Freezing: At Mach Speed
Chapter 8: Battle It Out, On Stage!
In the 3rd years main room, Attia was giggling to herself as she was thinking about the plan she made with Lupin. While a madman he is, if she wants to preserve the foundation of the 3rd years, she'll have to go along with it. She turned her head to look at the calendar. On it was what looked to be a special date circled over it. She smirked as she couldn't wait for the date, as the plan was to punish those 2nd years and the riders too.
"Soon, those fools will pay for ruining the school. I just know that when this is over, everything can go back to normal, like it used to be." Attia said to herself as she stood up and walked away from the room. Once back in her bedroom, she walked over to the stand. On it was a pink Stigmata but this one was in the shape of a shooting star.
She picked it up as it glowed softly, as if it was waiting. 'Soon… Soon once the Pandora Queen comes, the sooner I can rest easily…' She thought to herself.
(Insert opening - Chance to Shine by AKINO )
The tune starts off small until the vocals start.
(Kimi ga warau, Kaze ga mieru)
We then see Cody sitting in the middle of a vicious battle field looking down as rain poured on him.
(Tsunai da sora, Toki no muko)
We then get a close up of Cody holding the Signal Bike Mach in his hand. Until Rana walks up and places her hand on his shoulder so he looks up at her.
(Sekai no hate de matteru)
Rana then smiles as the clouds slowly start clear up above them. It then makes Cody smile back as the sun shines on them both.
(Maiagare, Oshiminai yuuyake ni)
The camera then quickly pans up showing the title card brightly before it disappears.
(Inochi wa mezame utaeba)
We then see Japan's West Genetics Academy. Where we see Cody Aldrich smiling and holding up Signal Bike Mach next to Rana Linchen as she then grabs a hold of Cody's arm. As well as Kazuya Aoi standing next to Satellizer El Bridget as they both smile. And as they bump each other they both blush heavily. Then the screen flashes images of the Nova attacking, Rogue Pandora, and even Mashin Chaser too.
(Kitto todoku)
Cody and Kazuya then slowly look at the camera with determined faces.
(You will get your chance to shine)
We then see Cody transform in Kamen Rider Mach as he charges into battle with Rana and Elizabeth.
(Akiramenai, de)
And as they battle more Pandora show up to help them. From the other students like Chiffon, to Cathy, and even Elizabeth too.
(Janpushite, Hashiridashite)
Cody uses several Signal Bikes as they give him his Signal Koukan. From it curving into enemies, splitting apart and even stopping them in their place.
(Omoi wa kitto kanau)
We even see him turning into Dead-Heat Mach as he charges into battle at blinding speeds.
(One day you will get your wings)
Kazuya sends out an Anti-Freezing Wave. Freezing all of their enemies as they take them down. It then cuts to Kazuya in the past as a child holding onto his sister Kuzuha, smiling happily.
(Hajimari wa ima)
It's then cut to Satellizer at a young age cowering from Luis in the dark before it shatters showing a confident Satellizer.
(You can fly through blue blue skies)
We then see several other Pandora with their limiters as well as Gengo Aoi, E-Pandora, and more.
(You can touch the blue blue sky)
We then see Rana is standing above Cody holding a box of food as he quickly gets up to chow down on them with her. And as they eat there camera then finally pans back up into the sky to show the title card one last time.
It has been a few weeks since Rana joined the school. But ever since then, several students and a few teachers saw what happened. Some of them are shocked, while a few are jealous of the sight. Sitting there in one of the cafeteria booths was of course Cody and his friends. But next to him was the new student, Rana Linchen, trying to feed Cody.
"Say ahh~"
"You know I can feed myself, right?" Cody sweat dropped.
"Oh come now, no need for my Destined One to do such trivial things. I shall take care of all of your needs!"
Cody blush slightly as he turned to Kurogasa and the others. "Can someone help me please?" He whispered to them, pleading for at least some help.
"Sorry buddy, you're on your own." Kurogasa said cheekily.
"Once a Pandora does choose her Limiter, it is kinda set in stone." Arthur shrugged with a smirk on his face.
"Think of it as payback for making fun of me." Kurogasa smirked too.
Cody glared at the other Rider before Rana finally won as she is able to push the spoon of food in. The young Rider sighed as he just let her do this for now. But that wasn't the only thing happening today.
"Kuro-chan!" Yelled out a familiar voice from afar.
Out near the entrance to the cafeteria was none other than Arnett, smiling brightly as she walked over with a box of food in her arms.
"EHHHH?! Arnett?!" Kurogasa gawked. "What are you-"
She placed the box in front of him as she smiles brightly at him. "Go on! Open it!" She beamed.
"Uh… okay…?" Kurogasa blinked before opening the box and inside… was a bento box with food elegantly decorated with precision. "Whoa… did you… make this?"
"Mhm! I made it for you…" She said sheepishly as she turned away, her face having a small blush on her face.
"Wow, I'm… speechless. Thank you."
She smiled as she sat next to him, watching him eat it. "Oh, also Kurogasa?"
"Huh?"
"I was wondering… Do you have anyone to take to the Pandora's Ball in the next few weeks?" She asked him.
"Pandora's Ball?" He asked confused.
"It's a special event where Pandora and the Limiters just have fun. Its where we can all just relax and act like kids again." Kaho explained with a smile.
"Not to mention the Pandora Queen competition!" Arthur grinned. "I bet she wants to ask you to be her partner for it?" Arnett quickly glared at the blonde Limiter, causing him to yelp and turn away from them.
"Pandora Queen competition?" Kurogasa said confused.
"You really ask a lot of question, don't you?" Kaho deadpanned.
"Sorry… kinda got transferred on short notice, so I'm kinda slow."
Kaho sighed slightly. "It's a contest that they hold every year. Every Pandora in the school can enter and can become the Pandora Queen. Think of it like a Prom Queen, except with good rewards." Kaho explained to him.
"I'm… almost kinda scared what kind of reward that'll be." Kurogasa said nervously.
"Well, it usually changes each year…" Kaho stated.
"I heard a few years ago, one Pandora Queen and her Limiter not only won a trip around the world, but also a pet Panda." Arthur told the story.
"Well, that was before Elizabeth came to the school." Arnett informed. "She was last year's Pandora Queen."
"Elizabeth huh?" Kurogasa got out.
"She's so graceful and refined, it's only fitting for that of a Queen." Arthur explained, pointing to one direction. "Look." Everyone looked to see Elizabeth with her Limiter as she was having a cup of tea.
'That's the one that helped me the other day after Chaser beat me…' Kurogasa thought to himself as they all looked at her. She then stopped as she turned to him and gave him a slight smile. "!"
