WARNING: I do not own Kamen Rider or Infinite Stratos. They are the property of Toei and MF Bunko J. Kurogasa Kururugi is owned by KRDuelist. Cody Aldrich is owned by striberx.
THIS CHAPTER HAS BEEN REVISED SINCE: 5/27/22
*CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!*
Within a burning building, the sounds of metal clashing rang out. A young boy with short brown hair watched in horror as two girls in power armor fought each other, seemingly to the death. Their movements were so fast, he couldn't tell who was winning or losing. They seemed evenly matched, but the boy knew that there was a clear difference in power.
"Give up, you're not taking them!" one of the armored girls shouted as they entered a fierce blade lock.
"I'm doing what is right!" The other armored girl shouted back.
"Bullshit! You murdered them and now you'll take him away? That is unforgivable!" the first armored girl shouted before breaking the blade lock and delivering a strong downwards slash.
*CLANG!*
"He deserves better! They both deserve better!" the second armored girl shouted, holding her blade up to block the slash before kicking the first armored girl away.
"That filthy lowlife doesn't have the right to live!" The first one spat out.
Enraged, the two continued to fight, steel clashing with steel, metal bashing metal. These girls held nothing back as they fought whilst the building continued to burn and collapse.
The boy then turned back towards another boy around his age with black hair, unconscious and unaware of the battle ahead. As the two continued to fight, they quickly backed off and prepared one final attack to finish off the other… and it was all the boy could take…
"STOOOPPP!" he shouted before running as fast as he could and jumped in between both of them.
Unfortunately, it was right when they launched their attacks and all they saw was blood
A loud and sharp gasp escaped, as someone woke up in a cold sweat. Their breath was heavy, their heart was racing, and overcome with exhaustion. They looked around and saw that they were inside a suspension train where the tracks were on top of the cars and not the bottom. They also that they were sitting down as they held a backpack in their lap lm
"Damn, that same nightmare…" They muttered to themselves.
This was the same young boy, who was now sixteen years of age with medium-length brown hair whose fringe was fanned out front and had blue eyes. He wore a uniform consisting of a white blazer with a blue tie and long sleeves and white long trousers.
His name is Kurogasa Kururugi and it just so happens that he was going to attend the famous IS Academy as a first-year student. But the problem was… he was a guy and he was going to an all-girl school. He doesn't even have an IS unit. How this happened was beyond him. Normally boys would jump at the opportunity but for him, it was nothing but bad luck.
As he re-adjusted himself, the boy could hear a small click of metal sound out at each movement, making the boy sigh.
"Right… that's why I'm here in the first place…" He said, clenching his right gloved hand.
IS Academy is an academy where Infinite Stratos users from all over the world come to learn how to effectively pilot an IS. It is a boarding school composed mainly of girls, and even the staff are women who double as instructors due to their former status as pilots or test candidates. This educational corporation was meant to nurture IS controllers and the Japanese government sees it as a principle and duty to fund and run it.
However, due to the social status change that has come about due to the appearance of the IS, a few of the girls are generally arrogant towards the males because of their abilities to pilot an IS, despite advancements to Riser technology allowing ordinary citizens to utilize the power of the Progrise Keys. But at the same time, the entire school population of girls are somewhat naive and curious about the opposite sex, as most of them are from all-girls schools. (Since females are the only ones who can pilot an IS, the government set it up as such that children at a very young age are separated into same-gender schools, and it spent more funding on the girls' side than the boys).
Even though this was a time of peace, many knew of the dangers that could come later on. So for some, they're preparing the next generation for that and more. But it wasn't all like this. In the very younger years, during an era where technology was evolving very quickly, there was a point of crisis on Earth. This Crisis was dubbed as the 'Humagear War'. An AI entity known as Ark would try to eliminate humanity through the use of Humagears, synthetic A.I. androids developed by HIDEN Intelligence. But what very few people knew was that the Humagear War was swiftly concluded, thanks to the urban legendary heroes, the Kamen Riders.
Zero-One, Vulcan, Valkyrie, and Thouser, were considered the four heroes of this age, despite the rocky relationship the quartet had with another.
But as the years passed, the four moved on with their lives, some even having children of their own. Then, during one incident forever known as the Fall of Zero-One, an IS unit known as the White Knight fought the hero to a standstill, only being beaten by the latter's force of will.
