In the previous episodes of: Kamen Rider Faiz: Another Paradise.*

Saya: "I'm Saya Kimura. I was hired at a place called "Kikuchi Laundry", while I was looking for the owners of the other Belts."

Masato: "In the meantime, I and the others set out to find the Delta Gear. However, our classmates from Ryusei School were going crazy due to the power they experienced from using the Delta Gear."

Mari: "I can't believe they kidnapped me..."

Takumi: "In the meantime, a new Orphnoch has appeared. Wait, do you know this guy?"

Mari: "That's Sawada-kun, isn't he?"

Masato: "Mari, back off! He's not the same person he used to be!"

Sawada: "I was about to retrieve the Delta Gear, when..."

Rei: "...Did you forget about me?"

Saya: "Rei stepped in, and saved my life."

Yuji: "And now... ...What are we going to do with the Delta Belt?"

Takumi: "Well, read this chapter to find out."

*Kamen Rider Faiz: Another Paradise. Episode 8 – Lost Paradise*

*Kikuchi Laundry – The Next Day*

A sharp, rhythmic beep broke the morning silence. The alarm clock on the nightstand vibrated slightly, asserting its authority in the dim room. A shy ray of sunlight filtered through the blinds, drawing golden lines across the dusty floor.

In the largest room of the laundry, six futons were laid out on the tatami. Some were neatly arranged, others crumpled—perfect reflections of their occupants' personalities. Keitaro was the first to wake: he stretched slowly, letting out a long sigh of satisfaction. Then he ran a hand through his tousled hair and sat up.

Masato, already half-awake, opened his eyes calmly and sat up in silence, used to maintaining control from the very first moments of the day.

Takumi, on the other side of the room, let out a soft "mhm" as he turned over in his futon, eyes still shut. Only after a few seconds did he decide to roll out and sit up, rubbing his face.

Yuji and Naoya, lying side by side, reacted in opposite ways to the sound of the alarm. The former rubbed his eyes slowly, the latter let out a muffled curse, trying to hide his face under the pillow.

In the center of the room, Rei opened his eyes and sat up with a groan. The sudden movement made him clutch his left shoulder, still bandaged and aching. The pain pulsed, dull but insistent.

Keitaro turned to him, concerned. "Rei... maybe you should rest today. It's not the right time to be working."

Rei looked at him, his forehead lightly beaded with sweat. "No need. I can move. It's nothing serious."

Takumi, his voice still hoarse with sleep, stood up and stretched. "Take it easy. No one's asking you to push yourself like yesterday."

Rei stared at the ceiling for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But just a few minutes. I'm not spending the whole day in bed. I hate being idle."

The others began to get up one by one. Naoya was still grumbling about being forced awake, while Yuji neatly folded his futon. Keitaro was already dealing with the curtains, letting more light into the room.

*Girls' Room – Same Time*

The alarm rang in the next room, where Mari, Yuka, Saya, and Hikari were sleeping.

Hikari was the first to leap to her feet, a wide smile on her face like she had dreamed of rainbows and songs. "Good morning, world!" she exclaimed, tossing the blanket into the air.

Mari, still buried among the pillows, barely lifted one eyelid. "Where... do you get all that energy at this hour...?"

Yuka yawned discreetly. "Maybe... because she's still a kid."

Saya, her voice still thick with sleep, added: "Maybe she's a cyborg. No normal human wakes up like that."

They all laughed softly. Saya got up slowly, massaging her neck.

The room filled with a warm, homey atmosphere—light voices, the rustle of folded blankets, slippers hastily slipped on, and soft footsteps on the floor.

*Kitchen – A Little Later*

Breakfast was a group effort. Keitaro and Mari handled the stove. The scent of miso mixed with freshly cooked rice. Yuka and Yuji took care of the vegetables and fruit. Naoya sampled everything in progress until Mari chased him off with well-aimed chopstick hits. Takumi made the tea, while Saya quietly chopped vegetables.

Everyone sat around the table, bowls being filled and passed with familiar gestures. The clatter of utensils, the first morning chatter, the scent of a living home.

It was Masato who broke the harmony.

In a calm voice, sharp as glass, he said: "I think we need to seriously consider our alliance with the Orphnoch."

A heavy silence fell over the table. Chopsticks froze mid-air. All eyes slowly turned toward him, incredulous.

Mari stared at him, stunned. "What exactly... do you mean?"

Masato set down his chopsticks calmly. "I mean I never agreed to live under the same roof as Orphnochs. And I still don't trust them."

Takumi frowned. "What are you talking about? Yuji, Yuka, and Naoya have behaved normally since they got here. I don't see any reason to doubt them."

Masato crossed his arms. "They could lose control at any moment. Become a threat without realizing it. We saw it with Sawada. We thought he was stable too."

Naoya slammed his hands on the table and stood up. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?! You saying we're ticking time bombs?!"

Masato didn't back down. He looked him straight in the eye. "I'm saying you could be. We can't afford to ignore the risk anymore. If even one of you were to snap, we wouldn't have time to react. You could steal our Belts. You could kill us in our sleep."

A chill swept over the table.

Yuji, in a low but steady voice, replied: "That will never happen."

Masato stood up too. "You can't know that. None of us can. And if you really want to help us, you'll need to prove you can do it without putting our lives on the line."

The tension skyrocketed. Masato's gaze was icy, while Naoya's burned with anger. Yuka looked hurt, but tried to keep her composure. Mari looked from one to the other, shocked. Takumi was frozen, as if unsure which side to take.

Then a door creaked open.

Everyone turned. Rei stood there, leaning against the kitchen doorway—pale but upright. His hair was messy, his shirt unbuttoned on the left side to avoid pressing on his bandage. But his eyes were cold and sharp.

"That's enough, Masato." Rei's voice cut through the air like a blade.

Masato turned toward him. "Rei—"

"I don't understand why you're bringing up such a stupid topic this early in the morning." Rei stepped forward slowly, ignoring the pain, and sat down at the table.

Masato pressed his lips together. "You don't get it, but you will. I'll prove we can't trust them."

Rei stared straight into his eyes. "I can't wait to see how you'll manage that. Really. Because you never will."

A long silence followed. No one dared to speak.

Masato turned and left the room without a word. The sound of the door closing rang out like a slap.

Breakfast was ruined.

*...*

The atmosphere, after Masato's exit, lingered in a heavy silence for a few seconds. No one spoke, no one ate. Spoons were suspended mid-air, teacups still steaming but ignored. Only the ticking of the wall clock broke the icy quiet.

Hikari was the first to speak, placing her spoon into her yogurt with a soft clink. "I lost my appetite…" she said in a slightly downcast voice.

Rei, sitting in his seat with his left shoulder still aching, quietly observed the table for a moment before giving a tired little smile.

"Well then, you know what we need?" he said, reaching with his good arm toward one of the cupboard drawers. He opened it, rummaged among the utensils and crumpled napkins, and pulled out a worn-out deck of poker cards. "A good game."

Yuka, already tidying up her cup, made a face. "Gambling at breakfast? No thanks."

"It's not what you think," Rei replied, sliding the cards onto the table with a practiced motion. "The cards are only part of the game. The rest is… more interesting."

Takumi raised an eyebrow. "So what are we playing?"

"It's simple," Rei explained, starting to shuffle the cards with one hand while the other rested on the table. "Everyone gets a small stack. You draw a random card. Whoever gets the highest asks a question to the person with the lowest. Any question."

One by one, they agreed. Hikari got excited right away. Mari joined in reluctantly. Naoya was already rubbing his hands, eager. Saya and Yuka exchanged a knowing glance, while Keitaro just seemed happy the atmosphere was finally loosening up a bit. Yuji, though hesitant, nodded silently.