Elizabeth then stood up as she started to make her way towards the group, this thought surprised not only Arnett, but started to freak out Arthur and Kaho. Both of them whispering about what she wants? It ranges from a favor, to a threat, while some other ones sounded like she was going to fight them here and now? Spite being friends, they are a gossip nightmare…
"Kurogasa Kururugi. I'm glad to see you doing well after what happened awhile ago." Elizabeth said softly, her voice sounding calm yet regale.
"O-Oh uh… yeah, me too. Thanks." Kurogasa laughed sheepishly.
Elizabeth smiled as she leaned against the table. "I do hope you'll be apart of the Pandora's Ball in the next few weeks. I'm curious what you can bring to it." She said with a slight smile, that almost looked heavenly.
"Oh, I'm nothing special really." Kurogasa said embarrassed.
Elizabeth then moved in closer to him. "Oh, now that's not true Kurogasa-san… You're brimming with potential… I can see it clearly." She smiled.
"Really? Y-You think so…?"
"Yes… I do believe so." She leaned in closer, but she moved back as she turned her attention to an enraged Arnett, a menacing aura flowing out of her as she glared at her superior. "Oh, sorry about disturbing your time with him, Arnett."
"N-No, not at all." Kurogasa waved off, before looking to Arnett and cringed. "Um… I guess I'll see you some other time?"
"Yes. See you later… Kurogasa-san." She smiled as she walked off, her Limiter bowing as he followed her.
"Man, you lucky dog." Arthur said. "Being able to talk to Elizabeth like that. You should be honored."
"W-What are you talking about?! It just happened!" Kurogasa stammered.
"Uh… 'Just happened'? Hello! You're talked to the number 1 beauty of the school! Everyone would be jealous if they found out!" Arthur pointed out, as he sighed softly.
"Seriously… She doesn't just talk to anyone besides her close friends in the 3rd year…" Kaho added on.
"Oh why me?" Kurogasa groaned.
"Don't worry about her. Just eat your lunch that I made just for you." Arnett said, but she had this sickly smile while her eyes were closed, with one of them twitching.
Cody chuckled, "Serves you ri-" He was quickly cut off by Rana shoving more food into his mouth, as Arnett started mimicking her by shoving some into Kurogasa's mouth, but more forceful.
Later on in the night, Rana was holding Cody's arm tightly as they walked around. "Rana… I need to get back to my dorm…" Cody said, tiredly.
"But I wanna be with you!" Rana pouted.
"Sorry, but we gotta follow the rules." Cody sighed again. "Or Sister Margaret will give us an earful."
"Only if she doesn't find out…" Rana grinned seductively, causing the young Rider to blush more.
An idea then popped into his head, "Say Rana? How about we make a deal?" He asked her, hoping this would work?
"What deal?"
"Well, as you know, there's this 'Pandora's Ball' coming up. If you can win being the Pandora Queen… I'll…" Cody gulped. "Not only become your Limiter… But…" A faint blush appeared on his face from thinking this. "But I'll, let you be my dormmate…."
"Really?! You'd do that?!" Rana said excitedly.
"Shhhhhhh! Not so loud…!" Cody hissed, clamping her mouth shut. "There are people sleeping already…!"
She nodded as he let go. "You, mean this Cody?" She asked him, stars in her eyes.
He gulped again, knowing this could bite him in the ass. "Y-Yes… I do…" He dreaded.
Rana then quickly grabbed him as she squeezed tightly, causing the young rider to gasp in pain. "TOO TIGHT!" He groaned.
She quickly let go," Oh, sorry. But this is just stupendous! I, Rana Linchen, accept this challenge!" She beamed. "I promise you that I will win and become the Pandora Queen!" She stated as she rushed off to her dorm.
'Ugh… God what did I just unleash?' He grimaced as he facepalmed, starting to regret this decision.
Meanwhile, Kurogasa is in his room, starting to think things through in his head. But as he does, a faint image of Arnett appears in his mind, he tries to shake it off, but so far, it only makes things worst for him.
"Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh, mou, what is wrong with me?! I thought I'd get over this by now after what happened the other day!" Kurogasa said, tugging on his hair and rolling around in bed.
"Something wrong, Kurogasa?" Krim asked, the driver turning towards his partner.
"It's Arnett… I thought I'd get over this by now…" He sighed as he sat up in bed.
"Why don't you just talk to her? I'm sure these odd feelings will be solved if you just talk." Krim asked him.
"Easier said than done. You know how I am when it comes to the charms of a pretty girl…"
"True. But if you don't try something, then it'll just continue to get worse." Krim informed. "How about you just ask her to the 'Ball'?" He asked him.
"Well…" Kurogasa got out, thinking about it. "I guess… it doesn't hurt to try… I'm still trying to get to know her and all though… I wanna see her as a person, not someone who's… you know… 'that'."
"Of course." The face on the driver changing to a smile emoji. "Start off slow and work your way up."
"Alright." He nodded. "Hehhhhh… I feel kinda better now."
"Good." The smile appears again. "Now get some sleep, alright?"
Kurogasa nods as he lets out a faint smile, before heading to sleep, actually for once having a nice rest.
Meanwhile, out in the 3rd year's area. Elizabeth is taking a midnight swim, naked as she floated in the water, looking up through the skyline, seeing the night sky. She smiled slightly, thinking about a familiar person.
"Kurogasa Kururugi…" She murmured.
"Ara… Elizabeth-san, you know it's curfew." A voice said, which Elizabeth turned to, seeing it was Chiffon.
"Oh I know, Chiffon… Just having a late night swim before I head in." She says as she turned to her. "I'm more of curious on why you're here? It can't be just due to me being late for curfew?"
Chiffon was silent for a bit. "You know these peaceful times won't last longer… you know that right?"
Elizabeth was silent as she stopped swimming. "Yeah… I do…" She said softly. "Only one reason to cherish these times until that day comes…"
"And one other thing. You need to do something about your fellow 3rd years."
"Attia, making trouble again?" She turned to her.
"Apparently. It seems she's and a few other 3rd years still don't understand." Chiffon sighed. "All of this discrimination has to stop between them and the 2nd years. Pride should be the last thing on their minds when it comes to the Novas."
Elizabeth then got out of the pool as she began to dry herself off. "I know…" She then turned to Chiffon. "But, I have a feeling that those two 2nd years will finally be able to change the status quo on them." She said as Chiffon, understood who she was referring to. "I trust them to be able to change their minds. And the quicker they can do that, the quicker we all can band together."
"I hope you're right." Chiffon said.
Elizabeth then smirked, "Besides… I have a feeling this year's Pandora's Ball is going to be an interesting one…" she smirked as she finished drying before making her way towards the exit.
