The Seed of Change

by Remus973

Tokyo, 2039. 10 years had passed since Lost Christmas happened. The nation of Japan is now under occupied rule. There is resistance, but they need more power. It comes in the form of Shu Ouma, a young boy with a desire to change. To be better. He becomes a Kamen Rider to make a difference for himself and everything and everyone connected to him. Rated T for some language.

19. Phase 16

Here we are again. Winter break means more time to write! In this chapter, we see a rift forming between our characters, thanks in part of a certain someone. What all of them do not know is it all leads to a travesty that no one will see coming. Let's go.

Phase 16 - Sacrifice: The Silent Web of Tragedy

Shu woke up on the bed mat in the clubroom with a sense of exhaustion. He looked around a bit to see himself in his birthday suit. Then he looked at what he was touching. Hare was the same way as Shu was. Excepted she glowed in a certain way that made her look more beautiful than she was before to him. He remembered that last night, He and Hare made the relationship more official than it had to be. However, he could not deny just how fantastic, as he would put it, last night was. For him, it was unforgettable.

'I can't believe I did that... It was awesome!'

Being the teenager that he was, he could not help feeling what he was feeling. And yet he didn't want to be so egotistical about it. He considered that Hare's opinions about last night would be different from his.

'I hope she liked it. I mean, it wasn't just my first time. Hope I didn't leave her disappointed...'

Hare was smiling as she was sleeping. Shu looked at her smile as affirmation of what he wanted to protect. Hare woke up slowly to see Shu smile at her.

"Morning, Shu."

"Hey."

"You look very happy today."

"I'm looking at the reason."

Hare chuckle a bit.

"Always the funny man, aren't you Shu?"

"What can I say? I have the magic touch. That's double entendre, by the way."

Hare laughed at what Shu said.

"In all seriousness, I hope I didn't leave you feeling like you didn't like it."

"It's okay. I'm actually wondering the same thing."

"You were wonderful last night. Don't you ever doubt it. I just hoped I gave you satisfaction."

Hare blushed as she got up on the mat to defend Shu's performance.

"I am satisfied. It's just... It was my first time."

"Mine as well. Look, let's just agree that we were...both fine."

Hare smiled as Shu made her feel relieved.

"Okay. Besides, I know we wouldn't do what we did last night if you didn't love me."

"I do."

Hare blushed.

"With all that I am."

"Well, with everything that's going on, and even though I believe you when you say that you wouldn't let anything bad happen to me..."

"Any day could be our last..."

Hare looked down at her knees as Shu confirmed her doubts. Shu took both her hands and looked her in the eye.

"Right now, we're here, and we're together. That matters."

Shu hugged Hare to comfort her. Hare was glad to feel his warmth. Shu broke it off in order to get dressed.

"We better get back to the other. In case you've forgotten..."

"You're student-council president..."

"And you're Madame President."

Hare laughed for a bit as she got dressed as well.

"Not really."

Shu finished first and headed downstairs. When he got down, he saw a note on the computer screen.

Didn't want to disturb you and Hare. Had an idea as soon I heard noises. Left this to ask you to come to the student council room as soon as you can. – Yahiro.

xxxxxx

Shu arrived at the meeting room. It was mostly dark, and the only light worth noticing was the projector with a blank screen on the front. Yahiro greeted Shu.

"Good. You're here."

"What's all this about, Yahiro?"

"Sit down, and I'll explain."

Shu did so.

"Last night, after you got elected, I used the device that measures the strength of a void on each and every one of the students in the school. I've recorded each of the numerical values of their void, and have devised a system."

Yahiro had a remote for the projector and pressed to bring up a slide of a chart. or to be more precise, a hierarchy.

"This is what I like to call a void ranking system."

"Run by that me again."

"We'll rank all of the students from A to F. It'll be based on their genomic resonance. The lower it is, the more useless they become. The strength of the void will tell us how valuable they will be in the future."

Shu was shocked to hear this from Yahiro. Shu believed that Yahiro had a logical mind. It helped him and his friends from many a tight spot, but this was different. This was something like racial profiling. Shu knew exactly what to say.

"Not gonna fly."

"But Shu..."

"I won't do it, Yahiro. This reeks of fascism, and I want no part of it."

"In case you haven't noticed, we're in an emergency situation..."

"That still doesn't excuse us from acting like the GHQ!"

(brief silence)

"This discussion is over."

Shu left the meeting room to begin duties as student council president. Yahiro stayed in the room for a while. His resentment was reaching to new heights.

xxxxxx

Shu began his duties be ordering a general void exam. He did not want to go with Yahiro's plan, but he did want to know what voids could be used to protect and fortify the school against the GHQ. He then assigned various duties to his friends and the rest of the students, overseeing all the efforts taking place for the school. There was even a short seminar on how to consult with him on these matters. The work carried on into the night. Hare was using her void to repair a light tower.

"Let me just bandage this up. And... all better!"

Everyone around her was amazed at what she did. Shu overheard a couple of guys talking about Hare.

"Her void is amazing."

"She can bandage me up anytime."

Shu gave the guy who said about his girlfriend the stink look.

"Dude, don't say that. She's dating the president. And he's right there."

"Oh damn. Sorry about that, sir!

"Just get to work."

Both of them saluted.

"SIR!"

Both of them ran off. Shu sighed in annoyance.

"Thanks again for the healing. I feel just fine, thanks to you. When I compare my void to yours, it feels just so useless."

"Don't ever feel like that."

Shu gave words of encouragement to his constituents.

"We're all part of the same team, giving it all we got to help each other out. Keep up the good work."

Night fell, and so the students had their dinner. Tsugumi was handing out bowls of rice in the cafeteria. Inori was there helping her serving the trays for the students. While Ayase chopping vegetables in the back. There was a bit of a line that formed. As such, it made some of the students a little tense from hunger. To add to that tension, Sudou arrived to cut in line.

"Hey there, little kitty. How's about getting some seconds for us? Us security guys are working harder than everyone else... Ow!"

Daryl pulled on Sudou's ear, getting him out of line for the rest of the students.

"How's about you wait your friggin turn?

"Yes sir. Sorry sir."

Tsugumi was reminded of the fact that Shu assigned Daryl to be head of school security. Most of the students assigned to him followed his orders with no problem due to the fact that since he used to be with the GHQ, he had prior military experience. Add that to him being a kamen rider, he was perfect for the job.

"If you're that hungry, get to the back of the line."

Daryl let go, and Sudou went back to the end of the line.

"Hope he didn't bother you..."

"Hey Inori, take over for me, will you?"

"Okay, but where..."

"Something I gotta do."

Tsugumi took off her lunch outfit, and walked away from the cafeteria. Daryl knew exactly why she did that.

xxxxxx

Shu walked around the general area of the school to check up on the students assigned to watch duty. Most of them reported no Inves activity. That was one problem down. The other was more apparent day by day, night by night. He eventually returned to the meeting room to finish compiling the latest status report for the day. When that was done, Yahiro asked Shu,

"Have you given what I said this morning second thought."

"As I said, not gonna fly."

"Shu, be realistic."

"I said I'm not gonna do it."

"Then what was the whole point of the general void examinations you gave the students?"

"That was to get them familiar with what voids they have, and using them. There's nothing to gain to make everyone feel unequal."

"Some voids are more equal than others. That's the harsh truth to admit. Not to mention the red line."

"I know. It's getting closer and closer by the day. There's also the matter of our supplies. We're running low on ammo and our resupplying efforts are falling behind. Our barricade is also not yet strong enough. That last attack we had some time ago got us like, nine steps backwards."

"This would go a lot easier if we had a ranking system. People work better if there's a hierarchy in place."

"Translation: Discrimination is the answer to everything."

"We're not discriminating. We're categorizing the useful from the useless."

"Yeah. That always leads to positive results. Just ask the people in South Africa. No matter how much you try to use semantics to hide it, if it looks like discrimination, and feels like discrimination, then it is."

Yahiro was feeling his frustration building up, but did his best to hide it.

"Let's call it a night. Wanna have dinner with everyone?"

Yahiro stood up and walked away.

"I don't feel hungry tonight."

"Okay. See you later."

Shu felt a sort of uneasiness when Yahiro left.

xxxxxx

Shu made it to the cafeteria to join with Ayase, Inori, and Hare for dinner with Tsugumi serving. He spoke with them about the conversation he with Yahiro a little while ago. Ayase provided her point of view on the conversation.

"For what it's worth, I understand where you're coming from Shu. But you can't deny the situation we're in."

As Ayase was providing her point of view on the situation, Shu began to eat his dinner. On his first bite, he noticed the food didn't taste so good.

"Reality calls for solutions that produces results. That red line is proof of that fact."

"I understand what you're saying, but at what costs do those results have to be? I have to start treating the students like farm animals, and take on the role of Napoleon?"

Tsugumi interjected and asked Shu,

"The conqueror or the black pig?"

"Black pig."

"Oh. But, as a certain somebody once said, 'Sympathy will get you killed, often or not.' Care to guess who?"

Shu imagined Gai saying something like that.

"Now I get it. You don't want the students to start hating you, right?"

"That's not true."

"What do you feel like doing?"

Shu listened to what Inori said.

"You're the leader. Nobody else. Ultimately, you have to decide what is best for the school. Even if it means doing things that you don't agree with, but are necessary. This is your choice. What do you want to do?"

Shu had no idea what to say. Once again, he was indecisive. He took a few bites of his dinner before finishing ahead of everyone else. Hare asked Shu,

"You feeling okay? You've barely started."

"I'm gonna turn in early for the night."

"Okay."

