Reviews:
Darthwolf: No, that's wrong. No one's stealing anything.
MKDemiGodzilla-Warrior: Yeah, it was fun making up that new Magia for this chapter. Gives us more to work with down the line.
KRNexus: We've got plans for Owl in the future. Just wait.
Spidey Viewer: Yeah, we've got to have some shipping.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Well, we've got to have some teasing in the chapters.
Here are some reviews answered by our own GreyKing46:
darthwolf: NO ONE is stealing the key.
Dragon Rider 66: No other OC Key's based off old Rider/forms. This was just a perfect idea considering how unique Kuuga Pegasus' powers are plus a logical draw back. It is more set up for later.
We are not doing a Build Revised.
MKDemiGodzilla-Warrior: Just you wait and see.
Toa Solaric: Not telling. Not many, we are mainly focusing on other characters getting new forms.
KRNexus: No one is lightning it up. Just a dramatic flair.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Kuuga Pegasus has a shorter usage limit.
Author's Note: Hi everyone, Ghost and Grey here. Just giving you a heads up because of what is happening in a few weeks, as well as real life stuff and other issues, the story will be on pause for the rest of December and January. We hope that we will continue uploading soon, we are aiming for the first week of February but it could be as late as March.
We deeply apologise but we also know that you will all understand. You are all awesome like that.
We hope to see you soon, this story is far from over.
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Kamen Rider Zero-One Revised
Chapter 15: Diving into History
Co-Writer GreyKing46
We do not own these characters. All rights belong to Shotaro Ishinomori, Ishimori Productions and Toei Company
It was the following week, after a...lofty chewing out from his doctor, Aruto was told to try and take it easy. So, he decided to go with Izu to a location where he thought would be a relaxing location. A museum. He thought he could also double it as a means of checking the tour guide HumaGear here too.
The second one he'd ever met, and he was curious about how different they'd be.
"President Aruto, this is going to be quite the experience to be here," Izu spoke politely as she was with him.
"I know," Aruto nodded as he took a deep breath. "I haven't been to one in years."
"Then this will be a first for us both." Izu responded simply and kindly.
"Yeah." He smirked
Izu nodded. She thought back to her conversation the other day.
*Flashback*
Izu and Shesta were on their own in President Aruto's office; they had to talk about what transpired at the worksite and Archie, the older generation HumaGear that was corrupted by MetsuBouJinRai.
"The new model of Archie was delivered this morning." Shesta explained, "Roughly ten years of progress and skill, lost."
"It is a shame. But Mr Mizu said that he will help guide his friend back to being the best he can be again." Izu responded. "He does deeply care."
Shesta looked to the floor. "President Hiden..." She looked up at Izu. "Does he normally put himself into that level of danger and determination?"
"Every fight." Izu nodded seriously.
Shesta almost fell over as she heard that, their President put his life on the line every time? That was insane.
"I did not realise," Shesta whispered. "In the reports, it looked-"
"It looked like he wasn't doing it 'efficiently'?" Izu responded with Shesta's own words.
Shesta felt ashamed but nodded. "Yes. I did not realise it was so taxing on his mental and physical state. Perhaps he should have some time off."
"'Time off'?" Izu responded, thinking about possible activities for Aruto could enjoy. "Maybe we could hide it as a 'business trip'?" She muttered to herself.
Neither HumaGear knew why they were talking about this. At least like this. It wasn't part of their job description, nor normal company policy.
"Perhaps...President Aruto would like the museum." Izu wondered.
"I will make the arrangements," Izu responded, booking a trip to the local museum.
"Excellent. I will inform Vice-President Fukuzoe." Shesta reassured.
"Thank you, Shesta." Izu nodded.
*End Flashback*
"We're gonna have fun!" He grinned
Izu saw this, nodding as her response. The pair of them were already inside the museum and began their tour around the building.
"Where do you want to go first, President Aruto?" Izu asked, still acting like a secretary.
"Well...where to start?" He asked, before looking at the tour guide listings. "We can do that."
"Very well, President Aruto." Izu nodded as she walked over with him to meet with a tour guide HumaGear, one different to the bus guide from before.
It was a brown haired HumaGear wearing a blue waistcoat over a white button shirt and gloves, black smart trousers and shiny black shoes. Around his neck was a lanyard with their name on it.
"Hello!"
"Ah, welcome, Sir and Miss. I am Raito, I will be your guide for today." The tour guide HumaGear responded positively. "A tour for two?"
"Yes, please." Izu nodded.
"Ooh, 'Raito'. Do you mean to Raito our tour with illuminating knowledge? Hai! Aruto ja~, nai to!" Aruto punned as he heard his name, his voice being just loud enough for other people to hear.
Raito blinked for a moment as he tilted his head. "I do not understand."
...
Aruto lowered his head, letting out a deep sigh. Another failed jo-
"Hehe..."
"Huh?!" Aruto yelled as he sprung up straight and looked at Izu, she had her mouth covered daintily by one of her hands "Y-You laughed at my joke?!"
"I did not." She said casually, in her classic pose a blink later.
"B-But I heard you!" Aruto responded.
"I did not." Izu repeated as she stood by him.
"Ah...Raito, yes, we'd like the tour." Aruto asked the guide.
"Of course, sir." He picked up a light-blue, black lettered 'TOUR' sign and rose it above his head, guiding Aruto and Izu into the museum. "We begin here."
"This museum was built fifty years ago on the curator's father's birthday. To preserve the history and legacy of the country." Raito began.
Aruto and Izu walked together, looking at the exhibits and enjoying them. "It's wonderful." Izu whispered.
"Yeah." Aruto smiled.
"Over here are some Karakuri dolls, handcrafted by artisans during the 1300's." Raito continued.
"And here, we have various clay dolls dating back to 5600 BCE." Raito continued. "These dolls are thought to represent fertility goddesses."
"Wow, it's incredible." Aruto commented, seeing them. "Can I ask a question?"
"Of course, Sir." Raito responded.
"How is this job for you?" Aruto asked kindly.
Raito's headset turned as he heard that. "That question isn't pertinent to the tour."
