Freezing: At Mach Speed

Chapter 10: A New Bond Formed

The next day had come by and Kurogasa was walking down the hallways of West Genetics, but he was rather uneasy. Last night, Elizabeth came to his room and wanted him to be her Limiter but he politely declined because he didn't want to betray Arnett. Right now, he was rather cautious looking all around making sure that Elizabeth didn't pop out of nowhere.

"Hey."

"GAHHHHHHHHH!" Kurogasa freaked out turning around to see Cody.

"You alright, man? You seemed stressed out…" Cody asked him, but he flinched, turning around a bit to see nothing and letting out a relieved sigh. "Phew… she's not here…" Cody said to himself out loud.

"Don't… do that…" Kurogasa sighed exasperated.

"Sorry. But why were you looking arou-"

"Cody! Where are you, my Destined One?" Called out the familiar Rana. The young rider flinched as he opened the window and jumped out, holding onto the ledge outside.

Rana walked up to Kurogasa, smiling. "Hey Have you seen Cody?" she asked him.

"No." Kurogasa shook his head.

"Hmmmmm… I was sure he was here." Rana pouted.

"Sorry I haven't seen him. Speaking of can you do a favor for me?"

"Hm? Sure thing Kurogasa. What do you want?" she asked him.

"Keep an eye out for Elizabeth. I don't want anywhere near her today. Trust me, you don't want to know why."

"Oh. Alright then." She waved before skipping off. A few seconds later Cody popped out from the ledge, sighing.

"Thanks man…" He sighed.

"No problem. What are friends for?"

"And what's this about not wanting to be near Elizabeth?" Cody asked, before he joked with a chuckle. "Did she try to make you her Limiter or something?"

"…" Kurogasa remained silent.

Cody's eyes widened. "You're kidding me… really? She tried that?" he gasped. Kurogasa nodded silently, looking down as he blushed heavily in embarrassment.

"Then did you-"

"I said no to her."

"But still dude! That's just insane!" Cody groaned. "Even to this day, you have girls following you everywhere…" He sighed.

"You know Arnett's the only girl for me right?" Kurogasa sweat dropped. "I didn't want to betray her…"

"I know, I know…" Cody sighed. "Still man… what did you do to get her to like you?"

"I don't know. Maybe ever since I fought Arnett." Kurogasa then turned to Cody, "And you? What's gotten you so worried that you have to hide from Rana?" He asked him.

"Ugh… She not only wants to try and Baptise me… But she says it's training for our… ahem… 'Future children'…" Cody shivered slightly. "Don't get me wrong, she's very pretty and quite the amazing fighter… But she's moving things too quickly for me."

"I see…" Kurogasa said before sighing. "Man, now I have to avoid Elizabeth for the rest of the day… she'll stop at nothing to make me her Limiter when she already has one."

Both of the young riders sighed heavily as they made their rounds, as well as making sure they weren't being followed.

(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.

Cody was sneaking around the halls of the school, trying his best to make it to class before or even after Rana. But he made sure he looked around every corner for Rana, hoping not to run into her again, unlike the last few times.

"So far so good, so far so good, so far so good." Cody chanted to himself.

"There you are!"

"Crap!" Cody shouted before immediately taking off. He turned to see Rana literally right behind him, only a few inches away from her arms reach. He grunted, doing his best to pick up more speed, but she seemed to be still just as close.

"Stop running already!" She pleaded.

"Sorry, but no can do, Ran-" An in a second, he was grabbed by her before she held him still.

"Just listen to me okay?" She demanded, making the rider stop and look at her. She sighs, letting him go. "Look… I… I'm sorry if I'm being too forceful. It's just… when I was told about my Destined One… I just knew it was going to be the best part of my life…. And when I met you… I… I couldn't help myself…" She admitted, smiling at him. "You just make me feel so alive."

Cody blinked at her. "Okay who are you and what have you done to Rana?"

She rolled her eyes punching his arm slightly, though 'her' version, slightly still made his arm sore. "So… if I'm being forceful… I just want to try my best to be with you… Even if I don't know how to…" she said softly.

Cody looked at her for a moment before sighing, "Alright… I'll give you a chance… just behave yourself."

She looked up at him, smiling brightly before bringing him into a very tight, almost painful hug. "Thank you so much Cody!"

"Gah! Too tight Rana!" He grunted, Rana letting him go, chuckling sheepishly.

