Reviews:
DCDGojira: Glad you liked it
Sandshrew master 317: Again, glad for some suggestions you sent my way, friend. Really appreciate it. And yeah this chapter was really emotional to write. Maybe some others will be better but I'll let it be a surprise. There will be more interactions with these two and I'll probably write a chapter dedicated to how they met in the past.
maxfz19: Chris tambien es uno de mis favorites junto a Maria. Me alegro que te gustara el capitulo
Cure Crystal: All aboard the ship!
Chapter 13
True Freedom
"And what do you mean you can't teach me that, Suwaga-sensei!" Hajime slammed his hands on the science teacher's desk.
The old gentleman sighed, adjusting his glasses."Adachi, you're asking me to teach you an advanced level of human anatomy that we don't cover in this curriculum. And don't think I'm not aware of what pressure points can do. You probably want to use them to get into fights with more students and get yourself expelled."
"What?! No! I just want to learn! I'm serious! I just really want to learn." Hajime lied through his teeth."That's why I stayed behind today! I want to learn more from you, Suwaga-sensei. Besides, I'm not getting into fights anymore and I've been staying out of trouble for a while now. I'm a changed man."
"You arrived 40 minutes late into class after skipping with Kuroiwa." Suwaga gave him a sharp look."And it's not the first time you've been skipping this week. I've heard from other teachers you're still making that a hobby."
"Old habits die hard as they say!" Hajime chuckled sheepishly."Come on, sensei, what can I do to convince you to teach me more about nerves and stuff? I don't want to hurt anyone. I just...well, I'm interested in martial arts and different fighting styles. You know. I just want to learn the basics."
"Well, I'm no martial artist so it's not like I know how that can be used in a fight. But I do know the location of those spots. But like I said, that's not covered in the curriculum so we won't be learning it this school year. That said, I don't mind giving you after-school lessons if and only if you get a perfect score on the test on Friday. I expect you to get a max score, not even a single question wrong. Then I'll help you. If you don't, then I won't teach you anything and you might fail my class entirely since you're sitting at a failing grade right now. Is that a good deal to you?"
"Not like I have a choice. I hate studying but I'll do it." Hajime and Suwaga shook hands."You'll see. I'll be your best student."
"I don't know what your motivation is but I'm glad to see a mediocre student like you want to put the effort into something."
"Hey! Mediocre? I'm plenty smart! You'll see!"
With that, Hajime exited the classroom, meeting Kuroiwa outside."How did it go?"
"Let's just say I can't go to the arcade for a while now." Hajime said, causing Kuroiwa to deflate."I have to study for the test on Friday. I only have 2 days so I have to try my hardest."
"That blows. But if that's what you want to do, I have no choice but to support you, do I?" Kuroiwa patted him on the back with a grin."I'll help you study. Let's show those books who is boss."
"Right." Hajime nodded, his mind trailing off to Ouja.'Just wait, you snake bastard. I won't lose next time.'
"Hajime-kun! Wait up!"
Hajime and Kuroiwa both halted in their tracks and were surprised to see who came to see them.
"Hazzy-san..." Hajime quirked a brow."What's up? You look like you're in a rush."
"Hazzy?! You know the pretty boy, Hazuki Kaburagi, Adachi?!" Kuroiwa gawked."You know a senior student?!"
"Sure. I met him a while back. He's friends with the girl I told you about." Hajime stuffed his hands in his pockets."So what's up?"
"I need to ask you...have you talked to Hibiki-chan recently?" Hazuki breathed heavily, exhausted from presumably running around the school to find him.
"Not really." Hajime scratched his cheek."Haven't had time. Ah, you're worried about Miku-san, right?!"
"Yes!" Hazuki nodded frantically."I was taking a stroll with her yesterday and all of a sudden she just vanished out of thin air. Then I heard a bunch of explosions going around where I was and me and all the people there were evacuated. I'm so worried that she got hurt..."
"She's fine, trust me." Hajime patted his shoulder."Hibiki would have told me if something bad happened to her. They did have a little fight though. But if she has energy for fights, then she's fine."
"Oh, thank God..." Hazuki sighed in relief, shaking his head."I have to go see her. I feel bad for losing sight of her. She could have been hurt or worse."
"Wait, you're not planning on going to Lydian, are you?" Kuroiwa jabbed his finger against Hazuki's chest."You can't do that! That's an all-girls school! Why do you get to go to a buffet of babes!"
"Huh?"
"Kuroiwa, just shut up. You're making it sound weird." Hajime deadpanned, hitting him on the back of the head."He does bring up a valid point though. Some girls might freak out seeing a boy in their territory. Plus, they might get the wrong idea."
"That's fine. After all, I am an uprising idol." Hazuki assured the duo."If I can't stand in front of a crowd of girls, I'll make for a lousy idol."
"That's the right attitude to have." Hajime gave him a thumbs up."Alright then. I wish you luck."
"You won't come with me? I'm sure Hibiki-san would be delighted to see you."
"Nah, he can't." Kuroiwa wrapped his arm around Hajime, much to his dismay."The boy here has to study for his test. And since we won't be going to the arcade, it's my job as his friend to make sure he sticks to his studying."
"Won't you study too? You're in the same class." Hajime retorted.
"No way. I don't do studying." Kuroiwa dragged Hajime with him, glancing over his shoulder."I'll be taking him away now, Mr. Idol! Try to leave some girls for the rest of us mortals!"
