A/N: Okay, BIG THANKS to KR_CHROME/Dr. Exposition for helping me out! I had a serious case of Writer's Block for these two chapters, and it was frustrating me to no end. But with his input, I was able to get back on track!
It had been a few days since Luz had to bid a sad farewell to her internal Rider mentor, Haruto, otherwise known as Kamen Rider Wizard. The simulacrum he had left behind was no longer a lingering presence that she could call upon, she was kind of on her own now, but not exactly. La Lechuza was there, and of course, so were her friends, girlfriend, and her witch mentor/second mom, and her "little brother" King. However, this did light a fire in Luz to try harder and search for a means to return to the Human Realm. She had gone through Philip's journal and did find some interesting Glyph Combo patterns. She hoped that one of them would be connected to portal creation, so she experimented with them.
The first two weren't what she expected, but no less helpful. The first combo created a mini tornado of gusting winds, and the second created water on a seemingly endless loop. La Lechuza thought that they'd make great additions to their magical arsenal, and Luz agreed. Afterwards, she created the "Tornado" magic ring, and "Water Geyser" magic rings. Even if the combos didn't lead to what she wanted, it seemed that she could at least get new magic rings for later use. The next two were less appealing to her.
The third combo's notes stated that she needed an object for the combo to take effect. So, Luz placed an action figure in the middle of the circle, and immediately, the action figure turned into stone, petrified on the spot. While La Lechuza did find it fascinating and thought that such a spell might come in handy for certain foes, Luz was completely against its usage. Petrification was something Belos did, and the last thing she wanted was to use a spell that almost killed Eda, or have any spell associated with that tyrant. While La Lechuza still believed the spell had many advantages for different situations, she differed to Luz in this matter, as she couldn't deny that having any association to that man irritated her on many levels.
The last of the four newly discovered combos was frightening as it created arms with razor sharp claws that rose out and tried to grab her. Thankfully Eda destroyed it before it could grab her. And so, that new combo was a hard pass.
"Sounds like you had a busy weekend," said Amity.
"Yeah, but I got to hear Eda's story about how she and Raine met when they were kids," Luz gushed. "They were so cute together!"
Today was a school day, Luz, Amity, Willow, Skara, and Gus were gathered at their usual table as they discussed some things together. And among the topics of discussion was the growing distrust of Witch and Heka in the recent months.
"Belos is definitely trying to smear you two," Gus stated in annoyance. "And it's honestly frustrating how some people are just buying it!"
"Can't be helped," said Skara. "Compared to every demon and witch on the Boiling Isles, Witch and Heka are the most powerful."
"Skara's not wrong. If you think about it, between me and Amity, we could probably take over the entire Boiling Isles and become its empresses," said Luz.
Amity blushed red as she suddenly imagined herself and Luz in royal attire, sitting upon a throne in a utopia that they created. Of course, in that fantasy, Luz was sitting on the throne, and Amity saw herself lying across her girlfriend's lap as she hung onto her.
Willow noticed the look on Amity's face and smirked as she knew exactly what Amity was imagining right now. "Well, can't say it wouldn't be all that bad if you two were in charge. Can't be any worse than Belos."
Luz rubbed the back of her head as she retorted, "Well…there is…ahem…Oscura."
Gus, Willow, and Amity chastised themselves mentally for even bringing up the topic of Luz becoming an Empress, recalling their human companion's adventure in the alternate Demon Realm. However, Skara looked confused as she glanced between everyone.
"Um, am I missing something? Who's 'Oscura'?" Skara asked.
"Oh, right, you weren't originally in on me being a Kamen Rider, so you don't know about that little incident," Luz remembered. "Long story, short. I got sucked into an alternate universe version of the Boiling Isles. One where I became a super powerful, Dark Rider named Empress Oscura, and that version of me ruled the Boiling Isles with an iron fist."
Skara's jaw dropped when she heard this. "WHAT?!" The Bard witch quickly covered her mouth and lowered her tone. "You? A Dark Rider? Like a bad guy Kamen Rider?"
Luz nodded.
"And you became that world's empress?" Skara glanced about the table one more time as she took in the melancholic looks on each of their faces. "…I'm guessing things weren't all good if that was the case."
"Let's just say that you never know how one bad decision can alter the course of someone's life," said Amity as she reached over and took Luz's left hand into her right. "Or how that altered life can go on to shape the future of everyone else's."
Skara gulped, as she felt something really bad happened in that alternate universe. So, Willow leaned over and whispered what exactly led to the creation of the dark version of Luz Noceda, and Skara's eyes widened. She had heard about the duel at the Covention between Luz and Amity, but to hear how the outcome could've been much different, really made her understand how lucky they were to be in this universe, even with everything that was happening.
"I'm so sorry that happened to you, Luz," said Skara.
"It's fine, I mean, kind of. The other me is hopefully doing better."
Gus noticed the mood was getting dark, so he decided to veer the group back onto the original topic. "Well, I think you guys should know that I'm currently working on a project – with Principal Bump's approval – to host a 'Kamen Rider Appreciation Day' Fair!"
"Huh?" the others went.
"The only way to beat bad propaganda, is with positive facts! Witch and Heka have saved the Demon Realm together and stopped the Phantoms from turning us all into more of their kind and wiping us out. And we also point out the obvious. Because, just like Skara said, you two have enough power to take over the Isles. Why jump through all these hoops if you could just do it on your own?" Gus informed.
"He does have a point, and we could get testimonials from people who have been saved by Witch and Heka, to bolster the message" said Willow.
"Oh-Oh! Maybe we can have a performance by Rider Girls! It's been a while since we last played together," Skara suggested.
Willow gleefully chuckled at the idea. "Now that would be fun, we haven't sung together since that talent show, and then there was that time at the Emperor's palace. I say we do it."
"I say it's worth a shot, let's do it!" Luz exclaimed.
Emperor Belos stood his vats filled with both Super Coven Phantoms and regular Coven Phantoms. At his side were the Super Oracle and Super Illusion Coven Phantoms. It was thanks to their efforts that Belos was able to create all the false footage of he wanted of Witch and Heka, or rather, of Luz Noceda and Amity Blight. If there was one thing Belos knew to do well, it was manipulating the unwitting masses. It wasn't as hard as it seemed, considering that Witch and Heka had basically made themselves out to be the only two remaining powerful beings on the Isles, and after eliminating the last remnants of the Phantoms that were originally created by the Titan.
In trying to stop me, you provided me with my greatest tool to help speed up my plans. I really should've thanked you before you passed on, thought Belos.
While there were some in the public who still held faith in Witch and Heka, there was a steady rise in confidence with his nephew, Hunter, or rather, Kamen Rider Crusader. However, if he wanted to stamp out the last remnants of Witch and Heka's support, he would need something to push them over the line. Belos glanced about his underground workshop, seeing the many vats of Pseudo Phantoms he had yet to unleash. They were quite easy to replicate, and even more so with his newly found power.
"If there one thing I don't like, it's unexpected surprises. And Luz Noceda and her 'Rider' powers have certainly been a surprise I had not accounted for," said Belos as he walked along the rows of numerous vats of Pseudo Phantoms. "But through careful observation, I've noticed some things about our dear Ms. Noceda's strongest form. And if I'm right. We can break her spirit."
}Oh, this looks like a lot of fun!{
Belos stopped upon hearing the disembodied voice echoing in the workshop.
}These little monsters are kinda cool, especially with all the things they cand do!{
"Mmm-hmm, it is quite amusing. And soon, all that I promised you will come to pass, my friend," said Belos.
The disembodied voice began to laugh loudly within the workshop, it sounded like a child's laughter. Devoid of any real malice or evil, but more like actual, innocent joy.
}I wish I could see it!{
"I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. You just need to wait a bit longer, my friend."
Belos smiled as he headed up the stairs, accompanied by his two Super Coven Phantoms. As he left the workshop, a shadow passed over the area, and following that was a child's laughter. As Belos ascended the stairs, he waved his hand and the Super Oracle and Illusion Phantoms disappeared, although they were not very far away from their master. The Emperor arrived at the first sublevel of his underground workshop. The one that housed the portal to the Human Realm, as well as some of his other machinations that he wasn't afraid to have seen by others. Once he was in that room, Belos smirked, seeing who was waiting for him.
"Barlow Greffa," Belos greeted.
Indeed, Barlow, the infamous mercenary who was the father to Viney Arwin, and who had at one point been hired by Odalia Blight to kidnap Luz Noceda, was now standing before the Emperor of the Boiling Isles.
"Emperor Belos, gotta say, I'm grateful to you for spiriting me away from that prison." Barlow smirked connivingly as asked, "But I must say, why would our great and powerful Emperor see fit to stretch his merciful hand to a scoundrel like myself?"
Belos smirked back and answered, "If you'd like to know, it's because I am in need of your services."
Barlow rubbed his chin as he grinned. "I see, I see. Something you'd like to keep 'off the books' as it were? Something for the 'greater good'?"
"Hmm, perhaps. Let's just say that I have my reasons. And those reasons are of little concern to you," said Belos as his gaze shifted to a glare.
Barlow felt a chill run down his spine. There were hardly any people on the Boiling Isles who could make him feel that way. Although, considering he was standing before the most powerful witch in the Demon Realm, the Emperor himself, it only made sense that he'd feel this way.
"Very well, Emperor Belos. Just curious is all. Besides, I'm a mercenary. So long as I am paid, I don't really care what the job entails. Kidnapping, killing, wrangling up some demon beasts, whatever you need," said Barlow.
"I need you to take care of a couple of young ladies for me. And these particular young ladies just so happen to be Kamen Riders Witch and Heka," Belos informed. "I need you to keep them…occupied for a while. I'd like it if you could avoid killing the human."