"Sorry…" she smiled. "So… how do we start this?" she asked.

"Uh…" Cody thought about it. "Actually, that's a very good question."

"How about a walk?" Krim asked, the Dead-Heat Shift Car now rolling up on Cody's shoulder.

"K-Krim!? How long have you been listening in?" Cody stuttered.

"Oh just enough." Krim said. "Walking and talking should do the trick."

"Why do I get the feeling you're trying to play matchmaker?" Cody deadpanned.

"What do you mean?" Krim asked innocently.

"Don't play all innocent with me Krim. What's going on?" Cody asked suspiciously.

"I'm only helping my son is all." He replied.

"That's adoptive son to you."

"Okay enough out of you. Just walk and talk with Rana. You'll be fine." Krim said before getting off his shoulder and drove off.

Cody sighed as he felt Rana's arm hooking on his. "Guess we'll just talk then." He smiled softly as they started to walk around, Krim watching them go.

"Do your best Cody…" Krim said happily.

Meanwhile…

"She tried to what?!" Arnett snapped.

The couple were in the cafeteria as they were having burgers and fries with cola drinks.

"Yeah… but I said no to her." Kurogasa sighed.

Arnett sighed in relief. "Thank goodness… but still, the nerve of her trying to take you!" she huffed. "You're my Limiter." she said, hugging him slightly, as if protecting him from Elizabeth.

"Wow… never knew you were that possessive." Kurogasa chuckled.

"Of course! You're my boyfri- I mean… Limiter…" Arnett blushed.

"What?" He blinked. "Can you repeat that again? Were you about to say boyfriend?"

"What? No. Of course not! You say such the strangest things, Kurogasa…" she said, obviously lying.

"Arnett…" Kurogasa frowned. She blushed more, looking down as she fiddled with her fingers, still not answering.

"Something wrong Kurogasa?" Krim asked, rolling up on his shoulder with Shift Speed.

"Gah! Krim, don't do that!" Kurogasa said surprised.

"Sorry, but it looks like you two are having… Trouble in Paradise, so-to-speak." Krim said.

"Well… sorta." Arnett mumbled.

"Anything that I maybe able to assist?" He offered.

"Uh… I'm not sure." Kurogasa said. It was true too. He really doesn't know how to handle it. "Maybe it's best if I explained what happened." Later on, after Kurogasa explained, Krim sat there, silent, as if he was baffled or shocked by the outcome. Not talking for awhile.

"So… what do you think?" Arnett asked.

"All I can probably say to help, is to make sure you knows where you two stand. You both care about each other enough to not separate you two. So, just try your best and keep in mind of each other." Krim noted to them both.

"And if she persists?" Kurogasa asked.

"Then keep doing your best to get it through to her that you're not interested." He added on.

"Right. We'll do that." Arnett nodded.

"Very well. I shall take my leave." Krim said before rolling away from Kurogasa's shoulder.

"So~ what do you want to do now?" Kurogasa asked Arnett.

"I… don't know… pool?" She asked, not knowing.

"Mmmmmmm… nah." Kurogasa said, thinking about it more. "Or maybe… we could… you know…" He blushed. She blushed back as well, but smiled as she took his hand and nodded.

"Yeah, there's always that."

"After what Elizabeth did, I feel kinda violated…" Kurogasa mumbled.

"Then allow me to help replace those memories…" she said, leaning in towards him for a tender kiss. Kurogasa returned it before they broke the kiss and he was in a bit of a daze.

"Ehehehe…"

Arnett smirked, taking in his hand as they left the cafeteria. A few minutes later, she led him to her room to have some fun and hopefully help replace the memories of Elizabeth with herself. "Shall we get started then?" She asked him, placing her hand on his chest.

"Yeah…" Kurogasa muttered. And from there… you know what happened.

Meanwhile, Cody was walking around with Rana, walking along a path right near a small pond at the school. It was calm for them as they made their way there. Enjoying the small time right now, Cody was actually enjoying himself this time.

"Well… this isn't so bad." Cody commented.

"I'm glad you think so, Cody." Rana giggled. "Thank you though for listening to me…"

"Hey, it's no problem." He waved off. "Maybe it's a good thing that you caught me, otherwise I'd run away from you all the time."

