Author's Note: Happy late Christmas to everyone! Hope you all enjoyed yourselves with your family and friends!

Chapter 15
Everyone's Fight

Fortunately for Miku and Hazuki, the lady at Flower had been kind and understanding enough of the situation to let them take Chris upstairs. Of course, they had to undress Chris from her damped clothes and forced Hazuki outside of the room. Of course, after they finished undressing her and giving her an oversized shirt, Hazuki was allowed in the room but had to wear a bandana over his eyes

"Is this seriously necessary?" Hazuki sighed for what he felt was the fifth time sitting in the furthest corner of the room."I'm not going to ogle her. I'm not even into her."

"You are a teenage boy." The lady pointed out, holding her laughter."Besides, she might get the wrong idea if she sees you in the room. So if you want to stay,mustve to wear that over your eyes."

"It's only until we explain the situation to her, Haz-kun." Miku explained, giggling after seeing him cross his arms as if he were annoyed.

"By the way, is this jacket yours, Hazuki-kun?" The lady showed him a bomber green jacket.

"No, it isn't." Hazuki shook his head."She was wearing it when we found her. It's probably not hers. I recognize that jacket. It's for guys and from the looks of things it's way too big for her."

"So it could be a friend's." Miku hummed."I didn't see anyone in the area. They must be really worried about her."

"I'll go get her clothes off the dryer." The lady offered, taking the basket to place Chris' clothes.

"Thank you, Obaa-san."

"Yes, thank you, ma'am."

The lady smiled at the pair, leaving them alone in the room with Chris.

"I wonder what happened." Miku pondered, her face showing her concern."Her body is covered in bruises."

"Maybe she was involved in a confrontation of sorts. Though, there is also the possibility she is a victim of domestic abuse and was running from an abusive boyfriend."

"Haz-kun! How could you even suggest that?!" Miku gasped, horrified at the implication.

"Sorry. It's just I read similar things happening to some girls on the internet recently that I couldn't help but make the connection." Hazuki chuckled dryly."A little morbid, I know. My bad."

"That aside, some of the bruises on her body don't look fresh. Like she's had them for a while..." Miku trailed off, her eyes darting to the burn mark on Hazuki's cheek."I've been meaning to ask, Haz-kun. But what is that mark on your face?"

"Oh, this?" Hazuki rubbed his cheek."You want to know?"

"If you're okay with telling me..."

"It's a long story." Hazuki sighed."But I was involved in a fire in my old orphanage a long time ago."

"A fire?" Miku gasped, covering her mouth.

"Yup. The whole place burnt to the ground." Hazuki leaned back against the wall."It happened at night time. Everyone was asleep. You can imagine what came next."

"How horrible..." Miku couldn't help but approached him, sitting in front of him and grabbing one of his hands."It must have been awful...And if you were at school yesterday..."

"That would have been the second fire I've experienced in my life." Hazuki shook his head with a sad smile."I had an argument that day with the head nun and went out, throwing a tantrum. We argued about something trivial. Want to know what it was? I hadn't returned a book I borrowed from the library. She was in the right as I was under the obligation to return it in due time but I was too fascinated by it...I thought it would be fine if I kept it a bit longer. But of course, I was immature and thought I was in the right, so I ran and spent the whole day at a nearby park. I fell asleep on one of the slopes. But the sound of sirens woke me up. And then I saw the column of smoke in the distance."

Memories of the fire invaded Hazuki's mind and he could still feel the heat of the scorching fire to this day."I ventured inside for a bit before a firefighter caught me. But...I got burnt. That's how it happened. And is the main reason why I'm having such a hard time with my idol career. They don't appreciate when their rising stars have these ugly things on their skin since they need to be "flawless". Anyway, I was going on a fool's errand because...they weren't able to save anyone. At least...they confirmed that they died in their sleep due to the smoke. They didn't suffer."

Miku looked at him."Do you...want a hug? I'm sorry...I'm not very good at this."

"It's fine." Hazuki waved his hand dismissively, removing the cover from his eyes."I would be concerned if you were."

"How did the fire start?" Miku asked.

Hazuki's face contorted into an emotionless mask, his eyes completely vacant."It was planned. The idea was to destroy the church by committing arson."

"Who...?" Miku was horrified."Who could have done that?"

"The worse and yet most normal thing in the world." Hazuki covered his face with his hand."Pure, malicious, and overwhelming evil."

"Evil...? What do you-"

"Evil is just everywhere, Miku-chan." Miku could vaguely see a spiral of emotions in his eyes trying to blend into a single one, giving it a look of a void of resentment."What happened to me has happened to others. And-"

Chris' yell cut off the conversation, causing them to immediately rushed to her side.

"Calm down! Everything is alright!" Miku quickly grabbed a nearby hot towel, setting it on Chris' forehead. The girl slapped it away, grabbing her hand.

"Where are we?! Where's Takeru?!"

"We found you in an alleyway." Hazuki carefully said, his hand grabbing Miku's, trying to pull her back."You were severely beaten up and my friend decided to help you. So would you be so kind to release her?"

"You're not answering the question! Where is-"

"We didn't find anybody else." Miku gently said, keeping a smile despite the situation."I'm sure your friend is fine. That jacket you were wearing is his, right? Is he close to you?"

