#karlington

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page

Only You Can Love Me This Way 

Chapter 13 

Choices, The Royal Romance, The Royal Heir AU 

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son. 

Turning the Page Series Masterlist

My Complete Masterlist 

Main pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who both belong to this series. 

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match. 

Rating: M 🔞 - Warnings – Series will have crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

Words: 3624 

Only You Can Love Me This Way

Chapter Summary: Olivia continues to mentor Riley on how to adapt to Cordonian nobility. Maxwell, Bertrand and Savannah babysit William and Bartie, taking them on a Lythikan adventure. Liam and Riley re-connect and discover that their love story is stronger and better than ever. 

Music & Title Inspiration: Only You Can Love Me This Way, Keith Urban 

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  

A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’) 

A/N3: My submission for choicesjunechallenge, prompts: spatial-hotel / temporal-beginning/   dialogue- “Up for a little trip?” 

El Alami residence, Rabat, Morocco 

With her ankles crossed delicately underneath her, Madeleine El Alami pulled out her cellular to check the status of the Uber driver. It was still incredibly early in the morning in Morocco, and time was of the essence. Her flight was scheduled to leave in ninety minutes from Rabat – Sale International airport and nothing and/or no one was going to halt her journey. Not even her husband.  

Peeking out from between the fence columns outside her home, she could see the city coming alive as the sun's first rays illuminated the horizon. The people who had been hushed moments before, now filled the streets, greeting each other and heading off to start their day. It was a side of life Madeleine had never experienced before, a stark contrast to the opulence and splendor of her former life at the Cordonian palace. It was a reminder of the sacrifices she had made to follow her heart to be with her lover, Eduardo.  

Now five months pregnant, the former queen, now the wife to the Moroccan diplomat, was leaving this world behind. While her husband slept, Madeleine, along with two hand servants were waiting for the Uber vehicle to roll to a stop at the estate’s front entrance. Her suitcases were hefted on board, as she sat down in the rear seat and buckled herself in. The driver shut the door and the car slowly rolled away, the servants went back inro the estate. 

Her parents' disappointment and dismay had only grown when she told them about her unborn baby on their last visit. Her father coaxed her to pack up and return to his duchy in Karlington, England and start over. Her mother wanted her to move back home to Krona, Cordonia. As usual her parents were worlds apart when it came to their only daughter and her well-being, but they were united against Eduardo. 

However, she was done with being controlled by Eduardo.  Done with her father's demands and her mother's nagging. This time, she was going to do what she wanted to do. And what she wanted to do was to spend the rest of her pregnancy alone. 

As she Uber drove to the airport, Madeleine left her husband, forever closing that chapter, watching the world go by; but not seeing anything. Her mind turned to the letter she had left for her husband. She had no regrets for her actions but hoped her words would provide solace for him. 

She felt nothing. No sadness. No loss.  

She had already mourned her former life and the loss of her title as queen. In its place was a new sense of freedom. And with that new sense of freedom came the hope for a new life, with the baby growing inside her. 

Nevrakis Lodge, Lythikos, Cordonia 

"Are you excited to see Uncle Maxwell and Aunt Savannah today, William?" Liam spoke as he was getting his little prince ready for the day. William giggled. "Yeah!" 

"And you get to ride in a carriage! You have never ridden in one before, have you?" Liam smiled as his son's excitement grew. "YES! Horsies!" the little boy replied enthusiastically, his eyes wide with excitement. Liam chuckled. "Let's go get some breakfast and then we can go and wait for Uncle Max.” 

"Okay, daddy!" William beamed; his excitement shined brightly from his big blue eyes. 

As they entered the hallway, they heard a familiar voice call out, "William! Look at how big you are!" 

"Unca Max!" William cried out, running towards his favorite uncle. 

Maxwell scooped the little boy up in a bear hug, smiling widely. "We're going to have so much fun today, little man!" 

"Where's Bartie?" William was concerned, his eyes searching for his newfound best friend. 

"I'm over here," Bartie replied, popping out from behind his mother. "I wanna play with the horses, too. Can we, Mommy? Pleeease?" 

Savannah gave her son a loving smile. "Well as long as the two of you eat your breakfast first." William bounded over to his little friend. "YAY!" The boys both cheered. Liam strolled over, "Savannah, hello. You look well this morning," Liam kissed her cheek. 

"As do you, your majesty," she replied with a curtsy, bowing her head. “Liam, I am so happy and excited for you and Riley.”

"Thank you, Savannah."

Liam clapped Maxwell on the shoulder. "It is good to see you both, too, Lord Beaumont, Duke Ramsford." 

“Your majesty.” Bertrand bowed and smiled, then stepped back to join his wife. 

"Good to see you too, Li." Maxwell grinned at his childhood friend, as the men watched the boys follow Savannah as she grasped their hands. 

Liam shook his head, a grin on his face. "Those two are inseparable. It's a good thing Bertrand has gotten over his fear of children." 

Maxwell laughed. "Bertrand loves kids, he just has to be the most uptight person on the planet." 

Liam chuckled. "I suppose that's true." 

"Hey Max, are you ready?" called out Savannah from down the hall. 

"Ready to eat always, Savvie ... as I"ll ever be," Maxwell replied, turning to Liam. "So, what's the plan for today?" 

Liam gave a mischievous smile. "Well, I thought you could spend the day with William and Bartie, giving Riley and I a chance to have some alone time." 

Maxwell grinned. "Hah ... sounds like fun," he winked. "You're going to owe me, though." 

Liam rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you want." 

Maxwell chuckled. "Alright, let's get this show on the road. The kids and my stomach are waiting." 

