Thanks to all those who Favorited this story and reviewed it, nice to know my work is appreciated. Here's hoping I continue to keep you entertained.
Once again, I don't own Kamen Rider or Pretty Cure..but if I did,there would definitely be a crossover between the two..and it would be awesome. Alright,enough talk, Let's Ride!
Kamen Rider Chalice: The Pretty Cure Chronicles
Episode 3: An Impossible Dilemma! Chalice Is Our Enemy?
The next couple of days passed in bit of a blur, the brawl with the Beat Lion had left several sections of the mall in ruins so those areas had to be closed off while repairs were made and the mess from the Undead's rampage was cleaned. Fortunately, me and the Cures had stopped him before any innocent lives could be lost, so that was one good thing.
One bad thing though was Hikari discovering my identity as Chalice..than again, I suppose my actions and attitude had made it kinda obvious that I was keeping secrets,and in a way, I still was. I had revealed to the girls MOST of the truth about the Undead and me to some extent,though I wasn't quite ready to reveal to them I was from a dimension in which the events of Precure were a TV show. My explanation of what we were up against had blown their minds enough for the time being.
However, my attempt to ask for their aid..well, it met with mixed results,let's put it that way. They were certainly aware now of what was at stake, I mean,come on, they've only saved the world like a bajillion times over. This time though, they were up against immortal monsters who basically embodied the term "Survival of the Fittest" and I was the only one around at the moment with the means to permanently defeat them.
That's where another complication lied, Nagisa and the others now knew I wasn't human,at least not completely,from having bonded with the sealed Joker Undead. This revelation had shooken them up considerably,luckily Hikari had tooken it a little better than her friends,due to not being totally human herself probaubly. Judging by Nagisa and Honoka's reactions though, they were less than willing to work with me.
In all honesty, I really wanted to get their help in fighting the Undead,but I knew I couldn't force them to help me. The decision had to be made of their own free will. I'd always been a strong believer in being able to live your life freely and if they didn't want to help that was their choice..I just hoped they didn't end up becoming my enemies, I had my hands full with the Undead already. I didn't need to add the Cures to that list.
Anyways, like I said, the next couple of days passed and I didn't see much of the girls. I'd drove around a few times but they were nowhere to be found. I guessed their parents wanted them to stay indoors where it was "safe", since school was still closed. Plus I guess they just needed time to digest all the info I'd shared with them.
But yeah, a couple days passed and there were no signs of any more Undead,guess they were laying low somewhere. My aches from the battle had healed and I was certainly gonna put my new power to good use. I mean, Beat Lion IS the force that owned Leangle on more than one occasion, the so-called "strongest Rider," yeah right.
Alright, enough exposition, I was just sitting at a bench in the park,staring off into the sunny sky. The air was cool but not enough to give you a chill. I was just wondering about the girls when I heard a honking noise and glanced up to see Akane's wagon rolling toward me, the woman waving from the
driver's seat,smiling.
"Hey there,boy!" The vehicle came to a stop but a few feet from me."How's it hanging? That bike giving you any trouble?"
I shook my head,grinning."Nope, she's working just fine, you did an awesome job fixing her up."
Akane laughed while rubbing the back of her neck."You're too kind,but I can't take all the credit,you helped out too." She then took a gander at my hand."How's your hand doing?"
I held up my palm to show her."All better," There wasn't even a scar left to tell I had cut myself.
The lady blinked in surprise."Strange..most people don't heal from cuts that fast.." Ah crud, she was getting suspicous, I needed to throw her off and quick.
Flexing my hand, I replied."Turns out the cut was only a scratch,nothing serious, besides I told you once before I'm use to getting scrapes and cuts."
That seemed to satisfy her,to a degree anyway."Well.. it doesn't bother you.."
A voice called out from behind her."Akane-san? Who are you talking to?"
She turned and called back."It's your friend,James! Come on out and say hello!"
"What?" exclaimed Hikari as she stepped out of the wagon and looked at me,bewildered."Oh..um..hello James.." She bowed nervously.
I waved back."Hey Hikari, was wondering where you been the past couple days."
The gold girl flushed."Oh..um..you see.."
Akane stepped in."I figured it would be a good idea if Hikari-san stayed inside until that whole mess at the mall was cleared up." She put a hand on her cousin's shoulder."If one of those monsters ever managed to get their hands on her..I don't think I'd ever forgive myself."
Hikari's cheeks seemed to go slightly red."Akane-san.."
I nodded in understanding. From watching Max Heart, I knew Akane cared deeply for Hikari and would never allow any harm to come to her, she could be a bit stern and tough at times but overall, she was a good person who just wanted what was best for those she loved. This was a woman I could respect.
I laid my back against my ride and sighed."So, you seen Nagisa and Honoka lately?"
Hikari shook her head."Not much,no, I talked with them on the phone the other night though, and they said they might stop by our wagon today, if their parents let them..or in Honoka's case her grandma," She chuckled lightly.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, Honoka's parents are very wealthy but their jobs keep them busy and on the go often, so she stays with her grandma. Her mom and dad still love her and always make time to visit her on her birthday, a present she always looks forward to. Infact, that was actually the idea for a couple of episodes and it worked well. Alright, enough backstory for now.
"Nagisa will definitely come!" said Akane proudly."There is no possible way she can resist a tray of freshly-prepared Takoyaki made by yours truly!" She laughed heartily.
I'm quite sure a sweatdrop popped up on both our heads. "Akane-san.." began Hikari."You're doing that thing again.."
The woman's chuckling calmed down."S-Sorry Hikari.."
Hikari smiled at me."You'll have to excuse her..Akane-san just can't control herself sometimes."
I scratched the back of my head."Yeahh, I noticed."
A thoughtful expression came over Akane's face as she glanced at her wagon than back to me."Say James," I looked at her."Have you ever tried making Takoyaki before?"
I shrugged."I've seen it being made a few times on television, but never really made it myself."
She put a finger to her chin in thought."Hmm..well, we do have some time before I need to open up,so how about I give you a crash course?"
That certainly caught me off-guard,"You serious? I mean,you don't mind,do ya?"
Hikari giggled."If she didn't mind, do you really think she'd offer?"
Dang,that was good logic,might need to steal that one. I grinned."No, I suppose not."
Akane clapped her hands together,beaming."Excellent! Before this day is out,you'll be a first-rate expert in making Takoyaki," A small smirk crept up."..Second only to Hikari and me, of course."
I folded my arms."Fine, I accept your offer," Pumping my arms, I proclaimed."Let's do this!"
"That's the kind of attitude I like to see,boy," The woman nodded and opened the door."After you."
I stepped inside and got ready for my first lesson in Takoyaki making. Here's hoping I didn't blow it.
I was seriously blowing it! No joke. I mean,really, how difficult was it to make a tray of octopus dumplings? These girls did it all the time, yet here I was screwing up at every possible turn. I ended up splattering batter everywhere,accidentily threw the whisker out an open window, dumped the chopped octopus into a trash bin and so on.
I swear, if Akane ever made it big in the world of Takoyaki, I wasn't gonna bother signing on. I knew I would send her out of business in less than a week, and that's only if I was lucky! I was really starting to regret accepting that woman's offer to show me the ropes to creating these delicacies.
"Slow down,James, you'll spill the batter!" admonished my teacher though one could tell she was having a hard time stopping herself from laughing at how much of an embarassment I was making of myself with just trying to pour the mix.
I sighed aloud."How on earth do you make this look so easy?"
"Lots of practice," giggled Akane."If it's any consolation, you're only doing twice as bad as I did when I started out."
I gave her a mocking glare."That doesn't make me feel any better.."
"Lighten up,kid," She patted me on the back."You'll get the hang of things.." She added as an afterthought,"Eventually." I groaned to myself. She was having way too much fun with my blunders.
Fortunately, Hikari, golden angel she is, came to my rescue and stood beside me."Here James,watch me and do what I do." Grateful for the assistance, I watched carefully and took mental notes as she modestly cut up the octopi,mixed the batter and gently poured them into the pain then smoothly turning and flipping so the dumplings came out perfect.
All I could say was,"...Whoa. You're good."
Hikari beamed at me and then her cousin."I learned from the best." Akane simply smiled back. Yes,yes she certainly had.
I nodded and turned to face the assortment of ingredients and tools, with a grunt I rolled up my sleeves and rubbed my hands together."Alright! Let's try this one more time!"
I followed what Hikari did and was VERY pleased to see that I had turned out a batch that wasn't almost totally burned or floppy, or tough, or anything that looked like a mess. Yes, there were a few tiny black blots here and there but overall, I was just relieved.
"Not bad," Akane nodded in approval."Not bad at all, and it only took you twenty tries to get it."
"Actually, more like thirty tries," chuckled Hikari from behind me. I massaged my forehead while moaning to myself,just had to rain on my parade these two did.
"Akane! Hikari!" called the voice of a familiar tomboy,jolting us all and turning to the window to see Nagisa stick her head in,grinning at my tray of dumplings."Oh cool! You already made some Takoyaki for me!"
"Well,actually," began Akane nervously."Those aren't reall-"
"Thanks!" Nagisa snatched the tray and munched one down."Mmm..mrrm?" She stuck her head back in,frowning."..These taste a little different than usual,did you try out some new recipe?"
Akane ruffled the hair on her own head."I was gonna say, these aren't mine," She jabbed a thumb at me,"They're his."