*...*

The cards were dealt, one by one. Rei checked that everyone had one, then lifted his. "Three of clubs."

"Seven of hearts," said Yuka.

"Five of diamonds," added Yuji.

"Jack of spades!" Naoya exclaimed, almost jumping to his feet. "I win!"

Everyone looked at Mari's card. "Two… of hearts," she murmured, receiving Naoya's smug grin.

"Well then, Mari-chan," he said, leaning on the table with a mock detective air, "tell me the truth… you totally like me, right?"

Mari looked him straight in the eyes. Serious. Then slowly shook her head. "No."

Naoya lost some of his swagger. "Then… you like me a little?"

Mari shook her head again, with the same icy calm.

Naoya swallowed. "You like me, just a little, a little, a lit—"

"Ehi, ONE question, not three hundred!" Takumi cut in, sharply. "Your turn's over."

Naoya made a face and slumped back into his seat, defeated.

*...*

The cards were dealt again. Hands moved quickly, hearts more alert.

"Ten of clubs," said Keitaro, revealing his card.

"Three of spades," said Yuka, showing hers.

"My turn," Keitaro said, resting his hand on his chin. "Uhm… Yuka-san, what's your favorite flower?"

Yuka looked at him, surprised, then smiled. "Lavender."

"…Because of the name?" asked Hikari.

"No," Yuka replied. "Because of the scent."

Keitaro nodded, as if it were a very deep answer.

*...*

Cards were dealt again. This time, Hikari lifted hers first.

"Queen of hearts!" she exclaimed proudly, almost jumping off her chair.

Rei, relaxed in his seat, lifted his card with a faint grin. "Two of diamonds." He sighed. "Of course…"

"Well then, Onii-chan," said Hikari, with an innocent tone but mischievous eyes, "why do you like Saya-chan? Why did you confess her yesterday?"

Silence.

Everyone froze. Saya, mid-sip of tea, nearly choked. Rei's eyes widened.

"…Huh?" he said, as if he hadn't heard right.

"You heard me," Hikari repeated, amused. "Why do you like Saya-chan?"

Rei looked around, caught in his own trap. Then he lowered his gaze and scratched the back of his head with his good hand. "Because… …She's cute, and kind. And… she has that look of someone you want to protect, even if maybe she doesn't need it."

Saya turned bright red. Her eyes were fixed on the table, as if she wanted to sink into her teacup.

Hikari burst out laughing. "Ahahaha! You got played!" she laughed. "By your own game, Onii-chan!"

"Yeah, thanks a lot, Hikari." Rei grumbled, muttering something about how the game should be 16 only.

*...*

"King of clubs," said Mari, showing her card proudly.

"Four of hearts," said Hikari, not too disappointed.

Mari thought for a moment. Then she turned to Hikari with a sweet voice. "So… what's your dream, Hikari?"

Hikari thought about it. "To become a famous singer. But first, I want my brother to be happy."

Rei was taken aback—and a little touched.

*...*

The cards went around again. Takumi looked at his. "King of diamonds."

Yuji checked his. "Three of clubs."

Takumi stared at him for a while. He seemed unsure. "Have you ever… Actually, nevermind. It's not a fun question," he muttered.

Yuji looked up. "Say it. Ask me."

Takumi sighed. Then he asked. Directly, without hesitation. "Have you ever killed someone you loved?"

The question fell like a blade.

Yuji lowered his gaze. A long pause. Then he nodded. "Yes."

Another silence. "It was my fiancée. When I changed, she looked at me like I was a monster. Told me I was dead to her. Then she tried to run… and that was it. It happened in a moment. But it was enough."

Rei looked at him, serious. "Sounds like a rough day."

Yuji nodded, eyes still down. "Yep. It was the worst day of my life." Then he stood up from the chair. Slowly, with dignity. "I think I'm done playing for today."

Keitaro stood up with him. "Let's go open the laundy."

The two walked out of the room. Their figures vanished into the hallway.

Everyone stayed silent.

Yuka stared at the tablecloth. Naoya said nothing. Mari crossed her arms. Saya still looked red in the face—but for a different reason now.

Finally, Mari spoke. "Nice going, Takumi. Great question." the girl's voice laced with sarcasm.

Takumi raised his hands. "What? He told me to ask."

Rei sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe think twice, next time, before you ask something that private, dear my friend." He then looked at Hikari, a bit less stern. "And the same goes for you, little girl."

Hikari replied with an awkward smile.

Takumi lowered his gaze. It wasn't easy, living among those who had once been "human." But he was learning—they weren't the only ones with scars.

*Bar Clover – Late Morning…*

The dim lights of Bar Clover barely filtered through the purple drapes, casting violet shadows on the leather couches and low tables. The air reeked of fine liquor, damp wood, and threat. Technically closed to the public, the place had become the refuge and playground of the Lucky Clover. A dark kingdom where rules didn't exist—except those made on the spot by whoever held the most power.

Sawada slumped on a barstool, body relaxed but eyes still burning with frustration. He still wore the torn jacket from the previous fight, headphones clamped over his ears. A thin cut lined his temple, but he didn't seem to care. He twirled a glass of whiskey between his fingers without drinking, watching the golden liquid swirl as if it could give him an answer.

Behind him, perched with feline grace on one of the couches, Saeko held a long cigarette holder. She didn't smoke, but used it like a prop—like a queen holding a scepter just to remind everyone who really ruled.

"Too bad, boy," she said in a falsely regretful tone. "You were so close to retrieving the Delta Gear…"

Sawada clenched his jaw, gaze locked on the glass. "If it hadn't been for that intruder, I would've done it," he growled. "He came out of nowhere. Someone absurdly strong. He jumped in just as I had the Gear's wielder right where I wanted her. I could've killed her—if it wasn't for him."

Lazily leaning on the armrest of the opposite couch, Takuma raised an eyebrow, playing with an ice cube in a bluish glass. "The intruder?" he repeated. "If I'm not wrong… didn't you say he's the one with the Hexa Gear?"

Sawada didn't answer. He simply lit a green origami shaped like a hexagon on fire with a match.

Saeko smiled—not with pleasure, but with calculation, like someone watching a new chess piece make its first move. "Interesting…" she murmured. "But you, boy… you don't seem so human anymore either. From what I've seen… you've already tossed it away, haven't you? Your humanity."

Sawada finally looked up. His eyes were icy. Without remorse. Without hesitation. He stated, voice firm, "Humanity never did anything for me."

Silence.

Takuma frowned, uncertain whether to be impressed or disturbed. Saeko, on the other hand, chuckled softly. "Perfect," she said with almost maternal approval. "Then you're officially one of us."

Kitazaki, who until then had been leaning against the wall near the dead jukebox with a bottle of sparkling water in hand, spoke in a lazy yet piercing voice. "Those Belts… are starting to look real interesting," he said, tilting slightly forward like a predator catching scent of blood. "I'm in the mood for a little… competition." The bottle in his hands crumbled to powder.

Saeko gave him a curious look. "What kind of competition are you thinking of?"

Kitazaki smiled. A slow, merciless smile. The kind that spreads like a fracture through bone. "Whoever gets their hands on a Belt… gets to punish the others. No limits."

The word punish slid through the air like a knife. For a moment, no one spoke.

Takuma felt a cold shiver crawl up his spine. Like a shadow's finger brushing the back of his neck. He looked down, and—instinctively—imagined. Imagined Kitazaki. Standing before him. A finger pointed at his chest. And in an instant… there was nothing left. Just dust.

