ARROGANCE CHAPTER PART 4: BERSERKER

At school Shinichi was absent. All his friends crowded together at Rena's desk with a newspaper laid out. The story of Shinichi's selfless act of heroism was on the first page. It was even the talk of the village. There was nobody who didn't know about what he'd done. Even Mion's grandmother was starting to see the boy in a new light, but the stubborn old woman would not show it.

"It was on TV too," said Mion. That was how people first found out about it before the story was put on the newspaper two days after the indicent.

"Didn't he say he wanted to be normal?" Keiichi asked, recalling Shinichi's desire.

"He did, but I don't think he was being honest with himself," stated Rika.

"Deep down, Shinichi will always be a hero," added Hanyuu. "He's starting to become like his old self now."

"Always knew Shinichi-san couldn't resist being a hero," said Satoko confidently.

"But where is he?" Satoshi asked. "Rena, do you know?"

"Warren-san wanted to see him at the Terminal," said Rena. "He said it was something important."

Shinichi was unsure of why Warren had summoned him to the Terminal. He wasn't a member anymore, nor did he have powers to be of any use to ARMOR. He couldn't contribute anything. He was just dead weight.

He followed closely behind Warren as they walked along the corridor and the Director of ARMOR spoke, "Shinichi, can you tell me why you went into that fire to save that little boy?"

Shinichi was surprised by the answer.

"Well?" Warren prompted.

"Because…because it's against my nature to ignore someone who's in trouble," Shinichi answered.

Warren stopped and turned to face Shinichi who stopped in his tracks. Warren's expression was stern with narrowed eyes and brows furrowed. He raised his hand and Shinichi flinched as he shut his eyes. He then relaxed when he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Warren smiling at him.

"Now you understand," said Warren. Shinichi blinked in confusion.

"Understand what?"

"That you don't need powers to be a hero. Even without your powers you still risked your life to save that boy. In spite of the danger present, you still went inside to rescue him. That's a hero right there," said Warren.

"Anyone would've done the same thing," Shinichi shrugged.

"True, but it was you who believed he wasn't a hero anymore," said Warren. "Shinichi, it's not the powers that make the superhero, it what the hero does with those powers that make them a superhero."

"But how can I be a superhero without powers?" asked Shinichi.

"Shinichi, some of the greatest heroes I have the honour of knowing had no superpowers," said Warren. "Let me introduce you to one of them. But first…" He pulled out Shinichi's letter of resignation, "As Director of ARMOR I officially reject your resignation." He tore the letter in half. "Sorry, Shinichi, but you're here for the long haul."

Shinichi was stunned, "But, Warren…"

"No buts, Shinichi," Warren interrupted. "Now, come on. I have someone to introduce to you. He's a good friend of mine and even though he's tough as nails sometimes he's a real great guy. He knows how to get you motivated."

They walked into a corridor with doors lining the walls. Warren reached a random door and said, "This is it." With a push it opened.

Shinichi went in with Warren and was surprised to see a boxing gym behind the door. There was a boxing ring in the centre of the room with exercise equipment all around. He saw a punching bag hanging from the ceiling and also a small kitchen area. What got his attention was the man inside the ring who was shadow boxing. He looked like he was dressed up as a big black cat with bandages wrapped around his forearms.

"Hey, Wildcat! I need to have a word with you!" Warren yelled to the cat-suited man who stopped and then looked over to see Warren. The cat-man grinned wide.

"Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. Warren Smith! It's been awhile!" said the cat-man as he jumped over the ropes of the ring and down to the matted floor. He and Warren exchanged handshakes and 'bro-hugs'. "How's life been treating you?"

"It's been okay," Warren answered.

"And what about the balls and chains?" the cat-man asked.

"Oh, they're all doing fine," Warren nodded.

"Ano, Warren-san. Who is this?" Shinichi asked.

"Hey, who's the kid?" the cat-man asked.

"His name's Shinichi," Warren answered. "Shinichi, this man here is a legend. Learnt everything I know about boxing from him. His name is Ted Grant, otherwise known as…"

"Wildcat," Wildcat said, holding his hand out. Shinichi took it and immediately regretted it as Wildcat gripped his hand firmly. Shinichi gripped back just as tightly.