Nagisa gave me an awkward gaze,obviously not expecting me to be the one who whipped up a platter of her favorite food."Oh..you made these?"
"Yep," I smiled and gave a thumbs up."What do ya think?"
She gave a slightly sour look down at the dumplings."They're...ok,I guess," She popped another one in her mouth and swallowed."But you got a long way's to go before yours are anywhere as good as Akane-san's." Ouch, now that stung.
"Nagisa," warned Akane with a small frown."Be nice, James worked hard on those and this is his first time, the least you can do is show you appreciate it."
"I guess," said Nagisa with a brief nod, but from the way she said it I knew she didn't think highly of my cooking. "So, are you working here now or something?"
I folded my arms and shook my head."Nope, your friends were kind enough to give me some pointers on making those dumplings you love so much, that's all."
The brunette's face showed a lot of suspicion toward me,why couldn't she and her partner just accept me like Hikari had? Why did they have to make me feel like I was constantly on a surveillence camera,my actions being recorded and judged? I had already proved I could be trusted on more than one occasion yet still they found reason to give me the evil eye.
Than again, the series had frequently depicted Light as the symbol of all that's good, and Dark as the embodiment of all that's evil, which in my opinion, isn't exactly true or even accurate. If playing games like Bayonetta and Shin Megami Tensei taught me anything it's that even those who embody the will of Light can turn out to be real assholes who are willing to do ANYTHING in their pursuit of Law and Order.
And by anything I mean it, stripping people of all their rights,freedoms, and individualities. Also, wiping out or brainwashing anyone who opposes their views or don't agree with their idea of what's right. As if that's not bad enough, when someone calls them out on it, they shrug it off and say it was for "the greater good" or some load of fertilizer like that.
Now to be fair,that's only when the pursuit of Order is taken to a terrible extreme. I do agree there has to be some number of rules in place to keep people in line but NEVER enough to make people into mindless drones. That just destroys the whole idea of individuality and independence.
..Ok, enough about that. I wiped my hands clean and took off the apron I was wearing."Thanks for the lesson,you two. I'll be going now."
"Wait," I turned to Hikari who seemed to be leering at the floor,looking almost embarrassed what she was gonna say next."If you..got some spare time later,maybe we can..hang out?"
I raised an eyebrow."Hang out?"
She nodded."Yeah, me,you,Nagisa, and Honoka. We can get to know each other better and stuff."
That actually wasn't a half bad idea, maybe this would give me the chance to get closer to the girls and might even get them to start trusting me. I nodded."Sure, I'm free for the day."
"Great, we'll meet up after I'm done my shift." Hikari was given a gentle push by Akane.
"Don't worry about your shift, I can cover for us both." said the taller woman with a cheerful smile.
Hikari blinked and tilted her head."Are you sure you won't need any help?"
Akane waved it off."Positive, you go enjoy yourself with your friends."
Her cousin nodded."Ok,thanks," She turned to me."Come on, let's go." I nodded and followed her out the door and over where Nagisa and Honoka were sitting."Hey,you two. Akane said it's alright for us to hang out together."
Both glanced up at me with expressions that seemed to be cheerful yet tense at the same time. As if they were waiting for me to jump them."That's nice," commented Honoka as she placed her hands on the table."To be truthful, we wanted to ask you a few more questions."
Again with the questions, though that wasn't too big a surprise. "More questions,eh? I'm getting the feeling you two don't trust me." A nod from both of them confirmed it,Hikari tilted her gaze to the side,whether it was out of shame for her friends or herself I didn't know and didn't much care.
"Not entirely,no," said Honoka."You appear just as these beasts show up, you say you want to keep people safe by sealing them, but you're obviously using their own power against them, if that fight with the lion is any indication."
"How did you do that,anyway?" quizzed Nagisa,anxiousness and caution in her voice.
I sighed and sat down,this was gonna take a while."Fine, I'll explain. Yes, as you said Honoka, I can turn the Undead's power against them by using this," I willed the Chalice Rouzer to appear."By detaching and slotting this into my Chalice Arrow, the weapon I use to fight in my Rider form, I'm able to take a sealed Undead,referred to as a Rouze Card, and slash it through the Rouzer,"
I pulled out the Chop Head card and flashed it in front of them. Their eyes remained trained."On doing so, the card is activated and releases its power which is then transferred through the Rouzer and into my body,granting me the ability of whatever Undead I slashed the Rouzer with. In the case with the Undead at the mall, I used this one,Chop Head, which as the name implies,enhances the strength of chop attacks."
"So that's what you used to defeat him," realized Hikari,eyes lighting up. I nodded and slid the card back into my pocket, a slight scowl popped up on her face."Was such brutal methods really necessary?"
I shrugged at her."If you didn't want that thing to escape and go on a rampage,probaubly killing dozens of people before we tracked him down again, than yes, it was necessary,besides,not like the fella's dead or anything," Pulling out the 3 Of Spades, I smirked."He's just taking a little nap right now,like a cute little kitty."
The braided girl giggled at my joke, but her friends weren't laughing."Not funny." growled Nagisa,dagger eyes starting to appear.
I scoffed and laid the cards down."Geez, you really ain't in the mood for jokes,are you?"
"No," said Nagisa."And don't make that kind of sarcasm again."
I rolled my eyes at the woman which only miffed her furthur."You know, with how fiercely you girls fight, I figured you'd be able to stomach Undead battles better,"
"Of course we can!" shot back Nagisa,who quickly looked down."Just..I guess it's just natural for us but to see someone else fight the way you do..especially since you're not 's unsettling."
I grimaced and massaged my forehead."Look, I don't like this anymore than you do, but we can't go back in time. Heaven knows I've wanted to, but if my life as a human is truly over than there's nothing I can do about it. The only thing I can do is seal those monsters before too many lives are lost,"
Now, I decided, was the time to be blunt."Trust me, if you think the battles right now are bad,you ain't seen NOTHING yet. These beings are powerful, and dangerous, and they become even more of a threat when there's more than one or two fighting together."
"But.." started Hikari as she took a sip of water."..Why are they doing this? Don't they realize the pain they're causing with their actions?"
Sighing, I explained."As much as I hate to admit, the Undead aren't doing this entirely of their own free will, they're simply following the law installed in them by The Master, that law requires them to fight each other until only one remains. They are only fulfilling the purpose of their existance,nothing more."
"And the promise of ultimate power is probaubly too good a prize to pass up for a number of them." added Honoka in a rather gruff voice.
"Yeah, that too." I agreed,hoping to get on her good side,seemed to work too for her eyes lost some of their stern gleam.
Nagisa was next to ask a question."Say, I noticed that the card you use to become that "creature" has got a Heart on it, but the one the Lion is sealed in has a Spade symbol,what's the story with that?"
I smiled,happy to have another chance to show off my knowledge on Blade."You picked up on that,I see," I pulled out the Category Ace and 2 of Hearts and laid them on the table with the others. "The 52 Undead are set up like a deck of cards which are divided into four suits,"
"The four suits are called Spades,Diamonds,Clubs, and Hearts and 13 of each Undead belongs to each suit,you following me so far?" Nods all around. "Good, the Undead's ranks are classified this way too. Nine are in the Numbered, three are Royal, and the Ace is at the top of the ranks."
"And where does Joker fit in?" quizzed Honoka.
I shook my head."Nowhere..and everywhere, he's the Wild Card remember? Which means he's in a Category all his own, but can be any of the others too thanks to his ability to copy their form and powers," At this,my tone turned edged."However, Joker is a beast driven by the instinct for Destruction, a animal who's only desire is to bring about the end of all things. I'm just glad I only fused with him and didn't become him."
"I'm glad too," agreed Hikari as she tapped her chin in thought."But with so many powerful enemies, the Royals, the Aces, and even Joker, I'm wondering how the Human Undead managed to beat them all? Seeing as he was a 2, the lowest rank."
"An excellent question," I nodded,making her beam."Yes, he was the lowest of the Heart Category, but unlike the majority of his kind, he had something that no other Undead had. While the others fought mostly for selfish reasons or because it was in their nature, the Human Undead held love and compassion in his heart and a wish to protect what was important to him,"
"Perhaps it was these things that gave him the drive needed to prevail over his enemies and become the victor of the first Battle Royale."
The trio was silent for a few moments after I finished talking, from the looks in their eyes I had given them plenty of food for thought. Nagisa pondered aloud while glancing at my cards."I wonder what it's like,living for more than 10 000 years.."
"Well, it's certainly not everything it's cracked up to be," I replied,making her look up."At least in my opinion. Oh sure you get to see loads more things and do tons of stuff you could never do in an average lifespan..but you can't exactly have a normal relationship due to everyone you know will one day die while you remain alive,"
I remembered a line from a Ben 10 episode and figured now was a good time to use it."Time is your friend, not your enemy. You should cherish those nearest you while ya still can."
"Cherish those nearest.." muttered Honoka as she and her partner gazed over to Hikari who gazed back. Ah yeah, I had gotten through to them now,at least partially.
Just then, Hikari's trinket popped open exposing Porun's face and in a poof of smoke landed on the table in his fairy form and waltzed over to me,looking up with his big eyes. I had to resist the urge to hug him than and there due to being so adorable.
"Yes? Can I help you?" I asked with a happy smile.
He pointed up at me."You're..not gonna hurt Hikari,right-popo?"
I shook my head."Of course not, I'd let myself be sealed before I so much as lay a hand on her, and that's a promise."