Liam turned back to adjust his tie and reached for his suit jacket which was draped over a wing chair. He walked to the foyer to meet with Riley and Olivia, Bastien following discreetly behind him. 

"You're dismissed, Damien," Liam said. "I appreciate your vigilance. 

“Of course," Damien bowed and took his leave, joining the other members of the Royal Guard in the hallway. As he closed the door, his eyes wandered across the hallway, where he watched Olivia wrapping William in a hug before turning toward the foyer and the waiting limo outside. 

Damien had been captivated by Olivia from the moment they were introduced. As he watched her wrap the little crown prince in a hug, his mind wandered. 

He could not help but admire her grace and elegance, the way her fiery hair shone underneath the chandelier or when her eyes sparkled when she laughed. 

Damien knew he could never have her, but the thought of being able to spend time with her, to make her laugh and see her smile, was enough to fuel his dreams. 

He wondered what it would be like to hold her in his arms, to kiss her soft lips and feel her body pressed against his. 

But that was all it could ever be, a fantasy, a dream. 

‘What would a Duchess ever see in a guardsman? Olivia is a rare beauty,’ Damien mused. ‘She's not like any other noble, and she doesn't seem to care about the status or title.’ 

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening, and he straightened up, adjusting his uniform. 

As Damien thoughts went back to his post, his eyes drifted back to Olivia, and he could not help but wonder if there was a chance, however small, that his dreams could become a reality. 

*** 

“Olivia, why are you being so secretive?”  Riley inquired again, after spending the morning shopping for clothes and accessories in the city center, the limousine rolled to a stop at the Nevrakis lodge entrance. 

Bastien opened the limousine door as Olivia stepped out. Glancing back to Riley, she smirked, “You are one lucky lady”. Riley’s eyebrow lifted in question. “You, my dear have a final challenge to endure." 

Riley sat and blinked as she took in her words. After reaching for her bags Riley turned her attention to exit the limo after Olivia, when she heard a deep baritone voice, "...Hi." 

Riley looked up to see a six-foot, 4-inch-tall familiar man looking at her with a huge smile. Dressed in a crisp, sleek suit overtopped by an Armani topcoat 

"Liam? ...What are you doing here?" Riley’s eyes went wide as she looked up at her lover. 

"...And dressed like that?”  

“Love, I wouldn't dream of being underdressed for your final challenge." Liam smirked and then chuckled softly watching Riley’s look of disbelief. 

"So, you're here for the challenge too?" 

"You bet. I've been waiting for this moment since you came back to Cordonia." 

"Liam, what is going on?" 

 “This is our final destination. According to Olivia, I am the challenge.” 

"And that would be?" 

Liam smiled wide, not giving out any clues.

"Oh my, this isn't a game show, right?" 

"Not to worry, love. All I know is that Olivia has prepared something for us and it's a surprise." 

"Okay. So, what is this surprise? Please tell me."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to spoil the fun." 

"Liam, I don't like surprises." 

"Love, I know ...I can see that. But, I think you will like this one. This is our last day in Lythikos; I've already been briefed and we're going to have a blast." 

Olivia’s watched their exchange and added, “the last thing you need to get back into fighting form is to reconnect with what you are fighting for. 

...And you have always been driven by your love for Liam; for your family.”

Liam slid his arm around Riley’s waist pulling her close to him. “Which was an unusually sentimental thing to hear Olivia say.” 

Olivia sighed, “a bit saccharine for my tastes, but to each their own. I always thought love was a weakness, but you seem to actually draw strength from each other.” 

Riley’s scrunched her eyebrows, “Just to be clear, my last challenge is to spend time with King Liam Rys?” 

“The whole day, actually. Olivia is taking us into town.” 

“Everyone else will help me take care of William while you’re away.” Olivia added.

“Sweet! Free daycare! I’m really warming up to Lythikos hospitality.” 

“It’s a circumstantial offer. Cherish it while it lasts.” 

Liam kissed Riley’s cheek, “believe me, we plan to.” 

“But Olivia, you’re supposed to be looking into our Madeleine problem....and the press.” 

“Damien and I will dhave everything covered; I promise. 

And you have your marching orders. Reconnect and start fresh, that you may crush your enemies on the morrow.” 

Liam grinned, “Ah, Romantic.” Placing his hand on the small of her back, Liam steered Riley back into the lodge to change into the evening wear that she bought in town. 

Standing at the entrance of the dining room, along with the other guards, Damien Nazario stood vigilantly watching the crown prince. His eyes were sharp and ever watchful. As a trained ex-secret service agent and bodyguard, he knew when people were watching. 

His attention was suddenly drawn to a smattering of voices outside in the main hall, and a moment later, Duchess Olivia Nevrakis entered the dining room, and Damien felt his breath catch. 

She was stunning. She had been stunning the night before, but he had not noticed her beauty fully. This morning, the Duchess wore a form fitting black and grey suit. Her vibrant red hair was done up in a chignon. Damien was entranced by her, but he knew better than to stare. He tore his eyes away from her and glanced down at the floor, taking in the shiny black patent leather of her boots. He swallowed, wondering how they would feel around his neck. He shook his head, trying to clear the image from his mind. He looked up, and his eyes once again caught sight of her, this time her stormy blue green eyes were looking straight into his. 

She arched an eyebrow and tilted her head as she regarded him. Damien's cheeks warmed. 

"Good morning," a voice sounded beside him. 

"Morning," he mumbled, glancing back to where the Duchess had been, only to find her gone. 

Drake chuckled. "See something you like?” 

***

Inside the limo, Liam and Riley arrived outside an upscale restaurant in the city center.

Bastien opened rhe passenger door and Liam stepped out, holding out his hand for Riley. She took it and climbed out of the limo. She gasped when she looked at the building in front of her. "This is beautiful." 

