A/N: What is up, everyone! I am here with another chapter of Kamen Rider Eternal: The Eternal Music. I do apologize for the long wait. Work has been killing me and the fact I have to be ready for the trip to Japan in less than 7 months. Believe me, I will be very busy before then but hopefully I can do more of this publishing. Anyways, enjoy the chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KAMEN RIDER W OR SENKI ZESSHO SYMPHOGEAR
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
Dopant
The day continues in the Section 2 base as some of the members were trying to find anything about the Rider and still, everything they gathered was erased completely. Genjuro was impressed while astonished that the masked woman actually broke through security, hacked into their systems, and deleted everything about Eternal in the blink of an eye. Since then, the guards' security was increased due to the woman. And more so how Eternal called the woman 'mother', no doubt there is a relation.
"Have we found any information on this woman and where they live?" Genjuro asked his crew, only for everyone to shake their head in unison. He sighed heavily as he leaned back against the chair. It was still amazing, not a single trace of evidence that they can use to locate them and offer them to help Section 2 out. Not even a speck of dust or skin could be found. Whoever this lady was, she was a true pro.
There was no luck in anything from the street camera. Absolutely nothing to find Eternal. It brought curiosity to who was Eternal and the masked woman. A mother and son fighting the unknown monsters. When Genjuro met Eternal, there was no sign of rage or anger like he witnessed in the former recordings, only calm, nervousness, even silence. Like a defective toy.
"We can't give up…. We have to get them to help us, otherwise, this battle won't ever end…" Genjuro said, "I want everyone to double their efforts to find them! Understood?"
"Hai!"
'Just who were they…' Genjuro pondered.
He wasn't the only one as Hibiki was wondering who that Eternal. She watched the members of Section 2 trying to look into the matter. There was just something about Eternal and the masked woman. They were working together and they were family. The way Eternal reacted was like a pup following its mother. He followed orders from her and the way he tilted his head during the elevator and the fight against that weird bird was like he was communicating to her through a device underneath the helmet. He not only helped Tsubasa snap out of her anger but helped fight the bird creature who was human.
It was a true wonder to behold and one that they need to join. While it may not happen now, he can easily tell there's something more out there that could threaten the Earth if they don't start working together. Or at worst case this shadow taking Eternal into their fold, which would spell a worse fate than the Noise ever could do.
That aside, Hibiki has been trying to contact her new friend but every time she does, the call would get declined every time. Has she done something wrong? Or was there something else? It made her concerned for her new friend. She has seen behind his eyes was someone who lost so much, barely holding, and yet… a need for vengeance. It was common due to people losing those they cared about by the Noise but that level of need, it was like something pushed him to that need, making him crave vengeance.
Hibiki frowned softly as another unanswered call went by as she leaned against her chair with sadness. She wanted to hang out with him today and cheer him up more like before. What they did she did notice his mood changing for the better, but now that she's been unable to make any plans, she's worried that'll fade.
"Enrique-san…" She muttered softly.
Just what changed…?
Kamen Rider Eternal: Song of Eternity
Chapter 4: Crash and Blast
A few days have passed since the confrontation by Section 2 as well as Shroud prohibiting Enrique from going near Hibiki and Tsubasa. The raven-haired teen was currently at the school, looking out the window in the classroom as lunch began for the students who ate outdoors. He honestly didn't feel like eating… He simply watched the sky as his guitar was kept in the case.
He then felt his phone ring as he looked down for once, only to see a text from mom, telling him to head home once the next class ended. Guess that meant a Dopant was found? And just when he was enjoying the peace and quiet.
A soft sigh escapes his lips before he noticed another call from Hibiki. He grimaced before declining the call again. He didn't want to upset Shroud… but at the same time not wanting to ignore Hibiki. It didn't feel right but his mother was doing what is best. Or so she says.
After a few hours, class ended which allowed him to get up from his desk, grab his guitar case, and leave the classroom and made his way out of the school. Looking at the time, he noticed it was already 4:00 pm. Just how long has it been since he hasn't talked to the two? Hours? Days? It just felt unsettling. It felt nice to talk to them but now? It doesn't feel the same.
Another ring showed another text, as it was easy to tell she isn't the patient person right now and he needs to head home now.
He pockets his phone and rushes to the house with haste. When he made it to the doors, he opened it and said, "I'm home!"
Shroud took notice before continuing her work. "Welcome back. I need you to do me a favor." She used her device and sent a message to him. Enrique felt his phone vibrate and saw the message is a list of food. "I need you to head to the local market."
"Wait…. You texted me to hurry home… for groceries?" He questioned her.
"Is that a problem?" She glared at him.
"N-No mom," He shook his head.
"The reason I ask is due to my latest project; I rather not lose focus on it."
"O-Okay mom…"
"And make sure you stay away from those two girls, understood?" She reminded him.
"... Yes, mom…" he obeyed before turned to the door.
"And Enrique." Enrique glanced at his adoptive mother. "Be careful…".
"I will," He promised before leaving.
She frowns softly as she lowers her head, sighing softly, 'Am… I being too rough with him? Am I scared he'll be used as a doll and lose him like I lost my own?' She questioned in her thoughts, reaching in her collar before pulling out a locket, inside was herself and another boy, same age as Enrique was back then, which was 15 years old, but with a green and black outfit while holding a book in his arms. Her hand trembles softly as a few drops of tears dripped onto the locket.
'I miss you so much… Raito….'
The raven-haired teen was looking over the list of groceries on his phone. He understood that his adoptive mother was harsh at times but she cares about his safety, while it is a bit extreme. He could remember a year ago when he fumbled through old photo books of Shroud's workplace of some photos she treasured while some were torn apart like it was from anger.
'I wonder…. If she too lost someone important to her?' Enrique pondered in his thoughts as he continued. He started to daydream once more, thinking about older and better times as he wasn't paying attention until he felt something against his body.
