\u201cI\u2019m very disappointed in you, Lex and Hiro,\u201d rumbled Vortech as he dangled Hiro and Lex Luthor in front of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not my fault!\u201d protested Lex. \u201cYou should have warned me Batman and his cronies would be there!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI did!\u201d argued Hiro. \u201cYou were the one who underestimated them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBatman? Again?!\u201d snapped Vortech as he released the two of them. \u201cWell, if mice are scurrying through my property, then I\u2019d better put down some traps!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou do that,\u201d replied Hiro as he picked himself up. He then took out the spheres of Turretorg and Discornia. \u201cIn the meantime, I\u2019m going to regenerate these two. They were about to explode back there.\u201d He headed to a terminal with many spheres and inserted the two in his hands into empty slots. Holograms of the monsters appeared in red and showed a status bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, I can see Vortech\u2019s no Shocker leader,\u201d called a voice that made Hiro grin. He turned to see Igura. \u201cSuch a sloppy man, he can\u2019t even keep the enemy straight,\u201d she muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe pays well,\u201d explained Hiro, \u201cbut he\u2019s no true ruler. He intends to make one perfect universe at the expense of others but doesn\u2019t understand that a multiverse needs to exist to keep ideas fresh, reality stable, and feelings to flourish.\u201d He then remembered something. \u201cSpeaking of feelings,\u201d he continued, \u201cdo you remember our days in Shocker?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAh, yes,\u201d remembered Igura, \u201cyou were one of Shocker\u2019s top scouts. Discovering your belt was what inspired Shocker to make a cyborg super soldier for their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemember when I said that you were the only light in that dark organization?\u201d asked Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was when we were young,\u201d sighed Igura, \u201cwhen I was young. Now, I am old, and far past my prime. There is someone better for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot true,\u201d argued Hiro, \u201cmy feelings for you have not changed. I\u2019m going to ask you something, and I want your honest answer. \u2018No\u2019 is fine with me.\u201d He got down on one knee and opened a ring box to reveal a ring with an eagle decoration. \u201cIgura, will you spend the rest of your life with me as my wife?\u201d Igura gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs this a joke?\u201d she asked as her eyes went misty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI never joke about this,\u201d replied Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was a joke when you married Megumi\u2019s mom,\u201d noticed Igura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe could never fill the void in my heart that came when I was taken from our home,\u201d answered Hiro. \u201cWell?\u201d He was then taken into Igura\u2019s embrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYES!\u201d she cheered. \u201cI would love to be your wife!\u201d She released Hiro to allow him to slip the ring on her finger. \u201cOf course,\u201d mused Igura as she looked at the ring, \u201cwe need to wait for these events to end.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen we need to end them quickly,\u201d chuckled Hiro as he leaned in for a kiss, which was reciprocated. They heard a \u201cTch!\u201d from behind them and turned to see Ambassador Hell watching them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is exactly what makes humans weak,\u201d he hissed. \u201cYou\u2019ve fallen far, Igura. You forget that without me, you would have no power!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou forget that a world cannot be conquered unless you control the money,\u201d argued Igura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQuite honestly,\u201d mused Hiro, \u201cif I stayed back home, I would have joined Shocker Nova.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat would be a very poor move,\u201d countered Ambassador Hell. \u201cBesides, without me, we wouldn\u2019t have any Foundation Elements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI noticed that you haven\u2019t done anything,\u201d said Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s needed to command his troops,\u201d replied Vortech as he approached them. \u201cA general hardly enters the battlefield and risk getting killed. It would put his troops in disarray!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh yeah?\u201d commented Hiro. \u201cAnd you would know? A general that hangs back is a coward in my eyes! He that never fights wouldn\u2019t know how to throw a punch!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can fight!\u201d argued Ambassador Hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, poorly!\u201d countered Igura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAmbassador Hell could probably locate the next Foundation Element without help!\u201d boasted Vortech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI could do better!\u201d argued Igura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t even last five seconds in another dimension before you start worrying about dirt on your coat!\u201d snapped Ambassador Hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWould you two care to make a wager on the outcome?