He swallowed hard, not even trying to hide it. But still, he tried to muster some composure. "…Very sportsmanlike." he said with sarcasm. But no one laughed.

Sawada cracked his knuckles. "Works for me."

Saeko shifted on the couch, crossing her legs with icy elegance. "Then it's settled. Whoever gets a Belt first… can use it however they want. Whether to wield it… or to use it against the others."

Kitazaki lowered his gaze, the smile never once leaving his face.

Takuma looked at the other three. Then at his own reflection in the bottom of his glass. He felt like something had just shifted. Something irreversible.

*...*

The dam, imposing and silent, looked like a concrete scar across the natural landscape. The air was crisp, carrying the kind of wind that brushes the skin like a threat not yet spoken.

Masato Kusaka walked along the concrete path lining the upper edge of the dam. His steps were calm, but his eyes were not. Fixed straight ahead, cold, sharp like blades. The gaze of someone who knew something was about to happen. Or rather—had to happen.

In the silence, broken only by the slow flow of water and the whispering wind, a familiar voice struck like an axe.

"I was looking for you."

Masato stopped. He didn't need to turn to know who it was. But he did anyway.

Sawada. Appearing like a shadow on the walkway, standing atop a steel pipe, the wind barely ruffling his dark hair, gray headphones over his ears. His eyes were emotionless, like blackened glass. His tone was calm, yet full of poison.

Masato turned fully. Took a few steps toward him. "I was really hoping you'd find me," he said with a tilted smile. "So I could finally… kill you."

Sawada stared, not moving an inch. "And I'll take your Belt."

For a moment, time seemed to stop. The only sound was the tremble of wind brushing the iron railings.

Masato reached for his waist. He pulled out the Kaixa Phone. His fingers gripped the device like claws on a cherished weapon. "Finally," he murmured. "I'll kill you."

Sawada gave a slight smile. A lifeless one, like someone humoring a spoiled child. "You won't succeed."

Masato clenched his jaw. "What did you say?"

Sawada stepped forward. "I remember what happened. That day, at the Ryusei School meeting. I remember the screams. The running. The bad decisions… And I remember you, Kusaka."

He stopped. His eyes now cold. Fierce. "You were a failure then. And you still are."

Masato's fist trembled. Knuckles white. In a flash, his voice sliced the air. "HENSHIN!" He snapped open the top of the Kaixa Phone, slammed it into the Kaixa Belt. The sound of COMPLETE echoed against the concrete walls, and then…

...A golden and black flash wrapped around his body, streaks of energy intertwining like frenzied serpents. The armor sealed onto him with surgical precision, and the "X"-shaped visor glowed.

Kaixa. Cold. Relentless.

Sawada merely spread his arms, welcoming the transformation as a formality. His body began to vibrate, elongate, change shape. Veins bulged, bones shifted. Within seconds, the monstrous Spider Orphnoch stood before him. Claws, exoskeleton, an eye like a hate-filled spotlight.

Then they moved.

Kaixa struck first. A forward leap, fist aimed. The Spider Orphnoch deflected with an elongated limb, immediately countering with a side thrust from one of its clawed legs. Kaixa ducked, dodging the strike, and hit the creature's chest with a front kick.

The impact sent the monster staggering back, clinging to a railing like an enraged spider. Kaixa didn't stop. He charged again, unleashing a flurry of punches to the creature's stomach and face.

The Spider Orphnoch snarled, blocked a strike, and in a frightening burst, lifted Kaixa off the ground and hurled him into a concrete wall. The body bounced, but Masato got back on his feet with lethal agility.

"You're slow!" Kaixa shouted.

A flash. With a fluid movement, Kaixa pushed the Spider Orphnoch toward the edge of the dam. The air filled with the metallic sound of blows and feral screams.

With one final, precise blow to the chest, Kaixa sent him over the barrier. The Spider Orphnoch plummeted into the void.

But he didn't crash.

A claw embedded itself into the dam's concrete wall. Then another. And another. The monster began to crawl sideways, like an insect on a vertical surface, disappearing swiftly into the very structure of the dam.

Kaixa rushed to the edge, looked down—but saw nothing. Just the churning water and shadows.

He was breathing heavily. Hands clenched on either side of his belt. "Damn… coward."

*City streets, late afternoon…*

The asphalt still shimmered with heat beneath the wheels of the white Kikuchi Laundry van as traffic rolled on, slow and distant.

Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was calm.

Takumi, seated by the window, stared outside without much interest. "Hey, Yuji…" he said, turning. "Sorry about that question this morning. I didn't mean to… you know… dig into your past."

Yuji, behind the wheel, gave a tired smile. "Don't worry about it. It's water under the bridge. Really."

Rei, sitting in the back seat, was keeping an eye on the load of packages ready for delivery. "That's not the biggest problem right now," he said seriously. "It's Masato. I don't know what the hell's going on with him."

Takumi nodded. "Yeah. He's always been uptight, but this? I didn't see it coming."

Rei leaned forward slightly. "The more I get to know you three—Yuji, Yuka, and Naoya—the more normal you all seem to me. Actually, better than most humans I've met. Masato should be able to see that."

Yuji sighed. "I appreciate that. But Kusaka-san needs time. Maybe… too much time."

They didn't get the chance to go any further.

*RATATATATATAT.*

A barrage of bullets struck the left side of the van, hammering the body like a metallic hailstorm. The vehicle swerved, screeched violently, and came to a sudden halt.

The three leapt out immediately. Rei rolled out with the Hexa Belt already in hand. "From above!" he shouted, pointing at the overpass just a few meters away.

"Split up!" Takumi ordered. "Cover the nearby areas!"

Yuji dashed toward an alley, Takumi moved between the columns beneath the bridge, while Rei carefully advanced toward a staircase leading upward.

But just as Takumi passed near a pillar… a silent shadow struck from behind. He didn't even have time to turn around—a precise blow to the back of the head sent him crashing to the ground.

The mysterious figure knelt, tore the Faiz Belt from his waist, and vanished into the shadows.

*Moments later...*

Yuji, still unaware, saw Faiz appear. He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, Takumi. You're already here."

He stepped forward. *WHAM!*

A punch to the face sent Yuji flying into a wall. The concrete cracked behind him. "What the hell—?!" growled Yuji, pushing himself back up. He stared at Faiz in confusion. "What's wrong with you?!"

Faiz didn't reply. With a slow, precise motion, he made a throat-slashing gesture with his hand.

"…You're not Takumi." Yuji understood. Without hesitation, his eyes lit up with a different light. His bones cracked, his skin shimmered like water in the wind. In seconds, the Horse Orphnoch emerged. "I don't know who the hell you are, but I'm gonna make you cough up blood!"

The fight erupted.

A brutal close-combat clash. Yuji charged with beastly force, but "Faiz" was fast, lethal, every move as precise as a machine.

A kick to the gut. A blow to the side. A knee to the face.

Yuji staggered. The fake Faiz dominated. "Who are you?!" Yuji yelled. "Who the hell are you?!"

No answer. Just the sound of boots stepping forward. Faiz raised his arm, ready to deliver a finishing blow with the Faiz Edge.

*BANG. BANG. BANG.*

Three perfectly timed shots rang out in the air. Faiz staggered back.

"Yuji!" a voice shouted. Yuji turned sharply. Hexa, standing atop a fire escape, was already tossing something his way. "Catch!"

The Delta Belt.

Yuji caught it mid-air. "Rei?!"

"Use it!" Hexa shouted, reloading her Hexa Shooters. "Now!"

Yuji looked at the belt. Then at the Delta Phone, shaped like a walkie-talkie.