"Uh..." Hazuki gaped, his brain unable to come up with a quip."Thank you?"
"Dude, why the hell are you friends with the pretty boy? The dude is a second-year. He's older than us!"
"Stop calling him that. He's not that handsome. I'm more handsome, I would say." Hajime gloated, rubbing his chin with sparkles in his eyes.
"I mean...you guys kinda look similar but he rocks that blonde and your black hair is pretty stale compared to that. I guess your eyes stand out but did you see those pink eyes of his? Sorry, but you stand no chance."
"Can you stop complimenting him?!" Hajime yelled, pushing Kuroiwa off before running away."You're weird!"
"Hey, I'll have you know that any guy would want to look like him! Except for that burn mark on his cheek! I want some ladies too, damn it!" Kuroiwa chased after them as they both horsed around like children in the hallway.
"Hold on! Get back here! I just remembered something!"
"Yeah?" Hajime stopped, only for Kuroiwa to get him in a chokehold."W-what the hell?!"
"You called him Hazzy and he called you Hajime!" He grinned, giving him a nuggie."We've known each other since we were little kids! Why have you never called me by my given name?!"
"You never asked. But if you want to...I don't mind doing it, Hamaguchi."
"Come on, give me a nickname. My name is too ugly." Kuroiwa released him and Hajime stomped on his foot before sprinting off."You asshole! Hajime, get back here!"
Outside of the school, Hazuki was on his phone, looking for any flower shops nearby before he bumped into someone, nearly losing his footing."A-ah, sorry, sir."
"Watch where you're walking, kid." A young adult in his early twenties spat. He had unkempt messy black hair, grey eyes, and a slim build. He was wearing black dressing pants with brown shoes and a long-sleeved white shirt with a blue tie."You can't text and walk. You'll bump into someone like me. I swear, kids these days..."
"I'm terribly sorry." Hazuki apologized again before he continued on his path.
Kuwana scoffed."Damn kids. Nowadays they have no sense of urgency and when they do it's for pointless things. Well, whatever." He watched some students walk by him, presumably heading home. He then glanced at the school with a sardonic smirk."Now...where are you, Ryuki? I know this is a trap. I'm not stupid. You purposely told me the name of your school for me to find you. But I'll bite. I can't let you go thinking you're better than me" He took out his Gai deck, twirling it in his hands."Now to find a place to transform."
Hazuki glanced back where he had come from, looking for the strange man he had stumbled upon but he was gone. He shook his head, deciding to continue his path.
A few minutes later, outside of Lydian Academy, Hibiki's gangs made their way out of campus, chatting amongst themselves. However, Miku remained in the front, refusing to direct a word to Hibiki. The cream-haired girl chose to stay in the back, not knowing how to get Miku to at least hear her out.'Should I just approach her directly? No...she might just turn me down and run away...'
"We're going to Flower, right?" Shiori Terashima asked her friends.
"Yup! I skipped lunch today just for this!" Yumi Itaba rose her fist in the air."I can hardly wait!"
"You really shouldn't have skipped lunch." Kuriyo Ando chided."It's an important meal. Besides, you're lucky we're even going. It was Miku's idea to go."
"I thought it'd be nice to hang around today," Miku said, eyeing her friends and skipping over Hibiki.
"You've been quiet, Bikki." Kuriyo pointed out, alerting her friends."It's so unlike you. Normally you'd be salivating at the thought of food."
"Maybe she's thinking of that little boyfriend she's got." Yumi wagged her eyebrows at her."Don't think I haven't noticed you cheesing when you text on your phone. So, who's the lucky guy?"
"Y-you're wrong! He's not my boyfriend!"
"But there is a guy, right?" Yumi continued to press on."That sounds like something straight out of an anime. The silly and kind-hearted girl is secretly in love with a bad guy. He's a bad guy, right?"
"I would hope not." Shiori hummed."I don't see her dating a delinquent or something. It wouldn't suit her. She's too pure."
"He is a bad influence on her." Miku suddenly said.
"Huh? Wait, you know him?! So there is a boy! I knew it!"
"Miku, please-"
"Ever since you met Hajime-san, you've changed for the worse." Miku glared daggers at her.
"Hajime-san? Wait, I know that name. That's the name of that co-worker of yours, right? The one at your job?"
"So she does have a job?" Yumi whistled, surprised."I can't believe it. I didn't take you as a hard worker. But that's against the rules, right?"
"It's not a job!" Miku snapped, startling her friends."She...she-"
"There you are!"
The girls curiously turned to where the voice came from. A young man clad in a black school uniform and his blazer unbuttoned was jogging towards them, holding a bouquet.
"Oh my gosh! Is that him, Bikki?!" Yumi shook Hibiki's shoulders."He's so hot! Why are you dating so a pretty boy?!"
"That's an odd scar on his face..." Shiori whispered, staring at the burnt mark on Hazuki's right cheek.
"Haz-kun?" Miku walked towards Hazuki, meeting him halfway."You came."
"These are for you." Hazuki handed her the flowers."Just a little token of friendship. I mean...I feel like we didn't end up our outing in the best way possible."
"That's true...but I'm okay. Sorry for not calling you. I don't have your number." Miku accepted the flowers, smelling them."These are wonderful, Haz-kun. You didn't have to go to this extent."
"Nonsense." Hazuki shook his head."It's the least I can do. But what even happened? Was it a Noise attack?"
