One day earlier, June 20th.
"I could kill him right now, and no one would know…" Atlia twiddled with a rigid plank that had been lying around. "Dump his body in the sea, a large scary fish got to us…" The more she thought about it, the more the idea appealed to her. She sat back, a grin climbing up the corner of her face. "Not a single soul could grasp the truth but me…" A whole lot of red stained the outer regions of her heart as she envisioned how satisfying it would be to rob this fool of his life. "I'd play the defenseless little girl, like I always have." Atlia creased the rims of her make-shift blade with sharp, gentle fingers. "After such a terrible experience, I'd have weekly trips to the doctor… Can't have a little thing like me running around hysterically, can we?"
Atlia sighed. "I can live with that." Her smirk was fitting like a large turtleneck wrapping around a child's neck. "Coddled forever, in the arms of mom and dad… Not a single soul would ever be able to take my eyes off of me, and as for my sister…" She hadn't noticed it yet, but there was a splinter embedded underneath the thinnest layer of her skin. So small, no one would notice unless it was prodded. Maybe she'd notice, or maybe… "Well, what's there to say about her? They'll all be too focused on me, won't they?"
"I'm starving." Kosuke said. Atlia fell flat on her ass, breaking the chair once beneath her bosom.
"What are you doing?!" She screamed. "Scaring me like that!"
"Are you able to do anything other than sit around?" Kosuke sighed, standing out in the sun with his hands on his hips; his back being turned. It would be so easy. "Man, is there not one fish out here?" He gazed upon the empty horizon with a sneer. "I bet that wizard is chowing down on a five course meal right now. Or could he be…" Kosuke opted not to finish that sentence. Atlia could stomach his idiocy no longer. She blindly felt for the blade that had been knocked elsewhere, fixing her eyes on that fool. If Atlia let go for at least a second, who knows what he was going to do? For all her luck, he would trip over his own feet and drown. No matter, this was going to end right here and now. This gluttonous buffoon was going to meet his end, by her hands!
Atlia was going to achieve her perfect life. Be prepared for a burial at sea, Kosuke Nitoh! Leaping to her feet, she gripped the blade as tightly as she could and charged him with all her might! That loose lipped bastard was going to die a horrible, bloody death!
"Hey, this is safe to drink, right?" Kosuke knelt down, facing away from his attacker with his hand cupping the sea water. Rudely sticking his legs out, Atlia tripped straight over him!
"Ooh!" The blade toppled right over the edge. "No!"
"No worries." Before it could sink several leagues under the sea, Kosuke swiped it up. "Say, what's this…?" He inspected it closely.
"That's…!" Atlia squealed. It was all over!
"Don't say it!" Kosuke waved his palm in front of her pale face. "I'm keenly aware of what this is."
"Please, I offer you anything." She bowed her head and began to cry. "Nothing I really have is of value, but somewhere deep down in your heart… You have to understand me, understand my reasons." A puddle of tears began to accumulate beneath her. "Perhaps, I was wrong to not try and understand yours. Now that we understand each other," Atlia raised her head, pursing her lips. She was like a tiny cherry leaking out cotton candy. "We can work together. Not as us, but as one. What do you say?"
"..." Kosuke remained silent.
"Please?" Atlia giggled.
"What a pathetic excuse of a sailor." Kosuke yawned.
"WHAT?!"
"Bumbling around, trying to catch a fish… It's a nice gesture, but you can't expect me to rely on you." His stomach growled. All she did was glare at him. The misplaced anger in her heart was replaced with absolute bewilderment. Was he simply playing stupid, perhaps waiting around to strike her when she didn't expect?! Yes, that was his game. It was impossible for a fool to foil her plans, time and time again, carefully crafting an intricately woven maze of torment out here in this open ocean. She bit her tongue, silently swearing revenge. He talks big, but soon enough the only thing leaving his mouth will be a pool of his own tainted blood.
Retracting back underneath the shade, in what was the remains of a thatched overhanging emerald coloured cover held shoddily together by thin wooden pillars that could collapse in on her with the slightest bit of unlawful breathing, Atlia began brainstorming. She wouldn't be able to overpower him. No, not at all. As much as the thought of strangling him enticed her it had to be ruled out. Poison? Impossible, she had only scraps and none of them were poisonous, at least not to anyone but her: thank you, mother and father for not remembering the biological weaknesses of your own daughter. Perhaps she wasn't playing the right game here.
Her methods were brutal. In fact, she was quite proud of herself for how much of a spectacle it would provide to appease the ones above, but sometimes you simply don't have the budget for such a show. Sometimes it has to be all or nothing. Quick or quit. In the darkness, Atlia cobbled it up. Listing off all of her strengths, she analyzed his weaknesses with great observation.
