ARROGANCE CHAPTER PART 2: DRAINED

Dr. Ryuki Hasuma was walking along the corridors of the Terminal towards Warren's office. As he walked past, several low-ranked members of the organization known as ARMOR (Altered-Reality Monitoring and Operational Response) saluted and greeted him. He greeted in kind, but with a warm smile and a gentle wave. He wasn't used to being treated so formally. He preferred a casual relationship with his subordinates.

Ryuki was not a regular member of ARMOR. He was also an operative for Smart Brain Corporation, a former Teen Titan, and a member of the Justice League. Not only that, he was also a doctor whose practice was focused mainly on the treatment of animals, humans and humanoids. He was also a husband and father, married to his wife Jinx and with twins.

In ARMOR he had Level 11 security clearance, just one level beneath the Director's. He didn't really think he deserved such a high ranking since he was just a doctor, but Warren said that he couldn't see Ryuki with any rank lower.

However, Ryuki was not a simple doctor. In ARMOR he ran his own department called DORA (Department Of Rider Affairs). DORA's duty was to monitor and keep an up to date record of all the Kamen Riders in the Multiverse that were affiliated with ARMOR. Ryuki was one of those Riders but he preferred to keep his status as a Rider a secret. He was just trying to live his life as normal as possible.

In Ryuki's hand was a manila folder containing the files of the newest group Riders to join their organization; the NEO-NUMBERS.

The NEO-NUMBERS were listed as followed.

Shogo Kuso/Kamen Rider Zero (00)

Chiaki Yukinojou/Kamen Rider Slasher (II)

Hana Nekozawa/Kamen Rider Arachnea (VII)

Daichi Takashima/Kamen Rider Musician (VIII)

Yokoshima Ryuunosuke/Kamen Rider Armadillo (IX)

Michiru Misami/Kamen Rider Carmen (XI)

Shinji Banabara/Kamen Rider Showa (XIII)

Ryuki had performed a medical examination on each of the NEO-NUMBERS and had filed them, along with an observation of their abilities. They were all carefully recorded and put on record for reference. Currently, Ryuki was going to deliver his report to the Director of ARMOR.

He arrived in front of the door and gave a knock.

"Door's open Ryuki!" called a voice from the other side. "Come on in."

Ryuki pressed his hand upon the pad next to the door and it slid open for him. He entered the office to see Warren at his desk, playing on a Gameboy. "Shouldn't you be working, Director-san?" Ryuki asked with a frown on his face.

Warren responded, "Just taking a short break, Ryuki. Relax. I'll get back to work after I'm done with this level."

Ryuki sighed and adjusted his glasses. He'd changed a lot from the teenager he'd been before. His hair had been cut short and he now wore glasses. He also wore a white lab coat over his clothes, which was a red Chinese shirt with black slacks and leather shoes. His security ID was clipped to his coat and it showed his picture, along with the words Security Clearance: LV11 on it as well as Head of DORA.

Ryuki took a seat in front of Warren and put down the file folder. Warren looked away from his game to see what it was. "So, what is this?"

"The latest file update on the NEO-NUMBERS. I have here a record of their abilities, medical files, and progress reports," Ryuki explained. "So far I'm quite impressed with them. Despite being former agents of GIN-SHOCKER they are doing quite well as heroes."

"Why do you think I asked them to join?" Warren asked. "These Riders were made to be heroes."

Ryuki corrected, "Originally they were made to be weapons. What worries me is Shinji Banabara."

"Well, while he has some problems, the biggest issue I see is that he has trouble following orders," said Warren. "Of course, he's a lot like me. If he loses Rena…well, you saw how I was when I lost Rae."

"Yes, I remember," Ryuki nodded, "All I'm saying it's quite worrisome for someone like him to be in possession of the power of the Legendary Kamen Riders. He seems stable enough, but if driven too far over the edge…"

"Are you referring to BLACK 13?" Warren inquired.