However, that victory came at a cost…
The cost being that Aruto Hiden, the legendary hero that brought the Humagear War to its end, was forced into early retirement, stepping down as CEO of HIDEN Intelligence. He had no heir and successor to the company, meaning if he dies, the company dies with him. Many of its employees both Human and Humagear alike will be unemployed, forcing them to find new jobs.
Unbeknownst to the public, Aruto had chosen a successor. One by his own heart.
And it is here that our story begins.
CHAPTER 01:
Hiden's New CEO... is a student?!
[Next stop: IS Academy. Next stop: IS Academy. Please take your belongings and prepare to depart.]
"Finally, I thought that train ride would never end." Kurogasa sighed in relief as he gathered his belongings and the monorail slowly came to a stop at the platform. After the train came to a complete stop, the doors slid open and he immediately dashed out of the train. "Okay… I need to head to the principal's office…"
As the young male made his way, he did see the campus and building of the IS Academy, and… it was actually breathtaking. Not only was it near the ocean, but it was very high tech, almost like those colonies in space and other planets.
"At least the view is nice…" He commented.
Built on an offshore island which can only be reached via a monorail connecting it to the mainland, it has a decidedly futuristic look, with all its domes and a branch-like tower in the middle of it. There are plenty of trees and parks to tone down the metallic look. The buildings are designated in different places to differentiate their purpose, such as the dormitories being next to a small bridge with trees and a small river under it.
Technology-wise, it is about as sophisticated as it can be. The classrooms are fitted with holographic desks which show the name of the student when called upon and a holographic chalkboard. There are various "shimmering" holograms that appear all over the academy. There is a large moving holographic strip alongside the school building to broadcast pretty much everything, like weather, temperature, etc.
"Kurogasa Kururugi?" A gentle voice called out, as nearby was what looked to be a Humagear, as she wore a typical Humagear secretary uniform. She had a tinge of green on her person and hair as she held out a sign with his name on it.
"Izu… san…" Kuromu muttered.
"Hello once again, Kurogasa-san."
"If you're here, then that means…"
"Hai. I have been sent to escort you to Aruto-shacho."
Kurogasa nodded as he followed the secretary Humagear towards the principal's office, passing by female and male students alike talking about the lastest IS units or Progrise Keys.
"So, they're finally releasing the Dino Series Keys, eh?" One male student commented.
"Finally! Looks like Thouser ain't gonna be the only one with ancient power on his side!" another male student added.
That was another thing. Starting this year, male students will be attending IS Academy as well in order to teach and nurture them to use the latest upgrade to the RaidRisers distributed by ZAIA Enterprises, the RaidRiser V.
"Puh-lease! It's not like some toy can beat an IS!" a female student chimed in.
"Yeah, keep dreaming you can beat us boys!" another female student sneered, causing the boys to snarl back at them.
That was also another thing… tensions and rivalries between the boys and girls were at an all-time high. It was to the point that actual fights between them had broken out across the world and gone out of control. So in order for the two to reconcile and lay to rest any lingering animosity, unless they want the dark AI Ark to return, male students were let in as a way for the genders to coexist as one.
Kurogasa sighed to himself, 'Another day in this woman-led world. Just when the guys suddenly get the advantage too…'
Soon, he reached the principal's office where there was an older man in his early forties, but with a red t-shirt and a black long sleeve shirt on top. He had lime green shoes and short brown hair with some strands of grey, yet a smile that anyone couldn't help but smile back greeted him. On the desk next to him, was a bulky suitcase. This was Aruto Hiden, the last member of the Hiden family.
"Aruto-san…" Kuroagsa muttered.
"Heya Kuro-kun." Aruto greeted him. "How have you been?"
"I'm… doing alright." Kurogasa nodded with a soft voice, before his eyes focused on the suitcase. "Is that…"
The former Zero-One slowly nodded, "I'm sure you're aware of why I can't be Zero-One anymore?"
"The White Knight Incident…" Kurogasa answered.
"Yeah, and the first time an IS unit stood toe-to-toe with a Rider before the balance tipped in the former's favor." Aruto recalled.
"So… you're naming me as the new CEO of HIDEN Intelligence."
Aruto nodded, "Pretty much, I'm sure that makes the competition jump for joy."
Kurogasa groaned at this. "Still… are you really sure you want to name me as President of a multi-billion company?"
"I mean, it's not any different from the Eden crystals your parents created." the former Zero-One noted.
