The hidden truth

"I...I've been fighting because I couldn't live with what Yggdrasill was doing. But I did the same thing. I claimed I was protecting people, but I had to sacrifice others to do it. Then what am I fighting for? Just to decide who would be saved and who would have to go? Can you call that protecting at all?"

―"Kazuraba Kouta", Kamen Rider Gaim

XXX

Unknown location

The leaders of the world were once again in a meeting afterword of the attack on Arzenal. Embryo sat under a tree reading a book as he sighed, the leaders were once again arguing like idiots. It was beneath him to be in such a place for petty discussion.

The self-proclaimed Tuner of the World tuned out the arguments if he had looked closely he would have noticed the Ragna-mail the one that he stole and let the rebels take was active and flying in battle. Since it's dull like the colour the leaders of the world didn't care thinking it was some para-mail.

He closed the book and stood up. Turning to the table, where a seat was vacant, which was his, the leaders of the world shut their mouths as the blonde said, "Please calm down, ladies and gentlemen. The DRAGON's attack is nothing to worry about. They survived didn't they?"

The leaders all kept silent as he continued, "As I proposed previously, we can leave the world to die, kill the dragons or rebuild it. So, it is time to make a choice, a choice I leave to all of you. What is your answer?"

All of them looked at each other, uncertain of what to do, and that disappointed Embryo to see his creations so weak in the mind. Julio then stood up and said aloud, "Then we should rebuild it! We should rebuild a world without Norma and the DRAGONs!"

Embryo smiled at the Mitsurugi Emperor who looked at him, "A good choice. As a gift, I will provide you with several additions to your army. Do not disappoint me."

The blonde snapped his fingers and continued, "I will send them to you later. Julio, I expect you to make the correct decision. Meeting adjourned."

As soon as he finished all of them disappeared before they could say anything Julio was with his secretary and was ready to leave until he collapse and felt pain from the punch that the masked person did. Even though it was healing he can still feel the pain.

The phantom pain was getting worse no matter how times he kept healing he can still feel the pain.

"When will this pain end".

Unknown to the two, Someone had already recorded the conversation for all to hear.

" They're playing a dangerous game, Destroyed everything and rebuild it, huh? " Tusk mumbled, eavesdropping on the Emperor.

"I have to hurry, " Tusk said, quickly taking his machine before leaving.

Arzenal night time

The aftermath of the battle was a complete disaster they were a lot of casualties, broken equipment, injured persons, a destroyed building, and limited supplies. As everyone tries to fix and clean everything on the base. Jack was looking at the scene telling how the life of Norma was like this it sickens him they shouldn't deserve such a life.

He already throws up his breakfast seeing the dead bodies being ripped apart including Momoka just because she was a maid with a strong will to be near her princess doesn't mean she can stomach such a scene. The maid just kept quiet but her heart was fearful and anxious knowing her princess would meet such a fate.

Jack has no prejudice against Norma more like he just ignores them, in truth he wasn't like other people, after knowing the truth and being felt alone with no one around he could trust what makes him start to sympathize with Norma. He once helps Norma when she was chased by the authorities he just points them the other way.

Kaito was looking at his lock seed at the colour starting to fade, remembering that Sagara said it can only use three times as right now only two are left it's like making a wish to a lamp. Not only some of the Norma didn't ask a question about the armored white Rider it was probably wasn't important right now, as everyone trying to damage control the entire base including Mei.

Jill was calling what's left of the Squadron during the battle and only Eleven survive the onslaught the others like Salia were in the Cell for Violating orders and in the infirmary.

" Who else has command experience " Hilda pulled her hand up awkwardly. Kaito didn't even if he has experience knowing not everyone would choose him.

"We're regrouping reassigning All Para-mails troops, Kaito will be the new intermit captain and Hilda will be his vice-captain. Ersha and Vivian will be his lieutenant's"

Not everyone was thrilled with Jill's decision, especially regarding both Hilda the deserter and Kaito being male.

" What about Salia"

"She's in detention for violating orders"

"If you have a problem with me, why don't you do it" Hilda taunted her former friends.

