Reviews:
Naresh Vm Simna: When he was a kid. The explosion at Daybreak didn't leave him with just a few scratches.
BSWAT: ...Jesus, that rabbit hole. Look, while the Heisei era had more 'darker tones' and a sepia filter to it, it doesn't mean that Neo-Heisei sucks. It's like saying the current DC movies suck compared to the Snyder shit or the Nolan Trilogy because they ACTUALLY HAVE FUN AND MAKE JOKES!
Let's think about some Rider shows for a second. W: that deals with the allusion of drug use, grief, mysteries, acceptance and loss. OOO: Eiji's guilt because of what happened to him, the concept of greed being both good and bad, nihilism and hope. Gaim: The use of power and control, deciding whether to make use of it for good or to let the goal of power and attaining godhood consume us. Ex-Aid: Where do you want me to fucking begin? Suicidal thoughts and trauma (Emu/Ex-Aid); depression and grief (Hiro/Blade); guilt, self-mutilation (via Gashats) and isolation (Taiga/Snipe), compulsive lying to mask pain (Kujo/Lazer); self-destructive behaviour, and the fear of death (Parad); God-Complex, lack of empathy, over-inflated ego and pride (Dan Kuroto); Build (My favourite series): Identity theft, separation, isolation, trauma and grief from past actions and working through them, death and consequences, self-destructive actions.
You CAN HAVE a 'dark and mature' Rider Show, but it doesn't mean that you can't have some fun or a laugh with it; the current Rider Revice is doing just that! Dealing with inner darkness/demons, death of innocent people, cult-like behaviour, scarring revelations on people's perspectives and shifts in who they thought they were, dual personalities and murderous behaviour! FFS Olteca and Vail want to MURDER EVERYONE!
ZERO-ONE, ITSELF! Zero-One deals with terrorism, the concept of souls and whether AI are considered people or tools, death and trauma, anger issues, pride and ego, body possession, despair and pain, child abuse, greed and abuse of power towards others!
I know those were Reiwa, but my point still stands. You can have a dark and mature show, but if you balance it out with good characters, character development and having a sense of humour it can make a great show. Otherwise, you're just gonna get 'Kamen Rider Snyder' or as it's officially known 'Kamen Rider Amazons'.
KRNexus: Yeah, we've had fun writing for these new suits, best part 'unlimited budget'. *laughs*
MKDemiGodzilla-Warrior: Trust us, we'll get to that when we get to it. But no, Hedgehog wasn't used as a suit.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Definitely. And yeah, Grey's a genius when it comes to explaining things like that.
Dragon Rider 66: Glad you were excited about this new form; yeah, we had a good time coming up with it. As for the Driver questions, you'll have to wait and see how we get to them.
Spidey Viewer: Yeah, that's Grey for you. He's a genius.
Toa Solaric: Yeah, don't hug Fuwa while in that form, unless you'll become a pincushion.
Here are some reviews from our own GreyKing46:
Naresh Vm Simna: When DayBreak exploded. To save his life. We explained that several chapters ago
BSWAT: Kamen Rider is always dark. The franchise is rooted in body horror, questions of morality, fighting Nazis and human experimentation. The thing is most fans, or rather elitists started around the time Kabuto came out. And the thing is, there WAS a style shift between early Heisei and Neo-Heisei... Better storytelling.
Most modern shows of the franchise are still mature. However, it is dark in its theming and its lore and in its characters. It is subtler in its maturity. Early Heisei was an edgelord phase most of the time. Shock value, blood as much as possible, over the top drama.
Now I'm not saying there aren't bad shows in Neo-Heisei, nor am I saying ALL of early Heisei was bad. But there is also a difference between what people CALL 'dark' as well as what they actually mean, 'mature'. And Rider has never lost that inherit maturity even as it started telling better stories with more comedy and better characters. Partially because being 'dark' does not mean a story is GOOD. Like comedy, it is a tool. A dressing to tell a story. That is why Kuuga is good and Ryuki is bad, how they handle their darker elements.
Also, anyone want to say modern Rider is bad because of comedy... Actually, watch those old Heisei shows. They tell a LOT of jokes back then to. Only they were bad and annoying.
KRNexus: True. But then we get Flying Falcon, which was used like three times. And so many monsters only used once or twice. Also, Ikazuchi. He wasn't supposed to come back. So...
MKDemiGodzilla-Warrior: Not gonna put in many spoilers. But Thouser is a mix of Zero One Driver and ForceRiser and Ark One is similar.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Thanks. I love explaining lore like that when I can.
Bahamut0: Well, it'd be too fast otherwise.
Dragon Rider 66: SlashRiser, better ShotRiser.
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Kamen Rider Zero-One Revised
Chapter 18: Of Beetles and Dodos
Co-Writer GreyKing46
We do not own these characters. All rights belong to Shotaro Ishinomori, Ishimori Productions and Toei Company
"Leaving the project...what are we going to do?" Aruto asked Izu, Mr Fukuzoe, Mr Yamashita and Shesta. This project was a huge deal, but the choice of one of the main stars leaving was a huge blow.
"We might have to find a replacement. Or hire an actor to replace Enji." Mr Fukuzoe responded, thinking aloud.
Tension filled the air, tense and dark.
'We can't do that...Enji has been chosen for this.' Aruto thought sadly. 'There's too much riding on both a HumaGear and Human drama.'
"President Hiden. Perhaps we can contact Mr Owada to reconsider leaving." Shesta asked.
"Yeah, maybe." Aruto mumbled "But... How?"
"...Maybe an increase to his pay?" Mr Yamashita suggested.
"It might come across as playing favourites for the actors they've hired." Aruto answered.
"...President Aruto. Maybe we could ask Mr Owada what he wants in an actor to bounce off from?" Izu suggested. "During filming, both parties seemed to be strict to the script."
"I'm confused why he doesn't like Eiji." Aruto agreed
"We will attempt to contact him, President Hiden. And discuss things properly." Shesta answered.
"Thank you, Shesta." Mr Fukuzoe responded, acknowledging her.
*With Mr Owada*
Mr Owada was walking in the park, taking a sabbatical from that drama...it was not working for him. He felt his pride challenged, not by someone younger than him, but by a HumaGear. A machine. Would actors who honed and crafted their talents over a lifetime be so easily replaced? He had to get out of that place, it seemed like they were sucking up to him.
It was disgusting, but not something he wasn't used to.
'The price of fame.' He thought to himself. "Enji...A HumaGear actor." He muttered to himself as he found himself at a park bench and slumped down onto it. "What more can I do?"
Stepping on the path, was a young man, wearing a hoodie and jeans, their hood covering his head while being a little slouched. "E-Excuse me, Sir."
