Kamen Rider Zero-One: Revised Chapter 36: A Rising Metal Bouquet, a kamen rider fanfic

Reviews:

Tylus: Thanks very much, it was appropriate for the Halloween season.

mikel97: Yeah, as we've shown in this story, Gai is not a Machiavellian genius as he leads others to believe. He had the easiest job to make MCH the WEAKEST Key in the series...but no, he had to gloat.

WeAreTheWord: Geats is fine. There will be an 'Ark Arc', but you'll have to wait and see what we do.

Demon dark mezzo sangue: Yeah, Gai has never really thought things out in series or otherwise. Glad you enjoyed reading Hiden Bodyguards.

HUNTERSFatigue: Gives thunderous standing applause

Pennywise1990: 1st: Nice Linkara reference, very apt. 2nd: Quite the extensive shade you're throwing towards a fictional character. 3rd: Probably Power Rangers.

KamenRiderULTRA: Of course, it's not rude. The concept for the Rider Revised series happened because both Grey and I were unhappy with Zi-O and the way it treats the Riders and an anniversary season, it took 10 episodes before we both agreed to do our own take on the series.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Probably, we'll have to look in the wardrobe.

Bahamut0: Yeah, it's a form connected to Ark. Gai hasn't got all things together.

badgep: He will, not yet. But he will.

Toa Solaric: I think it's safe to say Gai never thinks things through since he thinks he has all the answers.

ENDDRAGON369: Well...you're not wrong. But who the heck is Angra Mainyu?

Bastion Lightz: Well, Hiryu has 'infinity' on the owned counter since he's dead in the multiverse. Gai's a close second.

Geatsune22: 1: I've watched episodes of Gokaiger and the better part of Kyoryuger. 2: Reiwa the First Generation is the best, everything else is...bottom.

Guest, chapter 36, Oct 28: Well, you're not gonna like these next two chapters. But they're important.

Heroic civilian: Well, not the ones in canon. Good thing that Kamen Rider is using the multiverse.

Here are some reviews answered by our own GreyKing46:

Heroic civilian: AR Riders will. But not the ones from the show.

Geatsune22: ... Why would we come up with more combos when the one was all we needed?

1) I watch Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Power Rangers. I have seen Madan Senki Ryukendo. All of Supida-Man. Seen episodes of Tokime Hero Rescue Force. Seen select seasons and movies of Garo. And I have watched my first Ultraman recently, Ultraman Trigger... I have something in the works for him

2) Reiwa First Generation, Zi-O Supplementary, Heisei Generations Forever, Ride Time Ryuki, Geiz Majesty, Zi-O Final Stage, Over Quartzer, main show, Decade Vs Zi-O, Geiz Hyper Battle, Zi-O Vs Decade, Shinobi.

Red Dragon Emperor V2: That has been my point for the past five off chapters! The show wants you to believe Gaibis some super genius, and yet he pulls this BS! Remember, he did the EXACT SAME in the show! He should have made MetalCluster the WEAKEST thing on top of locking Aruto our of his other keys and sending him to Ark! If he did that... HE'S WON!

Dragon Rider 66: Again, my very point against Gai.

Bahamut0: Thanks, mate. Your work is really great too. OI! Everyone reading this! Bahamut0 does a Ryuki Revised! It is really good! Go check him out!

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Huh. Thought it would go higher.

KamenRiderULTRA: Zi-O started because we were arrogant and wanted to do a good story. And then as we started... We just wanted to have fun and give the franchise the love it deserved, touching on as much of it as we could and just trying to tell interesting stories made with love. Zero One came from wanting to do something with a series we LIKE and have some cheesy fun. And as we finished Zi-O, as we got into Zero One, we realised how much we LOVED these stories and want to do more

How we write characters? Well ... It's rather simple. We just took characters... And have them interact. I know it sounds overly simple, and it kinda is, but that's what we do. We go "this is this character, this is their back story. This is the situation they are in, and who they are talking to." and just go with what makes logical sense, letting them flow and for things to go how they would.

Pennywise1990: Don't wanna go into detail. Also, Tokusatsu is MUCH broader than you think since it basically just Japanese for 'special effects'. And so, stuff like the MCU or Doctor Who can count as Tokusatsu. But knowing you mean Japanese superheroes... probably Ryukendo. The first season of Garo. Or, for the cheesy factor, Supida-Man.

WeAreTheWord: We have been asked this for the past ten weeks. It is good. And the Ark will not be redeemed.

mikel97: That's what I've been saying!

Zeryo: You are literally just going "no, you're wrong. Now let me repeat myself". Most of said repeating yourself also including stuff I said *THAT I AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT* like how negative emotions ARE needed for the HumaGear development

Also, you keep inferring that "red headset=Magia" when that is not the case, red headset just means negative emotional stimuli while Magia is the name of the monster forms. Magia have red headsets, but not all red headsets are Magia. So, to reiterate my point ONE FINAL TIME: yes, it MAKES SENSE for HumaGear's to register and learns from Negative influences, does NOT make sense for the MAGIA program to be something out into them by default. A red headset makes sense. Turning into monsters, does not.

Now, we are dropping this. Because you are not reviewing this story and we are going in circles since you keep repeating yourself and ignoring what I actually say. We hate doing this, but Ghost has said that if you don't drop this you are being blocked. And I stand by him with this. Because it is NOT FUN for me to ARGUE with you every week.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Kamen Rider Zero-One Revised

Chapter 36: A Rising Metal Bouquet

Co-Writer GreyKing46

We do not own these characters. All rights belong to Shotaro Ishinomori, Ishimori Productions and Toei Company

It was days later, Hiden Intelligence had been in a state of celebration. Their company wouldn't be assimilated into ZAIA Enterprise! However, it hadn't been all good news, considering the debacle involving Aruto and Gai in their most recent fight...Aruto was trying to save face and keep smiling for the company, being his normal chipper self...but Izu and Shesta knew what was going on behind closed doors.

ERRORRISE!

That one word echoed throughout the Zero One Lab, the clicking and thudding of metal filling the room like a wild echo.

ERRORRISE!

"Come on! Come on!" Aruto whispered, hissing.

ERRORRISE!

We are within the facility, within the lab, where Aruto stood. The room, dark.

ERRORRISE!

"COME ON!" Aruto snapped desperately, slamming his fist onto the countertop.

In front of him? Was the Zero One Driver. And all around him, within the lab... were the Progrise Keys he used to become Zero One. In his hand currently was the Rising Hopper Key. And has he slammed it onto the belt's scanner once more...

ERRORRISE!

It was rejected.

Again.

All his Keys were locked out.

Mammoth, Tiger, Polar Bear, Shark, Falcon, Rising Hopper Shining Hopper.

All of them were giving that same 'ErrorRise'.

...Well. Not all of them.

On the countertop was the MetalCluster Hopper. That was the only one that was accepted within the belt.