The little guy was quiet for a moment then smiled ear to ear."Then will you be my friend-popo?"
I chuckled and gently pat him on the head."Sure thing, I'll be your friend for as long as you want me to be." He cheered and jumped into my arms.
"Hikari! I got a new friend-popo!"
"Yes, you certainly do, Porun," said Hikari, a gleam in her eyes. Lulun jumped into my arms soon after with a giggle. They both snuggled in as even Nagisa and Honoka seemed to lighten up at the sight of the fairies in my arms. I knew it was only a matter of time before they trusted me fully, then together we could seriously kick some Undead ass!
Unfortunately,all good things must come to an end at some point. A squeak could be heard."Porun! Lulun! What do ya think you're doing-mepo?" That annoying yellow bear Mepple and his fiance Mipple jumped out of their bags and pulled the little ones out of my arms in a flash.
"Get your grubby hands off them-mipo!" snapped Mipple in my direction. I flinched at her harsh tone.
"Mepple, let go of Porun!" snapped the brunette at her fairy, who was holding the anxious little guy in his paws.
"He's not bad, he's our friend-lulu!" argued Lulun, Mipple holding her back from me.
"That's where you're wrong-mipo!" exclaimed the pink rabbit,throwing a venomous glare at me."He's just trying to trick you! Make you let your guard down and then get you! He's evil!"
"Whoa,whoa!" I cried,raising my hands and standing up."How exactly am I evil in your eyes?"
"Because you are!" spat Mepple."You got a dark aura all over your body, you're not human, and you're taking the power of these monsters for yourself! What more proof do we need?"
"Ok,listen closely furball!" I slammed my hands on the table,startling everybody."Just because someone's "dark" doesn't automatically mean they're evil! Second, I knows I'm not a complete human so I don't need you rubbing it in, and third, I'm only taking the power cause I NEED it to defeat the other Undead and save innocent people!"
"All that power's just gonna go to your head-mepo!" roared Mepple,pointing at me."It always happens to those aligned with Darkness and you'll be no different! And when you do become a monster,we'll be sure to bring you down-mepo!"
"That's enough,Mepple!" snapped Nagisa, obviously having enough of the furballs' accusations.
However, I wasn't sticking around to hear more."Well than," I straightened myself while throwing a scornful look at Mepple and Mipple."I knows when I'm not wanted,I'll be taking my leave now." Not showing any signs of my feelings being hurt, I walked over to my bike and slid on my helmet.
Looking back, I saw Hikari giving me a pained look, the other two girls a little shamed and annoyed. Porun and Lulun appeared to be ready to ball their eyes out, and Mepple and Mipple just kept on giving me the look of death.
Turning away, I kick started the engine and drove off down the road.
And just when things were starting to go smoothly for me too.
The Prism Stones upon the Hill of Light were glowing brightly, giving off swarms of colored sparkles that floated up into the air in a constant stream. To observers, this was a dazzling sight and only occurred once every so often. In the case of the stones' guardian though, this was serious business and needed to be treated as such.
"Oh no!" cried Wisdom as he raced up the steps leading to the altar."The Prism Stones! Why are they-" He stopped as his eyes opened in realization."Oh dear..this can't mean what I think it does.." He was always good at telling what the stones were trying to say, he wasn't the guardian for nothing after all.
Right now, they were giving off..something akin to a warning."I need to tell the Elder about this immediately!" He raced off down the steps and across the field toward the palace,screaming."Elder! Elder!"
He threw open the door and banged right into Elder,knocking himself to the ground."Oww,watch where you're.." He trailed off at the sight of the old man."Elder!"
The man with the staff rubbed his noggin,muttering to himself."Not so loud,Wisdom! You know I have a hearing problem!"
Wisdom got to his feet and bowed."My apologies, but the Prism Stones are acting up!"
This made the Elder's large eyebrows raise up in surprise."..We must inform the Queen at once!" Without a moment to lose, they dashed for their ruler's throne room and threw open the doors."Queen! We have something most urgent to report!"
"Elder, Wisdom, what seems to be the matter?" asked the woman in a worried tone.
"The power that's appeared in the Garden of Rainbows.." panted Wisdom."The Prism Stones..are reacting..."
If the Queen's face could show emotion,she'd be wearing a deep frown right now."..I see, yes, that is indeed urgent news.." A sigh could be heard."Then we have no choice,contact the Legendary Warriors."
The duo bowed."We will do so at once,my queen." announced Elder before they left to make preparations.
The woman sat alone,thinking aloud."Even if this being's intentions are noble..I cannot allow one whose heart is clouded by darkness to run free. I only pray we can show this person the light before he is lost completely."
Even with the engine blaring, I could still hear Hikari's voice over the noise."James!" I didn't reply but slowed down a little anyways, no use being a douche to someone who'd done nothing but try to help me. Least I could do was here her out.
I slowed to a stop and turned to her as she ran up,breathing heavily. I flipped up the visor and grunted."Make it quick, I'm not in a very good mood right now." Ok, perhaps I was being a tad harsh but can you really blame me after what those little furballs had said to me? No,you couldn't.
The young girl took several deep breaths to compose herself before speaking."I just wanted to let you know, Mepple and Mipple didn't mean what they said back there."
I scoffed but my helmet muffled it."Sure sounded to me like they did."
"Please," she practically begged."Don't think too badly of them. They've just had very bad experiences with people from the world of Darkness.." Looking down,she murmured."Their world was almost destroyed at one point by servants of the Dark Power."
Ah geez, she just had to bring this topic up,didn't she? Still, I had to keep a low profile."What do you mean?"
Hikari looked up."A couple years ago,just before Nagisa and Honoka became Pretty Cure, Mepple and Mipple lived in a place called the Garden Of Light. Their world was watched over by the Queen Of Light and was also home to a source of tremendous power: The Prism Stones. Crystals said to hold the power to create all things."
I nodded to show I was listening."Unfortunately, the Queen's counterpart, the Dark King, who embodied the power to consume all things desired the Stones for himself so he could keep his own power from consuming his body and that darkness would reign over all worlds."
I sighed."Oh yeah, he wanted to keep his own body from breaking apart by taking even more power..that makes LOADS of sense." In case one didn't notice, I was being sarcastic.
Hikari shook her head."It doesn't make much sense to me either, but as I was saying, the Dark King attacked the Garden and managed to claim five of the Prism Stones. Luckily, Mepple and Mipple took the last two and fled to Earth where they met Nagisa and Honoka and bestowed them with the powers of Pretty Cure to fight against minions of the Dark Zone,"
"The two's relationship didn't have the best of starts but eventually, through their time as Precure, they became inseparable friends who would do anything for each other. After many battles and adventures they gathered all seven Prism Stones and went to the Garden of Light to restore it and defeat the Dark King."
"I'm guessing that wasn't the end of things?" I asked,knowing she'd say yes,which she did.
"Right, for a while things were peaceful but the 3 Seeds Of Darkness, remnants of the Dark King, set about to restore him so the girls obtained power from the Prism Stones and Porun to fight them. After a long time, they managed to defeat the revived Dark King and save the world..but the story continued during their next school year..when I appeared."
"You see, even after all their hard work, the Cures still weren't free of the Dark King's shadow. A part of him survived and lived on as a boy..my cousin Hikaru."
Even if I already knew that,my eyes still bulged out."Your cousin is the Dark King?"
Hikari nodded."Yes, he doesn't like to talk about it. He doesn't want to be reminded of the things he did. And..there's something you need to know..I'm actually..the Life of the Queen Of Light."
I tilted my head."..Wha? How did that happen?"
She seemed to flush at this."Well,you see, just before his previous defeat, the Dark King fired one last attack that struck the Queen and injured her,forcing her to split up into multiple beings. One of them..was me. I didn't remember much at the time but I met Akane-san and she took me in as her own. Soon after, I met Nagisa and Honoka and became Shiny Luminous,"
"The strange thing is, from the start, I felt like I'd seen them somewhere before..I just didn't know where or why..but as we gathered the other parts of me,things started to become clearer and some of my memories as the Queen returned. It all came to a head when Baldez, the leader of the Guardians who protected Hikaru, appeared with him and revealed who He truly was.."
"However, both the Light and Dark sides had grown so powerful that if one were to be destroyed, the other would fall too and all worlds would plunge into nothingness.." Ah gee, that's a pleasant thought.
"So, I became the Queen once more and helped my friends defeat Baldez, who was the new Dark King, but..I can't quite explain how but..even though the Queen's been restored..I'm still here..and so is Hikaru."
"Hmm.." I hummed to myself."Perhaps while you were living the life of a human, you developed so many memories with your friends, and gained so many feelings that those helped you to become your own person and not just a remnant of the Queen's life."
Hikari blinked at what I said."..Yeah, I guess that would make sense."
"Now," I crossed my arms."What does all this have to do with those little furballs who can't keep their mouths shut?"
The queen's life let out a long sigh."I just...want you to understand that they've had it hard, they've almost lost their home, lost their friends on more than one occasion, and I think they've had so many bad experiences with those aligned with Darkness that just being around you makes them nervous."
I grimaced."They called me a monster,Hikari. What they said to me was the equivalent of prejudice. Even though I didn't lay a hand on them, they still lashed out at me. And you expect me to just let that go?"
"Of course not!" exclaimed the gal,a little louder than intended probaubly."What they said to you was hurtful, I could tell by the look on your face, and you have every reason to be mad at them. Even so," At this, she quieted down.
