Episode 20: Game Over, Gai

It seemed like another typical day was beginning in the abode of Shuichi Kitaoka. He woke up, ate the breakfast Goro prepared for him, typical morning routine. At least, until he got a phone call from a number, he'd never expected to call him.

"Reiko?" Kitaoka muttered in surprise as he answered the call. However, the voice that greeted him was not Reiko's.

"Hello Mr. Kitaoka. Awfully rude of you to keep such a nice lady waiting."

Kitaoka's pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks. "Jun. What did you do with Reiko?!"

"Relax, she's here." Jun chuckled darkly. "The two of us are keeping her company and taking good care of her. For now. How about they say hello to you?" The sound of feet moving could be heard, and soon enough Reiko's voice was heard from the other end of the call.

"Kitaoka!"

"Reiko, just hold on." Kitaoka said in as much of a comforting tone he could manage with the huge amount of concern burgeoning his heart. "I'm the one that they want. If I show up, they'll let you go."

"NO!" Reiko cried out. "Don't come! They'll just- "

"Shut up." A venomous voice hissed. And the sound of a slap silenced the reporter. Silence reigned for a precious few seconds before the voice took charge of the conversation. "Hello… friend."

"Asakura." Kitaoka growled with a cold fury in his voice. "If you wanted to hurt me, you didn't have to drag anyone else into this. Leave our grudge match between us."

"Oh, but I do." Asakura hissed. Kitaoka could practically feel the malice dripping from the madman's voice. "I want you to know that everyone I beat the shit out of, that I brutalize or kill? It's. All. Your. Fault. Have a nice day, Kitaoka."

"We'll be waiting for you. Expect a message with the address soon." Jun said. Kitaoka could feel the smug grin on the spoiled brat's face. "Go ahead and bring all the company you want. After all, a game's more fun when more people are playing it."

And with that, the twisted twosome hung up. Kitaoka was utterly devastated at the current turn of events. Seeing his master in such a state was quite upsetting for Goro, but what really sparked his fury was that they dragged Kitaoka's potential girlfriend into the whole mess.

"Sensei… " Goro asked with worry. "What are you going to do?"

Kitaoka was silent for almost a full minute before he took a deep breath and stood up. His eyes were filled with a determination that Goro had never seen before in all the time he'd known him. But more shocking than anything else was that Kitaoka, for the first time, looked legitimately angry.

"What am I going to do?" Kitaoka asked with a cold fury. "Simple, really. I'm going to give that psycho and the twisted little punk who's backing him exactly what they want."

Goro's jaw dropped. "You can't be serious! For all the firepower you have as Zolda, it's still two against one! Not to mention, one of them is Asakura! The man's like a wild animal! He fights with no restraint or mercy! And considering how deep his hatred of you is, I doubt even your arsenal is going to keep him away for long enough!"

"Which is why I'm not going in alone." Kitaoka informed his faithful servant. A ghost of a smile creeping across his face. "Shinji. It looks like the Kamen Riders are going to unite sooner than you thought."

"Shall… I drive you, sensei?" Goro inquired.

Kitaoka shook his head. "No. With something this important, I need to make the trip myself."

Meanwhile, Shinji had just arrived at ORE Journal and was confused when Daisuke had asked him if he'd heard from Reiko. Normally she was one of the first people to arrive, but she hadn't shown up yet. Shinji had thought maybe she had called in sick or requested the day off, but this was disproven when Daisuke informed Shinji that he'd received no such messages from Reiko.

"Did you try calling her?" Shinji inquired. "You have everyone's contact information."

Daisuke sighed. "A lot of good that does when she's not responding."

"Maybe I should give it a try?" Shinji was about to dial Reiko's number when Nanako tapped him on the shoulder. "Hm?"

"Shinji? You have a visitor." Nanako informed the intern as she gestured to Kitaoka who'd been let into the office.

Shinji was quite puzzled to see the lawyer here of all places. Especially since Reiko was absent. "Kitaoka? What's up?"

"I need your help with something." Kitaoka replied. "I think your skills should come in quite handy. Especially since it concerns Reiko."

Daisuke's eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute… is she skipping out to prepare for a date with you?!"