He gripped it. "Henshin." *STANDING BY. COMPLETE*

He inserted the Delta Phone into the side holster. A high-pitched electronic hum filled the air. Blue light flashed. His body was wrapped in pure energy, the armor plates materializing piece by piece.

Kamen Rider Delta.

The real fight could begin. "Let's see if you can knock me down again, bastard."

With the strength of his new powers, Delta launched himself at the fake Faiz.

Kamen Rider Delta gripped the Delta Blaster with both hands, the weapon coming to life with a quick charge and its signature high-pitched whine. The gun buzzed with electric energy as Yuji aimed straight at the fake Faiz. "Let's see how you handle this."

*BRRAT-BRRAT-BRRAT.*

Bright violet energy bursts fired in a straight line, forcing the fake Faiz to dodge with lightning-fast movements. But it wasn't enough.

From a higher vantage point, Hexa opened fire with his Hexa Shots—two sleek-looking pistols, one in each hand. The green bullets hit with near-military precision.

Faiz was forced to retreat, his armor sparking with every impact.

Delta moved in from the side, searching for an opening.

Hexa leaped down, landing beside him. The two Riders pressured Faiz from opposite directions, forcing him to jump onto a rooftop. A coordinated shot struck him mid-air and sent him crashing down from a scaffold.

When they descended to follow him… Faiz had vanished.

Delta gritted his teeth. "Damn it!"

Hexa scanned the darkness carefully. But a noise behind them caught their attention.

*CLAP… CLAP… CLAP.*

A stylish figure slowly stepped forward from the shadows.

Kitazaki. "Hey… Mind if I join your little game?"

He didn't wait for an answer.

His bones twisted, veins swelling like dark roots beneath his skin, and a surge of energy exploded from his body as he transformed into the Dragon Orphnoch. "Let's begin."

Hexa and Delta exchanged a quick nod.

The battle erupted.

The Dragon Orphnoch charged with inhuman speed, and the two Riders split apart. The Orphnoch's massive claws struck the ground and walls with crushing force. Hexa fired rapid volleys from his Hexa Shots, while Delta attacked up close with the Delta Blaster.

The Orphnoch answered with flaming claws, fire-breath, and brutal force that sent them crashing onto the asphalt. But the two Riders held firm—coordinated, evenly matched.

Until Hexa, leaping back, entered a new command on his Hexa Phone: *4923 Hexa Fortress, Come closer.*

Delta noticed. "What did you do?"

Hexa didn't answer immediately. A faint smirk crept beneath his helmet. "just wait and see."

The Dragon Orphnoch roared, charging again to end the fight—

*BOOM.*

The sound of turbines. A massive shadow. And then a giant armored vehicle barreled in like an out-of-control train, smashing through barricades and streetlights. It rammed straight into the Orphnoch, slamming it into a wall.

Hexa turned, satisfied. "Right on time."

The vehicle opened like a steel flower. Inside, three bikes—each sculpted with a futuristic design. The most eye-catching was red, with rear thrusters and a sleek aerodynamic shape. Hexa mounted it without hesitation.

"What the hell are you doing now?" Delta asked.

The bike powered up. Its wheels retracted, replaced by turbines. A blast of fire ignited. The bike lifted off.

"WHAT—?!" Delta blurted out, staring in disbelief.

The bike spun in the air. Hexa stood upright on the seat, perfectly balanced, and… sped straight toward Delta.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Delta shouted.

In a coordinated, insane move, Hexa grabbed him by the torso mid-air as the bike shook under the double weight. Delta nearly slipped off.

"Hold on!"

The bike soared upward, leaving a trail of red and green energy behind. "If we die, it's your fault, Rei!" Delta yelled.

Below them, the Dragon Orphnoch recovered, watching the scene in confusion.

Hexa attached the Hexa Pointer to his right anklet. A beep confirmed the lock. He hit the command button on his Hexa Phone. *READY. EXCEED CHARGE*

Delta aimed his Delta Blaster. "Check." A mechanical voice rang from the Blaster: *EXCEED CHARGE*

Twin energy drills burst from their weapons—one a deep green, the other a pale violet. The air vibrated, light bending around them.

"Let's go!" Hexa shouted.

The two Riders launched from the bike, diving headfirst with their energy drills in front like living missiles. The spirals twisted, merging into a sharp vortex.

The Dragon Orphnoch tried to react—but too late.

*BOOM!*

They struck him dead on.

Energy erupted. The dragon was engulfed in a swirling inferno—one side red, the other bright blue, like fire and plasma fused together.

A pillar of smoke rose into the sky. The two Riders landed on the other side, wind-blasted from the explosion.

…silence.

Then, a dull noise. The Dragon Orphnoch emerged from the flames, alive—though wounded. He growled and vanished in a flash between the alleys.

Yuji panted. "…He survived."

Rei removed the Hexa Belt. "Yeah. But we nearly took him down."

Yuji followed suit, unbuckling the Delta Belt. Their armor vanished, leaving only Rei and Yuji—sweaty and bruised.

Rei turned to Yuji. He held out a fist. "That was some good teamwork!"

Yuji smiled. And gave him a solid fist bump. "Yeah. The real kind."

*...*

The clamor of gunfire had faded, but the echo of what had just happened still resonated in the hearts of the three.

Takumi came running toward them, panting. His clothes were dusty, a small cut on his left eyebrow, and his expression flickered between anger and confusion.

Rei spotted him immediately. "Takumi! Where the hell did you disappear to?"

Takumi shook his head, frustrated. "Someone got me from behind. Knocked me out with a single hit… and took the Faiz Belt."

A moment of silence.

Yuji nodded, regretfully. "Yeah… and whoever stole the Belt used it against us."

Takumi clenched his fists. "I can't let something like that go. We have to find the culprit. No matter what it takes."

Rei nodded. "Yeah. That guy wasn't normal. He fought like an experienced Rider."

The three started running along the road where the fake Faiz had escaped, past wrecked cars, rubble, and the acrid stench of dust. Flickering streetlights cast unstable shadows. Every step was driven by urgency.

"Where do we start?" Takumi asked, glancing around.

Rei suddenly stopped. He pointed at a spot on the wall of a low building—a surveillance camera, half-hidden beneath a faded sign. "There. If it's still active, I might be able to access the footage."

Rei knelt down near a grate, pulled a laptop from his jacket. He plugged a small jack into the wall, quickly establishing a connection to the camera's network.

The screen lit up, lines of code scrolling rapidly. "I'm forcing the internal protocol. No serious firewalls… I'm in."

A video feed opened. The image flickered. It was the very street they had just come from.

Rei began scrubbing backward in time. "It should've happened… there."

The image showed a figure in red armor—Faiz—running through the debris. Heavy, determined steps.

Then he stopped in a dimly lit corner. Looked around. No one.

All three held their breath as the armor began to fade, dissolving with the familiar red glow of de-transformation.

The figure underneath was revealed.

Masato Kusaka.

His expression was cold, emotionless. His gaze fixed, distant. The Faiz Belt was now clipped to his waist, in its base form.

Takumi's eyes widened. "...It can't be."

Yuji took a step back, stunned. "It was him… Masato attacked us. He stole the Faiz Belt!"

Rei stared at the screen, face unreadable but tension visible in his whitened knuckles. "He planned this. He followed us. Waited for the right moment."

Takumi stepped forward, furious. "He knocked me out from behind. He stole the Faiz Belt. From me!" he shouted, his voice tight with rage.

"We have to find him. Now," said Yuji. "We can't let him get away."