"You are beautiful," Liam smiled. "And tonight, you will be dining on the best seafood this side of Paris." 

"That's a high bar to live up to." Riley's eyebrows raised. 

Liam chuckled. "It can certainly get the job done." 

They were escorted inside the restaurant, with Liam's hand on the small of her back as they were led to a secluded table overlooking the city center. 

Liam pulled out Riley's chair and she sat down, exposing her long tanned leg through the side slit of her cocktail dress. He sat down and his eyes drank in the sight of her, his gaze lingering on her legs. 

Riley blushed. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare." Liam looked down. 

Riley reached across the table and took his hand in hers. "Look all you want, Your Majesty." 

Liam lifted his head and locked eyes with her, his blue orbs sparkling. "I have wanted to do this since the night of the Coronation Ball. You were breathtaking that night. I wanted to sweep you into my arms and dance the night away with you. But there was always someone or something getting in the way." 

Riley grasped Liam's hands in hers ...

"Mmm, this whole place smells like fresh bread. I want to eat that smell." 

"I will order the kitchen to prepare you a fresh loaf immediately." Liam grinned. 

Riley threw her head back and laughed. 

"Please do. After Olivia's challenges, I feel like I could devour this entire restaurant." 

"I love the sound of your laugh," Liam whispered. 

Riley's heart skipped a beat. 

Liam's grin widened. "I hope we have many more dates just like this. After Olivia's unique brand of 'help', we've definitely earned this day." 

Riley giggled. "That was the nicest way of saying Olivia was a royal pain in the ass." 

Liam let out a chuckle. "That was very diplomatic of me, thank you." 

Liam smiled as a steaming breadbasket and the entrees were set down on the table. The waiter tops off Riley's red wine and sets a glass of scotch down for Liam. 

Riley picked up her glass and held it aloft. "A toast. To us." 

"To us," he echoed, clinking his glass against hers. 

As Riley takes a sip, the waiter places a small dish in front of her. Inside is a thick chocolate sauce in the shape of a heart, the word "love" written in script, and two berries. 

Riley looked from the dish to Liam, her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Chocolate covered strawberries? Are you trying to seduce me, Liam?" 

"That depends," Liam replied, a matching grin forming on his face. 

"On what?" Riley asked. 

"Whether or not it's working," he whispered. 

Riley's eyes met his and they burned with desire. 

"I'll take that as a yes." His grin widened and he leaned across the table. Liam took Riley's hand in his, his fingers tracing slow circles on the back of her hand. "You are beautiful. I wish we could have been together from the start." 

Riley's lips formed a soft smile. "So do I, Liam. I don't want this night to end." 

"It doesn't have to." Liam reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, laying them on the table between them. 

"Up for a little trip?” 

Riley's eyes widened. "Are you suggesting we run away together?" 

"One of the best kept secrets in Lythikos is a glass igloo tucked away in the mountains. The perfect view of the stars, the perfect view of the valley." 

Riley bit her lip and looked up at him from under her lashes. "I think I might have found the perfect view right here." 

"It's also very secluded. Not another soul for miles." Liam winked. 

Demurely smiling, Riley added, "I can think of a few ways to take advantage of that." 

"So can I ... if you're up for the trip." 

Riley picked up the keys, the smile on her face growing wider. "Let's skip the dinner and jump right to the dessert."

"Then we should leave right now," he suggested, his eyes never leaving hers. After a few calls, Liam stands and offers his arm to Riley. 

Riley slipped her arm through his and together they headed out of the restaurant, and back into the waiting limo. 

The driver was already waiting and pulled the car into the traffic. They passed through the city streets and up into the mountains. It was dark when the car finally pulled up in front of a domed glass structure. Stepping inside, the entire frozen mountainside stretched out around on all sides, a beautiful aurora shined through the ceiling panels. 

"Oh Liam, this place is unreal ... it's all the natural wonder of camping with the comfort of a five star hotel." 

"And a lot more privacy." Liam added.

"After the past few weeks, I really wanted to get you away and alone," Liam softly spoke, his arms slipping around Riley's waist. 

She placed her hands over his. "Me, too. I don't want this day to end." 

"I have one more surprise for you." 

Riley smiled. "Is that why you brought me here? For a surprise?" 

"No. I brought you here because I want to be alone with you." He kissed her cheek, his lips trailing along her jawline and down her neck. 

Riley's eyelids fluttered and she tilted her head back. "Mmm, is that so?" 

Liam nuzzled his nose against the spot behind her ear. "I wanted to do this all evening." 

"What's stopping you now?" 

He grinned. "Nothing." 

Liam pressed his lips to hers. She melted into him and deepened the kiss. His tongue sought hers and they moved together in unison. He cupped her ass and pulled her into him, her curves conforming to his body. 

Riley's hands tangled into his hair, her fingers tugging. Liam moaned into her mouth, his desire rising. Together tumbling back onto the bed, legs tangling as they fall down onto the plush mattress. 

A while later, Liam's fingers combed absently through Riley's hair as they watched the way the colors and lights swirled around, constantly changing.... It was hypnotic. 

"When I look up into the sky ... I see you. I see something beautiful, brilliant, untamable ... a breathtaking force of nature. I know that we have been through a lot, but when you're in my arms like this ... I also know that we can find a way through it together, if you'll let me."

Riley sighed happily. "Liam..."

*I know, love, that I said I wouldn't bring it up again, but after tonight, I need to tell you that I'm so sorry for everything." 

"Liam, it's okay, I know you had to do it. I know the weight of the world was on your shoulders, and you had to do what's best for your people, that's your duty. But you have to also do what's best for yourself. We all do." 

