Hey, everyone!
This is chapter 3 of Eyecon Hunters of DxD.
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"Speaking"
'Thinking'
*Sounds*
[Ghost Driver/Kamen Rider System]
"The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you"
- David Foster Wallace -
*Bam!*
The Darkside Darkling plummets to the ground, creating a significant uproar and momentarily shaking the vicinity. A vast crater forms where it falls.
As it starts to disintegrate, the creature emits a final cry, eventually vanishing from Kuoh Academy's grounds.
Kamen Riders Ghost and Specter exhale as this happens, with both brothers catching their breath after their fierce clash with the massive shadow beast, their adrenaline rush finally subsiding.
"We did it…" Specter whispers in relief, his muscles easing.
"Yeah. We did," Ghost affirms as he nods, taking pride in their accomplishment.
He then glances at his brother enthusiastically, one hand raised for a high five.
"C'mon, Nii-san! Give me a high five!"
An amused Specter snorts and smirks under his helmet as he returns the gesture.
"Fine. Good job."
*Clap!*
They then noticed the stares the students nearby were giving them, looking at them in awe and curiosity. While Ghost felt flustered with the attention they gathered, Specter was looking uncomfortable being in the spotlight.
But before the two Riders could take any action in response to this, they noticed a fleeting glimmer emanating from the depths of the crater, where the Darkside's body used to lay. It seemed as if it were beckoning them.
Intrigued, they opt to explore the source of the light. There, Ghost and Specter eventually discover a shard of some sort of black crystal at the crater's bottom.
"Wow, what's this?" The younger warrior wonders, grasping the shard and scrutinizing it.
A unique energy could be felt emanating from the luminous fragment.
"It seems the Darkling we defeated dropped this crystal shard. Or rather, this shard appears to be part of their remains," Specter observes as his brother hands him the black crystal for him to inspect as well.
"Maybe we can use this as material to craft something later on. You know, like Minecraft and those other RPG games," Ghost suggests.
"Sure, could be a nice idea. It's better than letting it fall into the wrong hands," Specter responds back, agreeing with him.
However, as they exit the crater, the two Riders find themselves surrounded by the students who witnessed their battle. The saviors were now being treated like celebrities by them.
"Oh my God, you guys are superheroes, right? That fight was insane!" A student asks them.
"Uh, yeah, that's us. Glad you, um, enjoyed the show?" A flustered Ghost replies, scratching his left cheek with a finger.
"What was that black crystal thing you guys found? Is it like a magic crystal?" A boy asks next.
"That's classified information. It's not something we can discuss openly." An annoyed Specter replies.
"You guys are so cool! Can you make a special move right now?!"
"Uh, well, it's not really the time or the place to—"
"Absolutely not."
Ghost tries to answer, but his brother cuts him off.
"How did you guys get your powers?"
"Well, we have had our share of, um, extraordinary experiences, but—" The younger Kamen Rider tries to say.
"Look, we're not here for a Q&A session. We have important matters to attend to." Specter quickly adds.
"Can I get a selfie with you both? My friends won't believe this!" A girl asks them, approaching the duo with a phone already in her hand.
"Uh, I guess a quick photo wouldn't hurt?" Ghost asks unsure, looking at his brother for confirmation.
"Fine, make it quick." Specter says, rolling his eyes under his mask.
Students hurriedly take selfies, chattering excitedly among themselves.
"Are we done here? We really need to go." The black and blue Kamen Rider insists.
"You guys are the best! Can't wait to see your next battle!"
"Uh, thanks? But we hope there won't be a 'next battle' anytime soon. We fight so you don't have to." Ghost kindly tells the students
"Let's go, Ghost. We've wasted enough time." The older masked warrior says to his companion.
Ghost and Specter swiftly make their exit, leaving behind a crowd of awestruck students.
However, Specter halts his steps upon sensing a familiar presence. He focuses in one direction and his eyes meet the figure of Hikari, who is watching him from a distance amidst the crowd that the Riders have drawn, situated in a quieter and more secluded area of the courtyard.
As their eyes lock, the two exchange a subtle communication.
'We need to talk later.'
Hikari catches the gesture, and her eyes sparkle with acknowledgment as she nods to him.
Satisfied, Specter resumes walking away.
Baffled, the Devils that were watching the fight that had just occurred, stared at the walking forms of the spiritual Kamen Riders.
"Wow…" Rias whispered in awe as the brothers faded from sight in the distance.
"Indeed…" Sona agreed.
"They took down that giant monster with little trouble in the end." Tsubaki commented.
"That takes courage and strength, for a human." Akeno added.
"Clearly, there's more to these masked men than we initially thought." Sona stated thoughtfully.
"Much more." Rias nodded in agreement.
"They are clearly very powerful as well." Tsubaki spoke up. "Their energy signature is at least on par with an untrained High-Class Devil." She estimated.
"Magicians?" Akeno asked contemplatively.
"No, I don't think so." Sona shook her head. "Either a Sacred Gear, or they aren't humans. Not completely anyway." She frowned in thought.
"Their aura doesn't give off anything that indicates either of those options." Rias argued.
"Hiding one's aura is child's play." Tsubaki returned. "They could very well be a pair of Strays."
"Have there been any reports of Devils gone Stray?" Akeno asked, getting a shake of the in response from Tsubaki.
"None that we've received." The Sitri [Queen] responded.
"Could he have been released from a Peerage?" Rias asked.
"Not impossible." Sona conceded. "But I don't see why someone would release such a powerful Servant." She narrowed her eyes in the direction the Kamen Riders were walking, mainly focusing on Specter.
"You seem quite interested in him." Rias observed, the faintest smile of amusement donning her lips.
The Sitri Heiress revealed:
"If the older one really is Kamui Yurei, then he seems to be remarkably intelligent and is somewhat skilled in the martial arts. I'd been considering offering him a spot in my Peerage for a little while." She explained.
"And now?" Akeno asked with a faint giggle.
Seems to her that Sona is quite taken with this individual.
Noticing the giggle, Sona rolled her eyes, prompting an amused smile from Rias, and, surprisingly, Tsubaki as well.
"Now I know that I most definitely want him in my Peerage." Sona decided.
"What of Saji Genshirou?" Tsubaki asked. Sona had been keeping tabs on him for some time as well.
He seems to have a faint aura similar to that of a dragon about him. They guessed it was a lesser Dragon-based Sacred Gear.
"Between the two, I think Kamui would be the better choice." Rias mused, earning a nod of agreement from Sona. "Even his brother Yusha if he really is the black and orange one."
Now they just needed official confirmation that both transfer students were those masked warriors before continuing with their plans to recruit them.
Reaching an isolated corner, both Ghost and Specter summon their personal Rider Machines with a snap of their fingers.
*Click!*
As if on autopilot, Machine Ghostriker and Machine Hoodie materialize on the scene after passing through Kuoh Academy's main entrance, astonishing many of the remaining students. The motorcycles then halt in front of their respective owners.