I finished for her."You still believe they're good people,don't you?"
She nodded."I do, Mepple can be a little annoying at times but his heart's in the right place. He just doesn't want to see any of us get hurt," The girl gently touched my arm."I promise, I'll make them apologize, but is it too much to ask for you to give them another chance?"
I was silent for a bit,thinking. True, I tended to give second chances to people who had wroned me in some way, though more often than not, those came back to bite me in the rear, but Hikari seemed to care about me, and only tried to find the good in people."I'll think about it," I nodded."You get those two to apologize and I'll consider letting them off the hook."
She beamed,gosh that smile was as bright as the sun."Thank you, that means so much."
"Yeah, I suppose," I slid the visor down and gunned the engine."I'm off to see if I can't track down some Undead, catch you later." I took off down the street on my bike, Hikari waving behind me.
Suddenly, I didn't feel so bitter anymore..I guess Hikari has that kind of effect on people.
Maybe things would turn out alright.
"Ok, you two, I know you don't trust the guy, but that was going way too far!" scolded Nagisa to the two fairies sitting before them.
"You really hurt his feelings!" exclaimed Honoka,eyebrows narrowed in disappointment and a little anger. "I know he's not completely human but you still had no right to say those kinds of things to him! He's got feelings too!"
Mipple lowered her ears in shame and turned to her love."Maybe we did go a little too far,Mepple."
The yellow bear folded his paws in thought."Hmm...well.."
"Oh, don't be so stubborn," groaned the tomboy rolling her eyes."Just own up to the fact you made a mistake and let's go apologize."
"He said he might be willing to forgive you if ya do." added Hikari sincerely. "And Honoka-san's right, he still has feelings like everyone else." She too felt that Mepple and Mipple had gone overboard this time with their antics..but she was too nice to hold it against them forever.
"I don't know.." began Mepple, staring off into space.
Nagisa smirked and turned her head."Fess up..or I won't share my chocolate with you for a whole month."
The furball froze at that declaration. He knew he had a choice to make, either admit he was wrong and keep his chocolate previleges but damage his pride..or clam up and keep it but lose access to the oh, so sweet chocolate...
Relunctantly, he went with the former."Oh,alright! Maybe I was wrong too-mepo!" He puffed out his cheeks in annoyance and humiliation.
Mipple cheered and patted him on the back."That's my boy! It takes a big man to own up when he's done something wrong." She kissed him on the cheek, making him turn red.
Nagisa smiled along with her friends."Ok, let's-" Before she could finish, Porun jerked up and leaped up on the table, hopping excitedly.
"Porun!" Hikari's eyes widened as did the group's."What's wrong?"
"Message! From the Garden of Light-popo!" shouted Porun excitedly, he always enjoyed getting a message from his home dimension.
"Eh?" the girls looked at each,shocked. It was quite rare to actually get a message from their benefactors, and even then it was usually just to check in on them, nothing major or anything.
Porun changed into his transformation trinket form and popped open as a familiar womanly voice could be heard."Pretty Cure, are you receiving this?"
"It's the Queen!" gasped Honoka in surprise. This was certainly unexpected since they felt the Queen was usually too busy with royal duties to make house calls or the like.
Hikari leaned in."We're receiving you just fine, it's wonderful to hear from you." She beamed in happiness.
"I am glad to see you're doing well, other me," said the woman's voice with a small sigh."I just wished we could talk under better circumstances."
This caught the gang's attention, Nagisa asked."What do you mean,Queen?"
The Queen replied."Are you all somewhere private? What I have to say is not meant for just anyone to hear."
"Nagisa," The tomboy glanced to her dark-haired friend."Let's use your place, your parents and brother are out for the day,right?"
She nodded."Yeah, whatever the Queen has to tell us, it must be serious."
The trio packed up their fairies and headed for Nagisa's apartment.
Now alone in the brunette's room, a hologram of the Queen appeared before them."It is wonderful to see you all again,my Legendary Warriors."
"Queen," Honoka and the others bowed to her."You said you had something important to tell us?"
"Yes," she nodded."You've noticed it too,haven't you? The strange power that has appeared in your world?"
Hikari's eyes widened as she caught on."You mean...the Undead?"
The Queen lowered her gaze slightly."I see,so that is what they're calling themselves," She couldn't show she was afraid though, she needed to remain firm. "And have you been in contact with this power?"
Hikari and her friends looked to each other, seeing them nod, she answered."I guess you can say we have. His name's Maxwell, James Maxwell. He appeared to us about a week ago just after we saw this strange meteor shower. At first, we didn't think he had much to do with this, but as time went on me and the others started to become..suspicous."
The ruler lifted a golden eyebrow."How so?"
Nagisa jumped in."He always kept vanishing just before one of these "Undead" creatures showed up, and it sometimes sounded like he was making up excuses to cover up what he was really doing..sealing them."
If the Queen could blink she would've done so."Sealing them,you say? Is he a Pretty Cure?" She asked with an tint of hope.
However, the girls shook their heads."He's something called a Kamen Rider," explained Honoka."And from what he told us, these Undead have been around for thousands of years. There was this huge tournament between all of them where the winner would get the power to shape the world however they want."
Queen covered her mouth in disbelief."My..goodness..a power like that would be the equivalent of the Prism Stones." The situation was now more serious than ever."And how does this boy fit in?"
"He kinda absorbed the power of the most feared Undead,Joker," said Hikari nervously."It allowed him to use one of the sealed Undead to become the Mantis Undead, otherwise known as Chalice, and I think that's how he came up with the name Kamen Rider Chalice."
"So,he's the one sealing them..and I'm guessing he plans to take the power of the sealed monsters for his own?" quizzed the Queen, eyebrows narrowed.
Nagisa shrugged."I..guess so, he's sealed two Undead so far, though we helped him seal the second since he seemed to be having a bit of trouble."
"Is that so?" asked the woman with a hint of irritation, this immediately put everyone on guard."Tell me, what are your feelings toward this boy?"
Hikari looked to her friends,frowning, they gave her a nod to go ahead. She turned to face her other self."Well, he's a bit on the strange side, kinda quiet, but he's very kind and has a good heart, plus he's always looking out for the less fortunate."
"I take it you trust him?" said the Queen, the annoyed tone in her voice a little more evident.
Hikari thought that one over."I do, he hasn't done anything to hurt us, and he's been very informal while answering our questions."
"Alot of us were real suspicous at first," added Nagisa hesitantly,"And in a way, we still are..but I think we're willing to give him a chance if he'll let us."
The Queen sighed."From the way Hikari speaks of this boy, she must think highly of him," Nods all around with a little blush from the gold girl."However, the matter remains he is not one of the Pretty Cure, and if what you say is true, that he fused with the Joker, then it's questionable if he's even human anymore."
All three girls were jolted by this as shown by their widened eyes and slightly open mouths. Hikari knew she had to back up her friend."Queen, even if he's not one of us, he still fights for those who can't defend themselves, and I'm sure if given the chance, he'd make an excellent Pretty Cure."
She put a hand to her chest."Though he's not one physically, he's got the heart of a Precure and that's why...even if he's not completely human..I wanna believe in him!"
Everyone was stunned into silence, normally Hikari was very timid about voicing her opinions so seeing this was a real shocker."Hikari.." began Honoka.
The woman turned her head slightly."You truly have become your own person,haven't you,other me?" Her next words had a hint of anger in them."But tell me..how long do you think he can suppress the power of the Joker?"
Nagisa didn't like where this was going."What are you saying?"
Queen focused her gaze on the warriors."Think about it, there's obviously something keeping the creature within him from breaking loose and destroying everything. We think it may have something to do with the creatures he is sealing."
"Well," inquired Honoka."He seals the monsters into cards and then he uses them to make himself stronger, that's what he told us anyways."
"Hmm," murmured the woman."So the cards are the key to his power," She looked up."Listen,you three, I knows you may have feelings for this man..but I must ask you to put them aside this one time."
Hikari gasped."Put them aside? What do you mean?"
The woman didn't lose focus."What I'm about to ask is very difficult, maybe one of the most difficult things you've ever done. But for the safety of your world, and the Light...you must defeat Chalice."
"WHAT?" screeched the trio of girls. "Y-You gotta be joking!" exclaimed Honoka furiously."Defeat Chalice? Hikari's friend? There's no way we can do something like that!"
"Yeah, what reasons could there possibly be for doing such a thing?" Nagisa pretty much roared, not believing what their benefactor was suggesting.
The Queen let out another sigh, this would be more difficult than she anticipated."There are a number of reasons for doing this, but the one most important is that the more of these creatures he seals, the more dangerous he becomes. I'm sure you've seen it, the power of these beasts."
"Yeah,we have," admitted Hikari sadly, then she stomped out that thought."But James ain't like that! He's not one of them, and he never will be!"
"Are you so sure of that?" the woman all but hissed."Are you willing to weigh the future of the entire world on that belief of yours?"
"I.." Hikari didn't know what to say to that. She thought James was her friend, she wanted to believe in him..but hearing her other self talk she was reminded of what had happened to him. Her friends seemed to share a similar train of thought if the solemn looks on their faces were any indication. They also knew they needed to think of the well-being of their home too.
"Do you even know what will happen once this Chalice seals all the Undead?" challenged the Queen."I know he seems nice now but how do you know he won't go berserk and turn on you?" She raised her hand."Allow me to show you what may happen."