Looking away from his phone, the person who he bumped into was a girl, about a year younger than him. She had long pale purple hair that fell to her knees, separated into six strands, three on each side, and dark purple eyes. She wore a maroon dress with dark stockings and maroon pumps.
"Sorry." He apologized and offered a hand, but she slapped it away.
"I don't need your help." She said in a cold manner before getting up and glared at him. "Why don't you watch where you're going next time?"
"Hey, it was an accident! I said I was sorry." He argued.
"Well sorry isn't good enough!"
"For what? Bumping into you?"
"Well it's not my fault that you're clumsy."
Enrique merely rolled his eyes. "Whatever… I'm busy…" He said, about to walk past her until he felt her hand on his wrist, causing him to look at her.
"You think I'm just going to let you go for bumping into me? You also made me lose my phone!" she snapped, pointing to the grounds as bits and pieces of a phone showed itself below his feet. Even worse he was stepping on some. "You're going to buy me a new phone."
"Look, I am right now doing some errands so I do apologize for what I did," He explained before he pries her hand off of him and walks past her.
She glared as she rushed ahead and stood in his way, "Oh no, buster. You're not getting off that easily. Buy me a phone, or I'll charge you with assault."
"First off, you were the reason you bumped into me and dropping your phone. Secondly, the assault would be harm and proof of injury. Thirdly, you can replace your phone. And finally, you walked and could have avoided me in the first place so the blame is on you."
"Why you little!" She growled, before stomping on his foot hard.
"OWWW!" He yelped and held his foot in pain. "Now that is an example of assault! Ow!"
"Look, I need my phone for business. Since you broke it, you're buying me a new one now." She said, before gripping his ear and started to drag him to the phone store.
"Hey, I said I am not going! I have errands to do you know!?"
"Tough!" She snapped, dragging him inside the store.
"Ugh…" Enrique groaned. "I don't understand why you are like this all for a phone. Can't you just ask your parents to get you a new phone?"
"They died. Thanks for bringing those memories back up, jerk." She frowned.
The raven-haired teen flinched from her words. Him and his big mouth. "I… I apologize for bringing that up."
"Yeah, you should! Now shut up and just get me my new phone." She shoved him toward the counter.
Now, this was starting to infuriate him. "Hey, will you just stop being a jerk?!" He demanded.
"Says the guy who broke my phone and brought up old memories."
"I said I was sorry!"
"And do you want a medal for that? Or a pat on the back?"
Enrique clenched his hands, his teeth grinding against each other as, unknowingly, the ETERNAL Memory was glowing softly, influencing him. His mind screaming at him to make her stop with the nonsense, harm her.
Harm… no, he couldn't do that. She may be hot-headed but he doesn't blame her due to her late family. Just what is going on with his mind? He never felt like this before.
"Can I help you, sir?" The employee asked him, snapping him out of his trance.
"Oh uh…" He started and glanced at the girl for a moment then at the employee. He bit his lip until he noticed a phone charm by the register. Glancing at the girl once more, he took a deep breath. 'I am so gonna regret this… but… a part of me feels like I should at least do something to make her stop…' Reaching in his pocket, he grabs his wallet and decided to pay for her phone while secretly buying that phone charm just to help her.
When the employee confirmed the payment, Enrique grabbed the bag and walked out as the girl followed. Once outside of the store, Enrique hands her the new phone. "Here. Happy now?"
"Yes, thank you," she said, taking the bag.
"Hold up…" The girl glanced at him.
"What is it now? Complaining again?" she frowned.
"No." He presents her the phone charm that had the image of a blue flame with the kanji image for protection on it.
"Huh? What's this for?"
"A sign of protection…"
"Why do I need this junk?" she questioned him.
"Look, sometimes bad things tend to happen. By man, nature, or others such as Noise…" He took a deep breath. "But… sometimes you just need faith in others… not because you have no choice but to at least have hope you can protect the ones you meet. A sign that shows trust and survival in a cruel world we live in." He said to her before forcing the charm into her hands before he decided to rush to the market to get the groceries.
The young girl frowned as she looked at the stupid charm. He actually bought something that's nothing more than a stupid gimmick? She shook her head as she raised her hand, ready to just toss the charm off but... For some reason, she couldn't she gently lowered her hand before looking at the charm as she scoffs and pockets it instead before making her way home as well.
After the hectic moment, he had to go to the grocery store to grab the needed groceries and thankfully, he managed to get what he needs. He sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I really hate this… that girl would be the end of me…" he grumbled. "Why did my mind felt like I wanted to harm her…? I couldn't do such a thing… it isn't right..."
"You're late…." Shroud said, walking into the room with her arms crossed and a disappointed tone, "Did you talk to them… again?"
"No, I ran into some girl who was being a total jerk," He answered. "And it was hectic…" he planted his face on the table. "She bumped into me and accused me of breaking her phone when she bumped into me!"
"Sounds like you got a taste of marriage." She said, cracking a joke.
"Heck no!" He stammered.
"Hehe, regardless…. I've been finding soft spots from a Dopant reading, but I can't pinpoint it exactly. I need you to investigate the area and figure out where it's at." she informed him.
"R-Right," he nodded before he left to the park.
"And also, be careful…. This one feels different from the rest." She warned him. "I'll let you know when I locate it so you can return home and get the gear."
Exiting the house, he walked his way to the park until his adoptive mother informs him of anything about the location of the Dopant. Thankfully, with the park having a fair amount of people, he decided that playing his guitar would provide a sense of relaxation for them.
When he saw the fountain, he sat against it and opened his guitar case. Once he grabbed it, he began to play like always, the rhythm providing a sense of relaxation and peace for those who hear it.
Though as he does, he forgets that he draws in a crowd from his playing as he continued to relax and play the instrument. The song flowing through the air as people record his playing or mutter nice things about him as he continued… only to stop when he heard of a familiar voice.
