TORIISAKA BRIDGE – AFTERNOON
Only the sounds of distant waves crashing against each other in chaotic rumbles could be heard from this height. Such an unconventional gathering brought serenity to the ears of Mayu Inamori. It was next to a lovely, emerald park that was connected to a lake which poured out into a greater sea that led on for a thousand, lonely miles. Most people spent their time basking in the sun by the comforting benches, or playing for hours on end in the fields – and those who wanted to take it easier, usually older folk would take lovely strolls through the various trails that twisted and turned, but all connected back to the other.
For those who wanted something quieter, this bridge was the perfect place to disconnect yourself from the rest of civilization. Very few people came up here during this season, usually because of the strong, brisk winds that made it difficult for others to think straight, but up here? This is where Mayu drew the most clarity. A piece of the world hand-crafted just for her.
"Be a good girl." Mayu whispered, gently stroking the steel head of the silver-studded familiar. It squawked loudly with a terribly high pitch; like a parrot that pridefully paraded itself in echoes across the clouds. Then, it took off without another word.
"Waaaah, we're so high up ~ !" Poppy cried out, backing away from the edge with a dizzy head. Although heights were not exactly new to the bugster (Seito Hospital and its helipad being a semi-frequent trip), she was never quite keen on them! It didn't help that the rushing waves caused a churning sensation in her stomach that left her disoriented. Visions of whirlpools swirling around in her mind, this pink poof of passion lost what sense of balance she had left, and failed to keep her head on straight. "I'm going to pipo-papo-puke!"
It is a good thing that she was a dancing mascot, and not part of a deep-sea diving franchise.
"Inamori-san," Izu approached her. "Are you certain this will lead us to the masked assailant?"
"Yes, it will." Mayu said in a low, tenderly shy voice. The witch turned back to face them with a reserved posture; one hand crossed over another and head lowered to the ground. She was standing quite a ways away from the other two, perhaps a little too close to the edge here. One wrong move, or even a feral gust of wind with the intent on playing a cruel prank had the chance to sweep the girl right off her feet, and off the building as well! However, for the time being, Mayu felt more secure standing apart from the rest – it's not a statement to take personally, as she's always been this way. At least, that's what has been said to her. Was it a conscious decision?
"We're searching for ghouls." Mayu continued, a frigid breeze passing through her dark locks; it ran up the ear like a faint, ghastly wail. "Chances are, this magician is targeting Gates. Perhaps, he wants more phantoms to be born, and if that's the case, then we'll have to protect the hopes of those affected. If we find ghouls, the culprit will be nearby – just like last time!"
It dawned on her that neither of them understood what she was talking about. Izu tilted her head at a 45 degree angle, and was blinking rapidly, trying to assess the situation. Poppy, on the other hand, with lips pursed, was having a bit of trouble wrapping her head around this talk of 'Gates.'
"O-oh, um…" Suddenly, Mayu flared with a shade of crimson. Stumbling over her words, she attempted to give her best crash course on everything that had to do with magic! The last ten years condensed into a few sentences, was that even possible? Surely, one has to give it their best shot – even if she wasn't a teacher, because that was never her sort of thing. More accurately, Mayu was a bit of a silent learner. "Magic appears from many places. For magicians, it's inside our hearts. You have to hold a strong connection to hope… but despair is powerful too."
"I see." Izu said, blinking twice as her modules shined a vibrant, turquoise colour. Data has been uploaded to There for future use. In an age where things were rapidly changing, and many of their archives were either heavily outdated, or missing relevant information, then it was vital that in correspondence to her duties, to learn as much as possible about this world. "You are utilizing a wide-scale aerial investigation to guide us towards the previous adversaries we encountered in battle, prior to our collaboration. The assailant responsible for the theft is connected to these previous attacks, and is carefully selecting their targets – Gates, who possess the potential for magic, much like yourself." Speaking as if she were reading off a transcript from some wikipedia page, Izu continued her lecture, and with much greater confidence than Mayu had!
"However, the potential for magic works in tangent with becoming what you describe as a 'Phantom.' Due to this, we must protect those targeted, and in responding to these attacks it is likely that we will also encounter the assailant, as evidenced by previous events. This is our current lead."
"Y-you read me like a book!" Mayu flew back in shock, almost caught as a stray to the skies as she nearly tripped over herself. "Yes, we're searching for ghouls because it'll lead us closer to the magician."
"Doesn't that make you a Gate?" Poppy asked.
"It does." Mayu nodded. "But, I overcame my despair. That's why I can use magic." Speaking of, who and what, there were a few questions that rested on the edge of her tongue with great curiosity. "Um, that reminds me. We never got properly introduced, so… What are you both?"
"I am a Humagear." Izu answered, raising a hand to the sky at a diagonal angle. It was a self-introductory pose that she was very much used to. "Specifically, assistant to president of Hiden Intelligence."
"A Humagear?" Mayu asked, looking puzzled.
"Civil servants who assist humanity in their pursuit of dreams." Sounding a bit like an infomercial, the Humagear started selling the premise. "Employed in various fields: including medical, customer service, law enforcement, research and construction – we are a wide variety of AI powered beings that seek to bring an ideal world that the individual envisions to fruition." Records showed that in this district, Humagear presence was not very large. Although in the old world, they were an abundance it seems now that their numbers are far more dispersed. She wondered, and with a grave feeling of uncertainty, how many were unaccounted for since the merger? It wasn't something she was fond of dwelling on. What's more, is that information gathered from There was incomplete, due to various new districts requiring further inquiry: Toriisaka, Zawame, and Fuuto were several cities that held no data.
These cities did not exist two years ago. Or, more accurately, Izu did not exist two years ago, according to this world.
"Oh, my turn!" Poppy said, springing to her feet. Taking a deep breath, Poppy inhaled what must've felt like enough wind to power a turbine. With closed eyes, she let out a minute exhale and began her introduction. "I'm Poppy Pipopapo, head nurse of the Cyber Rescue team and lead mascot in 'DoReMiFa-Beat!'" Striking her signature pose, Poppy lifted one booted leg towards the sky and grinned from ear to ear with a magnificent smile that ran center to a pair of peace signs formed from her fingers.
"Ready to help solve the case, at your service!" She exclaimed with bright, wide eyes full of cheer. Above her head, a vibrant display of complementary coloured (pink, yellow, and green) pixels revealed themselves; flashing the title of the video game!
"That's why you looked so familiar!" Mayu said, awestruck at her revelation. "S-so, you're a video game character?!"
"More like a virus!" Poppy replied in a cheery voice. "No worries, I'm not the kind that makes people sick!" She giggled. "Actually, I do quite the opposite!"
"What is your title?" Izu asked.
"I-I'm no one special, really." Mayu chuckled, scraping her boot against the ground. When she initially inquired for clarification, she didn't expect that the draw would fall onto her when it came to having some sort of claim to fame.
"That's not true!" Poppy argued, shaking her head with fists curving off the ridges of her hips. "You use magic, so you must have some sort of cool title!"
