ISLA DEL NADA – AROUND THAT SAME TIME…

Everything hurts. By everything, he really did mean everything. Chest was battered, so beaten in that he couldn't breathe without feeling like someone had jabbed a tube through his lungs and twisted it in circles if he dared to get some fresh air. The twitching sensation felt in either of his legs had been replaced by what could only be described as raving static that closely chipped at what muscle was still functional. Say, was his gi always this red, or could that have just been his blood? As for the arm, don't even ask, he couldn't tell.

"Don't move." A voice, amidst his haze, called out to him. Against the blur brought upon by the agonizing pain, he was unable to tell who it was. That certainly didn't sound like Ryu, or anyone else he knew for that matter.

"Trust… Trust me…" Ken snickered. "You don't… have to tell me… twice…" Stifling a laugh, he ended up regretting that only a second later. "Ah.. So, I… su-suppose you're my doctor. Is that it?" In the worst of circumstances, he was able to smile. "J-just my lucky day…"

"You fell from a great height." The doctor answered. A foolish endeavor, mind you. There was a bridge, he saw the whole thing from up above. It was this course of action that led him towards his patient. One might have believed in coincidences, but Hiiro wasn't the type to put his trust in a matter of fate. A cool wave brushed in from the sea and for a moment the burning had ceased. Fire isn't so nice when you aren't the one controlling it. "Multiple bones in your arm are broken, we'll need to operate."

"Out… out… here?" Ken answered. "Isn't that… that going to hurt..?"

"In these conditions, we can't operate." He answered, calmly and with certain conviction of success. "However, there are things we can manage."

"Just… ke-ke… keep it working, please?" With a defeated sigh, Ken laid his head back down in the wet sand. The tangerine glow of the evening sun set a cast of fading hope upon his figure. Right now, he thought of his son, Mel. How could someone appease a kid as great as he was if his dad couldn't ever show him his might again? Martial arts was his pride and joy, all thanks to his loving – and stupid father, but if he couldn't throw a punch ever again…

"Don't worry," The man picked up a sharpened rock he had found that must've flown downstream from the wreckage of that bridge ahead of him. "There is nothing I cannot cut."

"W-wait, you said you could fix it!" Ken snapped, writhing around in fear, and in great pain.

"We need a sling." The doctor said, finding a suitable strip of cloth to detach from his gi. Hopefully this wasn't his favourite piece of clothing, "It's not preferable, but do-able to salvage that arm."

"Guess I owe my life to you then, Dr…?"

"Dr. Kagami." Dr. Hiiro Kagami, it was.

"Kagami, huh?" Ken asked, watching as Hiiro started to make the makeshift cast. "W-watch… Watch where you're cutting!" He continued, suddenly raising his voice. "This thing, it might be any old gi to you, but… It's like a best friend. Can't live without it, you know?"

"Repairing this shouldn't be a problem." Hiiro's voice was calm, even in the most dire of circumstances. No matter where he was, the Earth was his operating table – regardless of whatever world this was. Digital, organic, no matter when you are a brilliant surgeon. Having the ability to cut anything didn't mean much if you couldn't perform a procedure wherever was needed. However, the closest hospital was a mystery, and he couldn't carry this patient all the way to wherever salvation lies – if it exists, but he had confidence, or at least feigned it for their chances.

"Heh, you always look so serious?" Ken said, trying to make banter to ease the pain. This was definitely a memory he wanted to forget. It's just as you tell yourself, 'Make it through, and it'll be nothing but a picture you keep covered up.' Can't dare to burn it, for the lesson should still remain, but the memory itself you could do without seeing again. "I can't say I blame you, I wouldn't want my doctor having any other kind of face."

Hiiro remained silent, concentrating on creating the sling. Operations were a fair challenge without assistants. Back at home, he had two of them. Fine people, he helped them a while back, and they've both grown into good nurses. Although he didn't say it, their support was more than appreciated, there was a reason he kept them around. Thinking of allies, he thought of Hojo, and of the others – where could they be? He only hoped that their fall hadn't been as bad as the patients.

The only reason Hiiro had survived was because of pure luck, it was miraculous that he had come out with only a scrape. The trees were tall, and provided a serviceable break to his fall. Concentration remained with his silence, the surgeon couldn't afford to waste time here. Any second he left outside the operation was another second where Genm Corporation drew closer to victory. Could it be that Kuroto Dan still remained alive? After his escape and subsequent betrayal a few years back, his death was confirmed, but who else had the power and influence to create such dastardly games? These were questions that had been lingering in the back of his head all night, and now he was out once again in the sun, giving life to old ghosts. Although, this sun was destined to set soon, and he wasn't going to fall victim to a grander plan that woke only in the shadows.