Liam's grip tightened slightly around her waist. "That's what I want. You...

"Riley. I love you. And William. I can't imagine my life without you both in it."

"I love you too, Liam," she whispered. "So much..."

"Do you forgive me?" Liam asked quietly in earnest. 

"Of course, I forgive you. I am so sorry that I was a coward and left without telling you about..."

"SSHHH! There is nothing to forgive you for, Riley. You were just doing what you felt you had to do. I am so sorry that the court was so unfair to you. My father ..." 

"Liam, please. Let's just focus on the present."

"... and the future." LIam added with a kiss...

@choicesficwriterscreations @thosehallowedhalls

[taintedpastries]

"HICCUP!"

Karlington Sketchpad Pennman suffers one of the most common cartoon blunders! A bad case of 'em too! Doesn't seem like a simple glass of water will do the trick.

Look i would've finished it faster but I was cracking up over the expression I gave him.

[alj4890]

Escaping for a Moment

(Ernest Sinclaire x MC*Catherine Mills) in a Choices Desire and Decorum drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: forbidden lovers sharing a kiss in the shadows

Not quite sure who to tag for this one since it has been so long since I last wrote a drabble for this pair. Plus in cleaning out my drafts folder I lost my permatag list 🤦🏻‍♀️Tagging some who won't be too angry at me for doing so, LOL! @hopelessromantic1352 @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations @krsnlove

Masterlist

"Enjoying yourself, my dear?"

Lady Catherine Mills stiffened at the sound of her fiancé's voice.

There was nothing that made her skin crawl quite like Tristan Richard's oily tone.

A scathing insult sat on the tip of her tongue to give the odious man the set down he so rightly deserved. One glance at her grandmother's stern demeanor instead had her forcing a smile.

"I am. Thank you, your grace."

The Duke of Karlington leered at her. He purposely moved closer and placed her hand within the bend of his arm. He enjoyed watching her suffer being trapped with him.

The Dowager Countess beamed at the pair. She was pleased beyond measure that her natural granddaughter had managed to capture such a prized suitor. There wasn't a young lady here who had done so well in such little time.

Nor with such a questionable background.

"You should dance and show her off, your grace." She prodded.

"What a marvelous notion." Tristan remarked.

He placed his hand over Catherine's, smiling all the more with her trying to avoid his touch.

"Shall we show them how it's done, my lady?"

Catherine knew she must say yes. It galled her to have to spend a single moment in this man's presence much less dance with him. The thought of his hands upon her body made her wish to find a chamber pot to wretch in.

If only she was allowed to marry the one man whom she so deeply loved. Mr. Ernest Sinclair was so many things to Catherine. He'd been her savior, her friend, and finally the one who stirred her soul like no other.

Why had they tarried so long that night before sharing the joyful news of their engagement? If they'd only found her grandmother sooner, Catherine would be eagerly taking a turn on the dance floor with her fiancé, Mr. Sinclair, instead of the fiend pretending to be a gentleman at her side.

Life seemed determined to be unfair for the young lady. Not only was she denied her true love, she also was denied even a glimpse of him. For reasons she assumed were because she was promised to another, Mr. Sinclair had yet to make an appearance this evening.

If it were not for Ms. Parsons and Prince Hamid being there to bolster her spirits, Catherine would most likely have dissolved into tears. Her heart ached for Ernest. She was near the point of throwing decorum out the window and running off to Gretna Green with him.

She no longer cared if her beloved father had intended to leave Edgewater to her instead of her stepbrother. Mr. Marlcaster wasn't a bad sort. Catherine could see that he truly had a kind heart when not under the thumb of his mother.

If her dear Briar believed he was all that was good in this world, then Catherine couldn't doubt it. Her friend had a way of seeing one's true nature. Mr. Marlcaster might fumble the finances and such, but he would be a good steward to the people of Edgewater.

She knew if she was to run away with Ernest, scandal would be forever associated with her name. Did it matter though? Her questionable birth already tainted her reputation, though she had no control over those circumstances. At least the new gossip would be something she could happily live with.

"Lady Catherine?" Tristan hissed. "Are you not paying attention?"

Catherine jerked her head away from the feeling of his breath on her ear.

The Dowager laughed at the notion.

"She is most likely lost in thought over the notion of marrying you, your grace."

Tristan's smile was one most ladies deemed charming.

Catherine found little to like in it.

"Is that true, my dear? Are you thinking about our wedding?" His voice lowered for her ears alone. "Or is your baseborn nature concentrating on our wedding night?"

Catherine jerked her hand from his. Trembling with suppressed rage, she pleaded for them to excuse her.

Blinded by angry tears, she wound her way through the crush of guests in search of an escape. Since the retiring room was filled with giggling ladies, she next hoped to find a quiet corner outside to try and calm down.

She shook her head when Prince Hamid asked if she needed him. After tripping her way to a side door, Catherine slipped outside and rushed deep into the shadows.

Her exit was halted by a pair of strong arms wrapping around her.

"Catherine?" Mr. Sinclair said softly to try and shush her cries.

"Ernest!" She twirled in his arms, her hands cupping his face as her lips immediately sought his.

Ernest deepened the kiss, holding her even closer within his embrace.

Catherine broke away to catch her breath. "I thought you were not coming."

"I could not stay away." He caressed her cheek. "I do not care what anyone thinks. I refuse to stand by and see you married to such a man as Duke Richards."

Though she couldn't see him well, his voice made her heart sing with his next words.

"You were created for me, Catherine. You are to be no one's wife but mine."

She sighed into the heat of his next kiss. Her hands moved along his broad shoulders, glorying in the fact that he was truly here and still wanted her for his own.