Wildcat grinned as he withdrew his hand, "You got a good grip for someone so scrawny."

"Scrawny!" Shinichi snapped angrily. "Who are you calling scrawny, old man!"

"Shinichi, be more respectful," Warren chided.

"Hai, Warren-san," obeyed Shinichi.

"So, is he one of yours?" asked Wildcat.

"That's right and I want to ask you a favour," said Warren.

"OK, name it."

"I want you to go a few rounds with him," Warren stated.

"Are you kidding me? He doesn't look like he can last 5 minutes in the ring with me," huffed Wildcat.

"Don't underestimate him, Ted," said Warren. "He's tougher than he looks. I just need you to help him regain a bit of his confidence."

Shinichi was exploring the gym as the two men talked. He picked up a dumbbell and inspected it before putting it down. All the time, Warren was explaining Shinichi's situation to a veteran hero.

"So, he had powers but since they got taken from him he doesn't think he's a hero anymore," Wildcat concluded. He snorted. "That's stupid! You don't need powers to be a superhero!"

"That's what I keep telling him, but he doesn't seem to believe me. I need you to help him find that inner-strength," said Warren. "So, can you do it?" Wildcat cracked his knuckles.

"Hey, who do you think I am?" Wildcat called to Shinichi who was staring at the punching bag. "Hey, kiddo!"

"It's Shinichi," Shinichi retorted.

"Yeah, whatever. You and me, in the ring, right now."

Shinichi stared at Wildcat like he was crazy. However, he just shrugged and went over as Wildcat climbed into the ring. Shinichi climbed into the ring as well.

"Here, take these," Warren said as he tossed two pairs of boxing gloves to them. Wildcat caught his pair and immediately put them on as Shinichi caught his and fumbled with them.

Wildcat pounded his gloves fists together and said, "OK, kid. You and I are going to go a few rounds until either of us can't box no more. You okay with that."

"I am," nodded Shinichi. He gave Wildcat a bow and Wildcat bowed back, showing respect to each other.

Warren stood at a bell and hit it with a small mallet, causing it to ring. "Round 1!" Warren declared.

"Boxing?" Virgilia asked.

"Barbaric, but still a gentleman's sport," stated Topper. "So, this is how you wanted to get my client back into the hero business."

"Call it tough love," stated Warren.

Lambdadelta grinned as she watched and Beatrice was just as excited as she witnessed the sparring session.

Bernkastel winced slightly and said, "That is going to leave a mark. He's going to feel that in the morning."

"Wildcat isn't known to hold back, even during spars," said Warren.

Warren watched passively as Shinichi took a beating from Wildcat. The costumed hero was aged but he was still in good shape. If anyone could whip Shinichi back into shape, Wildcat could.

"Come on, kid!" insisted Wildcat. "This is boxing! You can only win if you throw a punch!"

"Shut up! I can do this!" Shinichi snapped.

"Does the baby need a nap?" Wildcat laughed.

Shinichi panted and wiped the sweat off his brow. He then went for a forward punch with his left and Wildcat dodged to the side, only to realise too late that it was a feint. Shinichi quickly threw a right hook that hit Wildcat in the cheek and knocked the man backwards.

It was at that moment of impact that Warren noticed something strange. He saw Shinichi's belt appear, even if it was only briefly. 'Looks like he's starting to get it. He hasn't lost his powers. He just had them misplaced somewhere inside of him.'

"Good hit, kid," said Wildcat as he rubbed his cheek. "Alright, now we're getting serious!" He pounded his fists together and took a stance. Shinichi took a stance and dodged to the side when he saw Wildcat's fist coming at him. He then threw a punch that hit Wildcat in the midsection. His belt completely formed again, the crystal shining dully but it was still there.

"How am I doing now, old timer?" Shinichi asked.

"You're doing well, for an amateur," remarked Wildcat.

Shinichi cocked en eyebrow. "Amateur? I've been doing this for awhile now."

