Seeking Help

It began, as it did many nights, with a dream. Of evil hands going to sacred places and falling from the sky. Of being told she was worthless by her father. This dream may have been the worst, as her mother, Ragyo Kiryuin, was standing over a pile of corpses bathed in the light of her unholy rainbow. Dead bodies of every person she ever loved, including her sister. She held up one more person, her love, Mako, and grinned callously. "One more for the pile", Ragyo said, "La vie est drole, my dear daughter". Her smug grin disappears as bitter hands clasped around her throat, forced to look into eyes aflame with rage. Ragyo chuckles. "Yes, give into the feeling", she laughed cruelly, "Just like you did in my bed". Her laughter was cut off by a fist.

"OWEEE!", cried a voice. Ryuko Matoi awoke with a start to see Mako clutching her bleeding nose. Ryuko looked down to her shaking fist as realization hit her. "Oh God", she quivered. She threw off the covers to run...only for Mako to grab onto her. "It was an accident", she said gently. "That's not an excuse", said Ryuko, "I hit you, Mako. Don't you realize that?" "Don't care, I'm not letting you go until you calm down", said Mako. Ryuko's heavy breathing began to slow down after a few minutes, along with Mako loosening her grip. Ryuko slumped down into the bed as Mako wiped the dried blood away from her nose. She tried her best not to look Mako's way, doing all she could to hide her tears. Mako wasn't fooled in the slightest, and she moved to comfort her lover, brushing her hand through Ryuko's black hair. "I'll be alright, Ryuko", Mako said softly, "What about you?"

That question rang through Ryuko's head as she went for her morning walk. All was quiet in her part of Tokyo, as the sun had just begun to rise. There were no cars, no buses, no crowds of people; it was just her, all by herself, the way she liked it. She alone could enjoy the sight of the whole city bathed in reds, oranges, and pinks as white clouds flowed overhead. She looked over buildings under repair. Even a year after the Life Fiber Incursion, the city still showed the scars of the conflict. Satsuki might love this sight, but she's gone now. Ever since she found out about…

"Feeling troubled, kid?", a voiced asked. Ryuko turned to see her old teacher, Aikuro Mikisugi, a man with long, white hair, steely eyes, and a black trenchcoat. "I thought you and Kinagase were busy with Interpol", Ryuko sighed. "They've given us something better", said Mikisugi, "We're looking to recruit people into our new organization, HEAT, or Humanitarian Ecological Analysis Team". "Not interested", said Ryuko, looking to her shaking hand. "Have you and Satsuki talked?", asked Mikisugi. "Not since five months ago", said Ryuko, "Worse, I have to leave Mako". "What? Why?", asked Mikisugi. "Because the nightmares are getting worse", cried Ryuko, "Every night, it's always the same! Ragyo taunts and harasses me and I wind up getting Mako hurt! If this keeps up, I might...I might…" "OK, settle down", said Mikisugi as he handed Ryuko some tissues, "I know exactly how to fix your problem, but you won't like what I have to say". "I'll take anything if it means Mako is safe", Ryuko wept. "Have you considered seeing a specialist?", asked Mikisugi. "W...Why would I do that?", asked Ryuko. "Because you're not OK", said Mikisugi, "If it's talking about your personal life with strangers that's making you uncomfortable, Dr. Mankanshoku had a very good recommendation. An old family friend of his from med school". He handed Ryuko a business card. "In case you change your mind, be sure to visit his clinic", said Mikisugi, "Maybe then the nightmares will stop".

That was how Ryuko found herself checked in at the Webb Psychiatric Clinic, wearing an itchy white uniform for patients as she sat in on a group therapy session. "Good morning", said a bald man wearing a gray suit with a black tie, "My name is Dr. Yamashiro". "Like the motorcycle racer?", Ryuko asked. "That life is behind me", chuckled Dr. Yamashiro, "But yes, I was a motorcycle racer. Why don't you tell us about yourself, Miss..?" "Matoi, Ryuko Matoi", Ryuko said, "and I'm not quite sure you'll believe me". "That's what they all say", said one patient, a girl with blonde hair with pink highlights. "Miss Kitagawa is right", said Dr. Yamashiro, "This is meant to be a safe place for you, Miss Matoi. We promise to believe you no matter how crazy what you say sounds". Ryuko took a few deep breaths before she began her story.

"I guess it began at the end of the Life Fiber Incursion", she said, "I did the worst thing I've ever done, and it only gets heavier from there". "Well, what did you do?", asked a short girl with brown hair and a semi-permanent scowl. "I forgave my mother", said Ryuko. "Why is that so bad?", asked Dr. Yamashiro. "Because she was also my rapist", Ryuko said, cringing from giving out that piece of information. The other girls' expressions changed from indifference and boredom to shock, sickness, and ultimately sympathy. The short girl in particular looked nauseous upon hearing that, silently thanking Dr. Yamashiro for handing over a barf bag. "Like I said, heavy", said Ryuko, "After that, I had to watch her kill herself by crushing her own heart and my best friend die by fire. Was not a good day for me".

