Archive of Our Own

Transform! And to the F

"It's been a year since the sky opened up and took away the Inves, the creatures that completely overran Zawame City. Though it remains unanswered to why these events transpire, the residents of Zawame have taken it upon themselves to rebuild. Though Yggdrasil has pledge to support Zawame City and has set up disaster relief centers, it remains to be determined if the Zawame will ever be able to overcome the destruction –"

*Zoink* went the television when Mitsuzane shut it off, tired of listening to the news. Every day the news reports food shortage, collapsed roads, buildings without power, and areas in the city as structural unsafe.

The threat of Helheim Forest was gone but invasion razed Zawame City. Now the survivors are left picking up the pieces to a shattered puzzle. But it would never be the go back to the way it was, some of the pieces were missing and the city would remain incomplete. Families, friends, and livelihoods ruined, and Mitsuzane played a role for their suffering. He was willing to sacrifice the entire world if that meant fulfilling his desires. He let his soul turn black with ambition, accepting the ruthlessness of his family and letting it consume him.

He should have died.

The days since Kouta seized victory and took away the forest to who knows where were hazy for Mitsuzane. A rescue team recovered him and brought him to a hospital. There he learned his brother was alive. Comatose but alive. Mitsuzane knows he spent most hospital days by his brother's side. It wasn't out of kindness. He was waiting for Takatora to wake up. Wake up and punish him for his betrayal, for his part in destroying everything his brother worked hard to protect.

But when he awoke, he embraced Mitsuzane, expressing how glad he was to see that he was safe. Mitsuzane doesn't understand why his brother so readily forgave him. He supposed that was what big brothers do. Look after their idiot little brother and clean up their messes.

Takatora was released shortly after and they returned home which somehow managed to escape Helheim's vegetation. Though confined to bed rest, Takatora reached out to his business connections to find aid for the city. It was because of these efforts, residents could start moving in after only a few months.

Mitsuzane remained by his brother's side, helping Takatora until he was healthy again. Despite the time they spent together, they hadn't talked. Not about things that really mattered. Takatora would ask daily how he was doing. Mitsuzane quietly berated himself for worrying his brother. Takatora was just concerned for his wellbeing even if he didn't deserve it. Always Mitsuzane would tell him not to worry but Takatora would give him a kind and sad look. Mitsuzane didn't know what to make of it so when Takatora was able to take care of himself, Mitsuzane started to head out into the city to avoid those talks.

He would wander the streets, stopping by places he knew and see them destroyed. One day he walked to Drupers, thinking it to be another abandoned business, but he found Bando outside the parlor sweeping away debris. He should have expected Bando to return as soon as he could – Yggdrasil wasn't the only one with strong roots.

Some of the Beat Riders carried out boxes from Drupers and placed them down on a folding table. They happily chatted as they set up a food distribution site. Seeing the Beat Riders, Mitsuzane turned right around.

Takatora was concerned when Mitsuzane strode into their home, stomped up the stairs and slammed his bedroom door behind him.

"Mitsuzane?" He received no reply. Takatora sighed and went back to his phone call. "I'll call you back. Don't worry about the supplies you requested. I'll get it arranged."

Hanging up the phone, Takatora followed his brother up the stairs and knocked on his door. "Mitsuzane?"

"I'm fine," Mitsuzane's muffled voice came through the door. "I'm just tired."

"Do you want something to eat?"

"No, I'm okay."

Takatora sighed. "Let me know if you need anything."

From the dark corner of his bedroom, Mitsuzane listened for his brother's footsteps to fade away. He pressed his forehead into his knees as his arms drew them closed to himself. He let out a shuddered breath. Seeing Rat, Rica and Chucky amongst the Beat Riders stirred something within him. He barely was able to reach his home before the crushing weight of his sins settled in.

He mourned Kouta and Mai's death and role he played. He cried over his loss on innocence and downfall into madness. He played the puppet master, manipulating his friends because he believed he knew what was best for them. He just deluded himself into thinking that he was protecting them when all he really was protecting a fleeting memory.

Everyone was a chess piece for him to achieve a goal but Kouta would never make the choices Mitsuzane guided him to and contempt for a man he once looked up to grew. In his mind, Kouta became the enemy who put Mai in harm's way. Logically, if Kouta was gone, Mai would be safe.

What a fool he was.

He thought there was no sacrifice too great and ultimately hurt those he cared about the most. He passed the point of no return and there was no coming back.

Mitsuzane woke up in his bed, somehow managing to move off the floor sometime in the night. Eventually Mitsuzane dragged himself out bed and made his appearance presentable. Seeing it was noon time, he wondered why Takatora let him sleep in so late. Walking through the hallways, he stopped at the balcony before the stairs.

Moving men hauled in large white boards through the doorways with Takatora overseeing them. Noticing his arrival, Takatora smiled. "Mitsuzane. Come have some lunch."

Lunch wasn't anything special, just rice with a couple of vegetables on the side but his brother was not a cook and he didn't have the time to hire servants to tend to the mansion so Mitsuzane graciously accepted the meal.

When they were nearly done when Takatora put down his utensils, "I have a meeting with benefactors who are willing to lend aid but they are requesting to discuss how the funds will be allocated in person."

"As expected of Nii-san," Mitsuzane said respectfully. "I'm sure with your benefactors, Yggdrasil will be able to rebuild the city."

"… I'll be gone for several days."

"Alright,"

Takatora paused, trying to decipher what Mitsuzane was thinking.

"Are you worried about me?" Mitsuzane guessed.

"I don't want to neglect your needs," Takatora reasoned.

Mitsuzane gave him a smile, "You'll only be gone for a few days. I can take care of myself. You don't have to worry."

Takatora sighed. "I can't help but feel…. If I just paid a bit more attention to you, I could have helped you." Mitsuzane bowed his head, ashamed, but Takatora straightened up as he pressed on. "You're withdrawn. You hardly eat and you're barely sleeping. I don't doubt you can take care of yourself, I just don't think you will. So I asked one of our relatives to stay here while I'm away."

"Yes Nii-san," Mitsuzane murmured. It was only natural that Takatora didn't trust him, he understood his brother's position.

There was still a sense of lingering dread to which relative. Mitsuzane doubted his brother would ever be able to convince his mother to come back from overseas, especially if it was to take care of him. With his father passing a long time ago, that left his extended family but the Kureshimas was a small family, Mitsuzane's grandfather only having two sons.

The elder brother renounced the Kureshima name and cut contact with them before he was born. Mitsuzane never heard a word from them, he couldn't even fathom how Takatora found that half of their family. But there was no one else, unless Takatora was able to convince a relative from his mother's side. Mitsuzane hated his mother's side of the family and hoped that he wouldn't have to spend time with them.

"When is mother coming home?" Mitsuzane asked. He had to prepare himself for his mother was just as ruthless as her husband. The few times Mitsuzane talked with her, she always expected him to be more accomplished or successful.

Takatora gave a frustrated sigh. "I didn't ask her. No, our cousin will be coming, Sonozaki Raito, he goes by Philip."

"Sonozaki?"

"They were an aristocratic family in Fuuto, established by our uncle."

"I thought grandfather didn't know what name Ryubei-ojisan took. How did you find them?" Mitsuzane asked with genuine curiosity.

"Apparently our father reconnected with his brother. I can only assume they were on good terms before they passed away."

"Have you talked with him?" Mitsuzane asked.

Takatora nodded. "Sonozaki Ryubee was listed as an emergency contact. When I was in a coma and Kaa-san was… unavailable, the hospital reached out to him. Unfortunately, most of the family has passed on except Philip. We've talked a few times over the phone since I woke up. Philip agreed to stay for a few days. They'll be arriving later on today, I wanted to tell you earlier but this was last minute planning-"

"I understand."

Takatora reached over and placed a comforting hand on Mitsuzane's shoulder. "Philip-san is quite the… quirky individual but I think you two might find you have things in common."

"I promise to be polite." Mitsuzane said and earned a hair ruffle. Takatora smiled as Mitsuzane quietly fussed about his hair's placement.

Later in the day, Mitsuzane was reading out on the front lawn. Takatora was concerned with how much time Mitsuzane was spending in his room and essentially told him that he needed to go outside and sit in the sun like he was a plant. 

It was there, Mitsuzane heard the sound of a motorcycle approaching. Intrigued to who it could be, he ventured out to the front gate. There was an outlandish motorcycle right outside the gate and two men arguing.

"OI! Boy!" the one with the retro helmet called. "Can you open the gate?"