Barlow's eyes widened with shock when he heard the Emperor's request. "Whoa, whoa, My Emperor, that's a pretty tall order you're giving me! No disrespect, but even I've seen what those two can do, and I'm not exactly ready to die for a while."
Belos chuckled, knowing full well that this would be the reaction he would have from being given such a request. "I am well aware that you're no match for them. There isn't a single witch on this island that can stand against them. I, of course, count myself among them. However, what if I told you I knew their true identities?"
The mercenary stumbled when he heard this information. The Emperor knew all along who Witch and Heka were, but then why hadn't he made this information public? Was he waiting for the right time to let the people know? Or was there something else he wasn't aware of going on here? Either way, Barlow wasn't sure anymore what the Emperor was getting at with this mission he had given him.
"Well, if you do know their true identities, then that's a different story. They wouldn't see me coming, and dealing with them outside of their armored forms would make your request quite easier for me. But pray tell, my Emperor, how am I to deal with them if – by some stroke of bad luck – I find myself having to face them in battle?"
"Well, that would be a problem." Belos walked over to a table filled with various tools, gadgets, tomes, and scribbled notes and paper strewn about said table. The Emperor picked up one item in particular, and Barlow recognized it as a Coven Branding Glove. "You are skilled in Beast Keeping magic, are you not?"
"Y-Yes, my Emperor," Barlow answered.
"Show me your sigil," he ordered.
Barlow wasn't sure what the Emperor was planning, but he knew better than to go against him. Bearing that in mind, the mercenary rolled up his left sleeve and showed his Beast Keeping sigil. Belos walked until he was standing in front of the man, and swiftly grabbed his wrist with the glove. Barlow released a hiss of pain as he felt something happening within the grip of the glove. After a few seconds, Belos released Barlow's wrist, and when he did, the mercenary gasped. His Beast Keeping sigil was gone and was now replaced by an Emperor's Coven Sigil.
"You…You changed my sigil," Barlow gasped in a shock.
"The Titan has granted me permission for this one-time exception, as it is his will that this task be undertaken. However, understand this, Barlow Greffa. If you get caught, you will be taken back to prison. And subsequently punished as a Wild Witch," Belos informed.
"WHAT?!" he barked, knowing full well what the punishment was for being a Wild Witch. "I'm no Wild Witch! And if I flash this, they won't!"
Belos removed the glove and placed it back on the table as he grinned evilly. "Oh, but it's well documented that you have a Beast Keeping sigil on your arm…or did you?"
"Excuse me?" Barlow asked with a slight edge to his voice.
"You are a mercenary, and no stranger to employing methods that are, how shall we say? Less than righteous." Belos turned to face Barlow as his eyes glowed, and his smile grew. "Tell me if this sounds plausible. Barlow Greffa, tired of being constrained to just Beast Keeping magic, sought out the ways of Wild Magic to remove his sigil. Although unsuccessful, he did manage to change to that of a sigil that would grant him the same magical freedoms of a Wild Witch, and at the same time, pose as a member of the Emperor's Coven to go unnoticed in his illegal activities. I think that's a rather convincing story, don't you think?"
Barlow looked down at the new sigil on his arm. This mark was now like a curse; if he stepped out of line, if someone saw him with it, or caught him in the middle of his hired task, the Emperor could just spin this story. No one would question Emperor Belos, not even once, essentially, this sigil was also his leash.
"There is hope yet, Barlow. Complete the task and remain anonymous as much as possible. If you are successful, I will use my power and authority to pardon your crimes, and officially have you as a member of my Coven. The Day of Unity draws ever closer, Barlow. Wouldn't you like to be among the first, among the privileged few to enjoy the upper echelons of paradise?" Belos offered.
"…One question, My Emperor. Should I be successful, until the Day of Unity, can I be free to do as I please with this freedom you've granted me?" he asked.
Belos chuckled. "I don't see why not. Very well. Complete your task, and upon your success, you can do as you please. Kill, kidnap, do whatever you want to your heart's content. I only ask that you keep your actions as subtle as possible, it'll make it easier to pardon you when the Day of Unity arrives."
Barlow's smile widened to the point that it split his face, and then he released a hearty, boisterous laugh that echoed through the room. "Emperor Belos, you have yourself a deal! Now, who are my targets?"
"Oh, I know you'll find this most amusing. The identities of Witch and Heka are…"
(2 Days Later…)
"So, let me get this straight. Goops wants to throw some kind of 'Kamen Rider Celebration', or something, while the Isles is kinda getting duped by Belos' stupid 'Witch and Heka bad' schtick?" Eda asked.
Luz was getting a few things from the Owl House to bring to the school. Gus had gotten permission from Principal Bump to hold the little event on school grounds. Luz was getting some of the last things needed for the fair and was planning on meeting up with everyone at Hexside.
"Yeah, I mean, if Belos is going to come at us with negative publicity, then we gotta fight back with positive publicity!" Luz exclaimed.
"Can't argue with that. Well, if you need any help, give me a buzz," said Eda as she went to work fixing up some potions.
"Oh! I wanna go!" King paused and asked, "Is there going to be food?"
Luz chuckled. "Yes, King, there will be food."
"I'm in!" King exclaimed as he followed after Luz.
The Latina rolled her eyes playfully before letting King hopped onto her shoulder.
"Oh, hey, take Owlbert with you. It'll be less of a trek," Eda suggested.
The owl Palisman flew over to Luz, gave a few cheerful hoots, and then transformed into his staff form. Luz hooked the bags she had over her free shoulder and mounted the staff.
"Are we ready," La Lechuza asked as she perched on Luz's free shoulder.
"Yep, let's fly! Let's go, Owlbert!" Luz called out.
The wings of the Palisman unfurled and his eyes glowed bright yellow. A moment later, the staff levitated off the ground as both Luz, King, and La Lechuza flew out of the Owl House and towards the school. The three flew through the woods, on a direct path towards Hexside. As she did, Luz took a moment to admire La Lechuza as she flew alongside them.
La Lechuza had been enjoying her sort of freedom, even if it wasn't exactly the same thing as if she had taken over Luz's body and used it to move around in, this was still nice. Spreading her wings like this helped to let her interact more with the world and allowed her to be close to Luz both inside and outside. Since losing Wizard's simulacrum, La Lechuza had been doing what she could to fill the void of Luz's Rider mentor, but her partner assured her that she was fine.
It didn't take long before Luz arrived at the front of the school, where the KRC had already set up a bunch of things for the "Kamen Rider Appreciation Fair" event. There were several members of the Human Appreciation Society, whom Mattholomule was still the president of, who joined in and helped in the setup of the fair that they had created. Since this was also a part of human culture, it seemed appropriate to have them lend a hand.
There were different booths that spoke about Earth based customs, and others that showed the history of the Kamen Riders as an entertainment show, but also as a force for good that very much existed in the universe at large. There were crystal balls set up to create illusionary images for different presentations that Gus and everyone had set up for the event. It was a little annoying for Luz that she couldn't go into detail when it came to Mr. Tsukasa or the King of Kamen Riders, Sougo. Heck, she also wanted to talk about Anne and Marcy, her Kamen Rider friends from Amphibia. But that would mean divulging certain sensitive information, and the circle of those who knew that information was already quite expansive.
Eda, King, Willow, Gus, Emira and Edric, Mr. Blight, Skara. Oh, yeah, and Viney, too. Then there's the fact that Belos and Hunter know who I am, Luz thought. I just realized that a lot of people know who I am.
Luz helped Amity and Willow setting up some items, as she decided to ask them, "Why is it do you think Belos and Hunter haven't outed who Witch and Heka are?"
Amity and Willow stopped their work and realized that Luz did have a point.
"True, if Belos really wanted to stop us, and turn the whole island against you. Outing us, on top of all this negative publicity, would be the fastest way to get the public completely turned against us," Amity noted.
"I think the fact that he hasn't is even more worrying. Maybe he's planning something bigger than we're thinking about," Willow pondered aloud.
La Lechuza perched on a nearby table and added her two cents. "If that is true, then it must be in connection with this 'Day of Unity'. From what Eda informed us when she spoke to Wrath, it must either be something that will benefit only himself, as he does not strike me as a man willing to share power of any kind. Neither does he seem like the 'paradise' kind either. If there's one thing we Phantoms know, it's how to deceive."
Bast walked among the three as she said, "I concur. I haven't had as much interaction with him aside from that one time we had that meeting with him, but even I can tell he's plotting something. And I don't like it."
"Well, regardless," said Gus as he brought over some supplies. "We'll put people's doubts to rest."
"Seriously," Viney chimed in. "You guys have saved our collective butts several times over, including my Mom and Dad. I don't care what anyone says, or the Emperor, you guys are the real heroes."
"And hopefully this will remind people of that," said Edric.
"Well, we're done setting up," Matt announced.
"Great, then let's get this show on the road!"
Everyone scattered to their designated areas, and with the use of a few quick-change spells, many of KRC and HAS members were now clothed in Kamen Rider costumes. Some were from the media of Luz's world, while others were dressed in the outfits of the Showa Riders who appeared to stop Shocker when they tried to invade the Boiling Isles. Both kids and adults attended their little fair as they went to different game booths and partook of the various Kamen Rider themed food items that were presented to them.
Despite the negative propaganda, there was a good number of people attending the event. Seeing this made Luz hopeful that there were at least some people who weren't buying what Belos was selling. Feeling invigorated, Luz put on her costume, and jumped out into the crowed, joining her fellow KRC members while dressed up as her alter ego, Kamen Rider Witch. There was another at her side, Kamen Rider Heka, a cosplay getup that was worn by Amity. Some of their friends who were in the know felt it was a little on the nose for the two of them to be wearing costumes that were homemade versions of their real Rider suits, but then again, who better to play the roles than the ones who were actually the superheroes.