Whatever this game holds, Hiiro was going to clear it and put an end to the ambitions of overzealous madmen who dare tamper with the fruits of this world. Medicine has no right to play the role of destruction with humanity. There is nothing he cannot complete. This is the resolve only those who are worthy to seek the title of the 'greatest doctor' must hold in their hearts.

Ken, all the while, watched in awe. He's only seen that type of fire a few times, and it was collected in the depths of his eyes, awaiting to swirl outwards into a kindling, unending flame.

"This won't be pleasant," Hiiro said, performing the usual routine to any patient in this circumstance. Usually, he was performing on schedule for surgeries, but duty calls in more ways than one. There were times he spent down in the ER – a grand hospital with funding from the ministry directly was still open to doctor shortages, after all. During the long, dark hours he spent in the ER, Hiiro came across plenty of people who required assistance immediately. Preparation wasn't an option, and so he's grown accustomed to these three words. "I won't lie."

Those words never did make it hurt less.

After applying the sling, Ken rested his head on a smooth, lone rock out among the beach. Never has he experienced such pain, except for that time he woke up mind-warped in Thailand. If he could trade places with that guy, he would in a heartbeat. Ken glanced over at Hiiro, who simply watched the ocean in deep thought. He had his hands pocketed in a nice pair of slacks, and stood with great confidence. Though his lack of words wasn't meant to be a lack of concern. In fact, he was undoubtedly concerned about their situation.

'The others must be nearby.' He concluded, basing his dissection off of the thought of proximity. They were together when they vanished, and there are other characters here, so this must be a hub for gathering players. 'Chances are, there might be more people around too, other characters. This man is from one of Hojo-san's games he raves about. The outfit is distinct, and unconventional for this location – he mentioned over lunch that tonight's exhibit was about a fighting game.'

"Not to step into your private time," Ken said. "But we can't stick around. People out there are waiting for me, and I get the feelin' if I'm not back soon, they'll think I really bit it."

"Are you in any condition to walk?" Hiiro asked.

"I'll manage," Ken laughed. "Trust me, I've done a lot more for a lot less." Even so, Hiiro offered a helping hand. More than a few patients have pulled that on him before, and as their doctor he knows full well the limits of one's body. The gifted surgeon has seen hundreds of patients throughout the last eight years. Many were saved, some were not – those losses only added to the yearning desire to become the world's greatest doctor. A task thought to be impossible, and yet he still pushed forward. Some days more than others.

"Hey, mind me asking a personal question?" Ken asked. "Fate isn't exactly something I subscribe to, and I haven't been the luckiest guy in the world either. So, how is it that I meet you when I need it most? Kind of a strange coincidence."

"No, nothing of the sort." Hiiro shook his head. "Happened to be in the right place at the right time." Uncharacteristically, he smirked. Perhaps it was the odd circumstance, or maybe it was because no one else was around, but Hiiro curved his mouth upwards in the shape of an awkward, yet endearing smile. "That isn't much of a personal question. Is it?"

"Hah, I figured you aren't the guy who spills his heart out upon first meeting." Ken shook his head as they trekked through the forest. The escarpment from which he fell from was on the other side of the island, quite a ways away from the boat. "Thanks, I – uh, I didn't say that yet for keeping me alive."

"You said you had people waiting for you." Hiiro said. "It's my duty as a doctor regardless."

"Still, I'm nothing but a stranger." Ken replied cheekily. "For all you know, I could have attacked you."

"Not in that condition," Together, they shared a bit of a laugh. "Besides," Hiiro continued, helping him over a root. While it was the arm that was broken, his legs weren't in the best of shape. Chances are if he let go, the martial artist would collapse next to him. "Good people have others waiting for them."

"Everyone does," Ken shrugs. "If that were true, bad guys wouldn't have so much help."

"Who's waiting for you?" Hiiro was the one to ask questions now.

"My brother." Ken answered on beat. "Been through Hell and back with him, I can't let him down after what I did. A-and… My family, I can't keep them waiting." The man let out a sigh. Defeat, that's what he felt in his heart. Worst feeling in the world, because it invokes true helplessness – something he never wanted to experience again, and when you're helpless… No one's looking up at you. "It's a long story."

