PURGATORY CHAPTER PART 3: SOLO

"Guys, I had a really weird night yesterday," said Shinichi. He was at school with his friends. After the experience he had with the NEO-NUMBERS and the 7 Sisters of Purgatory, he quickly spoke to Rika and Hanyuu about it. There was indeed some sort of supernatural force behind the encounter. Shinichi had won against Satan and the other NEO-NUMBERS won against their respected Stakes of Purgatory, even sharing the names of all the 7 Sisters.

"Aren't all your nights weird?" Mion commented, "I mean, considering what you do…"

"This isn't the usual thing," said Shinichi. "You see, after I went home last night to sleep, me and the other NEO-NUMBERS ended up transported to this dimension where the floor looked like a giant Chessboard. Then these two people, Ronove and Gaap, told us we had to play a game." Shinichi frowned.

"What kind of game?" Satoko asked, interested.

"Each of us had to fight these girls who could fly, conjure blades of light, and turn themselves into these demonic flying stakes that zip through the air. I don't recommend getting hit. Those things are lethal," Shinichi said, "And no, it was not a dream."

"I did sense some sort of supernatural energy when Shinichi disappeared from his room that night as well," Hanyuu confirmed.

"We didn't tell Shiori-mama because we know she'd be worried," Rika added.

"I'm gonna have to tell her anyway. First thing she's gonna do is see if I'm okay and then recommend I write about it," Shinichi said, chuckling at the end.

"So, were these girls hot?" Keiichi asked.

Shinichi developed a huge perverted grin as he recalled Satan's appearance. "Oh yeah, and they wore these skintight leotards under their school girl uniforms with open skirts. Kinda like the ones the waitresses in Angel Mort wear."

"A combination of my favorite moe elements," Keiichi grinned along, developing a nosebleed.

Mion scowled and whacked Keiichi upside the head. Rena also pinched Shinichi's cheek. Shion gave Satoshi a warning look and he gulped at her scary face.

"I'm just glad it's over," Shinichi sighed, relieved.

Beatrice was watching and her grin grew, "Over? Oh no, my dear Shinichi. It's just begun."

Shinichi suddenly sneezed. "Are you alright? You're not catching a cold, are you?"

Shinichi wiped his nose with his sleeve and said, "No, I don't think so." He then grinned lecherously, "And if I was, is Nurse Rena gonna pay me a visit?"

"Hentai." Rena stuck her tongue out. He kissed her cheek.

"Yes, but I'm your hentai," he remarked with a wink. Rena blushed and began to giggle girlishly.

"During a cold night like this, we should have hot and spicy curry!" Shiori said. In front of each member of the Banabara household was a plate of rice and curry. "Itadakimasu!"

"Itadakimasu!" Shinichi, Rika and Hanyuu echoed as they dug in.

It was dinner time and the food was good. However, Shinichi was still bothered by the experience he and his fellow NEO-NUMBERS had the night before.

There was definitely another force at work aside from the Darklings, Darkloids and GIN-SHOCKER. Another force that was watching them.

'I should ask Warren-san about this,' thought Shinichi, 'Maybe he knows.' Suddenly, his twin ahoge twitched, causing him to groan.

"What's wrong, Shinji? Don't you like the food?" Shiori asked.

"The food's fine, Kaa-chan," he answered, "But you see I have to go."

Shiori sighed and said, "Just get back quickly and try not to get hurt."

"I will, Kaa-chan."

"And be careful."

Beatrice looked at Showa as he danced; well if you could call it a dance. He was actually working his way through a crowd of Darklings, switching back and forth between the three sacred treasures, taking the monsters down with great and practiced ease. It was easy considering the training Showa had to endure.

"The last game was fun," said Virgilia. "I certainly enjoyed the twist at the end."

"Thank you," Beatrice nodded, humbly accepted the praise.

"And an interesting twist it was," Topper acknowledged. He looked as Beatrice continued to admire his client. "Pondering thoughts, Dear Beatrice?" Topper asked in a rather mock endearment manner

"Actually, Dear Topper, I am..." she replied in the same tone as she snapped her fingers and reformed the figurines of the defeated Seven Stakes. She placed each of them surrounding the figurine representing Showa. She spoke, "Another twist. I'm curious to see how he would handle dealing with each of the Stakes, one after the other."