She snapped her fingers and the area warped around them, once the scenery stopped blurring, the girls found themselves in what appeared to be their hometown..or what was left of it.
The sky was a dark grey with booming thunder in the background and crackling flashes of lightning up above them. All around them was nothing but ruins, buildings toppled into each other, collapsed structures and rubble filled the streets. A thick layer of dust was spotted far off in the distance.
Every manner of vehicle was in a state of disarray and even the streets were cracked beyond recognition..but all that paled in comparison to what they saw coming toward them.
They were humanoid yet had a cockroach theme to their design. Their bodies were entirely black with green eyes and they gave off a terribly dark aura. An aura that gave off feelings of hopelessness and despair.
There were dozens, maybe hundreds of the beasts scattering across the city,tearing apart all they saw. Even when they came upon Verone Academy..they didn't hesitate to tear it down brick by brick. "No!" screeched Nagisa as she watched."Don't you dare lay a hand on that building! Noo!"
Honoka held her tightly as she bit back her tears."It's alright,Nagisa..it's not real.."
"I know this is difficult to watch," acknowledged the Queen."But I need you to stay strong..the worst is yet to come."
"What could be worser than this?" asked Hikari,more to herself than anyone. She herself could barely comprehend what was unfolding before her eyes. Was this what happens when Joker wins the Battle Royale?
In answer to her question, a figure could be heard coming through the mist. The roaches stopped their rampage and watched as a recognizable young man walked along, head down, not even acknowledging the creatures as he approached the ruins and saw all the dead bodies lying around.
"James.." muttered Hikari in awe, both at seeing him here and the beasts not attacking him.
The young man had tears leaking down his eyes as he collapsed to his knees and weeped."Why?..." He rearec back and roared."WHHHHYYYY?" His roar broke down the few remaining buildings as his skin shed away, revealing the beast underneath.
A mantis-like creature covered in onyx armor,decorated with bits of silver, on his waist was a green and grey version of the Chalice Rouzer, his face was that of a monster's as a pair of antenna extended from his head and a visor covered the top half of his face.
"Destroy.." It muttered,getting up."Destroy.." It rose a mantis claw as it glowed."DESTROY!" It unleashed the energy in a massive blast that decimated the remains of the city.
"Stop it!" yelled Hikari."We've seen enough!" The image warped and the gang found themselves back in Nagisa's room, panting and sweating from the ordeal they just been through.
The queen, seeing this,bowed her head."My sincerest apologies,girls. I only wanted you to see the scale of the threat you're up against."
"Queen," breathed Honoka."That creature..was it..Joker? Was that..James?"
The woman didn't look up."Yes..that is the fate of your world if the boy is consumed by his Joker persona. An unstoppable force will be released and life as humans know it will come to an end."
Hikari folded her hands together,solemnly glancing at the queen."But..as long as he keeps his cards that won't happen..it can't."
"Hikari," The dark-haired girl spoke up."We saw it ourselves, even with the cards, we don't know how long he'll suppress that beast for. It could be a couple days, a week, a month, but sooner or later, some way he won't have those cards on him..and than.." Her mind flashed back to the sight of the academy being destroyed.
"Our home,everyone we care about, our dreams," Nagisa put her face in her hands."It'll all be gone."
"But is defeating Chalice really the only way?" asked Hikari, now on the verge of sobbing."Is that really the only way we can save everyone?" She really didn't wanna do it, she and James were just becoming friends, and he seemed like such a good guy.
"Hikari," said the Queen in a gentler voice."Your friend has already been taken by the curse of the Joker. In time, it will take him over and make him into your enemy. When that happens, he will no longer be able to tell the difference between friend and foe, his only thought will be to destroy."
"If you value him so much, do you really think he'd want that?" challenged the ruler of the Light."Do you think he wants to become that monster?"
Hikari lowered her head and murumured."..No."
The woman nodded in a sagely manner."Good, then you know what you must do. Once you defeat him, I will take his soul and purify it of the Joker, and hopefully someday he will be reborn in the Light."
Nagisa sighed in defeat,"I guess..we don't have much choice."
"All we can do is make it as quick as possible." admitted Honoka, she hated the idea of doing this,but seeing the images the queen had shown shook her up a fair bit.
However, someone didn't agree."I refuse." The group looked to see Hikari, her face set in a heavy scowl."I refuse..to lay a hand on him," She turned to her counterpart."There has to be some other way! I'll do anything besides defeat him!"
If the older woman could blink, she would've done so."Child, this hurts me as much as it hurts you, but you must be reasonable, this is somethi-"
"No,you're the one not being reasonable!" Hikari all but snapped."I thought the Precures were suppose to protect the life of this world, and that boy is a part of it, and you're telling us to get rid of him when he hasn't done anything wrong?"
"Hikari!" Honoka cried desperately."Think this through. You saw the same things we did. We need to stop the Joker before it's too late for all of us!"
The golden girl shot to her feet, the briefest hint of a glare on her face."I will have no part of this. Chalice is our friend, and I will not betray his friendship just because my other self says we should." With that, she picked up her fairies and walked out the door,slamming it shut behind her.
"W-Wait!" called out Nagisa."Hikari!" She stared at the door, sadness entering her heart, and a little guilt.
"Let her be," commanded the Queen."She has simply become too attached to the boy for her own good, and her feelings are clouding her judgement. Give her time, and she will come to understand that this is for the best."
"But.." began Honoka,frowning."What if she decides to tell Chalice?"
The queen was silent at that idea for a moment."..That will make little difference whether he knows or not. Regardless, you must stop him before he acquires too much power and brings your world to ruin," Her next words were almost stern."Do I make myself clear,Legendary Warriors?"
Nagisa gulped at this,not use to seeing her this way, but nodded."Y-Yes."
"I'll leave this matter in your hands than." announced the woman before vanishing.
There was silence in the room as the duo sat. Their fairies came over and patted them on the hand,trying to cheer them up but it did little to help."I guess we should go." said Honoka quietly.
"Yeah, the sooner we get this done, the better." murmured Nagisa. With thoughts of the Queen's words, and that haunting series of images still in their heads, they gathered their things and headed out the door.
I sat at a cafe,watching the sun go down while sighing to myself."I searched all over this town and I haven't found one Undead." Just where on earth were they hiding? If I recalled correctly, only the Royal Class and above could formulate plans of any sort or control the lower ranked Undead.
If they had already begun rounding up the Numbered to use as their servants, then they certainly worked fast. With the scene quiet, I was able to think. I wondered what was happening back in my own world, if it had been reported yet that I disappeared.
I mean,come on, if a giant vortex opening up in the sky over Tokyo and sucking a bystander in before closing doesn't make it to somewhere on the internet, I don't know what will..except for probaubly a giant peach landing on top of the Empire States Building. Excuse the movie reference.
But yeah, back to the topic at hand. Just what was going on back home? Had anybody noticed I was gone? Were there private investigators tracking down my whereabouts? Were there a bunch of scientists working on a way to open a ripple in time and space to where I was? Ok, now my thoughts were just getting preposterous.
All of a sudden, I heard frantic screaming and shot up,looking around for the source,seeing it in the form of a certain gold-eyed girl running up to me,panting."James..it's terrible.."
I blinked and put my hands on her shoulders."What is it,Hikari? Is it an Undead?"
She shook her head while gathering her breath."No..the Queen of Light..she contacted us, she knows you're the Joker!" I froze up at that. The Queen actually knew who I was? That certainly didn't sound good."What's worse..she told us..she.."
I gave her a gentle shake."Hikari! Tell me! What did she say?"
The gal turned her head."..She said that you would eventually lose control of yourself and destroy the world..before that happens, she wants us to defeat you."
My hands went numb and slipped off her shoulders at that. I swear my skin went a little pale too. This couldn't be happening. The Queen was always depicted as a benevolent goddess figure who was willing to give up her very life to protect the Garden of Light and its inhabitants. Heck, in the last episode she had even told Baldez, who had become the new Dark King, that she wished for Light and Dark to be in balance!
Although that was a bit of a weak message, since they had spent the last TWO SEASONS depicting Darkness as mostly evil and Light as entirely good. If playing Kingdom Hearts has taught me anything is that you can't have one without the other.
Yet here was the Queen basically putting a death sentence on my head, and using her own soldiers, the Precure to do it! "Hikari, how did she convince your friends?"
Hikari didn't bother to look at me."She showed us images of you as the Joker with some army of roach monsters wiping out all life on the planet."
That just got my blood boiling, at least a little. Now the woman was showing her own warriors visions that would normally traumatize the average human, make them even question their own sanity! Did I accidentily stumble into one of those Dark and Edgy Pretty Cure fics I'd been reading about before coming here?
I snapped myself back to the mess in front of me."What about you? What's your views on all this?"
She finally locked up to me and slowly shook her head."I don't really know..my head's saying to stop you..but my heart is saying to believe in you,"
I narrowed my eyes."When it comes to a contest between your head or your heart..I usually choose the heart, but you do whatever you feel is right."
Hikari didn't speak for a few moments, finally she announced with an air of pride."I..I want to listen to my heart, and believe in you.." She smiled."Kamen Rider Chalice."
I smiled back and nodded."Nice to know I have at least one person on my side," I looked around."We can't stay here, we gotta get moving and quickly." She nodded and we ran over to my bike and climbed on.
I strapped on my helmet and gunned the engine."Hang on." She put her arms around me and I tried not to blush as I kicked the pedal and road off down the street.