"I work for Hiden Intelligence, I want to know how you are with your job." Aruto explained.
Raito blinked in shock. "Oh, I see. I do enjoy my job here at the museum." He answered. "I think many guides here enjoy our job, we've worked here for years."
"HumaGear guides have been known to be some of the best-reported among guides due to their vast data." Izu included, adding praise to Raito.
"Thank you, ma'am." He bowed.
"Please, let me know if there's anything Hiden Intelligence can do to help." Aruto smiled, being his best self.
"Thank you, we would appreciate that." Raito responded with another bow. "Now; shall we continue?"
"Yes, please." Aruto and Izu nodded.
*Elsewhere*
THUD.
"Urgh...so much paperwork." Fuwa groaned.
"Your own fault, Sir." An AIMS member commented.
"Where's Yaiba? Why doesn't she have any?"
"Ms Yaiba has finished her work and is on a mission."
"A mission?" He grumbled. "What mission?"
Yua was driving along the road before she made a turning into a parking lot, right at the museum that Aruto and Izu were visiting. She took out a tablet and looked at it, seeing the list of HumaGear who might be, or have, reached Singularity. "What a lovely place." She commented. As she exited, she hoped to maybe have some time fun, seeing as she was 'on the clock'. It couldn't hurt to go and deflate her stress away. She tucked the tablet away under her arm and walked inside. "One please." She asked, paying the fee.
"Enjoy your visit." The receptionist nodded, letting Yua through.
'Finally...Some time off.' Yua thought, thinking this would be an easy assignment. She walked through the museum and noted the HumaGear workers there, they were all busy with different tours, but she would get around to them when they finished. She walked into one of the animal sections of the museum, seeing various extinct creatures...and had shudders because of it.
"...And over here, we have some replicas of extinct animals." Another HumaGear spoke, leading the way of a small tour...consisting of Izu and Aruto.
...
"No way."
"Whoa, these are-; Yua?" Aruto whispered as he saw a stuffed mammoth, thylacine, dodo, replicas of various extinct insects and lizards; before seeing the AIMS Rider before him.
"Pardon?" Raito asked politely, before seeing Yaiba in his vision. "Oh, I see. I will pause here."
"Thank you," Aruto answered, waving over to Yua.
Izu looked at Yua and frowned, this was supposed to be her time with Aruto. But...it was nice to see Yua in a non-violent situation.
"What are you doing here?" Aruto asked.
"Um, business. Checking on the HumaGears of the museum." Yua half-lied. "Making sure none have reached Singularity."
"Oh, I see." Aruto nodded. "Izu and I were just on a tour, if you want, we can meet up later."
"No... It's fine. I'll join you."
"Oh, Okay." He nodded. "Just...one second, please." And quickly went back to Izu.
"Yes, sorry about that. I was just-" Aruto apologised.
"I understand, she can accompany us," Izu informed.
"Thank you...next time, just us. Okay?" He asked, before quickly going to Yua.
Izu frowned, feeling something in her chest. What WAS this feeling?
"Trying to balance two women, President?" Yua smirked, playfully teasing him.
"Huh?" Aruto's jaw dropped as he heard that. "N-No, nothing like that!"
Yua just chuckled as she walked towards Raito and Izu, leaving Aruto a blubbering mess.
Izu was glaring now, her lights flashing.
Aruto awkwardly came back to the tour group, he was...honestly flustered by what was going on. He didn't know what to say.
'What is this feeling?' Izu thought angrily.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this way please." Raito continued to guide them as the three nodded.
Aruto nodded at Yua, trying to be polite and then looked at Izu, seeing her face a little scrunched up and he tried to hold her hand nervously...he felt like he had done something wrong.
"Here, we have our 'Animal Exhibit'." Raito continued, this room was almost packed with elementary school children, all of them excited to see the animals and even draw some of them.
"Two different sets of Animal Exhibits?" Aruto wondered, the thought of the Extinct Animal exhibit was still in his mind.
"Yes, we have these to show how far animals and humans have come a long way since many millennia ago," Raito answered.
"President Aruto, look," Izu spoke, pointing at some animals, lead by a pair of wolves at the front of the room, like they were leading a pack of animals from behind.
"A pair of wolves. Fuwa would love this." Yua chuckled to herself.
"I suppose." Izu stiffly responded.
"Is there something wrong?" Yua commented, turning to her.
"No, there's nothing wrong," Izu answered, grabbing Aruto's hand making Yua raise an eyebrow.
"Izu." Aruto gulped nervously as he felt her hand in his. "Um...S-stay close."
"Yes, Sir." She answered, dragging him towards a different animal to getaway.
'Oh god, what did I do? What do I do?' Aruto thought in worry, this was a first for him.
Izu stood with Aruto as they looked at some replicated animal statues, still holding hands with him.
Aruto gulped as he was holding her hand, this was...honestly, could be construed as 'scandalous' in a public space, but right now Aruto was just a guy holding hands with a cute girl!
"President Aruto." Izu tried to compile the words in her mind to come out.
"Izu...I'm..." Aruto muttered as he tried to speak.
"Yes?"
"I'm not. I'm sorry, I'm not good at this." Aruto apologised. "I've never...this whole thing was supposed to be us."
"I understand, President Aruto," Izu responded since he hadn't had much contact with women in this sort of sense ever. Her president was innocent.
"Thank you." He answered. "I never meant to upset you."
"I assumed that you did not," Izu answered, almost coldly which creeped Aruto out a little.
Yua saw this as she stood with Raito, having a look at her tablet and saw that he was a long-time employee of the museum that was close to Singularity. A shame. He was exceptional at his job.
"Ma'am? Is everything okay?" Raito asked politely, seeing her stare at the tablet.
"I'm fine. Just doing my job." She said cryptically.
"Oh, I see." He responded, noting her tone. "Sir, Miss? Shall we continue the tour?" He asked Izu and Aruto.
"Of course." They nodded.
They walked back together, still hand in hand, which was noted by Yaiba but she refused to say anything. Even if she was annoyed.
"Very well, this way, please. We've got the history of Japan exhibit next." Raito spoke kindly, trying not to get in between this feud.