*Vrooom!* *Vrooom!*
After mounting their bikes and revving them up, the two Riders promptly leave the area.
'Let me try something.' Ghost thinks as he channels the [Ether] within his soul, a faint orange aura briefly enveloping him.
Making some hand gestures with one free hand while steering his bike with the other, the black and orange masked warrior manages to conjure an orange Gamma Hole before them.
The siblings ride through the mystical portal and vanish from everyone's sight. And shortly thereafter, the magical eye they used closes itself and disappears.
Eyecon Hunters of DxD
Eye 03: Fearful Chains, Liberating Truths
On the following day...
Yurei quietly walks into the classroom, subtly exchanging glances with Hikari as he takes his seat.
A momentary pause ensues between them until the young man opts to speak.
"What's up?" He greets her.
"Hey. How are you?" She inquires.
"Fine." He answers, feeling nonchalantly.
The girl is astonished by his seemingly high pain tolerance, convinced that any average individual would have perished instantly upon receiving a blow from the Darkside.
"So... When's the best time for us to talk?" Hikari whispers her question to him.
"Are you free later today, after class?" Yurei queries.
"I am," she confirms.
"Great."
Hikari quickly scans the room to ensure no one is eavesdropping on their dialogue.
"I didn't disclose anything to anyone about yesterday, alright? You can relax about your secret," She vows, trying to reassure him.
'Well, it's not like anyone would instantly believe what we discussed,' Yurei thinks sarcastically as he casts a skeptical gaze at her.
Having an idea of what the Rider is probably thinking, the yellow-eyed girl scowls at him.
"Seriously... I didn't say anything about yesterday, alright?"
"*Gasp!* Yesterday?"
The two of them turned to see Natsuha looking at them with a shocked expression on her face.
"Wh-What?" Hikari questions her best friend.
" Y-Yesterday...?" The orange-haired girl questions them, looking suspiciously. "Did you two do something else after the Clean Up Duty?"
Some of their classmates started to whisper amongst themselves once they heard that, starting to come up with their own theories.
Yurei fought the urge to facepalm at this.
Shock, on the cutout.
"W-Wait a minute! Don't get the wrong idea! Listen! We just met him yesterday, and there's absolutely nothing between us!" Hikari was frantically trying to salvage the situation from getting any weirder.
The last thing they needed was for weird rumors about them to start spreading across the school.
But thankfully for them, the majority of Kuoh Academy was more busy talking about the Darkling attack and how the Kamen Riders stepped in to deal with it. The only rumors circulating around were the theories that both Ghost and Specter were possibly students there.
Meanwhile, the four Devils present in the classroom simply wondered about the possibility that there was more to the situation than a simple talk.
'Kamui did seem to have a special interest in Kamijou-san ever since he showed up.' Sona notices, adjusting her glasses. 'Is it because she is one of his first friends here? No… Something tells me this isn't the case. What exactly have these two been discussing ever since yesterday?'
After school…
As classes came to an end, Yurei and Yusha were leaving Kuoh Academy's grounds. They would be waiting for Hikari at the main gate.
But as the duo reached their destination, distant yells echoed across the area.
Yurei tilted his head.
"What's that?"
Yusha squinted, trying to make out the chaos.
"Sounds like trouble. And I think I recognize that voice."
Suddenly, three boys sprinted around the corner, panic evident on their faces. Close on their heels was the formidable Kendo Club, their wooden swords swinging menacingly.
The first boy has shaved hair and an average build. He wears his Kuoh Academy uniform with an unbuttoned blazer. This is Matsuda.
The second one has short, slicked-back brown hair and glasses. He properly wears the academy's uniform. This is Motohama.
The last one is a high school student of average height with short spiky brown hair, two short locks of hair behind his head, and light brown eyes. His uniform differs in the fact that he wears a red T-shirt underneath his open dress shirt and blazer, and wears blue and white sneakers in place of dress shoes. This is Hyoudou Issei.
Together, these three boys made Kuoh Academy's Perverted Trio. They are a trio formed by the three most perverted students of Kuoh Academy who commit lecherous acts to the female students. The three have known each other for a long time and enrolled in the academy together in their first year due to the large number of girls in the school.
"Not again!" Matsuda yelled.
"I told you spying on their changing room was a bad idea!" Motohama panted.
"Hey! It was a team decision!" Issei retorted.
"You know them?" Yurei asked his brother as the older Kamui watched them with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, they are my classmates," Yusha explains, pointing a finger at Issei. "I sit next to that one."
"Ah."
They watched as the Perverted Trio skidded to a halt as they realized they'd run into a dead end. With the formidable Kendo Club advancing rapidly, panic surged through them.
Motohama, eyes darting around, noticed a small side exit. He nudged Matsuda, pointing discreetly. Without a word, the two exchanged a quick, knowing look.
Matsuda, feigning bravery, shouted.
"Issei! We'll hold them off! Run!"
But as Issei turned to assess the situation, Motohama and Matsuda bolted towards the exit, leaving a stunned Issei behind.
Their cries echoed back,
"Save yourself, buddy!"
Issei gaped, betrayed.
"Traitors!" he exclaimed, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
The Kendo Club, momentarily distracted by the unexpected turn of events, shared a collective laugh.
The captain smirked.
"Looks like your backup just bailed."
Issei, trying to muster some dignity, nervously replied with a small chuckle.
"Can you blame them? But hey, two less for you to chase, right?"
The school's courtyard was filled with a tense atmosphere.
Issei, realizing he had bitten off more than he could chew this time, stood back-to-back with the wall, looking for an escape but finding none.
"Hyoudou, how many times do we have to teach you this lesson?" A girl, Katase, asks as she steps forward, her voice dripping with controlled rage.
"Seems like every day you find new ways to test our patience." Another girl, Murayama, is twirling her shinai menacingly, as she chimed in,
Katase and Murayama are two members of the Kendo Club at Kuoh Academy, both of whom are in the same class as the Perverted Trio and Yusha. Known for their skills and dedication to the club, they also have a low tolerance for mischief – particularly the kind that Issei and his friends are notorious for.
Katase has shoulder-length pink hair and eyes, with a white headband on the top of her head with slicked-back hair.
Murayama has long brown hair, which is tied in a pair of twin-tails with red ribbons, and amber-colored eyes.
Issei, trying to defuse the situation with humor, replied with a nervous chuckle,
"What can I say? I'm an overachiever."
But this only seemed to infuriate the duo even more.
Katase took a deep breath,
"You've disrespected the Kendo Club for the last time, Hyoudou."
Murayama nodded in agreement, her grip tightening on her shinai,
"Prepare yourself."
Issei gulped, realizing that his usual charm might not save him this time.
As Issei braced himself for the impending retribution from Katase and Murayama, a sudden voice interrupted the tense atmosphere.
"Hey! What's going on here?"
It was Yusha, one of the transfer students, with his brother Yurei right beside him.
