ENDGAME CHAPTER PART 1: BETRAYAL
Cyborg Mutants were not born, but were made in special top secret factories that belonged to the evil organization GIN-SHOCKER. They were kept hidden from the public eye and others were hidden in plain sight, posing as normal factories. No one was the wiser of these sinister plants.
BOOM!
"YAHOO!" cheered Yokoshima. "I love a good explosion in the morning!"
But those who knew of GIN-SHOCKER's factories were not hesitant in destroying them. The GIN-SHOCKER Kaijin Factory blew up and became nothing more than a ball of flames once the NEO-NUMBERS had planted the explosives. The soldiers and Cyborg Mutants who managed to survive their factory's explosion exited to confront the 6 ARMOR Riders who had destroyed it.
"Don't look now, but we have a welcoming party," warned Chiaki.
"Well then, let's join the party," grinned Daichi as he cracked his knuckles.
"NEO-NUMBERS, Henshin!" Shogo called out.
All the NEO-NUMBERS, minus Shinichi who seemed oddly absent for this mission, transformed into their Rider alter-egos. The battle soon began as both sides clashed. The NEO-NUMBERS seemed to have the upper hand against the lead Cyborg Mutant and its small army of GIN-SHOCKER soldiers.
"This is almost too easy!" Carmen laughed.
"Don't get cocky, Michiru," Hana warned.
"OK, Hana!" Carmen called back as she slashed a GIN-SHOCKER soldier across the chest.
Meanwhile, Armadillo was knocking them down in his Ball Mode as he rolled at them, Musician sent them flying with sonic blasts, Zero was striking them down with his needles and Slasher was slashing them with his chainsaws.
However, in the middle of the battle, the NEO-NUMBERS would be in for an unpleasant surprise. They heard the sound of a motorcycle headed for them and the pink Mantis Rider immediately recognized it to be the Showa-Racer.
"It's Shinichi!" Carmen shouted.
"Che, about time too! He's late!" Musician exclaimed as he knocked a GIN-SHOCKER soldier down with his Cricket Fork.
Slasher's eyes narrowed. There was something off about Showa as he stopped and dismounted from his bike. He marched towards the battle, drawing out his Showa-Blade as Armadillo approached him.
"Hey, man," said Armadillo in appreciation, "Good to see you here."
However, instead of receiving a polite greeting in return, Armadillo received a slash across the chest that caused sparks to fly off and cries to escape his throat. This shocked both NEO-NUMBERS and GIN-SHOCKER forces.
Slasher recovered quickly and charged at Showa, unleashing a series of kicks. Showa blocked the first two but was hit with the last. Showa stumbled but recovered quickly and caught Slasher off guard with a hard punch in the jaw. Zero immediately leapt in front of Showa with his stingers out and pointed at Showa.
Zero demanded, shocked, "What are you doing?"
Showa declared, "I'm doing what I was meant to do; eliminating all enemies of GIN-SHOCKER!"
Musician accused, "Traitor! I knew it! I knew we shouldn't have trusted you!"
"You're traitors too," Showa shot back. In a flash he drew out his Showa-Blaster and shot Zero in the chest, sending the Wasp Rider staggering backwards. He continued to shoot at Zero and then suddenly vanished before reappearing in front of Zero to land a series of slashes that caused the Wasp Rider to collapse. "Nothing personal, Zero, but this is who I really am."
Musician roared and fired a blast of sonic energy at Showa only for his former comrade to vanish from sight. Musician cried out in pain as sparks ripped from his chest armor as a slash ran across it and Showa reappeared before him.
"I suggest you run, if you wanna survive," said Showa.
"You…bastard…" growled Musician.
Arachnea saw reinforcements for GIN-SHOCKER's side arriving as she helped Zero up and suggested, "We're about to be outnumbered. We need to fall back." Zero agreed.
Zero ordered, "Fall back! Retreat!"
"But what about Shinichi?" asked Carmen.
"Michiru, he's on their side now!" Musician shouted as he helped her up. "We have to go now!"
As the NEO-NUMBERS fled, Armadillo cast Showa one last look before running after his comrades.
Showa laughed, "Yes, run! Run you cowards!"
Showa turned to face the GIN-SHOCKER soldiers and various Cyborg Mutants and stared at him warily with looks of confusion and contempt. Present with them was none other than Gebok.
"This is quite the surprise, BLACK 13," said Gebok, "What's the occasion?"
Showa answered, "Take me to your leader. I'm ready to join back, Daddy Gebok."
Gebok laughed jovially, clapping his hands together, "Marvelous! Fabulous! Fantastic! Welcome home, son!" He and Showa hugged which caused even more confusion for the assembled GIN-SHOCKER forces. Gebok looked at them and asked, "Well, what are you grunts waiting for? The prodigal son has returned! It's time to celebrate!"
2 WEEKS EARLIER…
"Director-san, I'm curious," said Ryuki as he and Warren exited Storeroom X with a box in the Director of ARMOR's hands.
"About what, Ryuki?" Warren asked.