"And I've been doing this longer. So compared to me you're still a beginner," Wildcat retorted.

Shinichi growled and jumped up, landing a kick that hit Wildcat in the forearm. When the blow hit, armor began to form on Shinichi's right leg, covering from the foot up to the knee. Warren saw this and nodded, seeing the armor was pure white. Wildcat charged and came with a right hook that Shinichi ducked under and the young Rider retaliated with a left cross that hit Wildcat across the face, causing armor to form around his left forearm. This added some power to his hit as well as Wildcat nearly toppled over. However, Wildcat was known for his stamina and recovered quickly to slam his fist right into Shinichi's chest that knocked the boy off his feet. The impact this time caused his white chest armor to form as well as a black bodysuit.

"Wow, looks like you're getting dressed up," said Wildcat as he saw the incomplete armor.

"Just getting warmed up! Now, it's time for kitty to take a catnap!" shouted Shinichi as he got to his feet and charged. He went for a roundhouse with his left leg and when Wildcat blocked it with his arm the leg armor formed. The next attack came when Shinichi struck with his right fist and as soon as his fist made contact with Wildcat's chest, the armor began to form there as well and went up his fist to stop at his elbow.

'He's getting there,' thought Warren.

Wildcat threw a fist that collided with Shinichi's face and as soon as it occurred, a white helmet with a grey mouthplate and green eyes formed. The antennae were short but there was no mistaking it.

Showa was back. However, he was not complete yet. This was his base form known as Mild Form and while the enhancements it granted its wearer were potent, it still didn't match up to Shinichi original default armor. However, Showa quickly made use of the boost as he jumped up and landed a kick into Wildcat's chest, sending the cat-suited man staggering backwards.

"Damn, that nearly made my ribs collapse," said Wildcat. "OK, kid. Let's up the ante."

"Bring it on, old cat," said Showa as he got into a stance. Wildcat was about to strike when he was stopped by the bell.

"That's enough, Wildcat," said Warren.

"Come on, Warren. I was just getting warmed up, Warren," Wildcat panted, grinning.

"Saved by the bell." Showa looked himself over. He pounded his chest and heard a metallic clang before he touched his face to feel the helmet around his head. "My armor…but how?"

"Nagazawa may have taken your powers, but he didn't take all of it," Warren stated. "It was inside you."

"I thought I lost it," Showa confessed.

"Something lost can always be found again," Warren stated. "So, how does it feel?"

"It's not as strong as before," said Showa.

"That's because this is your Mild Form. A weakened version of your Showa armor without the 13 Legendary Rider powers," Warren explained. Doctor Magi had explained how the NUMBERS' Rider armor was made. Mild Form was the base form for all their suits. "That's why it looks like that. The armor is lighter and doesn't provide much protection, but it does enhance your strength." He saw the number 13 on Showa's left shoulder.

"Then this won't be enough to beat Nagazawa," said Shinichi as he removed his helmet.

"Shinichi, I know you want to fight him but you're in no condition. He defeated you in both his human and Rider forms and he could've killed you if he wanted to. He only let you live on a whim. Listen to me clearly. Don't go after him."

"OK…" Shinichi said but it didn't sound sincere.

"Alright, how about some Tiger Tonic?" offered Wildcat as he jumped out of the ring and headed to the kitchen area. "After a spar like that it'll fill you with vim and vigour! It'll even put hair on your chest!"

As Shinichi left the ring, Warren went up to his side and whispered, "I wouldn't drink it if I were you. You need a real iron-clad stomach."

"How bad is it?" Shinichi asked.

"Not even plants like it," Warren simply answered.

Shinichi looked over to see Wildcat over a blender and putting things like bananas, tuna, hot sauce and raw eggs before closing the top and blending it. He grimaced.

"Alright, who wants Tiger Tonic?" said Wildcat as he poured the concoction into three glasses.

"That has got to be the most horrendous concoction I have ever seen," frowned Virgilia.

"That's Wildcat for you. He has his own ideas for nutrition, but it works for him," said Warren.

"I recall a certain Ifrit being the only other person who enjoyed the beverage," stated Topper.