"Hmm? Yes?" Mr Owada asked, turning to the young man.
"Are you Mr Shinya Owada?" The young man asked.
"Yes, I am. Can I help you?" Mr Owada asked being polite.
"Yes...I want to get stronger." He asked.
"'Stronger'?" Mr Owada contemplated. "Well, perhaps we can help each other out. Mr...?"
"Ansa. Ryu Ansa." The young man answered.
"Very well. Show me what you want to be stronger with." Mr Owada asked.
Ryu nodded, picking up two felled branches from the floor and positioned himself ready for a fight, like a samurai. Mr Owada took notice of that and his eyes widened a little.
Whoosh!
Swoosh!
Whip!
Thrust!
Mr Owada just clapped at that. "Not bad. Not bad at all. You must've watched my movies. That was one of my earliest casting roles; The Strongest Assassin."
"Yes, it is my favourite movie." Ryu answered with a smile.
Mr Owada chuckled in response. "You have good taste. Now...Perhaps you can help me out with something."
"Of course, Sir." Ryu answered, being handed a copy of the script.
"My latest project, you've probably heard about it." Mr Owada answered.
"Are you sure it's okay for me to see this?" Ryu asked.
"Promise you won't tell anyone." Mr Owada answered and then cleared his throat, getting into character. "Giri..."
The scene played out as was written, Mr Owada and Ryu playing their parts. Until the part where Mr Owada confronted Giri about 'Justice' and what it means to be a 'police officer'.
"...I guess that makes me a failure of a police officer." Ryu spoke with humbled confidence.
...
"Ha!" Mr Owada broke character and smiled. "That's good. You adlib too? That was better than what was written here."
"Thank you, Master." Ryu bowed. "Perhaps we can 'adlib' some more? If that might improve the script."
"...You know. That might be pretty good. In exchange, I'll show you some techniques I learned for my roles." Mr Owada smiled.
"Thank you, Master!" Ryu smiled and bowed once again...his eyes shining just a faint blue.
*Elsewhere*
"Tch! Ow, ow, ow!" Jin grunted as he was being fixed up by Horobi.
"You were lucky Valkyrie didn't destroy you." Horobi spoke while fixing him. "Your recklessness is going to be your undoing."
"At least we frightened AIMS and Zero-One. That counts for something, right?" Jin asked.
"It means that Zero-One and Hiden will be on even more guard than they already were."
Jin frowned as he realised what he had done. "We took down some AIMS soldiers. That counts for something; right?"
"Yes. And it just means you've angered Valkyrie and Vulcan." Horobi answered seeing Jin upset. "...However...you did do a good job. Your actions have shown AIMS that they are getting complacent."
Jin's frown slowly grew back to a small smile. "Thank you, Horobi. I mean it."
Horobi didn't answer right away, sealing up Jin's wounds. "Ark will be giving new orders soon, we will have to be ready."
"Yeah, okay." Jin nodded.
"It was the quick thinking of Little Assassin to save your life. I doubt even Hiden or AIMS realise they had let him go." Horobi added.
"Yeah, that movie really was-oop!"
"'Movie'? What movie?" Horobi turned angrily.
"Th-the movie with that actor who was in Hiden's new drama! He played an assassin! I thought it would've helped!" Jin explained defensively.
Horobi's eyes tightened as he glared at Jin. "...Learning from an outside source. Good idea."
'Phew!' Jin thought in relief, realising that he had told the truth and got away from trouble. "What about Hiden? I guess his drama is about to go under."
"We can hope. But you still have to find a 'new friend' to give the Key too." Horobi answered.
"Yeah, I know. But...we can always find someone that we can induct into Ark's will." Jin responded.
"True. True." Horobi answered slowly and ominously as a new Key was being printed.
*Elsewhere*
"Yua." Gai spoke, making a cup of tea in his Fine China teacups and kettle. "Care for one?"
"Um. N-No, thank you, Sir." She answered.
"Alright. The data has come in from you wearing the bodysuit these past few days. Getting used to it now?" He asked, carefully pouring his tea while making conversation. It seemed that he was ignoring her.
"It's...become part of my routine, Sir." Yaiba held her tongue as she didn't want to give too much away.
"Hmm." Gai nodded. "Yua, do you hate my gifts?"
"I-I'm sorry, Sir?" She blinked in confusion.
"I give you the Bear Key. You give it to Hiden. I give you Spider and it's in the hands of your partner. I create the Mammoth, and it's in...His hands." Gai spoke calmly...but the anger was bubbling just beneath the surface. "And now...you have a Progrise Key from Hiden." He put his spoon down on the dish.
Clink
"It...I felt that they would use the Keys more effectively." She answered.
"Hmm, so you say. However...one could *also* say that. My 'gifts' aren't getting through that head of yours. How can you work for me and use our products 'effectively', if you just give them away to our competitors? Or...Or? Giving them to muscle brained failed teachers with the social graces of a mad gorilla who rip them open?" Gai responded, darkly chuckling.
"Sir, please understand. Though it seems that-"
"There haven't been any new Keys from MetsuBouJinRai either. Are you destroying them? Letting those robotic terrorists take them back? Are you just simply letting them slip because of your emotions towards Hiden?" Gai asked. "Oh, don't think I didn't notice. Your heart rate increased ever so slightly when you see him."
Yua gulped as she was kept in her seat, Gai was...getting angry. And him noticing that minute thing about her during their fights and the situations, made her feel vulnerable.
"However, I can't dwell on this." Gai answered calmly. "I have an important meeting to attend. I want to see results, Yaiba. I want to see another new Progrise Key in my office the next time we meet. I assume you can handle that?"
"Y-Yes, Sir." She lowered her head before it was lifted up by Gai's fingers.
"Now, now. Don't pout. After all, you're an important tool to ZAIA." Gai berated her, with a venomous and condescending smirk.
*Time Skip*
It was the following day, Aruto was ready to meet Mr Owada to hopefully persuade him back into the project. He just...needed time and the right words. But he felt like he was going to trip over them since he was a fan of his work; not only as an actor but also a voice actor.
"President Aruto." Izu spoke respectfully as she approached him, while he was wearing his best suit...over his hoodie, of course.
"Ah, Izu. How do I look? Okay? Not okay? Hmm." He asked.
"I'm afraid there is an important message that has just arrived in your E-mail." Izu informed.
"Yeah? What is it?" Aruto asked in confusion. "Can't it wait?"
"Unfortunately not. You are to have a meeting with the branch head of ZAIA Enterprise Japan." Izu informed.
"ZAIA? You mean our rival competitor and company?" He asked.