"Yes," Ryuki nodded. "He's able to block out the BLACK 13 programming but it hasn't been erased. It still lives inside of him. I've interviewed the NEO-NUMBERS and they all told me what happened when BLACK 13 had originally killed them. They all referred to him as 'The Silent Shadow of Death and Destruction'. They didn't tell me more except that was when they witnessed BLACK 13's true power. Guess that's why they didn't want to tell him about his true power since he used it to kill them all. The odds were against him but alone he was able to kill the NUMBERS in a matter of seconds."

"Well, I've already got Lucy keeping a close eye on him. So, he shouldn't be too much trouble, for now. But, to be safe I'll keep a closer eye on him and have BLACK 13 labelled an Alpha Level threat."

"I suggest you check up on him as well, Director-san," said Ryuki. "Since he saved the world he might get a little cocky and try to access BLACK 13's power and ignore the consequences if he thinks he can control it. I would do it myself but I have a lot of work to do and since you look like you have time to spare…"

"Actually, I'm scheduled to check the inventory in Storeroom X later in the day, but I think I can check on how Shinichi's doing right now," said Warren. "I'll take Lucy with me too." He picked up the file folder and opened it up to skim through the contents. "Is this all?"

"Ryutaro-kun and Ryuko-chan's birthday is coming up soon and I wanted to invite you and your family over," said Ryuki. "Will you be there?"

"Wouldn't miss it. You know how much Ryuko loves playing with Alan."

"Yes, indeed," Ryuki agreed. "Ryuko-chan has taken a shine to Alan-kun."

Shinichi was washing his bike out in the lawn. Since it was a beautiful day, he thought it'd be a good time to clean his Rider machine. As he rinsed the suds off his bike, the Showa-Racer, with the garden hose, he sang, "Oh, I'm in love with a cleaver girl! She knows how to rock my world! I'm in love with a cleaver girl! She just knows how to move my world! I'm in love with a cleaver girl! She's my entire world! Oh, I'm in love with a cleaver girl! She knows how to rock my world!" It wasn't a real song, really. Just some nonsensical lyrics of a certain cleaver girl (Rena) he was in love with.

He did not notice the pair standing outside his house.

"Papa?" Lucy asked her father as she stared at the singing Shinichi, "Are you sure you did a psych evaluation on this guy?" She had on a black coat with a yellow scarf and snow cap. The back of the coat had her emblem, the omega, on the back.

"We did, Lucy, and even with all the messed up stuff he went through he was labelled as normal," Warren answered. He was wearing a black leather trench coat over black clothes.

Lucy argued, pointing out, "Papa, he's singing about a 'cleaver girl'! That's not normal!"

"Lucy, he's just showing his appreciation to the girl he loves. Don't you forget that your Uncle Ryuji's wife keeps a dozuki." Warren called out, "Hey, Shinichi!"

Shinichi looked up as he was drying his bike, "Oh, Warren-san! Welcome! Lucy, good to see you too! You're looking as pretty as ever." Lucy's eyes narrowed. She didn't like boys hitting on her but Warren placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Relax, Lucy. It was just a compliment," Warren whispered to her ear.

"I know, Papa, but I can't forget what a pervert he is," Lucy grumbled. Warren responded with a laugh,

"So, Shinichi, how have you enjoyed your break?" Warren inquired. Shinichi rolled his eyes.

"Break? I haven't had much time to relax since I've been attacked by GIN-SHOCKER soldiers and one of them smashed apart my Tou-chan's tombstone when we went to visit his grave on the anniversary of his death," Shinichi answered. "It felt more like work. I'm just glad they haven't attacked my house."

"Don't be too sure," Warren warned. "They may do that. You have to be ready for anything."

"You're right about that. Aside from the usual I've been spending time with Rena-chan and my school friends," Shinichi answered. "The NEO-NUMBERS are dealing with all Darkling and Darkloid activity too."

"Sounds good," nodded Warren.

"But I can handle anything GIN-SHOCKER throws at me," said Shinichi with a cocky grin.

Warren frowned. While confidence was good, overconfidence could cause a warrior's downfall. "Don't get cocky, Shinichi. You may face stronger opposition in the future."

"Relax, Warren-san. I saved the world once I can do it again."