"Why do you have such interest in Shinichi? I know he's a Rider and a powerful one at that but you seem to have a very strong interest in him," questioned Ryuki.
"It's because he reminds me of a young me, back when I was struggling on the line between good and evil," Warren admitted. "I had people like Cap to guide me. Shinichi needs someone like that."
Ryuki nodded in acceptance.
"However, that doesn't mean I'll let him off without punishment," said Warren. "Ryuki, do you need any help in DORA?"
"My staff has been pretty swamped with work lately," stated Ryuki. "A lot of new data needs to be organized and we're already working overtime."
"Good. I'll assign Shinichi to do some clerical work in your department. How does a month sound?" Warren asked.
"Alright, send him over. From what I've heard he's a good worker," said Ryuki.
"Also, Takada wants him to help out in the Science Dept," added Warren.
"Doesn't he already have those androids to assist him?" questioned Ryuki.
"Yes, but they went on strike so he needs help."
"Serves him right for giving them personalities and treating them badly," said Ryuki with a chuckle.
Later, Warren called Shinichi and the young Rider now stood before him. Shinichi's stance was straight with a hand to his forehead, saluting. "Sir, what is it you request of me, sir?"
Warren cocked an eyebrow. Usually Shinichi was insubordinate and rarely ever salute. He was mostly casual with Warren and the other higher-ranked members of ARMOR but now he was acting like a model and loyal soldier.
"OK, who are you and what have you done with Shinichi?" Warren asked.
Shinichi put his hand down and responded, "I guess I was just channeling BLACK 13's habit of being respectful to his superiors."
"That is going to get some used to," said Warren. "Well, anyway, good work on your last mission. You defeated one of GIN-SHOCKER's executives and saved your mother."
"Thank you, sir," Shinichi nodded.
"However," Warren added abruptly, "You disregarded your superior and failed to report to him about this." He had Takada's report on Shinichi on his desk and he'd read it. While the mission was a success, Shinichi still needed to be disciplined.
"I will accept any punishment, sir," said Shinichi, hands to his back and staring straight at Warren without fear or concern.
'This is going to take some getting used to,' thought Warren. "You'll report to DORA to do some clerical work under Dr. Ryuki Hasuma."
Ryuki led Shinichi to DORA. The Department Of Rider Affairs was within the Terminal like ARMOR.
"So, what is it that you do here, Dr. Hasuma?" Shinichi asked.
Ryuki explained, "DORA monitors and keep track of all Kamen Rider activity in the Multiverse. This is how I found you." They arrived at the door and Ryuki put his palm on the scanner pad next to the door. The entrance slid open and he said, "Welcome to DORA."
"Woah…" Shinichi said in awe. There were cubicles with people working and there was a lot of activity as the staff walked about with papers or working on hi-tech computer consoles. A lot of work was being done. Ryuki then showed Shinichi the large viewing screen that looked like several TV monitors in one as each square showed different Riders.
"This screen shows us Riders from every inch of the Multiverse," said Ryuki, "And we keep track of their activities."
"Isn't this a breach of privacy?" Shinichi asked.
"Don't worry. We only monitor their Rider activity, not civilian activity. However, once a Rider catches our eye he is recruited into ARMOR," said Ryuki reassuringly.
Shinichi pointed to himself. "Like I was?"
"Exactly," Ryuki confirmed.
"So, what do you want me to do?" Shinichi asked. Ryuki led him to a cubicle with stacks of paper.
"This will be your station. Do you know how to work a computer?"
"Of course," said Shinichi, tapping his right temple.
"Good. Now I want you edit these reports, reorganize, staple and file them alphabetically," Ryuki said. "Your time starts now. I'll be back in a few hours to see your progress."
Shinichi returned home, tired. Who knew paperwork could be so hard? He had to read each report thoroughly, edit them, staple them together, and then file them together individually. It was exhausting. He didn't think he'd have to do so much considering there were a lot of people in DORA but he was mistaken. The Multiverse was vast and Kamen Riders seemed to be borne by the minute.
He was just glad it was all over…for now…
"Tadaima…" Shinichi greeted.
"Okaeri nasai, Shinji," his mother greeted. She looked at him in concern. "You look tired. What happened?"
"Paperwork," he answered. "I had to edit, staple, organize and file reports." He dropped down on the couch with Rika and Hanyuu who were playing a videogame.
"Well, I'm sure it'll be better tomorrow," said Shiori. "You should take a bath."
"Yeah," he agreed before getting up and dragging himself up to the bathroom.
Inside, he'd stripped down and was all lathered up in soap as he sat on the bench. He heard a knock and a familiar voice at the door.
"Shin-kun."
Shinichi became red. "Rena-chan?"
The girl on the other side responded, "Does Shin-kun want Rena to wash his back?" she asked cutely.
Shinichi grinned, "Sure, come right in." He turned, expecting to see her in a towel but then saw she was wearing a bikini. It still looked good on her and he drank in her figure.