The next day comes as Kurogasa was heading his way towards the 3rd year dorms, gulping and partially sweating from what he's about to do.
"Okay, you got this…" Just make sure that Attia or any of her other girls doesn't show up…" Kurogasa got out.
"Just relax Kurogasa." Krim reassured.
"I-I know that Krim… Just… mentally preparing myself…" He replied, before taking a few deep breaths. And after relaxing a bit more he walked inside, making his way towards Arnett's room, ready to ask her. He knocked on it a few times as he waited for her response. To which didn't take long as she opened the door.
"Kurogasa? What are you doing here?" She asked him, brushing her hair aside.
"Uh… hey Arnett." Kurogasa said shyly. "Can we… talk?"
"Oh! Sure, Come on in." she smiled as she let him into her room. Her room was very neat, filled with many things, arranging from clothes, to some stuff toys and her Volt Weapon. "So what's up?"
"Um… I'm uh…" Kurogasa said nervously sweating profusely before bowing deeply. "CanyoubemydateforthePandora'sball?!" He spoke too fast, asking her, his bush appearing all over his face.
"Uh… can you repeat that?" Arnett blinked.
"I-I… I asked… if you could be… my date to the Pandora's Ball?" He asked, his blush still just as bright.
She blinked again, also gaining a small blush on her face. "O-Oh! Um… wow… I… didn't think you would ask me actually…" she said softly, toying with her hair. "But… I would… I would like to go with you Kurogasa." Several of the Shift Cars honked happily, making Arnett giggle at this. "I'm glad you asked me though… I never wanted to do the Pandora's Ball before…" She said softly.
"You haven't done this before?" Kurogasa asked.
"No. This is actually my first time." Arnett admitted. "I… wanted to go once I found my Limiter… or… in your case, the right guy…" she smiled slightly at him.
"O-Oh…" He blushed. "W-We'll… Meet you there then?" He asked as Arnett nodded. He then walked out of the dorm as he took a deep breath before panting.
"Well, done Kurogasa." Belt-san complimented.
"Yeah, but… for some reason I felt that was too…"
"Hey you!"
"…easy."
Kurogasa turned his head to see two girls, from what appears to be some 3rd year Pandora. One was a tall black girl with spiky silver hair and the one next to her was a short girl with white ponytails. The shorter girl walked up, glaring at him. "What do you think you're doing?" She asked him, with her arms crossed.
"Um… uh…" Kurogasa got out. 'Shoot! What do I do?!'
"Excuse me? But your upperclassman asked you a question!" She demanded, frowning at the young rider.
Kurogasa was silent for a while before he had to stay firm. "I just asked Arnett to be my date for the Pandora Ball."
"I see… Well, you need to break it off with her." she demanded, turning away from him with her nose in the air. "You have no reason to ask her… she is a 3rd year while you're still a greenhorn…"
"She actually said yes."
"What?!" Attia asked hotly.
"Don't believe me? Ask her yourself."
"There is no way she would agree to a lower classman!" she growled. "I order you to break it off."
"I don't take orders from you." Kurogasa frowned.
Just then, the taller one Creo quickly grabbed him by the neck and lifted him up. "Excuse me?" She said coldly as she slammed him against the pillar near by. "You do not talk to us upperclassmen like that…"
"Gh…!" Kurogasa gritted. Just then the Shift Cars came rolling in and was driving around her, causing her to swat the Shift Cars away. She growled as she quickly attached her Volt Weapons which were two metal gloves as she used her Accelerate to swat them down with her high speed. Kurogasa coughed badly as he was released from the chokehold.
"Grrrrr… Burning Solar! Give me some cover!" Kurogasa got out. It honked as it rolled up, sending out bright lights as it blinded the two Pandora, but once it dimmed down, they see that he escaped.
"Lousy 2nd year…" Creo scoffed.
"Grr… Seems we now do have to have a little… 'problem' with him… We need to find him and quickly dispose of him…" Attia growled as she turned around, biting her thumb.
A few days passed since then and several students are already entering the plaza, ready for the Pandora's Ball to start. And while that goes on, Cody is adjusting his tie. "Guh…. I still don't understand how people can wear this crap? I rather just be in my hoodie…" Cody complained as he stood there with Kazuya, Kurogasa, Arthur and Kaho.
"Well, get used to it. And besides, it's only once a year." Kurogasa said as he was in his tuxedo. "I just hope I can get through this without Creo and Attia attacking me again…"
He sighed slightly. "I just hope that everything works out… I just have a feeling that today is the day where I regret my decision I made with her…" Cody said softly.
"Cody!" yelled out a familiar voice. The latter flinched as he turned his head, but gained a faint blush on his face.
Rana stood there, wearing a special red dress. It covered her body nicely as it showed off her curves, and seemingly looked like where she was from. It even came with a long skirt as she walked up to him. "Well, what do you think?" She asked, twirling around a bit to show it off.
"I-It… uh… It looks really good Rana…" Cody said to her, his breath taken away.
She beamed as she hooked her arm around him. "Come on! Let's dance!" she smiled as she dragged him towards the dance area, leaving the others there.
"I take it we just sent him to his death?" Kaho asked the others as the nod to her.
Arthur turned his head as he smirks before pumping Kurogasa's arm. "Seems she's not the only one." He said, causing Kurogasa to turn his head.
Arnett was walking into the area, wearing a nicely made light purple dress with some flowers painted on it, her hair was put down all the way as she saw and smiled at him before approaching the young man. "Hi Kurogasa… Like my dress?" she asked him.
"Uh… yeah, you look… beautiful." Kurogasa said in awe. 'Wait what am I saying?!'
She giggled. "Thanks… You look nice too." She smiled as she hooked her arm around him. "Um… want to dance?"
Kurogasa nodded as he walked with her towards the dancing area, ready to enjoy the night. And it wasn't long before Kazuya and Satellizer came in as well, both blushing heavily. Kaho and Vex then came after a bit, and finally ending it with Arthur and Ganessa walking in as everyone kept dancing to the calm music.
"Never knew you were a dancer." Arnett said softly, her arms wrapped around Kurogasa.
"Well, I do know some things here and there." He pointed out, he then turned his head to see his friend having difficulty keeping up with Rana as she danced wildly with him, his eyes having a spinning swirl look on them.
But after a bit, the music stopped as Yumi walked onto the stage, "Alright everyone. Settle down now." She asked as everyone quieted down. "For Limiters who want to perform, please head into the backstage to sign up." she informed.
Cody looked at the others as he nods and went back there to get started, confusing their dates a bit. "Where is he going?" Satellizer asked.
"I have no idea." Rana said.