"Are you kidding? He even put it up on his menu in his train. Only people with iron stomachs can drink that stuff and keep it down."

It was night time. Shinichi had returned hours earlier with a bad stomach ache. Not wanting to disappoint Wildcat he'd downed the entire glass of Tiger Tonic and immediately regretted it.

Shinichi sat on his bed and held up the charm Rika had given to him. It was meant to block out BLACK 13's influence on him. However, BLACK 13 had the power to beat Nagazawa. He just had to try and get into contact with his dark side again. While BLACK 13 was dangerous, he was still powerful, and Shinichi needed that power if he was going to defeat Nagazawa and protect the village.

"Sorry, Rika-chan," said Shinichi as he tossed the charm away and closed his eyes, "But this is something I gotta do." He began to slip away into unconsciousness and into his subconscious.

It was time for some close and personal time with BLACK 13.

"You're surrounded, Nagazawa!" said Zero as he and the NEO-NUMBERS stood around the general. They'd found him using their surveillance equipment. Right now they were in the forest.

"And outnumbered," added Musician who was hefting his Cricket Fork.

Nagazawa snorted, "Do you think that makes any difference against me?"

"Hey, you beat Shinichi when he was alone," said Armadillo. "Let's see you deal with us."

"Ganging up on me? How unfair," sighed Nagazawa.

"It's called strategy, and considering we're facing an executive member like you it's necessary," stated Arachnea.

"Why, I'm honoured."

"Can we just cut to the chase and go do some Kung Fu fighting already?" Carmen huffed.

"She's right," agreed Slasher. "We came to take him out, not talk."

"Well then, be my guest," Nagazawa said as he went into a stance and did a come hither motion with his hand.

The NEO-NUMBERS attacked as they swarmed him. Zero stabbed at him with his stingers but the general dodged before sending Zero flying with a palm strike. He also ducked and used a sweep kick when Slasher tried to attack him from behind. Strings of spider webbing stuck to his body and began to bind him. Looking up, he saw Arachnea coming down with her Spider Kama with Carmen joining her with her Mantis Claws. The general easily broke the bindings and slammed his fists into the two girls and sent them tumbling along the ground. A sonic blast hit him in the chest and he grunted. This was followed by another sonic blast in the stomach. He looked up to see Musician attacking him with the sound blasts. He charged towards him but then was knocked to the ground when Armadillo tackled into him. The Pill Bug Rider then grabbed Nagazawa by the legs and spun around and around before tossing him into the air. In the air, the general was vulnerable to attacks.

Zero fired a storm of needles, Arachnea sent her scythe blades slicing through the air, Carmen fired explosive flower petals and Musician fired a sonic blast. Their attacks hit and the impact caused an explosion.

"Yeah, we did it!" Armadillo cheered. However, their victory was short lived when Nagazawa dropped down from the smoke cloud. He was otherwise fine, despite the slightly tattered clothes.

"My turn," Nagazawa sneered and his left arm morphed into vines and he lashed them out at the NEO-NUMBERS, knocking them to the ground. They then wrapped around the NEO-NUMBERS and suspended them in the air.

"Let us go! Damn it!" Musician shouted as he struggled for freedom.

Nagazawa laughed, "You weaklings really think you could defeat me even when you couldn't defeat BLACK 13? I defeated BLACK 13 and crushed his spirit! What can you all possibly do?"

"We do our part," countered Zero. The vine was tight around his body and arms as he tried to break free, "And take you down on his behalf."

"And Shinichi isn't the type to give up so easily," added Armadillo.

"It's funny how you speak of him so admirably considering that he killed you all before," stated Nagazawa.

"Hey, I'm still mad at him about that, but I hate GIN-SHOCKER more for what they did to us," said Musician angrily.

Arachnea spat acid at Nagazawa's face but he leaned his head to the side which caused her to miss. "You're going first," said Nagazawa. He opened his mouth and the tendril with the suction cup he'd used on Showa slithered out.

"Ew! Gross!" Carmen grimaced. The tendril shot straight towards Arachnea and stuck to her belt buckle. Arachnea began to scream. "Hana! HANA!"