"U-um, I'm…" Mayu started, not finding it easy to come up with a name on the spot. When the lights were flashing down on her, everything seemed to go blank. Would her Kamen Rider title do? "I… Well, I'm… T-the protector of…" She squinted. "N-no, the vanquisher of…"
Saved by the bell, her ring started to glow.
"Ghouls!" Mayu shouted. "Hurry, we have to help them!"
CONNECT, PLEASE!
A tangerine sigil appeared. From the empty space between nowhere and somewhere, a motorcycle appeared! It was grand, and white. Appearance wise, it resembled a WMC250EV, but was modified to have wings sticking out the back frame. Perhaps, it was to make it more aerodynamic, and perhaps it just looked cool. Either way, Poppy wanted one!
"Wow, is this yours?!" She asked, careful not to touch it. In the case that it might collapse at the touch of her fingers, the pomegranate shaded hero kept her distance. "Oh, it's so… So…" Fixated on its beauty, she had to snap herself back to reality and remember the grave danger that awaited them!
"Here," Mayu handed her a helmet, all the while brandishing one of her own. "Put this on, there's no time to stare!"
Click.
Safety first! Can't go riding a bike without a helmet.
"Do you have anything to ride with?" Mayu asked, glancing over at Izu. "Sorry, but I don't think this would fit three…"
AUTHORIZE!
ZERO-TWO DRIVER!
LET'S GIVE YOU POWER!
Before them, a giant grasshopper made of light shot out from the sky as if it were a divine thunderbolt! In moments, Kamen Rider: Zero-Two appeared!
"Have no worries: I am equipped to match your speed." With nothing left to say, the three of them took off.
TORIISAKA, COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Poppy squealed with glee as she clung on tightly to the witch, excitement echoing veering across the sunny sky. Always a fan of thrill rides, Poppy could feel every inch of the brisk wind brushing against the lower half of her face. Twisting and turning constantly, Mayu effortlessly zoomed throughout the city. It's a good thing she's had a lot of practice over the past few years. If someone asked Mayu about the chances of her sporting a motorcycle ten years ago, she would've laughed at such a notion and shuddered at the thought of how she may crash. Well, the witch wasn't laughing now.
'Remember, it's about trust.' Haruto would say, he and Kosuke helped her remain steady on the bike. 'If you don't have trust with the wind, you're going to fall off. Let it guide you.'
'No, no. That's not it!' Kosuke replied, tossing an apple aside into an open bush. Well, at least he was a believer in composting. 'What you have to do is tame the wind. Can't let it push you around like that, you have to make it listen to you.'
'Hey, that's the kind of talk that'll put her in danger!' Haruto exclaimed. 'Besides, you don't even have a b–'
'Don't say it!' Kosuke shouted, tossing an open palm in his face. 'I can ride a bike. Who do you think taught Yuzuru?' He seemed proud of himself. 'Before, he figured it was impossible. Well, not under my watch.'
That day, Mayu took both of their advice. Fight for control, and put trust that the wind will believe in you – and become a guiding light. Sure, she crashed about five times when moving at the speed of a tortoise down a thin road and crossing a corner, but after about five more times, she did it!
Neither of them had ever been more proud of Mayu that day, and both of them acclaimed her success to themselves.
On the other side of things, Zero-Two zipped throughout the road. Nothing more than a blur, a stray streak of red. Passerbys would later claim that day that a crimson tornado had made its way through the street, sweeping dozens of newspapers into winding circles. Travelling alongside her companions didn't prove to be difficult – if anything, Zero-Two actually had to monitor how fast she was blitzing through, otherwise it might knock them off balance.
"We're coming close!" Mayu yelled. There were dozens of establishments stitched close to each other. Bustling cafes, bookstores which held hundreds of materials ranging from stories of action heroes, giants fighting against each other in packed cities, and tales of a strange land that still had their audiences, even in a world as peculiar as this one. Toriisaka was quite lively in the spirit of art. Fantastical and fanatical monuments that created a collective spirit of artistry.
The people were livelier. Often parading about in vibrant, but vintage street-clothes; each of them competed for their chance to claim 'number one most stylish' clothes. Assortments of leather, plaid, and a grand mix of the colour wheel layered themselves to create a 'unique' style. If you want an example, go swing down by Remnants and take a look at the owners.
Eventually, they turned across a corner from a huge intersection – quite the empty one at that, and came onto a corner where a group of ghouls emerged.
"Get ready to rumble!" Poppy exclaimed, throwing her arms wildly into the air. "Let's get 'em, sisters!"
"WHAT?!" Mayu exclaimed, suddenly losing control of the bike! Had it not been for quick instinct, or perhaps a stroke of luck, the bugster would've been sent flying down the street! Recollecting herself in the knick of time, Mayu's vehicle slid down the asphalt, stopping inches away from a citizen in the midst of this group of ghouls!
"Are you okay?" Zero-Two asked, stopping in her tracks a few feet apart from the almost-crash site.
"F-fine, s-sorry!" Mayu said, inching to a yelp. Wanting to skip further questions, she quickly brandished her ring.
DRIVER ON!
CONNECT, PLEASE!
CLICK TO GO!
TOKIMEKI CRISIS!
Kamen Rider Witch, and Kamen Rider Poppy have entered the scene alongside Kamen Rider Zero-Two! Together, the three of them leaped into battle. The battlefield was a mess. What was once a quaint section, littered with multi-coloured flowers and homely looking cafes was now the graveyard of monster induced rioting in the form of primal chaos.
Having stuck a rough landing that could only brake a few inches too close to home, the ghouls got the upper hand and managed to surround Witch and Poppy.
RESHAPE, PLEASE!
The ground beneath them elevated into a platform that stretched a few metres into the air, giving them a minute or so to reconvene. Although, it might be cut short as the ghouls started clawing their way upwards. "Uh-oh, they've got us surrounded!" Poppy cried out.
"Someone down there too!" Witch said. In a flash, Zero-Two came to the rescue! With a marvelous zoom in an upwards spiral, she knocked the surrounding ghouls back down to ground floor in a blink. That didn't put them down for the count, but it gave them the space to return to zero level.
"I'll cover from above!" Poppy said, flashing her driver.
Without much of a formal plan, Mayu sought to help combat the threat from the bottom.
EXTEND, PLEASE!
An arm stretched outwards like a rubber band, clinging onto an overhead sign. Witch swung like a monkey down back to the street and brandished her rapier. "We have to protect everyone!" She instructed, fighting off the ghouls on her end. The lone civilian backed away towards the front window of one of the stores that sat in front of them. Witch, faced off against at least three of these monsters, equipped a fencing stance. One jabbed towards her, to which she parried their spear. A successor to the initial strike fired her way in the open space she created, but Witch was quicker than that, side-stepping out of the way. Striking that one in the back, she blocked a lunging attack from the third. As the first recovered from their stumble, Witch saw an opening to dive first between the two for a pinching attack. Time to take out the trash on her end!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Extraordinary music notes dressed in cool shades of colour flashed her way, eviscerating both the ghouls, and almost Witch as she narrowly stepped aside! If her attack was one second earlier, she might've been blown to smithereens!