"Why?" Mitsuzane asked flatly. "I'm not going to let strangers in."

The man yanked off his helmet which was instantly replaced by a black fedora with a purple ribbon, "We're here to see Kureshima Takatora. We're expected."

The man wore a white dress shirt, black slacks, and a purple waistcoat. Though he was dressed well, Mitsuzane doubted this was his cousin. What aristocrat would drive all the way from Fuuto to Zawame on a motorcycle?

"You're Sonozaki Raito?" If it really was his cousin, Mitsuzane should be corrected. Takatora did mention their cousin didn't go by his birth name.

The fedora man snorted, "Huh? Oi, aibou."

The other man stepped forward, "That would be me and I go by Philip nowadays."

The man was surprisingly young. Mitsuzane could have mistaken him as a university student at best. He wore brightly colored long sleeve clothing under a sleeveless jacket. His hair looked permanently stuck in a windswept position, held out of his face by kiddie hair clips. A small smile – Mitsuzane's unsure if it was a nervous or excited one – graced his face as he asked, "Kureshima Takatora?"

"Takatora is my brother, I'm Mitsuzane."

"My cousin, it's a pleasure to meet you." Philip greeted, sticking his hand through the bars.

Mitsuzane tucked his arms. "Who's this guy then?"

"Hidari Shoutarou," Philip introduced, Shoutarou tipped his hat. "He's my aibou, we're a two in one detective."

"Ah," As if that explained anything.

Takatora arrived, "Mitsuzane… Oh and Philip. It's nice to meet you in person."

"The feelings are the same." Philip enthusiastically shook his hand. "I must say I'm in intrigued to form a bond with my extended family."

Mitsuzane frowned at the weird wording but Takatora seemed unfazed and opened the gate.

The four men returned to the mansion to have dinner which was quite awkward. Shoutarou was impressed by their home and, though he tried to hide his shock, he was gaping like an idiot half the time. Philip wasn't much better, muttering to himself about unrelated topics. Takatora obviously wanted to use this dinner to get Mitsuzane comfortable with his cousin and partner but he didn't see the point in conversing. Maybe this was a bad idea.

"It must have been quite the drive." Takatora remarked.

"It was," Shoutarou admitted but smiled at Philip. "But how could we refuse a request from family?"

"You don't have to stay if it's an inconvenience." Mitsuzane said politely, "I'm sure you're missing work by being here."

"By coincidence, we have a case in Zawame City," Philip revealed.

"A case?" Mitsuzane asked.

"Shoutarou and Philip are well known detectives in Fuuto," Takatora explained.

"To protect the confidentiality of our customer, we can't go into detail about our case." Shoutarou said. "Enough about work, tell us about you? Tell us about your friends, about your hobbies."

Memories of dancing with Mai surfaced followed by the stillness her body on the operating table.

Mitsuzane stood up. "I feel tired. I'm going to retire for the night. Goodnight, Nii-san."

Takatora watched his brothers retreating figure, shoulders slumping with a sigh. "Please don't be offended. It's been a hard year for everyone, especially Mitsuzane. He living with the guilt of choices he made."

"We're familiar with the weight of one's sins." Philip said knowingly.

"You have my gratitude." Takatora said, bowing his head slightly. "Despite everything that's happened, I know Mitsuzane wants to do better, even if he doesn't know how yet. Please guide him in my stead."

"Don't worry," Shoutarou assured. "We'll watch over him."

Takatora departed earlier in the morning and Mitsuzane was left in the care of the two Fuuto detectives. To his relief, nothing changes. Mitsuzane does his normal routine, keeping interactions with the other two residents to a minimum which is not hard to do. Shoutarou spends most of his time away from the mansion, familiarizing him with the geography of the city. He leaves early in the day and doesn't return back until late. If Mitsuzane is lucky, he doesn't run into Shoutarou at all. Perhaps Mitsuzane wasn't being the ideal host for his house guests but they were better off not bothering with him.

The one Mitsuzane must actively avoid is Philip who stays in the house "researching." What and how Philip researches is a mystery to him. He usually carries around a large book in his hand, scribbling notes on the whiteboards in various languages. Mitsuzane offered to let him borrow his computer but Philip refused.

He tapped his book with his finger saying, "This is superior in every way."

Mitsuzane took a peek one day at the book when curiosity got the better of him and found every page blank. It didn't make any sense.

Philip's research method wasn't the only bizarre thing about him. Despite not having any reasonable way of collecting facts, Philip was disconcertingly well informed. If Mitsuzane didn't know any better, he would have thought Philip was following him. He didn't have any solid evidence but…..

"Mitsuzane! I want a snack, any place you would recommend to get pastries?" Philip asked after he returned from Charmant.

"I've heard your city had an explosive dance culture," Philip remarked at dinner after Mitsuzane spent the day lingering around the Western Stage.

Perhaps he was being paranoid but these coincidences set him on edge. On the third day, Mitsuzane came home to a disorganized living room as Philip danced clumsily around the room. When asked, Philip explained. "When Yggdrasill municipality was built, the entire suburb had to be remodeled. They cut down a Sacred Forest nearby. To bless the shrine, priestess would dance. I was trying to see if I could gleam a bit of understanding by performing."

The front door was nearly kicked down when Shoutarou entered, shouting, "OI! Philip! Why didn't you respond?! I almost got crushed to death because I couldn't transfor…" Seeing Philip balanced on the coffee table and draped in curtains like a dress, Shoutarou pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is not the time to get distracted."

"This is just as important as the case," Philip said. "Right, Mitsuzane?"

Mitsuzane shrugged.

"This area has seen a prolific amount of dance teams known as Beat Riders. Perhaps there's a correlation between the area's traditions and dancing."

"You can do Look-ups for fun afterwar-WARDS!" Shoutarou yelled when he tripped over Philip's book and fell right on his face.

Philip bent down over him. "Was that how you give a half-boiled scolding?"

Shoutarou reached up, grabbed his collar and yanked Philip onto the floor with him. Mitsuzane took their wrestling as an opportunity to escape. He left him home and headed for the city, frantically thinking.

It couldn't be coincidence that Mitsuzane spent his morning at the site of the Takatsukasa Shrine only for Philip to be interested in traditional dancing. These offhand comments were starting to get really personal and it made Mitsuzane feel uneasy. Though he's kept an eye out for them, maybe Shoutarou and Philip were actually decent detectives and were following him unseen.

The only logical conclusion from this was that Takatora must have hired their cousin to look after him – including tracking his movements. If this was before the Invasion, Mitsuzane would have thought it within his brother's capabilities to have him monitored; in fact, he tried to with Minato. Still, Mitsuzane felt anxious by what his brother's actions meant.

In his troubled state, Mitsuzane's feet took him to a place of comfort and familiarity. In the past it was a place where Mitsuzane would go to dance his worries away because he didn't feel like he had to meet anyone's expectations but his own. It was a place where he could be true to himself. Before he knew it, Mitsuzane found himself at one of the dance stages. He wasn't the only one present. A crowd of people cheered as the Beat Riders danced with enthusiasm.

The music was nostalgic though it was strange to see members from different dance teams. The remnants of the beat riders grouped together, understanding each other's loss. It was honorable that, despite their suffering, the Beat Riders came together to bring smiles to the faces of Zawame City. Just by watching them, Mitsuzane couldn't stop a small smile from crossing his face.

There was only one dancer on the sidelines, forced there by a shattered femur as a result of getting caught up in an explosion. Though sidelined, Zack's head still bopped to the tune of the music. Zack turned his head just enough to catch Mitsuzane in his peripheral. They locked eyes. The injured teen smiled and waved.

Mitsuzane walked away.

Zack watched Mitsuzane's retreating figure and lowered his hand. As the song ended, Peco came to join his friend. "Was that Mitsuzane?"

"Eh?" Rat joined them and cracked open a water bottle. "You saw Micchy? Did you see him?"

"Yeah, he was over there," Zack pointed.

"Do you think he'll join us?" Rat asked. "He's been gone for months."

"I mean… think about all he did." Rica muttered.

"I agree. That jerk's bad news." Peco chimed in.

"But Micchy's one of us!" Rat protested.

"How can you say that after what he did to Mai and Kouta!" Rica exclaimed.

"Leader!" Rat whined.

Chucky, acting leader of Gaim, was quiet as the others talked. When called out, she took a deep breath, "Everyone lost when the Inves invaded, including Mitsuzane. I think he needs to figure stuff out first. In the meantime, I'm starving. Who wants to go to Drupers?"