Arachnea screamed and her armor just vanished from her before Nagazawa dropped her like a sack of potatoes.

"Delicious." Grinning, Nagazawa asked, "Alright, who's next on my menu?"

The grassy field in Shinichi's mind was dark. It was of course a reflection of his mind right now. He was going to have to face him in order to get his powers back, or in this case borrow those powers.

He walked and found a cave. When he entered the torches lining the walls on the cave burst to life. Cautiously, he went deeper and deeper into the cave to find who he was looking for.

In the largest chamber within the cave he found his target. Sitting in the centre of the chamber in a meditative pose was none other than Kuro Juusan, his dark side. While Kuro Juusan resembled Shinichi in every way, he had darker hair and personality-wise was Shinichi's opposite. He also wore the uniform of GIN-SHOCKER. He was wearing a black jacket with the GIN-SHOCKER emblem on his back and black pants with black boots and gloves. Shinichi hated the sight of the clothing but decided to focus on more important matters, namely the reason he came to see his darker half.

"So, you finally came to visit," said Kuro Juusan as he opened his eyes, revealing red irises. "I thought you didn't want anything to do with. I thought you wanted a normal life."

"I wasn't able to find the other Riders," said Shinichi.

"Because Nagazawa sucked them away," Kuro Juusan concluded.

"Yes. This is why I can't access the full power of my armor. However, with your help I…" Shinichi began.

Kuro Juusan laughed, "My help? You need my help? Why should I help you, the one who casually tossed me away?"

Shinichi clenched his fists and said, "Look, I'm sorry I rejected you and I'm sorry I couldn't accept you as you are, but think about what you represent." Kuro Juusan didn't offer a retort so Shinichi continued, "However, you were also the one to give me the drive to fight and give me a purpose to fight."

"I just love to fight," remarked Kuro Juusan.

"Exactly. So, let us fight, together," said Shinichi, offering his hand. "I just need you to lend me your powers, Kuro Juusan."

"Shinji," said Kuro Juusan, using Shinichi's real name. "Using my powers without a balance could be dangerous," he warned. He was referring to the powers Nagazawa had stripped from them.

"For the sake of my friends, my family and home, I'm willing to take the chance," Shinichi said firmly.

"Don't say I didn't warn you." BLACK 13 extended his hand and placed it on Shinichi's chest. He warned, "This might hurt…a lot."

Shinichi let loose a scream.

Shinichi let loose a scream and rolled out of bed, hitting the floor with a thud.

"Itai…" he groaned. The door opened and Hanyuu entered. Seeing him on the floor, the lavender-haired girl rushed to his side.

"Shinichi, are you okay?" Hanyuu asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Shinichi said. "Just had a…bad dream."

Hanyuu nodded but then stiffened.

"Hanyuu?"

"Chiaki-san is in danger!" Hanyuu said.

Shinichi's eyes narrowed. He could sense a familiar presence as well. 'Nagazawa, and the others too. They're facing him and are getting badly beaten.' He said to Hanyuu, "Stay here, Hanyuu-chan. I'm gonna go check on Chiaki." He ran out the door.

"Shinichi, wait!" Hanyuu cried out. She then found the charm Rika had made him on the floor and gasped. She picked it up and realised what was happening. "Oh…no…this is bad! Au! Rika! Rika!"

When Shinichi arrived at the forest, he saw the NEO-NUMBERS sprawled on the ground, injured and in human form. Standing not too far was Nagazawa.

"What have you done to them?" Shinichi demanded.

"Oh, I did to them what I did to you," Nagazawa answered. "After this I'll be taking them back to GIN-SHOCKER to have them reconverted into loyal soldiers."

"You mean puppets," Shinichi corrected.

"Puppets don't rebel," Nagazawa countered.

"They were once puppets, but they found the courage to cut their strings," Shinichi argued, "Just like me."

"Yes, but they never found that courage until they found you," Nagazawa sneered. "If you didn't exist then they wouldn't be in this mess."

Shinichi ignored Nagazawa's last statement and knelt down in front of Daichi. "Are you okay?"