Her strengths, according to Atlia:
Genius.
Tenacious
Responsible
Diligent
Ingenuity
Cooperative
Flexible.
Honest
Her weaknesses, according to Atlia
Frail
Ill-equipped for the situation
List must be expanded.
Kosuke Nitoh weaknesses (she didn't want to mention his strengths)
That ridiculous hair.
His fashion statements.
A lack of security out here in the deep, barren sea where no one will ever find his corpse.
This wasn't going as well as she figured. How was she going to be rid of him and obtain her perfect life? This was becoming more apparent to be presented as a task that couldn't be achieved. Besides, she couldn't afford to waste her resources on thinking more critically. Scheming cost a lot of energy she didn't have. Energy… energy. Aha! That was it! This is how she was going to pull off the greatest heist of her life!
It was all so stupidly simple, she couldn't believe the thought hadn't crossed her mind (to no fault of her own) earlier! Wait until he passed out, because the two of them had such little energy, gather all the will deep within your heart and remain conscious. Then, snap his neck. A perfect plan. Much better than her last one, and the best part? It builds off of an inherent weakness. At his lowest, most vulnerable point she will spill his blood and coat the ocean red.
All she had to do was wait.
A wicked laugh roared throughout the seven seas. "Guess the craziness is settling in." Kosuke yawned, lazing about. "Hm, I'd kill for a burger." A fabulous slab of braised beef on a nice, sesame seed bun. A blanket of lettuce to coat the meat. To top it all off? A mountain of red, hot red onions. Delicious… "Haven't had one since the last time I was in Fukui." His grandmother lived there, his only immediate family member left. Stern, but well-mannered and against her own better judgment, always sought to satisfy the young boy's wishes. He wondered, why was he thinking of her now? Could it be that he felt some concern regarding his fate?
It would be a terrible thing, to have to outlive your only grandson. "Granny…" His eyes were feeling a little heavy. If he couldn't get a meal now, maybe he should sleep it off and hope for the best. After all, what could he do out here? That woman wasn't the only useless one on this boat. He too, held nothing of value at this moment. What good was a beast that had no bite? "Yeah, I know." Kosuke muttered to Chimera. "We're fresh out of luck here. All day… and nothing."
Kosuke closed one eye. That felt nice. The sensation was peaceful. The wind was so calm, how couldn't he oblige and rest easy? If he were to be swept off his feet and whisked away to a land of dreams, Kosuke only hoped that he would find himself stuck in a large mochi, and he could only escape by chowing down from within. Yeah, that's a serene thought.
Unbeknownst to Kosuke, Atlia was readying to enact her plan. As soon as she was certain he was out. "Thought… I'd never… get the chance." She slumped over towards him. Completely out of breath, Atlia struggled to stay on her feet. This had to be quick, and she may very well die. At the very least, it sure felt that way. Someone was going to die, though. One for all, or all for one. Whatever the clouds willed.
Time to die Kosuke Nitoh. For real this time.
"AHOY THERE!" An ear-screeching, shrill voice coming west sent the both of them back into wake. With a sudden movement, Kosuke rose to his knees, smashing his head right against Atlia.
"Aah!" Atlia's nose dripped blood all over the floor.
"Hey, watch where you're going!" The man rubbed the front of his head. Had it all been a hunger induced delusion? There was no one around.
"OVER HERE!" Down the line, about 150 meters elsewhere was what appeared to be an island! A small dune of sand with a singular tree, as islands always are in these types of stories, was a short, suited man who was swinging what appeared to be… a briefcase in the air like it was a lasso?!
"YES, YOU!" He pointed with the hand that held the briefcase. It slipped into the water, and he swiftly picked it up – acting as though it hadn't happened to save bitter grace.
"That isn't Celestice Island, is it?" Kosuke asked, furrowing his brows.
"Is your brain nothing but a hollow hole?!" Without wasting another moment, Kosuke and Atlia rowed their boat towards the plot of land. Could it be that they had been saved?!
The island got much smaller the closer they got. It was nothing more than 10 feet wide on each side by the time they could set a leg on the sand. Upon further inspection, the man in no way shape or form was a native of Celestice. "Aah, finally." He said, speaking in a relieved voice that was as smooth as seaweed. "You wouldn't believe how long I've been waiting for this."
"Who are you?" Atlia asked.
"Why, me?" The man laughed. He had dark, ashy hair and an untrimmed beard. It seemed he was Japanese, just as Kosuke was. "Akiyama, Atsushi. Boy, today is your lucky day."
"I'm sorry?" Atlia said. His suit was kept mostly clean, aside from his pockets filled with sand.