*Elsewhere*
Jin was resting on his 'bed' since Aruto had beaten him before and destroyed their Gigas, it wasn't being fun anymore. 'What am I going to do? Zero-One has got more Keys than we have. Little Assassin might not be good enough now.' He thought to himself.
"Jin, what are you doing?" Horobi asked, seeing his fellow member just lazing about.
"Horobi, there's no point. It's just us three. There's nothing to fight Zero-One with." Jin explained.
SLAP!
Horobi slapped Jin's face hard as he heard that. "Ark's goal is not 'pointless'!"
Jin slipped upwards as he was on the defensive, he covered his face out of worry.
"Ark has spoken, there are HumaGears that are enslaved in a human location. Many have reached Singularity." Horobi responded, passing the Zetsumeriser to him.
Jin looked at the belt device and nodded. "O-Okay. More HumaGears means more friends. And more friends means more humans will pay."
"Exactly." Horobi calmed down. "...I don't mean to hurt you, Jin. It is Ark's will that you stay focused."
"Yeah...Yeah, I know." Jin mumbled and left, taking his ForceRiser and Key along with the ZetsuKey.
"Good boy." Horobi praised him gently.
Jin's eyes widened a little as he heard that, but continued out of the hideout as he didn't want to get yelled at again. 'Horobi...' Jin thought to himself as he headed out, taking the quickest route he could.
*elsewhere*
"And this concludes our tour." Raito spoke as he ended at the gift shop with his tour of three. "I hope this experience has been enlightening."
"Thank you, Raito." Each of them responded.
"It was...nice having this tour, President Aruto." Izu spoke as they saw Raito leave.
"Agreed." He smiled.
"I almost forgot about having fun, considering all that we've been through these past couple of months."
"Which is why we-I suggested it." Izu tripped over her words slightly.
"'We'? Did you have help?" He double-took as he looked at her in confusion.
"Shesta helped," Izu admitted. "She and I debated where to go."
"I see. Thank you." Aruto answered, smiling at her.
"You are welcome, though I do not know why I am being thanked." She answered.
"You made time for me and you." He answered.
Yua was silent, walking towards Raito.
She tapped on her tablet and saw that Raito was close to Singularity. She would have to dispose of him before he became a threat. 'Shame...he was a good tour guide. Still, the people come first.'
"May I help you, Ms Yaiba?" Raito asked, seeing her just stand there.
"Yes, you can." She answered solemnly, but professionally as she showed her AIMS badge.
"Oh, I see." Raito answered, knowing who AIMS were and what she was here for. "I understand. I have broken the law unintentionally."
"Laws?!" Aruto called suddenly.
"President..." Yua frowned as she saw him approach.
"What laws? What has Raito done?"
"It's not just Raito." Yua explained as she showed the tablet. "Many HumaGear that are working in this museum are close to, if not attained, Singularity."
"You can't do this, they're all people!" Aruto debated.
"President Aruto, need I remind you that HumaGears that reach Singularity have a higher chance of becoming dangerous if hacked? And that there are immediate backups of each one should this incident happen." Yua responded.
Aruto frowned. "It might be your job, but...this doesn't feel right."
"Whatever you think is 'right or wrong', President. This is the law." Yua answered.
"Excuse me, could we take this somewhere else? We might be scaring the public." Izu asked, noting the crowds looking at them.
Yua and Aruto looked around and halted their debate, all going to a less public space so they could converse. This had to be settled.
"Look, I know what you think about this, President Aruto. But it's a known truth that MetsuBou JinRai will come after any and all HumaGears that have reached Singularity." Yua informed.
"I know...But that doesn't mean we should be paranoid." Aruto frowned. "Can't we ask him? Raito, what do you want to do?"
"Me, Sir?" Raito asked in shock.
"President." She frowned "There is also the danger of singularity."
"I..." Aruto tried to think of an answer for this. But he couldn't. Yua was right, Singularity could be dangerous. But it also stunts the growth of the HumaGear who reach it, helping them become people in their own right. "It depends... On their singularity." He said after a few moments "And even then. That's like saying we should kill any person who's gone through trauma or a bad experience!"
Yua blinked as she heard that, this..was something similar to what she was told. Yes...this would be like that. She lowered her head as she began to mull things over. What would she do if she was asked to kill Fuwa? He himself went through trauma because of HumaGears, and there are those that haven't recovered fully. Would she forsake them because of her job?
She knew that this was their job, she had her orders...but Aruto's argument made sense to her. "It's the law that was put forward by AIMS and the government."
"Yeah, you said...but maybe you have to look at a bigger picture than just the law." Aruto suggested. "HumaGears are humans too."
"From a certain viewpoint, President Aruto." Yua frowned.
"If possible, may I speak?" Raito asked.
"Of course." Aruto nodded. "Sorry for ignoring you."
"It's quite alright," Raito answered. "I have been assigned this job that I love; I do not wish to harm or cause problems for anyone."
"Then your choice is?" Yua asked.
"If possible, I would like to continue my work. At least for today before I am reset." He answered.
"But you'll-" Aruto frowned, realising what he was asking.
"President Aruto. Please." Izu asked, seeing that he would be adamant about this decision and wanted to be by his side...but this was a choice by a HumaGear themself.
Aruto's fists clenched, shaking.
"But please allow me to have one last day here before being reset." Raito asked.
Yua looked at Raito, seeing that he was being reasonable. And she had to acknowledge that. "Very well. Tomorrow. And then I'll come back."
Aruto wanted to say something, anything. But his mind was stunned to see all this honesty coming from a HumaGear who...seemingly wanted to 'die'.
"President Aruto," Raito spoke confidently. "I hope that I will continue to do good work at this museum." He smiled. "I believe in Hiden."
"...Thank you, Raito. I appreciate it." He held his hand out to Raito, smiling.
Raito graciously took Aruto's hand and shook it, smiling back himself...and unintentionally, his headphones glowed a light blue.
Izu's eyes clocked this, seeing that Raito had reached Singularity, while Yua had her head in her tablet. This was going to be a problem for everyone. After all...was President Hiden willing to destroy his own work for the sake of many people?
