GENM CORPORATION, JUST OUTSIDE THE OFFICES – LATE AFTERNOON
Hundreds of staff were lined on parallel paths, awaiting eagerly to greet our heroes. Each of them dressed nicely, wearing standard black suits – not a single missed tie, and certainly not a loose one either. Beginning from down the street, it led up the curb and into the guarded space of company premises. Guarded walls, something about them made one feel like if you walked inside, you might not be able to find your way out.
"Welcome!" Every other pair greeted them in perfect synchronization, each staff member bowing their heads as our heroes trailed on.
"Is this really the standard for a videogame company?" Mayu asked, a shiver running over her shoulders.
"All companies try to optimize professionalism." Izu said, matching the blank expressions on each of them. Then, she frowned. "Regardless, this might have an unintended effect." When it felt as though there was such opposition looming over the second in command to one of the most successful companies in the country, then one might be doing too good of a job.
What Izu couldn't help was to draw her wandering gaze upwards. It was magnetic, almost hypnotic in nature. This tower appeared as if it stretched beyond the clouds. Even Hiden Intelligence, which struck through them, seemed smaller somehow.
"Ugh, yes, yes. I get it!" Poppy, not phased at all by this. Pushing past the crowd, whatever bit of that uppity-optimistic 'If we can do it, let's do it together, and let's have fun doing it!' attitude that made her a shining star in a dim world, seemingly disappeared the moment she stepped onto these premises. Since she was last here, there's been quite a lot of renovations. The C.R. team hasn't been keeping tabs on Genm Corp. – there was no need to, it was perfectly fine as it was, and has been for the past few years! Though, the further she moved into this grand gesture, the more apparent it became that she couldn't have ever been more wrong.
Stepping inside the elusive rectangle of doom, Mayu couldn't help but to be amazed and terrified. On the other hand, Izu was scanning the area as thoroughly as she could while walking by. This office was too clean to be pulling off such charades. Although, the interiors were popping to the senses.
"By the way," Mayu asked, quickly stepping into the elevator with an awkward prance. It rose into the air, and from this view she could gaze upon all of Tokyo. Such an impressive view enthralled her, and yet she didn't feel any safer. "What are we doing here?"
"We've been summoned." Izu replied.
"T-that I can see, but… By who?" Mayu asked, turning to Poppy, whose glassy visage reflected a scowl.
"My father." Poppy answered.
GENM CORPORATION, UPPER LEVEL OFFICES – LATE AFTERNOON
The door opened. A wide array of cubicles were lined up in a spacious room. Small, but tidy and personalized to each worker. A second home, and this well-kept floor contradicted the previous air of corporate might running rampant at each corner. Yet, when they glared down the end of the hall, that overwhelming feeling of imposing power returned.
Nothing but a tiny layer of translucent material separated them. It was like he wanted everyone in the world to soak it in before daring to step inside. Behind a colossal, mahogany desk lettered with the name of this domineering organization, a chair was turned backwards to face outwards to the skyline. Part of Poppy would rather turn tail and leave. Never look back, and forget she ever got that phone call – it would be easier, wouldn't it?
"Is it really you…" Poppy asked. "... Dan Kuroto?"
A divine light cast upon them. God has returned.
"Welcome, Kamen Riders." Kuroto greeted them, speaking in a smooth, low voice. "Was there trouble finding your way here?"
"This is your Dad?" Mayu whispered, not sure what to think. This wasn't what she expected. A well-dressed man who had a distinct knack for purple and all other adjacent shades, with a sharp face that rested against the ends on a scale of dangerous and guiding. Beneath that, a pair of reserved eyes that trailed each waking movement any of them made. Did they have a violet tinge to them, or was she merely imagining such a thing?
"Is that what you call me?" Kuroto asked, turning to Poppy with clear amusement. His fingers were pressed together, creating a triangle. A well-rested, polite stance that was clearly nothing more than a decent disguise for the devil he truly was! "I'm touched."
"Oh, don't play me for a fool!" Poppy shouted, throwing her finger in his face. "How in the world are you here?!"
"Alive and well?" Kuroto asked back, not expecting her to answer. "Funny, I figured you would be relieved to see me in such a pristine condition."
