Episode 23: Tezuka's Tale, Raia's Revenge

"To think that the Rider War would escalate so quickly in such a short time." Tezuka muttered to himself as he stared out the window of his apartment. "Kanzaki's latest recruit is doing exactly what he wants. I wonder if he chose Asakura specifically because he's the sort who would rampage with or without instruction, or because his desire is the most opposite to mine and Shinji's."

Tezuka's eyes then narrowed. "Or maybe… he's trying to goad me into playing his game."

Sensing Tezuka's bad mood, Evildiver swam out of the nearby window to comfort his contractor. Tezuka gave the stingray an appreciative smile as he pet his Contract Monster.

"Sorry you had to see me like that Evildiver." Tezuka sighed. "But it can't be helped. Especially since Asakura is also somewhat responsible for my involvement in this whole mess."

Evildiver let out a sad grunt as he nuzzled against Tezuka's hand. It pained Evildiver to see his master in such an upset state. The only time that Tezuka had even remotely looked this troubled was when he first formed a contract with Evildiver. At the time, grief and sorrow seemed to radiate off the fortuneteller. But beneath that lay an ironclad resolve. Like one who had been battered and shaken by the flow of the waves but would swim on regardless of what came. One who would fight AND flow. This is what drew Evildiver to Tezuka when the fortuneteller had first entered the Mirror World.

Tezuka would have said some words of reassurance to the stingray, but the ringing of his phone soon distracted him. To his surprise, it was Ren who was calling.

"Tezuka, something's come up." Ren stated from his end of the call. "Kido spotted something weird when he was doing a patrol last night."

"What kind of weird thing?" Tezuka asked.

"Gai's Mirror Monster, Metalgelas." Ren answered. "Kido spotted it while he was patrolling a night or two ago. Don't worry, he didn't do anything stupid. But he did notice that Metalgelas seemed to be searching for something."

Tezuka raised an eyebrow at this. "What on Earth could a Mirror Monster search for that's not food?"

"Search me." Tezuka could hear the shrug in Ren's voice. "I'm surprised it didn't attack Kido on-sight. By the way, did you also feel a pulse come from your deck right after Gai was killed by Ouja?"

"Yes." Tezuka nodded. "Although I didn't feel it right after Gai's demise. And it also felt stronger than the first pulse. That one was when Scissors was defeated, correct?"

"Right." Ren confirmed. "But the pulses are a mystery for another time. Right now, we've got a rhino to hunt. Kido's joining our little safari because he's got today off."

Tezuka nodded. "Then I'll see you all on the other side of the mirrors."

Wasting no time, Tezuka hung up the phone and rushed to the nearest ground level mirror. Hoisting his Advent Deck to his reflection and materializing the V-Buckle on his waist.

"Henshin!"

A quick transformation, and Raia leaped into the mirror and mounted a waiting Ride Shooter. It wasn't long before Raia spotted Ryuki and Knight near a particular reflection and decided to enter the Mirror World.

"How's the safari going?" Raia asked as he joined his fellow heroic Riders.

"You're not gonna believe this. Look." Ryuki gestured around the corner.

His curiosity peaked, Raia peered around the corner. And the stingray rider's eyes widened beneath his helmet. There, engaged in mortal combat, was Kamen Rider Ouja and Gai's monster partner Metalgelas.

"Looks like Mirror Monsters can hold grudges." Knight muttered from his spot. "Why Metalgelas is putting his hide on the line to avenge his master is beyond me, though."

Ryuki shrugged. "Maybe it's just because Gai fed him well. Because I highly doubt that rhino would stick with such a bratty master who more than likely just saw him as a disposable summon."

"Regardless of the reasons, we can't afford to be rash here." Raia stated as he observed Ouja and Metalgelas's clash. "What we have here is an opportunity. Either Metalgelas takes out Ouja for us, or Ohja sends him packing and we've a chance to finish him off."