"I...I'm not a liberty to say." Miku trailed off, her gaze shifting to the ground.
"I see. I understand. A secret is a secret, right?" Hazuki accepted her choice. He looked past her, meeting gaze with her friends."These are your friends? I'm pleased to meet all of you. I'm Hazuki Kaburagi, but feel free to call me Haz."
"Hello!" Yumi was the first one to introduce herself."I'm Yumi Itaba! A pleasure to meet Miku's boyfriend!"
"Ah...we're not dating or anything. We're friends." Hazuki quickly corrected her with ease."I met her during the meteor shower a while back. She was kind enough to allow me to sit with her and watch."
"Woah, Miku. I didn't you know you were so bold." Shiori nodded with approval."Nice one."
"It's not what you think." Miku sighed, blushing lightly."We're friends. That is all. The others are Kuriyo Ando and Shiori Terashima. Though you already know Hibiki..."
"Right. How are you, Hibiki-chan?" Hazuki waved at her with a friendly smile."I just saw Hajime-kun. Seems he's studying hard for an exam."
"I'm happy to see he's applying himself." Hibiki smiled, knowing that Hajime was off doing something productive.
"So this Hajime-kun." Yumi leaned forward."How is he? Is he as charismatic and nice as you?"
"He...he's a good guy, I'll say that. Good heart."
"So basically he has nothing good to say." Kuriyo nodded in understanding."Well, at least Miku got lucky. I wish you luck, Hibiki."
"But he's a good guy...He's just...well he's a little eccentric and tends to enjoy getting into trouble. He's really nice." Hibiki rubbed her arm, embarrassed at the look her friends were giving her.
"Anyway, I should probably get going." Hazuki gave the girls a bow."It was very nice meeting you. I hope we can get along."
"Are you taking Miku with you?" Yumi pushed Miku forward."We were going to Flower but we don't mind if she hangs out with a friend. Right, guys?"
"Ah...I wouldn't want to impose." Hazuki rubbed his nape."I just came by to see if Miku was alright. I don't want to intrude."
"I did want to try that ice cream that you were going to get for me." Miku smiled at the blonde."If you don't mind, I would like to see try it for myself."
"Oh. Well, if you're sure." Hazuki nodded, waving the other girls goodbye."Don't worry. I'll accompany her to meet up with you guys after the fact."
The girls waved at the pair walking ahead of them before turning to Hibiki. Shiori rubbed Hibiki's shoulder."So when can we expect to meet that Hajime-kun?"
Chris stirred awake from her sleep, yawning. She checked the clock on the wall, realizing that she had slept well into the afternoon. She groaned, wanting to sleep a little longer but the lights in the room were too bright."Turn that off..."
"Sorry."
The lavender-haired girl sat up, realizing that Takeru was not on the bed but sitting on the sofa, leaning forward and head looking at the floor."Takeru?"
He didn't say anything. Just sighed, shaking his head.
Chris bit her lower lip, knowing what was going on. She threw the covers off and approached the mercenary, sitting down next to him."When did you wake up?"
"A few hours ago," Takeru replied, his voice devoid of all emotion. A complete contrast of how he acted yesterday."Had a nightmare. And a panic attack."
"That nightmare again? I thought for sure you stopped having it." Chris gently rubbed his back, soothingly."I told you to wake me up when you had a panic attack! You have to talk to someone when that happens!"
"It comes and goes. Randomly. It just...invades my mind." Takeru rubbed his temples, tears threatening to pour from his eyes."I just...I just can't help but think about it sometimes. I try not to let it bother me or show it because I don't want you to worry but it's too strong."
"Your family."
"Yeah..." Takeru exhaled."I'm no saint. I've killed tons of people for the sake of earning a living. That's what we mainly did back in the Breaker Alliance. Go from country to country to serve as a military asset for those who were willing to pay. Killing became so typical for me that I just kind of tuned it out. It was thought to me since I was so young that I saw it as something natural. My Pa always told me that it was okay since we were killing enemies. People on the other side that we had to kill if we wanted our people to survive. But...but no matter how much I try to rationalize it...what I've done..."
He was unable to contain his tears, hugging himself as he trembled like a leaf."I went from killing enemies...to killing my whole family. The people that watched me grew up and taught me to survive. Sure, they were bad people at heart but...I was just as bad as them. But no matter how much I try to imagine all the bad things they did and would have to continue doing...I still killed them all. I thought that I was doing the right thing. But I don't know. I had no other choice. They wouldn't have stopped trafficking children even if I begged. I had to kill them...there was no other way but...I still can't forgive myself. I still see their expressions when I close my eyes. The screams and the lack of them. The blood of the people I once called comrades. I'm only grateful that my Ma died long before that...I don't want her to see what I've become today. As for my Pa...I still don't understand why he didn't kill me. He could have but he didn't. Why?"
"You said it yourself yesterday. No matter what, one can't bring himself to hate their parents. They weren't your real parents and those other mercenaries weren't blood-related to you, but they were still there and acted as guides if you can even call it that." Chris coed."But you have to think about what happened after that. You saved me. You protected me. And all those other children that were there too. You prevented any more victims. No one will go through what I've been through."
"You don't know that." Takeru sighed."I don't think I'm that different from Ouja."
Chris' eyes widened, astonished at his sudden statement.