"We can save the stories for when you're in better condition to share." Cold, and resigned only to his duty, Hiiro Kagami was a man who saved lives – not making patients smile. And yet, Ken found it in him to make those pearly whites shine. Who knows, perhaps he was just feeling extra generous towards the one man who showed up at the right place to make sure he was still breathing. Call it fate, or fortune, what happened next wasn't placed to any degree of luck.

Out from the outer-brush of dense, emerald jungle, the bane of his existence appeared once again. Creatures with strange trunks, creatures with peculiar ears, jumped about, making odd 'hmms' and whirrs that had him wish he'd never taken a trip to this island. The beings approached, stomping about in the sand; fixating on the only person who could get him out of this mess, his doctor.

"Not to rush you or anything, but we have a bit of a problem here!" Ken asked, attempting to stand up. Maybe with a bit of conviction, channeling his breathing perhaps – and yet, he collapsed.

"Bugsters!" Hiiro shouted, turning his attention to the patient. "Remain still, walking will lead you nowhere." Reaching into his coat, he felt instinctively for his pocket. "Part of a surgeon's job comes with exercising dangers from this world." That is his duty, not just as a doctor, but as a Kamen Rider! Now, it's time to begin the operation!

…

It's time to begin the operation!

…

"I-it's gone?!" Hiiro patted himself down in a frantic haze, wondering where it could be. The gashat was something he kept on him 24/7, it had no right to ever leave his grasp!

"Y.. You're telling me… You can beat these… beat these things?" Ken bit his tongue to cover up the pain from his careless mistake.

"Not without my gashat!" Words that couldn't inspire, Hiiro wondered what he could do as the bugsters took note of this fear and preyed on it. Gradually closing the distance with each step, this would be the end for both of them if neither had an idea.

"Alright, then." Ken smirked. "Time to give things a shot my way. Ever thrown a punch before?"

"It's useless." The doctor shook his head. "If I don't have tools, I can't–"

"This is all we have, so listen up!" Ken said, speaking with more enthusiasm. Somehow, in the midst of this danger, he found the odds to be pretty exciting.

"Don't be foolish!" Hiiro shouted back. "This is out of your depth."

"Right arm raised high, fist beneath the chin." Ken pushed on, ignoring his advice and sticking to him some of his own. "Leave the other just with the waist! Feet apart, firm and like you're fighting for dear life to stick to the ground!" Considering what he had to say, Hiiro weighed his options. There wasn't any point realistically in trying to escape. The bugsters would catch on before great distance was made, and both of them would be injured. Besides, he wasn't going to leave a patient behind. So, here goes nothing.

A perfect attempt, he was impressed. Few get it on the first try. Once Hiiro was in position, a yellow bar appeared over his head.

"Could this be…?" Hiiro asked, trailing off.

"Hey, keep those eyes on the fight!"

Three bugsters. Each of them held the eyes of a predator awaiting to snag a bite into their prey. For some reason, Hiiro could feel a shiver run down his spine. Perhaps, it was that nasty look he was being fed here. While he couldn't confirm it as such, he figured these bugsters were more violent, the frantic twitching around giving him anything but confidence. Could this be a new strain of the virus?

READY?

FIGHT!

The first one approached at rapid speeds, moving on all fours!

"Strike first!" Ken instructed, and Hiiro complied. Putting his left leg back, he winded it up and reeled like a rubber band, just in the knick of time to smash straight into his opponent with the strength of a freight train! However, that wasn't going to be the end of things. "Keep going!" Adjusting his stance, Hiiro jabbed at it thrice! Swift, and fast, he couldn't let it relent – not for a second! Then, in its stunned position, he took the bugster by the shoulders, slammed his knee into them and tossed the opponent aside, ready for the next one!

Ken watched in awe at his tenacity. "Huh, he's good." It was like clockwork, Hiiro getting into the fighting spirit so quickly that had amazed the grand fighter. The way he listened to commands and applied them effortlessly was nothing short of genius – just what kind of guy was he?

However, no fighter was perfect. Upon entering close quarters with the second one, Hiiro realized an obstacle. In a literal sense, a barrier had formed to stage a gap between their bodies. A strong guard, practically unbreakable no matter how hard he punched – and boy did he punch, but this is where your guide comes in. If he were a river, then Ken was the hand that cast aside any unwanted rocks in his azure stream.