"Any place you are that isn't behind bars is a dangerous place, Kuroto!" Poppy continued to lecture him; holding no qualms about feuding with her alleged creator. "Explain this to me, what kind of game do you have planned now?!"
"Please, if you let me exp–" Kuroto was cut off.
"Behind bars?!" Mayu leapt back. Just who was this guy?! Fortunately, Izu had the answers. A turquoise glow emanated from the Humagear.
"Kuroto Dan. Aged 38 years old, current chairman of Genm (Fantasy Dream) Corporation. Net worth indicated to be up to ¥ 2,000,000,000."
Author's Note: This approximates to around 18 million USD
Kuroto interjected. "2.5 Billion, as of recent years."
Izu continued. "In 2016, Dan Kuroto was indicted for a multitude of crimes including:
Physical assault.
Assault with a deadly weapon.
Attempted murder.
Murder.
Patricide.
Embezzlement.
Fraud.
Evading arrest.
Escaping prison in numerous cases.
Creation of bioweapons.
Distribution of bioweapons.
Bioterrorism.
Conspiracy.
Blackmail."
"Nothing you can prove." Kuroto answered smugly, kicking back in his premium office chair.
"Said crimes proved involvement, and furthermore, conception of the Kamen Rider: Chronicle… Pandemic…" Something Izu had no recollection of, as it didn't exist in her world. Mayu, however, remembers that strange time. If it hadn't been for the insistence of Mayu, Rinko might've fallen into the trap of joining Chronicle unknowingly; she was quite the gamer, after all. What else would you do during your off hours at the department?
Come to think of it, Haruto went on a wacky adventure around that time. Later, he started babbling about something to do with Pac-Man. At the time, she thought he might've been making a strange joke. It wasn't a joke anymore, but it wasn't any less strange.
"Dan Kuroto was sentenced to multiple life sentences." Izu finished, adhering to the requests of her friends before she could continue the wikipedia lesson on the man before them.
"You've been charged with all of these crimes." Poppy crossed her arms, huffing in frustration. "Why aren't you with the Ministry of Health?"
"Simple." Kuroto scoffed. "There are no laws pertaining to those who have multiple lives. With my extra lives, each sentence was counted as 'served.' It would cause quite an uproar to deny someone like myself his rights."
"B-but you're not even supposed to be here." Poppy argued. "You're a dead man walking!"
"Oh, sweet Poppy." Kuroto sighed, leaning forward. A wicked tongue pierced into the air as he chuckled. "Did you really think my games would end so abruptly?!"
"So you are planning a game!" Poppy shouted. She has had enough of Kuroto. Brimming with anger, Poppy started to turn more red than the blush smeared across her cheeks. "A puzzle game, a fighting game, a beach game? Tell me, right now!"
Kuroto really couldn't take her seriously. Like a child throwing a tantrum. "As you wish." Ushering them each to take a seat, Poppy refused. When Poppy refused, so did the others.
"Fine, tire out your legs." Kuroto sighed. "Last night, our company suffered severe losses. Our research and development branch was broken into, and valuable samples of the bugster virus were stolen." Sitting back in his chair, Kuroto didn't feel much at ease admitting that. No, he seemed rather hurt.
"Maybe you should invest more in your security." Poppy uttered.
"OUR SECURITY IS TOP NOTCH!" Kuroto leapt to his feet. Now, he was the one throwing a tantrum.
"So, what do you want?" Poppy asked. "What if you staged this just to swindle us in your weird and twisted traps?!" Wouldn't be the first time.
"Isn't it obvious?" Kuroto raised an eyebrow. "It's up to you to retrieve these samples. In the wrong hands, the chaos that would unfold is… immeasurable, to say the least." A wide grin curled upside his pale face as that last part came out.
"Why can't you do it?" Poppy asked. "This is your company."
"Isn't it part of your doctor's oath to work for the public's safety?" Kuroto snickered. "Besides, I have other matters to attend to. Rebuilding this company won't happen overnight, and I'm left to pick up the pieces those fools in my wake have left me." Leaving them with no choice, Kuroto had the riders right where he wanted. "Go, and save the world."
"No." Poppy stated.
"WHAT?!" Mayu, Kuroto & Izu said in unison.