"What...? What do you-"

"About that shirt...we had to get you out of your soaked clothes." Miku bowed briefly."We didn't want you to catch a cold. And don't worry, Haz-kun wasn't here for that."

"I was tasked with wearing this thing over my eyes." Hazuki pointed at the bandana on his forehead.

"WHAT?!" Chris immediately covered herself with the blanket."You did what, now?!"

"There was no other way." Hazuki sighed warily."Miku-chan and Obaa-san here are the ones who did it. I promise you I did not see a thing."

"That's hardly the problem here..." Chris grabbed her head."Takeru...where is he...? I have to go look for him!" She tried to stand up, but her body ached in pain and she fell back onto the mattress

"You can't be moving right now." Miku insisted."Rest for a bit. Then we can help you look for your friend. I'm sure he's fine."

"You don't understand!" Chris snapped, having none of it."We're being chased...his life is in danger!"

"Who? Who is chasing you?" Hazuki inquired, curious.

"It's none of your damn business," Chris growled under her breath.

"Okay..." Hazuki blinked, choosing to ignore her animosity."Do you have a phone? Maybe we can contact this friend of yours."

"It's no use." Chris shook her head."His phone is broken. Plus, I don't exactly have one right now. So I have no way to contact him. Shit...why didn't I do more to protect him? He always goes on about how he wants to keep me safe but I can't do the same for him. I'm such a damn clutz!"

"You're being too hard on yourself..." Miku gently rubbed her back soothingly.

"Oh, she's awake!" The owner got their attention, holding a basket containing Chris' clothes."Is everything okay? Not doing anything inappropriate, Hazuki-kun?"

"Of course not, ma'am." Hazuki deadpanned at how little trust she had in him."I'm not that type of person."

"Her clothes are all dried up. Hazuki-kun, would you mind helping me take out the garbage while she gets dressed?" She asked. Hazuki gave Miku a quick nod and jogged outside, leaving the two girls alone.

"He's gone now. I can clean your wounds now without him seeing anything." Miku said.

"I guess..." Chris muttered, taking off Miku's shirt and covering herself with the blanket."You and him...are you guys childhood friends? You seem to get along well."

"We just met actually. A month ago." Miku knelt behind Chris as she gently began rubbing a towel on Chris' back."He's very attentive and supportive. If it weren't for him, I would have had a harder time getting you here under the rain. I do have a childhood friend, but..."

"Something's bothering you." Chris noted."Come on, spill it. The least I can do is hear you out."foughtight with my best friend," Miku confessed.

"Huh. I can relate to that."

"You do? So the owner of that jacket is your best friend? Takeru-san, was it? That's the name you were yelling."

"Yeah...my only friend too." Chris hid her face behind the blanket."I guess now we're more than friends but that's beside the point. He's the only person I have in this world. My parents died when I was young and he was in a complicated situation when I met him. We argued all the time. It was one-sided, though, mainly me getting angry at him. And despite all that, he always tried to make me smile. He kept me accompanied during the hard times and never left me alone during the harder ones. We ran together to create a new paradise for us ourselves, but...things didn't go as planned."

Miku saw a single tear escape Chris' face."He...he sounds like a very caring person."

"He is, but he's also a moron and a knucklehead. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I learned anything is that friends and family will always fight, but they will make up anyway. Maybe that'll happen to you too."

"I hope so...it was my mistake for not giving her a chance to talk." Miku rubbed her arm."I'm not very good with words. But you seem to do just fine...I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name."

"It's Chris Yukine."

"I'm Miku Kohinata and my friend is Hazuki Kaburagi." Miku bowed."It's nice to meet you properly."

"Uh...likewise." Chris awkwardly said."Thanks a bunch for taking care of me. You didn't have to but you did it anyway." She grabbed the basket of clothes and began dressing back on. Miku allowed her some space, turning away and folding the shirt she had let her borrow.

"It was the right thing to do. We couldn't just have left you in that alley while it was pouring like crazy." Miku shook her head.

"I'm done."

Miku turned around, noticing Chris was looking better than when they found her. She had even put in the bomber jacket over her dress."That jacket...lly like it, don't you?"

"It's Takeru's. He's always letting me use it because he thinks I get cold easily." Chris scoffed."But honestly, it's not like this jacket protects you from the cold. He bought it because he thought it looked cool. Still, it warms me up nonetheless. I feel like he's right here with me when I'm wearing it."

"It sounds like you love him."

"W-w-what?! The hell are you talking about?!" Chris' face turned red.

"You said you guys were more than friends." Miku giggled."So I couldn't help but assume that means you're boyfriend and girlfriend."

"He did say he loved me..." Chris mumbled under her breath."But I wouldn't say we're together or anything. Gah! Just forget about it, okay?! It's none of your business!

"Maybe I am overstepping. But I was hoping we could be friends."

"Friends...? You and me? But I did terrible things to you..."

Miku couldn't help but frown as she was unable to hear what Chris had uttered."Chris?"

"Never mind...I'll just take my leave. Again, thank you for everything but I have to go look for Takeru." Chris clenched her fists."I still haven't responded to his feelings. I just hope he's okay."

"Let us help you." Miku suggested."Haz-kun and I can help you look. Three heads are better than one, after all."

Before Chris could reply, a loud siren could be heard from outside. A few seconds later, Hazuki and the owner came rushing through the door.