"Go low!" Ken shouted, causing Hiiro to momentarily freeze up.

"What –" Hiiro asked, narrowly dodging a returned strike by leaping backwards through the air. Such agility, he's never felt this light in the air before!

"Attacking the same place is like hitting a brick wall. If they don't want you getting in that way, find another route and go low!" Ken continued to cheer Hiiro on, hoping he would understand what he meant. "Go for the legs!"

Convinced of this plan's success, Hiiro obliged. Attacking their shin with a short, fell kick, Hiiro remembered the words from before. Suddenly, the guard broke, and there was a chance of opportunity for another strike!

"Turn it back on them, circle around and go up!" Ken was oddly proud watching his doctor kick some serious ass. Understanding his words, Hiiro pivoted on the ball of his foot, spun clockwise and raised his own shin towards the monster, barreling a blazing kick to the side of their head! Eager to be back on guard, his opponent blocked for the strike that would come to be. "Now, keep it in the air and go down like an axe!"

Standing on one foot, Hiiro stretched like a cat and cast his leg up into the air – the worried bugster only catching a single glimpse of what lay before them before Hiiro curved downwards into their skull, eradicating the monster into digitized mist! The Inazuma kick leads him to victory!

Now, it was time for the last one. It cackled, leaping about the stage. Insulting Hiiro with taunts and unmarked strikes, this bugster was different from the others. No, it seems to have taken on a more sinister role. The hard part wasn't coming to terms with a new looming threat, but extinguishing it. No matter what he did, he couldn't seem to hit the bugster! It was too fast, and never stayed on the ground. Seeking out a solution, it brought Ken to a wild idea. Hey, twice in a day wouldn't kill you.

"Alright, now we have to get serious." Ken instructed, speaking in a calm voice. "Kagami, I want you to look inwards."

"Inwards?" Hiiro paused. "That isn't making sense, tell me instead what to–"

"I am." Ken spoke with an affirming voice. "You're going to have to put some trust in me here, otherwise things will get a whole lot rougher. Ready your fist, and feel all the might swelling from inside – I know you have it in you." Not exactly understanding what he meant, Hiiro tested it out. With a firm stance, he gripped his fist tightly and took a deep breath. "Close your eyes, don't open them. Not at all, okay?"

"..." Hiiro remained silent, trying to drown out the noises of a crazed virus hopping around like a rabbit. This was difficult, he couldn't focus! It was as if he was clouded in nothing but aching sounds of ringing. "I… I don't seem to…"

"The energy you got right now, imagine like a lock's been put on it, and gather all your might on tearing it off with your hands!" Ken shouted, watching in peril as the bugster started whittling away at Hiiro, causing him to stumble and trip over himself. Still, he kept those eyes closed. "Surely, this standing act's ticking you off – break it open! It's the only chance we have!"

Swelling deep inside him was a fit of unbridled anger that spiraled around, and around. Frustration about the present, and of the distant future. Both of them colliding at once, only to unbridle into vivid, colourful shapes. Each bit of this sweltering emotion circling round and around, mimicking his foe's movements, and only growing with every lap. Somehow, he could feel his grip on his own heart tightening. As crazy as it seemed, Hiiro was able to sense that energy in a bit of desperation; each small lashing driving him further and further towards the center. Yet, at the bottom of this dark hole, there stood a trap door. Unsure of how he found himself down here, or what it could mean, those thoughts raced through his head with further beating to his body, but it ultimately didn't matter compared to one mystery.

He knew exactly what this door was, and yet had no clue how to open it. Then, he could feel his hand wrapping around the handle.

It lit up into a great flame. Fire coiled around his arm. For a moment, Hiiro Kagami has opened his soul.

"EVILS OF THIS WORLD SHALL BE EXTINGUISHED!"

SUPER COMBO: KEN MASTERS

"SHORYUREPPA!"

The heat of victory was his to seize. Launching forward in a spinning motion, Hiiro was weightless, and with the might of a dragon's wrath compacted into his fist. Turning on his heels several times, he shot upwards as a burning drill. To the bugster's surprise, he had been able to catch up, and was hurtling straight for them with such a power they couldn't begin to comprehend – there was no escape in its mind! That was the look of total submission to defeat, something Hiiro, so long as he stands, Kamen Rider or not, will never draw in his last moments.

HIIRO WINS!

It was over.