"Even so, I…"
"Kurogasa." Aruto said, walking up to him, and placing his hands on the teen's shoulders. "I know this is difficult for you. Trust me, I've been there. I wasn't ready either. When I started, I've always dreamed of being a comedian, and as you know Jii-chan left me his will to be the new company president and I had to give up that dream… somewhat."
The boy chuckled as Aruto Hiden was often called the Comedian President during his tenure as CEO of HIDEN Intelligence, always cracking a bad joke to lift the spirits of those around him.
"But overtime, I understood the responsibilities given to me. I wouldn't be where I am today, if not for my friends. You won't be alone in this. We will help you every step of the way. No one will think less of you when you accept this position."
Kurogasa looked down in thought. Aruto really was a kind person who was always thoughtful of other people's feelings and concerns. "You promise?"
"You have my word as a Hiden, Kurogasa." Aruto noted, "Besides, the reason you're also here is because of a very special person."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" He asked.
Aruto smiled, turning his head as a large screen popped up near them. On the other side of the feed was a beautiful woman with long purple hair, robotic bunny ears, and a frilly maid-like blue and white dress. This was Tabane Shinonono, the creator of the IS Units.
["Wa~i! It's Kuro-kun!"] She said happily on the other side, ["Guess he did show up."]
"T-Tabane-neechan…" Kurogasa sighed as he sort of expected that she had some hand in his transfer.
["Awwww, why the long face?"]
"Because it's you, Tabane-neechan…" Kurogasa slightly deadpanned with a sweat drop, dropping down his face. "Seriously, are you trying to get me killed in this school?"
["Hmm… not really… "] she said, her finger under her bottom lip, looking confused, , ["But still, I'm sure Houki-chan and Ikkun would be glad to know you're here!"] she said cheerfully.
This took Kurogasa by surprise. "Wait… Ichika and Houki are here too?"
["Yup, yup!"] she smiled, giving him peace signs. ["They'll be glad to know their friend is here too!"] She said before smiling brightly, ["Dohh! I wish I was there so I can give you my patented Tabane Hug!"] She giggled.
"Do I need to remind you how many times you almost broke my back with that hug of yours?" Kurogasa chided.
Tabane had the nerve to look embarrassed, as she laughed nervously.
["Ehehehehehe…"]
"And the fact that I nearly died every single time…"
["I know you can take it, especially with your powers."] she pointed out with a coy grin. Kurogasa crossed his arms with his head down in confliction and downright annoyance. ["But serious talk Kurogasa."]
"Hm?" Kurogasa looked at the screen.
["First of all, you know about the 'Humagear War' ri~ght?"] Tabane informed and reminded him.
"How could I not?" Kurogasa grimaced, "It's what spurred the creation of the IS in the first place, well that and to help maintain ZEN."
["Yep, yep, yep! Though there are still people that want to revive Ark!"]
Kurogasa frowned at this, turning to Aruto. "Didn't you already destroy, Ark?"
"Try as I might, Azu's words still ring in my head." Aruto sighed, "I've done my best to try and avoid letting enough malice take over and revive Ark, but even after Leon was thankfully let go from ZAIA before he could do any harm, there are still people who just want to watch the world burn…"
Kurogasa sighed, running a hand over his head. "Right…"
["And thanks to yours truly being a genius, I managed to upgrade the Zero-One Driver and its Progrise Key!"]
"Eh?" Kurogasa blinked. Izu then volunteered to take the briefcase, holding it flat side, and unlocking it before opening, to reveal the contents inside. It was a black and silver device, with some red accents, and a data scanner, to know which key was being used. Of course, there was a hidden area that showed the full might of the driver. This was the Zero-One Driver. And beside it was what looked like an SD card the size of a cassette tape. It was highlighter yellow in color and it has a picture of a grasshopper on it, with a see-through lens on the grasshopper showing the mechanical insides of the insect.
"This is…" Kurogasa muttered.
["Yu~p! A new and improved Zero-One Driver! This one can only be used by your bloodline this time!"]
"And thanks to her, she modified it so that you can not only fight against the Magia but also other IS users." Aruto explained.
"…Sokka." Kurogasa nodded.
["Well anyways, Rising Hopper is the only Progrise Key you have at the moment. I have to update the others before I could give them to ya."]
"Okay." he thanked her, "At least I'm not getting thrown into the deep end." he joked.
["Awesome! I'll swing by once in a while and we'll catch up! And once I modify the other Progrise Keys, I'll send them to you! But you better beha~ve, don't want the whole school falling for you."] Tabane giggled, teasing him again before the screen turned off.