"No." Poppy said, speaking with a firmer voice. "This is your mess."
"H-hold on," Mayu stepped in. "Aren't we being a little rash here? This could be another lead to our investigation."
"Indeed, this is the second instance of stolen equipment within a week." Izu agreed. "This is no coincidence."
"It's likely too that the magician we're looking f–"
"No, I won't do it!" Poppy declared, even if it meant she lost her voice. After a minute, the bugster returned to her usual state. Looking back at her companions, she seemed more distressed than frustrated."Please, could I have a moment with Kuroto?" Deciding it was for the best, Mayu and Izu stepped out into the hall.
"Don't tell me, you want to settle a score?" Kuroto asked after the others left. "I don't have time for childish indulgences and petty revenge." He was certainly one to talk, as hypocritical as ever.
"When does it stop?" Poppy asked, using a voice that fit 'Asuna' more than her current form. "First, it was Kamen Rider: Chronicle. Then, it was the Nazo Taki Labyrinth. Zombie Chronicle… It never ends, Kuroto!" Curling her fists, Poppy stomped on the ground, pleading with the man before her. She didn't know whether to chew him out for his continued behaviour, run like a waterfall with tears, or throw him back in the arcade cabinet and be done with this all for good!
"Each time, us doctors have to pick up the pieces of the mess you make. It's always another creation, and you never, ever take responsibility for what you do!" Patiently, Mayu and Izu awaited at the end with their backs turned, so that it didn't interfere. "Games are supposed to be fun, and you keep inventing more, and more dangerous ones!"
"What would you have me do? Let my talent go to waste?" Kuroto scoffed. "That will never happen."
"Give me one good reason to help you out, Kuroto." Poppy begged. Pondering on this, Kuroto sunk deeper into his chair. He really didn't expect this. Like a moth drawn to a flame, these doctors used to dance to whatever tune he composed. After a while, he was ready to compromise. It was a foundation of business. Negotiations go both ways.
"The Cyber Rescue team and its affiliates will not be forced as play-testers in another game created by Genm Corp." Kuroto said, hating how it sounded. The C.R. team really are his best band of players. "Does that suffice?"
"No." Poppy shook her head. "What about everyone else?"
"Am I banned from distributing my products?" Kuroto crossed his arms.
"We can't have another Chronicle incident again. It's like you said," Poppy glanced down to her cuffed hands. "As a doctor, it's my duty to ensure the safety of the public."
"..." Kuroto remained silent. "How will you be certain I keep my word?"
"I can't be." Poppy smiled. "But it's worth a shot, isn't it?"
"Is that all?" He asked once more.
"Just one more thing." Poppy said, placing the tip of her index finger over her thumb. "Make me a bike!"
"You can't be serious." Kuroto laughed. Then, he realized she was serious.
"Kuroto, you can make dozens of games. Hundreds, and I want a bike!" Poppy declared her final condition. "Toki Meki Crisis has me featured as a cameo, so why can't I be a part of a bike game too?!"
"Have you ever heard of crossover saturation?" Kuroto shook his head. "Independent IPs are far and few in this day and age. Everyone wants a connection to something, somewhere, and it slows progress. Gemn Corp chooses innovation, and I won't compromise our integrity."
"That's okay." Poppy pursed her lips, slightly swaying her arms around at her side. "If you aren't up for the challenge, Emu could make it for me instead."
Level 99 could rewrite the data of bugsters, after all. It's what did her a big favour, so why can't it do it again?
SLAM!
A fist battered against the desk. Glaring at the ground with sharp eyes, Kuroto was digging his hand into the wood. Teeth gritting so hard that it could grind through diamond, he cursed the stars for hearing that name once more.
"HOJO… EMU!"
Kuroto screamed. Loudly at that, which prompted Mayu and Izu to turn around.
"Fine, I accept these terms and conditions." These samples weren't something that Kuroto could lose out on. These were his property, his creations, his identity. Having someone potentially rob that from him was too much to bear, he simply wouldn't allow it! "You have a deal."
They shook hands, and that was that.
Leaving the office, Poppy seemed far more eager than when she entered. Skipping around, the others were curious.
"Are we taking the request?" Izu asked.
"Yep, no worries!" Poppy laughed. "Girls, we're getting closer to the bottom of this!"