SLAM!

Aruto was choked up, holding his head as he was weeping and feeling hurt. Gai got to him. He locked him out of Zea.

...

How could this have happened?

"President Aruto." Izu whispered as she went to his side.

"Is there anything we can do?" Shesta asked, being as comforting as she could be.

In response? Aruto just fell to his knees.

The two immediately went to his side, trying their best to comfort the hurting President. The stress was crushing him, all this pain and feeling of isolation had caused Aruto to have a meltdown.

It was all just so much.

Izu looked at Shesta for a moment, giving her a signal to get a chair while she stayed with Aruto.

Shesta nodded, not wanting to leave Aruto, but wanting him to be comfortable. While Izu helped Aruto up slowly, Shesta went to get him his favourite computer chair so that he could sit in.

Part of her felt guilty. The last few days... she had been busy. Unable to help, unable to assist, her boyfriend. And why? Because the company, the Vice-President, had needed her assistance. Her job had kept her away.

'What can I do? Why couldn't I be here for him?' She thought to herself as she and Izu helped Aruto into the chair. 'Why couldn't I be here... like she is?'

"President Aruto. Is there anything you want?" Izu asked.

Aruto shook his head, being vacant and dismissive of them right now.

*With Yaiba*

Yaiba was out of the science lab, feeling the betrayal she had a part in making that damn Key...and Gai taking credit for it.

'What have I done?' She thought sadly as she walked almost aimlessly around the city.

"Hey, Yaiba!" Fuwa called out as he saw her.

"F-Fuwa?" She asked, turning around in shock.

As she turned around, she saw that he was still wounded from the swarm attack from Metal Cluster Hopper. Bandages, small cuts and a slightly shorter haircut.

"You look lost." He spoke gently as he saw her.

Yua frowned as she looked away. "You shouldn't be here."

"We're in the middle of town. Hard to stay away."

"Look, just. What do you want from me?" She snapped.

"I wanted to know if you're alright." He answered. "After what happened, you've been distant...more than normal."

"I'm just doing my job." She snapped, looking away.

"Yaiba." He sighed as he looked at her.

"I'm fine, it was just a job." She answered, her back to him.

"What Amatsu did was messed up." Fuwa answered.

Yua looked to the floor as her hands shook. "I know. I was there."

"You could've talked to me. We're partners, right?" Fuwa asked.

"We aren't partners anymore." She frowned, turning to him. "I don't work for AIMS, remember?"

"Bull! You think I care about that?!" He scoffed, taking a step towards her "We fought side by side. Bleed together. Protected each other. We are friends. Family!" Fuwa roared the last words, his fist shaking a bit. "I haven't felt this way since I was a teacher. You aren't brushing this off so simply."

Yua looked at this ex-teacher, seeing his sympathetic side come out...this time itself did change him. "...Can we talk over a coffee?"

"Sure." He nodded as he noticed people looking at them.

*with Aruto*

Aruto had slowly come to terms with the situation he was currently in, with the competition concluded and the company saved, he had to get back into his Presidential mindset.

"I'm sorry, everyone. That I haven't been able to be the President we needed these past few days." Aruto stood up, still mentally exhausted but apologetic.

"You have done more than your fair share, President Hiden." Mr Yamashita informed, trying to keep the peace as the other members of the board agreed.

"Perhaps we can continue with the meeting?" Mr Fukuzoe asked, having a heavy look on his face.

"Y-Yes. That's okay." Aruto nodded as he sat back down, Shesta and Izu were in the room.

"Of course, Sir." Mr Yamashita nodded as they began their meeting, getting through some important items on the agenda.

"With the most recent event of the company competition outcome, many people have had a resurgence of faith in the company." A board member commented, showing a hologram of the positive feedback of the company.

"However, some of our stocks have dropped, some pieces being invested by outside companies." Mr Yamashita frowned.

"I thought we had good feedback." Aruto asked.

"Yes, but this is possibly from knee-jerk reactions." Mr Yamashita explained.

"Well, Sir, it's probably best if you can look into this next request." Mr Fukuzoe asked, showing Aruto another agenda.

Aruto looked at the request, seeing that it was a marriage contract. Not for him, but to help someone be married.

"Wait, isn't this-?" Aruto looked at the name in confusion and shock.

Chiharu Ebii.

The woman who was set to marry Yuto Sakaki. Why was she the client?

"Are you sure about this, Vice President Fukuzoe? Do we even have a 'match-making' HumaGear to help with this?" Aruto asked.

"We do." Izu informed Aruto, making him double-take.

"Eh?!"

"There, I hope that settles it." Mr Fukuzoe answered.

"His name is 'Enmubisu Match'." Izu added.

"Perhaps this meeting can be concluded early for President Aruto to take on this request," Shesta suggested.

"Very well, we've been busy the past hour." Mr Fukuzoe answered as they stepped up. "Meeting adjourned."

"Thank you, everyone, great job." Aruto answered, bowing to them before he left with Izu and Shesta.

As the three walked off back to their office, Mr Fukuzoe looked at his phone where a message was waiting for him...from a HumaGear called 'Azu'.

"Excuse me, I have to take this." Fukuzoe spoke as he got up and left the room.

Fukuzoe walked off to his office, knowing that this was going to be a private message and this name was a concern to him.

"Hello?" He asked as he answered the call.

"Good morning, Mr Fukuzoe. I am Azu, Secretary for President Gai Amatsu of ZAIA Enterprise." Azu's voice spoke.

"What does he want?" He asked, being defensive. While noticing how... Similar this woman's voice sounded.

"President Amatsu wishes for a meeting arrangement between you and him." Azu continued. "In regard to the recent Company Competition."

"Whatever he has to say, it's not worth it! He lost! This discussion is-"

"Is it not true that your stocks are being bought up at a successive rate? That despite your victory, your investors have dropped significantly."

"H-How did you-? Is he-?!" He hissed, trying to keep his voice down.

"If you have any questions, President Amatsu will answer them if you agree to this meeting." Azu answered calmly.

Fukuzoe took a deep intake of breath as he was being stalled out like this...but if this was going to go where he thought it was, he needed to nip this in the bud. "Fine."

"Excellent, Vice President Fukuzoe. I shall inform President Amatsu that you shall meet him at one PM." Azu informed.

"One P-?" He looked at his watch. "That's in two hours!"

"Mr Amatsu expects you to be punctual."

Click

brrr

"She-she hung up on me!" He glared at his phone.

Oh, NOW the old man was pissed!

"Grrrnnn! DAMN IT!" He snapped and thumped his hand into the wall. 'Amatsu! You've changed.'

*With Aruto*

"Thank you for meeting with me, Mr Hiden." Chiharu spoke.

"Of course, Ms Ebii...but, forgive my asking, weren't you engaged to Mr Sakaki? Or has that dissolved?" Aruto asked.

