Episode 26: Femme Takes Flight
Shiro Kanzaki stood atop a building, observing all that had transpired in Knight and Ouja's clash. Just as he'd hoped, throwing Ouja into the Rider War greatly escalated the conflict. Two more Kamen Riders had been eliminated, and now Knight was making use of the Survive card that had been gifted to the now deceased Raia. However, one thing threatened to disrupt the Rider War's progress. It was the fact that Knight was advancing toward the mirror Ouja had just been thrown through.
"Should Knight kill Ouja right now, then the Rider War could very well return to the stagnation that permeated its beginning. I cannot allow such. Not when my goal has been so greatly expedited recently." Kanzaki muttered aloud as he set about rectifying the issue.
With a wave of his hand, the window that Knight was headed towards turned black. Knight was shocked to see the view of the real world had completely disappeared. Even more surprising was that Knight couldn't enter the reflective surface. But before Knight could even ask what was going on, the clapping of Kanzaki gripped his attention.
"Well done, Knight. Well done indeed." Kanzaki congratulated the bat rider. "You've made excellent use of the Survive Shippu card. You've elevated yourself to being one of the strongest fighters in the Rider War now."
But despite Kanzaki's praises, Knight was anything but pleased.
"What gives with this mirror Kanzaki? I was just about to finish off Ouja and now I can't get through."
"My apologies, but I cannot afford to lose Ouja so soon. He's proven his value as a wildcard immensely." Kanzaki explained in an even tone.
Knight frowned at this declaration. "I thought the whole point of the Rider War was for only one Rider to be left standing. Isn't stopping me from offing Ouja contradictory to that?"
"It would be. Were it not for the fact that Ouja's entry has brought the Rider War out of stagnation." Kanzaki answered. "And our conversation has now bought Ouja enough time to escape. I wonder, just how much will his presence escalate things further? Farewell, Knight."
Knight rushed towards Kanzaki to try and detain the Rider War's mastermind, but he vanished in a blur. Upon Kanzaki's disappearance, the mirror that had been locked before was now back to normal. And just as Kanzaki had said, Ouja had slinked away to lick his wounds.
"Damn. So much for getting rid of the snake in the grass." Knight muttered as he powered down from his Survive form. "Better get back to the café. At least let everyone know we've got an ace in our hands now."
With that, Knight returned to Atori Café to debrief his comrades on Ouja's status. It was disheartening to hear that Ouja had slithered off, but the fact that Knight had dealt him a serious thrashing meant that the snake Rider would be out of commission for a while.
At the same time, a young woman was returning to the apartment she called her abode. Letting out a sigh as she locked the door behind her. If one were to look at her, they would be right to label her a beauty. Long brown hair, fair skin, and with a physique most models would kill to have naturally. Yes, Miho Kirishima was easy on the eyes. Something she was aware of every time she looked in a mirror. Such gorgeous looks were integral to her profession, after all.
"Another satisfied sucker." Miho giggled as she pulled a wallet from her pocket. One that was not her own. "I'm pretty sure if I turned on the charm enough, they'd just hand me their goods. But where's the fun in that?"
Yes, Miho Kirishima was a swindler. Granted, she did have standards when it came to who she stole from. The rich, as they could afford to lose money, or idiots who were so smitten by her that they lost all sense.
"Fools and money are easily parted." Miho muttered to herself. She was about to sit down when she heard a familiar cry sound out. A genuine, joyful smile graced Miho's face as she made her way to the kitchen. "It looks like she's here early today."
Upon returning from the kitchen, Miho had a slice of bread in her hand as she approached a nearby mirror. Suddenly, the mirror began to ripple and what looked like a biomechanical swan came flapping towards Miho. Said swan's head soon emerged from the mirror and let out a pleased cry. Like it's real world counterpart, the swan possessed a beautiful form. This was Blancwing. And for quite a while, she'd been frequenting Mihos' apartment.
"Hey girl. I've got one of your favorites" Miho beamed as she offered the bread to Blancwing. The swan happily digging into the bread. Miho couldn't help but let out a relaxed sigh as she stroked Blancwing's head.
"You know, when I first heard you calling out, I thought I was going crazy." Miho chuckled as she pet the swan. "Imagine my surprise when you peeked out of my window one night eyeing some garlic bread from one of my takeout meals."
Miho's smile dropped a bit. "But, it's been nice having your company. Especially after what happened to my sister."
Sensing Miho's dip in mood, Blancwing nuzzled against her. Eliciting a giggle from the stunner of a swindler.
"Hey! Cut that out!"
"The two of you seem quite close" An unfamiliar voice said.
Miho whipped her head in the direction of the voice, and saw a man clad in a trench coat standing in her living room area. The figure watching both her and Blancwing intently.