"Miku-chan!"

Miku nodded, grabbing Chris' hand and leading her outside. The civilians were all running away, panic and terror clear on their faces.

"What's going on?!" Chris looked around, bewildered.

"It's the Noise." Hazuki calmly elaborated, a little too calm."That alarm indicates that the Noise are nearby. What, you don't know? Never been in a Noise attack before? Must be nice."

"What..." Chris' eyes shot wide open.'So all the times we summoned the Noise...this happened...?!'

"We have to go to a shelter." Hazuki took charge."We should hurry before the Nolly show up."

Chris bit her lower lip, running in the opposite direction, much to their shock.

"Chris!" Miku cried after her but Hazuki grabbed her arm, stopping her from going after Chris.

"She'll be fine, Miku-chan! Remember she's looking for her friend. We have to get ourselves to safety first!"

Hazuki grabbed Miku's hand and followed the owner through the streets, trying not to crash into any frightened civilian.

Takeru was known to be a heavy sleeper when it came to it. Sure, he has a habit of waking up extremely early, but nothing can disturb his sleep. The time between going to bed and waking up was sacred for him after all. But when it came to napping, that was a different story. He tried to ignore Tiger's voice outside of the small room he was in but couldn't. The walls were thin and the man wasn't exactly quiet.

Outside of the abandoned apartment complex, Tiger was chatting away on his phone, banging his head against the wall.

"Again, no. Everything is okay over here. You don't need to-" Tiger paused, hearing a different voice over the phone."Oh, hey. Yes, yes. I'll bring a gift. I know you guys love your sweets. How does some dorayaki sound, eh? Hahaha. I know you love those, don't you? Heh. Leave it to your big brother. I know a fancy store around where I'm at where they sell really good ones. And what do the girls want?"

Takeru listened intently, a small smile forming on his face. He sounded like he had a good relationship with his siblings.

"Shira-chan wants another book?" He guffawed at that."Another Harry Potter one? She's really into that series, huh? Okay, consider it done. But you know I'm not supposed to be sightseeing right? I do have a mission after all. Speaking of, can you put RaiRai back on the phone, please?"

Tiger waited a few seconds, hearing the other voice complaining before the first voice took over."Why did you tell him I was on a mission? Do the girls know? I sure hope not. I don't want them to worry."

The conversation seemed to have slowed down after that, with Tiger saying a few wordsevery now and then as if he were answering questions.

"I love you guys too." Tiger's heart nearly melted upon hearing his siblings in the background say that they loved him too."I'll get you guys what you requested. Don't worry. Your idiotic older brother will keep his promise."

With that, Tiger hung up the call, pocketing his phone away. He composed himself before entering the room, only to meet gaze with Takeru who had a grin on his face."Oh...you heard all that?"

"Sounds like you're a dedicated brother." Takeru teased lightly."From your responses, it sounds like you kinda spoil them a older brother must to spoil his siblings." Tiger shrugged."Besides, if they're happy, I'm happy too. It's a win-win."

"Fair point." Takeru nodded."Can't say I know what that feels like. Never knew my real parents and my adoptive parents were peculiar, to say the least. But siblings? I guess Chrissy is the only thing that comes to mind. I never really had experience with children my age aside from the few occasions when I would play with the local kids back in Val Verde. But I never had a bond like that. You said they're not blood-related, right?"

"Right. None of us are related, in fact. Except me and my deceased older brother. One of my sisters had a sister as well. But honestly, I always thought of them like family. And that I was supposed to take care of them to at least make them smile in the world we live in."

"I heard you said you don't want them involved in this." Takeru pointed out."I take it you're the type of brother who prefers to suffer alone than your siblings suffering with you."

"But that's just normal." Tiger glanced down at a bag on the floor, kneeliwn and searching inside. He tossed Takeru a bottle of apple juice and got himself a can of beer.

"Apple juice?" Takeru frowned at the smiley face on the logo."What the fuck? I'm not a kid. Why can't I get a beer like you?"

"You're what, 16? 17? You're too young for this stuff." Tiger turned around, lifting his helmet slightly and taking a sip from his beverage to hide his face."I'd be an irresponsible adult to let you drink that. I'm 23 by the way."

"I've killed countless people. I think drinking beer would be the least of my sins." Takeru pointed out with a blank expression.

"Fair enough..." Tiger sighed."Look, I just thought it would be healthy for you to drink something nice. I was going to get water, but I figured you would want something else. It'll refresh you, I promise. My youngest sister loves that brand."

"Fuck it...I am pretty thirsty. So, back to our conversation. Do your siblings know about your...personal mission to kill Fine?"

"No. And I want to keep it that way. If they find out, other people will know too and they might get in trouble." Tiger explained."That's why I can't show you my face or tell you anything about us. If this backfires, I'd rather it be me the one that pays the consequences."

"I understand." Takeru rubbed his neck."It's funny. It's exactly what I'm doing for Chris."

"We're more alike than you think." Tiger threw the empty can on the floor, grabbed a chair, and took a seat.

"By the way, have you not gone back to normal? How the hell do you keep your transformation that long?"