\u201d asked Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to bet against your fianc\u00e9e,\u201d assured Vortech with heavy sarcasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, if you two are afraid,\u201d taunted Igura. Ambassador Hell\u2019s claw clamped on Igura\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid of nothing!\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProve it!\u201d gasped Igura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAmbassador Hell, release her! We\u2019re taking up their wager!\u201d ordered Vortech. Ambassador Hell dropped Igura. \u201cName your stakes,\u201d requested Vortech. After he made sure Igura was okay, Hiro laid out the wager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnce the next Foundation Element is located,\u201d he explained, \u201cwe will split into two Shocker branches-only teams. Ambassador Hell will lead Shocker and Igura, Shocker Nova. Whoever finds the Foundation Element and returns here with it is the winner. The loser must prepare the winner\u2019s meal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDone!\u201d agreed Ambassador Hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While that was going on, we returned to Vorton and got out of our vehicles. Emily led Hiroki to the med-bay while Batman turned to Gandalf. \u201cThat staff\u2019s important, somehow,\u201d guessed Batman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe should put it somewhere secure,\u201d suggested Hongo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAgreed,\u201d I replied. Gandalf decided to put it away. He leaned it up against a wall. It fell over. He tried again, same results. He was about to try once more when a green hand grabbed it. The owner of the hand, Elphaba, was nose to nose with Gandalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a vault on the same level as the brig,\u201d she snapped. \u201cYou can put it there!\u201d She shoved the staff back into Gandalf\u2019s hands. Gandalf recovered as Batman held up the new Keystone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is the Elemental Phase Keystone,\u201d called the mysterious voice. \u201cAlso known as the Keystone with the fanciest name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan\u2019t we just say Elemental Keystone?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
+SAYING ELEMENTAL KEYSTONE DOES ACTIVATE ITS POWERS+ replied my belt. +GATEWAY 60% STABILIZED. BATTLE ARENA ONLINE+<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBattle arena?\u201d I quizzed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
+DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPETITIONS WITH FIELDS FROM ACROSS THE DIMENSIONS WILL DETERMINE WINNERS+ said my belt. +IT ALSO HAS A HOLOGRAPHIC BATTLE SIMULATION WITH FAMOUS BATTLES FROM ACROSS THE MULTIVERSE IN ITS DATABANKS+<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow that sounds awesome!\u201d cheered Sheela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll test it out once this mess is over,\u201d I declared. Emily came back to us. \u201cHow\u2019s Hiroki?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s recovering at a faster rate than most humans do,\u201d reported Emily. \u201cJust a good night\u2019s sleep and he should be all right for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood,\u201d I replied. \u201cI need him ready for the coming fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you think that we\u2019ll be fighting Hiro tomorrow?\u201d asked Gandalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve caused major embarrassment for him by taking the staff and the Elemental Keystone,\u201d I answered. \u201cI think a fight with him is very likely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the meantime,\u201d requested Elphaba, \u201ccould someone technically minded help me? The gateway is making a rattling noise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll check it out,\u201d answered Lukas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet me help,\u201d offered Batman. That\u2019s when the portal opened again. I really didn\u2019t want these people to come through. Why? I had visited their dimension once and loathed it! The people that came out were Bart Simpson, Krusty the Clown, and Homer Simpson, in that order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEat my shorts, you two!\u201d Bart taunted to Homer and Krusty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re gonna pay for dousing my new business opportunity!\u201d snarled Krusty, in reference to his new flame grilled burgers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy, you little!\u201d shouted Homer. He managed to catch Bart and started strangling him. While that was going on, I decided to get some new i.d tags. How I got them, in fairness, wasn\u2019t gentle, but since I hate their show, I wasn\u2019t gonna lose sleep over what I planned to do. I kicked Homer in the teeth, punched Bart in the face, and threw them into Krusty. Since I already had the Krusty i.d tag, I had now gotten the Homer and Bart ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow then,\u201d I snarled, \u201cout you go!\u201d I threw them one by one into the portal back to their world and shut it off. \u201cWell,\u201d I remarked, \u201cthat was entertaining.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho were those people?!\u201d asked Oren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo one you would want in your shop, I can assure you,\u201d replied Emmanuel. While we were in the Vortex, Oren had revealed his past about being a former para-trooper in France, hence why he can speak fluent French, and his training and current job as the head chef and owner of the pastry shop, Charmant II. He never revealed what happened to the original Charmant after the events of Kamen Rider Gaim. It didn\u2019t matter, for at that moment, a portal opened for him. \u201cI guess this is Au revoir for now, Monsieur Oren Pierre Alfonzo,\u201d remarked Emmanuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you ever visit Zawame, my home town,\u201d invited Oren, \u201cbe sure to stop by Charmant II. Au revoir, mes amis!\u201d He then gasped as if he remembered something. \u201cI found this bag on the front steps of Charmant II before that portal united me with you.\u201d He gave us the bag. I opened it to see studs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