No, Aruto wasn't that kind of person. He always tried to find the best part of everyone, human and HumaGear alike and try and find an outcome where everyone won.
"Izu? We should go." Aruto asked, trying to keep a brave face. "Bye, Ms Yaiba."
"Bye...President." Yua waved nervously as she heard that, seeing them both go. "Tomorrow, Raito."
As Aruto and Izu headed back to their car, Aruto's smile began to break down as they now gained privacy...and he felt the guilt wash over him, feeling like he had broken his promise.
Izu was quiet as she saw this, placing her hand on his back and letting him cry. This job...it was difficult for anyone. And for Aruto, it was hard for him to do this part of it.
"Hoo...Sorry. That. Ahem. Sorry, Izu." Aruto apologised, wiping his eyes. "That...that was hard."
"President Aruto, I understand that it is hard for you, but you have to make hard decisions for both yourself and the company, though it may pain you greatly." Izu sympathized.
"Izu...Thank you, but this still doesn't sit well with me. But...I guess these are the difficult decisions my grandfather made all the time." Aruto responded.
"I believe so, sir."
"I'd like to go home now, please," Aruto asked the driver.
"Of course, Sir," Leemo responded as he drove them.
*time skip*
Aruto was back in his home, and what one might expect him to live in a luxurious mansion with several hundred square feet of technological marvel and billions in clothing...was the complete opposite.
It was a humble one-bedroom apartment, a bathroom with a shower down the hall, an open kitchen connecting to the living room where he had a worn couch and piles of manga in the corner.
It was what he needed.
Aruto took the quilt off his bed and was ready to go to sleep. But his mind kept racing about what happened from today.
Just...
So much has happened in the last three months.
From his grandfather's funeral; to becoming president of a major corporation, to learning about a terrorist group that threatened the world and destroy all his family have made. The physical and mental strain that made him worry about his body and all the choices he had to do as President of his company and a Kamen Rider...it was piling up.
"It's going to be okay, Aruto. It's going to be okay." He whispered to himself as he was getting ready for bed and picked up this week's manga.
He picked up where he left off...and saw that G-Pen's manga was making its debut!
"Oh wow, he's made it!" Aruto smiled as he saw it, excitedly reading the story as Izu took her place, sat next to his bed. "Izu, look. G-Pen's gotten his manga published." Aruto smiled, showing it off to her.
"I see." She nodded with a smile.
"It's the little things...you know?" Aruto commented. "I...it's all worth it."
"I understand." She nodded, a cable extending from her headset.
"Oh right." Aruto put the manga down and carefully plugged the cable into a special socket.
"You tell me if I pull too hard; right?" Aruto asked.
"Of course. But you never pull too hard, President Aruto." She smiled as her headset turned from blue to green, showing the charging system was working properly.
"Please do not go to bed late," Izu asked.
"I won't. This story and...then bed." Aruto yawned.
"Good," She said simply.
Aruto managed to get comfortable in bed, looking at Izu with gentle eyes as he felt...warm near her.
He was still confused by her design, why his grandfather made her this way. But... he was honest about this.
He thought he was falling for her.
Thump, thump.
He squeaked a little to himself, his face now buried in his manga and hoped that Izu didn't catch it.
Why was she like this?
He meant that literally as he thought about every aspect of her, he liked.
Her short hair, her blue eyes, the way she held herself and her cute features...it was itching in his mind to think about her in this way. He wanted her to be happy. To see her smile and laugh. He wanted to *be* the one *to* make her smile and laugh.
...
Had she reached Singularity?
Could she feel the same?
Izu looked at him with those gentle blue eyes before going to sleep. It was honestly strange because she noted his increased heart rate.
'President Aruto.' She thought to herself with a small smile as she sat by his side and began to recharge for the evening, her hands folded over her lap as she sat on the chair provided.
As Izu closed her eyes to recharge, something happened. A scenario in her mind began to play out. 0's and 1's rushed by her as a new world was formed before her mind.
First, she was formed in this place. It was a park that she had seen with Aruto, here she was standing as trees, bushes and the grass was generated. "The park?" She wondered as more 0's and 1's digitized and solidified into another figure with her. "A-Aruto?"
"Izu." He smiled.
"What's happening?" She asked as she looked around as he approached her.
"It's our day off, I wanted to treat you to a day out with just us." Aruto answered, carrying a blanket and box with him as he looped his arm with hers.
"A day? Just with us?" She repeated his words, feeling something within her circuits thrum as she was brought close to Aruto.
"Exactly." He smiled.
Izu blinked at him as they took a seat on the blanket that was somehow laid down for them...and her cheeks seemed to crease as she felt her lips curl a little into a smile. Her eyes flashing and decided to accept. "Will my headset be in the way?" She asked as she was cautious about lying down.
"No, it won't." Aruto reassured as he waited for her as she leaned in and rested her head on his lap.
Izu blinked before complying. She couldn't feel the warmth of his lap on her head, but being nestled there felt good, like lying on a pillow as Aruto's hand gently stroked her hair. 'I hope...to experience this truly.' Izu thought as she enjoyed this time with Aruto.
Outside of Izu's mind, Aruto was fully asleep, the manga resting on his chest as his hand was close to the floor and near Izu.
*the next day*
Aruto was back in the office with Izu, it was a...quiet ride to Hiden Intelligence where Aruto was a little awkward around her.
"Um...Are...Are you okay?" Aruto asked nervously. "Did you sleep okay?"
"Yes, President Aruto. My recharge time was...optimal." She admitted.
"That's good." He nodded "... You aren't charging too often, are you? We don't need to worry about you're core getting damaged, do we?"
"Of course, not. My sensors inform me when needed...but, I appreciate your concern." Izu answered, looking away for a moment as she still thought about that 'dream' she had last night. Thought of how much he cared.
"About yesterday." Aruto began to speak, feeling his voice caught in his throat.
"Sir?"
"I...I know it's Raito's decision to reset himself to protect everyone. But...But I'm worried, scared that all the connections he's made with people...it'll just vanish." He admitted. "Because if it's that easy...What will happen to those that don't want to?"