"I can explain this. I've been training on my Kamen Rider abilities for years to the point of mastering my powers. This led me to keep my transformation longer instead of running out of energy as quickly. Also, if you're not fighting and doing any strenuous, your transformation lasts longer. So since all I'm doing is chilling here I can be like this for a long time. But when I went to buy our drinks, I went back to normal, of course."

"You're taking this whole keeping your identity a secret too far. I literally heard you name-dropping some of your siblings."

"True, but they're all nicknames." Tiger revealed."Though I didn't say their nicknames to confuse you. It's just how I reference some of them. Regardless, like I told you, I'm not lying to you out of malice."

"Yeah, I get that." Takeru nodded."And I agreed to our deal. Once we finish Ouja off, we can go look for Gai and then Fine. But how are we even going to find Gai? You don't know his identity, do you?"

"No. I don't even know how he got that Deck. My brother was a proficient Kamen Rider. I don't understand how someone was capable of...killing him and my other brother. But I have no idea who he is or what he wants. But I do hope those other Riders can give me some information."

"Yly think they'll be willing to help?"

"Maybe they'll need some convincing." Tiger nonchalantly said."But I'll figure that out as I go."

"Not much of a plan but then again, sometimes the best thing to do is improvise."

An alarm began going off on Tiger's phone and the young man quickly took it out."Damn."

"What is it?"

"It's the Noise." Tiger saw the alert on his home screen."They're nearby."

"Wait, how do you know that? Your phone tells you when the Noise appear?!"

"I'm not surprised you don't know about it, all things considered." Tiger showed him the message on his phone."People get alerted when the Noise appear in whatever sector of the city. It also shows them the closest shelter to their location. This is an app that tells people all that and helps them run to safety."

"I see..." Takeru chuckled dryly."What would I know anyway? We were behind all those Noise attacks. I know Fine was the one who forced us but..."

"I should get going. If the Noise appear, that means Ouja will be nearby. And with any luck, Gai will also appear, or maybe one of the other Riders." Tiger stood up from his seat.

"Let me come along."

"You sure? With one hand, you won't be able to use your cards properly." Tiger reminded him."Also, if you keep moving too much, that arm of yours..."

"Fuck yeah I'm coming along." Takeru threw the blanket away, grabbing his deck."I'm a Kamen Rider. And for once, I want to use my power to protect instead of destroying."

"Okay." Tiger offered a thumbs up."Let's go to kick some ass."

Code Cypher sat in a small restaurant by the windows, eyeing the outside as people walked by and minded their business. He had finished his fourth beef bowl and was eyeing the kind waitress.

"Obaa-chan, another beef bowl, please." He shot her a small grin, prompting the waitress to blush slightly. He had left his helmet back at Fine's mansion, taking advantage that no one has seen his face. He kept his black hair slicked back and his face resembled vaguely to that of a girl.

"Of course, sir. My, you know your way around food, don't you?"

"I eat a lot, believe it or not. Despite my lean appearance." Cypher patted his belly."I might order some dessert if I wasn't short on time."

"Going somewhere? You must like to keep busy." The girl said, finishing up the beef bowl and handing it to Cypher. She noticed something next to him."That's a particular cane."

"Oh, this?" Cypher grabbed Solomon's Cane, using it instead of his regular one."I have some trouble walking and have to use a cane. Thank you."

Cypher grabbed his chopsticks and rapidly ate the beef bowl.'Wonder if you would like things like these...you had a greater stomach than I ever did...'

Once he finished his food, Cypher left the money on the table and grabbed the cane."Well...time to get to work."

Cypher pointed the staff at the ground, summoning a group of Noise. He continued summoning around as he walked around town, the people paying no mind to him as they ran for their lives. The screams of horror reached his ears, but this wasn't anything he wasn't accustomed to. In fact, they were far more tamed than he had expected. But then again, he had never been part of a Noise evacuation, so he wasn't aware of the alarm and emergency shelters they had to protect themselves.

He saw a girl coming his way. A very familiar girl wearing a red dress and a jacket that he had seen plenty of times by now. Cypher tossed Solomon Cane's in a dumpster to hide it just in time as the girl ran past him. As he had expected, she didn't know what his face looked like, so she didn't recognize him.

'All alone, eh, Chris?' Cypher smiled knowingly.'So you did get split up from Takeru. Well, I suppose I don't mind switching my priorities. I'll have to draw him out.'

Cypher hid in a small alley, taking out his Ouja deck. His V Buckle materialized around his waist as he shouted."Henshin!"

The Ouja armor clad his body, his Venovisor appearing in his hand. Popping his neck, he sighed."Now...let's have some fun, Chris."

'Is this what I've caused...?' Chris grimaced.'I've hurt so many innocents...Why do I always make everything worse?!'

The Noise began surrounding her but she glared at them defiantly with all the hate she could muster. Tears of frustration escaped her eyes."I'm right here! So leave everyone else the hell out of this!"

"How thoughtful of you."

Chris gasped, raising her head and noticing Ouja sitting at the top of a house."You!"

"Yes, me." Ouja placed a hand on his chess."What are you doing all by yourself? Did you get lost? Takeru is not here to hold your hand? But you are wearing that cheap jacket of his."

"So he's still alive..."

"Yeah, no use in hiding things from you." Ouja shrugged."I like the psychological warfare but you might have already caught on to me. But I don't know where he is. But that's fine. He'll come around if he hears you crying in despair for him, won't he?"