"It's the commander's orders, I have no choice but to So I'll deal with it" Right Chris

Jill ignore the batter"Para-mails troops to organize themselves and then stand on alert!"

"Yes ma'am!" everyone salutes before leaving with their task not before Hilda went straight to Kaito and locked her arms with him. She was thrilled knowing that Kaito was captain and her being vice-captain she can stay close to him.

During their time in prison she couldn't flirt with the man he was far and the second Ange was there it was too awkward.

"Looks like I'll be under your care captain" Hilda showing no shame in her public affection

"Serious Hilda this is unprofessional, even for you."

"Oh are you just that shy? " she asked, leaning even closer.

" No, I just don't like everyone staring at me". Everyone in the hangar was staring at the oddest scene as Norma was locking arms with a human Mana male (from everyone's perspective thinking he was a mana user ).

Ange doesn't know why but felt irritated seeing how close Hilda is with Kaito, this feeling is was a different feeling unlike when she was s princess she would get irritated if someone else had something better than her or doing better sports than her.

This feeling was like she wanted to barge in between Kaito and Hilda immediately making a space between them, but she brushed it aside as she wanted to ask Jill an important question.

Rosalie and Chris who watched this just scowled " She left us for a male, how absurd",

"I agree "Both girls who once love Hilda felt betrayed when she left them without any word that day.

Ange was walking towards Jill who was smoking as she was reading a letter" Destroyed and Rebuild huh". Knowing something big was happening on the mainland.

"Hey, My detention is over, isn't it?"

"Yeah"

"Then tell me anything. You promised"

"Now, when we're busy as hell" Knowing the base was under attack.

"Kaito is enough to handle such tasked." Ange knowing Kaito knew she can trust him. how to handle things.

"Besides, Who do you think saved everyone on the island".

"Fine but ditch the maid". Jill knows the conversation won't go anywhere.

"Hilda saw Ange leaving but stay quiet it didn't matter as she follow Kaito. Kaito is officially a temporary captain who needed to organize, unlike last time when he led Ange and a few others. He needed to review the skill and capabilities of everyone available.

"Ersha where's Vivian-chan?"

Open Bathroom section

"Why in the bath"

"Secret should be shared when completely exposed". Or more likely something to help reduce stress and at the same time Ange hadn't taken a bath since she reeks.

"So what do you want to hear first"

"Everything from the beginning, About the Dragon, about that woman, About my para-mail and my mother song. Your relationship with tusk…everything".

So Jill told her story of how it all began a long long time ago and how the world was consumed by war as the entire city and continent were destroyed by humanity's sins. All it change when a person called Kami-sama was tired of seeing war that brought the earth to ruins. How that humanity's cycle of violence and hate was inevitable. It was human nature so he decided to create a new brand of humanity the humanity that was right now with the ability to use Mana and its technology.

This Humanity created was what he wanted a human free from the sins of the past and a new beginning with no more wars. A perfect world that he created as he watched from afar.

But there was a problem that created humans especially certain females has a defect in their genes a mutation that was unable to use mana, of course, nobody knows how and why it happen. And thus were dubbed Norma.

Because of that reason the Norma are treated with extreme prejudice by the population using them as some kind of the point of hatred, scapegoat, or just a reason to hate them. It's better to blame their problems on a group of freaks it's much easier that way.

Then the world was stable as he see fit. But they were some who wouldn't allow happening the peace. The ancient people as Alektra called them, were outcast survivors of the old humanity that couldn't use mana. They continue their fight against Kami-sama, after a long war and grieving their fallen comrades they obtained the power of God the Ragna-mail.

" A mechanical Angel of destruction" Jill called it.

As Jill told her that all para-mail are cheap carbon copy that was used unlike the Villkiss was the original. The ancient have finally obtained the weapon to fight, but they couldn't handle it. It's why was locked up. With a mere handful of survivors left they needed a plan and to learn about the Norma's that were outcasts and becoming weapons to fight a dragon and that was Arzenal.

Both sides allied and at that time a certain person came, that would have to change the tide of war Alektra Maria von Loewenhernz. The first Norma of royal blood and princess of the Galia Empire. Whom rumoured presumed dead by the public eyes and ears. Her death was just to protect the public image, especially the royal family.