"Why don't we make it more interesting and have him fight all of them at once?" Topper responded as he realigned the Stakes to stand opposite Showa.

"Are you sure he can handle this, Warren?" Libra asked while looking at Warren. "It hardly seems fair."

"Indeed, it doesn't, but I want to see Topper's piece against such odds," said Beatrice. "I wonder if he can provide more entertainment for me." Beatrice laughed.

It took a few moments of pondering. "Fine, just give him some time to rest before you have him challenged," Warren decided

"As you wish, Balance Guardian," said Topper as he removed his hat and took out a small plastic bag. "For one week he won't have to fight." Topper placed the bag over the Showa piece.

One week later, Shinichi was in the NEO-NUMBERS' underground base (the basement of Irie Clinic) doing some training with the NEO-NUMBERS. A training gym was built for them. All 7 NEO-NUMBERS were present and Dr. Irie was monitoring them. Chiaki was sitting at the weight machine while pumping weights, Yokoshima was on the rowing machine, Hana and Michiru were jumping ropes, Daichi was working on the punching bag and finally Shogo and Shinichi were sparring.

Dr. Irie felt good about working with the NEO-NUMBERS and ARMOR. He never really liked working with TOKYO, considering what Miyo Takano had done and planned. He and Tomitaki had quit the organization to pursue their own goals. While the funding on the Hinamizawa Syndrome research had gone dry, a mysterious benefactor provided Dr. Irie the funds to continue his research. Frankly, he was glad for the help. When Warren finally revealed that he had helped to fund Dr. Irie's research, the young doctor was ecstatic.

Dr. Irie was responsible for keeping medical records on the NEO-NUMBERS, both mental and physical. He may not be a psychologist, but he did study the field of mental health. He knew a few things about the NEO-NUMBERS already, with his first patient among them being Shinichi.

The NEO-NUMBERS were at top physical condition. As explained by Kentaros Magi who was one of the scientists who worked on the NUMBERS project, each of the NUMBERS had been genetically and cybernetically enhanced. However, side effects like Chiaki's damaged voice box and Hana's 'condition' were the consequences of such treatment.

Warren's Thunderbolts had rescued Dr. Magi from GIN-SHOCKER and now the good doctor was working for ARMOR to help take GIN-SHOCKER down. He knew many of GIN-SHOCKER's secrets and the one responsible in designing the NEO-NUMBERS' machines (their vehicles). Yokoshima even looked up to the man as his own father, considering Magi was one of the nice ones who'd just been tricked and forced into working for GIN-SHOCKER.

Dr. Irie watched as Shinichi's wrist was caught by Shogo who then elbowed Shinichi in the gut, only for Shinichi to catch his comrade's elbow. Shinichi smiled at Shogo, who returned the gesture, before the two broke apart and bowed at each other.

"That sure worked up a sweat," said Shinichi. They all wore white t-shirts with their designated numbers and black track pants. Yokoshima really wanted to see Hana and Michiru in bloomers, which he'd mentioned quite vocally.

"Indeed, it did," agreed Shogo. "Your fighting skills have not gotten rusty."

"Considering I have to fight monsters almost every night, I get a lot of practice," Shinichi replied.

"Just remember that you're not alone, comrade," reminded Shogo.

"Right," Shinichi agreed. However, the sudden appearance of a black hole under his feet suddenly caused a panic as he was sucked inside before it vanished.

The NEO-NUMBERS and Dr. Irie yelled out when they saw this happening.

"Not again…" Shinichi found himself standing alone on the giant Chessboard. A moment ago he'd been training with his fellow NEO-NUMBERS when a black hole suddenly appeared and brought him here. What'd happened awhile back had happened again. He looked around for his comrades while calling out their names, "Daichi! Michiru! Yokoshima! Chiaki! Shogo! Hana! Doc Irie! Where are you guys?"

"Oh, they're safe," a disembodied female voice answered.

"Who's there?" Showa demanded.

"You may call me the Golden Witch."

"Golden Witch?" Showa repeated.

"That's right, I am the Golden Witch, also known as the Endless Witch," the Golden Witch informed him. "Now, Kamen Rider Showa," the voice of the Golden Witch announced, "I have brought you here to play a little game."