Sword Vent: Venosaber
ATK: 3000

"But you know something, Chris? I was just in the middle of the Noise evacuation and it's truly an eye-opener." Ouja drawled, earning a confused look from Chris."They go through the same thing every time the Noise are summoned. They have to leave their houses and run for their lives toward the nearest shelter. Some of them never make it back home. The horror and desperation of thinking that this could be your last day...I saw it all in their faces. Of course, you wouldn't know about it either. But I wonder what people would have thought if they knew you were responsible for activating Solomon's Cane."

"What...?" Chris gasped."But I-"

"You were forced, yes." Ouja nodded."But then again, you were stupid enough to be manipulated and groomed by Fine. And look where that got you? All alone. Not even Takeru is here to offer sweet words of comfort. This is just what you deserve."

"I know I messed up! I know I was stupid for falling for Fine's lies! But I-"

"You'll what? Make amends? You think the people that died because of you would care that their murderer tries to redeem herself? Do you think they'll ever forgive you? Your actions have doomed their lives. Countless people lost their families and friends because you wanted Fine's love. Her appreciation. Add all of that happened because you lost your parents because of Takeru's family. How pathetic."

"S-shut up!" Chris was frustrated, unable to contain a few tears from escaping her eyes.

"But you know, Chris. I can make it better for you and those people." Ouja rose his sword."Let me put you and Takeru out of your miseries. The only thing that can make things right is not you trying to make amends, but to give justice to those who died by killing you."

'Takeru...'Chris took a step back, grabbing onto Takeru's jacket to calm herself."Y-you're just trying to mess with my head! You're full of shit!"

"You think so?" Ouja tilted his head."But you know...if you want to kill yourself, go ahead. No one will bat an eye. In fact, the world will be better. So pick. Die by my hand or kill yourself right here and now. What will you do? On second thought...

Ouja leaped off the building, ready to stab Chris with his blade."I'll make that choice for you!"

Chris attempted to sing, but due to her running a considerable distance, she hadn't caught her breath and choked on her saliva.

Before Ouja could harm her, Ouja saw something coming out of his peripheral vision shooting like a bullet.

"What the-"

Genjuro Kazanari winded his fists back, giving a battle cry and attempting to punch Ouja. Ouja reacted at the last second, jumping back and twisting his body to receive the punch in his arm. His body was pushed back with such force that he felt his arm was about to break and was thrown back into a house, landing on another one after breaking through a wall.

"He jumped back to reduce the damage from my punch." Genjuro landed in front of Chris with his arm stretched out."Impressive reaction speed."

"Who...?" Chris was baffled at the newcomer who was able to fend off Ouja.

"If I hadn't blocked the punch with my arm, he wouldn't have dealt devastating damage..." Ouja grabbed his dislocated arm, grimacing as he put it back in his socket with a sickening crunch. He jumped out of the debris, facing off against the Commander of Section Two."You're Genjuro Kazanari, aren't you?"

"You've heard of me?" Genjuro took a fighting stance."Funny. I've also heard a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope." Ouja couldn't help but keep his distance, eyeing him wearily.

"What's your goal here? Why do you consistently go after Chris? Did your new employer order you to do that?"

"That's for me to know and for you to find out. Though I don't understand why people keep getting in my way of killing Chris and Takeru. Everyone would be better off with them dead, right?" Ouja twirled his blade between his fingers."But never mind them. Now I'm curious as to where I stand against a legendary martial artist like you!"

Ouja used his max speed to move in a blur in front of Genjuro, pushing his middle finger in his fists to deliver a pressure point punch to his neck. Genjuro saw this coming, easily redirecting the punch to another direction and going for a punch himself. Ouja's eyes widened, pulling back just in time before the punch connected to his face. Genjuro punched the ground so hard that the whole street crumbled. He then punched the air, sending a shockwave that reached Ouja's stomach. The blow was enough to send him crashing against a house, groaning in pain.

'Getting hit by the fists themselves would be bad.' Ouja coughed up saliva.'How in the world is he so strong? He's just a human. But then again, he's no ordinary human either.'

"Keep that asshole off my back while I get rid of all these Noise!" Chris shouted, running in the opposite direction.

"But-"

"I'll be fine. Just kill that fucker if you get the chance. He's sneaky. A snake through and through."

"Killter Ichaival Tron..."

Genjuro frowned as Chris transformed, leaping away to fight the Noise around them. Still, it was the right call. He couldn't fight the Noise like the Symphogear can but he could take down the bigger threat.

"You have amazing reflexes. I can see you've learned many martial arts yourself." Genjuro praised the young assassin."However, it's a pity how far you've fallen."

"You pity me? That's new. Never met someone who felt bad about me." Ouja folded his arms."How peculiar. Normally people either curse me or beg me not to kill them."

"A child should be able to enjoy their youth, not be killing for money or suffering like Chris and Takeru." Genjuro stated, causing Ouja to gape."Although...I guess you do enjoy what you do, don't you?"

"If you mean killing, no, I don't." Ouja shrugged."I just want to see the strongest emotion aimed toward the strongest goal."

"Huh? What about your emotions? Your feelings? Aren't you looking for some kind of twisted fulfillment?"