"A lady is entitled to her right to get ready. No matter how long it may take." Kitaoka answered smoothly. "And since Shinji has spent so much time with her, I'd appreciate any pointers he can provide to make sure I don't end our potential relationship before it ever begins."

Daisuke nodded in understanding. "I see. Shinji, you've my permission to aid Mr. Kitaoka in his preparation. Godspeed, my friend!"

"O…kay?" Shinji raised an eyebrow. "Not that I'm complaining, but shouldn't I be doing work?"

"Love is a battlefield, Shinji." Kitaoka declared firmly. "And we need to be war ready."

Catching on to the emphasis Kitaoka put on "war", Shinji nodded and followed the super-lawyer to his car. Once inside, Shinji and Kitaoka's expressions turned serious.

"I'm guessing that whatever emergency Reiko's caught in needs some Rider action?" Shinji asked.

Kitaoka nodded. "Glad to see you quick on the uptake as usual, Shinji. To keep things short, the situation is a result of yesterday's downward spiral of events. In addition to Asakura getting loose, Jun was also bailed out by his father."

"Oh, man." Shinji groaned. "And here I was hoping that his prison sentence would keep that smug little creep barred from the Rider War. Perks of being rich I guess."

"Not only that, but he's kidnapped Reiko with the help of Asakura." Kitaoka frowned. "They called me using her phone this morning to lure me out to fight."

Shinji's face sported a concerned and rightfully angry expression upon processing the news. "Then what're we waiting for?! We need to go save Reiko now!"

"We can't go in on our own, Shinji!" Kitaoka snapped.

"Why not?!" Shinji fired back. "Between the two of us in our Rider forms, we can handle Gai and one non-powered psychopath easily!"

Kitaoka let out a sigh. "Shinji… Asakura's a lot more dangerous than you could possibly know. Because… he has an Advent Deck. His Rider name is Ouja."

The car was dead silent for only a few seconds, but the gravity of the situation made it seem like an eternity. However, it would be a short-lived eternity thanks to Shinji.

"KItaoka… WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS?!"

Shinji's outburst, while expected, nevertheless startled Kitaoka. In all the time he'd known the journalism intern, Kitaoka never would have expected to see such fury and volume from the usually mild-mannered Shinji. In fact, Kitaoka had never seen Shinji angry at all before today. But from now on, the sight and sound of Shinji's fury was burned into his mind.

"I'm sorry, Shinji." Kitaoka sighed.

"The reason I didn't' tell you that Asakura became a Rider is because he's, my responsibility. But, knowing the kind of person you are, I figured you would feel the need to stop him, too. Not to mention, I never would have imagined that Asakura would team up with, well, anyone. He's been a lone wolf according to his profile. Then again, considering how much of a sick creep Jun is, it's not that surprising that Asakura's joined up with him. For as long as that lasts, anyway."

Shinji sighed. "I hate the fact you kept this from me, but I can understand your reasons, Kitaoka. So, I'm guessing our next move is bringing in Ren and Tezuka, right?"

"Got it in one." Kitaoka nodded. "We'll need all the help we can get. Before he was a Rider, it would take a whole squad of guards AND inmates just to hold Asakura down. Now that he's empowered by an Advent Deck? He's a Rider that you can't solo. Unless you're either highly skilled, or your deck is loaded with the best Advent Cards possible. And, once again, I'm sorry, Shinji."

"Water under the bridge." Shinji waved off the matter. "Besides, maybe this is karma for when I mentioned Jun was a Rider a day late."

Kitaoka couldn't help but chuckle. "And now, here you are. Helping me out of trouble. I'm lucky that you're not the type to hold favors or keep score of who owes whom."

"Nah. That's Ren's job." Shinji snickered. "So don't be surprised if he asks for payment for helping us out."

It wasn't long before the pair arrived at Atori Café and proceeded to debrief Ren and Tezuka on the situation. The additional duo of heroic Riders was quite troubled by the news, but if one were to pay attention, it was apparent that Tezuka was even more upset at the news.

'Asakura let loose and given an Advent Deck?' Tezuka thought as he processed the news fully. "I'm glad you came to us, Shinji. After all, we stand a better chance fighting as a team as opposed to going at it solo."