"Sorry…" she said softly, lowering her head slightly. "I… just have a hard time calming down…"

"No it's fine. You're just… being you." Cody assured. "I won't take that away."

Rana smiled, hugging his arm a bit more. "You're the best Cody!" she beamed, quickly leaning up and kissed his cheek, surprising him.

"Uh…" Cody blushed.

"Ehe~ you're so cute when you blush." Rana giggled.

He blushed again, remaining quiet as they keep walking for a bit. "So um… what's… Tibet like?" He asked her.

"Oh it's the best place you'll ever be in!" Rana chirped. "You have to come see it sometime! I'll show you around."

Cody thought about that for a moment before shrugging slightly. "Eh, maybe I can at some point?" He responded, before she hugged him tightly.

"Awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she beamed, almost crushing him.

"Okay Rana… you're doing it again…! Choking…! Can't breathe…! Need air…!"

She quickly let go of him, chuckling softly. "Sorry again…" She apologized.

They then made it towards the bench, relaxing a bit more for now as they sit there and look at the scene. Rana then turns to Cody, smiling at him. "So, mind telling me a bit about yourself then? What about your family?" She asked him.

Upon hearing that, made the young rider flinch as memories started to come running back to him. "My… family… My biological one… died…" He said softly, his head lowered.

"Oh… I'm sorry to hear that." Rana apologized.

"It's… okay… Just… a touchy subject is all…" He said to her. "I… can answer your questions… But that one…"

"Yeah, I understand." Rana nodded.

"Thank you." Cody said. "So… what else do you want to know about me?"

"Well… what do you like? And… what do you like in a girl?" she asked, a slight blush on her cheeks.

Cody blushed back as well. "Um… Well… I like to take pictures… It's a small hobby…" He answered.

"And… your type?" she asked, leaning next to him, hugging his arm.

Cody gulped, a lump in his throat for some reason as he looked away from her eyes. "W-Well… I uh… don't really know yet… besides from… being funny, caring and you liking me… I don't really… have a preference." He stated to her.

"Heh~ are you sure~?." Rana asked slyly.

His blush grew. "Y-Yes… I'm sure, Rana…"

"Hmmmmmm…" Rana smiled wider, raising an eyebrow.

"W-What is it?" Cody asked. Rana then started leaning in towards the young rider, causing him to look at her very confused, he was a bit concerned if she's going to try what she did earlier. She then peeked his cheek lightly, giggling a bit.

"Thanks for letting me know Cody." She said to him softly.

"You know… if I didn't know any better, you would've kissed me square on the lips right then and there." Cody blinked.

"Heh, Oh I thought about it." she giggled, standing back up.

"Eh? You were?" Cody asked a bit surprised.

"Mhm!" Rana giggled again. "But… I decided not to. To try and… not move too fast."

"Phew…" Cody sighed in relief as he felt her arm wrapping around his again.

"So, where to next?" She asked me, smiling.

"Wanna get something to eat?" Cody asked.

"Food sounds great…" She sighed, holding his arm as they made their way to the cafeteria.

In a new lab, Lupin was looking over the new data he got from the fight from Mach and Drive, angered that Mach received a new power boost so easily. And worst was that he lost so much progress from that encounter with him and Krim.

"This is not what I expected…" Lupin growled.

"KISAMA!" An explosion erupted as Lupin sighed. Though the one most hurt and enraged was Chase as he strikes and destroys anything he sees in his way. The Roidmude Reaper angered by another loss from Krim's tech.

"Oi, oi, oi… I was building that." Lupin groaned.

The Roidmude reaper glared at Lupin, grabbing him by his neck and lifting him up. "You promised I would have their heads… WHAT HAPPENED?!" He shouted.

"There's a thing called unexpected developments Chase." Lupin said calmly. "And we have to adjust."

He growled at the Cyberoid. "You better find a new way… Otherwise you will be disposed of…." He tossed him into a pillar, storming off.

"Yare, yare, perhaps I tweaked his program too much…" Lupin sighed before getting off the pillar and dusting himself off as if nothing happened. "Oh well, I might as well try to make chaos indirectly again."

Back at the school, Cody walked with Rana through the park that was nearby. Her arms wrapped around his, spite him wanting her moved a bit more away, though accepted this outcome. He sighed softly as he looked at her. "Why are we here again?" he asked.

"Cause, I thought this would be nice?" She responded with a giggle.

