoned her blade of light as Chiaki summoned his armor.

"Henshin," called Chiaki. His armor formed over him in the form of a layer earth that enveloped him before it shattered. He clenched his fists and got into a stance.

"Here I come!" Mammon shouted as she lunged at him, swinging her blade of light at him. Slasher didn't move to dodge but instead grabbed her weapon-wielding arm and in both hands and then tossed her to the ground hard. Mammon groaned as she got back up. She tried to stab at him but his hands glowed and turned into chainsaws. He parried the blow with his own weapon and then kicked out with his leg. She jumped back, dodging the attack. Her eyes sparkled as she saw the armor and chainsaws. Kamen Riders looked so cool.

"Hey, how about you give me those awesome chainsaws?" Mammon asked, "And maybe add in that armor of yours?"

"Sorry, I'm using them. However, when this is over I would like to draw a portrait of you," Slasher said.

"I'm flattered," Mammon remarked.

Slasher revved his chainsaws and began slashing at Mammon who twisted and turned from each attack. Trees were sawed down by Slasher as he missed his opponent. She kicked Slasher at the side making him stumble a bit. Slasher made his chainsaw disappear and threw a punch

Mammon shot up to avoid the swing, but not fast enough which allowed Slasher to strike her left leg. Mammon grimaced in pain and then kicked him in the chin with her unhurt foot.

"Ugh!" Slasher grunted but he ignored that as he gathered energy in his fist. "Soldier Punch!" he bellowed as he threw the punch at her stomach.

She screeched as she was pushed backward by the force of the attack before crashing violently into the tree. She crumpled down at the base of the tree, looking up at Slasher who was staring down at her. Mammon's body hurt all over and she felt like her ribs were broken.

"I…give up," she let out, and like her sisters before her burst into golden butterflies.

Slasher relaxed but then he shouted out as a black hole formed behind him and sucked him inside.

The figurine that represented Mammon shattered and Slasher's figurine took its space.

'Thank goodness…' Warren let out a sigh of relief. So far they were in the clear.

"And another Stake bites the dust," Topper chuckled.

"Angel Mort? What am I doing here?" Yokoshima asked himself as he looked in front him. There was the Angel Mort building and the lights were on. "Maybe I'm still dreaming." He grinned. "Who cares? Cute ladies in skimpy uniforms are in there waiting to serve me!" Without wasting time, he went and entered the restaurant. However, he noticed that it was empty. There were no customers or waitresses. "Hello? Anybody here? Hello…? Geez, and I saw that the lights were on."

He suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder and whirled around in fright, "Argh!"

"Hi!" greeted a blonde girl with red eyes.

"So who are you suppose to be?" Yokoshima asked. He looked her over. 'Nice outfit, and nice legs, and she looks really cute,' he appraised her mentally.

"Asmodeus," she answered and sighed in disappointment.

"What's with you?" Yokoshima asked her.

"I wanted to meet Showa, or Slasher or maybe even Zero. If I meet them I would know if they were the ones for me," she replied, upset that she wasn't fighting one of the Riders of her choice.

'What, am I? Chopped liver?' Yokoshima thought annoyed. "So, why am I here?"

"Oh, we're here to fight," said Asmodeus bluntly, "So, let's fight!"

There was a poof on Yokoshima's right shoulder and a miniature version of him wearing a devil suit stood there. "Flirt with her," the devilish mini-Yokoshima encouraged. "What have you got to lose?"

There was another poof on his left shoulder and another miniature version him wearing an angel outfit said, "I agree with that guy. She's cute and single and desperate. Don't be a chicken." The devil and angel mini-Yokoshimas then vanished.

"Hey, before we fight, can I ask a quick question?" Yokoshima asked as Asmodeus produced a blade of light.

It wasn't a request. Asmodeus could feel a strange sense of authority radiating from him. Not fully understanding why she responded, "OK, and what is it?"

"If I defeat you, can we go on a date?" Yokoshima asked.

"WHAT?" Asmodeus exclaimed, blushing a bit at the unsuspecting request.

"Please answer the question," he requested.

Blushing a bit, Asmodeus answered, "Maybe... but only if you win!"

"Heh, that's all I needed to know. Henshin!" After his armor formed, Armadillo smirked underneath his helmet. "Let's take this outside where there's more room."

"OK!" Asmodeus nodded. Armadillo opened the door for her.

"Ladies first," he said. Cliché, but it worked a bit. Asmodeus smiled and walked out, followed by Armadillo. His eyes, however, went down past her waist. She did have a nice rear.

When they were on the street outside the restaurant, they stood facing each other. All of a sudden, Armadillo went on the attack and punched his fist forward.

Asmodeus jumped back from a punch, avoiding the blow. The Pill Bug Rider, however, could not avoid from making conversation, "So, what's a cute girl like you doing in a place like this?" It sounded cheesy, but it did have the effect of making the blonde blush cutely.

"Just to play," she answered casually as she produced a blade of light. With a swing she slashed at Armadillo but his thick armor prevented her from doing any damage.

"Ooh, I like that in a girl!" teased Armadillo. He rolled himself into a ball and rolled towards her. She jumped out of the way but he did a U-turn and rolled like a boulder towards her. Again she jumped and avoided the attack. Armadillo stopped and unrolled himself. He then produced his weapons. They were maces.

"Nice toys," she admitted.

"Thanks," nodded Armadillo. "I hate to use these on such a cute girl like you, Asmo-chan, but I really wanna win that date with you!" He then charged and swung his mace at her. Asmodeus cried out as her blade connected with the mace only to recoil. He then tackled her with his shoulder, sending her tumbling along the ground. "Hey, are you alright?"

Asmodeus spat, "Peachy." Internally, she admitted, 'Come to think of it, he is kinda cute. Maybe I should give him a chance, but first I wanna play with him some more!" She then charged at him with her blade of light flashing.

Asmodeus begin slashing at Armadillo, but he turned around and let her just slash at his back with it having no effect. He then spun around and smashed his foot which glowed with red and blue energy against her stomach. She was sent tumbling along the ground. She hurt all over and tried to stand, only to feel like her legs weighed a ton. She saw Armadillo rolling towards her and feared he was going to run her over only for him to stop and unroll himself. He offered her his hand and said, "I win, Asmo-chan. So, when do you wanna go out? When can I pick you up?"

Asmodeus blushed and answered, "I'll give you a call," before she vanished in a cloud of butterflies.

Armadillo sighed but then cried out as he was sucked into a black hole under his feet.

Oddly enough, the figurine representing Asmodeus did not shatter to pieces. It merely moved over to the edge of the board and fell over to the floor. Armadillo's figurine moved over to the empty spot.

And in the end it was 7-0 in the NEO-NUMBERS' favor.

"Interesting conclusion," Virgilia murmured.

"Meh, I thought it was a bit anticlimactic," Gaap said making Virgilia give a slight glare at the female demon.

"You're surprisingly calm, Beatrice," Warren said as he thought she would react more violently.

Smirking, Beatrice answered, "This is just one round. It's not the true end of the game. Besides, I'm not the Game Master here. I'm merely someone who's adding a bit of a twist to make things more interesting." Beatrice then brought her pipe to her lips.

The NEO-NUMBERS were all in a neat pile within the monitor room of their secret base, with Daichi at the bottom.

"GET OFF ME!" Daichi shouted angrily.

Kamen Rider Chrome: Looks like the NEO-NUMBERS have won against Beatrice's game, but it's not yet over. Beatrice has an interest in one of them. Can you guess who?