"Correct. The branch head is shortly arriving." Izu informed.
"Oh god, I thought I had it bad enough with trying to get Mr Odawa back into the project." Aruto berated himself. "I have to apologise to him and the director."
"You will have time, President Aruto. I'm sure this will not take too long." She answered.
"Right...Get...Get the cafeteria staff ready for some biscuits and tea. Err, some water and-" Aruto asked.
"I have sent the order to them." She answered. "They are ready with the concessions."
"Thank you, Izu. I don't know what I'd do without you." Aruto admitted.
"Probably still try comedy?" Izu teased gently.
"Yeah, I suppo-, hey!" He smiled before exclaiming at her, to which she seemed to internally titter.
Knock, knock, knock
"Come in." Aruto asked, turning to the door.
"President Hiden, the President of ZAIA Enterprise has just arrived. You are needed in the meeting room." Shesta opened the door and informed him.
"Right, thanks Shesta." Aruto answered. "We better go."
"Yes, Sir." Izu responded, the two walking off as Shesta moved out of the way.
"Thanks for the heads up." Aruto acknowledged Shesta as he and Izu walked towards the meeting room. "Izu, what's the name of this CEO?"
"His name is 'Gai Amatsu'. He is the youngest CEO of ZAIA's history when he joined." Izu informed.
"Huh, okay. So he must've joined recently like me, correct?" Aruto innocently asked as they approached the meeting room.
"No, President Aruto." She answered as they entered.
Inside the room, Gai Amatsu was waiting in a seat. Aruto saw him, he seemed like a youthful young man about twenty-four years old. Short black hair that was swept back with two bangs at the side of his face, black eyes; wearing a pale beige, almost bone white, suit. He had a pair of bright white trousers, a white V-neck shirt, a pair of pristine white shoes and had the air of authority about him, that belonged to a CEO.
The difference between both Aruto and Gai was as clear as night and day; Aruto, wearing his hoodie and black suit that seemed to be low-end detail clothing. Compared to Gai and his bleached white Italian suit that seemed to be more expensive than most of this room's seating.
"President Hiden, may I present CEO of ZAIA Enterprise, Gai Amatsu." A ZAIA secretary spoke informing Aruto.
"Welcome to Hiden Intelligence, Mr Amatsu." Aruto spoke politely to Gai, doing the courteous thing.
"Ah, I see that you are the newest President. I've seen your...interviews with the press." Gai responded. "I must say, you've gotten somewhat of a handle on being the President of a major corporation. Though, I suppose that's thanks to your grandfather."
"As well as my secretary and my other employees." Aruto nodded "I try and mimic how he ran it as well as the life lessons he taught me and they help support me."
"So, it seems." Gai nodded as the two sat down by the table, both heads of two companies sitting opposite of each other. The tension in the air was so thick that you could cut it with a knife.
"So, our first meeting, Mr Hiden. I see that the colour was done up since I was last here." Gai commented.
"You-you've been here before?" Aruto asked.
"Yes, many times. Your Predecessor, Korenosuke, he and I often had meetings like this one." Gai answered calmly, looking...wistful.
"You knew my grandfather?" Aruto blinked. "How old-?"
"I'm eternally twenty-four," Gai responded as he clicked his fingers for his secretary who brought him a case and produced a framed photo. "See for yourself."
Aruto looked at Gai for his treatment of the secretary and then looked at the photograph. And his eyes widened. "Grandfather...And you?"
"Yes, taken some years ago. Back when I...worked in this place." Gai answered. "It's how I knew you'd be late by a few seconds."
Izu looked at the photograph and then at Gai, correlating the age between the photograph and Gai. "Mr Amatsu is approximately forty-five years old when comparing the age of the photograph."
Gai's lips strained a little as his actual age was spoken aloud. "A HumaGear Secretary. How apt, Mr Hiden. Korenosuke sure loved these 'marvels of human imitation'."
"I beg your pardon?" Aruto asked, feeling his company's name and what they do were being insulted.
"Oh, don't get me wrong. You're doing so well holding the fort." Gai answered.
"...Mr Amatsu, I'm sure you aren't like other Gai's who come here." Aruto joked.
"Why yes, I-" Gai smiled, before...he caught it. 'No...' He caught the pun.
"Hai, Aruto ja naito." the comedian called out his famous catchphrase, only spoken in a calmer tone. An almost taunting tone.
...
"I see you inherited your grandfather's humour as well. He did love those terribly unfunny jokes." Gai frowned.
Aruto caught that, hearing that his jokes were 'unfunny'. "Well...It helps connect me to him. He's still a part of me. Part of this company."
"It does increase company morale, seeing the president as much more 'human', by up to 20%." Izu pointed out proudly.
"So you say." Gai answered. "But ZAIA's morale is always at 1000%."
"That is impossible." Izu stated.
"Not for ZAIA. I guess that HumaGears don't have the capacity to calculate that high."
"Well, I see that you're 'zen' for 'sen' since you're adamant about how ZAIA you say you can go." Aruto answered, trying to keep the joke going, since...Gai was just pushing his buttons.
Gai's lip was twitching. These jokes...these...Damn jokes! "I see that...Jokes consist most of your repertoire."
"It's something I do to lighten the mood. Sorry." Aruto apologised. "So, I hope that we can continue this meeting as 'equals' and talk like adults."
"Yes. Let's." Gai answered conservatively.
*Elsewhere*
We return to AIMS HQ, Yua was...worried. The Dodo Magia was weighing on her mind, the worry that it wasn't destroyed. She leaned onto her computer desk and her head in her hands. "I'm thinking about this too much...What the heck is Fuwa doing?" She wondered, getting up from her desk as she was getting wound up from festering on her emotions.
She looked around, thinking she might find him here. Somewhere. "...Where's everyone going?"
"Hey, Yaiba. You should see this." An AIMS soldier spoke.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"The training ground. Fuwa's new form is stabbing everything." They responded. "Look!"
"Huh?" Yua double took and went to the viewing screen, seeing Fuwa getting used to his new form, being a gorilla with spines.
...
"FUWA!" she yelled.
KAShewww.
"Huh? Yaiba?" Fuwa turned to her, seeing through the glass as the fight ended. He ejected his Key from his ShotRiser as he walked out of the training area...he knew he would be getting an earful from her. 'Guess I used this against her wishes. Or actual use. Either way.'
"What? The hell? Was that?" Yua snapped at him angrily, her veins...slightly bulging from anger.
"Training. I thought you wanted 'more data'." He responded calmly.
"There's 'training'. And then there's using a Key against its actual purpose! It's not another Key you can just spam punches with!" Yua angrily glared at him.