"C-careful where you're firing!" Witch called out to Poppy, who at this distance you could still spot the embarrassment.
"My bad!" Poppy said, proceeding to coordinate her attacks farther from her teammate; engaging in the surrounding areas. All the while on the other side, Zero-Two was sweeping past her monsters. Faster than a speeding bullet, carrying the punch of an explosive shell, the most optimal and high-powered route was being directed to her at this moment.
There were about four she had to fight against. In a cluster, each of them attacked in horizontal front lines. Zig-zagging in between, a series of strikes carried through. Successive, swift mixes of elbows and closed punches.
GRAVITY, PLEASE!
Suddenly, her group was carried into the air, alongside Zero-Two!
"Release me!" Zero-Two cried out. She was worried, flailing around in the air. There attempted to compute an optimal attack pattern for airborne combat, but due to her current, unexpected stress flooding through her mind, a bunch of interference blocked out the neural connection to the quantum-computing satellite.
"Someone was behind you!" Witch decried in a regretful, but well meaning voice, having mistakenly taken her partner to be in danger – even when it was now apparent it was unnecessary, as control was never relinquished from Zero-Two's enacted strategy, except for when she entered the mix! Setting the five of them back down to the ground. Having landed, Zero-Two performed a round-about kick that released a bunch of kinetic energy into the surrounding opponents, blowing them up into masses of magic!
"Um, guys?" Poppy asked. "Who's protecting that person?"
The last of the ghouls surrounded the front of the establishment.
"YOU ARE/YOU ARE!"
Witch pointed to Poppy, and Zero-Two pointed to Witch.
"YOU ARE/YOU ARE/YOU ARE!"
Mayu to Poppy, Poppy to Izu, and Izu to Mayu. Now, it was the responsibility of the three of them, as it should have been in the beginning.
SPECIAL: CLOUD NINE!
CRITICAL CREWS-AID
ZERO-TWO: BIG BANG!
The cape on Witch's back emerged, taking form in the shape of wings and generating a powerful convergence of magical energy with a giant flap! Dozens of balls of condensed mana floated through the air, curved into spikes and shot with extreme precision into the ghouls! Lifting them straight into the air, Poppy leaped from her pillar and spun around in a pink cyclone; cutting through each and every one of them, grouping the monsters into a single line. Then, for the true finisher, Zero-Two struck like lightning!
CRASH!
A ray of light slashed through the clouds, igniting a gigantic golden spark that for a moment – just a singular moment, turned light to dark, and back to light again!
GAME… CLEAR?
The threat was gone, for now. All that remained was the person each of them was supposed to protect. "Excuse me, are you okay?" Zero-Two was the first one to approach.
"Do you have any injuries?!" Poppy interrupted, eager to ensure that everything was okay.
"I'm fine, thank you." Upon closer inspection, the person they were protecting was a fellow Humagear. Dark hair, and young-looking. Like the others, he had a module attached to his ears, and he was wearing a pair of black slacks, a dark vest to match and a white shirt underneath with a small bow tie wrapped around their neck.
"W-we're terribly sorry," Mayu said, reverting back from a Kamen Rider. "Is there anyone else nearby?"
"Only me." A distant voice called out to them. Standing there at the edge of the curb with a devastated look upon his face was an older man. Hair like a field of snow, and carrying plastic bags of groceries, he glanced around at the destruction caused by the commotion. This area was in ruins. Signs snapped in two which sat around, flipped tables, broken windows – the list goes on, and on and on.
"Would you like a cup of tea?"
INSIDE 'BeanBeanBean' CAFE, A LITTLE WHILE LATER
"Special Agent: Inamori, Mayu – Sector Zero." Mayu brandished her business card. This was a formality, it was good to have a Kamen Rider on speed dial. While she wasn't exactly a detective or anything, really only brought on retainer for 'irregularities' and 'unidentified life-forms' as they were called (she couldn't remember when she first heard that term, but there was an odd ring attached to it – like the title was always there in the back of her mind), Mayu did work with Rinko and her team.
'Better to be seen as a friend than an enemy.' Rinko would say with a smile, speaking from experience back before she became a wizard. The detective was so excited to show off this card to Mayu. The first iteration wasn't exactly the greatest – Rinko was never quite the artist, but there was a lot of soul to such a sloppy-looking card. When was the last time she ever saw her smile like that?
"That could have gone better." Poppy sighed, watching from the distance as Mayu conducted her investigation. She was used to these sorts of things, so the other two let her take the lead on this front. Dealing with Gates wasn't exactly in either of their fortes. Fortunately, most of the cafe was not destroyed. Save for a few piles of glass lying all about, with overturned chairs and the like.
"Indeed," Zero-Two nodded. "No injuries were sustained, but greater cooperation is recommended for next time."
"We were lucky." Poppy nodded, feeling ashamed of her performance. As was the other Humagear, but she didn't show it, especially while she was still suited up. "Oh, Izu. You don't have to dress up like that."
"The identity of Kamen Rider: Zero-Two cannot be revealed." Zero-Two replied. "General knowledge creates conflict for both investors of our company, and the press. To put it simply, I am not authorized to act as a public hero."
"That pipo-pucks." Poppy huffed a deep breath of air. "Still, isn't it better that people can see our faces? A lot of people are relying on someone to smile when it gets tough."
"So, there's no one you can think of who would want to harm you?" Mayu asked, speaking to the older man, whose name was 'Issei Suzuki.'
"Please, take a seat." The Humagear requested, ushering him to a front stool.
"Ah, no need." Suzuki waved him off. "I should be telling you that! Took quite a beating out there, huh?"
"Not in the slightest. Nothing more than a scratch, really." The Humagear replied. "Besides, you're older than I am."
"Ah, I'm in my golden years!" Suzuki chuckled. "That's why we call them 'golden' and not bronze. Shouldn't have been out there fighting for a place like this."
"It's the least I could do." The Humagear stated, offering each of them a pastry for compensation.
"Please, let's get back to the questions." Mayu said.
"Right, it's like I said." Suzuki stated. "No one I can think of."
"Thank you." She concluded the interview. "Please, remain here until the situation has been handled."
Approaching the other two, Mayu gave them the gist. "The Gate is Suzuki-san, and it's likely that his hope is connected to this restaurant." Rubbing her finger against her ring, she held her head low to the ground. Usually, she wouldn't be explaining this to anyone else but Rinko. "This place was attacked directly, while he was out getting groceries."
"How can you be so sure?" Poppy asked, scrubbing her chin. This was like one of those courtroom visual novels she caught Emu and Parad playing through one day! The plot was a little complicated, and she only managed to get part of the idea as she jumped in only when she was permitted breaks. So, large chunks were missing.
"He said it himself: It's his pride." Mayu said.
"What about the Humagear?" Izu chimed in, tilting her head with curiosity.
"They go by the name Bi." Mayu replied.