REMNANTS, AN HOUR LATER – AROUND 4PM
Registration closed at 5.
Fortunately, the ring was finished! Carrying it out on a silver platter, Shunpei emerged into the waiting room. To make his gesture all the more grand, he started humming to the tune of royal trumpets. "Here you go," The ringsmith set his creation neatly down on the table. "A super-special one of a kind."
"It's amazing." Mayu said, holding it up as the light twinkled off the edges. Cyan-esque, just like a pair of familiar eyes.
"If I have to boast, I might have outdone myself this time." Shunpei said, getting all giddy. "Behold, the work of a master!"
"Let's hold out on the celebration until it works." Mayu chuckled. The good kind of laugh, the sincere kind. It was nice to laugh in this house. However, when she motioned towards Izu, there was a bit of hesitation.
"Payu, what're you waiting for?" Poppy asked. "Hurry up and give it a whirl!"
"Izu, are you sure you want to do this?" Mayu said, beckoning with long eyes for an answer. This tool was more than a disguise, it was a mask – a mask from the world. Does that mask arrive with a veil that shimmers more light into the world than darkness?
"What's the matter?" Izu asked, tilting her head. "In our society, Humagears are equipped with a wide variety of outfits and apparel fitting for the situation – this espionage calls for an appropriate disguise, as my current duties call for."
"Hiding that you are a Humagear, it's who you are. Asking you to hide that is… Does this have to be the only way?" Izu was grateful that Mayu was putting such consideration into this transformation and met her gaze with warmth.
"Considering the gravity of the situation, I have already made my decision." Izu affirmed. During the creation of the ring, there were a few times where she pondered over concealing her identity. This was different from assuming the Zero-Two mantle – a lot more personal at that, but what remained important to her was the duty of being a Kamen Rider. No, something more. A gardener of dreams. "This is for the sake of someone else's dream," She paused, thinking with a light smile of a certain someone. "I'd like for that dream to bloom, in whatever way I can help." Reaching outwards, Izu had her companion hand over the ring.
"Then, let's do this." Mayu helped set the ring over Izu's hand, guiding it towards her WizarDriver. Using the witch as a conduit to deliver a stream of magic needed for activation was how this was going to work!
DRIVER ON!
DISGUISE, PLEASE!
A white light enveloped the entire room. Blinding to the levels of a star, each of them eyes shut as the flash act of magic painted over every corner. When the room came to, there were no words exchanged. Only lone stares. That's strange, Izu didn't seem to notice a change. At least, not at first. Surely, if you took a crowbar and chipped off her backplate (though, not sure why you would), there would be tons of circuits running parallel to one another with more than 200 inner systems tied together, pulling apart, and circling around the other in order to encapsulate every bit of who she was. And yet, something wasn't the same.
"Is something the matter?" Izu asked, a tinge of panic coursing through her. Pairs of shocked, stationary looks shot in her direction didn't inspire a lot of confidence in its success. "Did the magic not work?"
It was then that the former-Humagear stuttered in her movements, trailing each end of herself with pale hands – hands that didn't have a QR stamp! Collapsing onto the couch, she stared in awe. Each Humagear designated for public operation required one. Carefully crafted by a series of A.I. computers at the world's most articulate manufacturing line. All of that effort to create a truly unique sequence – poof! Gone, just like that.
The clothes she was wearing have changed too! The iconic company-issued white secretary outfit Izu wore, fit with a custom made neck-bow, has now vanished! Replaced by a navy-blue blazer, with a gold and black tie wrapped around a white collar, and a sizable skirt that covered the upper ends of dark stockings, Izu now resembled a colleague of Asuka Gotō more than a member of Hiden Intelligence.
"Some special additions were thrown in to help sell the appearance. Ah, I happened to stumble upon the website of the university, and I figured it might help if this was included in the transformation. Sure saves on having to scramble around for shopping on short notice, doesn't it?" Shunpei added, ushering her towards the mirror. "D-don't worry, once it wears off, it'll return back to normal!"