"She does realize the IS Academy is now co-ed… right?" Kurogasa said.
"Oh she knows, she just doesn't really care." Aruto noted, shaking his head as he did so, "Trust me, Yua-san asked the same thing when talking to Tabane."
"Figures…" Kurogasa noted.
Kurogasa, after taking the briefcase from Izu, soon made his way, reaching his room as he opened it up and inside was indeed a suite. It was large, filled with many things and comfortable furniture, and even what looked to be a large bathroom nearby. It was something like that of a super expensive hotel in America.
"Geez, this room is definitely way out of my pay grade…" He muttered.
"In more ways than one." A voice called out nearby. Kurogasa flinched as he turned, only for him to see a familiar face.
It was a young tall woman who was 24 years old, with long black hair, split into parts in a similar manner to her younger brother. Her outfit consists of a formal white shirt, with a black business overcoat and matching skirt, green tie, stockings and high heeled shoes. And with a look that showed experience, this was Chifuyu Orimura, the first IS Unit pilot, and big sister to Ichika.
"How are you doing, kid?" Chifuyu greeted
"C-Chifuyu-neesan…" Kurogasa got out.
"It's been awhile." She said, a soft smile on her face.
"Uh… yeah." Kurogasa trailed off with his head turned to the side. "Been a while…"
"I heard that you got in via recommendation from the one and only Zero-One himself." she observed.
"And made me the new one." Kurogasa added, looking back at her.
Chifuyu was intrigued, "So Aruto-san has finally chosen a successor." she noted. She had heard rumors of Aruto naming someone the next Zero-One for months. Imagine her surprise to find out that it was Kurogasa who got the nod.
"I didn't really think he would choose me either." Kurogasa shook his head. "I just hope that I'm really up to it. I'm going to be inheriting his legacy."
"Does it scare you?" Chifuyu asked.
"I'm downright terrified. I know I agreed to this, but I can't do this alone." Kurogasa said. "I don't wanna feel like I've been given so much special treatment…" He trailed off, again clenching and opening his right hand. "Given how I am… I don't want to rely on…"
"Hey… look at me." She soon placed her hands on the boy's shoulders, looking at him dead in the eyes. "You're spiraling again. No one thinks of you as a burden. Aruto wouldn't choose you as his successor if he didn't see something inside you. That's why I know that you're going to do great as the next Zero-One."
"Really? You believe that?"
"I know it, and I'm sure that Ichika and Houki would tell you the same." she told him with a smile before pulling him in for a hug. "I won't think any less of you. That will never change." the veteran IS pilot reassured him, "It doesn't matter if you're a simple person or the next Zero-One. You're still Kurogasa Kururugi. You're still you."
"Nee-san…" Kurogasa whispered before wrapping his arms around her.
Despite her cold exterior, Chifuyu was still the warm and caring sister deep inside, and always there for Kurogasa when he needed a shoulder to lean on. He always felt at peace with her, and could feel safe when she's around.
"Arigatou… Nee-san." Kurogasa said, letting go of the hug and showing a soft smile.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be alright." Kurogasa nodded.
"Alright, how about I'll give you a tour of the place." Chifuyu offered.
*GURGLE!*
Kurogasa looked down when he heard his stomach growling. "Alright, food first. Lucky for you, our cafeteria is up and running. And I know how much you enjoy new food, as this place has the full market around the world."
"H-Hai." Kurogasa smiled sheepishly.
"Itadakimasu," Kurogasa clapped his hands before he started chowing down the food in front of him.
"Heh, been awhile since you've had ramen, huh?" Chifuyu smiled, also having the same.
"As much as I like yakisoba, I'm a ramen man at heart." Kurogasa chuckled.
"Heh, one taste we both share." She said, eating her share
Meanwhile, while the two were eating, they were getting a lot of stares from the girl students that were in the cafeteria.
"Is that another boy joining the school?"
"And he's eating with Orimura-sensei?!"
"Who is he?"
"Why are these men joining an all-girls academy?"
"I'm more curious if he's her boyfriend? He's a bit young, but cute."
Kurogasa's eyes widened as the noodles went down the wrong pipe and started choking, pounding his chest rather furiously. "Looks like you're already popular." Chifuyu chuckled as Kurogasa managed to somehow get the food down the right pipe and swallow hard. He then gulped down his whole glass of water before breathing a huge sigh.