"...Didn't the Dodo subvert expectations? I mean, who predicted the flightless bird Magia being so tough?" Fuwa debated.
Click!
"You're getting this back, when I say so. Got it?" She snatched the Key from his hands.
"Hey! I-...Fine. Got it." He answered, not waving her off; but just annoyed as she walked off. "...Jeez, what the hell is wrong with her?"
As Yua walked off, she slotted the Key into her pocket. If it wasn't bad enough Fuwa was using the Key in a new way...the scientists in ZAIA were demanding her to wear a new bodysuit that they had designed. And Gai was breathing down her neck for a new Key. This was all too much for her right now.
"Hnn...Damn it." She frowned, clenching her fist as she was on her own. In fact, it was the only way she could relieve herself of this stress. There was no way she could even think about other Magia or MetsuBouJinRai attacks.
Fuwa however, was walking to the medical office, just to see if he needed anything patched up. Or maybe some ice on his face from where a few HumaGears got him. 'Yaiba needs to calm down. Though, this job can be tough.'
"Fuwa; back again? I should start charging you." The nurse commented jokingly.
"Yeah, yeah. But you'd probably miss me if I didn't break at least a sweat." He answered.
*Time Skip*
"Thank you for visiting, Mr Amatsu." Aruto and Izu graciously bowed to Gai as he was escorted off the premises.
"Of course, I will be glad to see you come to ZAIA someday. Or maybe I'll return again." Gai answered.
"It's possible," Aruto answered.
"Drive on," Gai informed his driver as he got into the car and drove off.
...
"Argh...what a meeting!" Aruto groaned as he got inside his company once again.
"You did quite well, President Aruto." Izu praised him as he leaned on the side of the wall.
"Thanks, Izu. But it felt like it took everything I had during that." Aruto admitted. 'Did Grandpa have to deal with that sort of thing regularly?'
"Are you alright?" Izu asked cautiously.
"Just...mentally exhausted. I'm alright." He admitted. "Though...that Amatsu guy."
"There were inconsistencies in what he said earlier. And he was quite 'cagey' about what he wanted." Izu agreed, having taken note.
"I'm glad you were recording all that, I was worried I was going to zone out," Aruto admitted.
"Mr President!" Mr Yamashita called out in concern as he, Mr Fukuzoe and Shesta approached.
"I see you've met the CEO of ZAIA." Mr Fukuzoe responded. "He's got history with this company."
"Yes...We've noticed." Aruto answered.
"And what about Mr Owada?" Shesta asked innocently, seeing as she was just trying to help.
"Argh...and I still have to talk to Mr Owada! I haven't contacted him because of the meeting's length!" Aruto groaned.
"Well, you better make sure he signs back in!" Mr Fukuzoe snapped. "It's your responsibility!"
"I know! Izu, let's go!" Aruto asked, grabbing her hand and ran out.
"Sir, maybe you should have handled one of these two responsibilities." Shesta pointed out.
"Very well. I'll contact the director and the production." Mr Fukuzoe sighed as he rubbed his eyes. "Perhaps we'll be able to salvage this project as quickly as possible."
"Thank you, Sir," Shesta answered as Mr Yamashita patted his own forehead with his handkerchief. "However, I was referring to earlier. You knew the president had this meeting. I reminded you three times today."
"Call it 'tough love', President Hiden needs to deal with situations like this in the future." Mr Fukuzoe answered.
"Sir, there is 'tough love' and then there is 'bullying your superiors'." Shesta frowned.
"Former President Korenosuke handled himself better than most in situations." Mr Fukuzoe responded.
"It's still too much for President Hiden right now," Shesta answered. "He is still relatively new to this world."
Mr Fukuzoe turned and glared at Shesta. "Are you -my- secretary, Shesta? Or are you President Hiden's babysitter?"
Shesta felt disheartened as she heard that. "I am your secretary, Vice President Fukuzoe. But you did ask me to check in on President Hiden. And that is what I have done and what I am doing."
Mr Yamashita blinked in shock as she responded blatantly. Still...it was something that Mr Fukuzoe did ask her to do.
"My job, sir, is to ensure the company is safe and running optimally."
Mr Fukuzoe looked at Shesta and sighed heavily. "And you've been doing a good job."
'Then why does it feel like you are condescending me?' Shesta thought to herself but bowed. "Thank you, Sir."
*Elsewhere*
Aruto was on a call, trying to get through to Mr Owada and have a chat with him, this had to be done right...he couldn't let this opportunity slip. "President Aruto, your blood pressure."
"I-I'm fine, Izu...No, I'm not. This morning with Mr Amatsu. What he said...The stress of this project. It's all building to a problem I'm scared I can't fix." Aruto admitted.
Izu placed her hand on his own. "You have done well thus far, President Aruto. You have shown courage and intuition in these projects. You are going to do fine."
Aruto took a deep breath and sighed in relief, he gave a small nod and looked at her. "Thanks, Izu. You've been a lot of help these past few months. I couldn't do this without you."
"Of course, Sir." She answered.
Ring, ring
"Hello?" Mr Owada's voice came through on the line.
"Ah, hello Mr Owada. It's Mr Hiden-" Aruto spoke up.
"Ah, yes. The young President. I remember you."
Aruto sighed in relief and excitement. "I was hoping I could have a meeting with you. In regard to the drama project."
"I see." Mr Owada responded.
"I know it's presumptuous and rude, but...would you be willing to have this meeting?"
"...Very well. I'll come to this meeting. Should we meet at the production?" Mr Owada asked.
Aruto took a deep breath and sighed in relief. "Yes, I think that'll be good."
"Brilliant, because there are some things I want to discuss with you and the director." Mr Owada responded.
"Oh, okay! Yes, of course. We'll talk things out and...hopefully-"
"I'll be there for the shootings, Mr Hiden." Mr Owada answered. "Goodbye."
Click
"He's agreed to meet." Aruto sighed in relief. "I hope I didn't come across as too needy."
"You did fine, President Aruto," Izu answered. "Leemo, please take us to the drama shooting."
"Of course." He responded, driving them there.
*Elsewhere*
Little Assassin was practising outside of DayBreak with a pair of sticks, putting what he had learned from Mr Owada into good use. That time against Zero-One was a wake-up call...but. There was something hollow about it. All they knew was 'how to kill' or 'you are only made to kill'. That time they spent with Mr Owada...was good. It made them appreciate new things.
He looked to the large blue sky, his eyes flashing.
All this time on their own, it was thinking about the time they had. As teacher and student. It was...good.
Whoosh!
Crack!
He sliced the air with his sticks and then cut some branches of a bush with them.
"Little Assassin." Horobi called out to him.
"What is it?" He asked.