What caught her attention first were the modules, or rather the lack of them. The Humagear module was removed entirely! Instead, Izu sported real ears; stretchy, squishy ones! The touch alone made her leap, believing for a moment that the illusion might depart, or perhaps leave her with nothing to remain. When she attempted to feel for the black, back brace that connected the module pieces, Izu was astonished to exist without its presence. This was more than just an amateur glamor splashed over her, it was without a doubt the real deal – or as close as one can get!
More adjustments were made, going beyond the shape of her face. Her synthetic hair, which now ran down to her chest, was tied into pigtails that ran down the front. What it lacked was a certain 'crunchiness' that was present if one ever decided to brush a hand over the backside. Said sensation resembled the interactional convergence of skin over the thin shield between the organic and static – the kind of feeling a working CRT monitor has. A rigid, yet identifiably unique texture now removed in place of something more akin to silk. The bioluminescent aquamarine streaks were missing, with raven-coloured strands to match.
Izu is, for all intents and purposes, human. Every bit that one would see.
"Amazing…" Was all Poppy could muster.
"Amazing…" Mayu repeated.
"Amazing…" Shunpei chimed in. Then, he quit marveling at the brilliance of his craftsmanship (an excellent spell, one he simply couldn't believe he pulled off) and referred back to the first decree of customer service: satisfaction. "Tell us, Izu-san." He tweeted out like a spring bird. "Are you impressed?"
Finding the right words was challenging. The hundreds of feelings that were churning around in her heart made accurate articulation nothing short of a mountain to compartmentalize into a mere sentence. Mesmerized by her reflection, Izu stammered along a string of half-muttered muses before being able to give her answer. Through the reflection, one could see her expression, but each of them eagerly awaited for it to present itself. Facing them, Izu found certainty with a smile.
"It's lovely."
OUTSIDE OF REMNANTS – LATE AFTERNOON
Time was of the essence! Fortunately, there would be just enough to reach the registration booth. Hurriedly, Mayu summoned her bike out front, while Izu found it necessary to generate hers using the RisePhone. Zero-Two might've moved quicker, but there were now 4 instead of three, and that meant one more person needed a lift.
"Can't thank you enough again." Mayu said, strolling past the halls of the antique shop. "Sorry about the short notice, but I wasn't sure who else to turn to."
"I'm surprised it works!" Shunpei laughed, wiping the ends of his glasses. During the transformation, he might have overdone it a little with the effect, and so there were a few blotchy spots covering his vision. "About that magician," He started. "Is there any possibility that it's…"
"No." Mayu shook her head. Without needing to say their names, Mayu understood what he was talking about. Haruto and Kosuke, this wasn't connected to them – as much as they desperately wanted it to be. She hated to leave him with a somber outlook on the future.
"Perhaps it's a bit tiring for me to hold out hope all the time." Shunpei sighed, peering out towards the waiting room where his daughter sat. "Still, someone has to believe. Isn't that right?"
Instead of answering, Mayu decided to cherish this scene. "Growing up in the blink of an eye." She sighed. "Cherish each second."
"Oh, Mayu-chan." Wajima called out as she stacked the saucers of tea. "Before you leave, I m–"
"Hold on!" Mayu said, stopping him before he could go on an unnecessary spiel. "It's me who needs to apologize. So, I am. Wajima-san, I shouldn't have let my past get the better of me."
"Apology accepted." The geezer smiled. "Although, Mayu…" With a firm grasp, he held onto her shoulders. A bit taken aback by this gesture, the witch stirred around for a split second before realizing that this must be important. And so, without fighting the sudden kindness, Mayu listened. "If there is something ahead of the road that bothers you, don't let it settle."
"I-I promise." Mayu said, and suddenly she felt sixteen again. Scrambling down the path she must venture with nothing but a mix of anxiousness and a strong sense of duty. Then, it was one little string of words that returned her smile.
"Come back, anytime."
TORIISAKA UNIVERSITY - Five minutes before five o'clock!
"Stop, stop, stop here!" Asuka shouted, patting Izu rapidly on the back.
"It is against the law to make a stop here." Izu said, but the Gate didn't seem to care, writhing around.
"We don't have time!" The motorcycle stopped in the parking lot, just as the law dictates. When the engine stopped it was go time! Asuka practically flew off the helm, sprinting down the path. Anyone on the bricked trail, may it be an unsuspecting student or a rude passerby was shoved aside for the sake of this dream! Trailing behind, Poppy, Mayu and Izu followed her to the registration booth. Out of breath, our heroes spotted the three Humagears beginning to pack up the booth.