"What kind of game?" Shinichi asked as his belt formed. He was ready to transform if things turned foul.

"Oh, just a theory I wanted to see being tested," the Golden Witch answered. "I wish to see how you fair against the 7 Stakes of Purgatory on your own!"

The 7 Sisters of Purgatory appeared, one by one, as golden butterflies marked their appearances. They floated in front of him, all laughing.

"Wow, he's cute!" Asmodeus smiled. She was, however, thinking of Yokoshima as well.

"So, are you going to play with us?" Beelzebub asked.

"It's payback time!" Satan declared, eyes glaring venomously at Shinichi. She had not forgotten how he'd defeated her before.

"Or, you could give us something nice and we'll leave you alone," said Mammon.

"All of you just shut up!" snapped Lucifer. "It's time to fight, not for idle chit-chat!"

"Now, Onee-sama," said Leviathan calmly, "We're just having fun."

"Lighten up," added Belphegor.

"Fine, but remember our orders," Lucifer reminded.

Shinichi's eyes narrowed. Knowing how powerful these 7 Stakes of Purgatory were since he'd fought Satan, fighting them in human form simply wasn't going to cut it.

The 7 Sisters produced their blades of violet light, ready to fight. With their superior numbers they felt they could defeat Shinichi. They then charged at him and he dodged their attacks as they swung at him with their blades. He maneuvered around them, not allowing them to strike as he made some distance between himself and the seven girls.

"If that's how it is, then I'll simply defeat all of you!" Shinichi shouted, "Henshin!" Jigsaw puzzle pieces enveloped him to form his armor and as the green eyes of his helmet flashed, he announced, "Let's Ride: Showa! Weapon Ride: Showa-Blade!" Showa produced his own weapon.

The 7 Sisters of Purgatory rushed at him, striking with their blades. He parried them as best he could, but a few of them managed to penetrate his defenses. He grunted in pain as sparks flashed from his armor where their attacks struck.

"Take this!" Satan shouted, aiming her blade at Showa as she stabbed forward. He, however, grabbed her by the wrist and tossed her into Lucifer.

"Get off me!" Lucifer snapped angrily. She pushed Satan off her but then received a foot in the gut that made her double over in pain.

Beelzebub and Asmodeus attacked together but Showa parried their blades and then drove Asmodeus backwards with a punch and Beelzebub with a kick.

"Time for a change of clothes!" Showa announced. "Let's Ride: ZX!" His armor changed into the form of the 10th Showa Era Rider, Kamen Rider ZX. Seeing Mammon, Leviathan and Belphegor charging at him, Showa removed the bombs that were his kneepads and hurled them at the three sisters. When they fell at the sisters' feet, the bombs exploded sending them flying.

Satan again was on the attack and Showa leapt backwards. He produced a weighted chain and threw it at her. She raised her arm and the chain wrapped around her blade. However, that was a bad move as an electrical current flowed through the chain and into her. She cried out in pain.

Lucifer ordered, "Sisters, assume your true forms!" She was the first to transform into her stake form followed by the rest of her sisters. They then darted towards Showa. Showa's eyes widened as they stabbed into his body from all directions.

However, a victory party would have to wait for the 7 Stakes. In a puff of smoke, Showa was replaced by a wooden log. The 7 Stakes resumed human form, looking confused. Satan and Lucifer became angered at the deception.

"Where did he go?" Asmodeus asked.

"Right here!" Showa said as he tossed off a sheet of cloth that resembled the floor and jumped out from a hole. He was in his ninja-like Kage Form. "I fooled you, didn't I?" he said, snickering. "Now, ladies, do you still want to fight me?"

"Get him!" ordered Lucifer. The 7 Sisters assumed stake form and darted at him. Showa smirked and grabbed the Dai-Shuriken off his back and gripped it tightly. When the 7 Stakes came at him, he used the Dai-Shuriken as a shield by spinning it around in front of him. They all bounced off the make-shift shield.