"Where are we going?" asked my ally over the sound of the bike.
I called back."To my house, it's in a secluded area, we can hide out there until your friends come to their senses."
She nodded and held tight to me as we rode. Normally, this would be a dream come true. Riding along on a motorcycle with a cute anime girl like Hikari holding me. However, right now I needed to focus on getting us to a safety zone before the others caught up to us.
Which,sadly, didn't take them very long. I was driving through downtown when the two girls ran out in the middle of the street and put up their hands."Hold it!" I skidded to a stop and lifted my visor.
"Oy! You realize I almost ran you over?" I called.
They seemed not to pay attention, focusing on my accomplice. Honoka stepped forward."Hikari, step aside, we'd never forgive ourselves if we let you get hurt."
I tore off the helmet and flashed a glare."And what about me? Where do I fit into your little circle of friends?"
The dark-haired girl looked away as Nagisa pulled out her transformation device."I'm sorry,James..but the Queen gave us this power..because of it, we can protect the things important to us. That's why.." She snapped."We gotta protect you from yourself!"
"Stop!" Hikari climbed off and stood in front of me with her arms spread out,facing her friends."Guys, James is a good person, he won't destroy the world!"
"You don't know that for sure!" shot back Honoka as she pulled out her own device.
"Maybe not," Hikari nodded."But I still wanna believe in him, he's done nothing but help since he came here. How can you turn your backs on him like this?"
"You saw the Queen's vision," growled Nagisa."Sometimes you gotta make hard decisions to do what's right. Now please step aside and let us do what we gotta do!"
"I won't!" fired back the golden girl."Even if the Queen says so, I can't let you hurt him! He's our friend and you're turning your back on him, I won't let you do anything to him!"
Alright, on one hand, this was pretty awesome seeing Hikari actually stand up to her friends and chew them out for being so inconsiderate, and I couldn't blame her for wanting to either. Hard to think that just being here for one week had this much of an affect on her.
On the other hand, I couldn't risk letting her get caught in the middle of a battle between me and the Cures. I knew they weren't too trusting of me since I came here but this was going a bit too far and I had to make a stand too.
I got off my bike and patted her on the shoulder,getting her attention."Thanks,Hikari, but I need you to stand aside on this one."
Her eyes widened."But..James.."
I nodded."I know, you don't want to see me get hurt, but I'd never be able to live it down if I let you get hurt," I grinned."Relax, I won't beat your friends..too badly."
Hikari gave a sad look before standing aside."Hey!" I turned to see a disapproving scowl on Nagisa's face."Why are you so casual with her?"
I scoffed."Because unlike you two, she doesn't bend over backwards and do whatever the Queen demands of her, she's willing to give me a chance which is more than I can say for you!"
The tomboy snarled."Enough talk! Honoka!" They grasped each other's hands."Dual Aurora Wave!" Before my eyes they transformed into Cure Black and Cure White and posed,ready to fight.
I gnarled my teeth and willed the Chalice Rouzer to appear before hauling out the Change Mantis card."I really didn't wanna have to do this, but I have just as much right to live as anybody else on this planet! And if I have to beat that into your heads I'll do it!" I spun the bike around and drove away from them a fair distance before turning around and roaring toward them.
"Henshin!" I swiped the card."Change." The static field materialized over my form, altering my appearance into that of the Mantis Undead,Chalice. From there, the field spread over my bike,warping it and giving it a black,silver and red color scheme with two large red eyes on the head of it along with two large metallic mantis antenna. My bike had become Chalice's personal ride, the Shadow Chaser.
It was time to show these girls just who they were messing with.
(Play Kamen Rider Agito: Believe Yourself)
The duo seeing me approaching, somersaulted over me but I came to a quick stop and turned around. I knew from watching the show that Black was the stronger physically of the two, while White was the more agile one. Which means I would have to divide and conquer.
I raced toward White just as she landed and turned to me too late to stop me from ramming into her form and getting the gal caught on the bike's hood. I came to a sharp stop and she flew off, landing hard on the ground.
Burying whatever guilt I felt, I heard Black's scream and twisted around to block one of her punches with my forearm before ramming my other fist into her exposed chest, knocking her back. She didn't take too well to that as she went into a roundhouse kick,but I grabbed the heel of her boot and delivered my own kick to her midsection, she stumbled from the blow.
I looked over to where Honoka lied only to see she wasn't there anymore."Ah crud.." I looked up in time to see her doing a dropkick that collided with my chestplate, the force of it sending me off my bike and onto the hard ground. Didn't exactly hurt but it wasn't pleasant either. Glancing up through my visor, I spotted the duo regrouping before nodding to each other and leaping up into the air together.
However, what they said next surprised me."Double Precure Kick!" Wait, wasn't that a move the Fresh Precures used? I didn't have time to think before their boots collided with my crossed arms which I used to block, even though the force of it sent me skidding back a nice distance.
Sparing a look, I saw the two land on the ground before zooming toward me and slamming their palms into my gut, knocking some of the wind out of me and sending me flying through the air and landing with a loud bang.
"Darn." I groaned. These two had definitely earned the right to call themselves Legendary Warriors but I wasn't about to inflate their ego, there was butt-kicking to do. I glared up at them as they glared back at me."Alright, no more messing around." I whipped out the Chalice Arrow and let fly half a dozen shots at them.
They impacted against the ground in front of them,kicking up a small cloud of smoke and debris. The two jumped out of the smoke in dramatic fashion and I swung my weapon at them though they managed to kick off my shoulder and land behind me.
I growled and took aim before firing off some more energy bolts which the duo ducked and swerved their way. Deciding to go on the offensive, I slashed in a sideways manner,more to scare them than hurt them, only for Black and her partner to roll under my swing, the former dealt a left hook that made me see stars.
From there, White grabbed hold of my arm and kick out my leg before slamming me down hard. "Stop making this more difficult than it has to be!"
I roared."No way! Who gave you the right to decide who lives and who dies?" I brought my leg up and booted her in the back of the head,sending the white-garbed warrior tumbling over and rolling along the road.
"How dare you do that to White?" I spun around in time to see Black coming at with a karate chop. Raising the Arrow, I blocked it though I struggled to hold it before rearing back my right arm and punching her in the torso, the blow forcing her to step back.
With some breathing room, I shot up and went on the attack,dealing a handful of right hooks to her before twisting and bringing my leg up in a roundhouse kick that connected with her chin and launched the Cure onto her back. I took the time to detach my Rouzer and slot it into the weapon.
"You're forcing me to do something I really don't wanna do, Pretty Cure," I opened my holster."It doesn't have to be this way, we can be comrades, not enemies!"
The two groggily got to their feet,more furious than ever."Be friends with someone who's gonna destroy everything we hold dear?" The black-garbed girl snorted."Fat chance."
"And what about Hikari?" I asked."She's part of your little team too, are you really gonna discard her feelings just like that? If so, than some friends you turned out to be."
For a few moments, the duo had solemn expressions on their faces, and it looked like I'd gotten through to them, only for them to shake their heads and refocus their glare."Don't you try to worm your way out using Hikari as a shield!" They charged me again.
I clenched my weapon tighter."Fine, but you brought this on yourselves." I folded the blades of the Arrow back,forming a makeshift knuckle duster before drawing out the Beat Lion card."Forgive me,Hikari."I slashed the card through the Rouzer."Beat."
The card's hologram appeared and was absorbed into my armor, sending powerful surges into my weaponless hand. Black came first and thrusted out a punch, I ducked under it and delivered a supercharged fist into her torso, she cried out in pain as she flew back and crashed into White, both of them impacting against the ground and kicking up another pile of dust and rubble.
I breathed deeply and resumed my stance, not lowering my guard for a second. I looked over to Hikari who had her mouth covered in shock at the scene before her. I bowed my head.
(End Song)
Hearing heavy breathing, I turned to see the dust clear and reveal both Black and White still on their feet, panting a little heavier than normal but otherwise still fine."Oh, still got the strength to fight,eh?"
"Don't underestimate us." warned Black."We may not look it, but we're pretty tough," said White with a small smirk. "And now we'll show you our true power." They both grasped hands and closed their eyes. Mentally, I went "Oh crap."
"Before our eyes..Hope.." began White."Into our hands, the power of hope.." added Black, a wash of gold energy shot up from the ground around them, a bright light shined from their wrists and formed into a pair of frilly metallic bracelets with ribbons tied to them.
"Darn Sparkle Bracelets." I cursed to myself as they reared back, now fully energized with their fancy Magical Mcguffins.
Do not hesitate, hold nothing back.
I blinked, where did that voice come from? I glanced down and briefly saw the heart on my chest light up.
They are your enemies, you must treat them as such.
Could it be? Was I actually hearing the voice of the Ace Of Hearts?
Fight, Fight, and show them what real power is.
"I don't want to hurt them." I argued back."They're Hikari's friends. She's known them for a long time."
And is that an excuse to let yourself be defeated? When there is so much left to be done?
I clenched my fist. He had a point."No, you're right, if I die here, who will seal the Undead?"
Good, now show me you are worthy of wielding the power of the Undead.
The voice faded and I could think clearly again. "You think you can take me down?" I hissed."Then come on and try!" I raced toward them as they ran toward me in return. Both me and Black reared our fists back and thrusted them. Their collision sent a ripple that uprooted part of the ground around us.