"Wait one second!" Poppy cried out. "A-are… Are we… too…"
"Are we too late?!" Mayu finished her sentence. Even Asuka, who was wafting the spring air around incredibly in quick successions with flailing arms, couldn't seem to get the words rolling.
"Registration closes in a few minutes." The first Humagear said. "Are you here to register?"
"Indeed we are." Izu approached them. Looking as human as ever, but still holding her hands up to her stomach, to which the other girls quickly corrected. "The four of us are a team. Where do we sign up?"
"Right here." A clipboard sat on the table, which now had its cloth removed, as per the cleanup process. "You have one minute to note the team name."
"N-Name?!" Asuka heaved. "We… We didn't pick a name!"
"Uh-oh, what do we do?!" Mayu's mind went blank.
"Any suggestions?" Izu asked, turning back to them with a grin.
"[ Next Level ]" Said Poppy, in a rather deep voice. "Because no matter what, we're going to move onto the next level, and our skills are on the next level."
"Such a cool name." Asuka muttered, then snapping back to reality. "I-It doesn't matter what the name is. Just write it down already!" Without hesitation, Izu did. With a second to spare too. The Gate stared at the list of team names. There it was, a team of her own. Something she could command, written in tangible letters through thin strokes of ink. Just as she admired it, the checklist was swiped right out of her sight.
"Thank you for signing up." The Humagear said. "Good luck, we will see you in two days." The dance committee finished up packing, and then they left. Only our heroes were standing outside the gymnasium, basking in the relief of completing this task. One step closer to the truth.
A colossal weight turned into a bundle of feathers that sank to the bottom of Asuka's stomach. About ready to collapse, she tripped over herself and came to one knee. Then, a hand reached out to hers. It was Izu, who had reverted back to her Humagear form once the glamor spell wore off. "Gotō-san, stand tall. This is the beginning of your dream."
This was the beginning of the end.
SHINJUKU CITY – LATER THAT NIGHT
Stepping carefully off the platform, Izu minded the crowds of people flooding in and out like a million bees buzzing through an isolated ecosystem from the rest of the world. The day was over, and now she needed to return to Hiden Intelligence to recharge. Quite literally, given that she is a Humagear. A sea of cars driving by, each heading towards their own path; journeys and adventures that each individual, every tiny speck seen from a hundred feet above the ground must carry out. Reason, beliefs, worries and happiness all felt in beating hearts that guided them throughout each corner of the world. In this way, humans and Humagears were not so different – after all, humans designed Humagears.
When singularity was achieved, Izu more accurately understood what it means to be human, although there was always going to be a gap between them. One that she did mind, here and there, but when you are with the right people, suddenly the distance doesn't matter. When they are away, you feel farther than you could have ever been from the truth of what it meant to exist. However, as she trotted along the increasingly narrow, cemented city streets, greeted by firm curtains of diverse, well-marketed eye-popping neon at every turn, and awaiting her return to motion at the end of each curb – in this evanescence of purpose, Izu was alive.
Nothing could ever change the love she had for humanity. It didn't matter what world, so long as there was someone to share that love with.
The main road she wanted to take was closed. A Humagear informed her of such, wielding its traffic sign with a smile; it was just about to sign off for the day, and bid her farewell. There was an alternate route, a residential district. It might take ten or so minutes more to arrive, but more than a decent amount of battery was thriving in Izu. An evening stroll wouldn't cause commotion.
The district was unappealing. At least, to her. There was nothing special to bring out of it. All information such as neighborly watches, pricing of apartments indicated from lowest to highest, and surrounding transit stops could be accessed at the tap of a button. The computing power of There never failed her, even in an unfamiliar land. Not everything was new, however. Izu still remembered this route. Once, two years back, Aruto took Izu out on a scenic route. At the time, she didn't understand his sudden change of heart.
"We've been spending so much time in the sky lately," He started, referring to Hiden Intelligence. "That we haven't stopped for a while to see the stars from down here."
"Stars remain the same regardless of where you look at them." Izu argued.