"Ah...I have no emotions, see. I don't feel anything regular people do." Ouja confessed."That's why I want to experience the strongest emotion to see what it's like. To see if maybe it can spark something in me."

"I see...how pitiable." Genjuro lowered his gaze."I'm sorry you ended up this way. Unable to feel your own emotion...You don't even know who you are, do you?"

"Pitiable...huh?" Ouja's voice lowered to a few decibels.."Don't misunderstand. I'm not the one you should be worried about." Ouja drew a card, activating it.

Advent: Venosnaker
ATK: 5000

Venoskaker slithered around the house Ouja was on, eyeing Genjuro like prey."Say hello to my little friend. And by the way, why save Chris anyway? What are you, her illegitimate daddy?"

"I'm just an adult that failed to save her before." Genjuro beckoned Ouja over."And now, I'll make sure to save her this time."

"This way!" Hazuki shouted, guiding Miku and the owner of Flower down an empty street. They ran behind him, watching as Noise were following them. He grinded his teeth, noticing a group of Noise disintegrating a family hiding in a house.

"Oh, God..." Miku gasped, tears glistening in her eyes. The lady grabbed her hand, squeezing it in hopes of reassuring her.

"Ma'am, take Miku far from here. I'll get their attention and make it so they all chase after me."

"What?! No!" Miku protested."That's too dangerous!"

"She's right, Hazuki-kun." The lady also voiced her displeasure."Let me be the one to stay behind."

"Why?!"

"Because I'm old and I've lived almost my whole life already." The lady smiled warmly at the youngins."But you two have just started living yours. I couldn't ask you to risk yourselves for an old woman like me."

"But Obaa-san-"

Hazuki grunted, running away from them and ignoring Miku's cries."Hey! Over here! Come on! Try to hit me!"

Some Noise were alerted by his screaming and materialized their bodies to lunge at him. He jumped in the air, maneuvering around, and landed on a wall."Miku-chan, I might not be a track star like you used to be, but I am a gymnast and proud of my acrobatic skills. They won't even scratch me. So get going!"

"Haz-kun!" Miku tried to run after him, but the lady held her back."I don't want to lose my friend!"

"He'll be fine." The lady comforted her, pulling her with her as the Noise were distracted by Hazuki's screams."He wants to protect you and is quick on his feet. We would only slow him down."

Hazuki parkoured his way up to a house, clapping his hands and being as loud as he could. The Noise shot themselves at him, but the boy jumped towards a tree and barely avoided the destruction of the rooftop.

Reluctantly, Miku realized that they had to take this chance Hazuki had given them."You better be at the shelter later, okay?!"

"I'm not one to disappoint." Hazuki dodged the Noise with ease, using his acrobatic skills to jump from wall to wall, avoiding them. He landed on the ground, rolling to break his fall."Still...this is a problem..."

Kuwana watched from the top floor of his workplace as he stared at the chaos ensuing in the streets. He listened intently to the people around him, packing their things and rushing towards the emergency exit. While this seemed like a nightmare for regular people, it was a ground of endless opportunities for him.'They'll be here. Those little heroes.'

He took out his Gai Deck, examining it with a sardonic grin."Can't be playing around too long, Metalgelas. Who knows if those brats will be coming after me now that they probably know about me? And the last thing I need is for them to start demanding answers and all that emotional act they'll give me."

Pocketing his Deck, Kuwana headed for the rooftop of the building."Then again, we are due for a little family reunion, aren't we?"

Knight and Scissors helped guide a group of citizens to evacuate their homes while Darkwing and Volcancer distracted the Noise.

"How are we doing?!" Scissors cried, helping an older lady onto a truck with her family.

"This sector is also clear," Knight responded over his communicator.

Sword Vent: Winglancer
ATK: 3000

Knight dashed ahead, cutting away at some Noise that were getting too close to the people. More Noise shot themselves at the truck transporting the family, but Goro intercepted them in time.

Guard Vent: Shelldefense
DEF: 2000

Scissors was pushed back a few yards away, successfully buying the family enough time to escape.

"Nice one, Scissors." Knight praised him from afar.

"T-thank you, senpai." Scissors nodded meekly.

"Look out above!"

Scissors quickly rose his shield, blocking the horn that struck his shield, breaking it into pieces, and launching him against a car, denting it.

"Scissors!" Knight ran to his side, but Metalgelas tackled him to the ground and began to pounce on him.

Gai landed on one knee, his Metal Horn already equipped to him."Yo. Short time no see, brats."

"Gai!" Knight blocked Metalgelas's attacks with his lance."G-get off me!"

"Ryuki isn't with you guys today?" Gai looked around mockingly."That's too bad. I wanted to kill him too."

"You monster! Are you the one behind the Noise attack?!" Scissors drew a card, opening up his visor and inserting it.

Strike Vent: Scissorspinch
ATK: 1000

"Don't bother. You don't stand a chance against me." Gai approached Scissors without care."Just be a good boy and die already-"

A few green bullets collided against Metalgelas, taking Gai by surprise before he received a round of bullets himself, causing him to stagger backward.

"Yo. Long time no see, soldiers."

Kamen Rider Zolda rose his Magnuvisor with a friend gave, his other hand in a sling."Seems you're in a pickle."

"Zolda!" Scissors cried out in surprise.

"You're alive," Knight noted, receiving a snort from Zolda.