"After what happened with Yuto, I've become...reclusive and reserved." She explained. "I want to get back out there again, but I'm worried I'll find someone like Yuto."

'Easy to target?' Aruto thought. "Okay, well, it happens that we were just going to talk to Enmusubi Match about this."

"Really?!" She gasped "Thank you!"

Aruto flinched a little from Chiharu's reaction, seeing that she was more than eager to have a 'match' with someone. "We shouldn't take too long. Izu, can you contact Match please?"

"Of course, President Aruto." Izu responded, contacting Match for an appointment for Chiharu. "It's done."

"That was quick." Chihara responded.

"The match-making services are quite good and speedy, Ms Ebii." Shesta answered. "If you will follow us."

"Yes, of course!" She nodded as she got up and was eager to go off.

'It's going to be one of those days, isn't it?' Aruto thought.

"Shesta. A word?" Izu asked with a slight eye twitch.

"Yes, Izu?" Shesta asked as she went to the side with Izu. "What is it?"

"I understand your... Relationship with the president." Izu frowned softly "But don't you think you should be doing YOUR OWN job? I am more than capable with assisting President Aruto in his day-to-day activities. And you are spending more time with him than working."

Shesta looked at Izu and leaned in a little closer. "President Fukuzoe has asked me to escort President Aruto, I am following the logic means to that."

"By holding hands and showing displays of affection?" Izu continued. "I understand your statement of concern and your feelings. But you need to be more professional."

Shesta brushed off her dress and looked at Izu with a slight glance as she heard her. "Very well. I'll keep my affections private then until it is time for President Aruto to go home."

Izu flinched from that, realising that Shesta was giving off this confidence because she didn't have to as quietly hide the fact they were 'together'.

"Please, respect your position and place, Shesta. I would not want to harm President Aruto." Izu asked.

Shesta looked at Izu and closed her eyes and nodded once. "Very well. We need to get going. President Aruto and Ms Ebii are expecting us to join them."

"Thank you." Izu sighed softly.

"You had better be used to my presence, Izu. If things go the way I desire, I may have a ring and a key to Aruto's apartment." Shesta commented calmly, dropping the formality of the man's name to show her closeness, before just walking past Izu. The HumaGear assistant to the VP walked away with pure confidence as Izu was left standing there with wide eyes.

Izu's posture had become rigid, realising the implications of what Shesta said...and felt her emotions rise. But she had to suppress them, with the HumaGears who have heightened emotions turning them into Magia.

But now there was a spark of... Of anger.

Directed at herself.

Shesta's words were clear.

The red-dressed HumaGear had not let fear hold her back. She had gone to Aruto and found happiness. And then, from there? She had a plan laid out. Laws can be changed. And with the right planning ...

Izu closed her eyes, trying to remove the image that flashed within her mind. Of a beautiful cathedral, wedding bells ringing. For the first human/HumaGear marriage... Aruto and Shesta Hiden...

"No!" Izu whispered to herself angrily, forcing those thoughts and emotions away.

She didn't want that to happen. She couldn't let that-

No, Izu had to focus. She had to be the secretary Aruto needed.

She had to be his friend. His assistant.

'Zea...what am I to do?'

*With Yua*

"Feel better now?" Fuwa asked as the two finished their second coffee.

"Admittedly, yes." Yua sighed and nodded.

"Good?" Fuwa nodded... And sighed "God damn it, Yaiba. Why are you working for that madman? Just quit."

Yua looked at Fuwa with a quick look as she heard that. "You think I-?" She asked before stopping herself, worried that something or someone was recording her. "Working at ZAIA is. It's an experience. It's a good job." It seemed like she was hiding more than anything.

"...Bullshit." Fuwa frowned.

"What did you-?"

"Former. Teacher." He clarified, pointing to himself. "If I can tell one thing, it's when people are hiding something. I've had kids trying to hide stuff they've done or if they're being silenced."

He looked at her, his eyes soft. Caring.

"Fuwa I... If I lose this job..." Yaiba muttered "Do you KNOW how hard I've worked? How lucky I am? I'm going to be 23 soon, in four months. I'm still so young, and so new in my field. And yet I got a job in one of the biggest companies in the world as the head engineer of their Japan branch, working directly under said branch's president. If I quit... I've got nothing. All those years of learning and training. No other company would have me. My passion, my dream. Destroyed."

"You've got AIMS." Fuwa answered. "You've got me. And you've got the Prez. Hell, I'm sure that either one of us would give you a job."

SLAM

"But it wouldn't be the same!" She called out "Working alongside you... It was amazing, Fuwa. But I'm an engineer! AIMS is a specialised police force. I was still WORKING for ZAIA when I worked at AIMS. I made technology because of ZAIA."

Fuwa didn't flinch, he was looking straight at Yaiba who was pouring her heart out to him.

"Then you ask Prez. I'm sure Hiden can-"

"It wouldn't work. How could I work for Aruto after working for him?" She asked sadly as she slumped in her chair.

Fuwa sighed as he heard her.

Pride.

The downfall of hope and the fear of rejection.

Once you leave a company, any company, it was a stain on your record no matter how mutual the departure was.

Fuwa didn't know what to say. All he could do was look at her. "Well, I'm sure something will turn up."

"You're not a teacher right now." Was all Yaiba said. Ending the conversation or closing this subject. Stating a fact that both knew validated her viewpoint.

Fuwa sighed, looking at his drink and downed the remains of it. "Fine. But before I go, I want to say one thing."

"Hmm?" Her eyebrow raised a little.

"The AI you gave me for my ShotRiser, it's sassy as hell." He answered before he left.

"...AI?" She whispered as she saw him leave. 'I didn't add an AI into the ShotRiser.'

*time skip, with Aruto*

Aruto had escorted Chiharu to the Match Making service, where they met a young man HumaGear. He, Izu and Shesta was sitting to the side in order to be respectful.

This was Enmusubi Match, he had parted black hair, and blue eyes, wearing a blue suit with a white button shirt with the top button undone, blue trousers, his HumaGear QR code on his neck, blue trousers and polished black shoes. He was sitting across from Chiharu as he was compiling her data for her future partner. "I have compiled your data, Ms Ebii."

"Yes, and?" She asked hopefully as he stood up.

"I have seen that you have 18 different fortune apps on your phone, each time you use one you hope to have a result that goes within your favour," Match spoke. "You can be fleeting of emotion and tend to ascribe your immediate reactions to someone you find yourself inspired too."

"Y-yes." She admitted.

"Isn't that too far to determine someone's love life?" Aruto asked.

"Of course not." Match responded taking out a pocket handkerchief. "It's all to clarify and help out all who need to find their partner! It is my job to find a 'BEST MATCH'!"

"Wow!" Aruto jumped lightly.

Chiharu looked up at Match, hearing the passion in his voice for his dedication towards his clients, it made her heart jump a little.