"Do you really believe that?" Aruto asked in a soft voice, invoking genuine curiosity. He beckoned for her to glance up, and so she did. Stars don't change shape wherever you are, but he was right. Their beauty is relative, and it comes with perspective.
Then, as she reminisced, something happened. Something not right. The surrounding street lights switched off. No, it wasn't just them. An apartment across the road blacked out, as did the shimmering emerald lights from the convenience store. Suddenly, Izu was surrounded in an elusive darkness. What she might have attributed to a city malfunction became much more than an accident – it became an abnormality.
The lights switched on. All of them at once. Then, one by one, in a peculiar, cryptid sequence of patterns, a lightshow emerged before her. This wasn't a show she wanted to stick around for. Reaching into her pocket, Izu unveiled the Zero-Two driver,
Blink. Blink…
Blink, blink, blink…
Blink…
Blink blink…
She wished she had reached for it sooner.
One by one, her danger sensors began alerting her – shooting off in rapid fire, and without rhyme or reason.
Blink blink.
Blink, BLINK.
Any semblance of reason to stay in the area was starting to fade, but she couldn't abandon this position, not with the duty that's been entrusted to her!
Blink. Blink, blink… Bliink…
Whoever it was, or whatever, it was a threat to safety that must be dealt with– darkness. There was nothing but darkness now.
Then, Izu saw it. At the end of the street, illuminated only under a dim light, there was a Kamen Rider. A near identical copy of Zero-Two, except this couldn't be. This imposter masqueraded with a snowy exterior, with lenses and antenna – and even portions of the driver itself being coated in a hauntingly glistening sheet of violet polycarbonate.
Izu dared to blink into the abyss. Then, the figure vanished, leaving only a trace in a stream of light heading her own way.
The next second, Izu was on the ground. The pressing of the underside of a steel boot weighing down onto her chest. The figure held no discernible emotion present in its movement. It was calm, collected, and unbelievably patient as it garnered the gist of what Izu was aiming to do. Taking hold of the driver, it stared at it for a moment. The object in question began vibrating, as did the rest of its body; it was as though it was failing to maintain a constant state of being, perpetually in motion.
"Who are you?!" Izu asked, struggling to free herself from its grasp. Then, as if the sound of her voice merely angered her adversary – or perhaps, the digitized echoes awakening a latent instinct to destroy, the figure wrapped its hand around her neck.
From its arm leaked out an unfamiliar substance. It wasn't solid, almost gas-like in nature, but it didn't conform to that state either. Resembling the same shade as the suits secondary scheme, a trail of agonizing vengeance seeped into the systems of the Humagear.
It took no less than a second for Izu to begin writhing around, screaming in horror as a virus entered, enduring all means of safety measures in its wicked persistence.
The visual-spatial system that occupied Izu's ocular senses malfunctioned. Slots of her sensory capacity began to wipe itself, and so blank spots of nothingness started clouding over anything she could see. On top of that, other systems started shutting down. Unable to connect to There, it was as if the link between them was severed completely! Waves of unimaginable pain coursed through Izu, overloading her senses at each end. Then, as the CPU started to fail her, Izu heard its voice.
"Who am I?" A perfect reflection of her own. The figure held Izu by the back of the head, gently caressing her. "I am your ghost."
Then, it was over. Izu was alone, glitching out on a street. The RisePhone only inches apart from her hand, but miles from salvation.
AUTHOR'S NOTE (03/31/24):
Boom, double feature! Pretty quick, huh? Don't worry, as I said in my previous chapter, I had this chapter mostly completed for a while, so I'm not rushing to get things out or anything. Well, here is the emergence of Zero-Three! A rider that has all the powers of Zero-Two, plus utilizing the bugster virus. Pretty deadly combo, isn't it?
If one hasn't guessed already, Zero-Three has the power to control technology through the use of infections with the bugster virus! It's funny, I planned for Zero-Three a long while ago, and then in the ACTUAL outsiders its been teased, so I wonder what that power will do. If it's like the one I've designed, then I shall officially consider myself someone who can see the future. Alas, the next chapter might take a while because I'm on exam season starting next week, and then I'll have to prepare to move for my summer work, but I promise you'll get a chapter way, way before summer ends.