"Not what I have in mind…"
"Yo, another Riser user!" a couple of male students cheered as they ran up to Kurogasa.
"U-Um…" Kurogasa gulped. "Hi…?" He waved weakly.
"Glad you can fill in the ranks!" the first male student said, "With you around, we can show those IS units whose boss!"
"In your dreams!" a female student heckled.
"You're just here as backup, there's no way your little RaidRisers can compare to an IS!" another female student added.
"Hey, piss off!" a third male student roared.
"Yeah, why don't you get off your high horses and join the rest of us regular people?" a fourth male student shouted as tensions began to rise again.
"How about all of you shut your mouths," Chifuyu said, standing up with a glare at them. "Need I remind you that the IS Academy doesn't tolerate violence outside of battles officially sanctioned by the school. So unless all of you want to be expelled before school starts, I suggest you stay on your best behavior. Do I make myself clear?"
The two groups soon backed off as the boy silently apologized to Chifuyu and Kurogasa, leaving the latter breathing a sigh of regret.
"Why can't things be back to when we were equals and not at each other's throats?" he lamented, "I swear, I half expect Ark to be knocking on our doors at this rate."
"As long as ZEN is up and running, Ark won't be hacking into anything so easily." Chifuyu noted.
"Right…" Kurogasa sighed, but pouted. "Then again, we wouldn't be in this situation if Amatsu wasn't such a selfish prick since it was his fault in the first place…"
"I'm pretty sure that years of him on the bottom row has taught him a ton of humility." Chifuyu noted.
"It still makes me wanna punch his face…"
*WAPISH!*
"Ite…"
"No." Chifuyu chided, after a swift chop to the head. "He's already learned his lesson. So leave him alone."
"Hai…"
After lunch, Chifuyu soon began to show him around the campus, inside of the buildings and route to take, including should he need to reach a place of privacy should school be a bit overwhelming for him. Even her office and room should he need to chat.
"Thanks for showing me around." Kurogasa thanked.
"Anytime. Just make sure you bathe and dress well for it since school will start in the early morning." She reminded him. "And if you ever need private training, just let me know."
"Hai." Kurogasa nodded.
"Kuro?!" a familiar voice called out to the boy.
Kurogasa and Chifuyu turned to see a young man of average height with tall black hair that is parted in the middle, dark red eyes and a slim but trained body, and he was wearing his IS Academy uniform.
"Hey Ichika." Kurogasa waved weakly.
"Hey Kuro! Long time no see!" Ichika greeted.
"Yeah, been a while." Kurogasa smiled a bit as the other boy approached him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Same reason you're here. Attending this school."
"Oh, so you're a new RaidRiser user?" Ichika guessed, as all of the men who were attending IS Academy were all RaidRiser users.
"Uh… sorta."
"Huh?"
"It's a long story…" Kurogasa sighed. "What about you?"
"It's a bit complicated." Ichika chuckled, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.
Kurogasa sighed as he placed his hands on his hips, "They got you too, huh?" he muttered.
"Yeah, well I'm wondering if we'll be in the same class? I'm just hoping that I won't be alone."
"Dude, classes start tomorrow." Kurogasa said before placing a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll likely get the same classroom since we're both first years."
"Right, sorry… It's just, I didn't really expect myself to end up here." Ichika apologized, showing how nervous he really was, "I wonder if Houki is here too?"
"She's here. You can thank Tabane for that one." Kurogasa said.
"So it looks like the gang will be back together."
"Yeah, looks like-"
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*
The three people were surprised by the explosion as they looked towards the source. "What was that?!" Ichika asked.
"I don't know… you two stay here!" Chifuyu said, rushing over to where the explosion occurred.
"H-Hey! Wait!" Kurogasa cried out but to no avail. "Now what?"
"We… we need to follow her…" Ichika said.
"Eh?! Are you crazy?!" Kurogasa gawked. "Didn't you hear what your sister just said?!"
"I know but, I got a gut feeling that something bad might happen to her." he noted.
Kurogasa shook his head, "Well, she is your sister after all. I guess you're worried about her, right?"
"Of course I am!"
Kurogasa sighed. "Alright, fine. But I'm telling her this was your idea." And with that, he ran off after her, towards the source of the explosion
Within one of the courtyards, Chifuyu was shocked to see that an IS unit was moving on its own. It flinched and twitched with static as it shot some of the police that arrived.
"What the? How is that IS unit moving?" Chifuyu whispered to herself.