+TOTAL STUDS IN BAG ARE 95,000+ said my belt. +CURRENT CUMULATIVE STUD TOTAL IS 380,000+<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMerci!\u201d I called to Oren. He bowed and then jumped through the portal. \u201cWell,\u201d I said, \u201cwho\u2019s up for dinner?\u201d A collective stomach growl came from everyone. \u201cI thought so. Let\u2019s eat.\u201d We headed down to the cafeteria and had our meals. Emily had brought a meal to Hiroki so he could get something in his belly. After a shower, we all went to bed, with Hiroki staying in the med-bay so Emily, with her quarters next door, could check on him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Death had arrived at the tournament arena we were at and met with someone training a regiment under their command. The armor the leader wore disguised their gender as it gave the appearance of a muscular warrior with an angry face for the helmet design. Death dismounted her horse and approached the armored person. The person turned and took off the helmet to reveal a woman\u2019s face with a scar across her right eye going to her left cheek. \u201cI have come for your aid, War,\u201d whispered Death, \u201cin troubled times. The Vortexons are abroad. Darkness that our sisters, Light and Dark, cannot control is approaching! The Tarlaxians under Vortech\u2019s control are alive and well!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that all the news you have for me then?\u201d grunted War as she went to improve the stance of one of her soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs that not enough?!\u201d whispered Death. \u201cVortech is moving again!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can deal with Vortech ourselves, Death,\u201d grunted War. \u201cYou and me. One way or another, we\u2019ll have true power as Gods.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat talk is this?!\u201d whispered Death. \u2018What are you saying, War?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s time for us to choose,\u201d grunted War. \u201cA new age is coming to the dimensions. A new power is rising. Nothing that anyone can do will avail against it. Vortech\u2019s enemies are utterly doomed, but his allies\u2026well\u2026I see no downside to a universe of his design. Ultimately, it will lead to eternal\u2026me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you saying that we should join with Vortech?!\u201d whispered Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoes that displease you?\u201d grunted War. Her tone became more dangerous. \u201cWhere\u2019s the Foundation Saber?! Why does Lacey say she no longer has it?! That blade was crafted by my hands! Have you taken it? Would you rather\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGeneral War, forgive the interruption,\u201d called one of War\u2019s commanders, \u201cbut our intelligence network has discovered something that might be of interest.\u201d He handed a device over to War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat is this?\u201d grunted War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter careful study, we\u2019ve determined it to be one of the logs of Vortech\u2019s minions, specifically, Hiro Adachi,\u201d replied the commander<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom the Kamen Rider world?\u201d whispered Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, my lady,\u201d confirmed the commander. \u201cThe contents have been unlocked and examined to be sure that it wasn\u2019t doctored. You may want to take a listen before declaring the thing you personify on Death.\u201d War took the log and pressed the play button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRogue\u2019s log, multiverse date: 37th day of the 2019th year of the 9th multiversal age (February 6th, 2019); I have managed to discover that a weapon known as the Foundation Saber is needed to stabilize the elements. I have tried to tell Vortech this, but he\u2019s so convinced that someone may use it to kill him. He\u2019s right though, but he\u2019s not sure where it is. I have revisited the world of the Simpsons to get information from Lacey.\u201d Death gasped. \u201cShe said that War had crafted it as one of the few weapons that can harm her.\u201d War arched an eyebrow. \u201cWhen I told Vortech of this, he said that there is a far cleaner way to defeat War and her associates and bend them to his rule, the Rifle of Tarlax. Since we have enslaved and brainwashed some Tarlaxians, convincing them they are advanced Vortexons, I will ask them where the rifle is. Once we have all four horsemen, Vortech will use the rifle to implant a controller into their skulls since Shocker and Shocker Nova\u2019s methods of brainwashing will prove fruitless. Both branches are working on a solution right now. End log.\u201d War was trembling in anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHis allies?