"Do not worry, Ms Ebii. I will find you a marriage partner candidate from our database." Match informed and reassured her.

"Thank you." She smiled up at him, feeling excited by this.

Izu and Shesta looked at each other as they saw Aruto sighing heavily.

If this was going to be the whole day, it was going to be concerning.

Match continued to process the data for Chiharu and compare them to all the people they had on their service, even whittling them down with each definition. "Ah, yes. I have found someone."

"You have? Already?" Chiharu asked in shock and smiled.

"Please, follow me to the meeting room." Match asked, gesturing to the door.

"Of course." She nodded happily and followed.

"Should we accompany them, President Aruto?" Izu asked.

"Yeah, I-I think we could." He answered, coming back to reality.

He had to admit, he was curious about this whole situation.

The trio got up to their feet and followed, hoping to see Chiharu's potential match and help her with her problem.

They were brought to a traditional room where Chiharu was waiting inside, and Enmusubi Match was sitting down awaiting the potential partner to enter.

"I think it might be good to stay outside, President Aruto." Shesta commented as they waited outside.

"I know, but...I want to make sure she's not getting into trouble." Aruto admitted. "Or that she CAUSES any trouble."

"Understood, Sir." She answered, bowing to him.

"I wonder what they'll be like?" Chiharu asked herself.

"That is part of the surprise, Ms Ebii." Match responded as the door opened.

"YOU!" Aruto yelled.

Standing in the doorway was Gai Amatsu; brushed down, cleaned up, spick-and-span, ready for this matchmaking. "Ah, President Hiden. A surprise to see you here." Wearing a pale egg-shell suit, light-beige-coloured trousers and freshly washed and cleansed white espadrille shoes.

And standing by his side was Yaiba who was dressed up in her best secretary uniform, to which she could just feel the animosity coming between those two. She knew that this would most likely break out into a fight so she rose her hand trying to quell it in front of an innocent person. "President A-Hiden, please do not rise."

Aruto flinched as she said that. Yaiba realised what she just said, making Gai smile as her faux pas cut deeper than what she meant.

Izu's eyes widened in shock as she saw...a *new* HumaGear by Gai's side. A perfect copy of her. Dressed wearing ZAIA brand clothing.

...

"This HumaGear is not authorised to have such an appearance." Izu frowned "HumaGear stationed high in the Hiden Intelligence workforce are one-of-a-kind designs and not allowed to be replicated. You were unable to order this design, President Amatsu. So how does she look like that?"

"Oh? What are you saying? I acquired Azu the same way anyone else would. If you think there's a passing similarity to you, it's purely coincidental. If you continue this, I'll sue you for slander." Gai answered.

...

Oh, Aruto felt his eye twitching at the man's words. He did not want to be mad at the HumaGear Amatsu had with him, but she was literally a case of 'copied homework'.

"A pleasure to meet you, I am Azu. President Amatsu's HumaGear Secretary." Azu spoke respectfully to Aruto and then to Chiharu.

Oh, now, this was just taking the piss.

But Aruto controlled himself and sat down respectfully.

"President Amatsu...I didn't expect to see you here." Aruto calmly controlled himself.

"I came here to look for a wife." Gai answered sitting down, soon with Yaiba and Azu by his side.

"Huh?" Aruto asked in shock as he was soon ignored.

"I apologise for this, Ms Ebii." Match tried to calm everything down.

"For a man in his 40's, that is an understandable motivation." Izu responded coldly.

Aruto and Yaiba flinched as they heard that, hearing Izu flatly state Gai's actual age.

"Forty?" Chiharu asked in confusion.

"I am eternally twenty-two. I take excellent care of myself." Gai explained, while trying to save face.

"So... A lot of plastic surgery?" She asked.

Aruto tried to hold back his laughter as he bit his lip, seeing Gai being roasted. This was the best laugh he had since the competition.

"Of a sort." He glared at Aruto for a brief second.

"Mr Amatsu, please give a basic introduction of yourself," Match asked kindly.

Yaiba cleared her throat as she gestured to Gai. "President Amatsu graduated from Starford University in America with an MBA. He founded Thousand Network Limited while still a student and is currently the President of ZAIA Enterprise Japan."

"The employees of ZAIA Enterprise see him as a superb leader." Azu finished up.

"Did he write that for you?" Aruto whispered as he heard the two give that 'glowing' speech about Gai.

Gai continued to speak for his behalf. "As you can see, my qualifications are 1000%. Now, are you a suitable match for me?"

"Are you kidding me? How is he a 'best match' for Ms Ebii?" Aruto asked as he could hear the smarm and pride Gai was giving off.

Enmusubi Match looked at Aruto and then at Gai, prepping himself to speak as Chiharu was sitting there. "They actually complement each other nicely." He began. "President Amatsu is a self-absorbed, arrogant narcissist, a man who never minces words."

Yua listened and had to cover her mouth with a polite fist as she tried to stifle her laughter.

All the while Gai's prideful smile was being stripped away by Match's analysis of him.

"He is extremely selective in his choices, which causes cataclysmic issues when finding a match."

Aruto backed up as he had to look at the ground because he couldn't or didn't want to explode with laughter from this deconstruction of one of Japan's most influential people.

"Excuse me?" Gai glared at him.

"Mr Amatsu has also shown great levels of vanity and ostentatiousness." Match continued. "His suit is of the highest standard, never been worn, having been purchased probably yesterday, taking 'great pains' to make himself presentable to show himself as superior to hide his insecurities as a level of social control. His whole attire has been purposefully tightened, trimmed and ironed to an ungodly degree to keep himself elevated above others."

Gai stiffened up as he heard that, hating to be deconstructed like this.

"Even now, his body language is defensive, enraged and looked down upon which he has a fragile ego. And hates being told 'no'."

Yua and Aruto were looking away as they heard these comments.

"However, he has conveniently been matched with Ms Ebii, who requires such forwardness." Match continued.

While Yua looked away...as she tried to keep her smile to herself, but it was noted by Izu and Shesta.

"I believe you should be grateful for this encounter, Mr Amatsu." Match concluded as he looked at Gai.

Chiharu heard all this and sighed gently, turning her gaze to Match and not to Gai.

Azu looked at Match and frowned; while accepting the results of the data, it seemed...harsh in the outcome.

"This is aggravating," Gai complained. "Excuse me." As he got up and left the room in a huff.

"President Amatsu." Azu got up and she followed him, with Yua sitting there for a little moment longer.

"I'm sorry, please excuse us." Yua apologised as she got up and followed.

Aruto, Izu and Shesta looked at Chiharu and Match before backing off.

Aruto looked up and out of the room, he noted Chiharu's lingering gaze on Match...as something else caught his attention.

"Grargh!" A Raider outside roared, having stalked the room and glared at them.