She blushed, cutely, and said, "Don't stare at me like that…"
Part of him wanted to throw her down, rip off that bikini, and have his way with her in the bathroom. However, giving his mother ideas was the last thing on his mind. Thus, subduing his hormones, he presented his back for her to wash.
'I can't believe I was able to restrain myself,' thought Shinichi in amazement as he entered his room with Rena. She had on a pink sweater, black stockings, a red beret and a mid-thigh length red skirt. She wore her cicada brooch on her sweater.
Shinichi just had on blue track pants and a white long-sleeved shirt on and the towel around his neck.
Rena sat on his bed and crossed her legs. She asked, "So, what did you do today?"
"Well, I had to do some clerical work in the Department Of Rider Affairs," he answered as he sat next to her.
"What's that like?" she asked curiously.
"Just regular office work like a salary man. Totally not my thing," he told her. He turned to look at her and then, out of the blue, she kissed him.
Seconds later he returned the kiss. A minute after that she was lying on his bed with him on top of her. He was kissing her passionately on the lips and then she moaned as he kissed her throat. His hands were all over her as she wrapped her arms around his back. His hands went under her sweater, tickling the skin underneath. Rena gasped and giggled when she felt him tickling her but was still able to keep kissing him.
His hands were on the clasp of her bra. Just a tug and it would come unclipped. Then…second base!
However, the beeping of his watch caused his plans to come to a screeching halt.
'DAMN IT!' he cursed loudly in his mind before he answered his watch. "What is it?" he asked.
"Shinichi, do you mind doing me a favor?" Warren's voice came through.
Warren and Rachel were dressed for a night on the town. They were having a romantic dinner that was also followed by dancing and a night at the theatre.
"Thank you for doing this on short notice," said Warren with a smile.
"It was no problem," said Rena as she held baby Alan. The baby was gripping the front of the girl's sweater tight in his small hands. "He's just so cute!" Rena cooed at Alan.
"Yeah, no problem," said Shinichi grumpily.
"Now, remember that his bedtime is at 8. His formula is in the fridge so all you need to do is reheat it in the microwave," explained Rachel. "Also, you need to sing him to sleep."
"It's okay, Rae," Warren said reassuringly to his wife, "They'll be fine. Alan will be fine."
Alan was reaching out to his mother and Rachel plucked him out of Rena's arms and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Alan giggled.
"My sweet little boy," said Rachel before depositing him in Rena's arms.
The Smith couple left the teens and the baby and went towards the elevator.
"I wonder why his other kids couldn't do it," grumbled Shinichi. "Oh, now I remember. They're all on assignment." He crossed his arms in annoyance.
"Oh, Shin-kun. You can get lucky next time. For now let's take good care of Alan-chan," said Rena, beaming.
Shinichi cooled down when he saw that smile and said, "OK, Rena."
It wouldn't be long before Shinichi and Rena learnt that Alan was much like his parents. He wasn't exactly a normal baby.
"GET ME DOWN!" Shinichi wailed as he was suspended in the air. Alan giggled as he floated in the air, with a finger pointed at Shinichi.
It'd only been 10 minutes since Warren and Rachel left. Alan was now demonstrating his powers. He'd demonstrated by floating out of Rena's arms and flying around. When Shinichi tried to catch him, the baby froze him and picked him up telekinetically. Now, Alan was having fun with Shinichi.
"Alan-chan, put Shin-kun down!" Rena said to the baby. Alan giggled and began to move his finger in a circle, which caused his target (Shinichi) to spin around and around.
"RENA! STOP HIM NOW!" Shinichi wailed. Alan giggled at Shinichi's plight and then began to bang Shinichi against the ceiling.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!" Shinichi grunted as his head was banged against the ceiling.
Rena finally caught Alan and cradled him in her arms. The baby gazed up at her as she spoke, "Now, be a nice baby and put Shin-kun down."
Alan seemed to understand her and stopped. This, however, caused Shinichi to plummet.
"ARGH!" Shinichi yelled as he fell to the floor.
Thud!
"Ow…" the Rider groaned.
"Shin-kun, are you okay?" Rena asked as she peered down at her boyfriend who was peeling himself off the floor.
He stood up, glared at the baby, and said, "When is he supposed to sleep?"
Rena looked to the clock. "His bed time is at 8. It's still 6:30."
"Oh…joy…" Shinichi moaned.
The next 1 hour and a half would be harrowing for Shinichi. Alan, or some reason, didn't use his powers on Rena. Shinichi was his target.
At around 7:15 Alan got hungry and cried to announce it. Rena was now holding a bottle to Alan as he suckled on it. Shinichi watched, impressed.
"Wow, you're really good," admired Shinichi.
"Thank you, Shin-kun," Rena smiled.
Shinichi was actually imagining what it would be like for Rena and him to have a baby of their own…when a rancid smell invaded his nostrils. "Oh…god…what is that smell?" He looked to Alan.
"Someone needs to be changed," said Rena.
10 minutes later, Shinichi looked rather ill.