There were several times when Luz had to stop King from devouring every confection at the fair, but he managed to behave himself. At least when Luz and her friends were looking that is. As the event went into full swing, Willow finished getting dressed in her stage outfit for when she, Skara, Amity, and Luz would get on the stage and perform as Rider Girls. As she assisted the others with a few miscellaneous things, the Plant witch stopped and watched as a familiar face was in attendance.
"Caleb!" Willow called out.
"Caleb" jerked his head in Willow's direction and waved towards his Flyer Derby Captain as he approached her. "H-Hey, Captain."
"I'm so glad you came! I know it was a tall order for you," said Willow.
"Yeah, I kind of managed to talk my Uncle into letting me come here on the premise that I was going keep an eye on…certain people," Hunter explained.
Willow sighed as she placed her hands on her hips. "You're really not still buying that load about Luz and Amity, are you?"
"Captain, that's…I don't know what to believe, honestly. I owe my uncle a lot, and he's looked after me all this time. And besides…" Hunter got closer to speak in a hushed tone. "He's the Emperor, he does what is best for the people of the Boiling Isles. And your human friend only arrived her recently and now things have become chaotic ever since."
Willow couldn't deny that fact. Luz's presence in the Demon Realm had sparked a shift in the dynamics of everything. Until now, Willow, Gus, and others, had only adhered to one way of thinking. But with Luz's unique perspective, they've managed to see that perhaps their world isn't as perfect as they thought it was. That not everything was as fair as it could be towards witches and demons. Everything has been chaotic since Luz's arrival, but that wasn't a bad thing.
"I won't deny that, but Luz has helped a lot of people, and not just as…you-know-who. If it wasn't for Luz, I would've never gotten the courage to stand up for myself and start Hexside's Flyer Derby team. Are you really going to tell me that Luz is someone with an evil agenda?" Willow asked.
Hunter glanced over his shoulder at Luz, dressed as Witch, entertaining some children before they ganged up and dog piled on her.
"Mmm…still…"
"Willow! Babe!" Skara called out as she approached the two. The Bard witch was also in her stage outfit, and as she stood next to Willow, she gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I've been looking for you. We need to get Luz and start practicing for our musical number." Skara turned her head slightly to her right and frowned a little when she noticed who it was. "…'Caleb'."
"Skara…" Hunter greeted back.
Although Skara was grateful to Hunter for saving her girlfriend from her possession as a Hybrid Plant Phantom. She was still a little salty about how he lied to them, and inadvertently, nearly crushed her girlfriend's spirit in the process.
"Be nice you two. What happened, happened. It's in the past. We're friends now, teammates, and teammates trust each other," said Willow, practically putting her foot down.
Skara and Hunter straightened up and replied, "Yes, Captain!"
"Good, now let's go and rescue Luz from those children before eat her alive."
"AAAH! They're trying to get at my spleen!" Luz cried out.
"Hey, you runny nosed cookie munchers! No one lays a hand on Luz's spleen!" King declared as he jumped into the fray and began fighting the toddlers.
"Aww, King."
"I called dibs on it way before you!"
"KIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNGGG!"
"And that's our cue," Skara announced as she ran off towards Luz.
Willow patted Hunter on the shoulder before saying, "Enjoy the fair, and have fun. We'll meetup after our act is done."
"Y-Yeah, no problem," Hunter replied, his cheeks turning red.
Skara waited for Willow, and once she was with her, the two went to help Luz. But not before Skara turned around and made a gesture with her fingers pointing at her own eyes before pointing those same fingers in Hunter's direction. Basically saying, "I'm watching you, buddy." Hunter scoffed and returned the gesture at Skara before the Bard witch turned around and went back to her task.
Flapjack exited Hunter's hood and chirped at his partner.
"What? It's nothing like that," Hunter retorted.
Flapjack raised his brow as if saying, "Really?"
"Don't give me that look."
Once they were certain things had been kicked off correctly, the next part of today's events was going to kick off. The twins and Gus drew a spell circle together before disappearing in a puff of cyan smoke to begin the event. Together the three Illusionists appeared on a stage that was set up for them. Gus drew a spell circle and summoned a microphone as he began the presentation.
"Hellooooo, everyone! Welcome to the Kamen Rider Club's Kamen Rider Appreciation Day Fair!" Gus announced. "Now, we're well aware of the so-called 'footage' of Witch and Heka, and how they're secretly responsible for the Phantoms. Well, I say, actions speak louder than words!"
Edric and Emira nodded to each other and drew two spell circles. The twins used their magic to activate the crystal balls that were near the stage and had them project holographic images big enough for everyone on the fairgrounds to see. The images that were shown were that of Witch and Heka battling the various Phantoms that had appeared on the Boiling Isles and threatened the lives of the people.
"Time and again, Kamen Rider Witch and Kamen Rider Heka have fought to protect us! Risking their own lives to defeat the Phantoms and stop them from turning our fellow witches and demons into more of their kind!" Gus stated.
The people watched as multiple clips were cycled through, showing some battles with known Phantoms like Wendigo, Thunderbird, Troll, Kitsune, Will-o'-the-Wisp, and Pan when he cursed the Bard Coven performers at the Emperor's Palace. The image that was shown was of Witch teaming up with Willow and Skara as the hero added the instrumentals while the girls provided the vocals to break the cursed song. Willow and Skara blushed when they remembered that event, as it was the moment that brought them together, and allowed them to give voice to their feelings for each other.
"But don't just take my word for it! Here's some words from those who Witch and Heka have saved!" Gus nodded to the twins and both of them drew another spell circle.
The crystal balls switched up their display, and instead of showing still images, they were now displaying video.
The first one to appear was Skara.
{Witch has saved my life three times already. The first time was when that fox-looking Phantom tried to make it seem that I was hurting someone I cared about and made me fall into despair. Then Witch used her power to roast that monster and stop me from transforming me into a Phantom because of what it did to me. The second time was at the Emperor's Palace, where me, Willow, and Witch worked together to stop the cursed song from hurting everyone on the Boiling Isles. And the last time was on a field trip to the Bard Coven Headquarters. Those new types of Phantoms possessed me and used me to try and destroy the whole Boiling Isles. But yet again, it was Witch who tore me out of that monster and saved us! I don't care what fake footage gets posted on Penstagram, Witch will forever be my hero!}
Once Skara's segment was done, another showed up. This time it was Viney and her parents, Fang and Matilda Arwin.
{So, yeah. My husband and I got possessed by those big Phantoms and they turned us into monsters. Can't remember much, but I do remember being super pi–!}
{Mom, language,} Viney reminded.
{Sorry, sorry. I remember being 'angry' when my ex-husband threatened my daughter and her friend's life.}
{Those things took advantage of our anger and turned us into monsters. Witch and Heka stopped us from being killers, and even more, from being controlled by monsters,} said Fang.
{Witch and Heka protected my family, and I'll always be grateful for that,} Viney added. {Oh, and on that note, she saved me and others from being slaves to some vampire Phantom.}
Viney smiled when she saw her testimonial. She recalled when she told her parents what they were up to, and they were more than willing to give their two snails about how they felt about Witch and Heka. As well as what they thought about all the crap that was being said about her friends. With a satisfied grin, Viney went off to get some more supplies for the kids' art stations. As she went into their designated supply tent, Viney suddenly felt a chill run up her spine. A shadow was cast on her from behind, a figure blocking the exit to the tent. The hairs on the back of Viney's neck rose, she hadn't felt this kind of danger since…
"Hey there, Vi."
Viney's eyes widened with shock. Her hands began to tremble, so she clenched them into fists to cease the shaking. The dual track witch was already trying to contemplate ways of casting a spell to protect herself or grant her enough room to get away to get Luz and Amity, heck, anyone at this point would do.
"C'mon, are you really going to give your old man the cold shoulder?"
Viney swallowed hard and turned head to look over her left shoulder. And sure enough, the man she despised the most was there. Her biological father, Barlow.
"How the hell are you even here?! You're supposed to be in jail!" Viney snapped.
"They let me out for good behavior," Barlow joked.
"…So, what do you want? Are you here to kill me or something? To get revenge on Mom and Dad?" Viney questioned.
Barlow looked a little agitated by how his daughter referred to Fang as "dad", as if he wasn't standing right here. "That might be on my agenda for later. But truth be told, darling. I'm on the clock, and my client demands I complete my task."
Viney was getting ready to draw a spell circle, but Barlow was quicker as he drew one of his own. The young Arwin girl was expecting a beast to be summoned and was already working through a number of beasts Barlow could've summoned, or perhaps he was going to transform his arms into that of a demon beast's arms. But what she didn't expect was two globs of Abomination slime rising from the ground and wrapping themselves around her hands. The slime worked its way around her hands and between her fingers, preventing Viney from even attempting to draw a spell circle. Viney struggled against the slime, but it wasn't budging for anything.
"W-W-WHAT IN TITAN'S NAME?! SINCE WHEN CAN YOU USE ABOMINATION MAGIC! YOU HAVE A BEAST KEEPING SIGIL!" Viney yelled.
"Baby girl, I'm full of surprises." Barlow reached behind his back and pulled out a vial of green liquid. "Before I became part of the Beast Keeping Coven, I dabbled in a lot of different magics on the side. I wasn't one for following the rules, but I knew that I had to join a Coven or deal with the hassle of running from the Emperor's Coven and being petrified. So, I thought Beast Keeping gave me better options. And I was right. But now things have changed, Vi."