Failing to catch his breath, Hiiro stumbled over his own pair of legs and collapsed. The greatest doctor in the world could defeat any virus. This was the one that came close to proving that theory wrong.

"Not good!" Ken cried out, ready to run to his aid this time, but realizing with the first step how little of a difference the second would make from where he's standing. Instead, he did as he had many moons ago, battered with fading strength on a lone mountain in desperate search for the voice of his brother, and guided himself using nothing more than a breaking crawl to reach the light. Dragging one knee upwards, Ken used firm digging motions in order to reach the doctor.

"Tell me you're alive, damn it!" The blonde warrior shouted out to the world, hoping that his luck hadn't run too short. "Don't quit on me so soon!" To his surprise, and relief, Hiiro was still conscious – though barely, buried in a brush of overgrown roots.

"I can't fall here." Hiiro muttered, sweat pouring down the side of his face. Could it be the island's climate, or the game mechanics? He's never been this exhausted before.

"That's the talk I want to hear." A genuine smile found its way upside the face of Ken. No longer was he hiding behind some sort of bravado to keep this show rolling on a high note. Hiiro could spot it, the tinge in his eyelids and sweltering lips – he was pretty concerned over someone he's just met. Perhaps, it was just because he was his doctor, but what Ken said next made him disregard that. "If you were out now, I'd never have the chance to take a listen to your story, doc."

Hiiro, who was rarely, if ever wrong, seems to have misjudged the man, and he was all the more happy for it. Some mince words, some never do, but either way, someone is always putting on an act. Regardless of how he is seen – whether it be cold, careless or arrogant to the core, it doesn't matter; it was who Hiiro Kagami was, and now he was beginning to see Ken Masters for who he truly is. Someone who puts on a smile so that others can too, even when it's hard. Funny, it reminded him of a man he knew.

"Pretty tiring, huh?" Ken said, taking a seat next to him. The ocean breeze felt nice. A moment of peace, if only for what it was – a moment. "Yeah, it happens to most of us. The best of us, actually. Tell you what, if we get out of here, as a favour for patching me up, I'll teach you a thing or two."

"We will," Hiiro said, his chest feeling absolutely stuffed. Regaining his energy slowly, but surely, he reaffirmed his determination with a glance towards the sky. That tangerine will be replaced by an azure shade, both of them will stand to see tomorrow. There's still work to do, and the best doctor in the world isn't one to quit – he's sure of that. No matter how great the obstacle, this is the road he walks. "I'm certain of it."

"Good, then get up. We've got a long way to go." Ken said, offering his stable hand. In stride, Dr. Kagami took it. "So, Hiiro, huh?"

"What's the matter?" He asked, confused by the sudden statement.

"Your name." Ken smirked. "Great to know it. Right, actually – you don't know mine, do you?"

"Actually, I do." Hiiro said, getting to his feet and helping the man back up. Heavy,like carrying a brick wall on your shoulders, but somehow he figured he could manage. "Masters, Ken, I presume?"

"Wha–" Ken's eyes widened, pulling away from the doctor. "How did you figure that out?!"

"Your wallet." It was Hiiro's turn to smirk. "Standard procedure with identifying patients, in case we need to contact their loved ones."

"Leave that last part to me for later." Ken stumbled along the path with his doctor – no, something a bit more than that. A friend, one he owed big time.

A LITTLE LATER…

The heat was scorching. Even underneath a blanket of shade provided from the thick overbrush of emerald leaves, Hiiro couldn't contain the sweat that rolled down the side of his head. Back in the operating room, he was as brisk as could be. Nothing ever broke him. Not fear, not doubt, and definitely not a drip of exhaustion. All of these were nonoptimal, and the greatest doctor in the world absolutely cannot falter to a simple expression of either of those feelings. In a vacuum one mistake meant the collapse of life. And yet, in spite of conquering reality, Hiiro fell victim to the blazing winds of a digital landscape.

"Looking pretty tired, huh?" Ken asked. How he could read his mind was a mystery. Nonetheless, Hiiro bit his tongue and pressed forward.

"Not a chance." Hiiro stated, his underarms stating otherwise. He couldn't stop here, not now.

"Give it a rest." Ken replied. "Everyone has their limits, even if we don't want to admit it. If you go over them, I can't say for certain I'll be able to help both of us, much less you in this shape."

"..." Hiiro remained silent, trudging on, but with great difficulty.