"Yes, yes. You are sorry for not finding me sooner." Atsushi stroked his chin. "From the looks of it… You're on your way to Celestice Island, aren't you?!"
"How did you know that?" Kosuke asked.
"A good guess. Besides, who else is out here?" He laughed, gesturing to the empty sea. "What a splendid day it is." He set the briefcase aside, beginning to open it. "Say, I've got a question…"
"Hold on!" Atlia stopped him. "Before you continue, as an official security chief of the sea for Celestice, I have to inquire about your identity."
"What's there to know?" Atsushi said. "Already gave you my name, missie."
"How did you end up here?" She crossed her arms.
"Bahh, well as it turns out these things" He picked up a broom. "Aren't exactly set for mileage. Suppose that's on me for putting trust in a fellow salesman."
"You're a salesman?" Atlia asked.
"Why, of course. I came out here for business, a grand invention – something that will change mine, yours, and the entire world in the touch of a tongue!" Atsushi cheered with glee.
"So you planned to arrive on the island uninvited…" Atlia said.
"Opportunity doesn't always invite."
"You're saying it wrong." Kosuke interjected.
"Excuse me?" He replied, scoffing at such a notion.
"Danger brings opportunity." He said, boldly correcting him.
"No, I believe you're mistaken." Atsushi shook his head. What a commoner.
"Me?!" He pushed past Atlia, knocking her into the water.
"Yes, you!" Atsushi shouted. "Opportunity doesn't always invite."
"No, danger brings opportunity."
"Opportunity doesn't always invite."
"Danger brings opportunity!" They started to butt heads. Literally, their heads were pressed against each other.
"Enough!" Atlia said, breaking them apart. "Show us what's in the suitcase!" He did. Curiosity swirled in their minds. What could be so great that it could change the world? Perhaps, it's a time machine, and this man had come back in time to make more profit. Or, maybe it was a ring of ultimate power that these unfortunate souls had come across to compensate for their stroke of bad luck.
No, it was neither of those. Actually, it was a plastic bag of commercialized snacks?!
"Tongue Twisters." Atsushi proudly presented them. "A magical candy, hand crafted by the most skilled artisans in edible pleasure. It puts your tongue for a twist, as each candy tastes different to everyone – combining a million different flavours!"
Atlia wished Kosuke had let her sink to the bottom of the ocean. "That's it?!"
"Hold on, hold on." Kosuke took her aside. "We shouldn't let this opportunity go to waste."
"Are you serious?"
"It's food!" Kosuke's stomach grumbled. "Hear this guy out, Captain."
"If I must." They returned to his island. "What if we said we're interested in what you have?"
"Perfect!" Atsushi was overjoyed. "Finally, a customer in this market. OK, so how many bags?" There were dozens of wrappers, but around 10 remained.
"Five." Atlia declared.
"Perfect, that'll be 7,000 yen."
"WHAT?!" The two of them screamed.
"That's the sound I love to hear." Atsushi laughed. "Normally, we aren't one to hand out such generous sales. Small businesses and such, but… You are an exception."
"That's a ludicrous price!" Atlia took him by the neck. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG I'VE BEEN SUFFERING FOR?! BARELY CLINGING ONTO LIFE, MINUTE BY MINUTE AND YOU HAVE THE GALL TO CHOKE WHAT LAST BIT OF RESOLVE I HAVE LEFT OUT OF ME BY ROBBING ME OF MONEY AND DIGNITY FOR OVERPRICED CANDY?!"
"How rude!" Atsushi shook her off, fixing his jacket. "Here I was, sending generosity your way." It was time to negotiate. Kosuke was at his limit here for hunger.
"Hold on, how about we make a deal?" Kosuke stepped in between them.
"Oh? I do love a bargain." The suited man laughed.
"What if you handed us our delivery for free?" Atsushi grimaced. "... In exchange you came with us?" Atlia was about to open her mouth.
"Don't say it!" Kosuke shut her up. Atsushi sat there for a moment, pondering his choices.
"No can do." Atsushi shook his head. "What kind of salesman would I be if I handed out our property for free? At that point it's charity."
"How do you even expect to get off this island?" Atlia asked.
"This broom just needs a little charge." The man motioned to his mount. It was mechanical in nature, and didn't appear to be working.
"Oh, how long will that take?"
"I…" Atsushi wanted to be precise but there was nothing he could do. "I'm not sure."
"If you come with us, we'll spread word of these… things, and that will maximize your profit."
"How can I be sure?" Atsushi asked.
"How can you be sure you'll get off of this lump of sand?" Kosuke said, crossing his arms. Again, the man had to think about it. This time, a lot more deeply. With hesitation, he extended his hand out towards theres.