"Just taking a break, that's all," said Daichi defiantly. "Just give me a few minutes and I'll be back to kick ass condition."

"Just rest, Daichi," Shinichi said. "This time it's personal." He stood up straight, facing Nagazawa and fixing an intense gaze upon the GIN-SHOCKER general.

"What do you think you're doing?" Nagazawa questioned. "Do you seriously think you can fight me? You're powerless now. I sapped you of your powers if you've forgotten."

"Yes, you have, but there's one power you forget to suck from me." A belt formed around Shinichi's belt, surprising Nagazawa.

"What…?"

The crystal in the buckle was black with 'XIII' inside in red. "This is my true power. The power I was given originally by Gebok. The power that earned me the name BLACK 13!" All the NEO-NUMBERS looked at Shinichi in shock. Was he going to do what they thought he was going to do? "Henshin! Let's Ride…BLACK 13!"

"Shinichi!" Yokoshima cried out.

"STOP!" Michiru screamed. They did not want the terror of BLACK 13 to return.

Shinichi stood straight with his fists clenched as the dark jigsaw pieces converged and covered his body, forming the black suit of armor that marked him as BLACK 13. He clenched his fists and got into a stance. This time Shinichi was in full control of this form.

"Hyah!" BLACK 13 charged at Nagazawa and threw a punch at the general, only for Nagazawa to catch it.

"Weak," sneered Nagazawa before he kneed BLACK 13 in the gut, causing the Rider to double over in pain. He was then flipped onto his back. Nagazawa brought his leg down to crush BLACK 13 only for the black Rider to roll out of the way. A crater formed on impact. "Do you think that your powers are enough, BLACK 13? I stole most of them away from you already. I took the power of the Legendary Riders from you, remember?"

"You may have taken them from me, but I am going to take them back!" BLACK 13 swore as he glared at Nagazawa. His head was throbbing, his pulse was becoming rapid and his heartbeat was starting to accelerate. He started to feel adrenaline being pumped into his system. With a shout he charged at Nagazawa and jumped up to kick him only to be repelled by a powerful palm strike that sent him flying and crashing into a tree, breaking it in half and shattering BLACK 13's armor.

"Shinichi!" Yokoshima cried out.

"As I've said before: weak," spat Nagazawa. "You're useless, BLACK 13. I might as well kill you now."

Shinichi pushed himself onto his hands and knees and began to growl. He pushed himself up onto his knees and started to rise to his feet. His shoulders heaved as he panted, eyes narrowed as he glared straight at Nagazawa.

"You…DIE!" Shinichi shouted as his belt glowed, crackling with black and red energy.

Shinichi spread his arms out to the sides and unleashed a roar as the crystal in his belt buckle unleashed black and red lightning before black jigsaw puzzle pieces converged onto his body to form his armor. Blades of red energy came out of his body before retracting.

Nagazawa stepped back a step as his eye looked Showa over. His armor was entirely black with crimson highlights and XIII etched on his left shoulder in red while a red scarf hung from his neck. His helmet remained the same but with sharp crimson eyes and grey mouthplate that looked like sharp insect mandibles. On his back was a pack that resembled a wingless cicada with crimson eyes. He also had red spikes coming out from his knees, shoulders and elbows.

This was Black Showa and he'd just activated another one of BLACK 13's powers.

He'd entered Berserker Mode.

"Interesting," stated Nagazawa. With a wave of his hand he summoned a small army of GIN-SHOCKER soldiers to gauge this new Showa's abilities. "Take him down," he ordered.

Black Showa threw his head backwards and unleashed a roar as red energy came out from his fingertips, forming claws. The GIN-SHOCKER soldiers present with Nagazawa reacted instantly and attacked, charging towards Black Showa. The black-clad Rider was not concerned by their attack but instead roared as he struck back at them. His claws ripped into them, killing them on the spot. He knocked one into a tree, breaking his neck as the soldier was hit by the powerful punch. A few tried to restrain, only to receive injury as spikes of energy stabbed into them and threw them off the Rider. With a roar Black Showa unleashed a pair of curved energy blades from his forearms, retracting his energy claws at the same time and started to slash at the soldiers. They exploded as they were cut right through by Black Showa.