Yurei scanned the scene quickly, taking in Issei's disheveled appearance and the menacing stance of the Kendo Club girls.
"Looks like someone's caught in a tight spot," he commented dryly.
Yusha stepped forward, positioning himself between Issei and the girls.
"Come on, it's just the first week. How about we all cool down and give him a break? First impressions can be... tricky."
Murayama, still visibly irritated, replied,
"This isn't about first impressions. This is about respect."
Yurei nodded,
"Understood. But perhaps a less... physical approach might be more effective?"
Yusha, sensing the need to further ease the tension, added with a smirk.
"Besides, if you chase him around every day, he might just get in shape. And then where will the fun be?"
The comment drew a reluctant chuckle from some of the onlookers, lightening the mood just a bit.
Katase sighed, her stern demeanor softening ever so slightly.
"Fine. But this is your one pass, Hyoudou. Don't think you can hide behind the new guys every time."
The girls eventually leave, with only the three boys remaining there.
Issei, clearly relieved, shot the brothers a grateful look.
"Thanks, guys. Owe you one."
Yusha winked.
"Just remember this the next time you think about stirring up trouble."
And with that, a potential confrontation was diffused, thanks to the unexpected intervention of the two newcomers, showcasing their ability to handle tense situations with diplomacy and humor.
After the Kendo Club confrontation, Issei approaches Yusha and Yurei, feeling a need to express his gratitude. They then introduce themselves to each other.
"Thanks again, guys. I didn't expect anyone to step in, let alone the new students." Issei told them.
Yusha flashes a warm smile.
"Hyoudou Issei, right? No problem, dude! Can't let a classmate get into too much trouble in our first week here."
"Though watching it might've been entertaining," Yurei says with a smirk.
"Nii-san!"
"What? It's not like we know why exactly the girls were chasing him earlier, Yusha." The older Kamui replies with a shrug.
Issei, looking a bit sheepish at this, started:
"Okay, let me explain how the whole Kendo Club debacle began."
"I'm all ears." Yusha says, eyebrow raised in anticipation.
"This should be good." Yurei leaned back, smirking.
Issei began.
"So, Matsuda, Motohama, and I were just hanging out, and, well... you know the Kendo Club has some of the most skilled girls in the school, right?"
"Yeah, they're pretty impressive. Very disciplined." Yusha, nodding, replied,
The brunette continued.
"Well, Matsuda had this brilliant idea – or so we thought – to place bets on which girl had the cutest... let's say 'battle face.' You know, when they're really into their practice."
"That's a unique thing to bet on." Yurei laughed.
"Yeah, but to determine the winner of the bet, we needed to see their expressions up close. And, well... the best way to do that was to sneak into their practice room and... peek." Issei explained, grinning further.
Yusha facepalmed.
"Oh boy. And let me guess, you three thought you were stealthy enough to go unnoticed?"
"We might've borrowed some camo nets from the drama club to help with the stealth part." Issei sheepishly replied,
"Camo nets in a dojo? That's like a cat trying to hide behind a single blade of grass." Yurei, trying to stifle his laughter, responded.
Issei sighed.
"Anyway, we almost got away with it! But then Motohama's sneeze gave us away. And, well... you saw the aftermath."
"No wonder they were furious. But I have to ask, who won the bet?" Yusha chuckled.
"Honestly, after that chase, we forgot to even decide." Issei grinned.
"Sounds about right. Here's some advice, Issei. Next time you place a bet, maybe don't make it one that gets you chased by a club full of kendo experts." Yurei smirked.
"Duly noted." Issei laughed.
Through this revelation, Yusha and Yurei get a glimpse into the misadventures that Issei and his friends often find themselves in, further showcasing Issei's playful and often misguided nature.
"So, Yusha, what brings you to Kuoh Academy?" Issei asked the younger Kamui.
He originally thought his classmate would be an annoying bishonen guy like Kiba when he saw how the girls of their classroom swarmed him on his first day.
But that didn't seem to be the case anymore. There was something different about him. A feeling that he could get along with him.
"A fresh start, I guess. New place, new faces. And I've heard good things about the academy." Yusha replies vaguely, briefly looking above thoughtfully.
"Just steer clear of the Kendo Club, and you'll be fine." Issei, chuckling.
"Noted! Thanks for the heads up." Yusha laughs.
Issei then turns to face Yurei.
"So you're the guy from the rumors!"
Huh? What?
"What rumors?" A confused Yurei questions.
"Rumor has it that you're not interested in the school's popular girls. You know, the ones most of the guys are head over heels for?" Issei asks. "And there's how you pissed off a lot of people because of this."
Yurei sighs at this.
"Yes. Gremory and Himejima. I happen to be their new classmate." The older Kamen Rider answers him, explaining how he met said pair of girls.
"Dude, you serious!?" A shocked Issei questions him after hearing his side of the story.
"Ah, high school. A place where everyone has an opinion about your choices." The blue-eyed ravenette comments with a sardonic smile.
"So... is it true?" Issei, slightly taken aback by the calmness in Yurei's response, prodded.
Yurei looked contemplative for a moment, then responded.
"Here's the thing, Issei. I believe in forming connections based on genuine interests and shared values. Popularity, status – they're fleeting. It's the deeper connections that matter."
Yusha nods at his, reflecting on his brother's words as he admitted:
"You know, that's a fresh perspective. Most of us get so caught up in the school's social ladder that we forget what's truly important."
"I mean, it's okay to be attracted to someone popular. But just make sure it's for the right reasons." Yurei continues.
As Yurei's words hung in the air, Issei found himself deep in thought. The familiar hustle and bustle of the school faded into the background, replaced by a whirlwind of introspection.
"You know, I have this dream." Issei, looking a tad embarrassed but determined, said.
"Do tell." Yusha, intrigued, leaned in.
Taking a deep breath, the brunette blurted out:
"I want to become a Harem King!"
There was a moment of stunned silence before Yurei, eyebrow raised, asked:
"A... Harem King? As in, a ruler of a... group of women?"
Issei nodded vigorously.
"Exactly! I mean, who wouldn't want that? It's like the ultimate dream!"
Yusha burst into laughter, nearly falling over.
"Oh, Issei! That's... unexpectedly ambitious of you."
Yurei, smirking, added:
"And here I was, thinking you'd want to be student council president or something conventional. But Harem King? That's a title I've never heard before."
"Come on, it's not that weird! I mean, who doesn't want love and attention?" Issei, trying to defend his dream, argued.
"There's a difference between wanting love and wanting a whole harem, my friend." Yusha, wiping away a tear from laughing, replied.
"Maybe there's a 'Harem Management 101' class you can take. Or a 'How to Balance Multiple Relationships without Getting Slapped' seminar." Yurei quipped.
Issei, realizing his dream was a bit outlandish, chuckled.
"Alright, alright, maybe it's a bit much. But a guy can dream, right?"
Yusha, still grinning, patted Issei's back.