With her royal blood and her ring, she was able to pilot the Vilkiss and tame it with this everyone gathered to form a resistance and the beginning of the revolt called Libertus. This destroyed the world and freedom was the cause of the revolution.

But the revolt failed as such she lost everything that day. Her friends, comrades, Vilkiss and her arm. But she doesn't want Libertus to end for the sake of her comrades that was lost that day. As she clenched her prosthetic arm.

All of that changed when she heard another princess Norma was exiled like her Ange as such the Villkiss full potential is finally unlocked during battle.

"You're going to destroy it, Ange. This world with that song"

"So that reason you brought back my ring"

"Yes"

"You kept me alive for Libertus"

"That's right. I needed you to become stronger"

"Princess Alektra, huh, I'm grateful to you. Thanks to you, I learned how spoiled, pampered and sheltered I was".

"But my answer is no, Even if everything you said is true, my path is my own to choose, Alektra's eyebrows raise " No matter how glorious the duty I'll see things with my own eyes and decide for myself. I won't let anyone make me do anything". Remembering how spoiled she was the reason why the Society was like this, in truth she could have try change it.

"So you won't join Libertus?"

"I don't hate it….. Killing dragons' making money buying whatever I want I don't hate my life". It was something Ange felt self-fulfillment that she manage to work for it, when she was royalty she could have whatever she wanted without lifting a finger.

"You sounded like Kaito"

"Say what? You talk to him about this?".

I once talk to him just like the two of us and no it's not in here I prefer somewhere private. I told him a similar story that I told you, Ange.

"He gave me a similar answer to me about Libertus he said that 'I will join Libertus only to free this world from the shackles of prejudice and resentment. To create a better world and he will fight tooth and nail'."

"So in that story did you mention Kaito about the dragon?"

Jill didn't say anything as she just smirked evilly.

Flashback a week before the attack

After Kaito instructed Jack on the do and don't s Jill wanted to see him and he was asked to enter the commander's private quarters. When Kaito arrive at the room he knock first as Jill called he can enter. When he entered he had to admit it was bigger than his room and Ange also it was clean and luxurious.

He saw Jill sitting on the chair near a table Not only that she was wearing a bathrobe probably finishing her bath. Her hair was still wet and he can see her cleavage and slender legs. He could even smell the shampoo she was using Lavender.

Jill acted like this to lowered Kaito's guard. But he won't take the bait that easily.

"So do you want to drink wine," she asked as she pours a glass handling Kaito the red liquid.

"Do you know this wine was made when the Mitsurugi Empire was first form" He looked at the red liquid and just drink it? He was already old enough to drink. As he savor the texture was hard but exquisite in a manner. It lightens his tongue like warm sun.

"So why did you want me here, I don't think I came here for small talk or that you want me to get you laid on bed".

Jill just smirked "As much I want something to reduce stress myself with pleasure, I want information about who you are? I call in favors and look your info let's just say there is nothing or anything about you. No education, no address not even a birth certificate. You just appear out of nowhere. Either you just a human that was crated or from another world" the last theory was a joke.

Kaito didn't deter by the question he already knew something like this will happen. It was a surprise that the dumbass Emperor didn't look more at his info and probably didn't care at all.

"So what do you trying to say"

"You're an enigma and unpredictable like a wild card. A male with unknown origins willing to come to this hellhole of a place, not only that you have both combat experience and leadership" not only Immune to the dragon's brainwashing.

"Knowledge is power, I will tell you but you have to give me something in return it's how the system works on the island right?"

Jill just smirked "What do you want to know?"

Information about the Empire, Mana, Norma, Arzenal, para-mail and Dragon's" Kaito knows a conspiracy he can feel it, in his gut it was like the Yggdrasil corporation knowing something big was up. How the inves game was a covered for the invasion or that they blame it on the beat riders. Or that they knew the invasion was happening from the very beginning.

"Very well I will tell you "Jill told the story of the existence of Kami-sama that created the new humanity to replace the old ones and Kaito para-mail was a Ragna-mail. And that Norma is just a mutation causing them unable to use mana and using them as a scapegoat. And the story about a small band of resistance

"So are you telling me that Kami created a new breed of humans that not only replaced the old humanity but created the so-called perfect society, no the perfect world that he wanted"?