All Beat Rider raised their hands except Zack. "You guys go ahead. I'm ready to go home."

The Beat Riders understood and said their farewells, all except Peco.

Knowing he wasn't fooling his friend, Zack rested his hand on his cast and admitted. "Druper's is a bit far."

Peco smiled. "Charmant's closer."

The two Baron members slowly made their way to Oren's pastry shop but a warm welcome was waiting for them.

"Bonjour!" Jounoichi greeted as they entered and took a seat. "Zack. Peco. I haven't seen you two in a while."

"You should come dance with us." Zack offered.

Jounoichi shrugged. "Oren-san keeps me plenty busy. Is it just the two of you?"

"Yeah. Zack's mobility is pretty limited right now." Peco said before he thought it through. "Sorry! I didn't mean to blurt it out like that!"

Zack sighed. "It is frustrating how little progress I've made when everyone's moving on. I can't even walk to Druper's without my leg hurting. I hate feeling this powerless."

Jounoichi saw Zack grip his sleeve tightly in anger and remarked. "You know, working in a pastry shop brings around a lot of gossip."

"So?"

Jounoichi quickly glanced over his shoulder and seeing Oren completely absorbed in one of his creations, he sat himself down and leaned in close to the Beat Riders. "Word is there's something new on the market. Apparently you can gain superhuman powers."

"Really?" Peco asked in interest.

Zack was more skeptical. "Sounds similar to Lockseeds."

Jounoichi held up his hands. "That's all I've heard…." He became pensive, "I've been doing a lot of thinking and I don't like how I am. It's partially why I keep working for Oren-san. I want to be better."

Zack nodded in understanding. "I get that."

"But seriously," Peco cut in. "What kind of customers do you get in here to here that kind of gossip?"

Jounoichi shrugged.

Mitsuzane spends a couple of hours walking around the city, purposely avoiding the dance stages this time. He ended up resting at a fountain. Not many residents had returned to this area of the city so he had the place to himself.

He didn't know why he even fancied the idea of dancing with his friends again. A murderer shouldn't be allowed to have such dreams.

There was a rustle in the bushes that set Mitsuzane on guard. Carefully approaching the bush, Mitsuzane called out. "Who's there?!"

The rustling got louder and Shoutarou's head popped out. "Mitsuzan- OW!" he yelped when Mitsuzane kicked his straight in the forehead. He fell back into the bush, arms flailing amongst the branches.

"Shou-Shoutarou-san!?"

"OI!" Shoutarou yelled as he scrambled out of the bush. He straightened himself out, brushing the leaves of his waistcoat. "That. Never. Happened." A single bent branch was stuck in his fedora, making it look like a plant was going out of his head.

Mitsuzane pressed his lips together to suppress a laugh. "Yes sir… What were you doing in the bushes? Are you following me?"

"I'm looking for Mikan." Shoutarou replied.

"Huh?" From his breast pocket, Shoutarou pulled out a picture of the ugliest maincoon cat Mitsuzane had ever seen. "A cat?"

"She was last seen around this fountain." Shoutarou explained. "Even though I've been in this city for several days, I'm still not familiar with the streets."

"Is this… the case that brought you to Zawame?" Mitsuzane asked. Or is it just a cover story?

"Just a bit of side work. It's fortunate I found you." He said and slung his arm around Mitsuzane's shoulder. Mitsuzane tried to shrug him off but the arm was locked in place. "You'll be my map."

Shoutarou dragged Mitsuzane all around the fountain and the nearby abandon buildings, calling out for the lost maincoon. An hour passed of nonstop searching and Mitsuzane was getting frustrated he was dragged along on this fruitless endeavor.

"It's useless," he said, sitting down. "We should give up."

"Is your spirit that weak?" Shoutarou demanded, checking under a bench. He noticed something fluffy. "Bingo!"

Mitsuzane watched Shoutarou crawl across the ground, trying to urge the cat out of its hiding spot while gesturing to him to flank right.

Suddenly, a tan blur burst from the bench and the cat was on the run.

"After him!" Shoutarou ordered and took off running. Mitsuzane sprinted after them. His thoughts moving through his mind as speedily as he ran through the streets all boiling down to, why was he chasing a cat?

The cat brought them right back to the fountain, both of them tried to cut it off from either side but it whizzed right through Mitsuzane's legs and tripped him. He would have landed right into the water but Shoutarou grabbed him and pulled him back, unfortunately landing in the fountain in Mitsuzane's stead.

"Ah mou!" Shoutarou shouted. Mikan dashed away. "She's going for the bushes! Get her!"

Mitsuzane sprinted after her but the cat disappeared into the bushes. They probably lost her but he still checked where she entered. To his shock, she was only a couple feet into the bush but she was tangled up in vines. The vines were clearly not native to the city. Though they lacked fruit, Mitsuzane felt anxious. Mikan yowled in distress. He quickly untangled the cat and pulled her out of the bush and away from the nasty vines.

Shoutarou, soaking wet, walked over with a victorious grin. "Well done."

Taking them through the streets, Shoutarou led him to a laundry mat. A young girl, wearing her hair in pigtails, sat on the stoop. Her expression told that her whole world was about to end but when she saw Mitzusane with the cat in his arms, her eyes lit up.

"Mikan!" The cat leapt from his arms and ran straight in her owners. The girl happily cuddled with her pet, grinning widely. "Thank you!"

Shoutarou smiled and kneeled down. "That's a nice smile."

The girl smiled back and, saying thank you once again, took Mikan inside the laundry mat.

"Did you go through all that trouble, putting your goals aside, just to make her smile?" Mitsuzane asked.

"In Fuuto, I have a mission to protect everyone one of its citizens so that they never have to cry," Shoutarou said, pulling the forgotten branch out of his hat.

The girl's aunt came out and wanted to express her gratitude by getting Shoutarou dry which he accepted. A while later, he stepped out of that laundry mat a new man.

Mitsuzane was quiet as they walked around the city. Thinking about how he had such a similar goal. He wanted to preserve his friend's happiness and to do that, he lied to them and manipulated them. Mitsuzane wondered if Shoutarou ever had to do the same.

"You're being awfully quiet," Shoutarou remarked.

"Shoutarou-san, have you… ever lied to someone so that they would be happy?" Mitsuzane asked.

Shoutarou thought for a moment. "Yeah. I'm not going to go tell my niece that Fuuto-kun isn't real. She loves that guy to death."

"Fuuto-kun? That's not what I mean," Mitsuzane grumbled.

"Why are you interested?" Shoutarou asked.

"No reason. Just… trying to make conversation."

"Hn…. Skipping icebreakers then? …I lied to my boss about her father's death." He offered. "At the time, I thought I was protecting her from hurting but really, I wasn't ready to accept that he passed. As I see it, a lie that serves to protect only myself is one that I don't want to keep..." And then he added on, "Unless it's something embarrassing. Remember what I said. We do not speak of the fountain incident with Philip."

Mitsuzane mulled over this information. Shoutarou stopped suddenly and he ran right into him. Peering over the detective's shoulder, he didn't see any reason for Shoutarou to have just stopped but Mitsuzane was grabbed and dragged behind a car.

"Found you," Shoutarou murmured and pulled out orange and black binoculars. Mitsuzane peaked out, trying to see what got Shoutarou's interest but all he saw was a relatively empty street and a man dressed in all white talking to another pedestrian.

"Who?" he asked.

Shoutarou turned to him and as if he just remembered Mitsuzane was there, smiled. "You should head home. I can take it from here."

The pedestrian walked away, leaving the man in white looking dissatisfied. "Is this a deal? What kind?"

Shoutarou gave a quiet sigh. "Go home."

The man in white moved on. Shoutarou discreetly followed with Mitsuzane in his shadow.

The man went to the rocky shoal under a bridge. There were other people dressed in the same uniform gathering. Shoutarou ducked behind some barrels and was mildly annoyed when Mitsuzane joined. "I told you to go home."

Ignoring the detective in favor of surveying the scene, Mitsuzane asked. "Is this part of your case?"

Shoutarou grabbed his head and shoved him out of sight. "Yes. Don't get spotted."

Another man in – Mitsuzane didn't know how it was possible – a purer white coat joined the others under the bridge. Another distinction was that the newcomer had a metal pin of two apple leaves decorating his breast pocket.

"Who are they?"

"Foundation X." he whispered. "The guy with the pin? He's Hashimoto Takumi." Shoutarou pulled out a green mechanical frog and inserted a flash drive into it. Mitsuzane was surprised when the device beeped and came to life. Shoutarou set it on the ground and the frog hopped off to the group.