"Don't you know?" Kaho asked.
Arthur could only shake his head. "Sorry, they didn't let me in on the secret spy meetings…" He shrugged.
"Well apparently those boys signed up for some singing contest." Rinna said as she walked into the area, with Krim in her arms.
"I didn't know my beloved could sing. That's just stupendous!" Rana beamed.
"I gotta admit… I'm curious on how well Kurogasa can sing?" Arnett admitted.
After a while, Yumi walked onto the stage to announce the contestants. "Alright, first one up is Kurogasa Kururugi! Singing an original song for everyone." She announced as she walked away as the curtains slowly parted away.
On the stage was Kurogasa, standing there as the lights turned in on him, showing him along with the band, waiting for his signal to start. He turned to see Arnett as he smiled softly at her as the music began to start.
(Insert Song - Don't Lose Your Mind - S.S.P.D.)
The song started off with a slow beat but quickly turns into a unique instrumental, as Kurogasa nodded to the music, enjoying the tune it played.
(Don't trust donna machine demo saishin no shinka mo)
Kurogasa grabbed the mic as he started to sing softly into the beat of the song. Looking at everyone as they pay attention to it.
(You know command wo dasu maindo ga hitsuyou)
He continued the soft tune as he somewhat lost himself into the song, pouring out each note as he then began to pick up the pace.
(Nejireta jidai miwatasu sekai zetsubou shitatte)
He then looked at Arnett as he continued the beat of the tune, smiling slightly at her to which she smiled back.
(Massugu atsuku hashireru kokoro mamotte miseru sa)
As he kept singing, several of the students in the dance area started to dance to the music as well, enjoying the song as they have smiles plastered on their faces.
(Mayoi areba sugu nottorareru)
And as the music slowly tuned down, Kurogasa closed his eyes as he grips the mic on the stand.
(Kimi ga kizuita rekishi wo kurasshu saseru na)
He continued to have his eyes close as he sings, the music overtaking his senses as he played it out for everyone.
(Top gear de drive everyday you try kimi no kokoro ni tayasu na)
His eyes then shot open as he started to sway into the music, moving slightly with every beat as he turns his attention towards the others, smiling at them.
(Full gauge no passion let's take action)
As the music kept going with the beat, several of the students who were dancing kept it up as some started to just watch the performance.
(Hajimaru life danzen alive zenbu furikiri)
Arnett watched as he kept playing, smiling and tapping her feet to the music, really enjoying his performance at this, realizing this was meant to be something else than just a contest.
(Hitori kiri datte hashiritsuzukeru no sa don't lose your mind)
He then leaned down a bit as he gazed at Arnett, seeing her smiling made him want to start pouring more and more into the song.
(It's time ketteiteki na kougeki no shunkan)
He then took off the mic as he then began to walk around the stage, even dancing a bit here and there and some of the Pandora's began to scream happily.
(Flash bagutteru alert saigo wa jibun)
As he walked upon the stage, the rest of them started to notice how much work he put into this, realizing why he didn't do much after school.
(Kakujitsu kiseki okosu kakuritsu keisan dekinai)
As he walked along the stage, snapping his fingers to the beat, the tracks that the Shift Cars use appeared in front of the stage, Kurogasa smiling at it.
(Suuji ni dekinu omoi no tsuyosa kakete miru shikanai)
He then quickly rushed to it, and once on it he started literally surfing around it, putting on a show for everyone as he sped through it like he was surfing on water.
(Itami osore fumitodomaru nara)
As he does, he flew around Arnett, smiling down at her as she smiled back up at him, enjoying this performance.
(Shiawase no hitokakera mo tsukameya shinai sa)
As he surfed around it, it drove him upward before dropping him off, making the young rider to start free falling down towards the spectators, causing them to gasp in surprise.
(Top Gear de Drive nobody can ride kimi no kokoro wa dare ni mo)
But the tracks quickly reappeared as they caught him as he started to surf along it again, this time adding more loops and spins to it.
(Shihai dekinu mono got to be strong)
As he surfed around, he noticed Elizabeth on a small balcony near by, smiling at him as she leaned against the railing, watching him perform, to which made the rider blush slightly as he continued the show.
(Tomaranu life zettai pride juuryoku hanenoke)
He then surfed over towards the fountain and lake near by as the tracks slightly submerged underwater, showing like he was skating across the water like it was the ground itself.
(Ima kimi dake ga ugokidaseru no nara don't lose your mind)
But it didn't last as he raced off of it as the instrumentals began to take over the song for now, leaving him gliding in the air.
(Kokoro dokka chuuto hanpa)
But that ended as he quickly got back up on the stage, almost to the disappointment of the audience as he just smirked.
(Kimekanete itara tsuyosa wa norikonasenai)
As he stood there, several lights and color started to fly off, building up to the climax of the song as he smirked down at them.
(Top Gear de drive everyday you try kimi no kokoro ni tayasu na)
Once the music picked back up, Kurogasa started to dance again to the beat of the music, letting him just go with the tone and tune.
(Full gauge no passion Let's take action)
He then held his hand out towards Arnett who smiled and took it as she and him began to dance together as he kept singing.
(Hajimaru life danzen alive zenbu furikiri)
Arnett seemes to be fully enjoying it as she danced along with him, almost in sync as he kept up.
(Tatta hitori demo)
He then grasped her hand as they began to dance a bit closer, a faint blush appeared on both of their faces as they danced together.
(Top Gear de Drive ushinau mono nante nai)
Once close enough, Arnett and Kurogasa begin to gaze into each other's eyes and the song kept progressing but slowly starts to slow down.
(Ima kimi dake ga ugokidaseru no nara don't lose your mind)
The song then started slowing down more as Kurogasa finished his song, leaving him dancing with Arnett as the instrumentals keep playing until they finish as well, leaving the crowd cheering happily as Yumi began to walk back up on stage.
"Now that was quite the performance, don't you all agree?" she asked as the crowd cheered.
"Um… K-Kurogasa?" Arnett asked him, still in his arms.
"Yeah?"
"You can let go now."
"Huh? Oh!" Kurogasa got out, blushing.
Arnett's face was just as bright but she did have an enjoyable smile on her face as she walked off the stage and back towards the others. 'Why won't my heart stop beating?' She thought to herself.
"Alright now everyone. Calm down." Yumi pleaded as the crowd stopped for a moment. "Thank you. Now, that was quite the show, but we're not done yet. Up next is Cody Aldrich! Also singing a song." Yumi informed, causing Rana to jump with joy, excited for her Destined One as Yumi walked off stage.
Cody walked onto the stage as he approached the mic, nodding at them as they began to start his song of choice.