Shu switched his school uniform with his sweats that doubled as pajamas. He walked around the school for a while mulling over his decision.

'If I do a void-ranking system, I'd be a bad leader. Picking who's useful while separating the useless. I'd be no different from the people we're fighting against. Then again, that wall is closing in on us. Something has to be done about that, but what can I do that both effective and won't make the students feel like being singled out for no good reason?'

Shu then reminisced about the stories we'd watched when he was growing up. All those heroes, those leaders that took charge and eventually made it out. Two of which prominently came to mind.

'What would Kouta do if he were in my position? What would Buffy do?'

Shu then began to think about his eating habits. How he still feels hungry, but the food that he used to eat all the time didn't seem appealing to eat anymore. The few times he tried to eat his dinner, each bite felt disgusting to devour.

'It feels like my body's rejecting what I usually I used feed myself with. I used to eat stuff like that all the time, and now I don't like it anymore. So what happened?'

Shu then noticed Daryl sitting on one of the stairs.

"Yan?"

"Hey there, Ouma. What brings you here?"

"Just walking. What about you?"

"Personal stuff."

"I'm surprised you're not eating dinner with everyone else."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I know you like to isolate you sometimes, but sometimes, I see you hanging around Tsugumi and..."

"And what?"

"I thought you two were friends."

"Yeah well, we had a falling out.'

"Sorry to hear that."

Daryl walked away from Shu, but not before saying one last thing.

"I know about that ranking system you're probably thinking about."

"How did you...?"

"Samukawa spoke with a me a little while ago. He told me about it. Asked me what I thought about it."

"And?"

"Do it."

"What?!"

"If you honestly consider the safety of the school and all the people inside of it your responsibility, then make it happen. This is one of those times you make natural selection work for you."

Shu was taken aback about what Daryl was suggesting.

"But if I did that, then what will make different from what the GHQ is doing?"

"You can't afford to have the high moral ground here, Ouma."

"But separating those who I declare those who are worthless from the worthwhile? Who am I to make those choices?"

"You're the leader. A leader has to make decisions that serves as the best course of action."

"But it's not right."

"It's not about what's right. It's about what is. And the reality is this. The world that the strong inhabit is built on the graves of the weak."

Shu stood speechless at Daryl's words.

"It's cold. It's harsh. It's cruel. But it is. And the sooner you realize it, the sooner you get it over with. You can survive the whining and bitching of the students who have the most worthless voids. But you have to make this choice. This is what a leader does. He makes the hard choices that no one else can make. We're running out of time, Ouma. Anything less, we might as well be dead. And that's on you if we do."

Shu did not know what to say to everything that came out of Daryl's mouth. To hear him create an argument for a void ranking system was appalling to him. And yet, Daryl spoke with such bluntness about the situation that the school was in. If Shu failed as a leader, everyone would be dead. Shu could not run away from that fact. Shu did not want to run away from that fact. Shu walked past Daryl without saying a word. Daryl had an idea what went through his rival's mind as he walked. It would not be before long that Shu would encounter Souta.

xxxxxx

(ladies' bathroom)

Ayase, Tsugumi, and Hare all went for a bath to relax before going to sleep. Ayase enjoyed a bit more than the others.

"There's nothing like a hot bath after a hard day's work. I just love how the hot water feels all around me."

Hare and Tsugumi had looks on their faces when Ayase said all that in a voice that had a faint sense of eroticism.

"What?! That's how I feel."

"It's okay Ayase. Just relax."

Said Hare.

"Just not too much."

"Shut up Tsugumi."

Tsugumi giggled a bit before laying off Ayase. After a brief silence, Hare asked Ayase a question.

"Um, Ayase?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you know what's going between Shu and Inori?"

"Why're you asking that?"

"No reason. It just because..."

"If you're worried that something is going on between the two of them, don't be. There's nothing there."

"It's true. Before we lost contact, I spoke with Shibungi, one of our comrades, about what he thought about Shu and Inori getting together. I thought it was going to be one of the most predicable things ever to happen. I mean really, it's a scenario straight out of anime. The emotionless girl and the boy with puppy love get into a serious relationship at the end. But then he tells me that Shu doesn't even see her that way. Seeing you two kiss just confirmed it."

Hare was blushing all over out of embarrassment. She gave the impression that she was asking out of jealously.

"It's nothing like that all! It's just I didn't expect..."

"Didn't expect what, Hare?"

"The way she spoke to Shu about the ranking system. He seemed to be against it until she spoke up."

"Inori could see Shu was on the fence about, but had to remind him about his responsibilities."

"When Shu was in charge, I was happy. I felt safe around him, and I wanted everyone else to feel the same way. He could be kind and caring to everyone, but be strong and brave for them as well. Just like a king."

Ayase giggled at the idea of Shu being like royalty.

"King Shu. Now's there's a laugh."

Tsugumi joined in.

"I know. I mean, at best, he's more like... I don't know, at the top of my head, a shogun at best."

"Now that's just ridiculous, Tsugumi."

"Bet you 10,000 yen that happens."

"You're on."

Hare was offended that they were treating this like a joke.

"Well, you don't have so mean about it!"

"Relax, Hare. We're just joking for a bit. I'm sure Shu will be a great leader. He just has to be able to make the big choices."

"Well he'd better make them soon. Speaking of Shu, were you with him the night he got elected?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"No reason. I could see why you wanted to spend some alone time with him."

Hare blushed again when she thought Tsugumi was making a certain suggestion.

"I... don't know what you mean."

"Relax. I'm not suggesting anything. I mean, it's not like you had sex with him or anything."

Hare was red all over when Tsugumi said sex. Both her and Ayase looked at her with big stares. Hare fidgeted for a while, trying not give away any indication that she and Shu performed intercourse together, but failing. Ayase's reaction was very loud.

"YOU HONESTLY HAD...!"

Ayase wanted to say the next word, but was too nervous to say it.

"with him?"

Hare nodded yes. Tsugumi laughed at how she got right by pure, happy 'accident'. Ayase got serious with Hare as she spoke to her.

"Did you give him permission?"

"Huh?"

Ayase moved to face Hare with some intensity. She placed both her hand on Hare's shoulders.

"Did you. Give him. Permission? This is very important, Hare."

Hare knew what she meant by that.

"I did. He was willing to stop when I would tell him to. At any time."

Ayase sighed in relief.

"Okay. Now all I have to do is give Shu a stern talking to."

Hare didn't know what Ayase meant, but Tsugumi knew and thought,

'Think I'll bring some popcorn with me when that happens.'

xxxxxx

"ARE YOU SERIOUS!"

Said Souta with a loud voice.

"Yeah. But I'm not going ahead with it."

"What the hell are you thinking?! I know you're my best friend and all, but that's wrong! For god's sakes, it practically dictatorship."

"Souta, I said I'm not going ahead with this. So relax."

Souta instantly shut his mouth over premature and unnecessary outburst.

"Dude, my bad. I didn't mean to be a jerk right now. Sorry about that."

"It's fine. You're not wrong for reacting that, though."

"Cool."

Souta extended his hand to Shu.

"No harm, no foul, right?"

"Yeah."

Shu took Souta's hand and shook it.

"All right, so let her rip."

"What?"

"It's a male bonding thing. We shout stuff dramatically into the night."

"Where do you get this stuff? The Showa era?"

"Here, I'll start."

Souta inhaled as much as he could, and shouted out,

"PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE RANKED ON THEIR USEFULNESS!"

Shu thought,

'This is the part where I have a huge sweat drop behind my head.'

"Okay now you try."

"Why exactly?"

"You know, it's all about baring your soul and stuff. Come on man, try it."

Shu had a couple of things that he really wanted to get off his chest. The first thing he said was in regular volume.

"Being a Kamen Rider can suck sometimes."

"Come on, man. Do it some more."

"I'm afraid that I'm not that funny."

"Put some feeling into it."

"I think I'm in over my head as president!"

"More!"

"I wish my mother would stop acting like an irresponsible teenager!"

"ONE MORE TIME!"

Shu inhaled as much as he could and shouted to the dark,

"I HAD SEX WITH MY GIRLFRIEND AND I FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT!"

Shu felt liberated just shouting in the dark. At first, he felt it was ridiculous, but later embraced the absurdity of the act. Shu faced Souta only to see a shocked look on his face with his mouth gaping open.

"Hey, you okay?"

"You had..."

Souta made a gesture with his fingers that represented intercourse.

"with Hare?"

Shu blushed so hard over the fact that he shouted out that he had intercourse with his girlfriend, and made it public. Souta then said something that Shu thought uncharacteristic of him.

"You did realize that when Lost Christmas happened, you didn't have access?"

"Access to what?"

"In case you haven't noticed Shu, every store in the city is closed, and they have something to make sure that what you did with Hare was safe."

Shu knew what Souta meant.

"Oh yeah."

"Oh yeah?! You did it with Hare without protection! I may act like an idiot most of the time, but when it comes to mature things like that, I learn everything about it. Including the consequences."

What Souta said dawned on him. Shu was silent for a while before indicating what he would do next.

"If we survive this, I would take care of her always."

"You mean that?"

"We talked this morning, and she said that we wouldn't do what we did if I didn't love her. And I do."

Souta took that as an indication that Shu would take responsibility.

"That good to hear, bro."