"How much poop can a little guy make?" he muttered. While changing Alan he'd also gotten peed on, forcing him to take a quick bath and to remove his peed on shirt. He'd washed it in the sink and now it was drying. This left him only in a white t-shirt he'd worn under the perfectly alright blue long-sleeved shirt which had gotten peed on and his blue jeans.
Shinichi looked to the baby who was clutching to the front of Rena's sweater. The way he was nuzzling her breasts made him feel a bit jealous but he pushed those irrational feelings aside. Alan was just a baby with telekinetic powers and mischief.
Shinichi looked to the clock on the wall, praying or Alan's parent's return.
And finally, at around 8 o'clock, Rena sang a lullaby to Alan and put him in his crib. The baby slept soundly as he clutched his blanket.
"He looks so cute," Rena admitted as she peered down on the sleeping baby. "I wish I could take him home."
"Rena, we've talked about this," Shinichi reminded, "But you're right. The little demon does look cute." She elbowed him.
"Don't call him a demon," she warned.
"Hai, hai," he said, rubbing his side. She was strong for a girl.
When Warren returned with Rachel at around 11 pm, his wife immediately went to check on Alan. Warren congratulated the young couple, "You did good work. I should pay you."
"You already pay me," Shinichi stated. He gestured to Rena, "Her, on the other hand…"
"Right, gotcha," said Warren as he started to dig into his wallet for a few yen notes. "Oh Shinichi, don't forget that you have a top secret assignment coming up soon. I hope you're ready."
"As ready as I'll ever be," Shinichi answered.
Rena didn't know that this night would be the last she'd ever see Shinichi the same way again.
PRESENT TIME…
"He's been gone for two whole weeks now," said Keiichi as he stared at the empty seat which belonged to Shinichi.
"Has it really been that long?" Mion asked. It felt longer. After-school club activities weren't fun without Shinichi.
"Rena misses Shin-kun," the auburn-haired girl stated sadly. She really wanted to see her boyfriend. The last time she saw him was when they babysat Alan.
"You're not the only one, Rena," Rika admitted.
"Did he tell you where he was going or what he's up to?" Shion asked the Furude Shrine's heir. Rika shook her head in response.
"We've asked Warren-san and he told us that Shinichi's on a top secret assignment for ARMOR."
"And Shinichi can't contact us until it's over," added Hanyuu. "Shiori-mama misses him as well." That was true. The adult novel writer didn't seem to have much of a drive without her son. Despite her faith in her son's abilities she still missed him and worried for him. She wished he would return.
"It's almost Christmas too," commented Rena. She'd gotten Shinichi's present for him already.
"He'll be back soon," said Satoshi positively.
"You've been saying that for days, Satoshi-kun," Shion remarked.
"And I'll keep saying it," Satoshi said confidently, "Shinichi isn't the type to abandon his friends."
No sooner had he said that a ball rolled into the classroom and bumped against the back of Satoko's foot. Curious, the blonde girl picked it up. It looked like a black metal ball. "Hey, what's this?" she asked, inspecting it.
"Hey, what have you got there, Satoko-chan?" Satoshi asked.
"It just rolled into class," Satoko said. She turned it over and her eyes widened when she saw the golden hawk crest and the letters 'GS' within the crest.
"GIN-SHOCKER!" Rika exclaimed. They all knew what GIN-SHOCKER's crest looked like and when something bore the organization's logo that was never a good thing.
"Satoko! Throw it out! Throw it out!" Keiichi shouted in panic, suspecting the ball in question to be a bomb. However, before they could get the window open a thick black gas spewed from the ball and enveloped the room.
Thuds were heard as one by one the members of the Hinamizawa Gaming Club passed out. Several figures wearing gas masks entered the classroom, led by Gebok who said, "Now, be gentle. We don't want to hurt them just yet. The new High Commander will get upset if they're hurt."
"Rika-chan! Rika-chan!" Shiori called out as she shook the young girl awake. Rika's eyes slowly fluttered open. "Oh, thank goodness!" She hugged Rika in relief.
"Shiori-mama?" Rika asked, confused. "What's going on?" She looked around and saw her friends were all still unconscious. When she saw the vertical bars she knew that they were in a cell of some sort. "Where are we?"
"I don't know," Shiori answered. "The last thing I remember was preparing for dinner when all of a sudden everything went black. What happened to you?"
"GIN-SHOCKER," Rika answered. "They used knockout gas."
The others were slowly coming to. Hanyuu panicked when she felt the collar around her neck. "What is this? Au! Au!"
"Where are we? What's going on?" Rena asked, confused.
"It looks like we're in a cell," said Satoshi.
"Way to state the obvious, Satoshi-kun," Mion frowned, rolling her eyes.
Satoko frowned, saying apologetically, "I'm sorry, everyone."
"It's not your fault, Satoko-chan," Shion said, holding the blonde girl. "It's GIN-SHOCKER's doing."
Keiichi went to the front of their shared cell and shouted, grasping the bars, "Hey! Hey! Let us go!"
"Kei-chan, save your energy," Mion advised. "They aren't going to just let us go."