"I have a mission for you."
"Didn't I already have one?" Little Assassin snarked
"Yes, but this one is important. You're to kill Mr Owada." Horobi answered. "You have surpassed him."
"Kill him? I may have-"
"You are a weapon, you have learned what you could from that weak human. You are a member of MetsuBouJinRai." Horobi answered darkly. "Do your purpose."
...
"If this movie is finished, the message it will give, the wrong message to HumaGear's. Metsubo Jinrai's message will be weakened, and as Ark predicted it will lead to disaster for HumaGear's." Horobi explained.
"I see." Little Assassin answered. "Very well. I will kill him."
*Time Skip*
"Thank you for giving the project another chance, Mr Owada." The director spoke, Aruto having listened to his requests and hoped that the project would come to fruition and conclusion.
"Of course, and let's hope your HumaGear actor manages to keep up with me." Mr Owada chuckled, getting up. "Now...let's begin."
"Yes, Mr Owada, Sir." Enji, the HumaGear actor responded, politely.
"Alright, I'll get the cameramen and group and we'll get this production ready!" The director spoke up, clapping his hands excitedly.
Aruto swept his hair back and sighed in relief. Things seemed to be back on schedule. "I think I'll go check on Enji, just to be safe."
"Good." The director nodded.
Both Izu and Aruto left for Enji's trailer, seeing the HumaGear was reviewing his lines from the script again. Despite having reviewed them over and over, it was his big break. "President Hiden, what do I owe the pleasure?" Enji asked as he saw him.
"Just wanted to check up on you...and apologies for the wait with the project." Aruto apologised.
"It is quite alright, Sir. I have been reviewing my own progress and I have learned that I have to 'emote' more." Enji answered
"Self-Reviewing is good." Izu answered. "It shows you have come a long way."
"Yes, I only hope I'm good enough to work with Mr Owada again." Enji responded.
"Don't worry, you will be." Aruto answered, reassuring him.
A few moments later, we return to the set. Where Mr Owada and Enji were going over the last scene from their last filming session, just as a refresher, though the cameramen were getting the shots.
"You only see one side of the coin, Giri." Mr Owada's character spoke, while he was sitting in a chair. "I guess that makes you a failure of a police officer."
"What was that? That's not in the script." The director double-took as he heard that. "He's ad-libbing?"
Enji's lights were flashing, he tried to think of something, it was like he was glitching, he was thrown off by this change in script. "C-C-C-CUT!"
The cameraman stopped filming while Mr Owada sighed, though he agreed to come back, Enji was still a HumaGear who had been reading the script he was given religiously. The director got up and called out "He can't say 'cut'. We'll come back in five minutes! Clean up!"
"Mr Owada...What was that?" Aruto asked as he approached him.
"The other night. A fan of mine came to me, he went over my lines." Mr Owada answered, producing the revised script. "They were better than what's written here."
Aruto looked at it, seeing the red words and was...impressed. This was a mark of a great actor, ad-libbing and seeing if the script could reflect what could be improved. "I...I see."
"Though Enji is a good actor. He's still a HumaGear. He needs to make his own choices and let the words come to him, rather than just follow the script." Mr Owada spoke, praising Enji but also critiquing his acting, while the HumaGear was calming down and heard it.
'I need to...make my own words? My own scenes?' He thought, taking that advice on board...and his headlights glowed.
Mr Owada saw Enji sitting down on a chair and sighed. "I'm still doing the drama. If he can't improve his chops, you may need to find another actor."
Aruto's face lowered as he heard that...There was more riding on this now than ever. He looked at Izu in concern, he didn't know what else to say or do. "I...Hmm."
Mr Owada took the script back from Aruto, all the while everyone was unaware of a certain unknown was standing in the shadows. Little Assassin had come. 'Master.' He thought as he concealed the gun Horobi had on given him.
He was disguised, still dressed as Ryu.
Aruto walked back to Enji hoping to give him a pep talk and Izu was concerned for him. "How are you doing, Enji?"
"I...have much to learn, President Hiden." Enji answered. "I am alright now."
"You sure?" Aruto asked softly.
Enji nodded and smiled. "Yes, thank you for your concern. I think we have to go to the next scene now."
"Okay, if you're alright to do so." Aruto nodded as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I am." He nodded as he got up and headed to the different scene, while everyone was unaware of Ryu walking with them, with everyone thinking he was an extra.
"Alright everyone, places!" The director spoke out, as they were now outside in a secluded area. "This is the scene where The Legendary Assassin is confronted and makes his escape."
The crew and actors nodded in response but wondered where the actor playing the confronter was. "Where-?"
"I'm here." The actor answered, looking a little creased, but walked forward to the scene.
"Alright, everyone...and...Action!" The director called out, letting the actors play their part.
"Well, it seems that my past has caught up with me." Mr Owada spoke calmly and with regret. "Walking my path only to surpass me."
The actor kept his back to Mr Owada, pulling out the gun. "Yes. I must surpass you."
"I can't say I'm surprised. My own pupil wanting recognition and imitating my work." Mr Owada answered.
Whoosh!
Click!
"...It's...It's nothing personal." The gunman answered. "You're just in my way."
However, Enji wasn't on set yet. He wasn't needed until after the gunshot.
"Forgive me." Ryu spoke as he fired.
BANG!
Breaking onto the scene, Enji rushed out and leapt between the bullet and Mr Owada. Enji was flung back, the bullet hitting a non-vital part of him, but caught an important part.
CRAZZK!
"What on Earth!?" The director called out, seeing the smoke coming from the gun and Enji breaking the scene. Aruto's eyes widened at this, it was going all wrong again! MetsuBouJinRai had infiltrated the shooting!
"What're you-?" Mr Owada double-took and then panicked, seeing the bullet hole in Enji's chest. "E-Enji!"
"I...I might be...a failure...of a police officer, Oda." Enji continued the scene, not breaking character while Mr Owada did. "But...It doesn't mean. That I won't stop doing what's right. To keep fighting. I made a promise, to help people."
Aruto's eyes began to water as he ran onto the scene confronting the man. "YOU!"
Walking up the stairs onto the rooftop film site, Horobi smirked darkly.
"Zero-One. Witness to a true Singularity." Horobi remarked. "Enjoy the theatrics?"
"Hor... Horobi..." Aruto hissed, ignoring the drama that continued to play out behind him.
"Do you honestly believe that you can approach me? We are superior to Humanity. It is Ark's will." Horobi continued, seeing Aruto walk towards him.
"Ark, Ark, Ark." Aruto ranted. "Don't you have a SINGLE original thought in your head?!"
ZERO ONE DRIVER!
JUMP!