Shu and Souta looked at the night sky. Knowing the world they were living in was practically crumbling down, but some things were still standing. Souta then asked,

"So, what are you and Hare gonna name it?"

xxxxxx

Yahiro was walking around the campus and watching to see if anyone was following him. He was summoned by Redyue through his holo-tablet. He kept secret that his tablet had a direct line to a GHQ messaging system. He had received a message from his 'sponsor.' After making his way outside school limits by taking advantage of unfinished segments of the fortifications to sneak through, he had arrived at the coordinates. Yahiro waited for few minutes until his sponsor arrived. Albeit Redyue placed her had on Yahiro's shoulder, scaring him a little bit. Yahiro yelled before covering his mouth and spoke to Redyue in an angry tone,

"Don't do that! You want everyone to know we're here?"

"Couldn't resist."

Yahiro sighed in exasperation.

"So, how are things going?"

"So far, he doesn't know what we're up to. He still trusts me. I made up the idea of a void ranking system. A hierarchy I made to separate the strongest voids from the weakest ones. He turned it down."

"That... does not sound good. What is your next phase?"

"I'm still figuring it out."

"I expected more out of you."

"Please don't give up on me. I can still do this. Right now, I do still have an option to move things along. Carry on with the plan."

"Speak."

"The vaccines. We have a large amount of it, but no one ever made a detailed inventory of how much we got."

"And?"

"If you can make some of it go away, then things might get so desperate that Shu Ouma will have no choice but to implement my system. The students will start to hate then."

"Sounds interesting so far."

"And that's not all."

Yahiro used his holo-tablet to show Redyue a map of the city, and dots in certain locations.

"These are supply drop points that one of our wealthier students had arranged to keep us fed and regularly vaccinated. Send some Inves there to keep the students away, but not hurt them..."

"At all?"

Yahiro paused to rephrase what he said earlier to keep Redyue pleased.

"Well, fine. Rough a few of them up to keep them scared. Anyhow once Shu get the news that our supplies are being kept from us, he'll have to take action."

"Oh now I know what you are saying. Very well. I'll keep up my end of the plan if you keep up yours."

"Thank you, and I will."

Redyue walked from Yahiro, but he had one question for her.

"Hey, I hope you don't mind me asking..."

Redyue turned around to listen to Yahiro.

"What do you want out of this? I know you're giving me help to make Shu pay for what he did to my brother, but..."

"I have my reasons."

Redyue kept on walking away while Yahiro ran back to the school before anyone noticed him gone.

xxxxxx

Shu walked his way to the meeting room to make his decision.

"Guys, I've decided to..."

What Shu did not realize was that Yahiro, Arisa, Kanon, and Daryl were already in a meeting. One about the state of the supplies.

"We're really that low?"

"Unfortunately, yes. It's not enough. We've checked the math so many times. The facts are there."

"What if we inject less of the vaccine to stretch it out?"

"No point. Anything less than a full dose is useless."

Yahiro saw Shu at the entrance.

"We have a problem on our hands, Shu. The vaccine supply..."

"...is running low. Arisa, can you get in contact with your grandfather? Arrange another supply drop?"

"I'll try. But if nothing else, we need to try to keep Shu healthy."

"Hold on. I don't want special treatment."

"If you get sick, the whole school will fall apart."

Yahiro handed to Shu a stack of papers with student's names. And their void numbers.

"Please reconsider the ranking system, Shu. We can give priority to those with the strongest voids. I've complied a roster by rank. This can determine those we can classify as expendable."

Shu looked at the list to see Souta on the front page.

"Souta? His void rank is that low? But he's a Kamen Rider. Just like you and me. We can't label him as expendable."

"If you don't do this Shu, we have no chance of surviving. Sooner or later, our enemies will be at the gate again. Some of them will be stronger. So strong, not even our rider powers will be able to hold them back. Remember what you and Daryl went through last time? We can't risk it."

Arisa gave Shu the paperwork to authorize the ranking system.

"This is your call. The student body chose you. They put their lives in your hands."

Shu stood in shock over the fact that he might have to go ahead with the system. However, he did not want to be so cruel about it.

"Like I told you before, Ouma. This is what a leader does."

Shu did not know what to do. He grabbed the roster list, and took with him as he walked out of the meeting room. No one knew what Shu was going to do. Except Daryl.

"He's gonna throw it in the trash."

Yahiro asked,

"What make you say that?"

"There's still that element of weakness in him That part that will try to do what's fair and rationalize it in some piss poor way. Looks like your system ain't gonna fly."

Yahiro scowled without anyone seeing it. He did, however, gave a vibe that only Daryl could sense. More or less. He stood up and walked to follow Shu. When he did, he saw Shu throw away the list. As soon as Shu was out of sight, Yahiro went for the trash can, grabbed the roster list, and took it with him. Then an idea came to him. Rather than taking it back with him, he would place it somewhere where one of the low ranked students could see. He flipped through the roster while looking up to see which one he found. He eventually found one and her name. Sakura Yamashiro. She was assigned to trash disposal. Yahiro ran ahead to one of the trash bins in her route. Then he waited for her. Sakura eventually came, and removed the top of the bin. When she did, she found the roster. She looked though it to find her picture, along with her classroom number and her void rank. She took it with her to show to the others on the list. Yahiro saw the whole thing and smiled a devious smile.

xxxxxx

(late afternoon)

Sakura rounded up the people she knew on the list to the back of the gym. She shared what she had 'discovered.'

"I found this while I was doing trash duty."

"So what's this void ranking system all about?"

"Whatever this is, we're at the bottom of the food chain."

"Wait, so does this mean that they're writing us off or something?"

Souta was shocked to see his name at the list.

"Not if we do something about it."

Just then, he heard running. He turned around to see Kanon catching up with her breath to say,

"We got an emergency situation. All Kamen Riders are to report now."

xxxxxx

Yahiro made it back to the meeting room to find that Daryl was the only one there. Sitting on a lounge chair.

"Something I can do for you, Daryl?"

"Just had a question for you."

"What is it?"

"Why are you pushing this void ranking system on Ouma? Don't get me wrong. I don't have anything against the idea. Kind of fits into my personal philosophy of life. But, if he decides to not go through with it, then why keep on being in his face about it?"

"I'm not being in his face about it. I'm simply trying to help him protect the school."

"Yeah well, in case you've forgotten. We're Kamen Riders. We have abilities that have more power than a regular human's void."

"What good is that power against overwhelming odds?"

"But we survived, and became stronger for it. I apply that for every rider that fought against that speaking Inves. Including that...uh... who was it that had the kurumi...?"

"You mean Souta?"

"Yeah, that it. That's who I'm taking about."

"We can't run that risk. There's too much at stake."

"Yeah, well, I criticize Ouma for a lot of things, but at least knows that when it comes to fighting, you have to go all in. And anyone who have the same skills as him will follow his example. They will want to be as strong as him to fight. Souta is one of them."

"Like I said, there's too much at stake to depend on whether or not on one person's strength. Let alone the strength of one person's void."

"That's another thing. Why are you so quick to throw Souta under the bus over his void rank? Putting aside the fact that you're supposed to be his friend, he is a Kamen Rider. Don't you think that should give him a boost in the ranks?"

"We can't allow special treatment."

Daryl chuckled over what Yahiro said.

"I don't know whether to call it irony or hypocrisy."

"I'm serious!"

"You know what I think? I think that you're setting up Ouma for a fall."

Yahiro paused before talking again.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Daryl got up from his chair and walked to the entrance.

"Whatever you say... Sugar."

Yahiro got nervous as soon as he was called by his nickname from when he was a Norma-gene dealer.

"What? You thought I was only just a soldier in the GHQ? Remember, I was part of the mission to hunt down your little brother. I actually had to learn about you for the mission."

"How could I forget?"

Daryl got out of the meeting room to find Kanon leaning against the wall. Daryl pieced together that she listened to the entire thing.

"Sup."

Kanon stayed silent until she said,

"We have an emergency."

"You hear that Samukawa? We got work."

"Gotcha."

Yahiro's memories of when he lost his brother, and hearing of him turning into an Inves as he died came back to him. This fermented the rage he had for Shu. This was the opportunity he had desired.

xxxxxx

Shu arrived at the meeting room with Ayase, Inori, and Tsugumi. However, one was not present.

"Kanon, did you find Souta?"

"I did, and I told him all riders were to report."

"But what?"

Yahiro had a feeling that what he planted was taking root.

"Forget about him for now. Let's focus. Arisa."

Arisa nodded, dimmed the lights, and activated the projector to play video images.

"Four hours ago, I contacted my grandfather to see if he would send in more supplies such as food and vaccines to our school. He informed me that he was sending some already. In the off chance we lost communication with him. One hour after that, the supplies landed at the drop-sites. Completely undetected by GHQ forces. However, a serious problem arrived as soon as the students assigned to supply pick-up was encountered. Inves had arrived at the drop locations and attacked the students that were sent there. No death to report thank goodness, but serious injuries were reported. Hare was quick to respond, but the situation still remains."

Shu asked,

"How did the Inves knew where the supplies were going?"

Daryl hypothesized,

"Maybe there's something in the vaccine that attracts them somehow?"

"I don't think so. The vaccine keeps the virus at bay. It makes no sense that they would be attracted to something that prevents their food supply."

Yahiro smiled while no one was looking at him. All but one.

"That's not important. What's important is that we remove the Inves from the drop-sites, and recover the supplies."

Daryl, being the experienced military officer he used to be, used his expertise to formulate a strategy.

"We'll go in two teams of three. Flank them when they're not looking, and wipe them out."

"Might work since right there doesn't seem to be too many."

"Careful, Samukawa. There are always more of these things hiding somewhere near. Ouma knows what's I'm talking about. So, what's it's gonna be, Mr. President?"

"We go. The first will consist of me Daryl, Inori, and Myself. Second will be Yahiro, Ayase, and Tsugumi."