"Yes that's what he told me"

Kaito thought that is it possible to replace and conquer the world , it would take years maybe more than hundreds of years to convert the entire human society and replace them. The way how Jill sounded as if Kami is still alive or immortal.

It can say that humans right now are the creation of that person.

Kaito was thinking something else even an artificial human cannot generate that much mana every day, no matter how perfect a body was created it's still made from flesh and blood they needed rest to recharge. He was already in the Empire for half a year, he would know how it works as nobody resting or exhausted after the usage of Mana for more than hours of usage.

Even if society can use powers like Quirks or mutants they got to have a limit to the body.

He concluded that in this world someone providing the source requires the source of the mana usage and the giant ice-encased dragons were the answer remembering the giant dragon that was trapped in ice that VTOL of the Empire was carried. It's still an assumption as Jill was keeping a few secrets to herself.

Also, the para-mail is nothing more than a by-product of the Ragna-mail, "what about the Overlord is it similar to the Villkiss?'' he needed to know about his ride.

"That I don't know the ancient people took it along with the Vilkiss and it hasn't even responded to anyone, unlike the Vilkiss that kill its pilot. A Ragna-mail requires both ring and royal blood like the Villkiss. I wanted to know where you got that ring it's not something a normal person acquired".

"Someone gave it to me for safekeeping and that's all you get from me. And you haven't told me much about the Dragon's" Jill just smirked evil as if keeping the cards to herself.

"I prefer keeping a few secrets after all a woman got to have their secrets,my turn so what's your story?"

Kaito decided to explain to her since she had all cards, and he was a man of his word.

Kaito explain that he was a human from another world, a world where their no MANA, no Dragon but technology modern day, he was a leader of a dance group ( Beat Riders ) called Team Baron. And the invasion of Helheim forges his path to becoming an armoured Rider. And he battles against the threat of inves along with other armoured riders. And finally his demise by both his rival and friend.

Kaito won't indulge Jill's secrets about the Golden fruit he knows how greedy humans can achieve with that kind of power.

Jill pour herself another drink " So your actually a human from another world that would explain you being an enigma". She finally knew the reason why he was different from the sheep of this world.

"The way you say it sounds crazy and farfetched from my perspective"

"I believe you"

"Now that is a surprise, I figure you're the type that believes in truth right in front of their eyes".

"Believe me after all we're fighting Dragon that came from another world it's not farfetched" Jill Know every time the Dragon came they could see the different blue sky from the other side of the singularity.

"So this device is useless to be used the Sengoku driver and Lockseed" Jill looked at the broken device. That she kept.

"It's damaged and beyond repair usually we just replace the driver and not fix it"

"It seems we can't use this but the sonic arrow is still in production the one the overlord recreated out of nowhere". Jill pointing Kaito the weapon similar to his world.

"That I don't know is probably due to my past, it created from my memories " Or 'that Sagara decided to tinker the machine'. Kaito thought it wasn't possible.

"Still what are your thoughts of Libertus and life here, knowing you can't go back home anymore"

"I have regrets about being exiled here on this island full of life and death situation and If there's a chance to go back to my world I will take it just to see my comrades one last time. I have no reason and attachment over there since I have already done enough".

"Which is it, regret or accomplishment?"

"Both".

Jill knew that this conversation won't get anywhere since she knew both of them still holding up some secrets but it doesn't matter she already knew what and who is Kaito it was enough for now.

"Since this is the end of our conversation how about we do something together you know get laid on the bed, as she unravels her bathrobe revealing her curvaceous body. As she got near to Kaito pressing her breast to his chest and her face was close to him.

"What reason is there besides you being here, our business is already over and is now a pleasure". She seduces Kaito. Even though Kaito has an iron will he was still a man with hormones. Not only had that he had to endure.

"How about we made a bet if you can satisfy me I'm willing to tell the name of the real enemy we're facing". Jill knowing wanted this not only to help reduce her stress but just to spite Embryo.