"Enrique?" Tsubasa called out nearby.
His entire body froze before he slowly turns his head to see the idol, his mind racing in panic upon seeing her, remembering Shroud's order. "Ts-Tsubasa, what are you doing here?" He said, his face draining in color in realization.
"I was heading home… What about you? You've been silent for days!" She said, walking over to him, "Hibiki is starting to think you lied to her. So what is going on?"
"It's… complicated."
"Complicated? How is ignoring everything about her and me, complicated?" She questioned.
"Tsubasa… I just… I just can't," Enrique said, stepping away from her.
"What happened?"
"I…" He remembered Shroud's warning. "I'm so sorry but I have to go." He quickly rushed past her, the bluenette calling out to him.
"Enrique…." Tsubasa muttered softly, a worried and hurt expression on her face.
With the raven-haired teen, he was far from the park but he kept his head lowered in guilt and shame. He felt guilty for not telling them the reason while shameful for having to leave them. It really was painful to do this… but he just couldn't anger his adoptive mother.
He began to swim through his thoughts as well as overreacting what his mother, as well as Hibiki and Tsubasa would do as the outcomes began to grow worse and worse until he felt his phone ring, making him tense.
"H-Hello?"
"Enrique, A Dopant signal appeared. Head out and deal with it quickly. Come back home to get your gear ready." Shroud informed.
Enrique snapped out of his trance when she said that as he bit his lip before nodding, "Understood."
Ending the call, he made his way back home to prepare himself for the upcoming fight.
In the Section 2 base, everyone was keeping track of any Noise resurfacing and luckily no signs. However one of the members suddenly took notice if a few cameras were pushed from wind before it suddenly was torn off. He was confused and checked a few and noticed the harsh wind was pushing across some trees. It was odd. There was no mention of a storm or hurricane in the weather.
"Uh… Genjuro. Something strange is going on in one part of the city."
"Noise?"
"No, but… the weird thing is the wind that is passing through that section."
"Wind?" Genjuro turned to the screen, looking at the odd occurrence.
Suddenly alarms blared. "An emergency situation! It is happening at the same location!"
The redhead looked at the alert and wondered just what was going on. Was there a connection to the wind or something else?
"Genjuro! We got incoming feed!"
"Put it up." By his order, the screen displayed footage of a green humanoid that wasn't a Noise but more humanoid as it was unleashing a breeze of wind that sent a few stuff flying.
"Just what… in Kami's name is that?" He gawked.
"Could it be related to the previous attacks of those two monsters?"
"It could be…"
"Sir! The masked rider has been spotted!" The screen displayed the rider with the motorcycle helmet obscuring his identity with the black uniform as he was driving towards the monster.
"What should we do?"
"For now.. We wait…. Should he be in trouble, we'll send Hibiki and Tsubasa over to help assist." He ordered them.
They all nodded before they returned to view the scene and fight about to take place.
Enrique was driving to the destination as he could see the Dopant in the distance. He was in the black uniform Shroud gave him before when he fought the Accel Dopant.
The Dopant he saw was green in color as most of its body was covered in green wrappings, almost like armor while the right side of its torso was a silver color. Its head had one visible large yellow eye as the Dopant took notice of him.
"Who the heck are you?"
Enrique merely grabs his Lost Driver and placed it on his waist. Bringing up the ETERNAL Memory, he said coldly, "Your judge and executioner."
ETERNAL!
He placed his right hand on his helmet while he held the Memory in his left hand. "Henshin…" he slammed the Memory into the Lost Driver and slanted it as he threw out his right hand as if he had to claw something out.
ETERNAL!
The tune played before the energy formed around his body and created the armor. Pointing at the Dopant, he gave it a thumb down, "Time to send you to hell."
Bringing up the knife, he rushed towards the Dopant who did the same as the Rider was about to strike, only for the Dopant to fly over him and use a cyclone-based attack and sent Eternal crashing to a car, leaving a major dent as the amount of force caused the glass to shatter.
The Rider growled in anger, picking up the knife and went after the Dopant. When the Dopant dodged the attack, the Rider used his flaming fist and used it as a feint to strike it with a right hook across the face before delivering a burning uppercut to its chin.
"GAAHH!" The Dopant cried out, flying back before it then crossed its arms. Thin lines form near it and upon releasing its arms, several air slashes flew through the air. Some went past and cut through buildings or flew over him and cut down the metal poles and beams nearby as the rest went straight towards him.
He tried to dodge but with how quick it was, it caused sparks to cast off his armor, stumbling from the attack. "Damn it…" he growled underneath his helmet he looks at his knife then at the Dopant. He needed to distract it.
Rushing towards the Dopant, the latter unleashed a blast of wind but Eternal rolled to the side and tossed the knife at it. It ducked as the knife was embedded into the wall behind it. However when it raised its head, it saw Eternal who tackled it into a restaurant, the two wrestling to overpower the other.
The Dopant growled, bringing its fist down to Eternal's back but he resisted and lifted the Dopant up, flipping it over as it crashed onto a dining table. The Dopant rolled to avoid a stomp to its face and grabbed Eternal's leg and said, "Why must those like you always bother me?!" It said and tossed him to the side, crashing through a few tables and impacted the wall.
The Rider shook his head before he was greeted with a chair across the helmet, sending him tumbling. He felt his anger rise before he punched the Dopant. "The only one who is an annoyance is you!" He growled, punching it with his flaming fist. He punched it again and again as the Dopant used its arms to defend itself. The Rider trying to break through, his own mind burning as the punch was going further and further with rage. When he tried another punch, the Dopant swerved before sending a blast of wind, sending him flying as it leaves behind a path of destruction that bent the metal, tables, and glass breaking upon pressure while the Rider was sent out of the restaurant.