Kanon asked,

"What about Souta?"

"Since he's not present, he'll be automatically relegated to guarding the school when we're gone. Is that understood?"

All the riders answered,

"Yes sir!"

xxxxxx

Shu, Inori, and Daryl were getting out through the east side of the school to go for the vaccine supplies. Before they got out, they encountered a group of students with Souta at the front.

"Shu. You said no ranks, right?"

"Yes. I've kept my word to you, Souta."

Souta saw Daryl and Inori behind him.

"Is this about the emergency that's happening right now?"

"Our supplies are currently held hostage by Inves."

The students behind Souta gasped at what they heard.

"So, where we headed, then?"

"We are heading out to wipe out the Inves guarding the vaccines. You are staying here to guard the school."

Souta was surprised to hear this.

"What? That's stupid. You forget that I'm a rider as well."

"Yes, and if you've bothered to report to the meeting, then you would've gained the right to join us. Instead, you have your duties laid out for you."

Souta felt like being left out. Like he was superfluous.

"Then, I have a favor to ask. Actually, more like a request. Let the students here use their voids to protect the school."

All three riders were shocked to hear this from Souta.

"Like you were saying. If the Inves were to come here, one Kamen Rider won't be enough. We have to take advantage of the extra firepower we got."

Before Shu could refuse it, Daryl chimed in by saying,

"Let them, Ouma."

"What?"

"They don't want to be at the bottom of the food chain? Let them use their voids to become stronger."

Inori gave her opinion as well. As well as reminded Shu of the ongoing situation.

"We don't have time. Just let them use their voids to protect the school."

After hearing everyone out as well as seeing the students, Shu eventually relented and proceeded to extract their voids for the defense of the school while he was on mission. After doing so, Shu reminded Souta,

"Do not leave the school. Until I come back, you won't abandon your post."

"Gotcha."

xxxxxx

Both rider teams made it to the supply drops. The locations not that far, but there was still some considerable length between them. It was due to the fact these locations were also blind spots in the GHQ's patrol paths. Shu and Daryl went to the location of the vaccines with their bikes with Inori riding with Shu with a couple of smoke grenades on a strap across her body. While Ayase, Tsugumi, and Yahiro went in the Humvee that was acquired during the chaos in the second Lost Christmas. Ayase had smoke grenades with her as well. Shu had with him a walkie-talkie with Yahiro holding the other one.

"Yahiro, in position?"

"Affirmative."

"All riders, listen up. Two will distract the Inves, leading them away from the supplies. One will gather the supplies. Tsugumi, you will load the food supplies onto the Humvee while Yahiro and Ayase will fight off the Inves. After that, signal Funell to head to our location for the vaccine. Got it?"

"Roger."

"Daryl, you'll be taking the vaccines while Inori and I will take on the Inves here."

"Wait, why her and not me?"

"Because she has the better lockseed, and I left my genesis core back at the school."

Daryl was mad at that fact. He relented, nonetheless.

"Fine. I'll do supplies."

"Everyone clear on their roles?"

"Yes sir."

"On my signal, we move."

Both groups snuck to be close to where the Inves surrounded the crate containing the supplies for their school. Yahiro contacted Shu.

"We're in position."

Shu saw Inori with the smoke grenades ready.

"Go."

(Fox on the Run by The Sweet)

Inori took off the pin and threw the first grenade to the Inves. The first one got their attention. Then she threw the second one to completely blind them. All of them started their transformations.

"HENSHIN!"

"KACHIDOKI!"

"BANANA!"

"RINGO!"

"BUDOU!"

"MATSUBOKKURI!"

"DONGURI!"

"LOCK-ON!"

"SOIYA!"

"COME-ON!"

"HAI!"

"KACHIDOKI ARMS! IZA SHUTSUJIN! EI, EI, OH!"

"BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPEAR!"

"RINGO ARMS! DESIRE FORBIDDEN FRUITS!"

"BUDOU ARMS! RYU-HOU! HA HA HA!"

"MATSUBOKKURI ARMS! ICHIGEKI! IN THE SHADOW!"

"DONGURI ARMS! NEVER GIVE UP!"

Gaim and Idunn went to the Inves surrounding the vaccine supplies, and fought them for a bit before leading them away from the vaccines. Successful, Baron took the chance to retrieve the vaccine while his two comrades distracted the majority of the Inves. However, three stayed behind in hiding. Baron, however was no fool. He flipped the cutting blade on his driver three times.

"COME ON! BANANA SPARKLING!"

The energy bananas went in three different directions, eliminating the remaining Inves that stayed behind.

"Knew they would do that."

Meanwhile, at the second supply location drop, Ryugen and Kurokage were facing the Inves with medium difficulty. While Kurokage used her Kagematsu with relative ease, Ryugen was having a hard time. His Budou Ryuhou was a long-distance weapon. And he was in a battle that gave him barely any space to shoot. Ryugen used his weapon a few times, but the Inves were leaving little to opportunity to attack them. Kurokage noticed this, and fought through the Inves to cover him.

"Switch to a lockseed that specializes in close ranged combat."

"I can't. Daryl forgot to give me his secondary lockseed."

"What?!"

Kurokage was frustrated that Ryugen was that unprepared for a battle such as this. She made a battlefield decision.

"Okay. You switch with Tsugumi."

"But she has..."

"A lockseed with a weapon that can do a more effective job at defeating these things than you."

Ryugen was angry that Kurokage about what she said. However, he would not deny the logic of what she said and why.

"Fine. Switch me."

Kurokage called out for Guridon while she was transporting the food supplies while Kurokage and Ryugen were distracting the Inves from her.

"Hey Tsugumi! You're switching with Yahiro here!"

"But what about the original plan?!"

"We have to change it for strategic reasons!"

Guridon then ran to where Ryugen and Kurokage were. A few of the Inves were running towards Guridon. She used her hammer to strike a few of them down, but some made it through. Ryugen noticed them heading for the food supplies. He flipped the cutting blade on his driver once.

"HAI! BODOU SQUASH!"

Large energy grapes homed in on the Inves heading for the food supplies as soon as Ryugen pulled the trigger. Guridon was not pleased with that.

"Hey! You almost hit me!"

"Just get to Ayase already!"

Both riders passed by as Guridon saw Kurokage becoming overwhelmed by the horde she was fighting against.

"Hold on!"

Guridon flipped the cutting blade on her driver once to give a variation of her squash finisher.

"COME ON! DONGURI SQUASH!"

She spun her donkachi until it generated enough thrust to propel her forward to where Kurokage was. Which helped Kurokage as Guridon plowed through them like a bowling ball through pins. The Inves were exterminated after that.

"Thanks for the save."

"Anytime. Wanna handle the rest?"

"Hell yeah!"

Kurokage flipped the cutting on her driver two times.

"SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI AU LAIT!"

A large energy pinecone formed at the tip of her Kagematsu, and she threw it at the remaining Inves. All of them were officially exterminated.

"Way to go, Aya!"

Guridon gave Kurokage a high-five, which Kurokage returned.

"Let's get to Shu."

Gaim and Idunn were facing the horde that they led away from Baron and the vaccines. Gaim slashed a few while Idunn was practically decimating them. Gaim commented on this as both of them were fighting.

"Inori, you seem to be getting used to your rider abilities."

"You think so? All of this is coming almost naturally to me. True, I never held a sword before. The closest thing I have to bladed weapons training was using a knife. But the kendo club was kind enough to train me."

"Really? Since when?"

"I do have a life, you know. I don't have to tell you everything that goes on in it."

"I know. I know. I'm just surprised. I'm not trying to invade your privacy or anything."

"Thank you."

As they stopped talking, the Inves they were fighting against were now weak. Gaim asked Idunn,

"Care to do the honors?"

"Join me."

Idunn flipped the cutting blade on her driver once. While Gaim used his Musou Saber, and attaching his orange lockseed onto it.

"LOCK ON! 1-10-100! ORANGE CHARGE!"

"COME ON! RINGO SQUASH!"

Both performed blade beams, which promptly destroyed the entire Inves horde in one fell swoop.

"Nice."

Gaim gave Idunn a thumbs up. Which Idunn returned.

(end)

xxxxxx

Funell drove the Humvee with Ayase, Yahiro, and Tsugumi with the food supplies in the back trunk.

"So, you guys did well on your part of the mission."

"Not without problems, Mr. President?"

"What kinds of problems, Ayase?"

"Ride with us and we'll explain on the way."

Shu signaled Daryl to load the vaccine unto the Humvee. Everyone made their way back to the school. But it was not a quiet ride. Hare, Kanon, and a few of the other students were waiting for the riders, sans Souta, to return successful from their mission. When the Humvee was seen as it went through the gate, everyone was excited. But that excited waned a bit as soon as they heard loud voices from the Humvee. Almost everyone was arguing at each other. No one wanted to get in the way. As soon as the Humvee stopped, everyone was still arguing with each other while getting out.

"What I'm trying to say Shu is you could've been more precise in your strategy so we would have less pitfalls that almost could've killed us."

"I get what you're trying to say, Ayase. But I assumed that everyone would anticipate..."

"You can't assume, Ouma. You have to think ahead."

"It was an honest mistake, Daryl. Kind of like the one you made."

"Watch it Samukawa. Don't make show your dirty laundry."

"Oh yeah. Like you're so perfect, Kill 'em all."

Tsugumi coldly added. Shu broke up the argument.

"Okay! Look, I get it. The plan could've been more detailed so we wouldn't have had the blunders we had. But the mission was successful nonetheless."