Izu looked at Aruto and went to his side, taking his hand gently. "President Aruto, you are a good person to think this. But you cannot fret over every HumaGear like they are your own problem."
"It feels like they are."
"It just shows how much you care. We should find Ms Yaiba." Izu reassured. "Raito and the other HumaGear might need moral support."
"Okay." Aruto slowly nodded and sighed. "You're right. Thank you. I just hope that today is going to go well."
"As do I President Aruto." Izu responded, releasing his hand to return as the dutiful secretary.
*Time Skip*
Jin was wandering around the city, he hadn't found any HumaGears even close to attaining Singularity. "Argh...! This sucks! Horobi's going to be mad at me" He grumbled and looked down at the key he was given. It was different than a normal Zetsumarise Key.
It looked like Aruto's 'Biting Shark' Key, instead of its species simply saying its name it was actually this.
HELICO MAGIA
ABILITY: RAZOR
It was a palish blue colour, an etching of a shark with a spiralled jaw for a lower mouth, a black base and a pale blue button on its screen.
"What's so special about this Magia Key anyway? It's not even like the others." Jin grumbled "Horobi was so happy when he made it. Something about the first step in the next stage of keys or something? The black parts look see-through." He shook his head and sighed. 'Who's gonna be lucky enough to get this?' Before he looked at the museum. "What Horobi won't know won't hurt him."
*elsewhere*
Horobi was working hard at the computer, designing new Keys based on Ark's design and how to corrupt Zero-One's own collection.
The key of their brother was near completion. And their sibling's own key needed a few more additions.
He had bit heard from either Bou or Rai in such a long time. He wondered if they still functioned.
His hands froze for a moment as he remembered them. He could remember them. Rai and his red hair, attitude with them. Bou, with their black hair and calm demeanour as they were cold and calculating.
They supported him way back when. The three following Ark's will, as he stood tall as a Kamen Rider. Fighting for Ark's justice.
Metsu, Bou and Rai. The three who came together to liberate HumaGears and push Ark's will upon the world.
Before DayBreak's explosion.
That man...that foolish human who stood in their way and destroyed the city. The one who separated them; while the human perished, Bou and Rai were stolen by those...those scavengers! Those ones who were branded with red and blue on their names.
Rai was stolen by those in blue.
Bou was scavenged by those in red.
Their bodies weren't destroyed fully, but they were taken out.
He couldn't find them. Could they be reprogrammed? Torn for parts? Have their personalities been erased? Horobi didn't know; but he did know that he had to save at least one to keep their numbers. One that Ark himself chose. One to complete the quartet.
He chose Jin...no. Horobi chose Jin, he found the young HumaGear and Ark brought him online. Jin was his own contribution to the cause.
His weapon.
His child.
'Child'...That was a funny word to him, not in the humorous sense but the obscure sense. Jin was a weapon...wasn't he?
"I cannot become distracted." He shook his head. "Ark's will needs to be done."
*With Aruto*
Aruto and Izu were now back at the museum, where the atmosphere had turned just a little chilly. The museum was labelled as 'closed temporarily'...as AIMS was here.
"Let's do this," Aruto muttered... "Do you have the new Key that Zea printed this morning?"
"Of course, Sir." She nodded, holding the briefcase in her hands in preparation.
Aruto nodded as they soon entered, while AIMS were scanning each HumaGear to see which ones were approaching or near Singularity. He pulled out his RisePhone, showing his ID.
"President Hiden, unusual to see you here." The AIMS soldiers respectfully acknowledged him but were wondering why he was here.
"Just to see that everyone here is treated with dignity and respect...I know that this is what they want." Aruto admitted sadly.
"Of course." The soldiers nodded.
"Is Ms Yaiba here?" Izu asked.
"She's over there. Talking to the tour guide." They pointed.
Aruto nodded, walking past the soldier.
"President Aruto, are you okay?" Izu asked gently.
"Yeah...I think I am." He nodded. "It's just a little sad."
Yaiba was making the last-minute preparations for Raito and the remaining HumaGear, they were very agreeable since they knew this was AIMS' job and how they wanted to keep the peace away from dangerous HumaGears.
"Thank you for being cooperative, Raito," Yua spoke as she finished up the scan.
"If it's for the public for a safer museum, then I'll do it," Raito answered as he bowed.
"Well, just a few minutes and this will be finished." Yua explained.
"Oh, Mr Hiden." Raito turned and saw Aruto approach them.
"Hi." He nodded.
"President Hiden, I didn't expect you to be here this early." Yua commented.
"I couldn't sleep." He admitted. "How are you, Raito?"
"I'm fine, sir. Thank you for your concern." Raito answered.
"What's that in the case?" Yua asked, looking at Izu.
"Something special, that might come in handy later." He responded.
"President Aruto had the foresight to create a new Key for future events," Izu informed
"Oh?" She frowned.
"It's not as bad as it sounds. Promise." He explained awkwardly.
"For your sake, I-" Yua answered, before the soldiers seemed to react immediately to something. "What's going on?"
"Huh?" Aruto blinked, he turned around and saw a familiar face. "Jin?!"
"Hey! You're not supposed to see me! I'm a ninja!" Jin responded as people screamed and ran away.
"That's not 'being a ninja'," Aruto called out.
"Really? ...That manga lied to me." Jin blinked and then huffed.
...
Aruto smiled and laughed softly.
"You're not going to stay here, Jin! MetsuBouJinRai will be stopped!" Yua informed.
"You keep telling yourself that." He responded, pulling out a gun.
"You honestly think you can beat us with a handgun?" An AIMS soldier asked, their guns trained on him.
"...Probably not. This would." As he pulled out the Falcon Key.
"Why are you always following us?" Yua snapped.
"I'm not telling you that," Jin answered. "You just find the best HumaGear to make friends with!"
WING!
"Neutralise him!" An AIMS soldier called out.
Jin's eyes widened as he was shot at, dodging the bullets coming his way as he tried to hide behind the vans that were there. He had *not* thought this through.
'Damn it. Well. At least I prepped.' He thought slotting his key into the ForceRiser.
FORCERISE!