"That's not exactly an answer." Cody sweat dropped.

She huffed, her cheeks puffed out as she pinched his cheeks REALLY hard. "Owowowowow!" Cody gritted as she let go of his cheeks. "What was that for?!" He questioned.

"For not being nice about me taking you here…" She huffed.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry." Cody apologized.

"Apology accepted." She said softly, then smiled. "Say, what was your family like?" she asked him.

Hearing this made the young rider flinch as he looked down. "They… were awesome… they only wanted to help the world… One reason they became scientists…" He sighed. "They made their research at first, to only help and heal. But after an attack with a Nova and survived from it, they decided to change fields and stop them while still using their research to help save lives. Even my sister did her best to help them" He explained.

"You… have a sister?" Rana gasped.

"Actually… 'had'… She died along with my parents in the last Nova clash…" He frowned. "She was going to college the next day… Though she was almost introduced into the Pandora project, she refused…"

"I see…" Rana said sadly. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay. Don't worry about it." Cody waved off.

"So… What happened next?"

Cody sighed as he sat down for this. "They were conducting an experiment… One that was top secret… Only me and my family knew of it… They were creating a new power source to help the Pandoras fight against the Nova. One where if used, their combat strength, speed, endurance and more will be surpassed to unbelievable levels... " He explained. "But… during one of the testing nights, right after we successfully finished it… The house came down… I was hurt and unable to move… I saw them grabbing my parents and sister… and literally absorbing them… I heard their screams as I was under several rubble… The last thing I remember before passing out… was my sister saying she loved me…" Tears were now in Cody's eyes, his fist gripping tightly from remembering that, the pain of losing them all.

"Oh Cody…" Rana whispered before hugging him much to his surprise.

"What are you-"

"There. There. Everything is going to be alright." Rana consoled. "You've been through a lot."

"I… But I…" He tried to think of something to say, something to push her back… But nothing came up as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her closely as she heard him wailing out, finally letting out the pain he built up for so long. "I miss them so much…!" He said softly, whimpers in his voice.

"I know… just let it out… don't hold back…" Rana murmured.

His grip around her tighten as he kept letting out his pain. His tears dripping on the ground, kneeling with her while she still hugged him. From afar was the Dead-Heat Shift Car, Krim watched it as he let out a soft sigh. "After so many years… After numerous times… I was unable to get through to him… But she was able to so easily… Heh.. Guess I'm a bit jealous. But happy that she could help him out." Krim 'smiled' at them as he drove off.

"Oh wow…" Kurogasa sighed in pure content.

Arnett hugged him, cuddling closely as she sighed happily. "Aren't I a good teacher?" she giggled, their bare bodies covered by the bed sheets.

"Oh yeah definitely…" Kurogasa chuckled. "You really know your stuff."

She smiled, kissing his cheek. "I take it you enjoyed my 'lesson'?" she asked with a smirk.

"Of course. I'll let you 'teach' me anytime."

"Oh? If you feel that way… Maybe I can give you some, 'private' lessons everyday?" she asked, tracing her finger along his chest.

"You would?" Kurogasa asked bewildered. "But… what if you… you know…"

Arnett rolled her eyes. "Don't worry… Besides, they wouldn't allow that to happen anyways. Once we get our Stigmata, and until we graduate, they'll make sure that won't happen." she informed.

"Oh…"

"But that can wait for another time. I wanna get to know you even more Kurogasa… If… that's fine?" She asked, cutely.

"Yeah, absolutely." Kurogasa smiled a bit. "Just as long as it keeps me away from Elizabeth."

Arnett smirked a bit wider as she got on top of him, straddling him before she smiled and leaned in to kiss his neck. "So… tell me a bit about your family." she asked, though still kissing his neck softly.

"Well… my parents are the best people I could ever ask for." Kurogasa began as he then felt Arnett's hand… stroking a certain part making him gasp lightly.

"Any siblings?" she smirked as she shifted her body, now pressing herself on his side as she kept doing what she was doing.

"N-No. I'm an only child…"

"I see…" She teased him more by going a bit faster with her hand. "What do your parents do?"

"My dad's a scientist working for Genetics… a-and… my mom is a stay-at-home mom." Kurogasa got out. "Geez, you're really enjoying this aren't you… ergh…"

She giggled, "More than you can imagine…" She smiled adding, "So, a scientist huh? Must be a big one if he works with Krim…"

"Y-Yeah, they're good friends."