Barlow popped the cork on the vial and tossed it at Viney's feet. The vial shattered and began releasing a green vapor that rose into the air right under Viney. Her panicked state didn't do her any favors as she inhaled a good amount of the vapor. Her head felt dizzy as her body started to go numb. The dual track witch fell to her knees, but kept on struggling, kept trying to fight the effects of whatever it was that Barlow used on her. It was a losing battle as Viney began to sway back and forth before falling over to her left and hitting the ground as her eyes closed.
"Sleep tight, Vi." Barlow walked towards his daughter and crouched beside her. He searched her pockets and found his daughter's personal Scroll. "Now, we have the bait. Time to set the trap."
"That's it everybody, make sure you draw nice and neat so everyone else can have a turn," said Amity as she grinned smugly.
Hunter was sitting down on a stool, arms crossed, and a grimace upon his face. The children were busy using his face as a canvas as they drew funny images on him, some were of Witch and Heka, and others were just nonsense drawings that only made sense to them. Skara was busy snickering up a storm as she watched the toddlers doodle on Hunter's face, gaining much amusement at the Golden Guard's expense. Although, the Bard witch wasn't the only one amused by this. Standing next to Skara was Amity, she had a very bemused smirk as she watched the toddlers do their work. The two witches locked eyes for a moment and fist bumped each other in solidarity for making Hunter subject himself to this.
"Having fun, are we, Blight?" Hunter asked.
"Oh, very much so," Amity confirmed.
"And you, Skara?"
"I'm just happy the little kids are happy, that's all," Skara answered with an innocent tone in her voice.
Hunter grumbled and muttered a response under his breath. Luz arrived at the station but paused when she saw Hunter getting doodled on. The Golden Guard glanced in Luz's direction as she looked at him with a befuddled expression.
"Not one word, human. Not one single word," Hunter warned.
Luz blinked, had her eyes wander around the arts and crafts station and said, "Gee, looks like we're running low on supplies."
"I asked Viney to go and pick up some more," Skara mentioned. "She's taking longer than I thought she would."
"Probably trying to haul a lot more than she should be carrying. Luz let's go and give Viney a hand," said Amity.
"Lead the way, batata," Luz replied as she followed behind her girlfriend.
"Hurry back! I need more sparkles!" King exclaimed.
"How much more?" Skara asked.
The answer came when King dumped a whole jar of it all over Hunter's head. "A lot, lot more."
Amity smiled and answered back, "A 'lot, lot more' coming right up."
Luz and Amity walked away from the station and headed to the supply tent. Once they arrived, both girls began to call out to their friend, but received no reply. La Lechuza flew in and landed on Luz's shoulder, while Bast stayed close to Amity's side as they entered the tent.
"Huh, it doesn't look like anything's been moved," Amity noticed. "Did Viney not come here?"
"Maybe she had to go help one of the other members with something and got sidetracked?" Luz pondered aloud.
However, as the human and witch speculated as to Viney's whereabouts, Bast and La Lechuza sensed something amiss. The owl Phantom fluttered her wings as her diligent eyes scanned the area. While she did this, the cat Phantom was patiently, and methodically, walking about the area. Her tail swishing back and forth as if she was looking for something. Of course, this behavior did not go unnoticed by their partners.
"Uh, Lala, Bast, you two okay?" Luz asked.
"Something's…off," Bast replied.
"We can sense malice in the air, and distress," said La Lechuza.
That got both girls worried.
"Why would you be sensing something like that?" Amity asked.
"Since Phantoms are in tune with negative emotions, we can feel them. And now that we can move outside of your bodies, we can feel them more easily. Something happened here, and whatever it was, did not bode well for that person. Look." The black cat used her long tail to point at some broken shards of glass on the ground. "A potion vial, no doubt."
"And over there," La Lechuza used her right wing to point at one of the boxes. "Abomination slime. Last we were aware, Viney only studied Beast Keeping and Healing, and has not expressed a desire to learn Abomination magic."
"Okay, calm down you two. We don't know that for sure," said Luz, doing her best to sound reassuring. "Maybe she just got Jerbo to give her hand?"
Amity rubbed her chin. "Hmm…I mean, possible. Jerbo and Viney have been a little tense around each other ever since they had that Flyer Derby match."
Just then, both Luz and Amity received a ping on their Scrolls. The girls took out their Scrolls and opened them to their Penstagram accounts. That's when they noticed they had received a message from Viney's account, and it was the same message, "Watch Me". The next message was a video. Curious, Amity played the video they were sent. The screen went pitch black for a few seconds, but then the darkness was dispelled, revealing that it was a hand covering the lens. But when the hand did move, it revealed Viney, tied up to a tree and surrounded by various demon beasts. Manticores, Bandersnatches, and a couple of Chimeras.
"What the heck?!" Luz exclaimed in shock.
Bast jumped onto a crate, and then jumped again to land on Amity's shoulders to get a better view of what was happening. The video showed the image zooming out, and when it did, Luz and La Lechuza saw someone they didn't think they'd see so soon.
"Who is that?" Amity asked.
"That's Barlow," Luz answered.
"Wait, Barlow?! As in Viney's mercenary dad?! The same one who was captured and jailed because he tried to kidnap and sell you?!"
Luz nodded.
Amity had mixed feelings about this situation. On one hand, she was concerned for their friend's safety, and on the other, she was slightly thrilled by the prospect of being able to put the beat down, personally, on the man who tried to take her lover away and sell her as if she was a prized piece of property.
{Hello Luz Noceda, and/or Amity Blight. I'm pretty sure I'm addressing both of you right now. And I know the human remembers me well, don'cha?}
Luz growled.
{Aaaanyway. Let's cut to the chase. As you can see, my lovely daughter is here with me. She's unharmed, and she'll remain that way. Provided you two do as I say and follow my instructions to the letter. Otherwise, I can't guarantee Vi's safety.}
Barlow waited a beat, as if giving the two girls a moment to agree or nod to him.
{Alright, assuming you aren't stupid enough to go blabbing or showing this to anyone, I want you two to come and meet me at the Mandible. And I mean, right now as soon as this message is over. No Coven Scouts, to other adults, and none of your other friends. If I even suspect, for a moment, we're not alone, well…} Barlow glanced over his shoulder at the beasts he had ready to attack Viney. {My friends here are a little hungry. Oh, and by the way, feel free to arrive in your Kamen Rider forms, Witch and Heka.}
"WHAT?!" All four shouted shock.
{Heh, surprise, surprise. Yes, I know who you two are. Gotta say, no one would suspect to look for a couple of kids as Kamen Riders. Now, get a move on you two. Viney's waiting for you. And I'm not a very patient man.}
The video ended, and the message was received.
La Lechuza glanced at her partner and immediately told her, "You know this is a trap."
"I do know. There's no way it isn't," said Luz.
"How in the world did he find out who we are?! Viney would never tell him, and one's said a word to anyone," Amity questioned.
"Well, not everyone, there is another who knows who you two are," said Bast.
The two girls knew immediately who Bast meant. Emperor Belos knew their identities, and through him Hunter knew. Which only meant one thing…
"Belos freed Barlow, but why? He's the one in control of the Coven Phantoms, so why not use them instead of a felon like Barlow?" Luz asked. "Something's not right about this."
"Regardless, trap or not, we don't have a choice. If Barlow was willing to kill you, I don't see someone like him having any qualms with killing his own daughter."
Luz nodded. "Lala, Bast, we're heading out!"
The two Phantoms nodded before releasing their construct forms. Luz and Amity ran out of the tent and headed into the woods as they summoned their Drivers and slipped on their rings.
"HENSHIN!"
"HENSHIN!"
Two magic circles appeared out in front of the girls they leapt right through them to transform.
[Light, Please.]
[HI~KA~RI!]
[Roar of the heavens!]
[The Goddess Descends!]
Once Luz and Amity had passed through their individual magic circles, they were transformed into their alter egos, Witch and Heka. The two Riders kept on running as they placed new rings on their right hands and immediately scanned them.
[Ride, Please.]
[Ride the sky!]
Both Witch and Heka jumped high into the air as their magic circles manifested their Rider Machines, the Witch Speeder and Solar Chaser. Once they had mounted their Rider Machines, Witch turned in Heka's direction and asked, "Which way's the Mandible?!"
"Follow me! I'll lead us there!" Heka responded.
Both Riders throttled the accelerators of their Rider Machines and took off into the distance.
Unbeknownst to the two of them, the Super Illusion and Super Oracle Phantoms faded into existence, the air shimmered and rippled as they fully appeared. The two Super Coven Phantoms nodded to each other as the Super Oracle Phantom detached one of the orbs that floated around its neck and had it hover out in front of the two of them. The orb hovered before them and began to glow. After a moment, the orb displayed the image of their master, Emperor Belos.
{It would seem Phase 1 of the plan was a success. Barlow played his role well. Now, let us begin Phase 2. You two know what to do, stick to the plan, and put on a good show.}
The two Super Coven Phantoms bowed their heads to their master before Belos' image disappeared. The orb returned the Super Oracle Phantom as both of them turned in the direction of Hexside. A moment later, multiple magic circles began to appear on the ground behind them. Each one emitted malicious crimson light as normal Coven Phantoms started to rise out of them. The time for the next phase of Belos' plan was about to begin.
Witch and Heka flew fast through the air as Heka led the two of them to the Mandible. The duo stopped high above the area, not sure how close Viney and Barlow were. They could either be in the forest near the Mandible, or they could be right up against it.
"We need to locate Viney," said Heka.
"Leave that to me," Witch replied as she switched out her right ring and scanned it.
[Sight, Please.]