"Chifuyu-neesan!" Kurogasa called out as the two boys approached.
"You idiots! What are you doing here?!" she scolded.
"It was Ichika's idea!" Kurogasa accused, pointing at the other boy. "What the-?!" He gawked at the moving pilotless IS Unit.
"What's a pilotless IS unit doing wrecking stuff?!" Ichika got out.
"Someone must've hacked into its systems." Chifuyu assumed. "Kurogasa! You need to activate what you were given, now!"
"Right!" he declared. He then knelt down and opened up the briefcase to take out the Zero-One Driver Mk. 2, much to the shock of those present, and placed it before his waist to create a yellow belt to secure it.
ZERO-ONE DRIVER
His eyes widened considerably as he felt his mind and conscience being taken elsewhere. Moments later, he found himself in a white void surrounded by digital numbers that were floating. "What the… where am I?" He then saw various holographic prompts appear before him, alongside a hologram of Aruto's younger self, back when he first became Zero-One. "Aruto-san…?" He gasped.
["Greetings. You're taking the first leap towards becoming the next Zero-One!"] the holographic Aruto said whilst spouting out one of the president's signature dad jokes.
"Where… am I?" Kurogasa asked, looking around.
["You've been taken into the databanks of ZEN, where you'll be able to learn how to fight as Zero-One within the same calculation speeds as a supercomputer."] Holo-Aruto continued on as Kurogasa looked towards the various prompts.
"So a tutorial level…" He muttered before pressing the first holographic screen, opening up the holographic manual of how to transform.
["So, shall we begin the lesson?"]
"Hai."
The IS Unit turned to them as it got closer. It fired bullets, and the others dodged. But what was strange was the fact that it went after Chifuyu, as if it had a target or grudge against her. She growled, dodging as best as she could before the next shot hit the ground near her and flung her into the wall.
"GAUUUGGHHH!" Chifuyu wailed out as she fell to the ground. She got back to her feet but was left barely standing after that attack.
"Chifuyu-nee!" Ichika cried out.
"Learning complete,"
Taking the Grasshopper Progrise Key, he raised it to his face, tilted in an angle before he pressed the button on the corner.
JUMP!
He then brought the Progrise Key to the Authoriser, the device located to the Driver's left, which authenticates Progrisekeys. He pressed the Progrisekey against it, in an angle and it 'authorized' its use, unlocking the Progrisekey via an authentication code.
AUTHORISE!
From the sky, a yellow beam of light shot straight from Satellite ZEN, before forming into a large metal grasshopper that materialized and jumped around the boy. He then began to pose as everyone else was shocked at what was about to happen.
"Wait, Kurogasa is…!" Ichika gasped as the boy then opened the key, flipping the cover open that was hinged on the corner of the face of the Progrise Key, revealing a metal skeleton of the grasshopper underneath. All the while, a holographic schematic showing the blueprints of the armor appeared in front of him.
"Henshin!"
Afterwards, he placed the key into the Rise Slot, and the Rise Liberator, the safeguard mechanism of the Driver slid open, exposing the Progrise Reactor with a display of the grasshopper's head that was at the center of the Driver as it shined bright yellow.
PROGRISE!
The Rise Architecter undersuit formed around Kurogasa. Once inside the Driver, the Progrisekey's data is loaded and the Rider Model separated into sections which transform into armor pieces that cover the Rise Architecter, completing the transformation.
JUMP! TOBIGA RISE! RISING HOPPER~!
[A jump to the sky turns into a Rider Kick]
BGM: REALxEYEZ by LUNA SEA bassist J featuring Takanori Nishikawa
Kurogasa wore a black bodysuit with highlighter yellow chest armor that resembled a grasshopper's thorax with sleek curved black shoulder pads and black gauntlets covering his wrists. There were highlighter yellow lines on his legs that represented grasshopper legs which went down to his black shoes with highlighter yellow also covered by armor. His helmet was a simple grasshopper mask that was highlighter yellow with red lenses and a thin v-antennae that resembles a grasshopper's as well.
This was Kamen Rider Zero-One, the hero of the Humagear war reborn.
"No way… Kuro became Zero-One?!" Ichika gasped.
"There's only one guy in the world now who can stop you! And that's me!" The grasshopper Rider declared as the rogue IS unit charged at him, only for him to leap into the air and footstool the machine into crashing into the ground.