'Let's hope so,' Warren thought.

Shiori, Rika and Hanyuu came out, a tray with a jug of lemonade and glasses in the older woman's hands. "Oh, we have guests," said Shiori.

"Good morning, Shiori," Warren greeted.

"Good morning, Banabara-san," Lucy greeted.

"Don't forget us, Nipah!" Rika chirped.

"Of course not, Rika, Hanyuu," smiled Warren.

"What brings you here to our home?" asked Shiori.

"Just came to check up on Shinichi," said Shinichi.

"I just tagged along for the ride," added Lucy.

"Oh, good. Lemonade?" Shiori offered.

"Don't mind if we do," Warren accepted.

As they all had lemonade, someone else decided to visit. It was the girl Shinichi had been singing about. She'd arrived on her bicycle and with a cute smile waved, "Shin-kun!"

"Oh, Rena-chan!" Shinichi smiled as he saw her.

"Your Cleaver Girl, huh?" Lucy smirked. Shinichi gave her a frown before turning to smile at his girlfriend.

"Shin-kun, want to go on a ride with me?" asked Rena.

"Sure, let me get my other bike," said Shinichi. While he usually rode his motorcycle, he also owned a bicycle. He sometimes rode it with his friends instead of his motorbike.

"Shinji, what about your motorbike?" asked Shiori.

"It'll dry," said Shinichi as he went into the garage to wheel out his bicycle. "I have a date now, Kaa-chan. I'll be back later."

"Have fun, and be careful," Shiori reminded.

"Of course, Kaa-chan," said Shinichi before he and Rena rode off.

"Those two are so cute together," Shiori said.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," said Lucy.

"You miss Kouta, don't you?" Warren asked.

"I haven't seen him for awhile, Papa. Why wouldn't I miss him?"

"Who's Kouta?" Shiori asked.

"Her boyfriend/my boyfriend," answered Warren and Lucy simultaneously. Lucy whipped out a picture of him from her wallet.

"Cute boy," stated Shiori.

"And he's all mine. Unfortunately I have to compete with his icky cousin Yuka," Lucy frowned.

"Now, Lucy," Warren chided. "He loves you very much."

"I know, but that Yuka girl always tries to steal him away. She must love the time she has to spend with him while I'm here and not there with him."

"Well, jealousy is part of love," Shiori quoted.

In Okinomiya Park, Shinichi and Rena sat on a bench together. He had his arm around her as she leaned his head against his shoulder. Children were playing and Shinichi smiled.

"What are you smiling about, Shin-kun?" Rena asked.

"I'm just thinking about how close we came to losing all this," said Shinichi. "Gebok's machine would've caused the world to fall into chaos." Rena frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I nearly lost you that day, too. When I thought you were gone, I…I…" Shinichi leaned in and kissed her forehead.

"I'm right here now, Rena-chan," Shinichi said, smiling. "And I'm not going anywhere."

"But GIN-SHOCKER is still out there and they won't stop at anything to take over this world and you're an obstacle too. They'll send more monsters to kill you," she said.

"Let them come and let them send all the monsters they want," said Shinichi confidently. "I'll beat them all, Rena-chan."

In the meta-world, Topper sat in his chair. The witches were all present as was Balance Guardian Warren. This Warren was from the 31st century and Warren at his most powerful. He too was enjoying tea. They had an extra guest, though. It was the Dimensional Witch, Yuko Ichihara.

Like Topper, she also offered her services to others for a price but she never did it out of amusement unlike him. She genuinely wished to help people and warned them beforehand of the price they would have to pay. Ronove had made cookies for everyone and the youthful and lovely Dimensional Witch enjoyed them immensely.

Topper had invited the Dimensional Witch to this tea party to observe this 'game'. Yuko just thought it was more of a live show than a game since she only came to observe and not participate in bets and wagers.

"So, this boy is a client of yours?" Yuko asked the Infernal Merchant.

"That's right, and not too long ago he saved his world," said Topper proudly. "I knew I made a good decision of going to him during his time of need."

"All you wanted was another puppet," Warren frowned.