"What is Foundation X?" Mitsuzane asked.

"Trouble." Shoutarou replied curtly. "Stay quiet."

Mitsuzane sat back, unable to avoid sitting on the invasive plants growing around river bank. He didn't see the point in being quiet, they couldn't hear what the men in white were discussing.

Suddenly, the vines wrapped around his leg and yanked him out into the open. Mitsuzane was unable to fight as it dragged him across the shoal, back scrapping across the rocks.

"Mitsuzane!" Shoutarou shouted, leaving cover to chase him but failed to grab him before Mitsuzane was lifted up into the air, leaving him helplessly dangling upside down above the men in white.

Following the vine strand, along the bottom of the bridge, it ran do one of the supports and ended at a humanoid monster, wrapped in the vines like a mummy.

"Inves?!" Mitsuzane gasped.

"A dopant," The executive supplied and frowned, "Seems like some pests have arrived. If you care about what happens to the boy," he warned before the detective went for the attack. "Don't move."

Shoutarou eyes burned with anger. "Drop him."

"You should think about how you word your demands. I'll happily do so, if you want his head to split open like a melon," the executive offered, the vines dangling Mitsuzane over a particularly large and sharp rock.

Shoutarou thought for a moment, looking up to Mitsuzane and relented.

The executive was pleased. "So who are you?"

"Just a concerned citizen," Shoutarou said. "Guess I got in over my head, huh?'

"Careful how many lies you tell," The executive said, tossing the mechanical frog to Shoutarou. The outer casing of the machine was smashed.

Shoutarou grumbled to himself and pocketed the frog, "I'm Hidari Shoutarou, a private detective from Fuuto."

"Oh?" The executive laughed. "I can only assume you're here to investigate Foundation X? Unfortunately, your investigation ends here."

"I have to disagree with you," Shoutarou tilted his hat down and pulled out what suspiciously looked like a driver, this one shaped like the letter "W." He held it to his belly. A strap shot out, wrapped around him and secured the driver in place like a belt.

Instantly, Hashimoto became wary. "Stop! You can't save the boy by yourself!"

"I'm not alone." Shoutarou stated as a green light shined in one of the slots.

Mitsuzane felt his stomach leap to his throat as the vine released him. The world went silent. As he plummeted towards his death, he was hyperaware everything happening that time seemed to slow. Shoutarou sprinted forward as he slotted another flash drive into the driver and pulled it apart, his yell echoing to the heavens,

"HENSHIN!"

The wind sprung to life, swirling around Shoutarou, knocking the men in white away. Mitsuzane gasped as the wind forced him back into the air, barely missing his head slamming against the ground. He screamed as he was flung up but a suited man caught him. Landing safely on the ground, Mitsuzane struggled to get his feet under him.

He stared breathless at the half green, half black warrior.

"You okay?"

"Sho-Shoutarou-san?" Mitsuzane stuttered.

"Kamen Rider!" Hishmoto seethed. "Get them!"

The henchmen insert gaia memories it different parts of their bodies as a cacophony of "Masquerade!" rang out. They all transformed into the Masquerade Dopant and rallied behind the Vine Dopant.

"Surrender," Hashimoto ordered. "You're outnumbered."

"A Kamen Rider doesn't give up no matter the odds." Double said. His voice then echoed as he raised his arm in one smooth swing, saying. "Now, count up your sins!"

The Vine Dopant gave the signal and the henchmen charged with him following in the back. Letting the wind carry him, Double jumped over the crowd and attacked the Vine Dopant directly, landing a succession of punches.

"Luna!" The left side converted to yellow. He whirled around and as he did a backhand, his arm extend, smacking the crowd of henchmen down. Focusing on the dopant, the two opponents exchanged a flurry of blows until Double was knocked back. With distance, the dopant summoned vines. Swaying in the air like snakes, the vine lashed out and struck Double in the gut.

"That stings!" Double groaned.

"We need to turn up the heat." The right eye flashed as Philip's voice spoke from –Mitsuzane guessed – a communicator.

"Can't agree more," Double replied, sticking two new gaia memories into his driver.

"Heat\\/\\/Metal!"

The vines struck again but were blocked as Double spun his staff, creating a shield of fire. Double proceeded, striking down the Masquerade dopants as they attacked. Hashimoto was displeased as his henchmen were beaten.

"We're getting out of here." Hashimoto ordered and walked away. The Vine Dopant obeyed, covering their escape with a think wall of vines. Double's fire power was enough to burn through the vines but Foundation X had escaped in the meantime.

Mitsuzane was still trying to process everything, "What is going on…?"

Eventually, Shoutarou and Mitsuzane traveled back to the mansion. Philip was waiting for them in the kitchen, holding a pack of ice on his head.

"Are you alright?" Mitsuzane asked.

"My aibou transformed without warning me." Philip said, side eyeing Shoutarou.

Shoutarou shrugged. "If we didn't transform, then you would have had to explain to Takatora why his baby brother got hurt by a drug syndicate."

"After you let him follow you, half-boiled detective," Philip sighed dramatically, shifting the ice pack a bit to sooth the ache. "Alas, this is truly an injury of hero, swooping into to save the damsel in distress."

"Who are you calling a damsel?"

"You were distressed, were you not?"

"Excuse me…" Mitsuzane interjected. "What do you mean when you say 'we'?"

"We become Kamen Rider Double," Philip said. "My consciousness is taken from my body and uploaded into Shoutarou. I control the right side of his body."

"You're a two-in-one." Mitsuzane recalled.

"Correct!"

"Those guys in white? Foundation…. X?"

"Foundation X is underground organization that focuses their interests in phenomenal energetic potentials, such as Gaia Memories." Philip explained. "We use Gaia Memories to transform but the ones Foundation X have are unrefined. Prolong usage and exposure to the core energy with the memories will cause increased aggression and degradation of cognitive function."

"We got a tip that Foundation X was intending to set up a branch here in Zawame. We're going to dismantle it before it can even start." Shoutarou added. "Hashimoto Takumi uses the Apple Memory. Arresting him and the rest of his gang will stop their roots from taking hold."

Mitsuzane sat down, "Does Nii-san know?"

"Yes. I read all about my blood relations so Shoutarou and I agreed that revealing our identity was only fair."

"… What do you mean?"

Shoutarou looked reluctant to say anything but Philip continued, "I have the ability to access what is known as the Gaia Library. A living memory of Earth's history, through this power, I can look up anything and everything."

"That sounds unbelievable." Mitsuzane admitted, "But you gain nothing from lying…"

"There are limits to the Gaia Library. It's not all knowing, Helheim is a perfect example. The Gaia Library has records of all that has existed on this world which does not include the origin of the Helheim forest. But hunting around I was able to find out the information from Ryouma Warrring's research. Researching this way can get a little complicated and extrapolating the data isn't easy—"

"So you know everything, about me, Nii-san, Yggdrasill and what happened during the Inves Invasion?" Mitsuzane asked.

"Naturally. I wasn't aware I had family other than the Sonozakis so I had to know all I could about you." Philip replied.

"That includes the evil things I've done…" Mitsuzane muttered. His cousin knew about Mitsuzane's role in Yggdrasill and with the invasion.

He was startled when Shoutarou clapped his hands, "Man, am I hungry! I'll go get dinner!"

Philip waited for his partner to leave before speaking again, "I suppose I should apologize for invading your privacy. It's a bad habit."

"This is more than invading my privacy," grumbled Mitsuzane.

"I had to know. The news said Takatora was involved in with Yggdrasill and after with what happened with my family." Philip said awkwardly.

"What do you mean?"

"As Foundation X is a large organization, it tends to sponsor groups to research energy phenomena. My family was the first to research the core energy and… do to an accident, I was exposed to the pure energy of the earth and I became an avatar of the Gaia Library. My family discovered how to create the Gaia Memories and used me to create them. Blinded by the power, my family became Fuuto's criminal underworld and I was complacent in their crimes. All I cared was about gaining more knowledge. I was a devil." Philip smiled fondly. "Then I met Shoutarou and I learned what being human meant."

"So when you said, your family passed..."

Philip said sadly. "I know people in Fuuto suffered because of them but I do carry the burden that I wasn't able to save them."

Mitsuzana's shoulders slumped, solemnly resigned, he said. "My parents were never around, always had better things to do. Kureshimas are ambitious and will ruthlessly pursue their desires. My brother took care of me and always wanted the best for me. For a long time, I thought I didn't belong and I couldn't meet my family's expectations. Now I see my brother was the black sheep to this cursed family."