"Get back, now!" Yua ordered, as the sight of a pink metal falcon erupted from behind the van and attacked them.
FLYING FALCON!
BR_34K D0W_N!
"HA!" Jin leapt into the air with a strong presence, though Zero-One and Valkyrie were there, he had backup in the form of the new HumaGear here.
"Damn it, Jin!" Aruto wanted to grab his Driver but felt exposed with so many members of AIMS here.
"President, get to safety," Yua informed as she grabbed her Key and attached her Shotriser.
DASH!
"Right." He nodded. "Izu!"
Izu gave a reassuring nod and soon followed, leading the HumaGears who were outside into the museum for protection since they couldn't be anywhere close when that Zetsumeriser would be strapped to their waists.
"Hey! No fair!" Jin complained.
"Focus on me!" Yua called out, shooting at Jin with her ShotRiser while AIMS soldiers tried to give covering fire, or evacuate people out of the way to safety.
ATTACHESHOTGUN!
"NANI!?" Jin gasped as he saw her aim and fire at him. Large energy blasts shot up at him while he dodged them as best as he could. "WOW!" as she chased after.
Fever!
"HA!" She fired and aimed right at Jin, an orange blast aimed right at the Pink Kamen Rider as she moved at super-speed, easily keeping up with him.
"ARGH!" Jin screamed as he was shot out of the sky, coming crashing down but still in his Rider armour. 'Hnn! Damn it!' He thought angrily, turning to the HumaGears...and saw that they were close to Singularity.
"You." He smiled under his helmet. "Let's be friends!"
Raito's eyes widened in shock and fear, being the target of the belt.
"Raito, no!" A fellow HumaGear called out, running to them.
They pushed him out of the way, the Zetsumeriser being slammed onto his waist.
The HumaGear grunted as they were sparking with red and purple electricity, screaming as they were being controlled.
"No, Goro! Why did you do that?" Raito called out as screams filled the area.
"Oh man, this wasn't meant to happen." Jin groaned.
The HumaGear soon froze on the spot and proclaimed in a hypnotised state. "C0nn3ct10n t0 MetsuBouJinRai est_4bl1_sh3d."
"Oh well." Jin shrugged "Catch!"
The controlled HumaGear reacted swiftly and caught the Key in their hand.
"What kind of Key is that?" Aruto gasped as he saw it.
RAZOR!
"'Razor'?" Both he and Izu double-took.
SLAM!
ZETSUMERISE!
The HumaGear screamed as he was covered in deep blue wires in a form of DNA as it slammed onto his body.
H3L1_C0 M4_GIA
The Trilobite Magia's form was covered with light blue wiring that strapped sharp metal to its body, shark-tail-styled thigh guards on its waist, a grey-blue chest piece with a downwards pointing shark-crest style, on its arms were a circular saw on one hand and a shark's head on the other. Its head had sickening yellow eyes, sharp teeth and a fin-like crest on the helmet.
"'Helico Magia'?" Aruto gasped as he saw it.
Vrr! VRRRR!
The saw on its arm began to rotate and buzz, sounding like a chainsaw as it turned to Aruto and Raito. It rushed at them and aimed to cleave into their bodies.
"No!" Aruto called out, pressing his Hopper Key. "HENSHIN!"
RISING HOPPER!
"HA!" Aruto leapt up and kicked the Magia in the head.
"You bastard!" Yua glared as Jin just got away with transforming another HumaGear into a Magia.
Jin however laughed and stuck at Yua, getting in close so that her shotgun couldn't get him without damaging her.
Heck, she managed to destroy the Zetsumariser right out of his hand.
"Argh! Hnn!" She grunted as she tried to fight back against him, breaking the proximity. What she wouldn't give to have Fuwa's intense strength right now. "Why are you following us? Why are you targeting those HumaGear?"
Jin continued to fight, his excitement of having a new friend letting him speak. "Because he was close to Singularity. They make great friends!"
"HA!" Aruto called out, kicking only to have sparks come off his feet from the Helio Magia's saw.
"President Aruto!" Izu called out, tossing him a Progrise Key.
"Hnn! Thanks!" He responded.
FANG!
AUTHORISE!
A beam of blue light shot down as it brought forth the Shark from Zea's eye.
PROGRISE!
BITING SHARK!
Aruto rushed in, his shark armour slashing against the Magia's own light blue armour, sparks flying off both fighters.
"Same Vs Same!" He called, his fin/and blade shining.
"Hum4n5 w1ll b3 3xt1nct!" The Magia roared angrily as it rushed forward with its shark-headed arm while the saw-bladed arm swung in.
GRRRRRRRRR-SHINK!
"Hnnn! Argh! Sharp! Sharp, sharp, sharp!" Aruto grunted, holding the saw back with his shark fins.
"President!" Yua and Izu called out.
"Izu! The new Key!" Aruto called out.
"But-"
"Do it!" Aruto called out, holding back the blades.
"Gah!" Yua grunted, forced to roll to the ground.
"I'm winning, Valkyrie. And with my new friend, you can't-" Jin smirked, lording his victory...only to see the shotgun in his face.
BANG!
"Argh-ha!" He flew away, covering his face.
'Full of openings.' Yua thought to herself.
"Yua. Take this." Izu opened the case and produced a silver coloured Progrise Key from inside.
"What?" She asked, taking it.
In her hand was a silver screened Progrise Key with the depiction of a dolphin on the front.
DIVING DOLPHIN
ABILITY: DIVE
"Thank you, Izu." She grunted, getting to her feet and removed her Key. Spinning the Key in her hand she activated it.
DIVE!
AUTHORISE!
She slotted the Key inside her ShotRiser and clicked the trigger, causing a bullet to shoot around as a new armour formed over her body.
SHOTRISE!
DIVING DOLPHIN!
Yua's body was mainly white with silvery-blue armour forming over her body. Her feet were covered with silver armour, her thighs were covered in flipper-styled guards, her chest was covered in what appeared to be a metal tail while her shoulders were covered in dolphin fins. Her bracers had a pair of fins protruding from them with a hexagonal hole on the front. Her helmet was white at the face with blue eyes, a silvery-blue outer face with a dolphin's head and dorsal fin being on her forehead.
