Special: Catastrophe

11th of March, 2011

Time: 14:00 PM, Japan Standard Time

As I raced across the highways of Japan, from Tokyo to Chiba, and onwards to Sendai, I began to contemplate one thing: what the fuck am I doing?

"You're going to get yourself killed!" cried Asuka, as I began to depart from Midori no Sato a couple of hours ago, "Even you don't have the powers to stop an earthquake! How do you know if it will happen here, what if it won't?"

"If I'm wrong, then the lives lost would be the same in my universe. At least with me, I could minimize the damage." I put on my helmet, and rode my Trychaser away.

So, what do you have in mind to minimize the tsunami, Linto? You may have the power to control water, but according to what I've seen from your memories, I doubt Dragon Form could stop such massive waves.

I don't care, I have to do something!

And drowning yourself if you failed? This is foolhardy, no man can stop the act of nature, and I doubt the Pretty Cures could do so!

That's why I'm going alone; they don't need this shit in their life, I'll carry this burden.

Before I knew it, I saw a road sign that says Fukushima. That's where that nuke plant is. I'm getting closer to Sendai. Unfortunately, I was delayed since the Trychaser needs to be refueled. Who knew.

As I waited the attendant to finish refueling, he noticed the familiar design of my bike, "Hey, isn't this the Trychaser from Kamen Rider Kuuga? I used to watch the show when I was a kid, it must be nice to have a Kamen Rider motorcycle, huh?" As urgent as my mission is, I should at least wind down a bit and respond, "Uh, yeah. A friend of mine custom made it for me as a birthday present. Honestly, I would love one of the Suzuki bikes used during the Showa era Kamen Riders, but this is the one I could find cheapest." "Ah, I see. I wouldn't be surprised if you're going to Ishinomaki after this, do you know that's where the Kamen Rider Museum is?"

I gulped, the mere mention of that city brings both joy and sorrow; after hearing of it for the first time back in my universe, I always wanted of visit it. But that city is also one of the most severely hit during the tsunami. I remember seeing an image of the Kamen Rider Ichigo statue during the aftermath, it was intact, as if symbolizing the everlastingness of the Kamen Riders. Oh, better respond, "Y-yeah, always wanted to go there, just haven't found the time to do so. Until now, that is."

He nodded in agreement, I decided to change the subject, "So… the nuclear power plant in this city. I heard it's built near the coastline. Won't it be problematic if a tsunami hit it?"

…Fuck, of all the things that comes out of my mouth…

"Well, I wouldn't know about that, sir. But I'm sure they have planned everything to keep it safe."

…

"All done, sir!" After paying the fee, I put on my helmet and slot in the handle-key, "Wow! You even have it made just like in the show!" "I nodded at him, "Yeah, and it's also safer that way. Now if you would excuse me, I needed to go to Ishinomaki fast." The attendant raised an eyebrow, "You sure are in a rush to go there, sir. Not that it's my business or anything, but may I ask that you be careful on your way?"

I sighed, you have no idea, dude. No idea at all… "Don't worry, if a Kamen Rider can ride as fast as the wind safely, I'm sure I can too." I gave him a thumbs up. That satisfied him, which he returned the gesture. As he bid me farewell, I checked my watch.

14: 41

Fuck! Five minutes to go!

Avoiding traffic, I rode on out of the city and getting closer to Sendai. However, someone called. I stopped the bike near the edge of the road, and answered my newly bought cellphone… When did I buy this? Ah, never mind, "Hello?"

"Rasyid! Where are you know?" it was Asuka. "Just got out of Fukushima. Also, the nuke power plant there would get hit by the waves too, and there will be a meltdown. Look, don't tell me to go back, I'm minimizing the damage even if it cost me my life!"

"Then what about the Grongi?! You told me that you'll take care of them, but what happens if you died out there?! I have no doubt that the Pretty Cures could handle them, but didn't you told me before that Daguva is way out of their league? They may have cancelled the apocalypse multiple times, but if you're right about you being the only one who can stop him, what happens then if you're gone?"

"Then I'm sure the Cures could handle it." "You're saying that you're fine leaving us, is that it?! Just riding towards the sunset to become a martyr of sorts without even saying goodbye. How could you?!"

I…God damn it all.

I felt a small vibration, it is getting bigger… "Shit, it's happening! Asuka, get everyone to the shelters, I'll slow down the tsunami!" I hung up the phone and braced myself.

By the Stones, this is a powerful quake!

Yeah, according to Wikipedia, it's one of the most powerful in recorded history. Fuck, this is more terrifying than I thought!

First earthquake?

No, there was one that happened in Java few years ago before I got here. It was a minor tremor, but this… Shit, everything is shaking!