"We both kill for money and have ruined countless lives. And we both have been given this power to fulfill our wish. I-"
A punch to the face managed to not only shut him up but also knock him off the couch. He landed on his back, wincing in pain as his spine hurt him even more."What the-"
"Never EVER say that again." Chris knelt next to him, jabbing her finger into his face. She was livid, her teeth in full display and giving him the scariest look he's ever seen from."You're not a psychopath murderer who enjoys tormenting people by messing with their heads. You never enjoyed taking a single life and when you did kill it was because you were ordered to. No one is telling Ouja to do all this stuff. You're a very kind soul that feels regret for the actions of people that were too stupid to realize that what they were doing was wrong. You saved those who you could save and you stayed with me. You cared for me."
"But I-"
"You're the one who's always telling me that all those deaths caused by Solomon's Cane weren't my doing. That Fine was the one behind it. But I still activated it. I still did it. And nothing I do can ever fix that. So now I'm telling you the same thing. You did all those things because that's all you knew. And you killed the Breaker Alliance because you saw no other way out. You were just a kid for your word to matter to them. Think of the other children you saved. Think about what kind of lives they're having and what kind of experiences they're living. They are free. Because of you. It doesn't matter if you couldn't save all of them. What matters is that you still saved a few. That's more than nothing, right?"
Takeru stared in complete shock at Chris, who was panting for air after she went off on him."You think...they're doing okay?"
"Better than us, that's for sure." Chris grabbed his hand, helping him up."At least they'll live how they want to live instead of being sold. If you still feel guilty for those you couldn't save and the people you killed, that's fine. I feel guilty for what I caused as well. But like you said before, we're in this together. So our burdens are shared. We're together in the good, the bad, and the worse. And also the good times. But we can prevent things like that from happening ever again."
"You're right." Takeru slowly nodded."I...yeah, you're right. We can stop the flames of war and more people from suffering. Sorry...I don't know what came over me..."
"The fact that you care is already proof enough you're nothing like him." She guided him to the couch, sitting next to each other. Her face turned crimson as she grabbed his hand and squeezed."Don't think I'll do this because I like it. But for some reason it always makes you feel better so here it goes..."
"What are you talking about?" Takeru tilted his head. What followed next was something he certainly wasn't expecting."You don't mean-"
"Gimon…? Gumon! Shōdō insupaia.." Chris sang a lullaby version of her song."Rokkan furu de kanjite mina."
"Your song?" Takeru gaped in shock.
"Just shut up and relax," Chris ordered, prompting him to shut his mouth. She continued singing, and his worries seemed to just wash away along with her song.
"I'm so lucky I met you." He said, closing his eyes with a smile.
"Idiot." Chris interrupted her song, grabbing his hand with both of hers."I'm the lucky one."
"Hajime put the damn phone down!" Kuroiwa snapped, attempting to grab Hajime's phone out of his hands but the other youth pulled back. They were sitting on the third floor in one of the vacant classrooms trying to study.
"Hold on, Hamaguchi, I'm trying to grind something real quick." Hajime said, eyes glued to the screen."The anniversary of this game is coming up and a bunch of new banners are coming up for all the new units. I have to be prepared."
"It's a gacha. Just pay for the items."
"Yeah right. I would never spend money on a gacha." Hajime huffed, putting his phone down."I barely have any pocket money when I go to the arcade. I'm not spending money on a game."
"At least you're sensible enough to realize that." Kuroiwa stood up from his desk, heading over to the windows to open a few of them to let some fresh air in."Oh, shit. You wouldn't believe this."
"What?" Hajime said, not interested in the matter and continuing to play on his phone.
"There's a fucking cosplayer outside the gates and is coming in. The traffic is jammed 'cause some people are trying to take pictures of them."
"That good of a cosplay?" Hajime's curiosity was piqued. He stuffed his phone in his pocket and went over to the window."What is it?"
"I don't know. Some sentai character I guess? Looks like a rhinoceros knight or something."
Hajime's eyes widened upon hearing those words. He quickly pushed Kuroiwa out of the way and looked down the window.
Gai leisure walked past the school gates with a group of students gawking at him. He felt like a celebrity and the students were his fans. Many of them were taking pictures or asking questions about his suit. They truly thought he was just a cosplayer.
"RYUKI!" Gai screamed at the top of his lungs, all the remaining students still on campus were staring in shock."I know you're here! Come on out to play!"
"Ryuki? What's that?"
"Never heard of that name before. Maybe that's his buddy?"
"Can I get a picture? You look so cool."
"I do look cool." Gai boasted, enjoying the praises."Why don't you come on out, Ryuki? So we can play?!"
"Hell yeah! I'm going to go take a picture." Kuroiwa tried running to the door, but Hajime grabbed him by the arm."What's up, Hajime?"
"Don't go outside. Stay here." He said with a serious expression.
"I guess you won't come out?" Gai sighed, his hand grabbing a card from his Deck."Maybe he went home. Only students in clubs or ones that are just hanging out are still here after school ended. But you'll come out eventually. In the meantime, Metalgelas is hungry."
Strike Vent: Metal Horn
ATK: 2000
The crowd gasped upon seeing Metal Horn materializing on Gai's right arm."If there's one thing I hate is fighting with women or children. But I have to drag you out, won't I?"
All of a sudden, he pierced through a student's head, killing them instantly with the horn. Blood splattered onto some students' uniforms. This was no cosplayer. As soon as the body hit the ground, panic immediately took over.
