Kamen Rider Zero
Reading 11: To transform!...or not?
The figure clothed in black, along with a hood which covered his face, walked towards a seemingly abandoned factory site alone. The area was filled with waste piled up high like a mountain. Along with the sun's glaring light, the shadow that was cast among the mountains made it looked all the more eerie and dark. But to this man, it was the perfect site for him to stay. In fact, he has been living in there comfortably all these while.
His light footsteps echoed through the empty, decrepit structure, making a 'shaah shaah' sound with his feet dragging along the pebbles on the ground too. Inside the building, the only light source was the penetrating rays which crept through the cracks of the walls, forming irregular shapes that shone only small parts of the room. But that was enough for them. They preferred it to be dark. By they, it meant the other two men who was in the very same building as well.
One was cloaked lightly with a singlet and body ridden with tattoos of skulls and chains. He was laying on the pebbles with arms stretched behind his head as he stared into the ceiling filled with cobwebs. The other one was a much slender-built man. He was much younger compared to the other two, more like a teenager. He was always seen wearing a pair of black uniform which belonged to a neighboring school nearby.
The just arrived member of the trio then proceed to remove his hood. He had tanned-skin and blond hair, along with a silver earring on his left earlobe. No matter how you looked at him, he resembled nothing to any of the locals and more like a touring Caucasian. He walked confidently to his seat that was in between the two. It was a stack of rubber and debris and the top of it was an antique-looking chair. He leaped up with ease and sat upon the high seat, resting his chin on his knuckles.
"So what did you see?" The schoolboy asked, flipping a coin up as he caught it with his other hand. He smacked it onto the topside of his hand. The coin revealed a heads. He smiled and looked up to the blond-haired man. "Hey Strauss, you've got some interesting stories to share right?"
"Yes...it seems that that sneaky little bastard is planning something up his sleeves again." Strauss narrowed his eyes slightly at the thought of it.
"Ohhhh...lucky! So what did you see?"
Strauss had been thinking a lot during his trip back to his little comfort zone. The PentaDriver that the Arcana Temperance had mentioned was something new to him. After all, the researchers who worked under the great leader of the 'Revolution' had always been the type who kept their mouths shut. This accidental eavesdrop was like gold mine being presented upon him.
No matter what, he must get that PentaDriver. It may be the only tool that could bring him immense power over the other Arcanas. Seeing how Zero had performed with the Pentacle alongside him, it was with no doubt that the Driver would be able to do much more, and easily as well. Now, the only question that remained was,
How could he orchestrate the events before him to attain the belt?
"Fenril, Behemoth, shall we play a game soon?" Strauss said.
"Lucky! What's the game about?!" The schoolboy Fenril shouted excitedly with a fist pumped in the air.
"..." The quiet Behemoth that laid on the ground just stared blankly at the ceiling, not a word from his mouth.
I decided to fill Hikari and Hamano in on what Rei had just told me. She said that the Pentacle could only work for at most, three more times before it officially break apart. I have also told them about the PentaDriver which was completed, according to her. After the talk with her, there were a lot of things being established as I got to understand how the Pentacle worked.
Firstly, the Pentacle that I am holding on to acts as not only a way to boost my strength, but also to suit my body to prevent unnecessary harm from the 'processed' energy that the Pentacle produces. Secondly, the Pentacle is not the final product of the Rider System; but only a prototype. Lastly, the number of times that I am able to use the system is...three.
After taking a sip of coffee, I relax my back against the chair while Hamano sits at her place with a blank look on her face. It's not surprising that she was confused by the information since she was just some ordinary girl who got caught up with us because...of her own reasons. Hikari, however, does not look surprise. Instead, her eyes feels as though she has lost herself in her own thoughts.
"Hikari, are you okay?" I ask.
"Huh...what?" Hikari then snaps back suddenly with a dazed look as she looks over to the both of us as we cast a curious gaze at her. Ever since Rei's appearance, Hikari seems to be a lot more...distracted? Or maybe it's me who's getting distracted. The words left by her still echoes inside my head as my fingers rest on the Pentacle's surface. Not only that, the point with Rei suddenly appearing to feed me with all this information is something that is suspicious.