"Dream big, buddy. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll have a castle and a crown to go with that harem."
Yurei, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, added.
"And if you ever achieve that dream, send us an invite to the castle. We'd love a tour."
Issei, laughing along, replied.
"Deal! But remember, no entry into the harem quarters!"
Yusha just let out a soft chuckle.
"Well, you're being honest, which is something I really respect."
"Eh?" Issei looks surprised at the younger Kamui, blinking as he tries to process what I said. "Being honest...is something you respect? Is that really something of a big deal for you?"
The younger Kamen Rider shook his head.
"Nah, it's something I REALLY respect, Issei. For example, you see the people around us who talk shit behind someone's back? They can't be honest with themselves so they put on a mask like cowards. You, on the other hand, just spoke out what's on your mind and bore no faces which is something very commendable and brave."
Issei couldn't help but be touched by these words.
"Even if you're a pervert." Yurei adds with a smirk as he snorts.
Except the moment doesn't last long.
"H-Hey!" The brunette cries as the three of them share some more laughter amongst themselves.
However, the older Rider couldn't help but be partly bothered by what his brother said, making Yurei think about the confrontation he had with Hikari and how he wasn't entirely honest with the girl during his first day.
If he was honest, would she have been more cooperative?
As the Kamui brothers and the brunette boy eventually parted ways, Issei recalled their earlier interactions – Yusha's constant positivity, the way he always sought to diffuse tension and uplift those around him. It made him reminisce about simpler times before the complexity of adolescence and the desire for acceptance began to dominate daily life.
Yusha's words made Issei question his own perceptions of masculinity. He pondered over his dreams of becoming a Harem King, comparing it to Yusha's more grounded and empathetic approach to relationships. It dawned on him that there were multiple ways to be a 'man' and that perhaps he had been too narrow in his own understanding.
As for Yurei-senpai, Issei's mind wandered to times when he too was the subject of school gossip – from his over-the-top ambitions to become a Harem King to the countless misadventures with the Kendo Club. He remembered the sting of embarrassment and the weight of whispers behind his back.
A newfound empathy for Yurei emerged. Here was someone trying to make a fresh start, yet being pulled into the drama of exaggerated tales. Issei's heart ached slightly, realizing the toll such rumors could take, especially on a newcomer.
Yusha, Yurei, and Hikari opt to have their discussion at a fast-food joint near Kuoh Academy.
As they settle in, the elder Rider introduces his brother to his classmate and vice versa. Yurei also discloses to the girl that his brother is Kamen Rider Ghost, sensing she would eventually make the obvious link sooner or later.
Well, no point in maintaining feigned ignorance then.
"So, Kamui…" Hikari initiates.
Both Yusha and Yurei turn to her.
Ah, right…
"Listen, Senpai. How about just calling us by our first names? It's the best way to avoid confusion," Yusha suggests.
"Fine, agreed," Hikari assents, pausing to ponder something. "In that case, call me by my name as well. I guess it's fair given the circumstances."
"Sure, fine by me."
The trio then commence conversing among themselves, with Yurei being the discussion's focal point as he elucidates to his companions about the tense dialogue he had with his classmate before battling the Darklings that appeared at the academy.
Since the eatery was bustling at this time, the trio weren't overly concerned about the risk of someone eavesdropping on their chat. There was a lot of noise there as many people were talking amongst themselves, allowing the trio to mask their talk.
However, someone was indeed covertly observing them.
A few tables behind the trio's spot, Koneko is munching a burger while subtly focusing on the group of humans.
She had been commanded by her [King] Rias to keep tabs on the Kamui brothers and officially confirm whether they were the mysterious masked warriors or not.
But she was unable to hear what they were talking about from her spot due to how noisy the place was. This wouldn't work unless she sat conspicuously close, which she didn't do in this instance to avoid exposing her true identity. For now, the white kitty is just tailing the humans.
"I see... So that's what transpired between you two,"
Yusha remarks as his brother concludes detailing the events he had with Hikari.
Both he and Yurei shift their gaze to the girl, now awaiting her next move.
"What do you really plan to do with the Eyecons?" Hikari inquires, displaying Himiko's pink Eyecon. "I know it's not solely to fight those monsters from earlier, right?"
Yurei exhales in frustration over this matter.
"You're aware I can't disclose that, Kami—Hikari." He dryly responds, quickly correcting his slip.
"You can't? Or you won't?" She presses.
"It's not that simple, and you're aware of it," Yurei retorts. "As I said before, you'd put your life in danger if you knew the truth. It's better if you don't know. Believe me."
"Why? Because you think I can't handle it? Or because you don't trust me enough to share the truth?" Hikari asks, raising an eyebrow.
"It's not about trust or your capability. It's about keeping you safe. The less you know, the better."
"Safe? Living in ignorance is not safety. It's just a bubble. And one day, when that bubble bursts, and I'm not prepared, that's when real danger strikes."
"I've seen things... fought battles that you can't even imagine. I've lost people, friends... because they got too close to the truth. I don't want that for you." Yurei suddenly speaks softly, briefly grimacing as he looks dejected for a moment.
'Nii-san…' Yusha looks at him in concern, having an idea of what his brother is probably thinking.
Probably some bad memories from his time as a police officer that still haunt him to this day.
"But living in ignorance is not living at all. You're just existing, waiting for the unknown to hit you when you least expect it. Knowledge is power. With the truth, I can make informed decisions, be prepared, and perhaps even help in some way." Hikari said softly as she looked away for a moment.
"I became a vigilante… A Kamen Rider, to protect people like you. If something were to happen to you because of the choices I've made... I couldn't live with that guilt." Yurei tries to explain, clenching his fists in frustration.
"And I appreciate what you do. But withholding the truth isn't protecting me. It's holding me back. I'd rather face the world with all its darkness and challenges than be kept in the dark."
"It's not that simple. There are things at play here, forces that neither of us can control."
"Then teach me, Yurei! Let me understand those forces. I'm not asking to be on the front lines with you. I just want to know the truth, so I can be aware and vigilant."
"I... I just want you to be safe, Hikari. That's all I've ever wanted."
"And I want that too. But safety doesn't come from ignorance. It comes from understanding, preparation, and awareness. Please, trust me enough to share the truth."
"...I need time to think. This isn't a decision I can make lightly."
"And I can respect that. But remember, trust is a two-way street. If you want me to trust you, you need to trust me with the truth."
"Hold on, both of you. Let's take a breath here." Yusha finally intervenes, trying to diffuse the tense mood between them.
"This doesn't concern you." Yurei replies, looking sharply at him.
Yusha frowns back at his brother.
"Actually, it does. I've been where she is now, wanting to know the truth, and I've been where you are, trying to protect someone. Remember?"
The older Rider winced at that.
"That was different, Yusha."
"Why? Because he's your brother and I'm just someone you're trying to "protect"?" Hikari questions sarcastically.
Yusha sighs before turning to his brother.