"Gotta… get away…." The Dopant panted, creating a gust of wind underneath as it launched itself high into the air to get away from the Rider
Eternal groaned, slowly sitting up and sees the Dopant gone from his sights. "Damn it…" he slammed his fist on the concrete in anger. He shook his head to get rid of this strange feeling, his mind slowly relaxing from the influence. His breathing was heavy like someone punched the air out of him as he slowly stood up. "Mom… the Dopant escaped… grh…" he cringed. "And it… man, it hurts…"
"I saw…. It's good enough. Head back home and get some rest for school tomorrow."
The Rider nodded before he went to his motorcycle and got on before driving away. His body hurts like hell that's for sure.
When he made it back home, he went to the lab and sat on the table. Removing the motorcycle helmet, he saw Shroud walking over to him and without words, he lowered his collar to allow her to inject the serum like before. He didn't flinch since he was now used to the pain.
"You're quiet… What's wrong?" She asked of him, already easily able to tell his feelings.
"Why do I have to keep being alone with no friends…" he spoke.
"Enrique, you can make frie-"
"But not Tsubasa and Hibiki?" He snapped. "Why can't I be near them or even try to make promises that can't be kept!"
"Enrique… You know the reason why you can't. They are apart of Section 2 and not to be trusted."
"Just why do you have to do this!? And for what!? Just because you don't trust them, that you can't trust two teenage girls!?"
"Don't snap at me, young man!" She raised her voice. "If you live under my roof, you live under my rules!"
He flinched from her voice but he lowered his head and said. "Am I just a doll to you…?"
This made Shroud's eyes widen with shock, "Enrique…. No.. I don't see you as just that. Why would you even think that, my son?"
"Every day, every day it feels like it is! Do this, don't do that! Don't be with them, be with them. It feels like you want to be in control so nothing happens! Like a damn doll!"
"I'm trying to protect you."
"From what? The world!?" He argued.
"So that you won't be used as a weapon by that damn government that runs the Sections!" Her tone held growing frustration.
"Oh! Me being used as a weapon? Why don't you just spill it? You only care about ridding the Dopants, don't you? You don't care about what Section 2 does! Or the Noise! So then what is this all about really?"
"I don't want to lose another son!" She snapped, "If you went to Section 2… I would lose another son again…. Lose someone I love to my very core…. All because of those damn monsters…"
"Mom…" he uttered. He never thought she lost a child from the Noise. It would explain why she never talked about her late son. He died from the Noise, possibly years ago when the Noise first arrived.
"You are not a doll. Don't ever think like that," she said. "Don't that thought cloud your mind."
The raven-haired teen stared at his adoptive mother in guilt. "I… I understand mom… but… please… at least… at least give Hibiki and Tsubasa a chance. Not the others of Section 2, just the two…"
Shroud took a bit to calm down, inhaling deeply before breathing out. "I…. I suppose… I've… been too protective… over you…" She said, reaching down as she placed back her mask on, "I…. I'll let you talk to them…. Just… please be safe…."
"I promise I will be careful, mom."
Hibiki was at the cafe, eating with Miku but the caramel eyed girl was merely fiddling and poking her food with her chopsticks. She didn't feel like eating as Miku took notice of her friend's expression.
"Are you okay, Hibiki?" Miku asked, only for the young girl to nod softly. She's been quiet for several days now, most likely due to her 'new friend' who was now angering Miku of how he was treating her. "Hibiki, I am sure there could be a reason why he hasn't responded. Maybe he is busy?"
"But… All I wanted to do was be his friend… did I do something wrong?"
"You didn't do anything wrong, Hibiki." A familiar voice said. Hibiki looked back and saw none other than Enrique with his guitar case over his shoulder and a look full of shame.
"Enrique!" Hibiki gasped, "W-What happened? Did…. I drive you away?"
"It's not that…" he shook his head and glanced at the chair. "Mind if I sit with you girls?"
"Of course… but you best explain yourself why you made her sad." Miku frowned, arms crossed as she demanded an answer for worrying her friend.
He took a seat as he took a deep breath. "I am sorry for avoiding you girls. It just that… my mom wanted me to keep away from people she is… wary of. She was being overprotective."
Hibiki tilted her head, "Wary… of me? But what did I do?"
He knew he can't tell her the real reason so he knew he had to lie. "Just wary of those I meet."
"O-Oh….. I… I hope I didn't cause any problems?" Hibiki frowns softly.
"You didn't," he assured.
Hibiki nodded but she then did something unexpecting as she got up before hugging Enrique, "I'm glad you're okay…. And… I know it may not mean much, but I hope you and your mother can see more eye to eye than before…"
"We will," he nodded before looking at Miku. "And Miku, I do apologize for what I did to Hibiki. I hope you can understand why."
Miku sighed but nodded, "Just don't hurt her like that again, otherwise your mother will be the least of your worries."
He gulped before nodding. "R-Right…" He then looks at Hibiki. "So Hibiki, how has everything been?"
"It has been okay. Just… uh…" She stopped herself, realizing that she couldn't tell Miku or her new friends about what she now does.
"Just what?" He blinked.
"Oh, i-it's nothing!" she chuckled softly, "Just boring school stuff as usual…"
"And sleeping in during class…"
"Miku-chan!" She whined.
Enrique chuckled. "Never thought you would do that, Hibiki. It kinda sounds like you do that often." He said.
"What about you!" She points at him. "I'm sure you do the same!"
"Actually, I don't. I merely focus on class and when it is lunch, I simply tune my guitar and play it to pass the time."
"At least you have something you enjoy… At our academy, it's just boring talk…" Hibiki groaned.
"You mean that music academy you girls go to?" He recalled.
The two nod, "While it is fun to sing there… it's still boring…" Hibiki groaned.
"And you kept getting scolded by the teacher," Miku reminded, earning a pout from her friend.