"That luck won't last forever, Ouma. Sooner or later, your careless attitude is gonna get someone killed."

Shu was disheartened when Daryl said that. He fought hard to make sure that would never happen. But the supply rescue was a farce. A successful farce, but a farce nonetheless. Hare approached Shu from behind.

"Welcome back."

Shu turned around to see her smiling face. Shu did not want to seem depressed in front of her. He perked up.

"Hey."

"How'd it go?"

"Fine. We got the vaccines for the school. So we don't have to worry about rationing it anymore."

"That's great. I'm so glad."

Daryl looked at the couple with some envy. For moment he imagined him and Tsugumi in that kind of relationship. He looked at Tsugumi for one second before she noticed and then left from his sight. Shu assumed his presidential duties.

"Kanon, see to it that the vaccine and food supplies are placed appropriately. After that, tell Souta I want to talk to him."

"Got it. Where do you want to meet him?"

"The clubroom."

"Got it."

Kanon signaled the student who were with her to retrieve the supplies from the Humvee. Shu went to the clubroom to wait for Souta. Yahiro overheard, and went to find Souta first before Kanon did.

xxxxxx

Souta was at the student council meeting room. He waited for Shu to come to talk to him about a lot of things. Specifically, about the ranking system. He wanted to voice his grievances at how he would even consider the possibility of making it happen.

'How could he think something good can come from something like that? Was he out of his mind? Or is Shu becoming just another scumbag politician who only want to hang on to his job by any means necessary?'

When Souta thought that, he remembered at how Shu was a good friend to him. At first, it was rocky. But later on, it would be something that both boys would cherish. Their friendship was solidified further as both of them became Kamen Riders and defended the school against murderous monsters.

"I can't think that about Shu. I know who he is first before what he is. Maybe it's the responsibility he's holding. I know he has to do what's best for the school. I'll just have to believe that what he going to choose is going to protect the school without having to resort to things that make a dictatorship."

"That may not be possible anymore."

Souta stood up to see Yahiro entering the meeting room.

xxxxxx

Shu was at the clubroom waiting for Souta. He wanted to apologize to him about how he acted towards him. But Shu also wanted to remind Souta of his responsibilities as being one of the protectors of the school.

'I didn't want to exclude him, but I have to remind him that he has to show up for every emergency meeting we have. And if doesn't want to be relegated to guard duty all the time, then he has to show up. I understood that when I was in Funeral Parlor.'

Shu sighed over the fact that he has to give Souta the lecture of responsibility. He felt like one of those adult stuff at the school who would scold him just for being Souta. He also remembered about the current situation everyone was in.

'Everything around is either falling apart or crushed thanks to the barrier wall closing in on us. When the Inves were appearing during the second Lost Christmas, every adult was either morphing into one or ran like hell from the monsters, leaving the rest of us alone. Goes to show how much they really thought of all of us.'

Shu was sad about the fact that in a situation where all the adult authority figures were nowhere to be found, all the students chose him to be one.

'That's too much, man.'

Just then, he heard the metal doors of the clubroom open. Shu thought it would be Kanon bringing in Souta with her. As soon as he got down, he instead saw Hare.

"Hey. Thought you might be here. Everyone's worried about you."

"Sorry if you're one of them."

"Well, after hearing you arguing with Ayase, Daryl, and Yahiro, made me wonder what was it about."

Shu was candid.

"It was about the operation. Even though we got the job done, we were kind of stumbling through it. Daryl wanted to take part in the fight, but I forgot my genesis core and energy lockseed with me because I thought I didn't need them. But I was reminded that I'm not the only one who uses them. Also, the second group that Yahiro was in. I gave him the order to distract the Inves by fighting them, while Tsugumi was ordered to retrieve the second set of supplies. The battlefield was kind of cramped, and Yahiro was more suited for long-range combat. He would've handled it if Daryl lent him one of his lockseeds that could've allowed Yahiro to fight close-ranged combat. It was a mismanagement of resources and armaments on my part. In short, I messed up on be an effective strategist, and that's why all the arguments."

Hare took to comprehend what Shu was saying.

"So you got a few things wrong when you were giving out orders. Everyone came out oaky, right?"

"Yeah, but that's not the larger issue. Imagine if the fights had more Inves, evolved ones that are larger in size and power? What would've happened then? Every fight we have with the Inves could be our last one. What then?"

Shu laid on his back to physically emphasize the weight of his duties as the leader.

"I feel low, Hare. I so busy trying to please everyone that I eventually ending people mad. I never realized just how...wishy-washy I could honestly be."

"Everyone does that time to time, Shu. It's how people get along."

"But it's not just trying to get people to get along. It's also keeping them safe. To maintain a sort of consistency in their lives. I'm the leader. I have to be stronger than that."

Hare sensed that Shu was begging to crack under the pressure. She held Shu in her embrace.

"You're already strong. Don't give in to doubt."

Shu dug himself into Hare. Her warmth and caring embrace made him feel like all the things that make him feel less about himself, all erased by the one person who will embrace him, warts and all.

"It's going to be all right. You have so many wonderful things about you. Those are the reason why people trust you. With their lives."

"It's just that... it starting to feel like it more than I can handle. When I became the leader, it felt like I was also chosen to be the adult here. When the ones responsible for us left us here, running off without thinking about how it would affect us, we looked for someone to tell us what to do. How to do it. Yeah, we have some self-reliance, but that's just it. It feels like... the world is ready to leave us behind, and the only reason why no one feels like falling to despair is because I just happened step up. I fit into the kind of grown-up that they want. When in reality, I'm no different from the rest of them."

Hare was beginning to feel the depth of Shu's doubts. She raised his head, and held it in close proximity to her. Shu was beginning to feel some deja-vu.

"Shu, everyone looks at you as a leader, because you're their hero. The hero that can get us out this situation. The reminder that hope never goes down without a fight. It's because of people like you, people who are willing to step up and say to the darkness 'I refuse to be your victim.' That's why everyone here looks to you to be their leader. Everyone sees you as their hero. Who else is better to be there for us? Who else will fight for us the way our hero did?"

Shu was instilled in him a renewed determination to be better. To continue his desire to change. To be more than what he used to be. He had his girlfriend to thank for the push he honestly needed. He gently relinquished Hare's hold on his face, and kissed her in gratitude. Hare blushed for a while before returning his sign of affection. The kiss went for three straight minutes before Shu broke it off.

"I'm am going to protect you with my life. And after all this is over, not if, when, I'm gonna take care of you and..."

Shu placed his hand on Hare's stomach. Fully aware of the outcome of what he did with her that night. Hare felt a surge of joy in her.

"Okay."

The metal doors opened once more as Kanon ran to the clubroom. She panted for a bit, trying to catch her breath.

"Kanon, what's the matter?"

"I went looking for Souta, like you told me..."

"What happened?"

"He ran off with some students that had their voids out."

Shu remembered what he did earlier before he went for the supply recovery mission.

"Oh no."

xxxxxx

Souta was leading the F-ranked students to locate any Inves to exterminate. In order to get stronger.

"All right guys, look. We're just going to find some Inves in the area. I heard that voids actually have some effect on them. If all this goes south, I'll get us out of here."

The students following Souta were nervous, to say the least. Before they could head out further, they heard two sets of sounds. A motorcycle and a large vehicle. Shu had appeared on his Sakura Hurricane while Hare on the Humvee with Funell. She wanted to be with Shu and to try to get Souta to listen to her. As well as had her void out in case of medical emergencies.

"Souta, what the hell are you doing!? You could get killed out here."

"Gee, thanks for the warning!"

"Why are you doing this?"

"What do you think?! I know that you're really considering the ranking system. I saw mine, Shu. What?! You think I'm expendable or something?!"

"What are you talking about?"

"We're gonna show you that we're not so useless after all. We can hold out own with the Inves. Without our fearless leader holding our hands."

"So this is the reason why you wanted me to extract your voids?!"

"Sucks being lied to, right?!"

"I meant what I said..."

Just then, explosions appeared near the Humvee Hare as in. Shu turned around to see GHQ attack helicopters approaching their location.

"Anti-Bodies. Run! All of you, NOW!"

The students did so, but everyone was quickly surrounded by Endlaves. Hare got out of the Humvee as it was shot to pieces by one of the helicopters before blowing up. The students were paralyzed with fear. Shu knew that there was nowhere left to hide.

xxxxxx

Rowan was in a command trailer as he was in charge of the mission. He was given command if the Inves to guard the supplies that dropped within the area, as well as attack any and all intruders. When the intruders were spotted, he discovered they were students in a nearby school. Children.

'This isn't what I signed up for...'

Rowan was feeling guilty for what he was taking part of. Being part of an organization that facilitated in this disaster made him feel like his gilt was killing him from the inside. Rowan reminded himself of the reason why he was sticking around.

'If Daryl is part of those armored warriors opposing them...'

One of the officers notified of Rowan the status of their operation.

"Sir. We found our bogeys."

"Let's...carry out the operation as ordered."

"Yes sir. Should I notify Major Segai, sir?"

"Yes."

The officer did so, and connected Rowan to Segai.

"Segai here."

"McConners sir. We've found our targets, and are engaging them, sir."

"All right now. Just keep up the good work."

"Sir, all we see are kids..."

"They're not human. Don't be fooled now. Just carry on with your duties."

"Yes sir."

"And if you see Gaim in the area, order the Endlave to use the specialized missile that was made for him. You only have the one. So make it count."

"Sir."

Segai hung up, then turned his chair to face Redyue.

"Well, this is quite you've got. I imagine you got your little rat pulling all the string in your favor."