"No, it's because I've seen both sides of the coin. Nii-san, remember when we were kids and you'd hide things from me, thinking you were keeping me safe from the bullies? But when I finally learned the truth, we always became stronger together."
"But you got hurt because of that." Yurei reminds him.
"And I also saved your life multiple times from those assholes, didn't I? All because I was informed. Knowledge doesn't just put us in danger; it gives us tools to face that danger."
"Exactly my point." Hikari agrees with him.
"But, Hikari-san, you also need to understand where my brother is coming from. The weight of responsibility he carries, the fear of losing someone close because they got too involved... It's suffocating."
"I get that, but—"
He cut her off with a gesture from his hand.
"Let me finish." Yusha tells her before turning to his brother. "Nii-san, you can't protect everyone from everything. And sometimes, shielding someone from the truth causes more harm than good. Hikari-san is smart and she clearly cares about you(I don't know why though). She at least deserves the truth, not for her sake alone but for yours too."
"It's just hard... I've seen so much, and I don't want her to bear that burden." Yurei says, looking away in shame. "I don't want to scare her with the shit we're dealing with."
This got a confused reaction from said girl.
'Just what exactly have you seen, Yurei?' She wonders.
"And she might not have to, Nii-san. But knowing, and understanding, might help both of you find a balance. You don't have to face everything alone, and Hikari-san doesn't have to be in the dark." Yusha tells his brother.
"That's all I want, to understand and be there for him." Hikari says softly as she looks at her savior with a sad look on her face.
She suddenly remembers the strange dreams she had about him as Specter, which makes her look at the blue-eyed boy's form with pity.
"So, Nii-san, think about it. Sometimes sharing the weight, the truth, can make the load a little lighter." Yusha tells Yurei before focusing on Hikari. "And Hikari-san, remember, with knowledge comes responsibility. Be ready for it."
"I'll think about it." The older Rider promises.
"And I'll respect whatever you decide. But know that I'm here, ready for the truth, whenever you are." The ravenette girl says next.
Before Yurei could finally divulge more to Hikari, Himiko's Eyecon began to radiate intensely, emitting a pink aura.
'What's going on!?' Hikari stares in astonishment as the mystical item is suddenly absorbed by her, merging with her soul.
The Kamui brothers are also taken aback, albeit for a different reason.
"Himiko's Eyecon has possessed her." Yusha states.
"But why now?" Yurei wonders.
However, instead of Hikari's eyes turning blue like those of others who have been taken over by Heroic Eyecons, the young girl's yellow eyes turn pink.
"Hey, are you alright, Hikari?" Yurei asks his classmate, evident concern coloring his tone.
"I... I'm having visions..." The girl speaks as she tries to focus, her eyes blinking intermittently. "Is this... the future?"
"Himiko's Eyecon has such a power. It allows people to glimpse the future," Yusha recalls.
The girl then suddenly exhales as the process abruptly comes to an end, her eyes revert to normal as Himiko's pink Eyecon separates from her body.
Hikari now wears an expression of sheer terror on her face, further alarming the Riders.
"What did you see, Hikari-san?" Yusha cautiously inquires.
"Natsuha... She... And others... They're all in danger!" She blurts out in desperation, startling the brothers.
"What do you mean?" Yurei asks.
"Who?" Yusha queries.
"Our classmate, and she's also Hikari's best friend," Yurei clarifies for him.
Hikari grabs her phone and attempts to call her friend.
But to no avail...
Each call ends up in the voicemail.
Hikari starts to hyperventilate, fearing the worst.
"Hikari, deep breaths. Calm down. Try to remember what you saw." Yurei advises her.
"But, you don't understand! Natsuha, she's... she's in trouble!" The girl cries in fear.
"We believe you. Just take a deep breath and try to explain to us what you saw. The clearer you are, the better chance we have of helping them." Yusha assures her.
Hikari closed her eyes, attempting to control her breathing. With every exhale, her frantic demeanor softened a bit.
"I saw... I saw a warehouse. There's a neon sign outside, something about automotive parts. Inside, Natsuha was trapped within some kind of cocoon, and there were others, students from the Academy and ordinary people, tied up as well. There was some sort of spider monster there. Ready to devour all of them."
Yusha nods at the details.
"Alright, good. That's a start. Did you see any landmarks around the warehouse, or anything that might indicate where it is?" He asks her.
'A Darkling perhaps...? Or something else entirely different?' Yurei wonders in concern, pondering what kind of fiend they will face.
"I remember hearing the sound of water, like it's near a harbor or a dock. There was also a railway track nearby. I could hear the distant sound of a train." The yellow-eyed girl continues.
"That narrows it down. There are only two docks in the city with nearby railway lines." Yurei notes.
"Hikari-san, was there anything else? Anything specific inside the warehouse?" The younger Kamui asks.
"There was a large logo on the wall, a wrench combined with a gear. And... and there were men, they were talking about a shipment arriving at midnight."
"The logo and the shipment detail could be crucial. We need to check both docks and look for this automotive warehouse." Yurei says, narrowing his eyes in deep thought.
"Don't worry, Hikari-san. We'll find your friend and the others. Just stay here and stay safe. We'll handle the rest." Yusha promises her.
"We need to act fast. Let's gear up and—"
"I'm coming with you."
Yurei tries to say, but Hikari cuts him off.
Yusha frowned at the notion.
"That's not a good idea. It's too dangerous."
"I can't just sit here. Natsuha's my best friend. And... and maybe I can help. What if I get more visions or can sense something when we're closer?" The black-haired girl argues.
"It's risky, Hikari. These visions, while they can be a boon, they also expose you." Yurei warns her.
But her determination was palpable.
"I need to do this. For Natsuha. I promise I'll stay out of the way."
Yusha exchanged a glance with his brother, his expression torn between concern and understanding.
"Alright, but you stick close. And the moment things seem too dangerous, you get out, understood?"
Hikari nodded, a tearful smile forming,
"Thank you."
"Let's move. Time is of the essence." Yurei reminds them.
Knowing how accurate Himiko's Eyecon's ability to see the future is, the trio had to hurry if they wished to save the people in danger.
With newfound resolve, the trio set off, ready to face the dangers ahead and rescue Natsuha and the others.
All the while unaware that a certain white kitty was following after them…
Nighttime...
The humans eventually locate the place in question through a swift process of elimination and concise deductions.
*Vroooom!*
Machine Ghostriker and Machine Hoodie halt in front of an abandoned warehouse, matching all the clues Hikari had described to the brothers.
Speaking of them, both are already transformed into Kamen Riders, geared up for battle.
"Is this the location, Hikari?" Specter queries her.
"Yes! I'm certain this is the place that appeared in my vision," the girl confirms.
The two third-years had arrived together, with Hikari as the pillion on Specter's bike, gripping his waist. Little did she know that the black and blue Rider was secretly flushed by this gesture.
Without further ado, the trio silently enters the building through the front door.
"Be cautious, we're unaware of what lurks here," Ghost warns his companions.