"But who knows? Am I your friend, or foe...you'll have to decide."
It just doesn't sit well with me...
"Ah yes, Hiro...I-" Just as Hikari wanted to say something, my attention was immediately stolen by the Wand as it displayed a strong pulse of energy that signaled the signs of a Minor Suit nearby. I jumped to my feet and finished up the last of the coffee.
"Hikari, If it's anything less important than the Suit, fill me in when I get back." I promptly reply, pushing the door open as I rush out the cafe. Judging by the direction of the needle, it must be at least two blocks down the streets around here. Just as I am deciding the route to take, a couple of screams from the south of the shop catches my attention. From the corner of the juncture, I see a couple of people running in frenzy, some even to the extent of rolling over the floor!
"I guess this is my answer." I run towards it without a moment of hesitation. Reaching the middle of the juncture, my eyes catches sight of the Minor Suit that's rampaging down the streets. It's a Mantis-type of Minor Suit judging from the looks and structure of its slender and green body, with a pair of blades in its hands. "Hey, over here!" I shout, running towards it to divert its attention to me.
Before it can be turn to look, I lunge forward and push it down the ground, pounding my fists upon its hard body. The Suit pushes me away without any problem as it stands up slowly. I hold my knuckles close as it throbs with pain from all the attack.
"I am looking for humans worthy to be my master's subject." The Suit says.
"You mean subjects to be experimented into something like you?"
"Would you perhaps, like to be one?" It says as it holds on tightly to the pair of curved blades.
Not wasting a second, I rolled away and kicked off the ground to push some distance between us. Just as I pulled out my Pentacle, I suddenly paused as the thought of Rei's words played in my head.
"Three Times."
Dammit! What am I supposed to do with the limit forced upon me? Before I could come up with an answer, my body instinctively dodged backwards from the inching scythes. The second blade came right after that as it swung down from above.
"Arrgh!" I tried to move away, barely escaping from the fatal blow. But, it still managed to leave a cut across my arm. I twist my arms to take a look at the trail of crimson oozing out. A stinging pain comes right after that.
"I see the Pentacle on you. Why do you not transform, Kamen Rider Zero?" It smirked, leaving me with that mocking tone.
"Hah...I was just about to wipe you with it!" Now isn't the time to be contemplating! For now, the only option is to transform and push the worries until later! Forming the stance, I stared into the Minor Suit's eyes as I yelled,
"Henshin!"
"Thou Shalt Summon...Thy Fool!"
In the midst of the flashy light works, I pulled the Chalister out as I accelerated my steps towards the Mantis Suit. Using whatever distance and time I could, I pulled the Chalister back behind and when I saw the moment, I threw my arms around with the blade in hand as it swung with speed towards the Suit.
'Clang!'
Although it's actions were delayed, the panicking Mantis Suit still managed to pull out one of its scythe as it blocked against the impact of the Chalister. Yellow sparks danced around the edges where the friction between both blades grind.
The strong collision left my arms flying back with an open chest in front of the Minor Suit. It took its chance as it drew an 'X' with its scythe as it scratches against the armors of my Rider suit. The strike of its weapon was enough to push me backwards as I fell on my back.
"It's not over!" I yelled and brought myself back to my feet once more as I summoned the Chariot Token stored in the Pentacle.
"Zero, Let's Riii-dde!"
A flash of orange drew across my shoulder plates as the Chalister split itself into a pair of Orange Chakrams. The Suit stood readily as both of us charged forward with an array of combat skills thrown against each other, our surrounding lighted up in flashes of yellow.
"What was it that you wanted to...tell Hiro?" Hamano shrugged, her arms rubbing the side of her elbow. She knew that it was rude to be asking about other people's affairs, but because of the stale atmosphere that Kureno Hiro had left them with after the abrupt chase for the Minor Suit, Hamano Itoe was stuck in the uncomfortable position. She turned to look at Hikari's eyes which was fixed on the crystal ball in front of her.