"Bi." Izu repeated, nodding. The eyes on her visor began flashing red. "One moment, please. Accessing Hiden Intelligence employee database…" A series of whizzes and loud beeps conducted themselves throughout the room. A few seconds later, There presented Izu with their profile: including history, complaints and notes. "Previously dispatched at two other locations, this Humagear was deemed ineffective. Direct complaints about performance have been filed, with multiple transfers over the past six months."
"Wow! Should we be eating this?" Poppy asked, already halfway through her pastry.
"Recent reports submitted for examination have concluded that this establishment has taken an upturn in income. Although still not deemed profitable, a steady increase has been calculated."
"That's a relief." Poppy said, digging in. What could she say? Hiiro was gone, and he was her main source of sweets throughout the day.
"However, there is a matter of concern." Izu remarked. "Due to the aforementioned complaints, Bi is close to being considered 'commercially ineffective', and deactivation is a possibility if this position is found unsuitable."
"So, he would be fired?" Mayu asked.
"More than that." Izu said. "Discontinued. If this were deemed the case, then it is likely that Bi would reside at Hiden Intelligence while our engineering staff decides what to do. It is unknown how long until Bi would be released from storage, reconfigured and seen as commercially viable again."
"Is that really right?" Poppy replied in a somber voice. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched the two work together. Cleaning up the glass, and ensuring that everything was in a neat position.
"This is the law." Izu explained, but not sounding too pleased with herself. "Humagear Law states that those deemed ineffective for the field are to be returned to their respective distributors until repaired or repurposed."
"Excuse me!" Suzuki's voice rang throughout the cafe. "Might it trouble one of you ladies to help a dear man with some of these labours?" He struck each of them with a smile that was irresistible. Worn, and with polish appearing more a lighter bronze than iron, he beckoned them with a courtesy only ever found in those who have known the trials of raising empty plots of ash to brazen fields overlooking western hills where the sun begins to set. The value of work was not lost on him, no matter how aged he became and how much he, like most other people in this world, desired a land where daunting action wasn't a necessity. Yes, Tetsuo Suzuki understood the weight of hard work, but he also understood the pride that arrived with a job well-done, no matter how little. In a lot of ways, he admired this rudimentary routine.
"On it!" Poppy sprang to the rescue. Although, she didn't account for how excessive this work was going to be! Carrying in bags of coffee that must've weighed up to like a hundred pounds with hands that started to curl at only the most important fingers for keeping a tight grip.
"Suzuki-san, I could have had that handled!" Bi said, rushing to the aid of them both as each continued to struggle carrying it inside. The owner of this establishment was handling it well for the most part, but it was clear he was going to throw out his back if he kept up this pace.
"T-that's… what I get… for not investing i-in a… dolly." Bi relinquished him of the weight. Crossing between the cafe with a bag that size, as if it were nothing more than an unopened plastic sack full of nothing but air! Or, was that just a balloon?
"Pi… Pop…" Poppy said, failing to get the words out. "I… I'm going to… po-po…" Zero-Two and Mayu helped her out, setting the bag aside. "Phoo!" Poppy collapsed back into a velvet booth. Much needed release coursing through her veins. Adrenaline wasn't in abundance today for her – that's already been spent on battle!
"Means a lot," Suzuki said, heaving his breath. "Place for this many customers – well, it needs a lot of tending to. Lots of hungry faces." Our three girls were the only ones in this shop, and a thought crossed over each of them: perhaps, they have been the only customers here for quite a while. Tons of shops lined up together with not even an inch between them in space; competition has to be fierce. When you're a loose rock in a sea that's prone to tidal waves, it can be difficult to maintain your position. "Ah, who am I kidding?" He sighed, and just like a maple leaf, the autumn wind guided his smile off to unknown lands. "If monsters weren't struttin' about, I'd be out of business either way."
"Don't say that." Bi chimed in. "We're getting closer."
"Still swimmin' in the red, far as I can see." Suzuki accepted defeat, shaking his head. "Say, it isn't that I figure you girls would fancy hearing an old man's tale: Are you curious how this place started?"
"I'd love to." Mayu said. The others huddled around.
"Back before this place got so crowded, my grandfather had a dream." He started, speaking with a composed timbre that conducted each beat of narrative into a grand rhythm. Much like a dark roast, his voice held the warmth of a needed breather from frigid air, and with each pipe of steam that popped out of his throat, he settled in a mix of colliding bitter taste for days he didn't want to remember, and sweet nights he longed for – the kind of contradiction that drives you to smile through the pain, hoping it brings you where you need to be. "Work wasn't a new thing to 'im, but the hours he worked… Well, you would have wondered if my father ever had one of his own to begin with!" That made him spout an earnest laugh. "Each day was long, every morning stretched so thin, sometimes he thought the Sun would never go down. Staring at a blank desk, jotting down words that at some time became nothing more than meaningless scribbles. The nights never lasted as long as he hoped, and just when he thought he got enough shut-eye, he was back out again doing this all over."
"Sounds terrible." Poppy muttered, suddenly feeling thankful that her duties didn't extend far beyond the Cyber Rescue team. She wondered, how did people like Emu and Hiiro ever get enough rest? When acting as a Kamen Rider wasn't in their schedule, it was attending to hundreds of patients, endless operations, and a mountain of unfiltered, unnecessary events across the country – which were mandatory, by the way. Sometimes, she found one of them lying in their basement office, half-asleep. Never attempting to bother them, Poppy would always leave them be, perhaps a stray blanket found its way up their lone shoulders. Only ever a glance shot her way, but it was enough, because she understood its meaning: thank you.
"Rarely do things ever change. Suppose we ought to be grateful when it does: right?" Suzuki asked, not expecting an answer, as he did with his nod. "In that routine he performed for years, there were two things he discovered that made him happy:
Home, with his family.
A nice, hot meal.
Each day, when the clock struck 12:00, he loosened his tie and trekked down two blocks here, actually, just a bit East, to one little place that could make all his worries wash away. Quaint, little place – much better than this one, and he sat there. For half an hour, and he ate. Slow, and like no one was waiting for him; it's just like he was at home. It took the two things he loved most, and combined them. Then, he was there back at 6:00, and then back in bed by, oh, half past nine."
Bi poured him some more tea. Suzuki drank happily. Been a while since he's had the chance to tell this story. "There comes a time when you sink so low, you take a look in the mirror and realize you can't do it anymore. Somethin's got to be different, or nothing will ever be the same. So, after about ten or so years breaking his back, he decided that there was going to be a change. Used up what he could have saved, and he bought this here lot. This place, right here."
"The work your grandfather accomplished will not be forgotten." Izu said.
"It was never exactly about a legacy," Suzuki shook his head. "It was about making a home for those who forget what theirs is like. Part of him wanted to gloat, of course – to show off to his usual spot that he could do this too, though he never did get the chance. It was far gone when opening week began; if my mind's not failing me yet, I think it's now a clothing shop. Spots like that always brought in more than what was needed, especially because it didn't matter if you were young, or wanting to look young, someone always wants something stylish. Regardless, it was about having a place for men just like him: a place to rest when the heart can't go on."