"He's quite dedicated in his anger. Makes it easier for obedience."

"Just answer me this: Why are you so interested in the Ouma boy? I know he holds the king power but..."

"It's more than that. He holds something else. Something that I have... desired for so long. Something that I always have felt Rosuyo was hiding from me for so long."

"What ever could it be?"

"For another time. For now, keep the brats on their toes and their leader in for a climatic ending. I need to get ready. A special guest will appear. Someone who cares for the boy so much that he would forego his anonymity to help him for any reason."

Segai guessed Redyue was referring to Sagara.

"Tell Keido his target will be appearing in an area near Tennozu high."

"Roger."

"If you will excuse me, I must get ready..."

xxxxxx

Shu summoned his Sengoku driver and transformed.

"HENSHIN!"

"KACHIDOKI!"

"LOCK-ON!"

"SOIYA! KACHIDOKI ARMS! IZA SHUTSUJIN! EI, EI, OH!"

Gaim fired his DJ Gun at the first helicopter that was near. The blast destroyed one, causing the others to break formation. Gaim told the students,

"If you wanted to chance to prove yourselves, now's the time!"

"With this?!"

One of the copters fired and injured Sakura. This caused the male student next to her to run. Hare held onto Sakura. Hare instantly ran to her side.

"Are you okay!"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Souta, transform so everyone can get out of here!"

"Don't tell me what to do!"

Souta dropped his void so he could summon his driver.

"HENSHIN!"

"KURUMI!"

"LOCK-ON!"

(guitar riff)

"KURUMI ARMS! MISTER KNUCKLEMAN!"

Knuckle went for the first Endlave he could find, and punch one of its legs to cripple it. Once it fell, Knuckle kept on punching it until it exploded. He was then shot in the back by another one of the copters. This angered him as he flipped the cutting blade on his driver three times.

(guitar riff)

"KURUMI SPARKLING!"

Knuckle launch large energy fists at the copter that fired on him, but missed. The copter kept on firing at him. It was then later destroyed by a fired shot from Gaim's DJ gun.

"Hey! That one was mine!"

"How about you get the Endlaves and I get the helicopters?!"

"Why do you get to call all the shots?!"

Gaim walked to Knuckle with intention that he would not take his insubordination no more.

"Listen, for whatever reason that's got you so pissed, PUT IT ASIDE! In case you haven't noticed, you led a group of inexperienced void users into a battle that is definitely going to kill them! What's worse, Hare, my girlfriend and one of your friends, here as well. Not because I asked her to! She wanted to be here to talk some goddamn sense into YOU! Yeah, you will do what I tell you to do because I'm your leader! Now take this and take down the Endlaves NOW!"

Gaim handed to Knuckle his Suika lockseed. While Gaim was talking down the copters, Knuckle laid his complaints to rest because of the situation. He activated the Suika lockseed.

"SUIKA!"

As the metallic watermelon landed behind Knuckle, he then took off his Kurumi lockseed and inserted the Suika.

(guitar riff)

"SUIKA ARMS! ODAMA! BIG BANG!"

Knuckle leapt backwards into the metallic watermelon.

"YOROI MODE!"

Knuckle activated the mobile armor form to attack the Endlaves targeting the students that followed him.

xxxxxx

All the riders were fully transformed as they drove to the battle taking place a few miles from the school. Ryugen was driving the small pick-up truck that they had as a back-up vehicle.

"Be on the lookout for any enemy aircraft that could get in our way. Tsugumi, what do you got?"

Guridon had with her a pair of binoculars.

"There. One copter and three Endlaves."

The last copter saw the riders on the pick-up and headed to them to wipe them out.

"It's headed for us!"

Ryugen attempted to drive while shooting, but could not. He missed while trying to dodge bullet rounds.

"Watch it, Yahiro. You're not the only one on the truck."

"Sorry, Ayase. But I'm the only one here with long-range capability."

"Let me handle it."

"Can you Tsugumi?"

Guridon flipped the cutting blade on her driver three times.

"DONGURI SPARKLING!"

Guridon spun her donkachi to create an energy ring, and fired at the copter firing at them. It landed, causing the copter to explode in mid-air. Flaming debris started to fall towards the riders, causing Ryugen to swerve like hell to dodge them. When that was done, nearly everyone on the truck felt sick. Idunn was a little vocal about it.

"I feel like I swallowed a bug."

xxxxxx

Gaim was still fighting off the Endlaves, but they were keeping their distance. The students were far from the battlefield, but still had to run. Hare saw a broken truck as she was running. She had the idea that she could repair the car back into its original state. She proceeded to do so not knowing the one of the Endlaves was following the students. As Gaim looked back to see if the students were out of the battle, Gaim saw Hare reviving a broken truck, unaware of the Endlave that was approaching her. He activated his Sakura Hurricane and sped to her. Gaim used his DJ Gun to shoot at the Endlave, missing on purpose to gain its attention. The Endlave did, seeing Gaim speeding up to it. Hare noticed it as well.

"Shu?"

"HARE!"

The Endlave fired its special missile at Gaim, only to miss. Gaim fired his weapon a second time, and fully destroyed it. Hare was finally safe. Gaim stopped, and deactivated his lock vehicle, to see if she was unharmed.

"I'm okay."

"Good. Hare, you really need to get out of here. It's not safe."

"I was trying to..."

Hare saw the missile that missed Gaim come back. It was a homing missile.

"Shu, watch out!"

Gaim instantly covered Hare for her safety as the missile hit him. A huge explosion caused both of them to hurl into an isolated area from the battle. Both were unconscious for a few moments until Shu woke up first.

(play Xenoblade Chronicles main theme)

He felt himself without his armor.

'That explosion must've been powerful enough to cause me to de-henshin. Hare.'

Shu looked around to see if she was fine. What was happening next terrified him to no end. He saw virus crystals forming around her.

"HARE!"

Shu ran to her side, only to see the infection taking hold of her. Shu remembered what happens to a person when the Apocalypse virus reaches stage 5. Shu held Hare in her arms.

"No. Please. No, please. Oh god, please don't let this happen to her!"

Shu's panicked cries cause her to wake up in a fatigued state.

"Shu?"

"Hare don't talk..."

"You're okay... I'm happy to see you..."

Shu was being filled with fear, seeing his girlfriend slowing being devoured by a virus that would turn her into a hideous creature that preyed on humanity.

"Shu, do you remember reading a book from when you were little? Found one where... you just can't seem...to forget?"

Shu didn't know how to respond. He just nodded no.

"Mine was 'The Kind King.' It's about a king who gave the people all the money and land they could want... until he couldn't give anymore."

The infection was gaining traction.

"He gave them everything, but they still hated him. It's kind of funny, but I liked that storybook king. I'd go so far...as to call him the first man I feel in love with."

Hare remembered when she was younger, and was reading the book with glee. She looked at the king, and felt a swell of affection towards the king in the story. How his selflessness moved her so. How the tragedy made her feel sad, and willing to give that king the love she thought he deserved.

"You reminded me so much of him. The way you take charge and try to make people see you as the leader they need to see. You do everything in your power to do right by the people you want to protect. And, no matter what, whatever you did, you did it because you care. That's why... you'll be a great king one day. I just know it."

Tears formed in Shu's eyes. Hare's eyes did the same as soon as Shu's did.

"I was also so happy. So happy that you saw me as part of your future. *slight sob* so happy that... I mattered so much to you. So happy to know that...you loved me the same way... I loved you. No matter what... you have my heart forever..."

Hare fainted as the infection grew more and more. Shu begged Hare to come back.

"Hare! Please don't go! Please don't... Please don't leave me! Please! PLEASE DON'T DIE!"

The infection was slowly encompassing her whole body. Shu yelled out for help from the one man that he felt he could trust.

"SAGARA! SAGARA! PLEASE HELP ME! I DON'T WANT TO LOSE HER! Just please... please help me... help me save her. HELP ME PLLLEEEEEAAASSSSSE!"

Shu felt a hand on his left shoulder. He saw it covered in a white bumped glove. Hare was soon levitated from Shu's arms and lifted in mid-air. Holding Hare afloat were three silver rings followed by small white wisps surrounding her in the shape of a cocoon. Shu looked behind him to see DJ Sagara.

(skip to 2:35)

"I got this. Go to your friends. They need your help."

Shu was speechless at the moment.

"They were fighting against GHQ forces, but as soon as those were wiped out, the Inves came running to them in a swarm. Help them. Be their leader. I'll stay here and bring her Hare. But you have to go, Shu. Fight for your school. Fight for your friends. Fight for her."

Feeling the biggest sense of relief, he believed he would never feel in a long while, Shu ran to where his fellow riders and friends were fighting the Inves. Before he ran further, he went back to give Sagara a hug as gratitude. Sagara felt Shu shaking as he hugged him.

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

Sagara returned the hug. Shu then ran back to the direction he was headed as he transformed on the way and activated his lock vehicle. Sagara resumed his work to healing Hare from the virus.

(end music)

"Don't worry, sugarplum. You'll be back to normal before you know it."

Sagara examined the source of Hare's infection, and found that her void was damaged by the missile blast that propelled her and Shu.

"Oh no. I have to work fast before the infection takes place."

Sagara began work on healing Hare. Unaware of someone watching him from afar...

xxxxxx

The rest of the riders were overwhelmed by the Inves swarm they had on their hands. And they still had no idea about the students Souta had with them. Baron commented on the situation they were in.

"This is bad. This swarm was bigger than the one we had to fight back at the school before."

The riders felt the tension as death as upon all of them. Idunn sensed the fear they were feeling. Some were open, others were subtler about it. She spoke in a serious and intense tone.