"Zennin, let's go," said Showa. He felt Zennin's presence as the power of the Kage no Hoshi flowed through his form. He then charged at the recovering Stakes who'd resumed human form. They attacked with their blades but recoiled when hitting the Dai-Shuriken. When Lucifer attacked him, he suddenly multiplied as several Showa clones surrounded him. She hit one of the clones which disappeared in a puff of smoke. Showa then struck her in the face with his fist, sending her tumbling backwards.

"Damn you…" Lucifer cursed, a hand on her bleeding nose. She hated being humiliated like this.

"He's tough!" whined Leviathan.

"Shut up and keep fighting!"

Showa saw the 7 Stakes preparing to attack again. He banished his clones and then in a tornado of wind, fire and lightning changed into Oni Form. In his hand was a kanabo.

"Alright, Gokuaku! It's time to bring down the thunder!" Showa called out. He whirled around, holding out the Oni Kanabo and then leapt high into the air. As he came down to the ground, he slammed his kanabo down onto the floor with a loud and thunderous crash. That was Gokuaku's strength. On impact, bolts of lightning flew in all directions. They would've struck the 7 Stakes if they hadn't dodged.

"I'm getting scared now!" admitted a whimpering Asmodeus.

"No wonder he beat you," Mammon said to Satan who gritted her teeth in anger.

"Watch out!" shouted Leviathan as Showa fired a flamethrower at them from his mouthplate. The stream of flames travelled through the air and was about to burn them if they hadn't avoided it. They could still feel the flames. Showa's mouthplate smoked as he snorted out a few embers.

"Does anyone think this was a bad idea?" asked Belphegor in worry.

Showa then attacked again, but this time he conjured typhoon force winds that carried the seven screaming girls into the air. He then conjured a tornado that spun the girls around and around in the air. When he dismissed the tornado, they fell to the floor, dizzy.

"Had enough?" Showa asked as he hefted his kanabo on his shoulder.

Lucifer rose shakily to her feet. The others were down for the count but not her. "No way," she denied. Her pride would not let her surrender.

Showa sighed and his kanabo was replaced by the Higurashi no Yaiba. His armor then changed into Higurashi Form. "This one strike will end this game," he said in finality.

Lucifer roared and rushed at him, glowing blade appearing. She swung when she came in range and he raised his blade to counter. The two blades connected but hers shattered to pieces. Lucifer's eyes widened in shock and then she collapsed when Showa's fist dug into her stomach.

As she collapsed, she disappeared in the form of golden butterflies, followed by the rest of her sisters.

Showa commented, "When will I ever get a normal life?" He shrugged, adding, "Probably never." He then announced, "Game Over!"

"Indeed, it is," the Golden Witch agreed as her voice was heard. "You have done what many have failed to do before, and that is defeat my 7 Stakes of Purgatory."

"OK, Golden Witch," Showa replied, "I've played your game, now send me home!"

"Very well. My friend Gaap will send you back."

A black hole appeared under Showa's feet and he braced himself for his return home.

In the meta-world, Showa's victory was being discussed.

"Looks like your 'furniture' is stronger than mine," Beatrice said to Topper.

"He's a client," Topper corrected, "But I can't take all the credit. Thank GIN-SHOCKER and Gebok for producing such a powerful warrior."

"They may have done so, but not for good intentions," Warren argued, "They were trying to turn him into a weapon."

"And he was also stripped of his humanity, emotions and conscience for those years while being held captive by GIN-SHOCKER," added Libra as he agreed with Warren's statement.

"Well, you can't argue with the results," Topper shot back, "Because you not only have one weapon, but seven with all of them defecting from GIN-SHOCKER."

"He's a person, not a weapon," Warren countered.

"Then why all the restrictions? You said it yourself that if he ever got out of line you'd have him locked up," Topper rebutted.

"Shinichi has a lot of power that can't be left unchecked, and most of all he needs discipline and learn how to work on a team and with his team," Warren debated, "I'm just setting ground rules. His world is still his jurisdiction but when he's on an assignment with me, I'm in charge."

"Unfortunately, the boy often acts alone. He prefers working alone," Topper stated.

"That can be changed," Warren said firmly.

"Want to make a bet?" Topper challenged.

Kamen Rider Chrome: And so Shinichi survives a fight with ALL 7 Stakes of Purgatory. Talk about high stakes (pun intended). So, what else? You'll see soon enough, my friends.