Dr. Yamashiro leaned forward, listening intently. "Then, my sister, Satsuki, found out I forgave her abuser and we sort of… blew up at each other", said Ryuko, "We haven't talked since". "And how long ago was that?", asked Dr. Yamashiro. "About… five months ago, so around January", said Ryuko. "H...How long was your sister abused?", asked the short girl nervously. "That's a little personal, Aisaka", Kitagawa said. "No, no, it's fine", said Ryuko, "She didn't like talking about it, but she mentioned during our falling out it had happened since she was five". Ryuko drank from a water bottle before continuing. "After that, the nightmares began", said Ryuko, "Even after I'm awake, I still feel her hands on me. The most recent one resulted in me hurting the love of my life, so I decided to come here. There's more to what I just said, but that's all I felt comfortable talking about. Sorry". "You need not apologize", said Dr. Yamashiro, "You should be proud. Not many people would be brave enough to talk about this sort of thing". The other girls murmured in agreement. "I know it must be uncomfortable to talk about your trauma in such a manner", said Dr. Yamashiro, "but I promise, by the end of our time together, you'll feel more alive than ever". Ryuko couldn't help but smile at this proclamation

Later that night, a sinister gathering was taking place at an old manufacturing plant. As Mikisugi and Inumuta, a young man with blue hair and glasses, looked at the facility from the safety of the observation deck of their yacht, the Heat-Seeker 2, they got a call from Dr. Yamashiro. "Well, did she have a good first day?", asked Inumuta. "I think she had a grand first day", said Dr. Yamashiro. "Any progress? She seemed distressed this morning", said Mikisugi. "I'm not at liberty to divulge patient information", said Dr. Yamashiro, "What about Satsuki? Is she taking to the extract?" "She's taking to it like a fish to water", said Inumuta,"We're observing her progress from the Heat-Seeker 2 as we speak". "I assume you've found REVOCS holdovers?", asked Dr. Yamashiro. "Yeah", said Mikisugi, "I almost feel bad for what's about to happen to them".

Inside the facility, REVOCS soldiers were loading boxes and crates onto black trucks when suddenly, a missile blew up two of them! "Shit, everyone! Man you stations!", cried one of the soldiers. Just then, out of the fire stepped a terrifying figure wearing a blue suit with red eye markings, a red spider symbol that looked like a skull, a short, webbed cape, and red blades that came out of her forearms. "Soldiers of REVOCS", the figure said, "The will you continue to enact is a fool's folly. Step away and live, or stay and face your destiny." The soldiers aimed their guns at her. "Very well", said the figure, "You were warned". Suddenly, she leaped forward, tossing several soldiers aside and slashing some others with the claws on her fingertips! "What the fuck are you?", a soldier asked in terror. "I am the Emissary from Hell, Spider-Woman!", the figure said.

Cue Song: 2099 Theme by Daniel Pemberton

She then tore out the soldier's throat with her claws, spraying blood everywhere! Then, she fired a web from the back of her wrist and pulled herself up to the catwalk, where more soldiers fired at her. Spider-Woman ran and dodged their bullets before slicing their guns with her arm blades! She threw three of them off the catwalk as one ran away from her! She crawled alongside him on the steel silos before leaping over and stabbing him with her claws, throwing the both of them off the catwalk and onto the concrete below! She then leaped out of the way of the other soldiers' bullets and fired webs at them, tying them to the ground! Just then, a soldier with a bazooka fired upon her, only for Spider-Woman to dodge the explosion and impale him with her arm blades!

Just then, out of the warehouse came a massive monster, bursting free of its steel confines! It had a humanoid torso with crab claws, an insect-like head with a splitting lower jaw, six crab legs, and reptilian skin that seemed to split apart in places, revealing the Life Fibers within. Spider-Woman pushed a button on her wrist and the Spider Machine GP-8, a glowing, orange motorcycle, flew over. She leapt into the air and landed on the Spider Machine GP-8. She then drove off and flew through the air as a giant robot emerged from the sea! It looked somewhat slender, with horns on its head, a translucent, purple face, long, thin arms, a thin torso and legs, steel, bat-like wings, and rail-guns on its left wrist. The Spider Machine GP-8 flew into a port on the robot's back and Spider-Woman strapped herself into the cockpit. "Deathlock, power up!", she said. The robot's red eyes began glowing as it stepped onto land.

The crab monster charged forward, only for Deathlock to punch it in the face! The robot then dodged the creature's acid spit before flicking its wrist. At once, the barrels for the rail-guns extended as Deathlock aimed at the crab monster. It fired, sending the beast back with massive explosions and blowing off two of its legs! Then, Deathlock activated the buzzsaw on its left arm and used it slice off one of the beast's claws before kicking it away! Then, Deathlock's arm blade emerged from its right wrist and stabbed the crab monster in its wounded shoulder! But then, the crab monster knocked the blade away and shoulder slammed Deathlock, knocking the robot back! Deathlock then ran forward and sliced the beast through the stomach! "Enough of this", said Spider-Woman, "Deathlock, Sword of Requiem!" At once, the robot reached behind its back and pulled out a giant katanna. Then, with all of its might, Deathlock threw the sword into the crab monster, blowing it up! Deathlock then looked down at the Heat-Seeker 2.