Ren let out a snort. "If that punk Jun had a temper tantrum the last time we tangled with him, he'd probably be frothing at the mouth dealing with all four of us this time."

Kitaoka stepped forward and bowed his head in thanks. "Thank you. All of you. I know that… I'm probably not someone who any of you would consider helping."

"I would." Shinji piped in.

"… You really are a good soul, Shinji." Kitaoka smiled briefly. "I hope none of us ever sees a day when you turn bad."

Shinji chuckled. "Like that'll ever happen! And aren't we supposed to deliver the bad guys a beating now?"

"The one time you're actually fired up for a fight, Kido." Ren shook his head with a barely noticeable smile. "You're sure that blow to the head didn't give you a personality shift?"

Tezuka let out a mirthful sigh. "Looks like we are friends after all. And Shinji's right. Let's move!"

"I just got the address for where we're going to throw down." Kitaoka informed the group. "We can all take my car."

"Tezuka can tag along with you lot." Ren countered. "I've got my own ride waiting outside."

Tezuka shook his head with a knowing smile "Even when he's fighting alongside us, he still likes to ride in on his own."

With their meeting adjourned, the group of heroic Riders sped off towards the address Jun had selected for their showdown. Meanwhile, at the destined battleground, Jun smiled deviously in anticipation of the coming battle. Asakura, on the other hand, looked like a caged tiger, restless and ready to pounce at anything within reach. A sight that greatly unnerved Reiko. The reflections in the nearby mirrors making it look like he had multiplied.

"When's that slimy lawyer going to show his face?!" Asakura hissed as he paced around the building. "GAH! Why did you invite him and his whole damn group?! I thought that you just wanted him, same as me!"

Jun sighed. "Oh, my delightfully bloodthirsty friend. Did I ever say I just wanted to get back at Kitaoka? No. No, I want to pay back him and all the others who humiliated me and ruined my game! Besides, aren't you itching for a big fight? If you just get Kitaoka, your fun's over in a flash."

"What an annoying point you have." Asakura growled. "You're starting to vex me."

"Save it for the enemy." Jun grinned. "Now, one last order of business before our guests arrive."

Jun pulled a blindfold out and proceeded to tie it around Reiko so she couldn't see a thing.

"A women shouldn't bear witness to such… unsightly acts, wouldn't you say?" Jun sneered. "Be grateful for this small kindness of mine."

Asakura scoffed at the scene. He'd have much preferred to have inflicted some harm on Reiko to get at Kitaoka. Whether it was the lawyer himself, or someone close to him, it didn't matter. Just so long as Kitaoka was hurting in some capacity, that was enough for the madman. Though if he was being honest with himself, nothing would please Asakura more than tearing Kitaoka apart. The escaped killer would have started to pace back and forth if not for the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Well, well." Jun's face split into a smug grin. "If it isn't the brave party of heroes come to rescue the fair maiden."

Shinji, Ren, Tezuka, and Kitaoka had arrived on the scene. Each one of their faces sporting a determined expression as they stared down their enemies. Conversely, Jun had a smug grin while Asakura smiled like a predator that was about to maul and mutilate its prey.

"So many players." Jun chuckled. "This is going to be the best game yet."

"I guess your lady friend is going to be happy you didn't keep her waiting." Asakura declared as he walked over to the chair Reiko was bound to, brushing his hand against her cheek, and sending waves of discomfort rippling through the reporter's entire being. A sensation that pleased the criminal greatly.

"Though I do wonder: How much sooner would you have arrived if I'd just killed her?" Asakura sneered. "You've always had that annoyingly cool and level-headed expression whenever I see you. It'd be so much fun to see your face contorted in rage for once!"

Kitaoka scowled. "If you want me pissed off, you've already succeeded."

"Hmm. No, I don't think I have~!" Asakura said with a warped smile as he kicked Reiko in the head! Sending her tumbling to the floor and knocking her unconscious.

"REIKO!" Shinji and Kitaoka screamed simultaneously while Tezuka and Ren bore shocked and disgusted expressions.

Shinji was fully prepared to charge at the escaped killer. "I swear I'm gonna-!"

"Don't." Tezuka halted Shinji's charge attempt. "It's what they want. They're trying to throw us off-balance. I'm just as angry as you are, Shinji. But jumping the gun's only going to blow up in our faces!"