Witch's visor glowed bright as her eyesight was enhanced, allowing Witch to scan her area. There was vast amount of forest to cover. So, instead, Witch decided to start at the edge of the forest where the Mandible was and work backwards from there. She carefully scanned along the jawline of the Titan's skull before moving onto the forest, but it didn't take long until she found them. Witch's enhanced vision zoomed in on a small clearing about ten feet away from the tree line of the Mandible.
"Found 'em!" Witch called out.
"What do you see?"
"Viney looks like she's still knocked out, but those demon beasts are still surrounding her. Barlow's just sitting on a rock looking bored," Witch described.
Heka hummed as she contemplated the situation. "I don't like this. He knows we're Kamen Riders, so I'm sure he's well aware that he doesn't have the power to fight us. And yet…he goes and kidnaps Viney to draw us all the way out here."
"There's a bigger play here that we're not seeing, and I don't like not knowing," said La Lechuza.
"This setup has Belos' scent all over it. I wouldn't put it past him," Bast commented.
"Either way, trap or not, the first thing we need to do is save Viney. We're not going to let Barlow or Belos use her for whatever schemes they're cooking up," Witch stated.
Heka nodded. "I can use my Abominations to protect Viney and get her out of there."
"I'll come in from the front and distract Barlow then. And just in case."
Witch switched out her right ring for another and scanned it.
[Rubber, Please.]
A pulse of yellow light washed over Witch's body, indicating the effects of the ring had been applied. The two heroes broke off from each other, with Witch flying down. Witch had her Speeder do a flyby, and as she was about to pass over the spot, she jumped off the Speeder and landed on the ground a few feet from where Barlow and Viney were. The mercenary's bored expression changed, now sporting a smirk as he stood up and turned to face the Kamen Rider.
"Well, well, well. Here she is, the hero of the Boiling Isles. If I had known who you were back then, hell, I would've taken you to the Emperor's Coven instead of trying to sell you, human," said Barlow.
"You're loss, I guess. Although, I don't know what you think you're going to accomplish by kidnapping my friend," Witch replied.
"Kidnap? Me? Oh no, no, no. This isn't a 'kidnapping', this is a father and his daughter spending some quality time together," Barlow corrected.
Witch glanced over his shoulder and furrowed her brow. "Viney knocked out and tied to a tree, while you have her surrounded by carnivorous demon beasts that look as if they're ready to tear her apart. Yeah, real father-daughter bonding. What's your endgame here, Barlow? You know who I am, so you know how powerful I am compared to you. I can stop you."
"Can you?" Barlow asked as he snapped his fingers. The demon beasts snarled and drew closer to Viney. "I'll have you know I'm not the same as I was when we first met. Sure, you're powerful, and you look older, but you're still a kid. I've done things for money that would make you wet your pants, and vomit in disgust. People pay good money for a mercenary with no morals, and I'm willing to do what have to in order to do my job, human."
"Even kidnap your own daughter. Does family mean anything to you?"
"It does, when I need it to," Barlow answered honestly.
"I'm so glad that Viney's not awake to hear you say that. She should at least have a small hope that her own biological father actually cares about her, even a little bit," Witch retorted.
Barlow shrugged. "A small mercy, I guess. Anyway, back to business. Why don't you change back to how you normally look…Wait, where's the other girl?"
Suddenly, a blob of Abomination slime rose from under the tree. The blob wrapped around Viney, and then rapidly expanded, slamming against the demon beasts and throwing them in different directions. Barlow turned around and sneered as he saw his beasts on the ground, and the barrier of Abomination slime surrounding Viney.
"Clever," Barlow growled. He then swiftly drew a spell circle and struck the ground with his palm. "But I still have a few tricks up my sleeve!"
The ground rumbled and released several earthen rock javelins that jutted out and raced towards Witch. At the same time, another wave headed for the slime shield. Witch jumped straight into the air, avoiding the surge of earth javelins, but the wave that headed towards the shield managed to pierce through it several times over. The Hero of Hope wasn't afraid, she knew Amity wouldn't stay there and risk an attack. So, instead, she focused on Barlow. Witch cocked back her right arm, and thanks to the properties of the Rubber magic ring, doing so made her right arm stretch out more and more with each passing second.
"Take this!"
Witch threw her arm forward, keeping her palm flat. Her stretched out arm was slung forward, snapping like a rubber band straight for Barlow. However, the moment she made contact, his body poofed into a cloud of cyan smoke.
"What?! Illusion, Construction, Beast Keeping?! He's a Beast Keeping witch so how?!"
Abomination slime rushed out of the woods and grabbed ahold of Witch's arms and legs, holding her in place in the air. More Abomination slime tendrils appeared, with the ends of each of them sharpening themselves into blades to skewer the hero.
"What can I say? I'm full of surprises, kid!"
Suddenly, the tendrils of Abomination slime started to shake, becoming more and more unstable. A moment after, another magical aura wrapped itself around the slime tendrils, overwriting Barlow's magical power. The slime released Witch as she gracefully landed on the ground. The tendrils turned around, and slithered through the air as they wrapped around Barlow. The mercenary fell to the ground, now having everything from the neck down encased in Abomination slime and preventing any movement from him.
"W-WHAT'S HAPPENING?!" Barlow exclaimed.
"Nice work, batata. How's Viney?" Witch asked.
Heka walked towards them, a ring of purple light now hovered around her left wrist as she stopped and stood next to the mercenary. A bed of Abomination slime hovered towards them, and on it was Viney, now free from her restraints. "All good. She doesn't seem to be hurt. It's a good thing I decided to escape underground."
Witch crossed her arms and smirked. "Clever enough for you, Barlow?"
"GRRR! Little brats!"
"Let's get her back to the fairgrounds. And we'll hand this creep off to the Emperor's Coven," said Heka.
"I have a few questions for him first, but that can wait until we get back." Witch switched out her rings again and scanned it.
[Connect, Please.]
A magic circle formed next to Viney; its destination set to Hexside. Suddenly, without warning, a crimson magic circle formed underneath them.
"BARLOW!" Heka yelled.
"THIS ISN'T ME!" he retorted in a panic.
"AMITY, GET VINEY THROUGH THE GATE!"
Heka didn't hesitate as she pushed the bed of Abomination slime through Witch's magic circle. However, before the rest of them could even attempt to do the same, all three vanished from sight. It took but a moment for Barlow, Witch, and Heka to reappear, with the three of them landing on a hard, white surface. They were still outside, evident by the open sky above. The two heroes looked around and noticed that they were very high up. It took a little bit, but as they continued to look around, it became clear where they had been transported to.
"Amity…is this…?"
"The Titan's skull…We're on top of the Titan's skull!" Heka exclaimed.
"Why are we here?" Witch looked down at the still bound Barlow. "Okay, spill it, what's your plan?!"
"I don't know what's going on, I swear!" Barlow promised.
[Alpha \A/ Creation, Now.]
Witch and Heka looked behind them, and saw the same magic circle appear. Multiple explosions echoed throughout the area atop the skull of the Titan. Heka hurriedly grabbed Barlow as both Riders jumped into the air to avoid getting hit by the random explosions going off. Witch skidded across the surface of the Titan's skull and glanced in the direction of where the magic circle appeared. That's when she saw a threatening silhouette in the smoke.
[Connect, Please.]
Witch reached into her magic circle and grabbed the WizarSwordGun as she opened fire. At the same time, Heka landed on the ground, dropped Barlow, and drew a spell circle with Lady Luck. She conjured a purple fireball, and with a swipe of her staff, she broke the huge fireball up and launched in the form of several fiery comets that followed behind Witch's attacks.
The magical fire comets and light infused silver bullets streaked through the air as they converged on their target. Several explosions took place as the attacks made contact with their foe. Witch and Heka looked on, not exactly confident that their attacks did anything to harm their opponent.
[Omega | Ω| Destruction, Now.]
A powerful beam of crimson light shot straight through the cloud of smoke, dispersing it from the sheer power and force of the discharge. Heka and Witch hurriedly dove to the right and left respectively, narrowly managing to avoid getting hit with the beam of destructive light. The two Riders rolled along the ground and came to a kneeling stance as they looked behind them and saw the beam strike against something solid. A barrier wall. No, not a wall, a dome. The beam made the barrier react, allowing Heka and Witch to see the cage that kept them bound to this location.
"When – When did that get there?!" Witch questioned.
"We're inside of a barrier?! I didn't even notice it!" Heka exclaimed.
When the beam ceased, Witch and Heka shot their gazes back to the one who unleashed the blast and glared at him from behind their visors. When the smoke cleared a new Kamen Rider was revealed to them. He was clad in white armor, and sported a red, tattered cape. Everything about this being screamed evil, right down to that distorted voice of his.
"W-What?! Who are you?!" Witch demanded.