Nagazawa admired the slaughter with a critical eye. He'd read the earlier reports of BLACK 13 but he had not believed them. He'd suspected them to be fabrications and exaggerations made by Gebok to promote his creation. However, now Nagazawa believed those reports more than anything because he was seeing it for himself.

BLACK 13 was originally made to be a living weapon and not just any weapon. He was meant to be a berserker and right now he was showing it.

"So, you finally grew some fangs, eh, boy?" Nagazawa asked Black Showa who said nothing as he glared at the general. "And you're baring those fangs at me, aren't you?" Black Showa growled in response. "I see." Nagazawa cracked his knuckles as he popped his neck from side to side. "Well then, shall we get started?" asked Nagazawa as he began to mutate into his Cyborg Mutant form known as DionaeaBorg, stepping over the defeated NEO-NUMBERS in order to close the distance between himself and Black Showa. All of a sudden, Black Showa vanished from sight and DionaeaBorg's head was sliced off his shoulders. Black Showa reappeared and smashed DionaeaBorg's head under his foot.

"He did it!" said Yokoshima.

"No…that was too easy," said Daichi.

Indeed it was, because DionaeaBorg's entire head began to regenerate from between his shoulders. He leered at Showa and said, "You're fast, but even if you rip me to shreds I'll always grow back, just like a weed."

Black Showa recognised DionaeaBorg as a threat and charged with a loud roar. He retracted the forearm blades and thin energy blades came out from his wrists, each a foot long. He lunged and stabbed one blade forward at DionaeaBorg with a punch. DionaeaBorg let loose his vines at Black Showa but the berserker Rider just sliced the vines to ribbons with his other blade before impaling DionaeaBorg with the first blade. DionaeaBorg grunted as Black Showa snarled in his face. The wrist blade inside him retracted and then the energy claws came out. He planted his hand into DionaeaBorg and the general screamed as Black Showa dug inside and grabbed hold of something. He then ripped it out of DionaeaBorg. Blood splattered all over Black Showa and DionaeaBorg as the mutated general stumbled backwards.

"No…give that back!" DionaeaBorg shouted.

Inside Black Showa's hand was a black pod that was beating and glowing with multicolored light from within. That pod was where DionaeaBorg kept the powers he'd drained from his victims. "My…powers…" DionaeaBorg struggled to say only for Black Showa to toss it to the ground, smashing it under his foot. The power inside the pod flew out in the form of coloured energy streams that returned to their owners. Black Showa received his first as it flowed into his belt and the other streams re-entered the NEO-NUMBERS' bodies.

"Alright!" Daichi said as his energy was restored. He pushed himself back to his feet. Pretty soon, the others felt energized as well. "Let's kick butt!" Daichi was stopped by Chiaki's hand on his shoulder. "Huh?"

"No," Chiaki denied, "This is his fight now."

"DIE, YOU TRASH!" DionaeaBorg screamed as he lunged forward with his Venus flytrap hand. The jaw was wide open and it clamped onto Black Showa's right arm. However, DionaeaBorg's entire right arm was torn right out of the socket as Showa pulled and then he received another cut across the chest from Showa's left wrist blade. DionaeaBorg stumbled back with his singular eyes wide with terror even as his wounds began to heal and his arm began to regenerate. The killing intent radiating from Black Showa was immense. He'd never felt terror before except in the presence of their Great Leader.

Black Showa retracted his wrist blades and claws before energy claws came out from his toes. He then kicked up with his right leg, slashing at DionaeaBorg's head from below with the toe claws. DionaeaBorg was thrown backwards. Black Showa then jumped up, the right leg raised and a curved energy blade came out from his ankle. He struck down with an axe kick that crashed down on DionaeaBorg's left shoulder, causing the blade to also become embedded inside. Using his left foot, Black Showa bounded off DionaeaBorg, the ankle blade retracting and landing on his feet.