(Insert song - Supernova - Tetra-Fang)
Afuredasu kanjou ga Kono karada tsukiyaburi
Toki wo tokashi hajimatta Next Stage
Itsumo tari nakute
Iiwake teki na akirame Zutto tsumiagete ita kakusu you ni
Doko ka toomaki ni Nagameteta you na keshiki
Kyuu ni tenohira no ue konagona ni kudake chiru
Kono kimochi no ikiba oshiete
Seigyo funou atsui honoo
Tomadoi wo yakiharai
Kinou mate no kankaku wasuresaseru
No one ever knows boku no oto
Dokomademo shinka suru
mada shiranai jibun ga mezameteku
Supernova
Mae ni susumu koto
Kowagattari wa mou shinai
Koukai suru koto ni narenai ou
Mamoritai to negau
Taisetsu na hito no mirai
Kizuita shunkan kara subete wa kawari dashita
Hora unmei kasoku shite yuku
Shougekido saidai no
Dekigoto ga kiseki yobu
Umarekawaru jibun wo tomerareani
No one ever knows boku no hadou
Sekaijuu hibikasete
Atarashii jidai e to hashiridasou
Supernova
Afuredasu kanjou ga
Kono karada tsukiyaburi
...There's no need to escape
Boku wa ima kawatteku...
Unmei no naka chiisana hoshi umareru metai ni
Seigyo funou atsui honoo
Tomadoi wo yakiharai
Kinou mate no kankaku wasuresaseru
No one ever knows boku no oto
Dokomademo shinka suru
Mada shiranai jibun ga mezameteku
Supernova
Mienai kurayami no naka
Kasuka na hikari tsukuridasu you ni
The instruments played for a bit more as Cody dances to the music before it slowed down and finishes. Several of the students were in awe as well before everyone clapped with thunderous applause. Cody smiled as he hopped off of the stage and towards the others.
"Heh… beat that." Cody smirked to Kurogasa.
"I'm the one that put on a show." Kurogasa countered.
"Well, at least I didn't pose like a circus clown…" Cody huffed, sparks flying off as the two riders glared at one another.
"Oh boy…" Kaho sighed.
"Are those two always like that?" Kazuya asked.
"As much as I fear…" Rinna sighed before yanking on their ears tightly.
"Itetetetetete!" Cody and Kurogasa cried out in pain.
Later on, Yumi walked onto the stage as she smiles to the ground. "Alright everyone! With those performances done. It times we move onto the main event! The contestants for the title of Pandora Queen!" She announced, every male applauding with delight as several of the girls head backstage to get ready.
Backstage, Rana was pumped as she started to bounce lightly from her heels, excited to put on a show and win this contest! "I will win this contest! My Destined One's request is on the line!" She beamed out, sparkles in her eyes.
"Best of luck to you." Answered a voice. Rana turns her head to see a smirking Arnett. "But, I believe I'll be winning this one."
"You?" Rana raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, it's for Kuro-chan after all." Arnett said.
Rana chuckled, "I'm sorry. But I'm winning this for Cody, My Destined One." she smirked, sparks flying off from their glares as well, several of the other Pandora's backing away from this possible fight.
"Oh not them too…" Kaho sighed.
Yumi walked up to the contestants. "Alright girls, break it up. No fighting allowed in this event." she frowned. "Now, you'll all take a number, and that number is where we'll call to those on stage. You can show off as much as you want, sides from weapons." Yumi explained. "You can either show off your dress, your body, or any other talent you want to show. The students will decide on who will be the next Pandora Queen, and claim their prize for this year."
"Fine, but it's gonna be me winning." Arnett smirked.
"Oh I beg to differ." Rana smirked back as electricity sparked between the two.
Meanwhile…
"It's almost time." Attia said.
"Just make sure you do this right… Otherwise, we'll both be in deep trouble…" Replied a voice from Attia's bag.
"I got this." Attia hissed.
"You better… Otherwise either Genetics or Lupin will end you."
Attia nodded as she went over and grabbed what was talking. Inside it was a small red colored toy car. But it had the design of a Spider on top as it glowed brightly in her hands. "Soon… everything will be back to normal when I use this."
"Next up is 3rd year Arnett McMillan!"
The redhead pandora walks onto the stage, showing off her dress as several of the males roar in applause at it. Yumi turned to her, "So, what do you plan to do for your turn here? And what would you like to have as a prize?" she asked her, holding the mic near her.
"Well, I personally would like to take a special… 'Someone' to Hawaii. I always heard it was a nice place for a trip." She answered with a cute smile, sending a lot of the guys in a thunderous roar.
"A trip huh? Well, whoever this certain 'someone' is, I bet they'll be very lucky." Yumi smiled, as Arnett turned to Kurogasa and winked, causing him to blush.
After a bit more contestants come and go, several of them doing many things. Even Satellizer was there and she made a big impact due to her shyness and dress. But after so many, only one was left. "Alright, next up is 2nd year Rana Linchen!"
Rana hopped onto stage happily as more of the crowd roared with applause from her outfit as she waked up to Yumi. "And what about you, Miss Linchen? What is your prize going to be?" She asked her as Ranna took the mic.
"I'm going to be moving in with my Destined One!" she exclaimed, Cody gaining a small blush from that as the others looked at him with surprise and shock.
"Wow talk about announcing it to the whole world…" Kurogasa sweat dropped.
Cody groaned as he facepalmed. "I'm regretting giving her that offer…" He muttered.
"Yeesh, then you shouldn't have talked to her about it."
"She was being clingy to me…" Cody grumbled. "I had to think of something to get her to stop, and this was the only way."
"Well you better hope she doesn't win then." Kurogasa said.
"I'll pray to god as much as I can for that…" He grimaced.
After the contestants have come and gone showing off, Yumi walked up to the stage after hearing the judge's decision. Everyone was quiet as she looks upon the crowd and the contestants who returned back to the audience. Cody, Kurogasa and the others were also waiting for her to reveal the winner as she smiled at them all.
"Alright, the results are in! Our third place winner is Sattelizer El Bridget!" Yumi exclaimed as the light shines on top of her, causing the Untouchable Queen to blush lightly.
"Alright, not bad." Arthur grinned elbowing Kazuya. "Your girl did good." Kazuya blushed as he jabbed Arthur's stomach.
"Next, our second place winner is… Elizabeth Mably!" Yumi announced as the light shined on her. But as that does, everyone murmuring as to who took first place.
"That's a first… Elizabeth has won the past two Pandora Queen contests." Kaho got out, surprised.
"Then who won?" Kazuya wondered.
"And the winner of this year's Pandora Queen contest i~s…!" Yumi said, drawing out tension as everyone wonders who won?