Mitsuzane quietly left Philip alone in the kitchen, passing Shoutarou as he walked back in. Shoutarou gave his partner an inquiring look.

Philip sighed, "That talk was a failure. Mitsuzane and I did not resonate at all."

"Relationships take time," Shoutarou offered. "I'm sure you'll be able to connect with Mitsuzane."

"I've tried to make conversation about things he seems interested in but he never opens up. I can't connect with him. Not how he is. He's being dragged down in despair from the weight of his sins. I want to reach out and help him through it, but we are too different… He's more like you."

"Huh?"

"Your sins come from the choices you both acted upon, unlike mine which originally stems from my inaction." Philip explained.

"I see. I'll talk with him tomorrow then." Shoutarou offered.

"I appreciate it." Philip said slumping in his chair. Shoutarou put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Talking about feelings is… difficult."

"You recognized what Mitsuzane needs and found the best solution. You've come a long way from the devil I met, aibou." Shoutarou said.

Philip smiled, "How sentimental."

Like any night when his chest feels hollow, Mitsuzane sits right under the window of his room, feeling the cool night air wash over him. The cold biting into his skin was the only thing he could feel. In his hands was his Warring driver, the only driver left after the Inves Invasion. The rest were destroyed.

He was a family of monsters. He should have expected evil ran in his blood but it still came as a shock. There wasn't any hope for him since the beginning. Mitsuzane placed the driver down and buried his head in his arms. He belonged in hell with the rest of his cursed family.

There was knock on his door, so quiet that he barely heard it. Choosing to ignore it in hopes that whichever detective it was would go away, Mitsuzane said nothing. He hoped they would think he's asleep and leave him alone.

The doorknob quietly turned and Shoutarou popped his head in, "You awake, kid?"

Mitsuzane let out a snore, hoping Shoutarou would get the point. The detective grumbled under his breath and left, leaving Mitsuzane relieved but peeved – he could have had the decency to close the door.

But Shoutarou came back and this time with Philip. "He'll catch a cold as he is. Grab his legs."

Mitsuzane, too committed now, let himself go limp as Shoutarou and Philip carried him over to his bed. Shoutarou grunted. "The kid's heavy."

"Takatora-san does this by himself." Philip noted as they tucked him in. He picked up the driver and placed it on the bedside table.

Shoutarou closed the window. "It must be nice having a big brother."

"Jealous?"

"You didn't even have a big brother."

"Maybe Takatora-san will let me call him Taka-nii."

"Don't even joke," The sounds of their bickering became muffled as they closed the bedroom door, leaving Mitsuzane with a few new revelations. The times Mitsuzane would fall asleep under the window only to awaken in his bed were because of his brother.

Deep down, warmth built in him. It made him happy that his brother genuinely cares for him after all he's done but there was a dark and knowing pit in his gut that he didn't deserve such kindness.

The next morning, Mitsuzane slipped out of the house unnoticed and went to the West Stage. As he predicted, the Beat Riders were dancing. Listening to the music and the cheers filled his attention and allow Mitsuzane to briefly ignore the gnawing guilt burrowed in his chest. Lost in thought, Mitsuzane didn't notice he was being approached until it was too late.

"Mitsuzane," Zack said cheerfully, walking over to him with the support of his crutches.

Mitsuzane immediately walked away. Zack followed after him but was unable to once Mitsuzane traveled down some stairs.

"Mitsuzane, wait a minute." Zack called. "I just want to talk."

Mitsuzane glanced up and continued on, saying, "We have nothing to talk about."

"Just wait!" Zack demanded, going down the stairs. In his hurry, his crutch missed a step and sent his falling the rest of the way down. He hit the concrete hard.

Seeing Zack in pain, Mitsuzane nearly ran to his aid but stopped himself.

He ran away.

Zack cursed under his breath as he pushed himself up. "Dammit. I can't even walk! If only…."

"If only you were stronger? Aren't you tired of feeling helpless? Feeling weak?" A man in white clothing asked, kneeling down. "The name's Minoru and I have an offer for you."

From his pocket, Minoru pulled out a small case and opened it.

Zack looked questioningly at the flash drive. "What is this?"

"A Gaia Memory. This little device holds unfathomable power, use it and you'll be able to attain whatever you wish."

"Attain whatever I wish, huh?" Zack repeated and pushed Minoru away. "I've heard that line before and it caused this city so much suffering. Get lost. Our city's had enough of people like you."

Zack pushed through the pain, got his crutches underneath him, and hobbled away.

Annoyed, Minoru ducked into an alley and traveled back to Foundation X hideout. Currently it was only a few suites in a hotel but the organization was finalizing the purchase of a building. Before the transaction could occur, the organization wanted to data on the Gaia Memories sold in the first month. They would not like the results.

Hashimoto Takumi was sitting at his desk and admiring the Apple Memory when Minoru walked in. "Hey boss,"

"If your back, does that mean you've meant your quota?" Hashimoto questioned.

Minoru tossed the suitcase on the table, it jostled open, revealing it to be full of the memories. "Not a single one."

"What?"

"The city's too on edge. Even the youths are cautious after they were duped up the Lockseed dealers."

"We just have to show them the power of the memories." Hashimoto said. "Make it an offer they can't refuse."

"Kamen Rider Double will get in the way," Minuro pointed out.

"I have a plan to deal with those meddling detectives," Hashimoto glanced over to his subordinate. "I trust you can take care of them?"

Minoru pulled out his Vine memory and gave a tired sigh, "Supposed I should achieve something today."

Mitsuzane stood at the bank of a river. The same place where he coldheartedly attempted to kill his brother thinking it was the only way to be free. Of his many failures, Mitsuzane was glad this was one of them. Mitsuzane regretted everything he did for the sake of his goals. Evil blood ran through him, who knows when he'll try to act in the sake of others only to repeat the past.

He held up his Warring driver. It's always a possibility, as long as he had power. He could never atone for what he's done, at the very least, he can make sure he could never hurt someone again.

Steeling his resolve, he chucked the driver as far as he could and let it disappear into the watery depths. He then took out his Lockseed and studied the imprint of the grape. He wound back his arm but he was stopped by a hand.

"Yo," Shoutarou greeted.

Mitsuzane shoved him away. "Leave me alone."

"Should be careful with something like that."

"It isn't your concern. I need to do this." Mitsuzane stated, clenching the Grape Lockseed tightly. "I have to take as much power away from myself."

"Why is that?"

"You know." Mitsuzane snapped. "Philip-san's read everything about me. Every sin I committed."

"I know the basics." Shoutarou admitted.

"Then you should know I'm a monster."

"That's not true."

"It is!" Mitsuzane insisted. "Throwing away my driver takes away my power. Power that could use to hurt people like Kouta or Mai…."

"That can't be the solution." Shoutarou said plainly.

Mitsuzane chuckled. "You're right. I was able to manipulate people without transforming. It would be better for everyone if I wasn't here."

Shoutarou grabbed him and shouted, "That's bullshit. You think anything will be better if you're gone? What about your friends? You brother? I know how you feel but this isn't the answer."

"How could you know how I feel?!" Mitsuzane said harshly.

"I'm the reason my boss died." Shoutarou refuted, the curtness in his tone took Mitsuzane's full attention. "Because of my choices, he died. I have to live with my part in his death just like you. Everyone has to live with the consequences of their actions and, sometimes, you will make mistakes."

"My mistakes caused people to die!" Mitsuzane shouted.

"Are you going to feel sorry for yourself for the rest of your life?!" Shoutarou shouted back louder. "Nothing will change. Your sins won't go away!"

"I know that!"

"You think you're irredeemable, you're full of crap! It's easy to give up. You'll only cause more grief. Atone for the sins you committed. You can't change the past but you can choose your future. Dedicate it to the ones you failed and do better. Do it for the ones who believed in you. Be the person they knew you could be!"

Mitsuzane collapsed in resignation, "How do I even start?"

"Start by counting your crimes." Shoutarou said, offering a hand. Mitsuzane pulled himself up, and wiped his eyes dry. Grinning, Shoutarou patted him on his back and guided him away from the water. "Let's head back. Philip was worried."

"I don't understand that guy,"

"He just wants to get to know you." Shoutarou replied. "For a long time, the only way Philip understood the world was through the Gaia Library but, like he said, it has limits, not just technical ones too. The Library impassively records events, people and things. It doesn't have a way to record a person's heart. Emotions aren't Philip's forte but he cares a lot."

