Chapter 4: The Spider’s Web – Return From Hell (Part 1)
Author’s Note: I do not own Kamen Rider Kabuto, or Kamen Rider itself. However, I own rights to the made-up characters in this fanfic, and that are those in 2038 that aren’t repeated from the original series and only one in 2008. That is all.
Aki’s eyes widened as she stood still, her cell phone on her ear. “Orihime-chan is…†she muttered in disbelief.
“Right,†the Captain said at the other line. “Because of the loss of both the Rider Belt and the Atlas Extender, both of which were her responsibility, Orihime was suspended from any action until further notice.â€
Toushi watched his sister from the corner of the living room slump onto the wall. “Then…who is…â€
“Her replacement in the meantime will be arriving shortly. Get here now.â€
The Captain hung up, leaving Aki with the dial tone. After a couple of beeps, she turned to see Toushi staring at her. “I-I’m leaving for the studio,†she nervously said and put on her shoes, leaving the house.
Toushi crossed his arms and leaned on the wall. “Nee-san’s acting weirder than usual,†he said to himself. “Usually, she doesn’t leave without me cooking breakfast…must be an emergency at the studio.†He looked at the clock; it was only 7:32. He had an hour before he should leave for work at the Bistro La Salle. Somehow, he felt like something was going to happen today. Something…dangerous. Then again, he is a Kamen Rider now, but the feeling was different. It felt like that today, he’d meet someone out of his league.
-
Aki arrived at the OMNI-ZECT Headquarters in the Marunouchi district, being greeted by the Captain. “I can’t believe Orihime is no longer with us,†she sighed, feeling that the atmosphere is empty and boring without the girl. “Who’s going to make my tea?!â€
“Tea shouldn’t be concerned when you have business, Tendou Aki,†said a voice at the entrance to OMNI-ZECT Headquarters. A blonde-haired male with a nasty glare looked at the two. He was wearing a ZECT Spider mark on his clothing. He walked up to Aki and the Captain, eyeing them left and right. “You’re the one with the evolved Worm theory, right?†he asked Aki and smirked. “I honestly believe that’s a load of bull. Worms aren’t capable of that because I’ve never let a Worm escape.†Aki grew annoyed of this man’s attitude and was about to say something, only to be stopped by the Captain.
“Aki-san, this is Kodomo Kizoku, one of OMNI-ZECT’s elite soldiers,†introduced the Captain as he walked to Kizoku’s side. “He’s one of our four main Riders, including Orihime. Until Orihime’s suspension is lifted, he will be working with us from now on. I hope you two will get along.†Kizoku then extended his hand with a fake smiled, and Aki begrudgingly accepted it.
“Perfect! We’ll be best friends!†Kizoku joked and slipped on his sweater, putting on his hood. “Now you two get crackin’ on how to help me, even though I don’t exactly need it. I’m gonna eat breakfast!†Then he left, leaving behind the Captain and Aki.