Footsteps were heard and the group tensed up as they saw the familiar visage of Gebok approached their cell. Flanking him was a pair of GIN-SHOCKER soldiers armed with rifles.
Gebok smiled wide and greeted, "Welcome to GIN-SHOCKER!"
Shiori demanded, without fear and a glare filled with defiance pointed at this monster of a man, "Why have you brought us here?"
Gebok answered, "You're all special guests."
Mion asked, "Guests? Guests for what?"
Gebok explained, "For the induction of the new High Commander of GIN-SHOCKER, of course! Sounds fun, right?"
Keiichi questioned, "And why would we care about something like that?"
Gebok's smile widened in a creepy way that it revealed his gleaming and white teeth. It was quite unsettling. He answered Keiichi's question, "When you see him, you'll know. He'd want his closest friends and family to be present."
Before they could question further, the cell door was opened and they were being escorted out one by one by the GIN-SHOCKER soldiers. They dared not to try anything since the soldiers were armed. Shion discovered that her tazer was gone and even if Mion's martial arts skills could get them out of this now, they would not be any good against an entire army of GIN-SHOCKER's grunts. The emerald-haired leader of the Gaming Club would have to play it cool to protect her friends and Shiori.
"Now, follow me. The great hall is not very far," said Gebok.
They were escorted up the stairs and into a huge room full of Cyborg Mutants, GIN-SHOCKER soldiers. Within the great hall was another set of stairs which led up to platform where there was a throne with a shadowy figure on it that was flanked by two guards. It was the Great Leader of GIN-SHOCKER himself. Mounted and displayed proudly above the Great Leader's throne was GIN-SHOCKER's emblem.
The great hall had reddish pillars with ornate Chinese dragons wrapped around them and the walls were covered in symbols depicting human torture. It was dark and unnerving. Hanyuu shivered at the appearance of all the monsters but Shiori's gentle touch comforted her. Satoko was sticking close to Shion and Satoshi.
"Oh and I suggest you keep your tongues in check from now on," warned Gebok. "A lot of people in this room are quite trigger-happy." Gebok relished the looks of fear on their captives' faces, even if they tried to look brave within the heart of GIN-SHOCKER.
The Great Leader's voice boomed and all attention was immediately on the organization's leader and founder. He spoke, "With power comes great responsibility, and he has proven to possess the power to deserve this responsibility. My subjects, I welcome to you my new High Commander!"
A spotlight shone upon the entrance of the great hall as a figure walked in. His footsteps were heard as he walked along the red carpet. The GIN-SHOCKER soldiers, executives and Cyborg Mutants made way for him. The Hinamizawans looked to see who it was only to be surprised when they saw his face.
"Shinichi/Shinji!" everyone shouted in surprise to see him present in GIN-SHOCKER's great hall.
"You've come to save us!" Rena exclaimed happily but Rika realized something. None of the GIN-SHOCKER members seemed shocked or outraged at his arrival. Some were actually chuckling as if someone had told a funny joke.
"Save you? What do you mean save you?" Shinichi asked making Shiori and the Gaming Club look confused.
"Well, yeah. Why else would you be here?" Keiichi stated
"You haven't told them?" Shinichi said to Gebok who shrugged in response. This confused the Hinamizawans further. Why was Shinichi talking to Gebok like they were good friends all of a sudden?
"I figured it be best if they heard it from the horse's mouth, but I gave them a good enough hint," Gebok said.
"For this group, Gebok, you need to be clearer," Shinichi remarked.
"Shinji what's going on?" Shiori said as her confusion vanished and was replaced by fear.
"Okaasan, I didn't come here to rescue you. In fact I ordered Dr. Gebok to have you brought here to witness me becoming GIN-SHOCKER's new High Commander," Shinichi said, making his friends and family's eyes widen in shock and horror.
"Shin-chan, if this is your idea of a joke, it isn't funny," said Mion, scared and angry all at once. She just couldn't believe Shinichi was betraying them.
Keiichi exclaimed, "Shinichi, tell us it isn't true!"
Rena grabbed onto Shinichi's shirt, demanding, "It's a lie, right? Right?" Her eyes met Shinichi's and she gasped at the coldness she received in return.
A GIN-SHOCKER soldier suddenly slapped Rena and knocked her to the ground. The generic soldier shouted at the girl, "Show some respect and-ARGH!"
All of a sudden he was stabbed from behind by Shinichi who was holding a sword he'd snatched from another soldier. The Hinamizawans gasped at the ruthlessness as the soldier who'd hit Rena fell to the ground. His body was then dragged out. That was punishment for touching his beloved.
"Shin…kun…?" Rena asked as Shinichi helped her up.
"Are you alright?" he asked kindly.
"Shinichi, tell us why you're doing this," demanded Shion.
Shinichi answered honestly, "My friends, I've just joined the winning side. GIN-SHOCKER will conquer the whole world."
"Members of GIN-SHOCKER!" the Great Leader's voice boomed across the hall from his throne, causing all attention to fall upon him. "It is with great honor that I award BLACK 13 this badge signifying his allegiance to GIN-SHOCKER!"