"You really should focus even if it's boring, Hibiki. You can actually learn something new."
"It's not my fault school gives me the Sleepy Disease." She huffed. "What about you, Enrique-san? What about your school?"
The teen blinked before he scratched his head. "Well, it is a bit new since I took online lessons for the past two years."
"Wait…. So this means this is your first high school?" Miku stated.
"Well, yeah since my mom decided to enroll me into it." He said, hiding the real reason.
"Oh wow! How is it?" Hibiki asked. "Have you made any new friends? Oh, oh! Favorite movie?" She began to add more and more questions to know more about her friend.
"I… didn't make any friends at the school," He admitted nervously.
"Well, you got me! And Tsubasa… and Miku too!" Hibiki said, pulling her friend closer to her.
Enrique couldn't help but smile kindly over her words. "You really are a kind person to be friends with, Hibiki."
"It's what makes her unique." Miku smiled softly.
"And I'm sure a guy her age would like her for that kind of personality," he complimented, earning a blush from Hibiki.
"I-I have a question."
"Hm?"
"A-Are you and Tsubasa…?"
"Er, what?" He blinked in confusion.
"Are you and Tsubasa a couple?" Miku said bluntly.
He stared for a moment before he facepalmed. "No, we aren't." He denied. "Seriously why must everyone assume that?"
"Because of this," Miku said, showing the photo of when Tsubasa dragged him off by his hand with hers.
Enrique sighed with slight annoyance. Already people are making false rumors of the two. "We are only friends, simple as that."
"Then might wanna do your best to explain, otherwise you'll be hounded out by many fans who love Tsubasa… in more ways than one." Miku noted.
He rolled his eyes while Hibiki had a request. "Ne! Can you play the guitar?" She requested.
He was about to reply until he heard his phone ring. Wondering who it is, he reached in his pocket to check and saw it was from Shroud. Placing the phone close to his ear, he said, "Something wrong?"
"There are Dopant signals detected near your location…" She warned.
His eyes widened before he glanced at the two girls for a moment then at his phone as he moved away from the two. "Now? What about the gear back home?" He asked quietly.
"Already on its way."
The raven-haired nodded, "Alright…" he hangs up and walks over to the girls, Hibiki noticing the changed expression.
"Hm? Something wrong, Enrique-san?" Hibiki asked him.
"I… have to go…" he said.
"Your mother calling you?" She tilted her head.
"Y-Yeah. Sorry about that."
"Hehe, it's okay! Have a safe trip home!" Hibiki smiled.
"Thanks, Hibiki. See you guys later," he waved off before he quickly left the cafe and made his way to the location.
The Rider regrouped with Shroud who waited for him in an alley. She was standing by his motorcycle as she kept her Bomb Magnum close to her in case anyone tries to mess with her. She didn't want any obstacles in her way, to allow her adopted son to deal with the Dopant as quick as possible.
"Sorry for the holdup." He apologized.
"It is fair enough, the user recently used the CYCLONE Memory and is already attacking," She informed and tossed him the jacket and boots, allowing Enrique to switch his coat and shoes. Once on, he puts on the fingerless gloves before placing the motorcycle on his helmet. "Just remember, this Dopant uses wind so you have to find its weakness and grab that CYCLONE Memory."
"I understand mom… and also, thank you for allowing me to talk to Hibiki." He thanked.
"Just… remember what I said. Only to those two and not Section 2."
"Right, right…" Enrique sighed as his motorcycle helmet lights up with coordinates, directions, and speedometer along with the Dopant target. "Wish me luck." He revved the engine and immediately drove to the location.
"Good luck…." She said softly before she headed back to base.
Hibiki and Miku were heading back to their dorm after a nice time. The caramel eyed girl was happy she finally got to see her friend and even hear his reason to why he kept away from them. Who knew he had an overprotective mother?
"I'm glad, Enrique-san came back. Guess I was over-reacting." Hibiki giggled nervously.
"At least he gave you an explanation to why he couldn't see you," Miku said.
"Yeah," she nodded. "I can't wait to hear what he will sing next at the park! It just gives confidence, even motivation, and understanding!"
"Hibiki… have you been going there almost every day?" Miku raised an eyebrow.
"I can't help it! His music is so good!"
"More like you have a crush." Miku teased.
Hibiki blushed with a stammer. "No, I don't, Miku-chan! Besides, I don't think he even likes me like that!"
"Hehehe, yet your blush says otherwise." Miku giggled, teasing the young girl more and more, even if she already knows that Hibiki doesn't have those kinds of feelings towards the young man.
"You're so mean," she pouted. As they were about to progress, a rush of harsh wind was blowing across the area, causing the girls to stop upon the harsh breeze that was spreading across the area.
"Man… these past few days have been- AAAAHHH!" Miku cried out, as another gust of wind lifted the girl off and almost high into the air.
"Miku-chan!" Hibiki grabbed her friend's hand as the harsh wind was causing Hibiki to be dragged. "Hang on!"
Miku held on with both of her hands, trying to hold on from the harsh wind that attempting to take them into the air.
"Bothersome and ANNOYING!" The girls took notice of a green armored monster who was surrounded in a cyclone. The area was becoming harsh as civilians run from the humanoid.
"W-What in the world?" Hibiki got out.
"You all should just go AWAY!"The monster cried out as more wind erupts out of its body, flinging those who were running away into the building or into the rivers below, as others and vehicles were flung into the nearby buildings and windows.
"Hibiki-san, what is that thing?" Miku questioned her about what this thing is.
Hibiki could only stare in shock upon seeing it. She couldn't do her transformation in front of Miku. She had to do something. However, the Cyclone Dopant unleashed a harsh cyclone as the area was being shoved further, the wind heading towards the two.
The girls embraced each other as the attack headed towards them.