Horobi frowned at that, reaching back for his ForceRise as Aruto authorised his Key and began to transform.
"Someone call AIMS!" The director called out as they were worried this was going to turn sour.
"Don't worry. You'll be fine. I promise, I'll stop him... Partner." Mr Owada said as he continued to play the role "You still... You still have much to learn."
"Thank you, sir... I will be... Waiting." Enji nodded before his eyes lost all life.
Mr Owada shuddered a little while he held Enji in his arms, Ryu saw what he had done...He caused this to happen. His choice to take that shot.
Ryu's hands were shaking as he dropped the gun... And he screamed!
"Why are you scream-" Horobi asked before he was punched in the face by an unarmoured Aruto.
And then, before anything else, the Assassin tackled Horobi. Pushing him aside.
"Mr Owada! The stairs are unblocked! We need to get going while we can!" The director urged, now that Horobi was out of the way.
"Forgive me, Enji." Mr Owada apologised and carefully placed Enji down on the roof as he had to evacuate with the others.
As the others escaped, led by Izu, Aruto watched on as Little Assassin and Horobi fought hand to hand.
PUNCH!
PUNCH!
"You! Bastard!" Little Assassin fought Horobi, throwing punches and kicks at him because of what he was forced to do.
Horobi and Little Assassin fought, Horobi trying to dodge each of the attacks. "Why are you acting like this? You did what you created for!"
"You don't understand!" Little Assassin snarled, his fist just skimming past Horobi's face
"Hnn" Horobi grunted as he was just scratched before he gut-punched Little Assassin. "You exist to be a weapon. It is Ark's will, humans will always be our enemy. You learn your place, 'Ryu'."
Horobi walked towards Enji's shot body as Aruto was stunned by what happened
"H-Hey!" Aruto yelled, rushing forwards.
Horobi turned around and saw Aruto rush at him. 'Pathetic.' And slapped a Zetsumeriser onto Enji's waist. The corpse yelled as it was instantly hacked.
"There," Horobi commented.
"L1nk m4d3 t0 MestuBouJinRai." Enji's voice glitched as it sway almost drunkenly.
"No! Enji!" Aruto called out.
Horobi pulled out a dark blue Progrise Key and was ready to pass it over to the reconnected HumaGear.
ARSINO!
"NO!" Aruto called out as the Key was slammed into the Belt and activated.
ZETSUMERISE!
Enji roared as he was covered in blue DNA strands as he transformed into the Arsino Magia. A blue-metal-plated Magia on his shoulders, chest and upper thighs, blue wires strapping grey metal onto his feet and arms, a blue metal popped-collar, a silver mouth-plate, light blue eyes to contrast the dark blue metal on its body with two large horns coming from its nose area and pointed upwards.
"Enji!"
"No longer an actor. Now, a member of Ark's will." Horobi proclaimed.
DODO!
Aruto turned around in worry. Three Magia against him? He wouldn't stand a chance!
ZETSUMERISE!
"RARGH!" Little Assassin roared as his body transformed.
BANG!
BANG!
"4rgh!" The Arsino Magia and Dodo Magia grunted in pain, being shot by both an arrived Fuwa and Yaiba.
"This isn't the best battlefield." Yaiba frowned, looking at the rooftops.
The Dodo Magia screamed as it fully formed, and instead of it looking like the normal bird-headed form, it had changed vastly. Its feet became clawed with larger dark-red shin and thigh-guards with silver straps, red wires for bracers that held silver metal riveted onto its body, a silver belt and straps, a pair of large red metal shoulder-guards, three 'drums' under the extended shoulder-guards, a red meal chest-plate with bullet strips, a silver skull-like face with a beak-like 'head' and red spikes protruding from its head with two blue 'eyes' on the top.
"What the hell is that?" Fuwa's eyes widened in shock.
"Finally. The Dodo's upgraded form." Horobi smirked darkly
FORCERISE!
PROGRISE!
KABAN SLASH!
A yellow energy blade came out at Horobi, Aruto leaping in with swift anger that took the purple Kamen Rider off guard while both AIMS Riders went in and attacked the Arsino and Dodo Magia.
POWER!
THUNDER!
"HENSHIN!" The two proclaimed, shooting their bullets before rushing into the fight, attacking both the Dodo and Arsino Magia.
PUNCHING KONG!
LIGHTNING HORNET!
"HRARGH!" Fuwa roared as he tackled the Arsino Magia since this seemed to heaviest hitter while Yaiba flew in and attacked the Dodo.
The Dodo Magia looked up and saw Yaiba come after him, his intelligence and notice increased its capabilities as it lifted its swords to defend itself.
However, Aruto and Horobi were forced off the roof. The two were jumping from building to building as they fell, looking like a pair of springs as they slashed at each other.
"HRARGH!"
CLASH!
SLASH!
"HA!"
CLASH!
SLASH!
Aruto's red eyes seemed to flash in contrast to Horobi's yellow ones, the two of them clashing with their Attache Weapons as they plummeted to the ground.
"Hn! HNN!" Aruto grunted as he tried to get in close and even try to cut into Horobi's helmet.
"HA!" Horobi called, kicking Aruto away.
Aruto's boots kicked up the dirt underneath as he was pushed back, his vision blinded by anger because of how cruel this was.
FANG!
Progrise Key Confirmed. Ready To Utilise Shark's Ability!
Aruto closed the Attache Calibur as he panted heavily, he wanted to stop Horobi. Stop MetsuBouJinRai. He wanted this to end.
CHARGERISE
FULL CHARGE!
"HA!"
BITING KABAN DYNAMIC!
Horobi lifted up his Attache Arrow and slashed down, using his own strength to parry Aruto's reckless attack.
CRRZZZCK!
"HA!" Horobi proclaimed, causing an explosion that separated the two and forced them out of their transformations.
*Up on the roof*
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
"Fuwa! This Dodo's not staying extinct!" Yua called out, worried because this newest form of the Dodo Magia was adapting over and over.
"HNN! How? Do you think? I feel?!" He grunted, punching and pushing back the Arsino Magia so it wouldn't push him off the edge.
"Come on you... little..." he snarled angrily, headbutting the Arsino Magia with all his might as an almost last resort.
...
"OW!" he yelled.
"Idiot." Yaiba and the Dodo Magia groaned as they saw that.
CLANG!
The Arsino Magia repeated the headbutts, clashing against Fuwa while pushing him forwards towards the edge of the roof.
"Would? You! Just! STOP!" Fuwa grunted, his feet digging up the roof's floor and then pushed back.
STOMP!
STOMP!
STOMP!
"H-Hu_H?!" The Magia grunted in fear and shock, itself being pushed back this time, like two sumo wrestlers in the ring.