Shinichi, when his name was called, began to walk up the steps to receive his badge from the Great Leader of GIN-SHOCKER.
"This can't be happening," Shiori murmured in denial. It felt like a horrible dream.
"Aw, why the long face? Your son is about to become second-in-command to the future ruler of this world!" Gebok said excitedly
"Shut your mouth!" Shion shouted at the mad scientist who was responsible for turning Shinichi into a Kaizo Ningen in the first place.
Shinichi was walking up to the Great Leader with a dark grin on his face.
"Shinichi don't do this!" Rika shouted.
"They're the bad guys! Au!" Hanyuu said.
"Shin-kun, please..." Rena pleaded desperately, "Don't do this."
If Shinichi heard them he ignored it as he stopped in front of the Great Leader and knelt down before him with his head bowed in respect. "I am here to serve, Great Leader-sama."
"Arise, and take this badge with pride," Great Leader said as he presented an onyx badge trimmed with silver. It had a jagged XIII on it. Shinichi stood straight and accepted the badge before pinning it to his left sleeve. As soon as he did, his clothes changed. He became clad in a black leather coat that reached his knees with crimson shoulder pads. On the back of the coat was GIN-SHOCKER's emblem. Under the coat he wore a blood red turtleneck shirt with GIN-SHOCKER's emblem on his chest. He wore black pants and brown leather boots with a belt that had GIN-SHOCKER's emblem on his belt buckle. Worn on his hands were black leather gloves with XIII on the back. Over his eyes were blood red shades. His hair seemed to have turned a shade darker as well.
Shinichi then turned to face the assembled GIN-SHOCKER members as the Great Leader announced, "LET ME PRESENT TO YOU THE NEW HIGH COMMANDER OF GIN-SHOCKER! BLACK 13!" The spotlight shone upon Shinichi who smirked with pride.
The assembled GIN-SHOCKER soldiers cheered, "GLORY TO THE HIGH COMMANDER! GLORY TO THE GREAT LEADER! GLORY TO GIN-SHOCKER!"
The Gaming Club and Shiori could only watch in despair as Shinichi was cheered on. He was now one of them, one of GIN-SHOCKER's executive members.
After the cheering died down, Shinichi spoke as he addressed the entire great hall, "Fellow members of GIN-SHOCKER, I swear to you that the world will be ours. We will paint the sea red with blood, the skies will darken and fear will spread until all have bowed to the glory of GIN-SHOCKER." He received a roar of applause.
"But what about the Kamen Riders?" a faceless grunt asked, referring to one of GIN-SHOCKER's main obstacles.
Shinichi laughed, "I was their most powerful trump card. Without me they're absolutely powerless and defenseless. Besides, they know we're out there and out for their blood. We won't stop until they are squished under our boots like the insects they are." He shouted, "What do we want?"
"Their Death! Their Death! Their Death!" all members of GIN-SHOCKER shouted like a mantra.
Gebok, with a flask filled with whisky, called out, "To the new High Commander...KAMPAI!" He was proud that his 'son' had come to his senses and come home to them.
Shinichi turned and bowed to the Great Leader and saluted before turning back around and walking down the steps down to the floor of the great hall. His eyes went towards the Gaming Club and his mother who had various looks of shock and betrayal painted on their faces.
"Hello again, my friends," Shinichi said to his friends of the Gaming Club. "Are you surprised?" They were speechless and he chuckled. "Yup, you are."
"What do you want, High Commander?" Shion spat the last part in a hateful tone.
"I'm here to offer you all the chance of a lifetime. My friends, what I'm offering you is the opportunity to join us," Shinichi said.
"You're kidding, right?" Keiichi questioned as he scrutinized his friend.
"I kid you not, my friends. What I'm offering you is a chance to be rulers of your own countries and have your own personal legion of Cyborg Mutants ready to kill anyone who opposes you." The Gaming Club remained silent as he continued, "Come now. I know it sounds too good to be true, but I swear that I'm not lying. So what do you say?" Shinichi was expecting a yes.
"Forget it!" Mion shouted defiantly. Shinichi sighed. He'd expected this. Mion was always a tough nut to crack.
"Mion, see the bigger picture here. GIN-SHOCKER is offering you power beyond your wildest dreams," Shinichi said in a businessman-like tone. One by one he addressed his friends and family, "Mion, don't you want the Sonozakis to be the most powerful clan in Japan? If you join me and GIN-SHOCKER the Sonozaki Clan will have complete control of the entire government. Rena, you can have all the cute things you want and the law won't be able to stop you. Satoko, Satoshi, I can bring back your parents. Okaasan, I can bring back Otousan for you. Rika, I can bring back your parents for you. Hanyuu, I can make the name Oyashiro-sama feared and well-respected beyond the borders of Hinamizawa. Keiichi, you too will have a glorious position and great wealth and power. Shion, you can be respected as well. My friends, my mother, please understand that GIN-SHOCKER is going to win this war. GIN-SHOCKER will rule the world!"
"Yeah, but it comes at the price of killing innocents!" Keiichi snapped.