"We can't give up here. There's too much at stake here if we run. Shu will come here. I know it. We hold our ground here until our leader comes to help us."

The only one who was not affected by Idunn's words was Baron.

"And when will that be?"

Rocket sounds were heard. The riders looked up to see a giant metallic watermelon rolling over the Inves. This made Guridon almost ecstatic.

"Oh! Look at it. I just want it. I want it so bad!"

Kurokage said,

"Seriously, Tsugumi. What is it with you and giant balls?"

"I have a cat-like personality. Adds to my charm."

Guridon acted like a cat for a little bit. She even went so far to say meow while mimicking a cat's paws with her hands. She did not know it, but Baron was blushing as Guridon was doing it. The metallic watermelon went into Yoroi mode to reveal Knuckle was in the armor.

"Guys! You're here!"

"Souta. Where are the students you had with you?"

Asked Ryugen.

"I guided them back to the school as soon as I took down the Endlaves that were after us."

"What they were after you for?"

"We were out... looking for some Inves to defeat to make our voids stronger."

Said Knuckle with a guilty tone at the end. Kurokage scolded him.

"YOU IDIOT! You could've gotten them all killed for something so asinine! It was clear that you went out here for nothing. All this was just a tantrum that served no purpose."

Knuckle looked down for a while before firing back,

"I just... I just wanted to..."

Baron finished Knuckle's sentence in his own way.

"To lead a bunch of weaklings to their deaths?"

"I didn't want that!"

Ryugen interrupted all the arguing that was going on.

"Hey! In case all of you haven't noticed, we're surrounded by bloodthirsty monsters. Can we please focus on that?"

The surrounding Inves regroup after Knuckle's appearance on the battlefield. Each of the riders readied themselves as the swarm moved towards them. Each of them flipped the cutting blade on their drivers needed to fend off the first wave.

"COME ON! BANANA SPARKLING!"

"SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI AU LAIT!"

"COME ON! DONGURI SPARKLING!"

"HAI! BUDOU SQUASH!"

"COME ON! RINGO SQUASH!"

The first wave was successfully destroyed, wiping out one-third of the swarm. But there was still a large number of them to fight against. Knuckle was fighting off the swarm from the back.

'This has to make up for my mistake.'

Knuckle kept on exterminating the Inves simply by punching them head on. However, that would soon be interrupted by not just one, but three fully evolved Inves. One Shika, One Seiryu, and one Byakko. Knuckle was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed, but attempted to shrug it off by playing it cool.

"Three super-sized Inves for me? Now things are really starting to pick up."

Knuckle went for the Shika, but was blindsided by the Seiryu as it wrapped itself around Knuckle. Squeezing the life out of him. As Knuckle was beginning to feel the pressure from his armor as it was slowly crushed, a fiery energy blast hit the Seiryu Inves in the head, causing its grip on Knuckle to loosen, enabling him to escape. Knuckle flipped the cutting blade on his driver once to finish it off.

(guitar riff)

"SUIKA SQUASH!"

Knuckle's left fist glowed with intensity as he delivered a devastating and powerful punch that exterminated the mutated dragon. Knuckle looked around to see Gaim, speeding to the swarm.

"Shu! Thanks for the save."

Gaim was still speeding to the swarm, ignoring Knuckle.

'He must still be mad at me. Can't say that I blame him.'

Knuckle focused back on the battle as he saw the evolved Byakko crawl up the building he was near to get a jump on him. Knuckle evaded, and punched the living daylights out of the Byakko while it was still on the ground. Gaim saw his comrades as they were fighting against the swarm. Gaim placed the Kachidoki lockseed on the slot of his DJ Gun.

"KACHIDOKI CHARGE!"

Gaim fired a large ball of energy at the swarm, wiping out the part of the swarm that was blocking his path. The rest of the riders saw this as Gaim was riding up to them. He was greeted by Ryugen.

"Shu!"

"Everyone fine? How are all of you holding up?"

"We're just fine."

Kurokage asked Gaim,

"Was Hare with you when you went to get Souta and the others?"

"Yeah, she was. She wanted to talk to Souta as well as heal anyone that was hurt. Things got bad. Like really bad."

"How bad are talking about? Is she okay?"

Gaim was a little hesitant to say.

"There was a missile attack. When I woke up after it hit me, I saw infected by the virus. What's worse, it was taking over her as she was..."

Everyone feared the worst. The image of Hare turning into an Inves was petrifying. Ryugen kept asking,

"Is she still alive?"

"Thankfully, yes. Sagara was there just in time. He's helping her, removing the virus infection. She's gonna be fine."

While everyone was relieved, Ryugen was still inquisitive.

"You sure Sagara can help her?"

"... Yeah, Yahiro. He's helping her right now."

"But can he be trusted though? That's all I'm saying."

"Yes. I trust him with her, Yahiro."

The snarls of the remaining monsters brought the rider's attention back to them.

"If nothing more to say, let's fight off these freaks."

All of nodded to in agreement with Gaim. Each of the riders noticed now there were only a few handfuls left. The swarm were still a formidable force, but Gaim's presence gave them a morale boost need to go all out one more time.

xxxxxx

Sagara was almost done with healing Hare. She was still unconscious from almost being turned into one of the monsters Shu would often fight against. Although he was making great progress, Sagara had yet to completely erase the virus crystals that was all over her body.

"Just a little more time, and I'll have you reunited with your beloved, lady Guinevere."

Hare was beginning to awaken, just in time to see a large, hideous figure appearing behind Sagara. Little by little, she was raising her hand.

"Woah. Don't do anything. We're almost done, but this process takes time to complete."

The figure stepped closer to the both of them. Hare tried to speak, but her voice was weak.

"You're still recovering. It'll take a while for you to be fully better. So just..."

Hare raised her hand to point behind him. However, as he did, it was too late. Sagara was immediately knocked out. Hare wanted to scream, but her voice was too weak. Knocking Sagara out made Hare fall to the ground. Her void was still out, but it was different. Before she passed out, she remembered her void being ripped to shreds by the shrapnel from the missile that hit Gaim while he was protecting her. Now, Hare sees her void looking like it was never damaged to begin with. Redyue noticed this as well, as he saw the whole thing from afar.

"Oh. So Sagara has repaired your void, but it seems he wasn't done with you yet..."

Hare was shivering with fear at the sight of the overlord as she kneeled to get a closer look.

"I still see you still have traces of the virus on you."

Redyue felt the small crystals that were still on Hare's face. Hare was racked with tension as to wondering what the overlord was planning to do with her. Redyue noticed Hare's void was still out and about.

"I... have no hate towards you. But..."

Redyue used her Halberd to damage her void, terrorizing Hare to no end.

"I need you to die, so to speak."

Hare saw her void disappear right before her, as the virus was consuming her once more. Hare had tears in her eyes as she looked at the overlord with an expression that silently said 'why?' Unfortunately, Redyue was indifferent to her suffering. The overlord gave Hare one last 'mercy.'

"You still have time. Enough to say goodbye to your beloved before you become like my servants."

Hare stood up to run as best as she could. Redyue signaled nearby Inves to her location. Two Kamakiri answered.

"Take Sagara. Take him back to the human's main headquarters. He is now our prisoner."

Redyue walked slowly to follow Hare to terrorize her in her last moments. For Redyue, this gave her pleasure.

"Don't forget to knock first. It's a human custom."

xxxxxx

The riders finally finished exterminating the swarm that surrounded them. They regroup after separating into teams of two to thin out the opposing forces. Gaim was with Idunn, Baron with Guridon, and Ryugen with Kurokage. Baron and Gurdon were the first to finish. They separated themselves from the group eastwards.

"It's over. We've won."

Guridon still didn't want to talk to Baron. Baron wanted this to end.

"We can't avoid talking to each other forever, Tsugumi."

Guridon ran away from Baron. Baron was frustrated by this behavior.

"You can't act like this, Tsugumi!"

While running from Baron, Guridon saw something familiar. A GHQ command trailer. She hid herself nearby to see who would come out of it. However, she quickly forgot that Baron was still catching up her.

"Tsugumi!"

Guridon was annoyed by the noise Baron was making. She was attempting to be stealthy while spying on the enemy, and he was ruining it.

'That idiot! He's blowing my cover.'

When Baron called her out one more time, Guridon was angry enough to make some noise of her own.

"SHUT UP!"

Baron saw where Guridon was.

"Tsugumi."

Before he spoke further, Baron observed what Guridon was doing. He whispered,

"You saw it, didn't you?"

"Yeah. They must've brought the Endlaves and copters after Souta and the students."

"Maybe the Inves as well."

"Maybe they haven't heard us..."

"Maybe. I'll sneak around back while you check out the front. See of anyone comes out."

"... Fine."

Baron ran as quietly as he could. However, unbeknownst to the both of them, they were heard by someone inside of the trailer. Rowan listened to the both of them without them knowing via a still functioning street cam behind the both of them. The video was disabled, but it was still possible to record and listen to audio. Rowan heard the entire thing, and made a quick plan to reunite with Daryl.

"I'm stepping out for a while."

"Sir, are you sure?"

"I just...need some...air."

The officers were confused by Rowan's reason, but didn't question it due to his rank.

"Okay then, sir."

The doors opened to let Rowan outside. Guridon saw, and ran towards the first person to step outside. Rowan was immediately tackled by Guridon.

"Ah!"

"Don't move, punk, or else I'll use this hammer to squish your brains out!"