*BOOOOOOOOOM!*
The ground shook as near by a flaming mushroom cloud appeared overhead, causing panic amongst the students. "What the heck was that?!" Kazuya asked, worried.
"Tch… seriously?! How much more cliché can this get?!" Kurogasa gritted.
Out from the flames stood a very tall figure, it had a red and black body, with jagged arms, an odd head and a Roidmude plate on its chest, but showed red wires and chuckled deviously. It jumped from where it was as it landed on top of the stage, glaring at the crowd.
"Masaka…. A Roidmude?!" Krim shouted, an angered emoji appeared on the driver.
The unknown Roidmude then gazed upon where Cody and Kurogasa is at. It then lifted its arm, as a blade emerged from the side. It then glowed brightly as Krim gasped.
"Minna! Abenai!" He shouted at them all. The sword fired a beam at the Riders and the group, causing all of them to jump out of the way.
"Rinna-san!" Kurogasa shouted. Rinna nodded and threw the DriveDriver to Kurogasa.
"Whoooooooa!" Krim cried out before Kurogasa caught it and wrapped the belt around his waist.
"Sorry Krim, but duty calls!" Kurogasa apologized before he turned the key and flipped the back part of the Type Speed Shift Car and inserted it in the Shift Brace.
Cody also stood up as he strapped his Mach Driver on. He quickly lifted up his Signal Bike as he placed it inside the driver.
SIGNAL BIKE!
"Let's/Henshin!"
DRIVE! TYPE: SPEED!
RIDER! MACH!
The upbeat jazz tune and the trumpet horn tune played off as their armor formed and place ontop of them. The Type Speed tire flew out and attached to Kurogasa's chest as they both brandished their weapons before charging at the Roidmude.
"Any idea what this one is, Krim?" Cody asked him, sending their projectiles at the Roidmude, but it seemed to just deflect them away.
"It's…" Krim got out, before looking at closer inspection. "Masaka…! 007! The Sword Roimude!"
"Are you sure?" Kurogasa asked.
"There's no doubt in my mind!"
"But weren't they destroyed with the Nova?" Cody questioned.
"I'm absolutely sure! There's no mistake on this presence!" Krim shouted, the anger emoji showing again.
The plate on this Roidmude shifted from the wires to the number '007' on it. "Hello, Krim…" It responded with a chuckle.
"Teme…! You're all supposed to be dead!" Krim snapped.
"Krim, calm down!" Kurogasa scolded.
"Oh, we were… But now, we're all slowly coming back… one… by… one…" 007 chuckled. "You may continue… Sword Roidmude."
"Yes…"
"Wait a minute… that voice… Attia?!" Kurogasa gawked.
The Sword Roidmude, or Attia, looked down upon Kurogasa, a low growl coming from it as it raised its arm again, but this time made a swing. "Kurogasa, look out!" Cody shouted, tackling him to the ground in time. A clear slice was made behind them, hitting the fountain as it slowly slides off from where the cut was made.
"You okay Kurogasa?" He asked him.
"I'm fine…" Kurogasa gritted as he got up. "Attia, you idiot! What the heck are you doing?! Do you have any idea what you just did?!"
"Shut it!" she growled, swinging her blade again as the two young riders dodged. "I don't want to hear anything from you 2nd years… Thanks to you two, we 3rd years are the laughingstock! The status quo are being torn apart. And I will not have that happen anymore!"
"By allying with the Roidmudes?! Are you insane?!" Cody snapped.
"As long as it gets rid of you two, I don't care!" She shouted, a red blast of energy is shot all around, slowing several of the students down.
"Shimatta…!" Krim exclaimed.
"Density Shift!" Kurogasa gritted.
"I just want everything back to normal! We 3rd years are superior and it will stay that way!" She yelled.
"Okay she's officially lost it!" Cody said.
ZENRIN!
Cody charged ahead as he jumped up to her height, once there he clashed against her, swinging his weapon at her as he staggered her back. He then pulled the trigger as he sent a few blasts, but she cuts them as she charged back delivering her own strikes at him.
"And you're the start of this problem!" She growled, kicking him away.
Cody grunts as he takes out Signal Mach and replaces it with a new one, this one was red and had a danger sign on the wheel as he places it in.
SIGNAL BIKE!
SIGNAL KOUKAN! KIKEN!
The Signal Indicator then showed the same danger symbol on it as he lifted his gun into the air, as he fired off a fire he quickly slammed his fist onto it.
TOTEMO! KIKEN!
What came out of the round was a very small cartoonish bullet, with eyes. It sniffed on the ground as it walked towards Attia, but then it suddenly grew large and roared menacingly.
"Eeeeeeeeeeek!" Arthur squealed, jumping into Kaho's arms.
"Get off!" Kaho shouted, dropping him on his butt. The large bullet then flew towards Attia, grabbing her new body and chomped on it before tossing her to Kurogasa.
"You're finished!"
HISSA~TSU!
FU~LL THROTTLE: SPEED!
"I don't think so!" The Sword Roidmude shouted as she managed to send sword slashes made of energy towards Kurogasa. The slashes hit their mark and exploded along with the stored energy that was supposed to be used for his Rider Kick.
"GAHHHHHHHHHH!" Kurogasa yelled in pain as he was sent sprawling to the ground.
"Kurogasa!" Cody growled, he then lifted the panel as he slammed his fist onto the button before closing it.
HISSATSU!
FULL THROTTLE: KIKEN!
"No you don't!" The Sword Roidmude shouted as she did the same thing to Cody, resulting in him sent sprawling after the explosion, as the energy blade struck him down.
"GGWAAUGH!" He yelled in pain as he fell onto the ground, his armor sparking before changing back to normal.
Attia panted for a moment before letting out a cackle. "You two are so weak! I don't know why I was afraid of your powers!" She smirked, turning her attention to Satellizer this time. "And you…" She then began to walk towards the Untouchable Queen.
"!" Satellizer gasped.
"You're the bane of everything! I'm going to start with killing you first!" Attia snarled.
"NO!" Kazuya shouted, getting in front of Satellizer with his arms spread out.
Attia glared at the Limiter. "Don't you dare think of getting in my way child…" She then raised her arm at him.
But before she could do anything, a fist striking her in the face, sending her back, and in an instant, several sparks fly off her armored body. She yelped in pain as she looked back to see Rana, now wearing metal gloves and boots, along with Arnett brandishing her scythe.
"What do you think you're doing?" She growled at them.
"No one hurts Kurogasa! Especially you Attia!" Arnett snapped back.
"You're going to pay for hurting my Destined One!" Rana added, slamming her metal gloves together.