"It's funny, it was made as a place to stop for a little while. Nowadays, it seems like people are too busy to ever slow down." Suzuki finished his tale with one last sip. "Then, it was passed to my father. Now, it's mine. Maybe it'll be someone else's one day."
"Someone suitable will come along." Bi smiled, returning the dishes to their tub that sat in the corner of the room; it was nestled behind a counter, where it was usually pushed when filled into the back where the sink lies.
"Tell me, do you robots all come with such modesty?" Suzuki asked. "Why, are you saying you aren't up to the challenge?"
"I'm here to help." Bi smiled back. "It's a tale I have heard many times. Each time, more inspiring than the last, but this remains a family business – I'm here to assist, not to impose, sir."
"Without you around, I'd already be in the midst of foreclosing. With the way things are, this is as much yours as it is mine." Suzuki chuckled.
"You can't mean that." Bi replied, he always refused to take compliments. To him, work was nothing more than his designation: his purpose. Humagears are the assistants to humanity's dream – it meant that he was without one, but nonetheless he was still very happy. What gave Bi joy was carrying someone else's dream, and he would do so until Bi he was no longer required. Anything beyond that wasn't in his design, but it was not within his sadness.
"Take a bit out of our page, and have a bit of pride." The old man turned to the girls, pointing a finger. "If none of you are ever proud of your work, you won't find satisfaction in anything.
"Terrific advice," A shrill, familiar voice crossed their path. Standing in the doorway was the man of the hour, chowing down on a blueberry muffin – which he must admit was truly exquisite in taste, despite how rotten the rest of this scenery was. "Now, let's get this show on the road: Truth be told, I've never seen despair from afar."
"You…" Suzuki choked over his own breath. He couldn't believe it! Gathered behind the evil wizard was another pack of stray ghouls.
"Pride: is that the key to success?" Alaka sent him a grimacing smirk, one that could freeze over Hell itself. "Well, I suppose I never had much love for this place to begin with. That doesn't matter – I've found something to be proud of."
CONNECT, PLEASE!
"My own strength. It only grows in defeat." Alaka let out an overdue breath to give him peace. "Isn't that lovely? Power in exchange for someone else's."
"Stop right there!" Mayu shouted, rushing forward. Suddenly, four ghouls burst through the window, all the while the rest were centered around the front door. "Just who are you really?!"
"Ah, ah, ah!" Alaka laughed, twiddling his finger. A villain with a supreme notion for the theatrics. "Not so soon. Suzuki-san, let your despair arise, chaos arise!"
CONNECT, PLEASE – WITCH!
CLICK TO GO! TOKIMEKI CRISIS
"They have us surrounded!" Poppy shouted, beckoning the civilians to stay behind her with arms spread wide like a barrier. The ghouls were increasing with each end to the last. There was a sea flooding through the cafe. To wield such a supply, has this adversary been toying with them the entire time?!
Pitiful puppets, merely a stepping stone for the real prize that danced behind them, grinning with wicked joy. What he loved most, above his power, was to watch others beneath him tremble. In part, his hope was to rob others of theirs. Oh, how this spectacle brought such joy! The three of his biggest obstacles, gathered right where he wanted – scrapping end to end, survival only on a whim due to sloppy coordination. Fight as you must, the struggle is only the road to a bitter decay.
One ghoul, one hundred. It didn't matter how many times he approached them, no one could fight forever. How long until one of them crumbled, dragging the others beneath them? This is why teams were nothing but a hindrance, and subordinates existing not as allies, but as tools to be guided by the one who held the power to change their fate, and only their own in a world that disregarded the individual!
Speaking of the individual… Silver bullets whizzed by their head, Alaka just barely cracking their neck to the side as those pesky capsules flew past him like a band of buzzards. Without moving a muscle, it appears he might've struck a nerve.
Witch pushed on past the crowd, hacking these foul monsters to bits with her shining rapier. Bent on her pursuit, there was a grand elegance in her dance through an ocean of despair, grasping the seams of the shadows and searing beyond the horizons into a radiant light!
"Wait, where are you going?!" Poppy shouted, uppercutting an opponent into oblivion. Game over!
"Putting a stop to this!" Witch replied, certainty and arrogance – or was it a lingering burden that guided her deeper into the abyss? "Protect Suzuki and Bi-san!"
"That's the spirit! Come play with me, little witch!" Alaka screams outside the establishment, throwing their arms wickedly throughout the air; losing all sense of direction. "Let's see whose hope is worth more!"
"Not another step!" Witch brandished a familiar ring.
BIND, PLEASE!
Chains wrapped from head-to-toe around the magician. Oh, how he was beginning to despise such a childish incantation. In spite of being captured, Alaka didn't appear too bothered by it. No, it was the opposite – he was amused.
"As you wish." Alaka replies. The thing about words is that when you speak without thinking, you often regret them. The ground beneath their feet started to shake; the asphalt's flesh tore apart with wounds stretching a few metres below surface level. The immense pressure rocked her body side to side, like she was caught between two opposing waves that sought to prove who could wreak greater havoc among the land. A crimson light enveloped Alaka, and suddenly the chains snapped!
To make things worse, the chunk of the Earth she was situated on seemed to grow wings, as it defied all convention and soared high into the sky! Far away from voices, far away from salvation. It didn't matter how loud she could scream, no echo could reach her companions down below. Now, it was just the two of them in the clouds.
Peculiar, isn't it? The same things that bring you joy can bring you terror. A once free heart forced to sing to the tune of someone else's song – even if the rhythm were familiar, all the scattered notes now an unrecognizable melody with the slight shift of a hand. It's all about perspective.
"Oh, you have no idea how much this excites me!" Alaka clapped whilst Witch attempted to regain her balance. Fret not, she was accounted for in his composition. "Having someone else like you, someone who… Someone who understands this kind of power!"
"This was your plan all along, wasn't it?!" Witch asked, desperation seeping out. The only thing keeping them from being puddles was his will. If he desired, this rock would be nothing more than a tombstone bearing both their names.
"Why are you surprised?" Alaka snickered. "This is what you're chasing for – the chance to snag victory from out beneath them. Isn't that the reason you abandoned your friends?"
"No!" Witch equipped her blade, taking an offensive stance with her rapier's edge running seamlessly down the middle between them. Hands with a tight grip around the handle, and holding it as straight as can be. Boots planted firmly on what ground she had, stanced like a rock whose wall could burst at any moment to unleash a flooding wave. An unconventional stance for this type of weapon, but she wasn't going to back down, even when the odds were against her. "I'm here to put a stop to your spread of despair. As a magician, it's my responsibility, mine alone – I'm the only one who can!"
"Stop me?" Alaka tossed their pair of palms out into the air, a sly curve finding its way up his lips. "Here I figured you would be more interesting. No desire for glory, no yearning to display your gift at its greatest?! Magic is worth so much more than right or wrong. Aren't you at least curious?"
"Is this why you're creating phantoms?!" Witch asked, vitriol placing itself across their battlefield.