Zero-One soon noticed how high he jumped and smiled, "Wow, Aruto-san wasn't kidding about the kickback!" he quipped. He then jumped back down to footstool the IS multiple times before landing safely to gain distance. "Oi, Ichika, stop gawking and get Chifuyu-neesan out of there!"
"R-Right!" he noted as he went towards his sister, "Chifuyu-nee, are you alright?"
She let out a few gasps and coughs before groaning, "Just… get me to safety, you idiot…" She got out weakly.
"H-Hai!" Ichika said, before placing her arm around her shoulder and lifted her up before he dragged her away.
Meanwhile, Kurogasa was busy with the IS Unit as he dodge rolled left and right, "Dammit, I won't be able to fight like this." He gritted his teeth. "I need the Attache Calibur. IZU!"
Izu suddenly came running briskly carrying some sort of black suitcase, but it was anything but.
"Catch!" she declared as she threw the case into his hands.
"Thank you!" He thanked her. He then split open the case diagonally, extending it to be a blade in disguise.
BLADERISE!
"Yosh! Ikuze!" He shouted, before charging towards the Rogue IS and swung his Attache Calibur, slashing the joints of the machine in hope to cut it or at the very least lock those joints so that it doesn't move.
He was able to make several consecutive hits on the enemy to make sure they do enough damage and to make sure they don't get back up again. With a last slash, the rogue IS seemed to stop and slumped down. "Yosh, that should do it." Kurogasa said. But soon enough, the IS unit twitched and sparked as it shakily got back up on its feet. "No way! How is it still moving?!"
Meanwhile, a stranger was watching the whole scene from far away, looking down from one of the rooftops of the school.
"So, Aldrich becomes Vulcan after I graduate high school, and now you become Zero-One when I get hired. Time sure flies…" a stranger chuckled as he folded his arms, "Guess Hiden knows how to pick 'em…"
He sighed as he observed the battle, "This is going to be an interesting couple of years…" he noted with intent. "Welp, better make my way down to greet the new blood. This battle's just about over anyways." He said, before standing up and leaving the rooftop to go downstairs.
"Alright, time to finish this!" he declared as he pressed the key.
RISING IMPACT!
A charging noise echoed as he crouched down, then used the power of the Rising Hopper to jump up high into the air. Yellow and black streams of electrical energy entered his right leg, as he corkscrewed and righted himself up before he tucked his left leg in and extended his right leg out for a flying kick.
"SORYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He yelled, diving down for his Rider Kick.
ラ
イ
ジ
ン
グ
ト
His kicking foot came in contact with the rogue IS unit before it soon went straight through, the afterimage of the grasshopper's leg appearing as he finished the rogue machine off as it exploded spectacularly with flames and smoke coming out of it.
R
I
S
I
N
G
IMPACT!
He eventually landed on the ground and skidded to a halt, as smoke fizzled out from the bottom of his soles. Kurogasa slowly got up as he turned around to look at the damage. "Good. I didn't twist my ankle."
End BGM
"Well well well, not bad rookie!" a voice strangely familiar to Kurogasa chuckled before the boy turned around. What stood before him was an older man with closed eyes and gray hair and a gray suit, and a pair of fingerless gloves.
"Huh?" Kurogasa asked as he pushed the slider and took out the Progrise Key, allowing him to de-transform to his civilian form.
"I'm Tommy Hikari, but you can call me Rex." the stranger introduced himself with a faux tip of the hat.
…
…
…
…
"Sorry, never heard of you." Kurogasa said.
Rex sighed, 'Good, the new look's at least hiding me.' With a shrug, he said "Eh, not like I got that reaction before."
"So, what do you want with me?"
"Just wanted to see what some of the new students are capable of. And making sure a friend of mine isn't overwhelmed when we start teaching tomorrow." he explained, "Though if they're as good as you, I'd say this batch is gonna do just fine."
"Uhhhh… okay?" Kurogasa said, confused.
"Oh right, forgot to mention, I'm gonna be a teacher's consort and substitute teacher for your class, just in case Maya and Chifuyu need some help or either of them are unavailable." Rex explained before patting the boy on the back, "Even still, don't go cutting class tomorrow just because you're in a potential harem situation." he joked, before walking off.
"The hell is he going on about?" Kurogasa pouted.
"Kururugi-shacho." Izu said, coming towards him.
"Izu…" Kurogasa muttered as he dusted himself off, "Is everyone alright?" he asked. "How's Chifuyu-neesan?"