Knowing is half the battle and a name is something he needed to know, aggressive he snatched Jill's hand and press his lips on her as his tongue work on her mouth. She started to feel the pleasure as she fought back with her tongue. In the moment of heat, Kaito ravages Jill on the bed. The sound of moaning and pleasure can be heard from the outside of her room.

End of flashback.

Since her quarters were far nobody could hear her moan that night but if Salia have come to meet Jill that night she would hear the moaning voice and seen her admired person in such a position. It would awake something within her. No doubt she wanted to do a threesome.

After Vivian woke up inside her room she fell from her bed she wasn't feeling better right now after a good rest. She felt very heavy all of sudden.

Vivian was walking in the corridor " I feel taller " as she walks awkwardly, Vivian felt like something wasn't right with her body and she never had this trouble before thinking she was in a daze.

At the same time, the high and might Emma was trying to communicate to the mainland after her near-death experience was enough to traumatize her for life, as she wanted to get out or maybe let some fool take her place. Even during the Infirmary Maggie, the Doctor tries to help her she just slaps the doctor's arm o.t of fear " Why can't connect?" as she tries many times.

"Hey officer Emma " Vivian saw and called her " Hey"

When she turned around what she saw was enough for her to scream and fainted on the spot.

"Whoa, are you all right " Vivian try to reach out then notice her red three fingers and arms attached like wings " what the heck?" when she turned around saw a dragon in a mirror and moving her body that it responded to what she did " Is this me " shock of the revelation that she was a dragon.

What was that "The trio Pamela, Hikaru and Olivier look and saw a surviving dragon and scream Vivian's dragon form ran away.

And of course, the entire base was on high alert" All units, type one battle formation! It's a dragon. There's a survivor in the base!" Everyone scrambled again including Ange and Jill who were in the open bathroom and quickly got up.

'I thought I killed all of them, I probably miss one' as Kaito look at his ragtag unit or what's left of it. "Rosalie and Chris will cover the residential area. Ange and Hilda will cover the maintenance deck, Ersha let Salia out from her suspension we need all hands on deck right now if Jill says anything I order it both of you will search Jasmine mall".as he toss a pair of keys toward Ersha that Jill gave him.

"Yes, ma'am" Ersha saluted.

"No, when you address a male officer you called him sir".

Understood ma- I mean Sir" as Ersha tried to correct her words.

"The rest of you stand guard here if anything that walks with two legs with wings and larger than a human killed it on sight. Then he notices another person missing the optimism of the group, the bundle of sunshine.

"Vivian. Where's Vivian? " Kaito felt something wasn't right since it was too quiet.

"She's not in her room," Ersha said.

At the same time, Ange arrive as she was handed a weapon to use. Kaito saw her knowing everyone was here except Vivian and Salia who was still in Cell.

"Good all units. Go" Declared Dramatically

"Yes, ma'am!" all of the girls salute their new captain.

"No, I mean sir, forget just go" as everyone dispersed and went straight towards their designation orders.' after this is over we're going to have to learn how to address me properly. It's understandable as no male is willing to live here on a Norma infested island or even try talking to them.

"Jack you with me. make sure only pointed to something that has more sharp teeth".

"Understood Aniki"

XXX

At the same time in the infirmary, Jill was meeting Maggie who was tending someone else.

" Hey, Maggie, get all the inhibitor you can".

"All right" as the doctor knew what Jill meant.

XXX

At the cell area, Ersha let out Salia and handed her the machine gun, she explain to Salia the short version as everyone in the group of two started to search for the dragon on the island.

Vivian was at the cafeteria as she was hungry as she try to eat curry from the pot until Ersha and Salia came gun-blazing Dragon Vivian quickly ran and fly out of the base. Ange saw the dragon and was

ready to aim her weapon until Vivian decided to sing it's the only she can communicate since she can speak a normal voice And Ange could hear it.

Kaito and Jack saw the dragonfly out of the cafeteria and quickly ran outside, the others also arrive at where Ange is. As she continued to sing and the Dragon replied and it descended slowly as Kaito Ran straight beside Ange with his weapon aimed at the ready.

" No" Ange lowered Kaito's weapon to show that it wasn't a threat.