Both of us recoiled from the collision, Black clutching her hand as she hissed, my own hand losing sensation too. White somersaulted over her and came down with a drop kick using both feet. I rose my weapon and managed to block it just barely though the force still sent me soaring backward.
The tomboy leaped forward with her other fist but I brought my boot up and connected it with her chest though the force did little to stop her fist from colliding with my helmet. I saw stars and fell towards the pavement only to see White down there and leaping up while aiming her knee which collided with my ribs.
I yelped in pain before plummeting to the ground for real. Groaning, I watched the two regroup while watching me."Had enough?" teased Black.
Despite the pain, I chuckled."You think that hurt? My grandma hits harder than you, and she's dead!" Ok, bad time for that joke but what else could I use? I got to my feet and beckoned to them."Come on,hit me like you mean it."
Growling at my ignorance, they took off in a blur and started laying punches and kicks on me at a rapid speed that I could barely keep up with. Eventually, they landed enough blows to force me onto my knees.
I looked up and was glad to see them breathing heavily too."What? All out of juice? I expected more."
"Black.." murmued White. Her partner nodded."Let's do it." They grasped their hands, I knew what was coming, their signature move. "Black Thunder!" A bolt of black lightning struck Black's hand."White Thunder!" Ivory lightning struck White's hand.
Looking over, I spotted my bike, if I could just get to it, I could outrun it..maybe."Our beautiful souls.." announced White."Shall crush your dark heart!" finished Black. They readied to fire."Pretty Cure.."
I limped toward my bike."Marble.." I grasped the handlebar."Screw.." I went to climb on."Max!" The massive blast of twin lightning fired toward me..only to be stopped by a giant rainbow-colored barrier.
"Huh?" I,along with the girls, stopped and stared at my apparent savior."Shiny Luminous!"
"Enough!" She commanded,having transformed and deflected the huge energy beam."This fighting has got to stop! Please.." I heard her firm edge give way to something softer."Just stop..friends shouldn't fight friends.." She suddenly collapsed to her knees as the barrier crumbled.
"Luminous!" shouted both girls as they saw me catch her and settle her against the bike. They both watched the scene in disbelief and surprise.
"You protected me.." I murmured."..Why? What did I do to deserve your protection?"
She opened her eyes and smiled."I've seen your potential for goodness..how you'll put yourself on the line to protect others from harm..I just wanted to repay some of that."
I took her hand."You shouldn't have needed to go this far," My anger swelled up and I glowered at her so-called friends."And You!" They jumped."I am not only disappointed in you, I'm disqusted too, at you and your Queen!"
"The Queen for giving such an idiotic order, and you for actually following it! You talk of protecting the things important to you..yet because of your carelessness, Luminous had to take a hit meant for me!"
"Luminous," began Black,moving toward us."We're-" I snarled and lifted the Arrow in a menacing manner.
"Don't you even attempt to come close to her! You have no right being near her!" A gentle hand touched my wrist,lifting my mad rage.
"James..it's alright, I'm just a little tired." I looked down at her beaming face."Please, they owe so much to the Queen..I think they just let their devotion to her overtake their judgement..so don't be too hard on them."
I sighed and shook my head."You're too innocent and pure for your own good,Luminous."
The two girls went to each side of their warn out friend and held her."We're so sorry," said White with tears in her eyes."We shouldn't have taken your feelings for granted." added Black,who buried her face in the golden girl's dress.
The scene before me tugged at my heart strings a little and I started to feel remorseful at my outburst, even if they totally deserved it. At that moment, visions went through my head, the Cures, a rooftop, a armor-plated armadillo with guns.
I glanced up to the roofs of the apartments in time to see a weird anthro armadillo covered in brown leather armor with claws for hands, metal studs along its form, massively thick legs and clutching a pair of large steel revolvers in its hands. On its face it wore a sinister grin. This was the Category 2 Of Diamonds, Bullet Armadillo.
It rose its guns and took aim at the girls."Get down!" Using what little strength I had, I jumped to my feet and placed myself between the monster's line of sight and the girls. The fella let loose anyways, pounding with a handful of rounds from its guns as I growled in pain and fell to my knees again.
Seeing it had missed its intended target, the armadillo snorted in disqust before scampering off across the rooftops. "Chalice!" Forgetting how tired she was, the Queen's life crawled to my side.
"You..shielded us." wondered aloud Black in awe.
"But why?" White all but yelled."We treated you like a monster! We attacked you! Why turn around and do this?"
I looked up at her."It's part of the code of the Kamen Rider. To protect the innocent by any means necessary, and defend those who can't defend themselves. To punish those who do evil, but to never take lives needlessly." I laid back against the bike and slashed the Human Spirit card,reverting to my human self. "You guys couldn't defend yourselves so I took the hit in your place."
And the girls guilt trip got even worse, with them ready to burst into tears."First Luminous..and now you." muttered White,shaking her head."To think you would go this far just to prove the Queen wrong."
I sighed."Well, I can't just sit around when there's an Undead to hunt." Luminous took my hand."Huh?" She smiled and a soft glow went into my hand, and I felt my energy starting to return. "Luminous."
She helped me to my feet."It's not much, but if you really intend on fighting..than I'm gonna be right by your side, Chalice."
I nodded and turned to the others."What about you? What will you do?"
They looked at each other and White slowly nodded,Black followed suit."We caused you a great deal of pain, we need to do something to make amends."
"Good to hear," I walked over to my bike and climbed on."Follow me, I know where the Undead's going." I started up the engine and rode off with Luminous on the back and the others following close behind.
We arrived in the park in time to see people running and screaming,trampling each other in an attempt to get away from whatever it was that happened to be attacking. I took off my helmet,scowling."This must be the place."
The four of us rushed in,hoping to find one Undead running amok, but we didn't get one: We got two!
The first was the armadillo from earlier but with him was a strange humanoid green lizard wearing a suit of metal armor with spikes coming out of its shoulders. A long spiky tail stuck out of the backside, its head was reptilian with green eyes and covered in metal too. On its arm was mounted a sharp-looking sword which it swung at random people while its partner blasted away.
"Who are those two?" remarked Black nervously.
I clenched my fist."The armadillo is the Category 2 of Diamonds, Bullet Armadillo, and the other is the Category 2 of Spades, Slash Lizard."
White stepped up."Let us handle the armadillo, we need to payback what he almost did to Luminous."
I shrugged."Suit yourselves, me and her will take care of the lizard." She nodded in approval of the plan. I pulled out the Mantis card."And if we get out of this in one piece, I may even consider forgiving you for that little mess we had." I slashed."Henshin!" "Change." Once more, the static field engulfed me and I emerged as Chalice again. Nodding to each other, we took our stances and raced for our respective targets.
Pretty Cure and Kamen Rider working together, was this awesome or what?
(Play Pretty Cure: Shining Star)
I leaped forward and slashed the Lizard across the chest, raining sparks every which way and making him recoil. He hissed at me and swung his own sword at me. Our blades clashed and pushed against each other. Despite being the lowest number, the lizard still had a fair bit of strength and he shoved hard against me.
But I wasn't backing down, I brought my leg up and booted him in the chest, causing the fella to take a few steps back and give me some room to breathe. He recovered and thrusted his sword forward but I swerved to the side and slashed but he rose his weapon and blocked it.
Again, we shoved against each other, only this time the guy received a thump to the back of the head courtesy of Luminous. With his concentration broke, I pulled back my elbow and rammed it into his face before dealing several sharp kicks to his midsection. He caught my leg though after the third kick and flipped me over so I ended up face first in the dirt.
I looked up and spotted Slash Lizard racing toward me,weapon held high. I waited till he was close enough before sticking the bow into his gut. He looked down and I released bolt after bolt into his chest,he stumbled back from the power of the shots, groaning and spewing torrents of green liquid.
At one point, he had enough and started using his sword to deflect the shots so they went off into the surrounding area. The Undead made his way toward me while knocking aside my attacks. Just as he was close enough to strike, Luminous leaped in and used her brooch to conjure a giant barrier that shoved against our foe and launched him like a bean bag.
I nodded to her in gratitude before detaching the Rouzer and slotting it into the weapon's hollow section. The Undead and I stood while staring each other down. I knew I needed to wound him a bit more before I could finish him with the power of a Rouze card. We reared back our swords and charged the other.
Once close enough, we swung, landing a cut on each other, me on his ribcage, him on the upper part of my arm. We spun and clashed swords again and again. I jumped back to evade a slash then thrusted the end of my blade into his torso, making him groan and step back. Taking the advantage, I leaped into the air and slashed him down the middle, making him screech.
Seeing that he was vulnerable, I drew out Chop Head and slashed him through."Chop." With the power flowing through me, I raced toward the weakened beast. He limply held up his sword but it was too late. I hit him with a chop to his torso area before running past. He gargled before falling over and being engulfed in a ball of fire.
I turned to him as the belt on him opened up,exposing the runes that signaled defeat. Taking out a Proper Blank, I threw it onto the fallen Undead's chest as it spun, glowing green, before sucking in the lizard and returning to my hand. Now depicting a scaly lizard with a blade for its tail, on the side was a spade symbol and a 2 with the word Slash. "That takes care of him." Luminous tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to where the others were fighting."Oh dang it."
The armadillo was blasting away with a nonstop barrage,keeping the duo from getting close, and even when they did, it would simply curl up into a ball and launch itself away from them, making their attacks almost useless. "A Rider's job is never done, is it?" I pulled back on the Arrow and fired my own barrage, striking the exposed areas of its armor.