In there was a display that was recording the fight between Zero and the Minor Suit. Hamano had noticed that Hiro was using a different form against the Suit. The weapon and streak of fresh color on his rider suit was actually belonged to the defeated Arcana, Chariot. It was said by Hiro that after the fight has ended, he found the piece of token that looked similar to the wolf token he had, laying on the heap of white ashes in front of him.
Hamano could not help but craned her neck forward as the heated fight went on. But just as Hamano was viewing the orb, Hikari shifted slightly and caused her to be startled.
"Huh?...Oh, well...how should I put it..." Hikari was stuttering between her words, which Hamano felt really strange about. In fact, it has been going on more usual, ever since that day when she returned back to the shop (during the time where Hiro was recuperating). It was as though there was something that Hikari was hiding. Concerned, Hamano moved closer to Hikari as she placed her hand on top of the boss of 'Gothic 109' and nodded with a smile.
It seemed to have help Hikari a bit as she returned back a smile, her face looking much less depressing. Then, Hikari took in a deep breath before talking,
"It's about Rei...the woman that Hiro had met. This was supposed to be a secret but seeing how risky everything was going, I don't think I can hold it in anymore..." Hikari suddenly started to break down into tears much to Hamano's surprise. The tears started to fall onto Hamano's hands and she was at a lost as to what Hikari had meant. She quickly turned around and spot a box of wipes and using her other arms to reach out, she pulled a piece out and handed it to Hikari.
"Risky? I don't get it..." Hamano started to ask. Hikari's crying seemingly subsided after a while as she calmed herself down. Hamano would have never thought that Hikari was one who would show her fragile side to anyone since she was always so chirpy and smiling. She waited for Hikari's answer, the quiet atmosphere was not replaced with the inconsistent sobbing and ticking of the clock. Finally, Hikari began to speak.
"That woman...Rei...she is actually on our side."
"Argh!" The Minor Suit squealed as the cuts of Zero's chakram sunk onto its body. Right now, the balance has tilted to favor the Kamen Rider as he walked towards the wounded Suit with chakrams twirling on his hands. "What are you..." The Suit asked, pressing tightly to its wounds.
"Kamen Rider, Zero." The Rider said confidently as his thumbs clicked onto the button in the center of the spiked disc. Roaring into life, the spikes were not spinning in high velocity in the hands of the unfazed knight. "And your fate has been read."
"Chariot, Rumble-rumble-rumble-rumble!" The voice spoke from within the pair of blades as Zero threw them in the air while at the same time, running towards the confused Suit. Bending his knees, Zero sprung into the air as both disc came into his hands.
"Shuriken...comet!" As he yelled the name of his final move, the two disc were thrown one after the one onto the Suit as an explosion lighted up the area. The pair of Chakrams then returned into the hands of Zero as it formed back to the Chalister. The Suit was now burning in ashes, the district finally saved from the terror of the Suit.
"Rei is on our side? But why is she with the other Arcanas?" This time, Hamano was confused more than ever. With the sudden words of Hikari, she was not sure what should be the best reaction to give. Hikari remained firm with her words as she gave a nod.
"She was a double agent. Because she was one of the few who've created the Driver system, Rei thought that if she were to leave, all her effort and hard work would've gone into the wrong hands. Not only that, the technology to create the Driver...that was the only place which provides it." At that note, Hikari could not help but bit her lips with a worrying look on her face. "That day, when I've met her...she said that the Driver was complete but she had a feeling that..." Hikari paused.
"...That?"
"...One of the other Arcana who was heading the research and engineer, Teriuihi Ando, may have found out about her intentions – to bring the Driver to aid Hiro. But the thing, Hiro does not know that at all!" Hamano could see Hikari clutching tightly to her own denim jeans, her body was shaking badly. It was enough to inject fear into Hamano's mind.
"If Teriuihi was to really find out...Rei...she may be in trouble! Teriuihi Ando...he may use Hiro as a pawn as well!" Hikari shouted as she ran out of the office, leaving Hamano no choice but to follow her as well. If anything was to happen to Hikari, Hamano Itoe would never forgive herself. Not only that, she could not help but had the feeling that something ominous was about to happen.