Jun frowned at his and Asakura's strategy being outed. "Oh, phooey. You lot just won't let us have any fun, will you?"

"Speak for yourself." Asakura chuckled. "I got to see just what I wanted. No matter how short it was, I saw it. The fear. The anger. Oh, how I've waited to see a look like that on your face, Kitaoka."

"You two done wasting time?" Ren remarked. "Because I know I'm done watching the two of you playing like cowards."

Hearing that instantly put Jun and Asakura in a foul mood.

"True. I suppose we've wasted enough time on pleasantries." Jun groused. "It'll be infinitely more fun tearing you all apart as payback for beating me!"

"Keep you target straight, kid." Asakura snapped. "Kitaoka's mine."

Jun just waved off his psychotic partner and strolled over to one of the nearby mirrors with Asakura following suit. The insidious pair holding their Advent Decks up to the mirrors.

"HENSHIN!"

Transforming into Kamen Rider Gai and Ouja respectively, the pair dove into the mirrors. Not wasting any time, Kitaoka and his group stepped up to the mirrors and transformed!

"HENSHIN!"

Now in their Rider forms, the group of four pursued their enemies into the Mirror World. Entering the separate mirrors in groups of two. No sooner had they arrived in the Mirror World was the group of heroic Riders blindsided by Gai's contract monster, Metalgelas. The force of the impact sent Ryuki, Knight, Raia and Zolda tumbling to the ground!

"Anyone get the number of that train?" Zolda groaned as he attempted to recover and stand. Unfortunately, the sight that greeted him was none too pleasant.

Ouja sneered behind his helmet. "As much as it vexes me your monster got the first hit in, I ain't gonna complain. After all, I'VE BEEN WAITING ALL DAY FOR THIS!"

Right as Ouja began charging towards him, Zolda wasted no time in drawing out his Magnuvisor and opening fire! Bullets pelted Ouja's armor, forcing the snake rider to halt his charge and allowing the heroic Riders some much needed breathing room.

"Idiot." Gai shook his head at Ouja's actions before mounting his own charge. "Leave the charging to someone who can tank a hit!"

Zolda smirked as he opened the Magnuvisor and drew a card from his Advent Deck. "You're not the only one with a heavy metal monster at his beck and call!"

"ADVENT!"

The floor in front of Zolda rippled as a mirror-like panel appeared. Shortly after, a robotic minotaur rose up from the panel, letting out a snort before raising one of its arms and firing a rocket at Gai. The projectile hit the rhino rider dead-center, and the resulting explosion sent Gai flying halfway across the building. Knowing better than to charge at Zolda when he had such a fortified position, Ouja backed off and ran towards where Gai had landed.

"Good work, Magnugiga." Zolda pat his Contract Monster on the back before turning his attention to his recovering comrades. "You guys alright?"

Knight groaned as he propped himself up with the Darkvisor. "Nothing that crushing Gai won't fix."

"You forget, we've got a whole other Rider to deal with. One who's got a grudge against me." Zolda added. "Actually… that might work in our favor. Can I count on you guys to keep Gai and Ouja occupied? I think I've got a way to kill two birds with one stone."

Ryuki nodded fervently. "You can count on us, Zolda."

"Why're we using Rider names now?" Knight questioned.

"Superhero 101: Never use your real names when fighting villains." Ryuki answered. "As much as you spout off about fighting, I doubt you'd want an enemy Rider strolling up to your home because you were careless with your personal info."

Knight raised his hand in rebuttal but was shocked to find that he really couldn't counter any of Shinji's argument. "Can't argue that. And speaking of fights, let's get back into this one!"

Ryuki, Knight and Raia rushed to where Gai had been sent flying. There they saw Ouja kicking the downed Gai, the rhino rider staggering to his feet from the abuse.

"Bout time you got up." Ouja scoffed. "For all that big game you talked, you're just dead weight so far."

Gai clamored indignantly. "SHUT UP! It's not my fault they cheated by adding a ranged combat member to their party! Strong as my armor is, it doesn't stop a damn missile from sending me flying!"

"Maybe you should have gotten a different Contract Monster." Ouja spat venomously.