Mitsuzane thought back to the early in the week, the times Philip tried to make life easier for him, "I know."

The Stag Beetle rung and Shoutarou, flipped it open and held it to his ear, "Philip, I found Mitsuzane. We're coming home."

"Um Shotuarou." Philip said. "I'm in distress."

"What?"

Minuro's voice spoke, "Hello Detective-san."

"What have you done with Philip?!" Shoutarou demanded.

"Nothing, I came over for a visit. Didn't think a couple of detectives from Fuuto could have connections with the Kureshimas. You've got a nice set up." Minoru remarked.

"Damn, they followed us." Shoutarou muttered to himself. These men in white were proactive and he was careless. He managed to hide Philip for over a year from the Sonozakis and within a day he led Foundation X to Mitsuzane's door step.

"My boss isn't a fan of your interference. When you feel in the mood, stop by the mansion and we can sort things out. Until then, I'll have fun with your partner." Philip made a strangled noise of pain as if he was getting crushed to death.

"You bastard! Just wait! I'm coming to kick your ass!" Shoutarou declared.

"I look forward to you trying." Minoru replied haughtily and hung up.

Shoutarou scratched his head in frustration. "Shit."

"What happened?" Mitsuzane asked.

"Foundation X took over your home and captured Philip." He replied. "Wait here."

"I'll go too!" Mitsuzane asked. "Let me help!"

"It's too dangerous."

"Please, let me help save my family." Mitsuzane pleaded.

Shoutarou's mistake was seeing the determination in the young teen. "Ah mou! Fine! But you do exactly what I say."

"Yes!"

The mansion was normal from the outside and gave no hint that it was occupied. Sending the bat device out to scout the area. When it came back and Shoutarou reviewed the photos and noticed that through the patio windows the interior was covered in vines, limiting visibility.

"Won't be able to sneak in, huh." He murmured, flipping through the rest of the photos. In one of the photos, the bat was able to get close to the window. Though the vine leaves obscured the majority of the image, Shoutarou recognized the stripped socks of his partner in a reflection. Based on the image, he can mentally place Philip in the main hall, likely suspended from the ceiling.

"We won't be able to transform as long is Philip's trapped."

"What are we going to do?" Mitsuzane asked.

Shoutarou thought for a moment before bringing him in close to explain his plan.

Leaving Mitsuzane at the gates, Shoutarou strode through the front lawn and kicked open the door. The mansion was completely covered in vines. Like he suspected, Minoru was waiting for him in the entrance hall.

Philip was bound in vines and hanging from the chandelier and said way too casually for a captive, "Shoutarou."

"Philip!"

"Yo, Kamen Rider." Minoru greeted with a smug smile.

"You have some nerve," Shoutarou said curtly.

Minoru scoffed. "Kamen Riders never seem to care when you crash our hideouts. So I thought, why not bring the fight to you."

He pulled out his Gaia Memory, "Vine" and inserted it into his arm, allowing for him to transform. Summoning the vines, he sent them after Shoutarou who duck and dived under them. The vines wrapped around him and tossed him across the room.

"Shoutarou!"

Scrambling to his feet, Shoutarou jumped out of the way when the vines chucked a wardrobe at him. The Vine Dopant enjoyed taunting the detective, letting him get close to his partner before throwing him around the room. He didn't notice Mitsuzane slipping through the window.

The vegetation brought unwelcoming memories to the forefront of his mind, causing him to seize in fear and hesitation, but Mitsuzane took a deep breath and snuck his way over. With the Vine Dopant distracted, he climbed up the vines. At this point, Philip noticed him and while he didn't say anything but he was surprised. The distance between them was uncomfortably large but Mitsuzane leapt the gap. His chest impacted with the chandelier and it swung. The sound caused the Vine Dopant to glance but Shoutarou tackled him. While he wasn't strong enough to even move the Dopant, it gave Mitsuzane time to pull at the vines.

"I'll free you," Mitsuzane promised.

Philip glanced up at him. "I know you will."

Slamming his fist into Shoutarou's back to drop him and lashed out with his vines. Mitsuzane was knocked off the chandelier. Within twenty four hours, Mitsuzane found himself falling towards his death a second time. Surprisingly, the vegetation was piled together, allowing for a cushioned landing. Mitsuzane laid in the vines, confused. He was sure he was able to see the floor before he fell.

Maybe he got some dust in his eyes.

Luck was on their side, he managed to loosen the vines enough for Philip to slip out. Philip landed gracefully on the stairs and smiled brightly at his cousin. "Thank you, Mitsuzane."

Shoutarou was tossed right next to him, smacking hard against the stairs.

"Leave it to you to take a beating as a distraction." Philip said, helping Shoutarou to his feet.

His partner stretched to ease the ache he'll be feeling later. "Good to be by your side."

"Yeah," Philip straightened up, pulling out his Cyclone memory, "I'm ready for retribution. Want to take a ride?"

Shoutarou grinned, holding up the Joker memory, "Always."

[Cyclone!]

[Joker!]

"Henshin!"

It was one thing to be told that his cousin became one with the detective. It was another to catch his unconscious body as Kamen Rider Double stepped forward, saying together, "Now count up your sins!"

Mitsuzane let the weight of his cousin sink him to his knees as Double surged forward to fight the Vine Dopant. Those two men bore their crimes, rose up and fought against evil. Mitsuzane gripped his lockseed, unable to do anything but watch. Surrounded by the vines, he began to count.

After a session of dancing, the Beat Riders decided to retire to the garage. They happily chatted and took their time to keep pace with Zack. After his fall down the stairs earlier, he was progressing slowly. Chucky was firm in her stance that he needed to rest and Peco was worried but Zack didn't want to hold everyone back. So he pushed through the soreness.

Peco walked beside him. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Zack nodded.

"You need to take it easy." Rica said.

"I just wanted to let Mitsuzane know he's welcome." Zack said.

Chucky shook her head, "Leave Micchy alone."

"He did a lot of bad stuff but it was a bad time for everyone." He defended. "I feel like we should at least hear him out."

"Mai-san thought that we should trust in our friends." Chucky replied. "I want to trust in Micchy and I'm willing to talk, but if he's not comfortable sharing how he's feeling, then the best we can do is to wait for him to be ready."

"But shouldn't we reach out to him?" Zack asked.

"Micchy is secretive and doesn't do well when confronted." Chucky pointed out. "I don't think you were wrong to try and reach out but don't expect much if you push it."

The group arrived at the garage but stopped at the entrance when Hashimoto approached them.

"Who's this weirdo?" Rat asked.

"I just moved here." Hashimoto greeted. "I must say you have a lovely city. It a shame to see it in such a derelict state. This city endured such a tragic catastrophe and even though you've survived, have things really gotten much better? The rest of the world moves on but treats you are perpetrators of tragedy you had no power over. You are left forgotten and caged amongst crumbling buildings. Doesn't it make you angry? Aren't you tired of being afraid of monsters?"

Hashimoto transforms into Apple Dopant. He felt satisfied that the teens were immediately on edge and fearful.

"Wouldn't you rather be the one in control? I can give you the power of the Gaia Memories and with it, the power that will lead to your salvation."

It was relieving to be back in Zawame after multiple days of negotiation and Takatora was ready to go home. The city almost restored his energy, opting to walk instead of drive. By happenstance, he met Akira and they decided to get brunch as Charmants. Oren was happy to see them and offered them a sunny spot on the patio.

Takatora and Akira often went to Charamants for cake and just to talk. They've grown closer over the past year. It was thanks to her that he was identified while he was comatose, recognizing him from a photo Kouta showed her not long before she was evacuated.

Since her brother took away Helheim to who knows where, Akira didn't have any family left and there were very few adults her age who knew the full truth of what happened during the invasion to confide in. She was always happy to talk about their shared experiences raising their younger siblings. Takatora appreciated her support and encouragement as he worked to mending his relationship with Mitsuzane.

"So, how did your trip go?" Akira asked.

"Much better than I thought it would." Takatora said.

As Jounoichi passed by, he nearly tripped over Takatora's case.

"Are you alright!?" Akira asked in concern.

"Yes. Sorry about that," assured Jounoichi, noting how Takatora protectively pulled the case closer to him.

Akira's phone rang, "Sorry about that. That's strange..." she said, seeing the caller id was Rica. "Hello?"

"Um… Akira-san? Do you have Mister Takatora-san's number?" Rica said in a low voice.