"My love," she breathed as his lips brushed kisses down her neck, "I want nothing more than to be Mrs. Sinclair."

"And so you shall." He fervently promised. "We will find a way out of your betrothal. The Duke of Karlington will not lay another finger on you."

The mention of her fiancé's name forced Catherine to reluctantly pull away.

"I should return before my grandmother sends the duke for me."

"I'll escort you back." Ernest pressed a kiss to the back of her hand before releasing her.

She took his arm, leaning closer than appropriate. She needed a few more moments near him if she was to endure the rest of the ball.

Once inside, notes were played to signal that the Allemande was about to begin.

"Would you do me the honor, my lady?" Mr. Sinclair asked in that proud proper tone of his.

Catherine looked up at him. Her eyes traced his handsome features in the nearby candlelight. Her first genuine smile of the night appeared upon her slightly kiss swollen lips. She could continue to play the part of a respectable noble as long as he was near.

"Thank you, Mr. Sinclair." She said with a polite tilt of her head. "I would love to."

As he took her in his arms to dance, Catherine felt both her hope and courage return.

She would find a way to freedom and celebrate it with the man at her side.

[yeonchi]

Kisekae Insights #41: Kamen Rider Decade Part 1

Kamen Rider Decade had a deeper story and nostalgic tributes compared to its sister work, Gokaiger. This is because Decade is meant to be a character development piece for its main character, Hiroki Ichigo. Contrary to my image of him, Hiroki was never the good boy I thought he was. He’s been disowned by his parents, he’s broken a billion billion hearts to save his own and he’s done some shady things to get to where he is today. Hence, his journey as Kamen Rider Decade is a journey for Hiroki to repent and learn lessons about his childhood sins while also teaching others along the way. His reward is gaining the cooperation of the Kamen Riders and unlocking their powers for his own use.

This series takes place in a smaller timeframe compared to Gokaiger (their adventures started in December/January while Decade’s adventures started in April), but its main premise involves Hiroki travelling back a month in time to gather the Kamen Riders and prevent the destruction of his city at the hands of an initially-unknown enemy. Be witness to Hiroki as he goes on a Journey through the Decade, beginning with the Nine Riders Arc.

“Just a passing-through Kamen Rider. And don’t you forget it!”

Episode 1: The Wildflower

Adapted from Decade episodes 1, 2 and 3.

During the events of Gokaiger, Hiroki was travelling with the Pony Doctor… even though he was missing for some time when Gokaiger happened. Out-of-sync timeline maybe? Inversely, the start of this episode takes place following the end of Gokaiger when the Power Rangers have scattered around to fight off remnants of the Zangyack Armada, because even after concentrating all their soldiers on Earth, pockets are still bound to remain somehow. This isn’t really made clear in the series.

The start of this series excises the Rider War dream from the start of episode 1, but hold onto that for later. Instead, we dive straight into the mysterious attack on the city as Melanie Yang and Kayley Karlington arrive in search of Hiroki. During the attack, dimensional walls (also known as Aurora Curtains) appear all over the city, bringing monsters with it. Hiroki meets with Melanie and Kayley and they head to UNIT HQ, where Hiroki is given the Decade Beltmorpher and Swiss Booker before he tests out his powers on some monsters, transforming into Drive, Ninja and Magica before his Kamen Ride cards turn grey. Hiroki is then given the Vortex Manipulator Mark 2, which has a randomiser function that automatically transports Hiroki to where each Rider is, then transform his attire depending on where he arrives in. After being given his mission to seek the Nine Kamen Riders and gain their powers, Hiroki is sent back a month in time alongside Kayley, who offers to travel with him.

In a tribute to Fifi and the Flowertots, the rest of the episode’s plot follows that of the original episodes with some modifications. Hiroki arrives in Never Land where he finds himself dressed as a defence-talent fairy (the equivalent of their police force there). The Gurongi, who manifested from human darkness brought to Never Land by babies’ first laughs, are targeting fairies (Fairy = 妖精 = ようせい = ジョグゲギ = jogugegi) in their sacred Gegeru based around Mt Meltlight to revive the “ultimate darkness”. Firerose, aka Kamen Rider Kuuga, encounters Hiroki as Decade and fights him, having heard from Narutaki that he was the “devil”.

Despite Hiroki stopping the sacred Gegeru, Narutaki’s summoning of the Hoppers causes N-Gamio-Zeda to be revived anyway, spreading darkness across Never Land that causes Gurongi to emerge from the dirt (instead of turning fairies into Gurongi). Firerose’s ally, Jolena, is attacked by a Gurongi and is brought to the Hospital Tree where she later dies. Being encouraged by Jolena to fight for everyone’s smiles, Firerose helps Hiroki fight and defeat N-Gamio-Zeda.

Lesson taught: Even if people seek strength through battle, there will be people who want to make others smile.

Episode 2: What?! The Guardians Return?

Adapted from Decade episodes 4 and 5.

Hiroki and Kayley leaves Never Land and arrives in Handan City, the home of Torchwood North for a tribute to Shugo Chara. Around the same time, Firerose is brought from Never Land to Handan as well by Hakushi using his TARDIS.

Hiroki finds himself wearing a lab coat with a Torchwood North ID card in his pocket. He heads to Torchwood North with Kayley and they meet with Zhuge Qiao, who asks for his help in reviving Torchwood North to its former glory. It is then that a man corrupted by an X-Egg appears, becoming a Fangire as a result. Hiroki transforms and fights the Fangire before Zhuge Qiao transforms into Shugo and fights him; she had heard from Narutaki that Decade was the “devil”, but she didn’t really know that Hiroki was Decade and it took both Firerose and the now-purified man to convince her that Hiroki isn’t a devil.