"Let it go, and let's rest." Ken pleaded. "Sun's still out, so as long as we make it to the other shore we should be good. Our boat is there, hopefully."

"How do you know they're still searching?" Hiiro asked, panting as he set Ken down by a tree. Wasn't the most comfortable, but he would make do. Anything that involved a bit of rest was something he would bask in, given his status. Like he once said, he has been in worse condition for far less, but still, it didn't make it any easier whether it was the first time around or the 5th.

"I don't." Ken shook his head. "Still, I believe in them. What about you?"

"I can't recall saying I had people waiting for me." Hiiro said.

"All good people do, right?" Ken raised an eyebrow.

Rustle, rustle.

Silence fell upon them. Something was in the bushes. Could it be another gang of bugsters? Returning to a fighting stance, Hiiro readied himself. Still exhausted, but willing to fight. After all, he had a duty, and he wasn't finished. Intently focusing on the thick growth ahead of them, Hiiro watched for any new glimmer of light.

There!

Running ahead, Hiiro leaped into the air and readied a special kick, extending his body out forward. Before he could go all the way, however, two steady hands clenched onto his shoulders! A second passed, and the battle was over as Hiiro tasted dirt. In the blink of an eye, someone had spun him around and tossed him back the way he came! When he came to, he heard a set of familiar voices.

"Hiiro!" It was Emu, followed behind by Poppy in his cries. Turning back, he noticed who it was that was pinning him. A woman with a fierce look. The kind that hits like a bolt of lightning: only there for a second, and then arrives the thunder. Just as he was going to speak, it was his patient that answered the question he was looking to ask.

"Chun-Li!" Ken cried out, and from the tunnel of leaves, the pair of doctors arrived with another man. Stocky, and striking with eyes – the most notable feature being that of a red headband, which Hiiro instantly recognized of similar material to the gi he had to sever earlier. "Ry… Ry-"

"Ken." Never between any of them has someone ever sounded more relieved. They were only steps apart, but each one was like crossing another mile. Eventually, when the stone-faced warrior had come face to face with him, rediscovering the brother he thought he had lost, Ryu, for all of his might, could not contain his emotions, and it was precisely because of this strength that he allowed such feelings to overflow. Wrapping around the man, he embraced Ken in a hug.

For all the years that he has known Ryu, all the races down to the rivers they bet against, all the shared blows as they competed towards the top, every wisecrack at the others expense, every noogie, every memory was not as inviting as when Ryu had expressed his doubt, and sincere relief in one moment.

The only family he ever truly had was gone, now returned, and safe.

"Y-you really did do something stupid, you know?" Chun-Li chimed in, unable to maintain her composure as well. "What were you thinking?!" Letting go of Hiiro, she leaped towards the other two and joined in on their celebratory hug. Chun-Li was like a spring breeze, but her arms, matching over Ryu's, was like a warm autumn air that ushered you back to good old times when summer had left you dry.

"Guess… Rng," Ken struggled against the two clambering at him. "Guess I wasn't, huh?" He too was overjoyed, and any composure he previously had fell when his friends embraced him. "It's a miracle I survived, actually." Breaking free from the hug, he was leaning up against a tree. With his good arm, he raised it and pointed towards Hiiro. "The thanks goes to you, Dr. Kagami. Right there when I needed it."

"As do mine." Ryu said, turning back to the doctor. With the utmost respect, he bowed his head. "I don't want to imagine a world where you had not been there to help."

"It was my duty." Hiiro said, remaining humble. In the presence of these characters, he was overwhelmed. It wasn't just their builds or might, but the way they carried themselves. There was great conviction in each action taken. Just then, a hand appeared on his shoulder.

"Yo." Emu greeted, flashing a smirk that shined like the sun. Poppy showed up on the other side, puffing her cheeks up with a returning gesture. He and Ken, despite being opposites, agreed on one thing; an unspoken understanding – there is a warmth no greater than the one amongst a collection of familiar faces.

"Ahhh, you got your jacket dirty too?!" Poppy cried.

On the way down to the shore, the three fighters caught up. It was 3/4ths of the way down towards the harbor, and all of them were equally as tired.

"Their story doesn't add up." Chun-Li said, stroking her chin. "Falling out of the sky, how are we supposed to make sense of that kind of tale? It's ridiculous at best."

"You tell me," Ken laughed. "You're the detective, aren't you? Besides, stranger things have happened."

"More importantly, those monsters we faced earlier…" Ryu said. "The others gave them a name, didn't they?"