"I take it, you have a dream, other than fighting the Nova?" she questioned, moving her arm a bit more.

"Well… ahh… to be honest, I'm… living the dream… being a Kamen Rider."

"Oh? You only wanna stay as a hero?" she asked, now moving her arm faster.

"Y-Yeah…" Kurogasa said, now panting.

"I see. Well for me… I kinda always wanted to open a bar." she admitted.

"A bar?"

"Mhm. Truth be told, I can make a mean drink. Care to try one sometime?" she winked, messing with him again with her hand.

"Y-Yeah… I'd… like to…" Kurogasa said as his breathing was more labored.

She giggled. "You can be so cute when you squirm." She licked her lips, a soft blush now on her face.

"Is that why they call you… the Mad Trickster… ahhhh…" Kurogasa asked as Arnett went even faster with her arm.

"You really wanna see why they call me that?" she grinned.

"Maybe… ergh…" Kurogasa cringed. "Arnett… I'm gonna…"

"Yes~?" she giggled.

"Geez… go a bit faster will ya?"

"If you insist…" she smirked, literally, using a double acceleration to tease him more.

"O-Oi…!" Kurogasa said a bit surprised. "I said a bit not a lot."

"Squirm for me, Kuro-chan…" She whispered hazly in his ear.

And squirm he did. Kurogasa moved around more as the speed of her hand doubled and kept a constant pace. Eventually, he couldn't hold it any longer. "Argh! Arnett!" Kurogasa cried out as he spasmed and Arnett's hand felt something… warm and sticky.

She smirked at him giggling, "Good boy…" before straddling on top of him, her grin growing more. "Ready to show you why that call me the 'Mad Trickster'?" She chuckled softly.

"H-Hold on… I just…" Kurogasa got out.

"Good…" she smirked, slamming her hips down.

Back with Cody and Rana, the young rider finally calmed down enough, wiping his eyes as the two sit on a small bench. The young girl waiting to have him finish before he can talk again. "I'm… sorry about that… I… I haven't let that out in a while…" He apologized.

"You really haven't talked to anyone about it?" She asked.

The young Rider nodded, "Yeah… It's… It's just a very hard subject… And before, every time, someone tried to bring it up, I would just storm out… not wanting to deal with it…" He then turned to her, "So… how are you able to get me to finally talk about it?" He asked her.

"I don't know, I just asked and it went from there." Rana said.

Cody smiled softly at her, "Thank you… Rana…"

"For what? I really didn't do anything."

"Heh… you've done a lot more than you think…" He said to her. "You… helped me feel relieved after keeping that pain locked away and bottled up for so long."

"Well I couldn't let my Destined One stay sad all the time."

Cody chuckled softly, as he looked at her. "Say um… I know it's a bit late but… Wanna… grab a bite to eat?" He asked her.

"Sure." Rana smiled.

"Okay. And after that… we can… you know…"

"What? What is it?" Rana asked, the young Pandora titling her head in confusion.

The young rider blushed heavily as he scratched the back of his head. "Um… W-Well… we could try… 'that'… if you want to?" He said to her, embarrassed by giving her this offer.

"You mean…"

"Yes that." Cody said. "I'm… ready to be your Limiter…." He admitted, though feeling some regret for asking her this, as the next thing he knew, he felt a death grip, strangling him from a certain young girl's hug.

"I'm so happy right now!" Rana beamed. "I thought it would be eons until you asked me that!" She giggled happily.

"R-Rana… Too tight…"

She quickly set him down, taking his hands as he saw several sparkles in her eyes. "I promise, I will be the best wife ever! I will do everything in my power to make sure you are happy, dear!" She said, her smile already as large as it can be.

"Uh… yeah…" Cody smiled a bit seeing that he might as well relent to his fate.

The young Pandora, took his hand as she began to lead him, her soft smile actually warming his heart a bit. "But for now… Let's just enjoy our meal, alright?" she asked him.

"Alright… Rana." He smiled softly at her, as the young girl dragged him off towards a place to eat.

The next day, while school was out, a few people got together here and there, and one of them, was the group, Cody and Kurogasa were with. Today, they were relaxing near the school's park. Though, strangely enough, everyone but Cody and Rana where there.