"Yeah… " Ryuki said with hesitation in his voice. He was more than willing to bring Ouja to justice, but there was still one major conflict within him. Could he really kill another human?

'Then again, Tezuka called him a "monster in human skin". And as much as I've thought about his words, I still don't know what he meant when he said a person lacking any humanity.' Ryuki thought to himself. 'But part of me is afraid of what it'll take for me to realize the meaning of those words…'

"Metalgelas is retreating!" Raia cried out. "Now's our chance!"

Springing to action instantly, the three heroic Riders ran over to where Ouja was standing. Despite having been looked in combat with a Mirror Monster, the snake Rider didn't seem any worse for wear. It was then that he noticed the three Riders approaching him.

"Huh. You three again." Ouja said casually as he hefted his Venosaber over his shoulder lazily. "Come to give me a good fight? 'Cause if you're here to go on safari, the rhino just bolted."

Raia stepped forward, steel in his voice as he addressed Ouja. "I've got a question to ask you first. Does the name Yuichi Saito mean anything to you?"

"And who the hell might that be?" Ouja asked with a tilt of his head.

"You really don't remember, do you?" Raia asked coldly as he clenched his fist. "You broke his hands and crippled him for life. His life as a pianist was destroyed because you decided merely mugging him wasn't enough!"

"… So? That's all your mad about?" Ouja asked with a bored tone. "Why're you pissed when he survived? It's not like I killed the guy. If I had, THEN I'd understand why you're upset. Although, honestly, I still wouldn't care."

"I honestly don't know why I expected otherwise from the likes of you." Raia growled. "Never mind, then. What's past is past. It doesn't change the fact we're bringing you down!"

Ouja chuckled in amusement. "Oh, I do welcome you to try. This little war's been the most fun I've had in my life!"

Raia, Ryuki and Knight could practically see the mad grin beneath Ouja's helmet as the snake Rider charged at them! Not wasting any time, Ryuki and Knight slotted their Sword Vent cards into their visors and used their respective weapons to parry Ouja's wild slashes. Raia in the meantime slotted in his Swing Vent card, summoned the Evil Whip into his hands. With it, Raia managed to coil Ouja's sword and disarm the snake Rider with a hard tug! While Ouja was briefly stunned, Ryuki and Knight capitalized on the opening they were given. A quick series of slashes from Ryuki's Dragsaber and a hard thrust from Knight's Winglancer sent Ouja flying!

"Damn… " Ouja hissed as he staggered to his feet. "Heh heh! This is so much better than last time! That brat's not shrieking my ear off."

Raia frowned at Ouja's remark. "Why am I not surprised you don't value anyone's life?"

"Anything that vexes me, I get rid of. Simple as that." Ouja shrugged. "Aren't we all like that?"

"Most people don't casually murder someone just because they don't like them or find them annoying!" Ryuki snapped.

"Then I guess I've got more guts then most." Ouja said with a twisted smile in his voice. "Whatever or whoever crosses me, I make sure they learn not to do it again. One way or another."

"And now, I fully understand Kanzaki's reasoning for recruiting you… " Raia growled. "Your run in the Rider War ends here!"

But right as Raia began his charge, a piercing cry rang out from above. Raia was only halfway to Ouja before a red blur slammed into him!

"Raia!" Ryuki called out as he rushed to his comrade's side with Knight close behind.

Raia groaned as he got to his feet. "I'm just a bit banged up. But what… hit… me…"

The minute Raia was on his feet again, his whole body tensed up. Standing between the three Riders and Ouja was a Mirror Monster. The creature was humanoid in shape , red in color, and had a helmet resembling a phoenix. Furthering the birdlike design were the talons on its feet and the two tails on its back. This was Guldthunder of the Guld family of Mirror Monsters. Creatures that served as the right hands of Kanzaki and as enforcers of the Rider War. And it was Guldthunder specifically that brought back some very unpleasant memories for Raia.