"Puppet? No, he isn't a puppet. I'm not holding the strings here, but fate is," argued Topper.

"Yes, but who is controlling his fate, I wonder?" said Bernkastel.

"Can't we just get on with it?" whined Lambdadelta childishly. "I'm getting bored!" She popped a cookie into her mouth.

"Indeed," said Beatrice as she took a puff out of her pipe. "What will happen next to our little Rider?"

"A test of his abilities," said Topper as he stood up. "Let's open the curtain to the next chapter of his story," he announced dramatically, waving his arms about. "What happens when a powerful warrior, who's saved the world, loses the powers he's relied on for so long? Will he stand or will he fall?"

And he snapped his fingers.

Later that night, Shinichi once again went on patrol in Hinamizawa. GIN-SHOCKER wasn't his only enemy. The Darklings and Darkloids were as much as a threat as the evil organization. The only difference was that the demonic dark beings weren't as organized. However, that didn't make the dark creatures any less dangerous. They were the true source of the Hinamizawa Syndrome and Shinichi was responsible to deal with them whenever they emerged from the darkness that spawned them.

"So, are you going to fight or run?" Showa asked in a slow, almost provocative way. He had been chasing a Darkloid that looked like a humanoid drum with a huge yellow eye in front and its mouth seemed stuck with a creepy toothy grin. It had two scaly arms on the sides of its round body and greyish legs with three pronged toes on its feet.

He arched an eyebrow at the way that the Drum Darkloid seemed to shiver; yet the twisted creature smiled strangely. Showa knew that the Darkloid's thought patterns (no matter how small) right now couldn't be good. He vaguely wondered if he should be worried.

Showa got his answer as it started pounding on its own head and suddenly powerful lightning bolts, started hitting the ground.

"SHIT!" Showa shouted before rolling out of the way, but that did no good as the Drum Darkloid's eye shot a yellow beam that hit Showa on the stomach.

"Urgh!" Showa grunted, skidding backwards a bit "For a midget musical instrument, it's stronger than it looks."

The Drum Darkloid cackled as it changed its beat. Large sword-like spikes shot out of the ground.

Showa jumped over the spikes and summoned his Showa-Blade.

Showa brought down his weapon in an arc towards the Drum Darkloid. It jumped sideways, trying to avoid the Showa-Blade... but didn't make it.

"Ki!" Drum Darkloid groaned as its body was cut in half and exploded.

Showa smiled as he made his sword disappear. Dusting off his hands, he said, "Well, now that that's taken care of I should head home." As he turned to leave, he was suddenly assaulted by a punch to the face that sent him stumbling backwards. "Nagazawa!"

"Good evening, BLACK 13," the evil GIN-SHOCKER executive greeted with a sinister smile on his face. "Are you feeling well?"

"I was, right up until you showed your ugly face," Showa shot back. Nagazawa frowned.

"Funny," remarked General Nagazawa.

"What do you want?" Showa asked.

"Gebok failed to destroy you and you've gotten in the way of GIN-SHOCKER for FAR too long. You and your friends. I'm here to eliminate you," Nagazawa answered.

"I have to warn you, that I'm not the same as before," said Showa.

"Then prove it to me."

Showa did as requested and charged at Nagazawa. He threw a fist only for Nagazawa to step back and evade it. Showa continued to throw his fists at the general, only for all his hits to miss. He then did a feint before hitting Nagazawa in the gut with a kick. The GIN-SHOCKER general grunted as he doubled over, allowing Showa to hit him in the back of the neck with his elbow, knocking Nagazawa to the ground. Showa followed up with a heel kick but Nagazawa rolled out of the way. He flipped himself to his feet but then received a punch to the face that sent him stumbling several feet before he was knocked off his feet by a jump kick to the chest.

Nagazawa sat up and spat before wiping the blood off his lips. "So, you've improved," acknowledged Nagazawa.

"I've been doing some training since our last encounter," said Showa. "Now, I'm going to finish you off!"

Nagazawa laughed, and laughed loud. It was a creepy laugh that caused chills to run up Showa's spine. It was like the laughter he'd heard from his friends in his visions of those previous worlds when they had become insane because of the Hinamizawa Syndrome.