Going back to Torchwood North, Hiroki and Kayley help Zhuge Qiao and Tsukasa Amakawa bring the Guardians back from the Road of Stars, after they had sacrificed themselves to repel the Dalek fleet during their invasion of Earth years prior. However, Narutaki is cooperating with the Daleks to stop Torchwood North from reviving the Guardians, leading an army of Fangires and Imagin, the latter being humans who were given ruby necklaces by Narutaki. As Narutaki’s army approaches, Tsukasa is sent to fight them and buy time, transforming into Kamen Rider Duke using the Genesis Driver before he is defeated and Narutaki takes the Driver from him. Tsukasa would then fight as Kamen Rider IXA from that point on.

Although Hiroki and Firerose manage to hold off Narutaki’s army, the Daleks end up thwarting Zhuge Qiao’s plan, resulting in the four Riders working together to defeat Narutaki, her army and the Daleks. Shugo’s Final Form Ride is summoning the giant Guardian Sword to perform an attack akin to the team finishing attack from Gaoranger/Wild Force.

Following this, Firerose joins Hiroki and Kayley on their travels.

Lesson taught: Failure does not mean giving up – there will always be a solution, even if it is a compromise.

Episode 3: The Awakening

Adapted from Decade episodes 12 and 13.

Hiroki’s gang arrives in Swansea, Wales as Hiroki appears dressed as a Salacian prince. Fun fact - my description has it as “a mix of Marcello and the Shark King” which is practically just Veto and I wrote his wiki page before I started work on this series. This episode isn’t a tribute to Sea Princesses (yet, though it is a pseudo-tribute), but to My Bride is a Mermaid. The featured Salacian Riders are the four Amazons Riders, Juli, Jessi, Agostinha and Squid Girl. We also meet Lilimuro, a Flowertot who left Never Land and ended up helping Zhuge Shu and his family.

I’ve written about much of this and the next episode’s plot in #13 so I won’t bore you with all the details. I brought Another Agito since its suit was remade for Gorider, which begs the question why they didn’t remake the suit for regular Gills as well if both suits were water damaged.

Lesson learnt: While humans are misled by power because they are foolish, it is only so that they can achieve success. Humans may stray from their path, but they still continue on their journeys, even if it is a mistake.

Episode 4: Driven to Destruction

Adapted from Decade episodes 8 and 9.

Hiroki arrives in Chipping Cheddar and finds himself dressed in tights and a leotard in a tribute to Angelina Ballerina. I’d say “I’m not kidding” here, but that would be sexist given that male ballerinas are a thing.

A portion of the Animal Army, an original villain group among the monsters appearing in the first episode, is led by Garfield as Kamen Rider Psyga and Arlene as the Smilodon Dopant. Mirroring the scenes from the original episode, Caramelo makes an appearance as Todoroki, but his identity isn’t revealed as he was just a summon by Narutaki.

At the end of the episode, a Roidmude takes on Lilimuro’s form, foreshadowing the conclusion of the series’ first arc. We also get a cameo from Terry and Saki Mizukoshi along with Jon, Liz, Odie and Nermal from the Garfield franchise. Narutaki breaks into Charlie the Monkey’s laboratory and takes a Genesis Driver along with the EFTPOS Gunmorpher.

Lesson taught: Old enemies will be old enemies. If they want to clear a mutual obstacle in front of them, they need to show compassion and work together to eliminate it.

Episode 5: Animal Farm

Adapted from Decade episodes 10 and 11.

This tribute to Bananas in Pyjamas is named after the George Orwell novel of the same name. Hiroki is dressed in pyjamas and fedora for this one.

Hiroki and gang arrive in Cuddlestown where he learns from Rat in a Hat that animals have been acting strange for some time. As a bunch of chickens combine into two Megatori monsters outside, they are defeated by B1 and B2 as Kamen Rider Double. Other animal monsters also appear but they are defeated by the Teddies as Gaim, Baron and Ryugen.

Following the battle, the group meets with Charlie in his lab, where we learn that he and other UNIT scientists created the Double Driver and Genesis Driver by reverse-engineering the Lost Driver and Sengoku Driver(s) that came from a dimensional hole two years prior. It is then that Old Major, aka Kamen Rider Faiz, is spotted outside Rat’s shop; Rat goes to fight him as Zangetsu but is defeated by Faiz Axel Form. Narutaki uses her EFTPOS Gunmorpher to activate Faiz’s Final Form Ride and defeat Decade and the other Riders.

A group of mercenaries led by Noel Swarovski capture Hiroki and Old Major, hoping to gain the backstory of the latter. The mercenaries are unable to extract that information from Old Major, but Hiroki manages to do so, learning that the Animal Army was founded with assistance from an activist group known as Food Chain Breakers (FCB), who gave animals human sentience so they could rebel against them. At the same time, Charlie also reveals that he created the Decade Riders’ equipment, with the Diend Gunmorpher and EFTPOS Gunmorpher being created as backup equipment for the purpose of stopping Decade should he go rogue. Kayley is given the Diend Gunmorpher for fear that it would fall in the wrong hands, making her the first female Secondary Rider on a currently-running series before Toei would do so in Kamen Rider Gotchard with Majade. (There are also a number of female Primary Riders in my personal project, but they are not the main protagonists and it’s unlikely that Toei will ever do so for their flagship Kamen Rider series.)

The FCB and the Animal Army attacks the mercenaries’ lair at full force, leading the Bananas and Teddies to head to the scene alongside Kayley, who makes her debut as Kamen Rider Diend. The FCB leader, Grant Walliday, makes his appearance as the series-original Edge Dopant (with swords for hands) and is defeated by Decade and Double with the latter’s Final Form Ride. Narutaki arrives with Rat, ordering him to transform into Zangetsu Shin and kill the Riders before she brings Diend to another dimension to fight Kamen Rider Ryuga. Decade and his allies win and Hiroki’s gang goes off to their next destination.