Attia growled as she stood back up. "If you two are going to defy us 3rd years… Then I'll gladly send you two to hell!" She shouted as she rushed at them both.
"G-Gh! Krim… we gotta use that." Kurogasa gritted as he tried to get back up.
"What?! No! It's out of the question!"
"We don't have a choice!"
"Don't be reckless Kurogasa! Your body can't handle it!" Krim denied.
"If we don't do something, Arnett and Rana are going to be in serious danger!" Kurogasa snapped.
"What are you guys talking about?" Cody got out.
Krim went silent for a bit before he sighed. "Very well… But be careful." Krim warned. "Come on! Dead-Heat!" Krim shouted out.
A small red blur whizzed by as it raced around the area before striking Attia several times, causing her to move back. The red light then raced up and into Kurogasa's hand. What he had was a small red car with a white bike in it, but it looked incomplete at best as it sparked red energy.
"Alright Deadheat, don't you dare make lose it." Kurogasa said before he turned the key and took his Type Speed Shift Car before inserting the Deadheat Shift Car.
DRIVE! TYPE DEAD-HEAT!
Crackles of red electricity surrounded him as Kurogasa cringed as his whole body was in pain. "GAAAAAAAH! AHHHHHHHH!"
"What's happening to him?!" Kazuya gasped.
"It's a new Shift Car we decided to develop for them… But it's incomplete. And in this state, it can make him go out of control if he isn't careful enough…" Rinna explained, worried.
"And you're letting him use it?" Satellizer asked.
"We have no choice… This is a new kind of Roidmude… We don't know its power and if we don't try it… They'll die…" Rinna frowned.
As the red electricity surged, new armor was forming. Once donned, the body suit looks like Mach's while the chest had stronger body armor, resembling Drive's while on his right shoulder was the Signal Indicator, now in a percentage dial as Drive's helmet now gains a red helmet, similar to a dirt biker's helmet, but opened up.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
BGM: Don't lose your mind by S.S.P.D
Attia's fight against Arnett and Rana stopped as the three girls looked at Kurogasa, his body surging with power as they all can feel it with ease. "You… you should've stayed down!" She growled, charging at the now red and white Rider. But the moment she tried to slash Kurogasa, his armor steamed and blurred out of vision. "What?!"
"Hyah!" Kurogasa shouted, throwing a punch before blurring out again and did another punch from another direction.
Attia growled, sending out another Density Shift, but it didn't do much as she was sent flying in several directions, as if she was in a pinball machine bouncing off from one hit towards another, several sparks bleeding off her armored body.
"Amazing…" Kaho got out.
"He's so fast, I can't even follow his movements." Arthur added.
"So~ dizzy!" Rana moaned, having swirls as eyes.
Attia growls as both her blade on her arms glow brightly. "If one slash won't work, then how about several?!" She shouted, swinging her arms but as she does, more sparks bleed off, stopping the energy build up as she stumbles to the ground.
She glances up to see Kurogasa standing in front of her, gritting her teeth in anger. "You… How are you so strong?!" She shouted.
"Unlike you, I don't need to prove that I'm the best." Kurogasa frowned. "I already know that I'm strong."
"Lies…. ALL LIES!" she yelled, charging at him.
"Data calculated… I'm sending you the data on how to destroy the Roidmude body, but not hurt her, Kurogasa." Krim informed as the data is transmitted into his helmet.
"Ah… wakatta!" Kurogasa nodded after receiving the information. "Ikuzo!" He said before pressing the button on the Shift Brace.
DEAD-HEAT!
His armor glowed brightly as steam and red electricity flowed out of his body as an energy tire formed in front of him. He kicked it at Attia, and once it struck, the energy flowed into her, stopping her movements. He then jumped high as he came flying down with a Rider Kick. Once it connected, the Roidmude body surged and broke away from Attia, who's slightly injured but away from the attack. The Roidmude was still attached to the kick before it erupted into an explosion. From the smoke, the core off '007 flies out before exploding into bits.
End BGM
"Nice Drive, Kurogasa!" Krim smiled, but oddly enough, Kurogasa didn't respond as he just stood there. "Kurogasa?" He asked.
*BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP BEEP! BEEP!*
"Mazui…" Krim muttered as he had a deadpan emoji.
"WHOOOOOOOOOOOA!" Kurogasa cried out as he was moving on his own, flailing around as electricity crackled and steam hissed going out of control. "Help me! Stop this thing!" He wailed out comically as the students and staff moved out of the way.
"I knew this would happen… You aren't ready for this power.." Krim grimaced.
"Is there anyway we can stop it?" Kaho asked.
"Well, either if he can stop it by his own will, or someone… 'knocks' it out of him…" Rinna muttered.
"I can do that!" Rana smiled as she then charges in and literally punched Kurogasa to the ground, making an audible "SMACK" from the impact as the armor powered down and forced him back to his normal state.
"Ow…" Kurogasa groaned. "Thanks… I guess…"
Rana smiled before rushing over to Cody, slowly lifting him up as Arnett rushed to Kurogasa. "Are you alright Kuro-chan?" she asked with a worried look on her face.
Kurogasa managed to pull the Deadheat Shift Car out of the Shift Brace before reverting back to civilian form. "I'll live if that's what you're worried about…"
She sighes with relief before glaring at Rana. "Don't you think you could've hit him a bit less?" she frowned.
"You okay as well, My Destined One?" she smiled, ignoring her question.
"Can you stop calling me that?" He asked, not liking those words, also ignoring her question.
Rinna sighed as Type Speed rolls up on her dress. "Still… Neither of them are ready for that kind of power… What should we do with it Krim?" She asked, worried.
"For now… We'll keep it sealed. Until Sensei can figure the right way for it to work…." Krim responded, a calm emoji being on his face.
"Mattaku… looks like she was useless after all." A familiar voice said as a familiar Cyberoid jumped towards Attia.
"Lupin!" Krim shouted.
"Hello Krim. Nice to see you again. But as much as I want to have a chat, I have something I need to do." Lupin then looked towards Attia who was coming to. "Now as promised… your Stigmata if you please."
Her eyes widen, "W-What? That wasn't part of the deal!" She shouted.
"Oh but it was. Remember? I asked you in exchange for me helping you, I gain your Stigmata. Don't tell me you're backing out already."
"You never said anything about my Stigmata! Let me go!" she pleaded, struggling against him as Lupin ripped the back of her dress, revealing her three Stigmata.
"So sorry girl, but a deal's a deal." Lupin said before he pinched her skin and… ripped the Stigmata out?!
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Attia screeched in pain.
"ATTIA!" Arnett shouted.
"KISAMAAAAAAAAA!" Cody shouted as he charged towards Lupin.