"I'd say it suits him given how he's an idiot who just charges in without thinking he can lose." Ryuki quipped as he and his group happened upon the scene. The three of them slotting in their weapon cards into their visors.

Seeing this, Ouja couldn't help but smirk beneath his helmet. "Breaking out your toys now, huh? Let me show you mine!" And he slotted a card into the Venovisor.

"SWORD VENT!"

The drill-like Venosaber materialized in Ouja's waiting hand while the Venovisor dematerialized. With a roll of his head, Ouja launched himself into a ferocious charge! Raia lashed out with his Evilwhip, but Ouja side-stepped the lashing. Ouja raised his arm, the Venosaber poised to strike at Rai, but he was intercepted by Ryuki and Knight. The Dragsaber and Winglancer clashed against Ouja's drill-like sword!

"Well, well, well." Ouja chuckled as he broke off the bladelock. "Looks like the two of you are the real fighters in your bunch, huh? Well, if you're looking to scrap with me… I'LL BE HAPPY TO OBLIGE!"

Ryuki and Knight could practically see the crazed grin beneath Ouja's helmet! The snake Rider threw himself towards the pair, each of his wild swings proudly displaying the madness that dwelled in his mind and the unlimited fury that lived in his heart. Raia attempted to lend some assistance by aiming to coil his Evilwhip around one of Ouja's limbs, but Ouja caught it with ease. With a smirk, Ouja yanked hard on Raia's weapon, sending the heroic Rider into a tumble!

"Raia!" Ryuki cried out in concern.

"DON'T IGNORE ME, IDIOT!" Ouja screamed with a mad cackle as he landed a brutal slash across Ryuki's chest. "I'm the one you're playing with, remember?!"

Knight grimaced beneath his helmet. "This guy's nuts." The bat Rider muttered under his breath as he thrust the Winglancer at Ouja. Only for the snake to parry and land a punch to his gut!

Ouja spared a glance at the downed heroic Riders, a feral grin spread across his face before letting out another bout of insane laughter.

"Heh! Heh heh! AH HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HA HA!" Ouja spread out his arms, basking at the sight in psychotic glee. "OH, WHAT FUN! I CAN'T TELL YOU THE LAST TIME I'VE ENJOYED MYSELF THIS MUCH!"

'He's serious having fun with this?!' Ryuki thought in complete disbelief as he and his friends staggered to their feet. 'Gai, as bad as he is, at least thought the Rider War was a game. But Ouja? He's enjoying the fighting! Like every time he inflicts pain on someone, it brings him joy! Just what the hell is this guy?!'

"That's it! Get back up!" Ouja chuckled. "I'd be pissed if you were all down before I'm done."

Knight growled. "None of us are the type to go down easy, punk. Let's go!"

As the trio of heroic Riders charged at him, Ouja couldn't help but grin. In response, he raised his Venosaber and met their charge with his own. His weapon was poised to clash with theirs. Or it would have been if it weren't for Gai.

"CONFINE VENT!"

The instant the announcement rang out, all the weapons currently in use shattered! Ouja was just as stunned as his opponents and failed to notice Gai slamming into Ryuki with the Metalhorn. Seeing the intrusion on his fight, Ouja's anger was kindled.

"What the hell was that?!" Ouja snapped at the rhino Rider.

Gai scoffed at Ouja's tantrum. "You had your turn already. Now it's mine! Besides, aren't you gunning for that lawyer? These three are my targets. So, step off, snake!"

"You're really starting to vex me now… But fine. They're all yours. Now where's that useless, piece of crap lawyer?"

"NASTY VENT!"

Before the pair of villainous Riders could continue their bickering, a super sonic shriek made them fall to their knees in agony as their ears received an audio assault courtesy of Darkwing. While the two were disoriented, Ryuki wasted no time playing a card of his own.

"STRIKE VENT!"

The instant the Dragclaw materialized in Ryuki's hand, the dragon Rider shot forth two quick fireballs. While Ouja was sent sprawling, Gai was only knocked back half as much. However, that heavier metal armor made the heat much worse for him. Beneath his helmet, all Gai saw was red.