Rei closed the laptop. "First we go back to the laundromat. If Masato has truly turned against us… we need to warn the others. Now!"

Takumi nodded. "Yeah. And then I'll find him. Personally."

The three ran toward the van, still parked where they had left it. Rei took the wheel, Yuji sat beside him. Takumi got into the back seat, still staring at the horizon like he could see Masato fleeing endlessly into the distance.

The engine roared to life.

Rei shifted gears and sped off, the asphalt seeming to vanish beneath the tires.

The city around them had turned hostile.

And the hunt for Masato had just begun.

*Kikuchi Laundromat – Late Evening.*

The old sign creaked above Rei's van as Takumi and Yuji parked with a sharp screech. The warm glow spilling from the windows was the only thing slicing through the darkness. But inside, voices could be heard—heated, raised, mid-argument. It wasn't just tension anymore: it was anger. It was fear.

The three jumped out quickly, the wet soles of their shoes clanging on the metal steps. Takumi rushed ahead, slamming open the laundromat's door.

Inside—chaos.

Keitaro stood tense, jaw clenched, fist tightly closed. Yuka was behind him, hurt in her eyes, her hair falling over her tear-damp lashes. Masato glared at them with disdain, his finger pointed like a blade. Around the room, Mari, Saya, Naoya, and Hikari watched in silence, crushed under the weight of the air.

"What's going on?" Takumi snapped, stomping forward.

Masato turned to him with a calculated, cold expression. "Interesting question, Takumi… do you have the Faiz Belt on you?"

Takumi stiffened. "No. It was… stolen."

Masato gave a cold smirk. "Of course you don't. Because she has it."

He sharply pointed at Yuka.

"Again?!" Keitaro yelled, instinctively turning toward her. "That's impossible! Yuka-san didn't take it!"

Masato stepped closer, unrelenting. "Yes, she did. I found it in her room. Wanna explain how it got there, if she didn't take it?"

Yuka stepped forward, her voice shaking just a little. "I would never do that. I couldn't…"

Yuji turned to Naoya. "Dude, come on, you can't just let him do this to Yuka. We should be defending her, together."

Naoya raised his hands. "Oh no, I'm not getting involved."

"What?" Yuji snapped, offended. "You're gonna let them do this to Yuka just to stay out of trouble? The girl who, despite everything, loves you for some unknown reason? I thought you were better than this."

Keitaro stepped in front of Yuka, shielding her with his body. "I believe her. I… I trust Yuka-san."

Masato shook his head, eyes burning. "And how can you trust a monster?"

The silence dropped like a stone.

Keitaro didn't lower his gaze. "Because I love her, Kusaka-san. And I don't care if she's an Orphnoch. She's the girl I love. That's all that matters."

Masato laughed, but it was bitter. "Love means nothing when you've got evidence."

That's when Rei stepped forward. "We've got evidence too. And it proves Yuka's innocent."

Masato turned slowly. "Don't mess with me. You can't have anything like that."

Rei opened his laptop. "See for yourself."

Everyone gathered around the small screen. The video played: Faiz running, stopping. Then the de-transformation. And finally—Masato himself, standing there, with the Faiz Belt still around his waist.

Silence. Deafening.

Masato recoiled, as if to shut the screen off. "Aw, come on! That's clearly fake! You really think a doctored video proves anything? It's a trick!"

"Then explain this," Yuji said quietly. "Why is it you in the video, and not Yuka?"

Masato scoffed. "Because it's fake! And what a coincidence, huh? The Orphnoch show up… the Belt vanishes… and then it's found in an Orphnoch's room. You seriously think that's just coincidence?"

Rei turned to Mari and Saya. "Mari, Saya… you have to trust me. Please."

Masato stepped forward, pointing at them. "You don't. You shouldn't. You barely known him. Mari, Saya, who are you going to believe, here? Some Orphnoch? Some strangers? Or me, your friend?"

Mari didn't move. Her eyes were lowered. Her lips pressed tight. She couldn't speak.

Saya hesitated. She looked at Masato, then at Rei. "I… I like you, Rei, I really do. But this… this whole thing is just confusing. Masato's been with us from the start. I have to trust him too."

Rei moved closer to her. "Saya, I trusted Masato too. And what did it get us? Lies. He used our trust to frame an innocent girl!"

Saya turned to Masato. "Masato… please. Be reasonable."

Masato spun to face them all. His eyes now full of rage. "You don't get it. You don't understand at all, do you? I'm trying… TO PROTECT YOU! ALL OF YOU! EVERY FUCKING ONE OF YOU! From the Orphnoch! From monsters like them!" He pointed at Yuji, then Naoya. "Or like her!" He jabbed at Yuka.

Rei stepped up, locking eyes with him. "Protect us? You stole a Belt, framed someone innocent, and betrayed your own teammates—us! That's your idea of protection? You suck at protecting, Masato!"

Masato growled, muscles tight. "Shut up! You… you're the reason my plan failed! If it weren't for you, everyone would've believed it was the Orphnoch! We would've driven them out! Killed them!"

Yuji stepped forward, fury in his eyes. "Excuse me?!"

Masato ignored him. His eyes were locked on Rei. "Talking about betrayal, then tell me, what would you do to traitors?"

Everyone turned to Masato. And in that moment, even the unsure ones saw clearly.

Rei stared at him. "Give me the Kaixa Gear. Now."

Masato trembled. "It's not yours."

"Then give it to someone who doesn't lie to his teammates."

In a flash, Masato snapped. He lunged at Rei with a wild punch. Rei dodged and countered with a solid hook to the ribs.

The room erupted. Keitaro tried to intervene. Mari screamed. Yuka grabbed Keitaro to stop him. Yuji and Saya tried to separate the two, but it was too late.

Masato yelled, completely unhinged, and pulled out the Kaixa Belt. "Let's go outside, asshole!"

Rei nodded, grabbing the Hexa Belt. "Yeah, let's go, bastard!"

They flung the door open, the icy night air wrapping around them like a noose. They stepped out. Everyone else followed in a rush.

…*

Outside the laundromat, the street was empty—lit only by the dim glow of the streetlights.

The fight was inevitable. And no one would walk away untouched.

The clouds burst without warning, and the rain began to pour down violently, soaking the asphalt and wrapping everything in a ghostly, grey veil. Raindrops bounced off metal surfaces, the shoulders of those present, and the sidewalk—now dark and glossy like glass. The air was saturated with tension, with electric charge, as if the rain itself had sensed that two storms were about to collide.

Masato stepped into the middle of the street, eyes locked on Rei, his expression tense, furious. Slowly, he pulled the Kaixa Phone from his pocket.

In one fluid motion, Masato strapped on the Kaixa Belt. The mechanical sound blended with the roar of the rain. He typed into the Kaixa Phone: *9-1-3. STANDING BY.* He snapped it shut with force.

Masato inserted the phone into the Belt. "HENSHIN!" *COMPLETE* The yellow energy circuit lit up, engulfing him in a shower of light and electric sparks. The armor clamped down with a violent snap, and Kamen Rider Kaixa rose in the night, his glowing cross-shaped visor cutting through the darkness.

Rei didn't move an inch. He slipped off his jacket, let it fall to the ground, and strapped on the Hexa Belt. He grabbed his Hexa Phone and typed: *8-9-1. STANDING BY.*

He inserted the phone into the Hexa Belt. "HENSHIN!" *COMPLETE* An explosion of emerald green light enveloped him. The armor formed in seconds, with a metallic electronic roar. The angular helmet, with its multi-triangle visor, gleamed like cut glass. Kamen Rider Hexa was ready to fight.

The rain fell harder.