Aki growled and lifted her middle finger at the boy, placing her other hand onto her arm. “That jerk!†she roared as she and the Captain walked inside. “Who does he think we are, his personal maids? Orihime-chan never gave me this much trouble on her first day, and we all got along fine! Seriously, what the hell?!â€
“I understand your sentiments, Aki-san,†sighed the Captain as the two entered an elevator. “But bear with it for now. One way or another, Orihime-san will return to us.â€
-
In 2008, Tendou was standing in front of the tofu shop with Kagami next to him. The two were very silent, Tendou mostly making conversation with the jolly shop owner. “T-Tendou?†Kagami started, but Tendou didn’t say anything, walking off with a bowl of tofu in his hand. Kagami saw he was getting left behind, and he started to run after him. “H-Hey, I know you’re upset about the whole…me and Hiyori think, but-“
“I was never upset,†Tendou replied, now finally talking to him. “However, I did say that I will make you pay if you ever break her heart.†Hiyori was a sister to him as Jyuka was. He cared for them both, even though he didn’t show it very well. “Hiyori…it was the first time I’ve ever seen her smile like that. It puts me at ease to know someone was taking care of her while I have been gone.â€
“I’ve…taken good care of her,†Kagami nervously said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I mean, it’s Hiyori. By the time I realized I had feelings for her, I…I swore that I would do anything to protect her.â€
“And you did,†Tendou congratulated, turning the corner now. “I saw your fight with the Worm yesterday at Shinjuku Gyoen. But how long can you keep up your determination?†He stopped and looked at Kagami, a serious look in his eyes. “There will always be many obstacles ahead. Do you think you have what it takes to walk the path of heaven that I already stand at the top of?â€
Kagami was silent, looking to the side. What if he can’t protect Hiyori? What would he do? No…that’s not the way to think. Hiyori was his everything, and not even Tendou Souji, the world’s greatest man, can take that away from him. “Tendou…I said back then I will defeat all the Worms. Even if they return now, I WON’T back down on my word! I will protect Hiyori, no matter what!â€
Tendou smiled a little at the man’s determination and continued to walk, but he stopped in his tracks. The sound of metal clanking, like coins; the footsteps of a man who once walked hell. He knew who it was, and he didn’t hesitate to turn around and face him. “Ah? Tendou?†Kagami blinked and slowly turned around, his eyes widened to see who it was. “Y-Yaguruma Sou!†he gasped. Yaguruma Sou, ZECT’s former Rider, and now a man who had lost everything.
Yaguruma looked up at Tendou with empty eyes, now walking towards the two. He stopped infront of Kagami, but his eyes were fixed on Tendou. “Tendou…Souji,†he muttered. “You’ve finally returned…and I see you bathed in the light. The light I could never reach.†What was Yaguruma talking about, Kagami wondered. “Come. Let’s settle things, as a man who reached the blackest hell, I will shatter your whitest light.â€
Tendou simply looked at Yaguruma and turned his back to him. “Obaa-chan once said, ‘The light is untouchable, but not obtainable.’ As long as you continue to seek the light and try to make it yours, it will always become farther and farther from your reach. But if you become the light, then it will be yours.â€
“Become the light? What light will touch the darkest of hell?†Yaguruma was getting annoyed by Tendou now. Seeing that he had returned hasn’t changed him one bit. “Are you coming up with excuses because you don’t want to be tainted by the darkness?â€
“I don’t want to be tainted by your false impressions,†Tendou replied back, now walking. “If you’ve claimed that you’ve seen hell, then the light is closer than you think.â€
“Tendou!!†This was the first time Yaguruma had yelled out like that since he had become a lost soul, now trying to chase after the man. But Kagami stood in Yaguruma’s way, holding him back. “Am I just a loser to you?! A man with nothing who lost everything?! Tendou!!â€
“Yaguruma-san, stop!†Kagami exclaimed and tried to keep Yaguruma from breaking free. Tendou was soon out of sight, and Yaguruma slowly dropped his arms. After a long silence between the two, Yaguruma kicked Kagami’s ribs, sending him flying to a metal fence. “Agh!â€
“You…you took my place as Shadow’s leader…and you tossed it away as if it was meaningless to you.†He looked down at Kagami and walked closer to him. “What did it lack that made you follow that man? Are you chasing the light as well?â€