Advent: Metalgelas
ATK: 4000
"Make sure you eat the corpses, boy." Gai chuckled, his monster snorting in response."We don't want to keep you from enjoying a good meal. The Noise just aren't good for you."
Metalgelas, outside of the gates, began tossing cars to the school and they exploded upon impact due to the force behind the throws, creating a fire that would quickly spread out on the second floor. So cars landed on students, crushing them to death or trapping them. Gai's sadistic desires rose when he noticed some people still in their cars, screaming before they died.
"So what's it going to be, Ryuki?! More people will die if you don't come out! But then again, you probably don't care, do you? You are the vigilante who's slaughtered almost all of the Yakuza population in Japan, after all! What are some kids to you?! You said it yourself, death has no consequence, right?!"
Inside the school, in the fencing club, Yosuke was guiding some students out of the burning gym after a car had crashed through the walls. He didn't know what was going on but he didn't have time to transform. So many students, particularly the younger ones, were panicking or needed help. And as a student council president, he felt obligated to help them.'Ryu-kid...Goro...I'm sorry. But I have to help them!'
He grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher and went from classroom to classroom, helping those in need.
Goro, on the other hand, had just gotten out of a shower since had stayed behind after gym class and was now rushing toward the front of the school. He peaked around the corner, watching as Gai cackled like a maniac, enjoying his destruction.' That's Gai! But what is he doing here? No, it doesn't matter. I have to stop him or at least stall until the others get here.'
'Why the hell is that guy even looking for me?!' Hajime bit his lower lip as he stared down below. He glanced behind him, hearing the noises of students panicking and running around the hallways.'Can't transform here. Shit! What now?!'
Taking out his Scissors Deck, Goro materialized his V Buckle before shouting."Henshin!" And inserting the deck into the belt, transforming into Scissors.
Gai approached a group of girls huddled up together terrified at the carnage around them."It's a shame to kill a bunch of cute girls. But I need to bait Ryuki. You can thank him when I send him to hell."
Strike Vent: Scissorspinch
ATK: 1000
"Hold up!" Scissors ran towards Gai with his Scissorspinch in hand. Gai rose his hand, blocking the attack with his Metal Horn.
"This is unexpected." Gai chuckled, amused."I was expecting Ryuki. Not another Rider. Who are you?"
"I'm Kamen Rider Scissors!" Scissors announced, trying to push Gai away from the girls."You're Gai! You're the ones who's been murdering salarymen!"
"Oh? I'm popular already? I thought no one cared about those lowlives." Gai snickered sinisterly."So you're another kid playing hero or Ryuki's friend? Or maybe both?"
"Why are you hunting him down?! He did nothing to you!" Scissors demanded answers but Gai wouldn't comply so easily.
"So both it is." Gai scoffed."And you're here because he can't fight his own battles now? Does he not care that I'm going to burn down this whole school until he comes out? This blind friendship is beyond pathetic. You shouldn't have jumped in to protect him. Now I have to kill you."
"You won't be harming anyone else!" Scissors rose his leg, kicking Gai away. He went to strike him with his Scissorvisor, but Gai grabbed his claw. He then went to strike him with his bigger claw only to see his attack being blocked by Metal Horn. Gai went for a headbutt, disorienting Scissors.
Advent: Volcancer
ATK: 3000
Volcancer came rushing to help Scissors and was tackled against a wall by Metalgealas, who immediately began pouncing on it.
"Volcancer!" Scissors cried out to his Advent Monster. He leaped back, grabbing onto a tree branch.
"What are you doing up there?" Gai beckoned him to get closer."Come on, stop running."
'What do I do? I need to strategize and come up with an idea to beat him or stall until the others get here.'Scissors scanned around, grimacing at the bodies on the ground."You're a monster! They were just kids! Why would you do that?! Just to get to Ryuki?! Why?! They did not deserve this!"
"That's how this world is, kid. It's not sunshine and rainbows. Where there are winners, there are also losers." Gai splayed his hands to his sides."Disappointment is unavoidable in this world. And it's all you'll ever get. Never expect things to be different than the worst-case scenario. They thought it would just be another day after school. They thought they would just hang out with their friends, go home, study, read, eat, and sleep. But we don't always get what we want, do we? No matter how much effort we put into things."
"What...what are you even talking about?! Stop dodging the question!"
"I'm saying that this world is full of disappointment. A rigged game. Only those with power have the right to change the rules." Gai drew a card from his deck as he monologued."Those at the bottom are forced to listen to the ones with power. Natural selection at its finest. And people with power are the ones with the ability to be free. And you want to know why I've killed all these kids and those workers? It's because I'm exercising my right as a human being. And nothing makes a human free than when they take another life because they have the power to do so."
"You're killing...because you can...? Because you think it makes you free...?"
"You're just a little kid. You wouldn't understand any of this." Gai sighed, shaking his head."True freedom is impossible unless one possesses overwhelming power. That's what I learned when I was a kid. I was subjected to adults more powerful than me. The only person that truly cared about me wasn't able to achieve that freedom either. And when I broke out of that hell, I was just sent to another cage. Until I get my Deck. Only then I became a free human. And now I'm going to do whatever the hell I want and impose my freedom on those weaker than me. A human is only free when they're able to steal freedom from others!"