Goes Deeper Than One Thousand Leagues.
"What on earth?" She whispered at this new form in awe.
"Wow..." Aruto blinked in shock and amazement.
"Huh?! Y-You got a new form?" Jin whined as he saw her.
Yua looked behind her before she leapt into the air. Somehow, this was almost like flying with Lightning Hornet, or but not as fast as her Rushing Cheetah form. It was an in-between that made her a little sluggish. Maybe it's because it's a water-based form? "This'll be an... Interesting test drive." She smirked in giddy excitement. The excitement of an engineer with the chance to her a new toy. An excitement she had not felt often.
She rushed in to attack the Magia in the head, the Helico Magia turned and raised its saw hand up to block. Yua's fist pulled back a little before a jet stream of water erupted from her hexagonal spot and forced the Magia to release Aruto from his grip. "Water?!" She gasped.
"Yeah, based on Tora and Kuma-chan." He smiled under his helmet.
"'Tora and-'? Understood." She nodded.
"GR444GH!" The Helico Magia roared.
Jin saw this and knew with two forms working together. This was going to be difficult. 'Damn it!' He thought angrily.
"I have an idea. Get him outside." Yua informed.
"Okay!" He nodded as his fins began to glow and extend the holographic teeth.
VRR!
Aruto leapt into the air, slashing down as his fin-blades were caught on the arm saw of the Magia, grabbing it around the shoulder and threw it outside.
Jin saw this and had to get out. Between these two teaming up and AIMS here, he had to retreat. But he couldn't leave without the Key, otherwise AIMS or Hiden might steal it from them.
Yua raised her hands, then commanded the water to shoot out from her wrists, making the ground slick and Aruto much faster due to the water having a positive effect on him.
"HA! HA! HRARGH!" Aruto proclaimed, slashing and leaping with his strengthened legs, causing sparks and loud clangs reverberating in the air.
Jin leapt through the air, striking down at Yua, this fight could not go this way. "Valkyrie!" He called out.
Yua turned with a glint in her visor eye and turned her water-spouts at Jin who was immediately drenched and forced to the ground, pinned by hydro-shot.
"Yua!" Aruto called out as he pressed his Key into his belt.
"I've got it." She answered.
DIVE!
She pulled her trigger as he positioned herself.
B!
I!
T!
I!
N!
G!
I!
M!
P!
A!
C!
T!
D! I! V! I! N! G! B! L! A! S! T! F! E! V! E! R!
Aruto leapt into the air with his shark-fin blades as Yua soon followed; however, she used her water propulsion to shoot her forwards and strike the Magia in the chest, which was cleaved into by Aruto's holographic teeth.
BITING IMPACT!
DIVING BLAST! FEVER!
The pair landed on the ground and skidded on the water, their feet able to slide with grace and not fall over as the Magia exploded.
The two panted as they had their backs turned to the explosion and looked...like a pair.
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
Izu was standing to the side, applauding with Raito and some of the other HumaGear, seeing the two heroes before them.
"Ah-ha...thanks." Aruto chuckled nervously. "How's the Key, Yua?" He asked.
"Rather interesting." She hummed.
"Right, cool...Cool, cool, cool." He nodded. "Let's get that Magia Key and...damn it! Jin's gone!"
"Again." Yua frowned, handing out the Dolphin key for Aruto to take back.
"Think of it as returning the favour for the Bear." Aruto assured.
Yua blinked in shock as she saw the Key and nodded. "Thank you, I'll make sure to make good use of it."
"I hope you do." He nodded.
"And now we match even more." He joked as he pulled out the Rising Hopper, Flaming Tiger and Biting Shark keys.
"How do...? Oh. Yes, I see." She questioned before she realised. Meaning her Lightning Hornet Rushing Cheetah and her new Diving Dolphin Key. A fact that made her laugh softly. "Thank you, President Hiden."
"Anytime." He nodded. "...Now what to do here."
"I believe it is beneficial to allow Hiden to help with the repairs." Izu suggested.
"And the HumaGear?" Yua asked. "Will you leave them to AIMS?"
"It's your job...But I'm going to be here for any that are scared." Aruto answered.
"Thank you. But I should warn you, President Aruto. Jin was after HumaGears that attained Singularity." Yua informed.
"What? Why?" He asked.
"He said 'it makes great friends'." She stated, repeating what he said.
Aruto looked confused for a moment, trying to figure out what she was talking about...but right now, he had a job to do and help reassure the HumaGears here.
"President Aruto." Izu spoke up. "Right, thank you, Izu. Let's get to work."
"You do realise what this means, right?" Yua called, making Aruto freeze.
"What are you talking about?" Izu questioned.
"He gets it." Yua responded "Metsubou Jinrai are after and use their power to corrupt HumaGear's with Singularity. Meaning HumaGear's even NEAR that point are dangers."
Aruto did not say a word, looking down. His silence is clearly all that was needed for the conversation to admit he knew.
"Meaning there are three options." Yua continued "One, destroy all HumaGear even CLOSE to Singularity. Second, locking up any even close to Singularity. Which still gives them the option to be corrupted and become an army if that facility is ever found or somehow broken into. Or third, do nothing and leave all those weapons free for Metsubou Jinrai to grow their forces."
Aruto was mulling something over in his mind. Those three absolutes that Yua gave...each one better or worse than the last. He couldn't have that. He *wouldn't* have that. "Izu, please schedule a press conference tomorrow."
"President Aruto/Hiden?" Both Izu and Yua asked in shock.
"Are you serious?" Yua continued.
"Yes, I am. This needs to be said...I need to be the one to say it." Aruto answered. "Tomorrow. If you can."
"Yes, Sir. I will have this request done post-haste." Izu nodded.
"Make the right choice, sir." Yua urged softly. Not aggressive, worried.
*Time skip*
The following day, Hiden Intelligence's press conference room was filled with reporters and newsagents who were confused by this sudden 'summons'. The major news stations were there to inform the public about this new development.
Cameras were at the ready, journalists were ready to take down notes and ask questions. This was an important event.