SIGNAL BIKE!
RIDER! MACH!
Cody donned on his armor as he swiped at Lupin, who dropped Attia to the ground, with his Zenrin Shooter, angered by what this monster has just done. Even though Attia was prideful and in the wrong, even she didn't deserve that. Lupin merely jumped back to dodge Cody's attack.
"And with that, I bid with adieu!" Lupin laughed before jumping away.
"I won't let you get away!" He growled, shooting at the fleeing Cyberoid.
"No! Let him go!"
"But-"
"There's no point in going after him now. Right now, that girl needs medical attention!" Krim said, having an angry emoji.
Cody growled in anger, slamming his weapon into the ground as he rushed to Attia, picking her up as he raced towards the medical ward as fast as he can.
The festivities had to be cancelled due to the incident and this year's Pandora Queen would have to be announced later on when everything had calmed down. As of now, Kurogasa was in Sister Margaret's office as the former was giving the detail report of what happened.
She frowns to see that one of the 3rd years tried something so reckless, but even more so that this, 'Lupin' can get past their defenses so easily… There was now a shift in power that didn't need to exist. She then turns to the young rider, "So… Mister Kururugi. What are your thoughts on this matter, and Attia's actions?" She asked.
"Well… to be honest… I think she should be punished accordingly, but I'm one for second chances too." Kurogasa said.
"So… I take it you just want her healed up then?" She asked.
"She didn't deserve to have her Stigmata ripped off like that. But she still needs to be punished after her recovery. After all, every action we do has consequences right?"
Sister Margaret nods. "Very well…" she said before letting him leave the room. Outside stood Rinna and Krim.
"Are you alright Kurogasa?" Rinna asked him.
"I'm fine. More or less." Kurogasa sighed. "That Deadheat Shift Car though…"
"Yes… it needs great refining." Krim said with a deadpan emoji. "But even with the refining…. I do not believe you, or Cody are ready for such raw power yet…"
"But Krim, you heard 007. The Roidmudes are coming back."
"I said NO!" Krim shouted before sighing. "If you stayed in that form any longer, your body would be torn apart… I don't think you two are capable of it… I'm sorry Kurogasa… But that is not an option."
"So what are you saying…? You're saying me being capable of becoming a Kamen Rider was all a lie?" Kurogasa asked darkly. "Is that it?"
"No… Thats not it… This power is too dangerous for anyone to use. Even if you had the time and power to train against it, it would overpower you in seconds.." Krim grimaced.
"That's not the point!" Kurogasa yelled stunning Krim and Rinna. "You chose me to become the next Kamen Rider Drive for a reason Krim! You knew the risks and yet you asked me and I said yes! I knew what I was getting myself into! I know the risks I'm taking! That's what being a Kamen Rider is all about right?! Whatever hardships or trials I have to go through, I will take it because I fight for something that matters! The Riders fight for those who can't fight for themselves! They would go so far as to give up their happiness or their humanity to protect this world! And this is no exception!"
"Kurogasa…" Rinna murmured.
"I'm doing this, because I want to protect those who are precious to me! I will use my life for their sakes! If I die, then I'll die gladly, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that others would finish what I started!"
"…" Krim remained silent at that.
"I thought you would have more faith in me than this. And until you get all that stuck to your head, don't expect me to use the System for the next battle." Kurogasa said before storming off.
"Kurogasa…" Krim said sadly as a sad emoji was shown.
"It's okay Krim… He just needs to cool his head down… He knows you're just trying to protect them." Rinna said.
"It still doesn't mean my heart won't hurt any less…." He answered softly.
"But you knows he's right… you asked him, knowing the risks he will take." Rinna pointed out.
"I know… but you remember what happened last time we took that risk… We lost her and had to lie to Cody…" Krim frowned.
"I know…. I just hope you can deal with the consequences if it ever comes up." Rinna said as the two walked back to the lab.
"Damn it Krim… why don't you understand…?" Kurogasa sighed as he sat on the edge of a fountain with his head and shoulders hung down, feeling frustrated.
"You alright?" asked a familiar voice. Standing near him was Arnett, with a confused look on her face.
"Hey Arnett…" Kurogasa sighed. "No… I'm not alright… stupid Krim is being stubborn, that's all…"
She then sat next to him. "What happened?" She asked.
"Remember when I used Deadheat Form? Well he's being paranoid about using it because of its raw power, thinking that Cody can't handle it and I told him off about knowing the risks I'm taking. But he just wouldn't listen." Kurogasa explained. "Then I told him that until he gets that through his head, I'm not using the Drive System."
Arnett frowned. "I… can understand your ply… but think of it this way too. He just doesn't want to lose you or Cody. It's obvious something like this happened before and lost someone… He just doesn't want to relive that again along with the guilt."
"I get that but…" Kurogasa muttered. "I just wish he had more faith in Cody and I."
Arnett smiled as she leaned next to him. "I'm sure he does with all of his… 'heart'… But he knows the risks of these things since he made them. What if it came true while Cody did it? He would be gone… and Krim would have more guilt on his hands. Well… he doesn't have hands now but…"
"Heh, heh… is this your way of trying to put jokes in while trying to make me feel better?" Kurogasa chuckled.
Arnett smiled at him. "Maybe?" She giggled slightly. "Either way… Just try to understand him a bit more, alright?" She said before standing up.
"Alright. I'll try." Kurogasa smiled a bit. "Thanks Arnett. I needed that."
"Anytime, Kuro-chan." She winked at him. But before she went off, she stopped as she turned to him. "You know… we never got to finish our dance…" She smirked slightly.
"Eh?" Kurogasa blinked.
She blushed slightly, fidgeting with her fingers as she looked away slightly. "So um… want… to dance?"
"Um…" Kurogasa blushed slightly. "I uh… kinda had another kind of dance in mind."
Arnett tilted her head in confusion, "Oh? What do you mean?"
"Well… remember when I said that I wouldn't use the Drive System the next time a Roidmude shows up? Well… I was serious about that so…" he blushed a bit heavier.
Arnett walked up to him. "So… then what?"
"I… I'm ready… for the Baptism…"
Arnett blinked, as if she didn't hear it right. "I-I'm sorry…. can you… repeat that?"
"Y-You heard me!" Kurogasa stammered.
Arnett blushed heavily, but then gained a short smile as she took his hand. "T-Then… follow me…. my room is more comfier…" He nodded as they made their way towards the girls dormitory and her room. And from there… the rest is up to your imagination.
A/N: Heya Minna! Welp! Another chap down and now Dead-Heat Drive is done! :D But next Chap is gonna be one I've been waiting for a long time now. :3
Until then, later minna!