"You… " Raia growled. "YOU'RE THE ONE THAT DEVOURED HIM!"

Ryuki and Knight were stunned to see such anger emanating from Raia of all people. Of the three of them, Raia was always the most levelheaded. But the instant this new Mirror Monster showed up, it was like something had snapped within the stingray Rider. And it showed greatly in his fighting style. Raia charged at Guldthunder with reckless abandon and swung his whip without any restraint or semblance of skill. And unfortunately for him, this would work to Guldthunder's favor. The birdlike monster easily parried Raia's lashings with one of his bladed tails before sending the other one to strike Raia in the chest. In his aggravated state of mind, Raia's defenses were next to non-existent, and the stingray Rider was sent sprawling to the ground from the lone strike.

"Ugh. Bored now." Ouja sighed. "But I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth." And he exited the Mirror World via the nearest window.

"Raia, Ouja's fled." Knight informed his comrade as he helped him to his feet. Only for Raia to shove him away.

"That's not important!" Raia snapped. "As far as I'm concerned, my main target's still-!"

Seeing that Ouja had safely retreated, Guldthunder let out another cry before taking to the air. Leaving the trio of Riders in the dust.

"NO!" Raia clenched his fist in anger. "It got away!"

Ryuki was greatly worried for his friend as he placed a hand on Raia's shoulder. "Maybe we should regroup at the café. Although… I think I can piece together why that monster got you so riled up."

"That was Guldthunder." Raia answered grimly. "The same Mirror Monster that ate Yuichi when he turned down Kanzaki's offer."

Ryuki lowered his head in understanding and sympathy while Knight clenched his fist at hearing this revelation.

'I guess I'm not the only one who has a loss that's led to becoming a Rider… ' Knight thought sadly.

Unknown to the trio of Riders, Kanzaki had been observing the entire encounter from a nearby rooftop. The Rider War's mastermind brought a hand to his chin as he contemplated how to make use of the current situation.

"Encountering the man who crippled his friend, and the monster who devoured that friend all in the same day." Kanzaki mused. "Perhaps Kamen Rider Raia can be persuaded to fall in line after all… "

Back at Atori Café, Tezuka had just recounted his backstory for both Yui and Ren (Shinji had already heard it). The two certainly felt for Tezuka.

"Just when I think the Rider War can't get any crueler, I'm proven wrong." Yui said sadly.

Ren sighed. "I think that's just how your brother operates, Yui. No loose ends."

"If that's true, then why hasn't he decided to just get rid of me?" Yui asked in confusion and anger. "He knows I'm opposed to everything he's doing!"

"And who would believe you save for us?" Tezuka questioned. "Face it. Either everyone would think we've lost our minds, or they believe us so much that they would try to smash every mirror in the city. And that's not including the panic that would ensue. But, more than likely, the reason is that he still cares for you a great deal."

Yui sighed in defeat. "I know. And the wort part is, none of us still have no idea why Shiro's doing this. Even that trip back to my childhood home didn't get us any closer to that answer."

"Maybe not." Shinji shook his head. "But, if nothing else, we know that Mirror World's not some recent development. It's been around a good while, judging by the pictures you and Shiro drew of the monsters, so maybe the Mirror Monsters were originally more docile. We'll get to the answers someday, Yui. Just gotta give it some time."

"I take it that's something you've learned as journalism intern?" Ren asked with a smirk.

Shinji grinned sheepishly. "Maybe… "

"Regardless of where he learned it, it's still a valuable lesson." Tezuka declared with a small smile. "I'd say we've had enough excitement for today. I believe we should all get some rest. For tomorrow will certainly bring new challenges."

The group nodded and each of them prepared to go their separate ways. However, before Tezuka left, he was stopped by Shinji.

"Hey, Tezuka?"

"What's wrong, Shinji?"

"It's… well, about earlier today." Shinji began. "When the Guld showed up, you just… lost it. And I could also see that when you were confronting Asakura about what he did to your friend. You've been confronted with two key figures in what can be said to be the worst day of your life. And… and I'm worried."