"How long has it been since we've been waiting for those two?" Arthur asked, turning to Kurogasa who had his arm wrapped around Arnett.

"It's only been ten minutes." Kurogasa said looking at his watch.

"Just give them some time, alright, Arthur?" Kazuya said, chuckling softly, though next to the young boy was Satellizer, who was under the tree, reading a book.

"Seems to me, you're getting to know her more, Kazuya. Anything yet on the partnership?" Kurogasa teased.

"Um… well…" He blushed slightly. "Actually… We did become partners… But… we'll do the Baptism when we feel like we're both comfortable with it…" He admitted.

"No problem with that." Kurogasa shrugged.

"Hey guys!" Cody called out as he and Rana approached the group, although… the two were… strangely glowing.

"Uh… hey Cody." Kurogasa raised an eyebrow. "You two sure look happy. A bit happier than usual though."

"Hm? Must just be your imagination, dude." Cody said, the two sitting down with the others.

"Hmmmmmmmmmmm~?" Kurogasa looked at them suspiciously. "Say Arnett, you feel there's something going on here?"

"Actually, I do… Spill it you two. What's going on?" the redhead, pandora asked them.

Cody sighed as he turned to Rana and nodded, She squealed as she hooked her arm around his, smiling at the others, "We're now partners!" She announced, happily.

"Okay, and that is news how?" Arthur asked.

"We performed a Baptism…" Cody sighed.

"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"

Rana giggled, "It's not that big of a deal. Just means we're getting closer to having my destiny fulfilled!" She said to the others.

"Unbelievable…" Kurogasa muttered.

"Cody, you sly dog." Arthur chuckled.

The young rider, rubbed the back of his head. "Though… we're not a couple…." He sighed. "Yet…" he admitted, causing Rana to giggle again and hug his arm more.

"Oh Cody, just admit it. We're destined for life!" Rana giggled.

He turned to Kurogasa, "Help?" He pleaded to him, softly.

"Warui na, aibou. You're on your own since you willingly got yourself into this." Kurogasa chuckled deviously.

The young rider sighed, in defeat. "There better be something in there to help with this." He said, looking at the large picnic basket. As they get ready to dig in, far off from the others, watching them from above was Krim and Rinna.

"He's grown so much now…. And thanks to that girl, she's helping him overcome several past problems… Ones that I was unable to help fix." Krim admitted to his wife.

"She is something. Maybe for once he can finally let go of what he lost…" Rinna replied.

"I just hope it is soon… I fear a storm is coming…" Krim grimaced, as he 'looks' up at the sky.

Back in Lupin's lab, he sighs heavily, working on several projects, as well as trying to figure out someway to deal with the two riders? As well as that new power they possess... But he shook it off as he turned his attention back to the screen. Inside it was several data, and above it was none other than the Stigmata he stole from that Pandora he used. He had his data and tests done, but he felt like something was off...

"Troubles, Lupin?" Called out a chilling voice... One that Lupin rather not acknowledge.

"I've got this under control... N-No need to worry yourself..." He answered it.

"Ah, but without me, you would've been dead already. As well as unable to proceed with these plans..."

"I know... and I am truly grateful that you helped me... But I can deal with the riders myself." He said, still keeping his attention on the screen.

"Seems to me, you haven't even been able to truly bested them."

Hearing that made Lupin flinch from it. "And I do believe you have failed enough times as it is..."

"I... just need more time..."

"Time is something we do not have. But, I do believe I have someone who can help..."

This time, Lupin turned, his eyes widen as he sees someone.. He rather not see again. "Why use her?" he asked.

"Simple... To break that young Rider down." The voice said. "And by doing so, unable to fight with his teammates and possibly, give you even more resources once he joins us..."

"You know.. by doing this, you may end up revealing yourself..." Lupin frowned.

"I am well aware... But, regardless if I'm found out or not... They can't do a thing to me..." He chuckled, a pair of small blue eyes lightening up the area, revealing some blue face on a screen.

A/N: Welp, this is done, and very sorry on the late publish everyone. We've just been having difficulties trying to write, continue this and get ideas... One reason why this is short and why there's not much in it. We just didn't know how to proceed with this chapter is all... So, in order to get better with this and give you guys better quality story telling, we'll be taking a small break to figure out how we want to proceed it... I am truly sorry to tell that to you all. But again, no worries. This is not being abandon.

So, until then, later minna!