Black looked up from where she lied."You guys.." I nodded."Figured you could use a hand." While pinning the armadillo down with arrows, the Cures jumped in and started pounding on the monster for all they were worth. However, it managed to throw them off.
"We gotta finish this here and now." I growled as I glanced at the Slash Lizard card. "But what do we do?" quizzed Black as she landed beside me.
I had an idea."Luminous, freeze him in place, then I'll use the Slash card and Black and White will power up my weapon with their Marble Screw. It should be enough to cut right through the armor."
"You sure?" I nodded, she summoned the Baton and fired it,paralyzing the fella."Now!"
I slashed the card."Slash." An image of the beast appeared and was absorbed into my weapon,charging it with a powerful boost. "Precure Marble Screw Max!" The Cures fired the beam of lightning at the same time I raced toward the Undead. The thunder imbued itself into my weapon, making it glow black and white.
"Hrahh!" I slashed right through my foe then spun and slashed again with the other end,before coming to a stop. "And that's all she wrote." The Undead gurgled and snorted in pain before falling over and exploding in a large pillar of flame.
(End Song)
I watched my scorched opponent for a moment before hauling out a card to seal him in, but then I had second thoughts and turned to the Cures."Here," I chucked the Blank at them which Black caught. Seeing their quizzical expressions I explained."You lended me your power to take him down, so I figure you should get the honor of sealing him."
Black frowned at the card and handed it to Luminous."You do it, you believed in Chalice when nobody else did, so you do it." Gently taking the blank, the girl walked over to the fallen beast and placed the card on its body,allowing it to be absorbed.
She walked over and handed it to me,now showing a armadillo and a diamond with the number 2. "Thanks." This made four Undead sealed now. "Well.." I glanced up at Nagisa and Honoka."We're still alive, so I guess you're forgiven."
White turned her head,frowning."But..all these poor people.." I looked to where she did and was sad to see that a number of people were lying on the ground,bleeding with cuts and bruises aplenty,moaning.
I sighed."This is one of the more difficult parts of being a Kamen Rider, knowing you weren't able to protect everyone."
"Even so," inquired Black,trying to put a positive spin on things."If we didn't do anything, a lot more people could've lost their lives."
I nodded."You make a good point,Black. Even if you can't always save every single individual, you save as many as you can." I put away my new cards."So, still see me as an enemy?"
The Cures shook their heads,smiling happily."Even if you're not human, you're no monster," acknowledged White."A real monster wouldn't do the things you do."
"And even if it's an order from the Queen herself, we're gonna trust our hearts and put our faith in you." announced Black as she did a thumbs up.
Luminous walked over beside me and beamed at her friends."What do you say we all go out for dinner?"
"Great idea," agreed White as she changed back, Nagisa cheered."As long it ain't Takoyaki." The tomboy pouted at this and mumbled under her breath while her friend giggled.
"I'm good with that," I slashed the Spirit card and changed back to normal."Lead the way."
We left the park together, a bond of trust finally forged between us.
The Queen sat in her throne room with her advisors, if her face could show expression it would be suspicion mixed with some disappointment."My queen," spoke the Elder."Has the strange power within the Garden of Rainbows disappeared yet?"
The woman let out a long sigh."Unfortunately,no," Everyone gasped at this."And what's worse, I feel it has only gotten stronger..this has led me to believe only one thing," They waited for her answer."..The Legendary Warriors have not fulfilled my request and disposed of the one known as Chalice."
"If anything, they maybe helping the warrior to gather the scattered fragments of this mysterious power." Another round of gasps could be heard.
"Inconceivable!" roared Elder."The Pretty Cure are emissarys of the Light! They would never turn their backs on us, especially on a request from you, my Queen!" He started to cough and Wisdom patted him on the back gently.
"Calm down,Elder. I'm sure they have good reasons for doing what they did." The little guy tried to assure his senior.
"Nonsense," growled the old man."There is no possible reason for disobeying the Queen's request."
The giant woman wondered aloud."Perhaps I asked too much of them," The two before her looked up."If they were unwilling to defeat the one known as Chalice, it is possible he is either manipulating them..or their feelings for him are greater than expected."
That made their eyes widen. Obviously, this Chalice had to have great persuasive skills if he was able to coax them to his side in so short a time span. "I asked them to strike down someone they have strong feelings for..and I fear I have done more harm than good with this act."
"Queen," urged Wisdom."Do you..think this Chalice will retaliate against us?"
"That I do not know," admitted the Queen."Perhaps he will, or perhaps he will leave us be, but I have little doubt he will harbor negative feelings toward us now."
The Elder stared at the floor in deep thought for a moment before looking up."What do you suggest we do?"
The ruler had no idea."There is little we can do for the time being. We can only wait and pray he does not take out his anger on our kingdom. If he were to attack with the help of our own warriors, we would be almost powerless to stop them."
This made for a chilling thought. "You are dismissed." The elder and guardian bowed before leaving the room.
The Queen of Light was silent. How could she curb the anger of this mysterious force? And why did she feel she had startled the hornet's nest?
I chowed down the last piece of chocolate cake and laid back in my seat,patting my stomach."Oh man! I don't think I can eat another bite!"
"Me too." groaned Nagisa, having finished her sixth slice of cake."If I ate anymore I think I'd explode!"
"Well, you did basically eat half of the entire cake." I quirked,smirking."A bit much,don't you think?"
The brunette groaned."I can't help it if I have a sweet tooth! Besides, you don't judge me and I won't judge you..at least, starting right now." Forgot to mention, all through dinner the girls kept making comments about how sorry they were. No matter how many times I assured them it would be ok they kept at it.
"I still can't believe you stood in the way and took those shots for us," said Honoka with a hint of pride."That was both stupid, and incredibly brave."
I laughed lightly."I wouldn't be a very good Kamen Rider if I didn't fight in the name of justice, and be willing to put my life on the line for the defenseless and weak."
"Still, we owe you a debt." added Hikari, still with that warm smile of hers."And from here on out, you can count on us to help you seal the Undead,right guys?"
"You bet!" grinned Nagisa."I won't let these fellas take away everything we hold dear to us just for the sake of some twisted game." Honoka nodded in agreement.
I shoved my plate away."I'm relieved to hear that," I looked them in the eye."But I have to warn you, this is gonna be no walk in the park. The Undead are powerful and brutal creatures, who obey only one law, and will do anything to enforce it. If they sense you're strong, they'll come after you full force, and don't expect them to show mercy,got it?"
They all nodded, reminded of just how vicious our foes were and just how far they were willing to go to fulfill their "law"."You do realize that your Queen might not be too happy about going against her orders as well?"
Hikari shook her head."We'll use our powers the way we want to use them, the Queen will have no say in that, and if she wants to make a fuss about it, then she'll just have to deal with it."
Honoka smiled at her."You sure are after maturing a bit,Hikari." At this, the golden girl lightly blushed red.
I looked them over."Than it's decided," I put out my hand."We'll fight together, to seal away the Undead and protect this world and all the things we hold dear." The girls stacked their hands together in agreement.
It was decided, we were officially a team, I just hoped we would be ready for what was coming, sooner or later, the higher level Undead were gonna come knocking and we had to be prepared to face them.
The Battle Royale was only just beginning.
"Hmph, knew I shouldn't have relied on those two weaklings," grunted a male voice from within a dark alley as it walked over the corpses of several dead police officers. This world reeked of human stench and human constructs. He had been awake for barely even a few days and already he hated it all.
Humans were weak and pitiful, yet they scampered across the planet thinking they were the masters of all they saw. It was just sickening, to think the Human Undead had actually stood up and fought in their defense. He glanced down at the paper clutched in his hand."Chalice..so you have awakened,have you?"
The being chuckled as the streetlight reflected off blue armor-plated figure."But are you really the actual Chalice? Or just an imposter who's taken his name?" The entity lifted a strange sword onto his shoulder."If you are a fake..then you're a very convincing one. Being able to beat four of our kind with the help of those girls is no easy feat."
He crumpled up the paper and lit it on fire."Well than, let's see what you're made of, shall we?" The being walked off into the night, briefly revealing his avian facial features and feather-covered form before shifting into a more human appearance and vanishing from sight.
Little did anyone know this strange person was actually one of the three Royal Class Undead.
The Jack Of Diamonds, Peacock Undead, was in town.
Author's Note: Whoa! And I am done! I'm sorry for taking so long but I've been starting my second term of University and that's been eating up most of my time. That, and I've been more stressed than usual for various reasons we don't need to get into.
Also, this chapter is fairly long and has more stuff in it. We get some more background on the Cures, make a few references to other stories, find out the Queen isn't as benevolent as the series led us to believe, and Chalice and the Cures throw down, and Luminous makes a stand and..some other stuff happens.
Finally, it appears they're starting to trust him..but it looks like one of the Royal Classes is coming to face Chalice, what will happen? I got an idea, but I'm not saying anything just yet. Best to leave it a surprise.
I apologize if some of the characters seem a little out of their character, especially the Queen, but I just wanted to show that even she isn't perfect and always right and can make stupid,even selfish decisions on occasion. In this case though, she screwed up big time. I mean, she showed them Joker destroying the world just to convince them to stop Chalice! Definitely not one of her smarter moments.
Ok, Read and Review, and I'll see you next time!
Also, I'm still taking requests for characters to use the other three Rider Belts, and ideas for Rouze Combos are still welcome.