ETERNAL: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
Hibiki flinched as she heard that a slash racing downward and cutting down the debris that came at the girls. As the smoke cleared, the two then saw the White Rider standing there tall, weapon in hand.
"I-It's you…" Hibiki got out.
Eternal glanced at her and Miku then at the Dopant. He thrust his arm and gave a thumb down, "Time to send you to hell." He declared before charging towards the Dopant.
"You again?! Just stay out of my way!" Cyclone shouted, sending gusts of wind and debris at him. Though at the same time the Dopant was expecting that so it can deal with the two he's in front of.
The Rider grabbed Miku and Hibiki before rolling away to avoid the blast as he held onto the two. "You girls okay?" He asked.
"Y-Yeah.." Hibiki nodded.
"Who.. are you?" Miku added.
"Kamen Rider Eternal." He replied before getting the girls to safety and rushed towards the Dopant, avoiding its attack and delivered a suckerpunch across its head.
Hibiki watched before she nods softly as she turns to Miku, "Come on, Miku-chan. We should hurry off before we get hurt." she said, though lying to help change and fight the monster.
"H-Hai."
Eternal cringed as he was slammed to the wall as the Dopant pinned him against it, punching his chest as sparks cast off his armor from each punch. The Dopant responds with its own punches as it flew back and sent several rocks and car parts at the rider.
He dodged every debris only to get close and receive a burst of wind. Sparks flew off from his armor from the blow before the two jumped back to gain distance.
The Rider panted as he grips the knife tightly, the adrenaline pushing him and the Gaia Memory continuing the influence in his mind. He needed to end this fight. He wants to win and punish the Dopant. It was an enemy, just like the Noise that took his parents away.
"Bah… why don't you just stay down and die like the rest of these idiots who mistreated me?" Cyclone growled.
The white armored Rider growled before he chose to end this fight once and for all. He lunged at the Dopant as the Dopant was now on the defensive, trying to defend itself from Eternal's ruthlessness. The kaijin blocked his attack and planted his knee to his chest but Eternal quickly blocked the attack with his hand, wincing from the amount of force it used.
Seeing the chance, he punched the Dopant with a burning fist, hitting it directly in the chest, sending it reeling as it clutched its chest in pain.
The dopant cried out in pain before using its wind to douse the flames. It soon began to build around his arms but before it could launch them, a familiar fist struck him down as Hibiki landed.
"I'm here to help!" she announced proudly.
"Why are you here? This fight is already getting dangerous as it is," Eternal asked, avoiding the Dopant's attack.
"To help you, duh!" She said jumping up and kicking the Dopant.
"I said I…" he cringed, holding his head from a sudden migraine coursing through his head. It felt foreign and it was pushing him. It was like the influence was getting to him.
"Hm? Are you alright?" Hibiki asked as she got close to see if he's okay.
"Stay out of this," he said coldly.
"But I can help! Sides he's hurting people! I can't just sit by and let that happen."
"JUST STAY OUT OF THIS, NOW!" He demanded, causing Hibiki to step back a bit. She never saw this side of the rider. Eternal looks at the Dopant and rushed towards it in sudden, cold fury. The fighter's vision was being fooled, influencing him to believe the Dopant was a simple Noise, waiting to be exterminated.
"S-Stay away!" Cyclone cried out, sending tornados at him to keep the rider away. He was scared.
"You aren't getting away from me this time!" Eternal roared, his lust for revenge increasing.
From the lab, Shroud's eyes widened underneath her bandaged mask. She could detect the mentality readings through the motorcycle helmet her son wore underneath the armor. She could witness it withering slightly, no doubt the Gaia Memory is pushing him with its influence. She grabs her gun and the serum before rushing out of the lab.
"GAAAAHH!" Cyclone cried out in pain, being slashed hard before being struck across the face as the Dopant dropped to the ground, unable to move.
"It is time to end you, straight to hell," Eternal said, placing the Gaia Memory into his side.
ETERNAL: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
His feet ignited before he leaps to the air before performing a corkscrew kick, heading straight towards the Dopant. The kick came in contact before it exploded into flames as the Gaia Memory flies off of the host and by Eternal's feet.
The person behind it was a middle-aged man, covered with scars and his face somewhat disfigured. He didn't seem evil, just misunderstood and treated poorly. But ETERNAL…. Only thought to be rid of him….
The white rider gripped the knife tightly and approached the man. Once he was in front of him, he glared down at the man with anger. Hibiki's eyes' widen in horror seeing what the rider was going to do.
"P-Please…. Have mercy…." He pleaded with fear.
"Sorry, out of mercy…." Eternal said coldly, lifting his blade up.
BOMB: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
A sphere of energy shot towards Eternal that split into smaller clusters of spheres that attached to his armor. He was confused until it exploded, sending the Rider flying and out of his armor. His gear still on but unconscious.
Hibiki looks and sees the masked woman from before that Eternal called 'mom'. In her hand was a rather large pistol while she kept focused.
"Stand down," Shroud ordered.
She walked over to him and gently helps him up as she knew he was unconscious from the blast. Reaching in her pocket, she grabbed the injector and injected the serum into his neck. A soft groan was heard underneath the motorcycle helmet as Shroud gently carries him as Hibiki watches them leave.
"W-Wait!" Hibiki called out, only for Shroud to point the gun at her.
"Don't follow." She warned.
"But he's my friend!" She argued.
"You don't know who he really is."
"I don't care! He still helped me before and still my friend!" Hibiki said, "And I'm willing to do as much as I can to help him."
Shroud stared at her, the girl not intimidated by the bandaged mask. The woman kept her gun trained on Hibiki as she slowly walks back. The caramel eyed girl watched, wanting to follow as she wanted to take a step forward.
"Don't… I won't hesitate to shoot you…." Shroud denied.