"Deathlock systems operating at full capacity", said Inumuta, "With any luck, it alone will be enough to stop the last remnants of REVOCS". "I doubt it", said Spider-Woman over the radio, "So long as we stand tall, REVOCS and all who wish to follow Ragyo's final command will attack us no matter what". "I hope their better prepared than these guys were", said Mikisugi, "The morning news will pick up on this for sure". "All the more reason we need the other robots finished", said Inumuta, "It will show REVOCS we mean business". Spider-Woman sighed contently, hoping to go home and enjoy some bitter tea when the private channel came on. "My protege, I must once again insist on sitting in during a session", said Dr. Yamashiro, "I need to be sure the extract isn't presenting the side-effects I was warned of by Interpol". "Save your worries, Doctor", said Spider-Woman, "I'm fine". "Then I won't impose any further", said Dr. Yamashiro, "Just let me know when you're ready to talk. I'll always listen". "Thank you, Takuya-sensei", said Spider-Woman as she removed her mask, revealing the worn face of Satsuki Kiryuin.

The next morning, as Ryuko went to get cereal in the cafe, the other patients were abuzz with excitement. "Check it out", said Kitagawa, "Spider-Woman struck again". Everyone scrambled over to the old TV to see news footage of Deathlock fighting and defeating the crab monster. "Incredible", said a tall girl with a spiky ponytail, as a shy girl with straight, black hair murmured in agreement. Ryuko looked on as the image of Deathlock posed with the katanna. She swore she had seen something like it before, but she couldn't place where. Just then, one of the orderlies approached her. "Matoi, you have some visitors", he said.

As soon as Ryuko walked into the visitors lounge, she found herself tackled by Mako, who ran over to hug. "Are you OK? Are they treating you well?", Mako asked, "If they aren't, I'll really…" "Mako, it's OK", Ryuko said, "I've only just started making progress". "Will you come back?", Mako asked. Ryuko didn't know how to answer that. "I…I'm not sure yet", she said. "Well, if you two would get off of the floor", said a voice. They both looked up to see the buff form of Gamagoori standing over them. "Good to see you again, Matoi", said Gamagoori. "Same here, big fella", said Ryuko. "I was coming to meet with the head doctor, but I thought I'd stop by and visit with you", said Gamagoori, "Mankanshoku insisted". Just then, the orderly came in. "He's ready for you, Mr. Gamagoori", he said. "I'll be back in a moment", said Gamagoori, "Stay safe".

Gamagoori walked into the head office with Dr. Yamashiro, who was finishing up some paperwork. Gamagoori looked around, taking in the sight of family photos, a framed PHD, a few framed newspaper headlines with photos of the old Spider-Man, and some letters, either from family members wishing goodwill or grateful patients expressing thanks for their treatment. "I suppose HEAT is interested to know if I'll come out of retirement?", asked Dr. Yamashiro. "No", said Gamagoori, "I merely came to voice my reservations about Lady Satsuki's involvement in HEAT affairs". "Oh, that", said Dr. Yamashiro, "You know as well as anybody I tried to dissuade her, but Miss Kiryuin is very persuasive nowadays". "So I see", said Gamagoori, "Still, I'm not entirely sure about your plans for her." "You're right to be weary, my friend", said Dr. Yamashiro, "But as I have told her many times, my door is always open if she needs it. She and I are also aware of the side-effects for the new Spider Extract". "And you still gave it to her?", asked Gamagoori. "I alone am not enough to save the world anymore", said Dr. Yamashiro, "That's why HEAT was formed by Interpol, to take the weight off. Should I see fit, however, I will return. That is my promise". "I just hope there isn't a threat that dire", said Gamagoori.

Elsewhere, at an underground facility in Tokyo, Rei Hoomaru, an African woman with purple hair and large aviator sunglasses, walked down a catwalk and passed by several tanks filled with semi-human forms and green liquid. "My lady", said a soldier below her, "The Spider-Woman has taken out another of our manufacturing plants and killed the monster guarding it". "So get another monster ready", said Hoomaru, "Lady Ragyo despises failure and so do I." The soldier bowed and went back upstairs as Hoomaru looked at the central tank. "We have such sights for you to see", she said as she placed a hand on the glass. A sickly hand then placed itself over the glass in front of her…

Stay Tuned…

Author's Note: Yes, Spider-Woman is piloting the 2017 Megazord, just with added bells and whistles. That should make up for me not using that design in Supaidaman vs the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. Oh, and HEAT is from Godzilla: the Series, though here, it's much bigger in scope.

You may have noticed some of the cameos sprinkled throughout this chapter, so here's a who's who and why they're there. First there's Taiga Aisaka from Toradora, who's there for anger management. Marin Kitagawa is there because she has dis-associative personality disorder. Momo Yaoyorozu is there for an eating disorder. Finally, Shouko Komi is there to learn how to communicate better.