While the younger Rider is already armed with his Gan Gun Saber and his elder sibling with the Gan Gun Hand, they lend over the Ghost Gadget Kumo Lantern to Hikari, explaining to her how to use it.
Given the area's darkness, Hikari employs the Kumo Lantern to light her path. But Ghost and Specter need not fret over the gloomy surroundings, as their helmets are equipped with night vision capabilities.
They don't need to search long before discovering various cocoons at the warehouse's center.
"Look!" Ghost alerts the others as they approach the cocoons.
*Slash!*
He slices open one of the cocoons to reveal Natsuha, who is unconscious.
"Ugh..." The orange-haired high school girl moans softly, her expression being one of someone enduring a nightmare.
"Natsuha!" Hikari proceeds to check her best friend's condition, verifying her pulse.
Fortunately, she's merely unconscious and not in life-threatening danger.
The trio exhales in relief upon realizing this.
*Riiiiip!*
Specter opens one of the other cocoons, encountering the familiar form of Katase.
'Well, well, look what we have here,' He thinks as he gently extricates her body from the web cocoon.
"Ugh..."
Unlike Natsuha, the Kendo Club girl is still conscious. She slowly opens her eyes to find a masked individual looking back at her.
"Who... are you?" She weakly inquires, feeling sick.
"Don't worry, I'm here to assist," Specter assures her. "We came to rescue you and the others."
Upon hearing these words, Katase felt immensely grateful, hardly believing that aid had truly arrived. It's as if she had finally awakened from a prolonged nightmare.
"Thank you..." She expresses gratitude as tears stream down her face.
'Jeez... What did she witness to be this frightened?' Specter wonders.
"Can you tell us who did this to you?" Ghost gently questions her.
But before Katase can respond, something large suddenly crashes from the warehouse ceiling with considerable force, creating a loud noise and stirring up a dust cloud.
*Bam!*
"Ah! Oh my God, what was that!?" Hikari exclaims in terror, sensing that a malevolent presence has emerged.
"Oi, quick! Hikari, get behind us!" Specter instructs her.
She promptly obeys the command as the Riders position themselves between the captives and whatever has appeared before them.
As the dust settles, they now find themselves face-to-face with a monstrosity...
"What the fuck...?" Specter mutters.
The being has the upper body of a woman but with a twisted visage. Her eyes are a blood-curdling crimson, and her mouth sports unnaturally elongated fangs capable of injecting venom. Her skin has a deathly pallor, contrasting sharply with her dark, tangled hair. Instead of human legs, the being has the abdomen and eight spindly legs of a giant spider.
The abdomen is dark and covered with coarse hair, with spinnerets that produce demonic webs imbued with some sort of dark magic. Her human arms end in sharp, claw-like fingers, perfect for capturing prey or casting spells. Lastly, she is massive, the size of a small vehicle, making her an imposing sight to behold.
"This sensation... I don't know what you are... But you're definitely not a Darkling..." Ghost comments warily as he eyes the monster.
"Ah, more uninvited guests? You're just in time for dinner." The being says with a creepy and distorted female voice, giving them a dark smile.
"You might want to reconsider your dining choices. Humans are off the menu tonight, my lady." Specter mockingly tells her.
"Oh, how do you plan to stop me? I'm very famished, and you all look quite tasty."
"We're here to serve you a full course of beating, so you might want to reconsider your menu." Ghost replies in tandem. "Main course: beating the crap out of you to make sure you never feast on humans again."
"Hope you've got room for that; it's a large serving." Specter adds.
"You boys always talk big. Let's see if you can back it up." The monster challenges them.
The atmosphere becomes increasingly tense. Both sides prepare for the inevitable confrontation, with the Kamen Riders especially determined to deliver on their promise of handing the monster a comprehensive defeat.
But as the heroes advance further into the monster's lair, they stumble upon a gruesome sight that chills them to their core. Upon closer look, scattered across the floor are bones—human bones—interspersed with tattered pieces of clothing and personal belongings. Some areas even have partially devoured bodies, their faces twisted in expressions of agony and fear.
"Oh no...this is...this is horrific." Ghost comments.
"Damn. We're too late for these guys." His brother says, equally disturbed.
It was one thing to see people die on Television during movies and series.
In the end, they were all actors. They were perfectly fine once the filming was done.
But this?
This is real life…
"I can't believe it...this monster...it actually ate them." Hikari, hand on her mouth, says as she also notices the remains of the victims.
At her side, Katase wanted to cry at the dreadful sight.
In a way, it was comforting to know that she, Natsuha and all the others they rescued wouldn't be food for this fiend.
The atmosphere turns heavy, each Rider grappling with a mixture of anger, guilt, and revulsion. The sight serves as a sobering reminder of what they are fighting against, and what could happen if they fail.
"We can't let this continue. We have to stop this monster here and now, for their sake and for anyone else it might target." Specter says as he turns to Ghost. "Are you okay, Yusha? Can you help me kill it?"
"Yeah, you're right. It's beyond redemption. This thing needs to be put down, once and for all." The younger brother says in agreement, steeling his resolve. "Let's make sure it never hurts anyone ever again."
Their faces harden with resolve as they proceed, the horrific tableau behind them fueling their determination to bring the monster to justice.
With a battle cry, Ghost lunges forward, his feet propelling him with impressive speed. He launches a series of fast punches and kicks, employing techniques like front kicks and reverse punches. Each strike is aimed with precision, targeting the enemy's vulnerable points.
The creature moves surprisingly fast for her size, her spider legs allowing her to skitter sideways and evade most of Ghost's attacks. With a malevolent hiss, she counterattacks, launching several of her spider legs like spears toward Ghost.
As if on cue, Specter bursts into action. His body drops to the floor, and he spins in a rapid windmill, his legs extended. The centrifugal force generated by his spinning deflects the monster's spear-like legs, creating an opening.
[Gan Gun Hand!]
*Slash!*
With a swift, elegant swipe of his Gan Gun Hand, he lands a precise cut across its back.
"Ah! Why you…!" The monster cries as she glares at the older Rider.
When the creature recovers and launches a barrage of energy projectiles, Specter uses his weapon to deflect them with pinpoint accuracy, showing off his exceptional skills and the Gan Gun Hand's capabilities.
The fiend, sensing the momentum shift against her, decides it's time to escalate. Her eyes glow a deep, unsettling red as she reveals new layers of her dark powers.
She first fires a volley of webbing that not only sticks but also releases a corrosive toxin on contact.
The Riders barely dodge some of them.
With a deafening screech, the monster disorients the Riders, messing with their sensory equipment and destabilizing their balance momentarily.
"Ah!" The brothers cry at this, briefly holding their heads in pain.
Ghost and Specter are caught off guard by these new abilities as the enemy uses the opportunity to strike back at them, using painful physical blows on them.