"So, this is where the swan has been frequenting." Kanzaki mused. "And here I thought all Mirror Monsters based on herbivorous creatures had abandoned their peaceful tendencies. It's refreshing to see that's not completely the case."
"Who are you and how did you get in here?!" Miho demanded crossly. "And how do you know about this swan?!"
"My name is Shiro Kanzaki." Kanzaki replied coolly. "As for how I got here, I traveled the same means by which this swan arrived. Mirrors. As for how I know of your avian acquaintance, let's just say I've become quite familiar with Mirror Monsters and their world during the past few years of my life."
"Mirror Monsters?" Miho raised an eyebrow in confusion. "That's what she is?"
"Her, and many others of her kind. Each one based on almost any animal you can imagine. Real, or mythical." Kanzaki answered. "And next, I believe, is your most important question of all: Why am I here?"
"I'd appreciate an answer for that, yes." Miho narrowed her eyes.
"Quite simple, Ms. Kirishima. I'm interested in both you and your friend." Kanzaki explained. "Also, I can give you what you want most."
Miho tilted her head in confusion. "You came here all this way just to hand me a bunch of money? Last I checked, coat pockets can't hold too much."
"I do not speak of something as trivial as money, Ms. Kirishima. No, the prizes I speak of are worth far more to you personally. Takeshi Asakura and your sister."
Upon hearing the psychotic criminal's name, Miho's blood froze. Her normally smooth face hardened into a mask of anger and sorrow.
"What do you mean?" Miho asked as she clenched her fist.
"There is a conflict raging in the Mirror World. The Rider War." Kanzaki began. "Kamen Riders equipped with Advent Decks and contracted to Mirror Monsters that give them strength, weaponry and abilities. All clashing against each other in a battle royale. For this war, there is but one rule: If you don't fight, you don't survive. Of the current twelve Riders, three have already been defeated."
"And… just why do the Riders fight?" Miho questioned hesitantly.
"For a prize that will be bestowed to the last Rider standing." Kanzaki replied. "A wish that can be used for anything you want. With no catch."
Miho's eyes widened in disbelief. "A wish? I…I could-"
"Yes. Should you be the last Rider standing, you could use the wish to revive your sister." Kanzaki nodded. "Additionally, fighting in the Rider War would also let you accomplish one of your other aims. Revenge on Takeshi Asakura."
"… How?" Miho pleaded. "Please! Tell me how!"
Kanzaki raised a hand in placating gesture. "Takeshi Asakura had joined the Rider War shortly before he escaped prison. His Rider name is Ouja and his armor has the motif of a snake."
"Why?" Miho shook her head. "Why come to me? If it's just to throw another body into your battle royale, wouldn't anyone do?"
"I… can relate to your pain. And your desire." Kanzaki explained. A rare display of emotion on his face. "I know all too well what it's like to lose a sibling due to the cruelty of others. As well as the desire to do anything within your means to see them again. No matter how small the chance. Whether or not you take that chance is entirely your choice."
Miho was silent as she contemplated her choices. Option one was to dismiss this guy entirely and just go on with her life as it was, Mirror Monster roommate and all. But was that really the wisest move? This strange man could see the monsters that dwelled on the other side of the mirrors. And if he could traverse between the two worlds freely, who knows what else he could do? Option two was to accept this man's offer. All she had to do was defeat eight people and kill one. And once she was the last one standing, she could get her sister back. The one thing she wanted more than anything else. Something Miho would freely admit was worth more than all the money in the world.
'There's only one Rider that I need to take out.' Miho thought as her gaze steeled with determination.
"I accept." Miho declared firmly. "I'll join the Rider War."
Kanzaki nodded as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a white Advent Deck, handing it to Miho who readily accepted it.
"Use the Contract card to form a contract with a Mirror Monster of your choice." Kanzaki explained. "Although, it looks like you've already found your ideal partner."
Miho nodded as she looked down at the deck. "I guess this is where I say thank…"
When Miho looked back up, Kanzaki had vanished without a trace.
"You know, I shouldn't be surprised since he showed up out of nowhere." Miho shook her head before turning her attention back to the Advent Deck, pulling out the Contract card. "Well, girl? Care to join me in this fight?"
Blancwing let out a melodious cry of approval. Happy with the swan's response, Miho held up the Contract card, Blancwing soaring into it without a moment's hesitation. Suddenly, the deck gained a golden, crown-like symbol that in actuality was a swan with its wings spread out.
"Alright then. Let's see what this thing can do." Miho murmured to herself. "If this Rider War is taking place in the mirrors, then maybe…"
Miho held the Advent Deck up to the mirror Blancwing preferred to manifest from. An instant later, a V-Buckle appeared around Miho's waist. Deciding to have a bit of fun, Miho spread her arms out slowly, as if she were about to take flight, then crossed and flexed her right arm across her chest.