"̴̤͛M̶̘͗y̴͍̑ ̷̳͋à̴̡p̸͓̕ō̶̞l̸̥͝o̸̫͗g̷̹͊i̵̟̓e̶̘̊ṡ̷͚.̴͉̚ ̴̪̈́T̶̥̄h̷̪̓a̶̻͂t̶͓̒ ̷̬̄w̷̧̃a̶̙͘ś̶̱ ̴̣̇r̸͈̊a̴͖͝t̴͙̂h̸̙̀e̸̛͓r̶̠̀ ̴͕͛ř̵͎u̵̜̎d̷̳̃ḛ̴̾ ̷̟͆ǒ̷̼f̶̤̈ ̵͈͛m̷̳͆ě̴͖ ̷̟͐t̴͇̐ȍ̵̗ ̴͓̋s̷̲̾ȉ̸͙m̵̓ͅp̸̞̋l̷̰̓ÿ̷̰ ̴͍͑a̵̝̍t̸͓͒t̶̩̃a̵̯͋c̷̪͊ǩ̸͙ ̷̛͍w̷͍͗i̵̿͜ẗ̴̻́h̵̢́o̸̗͘u̶̙͂t̶͎̽ ̸̙̿p̴͍̃r̴̘̓ö̴̝́p̶͇͆é̷̡r̷̜̀ ̴̻̉i̷̛̞n̵̻̏t̴͙̕r̷͉͝o̷͇̾d̷̩̐u̸͔͐c̸̘͂ẗ̷̘́i̶̬̐o̸̡͆n̵̮̍.̷̞̾ ̵̻̎Ỵ̴̃o̵̠̅u̴͎̓ ̴̳̇m̴͎̀a̴̤͆ȳ̷͇ ̷̄ͅc̷͎̍ȃ̸͍ḽ̵͝l̵̜̊ ̴̝͌m̵̯̓e̷̪̋,̵̥̔ ̴̟̂K̷̢͝a̵͔̓m̵̙̐ẻ̵͎ñ̷̰ ̶̝̽R̵͇̀i̵̬͛d̴̘̓e̶̕͜r̵͕̀ ̷̞̆Ì̴͚n̴̯̒q̵͕̑ủ̶̦į̷̚s̴̯͐i̵̜͐t̸̢̃o̸̢͠r̴̮͛,̸̖́ ̷͉̓ä̸̜́n̷͙̓ḓ̵̔ ̶̥̌I̸̗̊ ̵̣͗a̸͙̅m̴̰̀ ̷͛͜ĥ̷̺e̶̘͗r̵̼̚e̴̡̔ ̵̺̔t̸̪̕o̶̬͠ ̶̇͜p̵̨̍a̶̢̽s̸͔̚s̷̥̀ ̷̯́j̷̬̿ǔ̷̩d̴̺͆g̴̥͂e̵̱͛m̸̫̌e̷̢͊n̶̻͊t̴͘͜ ̶̫̈u̵̠͋n̴̲̋t̵̤̂ö̸̰́ ̵̥̑ṯ̴̄h̸̡̃e̷͍̊ ̷̗̿w̷͖̚i̶̋ͅc̴̃ͅk̴̜̍ȇ̸͓d̷̜̓!̵̜̃"̵͙̋ ("My apologies. That was rather rude of me to simply attack without proper introduction. You may call me, Kamen Rider Inquisitor, and I am here to pass judgement unto the wicked!")
"Kamen Rider…"
"…Inquisitor." Witch turned her attention to the belt that was around his waist and noticed Inquisitor's Driver shared similarities to Hunter's Arcane Driver.
"So, Belos had another Driver, and another Kamen Rider. Funny how the Golden Guard never mentioned that," Heka stated.
"̸͜͝Ṭ̸̋h̷̳͛ẻ̴̱ ̷̟̌Ĝ̷̩o̶̟͋l̷̻̎d̷̲̔ȇ̷͎n̵̼͗ ̴̖̿G̷̤͑ǘ̸̹a̴̮̿r̵̺̚d̸̖̓ ̵̟̈ò̴̼n̷̛̠l̷̼̈́y̷͈̌ ̶̩̄k̷̢͑n̵̢̾o̷͍͗w̶̟̓s̷̘̎ ̴̘̑ẘ̴͜ḥ̸̌a̸̟̕ṭ̴̊ ̷̳̄h̴̡̅è̵̺ ̴̣͝ṋ̵̀e̸̮̾e̵̞̕d̵͎̈́s̷̱͠ ̸̗̐t̸̠͝o̴̬̔ ̴̙͘ḵ̶̑n̵̡̛ȏ̵̰w̸͙̃.̴̞̐ ̴̮͛N̴͍͛ò̸̩ ̵͔̌p̶̗̉ô̴̼i̴̫͌n̸͖̚t̵̜̾ ̶̟̌ì̴̝n̵̼̒ ̷̜̿ọ̸̿v̶̯͠e̶̞̅r̴͚̈́b̶̢̎ụ̷͝ȓ̷̦d̷͈͌ȇ̶̯n̸͎͋i̷̗̍n̴̪̊g̸̜̎ ̵͎̓t̶̰͑h̸͋͜e̷͎̓ ̴̛̖b̷͍̐o̷̞̒y̵̡̿ ̸͎̂ẉ̵̑ị̵̑t̷̺͋h̴̖̃ ̴̣̅u̸̼̐n̴̖̄n̴̗̆ë̷͎́c̴͙̔e̶̯͘s̸͙̅s̵̱͋a̶͔̚r̸̫͌y̵̝̚ ̷̥̈́d̶͙͒e̷̹̓t̷̜̉a̴̛̼i̵͇͌l̴͈̄s̴͎̽.̷͚̆ ̷̱̏Ḥ̸̄é̵ͅ ̷̨͝s̸̲͒e̷͕̿r̷̞͛v̴̙̊e̷̛̮s̵̪̓ ̸̟̽h̶̤̄i̴̛͇s̵̛̥ ̶̡̚p̷͓͛û̸̻r̸̥̈́p̸̞̓ö̶̜́s̴̮̓e̴̤͠,̴̢̾ ̸̙͊ä̸̼́n̵͇̕ď̸̜ ̴̻̏I̴̹͝ ̶̟͠s̵̰͐ê̵̺r̷͓͗v̸̞̑ĕ̴̹ ̷͕̌ḿ̴̥i̶̲̒n̷̝̕e̸̘̐,̷̠͒"̴̺̆ ("The Golden Guard only knows what he needs to know. No point in overburdening the boy with unnecessary details. He serves his purpose, and I serve mine,") said Inquisitor.
"And what purpose is that?" Witch inquired.
Inquisitor gave a slight bow as he answered, "̸̭̈T̸̗͊ò̷̡ ̵̝͊c̴̥̉ǎ̵̺ȓ̸͙r̶͇̀ỵ̵͋ ̷̥̃ỏ̶̻ų̸̈́t̸̙̃ ̴͖́t̴͈̚h̸̫̆e̵̬̽ ̵͚̀w̸͙͛ḯ̵̘l̶̟̀l̷̳̚ ̴̤̕ô̷̮f̷͇͆ ̶̟̈́t̴̖̆h̷̰̑ȩ̵̓ ̵̙͌Ê̶̡m̷͎͂p̵̕ͅe̷̢̊ŕ̵͚o̵̭͒r̴͇͝.̴͓͂ ̸̹͛H̴̛͈i̷̹͌ş̷̐ ̸̖̋ŗ̴̏i̸͓͗g̸͐͜ḥ̸̇t̶̝͋e̴̱͛o̴̩̓u̶̧̔s̸͉̏ ̷͔̀v̸̮͝i̷̛̞s̸̟̈́i̸̩̾ơ̴̰n̷̙̊ ̵̮͑f̵̢̌o̷̺͑r̵͇̄ ̵̮̈́t̴̨̓h̷̫̊é̷̟ ̴̮̈B̶͖̓o̷̺͠i̵̖͐l̸̲͗ḭ̷̇n̷͇͂g̷̺̍ ̵̳̇I̸̱͛ṣ̸͠ḻ̵̀e̵̝͑s̸͓͘ ̵̧͊w̷͎͝i̸̖̔l̸̳̕l̷̰̎ ̶̹̿b̵̖̒e̶̙͑ ̷̯̆c̶̞͂ä̷̩ȓ̷̥r̵̰̀i̴͝ͅȇ̵̱d̸̹̉ ̷́͜ö̷̪́u̶̫̎t̸̛̪,̵̮̇ ̷͍̌a̵̲͠n̷̞̓ḑ̵̽ ̶̮̀y̶̚͜o̷̜͊ȗ̶͚ ̷̗̾t̷̙͑ẅ̴̝́o̶͉̿ ̷̮̇ḥ̶̐a̵͈̕v̴̡̌ĕ̴̲ ̶̱́p̴̳̅r̸̲̒o̸̦̒ṿ̷̒e̷͝ͅn̵̜̄ ̴̲̌t̴͉̒ó̵͇ ̸̡̿b̷̢͐e̶̼̒ ̵̬̋q̴̣͛ǘ̴͙i̶̟͠t̸̟̃e̸̝̅ ̶̮̆t̸̲̊h̵̞͒e̵̮̿ ̸̚͜t̵̫̋h̶̖̓o̵͔͝ŗ̶̏n̴̪͗ ̶̟͘ĩ̶̺n̶̳̓ ̴̟͂h̶̠̒i̸̹̋š̶̤ ̸̢̉s̵̳̏ï̸̘d̸͇͆e̴̝͐.̶̠̋"̴̘͠ ("To carry out the will of the Emperor. His righteous vision for the Boiling Isles will be carried out, and you two have proven to be quite the thorn in his side.") Inquisitor glanced at Barlow, who was squirming around in his Abomination straitjacket, sweat dripping down his brow as he gazed upon the being ahead of them. Y̴̳̓ô̷̖u̶̡͒'̵̈́͜ṽ̴̻ë̷̥́ ̶͆͜d̵̞̚o̷̻͂n̷̡͗ẹ̷̊ ̸̯̑ẅ̶̟e̶͕͑l̵̹͊l̸̦͌,̵̢͘ ̸͚̿B̸̗̍á̴̠r̶̠̾ĺ̵̦ó̵̞w̷̋͜,̴̰̃ ̶̭̄a̵̗̾ṅ̴̠d̶̝̈́ ̴̨̉ṭ̴̍h̵͈̓ḙ̴͗ ̶͖̊E̶̬̓m̴̳̽p̵̭͌e̷̲̽r̸̆ͅo̴̳͂r̸͇͊ ̷̲̀t̶͍͝h̴̙̽a̷̙̍ñ̵̪k̶̲͘s̶̫̃ ̸͔̉y̷̯͝ȯ̶̙ǘ̷͇ ̶͈͗f̶̞͊o̸̭͋r̸͖̃ ̷̖̈́y̷̰̾ȯ̷̤u̶̹̓r̷͚̈́ ̵͎̎s̵͙͛e̵͉͒r̴̝̊v̷̰̏i̷̝͝ć̶͖ę̶̈́.̶̛̭"̷̬̚ ("You've done well, Barlow, and the Emperor thanks you for your service.")