The figure had a black under-suit, dull grey armour on their forearms and legs, but ice-white armour with icy blue edges, a white 'apron' over his legs with blue edges and a waist-to-stomach hexagon which showed his RaidRiser. His shoulders had curved triangular guards with blue cables and edges to protect his upper arms, a white chest plate with blue edges, a large white mouth grill with solid reflective visor eyes that looked like skiing goggles with a light blue edge on a white helmet and finally a blue beak-like protrusion on its forehead and light blue cables on the top of their head.

"A Raider? Here?" Aruto and Yaiba asked in shock.

"Yaiba. Deal with it." Gai glared.

"Sir." She nodded.

HUNT!

"Didn't you being your driver?!" Aruto asked in shock, reaching into his jacket as Yaiba walked forwards.

"Boot up." She said coldly.

RAIDRISE!

A pulse of dark yellow DNA formed around Yaiba as she transformed into her Raider form and brandished her scythe.

FIGHTING JACKAL!

Shink!

She rushed forwards and slashed at the Raider, who's fists were awkwardly striking around at Yaiba, who effortlessly dodged them.

She rushed past, her scythe cutting into the Raider's armour.

"... Hey, you copying us Yaiba?!" Aruto called out, blinking in realisation as the female Raider's weapon finally clicked.

"You do not OWN the concept of a scythe, President Hiden." She shot back with a cheeky joy in her voice.

Gai blinked at that, hearing that jovial tone in their voices.

Azu noted this, seeing how Gai was reacting subtly with his anger. But also the information that Enmusubi Match had exposed...was he the paragon of ZAIA she had been told and expected?

SLASH!

The Raider was dodging awkwardly as he tried to get past Yaiba as Match came out from the safety of the room to try and bring Gai back inside from the attacks. "Grargh!" He rushed forwards and seemingly flew through the air and attacked Match, causing some damage to the HumaGear's arm and head.

"Match!" Aruto gasped, attaching his Driver... And hesitating.

Gai's anger was slowly abating as he saw the conflict within Aruto, seeing him struggle to take the next step. He had locked out Aruto from using his Driver, should he do: Aruto would turn only into the deranged Metalcluster Hopper.

Would the foolish Hiden President risk it? Turning into a mindless monster just to fight a sloppy Raider; it would be interesting if he turned on the HumaGears he was 'trying to protect'.

"Match!" Chiharu called out in worry.

"Get over here!" Yua called out, grabbing the Raider and throwing him back.

The Raider hit the ground, rolling away... And slammed its hand onto its RaidRiser.

STORMING BOLIDE!

A large pressure of water formed between the Raider's hands, before it launched the blast at Aruto.

"Aruto!" Yaiba called out as she rushed in front of the blast and grunted, feeling the storming swirls hit her body as she was thrown back to the ground.

"YAIBA!" Aruto yelled out, acting without thinking.

Hiden Metal's Ability

"Huh?" Yua blinked as she quickly caught herself, looking at Aruto as he scanned the key.

AUTHORISE!

"President Aruto! Don't!" Izu yelled out in fear as Aruto flicked the faceplate of the key open.

"Henshin!" Aruto called, slamming the key into place and folding it closed.

PROGRISE!

METALRISE!

Aruto jerked to a stop as he transformed, the swarm of Hiden Metal grasshoppers formed around him as he fell back into the darkness. And the 'Storming Raider' looked on in fear.

Secret Material: Hiden Metal!

Aruto screamed out as he was fully converted into his solid silver form, the yellow eyes were hollow as he looked forwards.

METALCLUSTER HOPPER~!

It's High Quality!

Shesta and Azu now saw this form in all its true self, seeing how it shone in the sun as Aruto took a step forward as he...*seemed* to be in control as he rushed at the Raider.

AUTHORISEBUSTER!

Yaiba saw this and rushed forwards, using her scythe to stop him. "Aruto! No! That's overkill!"

Shink!

CLASH!

He retracted the scythe and attacked with his Buster, almost using it as a hammer.

Yaiba backed off as she was being slashed at, her voice not getting through to Aruto as she tried to stop him. She tried to use her speed to get in close, but a shine of the Hiden Metal barrier came out and bashed her hand against the metal itself, from the single attack.

Her eyes widened under her helmet as she realised that this was reactionary, she had to get out of-

PUNCH!

"Gah!" She grunted as she was thrown back.

The Storming Raider looked at this fight and began to flee, this was not his fight now.

Azu continued to watch this fight alongside Izu and Shesta, watching with bated breath as she saw Aruto fighting Yua. It was...enticing.

"Aruto! Snap out of it!" Yua called out of it.

SLASH!

CLANG!

Aruto's shield was summoned, as it blocked each slash and caused large sparks to fly off her weapon, all the while Aruto was silent as he was forced to witness what his body was doing.

'Aruto, please! You've got to-! Let me help!' She thought as she tried to get in close but was shot back, her armour taking the brunt of the damage as she rolled to the ground.

Aruto's body reacted instinctively as he aimed the AuthoriseBuster in Yaiba's direction before firing, causing deep holes in the ground and spewing up the ground around them.

She dashed out of the way, trying to circle around the rampaging Rider.

"Damn it all, it's like before!" She hissed as she saw this and knew that there was only one way to get Aruto out of this. The Key. Remove the Key and stop the attack. But Fuwa was there before, what could she-?

BANG!

Metalcluster Hopper grunted as he felt the bullets bounce off his body...as Fuwa arrived in his Assault Wolf form.

"Fuwa, why are you here?" She called out.

"Heard an attack happened, I came right over. Looks like we're needed." He responded. "He's wearing that damn Key again!"

SHINK!

Aruto brandished the AuthoriseBuster and rushed forwards, slashing down at Fuwa who blocked it with his gun bracers.

"Damn it!" Fuwa grunted, trying to keep Aruto in place. "I've got him! Grab the-!"

BZZZ!

"Oh crap!" Fuwa gasped as the sound of the Cluster Cells began to vibrate and leave Aruto's body, as the hoppers began to eat his armour.

'Do you have a death wish with this guy?' Fuwa's AI asked as he was being disarmed by the various cells.

"Hnn! YAIBA!" Fuwa roared out.

SHINING JUMP!

Progrise Key Confirmed; Ready For Buster!

Aruto's hand gripped the hilt of the axe, ready to strike it down upon Fuwa, this time, it would destroy him.

The yellow energy growing larger and larger, the grasshopper symbol on the axe glistening.

Fuwa's eyes flinched as he saw the symbol of the axe glow brighter as he tried to look away, preparing for the attack.

BUSTER BOMBER!

FIGHTING BOLIDE!

Yaiba came rushing by, slashing across Zero One's back. Her scythe surrounded by black and fold energy, trying to cut into the metal body... Cluster Cells, of course, holding it back.

Yaiba grunted, trying to cut in deeper and pushed her scythe more and more. She had to cleave through. She had to reach out and tear the Key out of the Driver.

Or get the driver off his body.

...