"NO FAIR!" The rhino Rider screamed as he stomped his foot in rage. "You're not supposed to beat me! I'M Player One! I'M the genius whose game is being played! I'M the main character here! You, all of you, are just extras! NPCs! Steppingstones meant to build my path to greatness!"

"Is it just me, or did we hear this exact same spiel the last time we fought him?" Ryuki whispered to Knight.

Knight nodded. "Sure is. Same exact talking points. You'd think a 'genius' like him would be more creative with his breakdowns."

"How ironic that you consider yourself the one in charge when Kanzaki's pulling all the strings. Including your involvement." Raia quipped. "And it looks like playing co-op doesn't work too well for you, either. You've fought alone, so you'll lose alone."

Gai whipped his head in Ouja's direction. "Why the hell aren't you backing me up?!"

"You looked like you were having so much fun." Ouja stated flatly. "Besides, your beef is with these three, ain't it? I didn't want to be rude." Everyone could practically see the smug grin beneath the snake Rider's helmet.

As the villainous Riders' bickering renewed, initiated formally by Gai stomping over to Ouja, Ryuki and company noticed Zolda approaching as quietly as possible while slotting the Magnuvisor open. Once the trio of heroic Riders noticed the card Zolda drew, they wasted no time in summoning their Guard Vents. Raia using his Copy Vent to obtain a replica of Ryuki's dual Drag Shields. Satisfied that his allies had fortified themselves, Zolda slotted in his card.

"FINAL VENT!"

The Magnuvisor's announcement instantly grabbed Gai and Ouja's attention, the pair met with the sight of Magnugiga unveiling his entire arsenal. In an instant, oblivion was unleashed within the warehouse. Lasers, bullets, rockets, and missiles performed a symphony of firepower. Each projectile was a piece of this orchestra of destruction. Unfortunately, Zolda's Final Vent was indiscriminate with its targets. Thankfully, the damage Ryuki, Knight and Raia took was greatly minimized thanks to their Guard Vents. Gai did not share the heroic Riders' good fortune as he took the full brunt of End of the World. When the dust settled and all explosions ceased, Zolda pet Magnugiga affectionately before dismissing the mechanical minotaur.

"Hey! You guys okay?"

"Yeah." Ryuki grunted as he, Knight and Raia got back on their feet. "Guard Vents. Gotta love 'em."

Knight nodded silently in agreement but let out a gasp. "No way… "

Confused as to what their ally was in disbelief over, Ryuki and the others looked in the direction Gai had been. And they were stunned to see the rhino Rider was still standing. However, that didn't mean he was in the best shape. As one might expect, Gai's armor was scorched and dinged all over. The fact that Gai was standing despite tanking Zolda's Final Vent was testament to his armor's durability.

"Geez! If Confine Vent wasn't enough, he's got a built-in Final Vent bunker!" Ryuki exclaimed in disbelief. "That armor's something else!"

"Damn right it is." A voice said from behind Gai. Ryuki and company looked on in shock as Gai was suddenly pushed to the ground. The rhino Rider letting out a pained groan as Ouja looked down on him. "Looks like rich boy here finally did something useful. Bravo."

Knight frowned. "Using your comrade as a shield? Not surprising for a snake like you."

"Comrade?" Ouja scoffed. "Heh! That's a good one. Bold of you to think that this little punk was anything more than a way for me to get to Kitaoka. I tolerated him for as long as I had to until I got what I wanted."

"You.. bastard…" Gai hissed as he weakly propped himself up. "This wasn't… supposed to happen!"

Ouja sighed. "You know, you're an annoying guy. In fact… " Ouja summoned his Venovisor and drew a card. "I'd say you're quite vexing." Ouja revealed his card to Gai. And to the rhino Rider's horror, the card depicted Ouja's emblem. Gais' fate was sealed.

"You… You were supposed to make my game more fun!"

"Oh, this was great fun indeed." Ouja chuckled as he slotted in his Final Vent card. "But sadly, all good things must come to an end."

"FINAL VENT!"

"Game over." Ouja said with a predatory grin as Venosnake slithered up behind him. Ouja made a run towards Gai before doing a backflip. Right as he hit the zenith of his height, Venosnaker spat a ball of acid that propelled Ouja forward. The snake Rider unleashed a vicious series of scissor kicks, sending Gai flying into a pile of rubble! As soon as Ouja's assault ceased, an explosion went off the instant Gai hit the ground! The instant the smoke cleared, there was nothing left of Gai. Ouja's only response to the carnage he'd inflicted was a simple head roll.