Still wearing the Rider suit, I stand in the empty junction, looking down at the pile of ashes – the remains of the Minor Suit. I grit my teeth in frustration as I keep the ground with a loud 'thud', the ashes flew up along with the wind. Because of that fight, it has cost me one more chance to transform into Zero. If more of the Minor Suits appear, I may not be able to continue the work to accomplish my goal. As the thought loomed in my head, a primitive instinct in me sensed another presence nearby.
I turn my head to the left end of the housing district as a blurry figure appears, walking towards me. But as she got closer, it was obvious to me that it's Rei that was there. Then, a purple aura emits out of her body as her figure and appearance starts to distort; yellow fur and black spots begin to envelop her body as her face turns into a Cheetah-like appearance. In her hand holds a thing, yet sturdy piece of sword.
"Rei, what are you trying to do?" I shout to the approaching Arcana.
"Kureno, Hiro, I, will, kill, you." Her words were staggered like a mechanical robot. I do not know why but her character feels...out of place. Compared to our meeting a few days back, the Rei that's before me now feels unnatural. Perhaps, she is really serious about bringing me back?
Now, the only thing that separates us is the gap of thirty meters. I pull out the Chalister once more as I place left feet forward and my right arm holding the blade back. Hostility and a death intent. That's all I can feel from her today. Then, my attention shifts to the top of a house beside us. Sitting on the rooftop is the man in black – Teriuihi Ando. What is he doing here?
"Hiro-chan, let's have a bet." He smiles widely, his hand holding on to an ice-cream stick. No matter how I look at him, he just doesn't seem to be serious about anything at all. And because of that, I feel the need to be alert around him. For all I know, he may have set a trap around or hiding something up his sleeve.
"What do you mean? Isn't it a bit unfair for me to be dealing with two Arcana now?" I reply. As usual, he grins and lay backwards as though words like these doesn't concern him. Then from behind his back, he pulled out something; something that finally had me in full attention. On his hand held a metallic belt-like item. In the center – which holds the black belt buckle, has a semi-circle slot without anything in it. Without mistake, this is definitely the one that Rei has mentioned before,
The PentaDriver.
"Oi, oi. What are you playing at, Teriuihi Ando? What's with that belt on your hands!"
"Like I said, Hiro-chan, let's have a bet now. The bidding prize is this belt over here. As for the rules of the game..." He narrows his eyes and turns to the Temperance Arcana standing opposite me. "Kill her."
"What?" For a moment there, I was lost at his words. I looked over to Rei, who stood unfazed as she remained silent in her Arcana form. Did she consent to this as well? My suspicion was still pinned onto the man known as Teriuihi Ando. "Do you expect me to believe you-"
"I am serious." I could see his tensed look as he said that. It was then I knew that he was serious. Since back then when we were working together, it was always that look on his face that showed others that he meant business. Then, his face resumed to the child-like composure again. "Defeat her if you can. Of course, I will only give you this belt if you manage to win her. Rei-chan has agreed to this as well. After all, she wanted to bring you back to us, right, Rei-chan?"
"Right. I, will, win, Zero." Rei spoke sluggishly, raising her blade up. I followed too.
"So Rei...one last question. Are you my foe now?"
"..." A silent reply from Rei as she slightly shifts her sword.
Now I guess this is it. Until now, I have been contemplating whether Rei is someone that I can rely despite being an Arcana working for the others. But this meeting here...although I have no idea what's happening, but if Teriuihi really means what he say, I will defeat Rei...I can't afford to lose!
"Then here I come!" I shouted, my feet charging forward.
Author's Note:
Woah there! One of the longest chapter I've done but then again, I've managed to put in all the bits that I wanted into this very same chapter! Teriuihi Ando finally makes his second appearance in front of Kureno Hiro and not only that, a bet to decide the owner of the belt! This is really getting interesting as the next chapter shall bring the 'PentaDriver' Arc to an end! Stay tuned and thank you readers for your support and reviews!