"This is the power that can shape our reality! Hidden in plain sight, and in no more than a few days, I've gone from zero to top of the world!" Those eyes held nothing remote of someone who understood the forces they were playing with. "Incredible, isn't it?! Phantoms come in all shapes and sizes, and that means all kinds of abilities that I want to grasp. And you, you too have that same power. From the moment we first encountered one another – I can't help but to want to compare!"
"Compare?" Witch asked.
"Unfortunately, I'm not here to share."
CONNECT, PLEASE!
Reaching underneath their cape, a reflection of the cosmos shined – a sea of stars that lined together and formed the shape of a weapon, one that materialized out of thin air and brandished as a magnificent silver cane. "I'll show the might of the sacred gift our King has bestowed upon me. In return, Kamen Rider: Witch, give me the taste of a real magician!"
With no more time to waste, they clashed! Sparks flickering at each end, a flurry of blows exchanged between the other. Was it her imagination, or could it be that he was stronger than before? Still, to possess this amount of power, with such a degree of control and retain human form was incredible – but horrifying was a more accurate word for her. Wild and proudly, Alaka bounced around like a ball. Each swipe directed, but with movement so fluid one would think they were acting on nothing more than instinct!
BACK ON GROUND LEVEL
"These things won't stop!" Poppy cried, raising her knee to her chest to block an attack. She was really getting into this whole 'fighting game' phase. As a counter, she jabbed, crossed with an elbow, and dropped to her knees to perform several low kicks before taking one by the waist and suplexing it into oblivion! Talk about a combo, huh? "Geez, how many did he bring?!"
"Approximately ten left to go!" Zero-Two announced. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. The ghouls dropped like flies, exploding into small pockets of magic with each defeat. As it turns out, this place was pretty useful in getting rid of them! Zero-Two placed several of them on stools.
"Please, wait patiently for service."
Behind the counter, Poppy emerged! Holding two spoons fit for stirring coffee, they sparkled with pink and grew ten times in size! Dressed in a fine apron, and a tall chef's hat, she was ready to make breakfast out of these bad guys.
"Order up!" Poppy shouted, letting out a valiant battle cry and battered the enemies from side to side until victory was hers!
Zero-Two, on the other hand, wiped the floor with them. Quite literally, as she sent a stray bucket of water hurtling towards the column of her enemies. While suspended in the air, she perfectly utilized her superspeed to run through them, engaging with a wide array of quick attacks. Before they could even collapse, they were gone.
"One left!" Zero-Two said.
"Don't worry, we have this!" Suzuki said, facing off alongside Bi. The ghoul approached them menacingly, but neither of them cared. A hot pot of coffee splashed against the monster. It cried from the burns, stumbling back towards the front door.
"Thank you for your patronage!" Zero-Two said.
"And stay out!" Poppy finished, the ghoul sent flying out the door with a pair of twin kicks!
BACK IN THE CLOUDS…
The fight continued, with no luck on her side. Witch could feel the pressure weighing in on her as sweat trickled down. With little mana left, she was down to a few options.
RESHAPE, PLEASE!
Several rocks broke from their lone chunk and were sent flying towards the magician who took to the skies with such grandiose leaps.
EXPLOSION, PLEASE!
Nothing more than sizzling pebbles now, and the blast being strong enough to knock Witch over towards the edge! She toppled, her sword scraping against the ground. Sliding straight off, she felt the aching gusts of wind slicing into her spirit.
EXTEND, PLEASE!
Like she would let it end that way! Holding on with one arm, Witch launched herself back into the fray by closing the distance between her shoulder and hand – which were metres apart, and came back for the second round. No matter what she did, he seemed to have the upper hand. What happened between the time that they last fought? Has the gap grown so much, and was that even possible? For an anomaly such as him, she couldn't afford to be thrown off her guard – not when everyone depended on her. There was one trick up her sleeve, one fit for someone who knew how to put on a real show! Two rings, but only one shot at this.
CLAW, NOW!
Deciding to disregard her last method of attack, Witch tossed her rapier high into the air and made a mad dash – like an animal released from their confines, and readied a humongous fist; as large as a tree with amber, razor sharp claws that curled into a ball that would demolish him! Brute force, huh? He expected more, and like the unsuspecting audience in a quiet theater, Alaka fell straight into her trap.
TELEPORT, NOW!
Just as Alaka was ready to guard, a sigil appeared in front of him, and Witch was enveloped, disappearing completely! Re-appearing from above his head, and snatching her rapier just in time as it fell through the sky, Witch was successful in her diversion! Rule number one of magic: don't await the expert to give you the answer, the whole stage is where you should pay attention!
CHANGE, NOW!
The mechanism transformed into her magical rifle, and she fired off several shots before returning to its blade form and making waves with a gigantic downward slash! For a moment, the wind around them ceased. Then, releasing in a huge pool, the Kamen Rider stood proud. Only for a second, as in the midst of her grand trick, Alaka had blocked the final attack!
"D-decent…" Alaka said. "Absolutely… Decent…" The magician unleashed a wicked laugh.
FINAL ACT: HYDRA HELL
Seems someone had a final trick as well! Threads of their cloak began to rapidly unwind at a marvelous speed, extending out into thin sharp, boundless pinchers that swerved and swiveled at each waking breath, if he so commanded it. With edges as sharp as freshly cut steel, these deadly strings were no larger than the lace of a boot, and as thin as a needle! Try as she might, Witch did the best she could to evade such an attack! As her blade slashed through dozens, more arised. Restitching themselves almost instantly upon each cut, ten turned into twenty, which turned into a hundred!
More, more, and more; pushing her until she no longer had anything else to stand on, and with a frail step to the right in an attempt to circle around is where luck finally ran out, and Witch was caught in between several paths of interweaving thread that pricked at each end.
Detransforming, her last line of defense disappeared into thin air. Everything was now a vivid haze, the dark magician existing only as a velvet shadow which towered over her. "What a disappointment. Here I was, eager to learn and grow." The Sun was beginning to go down. No more time to play. "Bon voyage, Kamen Rider."
The battle was over. Mayu fell through the sky. Only one thing appeared in her mind, a name.
'Misa.'
"Don't worry, Suzuki-san," Alaka said, speaking in a whisper. "I haven't forgotten my promise to you."
Back at surface level, Zero-Two could sense impending doom coming their way. There was sending off dozens of alerts, and it was what she saw as she peered up into the sky that caused the breaking of sound against the currents. Plummeting at high speed was the last third of their trio, and in terrible shape! Before anyone could speak, Zero-Two was blitzing up the walls, towards the roof. Hoping the distance would be closed, she stretched all her power into her legs and sprung with great force into the sky!
A flying hopper at your service! Just in time, Zero-Two managed to catch Mayu. No words exchanged between them, but Mayu once the initial shock of being rescued was over, she could do nothing but bury herself into the shame that rested deep in her heart. Landing safely by the curb, Izu and Poppy were relieved that things hadn't taken a turn for the worse.
"Payu, Payu, speak to us!" Poppy grew weary of her friend. "Payu, please!"