"Takatora-san's next to me right now." She put the phone on speaker phone. Takatora scrunched his brow in confusion to which Akira shrugged, just as lost as he was.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"We um… need Micchy. Zack said he's the only one a driver left." Rica rambled, her voice getting frantic.

"Is everything okay?" Akira asked.

"There's a monster at the garage and he's trying to get us to do drugs."

Jounoichi noticed how Takatora gripped the case with him and said. "Help is on the way."

"Should I call the police?" Akira asked as Takatora grabbed his case and made to leave.

"They don't have the fire power." He said.

"Then Mitsuzane?"

Takatora gripped the case handle tighter and with a determined look, he quickly walked away. Once he was out of sight of Charmants, he placed the suit case on a bench and opened it. Within was the only other remaining Warring Driver after the rest were recalled and dismantled.

The driver was snatched out of his hands by Jounoichi.

"I figured if any drivers left, you'd be one to have it." Jounoichi admitted, his fingers inspecting the driver and Lockseed.

"Give it back, this is my way of atoning."

"But you haven't fully recovered, right?"

"Um… A guy named Hase-chan…."

Takatora took a deep breath. "Yes. Hase Ryouji became an Inves and was eliminated by Yggdrasill."

Jounoichi nodded solemnly, finally hearing to confirmation to his suspicions. "Hase probably became one because of me. That's why… this is my way of atoning."

Double, in their Heat\\/\\/Metal combination, was the most effective against the vines the Vine dopant sent their way but Double also had to protect Mitsuzane, keeping them on the defensive.

"This is strange." Philip noted as he parred an attack.

"What is?" Shoutaro grunted.

"What was the point of this attack?" Philip asked. "They knew where we were but they only sent one operative? And why isn't he more upset when he lost his hostage?"

"It is strange."

"Unless he's trying to keep us occupied," Philip added.

"My boss is a slave driver." The Vine Dopant admitted. "He told me to take care of the Kamen Rider but I think keeping you busy while sales take off is all I need to achieve."

"Then Hashimoto must be selling memories."

The Vine Dopant, stuck in his own arrogance, remarked. "I told him about those Beat Riders. Those brats are perfect targets. He'll get those children scrambling for power soon enough or end up dead."

Mitsuzane's heart leapt when he heard that the Beat Riders were in danger. "Leave them alone!"

"Oh!" The Vine Dopant laughed. "That got you mad."

"Go Mitsuzane!" Shoutarou shouted. "We'll take care of him."

His encouragement was all Mitsuzane need to take off running. The Vine Dopant tried to block his escape but Double activated his Trigger form and shot the vines that got close. Mitsuzane sprinted out the door and into the city.

The Vine Dopant growled. "Bastard."

"You're not going anywhere." Double said. There was shriek as X-treme flew into the building, slashing the Vine Dopant before hovering over the kamen rider. "Time for our pay back and we'll be returning it two-fold!"

The Beat Riders cautiously watched the Apple Dopant as he stalked around them, giving his pitch. Because of their tight circle, Rica was able to hide behind Zack's broad shoulders and call out to Akira. Now they just needed to buy time.

"Are we sure Micchy will even show up?" Rica asked.

"He has too. Who else can?" Rat replied.

"Hey," Peco whispered. "This guy's offering us power. Why don't we take it?"

"Don't be stupid." Chucky interjected. "Who knows what that kind of power demands?"

Bright green energy apple slices flew over their head, blowing bricks off the garage walls. The teens screamed as debris ran down on them.

"Good, I have your attention." The Apple Dopant said. "This is the power of Gaia Memories. You'll never be weak again!"

"That's bullshit!" Zack stated angrily. "The desire for power was what destroyed this city!"

"Zack!" Chucky said in warning not to antagonize the dangerous apple monster.

The Apple Dopant chuckled amused. "Listen to your friend. You don't have the strength to change the world."

Zack squared his shoulders and stood his ground. "We do. We will overcome our weakness. Together. We'll rebuild and continue to prosper as a community. Protecting each other in times of need. That's our strength! We don't need your stupid flash drive drugs. So get out of our city!"

The other Beat Riders murmured their agreements and moved to stand beside Zack. Seeing that all the teens were rallying to the one individual, the Apple Dopant knew who he needed to strike down.

"I see you need to experience the despair of weakness to see what you're really missing." The Apple Dopant sliced the air, generating more energy apple slices, knocking the teenagers down. Stalking forward, he lifted Zack into the air by his throat. Zack clawed and kicked but he couldn't free himself.

"Zack!" Peco screamed and body slammed into the Apple Dopant. Chucky and Rica followed suit and Rat went for the legs. With four people hanging off of him, the Apple Dopant dropped Zack to toss the other ones aside.

"You ungrateful pests!" The Apple Dopant shouted.

Jounoichi suddenly blocked his path. He pulled out the Kurokage driver and attached it to his waist. He sent a silent pray to Hasse to watch over as him as he moved forward. Placing the Matsubokkuri Lockseed in the driver, the sky unzipped, bringing the armor forth.

"Henshin!" With a flick, the black cut the lockseed and the armor dropped down and transformed into Kurokage. [Soiya! Matsubokkuri Arms! Ichigeki in the shadow!]

"A kamen rider?" The Apple Dopant questioned.

"I'm Armored Rider Kurokage!" he announced and struck with his Kagematsu. The Apple Dopant dodged the attacks. One kick to Kurokage's gut made him stumble back but only made him attack with more vigor.

Using the natural reach of the magematsu, Kurokage was able to strike but keep distance from the Apple Dopant's claws. Energy slices materialized and struck Kurokage from all sides.

"Jounoichi!" Zack shouted as the rider collapsed.

Reaching for the kagematsu, Kurokage pulled himself to his feet, stating, "I won't give up!"

"How childish," The Apple Dopant stated, grabbing Kurokage's weapon he attempted to strike. "You have power but you don't have the experience wielding it."

Kurokage was defenseless against the onslaught of energy slices. The Beat Riders lost him in the explosions that came after. When the smoke and fire cleared, Kurokage was no longer able to hold his form and Jounoichi collapsed to the ground. The Apple Dopant stomped on his chest to keep him down.

"Like flies to rotting fruit," The Apple Dopant observed as Mitsuzane arrived, coming out of his dead sprint, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.

"Micchy!" Rat cheered.

"Doesn't matter how many of you weaklings come. The strongest always wins. You too can have this power, with the gaia memories, and free yourselves from all consequences. You'll be free of crushing expectations adults set on you."

"I can't accept that. Consequences keep us humble and let us learn from our mistakes. Sometimes we do unforgiveable things and it's easy to give up. All I've done is run away…. But I want to atone for my sins and the only way to do so it to take the path forward."

"Then transform." The Apple Dopant demanded. "Show me you have the power to defend your childish reality."

Mitsuzane held up his Grape Lockseed but hesitated.

"What are you waiting for? Use your driver!" Peco asked.

Mortified, Mitsuzane said, "I threw it away."

"WHAT?!" shouted Chucky. "Mitsuzane! You can't fight him!"

The Apple Dopant laughed and advanced towards Mitsuzane.

A rock pelleted against the side of the Apple Dopant's head. Though ineffective, the Apple Dopant glared at the offender.

Slingshot in hand, Peco stood his ground nervously and said. "What a joke. You're no different than us!" he loaded another rock and took aim. "There's no reason to stay on the side line and let you face this guy alone!"

"Peco…"

Zack grinned and stood next to his friend, holding a trash can lid as a shield. "We're ready to fight, Micchy!"

"Zack…"

Chucky handed Rat and Rica metal poles that broke off from the staircase. "This is our home." She glanced over to Mitsuzane. "For all of us."

"Chucky…."

"I'm feeling a bit forgotten," Jounoichi said, pushing against the foot holding him down. "But Mitsuzane's finally come around and we're not going to let you kill him."

"Jounoichi…."

Unamused, the Apple Dopant kicked Jounoichi away and advanced towards the Beat Riders with malicious intention.

Mitsuzane ran forward.

Seeing his approach, the Apple Dopant lashed out. The vibrant green energy rocketed towards him. Everything exploded into a bright light, forcing everyone to shield their eyes from the burning rays. When the light died down, dissolving into sparkles of golden dust, Mitsuzane remained standing and unharmed.

"That was close," Rica sighed, helping Jounoichi to his feet.

Mitsuzane breathed in and out to calm his nerves, having expected to be sliced apart. Something weighed heavy in his hands.