Kaixa drew his Blaygun from its holster and loaded it with a quick motion.

Hexa materialized his Hexa Daggers—two short, curved blades that pulsed with energy at each impact with the falling rain.

The fight began.

Kaixa moved first—an aggressive diagonal slash. Hexa deflected it with one blade, sparks flying from the clashing metals. Their weapons met in rapid exchanges: slashes, parries, narrow dodges.

Kaixa lunged with the Blaygun, but Hexa spun, using the rain to slip under the strike and countered with a twin slash aimed at the sides. Kaixa blocked, then jumped back, dashing toward the wall and leaping for an aerial strike. Hexa intercepted him mid-air—an explosion of light and metal—and both landed on one knee, sliding across the wet asphalt.

"I knew from the first second I saw you," growled Kaixa, his voice amplified and distorted by the suit's systems, "that you were only going to be trouble!"

Hexa raised his visor, staring straight at him. "And I knew from the very first damned second what kind of person you are."

Kaixa roared: "REI AIZAWA!"

Hexa shouted back: "MASATO KUSAKA!"

They dashed toward each other, blades clashing violently. The armors flashed on impact—yellow and green sparks erupting around them like fireworks. A blow to the shoulder, one to the helmet, one to the flank—each strike was answered with equal force. They were perfectly balanced, two equal and opposite forces.

In unison, they pulled out their Axel Watches.

Kaixa attached his to his wrist and activated it. *COMPLETE*

Hexa did the same. *COMPLETE*

The chestplates of their armor opened, revealing their inner cores. The suits' circuits lost their original color and turned silver, while their fiber optics lit up in crimson red.

They both activated the countdown. *START UP*

*9.9.*
*8.7.*

In an explosion of raw energy, the two Riders vanished, leaving behind only trails of light—one golden, the other emerald green. Time seemed to slow for everyone else, as Kaixa and Hexa moved at sonic speed, their strikes invisible to normal eyes. The clash of metal rang out like thunder. They zipped between buildings, bounced off walls, clashed mid-air, blow after blow after blow.

*3.0.*
*2.0.*
*1.0.*
*0.0 TIME OUT. REFORMATION*

Time returned to normal. A deep boom echoed as they fell together onto the wet asphalt, panting, wounded—but still standing.

But it wasn't over.

Both Riders inserted their Pointers into their right Anklets.

Kaixa pressed the call button on his Kaixa Phone. *READY. EXCEED CHARGE.* A golden beam burst from the Pointer, spiraling into his right leg, forming an immense golden drill of energy.

Hexa did the same, pressing the call button on his Hexa Phone. *READY. EXCEED CHARGE.* A beam of emerald energy gathered around his leg, forming a green energy drill.

The two sprinted toward each other. The rain almost stopped—as if the world was holding its breath.

Their kicks collided with a deafening crash. Kaixa's Golden Smash and Hexa's Emerald Smash met in the center of the street. A sphere of energy exploded from the impact point, shattering the ground, lifting debris, and bathing everything in light.

"IT'S OVER!" shouted Hexa. His attack overpowered Kaixa's, and the shockwave sent him flying back. The Kaixa Belt detached from his body, landing on the ground.

Panting, Rei slowly picked it up.

He stepped toward Masato, his voice trembling, but firm. "A Kamen Rider isn't just strength. He's someone who protects people. Who fights alongside his friends. Who has empathy. You have none of that, Masato Kusaka."

Masato, on the ground, was trembling. His hands slid on the soaked asphalt. He looked at Rei with shattered eyes, filled with hatred and pain.

Then… he screamed. A deep, inhuman roar. His veins bulged. His body began to twist. Bone shards erupted under his skin, tearing through. His eyes turned white, no irises left.

A wave of black energy exploded from him, pushing everyone back for a moment.

His body transformed, limbs elongating, his face shifting into a beastlike snout.

Masato Kusaka was no longer standing before them. In his place, the Tiger Orphnoch stood tall and monstrous, roaring beneath the rain, claws poised to rip and tear.

The explosion of energy left silence hanging in the air. Everyone, from the opposite sidewalk, stared with wide eyes and held breath. Saya had brought a hand to her mouth. Mari hugged herself, trembling. Takumi, Keitaro, Yuji… no one dared speak.

Masato had vanished. In his place stood an Orphnoch.

But not just any Orphnoch. Its skin was thick and covered in white bone-like plates, streaked with black. Long claws gleamed with every flicker of the trembling streetlights. The face was feline, distorted, but the eyes were human—filled with rage, despair, and something broken.

"No…" Mari whispered, "…Masato…"

The Tiger Orphnoch let out a deep growl. Then it lunged. The distance vanished in an instant.

Hexa saw him too late. The blow struck him square in the chest.

Thrown backward, Hexa slammed into a streetlight and landed against a phone booth, warping the metal. But he immediately stood up again, limping slightly.

He dialed a number on the Hexa Phone: *1-3-3 Hexa Cloak.* Hexa vanished into thin air.

The Tiger Orphnoch paused for a moment… then grinned. "You think I can't feel you?"

He shot forward and suddenly struck the empty air. A metallic clang confirmed it—he had hit Hexa despite his invisibility. His senses had changed. Smell, sound, the slightest movement of air—Masato had become a beast that could perceive the world beyond sight.

The two clashed in rapid bursts. Kicks, slashes, quick strikes—one side invisible, the other animalistic. Each impact sent up sprays of water from the ground, like a stormy sea. Nearby windows shook.

At last, both collapsed, gasping for air. Hexa's armor shattered into a rain of green circuits. Masato's body, drained of strength, slowly returned to its human form.

Masato and Rei—both lay on the ground, breathing heavily. The rain kept falling on them. Neither of them spoke. But then…

Masato got up, slowly, his face twisted in pain. Rei looked at him. His gaze narrowed, darkened.

And without saying a word, he punched him.

Masato immediately struck back, and the two began trading blows. Heavy, rough, angry punches. Nothing technical—just hate, frustration, regret.

"MASATO! REI! STOP IT, PLEASE!" Saya screamed, but her voice was drowned out by the rain.

"PLEASE STOP! MASATO! REI-SAN!" Mari was running toward them, desperate.

Masato staggered, blood on his lip. "…I should have killed you when I had the chance. I should've done it a long time ago!"

Rei grabbed Masato by the collar and slammed him into the wall. The concrete cracked. "Listen, asshole, if it were up to me, I'd toss you in a dumpster and set it on fire! I fucking hate you! I'll shove you back in your mother's womb! You waste of oxygen! Living abortion!"

Masato laughed, coughing blood. "Then do it! Do it, Rei. Because deep down, you're exactly like me. You just pretend to be better!"

"I've never pretended!" Rei hit him again.

"Really?" Masato struck back. "Then why do you hide behind your little hero mask?"

"Because I try! I fight for something! You just bite anything you can't control!"

"Then I might as well die!"

"Maybe that would be better!"

A punch. Then another. And another still. Until they both collapsed. Soaked, injured, exhausted.

Silence fell again. Only the rain spoke.

Rei pulled himself up, slowly. He looked at Masato with red eyes—not just from the blood or the rage, but from something deeper. Something he couldn't put into words.

Then he spoke. His voice was low, broken. "Go. Get the fuck out of here. And don't come back until you've found… who you really are."

Masato said nothing. He didn't laugh, didn't threaten. He simply turned. Limping, slowly, he began to walk away in the rain. His figure shrank… then vanished.

Rei turned to the others. They were all staring at him. His heart pounded. His breath was ragged.

Suddenly, shame bit into his gut.

All those people had seen that side of him. That filthy side. The side he kept locked inside.