Ryuki's response, however, was far more emotional. "RAAAAHHHH!"

"Ryuki, don't!" Raia pleaded as the dragon Rider charged at Ouja! His fist aimed to strike the snake Rider in the head! Unfortunately, Ryuki's blow would never land as Ouja caught his fist.

Ouja tilted his head in response to Ryuki's attack. "Hm? What's got you so worked up? Gai hated your guts. If anything, you should be happy he's gone."

"You… you killed him!" Ryuki growled. "You ended his life in cold blood, and now you're just talking so casually as if nothing ever happened! DON'T YOU FEEL ANYTHING AT ALL?!"

"That voice… you were that idiot at the restaurant." Ouja frowned in recognition. "Now I know why you looked familiar when Kitaoka and your crew rolled up."

"Forget that!" Ryuki snapped. "Answer me! Don't you feel anything after killing Gai like that?"

Ouja scoffed. "Yeah. Relief. Little punk was a headache and a half. Hell, the kid was kinda like me in a way. The two of us loved fighting. Sure, him thinking this 'Rider War' was a game got grating fast, but still. That's one point in his favor."

"SHUT UP!" Ryuki cried in righteous anger. "You still haven't answered me!"

"… I'm done with this little interview session." Ouja hissed as he headbutted Ryuki! The dragon Rider stumbled back from the hit. "I got in a fight, and I got rid of something that vexed me. I'd say I'm done for the day."

Ouja turned to leave but stopped and looked back at Zolda. A venomous smile on his face. "Until next time, Kitaoka." And with that, the snake slithered away.

Going to their comrade, Knight and Raia helped Ryuki to his feet.

"We've got him." Raia confirmed to Zolda. "You better see to it that Ms. Momoi is safe. We'll summon the Rideshooters to get us back to Atori Café."

Zolda nodded. "Right. And… thank you. For everything."

With a nod, Raia and Knight departed with Ryuki in tow. Satisfied that all was well, Zolda returned to the mirror he and his allies had used to enter the Mirror World. Stepping through, the gunslinger of the Riders returned to the real world. A sigh of relief escaping his lungs when he saw that Reiko was alright. Wasting no time, Zolda undid the ropes that bound Reiko. But as he undid the blindfold, Zolda was surprised to see Reiko stirring.

"Ngh… my head. That's the second time." Reiko groaned.

"Are you alright?" Zolda asked.

"Yeah. Just a little…" Reiko froze when she caught sight of Zolda. "Ah!"

'Crap! I forgot to de-transform!' Zolda panicked internally as he waved his hands to reassure Reiko and threw his voice to sound as heroic as possible. "Don't worry! I'm not here to hurt you! In fact, I came here to help save you."

Reiko calmed down but was still a bit shocked at seeing the armored man before her. "Save me? Wait, what about Kitaoka!?"

"Easy, Miss." Zolda spoke in a placating tone. "I was patrolling around the area when I noticed you bound up by those two creeps. I also saw a group of four brave souls stand up to them. But given that one of the kidnappers is a well-established criminal, my conscience wouldn't let me sit this one out. So, I intervened."

Zolda pat his Magnuvisor. "I let off a few warning shots. The shrimpy one of the two seemed quick to flee from that, but the other guy, Asakura was his name I believe, came at me like a wild animal. For all the good that did him before I slugged him in the face. Those friends of yours are a pretty tough lot, too. They managed to hold Asakura down while that Kitaoka guy dialed the police. Unfortunately, Asakura is slippery. He headbutted the one called Shinji and then ran off. Shinji's friends made sure that Asakura didn't come back before leaving. As for Kitaoka, he should be somewhere around here. He was pretty worried about you."

"Kitaoka…" Reiko muttered fondly. "Um, thank you. For coming to help me."

"No problem, miss!" Zolda beamed with a lazy salute. "Just doing my job. And now that it's done, I'd better get going."

Reiko smiled. "Before you go… could you tell me your name?"

"Zolda. Kamen Rider Zolda."