FEVER!
"HA!" Fuwa roared, throwing the Magia into the air as his armour glowed.
"Scrap." He growled, grabbing his ShotRiser and fired.
POWER!
P! O! W! E! R! B! L! A! S! T!
BOOM!
"4RGH!" The Arisno Magia screamed, its body destroyed while its Key and belt flew off in the explosion and out of their gaze.
"ASSASSINATE!" Dodo roared, unleashing his missiles.
"Gah!" Yua screamed as she tried to dodge them, with the explosions getting very close to her.
"Yaiba!" Fuwa called.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Yua was caught in the missile's attacks, causing her to fall to the ground below, her armour was still on her though so the blows were lessened.
Her wings extended, catching herself.
Yua's body was was beaten, she wanted to keep fighting, but this form of Dodo...it was too strong. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.
"You son of a-!" Fuwa growled and crashed into the Dodo Magia, catching it off guard and began to beat it down. "YAIBA! COME ON, WE CAN DO IT! TOGETHER!" Fuwa encouraged.
Yua looked up as her wings continued to buzz, forcing herself to her feet and she had to fly up quickly. The Dodo couldn't be taken out on his own. 'Come on, Yua...Get up!' She thought, feebly jumping but got enough momentum to get up to the roof.
She pulled out her new key, glad she had another option thanks to Aruto.
DIVE!
"Huh? 'Dive'?" Fuwa asked in shock, seeing her jump upwards and slotted it into her belt
SHOTRISE!
The Dodo yelled as it was struck by the bullet, being knocked back, before the armour formed around Valkyrie.
DIVING! DOLPHIN!
"Sorry. Haven't had much practice with this one." She apologised.
"That's fine. Just help!" Fuwa answered.
"Right!" She smirked, blasting our water from her hands.
'When did she have time to get that?' Fuwa wondered, clanging his fists together and used the water as a diversion so he could disarm and try to disable the Dodo Magia.
"HA!" he roared, giving a mighty punch that collided against his foes swords
Dodo stumbled back, his body holding back Fuwa's strength...
And a high-pressure water blast was launched from Yaiba's palm, cutting into Dodo's arm and ripping through it
"Break, you piece of recycled scrap!" Fuwa roared angrily, smashing his fist into Dodo Magia's face, breaking the armour away.
Yaiba jumped over his shoulder, slamming both of her feet against the robot's face. That kick sprung her back, and as she flipped away, she launched a large blast of water from her hands.
"Time to end this!" Fuwa commented, reaching to his ShotRiser and pushed the top of his Progrise Key.
POWER!
DIVE!
Yaiba followed suit, using her own acrobatics to activate it.
P! U! N! C! H! I! N! G!
D! I! V! E!
B! L! A! S! T!
F! E! V! E! R!
Fuwa roared as his fist was surrounded by silver energy, surrounded by a phantom of his fist several times the size of his body "HRA!" he roared, giving own powerful punch to the Mafia's body sending it flying
PUNCHING BLAST FEVER!
Yaiba came rocketing down with a flying axe kick. She caught up to Dodo easily and as she brought her leg down the water wrapped around her left leg and grew. It became a massive dolphin tail like construct, her axe kick also being a tail slam! "Ha!"
*DIVING BLAST FEVER!
"ASSASSINATE!" The Magia howled as it was sent crashing down off the roof, exploding lightly as they lost sight of it like they had the Arsino Magia.
...
"I'd say that worked." Fuwa smirked.
"Heh...Oh my god, Aruto!" Yua whispered in realisation.
"We gotta get down there!" Fuwa answered, the pair of them rushing down.
*Down below*
Still on the ground, Aruto and Horobi grunted as they pushed themselves up. "You. Obstinant. Human." Horobi grunted, glaring at Aruto as he got to his feet. "Getting in our way."
Aruto simply grunted as he got up, his fists shaking as he locked eyes with Horobi...and began to run at him.
"Heh...Foolish Human. What good will-?" Horobi asked before his outer skin was punched by Aruto's human fist. He didn't move since he felt like it was a futile gesture. Flesh hitting steel...but that...that hurt.
"GAH! Ha...Hrargh!" Aruto screamed as he continued to punch Horobi, knocking the katana away from the HumaGear's hands as Aruto's fist began to swell from punching Horbi's body.
PUNCH!
PUNCH!
PUNCH!
Splat!
Izu was already down on the ground floor as she observed this fight, and she...she was terrified. She could hear the agony in Aruto's cries, Aruto's knuckles were getting bloody as his human skin connected to Horobi's metallic body.
"Izu!" Yua called out to her but couldn't get a response.
"What-?" Fuwa looked on in shock.
*flashback*
Aruto and Horobi landed on the ground, continuing their slashes. Horobi tried to use his weapons ability to shoot as an advantage, but the Attache Shield countered it.
Horobi was clearly stronger, and he had the experience advantage. Aruto's pure speed was all that let him match his foe, but even then, he was pushing himself.
All Aruto could think of was... Everyone. Every victim. Ever. Single. Person. That this monster had hurt.
He wouldn't let it continue!
CRASH!
CRASH!
Suddenly two figures came crashing down onto the ground not long after each other. The first was the Arsino Magia, which exploded on impact. It's key flying across the ground.
The second... Was the Assassin droid, its Magia form hitting the ground.
"Assassin? You survived?" Horobi asked.
"Oh... Oh my god..." Aruto whispered as he saw the damage the unit had taken.
Little Assassin looked up at Horobi, struggling to stay active. "Y-Yo-you. D1d. Th1s. To me-e-3-e. I-I-1. Did_n-n-n't. Want. To-0-0-o kill him."
"What?" Horobi blinked in confusion
"h-H-h8-h-h-h4t3... Hate... You..." The assassin hissed "Made me... Me... M3... Em... Ee... A monster... I hate you... Father..."
The assassin robot's eyes and models lost light, the robots head falling back lifelessly.
He was gone.
"No..." Aruto whispered as he saw the loss of life, anger filling him "No!... NO! HOROBI!"
Horobi was frozen in shock and confusion, unsure what to say or do...
KABOOM!
And suddenly assassin exploded, his body turning into blue flames that knocked both riders back and outnof their transformers states.
"GAAAAHHHH!" both yelled, falling to the floor.
*End flashback*
Aruto was still fighting, pummelling Horobi down with each punch as he was able to muster. His knuckles bled as Horobi tried to push Aruto off him, seeing him as a screaming child he had to rid himself of. "HAAAA-Ga-hck! You! You cruel! *Horrible*! He was your son!" Aruto cried as he attacked Horobi, no Rider suits, no enhanced armours...just a young man attacking a Magia with his own bare fists.