She worked as a distraction.

"Now!" Fuwa called, quickly slamming his Riser.

ASSAULT CHARGE!

MAGNETIC STORM BLAST FEVER!

Surrounded by blue energy, Fuwa charged forwards. Even distracted, it was like this entire form's body was alive. So even as the Jackal Raider held off the form from behind, several Cluster Cells tried to rip apart the wolf rider. Luckily, he was surrounded by blue and silver energy from his finisher, protecting him just enough.

As Zero One's attention lessened from Fuwa, the attacks were less aggressive allowing the wolf to reach out and grabbed the sliding section of Zero One's Driver. Pulling it towards, the MetalCluster Hopper Key was ejected immediately, causing it to drop to the ground and unfold almost automatically.

"Got it!" Fuwa called out as the many cluster cells began to disappear. The Rider form quickly dissipated... and Aruto's screams filled the air as he was revealed from under the suit, falling limp as he passed out.

"Aruto!" Yaiba called in panic, catching him before he hit the ground. Holding him close as he slept.

Fuwa panted as he looked at the MetalCluster Key on the floor, this Key...this damn Key! "Prez...What the hell were you thinking?"

Yaiba frowned at Fuwa's rage right now, holding Aruto as she was still in her Jackal state. "He...did it to protect me."

"Protect you?"

"The Raider. It got a lucky shot in, it wasn't a problem for me, but Aruto..."

"President Aruto!" Izu and Shesta ran to him.

They rushed to their side, Izu glaring at Yaiba.

Yaiba felt ashamed by this, she should've fought the Raider elsewhere. But this...this was on her. She *knew* that he would come in and help her.

She detransformed, holding him close for a few moments. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

*Time Skip*

It was a couple of days later Aruto was back in Hiden Intelligence, news of this second attack of his 'berserker form' had already leaked.

It was only a rumour, luckily enough. With literally no proof.

But it didn't stop Aruto from feeling bad about it. And the transformation since the match-making interview he was as quiet as before; all anyone could guess was that it was traumatic for him, after all, he was screaming before he fell out of the transformation.

However not all of it was bad news, they had brought back Match to Hiden to fix him up.

The damage had not been too bad, easily fixed.

"President Aruto." Izu spoke as she approached him with a kind tone. "How are you feeling today?"

"Better. Knowing that Match is okay." He said honestly, looking away in shame.

"You cannot blame yourself for what happened." Izu tried to console him.

"I do though. I saw Yua and...I acted on instinct." Aruto frowned. "I knew the Key was dangerous. I used it anyway."

Izu frowned and stood next to him, wanting to hold his hand out of comfort...but what would people say if they saw it?

A knock came from the office door, as it opened, Shesta walked in with Match. "President Aruto, Enmusubi Match wishes to speak with you. And another person also."

"Really? Okay." he sighed "Send them in please."

Walking in first was Match, repaired and respectfully dressed as always.

The second person was a sort of unkempt-looking worker; he had an afro of brown hair, was wearing a yellow work coat, blue jeans that had dust stains on them, sneakers and an XL-sized shirt with some paint splatter on it.

"Thank you for seeing me, President Hiden. This man has been approaching the Match-Making service for some time." Match commented.

"Because it's your fault." The man glared.

"Gentlemen, please." Shesta and Izu asked, trying to diffuse the situation.

"What's going on?" Aruto asked, gesturing to the seats at opposite sides of the room so there wouldn't be any fighting.

The two sat down on opposite sides of the room, doing what was asked. "Since I have been repaired, Ms Ebii has been coming to the Service daily."

"Alright. And your name, Sir?" Aruto asked.

"Teruo Nikaido." The man answered. "I'm Chiharu's childhood friend. And this guy is all she's talking about."

"Oh?" Aruto blinked.

"Since she went to...Go get married, she's been talking about Yuto, then that fizzled. Then it's him he's talking about." Teruo pointed at Match angrily.

"Mr Nikaido, I will ask security to escort you out if you start a fight." Aruto asked.

"Sorry..." He grumbled. "But, it's. She's fallen for his tricks. She's brainwashed by him."

"I assure you, Sir. I do not have such capabilities." Match answered sincerely as Teruo got up and rose a fist, to which Match noted and scanned his posture.

"Mr Nikaido!" Izu reprimanded him, making him lower his fist and uncurl it.

"S-Sorry. I'm just. I don't want her to get her hopes up for people who'll treat her wrong." Teruo admitted.

'Oh...I see.' Aruto sighed as he began to get jaded. "Mr Nikaido, we'll settle this."

"Huh?"

"We'll ask Ms Ebii what she thinks and settle this before it escalates. Is that alright?" Aruto asked as he stood up from his desk, this guy... He'd seen people like him before.

"Yes, that's...that's fine. Thank you, Mr Hiden. President Hiden." Teruo answered, bowing to Aruto before leaving and apologising for getting his titles mixed up.

"There'll be a guard to escort you out, so you don't get lost." Aruto added, hoping to let him leave quicker.

"Thank you. Again." Teruo answered as he left through the door.

As Teruo left Aruto sighed heavily as he was finally rid of him.

"President Aruto?" Izu asked.

"Yeah?" He sighed.

"Is everything alright? You seem more concerned than before." Izu asked.

"Your posture has certainly changed since Mr Nikaido arrived." Shesta added.

Aruto turned to them and rubbed the back of his neck. "I've just...met that sort of person before."

"President Hiden, if it's my place to say, I believe that Mr Nikaido was the Raider that attacked me before." Match spoke up.

"What? Why? What would he benefit from harming you?" Shesta asked.

Aruto sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Because he feels entitled to Chiharu. He's a 'nice guy'."

...

"Pardon, sir?" Izu asked.

"Hmm...how to explain it." Aruto mulled it over to himself.

"Upon looking over Hiden Intelligence's records, you yourself are a 'nice guy', President Aruto. You are fair, make sure clients are happy and the staff are well treated." Shesta commented.

"No, no. That's not what a 'nice guy' is; that's just me trying to be a good boss and person." Aruto waved it off, trying to stay on point. "A 'nice guy' is kinda... well, it's basically slang. A guy who... well, basically they see themselves as entitled to a girl's affections because they were nice and treated them kindly. Like they are owed things in exchange for being a decent person."

The HumaGears blinked and processed that data and soon understood. "Understood, President Aruto." The two women answered.

"Hmm...President Hiden. I might have a suggestion to fix this problem." Match spoke up.

"Oh? What have you got?" Aruto asked.

"I must marry Ms Ebii." He answered clearly and without hesitation.

...

"EH?!" The three asked in shock. "WHAT?!"

"If Mr Nikaido comes back again and is the Raider that attacked me before, that means you can stop him before anyone gets hurt." Match explained.

"This would mean that you'd put yourself in danger again." Aruto answered.

"If it will quell Mr Nikaido's emotions, then I think it would be for the best." Match answered.