"Something like… 'Buggies'?" Ken replied, uncertain about the term. "Or, maybe it was a 'yummy'. Either way, these guys know a little more than they are letting on."

"Then let's put the mystery to rest." Ryu said, earnest with his heart. He allowed Ken to walk for a while, and then once they reached the beach – where its golden dunes sparkled gorgeously under a crimson light, no more alone as a set of brave adventurers surprised the waves, having conquered the dangers of the island by daring to walk adjacent to them.

"You haven't stopped smiling since we ended up here." Poppy said, teasing the inner-fanboy inside the genius gamer. "Pemu, this is like a pream pome prue, isn't it?!"

"If I'm dreaming, then don't wake me." Emu said. "Besides, how could I not be smiling? It's not everyday you're in the presence of the characters you main. Even with the existence of bugsters, it's still hard to believe – Oh, R-Ryu's coming over here!"

"We made it out, fortunately." Ryu said, his voice like a soothing wind between aging ears. "Once again, it's thanks to your efforts, and each of us owes you an unpayable debt."

"It… It was nothing." Emu laughed, nervously scratching the back of his head. Trying to keep it cool in front of his idols, he attempted to sound nonchalant, but to his friends it was apparent how he was failing to keep a level head, given how shaky his legs were. "We're doctors, it-it's our job to make people smile again."

"Making others smile." Ryu nodded. "I see. Is that your answer?"

"Sorry?" Emu asked, caught off guard by the sudden quiz.

"Ah, my apologies. This is where we would bid you farewell, but I have to ask of you another favour." Ryu replied, a fair share of reluctance present in his voice, holding a disdain for prolonging this and involving others. "Could you fight with us?"

"Fight…?" Emu felt his heart stop. Did he really just hear that? "W-with you…?"

"Those monsters we ran into, I have heard you three have experience with them." Ryu stated with crossed arms. Adjacent to them, by the side of the vast ocean, he stood valiant and with a heart that sought only an answer. The glimmering waves responded to his idle breaths, as if he could harness the power of the sea with a simple glance. Such power could make one cower if held by the wrong person, but with Ryu, it was far more alluring than any star cast across the sky.

"Today, we fought with hearts clouded by arrogance." Ryu divulged, not a hint of shame present in his tone. "That's our blame to shoulder. We were defeated, but it's only a loss to bear if you never learn. I'd like to. Over the years, I have faced many battles, and still, many challengers await. If my destiny is to fight, then it is my responsibility to learn so that I can fight again. "

"That's a pretty big honour." Emu said, finding it difficult to speak. Every word he spoke made him feel unworthy.

"It's true, we have experience with bugsters." Poppy said, speaking up. She sounded soft, and somber, as her words lead to crushing a dream of her friend. Fighting alongside these warriors would be an amazing opportunity, but she's seen firsthand what happens when you can't use that gear properly, much less battling bugsters without it. "However, we don't have our special tools. Until then, I'm not sure there is much we can do."

"Your friend here mentioned that." Ken shuffled forward. "Couldn't believe it, but he's a real natural here. If it's the tools you think you need, then you should take a second look at yourselves. What you need is only your courage."

"You fought the Bugsters without transforming?" Poppy asked, surprised that it was possible.

"After giving him a few tips, he put on a pretty good show. Hell, I can't say how you achieved it, but Hiiro flawlessly performed a technique of my own." Hearing that, Emu couldn't help but to turn to his friend, taking him by the shoulder and sending out a barrage of questions.

" – Was it the hadoken? The shinryu reppa?! Oh, did you have to use directional inputs, or did it come naturally –"

"Leave the questions for later!" Poppy said, tugging on his ear.

"Seems like you can handle yourselves, so that's why we're approaching you with this." Ken continued. "Truth is, we're in the dark here, and I'm not exactly going to be a huge help out there right now either."

"Are you suggesting –" Ryu asked, only to be cut off.

"That's right." Ken said with an affirming nod. "More than fight with us, we want the three of you to become our students."

"Students?" Ryu replied. "Are you certain?" Embarrassed by such an idea, Ryu glanced downwards into the sand. "There is a lot I have not seen or learned, would it suffice for them? Perhaps, my teachings could lead someone astray–"

"What's the harm?" Chun-Li chimed in. "Metro City is host to a school of my own. One more student wouldn't hurt." Dipping forward, she sprightly stuck out her tongue in hopes of egging on the immovable rock that was Ryu.