Tezuka sighed as he addressed his mentee. "I understand, Shinji. But… I can't help it. The monster that crippled Yuichi and the creature that ate him showed up on the same day. Bad memories and darker emotions can't help but boil to the surface. I pray that, if ever a day comes when you must face your darker emotions, that you don't lose yourself to them. I've not lost myself. Not yet. But your concern that I could is very valid. And I thank you for it, Shinji."

"You're welcome." Shinji chuckled. "All good mentors learn from their students, too."

And with that, the group went their separate ways. Yui and Ren remained at the café while Shinji and Tezuka returned to their respective apartments. However, not long after Tezuka arrived at his dwelling, he noticed a most unwelcome guest waiting in a nearby mirror.

"Kanzaki." Tezuka said coldly as he glared at the Rider War's mastermind. "Come to eliminate me yourself? If so, I can guarantee I won't go down quietly."

"Calm yourself, Raia." Kanzaki raised his hand in a placating gesture. "I've not come to be hostile. Rather, I've an olive branch to extend to you. Or rather… reparations."

Tezuka narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "What could you possibly offer me that I want? I've no intent to use the wish for myself, nor do I wish for Yuichi's revival. That would bring shame to his memory and destroy my soul."

"What I can offer you, is the power to become one of the strongest Riders in the war, Raia." Kanzaki answered. Though his expression remained stoic, he radiated a smug aura.

"True, you have great mastery of your Advent Deck and a wealth of experience from fighting Mirror Monsters. However, the Gulds, my enforcers, are a cut above the run of the mill creatures you and your group eliminate on an almost weekly basis. Additionally, Ouja is a beast on the battlefield. Skilled and experienced as you are, you will not last long against either. Not if you can't muster the power to finish them quickly. And so, I offer you this."

Kanzaki reached into his coat's pocket and pulled out an Advent Card. Which he promptly tossed though the mirror to Tezuka. Tezuka caught the card and looked at it with surprise and concern. The card depicted a golden wing with a blue orb on it, the background similar in appearance to a swirling gale. At the top, there was but a single word: Survive.

"With this card, you will gain the power to destroy all those who have wronged you." Kanzaki explained. "It may even let you triumph against the strongest Rider of all."

"Who do you think you're fooling?" Tezuka spat. "I know for a fact you're not giving this to me out of remorse or the goodness of your heart."

Kanzaki frowned and shrugged. "Believe what you want. My motives matter little in this decision. What does count, though, is what you do next."

"Like hell your motives don't matter!" Tezuka snapped in righteous anger. "That corrupt detective Masashi Sudo, the sociopathic rich kid Jun Shibauara, and now the madman Takeshi Asakura. All of them were already horrible people, but you gave them Advent Decks that allowed them to become even worse! All so you can conduct your sick little war as quickly as possible! Just what kind of goal do you have that requires people like that?!"

"I did not tell them they had to join the Rider War." Kanzaki said with disinterest emanating from his tone. "I merely extended the invitation and offered them a means to achieve their goals. You could say such an action is benevolent."

Tezuka scoffed. "More like a devil's offering."

"And yet, you have been using the Rider War to further your goal as well." Kanzaki stated. Though his stoic expression was undermined by the biting tone of his voice. "Which of us is worse then? He who is honest with his desires and ambitions, or he who decries the conflict yet still uses it to achieve his ends?"

"I'm not fighting to win your war, Kanzaki." Tezuka growled. "I'm fighting to end it."

"And yet, you could achieve that so much sooner with the power I've generously provided you." Kanzaki countered. "With that in mind, will you still refuse to use it?... I'd think on it, if I were you."

Tezuka would have lashed out with a retort, but Kanzaki disappeared as suddenly as he'd arrived. Leaving a confused and troubled fortuneteller. Sensing his contractor's distress Evildiver emerged from the nearest window and nuzzled Tezuka to comfort him.