"I-I'm okay." Mayu stood, stumbling over her feet at first. "Just glad to be back on solid ground."
"What a reunion!" Alaka, who during all the commotion had found his way to ground zero, stood valiantly over the restaurant.
"Oh, don't you ever give up?!" Poppy shouted. "Isn't there something better you could be doing?!"
"Why, yes! We've still yet to birth a new phantom – a new servant of chaos into this world!" Generating an enormous ball of white, destructive energy, he marveled in its beauty.
"No, don't do it!" Mayu screamed. "You have no idea about the consequences of despair!"
"On the contrary." Alaka replied. "Farewell, Suzuki."
A flash of bright light enveloped the street, and before one could blink, he was gone – and so was the restaurant; the last trick he played. Setting the establishment aflame, generations of work brought down in one fell swoop.
CRACK!
The last bastion of hope disappeared. Shimmering violet veins emerged around the man, enveloping over him to reveal lakes of surging magic rushing in tense waves, waiting to explode and give birth to a creature of malicious desire, a beast beyond recognition of its original form; a hollow shell of who once was, traded in for the shadow that will replace each corner of light.
"Suzuki-san!" Bi was by his side, puzzled as his caretaker fell to their knees. "Suzuki-san, what's going on?!" Turning to the riders with great desperation, he pleaded at the top of his lungs. "Please, you have to save him!" This was all Mayu's fault, and she was the only one who could make it right.
"Hold on, it's too dangerous!" Izu cried. "You were just defeated in battle, you mustn't do this–"
"There's no time to recover!" Mayu said, handing off the ring to the old man. The one thing she wanted to avoid, and the one thing she refuses to let happen again!
LUPACCHI MAGIC, TOUCH TO GO!
LUPACCHI MAGIC, TOUCH TO GO!
Mayu disappeared.
ISSEI SUZUKI'S UNDERWORLD – ?
Travelling across the inner regions of the soul, Mayu made her way to the bottom where the core of the heart resided. Initially a blank slate, it takes its shape from the most cherished memories of the host. Somewhere, a phantom lingers.
Few times, has Mayu made this kind of journey – each worse than the last, because how could endeavors like these only get better with time? The passage of the years softens many wounds, but here the hourglass never seems to move. The glassy, empty sky was being breached, rotting away as though it was aged wallpaper peeling off, chip by chip. Every fleeting moment the Gate's life slipped further from the light. This was what it meant to fall into despair: a decay of joy, until nothing but hate or irreparable indifference remained.
"This is…" Just as she expected, the cafe under a siege of flames in the real world. Before she was able to take another step, a young boy ran past her.
"Dad, dad!" This must be Suzuki. Bright eyes, and with a smile that could cover the entire spectrum of happiness, he marched on proudly into the cafe. Following him inside, his father was hard at work. The establishment was a far cry in the right direction from what it was today, dozens of faceless people seated in booths. As he hurriedly stuck another ticket on the back window into the kitchen, carefully setting a tray of assorted meals on the counter, he ushered his son to go wait by a stool on the farthest corner.
Funny, how that could make Mayu smile. The need to handle everything in the world at once, juggling from finger to finger with only a bit of faith carrying you through the day reminded her of someone she knew.
Watching from the sidelines as a ghost, Mayu noticed the weary look on his father's face – if this is at his best, then she can't imagine how exhausted he always looked. To think, how long has Suzuki carried such a burden? Just then, a slice of cake appeared in front of the boy; courtesy of his loving father, who through it all found the time to make his child happy.
The memory collapsed, a hole tearing straight through the space between them! The Phantom suddenly emerged! An emerald monster that stood at about 6'0 tall, with pointy ears that curled into lengthy, thin spirals that ran down to the ground. With a stretched mouth, hundreds of teeth shown off in a sinister grin. The eyes of the creature were beady and black, like a squirrel. Feral and highly destructive in its nature, the goblin escaped the confines of the restaurant by shattering the window and bounced around in a jolly spree!
CONNECT, PLEASE
"Sthenos, to me at once!" Nothing came of it. Angrily, Mayu tapped her driver again. She couldn't afford to do this alone, not in her current state. "Work with me, for our sake!" Slithering out from the shadows, a mighty python the size of a bus made its appearance. Its scales were a blood red, stomach lined with shining brass, and there were hundreds of eyes scattered around its head. Several, smaller heads poked out from the main one. They copied the haunting melody of her hisses through skips of split tongues. No being could escape its sight, and those who dared to flee would end up as another monument of victory in the form of well-sculpted stone.
A nasty being, a monster that over ten years, Mayu has tried countless times to tame to no avail. Rarely, does it ever adhere to her orders.
"Can't handle it yourself?" It asks, speaking in a haughty voice. "My, my. Look at you, why don't you rest your head for a while?"
"Not happening, especially not for you." Mayu said, climbing onto her back. "Hurry, we don't have much time!"
"And if I refuse?" Several of the tinier heads turn back to face her. "The world of man is not for me to save. Haven't you heard? Heroics aren't my thing."
"Then this place collapses, and neither of us will escape." Mayu replies, not in the mood for games. As argumentative as always. The other monsters dwelling inside her allies all eventually came around, except for Sthenos. Perhaps, she still held a grudge years later.
"Only kidding." Sthenos laughed. You could never tell if she was joking, and her snide reaction to the scowl present over Mayu's face didn't help her case.
Then, like a freight train flying off the helm, the snake took off with her host clinging on for dear life. The chase was on.
For such a dire situation, this was no more than a minor game of tag for Sthenos. Slipping past small places here and there to trap the hunter, the Goblin thought itself as clever; an arrogant attempt to tie its head around its tail, but no trick could stop Sthenos. In no more than a minute, her phantom caught up to Suzuki's and brandished its fangs; that was the end of that.
The world was restored with the light of hope, just in the knick of time.
Suzuki has returned from the brink of despair, but what is left of his world is ashes.
An Hour Later…
The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames. Fortunately, someone down the road spotted the smoke and sent in a tip. There wasn't much to salvage. In spite of this, Suzuki didn't seem too upset. At least, not like before. For some reason, as he gathered the edges of what was once his favourite chair, he could find a way to smile.
"Forgive us!" Mayu was the first to apologize, and the others followed suit; bowed heads, but he didn't want to see them in such a sorry position. "Your family's establishment, the damage caused done to it is–"
"Is the fault of that crazy magician!" He laughed, finding it amusing how puzzled the three of them appeared. "What, were you worried I'd say otherwise?"
"We failed to protect it." Mayu continued.
"Ah, don't kid yourself." Suzuki waved them off. "Truth be told, it was going to go under one way or another. Besides, you rescued us." He turned to his apprentice. "Not just me, but Bi here."
"We owe our lives to you." Now, it was their turn to bow.
"Just a shame, really." Suzuki sighs. "You're out of work."
"Yes, it appears so." Bi said with sorrow. Glancing over at Zero-Two, she confirmed his suspicions. Unfortunately, it still meant being discontinued on the count of being let go. Figures, laws were laws, and if he had met Suzuki-san before, then things might be different. Just as he was ready to accept his fate, Bi spoke up once more. "At least, out of this position." Zero-Two tilted her head, puzzled.