Horobi's head was being knocked around. He couldn't push Aruto off to get some room. And what's more...he could feel the anger and rage in his punches, human fists weren't supposed to be this strong, could they?
Crack!
Crack!
His face. His face was getting cracks! How? How was Aruto Hiden, a simple human, able to break his outer skin?! It defied his logic!
Fuwa was frozen in shock...He saw Aruto there, crying out in rage, angry at Horobi...And what horrified him most of all. He saw himself in Aruto's place. Wild, unfocused and broken. Just angry for anger's sake at this point. He couldn't believe that Aruto was beating down a HumaGear, Horobi out of all of them. And from that statement 'he was your son', it proved that...Aruto truly cared for the HumaGears his company made. And how much MetsuBouJinRai took from everyone...even treating their own kind as disposable.
Yua wanted to help, but this was horrifying to see to her. Aruto, the guy who always tried to put a smile on everyone's face and the boy who told bad jokes was crying and fighting a HumaGear with his bare hands.
PUNCH!
"Argh! Ga-hck!" Aruto cried as he was punched off from Horobi's body. The Zero-One Driver on his waist still...and he brought out his Key.
'Have to...have to flee-' Horobi thought to himself.
PRESS!
AUTHORISE!
His eyes widened at the sound of that Key. Right now, his Scorpion Key wouldn't be enough to handle an attack from the Mammoth...but that key might. And in Aruto's current state, it would give him the advantage.
STRONG!
"Strong?" Yua blinked in shock.
PROGRISE!
GIANT WAKING! BREAKING MAMMOTH!
Not even going to his smaller form, Aruto went straight to his mecha-state where he was going to pound Horobi into scrap. His mechanical silver and grey humanoid form rushed forwards and threw a punched downwards.
FORCERISE!
AMAZING HERCULES!
Shooting from Horobi's ForceRiser was a large Hercules Beetle, made of silver metal and lime-green energy that glowed within it. It blocked the oncoming attack, flinging Aruto to the side, before latching onto Horobi and broke apart to form his new form.
BREAKDOWN!
With mighty horn-like pincers that flip the opponent helpless.
Horobi's purple bodysuit was still there, harsh yellow eyes, a long and curved Hercules beetle horn protruding from his left arm, his black wires had now strapped dark green metal that was segmented all over his body, a pair of insect legs separated his eyes to act as his antennae, his chest armour was like a beetle's shell that was segmented to his chest and on his legs were broken apart legs that seemed to wrap around his shins and to the top of his feet.
"I don't think that Key works well with that Belt." Yua mumbled.
"RARGH!" Aruto screamed, throwing his fist down at Horobi.
CLANG!
CLANG!
GRRRRNNN!
"Huh?!" Fuwa, Yua and Aruto gasped in shock as Horobi seemed to be deflecting and even holding back the oncoming fists of the Mammoth Key.
"Pathetic." Horobi jeered at him, slapping the fist away and striking into the joint of the arm.
The Mammoth armour quaked, Aruto yelling from inside.
"No way!" Fuwa gasped.
"Aruto." Izu and Yua whispered in fear.
Horobi leapt up, striking Aruto's body, while the hulking body of Aruto's Mammoth form tried to fight back, swatting at Horobi since...this form was ridiculously strong. Which was the whole point of the Amazing Hercules key.
Aruto frowned, changing the armour to its jet form suddenly and firing its guns.
Horobi's eyes widened in shock. 'This mecha has TWO forms?!' He thought, leaping off as Aruto fired upon him, but since Aruto was in a distraught state, this would be easy...though the strength of this Key was still unused to him despite using it. He had become too comfortable with his base Scorpion form.
'He's a wild brat. So easy to dodge.' Horobi thought to himself, feeling the wound on his face before gripping his yellow grip. "This is true power, boy."
CHINK!
CLANG!
A! M! A! Z! I! N! G! D! Y! S! T! O! P! I! A!
"PRES, LOOK OUT!" Fuwa called out as Horobi's arm glowed a sickly green, leaping into the air and struck down into the mecha's back.
AMAZING! DYSTOPIA!
Aruto screamed out in pain as his form was destroyed, causing an explosion that blasted back Izu, Yua and Fuwa...but not before Aruto's guns managed to wound Horobi enough.
BOOOM!
Crack!
Aruto fell through the air as his armour disappeared, making him plummet towards the ground.
THUD!
Horobi dropped to the ground, his left arm smoking...and kind of limp. "The Hiden line...is dead." He panted heavily, leaving Aruto on the floor, bloodied and broken. He had won and claimed his winnings. The Arsino and Dodo Keys, along with his katana.
"Stop right there!" Fuwa ordered as he drew the ShotRiser, pointing it at Horobi.
"You wish to challenge me?" Horobi frowned "I remember skewering your throat not too long ago, AIMS Captain."
"You little..." Fuwa snarled.
"For breaking EVERY law against HumaGear and human co-operation, you are to be terminated!" Yua snarled as well.
"Foolish humans." Horobi frowned, grabbing his katana.
...
"Get... Get back here."
...
Horobi's eyes widened in horror as Aruto stood tall, swaying weakly.
"Impossible..." He whispered.
"I'm not... Not done with you... Yet..." Aruto muttered as he held up Rising Hopper.
JUMP!
"... Way to go Prez." Fuwa smirked.
"Thank goodness..." Yua sighed.
"... No..." Izu whispered in horror.
The crowed cheered, getting the AIMs agents attention. It appears when they fell off the roof... They'd ended up a bit further than they were expecting, just near the shopping area of town. Film cameras were rolling and MANY people were paying attention to the fight.
"No..." Horobi mumbled in horror, taking a step back as Aruto lowered the key towards his belt...
"Gwag!" Aruto coughed, red and blue blood spraying from his mouth suddenly...
...
Crash
And he fell to the floor once again.
"President Aruto!" Izu went immediately to his side.
Horobi looked at Auto's body, seeing how much he was willing to put himself through...and how much he was willing to push through and break his limits. He reached up to try and grab his yellow grip.
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
Fuwa let loose a few rounds and struck Horobi, forcing his hand back. "Try it...I dare you!"
"...You will die, Hiden. Just not today." Horobi left, dragging his broken arm away.
"Call an ambulance!" Yua called out, ordering everyone to get him help.
Aruto was cradled in Izu's arms, she tried to keep him conscious as she was worried...terrified for him. How much Horobi had pushed his buttons and how much he let out. "President Aruto." She whispered.
"I...zu..." He whispered, blue and red blood staining his lips as tears formed in his eyes before he fell unconscious.
To be continued
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