"Everyone seems to be telling me the same thing nowadays." Zolda groaned before chuckling."How weird. Never thought I had someone other than Chrissy say that."

"You! You're ruining my fun!" Gai growled in annoyance."What, you're their little pal? Another kid thinking he can make a difference?!"

"Guys...we have some Noise to exterminate." Zolda turned to Knight and Scissors, ignoring Gai's protests."It's okay. I'm...well, not your enemy, at least. I just want to find Chris and get this whole thing over with."

"But with that broken arm..." Scissors voiced his concern.

"Don't worry about me. I'd be a lousy captain if I let this injury slow me down." Zolda flexed his good arm.

"So you'll help us take Gai down?" Knight narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"Nah, someone else wants to have a go at him." Zolda jabbed his thumb behind him. Gai turned to where he was pointing, and his stomach dropped,

A blue and white Kamen Rider who resembled a Tiger was marching towards them, holding an ax in his hands.

Gai looked as if he had seen a ghost, and was glad his mask made it impossible for them to see his expression."Fuck..."

"You!" Tiger pointed at him, his voice full of anger.

"Another Rider..." Knight recalled seeing him before."Wait, that's the Rider that attacked Ouja that day. Does he know Gai?"

"You're looking at the guy who killed his brother." Zolda's voice was full of contempt.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY BROTHERS?!" Tiger screamed at the top of his lungs.

'Huh?' Gai blinked in confusion.'Wait, brothers? So does that mean...he doesn't know who I am?'

"Answer me!" Tiger yelled again."What did you do to my brothers?! Did you kill them?! Answer me now!"

"I wonder about that." Gai smirked, deciding to play along for now."Why? Does it bother you? Do you really want to know? Well, I'm not telling you anything."

Tiger seethed, barely able to contain his anger."Takeru, get out of here. I'll handle him. Go find your girl and see if you can take Ouja down. Someone is controlling the Noise and I have a good feeling it's him."

"Yeah, I got it." Zolda nodded, deciding to respect Tiger's wishes."I'll go ahead and keep fighting but with my arm, I'm a bit of a liability. I know we started on the wrong foot, but can we form a truce for now?"

"Fine." Knight agreed."I have some questions to ask you anyway. The same goes for your friend. But if you're actually on our side, then I suppose it's okay."

"I'm glad that you're okay, Zolda." Scissors gave him a quick nod."Is Chris...?"

"I got separated from her." Zolda took the lead as they began to jog."Ouja is hunting us down so we got separated."

"You have a lot of explaining to do."

"Yeah...I know."

"Tch." Gai could only watch them disappear in the distance."Damn...Look at what you did. Now I'll have to go after them later."

"You won't be heading anywhere." Tiger drew a card, pulled on his ax, and inserted it inside.

Strike Vent: Destclaws
ATK: 3000

Gai frowned as he stared at the claws materializing in each of Tiger's arms.'Always first to jump into action, eh?'

"I'll have you return the Gai Deck." Tiger declared, spreading his arms."I will avenge my brothers!"

Hibiki ran with her phone in her hand, trying to reach Hajime again to no avail. He had given her a short reply when she texted him earlier after asking if he was around to which he replied yes. But ever since then, he hadn't said a word.

"I just hope he's okay..." Hibiki hummed, remembering how dejected he looked the last time she saw him. Furthermore, he had twisted his ankle. She was completely against him fighting Noise, but he was no one to stand still.'I know he's fine. He has to be.'

A scream from afar reached her ears. Hibiki immediately ran toward the source, the voice sounding awfully familiar. She reached a broken building, entering through a hole in the wall."Anyone here?!"

On cue, an orange tendril shot down from the ceiling, but thanks to her training with Genjuro, Hibiki was not only capable of reacting but also jumping down and landing perfectly on the ground. An octopus-like Noise was hanging around metal pipes near the ceiling.

Before Hibiki could chant her song, a hand clasped around her mouth. Hibiki met her gaze with Miku, who sighed in relief. Miku held out her phone, typing a message and sending it to Hibiki.

'Keep quiet. That thing reacts to sound. It chased me and Obaa-san all the way here after we separated from Haz-kun.'

Miku pointed at the unconscious lady on the floor, twitching in her consciousness.

'Hazuki-san was here too?' Hibiki was horrified, praying that he was okay wherever he was.

Miku beckoned Hibiki to get closer, and she did."I'm sorry. I've been unfair to you and Hajime-san. I blamed him because I thought that he dragged you into a dangerous situation. But you've been keeping that secret to protect me and not make me worry about you. It took me a while, but I finally realized that you did it because it was the only thing you could have done, right?"

"Miku...it was still wrong of me to lie..."

"You didn't lie." Miku shook her head."You just protected me from the truth with a white lie. Haz-kun said that sometimes people lie to those they hold dear to prevent them from hurting. And you did that for me. But I want you to know that you can trust me too, Hibiki. That I will always support you and be with you. You're my precious friend. My sister."

"Miku...what are you-"

"Fighting with us here isn't good for you, right?" Miku stood up, clearing her voice before she rose her volume."That's why I know I can put all my trust in you! I know you'll protect us!"

The Noise reacted, sprinting out of the building as the Noise chased after her.

"Miku..." Hibiki was baffled at her friend's actions. But she knew she had no time to waste. She had to save them."Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron..."