Rowan was immediately frightened by the threat. The officers saw what was happening, but immediately retrieved their rifles. Nearly all of them got outside, which gave Baron the opportunity to take out their human fighting force. They fought back, but their weapons were ineffective against the banana rider. With one punch for each of them, Baron rendered them all unconscious. The technician officers were nervous as to what the riders were going to do to them next. Baron gave them a choice.

"Listen up I'm giving you all a choice. Take these men back with you to HQ, or you can stay and fight us. In which you'll most certainly die. Oh, and the guy with the beret and glasses will be coming with us."

Baron raised his spear at them.

"Any questions?"

Rowan added to the act. He hoped.

"Just go. I'll be fine. Just get the fallen, and get out of here! That's an order!"

The rest of the officers did what McConners told them to do, and drove away. Guridon looked at Rowan menacingly, but Baron stopped whatever intentions she may had have for him.

"Tsugumi, let him go."

"But why?"

"He's my friend. That's why."

Tsugumi was shocked by that last statement.

"Wha...?"

"You heard me. He's. My. Friend."

"It's true. I even know his name and rank. Daryl Yan, Lieutenant, 1st class Endlave pilot in the GHQ."

"He's telling the truth, Tsugumi. Let's take off our armor."

Tsugumi did so as Daryl did. Rowan got up and went to Daryl.

"It's good to see you again, Daryl."

"The feeling's mutual."

Both hugged for a bit.

"I'm glad to see you safe."

"Same way for me. Did Keido know that you were working against him?"

"I don't know. I didn't want to risk it, so..."

"I get it. Well, you're with friends now."

"Thanks."

Both of them smiled at each other. Tsugumi looked at the both of them with confusion. She wondered

'Is he actually capable of friendship? Kill 'em all Daryl?'

"Let's head back to Ouma, Tsugumi."

"Ms. Haruka Ouma?"

"No. Shu Ouma. That lady you're talking about. His...mom or something?"

"I think so. She's working back at Headquarters actually."

"With Keido."

"Yes."

Daryl was in thought as to how to tell Shu that his mom was working for the enemy.

"Maybe she's there against her will."

"We don't know for sure. Let's keep it between us."

"Us?"

Asked Tsugumi.

"Yeah. Will you do this for me, Tsugumi?"

"... Sure. Don't see why not."

"Let's head back."

All three of them walked back to where the main group was. What was happening there was shocking, to say the least. Shu was holding a crystal corpse. Daryl asked Ayase,

"What happened?"

Ayase had tears in her eyes as she explained,

"We lost Hare."

"How?"

xxxxxx

(a few minutes earlier)

Shu and rest of the riders de-activated their rider armors to rest for a little while.

"Sound off. Everyone still alive?"

"I'm fine."

"Still walking."

"I'm okay."

The only voices absent were Daryl, Tsugumi, and Souta. Who would arrive a little later.

"Heeeeeyyyyyy!"

Everyone turned around to see him running.

"Hey guys. I'm in one piece."

Everyone looked at Souta with irritation. Especially Shu. Souta saw how everyone looked at him and knew why.

"Shu, look. I... went the wrong way of doing things in more ways than one. I'm willing to face any penalty for what I've done okay? Just don't punish the ones who were willing to follow me. This entire mess is on me. It's my fault."

Everyone who heard that heard correctly. Souta was willing to take responsibility for his actions. It showed that even though he was a total idiot, he was man enough to be willing to held accountable for his actions. Shu was deciding how to mete the appropriate penalty for his actions. Ayase provided her point of view as to how she would do it.

"I suggest him pulling double duty on the chores. Ordinarily, it would be triple, but points added for actually owning up to his mistakes."

Just as Shu was about to say something, Souta blurted out,

"Holy crap, Hare!"

Shu turned around to see Hare walking, but on the verge of being mutated by the virus again. Everyone was shocked. More so, Shu. He was reliving a nightmare again, but this time, Sagara wasn't there to heal her. He wasn't anywhere, as he could see. Hare struggled at walking to Shu. Shu ran to Hare to, at least hold her one last time. Unfortunately, it was too late. The virus had consumed her completely. Hare Menjou was dead. All that was left was a human-shaped crystal cocoon that monsters would emerge from. Shu held the thing as he yelled in anguish.

xxxxxx

(now)

Daryl was all caught up by now. He walked to Shu's side as he was still crying over losing his girlfriend.

"Ouma. I know you lost somebody that means so much to you..."

"We can get her back. We can get her back."

"She's not coming back, Ouma. You know what happens..."

"Sagara. He helped her once. He can do it again. I'll just call him for him, and..."

"He's not here, Ouma! You have to let go of the body! It's going to become an Inves at any time. You have to let go before to attacks you as soon as it emerges!"

"I WON'T LOSE HER!"

Daryl saw that Shu was too deep in grief to see reason.

"Help me get him away."

Yahiro and Ayase helped Daryl by separating Shu from the cocoon. Shu was hysterical from letting go.

"Shu, let go of the body!"

"You're in danger if you don't..."

A crack was heard. It was from the cocoon. As soon as Souta heard it, he ran to Shu and punched him. This caused Shu to loosen his grip. Thus allowing Yahiro, Ayase, and Daryl to finally separate Shu from the cocoon.

"I'm sorry, Shu. I really am. But I had to do it. It's not Hare anymore! It's not..."

Souta eyes had tears flowing out as he said those words. Words that cause just as much pain as Shu was feeling. The cocoon was cracking open. Out of the crystal cocoon was an Inves. This was a different Inves. It was aqua with stripes of red in the midriff, arms and shoulders, and legs. Two spikes on the side of the heels and head. It had a feminine shape about it. On its back were silver butterfly wings. It did not have a mouth, however. And yet, it screeched. This caused pain in everyone's ears. Before it flew away, it looked at Shu intensely. Shu reached out to it in some far-off hope. He whispered,

"Hare..."

The Inves seemed to respond to the name, then flew away in a gust of wind. Shu watched with tears flowing out of his face. He was despondent for a while before a voice was heard.

"I did all I could."

Shu looked to see DJ Sagara, with an angry look on his face. Shu was attempting to make sense of what happened.

"What happened?"

"The virus was too far into her system for me to do anything about it."

"I trusted you... I believed in you..."

"I did all I could to heal her, but there was nothing I could do. She was a dead girl walking. All because of you failed to assert yourself as leader."

Everyone was shocked to hear that from Sagara. While some were genuinely surprised, others had their suspicions confirmed to see another side to him that he would not show earlier.

"I left Hare to you because..."

"You thought I was your fairy mother or some bull. Well, guess what, Shu Ouma. I'm nothing like that. I thought I was just giving you a helping hand in growing up. Turns out I was doing hand holding. And that is something that has always disgusted me. Well, never gonna happen again. You are on your own. You wanna survive all this? You and your 'constituents?' Get your shit together."

Little wisps of light surrounded Sagara until he disappeared in a flash of light. Shu had an empty look on his face. Everyone wanted to say something to Shu, but what could they say to someone who just suffered losing a loved one while being chewed out for things that were out of his control? Souta tried anyways. He was feeling just as bad as Shu was for losing Hare.

"Shu. Shu. Listen to me. It's all my fault. I should've trusted you. I'm sorry for doubting you. It's just that..."

"You're right."

"Huh?"

"Hare died because you were an idiot. You wanted to be the hero so bad that you would be willing to sacrifice anyone to be one. Including her."

Shu's words were harsh and cruel; despite being rooted in grief. Shu was now angry.

"IT SHOULD'VE BEEN YOU WHO DIED OUT HERE!"

Shu punch Souta to the ground, and began to whale on him.

"YOU'RE SORRY?! YOU'RE SORRY THAT YOU MADE HER COME OUT HERE?! YOU'RE SORRY THAT SHE TURNED INTO A MONSTER?! IF YOU'RE SO DAMNED SORRY, THEN BRING HER BACK, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"

"I can't! You know I can't!"

"I DON'T CARE!"

Shu punched Souta for a while longer before searching his pockets for his lockseeds.

"As of today, you are no longer one of us!"

"What?!"

Tears came out of Shu's eyes.

"No one else believed in me as she did. She saw all though my mistakes, my faults, all the things that made feel like I wasn't good enough for anything. But she... she..."

Everyone saw the inherent sadness inside of Shu. Yahiro went to Shu to reason with him.

"Let's get back to campus. We can talk more about this later."

"Yahiro..."

Said Souta.

"I did all this because..."

"You wanted to prove yourself, and look where that got us."

"That's not what I..."

"Shu, please consider one last time."

Shu gave Yahiro his undivided attention.

"The ranking system. It's about time you became the leader the students deserve. Like Sagara said, you have to assert yourself as their leader. That means doing things that might not give you adoration, but in return, it gives you obedience. And that is what is needed right now."

Shu was absorbing Yahiro's words like a sponge.

"You're right, Yahiro. It's time we... rid ourselves of what make us an easy target for the GHQ. No more of this."

Everyone was tense as they witnessed what Shu was becoming.

"Kindness is just another word for weakness. I will give what the students what they want no more. They are all going to learn that from here on in, it will no longer going to be what is just or unjust. It's not going to be what's right or wrong anymore. It's about power."

And that is it. Thank you for reading. I wanted to finish this earlier, and work straight on the next chapter, but this took longer than expected. School is almost here, and I have to focus on that. But I still appreciate for those who still wait for the next chapter. You guys keep this story alive. For those of you having trouble imagining Hare's Inves form, just imagine an organic version of the Face Nemesis from Xenoblade Chronicles. Don't forget to review. Do not be afraid to be honest about your opinions. I am more than willing to listen to what you have to say. Share this with your friends if you like this story.