\u201d whispered Death. \u201cVortech claims none. There is a third choice. Stay in the enemy\u2019s council and learn of their plans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSkulk around and pass information like a rat?\u201d grunted War. \u201cNo. I see no honor in staying another second as Vortech\u2019s ally.\u201d She turned to her troops. \u201cLadies and Gentlemen, we march for battle! Prepare for the red rain! Sharpen your blades! Load your guns! We march for glory and victory!\u201d The troops cheered in readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot yet!\u201d whispered Death. \u201cWe still need to keep the Foundation Saber away from Vortech! There is a weapon that you crafted. Five to be precise.\u201d War turned sharply on Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you out of your mind?\u201d she snarled. \u201cOur own transformation belts are bad enough, but the Apocalypse Driver?! We don\u2019t even have a rider that can carry the name Apocalypse. There is a mutant named that, but that dimension is already in turmoil and is beyond even Vortech\u2019s reach!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut we DO have a rider that can carry the mantle of Apocalypse,\u201d whispered Death. \u201cPerhaps, you know of whom I speak. An old friend of ours. A goth girl with lacey clothes and a black flower in her hair with a skull in the center.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot Lacey!\u201d grunted War. \u201cShe can\u2019t handle such a task. Her humanity would get in the way!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust give her a chance!\u201d insisted Death. War grunted. \u201cShe\u2019s proven that she can put aside humanity when duty comes first! She\u2019s a skilled commander! She\u2019s the proper age!\u201d War rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d questioned the commander, \u201cwhat choice do we have? Besides, Lacey is an old friend. She may prove to be a perfect candidate for Apocalypse.\u201d War considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s still Pestilence and Famine to convince,\u201d she finally grunted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen we must convince them together,\u201d whispered Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSadly, War will not join you,\u201d remarked a voice. Everyone turned to see Hiro standing in the seats above. He chuckled as he jumped down to the arena. \u201cVortech\u2019s not gonna like the fact that you betrayed him, War.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like the fact that you\u2019ve proven yourself to be a rat,\u201d grunted War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHiro, this does not need to devolve into a fight,\u201d whispered Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWar started it,\u201d argued Hiro as he loaded his i.d tag. \u201cHenshin!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not the only one with a belt like that,\u201d grunted War. \u201cSoldiers, the Bellum Driver, if you please.\u201d A soldier opened a box with a belt inside. It had a black strap with a grey sphere and a sword above it. War put the belt on. \u201cNamed after my Latin name,\u201d explained War, \u201cit is a new weapon that will spell your defeat! Henshin!\u201d She slid the sword into the sphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWar!\u201d rumbled the belt. Armor appeared, giving the appearance of an angry, orange soldier with pointed canines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKamen Rider War!\u201d roared War. \u201cI shall bring battle to your doorstep!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m getting in on this too!\u201d whispered Death as she pulled out a black belt with bones going horizontally across and an upside-down skull with the mouth open. Death put the belt on. \u201cHenshin!\u201d she whispered. She turned the skull right-side up, which closed the jaw automatically. The sapphires that made up the eyes started glowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDeath!\u201d rumbled the belt. Her armor had a black and white skeletal motif with a cowl and scythe blades on the forearms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKamen Rider Death!\u201d announced Death. \u201cYou cannot delay your appointment with me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll see!\u201d declared Rogue. \u201cKamen Rider Rogue! Stand and deliver!\u201d The two charged at each other. War\u2019s soldiers cheered War and Death on, giving them strength.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cI\u2019m very disappointed in you, Lex and Hiro,\u201d rumbled Vortech as he dangled Hiro and Lex Luthor in front of him. \u201cIt\u2019s not my fault!\u201d protested Lex. \u201cYou should have warned me Batman and his cronies would be there!\u201d \u201cI did!\u201d argued Hiro. \u201cYou were the one who underestimated them!\u201d \u201cBatman? Again?!\u201d snapped Vortech as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":83,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96,8],"tags":[14,26,16,13,9,31,17,32,12,34,15],"class_list":["post-109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kamen-rider-vortex","category-kamen-rider-vortex-chapters","tag-batman","tag-death","tag-gandalf","tag-hiro-adachi","tag-kamen-rider","tag-kamen-rider-bravo","tag-kamen-rider-ichigo","tag-lex-luthor","tag-megumi-hishikawa","tag-war","tag-wyldstyle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1067,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109\/revisions\/1067"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}