He said nothing. He looked at no one. He ran into the laundromat, shoving the door open.

He climbed the stairs three steps at a time. Opened the door to his room and slammed it shut.

He collapsed onto the bed, covering his face.

He had become exactly what he had sworn never to be. A man consumed by hatred.

…*

Late at night. The rain was still tapping against the windowpane. The world seemed frozen, suspended in an unreal silence. The city lights faintly reflected off the walls. The room was bathed in a bluish twilight, soft and gentle, as if the Moon only wanted to touch without disturbing.

Rei was sitting on the bed, his gaze lost in nothingness, the knuckles of his hands reddened, his mind still fogged by turmoil. Every punch thrown, every word hurled at Masato burned inside him. Not just in his body, but in his soul. The physical pain, yes, throbbed across every inch of his body. But the mental pain… that was suffocating him.

Then, an unexpected sound: *knock-knock.* A soft knock, as if whoever was outside was afraid of breaking something.

Rei barely stirred, his voice low. "…You can come in… …Whoever you are."

The door opened slowly, revealing a small and familiar figure. Saya. She clutched a small white medical kit in her hands.

She entered silently. At first, she said nothing. Her eyes fell on Rei. She saw the wounds, the scrapes, the traces of unshed tears. And without a word, she approached. She closed the door behind her, moved closer to the bed, and knelt beside Rei. Her eyes were shining, filled with a tenderness that clashed with the smell of blood and the tension lingering in the air.

"I thought… you might need this. You're in pretty bad shape," she said softly, placing the medkit on the edge of the bed.

Rei looked at her for a moment, then nodded. His voice was a whisper. "Thanks."

Saya opened the kit, her movements slow but precise. Her hands trembled slightly. She pulled out some gauze, a little disinfectant, and began cleaning a wound on Rei's cheekbone. Every time he winced in pain, she slowed down, becoming more delicate, more careful.

For a while, neither of them spoke. Only the sound of rain and the faint rustle of damp gauze filled the room.

Then Rei spoke, suddenly, as if the words had been trapped inside him for too long. "I thought I was doing the right thing. But maybe… maybe I just lost control. Maybe I fucked up everything. I let everything explode."

Saya lowered her gaze. She dabbed a cut on his neck, then paused. "You didn't have a choice," she said quietly. "Not in that moment. You had to stop him."

Rei stared at her. His eyes were heavy with a dull, weary anger that was slowly turning into remorse. "There's always a choice, Saya. Always. I chose to hit him. To hate him. To destroy him. He disgusted me. He still disgusts me. And I… …I don't want to become like him."

Saya placed a hand on his chest, over the bandage she had just finished applying. "But you didn't. In the end… you had the will to stop yourself. You chose not to cross that line. You didn't kill him, right?"

Rei bit his lip. He seemed to want to believe her, but something inside him still gnawed at him. Then he looked at her. "Hey, Saya… Earlier, when you said you liked me… …did you mean it that way?"

She flinched slightly. Saya's hand, still resting on his chest, tensed for a moment.

Then she blushed. She bit her lip, hesitant, but then nodded. "Yes… …I meant it that way."

Rei fell into a deep silence. Then his fingers moved, intertwining with hers. Their palms pressed together, fitting naturally, as if they had always been meant to. He held her hands tightly, as if they were the only thing keeping him tethered to himself. The Moon reflected in their eyes, brushing their faces gently.

Rei leaned in slowly. Saya closed her eyes.

Rei brushed his lips against hers. A slow, delicate kiss, barely there. A kiss that wasn't hunger, nor urgency, but pure truth. An embrace between two wounded hearts, trying to heal each other. Time stood still. The rain seemed softer. The pain more distant. It was as if, for a moment, no scars carried any weight.

When they parted, Saya let out a soft laugh. A sweet, shy laugh, but full of life. "I feel a little stupid," she whispered, "but I'm happy. Really happy."

Rei smiled too, just slightly. Then he looked at her with a different kind of seriousness, deep and sincere, as if speaking straight from his soul. "Saya, I love you. And I'll never leave you. When you're here… I can… I can hold back that part of me that scares me. That anger. That darkness. Please, stay with me, by my side."

Saya smiled tenderly. "If my presence can help you, if it can make you feel better, then yes, I'll stay with you. You saved my life, Rei, so my life is yours." Her words carried no hesitation anymore.

And then Rei kissed her again. This time with passion. He pulled her into his arms, and Saya melted against him, her hands trailing up his neck, her heart pounding wildly. It wasn't desire. It was need. It was the promise of two scarred souls seeking a reason to stay alive in each other.

When they finally pulled apart, breathing slightly heavily, Rei rested his forehead against hers. They breathed in the same rhythm.

"I need to go apologize to the others," Rei murmured. "I can't leave them with that image of me."

Saya nodded. But then she looked into his eyes. "Then I'll come with you. You don't have to do it alone. Not this time."

Rei looked at her. And for an instant, he seemed almost incredulous. Then he nodded. "Okay. Let's go."

Saya helped him to his feet.

Rei slowly pulled his shirt back on, pain flaring with every movement. Saya took his hand. The door opened. The rain had stopped.

And the two of them walked out together, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came next.

…*

The warm lights above the dining table bathed the room in an intimacy that contrasted sharply with the chaos of the day just past. The smell of food filled the air, familiar and almost strangely reassuring after everything that had happened.

Rei and Saya slowly came down the stairs, side by side. They didn't speak, but their steps were synchronized, their rhythm shared, as if, unconsciously, they had found a new kind of harmony. When they reached the hallway, the voices of the others drifted towards them.

As they crossed the threshold into the dining room, every gaze turned to them.

A pause.

Not one of coldness, but of attention. Of curiosity, perhaps. A mixture of tension melting and expectation. Rei breathed in slowly, closing his eyes for a moment. Then he moved. With a composed expression, he walked to the table and sat down.

The seat next to Hikari was empty, and that's where he chose to sit.

Saya sat beside him, silent but very much present. Her hands had let go of Rei's, but under the table, their knees brushed lightly.

The others had already begun setting the plates, the food was served, but no one had yet picked up their fork. Everyone was waiting. Or maybe… hoping.

Rei lowered his gaze for a moment. Then he lifted it again, clear, sincere. His voice was steady, yet soft. "…I wanted to apologize. For tonight. For everything. For the way I spoke, for the way I acted. I wasn't… myself. But I know that's no excuse. And if I scared you… or disappointed you, I'm sorry. Truly."

Silence fell for a few seconds.

It was Takumi who answered first. His tone was calm, like an older brother's—almost tired, but empathetic. "It's okay, Rei. Everyone loses control at some point. What matters is not letting it consume you. And, well… not overdoing it."

Yuji leaned slightly toward Rei, resting his arms on the table. "Besides… if you hadn't stepped in this afternoon, Masato would've gutted me. So… thanks, really."

Rei looked at him. Yuji wasn't joking. His tone was serious, but without a trace of resentment. Rei nodded slowly. "I would never have allowed that, dear my friend."

Then Mari lifted her gaze, holding her glass between her hands. "But… where do you think Masato is right now?" Her voice was uneasy, not out of fear, but genuine concern.

Takumi was the first to reply. "He's trying to deal with something none of us can even imagine. Becoming an Orphnoch... it's not just a physical change. It digs into you. He's probably trying to process the fact that he's no longer entirely human."

Mari lowered her gaze. "I just hope nothing bad happens to him in the meantime."

A brief silence.

Then it was Rei who broke the tension, his voice lighter but still respectful. "Masato proved to me… that he's not weak. Neither with his fists… nor with his words."