Witch and Heka turned their attention to the mercenary.
"So, you were working for the Emperor!" Heka shouted.
"I knew it!" Witch stood up and stared down Inquisitor as entered her fighting stance. "So, what's your angle here? Did Belos decide to send his elite after us?"
Heka rose as well, twirled Lady Luck around, and entered her fighting stance. "You seem to have the same kind of Driver as the Golden Guard. No offense to him, but he struggled against me, and couldn't even beat Witch one-on-one. What makes you think you can defeat either of us together?"
Inquisitor chuckled and clicked his tongue as he switched out his ring. "̶͔̔Ẃ̷͔e̷̢̓l̶͎̍l̴̡̓,̴̏ͅ ̴͇͂f̸̡̑o̸̥͘r̸̫̕ ̵͓̈́o̴͙̍n̷͈̋e̴̺̍ ̶̩̾t̴̻̂h̷̝̿ỉ̵͉n̸̠̈́g̷̼̈́,̸̲̑ ̸̝͗t̵͚͂h̴̙͌ȇ̸̳ ̷̞̍h̴̡̄i̸̡̿s̵̚͜ ̵͔̀d̶̩̀e̶̼͘v̵͍́i̴̜̋c̸̜̑e̵̘͗ ̵̬͝i̵̛͎s̵͈̄ ̵͓͝–̸̨̈́ ̵̗͝ḥ̴̏o̶͖̎w̸̱͗ ̵̺͐s̴͋͜h̶͙̀ḁ̶̄l̸̩͠l̷͎̀ ̶̪͌w̵̪͗e̴̗͛ ̸̬̃s̶̗̊ḁ̵̉y̴̻͛ ̴͍̄–̴̤͗ ̴̖̓a̷̗̅ ̴̘̇p̵̗̽r̸̬͌o̶̘͌ṫ̵̙ȳ̴ͅp̷̄ͅe̵̳̾.̴͓̈ ̷̭͝M̸̹͐y̸͙̑ ̸͉̑Ä̷͙́r̸̹͠c̴͎̐ã̴͜n̵͉͛e̴͔̅ ̸͕̚D̵̘̃r̴̮̀i̴̩͋v̸̩̈́e̷̡͝r̵̛ͅ ̶̖͑ĩ̶̙s̸̹̑ ̴̘͒ẗ̷̠́h̷͂͜e̶̺̎ ̷͚̄f̶̱̓ǐ̴̪n̶̨̚i̶̯̒ṣ̶͠h̴̩̆e̷̦͌d̸̡͑ ̸͙̈́ṃ̸̄ó̵̩d̶̟̀ė̷̗l̶̝͆.̶͚̉ ̶͍̈́Ȃ̴͖n̴̻̐d̷̳͌ ̷̗͠w̶̠͗h̸̰̄ì̵ͅḷ̷͝ë̵͍́ ̷͍͛t̴̠͆h̶̰͋e̸͖̓ ̸͚͘ḇ̷̀o̷̹͐ỵ̷̈́ ̶͎̈́i̵͍̚s̸͓̔ ̴̤̂s̷̤͒t̷̢̀r̵̗̿ỏ̵̢n̴̛̰g̴̟̓,̷͚̅ ̵̖̾h̴̀͜e̶̚ͅ ̵͚̒ĩ̷̧s̴͔̽ ̷̼̒l̵̙͠à̵̢c̴̬͌k̶̯̀s̸̮̅ ̷͚͝o̶̪̐ṇ̶̇ḙ̵͂ ̶̱̐t̸̢͆h̴̰́i̵͎̿n̸͓͒g̸̯͒ ̵̪̾ṱ̶̑h̸̡̋â̶̧t̶͇̓ ̷͈̀I̴͚̾ ̶̜͗d̷͔͗o̸̤̓ ̵̰̾ń̷̙ö̴͓́t̷͉̍.̷͈̌"̷̮͘ ("Well, for one thing, his device is – how shall we say – a protype. My Arcane Driver is the finished model. And while the boy is strong, he lacks one thing that I do not.")
"And that is?" Heka asked.
Inquisitor chuckled and answered, "̴̞͗T̸̐ͅh̷̩̀e̸͇͒ ̷̙͘ẃ̶̟ị̵̔l̴̫̐l̵͉̕ ̶͔̈́t̴̗̃ŏ̷͎ ̸̳̄ṡ̷͜t̷͐͜à̷͕i̸̗͝n̷͔̿ ̴̦́ó̶̢n̸̰̓ẹ̵̔'̶̞́s̸̪͝ ̶̗̈́h̵͈̄ả̵͍n̷̞̓d̵̻͐s̸̘̈́ ̴̖̽ẅ̶̦i̶̢̊ṭ̵̽h̴̖͊ ̸͚̿b̴̙̓l̷̡͠o̸̤͝o̷̙͐ḍ̶̏.̵̗̌"̸͈͊"̵̗͐B̵͐ͅe̷̻̽c̵̼͆a̵͕͘u̵͉͝s̸̑͜ĕ̸͖,̸̘͗ ̶̝͐w̷̝̎ḧ̶̟́i̶̅͜l̶̡̓ȇ̷̫ ̵̖̐ẗ̸͚́h̷͍͌e̴͖̐ ̶̞̽b̴̙̏o̵͚͂ÿ̷̧́ ̷̖͝í̵̲s̵̨͠ ̴̟̂s̴̰̀ẗ̵̟́r̸̮̽o̸͓͗n̸̝̾ģ̷̌,̶͈̐ ̴̧̏h̸̼͝ë̵̟́ ̷̬̐ḭ̵̒s̸͈̍ ̶̗͋l̸̯̀ä̵̦c̴̝͗k̴̡͌s̵̮̊ ̶̢̚o̷̗̒n̵̼͝e̴͈̒ ̴͈͋t̵̳́h̷͈̉ḭ̷̈n̷̺̚g̶̯̊ ̴̩̀t̴̪͌h̷̲͘a̸̛̩ṯ̶̈ ̸͇͝I̵̤̔ ̵̫̀d̴͉̔ô̶͙ ̶̯̽n̴̝̐o̴̫͐t̵̟̾.̵̝̀"̵̻̀ ̶̙͊ ("The will to stain one's hands with blood.")
[Alpha \A/ Creation, Now.]
As soon as Inquisitor scanned his ring he thrusted his right hand forward. A black and red aura wrapped around Barlow and instantly shredded the Abomination straitjacket apart, setting the man free. Barlow stood up and chuckled with relief.
"Heh-heh-hahaha! Oh, for a second there, I thought–!"
"̴͈̀Y̶̫̍o̷̭̊u̸̼̚ ̷̧̿ẗ̸̘́h̴̩̕ơ̵̢ŭ̶̢g̶͕͂h̴̨͝t̸̰͐,̷̻͝ ̷̠̏c̸̩̃o̷͈̓r̴̥̒r̴̪͒e̵̻͌c̷̺̕ț̷̔l̶̘̽y̵̖̅.̸͔̕"̸̻̍ ̶̦͛ ("You thought, correctly.")
Inquisitor snapped the fingers of his right hand. The moment he did, a small sphere of burning energy formed in front of Barlow. The mercenary looked down at it in curiosity for a moment, however, Witch and Heka could see the sphere for what it really was. The two heroes hurried to try and stop what was about to happen, but it was too late. The sphere flashed, releasing its condensed energy in the form of a powerful explosion that engulfed Barlow whole. The force of the blast pushed Witch and Heka away, causing them to skid on the heels of their boots for a few seconds before coming to a stop. The two heroes gasped as the smoke cleared, there was nothing left of Barlow, just a scorch mark where he once stood. Barlow didn't even have time to gasp or scream, his death was instantaneous.
Witch turned her head in Inquisitor's direction as she asked, "How…How could do that?!"