Miraculously in his free hand was his Warring Driver. With his friends' lives at stake, he didn't have time to understand how it happened and accepted it for now. He attached the belt to his waist and held the Grape Lockseed up for all to see. With the Lockseed opened, the portal unzipped the sky for the compacted armor to descend into their world.

He placed the Lockseed in the driver. "Henshin!"

The armor slammed down, unfolded and transformed Mitsuzane into Armored Rider Ryugen. Holding up his gun, Ryugen fired several rounds as he charged. The Apple Dopant took the hits but couldn't handle the pain, giving Ryugen an opening to punch the dopant straight in the chest.

Recognizing that he was in danger, the Apple Dopant unleashed his stored energy. The Beat Riders screamed as they were nearly hit by apple shaped destruction.

Grabbing ahold of the Apple Dopant, Ryugen pushed him away from his friends. He dragged the monster away from the garage and into an empty parking lot.

With no one he needed to protect, Ryugen focused all of his energy in fighting. He aimed the gun into the Apple Dopant's gut and fired. The Apple Dopant was hit at point blank but it still managed to hit Ryugen into a nearby car.

Slices of apples ripped through the pavement as Ryugen dodged and advanced. Letting the next attack glance off his shoulder guards, Ryugen hit the Apple Dopant in the chin and a succession of punches.

The Apple Dopant smacked Ryugen into the air. The claws were extended and the Apple Dopant slashed him up again. Ryugen crashed into the ground, gasping in pain.

"Do you really think you can play the hero?!" The Apple Dopant snarled. "I will crush you."

Ryugen chuckled under his breath as he dragged his arms underneath him. "Hero? We had a hero. He saved the entire world." Pushing himself off the ground, he said. "But Kouta-san isn't here anymore so we need to be heroes in his stead!"

"I don't know. You were the one to say you've committed unforgivable sins. Sounds more like a villain." The Apple Dopant taunted.

"…." Mitsuzane took a deep breath and counted, "I've betrayed my friends, I hurt my brother, I killed my best friend and the person I love. I've counted all of my sins. I don't know if I can ever atone but there are people who have faith in me… Nii-san, Kouta-san, Mai-san, Shotuarou-san and Philip-san. I won't be stopped by regret. I'm going to transform!"

Pressing the cutting blade, purple energy gather around his leg and Ryugen leapt into the air. Letting out a triumphant cry, Ryugen descended with his kick. The Apple Dopant cried out and Hashimoto was knocked from his dopant form.

Ryugen landed close by, "I… did it."

Realizing that he was defeated, Hashimoto scrambled to pick up his Apple Memory to run away – only to get clotheslined by X-treme Double's bicep.

"Shoutarou-san, Philip-san, what the?!" Ryugen yelped when Double cancelled the transformation and Philip's body magically materialized out of nowhere. At this point, Ryugen didn't even question it and cancelled his transformation

"Yo!" Philip greeted. "Nice job, Kamen Rider."

"What about the Vine Dopant?"

"We got him." Shoutarou nodded towards Hashimoto's unconscious body, "Between him and Hashimoto, we've taken out the leadership of this branch. Now we just have to catch the stragglers."

"That's good."

Shoutarou took a moment to study how held Mitsuzane was surer of his actions and smiled. "That look—"

"Micchy!"

The three riders looked to see Takatora approaching with the Beat Riders. Philip and Shoutarou shared a look and gave Mitsuzane an encouraging shove in the back towards them.

"Nii-san. Everyone." Mitsuzane said as he met them halfway. "Are you alright?"

"We are, thanks to you." Zack said.

"Mitsuzane, you've grown." Takatora remarked.

He shrugged awkwardly. "Have I? I just feel like… I know what I want."

Takatora smiled and ruffled his hair. "I'm proud of you."

"Still I was a little nervous in the middle of the fight. When you said you threw away your driver, that was a ruse, right?" Jounoichi asked.

Mitsuzane shook his head, holding up his driver. There were still a few golden particles floating off of the device. "I don't know how but it just appeared."

Takatora placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Perhaps you have a guardian angel."

Perhaps it was the tiredness that started to inch its way into Mitsuzane's mind, or the light reflected off the driver in a strange way but out of his peripheral vision, he could have sworn he saw two dazzling figures smile at him. Emotions of longing that he suppressed for so long welled up inside him and brought tears to his eyes.

"Micchy, are you crying!?" Rat exclaimed.

"Are you okay?" Rica asked.

"Yeah," He said, resting his head in his hand. "I just got some dust in my eyes."

Shoutarou strolled over. "It's alright for a man to cry."

Philip leaned against Shoutarou and chimed in, "It just makes you half-boiled."

"Hey!"

"That's alright with me." Mitsuzane murmured.

At the sight of strangers, Rica ducked behind Chucky and Zack. "Who are they!?"

"That's a long story…" Takatora began to say but Shotuarou and Philip were ready to introduce themselves.

"When the winds carry the cries of the innocent, pleading for salvation, we'll be there to answer the call," Shoutarou said as they stood back to back and held up their gaia memories. "That is the promise of Fuuto's two-in-one—"

"Arretez-vous!" Oren cried, leaping through the air, kicking Philip head first into a trash can and maneuvering Shotuarou is a painful arm lock.

"Ow, ow, ow!"

"Oren-san!" Jounoichi exclaimed.

"I've hear rumors of nasty interlopers trying to corrupt the delightful youth!" Oren stated, twisting his grip tighter. "I will not let your nefarious plans succeed!"

Shoutarou frantically tried to tap out while everyone hurried to convince Oren that the two detectives meant no harm.

Only one calmly watched on as the group dissolved into chaos. A smile graced her ethereal lips as her companion appeared next to the tree she sat in.

"You're a hypocrite," she said. "I thought we agreed we have to limit the times we interfere with our home, Kouta."

Kouta grinned up at her, "This is my freebee. And you have room to talk! You saved him when he fell! Mai."

Mai huffed, blowing her blonde hair up so that she could glare down at him. Her red eye glowed softly as she passionately stated. "He was going to get hurt!"

"And he would have gotten hurt fighting that… apple th-thingie!" Kouta countered. Glancing over to the group, they watched Mitsuzane laugh and help Philip out of the trash can. "I was worried. But seeing him with everyone… I'm glad he's moving on."

Mai smiled and nodded.

"The earth's in good hands." He added and held out his hand.

"I have one more place I want to visit. I want to make sure he's at peace." Mai said. Kouta nodded in understanding and they both disappeared. They left no sign of their presence besides a light dusting of golden sparkles.

A few days were all it took for Kamen Rider Double to hunt down the rest of the Foundation X operatives. Mitsuzane's knowledge of the city and backup as a fighter quickened the process and Zawame city was once again safe.

The Kureshima brothers watched as Shoutarou and Philip loaded up their belongings before coming to say goodbye.

"Thank you for coming," Takatora said.

"Of course," Philip said. "We'll be in touch."

"Let us know if there's another invasion or even missing pet." Shoutarou said.

"The latter's Shoutarou's specialty." Philip whispered, earning a nudge from Shoutarou.

"It's an art form." He defended, "We should head out, if we want to make it home at a reasonable hour."

Saying their last goodbyes, Shoutarou and Philip got on the Hardboiler and drove off. Once they could no longer be seen, Mitsuzane walked towards the gate, "I should head out too."

"Where are you going?" Takatora asked.

Mitsuzane paused and turned towards his brother with a wide smile and proudly said, "The Dance Stage!"

Takatora returned a smile, "Have fun."

"I will!"

Once again, Mitsuzane was at the stage, watching from the shadows of a tree. The music filled the area as the beat riders danced. It put him at ease to see his friends smiling. He could understand Shoutarou's dream to protect a person's smile.

Mitsuzane knows he's made mistakes. Ones he doubts he'll ever be able to atone for but he didn't want to give up. For the sake of his loved ones, he wanted to keep moving forward. He wouldn't drown in his guilt. He would atone for his crimes however he could and become a person they could be proud of.

Once again, Zack noticed Mitsuzane. Zack had an uncanny sense of people lurking or perhaps it was because of the lighter clothes Mitsuzane decided to wear contrasted with the tree's shadows, either way Zack saw him. He didn't approach but smiled as he waved, inviting Mitsuzane over.

Mitsuzane looked up to the clear blue sky as a warm breeze went by him. "Kouta-san. Mai-san. I'll strive to be a person you can be proud of, I promise."

Mitsuzane left the shadows confidently and went towards the dance stage. It would be a long journey but he was ready to stand up and travel on his road to redemption.

Behind him, though it was out of season, the cherry tree blossomed into a brilliant pink.