"To make progress, sacrifices need to be made. Only GIN-SHOCKER can bring order to the world," Shinichi retorted.
"Yeah, in the form of a dictatorship and complete tyranny!" Satoko yelled.
"We'd rather die!" Satoshi added.
"Rika, please talk some sense to them," Shinichi said to the Furude heir, hoping she'd agree with him.
"No, Shinichi. You've forgotten the true evil of GIN-SHOCKER," Rika said in her dark adult tone
"If we turn a blind eye and join them, we don't deserve to live," Hanyuu said.
"You're making a mistake," Shinichi said with a frown.
"No, it's you who is making the mistake," Shion said darkly.
"Shin-kun, please snap out of it! You're a hero, not a villain! You're good, they're evil!" Rena shouted.
"My dear Rena. Good and evil are universal constants," said GIN-SHOCKER's new High Commander. "And besides, when we conquer this world we can always paint history to make us seem like the heroes."
"Well said, son," Gebok said beaming.
"He's not your son!" Shiori snapped angrily.
"Okaasan, I hope you can be more reasonable than these children," said Shinichi to his mother after glancing at his former friends in disdain.
"I refuse," Shiori said, glaring at Shinichi. Shinichi was taken aback by the glare. She'd never looked at him like that before. He recovered and regained his composure.
"Okaasan, don't be foolish. How can you ignore such a simple offer like getting Otousan back?" Shinichi asked.
"Just because they can recreate his body, they can't recreate his soul. It can never be like the true Sho-chan. And besides, how can I be happy knowing my son is just a shell of his former self, helping murderers and madmen?" Shiori answered.
Shinichi's hung his head low, his bangs shadowing his eyes. The GIN-SHOCKER members looked at him in expectation. Was he going to order for the death of his friends and mother for their defiance?
Shinichi sighed and ordered, "Take them to their rooms."
A generic GIN-SHOCKER soldier inquired in response, "You mean the dungeon, sir?"
Shinichi's eyes narrowed and the blood in the soldier's veins ran cold by the look within the newly inducted High Commander's eyes. Shinichi clarified, "No, the rooms. They are my guests so they should be treated as guests, not prisoners." He warned, "Oh, and if you treat them roughly I will kill you."
"Yes, sir, High Commander, sir!" The soldiers started to usher the 'guests' out of the great hall. Mion was shouting curses at him the entire time as she was dragged out with the rest of her friends.
Mion shouted, "Shin-chan! You bastard! You'll pay for this!"
Shinichi said apologetically, "Nothing personal, everyone."
The rooms for Shinichi's 'guests' (prisoners) were well furnished and decorated. Each room had a colonial bed in the centre, a floor covered in plush carpeting, a crystal chandelier and a painting on the wall depicting GIN-SHOCKER's symbol. There was even a mini-fridge, arm chairs, and a couch. No television, however, but there was still a bathroom.
Shinichi had arranged for his friends to share rooms. The couples would get a room each, Satoko, Rika and Hanyuu would share a room, and finally his mother would get her own room. Only Rena wouldn't be getting her own room. She was to be brought to the High Commander's quarters.
Mion and Keiichi were pushed into their room and the door was locked behind them. Mion frowned but Keiichi just admired the room.
"This is a real nice room," he commented.
Mion glared at her boyfriend and reminded, "Kei-chan, don't forget that we're in the headquarters of an evil organization."
"I know that, Mion, but this is 5 Star quality here," said Keiichi. "And look at that bed."
"Kei-chan, I'm not in the mood for perverted thoughts," said Mion in disdain. A part of her still wanted to believe that Shinichi hadn't betrayed them, but there was no denying it. The friend they had known had turned towards the dark side.
Keiichi was checking out the mini fridge and Mion sighed. She might as well calm down and think of a plan.
Shion was just as irate as Mion and glared angrily at everything in the room she had with Satoshi. Satoshi's presence couldn't even calm her down now. She was angry and rightfully so.
Shion spoke, "I can't believe I ever trusted him! That bastard!"
Satoshi spoke calmly. His girlfriend could be scary when angry. "Shion, I know you're upset…" She whirled around and Satoshi nearly wet himself when he saw the demonic expression on her face. 'Eep!'
"Upset? Upset! I'm way beyond upset! If he didn't have powers I would snap his neck myself!" She imagined strangling Shinichi as she put her hands together in a stranglehold.
The three little girls sat together on the floor in the circle. Hanyuu was bawling her eyes out. She would use her powers if she could but the collar she was wearing was blocking them. Apparently, GIN-SHOCKER had figured out how to inhibit her powers.
"Au! This is bad!" Hanyuu cried.
Satoko agreed, "Seriously. Shinichi's now the enemy."
Rika spoke calmly, her voice still sounding like an adult's as she spoke, "Relax. I have a feeling that there is more to this than meets the eye."
Shiori sobbed as she collapsed onto the floor, filled with anguish and sorrow. Her son, who she'd been proud of, had joined the very enemy he'd been fighting up until now.