Kagami coughed out some blood, looking up at Yaguruma. “Wh-what kind of question is that?†he laughed slightly as he held his sides. “I already have my light, my peace of mind, my…everything. But you have nothing, which is why you are like this…Yaguruma-san…where’s Kageyama-san?â€
-
It was still early morning, so not many customers were showing up. Orihime was cleaning the tables, wiping them down to have them set for the customers, and let out a sigh of depression. “Ha~h…†she groaned. “This sucks…it’s not my fault I lost them, though…well, maybe it is…†She started to wipe the table harder. “It’s because of that DAMN narcissist…†Speaking of which, the bell rang, and Orihime sprung up with a happy smile. “Irasshaimase!†she chirped, but to her disdain, she ended up welcoming the “damn narcissist.†“Oh…it’s you…â€
“I didn’t think OMNI-ZECT’s poster girl worked here,†Toushi smirked as he set down his bag. “If I said it was a small world, then I am the universe who oversees all worlds.â€
“What?â€
Toushi chuckled and walked to Orihime, lifting his hand. “Tou-san once told me, ‘Make the world revolve around you. It’s more fun to think that way.’†Then he proceeded to the kitchen. “How about some breakfast to calm your nerves? You look like you just got fired.â€
“That’s because of YOU!!†she exclaimed, now slamming her hands on the table. “I got suspended from OMNI-ZECT because you took everything from me! The Rider Belt, the Atlas Zecter, the Atlas Extender, everything is your entire fault!†She then threw the rag at Toushi, but the man caught it as he would catch his Zecter. “They even took away my Rider Belt! I’ll never forgive you!â€
“You’ll wake up Kagami-san if you continue to yell,†Toushi sighed, rubbing his ears. As he began to cook, he heard the bell ring once more. “Girl, customer.â€
“I know, I know,†Orihime snapped and turned to the customer with a smile. “Irasshaima-“ she didn’t finish her greeting; she was too shocked too. A blonde-haired male with a thin hoodie walked in, closing the door slowly. “K-Kizo-“
The man put his finger onto Orihime’s lips and smiled. “Shh,†he smirked and slowly walked to a table and seated himself. “Omelet rice, please! Mix it with onions and soy sauce on the side!†The sound of sizzling could be heard in the counter; it sounds like Toushi was already on the job. He looked to a speechless Orihime and smirked.
“What are you doing here, Kizoku-kun?†she asked, glaring at him. “Did OMNI-ZECT send you here? Or did you come to gloat and berate me? Maybe make fun of me for my suspension?â€
“A little of the last few options,†the one called Kizoku smirked, looking at his nails. “It was mostly for breakfast. After all, the rebuilt residential Shibuya is quite a distance from Marunouchi, and I have to be driven here quite a ways.†Toushi then arrived to serve Kizoku his meal. The two looked at each other, Kizoku with a smug look and Toushi with a neutral one. “My oh my, it’s the great Tendou Souji!†Orihime looked at Toushi and realized that he DOES bear a resemblance to Tendou Souji. Actually, almost like him! Toushi seemed annoyed by this remark. As he was about to speak, Kizoku stopped him. “I’m sorry. I mean…Tendou Toushi.†How did this man know Toushi’s name? “Hm…you don’t look a thing like her…the pop idol, Aki.â€
“…Oh, right,†Toushi replied, looking away. “People do say we don’t look alike, despite being siblings.â€
“I wonder how she’ll react when she finds out her brother is a thief, stealing from OMNI-ZECT!†Kizoku started to laugh and eyed Toushi’s bag. “Right, Kamen Rider Atlas?â€
Toushi was taken aback by this, but then he smirked a little. “Right…well, will you be eating your breakfast, Kamen Rider for OMNI-ZECT?†Now Kizoku was slightly shocked, Toushi actually knowing this much. Just then, Kizoku’s cell phone started to ring, and he answered it. Toushi eyed him carefully and crossed his arms.
“Sorry, Orihime-chan, but I have business to do down in Aoyama Cemetery. Be a dear and eat that for me?†Kizoku gave Orihime a smirk and brushed her chin gently, leaving the Bistro La Salle.
Orihime grunted and turned to Toushi, who was giving her a look. “…Wh-what? It’s not like I enjoy working with him…†She fell silent, and then she sighed. “His name is Kodomo Kizoku, OMNI-ZECT’s special Rider who specializes in trapping tactics. He’s a master strategist, but he’s also very dangerous.â€
With a sigh, Toushi took off his apron and placed it on the table. “Tell Kagami-san that it’s an emergency, and I will return later.†Orihime couldn’t say anything. Now that Toushi knew a Worm was in Aoyama, he had to do something. The door closed, and Orihime sat down, feeling useless. Without anything to do, she started to eat Kizoku’s extra-onion omelet rice, and her face lit up. It…was really good!