"HENSHIN!"
Miho slotted in the Advent Deck into the V-Buckle, and as soon as the grayscale images of her armor collided into her, she was transformed. Kamen Rider Femme was now ready to fly into the fray.
"Now then, let's dive into the mirror." Femme said as she jumped into the mirror she'd just used to transform, mounting the waiting Ride Shooter and speeding off towards the Mirror World. Upon arriving at the other side, Femme took a moment to take in how objects in the Mirror World reflected movements of the real world. However, her admiration was cut short when she heard a scream.
Racing toward the source, Femme's eyes widened beneath her helmet as she saw a little girl kicking and screaming against what looked like a humanoid spider Mirror Monster, a Solospider. Wasting no time, Femme drew the Blancvisor sheathed at her hip and charged the monster.
"Claws off, ugly!" Femme roared as she slashed the Solospider across the chest, making it stumble away from the girl. Placing herself between the child and the monster, Femme drew a card from her Advent Deck before opening up the Blancvisor and slotting the card in.
"SWORD VENT!"
A golden naginata, the Wingslahser, soon materialized in Femme's hands after the Blancvisor's announcement. Gripping the weapon tightly, Femme rushed at the recovering Solospider. Unleashing a series of fierce, yet graceful slashes against the beast before sending it flying back with a mighty swing!
"Better not let that thing get a chance to strike back." Femme muttered as she opened up the Blancvisor after planting the Wingslasher in the ground, drawing her Final Vent without delay.
"FINAL VENT!"
At the visor's announcement, Femme retrieved the Wingslasher as Blancwing flew onto the scene, the swan letting out a melodious cry as she descended. With a flap of her wings, Blancwing sent the Solospider flying by a mighty gust right at Femme. Once the Solospider was in striking distance, Femme slashed at it with her weapon, sending the spider flying upward in a mini tornado. From there, gravity did the rest of the work sending the Solospider crashing back to earth and exploding upon impact!
"That's one bug that won't be biting anytime soon." Femme then turned her attention to the little girl and knelt to her level. Making sure to speak in a comforting tone. "Hey. It's alright. That mean, ugly monster won't be hurting you ever again."
"Th-Thank you." The girl said shakily. "C-Can you help me get back? M-My big sister and I were out today. A-And she'll get worried since I've been gone!"
Femme smiled beneath her helmet. "Don't worry sweetheart. I'll get you to her. Now, can you show me where you were when the monster grabbed you?"
The little girl nodded feverishly and proceeded to almost drag Femme to where she'd been snatched up. However, it seemed the girl was still shaken up over being abducted through a mirror, as she was trembling when reaching out toward the window. Seeing this, Femme put a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Hey. It's going to be okay. I'll go through with you, okay?" Femme asked. "That way you won't be alone."
"Thank you." The girl nodded as she took Femme's hand and the pair stepped through the window. As it happened, the girl's older sister was very close by, and rushed to her younger sibling's side.
Seeing the tearful reunion, Femme couldn't help but smile. With the matter resolved, Femme retreated into the Mirror World. Blancwing letting out a proud cry over Femme's first victory. While it did feel good to thrash a Mirror Monster, Femme felt a particularly pleasant warmth in her chest knowing she was able to save a family from being torn apart too early.
"Never again." Femme clenched her fist. "I won't let a monster take people's families away."
Femme's moment of reflection was soon interrupted by a large shadow moving overhead. Looking up, Femme's eyes went wide when she saw a large red dragon lazily soaring through the sky. Even more surprising was when Blancwing suddenly took off toward the dragon and began honking at it. At first, Femme was worried that the dragon would decide to roast Blancwing, but to her shock, the dragon seemed to be conversing with the swan if the tone of its bell-like roar was any indication. But what really caught Femme's attention was how the pair seemed to dance in the air with each other. Such a display was a captivating sight indeed as the pair moved with a speed and grace that belied their large size. Once the pair of Mirror Monsters had finished their dance, the dragon resumed its flight while Blancwing returned to her contractor's side. Femme smirking beneath her helmet as she put a hand on her hip.
"Well, well. I didn't know you had a boyfriend." Femme giggled. Blancwing's only response was to turn her head up at Femme's teasing. "Ah~! Just ruffling your feathers, girl. Now let's head back home to roost. We've got a long fight ahead of us."
AN: Sorry to have kept you waiting for this long time, but I hope I didn't disappoint. I really had to wrack my brain to give Miho a fitting introduction to the Rider War. And I have to say, I hope you all enjoyed Femme's debut just as much as I did writing it. Please read and review. Your input helps keep the story going.