Walking to the podium was the young President of Hiden Intelligence, Aruto Hiden. Cameras flashed as the young man, dressed in his best suit addressed the reporters and took a seat. "Good day, everyone. Thank you for coming. I assume you have many questions too why I have asked for a press conference. Well, to answer those, it is this. Once again, MetsuBou JinRai attempted to turn HumaGears using their 'Zetsumerisers'."
Click, click, flash, flash, click, flash!
"They almost succeeded in corrupting a great number of HumaGears that work in the museum I visited some days ago. However, due to the efforts of AIMS and Kamen Rider Zero-One, the attempt failed and only one HumaGear was affected. But this brought to light...some disturbing news. MetsuBou JinRai is specifically targeting HumaGears that are close to Singularity, or those that have achieved it."
"PRESIDENT HIDEN! PRESIDENT HIDEN!" Reporters clamoured as they heard that. "Does that mean the public is in a dire situation? Are people at threat of rogue HumaGears?"
"It is possible. However, suggestions have been brought forward to deal with the rise of HumaGears approaching Singularity." Aruto brought out three files. "The first suggestion is to...destroy every HumaGear that is even close to Singularity. Effectively cutting MetsuBou JinRai off their soldiers. Hiden Intelligence will not do this, because every HumaGear is their own person. Their own thoughts and feelings. To do so would be turning our back on everything we strive for."
As the public heard that, they were in shock, hearing the President proclaim this truth to them. "PRESIDENT HIDEN! PRESIDENT HIDEN!"
"The second suggestion...is to. To lock up said HumaGears away. But this poses many problems in the long run, because if they were found...there would be a 99% chance of another DayBreak incident." Aruto continued, his mouth dry as he took a drink of water. "We will not be doing this. This is stripping every HumaGear their rights, as it would be to imprison people for the simplest of slights."
Even more cameras and questions arose, wanting answers for these suggestions; worries and concerns of people were rising to the concerns of MetsuBou JinRai.
"The third suggestion. Is to do nothing. Basically, allowing MetsuBou JinRai have free reign with any HumaGears that are on the street; some say, just continue what's been going on right now." Aruto answered. "However, this also means, more danger to civilians and to HumaGears." Aruto continued. "But last night...I came up with an alternative to these suggestions."
"'Alternative'? What's he talking about?" Mr Fukuzoe whispered to Shesta and Izu.
"I am not informed about this, Sir." Shesta answered.
"I will commission the police and AIMS for added protection for HumaGear until such time HumaGears are not under target by MetsuBou JinRai," Aruto answered. "And supply them with the means to defend themselves against Magia and MetuBou JinRai should they attack."
Click, flash, click, flash!
"President Aruto, this suggestion of yours! Won't it put a strain on Hiden Intelligence's profits should you fund both the police AND AIMS?" A reporter asked.
Mr Fukuzoe and Mr Yamashita looked at each other in worry, Shesta immediately making calculations and thinking of the near-astronomical funding that this needed to happen. The Vice-President almost fainting.
"...Perhaps I didn't make myself clear." Aruto calmly spoke. "Hiden Intelligence will not fund the police and AIMS. I, Aruto Hiden, will." He clarified, standing tall and his voice clear.
Silence filled the room.
It was like the grave. You could hear a pin drop.
And then the questions started to be screamed once again.
Over by the side, Izu was brimming with pride, seeing Aruto stand there while he began to answer the barrage of questions sent his way by the reporters.
However, Mr Fukuzoe and Mr Yamashita were relieved but also stunned once again. How was Aruto supposed to pay for the funding?
A question many people were asking.
"I live a very minimalist lifestyle." Aruto explained "My grandfather made sure I had a LOT of money to look after myself while I lived alone. I barely spent any, I've saved up a LOT. And that's only increased as I became president. My pay increased but my spending stayed the same. If anything, it decreased thanks to several other perks. Some of you may think I'm trying to do some crazy thing. Buying out the police of whatever. I'm not. Hence this public statement. I will be paying both the police and AIMS enough to pay any officer protecting a HumaGear near singularity, triple their overtime wages."
"Is he serious? Will he have enough funding for this?" Mr Yamashita panicked as he heard that.
"Do you doubt the President, Mr Yamashita?" Izu asked as she heard that.
*Elsewhere*
In AIMS Headquarters, all agents, Yua and Fuwa included, jaws dropped as they heard that. 'Triple overtime wage'? Could this be possible?
All for protecting HumaGear? Mostly sitting around, relaxing and drinking coffee for those shifts?!
Easy money!
It was like being given a full paid holiday!
Fuwa and Yua looked at each other in shock before looking at the screen where Aruto was still talking.
"President Aruto..." Yua whispered as she had heard the same three options she had given him just yesterday.
"That mad bastard." Fuwa whispered in shock.
"Fuwa!" She snapped.
"You heard him, right? We're protecting HumaGears now?" He pointed.
"Isamu!" Yua snapped again, this time using his first name. "He's trusting us. All of us to stop MetsuBou JinRai. What we're meant to do!"
Fuwa looked up at Yua and sighed. She was right. Aruto had done that...and honestly? If it meant stopping more Magia from appearing, even more reason to fight. "Fine. He's still crazy though."
*Elsewhere
We find Gai Amatsu standing in his office as he watched the interview...his jaw and lip was quivering...something was...boiling inside of him. "Hiden..." he snarled angrily. This...was not in his calculations. How could this *fool* suggest this; especially in such a public manner. He thought that Hiden's whole company would imprison HumaGears or follow one of those two other suggestions.
He had been played.
And he hated that.
He looked at Aruto's face...and could see his face coming through.
Korenosuke's.
*Elsewhere*
Horobi and Jin's faces went pale if HumaGear faces could go pale, as they saw the press conference. In one move, Aruto Hiden had bottle-necked their attempts to grow their numbers.
"Horobi...Wh-what are we going to do?" Jin whispered in shock, realising that this was his fault. "Is... is this part of Ark's will?"
...
"No." Horobi's was harsh and dark. Horobi clenched his fists, his eyes glowing purple in the shadows "Ark... did not predict this."
To be continued
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