"Shinji, what happened to you? Have you changed for the worse?" she murmured, tears streaming down her pretty face. She was confused. She'd never thought in a million years that her son would turn his back on all that he'd fought for. The idea was just too foreign for her and yet just moments ago she'd witnessed him being welcomed into GIN-SHOCKER with open arms and inducted as their new High Commander.
Shinichi's personal living quarters were similar and yet different. While similarly furnished, it also had twin mahogany doors with crystal doorknobs, a king-sized bed, a red Persian rug, and a mural depicting a fight between Heaven and Hell. Indeed, GIN-SHOCKER had this prepared especially for their newly inducted High Commander. Executive members received the best treatment, after all.
Rena had been given new clothes and told to dress up before the High Commander's arrival. When she saw the clothes she'd been given she blushed. Part of her wanted to tear the new clothes to dress but another part of her thought to use this to her advantage. Maybe she could talk some sense into Shinichi. She'd done it before when Gebok tried to control him, maybe it could work again.
Rena then stripped down and put on the new clothes. When she was finished she looked herself at the mirror and gasped at how beautiful it looked on her. She was now wearing a beautiful black and gold cheongsam embroidered with a dragon and with high slits to reveal her legs. It was lovely, and she posed in front of the mirror. The dress was also halter-style with no back or, sleeves, straps or shoulders. The entire dress was held up by the collar around her neck
She then heard the sound of applause and turned to see Shinichi leaning against the door. She wanted to run up to him and hug him but restrained herself. He wasn't the Shinichi she knew, nor was he a clone. This Shinichi was the new High Commander of GIN-SHOCKER and just seeing her now confirmed that this living nightmare was real.
"You look lovely, Rena," he complimented as he removed his blood red shades and slid them into his coat pocket. He closed the distance between them as he strode towards her. His eyes bore into hers with such intensity that her knees felt weak and she could just fall into his arms.
Rena began, "Shin-kun…"
"Um?" he responded, tilting his head to the side.
Rena asked, "Shin-kun, how could you...?"
"How could I what?"
"How could you betray us like this?"
Shinichi answered, "I realized that the fighting would never end. Every single day and night I fight and I fight and I fight, and for what? It'll never end so why fight it anymore?" He paused for a second before he continued, "GIN-SHOCKER offered me a way out. If you can't beat them then join them. Look at me now. I'm High Commander. That's a position with plenty of benefits." He smiled at her.
"Shin-kun…" He caressed her face gently and leaned in close.
Shinichi spoke, "Rena, sweet Rena. How I love you. Be mine. You can have everything you want. All you need to do is ask. Just be mine." He leaned in close for a kiss.
Rena loved him and right now he was so seductive. She could barely resist him but she had to in order to bring him back to his old self.
Rena slowly pushed him away from her. "Rena?" Her head hung low. "Rena, answer me."
"I'm sorry, Shin-kun. I love you, but I can't do this," Rena said sadly.
"You're kidding me," he said as he suddenly grabbed her shoulders. "EVEN YOU, RENA!" Shinichi shouted.
"Shin-kun, please understand," Rena pleaded. He was starting to hurt her as his grip tightened on her shoulders.
"HOW CAN YOU SAY NO! I'M PRACTICALLY OFFERING YOU THE BLOODY WORLD ON A PLATTER!" Shinichi shouted, enraged by her refusal.
"BECAUSE THAT'S NOT WHAT RINA WOULD'VE WANTED!" Rena shouted. Shinichi let go and took a step back from her. That was the first time Rena ever mentioned Rina ever since he'd told her about her. "Do you think your first friend would want to see you killing people? Do you think she'd want you to help people who aren't afraid to kill families? Do you think she'd want you to help her killers? Well she wouldn't and I don't either," Rena said
"Rena, you don't understand…" Shinichi tries to explain but Rena gave him her scariest glare which silenced him.
"NO, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! THESE PEOPLE ARE EVIL! THEY KIDNAPPED YOU AND OTHERS TO BE THEIR SLAVES! THEY SENT MONSTERS, THE NUMBERS, AND EVEN A CLONE TO KILL YOU AND MANY PEOPLE! THEY'LL ONLY KEEP YOU ALIVE AS LONG AS YOU ARE USEFUL! YOU USED TO KNOW THE TRUE FACE OF GIN-SHOCKER BUT NOW YOU'RE ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE BLINDED BY THEM!" As she finished her eyes were red as tears fell down, "Please Shin-kun, open your eyes and go back to normal."
Shinichi was shaken by her words but regained his composure. Slowly, he approached her and pulled her into a hug. She started to resist but then he whispered, "Rena, please trust me. I know what I'm doing." She stopped struggling, not because of his words but because of how he'd said them. The tone was like the Shinichi she knew.
However, could she still trust him after witnessing what he'd become?
Kamen Rider Chrome: So, what do you guys think? Really screwy, huh? Shinichi's a traitor now. Boy, things are going to be out of whack after this, let me tell you. So, what did you guys think of EVIL Shinichi? There is a twist here but I don't wanna say too much.