"Kamen Rider… " Reiko whispered in awe as she watched Zolda walk off. "Heh. I guess my childhood dream of meeting a Kamen Rider came true after all. I wonder, just what do you look like beneath that mask."

"Reiko!"

Reiko was snapped out of her musings by the sight of Kitaoka running up to her. "Kitaoka!"

"Thank god you're alright!" Kitaoka panted. "If that guy in armor hadn't showed up when he did, things might've been worse!"

"Kamen Rider Zolda." Reiko replied. "That's his name."

Kitaoka sighed in relief. "Zolda. Right. If he hadn't decked Asakura, I don't know what might've gone down. Hoenstly, I feel kind of pathetic. Shinji was the one to face off against an escaped madman, and all I did was call the police. I didn't even raise a fist to save you."

"Hey. You showed up." Reiko smiled. "Even knowing you might not make it out in one piece. That counts for more than you think Kitaoka. And… it was brave."

Kitaoka chuckled. "A lot of good that does me when my competition is a superhero."

"You've got another thing going for you: I know your face." Reiko giggled. "That's something I can't say for Zolda."

'If only you knew.' Kitaoka shook his head with a slight smile. "Come on. Let's get you back to ORE Journal. I don't know how long your Editor-in-Chief is going to buy the cover story Shinji and I used to come to your rescue."

With that, the pair boarded Kitaoka's car and left the scene. At the same time, Shinji was nursing his aching head with an ice pack at Atori café.

"Ouja… Asakura…" Shinji murmured. "He ended Jun like it was nothing and left without batting an eye. Who does that?"

Tezuka sighed. "Shinji, I'm sorry. It was my hope you'd never encounter one, but now you have. One of the worst types to enter the Rider War."

"Tezuka, what are you talking about?" Shinji asked. "What type."

"Monsters, Shinji." Tezuka answered gravely. "Monsters in human skin."

AN: I LIIIIVE! So. Tell me, did you guys miss me? I've been a little side-tracked lately reading some good Yu-Gi-Oh! Stories. If you ever want to see a better version of Arc-V, read The Power of Four. It's the crossover Yu-Gi-Oh! Fans have been dying to see! Said binge reading got me back into deck building. Here's my list below. Feel free to give recommendations if you like! (I don't play competitively because Yu-Gi-Oh! Is best played casually!)

Monsters: Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand (x2), Keeper of the Shrine, Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Red Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon, Keeper of the Shrine, Assault Wyvern, Strong Wind Dragon, Decoy Dragon, Kidmodo Dragon, Tyrant Dragon, Montage Dragon, Masked Dragon, Exploder Dragon, Pandemic Dragon, Flamvell Guard, Alexandrite Dragon, Nowru Aries, Keeper of Dragon Magic

Spells: Trade-In, Soul Exchange, Polymerization, Cost Down, Return of the Dragon Lords (x3), Dragon Ravine, Dragon Shrine, Foolish Burial, Trade-In, Monster Reborn, A Wingbeat of Giant Dragon, Dragon's Mirror, Swords of Revealing Light

Traps: Negate Attack, Burst Breath, Breakthrough Skill, Draining Shield

Extra Deck: Blue-Eyes Tyrant Dragon, Five-Headed Dragon, Black Rose Moonlight Dragon, Dark End Dragon, Stardust Dragon, Stardust Spark Dragon, Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon, Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon, Number 27: Dreadnought Dreadnoid, Superdimensional Robot Galaxy Destoryer

And speaking of Yu-Gi-Oh!, a story idea or two recently came to me Feel free to vote in reviews which one catches your interest more:

Seto and Mokuba getting adopted by the Muto family (The source of this comes from the fact that Atem and Priest Seto were cousins since Akahnadin was the previous pharaoh's brother, so it got me thinking what if Seto and Yugi also shared this connection and how it might affect the story we know)

Seto and Mokuba get adopted by Pegasus (This premise came to me from a story I read called "Our Game Now", which did have this concept executed in it. And as a bigger twist, Cecilia LIVES in this story. Yeah. This one's nice simply because Seto and Mokuba have a loving family)

Welp. I've taken up enough of your time (and taken up mine playing Metroid Prime Remastered). As always, Read and Review! This story isn't possible without your help! Thank you!