"She's fine. Outside of some minor scrapes, she's mostly winded." the assistant explained. "No internal injuries were detected."
"Yokatta…" Kurogasa sighed in relief. "Who do you think hacked the IS? It couldn't be Metsubojinrai, those guys aren't anywhere close to evil anymore." He pondered.
"HIDEN Intelligence will take the initiative of conducting an investigation." Izu said. "Until the results are finalized, you should return to the school."
"Alright." Kurogasa noted as he looked towards the totalled IS unit. He didn't know at the time, but this signaled the start of a new foe gunning for the end of humanity, and he needed to be ready for whatever came next…
SONG: Zero ~Hajimari no Basho~ - Ayumi Miyazaki
/PRELUDE/
As various bits of code began to appear, the opening soon shows off the various IS units and Risers as the camera flew across the water before it arrived at the main team standing tall in front of IS Academy before turning up to the sky as title is formed.
/Tsuyosa no kagi wa kioku no nani
Chirabatte kakera hiroi atsumete/
It soon jumps to Kurogasa and Ichika standing atop a cliff as the former watched the ocean view, while the other looked towards the Rising Hopper key in his hands as he holds it up to the sky. It soon shows Houki and Linyang arriving to join the boys while Laura and the Sarashiki sisters watched them from afar. It soon jumps to Cody walking through IS Academy as he becomes haunted by a shadowy figure before Laura holds his arm, causing him to calm down for a moment before Cecilia grabs his other arm, leading to the Frenchwoman getting jealous much to the American's dismay.
/Zutto zutsu ita mama no aimai na kanjou
Mote amashitenai de toki hanateru to/
Afterwards, it shows Chifuyu, Maya, and Rex as they look over the class as they turn to Aruto and Izu, who welcome Class 1-A as they arrive to class. However afterwards, it jumps to a scene of Phantom Task looming over the protagonists as they prepared to transform.
/Dakara shinjite tada shinjitai sou
kono negai wo/
As a burst of colored light appeared, it soon shows off Thouser as he thrusts his Thousand Jacker forward like a lance, causing several Phantom Task IS pilots to fly as Laura and Rin arrive to fire their weapons at the enemy. Silver Gospel arrives soon after, battling against Cody as he fires off his Shotriser as he, Cecila and Laura provided cover fire.
/Kokoro ga zero mo kakagetara hajimaru/
It then jumps to Charolette and Houki charging into battle, clashing their weapons against Squall and Reiko, the two performing a tag-team manuever as they blast the foes away.
/Mienai sekai no naka de
yasashii yuu kimochi yore ba/
Finally, it shows Kurogasa flying through the battlefield, changing forms as he teams up with each of his allies before joining up with Ichika as they leap towards Madoka, who is ready for them.
/Soko ga hajimari no basho/
The two shout as the trio clash, causing the screen to flash white as Kurogasa wears the Zero-One Driver and performs the signature pose while Ichika summons Byakushiki's claw, allowing the camera to pan out and reveal the rest of the cast alongside all of Class 1-A.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Well then, this is different.
Hey guys, HackerEX here! Looks like I'm adding in a collab for my account since KRDuelist asked me if he could have me post this story to my account. Obviously, I said yes since I figured this could be a fun thing to have alongside my regular stories. This story is of course his idea, with striberx and I contributing with our characters (albeit a technicality for me. Point that I'll add in here, while I do use the name Rex a lot, it's mostly a nickname at most since I want to make each Rex different enough from each other as possible).
Anyhow, this story is going to serve as a Next Generation story for the Zero-One cast, with Kurogasa, Cody, and Rex serving as the next Zero-One, Vulcan, and Thouser, with Yua and Fuwa's granddaughter joining in soon as Valkyrie. This also means that we're ignoring Zero-One Others' plot, which tbh I'm kind of thankful for since that V-Cinema was kind of Too Bleak, Stopped Caring for me. Also, if you're curious, here are the pairings that KRDuelist provided in his notes.
Kurogasa x Houki x Chifuyu x Madoka
Cody x Charlotte x Laura x Tatenashi
Ichika x Lingyin x Cecilia x Kanzashi
Rex x Maya
I mean, this is Infinite Stratos, it's kind of expected that the main cast would get a harem, well... obviously Rex is going to be the exception here, but regardless, I am really excited to help work on this collab and I hope you guys can enjoy it too.
Until next time, This is HackerEX logging out! See ya!