"This day's gone on for far too long… " Tezuka sighed as he pet Evildiver. "And something tells me tomorrow's going to be just as long."

Hours ticked by in their quiet way, and before long the next day had arrived. Things began like any other day for Tezuka. At least, until he decided to step outside. For when the fortuneteller had ventured out, directly across the street, Tezuka spotted Guldthunder waiting in a window's reflection. The Guld stood with its arms crossed, and it seemed to be gazing right through Tezuka. As if it was daring the Rider to come and face it. Tezuka clenched his fist in anger.

'Is this some kind of sick joke, or a twisted sense of generosity?' Tezuka thought as he glared at Guldthunder. 'Either way, today's the day I achieve closure. And Yuichi gains peace.'

Tezuka rushed to the nearest empty space with a reflective surface and summoned his V-Buckle. All the while unaware that someone was following him.

"Henshin!"

Now transformed, Kamen Rider Raia dove into the Mirror World. Sure enough, Guldthunder was still waiting for him. The Mirror Monster shifted into a combative stance while Raia loaded his Advent Card. Armed with the Evil Whip, Raia lashed out at Guldthunder! One strike hit true and brought the creature down to one knee.

"Is that all one of Kanzaki's enforcers can muster?!" Raia cried out as he charged the seemingly downed beast.

However, when he got closer, Guldthunder unleashed a nasty surprise on the stingray Rider. A vicious punch to the gut sent Raia stumbling back. Giving Guldthunder ample time to strike back with his bladed tails. The assault of slashes and lashings were relentless until at last the pain proved too much and Raia fell to the ground, beaten and battered. Yet despite the beating he'd just received, the Kamen Rider was far from broken. But he was starting to get desperate.

"Dammit!" Raia cursed as he struggled to get to his feet. "These things really are more dangerous than the average Mirror Monster!"

Though things seemed dire for Raia, there was one thing that could turn the tide. All he had to do was play one card. With his desperation growing, and temptation's whispers shifting to nearly deafening shouts, Raia's dropped the Evilwhip. His hand slowly reached towards his Advent Deck.

"Is there really no other way?" Raia muttered to himself. "For me to avenge Yuichi, to put a stop to Ouja, am I really going to have to use the card Kanzaki gave me? I feel like I'll be playing right into that bastard's hands if I use it. But at the same time, "

A familiar cry rang through the air, surprising the stingray Rider. The next thing that happened, Guldthunder was sent flying away from Raia! To the Rider's surprise, Evildiver was hovering in front of him. The stingray's tail whipped back and forth aggressively, daring the Guld to try and harm his master any further. But what happened next surprised him even further.

"He's not the only one jumping in!" A voice Raia knew quite well cried out.

A fireball struck Guldthunder in the side, making the Mirror Monster screech in pain. Standing with smoke billowing from his Dragclaw was none other than Kamen Rider Ryuki.

"Like I told you. You're not in this alone." Ryuki declared.

Raia was stunned to see his friend before him. "But… when did you-?"

"I got worried you might try something crazy again." Ryuki answered. "So, I decided I'd check in on you at your apartment. Then I noticed you outside having a glaring contest with this Mirror Monster."

Raia shook his head. "Ryuki, leave me be. This is my fi-"

"It's not just your fight!" Ryuki snapped. "You said that this monster ate your friend when he refused to fight in the Rider War. That makes this important to you. You're my friend, Raia. So that makes this fight important to me, too! Me and Evildiver recognize this, and that's why we're here!"

"… "Raia was utterly dumbfounded before as he registered Ryuki's words. "Heh. I'm sorry. That's twice I've had to learn from you now."

Raia got to his feet and stood proudly next to Ryuki and Evildiver. "Let's show this monster how far we've come."

"Alright!" Ryuki pumped his fist in excitement! "Let's fry this overgrown chicken!"