"A deal is a deal, so don't disappoint." Kosuke upheld the formal handshake and welcomed him aboard. Finally, there was food. Neither of them knew the quality of this candy, but it was better than nothing – at least for now. They needed to get back on course towards Celestice Island as quickly as possible.
If Atlia was in Hell, she hoped that it was possible to claw out of this hole – even if it meant shaking these buffoons off of her. It was a fair sacrifice.
That hole had been sealed long ago.
ELSEWHERE, BACK IN JAPAN
The level white sand was a warm blanket that swept the young woman up in sweet, serene silence as she watched the low currents rock back and forth. A thin, brisk breeze brushed past her dark hair, and tickled the chill ears of Mayu Inamori. She sighed, gazing off into the distance. The sky was gray, and it was going to rain soon. She couldn't spend much longer out here.
That house wasn't fit for her. Lately, none seemed worthy of the title home. Try as he might to accommodate her, Mayu felt no comfort in that room. It was all too obvious that it was meant for another girl, whose name or face she did not know. The design said it all: simple vanilla walls, colourfully patterned pink sheets with sewn in squares of alternating warm shades, a desk so tiny that she couldn't take refuge in after a long day of work, and the most striking feature being a locked chest that, if you pressed your eye against the hole, could spot a dozen toys that have accumulated dust over several years.
This was not Mayu's room, but whose was it? That, like many other questions, lingered in the forefront of her mind past all the pain nestled deep within her heart. Day after day, Mayu had to remind herself why she was doing this. These days, she wasn't certain herself. Was it to transcend her own weakness, and protect what she has left of herself in the name of survival, or was it petty revenge? Either way, she believed she was compensating for something. To fill a void that simply cannot be returned to its original state.
Nothing lasts forever, but this loss never got weaker.
"I find you out here again." A deep, commanding voice caused her head to turn. Standing before her – no, above her on the boardwalk was the elusive White Wizard. "Do you remain with a clear heart?"
"Y-yes." Mayu nodded. Her mentor was unmoved.
"Good, you will find no use in yourself if you sink back into despair." Every word of his was like being cut in a different, but as consistently painful area of the body. "We have much work to do." The White Wizard stared ahead with her. "Once you have continued today's training you may return here."
"Are you sure?" Mayu asked.
"The sea will never clear." White Wizard stated. "It will always be here." At least there was one constant. Understanding, Mayu got to her feet and went to gather her things back at the house. White Wizard watched as she left. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a letter. He stared in shame, recognizing the fine print all too well.
"TO THE MAN WITH MORE HEART THAN THE WORLD COULD EVER UNDERSTAND.
SOU FUEKI.
FROM, EMPEROR KALIUM, AND ALL OF CELESTICE."
AN 03/11/2023
OK, here we go! After a few weeks, chapter 9 is out. Chapter 10 is going to be the big one, and then we'll be moving onto the last 5-6 chapters, depending on how the story goes. I have faith that this story will be completed before July, and I hope you all are enjoying it. I want to thank you all thus far for believing in my work: it inspires hope, and makes me want to write more.
In the future, I'd definitely like to release more Wizard projects. Originally, I conceived this story as a one and done deal meant to replicate and simulate the feelings of watching those special movies for like shonen anime, or just elevate these characters without budget restrictions as live action shows do, but I feel this has become something far greater than that. At some point, I'd want to release a sequel that indirectly calls back to this story. Also, I'd love to one day release either:
- A rewrite of Kamen Rider Wizard which expands on the characters I love dearly and fills in some gaps. honestly, I don't go into rewrite ideas thinking that I could do better, or out of spite - because I'm not really a believer in that spite creates work we can be proud of. Frustration, I understand, but frustration also comes from love. Spite is bitter. Nonetheless, I go into it just wanting to see how I could expand the universe, and adapt a piece in my own vision.
I've seen a bit of Kamen Rider: Black Sun, and I've always wondered what Wizard would be like if it was a LITTLE darker, such as Black Sun or KR: Faiz is, and wasn't restricted to budget. I have a working name for the project, let me know if you're curious what that title is. I think I've got some great ideas cobbled up for it that I'd love to share.
- A post-canon story of Wizard that deals with grief, loss, and rebirth. It would elevate Haruto, Mayu (especially, she doesn't get enough credit. She's a great character portrayed by a great actress), and Kosuke. The working title is "Kamen Rider Wizard: Deepest Wound."
At some point very late into the future I'd like to also release a more original series, or one that adapts Kamen Rider: Ichigo, with inspiration taken from the Kamen Rider manga and Shin Kamen Rider (I hope its good and they do Ruriko Midorikawa justice. There seems to be so much to unpack in the new trailer, and I love everything that they seem to be potentially doing with her).
Anyways, until then!