Lesson taught: If people want to be vegetarian (or vegan) to show their compassion for animals, then it is their own decision, but they should not force others into making that decision for them.

Episode 6: Lights of the East

Adapted from Decade episodes 16 and 17.

The group arrives in Tokyo and they meet the Hurricanegers, Hiroki finding himself dressed in a noragi similar to that of Souji Tendou in Kabuto. Recognising Hiroki as Decade, the Hurricanegers take him in for safety and they go to a café owned by Grandma Cooper and her granddaughter Beth, which serves clam chowder (replacing oden from the original episode). Grandma Cooper’s grandson is Tommy Cooper, aka Kamen Rider Kabuto and the leader of the New Tongmenghui. The Faiz Riders are also featured in this episode, starting a mini-arc where the featured Riders of an episode reappear in the next episode.

Meanwhile, Narutaki colludes with ZECT, Smart Brain, the FCB, the mercenaries from the previous episode and the New Tongmenghui for her triple-layered plan to commit genocide; convert humans into Orphnoch using Rassmussen’s video from Sleep No More, then cause a global nuclear disaster to kill all humans and Orphnoch while also killing the 20 million Zygons living on Earth or mutating them into Worms. Some of Angela’s co-conspirators rebel as a result of this and Hiroki works with them and the Hurricanegers to defeat her and thwart her plans.

Hiroki’s encounter with HurricaneRed, Hikaru Azuma, causes him to become ashamed of himself due to his autism and as a result, being reminded of Hideko Kimihara, someone he would rather forget due to how people used to ship the two of them together (in forced-marriage plots) and because he loves Akari and not Hideko. Hiroki learns from Hikaru and his friends that being autistic isn’t something to be ashamed of and that many people learn to accept and embrace it. This plot point is a result of this episode being a tribute to the manga With the Light.

Lorah, Hugo and Tata, the featured Salacian Riders, are working with ZECT in this episode, but at the end of the episode, they are knocked out by Narutaki and copied by Roidmudes.

Lesson learnt: Autism isn’t something to be ashamed of. Anyone can have the potential to be remarkable and we should learn to accept ourselves for who we are.

Episode 7: Displaced Spirits

A largely original episode with minimal adaptation.

As with before, I’ve covered this and the next episode in #13 so I won’t repeat myself again here. Yuki Yamaki is the featured Rider in this episode as this is a tribute (of sorts) to Naisho no Tsubomi, a manga anthology centred around different girls named Tsubomi as they learn about puberty and other things. It is also a pseudo-tribute to Torchwood, Madoka Magica, GARO and Sea Princesses, with the featured Salacian Riders being the Oni Riders led by Marli and Maurico along with Kamen Rider Hibiki aka Marcela, the lost Hammerhead Shark Princess. Tubarina also makes an appearance as Kamen Rider Ouja but she merely serves as an informant for Narutaki.

Kabuto and Gatack make an appearance with the New Tongmenghui and they are the Riders who get taught a lesson in this episode. They return to Grandma Cooper’s café at the end of the episode. Hiroki is dressed similar to Captain Jack Harkness, who makes a cameo at the end to compliment his outfit.

After the main battle of the episode, Narutaki confronts Hiroki about the Hybrid and alludes to him being it as she notes that he has never been entirely human all his life and that he has been slowly losing his humanity for a number of years now. Hiroki asks Narutaki what she has become and she replies with his usual catchphrase.

Lesson taught: Children need to learn the difference between right and wrong from their parents. Freedom has its limits.

Episode 8: The Searching Boy

Adapted from Decade episodes 7 and 8. Also a sequel to the Sea Princesses episode The Boy.

Finally, the actual tribute episode to Sea Princesses. Narutaki makes her debut as Kamen Rider Gold Drive in this episode and would alternate between the two power sets until Soulbound Series 3. The Octonauts also make an appearance following Doctor Who Series 8 in 2014.

Hiroki is dressed as Squid Girl as some Core Driviar technology is given to him in the form of Shift Cars and Signal Bikes. This episode is the first of a two-parter plot involving Narutaki triggering the Global Freeze to conclude the Nine Riders Arc. The Goddess Salacia makes her debut as Kamen Rider Saga and is also revealed to have been copied by a Roidmude. Kayley is the one who teaches the Shark King a lesson in place of Hiroki, even going so far as to use his catchphrase.

Although Decade, Ryuki and their allies manage to stop Narutaki’s plan, she reveals that this was merely a test for the true Global Freeze when she double-crosses the Shark King. Regardless, this marks the start of a new peace between Drylanders and Salacians as Polvina reunites with Daniel Camielez (aka Kamen Rider Ryuki, the Drylander boy from the titular episode) and Marcello reunites with Marcela.

Lesson taught (by Kayley): You cannot rely on yourself to fight for or protect something.

Episode 9: Who is the real Kamen Rider of Silverhatch Racetrack?

Adapted from Drive episodes 44, 45, 46 and 47.

Hiroki arrives at Silverhatch Racetrack and finds himself dressed as Toramata Suzuki (鈴木虎亦), modelled on real-life commentator Toshihiro Suzuki (鈴木敏弘) from that one video of his hilarious race commentary. He is hired as a replacement commentator after Big Chris decided to take family leave (this was around the time when Peter Kay had cancelled all work projects for family reasons; I wasn’t sure what to do with Big Chris so all he got was a cameo in the final episode of Gokaiger), with Violet joining the team as their replacement mechanic.