When Dragon Vivian came near Ange quietly and peacefully she was suddenly engulfed in a puff of smoke turning back into the human that they all know.

"A human though even it's a dragon….huh….huh….. I don't get it" Vivian felt tired that she has just woken up from a dream.

"I got it, it's Vivian welcome back" Was Ange answered for her as Vivian hugged Ange knowing she was safe.

Maggie came and quickly injected the sedative to make her calm and sleepy while everyone was looking at something both bizarre and shocking.

"Angelise-sama"

"Kaito, Aniki"

"Hey what's going on?"

"I thought I saw Vivian emerge from the dragon"

"I'm I seeing right or my eyes are playing tricks"

Maggie didn't say anything as she just walk away as if nothing happen. While carrying the unconscious Vivian. Then Ange saw the piles of dead dragons and corpses that were inside a giant pit. Jasmine riding a bulldozer is dumping the dragon's corpse.

"What's a dragon even though it's human? A human even though it's a dragon? Huh?" Ange started to realize something.

"It' can't be but not possible like-" Kaito knew something was familiar with the dragons.

Both Norma and Rider quickly ran straight towards the pit. While Jasmine burn it all the copses what Ange saw was something like a nightmare the dragon carcass turn back into a human. Everyone also arrives to see the scene from hell.

"What's going on?"

"What are these?"

" There Dragon's right?".

Everyone then heard a chuckle as they looked toward Kaito who look like he went mad then it turn into full-blown laughter. "HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAHAHA" Ange and Hilda were scared since they never saw that kind of side Kaito as he laugh like a mad man. Then he stops looking serious frowning "This is a sick joke. But it explains everything about how the dragons knew tactics, how they knew the vulnerable part of the para-mail, and how during the fight with the gravity dragon as it knew the para-mail weakness. And how during the ambush it attacks the strategical point on the island it was no coincidence".

"You knew from the beginning about it you dam snake!" As he shouted towards the sky knowing Sagara was watching.

"You know how the story goes" Jill came not caring that everyone, as they knew the truth "The monsters were human all along".

Angelise's mind went back to the time she was on the island where she stabbed the dragon multiple times and bath in its blood and she felt sick.

"I was killing humans, with these hands". as she tremble in horror.

"No" Ange and everyone look at Kaito " All of us have been killing humans Ange from the very beginning and you Jill, Jasmine and Maggie knew about this all along, I even wager that the Empire, not the so-called Kami knew about it".

"I thought you liked your life here killing dragons and making money I'm more surprised that you Kaito taking it so well, you have killed a human after all didn't you".

Everyone look at Kaito in question.

"Yes, I killed humans before" as Kaito didn't need to hide the truth. And he won't make excuses that that inves were once human that needed to be put down.

Kaito?" Ange, look worried hearing that she considers a friend who killed humans before.

Hilda was shocked knowing the man that she loved killed Humans before but it doesn't matter even if he was the son of a tyrant she would follow him to the ends of the earth.

Momoka gasped knowing that her Angelise-sama was nearing a killer.

Aniki?" Jack questions it but remains silent.

Salia and the others were also, shocked and wanted questioned that Kaito killed humans before.

"But I won't kill again knowing that what fighting is not the cause I join is". Hypocrite was the word but one thing he learned from Kazuraba Kota he was also a hypocrite.

"I agree I won't use the Vilkiss anymore, I won't kill dragons to hell with Libertus," Ange said just to spite Jill.

But Salia that heard this was shocked that Jill was willing to share Ange about Libertus.

"Fine with me If you wanted to live as kami's pet" Jill walk away without care that everyone knows the secret.

As Jill was away from prying eyes Embryo emerge just to have a conversation with Jill and she shoot him first ask questions later. Knew it was futile and he taunted her. That person was one of Jill's greatest regret and despair how he played her like a fiddle after saying his piece he disappear as the Island was broadcasted of a rescue coming to the island but knowing it was a trap.

One scene is I can't understand is how Momoka didn't want to throw up seeing the dead bodies of Norma tear apart by dragons. Even the Emma would have traumatize seeing up close of danger. The relationship between Kaito and Jill is more like coworkers with benefits. " I scratch your back , you scratch mine ".