-
The people screamed as the Lanpyrisworm (Firefly Worm) dropped a dead carcass onto a headstone and tried to run, but the Salis Worms prevented them from running. But they were shot down by the coming and swarming OMNI-ZECT soldiers. Among them was Kizoku, calm and poised with a smug look on his face. The people took this opportunity to run. “Welcome…to my web!†The Worms were surrounded by OMNI-ZECT Troopers and were fired upon, but the Lanpyrisworm flew off. “Oh no, you don’t! Come! Gumo Zecter!†Sliding down a tree by a web, a mechanical spider hopped off onto a headstone and jumped toward Kizoku’s hand. His left hand revealed a black and silver Rider Brace. “Henshin!†He then slapped the Gumo Zecter onto the brace, and he took on a new form. He became the Masked Form of his Rider name. It was sleeker than Atlas’ Masked Form, and only the right arm was covered in armor. Kizoku jumped away from his group and onto headstones, following the Lanpyrisworm to a clearing in the nearby park. “Hmph. I’ll show you why I’m the best.†From his side, he drew what looked like a shotgun and fired it one-handed. The Lanpyrisworm jumped back, feeling the impact as it chirped. “No, no! You’re supposed to fight back!†Kizoku shot again, and the Worm continued to get pushed back. It finally snapped and fought back, attacking Kizoku and throwing him to a tree. “Ugh!...You’re a trouble-maker, aren’t you? Alright, then.†With a chuckle, he took his Gumo zecter and pulled back the abdomen. The armor began to peel off. “Cast Off,†he said, and the Zecter repeated his words. The legs then clamped onto the Brace as the mandibles extended automatically, and the armor flew off. Eight spider legs finished the job by closing onto the red visor, and Kamen Rider Gumo was complete. CHANGE SPIDER.
The Lanpyrisworm chirped and disappeared. “Clock Up, huh?†Gumo sighed and traced his fingers on the ZECT Buckle. “Clock Up.†He too disappeared, and time stood still, or slowed down. Gumo proceeded to assault the Lanpyrisworm with a flurry of punches and a powerful front kick to its abdomen. He pushed it back and cocked his shotgun, firing at the Worm constantly. Soon, it fell, and the Zecter yelled, CLOCK OVER! “I’ll end it now. I am the best!†But he heard footsteps nearby, and a lone man entered the battlefield. “It’s you! The Tendou Souji look-a-like!â€
“I take offense to your words,†Toushi scoffed and pointed to the sky. “Know mine. Walking the path of heaven, even if he is man’s mirror image.†The sound of humming filled the air, and the golden Atlas Zecter descended the skies and into Toushi’s hand. “Tendou…Toushi!†Then he slid the Zecter onto his Rider Belt, the Zecter now saying HENSHIN. He began to take on his Masked Form, but he wasn’t done yet. Placing his right hand onto the Zecter’s secondary horns, he pulled them, muttering the words, “Cast Off,†and pushed the main horn with his left. The armor flew off, revealing the golden Rider, Kamen Rider Atlas. CHANGE BEETLE!
The Lanpyrisworm was up against two Riders, and it proceeded to escape by flying away. “No you don’t! Gumo exclaimed and unsheathed a blade from the shotgun, running up a tree and jumping into the air. He cut off the wings and sent it plummeting to the ground.
Atlas stood under it, pressing his buttons in a ONE – TWO – THREE order, then pulled the main horn to its default position. “Rider Kick.†He pushed it back, and tachyon energy flowed through his right foot, and as the Worm reached the ground, he unleashed his signature roundhouse kick, turning his back to the explosion. Gumo landed behind him, and the two looked at each other through their visors.