…

It stopped… I saw few people getting out of their cars to check on not just themselves, but others too. I don't have much time, the waves are coming soon!

"Everyone! Turn back, if this earthquake is as severe as it seems, the tsunami will be much worse!"

That got their attention. They immediately get into their vehicles and drive back the other way, telling others to go away. I, however…

After the coasts look clear, I summoned the Arcle, focusing myself, I transformed into Kuuga.

"HENSHIN!"

I opened my eyes, the red tint of the Mighty Form's visors were all I see before the spectrum turned back to normal. I activated a code for the Trychaser, its color changed too, from gray/black to gold/silver/red. Then, I cried out a word, "Come forth, Gouram!"

A few seconds later, the giant armored beetle Gouram appeared, it floated a few meters above me. "Yes, my master?" it said in Linto, I responded to it, "We have a tsunami to slow down. Can I count on your help?" "Of course, my master. I am created to serve you."

Rrgh… For some reason, I couldn't remember when and how I found Gouram, but right now, I have to slow that tsunami down!

As Gouram combined with the bike, forming into TryGouram, I broke through the road barrier and ride across the beachline. As I went on further, I managed to catch a glimpse of a sign that has the name Sendai on it. I have arrived.

I entered to an area, a harbor of sorts. I disembark on the TryGouram, "Gouram, go take the Trychaser to higher grounds; I do not want it to be swept away." "Yes, my master."

As it flew off with the bike, I began to focus myself yet again; this is it. No turning back.

…Any last words, Linto?

Huh… Honestly, I don't know what to say. Although, if there's one thing to regret, is that I never told Asuka how I really felt about her.

I see. Why didn't you took the chance, even that phone call was one.

Yeah… I'm such an idiot.

I could feel it coming… The waves are moving closer as we speak.

I know. Let's make it showy, huh?

Gouram had returned, after pulling out a pipe, I jumped onto it and commanded, "Alright, fly me towards the seas."

As we flew closer, I could see the waves… Damn, why am I thinking of SimCity at a time like this? Bah, no matter. Now is the time!

"Cho-Henshin, Dragon!"

As I motioned my arms to change forms, the red tint faded, replaced with the color blue. My armor changed too, blue armor bright as the ocean, my shoulder armors turned black. I swung the pipe around as it metamorphed into the Dragon Rod.

I felt a small jolt of electricity from the Arcle, it sparked allover my body until some parts of my armor turned gold. My plates from the back of my hands now has the Linto symbol of water on them. The Dragon Rod now possessed two blades for each sides. I have become the Rising Dragon Form.

Arhg, this headache! Why does this keeps happening… Wait, when did I achieve Rising form—

My train of thought was interrupted as the waves crashed even closer to the city. Without a second thought, I leaned the Gouram closer to the waves, I intend to freeze the waters and hopefully it would stop. I will not let this tragedy happen, no matter which version of Earth I am in, destiny be damned!

As I drew even closer, I jumped out and thrust the Rising Dragon Rod to the waves. But as the blade touched the tsunami, everything… stopped. It's like DIO using his The World right now, and I'm in it. Then, I saw mirage of faces; it was of the Pretty Cures!

From Max Heart to Heartcatch, the girls seemed… disapproving?

"You need to wake up, Rasyid."

As their Legion-like voice echoed through my head, the world came crashing; the skies cracked, as was the tsunami. I began to fell, but I felt no wind… Could it be?

1st of February, 2011

Time: 07:30 AM, Mishou Household

I opened my eyes, bird chirping their songs from the window.

"Ah, you're awake at last." Kazuya said as he entered the room, "Breakfast is ready, I suggest you wash up and come down."

I slowly rise up from my futon, the migraine disappearing… "My God… A dream?"

I tried to wake you, but it seems that the dream was something… unusual. Daguva did not attempt anything this time, but Linto…

I know, I know. Will I actually do it when the day comes? Honestly, I'm afraid, Riku. I have this power at my disposal, and I could beat all those Grongi when the moment arrives… But trying to minimize the damage the tsunami costs? What was I thinking?

I understand your concerns, Rasyid. But even the most powerful warrior in the world could not stop a cyclone. He would be swept away like leaves in a breeze. There are things that you can neither control nor prevent.

…

You know you must tell them about this, don't you?

N-not right now… I will, but not now. But even if I want to, what good would that do? I can't just tell Saki and Mai to call the other Cures, fly off to Sendai and stop a tsunami! Fighting evil is one thing, but nature is a whole 'nother level.

Then maybe you shouldn't tell them, if you are this concerned. Not to mention what will their reaction is. Will they be able to stop it even if you told them? As I remember, only a few of them can create a barrier and only one of them could control water and freeze them as of this timeline. Do you think they are enough to stop it?