*Smack!* *Smack!* *Bam!* *Bam!*
Two girls find themselves in a relatively safe corner of the abandoned warehouse, peeking through a cracked opening that overlooks the intense battle before them. They were also watching over the cocoons with Natsuha and the remaining rescued people who had been captured by the monster, all of them still unconscious.
Hikari turns to Katase, her eyes still fixed on the unfolding battle.
"You're holding up okay? That was pretty intense back there."
"Yeah, I guess so. I can't believe this is happening. Are those guys... real superheroes or something?" Katase's voice quivers as she watches Ghost and Specter exchange blows with the monstrous woman-spider hybrid.
Hikari smiles, her eyes lighting up.
"Oh, they're real alright. That's Kamen Rider Ghost and Kamen Rider Specter. They fight to protect people from threats most don't even know exist."
"Wow, just like in the movies or comics, huh? But this is terrifyingly real. What is that thing they're fighting?" Katase's eyes widen as she watches the creature unleash a volley of toxic webbing.
"I honestly have no idea. They're really dangerous, but the Kamen Riders have dealt with them before." Hikari's voice lowers, tinged with concern as she sees both Riders take hits and fall back. "Though it looks like this one's giving them a hard time."
Katase grips the edge of her shirt nervously.
"Do you think they'll win? That monster seems really powerful."
Hikari watches as the Riders switch forms, adapting their tactics.
"They always find a way. They're not just strong; they're clever and resourceful. And they have something that monster doesn't."
"What's that?" Katase looks at Hikari, curiosity replacing some of her earlier fear.
"Heart. They fight to protect, not to destroy. That makes all the difference." Hikari's eyes meet Katase's, trying to instill a sense of hope.
As they both watch Ghost and Specter execute a coordinated attack, Katase's eyes brighten a little.
"You really believe in them, don't you?"
Hikari simply nods to her kouhai.
Both girls watch intently as the critical moment unfolds, their hopes and fears entangled with the flashing lights and resonating sounds of the intense battle below. And in that moment, despite the chaos and danger, a small bond forms between them—a shared experience, a touch of bravery, and a newfound belief in heroes.
Both riders decide to switch to new forms.
Ghost makes use of the green Robin Hood Eyecon while Specter pulls out the purple Nobunaga one.
*Click!*
[Eye! Kaigan! Robin Hood! (Arrow flying) Hello! Arrow! Mori-de aou! (Dramatic brass alongside arrows flying)]
This form bears the Persona Archer helmet with the Face Shoot Arrow faceplate.
This is Kamen Rider Ghost - Robin Hood Damashii.
While assuming Robin Damashii, a Kamen Rider dons the Verdant Hood adorned with the Clairvoyance Feather.
"Kyah!"
The Condor Denwa Ghost Gadget comes into view as it combines with Ghost's Gan Gun Saber, turning the weapon into its [Arrow Mode].
[Eye! Kaigan! Nobunaga! (Gunshot) Ware no ikizama! Okehazama! (Soldiers cheering)]
Accessed through the Nobunaga Ghost Eyecon, this form bears the Persona Warlord helmet with the Face Dual Arquebus faceplate.
This is Kamen Rider Specter - Nobunaga Damashii.
While assuming Nobunaga Damashii, a Kamen Rider dons the Heavenly Demon Hood adorned with the Hinawa Fire Head.
In this purple and gold form, Specter adjusts his Gan Gun Hand into its [Gun Mode].
Transformed into his Robin Hood Damashii, Ghost pulls back his bow, a green energy arrow forming. The essence of Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor, infuses the arrow with a radiant light.
"With the Eyecon of Robin Hood, I draw upon the spirit of justice! This arrow carries the weight of hope and freedom, and it will pierce through your darkness!" He declares to the monster.
He then unleashes a devastating volley of innumerable energy arrows upon its single target.
In his Nobunaga Damashii form, Specter raises his Gan Gun Hand, now transformed into a matchlock-style gun. The spirit of Oda Nobunaga, the unifier of Japan and a ruthless strategist, fills the weapon with a dark, pulsating energy.
"I embody the spirit of conquest! Your reign of terror ends here, under the indomitable will of a conqueror!" Specter tells the grotesque creature.
Specter fires, and a concentrated burst of dark energy erupts from the weapon, expanding as it moves closer to its target.
"Ah!"
The spider monster tries to summon some sort of magic circle barrier in order to protect herself. But it proves to be futile as the Kamen Riders' attack easily breaks her defenses, shattering the magic circle into pieces.
"What!?"
*Bam!* *Bam!* *Smack!* *Smack!*
The arrows and the energy shot hit the entity's body hard, hurting it deeply. The wounds are visible all over her body. There are holes in its arms and legs as blood gushes from the openings.
Some of the arrows got stuck in the spider monster's body, most of them piercing her abdomen.
It was impossible for her to move now with these wounds.
"Damn you...!" She cursed the humans while coughing up blood from her mouth.
"Let's put an end to this." Specter says to Ghost.
"Right!" His brother agrees.
The duo prepares to unleash their Special Finishers.
[Dai Kaigan! Robin Hood!]
[Dai Kaigan! Nobunaga!]
"Sherwood's Arrow!"
[Omega Drive!]
Ghost creates duplicates of himself and uses the Gan Gun Saber in Arrow Mode to fire arrows at the target. While in Robin Hood Damashii, he releases powerful arrows of light that seek out their target unerringly, representing Robin Hood's quest for justice and fairness.
"Nobunaga's Decree!"
[Omega Spark!]
*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!*
With the Gan Gun Hand in Gun Mode, Specter creates two temporary rows of copies of his weapon to target and fire a barrage of shots at the enemy alongside the original, with the copies vanishing after they've fired off a single shot.
Drawing upon the full power of the Nobunaga Eyecon, the Kamen Rider unleashes a concentrated burst of energy that decimates everything in its path, symbolizing Nobunaga's ambition to conquer and unify.
"No! Stop!"
Both attacks collide with the spider monster almost simultaneously, creating a blinding explosion of light and energy. She lets out a final, agonized screech as the combined force disintegrates her form, cleansing the dark energy that sustained her.
The atmosphere in the abandoned warehouse has dramatically shifted from one of palpable tension to a more subdued sense of relief and gratitude. Kamen Rider Ghost and Kamen Rider Specter revert back to their human forms, their Eyecons dimming as they stow away their transformation belts.
Hikari had already called for an ambulance, to take care of the cocoon victims, and the police via her mobile phone. However, the trio would be far removed from the scene by the time authorities finally arrived at the abandoned warehouse.
The girl with black hair and yellow eyes breathed a sigh of relief, contemplating her best friend's well-being. With luck, Natsuha will retain no memory of her abduction by the spider-woman monster and, at worst, will dismiss it all as a silly nightmare.
But the situation is different for Katase; she is likely to experience some form of emotional distress later from tonight's events.
Speaking of the pinkette, she walks up to the Kamui brothers with some help from Hikari, suddenly coming to a pause as she gets a clearer look at their faces. Her eyes widened in recognition.