Hiroki commentates a race as Flash crashes it towards the end in Tridoron. Narutaki sends forth some Roidmudes and Flash transforms into Kamen Rider Drive to fight them in a staged battle before Mr Carburettor fights him as Mashin Chaser. After Drive escapes, PC Pete informs everyone that Tridoron and Drive’s equipment were stolen from Shinnosuke Tomari. Hiroki and Mr Carburettor go with PC Pete to investigate and they find Akari’s brother, who transforms into Kamen Rider Mach and fights Decade. Later, Shinnosuke plays a video that Krim Steinbelt made for Hiroki and the others, allowing them to learn of Narutaki’s collusion with Tenjūrō Banno to trigger the Global Freeze.

You will recall that certain characters were copied by Roidmudes in previous episodes. Firerose’s friend, Lilimuro, was copied by Roidmude 006, whose evolved form is the Blazer Roidmude (I don’t remember the inspiration for it so I think it was original). Lorah was copied by Roidmude 088, whose evolved form is the Aqua Roidmude (resembling Kamen Rider Aqua) and the Goddess Salacia was copied by Roidmude 055, whose evolved form is the Ocean Roidmude (resembling Kamen Rider Poseidon). Hugo and Tata were copied by Roidmudes 039 and 093; though they do not have evolved forms, they can transform into Drake and Sasword just like their templates. Blazer, Aqua, Ocean and Gold Drive are the four Super Evolved Roidmudes used to power up the Sigma Circular. Heart tries to stop her but he is destroyed by Drive Type Formula.

Narutaki begins digitising humanity as she unleashes all the Roidmudes on Hiroki and the others; the Ryuki Riders arrive to assist as well, being spared from the effects of the Global Freeze thanks to them modifying Time Vent using technology Narutaki left in Salacia. Firerose finds his determination to continue travelling and protecting the smiles of everyone around the world, allowing him to unlock Kuuga Ultimate Form (the Rising Forms were not featured due to time constraints). Narutaki is defeated as she is sent flying; Hiroki takes her back to Silverhatch and leaves her there before he leaves with his friends. To be honest, if I’d known that Banno’s destruction scene at the hands of Gou would be such a meme (in China), I would’ve adapted it for a bit of tension between Hiroki and Narutaki.

Having completed his mission, the randomiser unlocks and Hiroki is allowed to return, but he decides to take the long way around as he still has some time left and there are also other Riders who are not part of the original Kamen Rider Project that he can meet.

Lesson learnt (by Firerose): There is just as much evil on Earth as there is on other worlds (including Never Land) and people need to work together to overcome it.

This ends the Nine Riders Arc; we continue in the next instalment with the TV Movie Specials, the New Worlds Arc and the Age of Riders movies. Although plans have changed during the development years, the stories are still epic.

[chiliraccoon]

[rysandraines]

So I guess every duke of karlington is a traitorous dick

[adrrianraines]

911 THIS IS AN EMERGENCY—GODFREY BEING THE DUKE OF KARLINGTON HAS A REASON. HE’S AS DIRTY AS MR. RICHARDS!!

[kinda-iconic]

Oh for goodness sake! 🙄🙁

[heauxplesslydevoted]

[abunchofbadchoices]

Duke Richards : Our babies will be smart AND beautiful!

MC : Not to mention imaginary.

[rosesnink]

eras of beatrice howard/foredale

Miss Howard (1796-February 1816)

Lady Beatrice Howard (March 1816, ch2)

Lady Beatrice Foredale (engaged to the duke at the time)

Countess of Edgewater (disputed by Viscount Harry, June/July 1816)

Championess of the Realm (June/July 1816)

Countess of Edgewater, Mistress of Ledford Park & guardian of Duchy Karlington in Duke Percival's name (3rd of August 1816)

Day two of counting down @princess-geek 's birthday! This one was the hardest to do, but my, the result is amazing! It breaks down the eras of beatrice (and any d&d mc, really) and the evolution is clear.

I wanted to make this of my OCs, but since it'd be too spoilery, I thought Canon!Beatrice deserved some love. I hope you like this one, sweetie!! 💛

[taintedpastries]

PASCAL THE FERRET

Another attempt at drawing in the Living Toon's art Style! This time, his fursona! That's right KARLINGTON SKETCHPAD PENNMAN IS A FURRY!!!

Pascal does also have toonish qualities,. being able to stretch and coil, and having a body moveable like putty!

Oh! and his tail is a pencil.

[ladykateofledfordpark]

Apparently the Godfreys inherited the Karlingtons' lands after Mr. Richards lost his title?

[endlessflame]

Go get him, Bastien!

[lizzybeth1986]

What did you think of the conversation between Godfrey and Barthelemy? Idk if its paranoia or all the plot holes, but it seemed as though they didn't like Liam's mother, and we know she was poisoned. However, I do doubt they'd have them be a part of that since one is a Beaumont and the other is the parent of a character they're trying to redeem

I had similar thoughts (and also felt - like countless others must have guessed already - that the conversations between Godfrey and Barthelemy in the Young!Bertrand scene and between the Constantine and Eleanor in the Young!Drake scene were connected) and if indeed they were involved it would be the ultimate irony. Especially when you take into account that the present-day titleholders in charge of the duchies that may have been trying to undermine the Crown in different ways (Bertrand of Ramsford, Madeleine of Fydelia/Krona, Olivia of Lythikos) are now among the Crown's staunchest allies. I'm also wondering whether any of this is tied to what Olivia is looking into.

(But also, the retconning is everywhere and I don't think think The Royal Heir is an appropriate title for this book anymore).

[rysandraines]

mc full on tackling the duke was a moment I didn’t know I needed to see so much