"Then you'll have to take more than one shot…." Hibiki glared, "He's a friend, and I'm not backing off until I know he's safe…" She said before she then got into a stance, ready to defend herself but not harm the woman.
The woman merely shook her head and reached in her coat and produced two canisters. She tossed them before it emitted smoke and a flash of light, blinding Hibiki as she coughs from the smoke. When it cleared, she saw the duo already gone like the wind.
"Gah! I hate her so much!" Hibiki complained, stomping on the ground in frustration.
"Ugh…" The raven-haired teen groaned, grasping his head. "My head…"
"About time you woke up…," Shroud said, standing with her arms crossed and obviously angered.
"What happened…?" He cringed. "And man this hurts…"
"Your Memory took influence and you almost killed the Dopant when he was in human form."
The piece of information stopped the Rider, his eyes widened in shock. "Please tell me I didn't…"
"You didn't because I prevented it," she responded, giving him relief. "However you need to realize that this isn't a joke, Enrique. The ETERNAL Memory's power is currently incomplete thus very dangerous. You have to realize that you must focus on what's at hand and not let it get to you."
Enrique lowered his head. "I… I understand…"
"Just… make sure you be more careful then." She sighed, "Also… your 'friend' is getting too close for comfort... I'm not sure if we can trust her should she find out."
"Why is that a problem?" Enrique asked, "She's too kind and innocent to do us any harm."
"It's because she is with Section 2! I will not have them use you as a weapon!"
"Hibiki's too kind to do us any real harm. I'm sure if she found out, she would keep it secret."
"My answer is still no." She denied. "You must never tell her about your Rider persona and she cannot know who you are under the armor. Do you understand me?"
"Y-Yes… mom…" He obeyed, lowering his head.
"Good…." She sighed with annoyance. "Just remember what I said, is that clear?"
"I-I will be careful next time."
"Okay…." She said softly. "Now…. go get cleaned up. I have dinner cooking."
He nodded before he exited the lab and went to the bathroom to take a much-needed shower. As the warm water touches his skin, he lowered his head as flashbacks of the fight returned in his head.
Was that side… really him? Was the lust for revenge something he has been keeping bottled up a way for the Memory to influence him? Was… he really starting to be focused more on vengeance than saving?
Turning off the water, he grabbed a towel to dry himself before putting on a fresh set of clothes. He left the bathroom and made his way to his room before noticing his phone that was on the desk, ringing a few texts. Checking to see who it was, he learned the messages were sent by Hibiki, most still wanting to chat and be friendly to him. It truly warmed his heart to see someone friendly to him. And he was very glad they were friends.
Deciding to respond to the message, he asked her how she was but he knew she was around when he fought the Dopant. The response he got was that she was doing well which was a technical lie due to the fight. He could only chuckle softly. That being said, he decided to message her that he had to do some stuff before placing the phone back on the desk.
He walked downstairs to get himself his food. The food's aroma reaching his nose as he approaches the kitchen. He saw only one plate, no doubt Shroud took hers to the lab since she is always there for her projects. Taking a deep breath, he sat down on the table, grabbed the spoon, and began to eat.
Once more, his mother's cooking filled him up well. The taste, amount and flavor made him eat it slowly, savoring each bite and taste. A soft smile on his face as he continued before he finished his plate and went back for seconds… And he then realized how hungry he was. That fight must've taken a lot out of him if he was this hungry. Guess she realized this and made enough for him to have his fill.
He took a bite of the food, continuing to satisfy himself of the delicious meal. Once he finished, he sighed with satisfaction. "This hits the spot…" he smiled. Standing up, he grabs the dishes he used and cleaned them.
As he washed his dishes, he heard his phone ring. "Hm?" He blinked before he reaches for it and answered it in speaker mode to allow him to wash dishes as he speaks. "Hello?" He responded.
"Hey… Enrique…" Tsubasa's voice called from the other line. "Hope… I'm not disturbing you?"
The raven-haired teen stopped upon hearing her voice before continuing, "Not at all. I am just cleaning up since I ate dinner. I was planning on calling you since I wanted to apologize."
"Apologize? For what?"
"For running a day ago and not giving an explanation…" he took a deep breath. "I had some trouble…"
"If anything, it was my fault, Enrique… I did push you a bit…" She replied softly, obviously trying to make it right for both of them.
He turned off the faucet before remaining silent for a moment. "Don't blame yourself…" he spoke softly. "And you weren't pushing me… you wanted to know the reason why I avoided you guys before…"
"Still… I feel like it's somewhat my fault…"
"Tsubasa, look, the reason why is because of my mom… she… can be overprotective at times. She doesn't trust a lot of people…"
"Why doesn't she trust people…?"
The Rider could remember her defensive and stern behavior. "I… I don't know. She never told me. I have only known her for two years."
"Eh? Two years?"
"...She is my adoptive mother." He admitted.
"O-Oh… I didn't mean to bring up those memories..."
He gripped the edge of the sink tightly, flashbacks recurring in his head. The images of that day when everything was taken from him. His teeth grinded in growing anger. He couldn't do anything that day he lost his biological parents. He watched with his own eyes, seeing them vanish into ashes by the Noise. He wanted to get stronger in order to rid the Noise of their existence.
"Enrique? Are you alright?" She asked, snapping him out of that trance.
His grip loosened and looks at the phone, "Y-Yeah… just… thinking is all…" he took a moment to breath and needed to change the subject. "Aside that matter, I just realized you sound better than last time. I take it something happened that helped you?"
Tsubasa smiled softly on the other line, "Let's… just say I have a friend who's being a better help than I thought."
"Oh?"
"Hehe, I can probably tell you later at some point… I... was more of wondering if you're free, tomorrow?"
"Hm?" He glanced at the calendar. "Well, since tomorrow is a weekend, sure why not?"
"Awesome. Then, come meet me at the mall." Tsubasa smiled, sending him the map to where it's located.