Hajime was baffled at what he had just heard. This didn't make any sense at all. Who in their right mind killed just because they could kill? How did that make him free?"
"And as for Ryuki? Well, he thought he got the better of me." Gai opened his visor on his shoulder before tossing the card over."And now he has to pay for that."
Shock Vent
ATK: 1000
Metalgelas threw Volcancer away with its head and began stomping on the ground, causing an earthquake. The first floor of the school began to cave in, and the fire had buried enough of the structure that pieces of it began to fall off. The branch that Scissors had latched onto gave in, and the boy fell. Gai rushed towards him, aiming to pierce him with his thrust. Scissors kicked the horn at the last second, but Gai's still tackled him towards a wall, shattering it. He grabbed onto his leg, lifting him up.
"What's wrong? This is all you got?" Gai threw him across the area, his body crashing through a window and landing in the lobby of the school."I love being free. And now, for the grand finale."
"Fuck." Hajime grabbed at his hair.'I can't let Goro die! He'll kill him!'
"Dude..we have to get out of here!" Kuroiwa grabbed Hajime's shoulders but he wouldn't budge."The floor is going to collapse!"
"Kuroiwa...lock the door." Hajime didn't believe what he was about to do."Don't let anyone in."
"You're out of your damn mind?!" Kuroiwa exclaimed, outraged."We're going to die in here! If we inhale any of the smoke, we-"
Hajime wordlessly took out his deck, extending his arm out. His V Buckled materialized around his waist.
"What the...?" Kuroiwa's eyes widened slowly the more he watched. Hajime rushed and grabbed his friend's arm before pulling him out the window with him."W-WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
"HENSHIN!"
Ryuki quickly came into play, releasing Kuroiwa's hand momentarily to activate an ability.
Final Vent: Flying Rider Kick
ATK:6000
Dragreder flew down from the sky, its tail wrapping around Kuroiwa's body."What the hell is this?! Hajime?! What is going on!"
"Don't say my name, dumbass! It's Ryuki now!" Ryuki pointed at Dragreder."Buddy! Get my friend down safely! I'll handle the rest!"
Dragreder roared in agreement and breathed fire at Ryuki, propelling him to the ground faster.
Final Vent: Heavy Pressure
ATK: 5000
Metalgelas snorted behind Gai, signaling him to begin. Gai jumped, his legs latching onto Metalgelas' shoulders as it began to run towards Scissors.
Scissors shakily stood up, activating his ability.'Why am I so weak? Why can't I be like them?!'
Guard Vent: Shelldefense
DEF:2000
"It won't work!" Gai cackled, only to receive the full force of a fiery kick to the face. He and Metalgelas were sent rolling on the ground, crashing against the furthest wall of the school.
Ryuki gracefully landed on the ground, his head high."Alright!"
"Ryuki..." Scissors cried in relief."You're okay! What about..."
"He's okay, I think." Ryuki gave him a thumbs up."This is Yanagi we're talking about." He finally took a good look at the burning school and then the dead bodies of his peers."I...I can't believe this...this is like straight out of a nightmare..."
"Finally." Gai used Metal Horn to help himself up."You showed up."
"No way..." Ryuki took a step back in shock."He shouldn't be standing so casually after taking my Final Vent head-on!"
"It turns out my armor is the toughest of the Riders." Gai rotated his shoulder, popping his joints."But still, that kick...that hurt. You got me by surprise again, Ryuki. Not bad. A little trickster through and through. Finally, you showed up. I was beginning to think you wouldn't."
"Of course, I'd show up when you keep devastating my school!" Ryuki screamed in pure anger."What the hell do you want with me?! Why are you killing all my classmates?!"
"You're the one who called me out here." Gai shrugged."I thought you didn't care about these kids' lives. I mean, you did kill a bunch of Yakuza. And besides, you said all of these dead people will come back to life, right? So it doesn't matter who dies."
"What? But I've never seen you in my..."
"I guess all that medication they made you take made you forget certain things." He remembered Kuroiwa's words earlier that day.
"I wonder what else that medicine made me forget?" He also remembered pondering at the thought.
'Did I...maybe meet this guy before and do something to him to make him hate me...?' Hajime thought, not reacting in time to Gai kicking him in the chest, sending him towards a tree and shaking it."Did I cause all of this...? Wait, no...He said Yakuza...Don't tell me..."
"You're wide open!" Gai kicked Ryuki through the tree, sending him rolling across the ground."Are you pitying me?! Do you think you'll get away with giving me free hits?! You bastard!"
"You...you fought Ryuga, didn't you? That damn imposter told you that I'm him, didn't he?!" Ryuki snarled, his emotions shifting from confusion to anger again."He set you up for this!"
"Quit talking nonsense, schoolboy, and fight me!" Gai dashed at Ryuki, his Metal Horn scraping the ground.
"Words aren't going to work on you. And even if I could convince you, I'm so fucking mad right now for what you did to all these people!" Ryuki charged as well, ready to clash with him. Gai went for a thrust and Ryuki countered by slapping his arm, changing the trajectory of the attack. He elbowed Gai in the face, but he brushed it off and kneed him in the gut.
Ryuki staggered backward, ducking Gai's thrust at the last second by crouching down. He tried to sweep Gai's legs, but his defense was sturdy. Gai clicked his tongue, winding his fist and going for a punch.