Miku found herself suddenly remembering back to her old days in the track team and awakening to the unpolished skills she hadn't practiced in a while. But after running for a while, her body began slowing down while the Noise maintained a constant pace. She was running out of stamina fast. She checked her surroundings and the only way she could get away from this was by jumping off a literal cliff.

"I can't give up." Miku shook her head."Haz-kun did the same for me and I know he's still out there. I can't give up! Not when I just made up with Hibiki! Not when my life is finally starting to become colorful again!"

As if she had tapped to a second wind, Miku began speeding up again until her legs hurt. But this was all for nothing, the Noise swung its tentacles down, and Miku barely managed to jump out of the way. However, in doing so, she accidentally jumped off the cliff. She didn't have time to scream, still frozen in shock.

'Is...this it...?'

A black portal opened up under her, allowing her to pass through. The next thing she knew, she was now in someone's arms perfectly safe standing on top of a tree. She glanced up, staring at the red eyes she easily recognized from a few days ago. Sporting his onyx armor, Ryuga jumped off the tree, holding Miku close to his body to avoid hurting her by accident."It's you..."

"Hello." Ryuga gave her a curt nod."I heard your scream so I came to help."

"You saved me again..." Miku muttered, astonished."I don't even know your name."

"I'm Ryuga." Ryuga introduced himself."Kamen Rider Ryuga. I suppose you've heard about Kamen Riders from...your friends."

"Just the bare minimum..." She trailed off, losing herself in his crimson orbs."Thank you again..."

"No problem." Ryuga released her, hands behind his back."Now to deal with that Noise."

"Wait...what happened? I was just falling and-"

"I used my Calamity Gates to teleport you over to me."Ryuga quickly explained."They're Warp Gates that can either transport me or any other person around to a specific location of my choosing."

"I see...it was a little strange...You're not a bad person, are you? I mean...I know you tried to attack my friends but you were just confused, right?"

"I'm not a bad person." Ryuga nodded, cocking his head to the side."Do you think I'm a bad person?"

"Well...I heard you killed a bunch of criminals...but you also helped save a lot of people in the process, right?" Miku offered a gentle smile."I think that doesn't make you necessarily bad. You have good intentions but maybe you're a little extreme."

"I don't think you know me well enough to say that. But maybe so. However, this world can only be changed by force." Ryuga crossed his arms, leaning against a tree."Words don't do anything. You can't talk to the Noise or the people behind this whole thing. The world is heading straight for destruction. People will die regardless of anything."

"And yet you saved me." Miku was quick to counter, standing firm."That must mean something. If you really think that everyone is destined to die because of the way the world is, why bother saving me twice?

"I...well...That's because-"

"Miku!" Hibiki landed a few yards away from them, panting."I found you!"

"Hibiki!" Miku beamed at her friend."I'm okay. He saved me again."

"Get away from him Miku!" Hibiki cried out, shocking her.

"What? But why?"

"I know what you did, Ryuga!" Hibiki frowned at the black Rider."Get away from Miku!"

"Know what I did?" Ryuga scoffed."I don't think I did anything."

"RYUGA!"

Now it was Ryuki the one who arrived at the scene, trembling.

"That red Ryuga again of all places." Ryuga sighed, shaking his head.

"Hajime-kun! You're okay!" Hibiki exclaimed, happy to see he was alright."How did you find me?"

"Ogawa-san gave me a rough location of where he thought he saw you blast off after saving that lady from Flower." Ryuki replied, his eyes not leaving Ryuga."After that, I saw you jumping around and just followed you here. I found you...you damn faker!"

"Faker? I think you're the fake Ryuga around here." Ryuga splayed his hands, unceremoniously twirling in place as if to prove a point."You're comparing yourself to me? Ha! You're not even good enough to be my fake."

"I'll make you eat those words!" Ryuki made a beeline towards RYuga.

Ryuga noticed Miku readied to stand in front of him, so he maneuvered around her and met Ryuki halfway there."There's no time to play games You won't even get the chance to put a scratch on me, you evil scum."

"The only evil asshole here is you!" Ryuki went for a headbutt, but Ryuga countered by kneeing him in the stomach, sending him skidding several yards away.

"Hajime-kun!" Hibiki tried to run to him, but he held his hand out.

"Take Miku-san out of here! That Noise is still around and it's dangerous. I'll handle things here."

"But-"

"No buts! This is my fight!" Ryuki snapped, causing her to recoil at how loud he was.

"Please, don't hurt him!" Miku pleaded, but Hibiki grabbed her before she could rush to danger."Hibiki! They're going to hurt each other!"

"I'm sorry...but it's complicated. This is something they have to settle for themselves. It's what Hajime-san wants."

As Miku was about to protest, Hibiki jumped in the air, using her boosters to fly away.

"Now they're gone." Ryuki drew a card, showing it to Ryuga."It's just you and me, you bastard."

"Sending your only backup away. How gutless." Ryuga stated, doing the same thing and both of them opened up their Dragvisors.

"Gutless? How so?"

"Because suicide is the coward's way out," Ryuga replied, a hint of a smile forming on his face due to the way he said it.

Sword Vent: Dragsaber

Both Dragsabers appeared in the dragon Rider's hands, prepared to start the battle.