Shesta was processing this before she spoke up.

"Perhaps it would be better if President Aruto and I are the subjects for the wedding?"

"Unacceptable." Izu frowned as she shot it down immediately.

"I... Huh?" Aruto blinked, caught by surprise by the situation as he watched the two argue.

"And why, pray tell, not?" Shesta asked.

"If anyone is to marry President Aruto it should be someone much closer to him." Izu answered.

'Izu...' Aruto thought as he heard her, imagining the scenario of her and him walking down the aisle together.

"And who is closer to him than his girlfriend?" Shesta asked calmly.

'Girlfriend?' Match thought as he scanned Izu, Shesta and Aruto...and concluded that he would keep to himself for now.

"Ah, ah, ah. Shesta, Izu, please calm down." Aruto asked, trying to stop any fighting.

"It would not even be a real wedding." Izu shot back "Marriage between HumaGear and humans is illegal! Also, you should be going back to your job. I am sure the vice-president is in need of help."

"Laws can change, Izu." Shesta answered as she turned to leave for Vice President Fukuzoe. "Excuse me, President Aruto."

"Er..." Aruto blinked, especially as Shesta gave him a kiss on the cheek as she left.

Match didn't respond loudly, he just stood there as Izu seemed to stiffen up.

And Aruto?

He was still trying to process what progress had been made for it.

"Ms Izu, a word?" Match asked.

*Time skip*

We find ourselves... At a church.

And inside the church, a wedding was being held.

Yaiba and Fuwa were of course 'invited'. Though the two were confused and also very weary of the potential outcome.

The only reason Fuwa wasn't arresting someone was that he trusted Aruto had a reason for all this.

And Yua was here because if there were any problems, she would be able to stop them quickly.

Standing at the altar was Match, wearing his best suit meant for this occasion.

And the priest...was someone Aruto and Izu knew. "Wait. Isn't that Matsuda Enji?"

"He was selected for believability," Izu whispered back before Chiharu came in.

Enji was wearing a priest's vestige and conducting himself with all the decorum one in that station held.

Chiharu was beaming like an actual bride on her wedding day, thinking she was going to marry Enmusubi Match and live happily ever after with a great guy. She was dressed in a pure white dress, white gloves and slightly heeled shoes, a veil over her face as she walked towards Match with love in her eyes.

'What the hell is going on?' Fuwa thought as he and Yaiba sat in the pews near the back.

Yua was looking around silently before looking at Aruto, feeling her guilt grow and a protective instinct. 'Please, don't use that Key again.'

"Enmusubi Match, do you take this woman to be your wife." Enji spoke having learned the words beforehand and continued the speech as they all listened.

"I do." Match spoke with a smile.

"And do you, Chiharu, take Match to be your husband? to have and to hold..." Enji continued.

At the door, it slightly opened as someone was eavesdropping, unbeknownst to the others.

"I do." Chiharu answered with a smile.

'You better have a point about all this, Prez.' Fuwa thought to himself.

As the vows were finished, Chiharu turned to Match and hoped that he would lift her veil and kiss her...but he didn't.

He simply stood there.

"Match? What about our kiss?" Chiharu asked in confusion.

"I am afraid that would go too far." Match answered confidently.

Chiharu looked at him and whined, making Fuwa and Yaiba look even more confused than before.

"Do you have any ideas for your own ceremony now?" Match asked as he turned away from the altar and walked down the aisle alone.

"The only thing I want is you! I want to marry you right now!" She whined.

Aruto covered his eyes, it finally clicked for him what kind of person Chiharu was. All the while Izu was getting a little worried that it was escalating too far.

"Please, marry me." She asked again.

"HumaGears cannot marry humans." He answered seriously.

"But I know we're a best match." She responded, giving his catchphrase, holding his hands.

Fuwa began to get up, only for Yaiba to keep him in the pews.

"I'm sorry, but even if I were a human." He separated their hands before crossing them into an 'X'. "That would not be the case. We are a bad match!"

'This is like some bad soap opera.' Fuwa thought as he was kind of engrossed by this.

"I would not be compatible with such a selfish human." Match continued.

"This is going-" Fuwa whispered.

"Stay." Yua answered.

"Why's he saying this?" Aruto asked.

"He's doing this intentionally," Izu informed.

"What, why?" Aruto blinked.

"To make Ms Ebii lose interest." Izu clarified.

"But that's what I love about you, Match! You're honest with me!" Chiharu answered, holding his hand again.

"Then." He spoke, turning to face her and seeing Izu in his view. "Let me perfectly blunt. As you wanted."

'Oh no.' Izu covered her mouth in shock, realising what was to come.

*Flashback*

We return to Hiden Intelligence, where Match requested a quiet word with Izu shortly after Shesta and Teruo left the room.

"Ms Izu, a word?" Match asked.

"Yes? What is it?" Izu responded.

After getting some privacy as Aruto remained on the upper floor of his office, leaving the two to talk. "What is the worst thing to say to a human that they would find the most upsetting?"

"Why do you ask?" Izu questioned.

"I may need to use it." Match responded, having formulated a plan in his head.

Izu looked at Match with a double blink, and then she thought about it for a moment, imagining Shesta. Imagining Yua. All the things that she wanted to say about them. Contemplated every word that went through her mind...and what she thought of them.

"Oh, I have several." Izu answered, carefully whispering into Match's 'ears' as to not let Aruto hear them.

Match listened in, calculating each one...and made the most shocked reactions he had ever done in his life.

*End Flashback*

"Don't." Izu realised that she had given him the ammunition...and he *was* going to shoot.

"You [Censored] [Censored] [Censored] [Censored]." Match spoke as he looked at Chiharu. "...And if you weren't so [Censored] desperate, you wouldn't end up [Censored]."

Yua's and Fuwa's jaws dropped as Aruto and Enji covered their ears in shock at the sudden profanities being flung toward Chiharu.

"You are such a self-centred [Censored] that can't even [Censored] realise that your own faults are [Censored] [Censored] [Censored]."

Izu stood in shock as this barrage was firing off.

Yua had released Fuwa from this as she couldn't think properly because this was such a left turn.

Fuwa...was on the floor clutching his stomach, trying to hold back whatever laughter he could. The faintest amounts of laughter passed through his lips, giving off the impression that two different laughter were coming out of one mouth.

"You are an absolute [Censored][Censored]." Match continued, not relenting in any way.

Enji seemed to be rocking and shaking his head as he couldn't believe the profanities being thrown about.

"That you brought upon yourself from your [Censored][Censored][Censored] attitude and personality, idiot!" Match finished as he looked at Chiharu.

"...Where did he learn that?" Aruto held his head in shock.

"Forgive me, President Aruto." Izu apologised.

"Eh?" He turned to Izu in confusion.

"Th-that was way over the line!" Chiharu screamed at him as she slapped his face.