"You're a lot slower than a certain snake I know! And all the training I've done is helping me keep up with him!" Ryuki effortlessly dodged, using his speed to run behind Gai. The rhino-themed Rider swept his arm, Ryuki avoiding by jumping back. Gai, getting tired of this, went for another thrust."And you're way weaker than the Commander! Compared to all the fights I've been in, this is nothing!"
Ryuki weaved, the horn narrowly avoiding his head. He winded his fist back, putting a lot of power into the punch before he slammed his fists against Gai's face."You're nothing special compared to all of them!"
Gai's body was sent flying toward the school, crashing against a window and landing inside a classroom.
Sword Vent: Dragsaber
ATK: 2000
Ryuki grabbed his sword, taking a battle stance."I'm not losing to someone like you!"
"Ryuki!" Scissors ran towards him, beaming."You're so strong! You're beating him!"
"No..." Ryuki swallowed the lump in his throat."I'm punching him but he's insanely tough."
Gai's laugh could be heard from inside the school as he slowly removed the rubble from him."Yeah, I see now. You aren't the same guy I was fighting against. Your attacks are a lot weaker than his. You're barely even tickling me and you're less agile from what it looks like."
"Tch." Ryuki and Scissors stood side by side, each wielding their respective weapons. Scissorspinch and Dragsaber.
"Yeah...I see it. You're just a joke compared to that guy. Which means you are nothing to me now." Gai grinned underneath his helmet."But that's fine. I want to get stronger so I can fight him next. Which unfortunately means I have to kill you anyway. Come at me."
Ryuki and Scissors ran in zigzags, approaching him from different sides to confuse him. Gai analyzed their plan in a matter of seconds, using his experience against them to come up with a counter. He blocked Dragsaber with Metal Horn and used his braces to block Scissorspinch. He pushed both of them simultaneously, swatting Ryuki away and focusing on Scissors. He slammed Metal Horn against Scissorspinch and completely canceled it. He then slammed it against Scissors' torso, causing him to land roughly on the ground.
"Leave him alone!" Ryuki rose his blade, but Gai used Metal Horn to block it."How tough is this stupid gauntlet?! I can't hit him!"
"It's the ultimate defense, brat." Gai stepped on Ryuki's feet, prompting him to yelp in pain, and returned the punch from earlier with one of his own.
Ryuki rolled on the ground, quickly drawing a card to use.
Strike Vent: Dragclaw
ATK: 2000
Using his new gauntlet, Ryuki aimed and shot a volley of fireballs. Gai took on the challenge, using his Metal Horn as a shield, and ran through the fireballs. He planted his feet against Ryuki's chest, launching him through the school and making him come out to the football field outside. He landed roughly on the ground, spraining his ankle.
A group of students watched from afar in awe at Gai, who was slowly walking inside the school through the main doors. He stared at Ryuki through the hole he made, giving him a thumbs down."Nothing personal, kid. But I'm taking you out. And your freedom."
Before Gai could activate the card in his hand, Volcancer grabbed him from behind, using its claws to hold him in place."What the hell?! Where did this thing come from?!"
"You were too cocky and forgot about me!" Scissors cried from behind, leaning against a wall and holding his sides."Ryuki!"
"Right..." Hajime grabbed his sword, slowly approaching Gai who tried to break out of the monster's grip to no avail. He couldn't even activate an ability.
"Let me go! You damn brat!" Gai screamed but Volcancer had a vice grip on him."What are you going to do? Kill me? Ha! You don't have what it takes to kill!"
The dragon Rider gritted his teeth.'Kill him? I mean, we got him, right? But...Volcancer doesn't look like he'll be able to hold him for long. And if he breaks out, he'll just continue with this...Yanagi isn't here yet neither are the girls. Can I knock him out? My attacks don't work unless I hit him really hard. And I only got my sword and my gauntlet. Can I convince him...?'
"We're not Noise! We're humans! We should be able to talk to each other and come to an understanding!" Hibiki's words echoed in his mind.
He scanned the school around him. The fire was beginning to spread from the upper floors. Countless students were killed by either Gai or the fire. Not to mention the cars that were flung toward the school and the people inside them. There was no convincing him.
'Am I...going to kill another person...?' Ryuki stopped in his tracks, a cold sweat dripping down the back of his neck.'I always joked about beating Riders and acting all high and mighty but...now that I'm here...I don't think I can kill a person...'
"Still think this is a game, Ryu-kid? Like I told you, you got lucky I was your opponent. Anyone else would have killed you. You'll find that out on your own."
'Is this what Yanagi meant?' Ryuki pondered, staring at his sword, conflicted.'Wait, his Deck! Our Decks are what empowers us. So if I can destroy it...'
"No, I'm not going to kill you." Ryuki began his march once again, limping."But I'm going to make sure you won't be a Kamen Rider anymore. You'll face the consequences of your actions." He raised his sword, pointing at Gai's deck.
"No...Kill me, but not that! Gai's eyes shot open in horror."Kill me! But not that!"
"Now you're changing your tune!" Ryuki couldn't hold himself any longer."Now you're cowering like a frightened child when your so-called freedom is put at risk! What about the people you killed, huh?! What about the freedom they lost?! They won't go home and see their parents! They won't enjoy a hot meal with their loved ones at the dinner table! Their dreams and ambitions! You took that from them! And now you're begging to not get your power stolen?!"