"Besides, isn't it about time that you start passing that torch, Ryu?" Playfully, Ken nudged him. That hurt, but Ken wouldn't let him know. "And hey, Gouken's techniques can't go down with us. He figured you were more the teaching type, anyways. It's like you said, a part of fighting is about learning. It goes both ways."

"Then so be it." Ryu said, giving it a moment to think it over. "If you fight this battle with us, you won't just fight as our allies, but also as our students. We expect the very best in each of you. Are you willing to take the challenge?"

Ryu extended his hand.

"Bring it on." Emu said, joining him in a handshake. A promise anew, to fight with an open spirit and to fight until the very end.

AUTHOR'S NOTE (07/25/24)

Hello, hello! Been a while since the last chapter, but no worries, it's finally out! Next time, we'll be getting a look at what the rest of the cast is doing, especially Taiga and Kiriya, so keep a close eye out for that one. We may also get to see a glimpse of Kuroto and the grander plot unfolding before our heroes. Be ready, because the next chapter is action packed!

Now I own more figures from Ex-Aid! Emu, Genm (Dangerous Zombie) and Poppy! The Poppy one took forever to arrive compared to Genm and Emu, but now I have the trio! The father, the daughter, and the hero! Woohoo, I can't wait to pose them with the rest of the riders I own. Speaking of rider, I finished Fourze yesterday. Wow, it was amazing. A 10/10 show, and now has my favourite secondary, Meteor. One day, I want to write a Fourze story. Perhaps, something akin to a Fourze and Wizard crossover that fits more into the themes of each show then Movie War did. Granted, I like Movie War, but the time travel stuff messes with my head, and I feel like seeing modern Gentarou and friends fight alongside the Wizard crew would be great, so I'm thinking of beats for that story - I have a great plot in mind with the Presenters and Foundation X.

There's been a lot of stories I've been thinking about writing lately, especially Root of Power, the sequel to Festival of Fate which you can read on my profile. Although, I'm not sure if I should do Root of Power first or this new story I've got cooking up in my head. Either way, those will be started sometime after this one is finished. I like keeping these little entries in my notes because it's a diary I can look back on, and it's also kind of like a producer blog? I want to keep my stories as close to canon as possible since I view them as being material for those who just want more of what they love, and so I want to also emulate what it's like getting into the mindscape of another writer.

Speaking of, I haven't read a lot of stories, actually. Haha, there was this one Fourze story I read which was really neat, and as for Wizard, I really love the works of LexiLopezi on AO3 - it's cool to see a writer get into a show I hold dear to my heart and share similar thoughts about character dynamics that should be explored. What I want, or at least my goal, is to make a lot of stories that I would want to see with the characters in these casts, giving them a chance to have adventures they couldn't, and to write stories that others will enjoy. A lot of writing involves reading, and I should definitely take the time to indulge myself with many other works.

There was an Ex-Aid story that I really look up to as well, it was super long, and I thought it was amazing how it involved the audience by asking them to engage with the comments that would predict the outcome of the plot. It had a lot of cool trivia about the franchise, and its setting was a gameshow. I believe stories like that really show the love someone can have for something, and I want that same passion to be held in my own works. It's something that makes the day a little bit better.

When it comes to reading, I also need to get back into manga. I like reading slice of life, and watching Jdrama makes me happy too. I started this one called Unnatural, and while I've only seen the first episode, I did get hooked. Recently, I also finished "The Full-Time Wife Escapist." Those who are on AO3 may have noticed I wrote a small story for that. It was a great watch, and I particularly liked how it explored the social and class implications of its premise. It could have easily been some gimmicky romance, but the leads hold the strong writing together, and the subplot is what really intrigued me.

Anyways, I also want to at some point write for other fandoms too, but I'll always be in this one. Resident Evil and its characters make me happy, so I'd like to write a piece for them one day. Or, perhaps I can get back on my old Soul Eater grind and get obsessed with that again. Whichever comes first, maybe I will write for Final Fantasy 7, or Persona. Whatever happens, happens.

All things considered, I'm not sure what new rider series to start. Maybe OOO? Or perhaps Drive? Build sounds nice too, and I haven't seen a lot of phase 1 Heisei, so maybe Blade? I'll figure it out!

Anyways, anyways, I hope you have enjoyed! Next chapter should be in the works soon. Stay tuned, and have fun!