"Alright. See ya tomorrow Tsubasa. And… thanks." The phone ended as Enrique dried his hands from the water before grabbing his phone. He received a text from Shroud, the message displaying the needed supplies, again.
He sighed but he understood his mother barely leaves her lab due to the projects. She barely gets out of her own home, only during situations involving the Dopant.
Grabbing the house keys, he walked out and went to the local store to grab what she needed.
After getting everything, he began walking back home as the streetlights were lighting the night as he walked home. In one bag carried a few electronics that Shroud needed. He wanted to know why but she simply said 'for projects' which made him wonder just what she is working on down there. He wanted to know but she would probably say, 'Only for her to know'. Even more, how the employee in the store simply gave him the bag with it, almost like Shroud made a call that he would be picking it up.
"Just what is it that mom is working on?" He mumbled. In his other hand, he had snacks since he was hungry.
He continued to walk, his mind in other places as he didn't seem to know where he was going. As he does, he then felt someone against him, before he fell back onto his butt. He bumped into someone.
Rubbing his head, he looks and sees… the girl from before.
"You again!?" She recognized, pointing at him.
"Sorry for bumping into you, again," He apologized. "Why are you even out here this late at night?"
"Why do you care?" She crossed her arms.
"Because I know bad things happen," he argued. "You should be careful you know?"
"It's not like you care," she huffed. "I bet you're just stalking me…"
Enrique sighed as he stood up, brushing off the dust. "I am not. I am heading home." He gestured to the bags in hand.
The girl merely glared until the sound of stomach grumbling was heard. A tint of red rose to her cheeks, causing her to turn away in embarrassment.
"Are you hungry?" He guessed.
"N-No!" She yelled, only for her stomach to growl again, her face becoming a dark shade of red.
"It sounds like it does."
"I am not-" She was stopped by another louder gurgle.
The young Rider sighed before he sat on the bench and reached in one of the bags and brought out a wrapped onigiri. "You want an onigiri?" He offered.
"I don't-" Another gurgle made her groan with hunger before she quickly snatched it and devoured the onigiri with ease.
Enrique smiled and grabbed two more and handed one to her as he unwrapped his own, taking a bite of it. The two sat on the bench, the silence between them as they eat.
"Why are you even helping me…" She frowned, eating another one that he handed to her.
"We may have gotten on the wrong foot but I know we can try and get along," he shrugged, taking a bite of his snack.
"Sure…." she rolled her eyes, "Like I haven't heard that lie before…"
He frowned, "I am not lying. What I am saying is true and I hate it when I go back on it. When I make a promise, I make sure I fulfill it."
"Like you can."
"No matter the situation, I will help someone in need." He said firmly, gripping the necklace tightly. "So that no one won't lose someone like others has…"
The girl was about to take a bite, glancing a look before taking a bite.
"Besides, as one person told me, you should have a friend who can be there to help you." He smiled.
"Friends? Are nothing but people who'll betray you in the end…" She responded.
"Why would you think that?" He raised an eyebrow. "If they betray you, they aren't friends. A real friend would help you be happy, a chance to make memories, even spend time and have fun."
"Then you're just a blind as everyone else in this stupid world…" She spat out.
He frowned, "Not everyone is stupid you know? Sure the world can be a harsh place but what I do know is that there is always hope. When there's darkness there is always hope for everyone."
"Then you don't know how the world truly is…"
The raven-haired teen merely stared before he frowned deeply. "You sure have a grudge against the world." The girl merely turned her head away. She needed someone to befriend her, to help her have a better outlook on the world. "How about this: what if I became your friend?"
She soon began to cough, pounding her chest before the food dropped to her stomach as she turned to him, confused, "Excuse me? Mind repeating that?" She requested him, even though she knew what he said.
"What if I became your friend?"
"Are.. you serious?" She got out, "Why ask me that? I don't need friends… You'll just use me like the rest."
"I won't for I am not that type of person." He reached his hand out to her. "My name is Enrique Narumi. What is your name?"
She remained silent for a bit, thinking over this and started to question this situation. But for some reason, her body reacted differently, "Chris Yukine…" She introduced, 'Why did I just tell him my name?'
A smile curled his lips, "It is nice to meet you, Chris." He heard his phone, making him check to see it was from Shroud. "I should go now." He handed her the last Onigiri. "Just be careful on the way home, okay? Have a good night." He waved before walking back home.
She looked at the Onigiri, still baffled how he easily was able to get her to tell her name to him. She pondered over why before shaking it off and eating the onigiri before she left as well.
What they didn't know was their paths will cross again soon enough.
In a mansion far off the city, statues lied around as the night was brewing. Inside the home, a man in his forties while petting a cat in his arms, was staring at the window. Across from him was a man with short black hair while wearing a black suit and black tie with a red handkerchief in his suit pocket.
On the desk was a laptop that displayed video footage of Eternal fighting the Dopants while taking the T2 Gaia Memories. "Seems that someone found it before I was able to retrieve it." The man in the suit informed the older man.
"Even worse…. They found ETERNAL…" A woman said, walking into the room, "We can't let that person have that Memory…"
"And we have seen him win ACCEL, BIRD, and CYCLONE." The man's grin turns more psychotic. "Make me wonder what it would be like from we saw. Any suggestions Ryubee?"
The man stared out the window as the cat purred. "Find out who it really is. And send a few of your men to retrieve whatever T2 Gaia Memories that person has."
"And when they find the person and their identity?"
"Kill him…"
A/N: Well that is it for this chapter folks. It seems a certain group is now becoming aware of Eternal's presence and things are about to turn from here on. What will hallen next? We just have to find out in the jext chapter. Again, don't forget I will be very busy from mid July- End of August due to my trip to Japan. Hopefully during the trip I will have some time to publish. Anyways, stay in the shadows everyone!