"What's so funny!" demanded Showa.

"BLACK 13, did you really think the power I have now is all I have? You're mistaken. Let me show you the power a GIN-SHOCKER executive possesses!" Nagazawa tossed off his coat as a green aura flared from his body. His skin began to turn green as he started to mutate. Shinichi watched as slowly Nagazawa's entire form became distorted. His eyes fused into one as the skin on his face started to peel off like a banana and his mouth began to reshape itself. A pair of jaws grew out from his neck, from the front and behind. The bottom jaw was under his chin while the upper jaw covered over his head like a hood. Spikes started to grow from his shoulders as his right hand burst to reveal a huge green maw and his left arm began to split into several directions before binding together. Even his legs were changing, parting and becoming roots that tied together to form his new legs with spikes sprouting out from the knees.

One word to describe this transformation: Horrendous.

Nagazawa's Cyborg Mutant form was horrifying and horrendous. The skin of his head had all pealed away revealed green skin that looked like it belonged on a plant than a human. His mouth looked like a huge sucker like a leech's with a bulbous red eye in the centre of his face. The head was held within a horizontal Venus flytrap-shaped flaps (one flap covering over his head and the other just beneath his chin). His body was covered in leafy green material and he wore the GIN-SHOCKER belt around his waist. His legs looked likes interlacing roots with spikes growing out of the kneecaps. His left arm looked like vines wrapped together while his right arm looked like a stem with a Venus flytrap in place of his right hand. On his shoulders were rather large and intimidating looking thorns that looked like they had rusted blood on the tips.

General Nagazawa had transformed into DionaeaBorg.

Showa assumed a fighting stance, shifting his weight to his knees. He then rushed towards DionaeaBorg, delivering a punch. DionaeaBorg reacted immediately, grabbing Showa's wrist and then delivering a kick to his stomach. Showa gasped for breath as the kick had knocked all the wind out of him.

He ignored the pain, and mustered up the strength to fight DionaeaBorg. Turning around back to where he came from, DionaeaBorg's Venus flytrap hand suddenly latched onto Showa's helmet and started squeezing. Grabbing the appendage with both hands, Showa ripped the hand off his helmet before delivering a kick into DionaeaBorg's chest, sending the general staggering backwards.

Showa summoned, "Weapon Ride: Showa-Blade!" Shown gripped his new weapon and began slashing at the general, making sparks fly. However, if the blows had hurt, DionaeaBorg didn't show it. His right hand bit down on Showa's shoulder and he sent greenish lighting through the Kamen Rider's body.

"GYAAH!" Showa yelled in pain. DionaeaBorg released Showa only to kick him backwards. He then sent his vines to wrap around Showa's neck

Showa struggled as the vines wrapped around his neck, lifting him off the ground. DionaeaBorg snickered at the Rider's predicament. "You acted so tough before. What happened to that strength you displayed? What happened to that confidence?" Showa tried to answer but the pressure on his throat preventing him from getting a word in edge-wise. "Well, it won't matter anymore. You've been recognized as a threat to GIN-SHOCKER and all threats must be neutralized." DionaeaBorg's sucker-like mouth opened and a tendril tipped with a suction cup slithered out. It then latched onto Showa's belt buckle. "Say goodbye to your powers, BLACK 13!"

DionaeaBorg began to siphon the energy out of Showa and the Kamen Rider screamed as he felt his power being drained. The spiritual avatars of the Showa Era Riders also appeared to be leaving his body as little by little his energy was drained until he had none length. DionaeaBorg retracted the tendril into his mouth and dropped Showa as the Rider's armor shattered, revealing the battered body of a teenage boy.

"I should kill you, but that would serve no purpose. From this day forth, you're no longer a threat, BLACK 13. Enjoy the rest of your life, maggot!" DionaeaBorg spat as he reverted to his human form of Nagazawa and then walked away.

Kamen Rider Chrome: Shinichi loses. What will happen now? How bad is it? What has happened? For these answers wait for the next chapter of this new arc.