“So he arrives,†Gumo chuckled, sheathing his blade. “Coming here only saved me the trouble of completing my second mission.â€
“Kill the user of Atlas,†finished Atlas in an uncaring tone. “If you have the heart to kill a human as you would destroy a Worm, then by all means try.â€
-
On the harbor in Odaiba, Kagami was looking out to the sea while Yaguruma had his back to it, looking down. “I see…†Kagami said as he lowered his head. “Because…because of the necklaces I helped distributed, Kageyama-san…â€
“It was bound to happen,†Yaguruma replied. “He stood by me the whole time, but he kept chasing the light while I lingered in hell. His fascination to the light…was his downfall.â€
“How can you say that about your partner?!†Yaguruma didn’t turn an eye to Kagami after those words. “You…had your light the whole time, but you failed to realize it! Even if you two wandered hell, you wandered hell together!â€
“Hold your tongue.†Yaguruma shot Kagami a glare and pushed himself off the bars. “Kageyama chose his fate. I…only delivered the finishing blow.â€
“Obaa-chan once said,†said a voice as a familiar face approached the two of them, “A bond is a deep connection that cannot be broken. Even if apart, heart and heart are connected.†Tendou stopped infront of the two and placed his hands in his pockets. His Rider belt was on. “Kageyama lives inside you. He is your light now.â€
“Don’t f*ck with me!†the former Shadow leader yelled and summoned his Hopper Zecter. “Kageyama…may not have experienced the hell as I have properly, but do not laugh at my aibou!†He calmed down and slumped forward. Then slowly, he looked up at Tendou with dead eyes. “Henshin.†He slid his Hopper Zecter onto his Rider Belt and transformed into a green grasshopper Rider. CHANGE KICK HOPPER.
“If this is your solution…†Tendou summoned his Kabuto Zecter and looked up at Kick Hopper. “Then I will respond in the same fashion. However, know this. You can’t beat me as you are now…Henshin.†He slid his Kabuto Zecter on his belt and immediately pulled the Zecter horn back. As he transformed, his armor flew off, revealing the red kabutomushi Rider known as Kabuto. Kagami was speechless and could do nothing as the two Riders ran at each other.
-
Atlas rolled on the ground, dodging bullets from Gumo’s shotgun. He retaliated with his Atlas Kunai Gun by firing back, but Gumo unsheathed his blade and deflected the bullets. The two ran at each other and slashed at each other with their blades, but Gumo was faster and followed up with a second slash. As the two fought, OMNI-ZECT Troopers ran up to the battlefield and aimed at Atlas. “No!†Gumo roared, holding out his arm. “This one’s mine.†The two were blade on blade, parrying, slashing, and pushing each other back. Gumo chuckled as he walked calmly to Atlas and slashed at his chest, sending him “Is that all you got?!â€
Atlas was breathing heavily and slowly got up. “Can you do it?â€
This enraged Gumo as he sheathed his blade and held up his shot gun, pushing the Gumo Zecter’s abdomen back to default position. “Rider Shooting!†he yelled and pulled the abdomen back again. Tachyon energy flowed through the shotgun, and Gumo aimed at Atlas. But before he fired, he activated his Clock Up. Atlas was surprised and was about to initiate his, but Gumo had already deactivated his own, standing behind Atlas at pointblank range. “I win.†He fired, and Atlas flew forward as tachyon-powered shotgun bullets drove on his Rider armor. He slid on the ground and laid there as Gumo walked up to him, kicking his side to turn him over. He aimed at the belt and shot at it multiple times. The Zecter was unharmed, somehow, but the belt…was ruined. Atlas wasn’t moving or showing any signs of breathing. Gumo chuckled a bit, and then he laughed loudly. “That’s it! I am the best!!â€
-
Back in the Bistro La Salle, Orihime heard a cup crack and break apart. It was Toushi’s personal mug that he brings from home. She knew this because it had a picture of him and Aki printed on it. “Oh no…†she gasped, placing her hand over her mouth.
Notice: I will be away for the weekend with Chapter 5 in production. Thank you for reading this far.