Whether it was incensed at Ryuki's remark, or just plain enraged at being ganged up on, Guldthunder let out a piercing cry as it stood tall once more. The bird monster's bladed tails flailed with fury as it charged at the two Kamen Riders! However, the Guld's charge would be short lived as Evildiver rammed into its chest and whipped at its face with his whip-like tail. Guldthunder cried out in pain as Evildiver's tail hit right in its eye! Enraged further by the pain, Guldthunder swatted Evildiver before staggering away. Thankfully, Evildiver wasn't hurt too badly by Guldthunder's retaliation. Not one to waste time, Raia drew his Copy Vent.

"Mind if I copy your firepower?" Raia asked Ryuki. The dragon rider nodding in approval.

"COPY VENT!"

At the Evilvisor's announcement, a copy of the Dragclaw materialized around Raia's right hand. The pair of heroic Riders reared their arms back before shooting them forward. A pair of large fireballs flew forth from the gauntlets and slammed into Guldthunder, scorching the bird monster!

"It's all you from here, Raia." Ryuki stated as Guldthunder weakly got its feet. "Bring this chapter of your story to a close."

Raia nodded as he opened the Evilvisor and grabbed a card from his deck. "Thank you, Ryuki."

"FINAL VENT!"

At the visor's announcement, Evildiver hovered right in front of Raia. Like he'd done many times before, Raia leaped onto Evildiver's back. The stingray let out a small cry as he sped towards Guldthunder, a sonic cone forming around him as he built more speed. When Guldthunder saw the speeding bullet of a stingray approaching, all the bird monster could do was let out a fearful scream as it received the full force of Raia's Final Vent. Following Guldhtunder's death cry, the Guld perished in a fiery explosion. An energy core materializing in its place which Evildiver devoured happily since it meant the Guld would no longer trouble his master.

"So… feeling any better?" Ryuki asked hopefully.

"Yes, Ryuki." Raia answered, a smile in his voice. "Yuichi is now avenged, and that Guld can't hurt anyone else. I think it's time we headed to Atori Café. This calls for celebration."

And the heroic riders did just that. Yui was happy to hear that Shinji had intervened before things got real messy. In addition to the fact that Tezuka was able to obtain some much-needed closure. Ren, oddly enough, was a bit jealous of the two.

"I'd have liked the chance to see how I've progressed." Ren admitted. "Fighting one of Kanzaki's monster enforcers would be a pretty good indicator of how much I might need to step up my game."

Tezuka smiled knowingly. "Even in a moment like this, you've got battles on your brain. Well, I'm sorry I couldn't book a match for you and Guldthunder. But I believe I have something that will be more valuable to you."

Tezuka pulled out his Advent Deck and removed a single card. The once that Kanzaki had given him to tempt him into fighting.

"Kanzaki said that this card would give me the power to beat anyone who wronged me. But I refuse to play his game." Tezuka said resolutely. "That's why I'll never use this card. However, in your hands, I think it would be put to better use."

Ren was stunned at this gesture. "You really trust me that much? All I've ever done is say how I plan on winning the Rider War."

"You're a better man than you think, Ren." Tezuka smiled. "Deny it all you want, but your actions have proved otherwise. That's why I know I can trust you with this card."

"… Thank you." Ren said honestly.

Shinji chuckled. "And now the day can really end on a high note. Ren expressing positive emotion."

"Don't let anyone else hear you say that, Shinji." Tezuka chuckled. "He might double your debt if you blab."

With the brief celebration over, everyone went their separate ways. As Tezuka got ready for bed, he decided to do a prediction. And upon seeing the vision of what was to come, Tezuka's blood froze.

"Soon… another Rider's story will end."

AN: Hi everyone. I had meant to put this chapter out earlier in December as a Christmas present for all my readers. Unfortunately, I kinda got caught up reading the manga I'd gotten for Christmas and Super Mario RPG has been eating up my time. That being said, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. And a belated Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!