As soon as the slap connected, Match's eyes and headset began to glow red as he was soon connected to Ark. "Hum4n1ty."

"No!" Yaiba called out running at Match.

"W1ll b3 destroyed!" Match roared out as he transformed, connected by Ark's system as he turned into a Magia.

His black undersuit and silver feet remained, but they were connected by light green wires that went up to his waist, connected to more scrap silver parts around his waist. On his chest was a round silver dish made of riveted metal on a green ring; green and silver shoulder guards covered his upper arms where green wires connected down to his silver hands. And finally, was his giant frog head, silver rivets on green metal and round red eyes.

He had turned into the Gaeru Magia.

Match grabbed Chiharu and threw her towards the altar and pushed back Yaiba into the pews to keep her away. "GrRr! Hum4n5!" He growled angrily...as the doors opened and the Raider from before burst in, rushing at Match and punching him.

"Gragh!" The Raider roared as he pulled Match out of the church, flinging him outside with some sloppy wrestling moves.

"Aruto, did you know this would happen?" Yaiba asked him.

"Err...I-" Aruto looked around and couldn't answer.

"Hnn! M-Magia." Fuwa coughed as he got up from the floor. "Ahem! Urgh. We'll talk about this."

Outside the fight continued as Chiharu ran at Izu and Aruto. "What's wrong with him? He's defective!"

"I think you should see this for yourself." Izu answered sadly.

"Don't even think about using that Key." Yua spoke.

"I don't have much choice." Aruto answered as he attached his Driver.

Hiden Metal's Ability!

"You have us!" Yaiba grabbed his hand before he scanned the Key on his Driver.

Outside, we see the Raider fighting against Match, the Magia continued to push against the Raider who was actively attacking him.

"You hurt her feelings!" The Raider roared out and connected a fist against Match, causing a small indent into the frog dome of its head.

"All this over a fake wedding?" Fuwa thought to himself as he was ready to strike.

"Sorry, Yaiba. But I trust you to do what you need to." Aruto apologised and scanned the Key and slotted it.

"Aruto!" Yaiba called out as Aruto ran outside and was turned once more into Metalcluster Hopper.

METALCLUSTER HOPPER!

As Aruto stepped forward, he turned his gaze towards the Magia and Raider, glaring at the pair of them and clenched his fists as the anger of Ark flowed through him.

Both Match and the Raider looked on in shock, confusion and fear as Aruto pushed forwards and struck them both, smashing them to the ground as this form seemed to be more 'human like', having more control over its faculties and fought the two effortlessly.

"Ms Ebii, this way." Enji spoke as he brought her away, though she was seeing this fight going off.

The 'fight' continued as Aruto was dominating the two, flinging both the Raider and Match away effortlessly.

The metal cluster cells started assaulting as well, jabbing out as blades of metal as Zero-One attacked.

"Damn it all." Yua frowned as she and Fuwa attached their Drivers.

RAIDRISER!

SHOTRISER!

"I'll grab his attention, you get the belt." Yua spoke.

"No problem." Fuwa answered.

HUNT!

ASSAULT BULLET!

Fuwa aimed his ShotRiser as Yua hovered her hand over her Riser.

"HENSHIN! Boot Up!" Both proclaimed as they fired and rushed in, transforming and attacking Aruto to try and stop him from destroying them.

Within Aruto's controlled body, his mind was enveloped by the darkness and the hatred, forced to watch as his emotions ran wild while he felt the pull of Ark's malice.

The Raider continued to be beaten back, while Match was being tossed about from Aruto's strength.

Both Yaiba and Fuwa ran forwards, attacking Aruto to try and keep him under wraps as the Cluster Cell shields came up and blocked them as best as they could.

How it was like... Zero-One had been learning.

"Damn it!" Fuwa gasped as he saw this.

"Back up, back up!" Yua called out as she could react towards the Cluster Cells began to form.

SHINK!

The Cluster Cells soon formed spikes, creating a protective spiked shield around Aruto's body. It did not want to be taken away again.

Match and the Raider looked on in concern and fear, realising that this was going to be dangerous. But they couldn't leave, the Cluster Cells had surrounded them.

And then... MetalCluser hit his key.

The cluster cells created a second figure from them, creating a false-Aruto as both of them leap into the air and struck down both the Raider and Match, causing both to scream out as the human was knocked out of his Raider form, but also hitting Match to the ground.

"Oof!" A yellow jacket-wearing, hefty man with a black afro rolled to the ground as the RaidRiser and Key clattered to the ground.

"Huh, what?" Fuwa and Yaiba blinked in shock and confusion as to who this was.

"He knew it." Izu whispered.

"Teruo?" Chiharu called out in shock and ran over to him.

"Chiharu. I'm. Sorry." He apologised.

"Y-You were the one?" She asked as she looked at him in confusion, to which he nodded...and she gave him a big hug.

"H-Heh." Match slowly got up but still sparking from defeat raising his hand slowly towards the sky. "Best. Match!"

clatter

KABOOM!

And Match exploded in a dramatic rush of fire.

The group looked on in shock at the remains of Match, realising...he was somewhat in control.

Yua and Fuwa looked at Aruto as the young man just destroyed a 'uncontrolled' Magia, but also realised that he couldn't have known as well.

'That Magia...chose to be controlled?' Fuwa's AI asked as the Wolf got up.

"Seems like it." Fuwa growled. "And the Prez is still under that form's control. We've got to take that belt."

'It's not going to be like last time. He's learning.'

"So what? It's not the Prez's fault this time!" Fuwa responded rushing in as he saw Aruto swing his Axe down.

"Who are you talking to?!" Yaiba snapped.

"My AI! I told you before!" Fuwa grunted, causing Aruto and Izu tilted their heads in response.

"I didn't make an AI for your system!" She shouted while slashing at Aruto, hooking her scythe on his stomach.

"Huh?" Fuwa questioned as Yua used her speed and momentum to slash around his waist and try to slide the Driver closed.

Aruto grunted out loud as he felt the lessened metal of his costume being cleaved in as this spin attack was just enough to give Yua her chance to stop him.

However, Aruto caught this, grabbed her hand tightly and threw her into Fuwa.

The two grunted in pain, rolling on the ground. Whatever they were trying to do; it wouldn't work here.

"D-Damn it." Fuwa grunted.

'He's learned your tricks. You can't beat him now; start thinking differently, Fuwa.' The AI spoke in his head.

"We need to get through to him." Yaiba grunted as she got off Fuwa.

"What would you suggest?" He responded, answering his AI but it could've been directed at Yaiba, but he heard the Cluster Cells' terrible buzzing.

Step.

Aruto was looming over the two, his vacant eyes directed at them.

He was surrounded by him swarm.

A cloud of hunger and wrath was about to descend upon them.

The sound deafened their thoughts, they were not strong enough.

Aruto was ready to kill.

To be continued

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