…

And remember, they have families of their own. It would be suspicious for them go be gone for days, unknown to them, that the Cures were attempting to rescue the survivors. Which reminds me, what do you think will happen when they found a dead person? I doubt they are ready to see such things…

…Fuck.

"Rasyid-san, are you alright?"

A sweet voiced broke through my melancholic state, Mai went down on her knees as she notices my distressed look, "Are you ill? Did you have a bad dream?"

I laughed, and with a sigh I answered her, "Honestly, Mai-chan… I'm not sure at all."

Resting a hand on one of my shoulders, she asked me, "Do you want talk about it?"

"… I suppose it's better than bottling it all up." I replied. And thus, I began to recount my dream, and told her of the Sendai earthquake in my universe, and what I did in the dream. She listened intently, of course, surprised at what I've seen in the dream, but she kept listening.

"So… What should I do? Honestly, I'm not sure if the even will happen in this universe, but if it did… what am I going to do? Should I even ask for you and the other Cures help for this? I'm really worried about this, Mai… I know this country has a history of being struck with earthquakes most of the time, but the Sendai one is… huge. Goddammit, what am I gonna do…"

Unexpectedly, she gave words of encouragement. "You know, we Pretty Cures are a lot stronger than you think, not just in physical strength, but that of heart. The first time me and Saki hung out with the others, we were ecstatic. We're not alone in fighting evil that plagues Japan. Each of us has experienced tragedies too, but even though it brought us down, we stood right back up, because the people need us. Heroes, I mean. They struggled in order to make the citizens safe from harm, and when calamity struck somewhere, and we weren't there to prevent it, the most we can do is to help them recover from their lost. Although, some were resentful that we weren't there to prevent it, and I felt sad that we couldn't prevent said catastrophe either. However, they are just angry and sad over the fact that something terrible has happened to them, although with the presence of the Pretty Cures, we are not goddesses. We cannot expect to stop every single bad thing that happens in our respective cities, let alone the world. Us Pretty Cures have talked about this last year, and we all agreed to help as many as we can. Does that help, Rasyid-san?"

…

Without a second thought, I hugged her. I felt something wet on my face, but I ignored it. "Thank you, Mai… really, thank you so much."

She returned the gesture, and said, "I'm always here if you need help, Rasyid-san. Not just me and my family, but the other Cures too."

A few seconds later, we let go of each other, I wiped my tears and stood up. "Alright… I'm fine now. Sorry if I made you miss breakfast, Mai-chan." She smiled and shook her head, "It's okay. I usually eat toasted bread, so it's a quick meal for me. Oh, mother made that Indonesian fried rice you wanted, I helped too!"

I felt a grin forming on my mouth, they actually made it! "Really? Then I better wash up, not to mention I should energize myself, too!"

You know, despite the upcoming events, I'm still worried. Thanks to Mai, though, I am somewhat at ease right now… Guess there's only one thing I can say in this kind of moments; the Stranger abides.

Hey all.

The next chapter after this will continue the last one, but this… this I special.

Surely you know the Sendai Earthquake way back in 3/11 2011 in Japan. Damn tragic. This is something I wanted to write as tribute to it. May they stay strong after all this time.

This story is canon, and happened a few hours before Asuka called SI-Me that they'll be meeting Tachibana later.

…Also, I've a question for future chapters. You know I MUST put the Sendai Earthquake event into the story, right? If I didn't do that it would be like making a story set in 2001 new York without 9/11 happening, and that's just bad, you know?

We can't just erase a bad thing that happened in our life. What happened, happened, and leaving it out would be a disservice to the victims. That's what I think, anyway.

So my question is… How should I tackle the Sendai earthquake for this story? Should SI-Me ride to Sendai and help out the victims, or should he not leave Midori City (Precure Splash Star's hometown, in case you forgot) at all when it happens?

Honestly, I want to keep this a secret, since it's a spoiler to what I had in mind, but for this story to continue perfectly, I must tell it.

See, I had Daguva planned to horde his thousand strong Grongi mooks near Sendai… Then the earthquake happen, killing all of them (maybe with a sole survivor?) and as Daguva got pissed, the other N-Group Grongi felt that his plan will no longer work, thus they decided to make their own… a Grongi Civil War, and the people of Japan got caught in the middle. Also, the earthquake is a perfect excuse for them to turn them towards despair even further.

… Should I, or should I not?

Well, that's it for now. I'm working on Chapter Seven as we speak, and you'll be introduced to the Tachibana Girls; new OCs, and part of the harem. Also, just because I said harem doesn't mean they will have a romantic relationship with SI-Me… Or maybe I'm just shitting you, don't know don't care, I ain't telling!

Until next time, Read, Review, and Rejoice!