Inquisitor tilted his head to the side, no doubt looking at her with confusion. "̵̬͝Ḭ̴͠ ̵̰͝f̵̛̙a̸͇͐i̷̤͋l̷̢̕ ̶̹͝t̵̮́ò̷̠ ̸̱̑s̸̭̍e̴͇͝é̷̥ ̶͕̚w̴͇̍h̸̛̞ê̷ͅṙ̴͔e̴̳͌ ̶͎͂y̸̑͜o̴̡͑u̴͉͐r̴̪͘ ̷̪̕ị̶̆ṇ̸͂d̴̮̆ḭ̷́g̷̖͒n̴̨̓a̶͍̐t̴͛͜i̷̲̓ǒ̷̞n̸̺̄ ̸̤̐s̸͓̄t̶̑ͅe̶͉̓m̸̺͊s̸̻͂ ̶̘͐f̷̠̄ṙ̶̝o̴̫̕m̴̬̑.̷̻͑ ̶͕̀D̶̬̈i̸̽͜d̴͎̈ ̶̠̏h̷͚̎e̶͜͝ ̶̲̈́o̶̰̚r̶͉͂ ̶̖̍d̴̰͑i̷̮͒d̴͕̍ ̷̟̏ẖ̶̆e̴͗͜ ̷̨̒n̷̖̓o̶̺̐t̸̬͝ ̵̟̃k̸̙̍i̶̛̻d̴͂͜ǹ̶̖a̴̺͝p̶̙̽ ̴̭͗ḧ̵̩́ï̸̲s̴̗͠ ̵̰̒ŏ̶͜w̶͍̅n̶͔̔ ̸̯̇d̶̗͆a̵͙̿ṷ̷̑g̷̲͊h̴̹̕t̶̥̒ě̵̹ř̶̺ ̵̐ͅa̴̲̒n̴̛͖d̶̳̀ ̷̟͐t̵̼̃h̷̪̐r̶̗͂e̵̱͝a̴̯̽ṭ̴̅ȅ̴͈n̶̯͒ ̷̱͒t̸̥̅o̶̦͐ ̵̳̏k̵͍͂i̴̽͜l̸͍̓ḽ̶̐ ̷̞͊ḫ̵͗e̶̤̓r̷̠͌?̷̭͑ ̶̆ͅH̶͈̆e̵̘͗ ̵̢͆e̷͚̒v̵̱̓è̴ͅn̷͖̾ ̴̹͘c̸̪̓ā̵ͅḿ̴͉e̷̞͘ ̵͉͌c̵̫̑ĺ̷̫o̶̱͆s̵̤̈e̶̟͒ ̶̟̓t̶̟́o̵̟̊ ̷̻̄k̴͖̀i̴͖̿ḻ̴͒l̴̢͝i̴͍͒n̴̞̽g̸̟̀ ̸̪͊ỳ̶̗ỏ̵̹ǘ̶̙,̸̦̃ ̶̺͂h̷̚͜u̴͚̚m̵̝̉ä̵̢́ṇ̵̎.̶͍̓ ̶̦̌B̸͙̂a̷͚̋ṟ̷̊ḽ̴̔o̶͔̔ẃ̸ͅ ̵͖̔G̷̮͐r̵̡͑ę̵̇f̶̜̋f̴̀ͅá̴̲ ̶̭̋w̵̳͆a̸͈͐s̵̹͂ ̸͈̂c̷͍̋r̴̨͂i̶̞̚m̸͓̐ī̶̹n̵͕͊à̴̰l̶͉̽ ̶̞̅m̵̰͝ȃ̴ͅs̴͚̋q̷̼͛u̴̹͂é̷̫r̴̳̉ă̶ͅd̸̦̓i̴̹̓n̷̢̔g̵̠͘ ̵̻̇a̵͚͐ś̸̝ ̷̲͑a̶̼͛ ̷͆͜m̶̩͐e̴̜̍r̵̠̓c̵̛͜e̷̦̋ǹ̸̰a̵͇̋r̸̳͌y̵͙̕.̷̼͛ ̵͖͠Ȋ̴̙ ̶͍̐p̷̠̎e̷̿ͅr̵̙̎f̵̙͛ô̸̲r̷̩̂m̸͔̔e̸̮͗d̶̺͐ ̵̟͌ḁ̸̚ ̶̦̅p̸̼̕ú̷̥b̵̤͆l̵͙͒i̸͇͌c̴͇̎ ̵̺̑s̶̫̄e̷̛͇r̵̠͂v̸̜͒i̷͈̎c̵̞͐ẹ̷́ ̷̖̒i̵̤̒n̶̡̈́ ̸͚̔r̴̰͗i̵͇͠d̸̘̈́d̴̘̀ī̶͉n̴̟̉g̷̯͝ ̶̮͘t̴̜̉h̸̭͛i̷̱̋ṡ̵̮ ̸̼͠f̸̊ͅi̸̙͝l̷̙̄t̴͚̒h̵̻̔ ̶̜͠f̶̧͗ř̸͙ȏ̷̼m̶͙̓ ̴̫̇t̷̮̾h̵̺̎e̴̻͂ ̵̖̑ķ̴͗i̶͚̍ṅ̸̰g̴͚͋d̴̺̊ȍ̵͍ṁ̶̪.̶̩̑"̷̰̂ ("I fail to see where your indignation stems from. Did he or did he not kidnap his own daughter and threaten to kill her? He even came close to killing you, human. Barlow Greffa was a criminal masquerading as a mercenary. I performed a public service in ridding this filth from the kingdom.")
"HE WAS STILL VINEY'S FATHER, YOU MONSTER!" Witch yelled.
Inquisitor shrugged. "̸̤̇B̷̘̆e̴̦̽ ̷͕͑ț̸́h̵͕͆a̸̲͝ț̸̆ ̶͐͜ã̷̯s̸̭̚ ̶̪͆i̵͒͜t̶̻̅ ̸͚͒m̷̎ͅa̶̢͠ẏ̷͕,̵́͜ ̶͉̎i̷̩͌t̵̬̀ ̵͎̈́ḋ̵̦o̶͖̔e̴͎̓s̴͇̽ņ̸̉'̵̻͋t̴̳͑ ̵̖̔e̷̞͋r̷̩̈́a̶͇͝s̷̗̃ẹ̷̃ ̵̢͑h̸̢͌ì̸̖s̵̩͝ ̴̗̃m̵͖̾i̷̼͐s̴̨̽d̶̮̊ę̵̈́ệ̸d̴̫̅s̴̺͂.̴̪̋ ̴͇͂A̶͕̿t̵̫͋ ̸̨̔l̵̘͊e̷͕̐a̶̬̒ș̴̓t̸̛̻ ̸͙̂t̷̳̋ȁ̴̘ǩ̴͎è̴̱ ̴̻͝s̴̺͊ō̸̟l̷̬̅a̷̞̓c̸͓̃e̵͖̚ ̸̯͠í̷̫n̷̉ͅ ̸̯͌t̴͈̾h̶̟̉e̸̯͝ ̶͚̈f̷̺̔a̷̠̾c̴͚̈́ẗ̵͚́ ̴͒ͅṱ̷̾ḧ̸͙́a̵̞͠t̵̹͛ ̶̯̚I̸̻̕ ̶̨̏ğ̵̺r̵͖̍â̷̢n̸͕̿ẗ̵̰́ẽ̴̩d̷̦́ ̷̣͑h̵̩̐i̶͈͝m̵̩̈ ̴̘̿a̷̖͌ ̶̮̕q̵̲͗u̴͙͝i̵̟̇c̵̡̎k̶̖̐ ̸̬͑à̶̮n̶̥̈́d̷̼͛ ̵̣͌m̶̳̈e̵̦̒r̸̠̿c̶͎̈́ị̴̚f̶̨̊ṳ̷̃l̶̙͐ ̸͕̓d̶̬̉ë̴̟́ă̴̺t̶̪̃h̶̖̚.̶͕͒ ̵̩̓Į̸̑ ̵͈͛ċ̸͖o̸̖̐ư̵͙ļ̷̓d̵̮́'̷̮̓v̴͉̓e̶̦͝ ̶̯͊ê̶̩a̸͕͌ṡ̴̝i̷̲̅l̷͙̋y̷̛͖ ̵͙͋m̶̰̈́á̸̺d̵̻̃e̸̘̓ ̸̛̼t̶̡́h̵͎͑a̴̎͜t̸̳̆ ̸̩̆p̷̩̐r̸͗ͅo̵͇͗ĉ̵̣e̸̪͋s̸̮͑s̶͖̑ ̵̡̏m̴̜̔ú̸͔c̴̟̓ȟ̷̺ ̸̻̄s̶̛͙l̸̀ͅó̷͓w̴͈͑ę̶̓r̵̙̎,̴̱̑ ̷̓͜a̷͖͆n̴͖̓d̸̤̏ ̴̰͑ṽ̶̙a̵̲͒s̸̛̻ẗ̷̳́l̷̺̉y̶̳̒ ̴̗̾m̸͍̕o̵̗͝r̵̳̽e̶̲̽ ̵͔̍p̶̹̑a̵̢̍i̸̤̿n̶̘̆f̸͇̆ú̵̗ḽ̶̛ ̶͓̂r̶̝̔i̶͉͑g̵̠̒h̷͙̒t̸̠̿ ̵͖̄ū̸̙p̸̰̋ ̴̜͠ú̸͔n̵͙̔t̸̗̽ì̵̲l̶͕̇ ̵̼̇t̷̤̓ḧ̵̜́e̷͖͂ ̵̣̕e̵̬͠n̷̞̐d̴̢͐.̴͚͝"̷̛͓ ("Be that as it may, it doesn't erase his misdeeds. At least take solace in the fact that I granted him a quick and merciful death. I could've easily made that process much slower, and vastly more painful right up until the end.")
"…Amity."
"Yes, Luz…?"
"…No holding back."
"Agreed."
Witch slipped on her Wonder Style ring, while Heka dismissed Lady Luck and summoned the MaguScepter. Afterwards, she replaced her transformation ring with her Final Form ring.
[Rise Champion!]
[ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!]
[THE HERO OF LOVE & ORDER!]
[HEKA~]
[HEKA~]
[CHAMPION~!]
[THE GODDESS ASCENDS!]
[LIGHT!]
[ICE!]
[PLANT!]
[FIRE!]
[ELEMENTS OF THIS WORLD NOW UNITE~!]
[BRING US HOPE!]
[LIGHT OF WONDER SHINE ON~!]
[PLEASE.]
A flash of gold and magenta light ignited upon the Titan's skull, when the light faded Witch had transformed into Wonder Style, and Heka into Champion Form. Despite seeing the two Riders in their Final Forms, Inquisitor didn't seem intimidated in the slightest.
There we are, Inquisitor thought. Now, let us see how my power truly stacks against yours, Little False Witch.