"Wait a minute, you two... you're the new transfer students, aren't you? The Kamui brothers?"
Caught a bit off-guard, Yusha smiles awkwardly as they all remember the earlier commotion with Issei.
"Yes, that's us. Our cover might not be award-winning, but it serves its purpose." Yusha says first.
"Helping others comes first. Our identities are secondary. But we're glad you're safe, and that's what matters." Yurei tells Katase.
Hikari couldn't help but smile at these words, nodding in approval.
"I can't believe it... the new kids at school are actual heroes. But… Thank you. Thank you for saving us," Katase says, her voice tinged with awe and gratitude.
"As I said before, you don't need to thank us. Protecting people is what we do," Yusha replies, his tone sincere.
As Yusha and Yurei prepare to leave, they share another glance, this one tinged with a more explicit understanding.
'Even if she tells people, who would believe that the new transfer students are supernatural heroes fighting interdimensional monsters? Besides, something tells me she can be trusted to keep our secret.' Yusha thinks.
'I hope you're right.' Yurei gives him a look.
Katase steps closer, her eyes meeting theirs in a moment filled with a blend of awe, gratitude, and understanding.
"Before you go, I want you both to know that your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone about your true identities. You saved us, and the least I can do is respect your privacy."
This surprises the Kamui brothers.
Yusha smiles, touched by Katase's words and sensing the sincerity behind them.
"Thank you, Katase. That means a lot to us. Keeping our identities a secret is crucial for our mission, and we appreciate your understanding."
He got her name from Issei.
Yurei nods, his usually stoic demeanor softening for a moment.
"Your promise adds an extra layer of security for us. It's not just about keeping us safe, but also about ensuring we can continue to protect people effectively."
Katase looks back at them, her eyes filled with newfound resolve.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. I can't even begin to comprehend the dangers you both face, but if keeping quiet about who you are helps, then consider it done."
Both Riders nod, silently acknowledging the weight of Katase's promise. It's a small but significant moment of trust, a subtle but meaningful strengthening of the invisible bond that now links them.
As they prepare to leave, Yurei spots something unusual amidst the debris and remains of the enemy they defeated— a mysterious, intricately carved chess piece.
It was a pawn piece, to be more specific.
It appeared to be crafted from some sort of magical crystal. Unlike Darkside's gem, however, this piece was purple.
He picks it up and examines it closely.
"What did you find, Nii-san?" Yusha asks him, intrigued by the object.
"I'm not sure, but it's definitely not ordinary. I sense a different kind of energy, unlike the Darklings, coming off from this thing. We'll need to investigate," Yurei answers, stowing the chess piece carefully.
"Is that another dangerous thing? Like that monster?" Hikari inquires, curiosity mingling with her lingering concerns.
"We don't know yet, but we'll find out. For now, let's just focus on getting out of here." The older Rider says.
The Kamui brothers and Hikari then make their exit, leaving Katase and the other captives to be tended by the emergency services once they arrive there.
As the trio steps into the night, the mysterious chess piece weighs on their minds—a tangible reminder that their trials are far from over.
As for Katase, the line between her everyday life and the world of heroes has been forever blurred, adding another layer of complexity to her high school experience.
And none of them had been aware of a hidden Koneko witnessing the whole thing, confirming the suspicions about the Kamen Riders' identities.
'I have to report this to Buchou!'
Eyecon List
Yusha(Kamen Rider Ghost): Ore, Musashi, Robin Hood, Newton, Billy the Kid, Beethoven, Benkei
Yurei(Kamen Rider Specter): Specter, Edison, Tutankhamun, Nobunaga, Houdini
Hikari: Himiko
The Closing Screen of this chapter shows the Robin Hood and Nobunaga Ghost Eyecons together, with the logos of Kamen Riders Ghost and Specter behind each of them respectively.
Eyecon Hunters of DxD
Eye 03: Fearful Chains, Liberating Truths
- End -
Author Notes:
Thank you for reading!
If you guys have any ideas or suggestions that I could use for this story, you're free/welcome to share!
If possible, I would like all guest reviewers to identify themselves since this will make it easier for me to reply and for you all to check what I typed in response for each of you.
And please, stop asking me about updating my other stories in the Review Section!
Request Corner!
[No requests at the moment.]
Review Time!
Toa Solaric: Thanks for the warning! I will that detail and try to avoid doing that again.
The confrontation serves as a key pivot point in the narrative, pushing both the plot and characters into new directions that wouldn't be possible otherwise. Removing or altering this moment would essentially mean altering the story's entire trajectory, as it is this conflict that propels the characters toward the finale and the resolution of their respective arcs.
It might not have been an easy or comfortable moment to read, but it was a necessary one for the overall structure and development of the plot. The tensions and stakes in the story culminate in that confrontation, making it a critical moment that sets the stage for the unfolding events.
Of course, storytelling is a subjective experience, and what resonates with one reader might not resonate with another. I appreciate your point of view and will certainly keep it in mind for future projects.
Guest DCDGojira: Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the story! I will try to take some of your observations and suggestions into consideration as the story progresses.
#2nd review: No idea yet about who I am going to pair Yusha with. I won't answer the other questions in order to avoid giving some of the obvious spoilers.
curlyboy01: Thanks! Hope you're enjoying the story! Yeah, I will probably try to explore the idea of making Issei stay human in this story.
Haxorus knight: Sure. That actually sounds like an awesome suggestion.
Austin: Thanks! Hope you're enjoying the story! I will try to take your observations into consideration as the story progresses.
Kamenmaximus: Ok, thanks! I hope keep enjoying the story!
yogaratw607: Yeah, I will probably try to explore the idea of making Issei stay human in this story.
Thanks for the ideas, I will try to see if I can make use of some of them.
silverstudent: Maybe. I will try to take these suggestions into consideration.
UnseenUrge: Thanks! Hope you're enjoying the story!
Kamen Rider Sentry: Yeah, I agree with you!
Rey: I plan to try making Issei remain a pervert, but not as a Devil. Will probably make him stay human in this story.
Some of my reasons:
Many fanfics likely focus on Issei's dragon powers and the supernatural aspects. A human Issei would offer a fresh perspective. A human Issei offers a viewpoint from the "lower end" of the power spectrum, which can provide insights into the world that aren't normally focused on. You could delve into how a human fits into or clashes with the supernatural society.
And who is Darkseid? What are you talking about?
tyfang360: Thanks! Of course, I will have Kamen Rider Necrom appear later in this story.
SynchroRegis: Thanks!
Bia1230: Hope you're enjoying the story!
FlameFireZero X: Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the story! Not sure yet if I should have Eyecons for all twenty Heisei Kamen Riders. Maybe I will do so in the future. And yes, Yusha and Yurei also share the same surname as Yukio from my Kamen Rider Shinobi x Senran Kagura story.
So, what do you guys think? Please give me some reviews if possible.
If you are interested, please go check my other stories.
See You Next Time