"Huh?" Suzuki scratched the back of his head. "I'm not sure how to say this, but this place is out of business–"
"I understand." Bi replied. "However, what if I remained employed under you and took up a new position?" He continued on, clarifying. "Suzuki-san, it is because of you that I was offered a second chance, that I have… Come to discover passion in my work. Pride is not something I considered to be possible as an emotion that I possessed, but you have taught me what it means to be proud in the greatest way possible. Without you, my work has no purpose."
"I have nothing to offer you." Suzuki said, his eyes beginning to fill with tears.
"Yes, you do." Bi said, smiling from the heart. "A chance to rebuild. Together, anew."
"Is that possible?" Suzuki asked, turning to Zero-Two.
"Provided that there is a valid job." The Humagear said. "According to Hiden Intelligence."
"Well, how's about construction?" Suzuki replied. "Going to need a hand in rebuilding the place."
"With the right paperwork, there is no issue." Zero-Two said, and she watched with joy how their grins lit up from ear to ear. Truly, there was no one happier in the world at this moment than those two.
"Starting over seems to run in his family." Poppy said, swaying from side to side. "But somehow, I'm sure it'll turn out all right."
TORIISAKA PARK, EVENING
Beyond the clear, crystal horizon, the Sun said its goodbyes with a glistening tangerine. All is well, isn't it? The Gate was successfully saved from despair, the Humagear retained its job, and a new sanctuary of dreams was being built as we speak with an eager crew rejuvenated in hope. So, everything should be good. Certainly not in the eyes of the witch, who was basking in the spring breeze brushing over her dark locks. The season was only getting warmer, but the wind appeared to be getting more frigid by the minute.
"Wow, look at these!" Poppy grinned with excitement. She was holding up a glorious donut, one that was suited perfectly to her preferences. Strawberry pink, just like her hair and full of sprinkles – green, and glazed with golden honey. When she approached the local cart, they seemed ecstatic to see her, and more so when she selected their newest addition. A bit eccentric, especially when the owner suggested taking a better look at her for 'inspiration' on an expanded menu, but it was a real honour! "Mm, amazing… Isn't there anything better than this?"
"You consume a lot of sweets." Izu added, blinking in correspondence to her observation. "Are you certain this diet will not cause adverse effects?"
"Hasfgn…" Poppy started with a full mouth, holding up a finger as she swallowed. "Hasn't happened to me yet!"
"Excessive sugar indulgence can cause: stress, acne, loss of energy, sleep deprivation. More serious causes include –"
"Hey, hey, I've heard it all before!" Poppy scrunched her nose. She really has, considering Poppy's occupation as a nurse. "Oh, Mayu. Is something wrong?"
"It's my fault." Mayu stated, speaking in a clear, ashamed wave. Saying that took one weight off her shoulders, added two more. "What happened today," she turned away from the sea, and back towards them. "A lot of trouble was caused, and… I'm to blame."
"Oh, May–" Before Poppy was able to stretch out her idea, Mayu cut her off.
"No, please." Mayu shook her head, lowering it so she could only see the white table before her. "There's a lot I have to take into account. Before we arrived, we almost crashed – I was caught off guard." She spiraled further, speaking quicker and with a heavier voice. It was difficult to get out, even more so to keep it in. "Um, the truth is… I'm not too keen on the word 'sister'.'" Mayu balled her hands and began rolling her fingers. "That isn't the end of it, I put the Gate in harm's way. Taking off, it wasn't the right call – and because of my mistake, someone almost got hurt! Being unable to apprehend that magician, he may have been the one to drive Suzuki-san into despair, but I did a lousy job at protecting his hope!"
Poppy and Izu exchanged glances.
"That is incorrect." The Humagear spoke up. "Regarding your assessment of the situation, several errors are made. Great criticism has been imposed upon yourself, and thus you believe you are most at fault. However, each of us carry that responsibility. Our cooperation was uncoordinated, and we nearly injured ourselves numerous times – potential injuries caused by no one other than each other. Our performance was unsatisfactory as well, and neither of us were able to reach the suspect in order to provide support; it was near non-existent. Finally, the destruction of Suzuki-san's restaurant was an attack none of us could have prevented; we were outsmarted." A bit long winded, but Poppy seemed to agree.
There was nothing that got by her, and maybe she was a little too good at reporting their mistakes, because the pink shortcake seeped back into her chair; it never felt great to have a bad report be read aloud.
"While it was not wise to charge the suspect alone, and while it may have complicated this ordeal, your mistake, Mayu was believing that responsibility is yours alone."
"She has a point, you know?" Poppy exchanged a sweet smile. Reaching a hand out towards Mayu, she took hold of a girl who really needed to lose that frown. Joining Izu with her other hand, Poppy guided the two of them out from their chairs and into the field.
"P-please, can you forgive me?" Mayu asked.
"Silly, Payu! We already have. Today was a mess for us, but it doesn't have to be tomorrow! What's important is that we stop fighting solo! Out with the old way, in with the new! Together, us three. We can start anew."
The Sun set, and everything was alright.
A Hundred Miles Below Ground
"Magician or not, he is a nuisance." Azu declared, swinging her legs through the air like a child. She pursed her lips, checking the state of her nails. Not a single scratch on them since she began working – did the absence of pain prove efficiency, or incompetency? "More than that, he's like a puppy teething at every opportunity. Are you certain a mutt like that has use?"
"There is value in them." The bodiless voice spoke. Carried throughout the spacious chamber, each word echoed as a gothic hymn. "After all, the tools you requested are a gift courtesy of their efforts. Have you forgotten?" The Humagear glanced towards her workbench where the stolen technology sat. disorganized with dozens of wires sprawled around the floor; each one connecting to numerous paths that branched off like threads in an intricate spider-web.
It couldn't be put to use yet. There was one more component needed to complete the process, so for now all she could do was watch as millions of strings ran through the computer; analyzing only the relevant data for practical use.
"And if he outgrows the home you've built?" Azu asked.
"He will not be trouble." The voice assured, but not with a tune of sympathy, instead a haunting absolution. "Have you?"
"No." Azu snickered. "That dog can continue his game, so long as he remembers how to fetch." Red flickered from her glossy iris. Approaching the Hiden Intelligence 3D printer, she flashed an unmovable grin. "Then, dear sister… You and I can play."
AUTHOR'S NOTE (2/04/2024)
Hey there! Hope that hiatus wasn't too long. I have the rest of the story all planned out, and I hope that this chapter captures the spirit of Kamen Rider that I thought I wasn't initially capturing. For those unaware, this chapter and the next were previously released, but they felt so distanced from my original story in both tone and characterization that I chose to rewrite this chapter and the next one entirely.
This is the new chapter that I'm proud of, and I believe it does justice to what I originally set out to do and for all the girls involved. Please, enjoy it to the best you can! The core plot of this story hasn't changed, I just had to work out a few kinks and I'm proud to show you my finished products.