The phrase left everyone a little stunned for a second.

Then Keitaro let out a chuckle. Takumi sighed quietly. And Hikari genuinely laughed, soon followed by Yuji and Mari.

The tension melted away like snow under the sun. Even Saya giggled. And Rei, for the first time in hours, allowed a faint smile to cross his face.

Everyone finally began to eat.

The clinking of cutlery against plates, the murmur of voices, the small, casual comments: dinner finally felt like a real dinner now. No longer an emotional battlefield, but a place where people recognized each other, accepted each other, forgave each other.

And yet, something didn't go unnoticed.

Rei and Saya were sitting very close. Not just side by side—their bodies seemed to seek each other out, even without touching. Every now and then, they exchanged glances, small smiles, and something more. It was impossible not to notice.

Hikari nudged Mari with her elbow and raised her eyebrows with a smirk.
Mari gestured for her to keep quiet but smiled too, quietly.

Meanwhile, Yuka had sat down on the other side of the table, near Keitaro.

At first, it almost seemed like a coincidence. But then she started speaking to him more and more often. Little remarks, jokes, questions.

Keitaro, awkward as ever, answered with stammers, his cheeks constantly flushed.

Takumi, sitting across from them, watched out of the corner of his eye with an amused expression.

Dinner went on, while outside, the sky was finally clearing. The rain had stopped, and the full moon shone once again, as if blessing that small fragment of newfound peace.

*...*

The empty plates had been cleared away, and the table was now bare, save for a few glasses and forgotten crumbs. The atmosphere in the house had grown quieter, calmer. The buzz of dinner had faded, leaving only the softer sounds of dishes clinking and the running tap.

Keitaro and Yuka had volunteered to handle the cleanup.

The two were now standing side by side in front of the sink.

Keitaro was soaping the dishes with almost obsessive care, while Yuka rinsed them and placed them in the drying rack. Every now and then, their hands brushed against each other, but neither seemed to acknowledge it — or rather, they pretended not to.

A moment of silence passed, broken only by the gurgle of the water.

Then Yuka spoke. "…You know, Keitaro…" she said, her voice low but clear. "Thank you for today. When... when Masato lost it… you defended me. You trusted me right away. I don't think I've ever said it, but… you really impressed me."

Keitaro stopped scrubbing the plate. He held it suspended for a moment, staring into space as if he had forgotten what it was. Then he turned his head toward her, offering a shy, half-smile. "Oh, well… I… I would've done that and more, for you, Yuka-san. Really."

Yuka looked him in the eyes. No irony, no laughter. Only gratitude. And something more.

Then, without saying a word, she leaned her head gently against his shoulder. The gesture was simple, almost childlike, but there was a sincere intimacy in that contact. As if, finally, she had allowed herself to let go. "Thank you, Keitaro." Her voice was softer, almost a whisper.

Keitaro blushed immediately, but he didn't move. He stayed there, frozen, his heart pounding as if he had just run a marathon. "Don't… don't mention it," he managed to mumble.

But inside, something had melted. Finally, he wasn't just the guy doing the dishes. He was someone who mattered. And Yuka was right there beside him.

*...*

The house had fallen silent, wrapped in a peaceful hush, broken only by the distant chirping of crickets and the faint creaking of the beams.

The moon, high in the clear sky, shone through the windows, casting milky reflections on the wooden floors.

A door opened quietly. Almost without a sound.

It was Saya.

She walked barefoot, her hair loose around her shoulders, her light pajamas brushing her knees. Her steps were slow, cautious, as if she feared disturbing the fragile balance of the nighttime stillness.

She stopped in front of the boys' bedroom door. She hesitated for a moment. Then, with silent determination, she entered.

Inside, the room was shrouded in dim light. The curtains allowed only a blade of moonlight to slice across the space. Five beds lined the room.

Naoya, lying on his back, was snoring softly.

Takumi slept on his side, his brow furrowed as if dreaming about something complicated.

Yuji, always restless, tossed and turned, clutching his pillow as if it were a shield.

Keitaro was curled up on his side, still smiling in his sleep.

And then there was Rei. Lying awake. His eyes were open, staring at the ceiling. The moonlight outlined half of his face; the other half was swallowed by shadow. When he heard the soft footsteps, he turned.

Saya stood there, by the door. "Rei?" Her voice was a whisper.

Rei lifted himself slightly, leaning on one elbow. "What is it, Saya?"

She tiptoed closer and knelt beside his bed. "Can I… can I sleep with you tonight?" Her gaze was sincere, vulnerable, but not fearful. It was a pure need for comfort, and maybe connection, too.

Rei didn't hesitate. He gave her a soft, slightly tired smile. "Of course, come here."

He made room in the bed, and Saya slid carefully under the covers, turning to face him. Rei welcomed her into his arms naturally.

The warmth of her body against his. Her breathing, steady but slightly quickened by emotion. The feeling of finally being safe.

"Rei…" Saya whispered.

"Mh?"

"I've never felt this… good."

Rei closed his eyes. "Me neither… Goodnight, my love."

And so, holding each other close, without another word, they drifted off to sleep.

*Late Night… A bridge over a river…*

The air was cold. Damp, like after the rain. The streetlights flickered across the dark surface of the river, their reflections broken by the slow, uncertain flow of the current. At the top of the bridge, Masato Kusaka stood still. Motionless. Alone. His hands clutched the icy railing, his gaze lost in the void.

His face was stiff. His lips tightly pressed together. His eyes — those proud, arrogant eyes — now looked hollow, emptied.

The wind ruffled his hair. But he didn't move. He didn't shiver. He didn't cry. He just… stayed silent.

"In the end… I'm one of them too." His voice was a broken whisper. "A monster. An Orphnoch. One of those things I hated. The ones I wanted to wipe out. The ones that needed to be destroyed..."

He stared at the water, black as ink, ready to embrace him. "If I want to fight the Orphnoch... then I have to start with myself, right?" A dry, bitter laugh escaped his lips. But it died immediately, swallowed by the silence of the night.

He closed his eyes. And without another word, he let himself fall.

His body was swallowed by the darkness of the river. There was no loud splash, no great noise.
Only a muted, distant thud.

Then... darkness. No peace. No relief. Only... blackness. A bottomless abyss.

*Open Your eyes, for the Next Faiz*

Rei: "This Belt... ...slowly kills its user."

Takumi: "Perhaps it's time you told us how you became Orphnoch."

Masato: "Who are you?"

Yuri: "Yuri Tomoda."

Keitaro: "Yuka, would you like to go on a date with me?"

Saeko: "Tell me where the others who are with you are hiding."

Yuka: "Never."

Yuji: "He's running away!"

Rei: "You cruel woman, die right here and now, by my hand."

Murakami: "He is the newest member of Lucky Clover."

?: "I hope I can find someone who is my equal in here, guys."

Episode 9: A New Reality*

Author Notes: Hi there, I'm Riccky06! The situation got out of hand, unfortunately. Don't worry guys, I have everything under control... …Maybe. As always, I invite you to leave a positive or negative review, which helps me. Suggestions and requests are also appreciated. Thanks to everyone who has already commented, especially emilianomerendino and UnseenUrge, and now, let's go to the questions that were left for me.

Will Yuri Tomoda be there? Yes, I managed to find a way to add her into the mix.

Yuji, Yuka (and Naoya) talking about their past with Rei (and company)? Yes, that was already planned for the next chapter.

Is the Hexa Phone a fill phone or a slide phone? It's a slide phone.

With that said, we'll see you in the next chapter of Kamen Rider Faiz: Another Paradise. Bye, bye!