DionaeaBorg staggered with his steps as he started to step back from Black Showa who snarled at him. Black Showa then began to ferociously slash at him with his energy claws, causing blood to spill. DionaeaBorg's body was healing his wounds but even he could only endure so much pain at once.

"Damn it!" DionaeaBorg snarled. His Venus flytrap hand opened and he fired a barrage of seed bombs at Black Showa which exploded against the berserker Rider. He let loose a roar as the bombs exploded against him. Black Showa was forced to his knees and then DionaeaBorg kicked him hard in the face, knocking him over.

"You're just trash! You're just trash!" DionaeaBorg shouted as he stomped on Black Showa. "JUST TRASH!" As his foot hit Showa again, an energy spike impaled his feet. DionaeaBorg yelled as he tripped backwards.

Black Showa spread his arms to the side and then jumped up to deliver a reverse spinning kick with an energy blade at his ankle. The attack cut DionaeaBorg's chest open, spilling blood. Nagazawa immediately regenerated though. Like a raging beast, Black Showa shot forward and grabbed DionaeaBorg's arms. With a roar he tore them out of their sockets and the general screamed as blood gushed out from the stumps. Black Showa tossed the arms away and slammed his foot into the general's head, knocking him to the ground. As his arms were starting to regenerate, DionaeaBorg scrambled away from the prowling beast before him. The killing intent was immense and the berserker fury was frightening.

What kind of monster had BLACK 13 become?

DionaeaBorg was about to stand but then cold steel laced with golden photon energy was pressed against his back. He looked over his shoulder to see Orga standing over him with her Orga Stylanzer pointed between his shoulder blades. "Don't move," she threatened.

"You're surrounded," another Rider in black and red armor appeared. His armor was demonic in design with spiked shoulders and green eyes shaped like bat wings. Black bat wings even crowned his helmet as a black cape hung from his back. His chest armor resembled black bat wings with green three green gems aligned. Despite possessing the build of an adult male, his voice was that of a twelve year old boy. His name was Dark Kiva.

"So if you want to live you better come peacefully," finished Wraith.

DionaeaBorg carefully assessed the situation. He'd lost a lot of energy, bodily fluids, and his regenerative powers were at their limits. Right now, he was facing a raging berserker (Black Showa) and three unknown variables. The best course of action would be a tactical retreat.

All of a sudden, Black Showa roared and he pushed both Wraith and Dark Kiva out of the way. He lunged at DionaeaBorg, his forearm energy blades out, and slashed at DionaeaBorg. He even went as far as attack Orga, landing a slash across her chest armor that forced her backwards.

"Nee-chan!" Dark Kiva cried out. Dark Kiva rushed forward and grabbed Black Showa by the arms to restrain him only for the berserker Rider to toss him away before knocking him to the ground with a kick. Black Showa roared as he grabbed DionaeaBorg by the neck and hauled him up. As he growled, DionaeaBorg opened his mouth and spat corrosive acid into Black Showa's face. Black Showa screamed and dropped DionaeaBorg as he started to swing about, wildly and blindly. He began to scratch at his faceplate, trying to get the acid off.

DionaeBorg completely realised that facing these unknown variables after becoming severely weakened due to his fight with BLACK 13 would be foolish. Instead, he opted to retreat. "This isn't over! I'll be back!" DionaeaBorg swore before he burrowed underground to escape capture.

"He's getting away!" Orga shouted.

Black Showa, once he recovered from DionaeaBorg's acid attack, was about to pursue his prey only to suddenly collapse onto his knees in exhaustion. His armor shattered off his as he fell face first onto the ground, unconscious.

"Man, what a mess," said Dark Kiva. "He's just as bad as I am when I let Kyuubi take over."

"Except he isn't possessed by a demon, Naruto," said Wraith. "At least not in the traditional sense. Lucy, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Papa," Orga answered.

"We better call a recovery team to pick up everyone," said Wraith. He turned to the NEO-NUMBERS, "You're all going to need medical attention," before he eyed Shinichi, "Especially him."

Kamen Rider Chrome: The first appearance of the Berserker Mode of BLACK 13. What will happen next? It will be dramatic, I can tell you that.