"I DESERVE TO BE AT THE TOP!" Gai snarled like a feral beast."Those of us with power can change the world as we see fit! True freedom is what I deserve after the hell I've been through! I escaped that hell hole and they didn't! I survived! I'm the strongest! The best of the best! I'm special!"
Hajime paid no heed to his words and continued to slowly cut the distance between them.'I'm not going to kill him, but destroying his deck is the closest thing to death, right? I'll be crushing his hopes of ever getting that wish...I'm about to end his career as a Kamen Rider...and yet...' The raven-haired was sweating profusely under his armor, his arms shaking.'Come on! I love to fight! This is no different than a fight! Why am I hesitating?!'
"S-stop it!" Gai shook his head frantically."Don't come any closer! I'm special! I'm finally special! You can't take that away from me!" Gai glanced to the side, looking for Scissors."You! Please! You have to release me! Please!"
"Why should I?! You're dangerous! This is the only thing we can do to stop you!"
"But you don't understand! I can't lose my power!" Gai panicked, his voice raising in pitch."Odin told me I could become stronger by fighting other Riders and feeding people to Metalgelas! I-I have to win! My mom is very sick and she needs treatment!"
"Your mom...?" Scissors gasped.
"Y-yes...she has cancer!" Gai pleaded."That's why I'm going so far for her! But if you let me go, I'll stop hurting other people! I'll help you fight Odin! Just, please, don't take my power away!"
"Don't listen to him, Scissors!" Ryuki screamed at his friend."He's lying! Look at what he did! He did it because he wanted to! He calls this freedom! So he's doing all of this for his own gain!"
"No! I was trying to sound tough! I'm just a student, like you guys!" Gai cried."I'm still immature! Please, let me go! I swear on my mom's life I'll help you fight Odin! So we can stop this! I don't...I DON'T WANT TO SEE MY MOM DIE!"
"Do you promise...that you'll help...?"
"He's lying! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM!" Ryuki was a few inches away, preparing his sword to slash his deck. He frowned in pain, forcing his body to move faster despite his ankle killing him.
"I SWEAR! I SWEAR I'LL HELP YOU! Just please!"
Scissors thought back to his father at home. And how he wanted to use his wish for his dad so he can be cured of his disease. He understood what it felt like and those cries for help... tugged at his heart. He communicated with Volcancer telepathically using the antennas on his helmet.
Volcancer released Gai right when Ryuki was face to face with Gai.
"Dumbass." Gai quickly threw his card at his visor, activating his ability, and smacked Ryuki across his body with Metal Horn.
Advent: Metalgelas
ATK: 4000
Metalgelas snorted as it tackled Volcancer away. Gai began stomping on Ryuki's chest, holding him in place and earning cries of pain from him.
"Y-you lied!" Scissors gasped in horror at what he had just caused.
"No shit, Sherlock!" Gai retorted, enjoying Ryuki's screams of pain as he continued stomping on him."You really think I'm the kind of guy who gives a shit about his parents? Fuck them! They don't give a shit about me anyway. No...the only person that made me feel special is long gone. She wanted to be free too. And her sister. And guess what happened? She died. Her freedom was stolen from her. So why would I give a fuck about any of these people? And just between us? I'm 22. So I'm older than all of you."
"Ryuki!" Scissors yelled, his voice full of concern.'I did this! I did this! Why am I so stupid? I just make things worse!'
Final Vent: Scissors Attack
ATK: 4000
Volcancer recuperated, and leaped over to Scissors, preparing to launch their strongest attack.
"Don't think so." Gai casually inserted his card into his visor.
Confine Vent
As Scissors jumped to get propelled by his monster, Volcancer disappeared into thin air and collapsed onto the ground.
"Hahaha!" Gai snickered in triumph."This'll be the easiest thing I've ever done. Aside from how I obtained this power."
"What...what do you mean?" Ryuki grumbled, trying to get Gai's foot off his chest.
"I killed the previous owner of my deck." Gai boasted with great malice in his voice."I murdered him with my own two hands. And he was supposed to be a Kamen Rider?! Ha! As if! I stole the freedom of someone who was supposed to be better than me. How can I not be the greatest? Poor him. Thinking I thought of him like a brother. As if! I could never be related to those nobodies!"
"You say that, but...you had to steal your power..." Ryuki whimpered in pain but was defiant."While the rest of us were chosen...for our power...you stole it! You're the lamest person ever! You're not worthy enough to have this power! You're an overgrown child and a sore loser!"
Gai's eyes dilated at the insult, his face becoming stone cold as he rose his Metal Horn."FUCK YOU!"
"No! Fuck you!"
Gai rose his head, exchanging gazes with Knight, who had already drawn his Winglancer. Gai went for a thrust, but Knight maneuvered in the air using it as a foothold, and delivered a powerful double kick to Gai's face, shooting him like a bullet toward a wall, leaving him stuck, dazed.
"Without that horn of yours as a shield, you're not so tough." Knight took a battle stance, standing defensively in front of Ryuki.
"Knight..."
"Stay back. I'll handle this." Knight proclaimed."I've evacuated all of the students from the building. It's just us."
"Well...so you were a student here after all." Gai groaned, jumping off the hole in the wall."I just keep getting interrupted it seems. And this time by you. What, not gonna try to talk me down with idealism again, kid?"
"After what you did, don't expect that offer again." Knight glared at him, sending shivers down his spine at how determined he sounded."I'll correct my mistakes. I'm going to kill you, right here and now."