A/N: What is up, everyone! I am here with another chapter of Kamen Rider Eternal. As you all noticed, Kamen Rider Eternal is making a return in Zi-O which has me anticipated to see what will occur. And also I recently went through a promotion for my job so I will be busy from time to time but don't worry, I will find time to update my stories. Anywho, let us start the new chapter, shall we?
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KAMEN RIDER W OR SENKI ZESSHO SYMPHOGEAR
Henshin!
'Thought'
Dopant
The cities have always been unique. Each one may be big, small, lengthy, or crowded. But the one thing that remains is those who can cause trouble. No matter where you look, there will be those who don't seem to be in the right places.
In the streets of the city, a tire seemed to be rolling around. It was odd, until after it continued to roll down, a few gang members chased after it, angered and with guns ready as they fired at the tire. And oddly enough it swerved away from the shots as if it was alive.
"Keep dodging all you want, Jet! We know you stole from the boss! Regardless of that dinky toy, you can use, we know you! We'll hunt you down until you're dead!" One of the members cried out, shooting at the tire once more.
The tire continued to roll away until it was heading towards a busy street that caused some of the gang members to stop knowing the tire was going through the traffic, preventing the gang from chasing him.
It rolled through alleyways before stopping and shifting to a humanoid creature, and it was entirely grey with some silver and black accents and lines that even showed something that of a face along with a tailcoat behind it.
The thing took a moment to breathe before it shifted to its true form, showing a man with grey hair which bore yellow accents on the bangs as he held up a Gaia Memory with a 'D' on it that read 'Dummy.' "I may have stolen from the boss.." He panted, lifting vast amounts of money in hand with a smirk, "But even I know how to use this device." He chuckled before standing up.
"Well… guess I should move into the next town!" He said, lifting his terminal to decide where to go next. When he scrolls through, he noticed something. The article was mentioning the Kamen Rider. The title made him freeze upon an old memory. "Kamen… Rider?" He got out before growling, "Skull…"
He could never forget that person who put him behind bars a few years back. The one who ruined his life! While he isn't alive now from what he heard, he will not let any part of his legacy ruin him like before!
"Heh, wonder if they'll change… If their hero starts doing crimes?" He grinned, holding up his memory.
DUMMY!
He then placed it on his forehead as it shifts him into his Dopant form. He chuckles again as his body shifts into a new form, "Now... let's see if they like my sins?"
Kamen Rider Eternal: Song of Eternity
Chapter 5: Dangerous Encounter
A new day began in the city, and the young Rider was looking at his phone while leaning against the light post. The reason he was waiting was due to the promise he made with Tsubasa, so he was waiting by the light post that was close to the mall. He felt a little bored while waiting, as well as updating Shroud if there were any signs of the Dopants. That said, he lowered his phone and took a deep breath before exhaling softly to calm himself.
"Did I keep you waiting for long?" Tsubasa called out as she walked over. She had a blue top and long white pants, with a cute, stylish hat and glasses over her eyes.
"Meh, I didn't mind waiting," he shrugged. "It gave me some time."
"Well, shall we start this?" Tsubasa smiled softly.
Moving away from the light post, he said, "Sure, might as well start now."
The two then head into the mall, having a nice hang out as they begin their time as friends. The first one though was a surprise as they went into a karaoke area as Tsubasa sang or him, showing off her talent and musical choices.
After finishing up the karaoke, the raven-haired teen took a deep breath to relax as the two found themselves at the food court, the duo eating their meals.
"What do you want? My treat." Tsubasa offered.
"Nah, I'm okay as it is Tsubasa," he denied.
"I appreciate that sentiment, but… I really would like to treat you after everything…" She said softly.
"Huh?" He raised an eyebrow as he sets down his fork. "What do you mean by that?"
The bluenette took a deep breath to build up what she needed to say, "When I saw you at the park, I was shocked to see that you were alive. I wanted to be angry at you knowing that you lived…" Her statement made Enrique frown. "But…"
"But what?" He asked, preventing the onset of anger from rising.
"But… then when I started to hear you sing, it reminded me of what Kanade told me about how we sing to give others hope, smiles, and dreams. If I blamed you for it, then I would be breaking Kanade's faith she had in you…" She explained.
Enrique stared at Tsubasa with a critical gaze before he closed his eyes to ingest the statement into his mind. Once entirely calm, he said, "Then why now? Why not a year ago or even times you go to that park?" He questioned.
"Cause…. I was unsure if you were still alive. Unsure if these feelings could ever change back to what I was before..." She said softly. "And… I… want to try my best to change that with you…. And find my light once more."
The Rider sighed heavily, finally realizing her words were nothing but the truth. The reason why she never approached him before was that she didn't know if he lived and add the recovery from the trauma from losing Kanade. If anything, she wanted a chance to make up for what happened two years ago.
"So…. this… is not just us hanging out, but for me to apologize and hope to redeem myself…" she said softly before bowing to apologize.
"Tsubasa," Enrique called out to her. The idol furrowed her brow slightly and slowly looked up at him. "I understand why you want to do this, and I don't blame you…"
"You… don't?" Tsubasa inquired with surprise.
"After losing someone close to you, you felt upset and had to blame someone…" he looks at his necklace around his neck. He could remember how he was after losing his parents to the Noise. All he thought was a need to destroy them. "And all you could think was to lash out in anger for losing someone you cared about. But after that, through those dark moments, you often try to find a way to stop it from getting to you. Sometimes it takes forever, other times it tends to haunt you that you must not let it occur."
"What I know is that while it is true to have revenge…" his expression turned grim and dark. "You can't allow it to overcome you or you will make a mistake that you will regret." His hands gripped the soda can tightly, and nearly crushed in his grip. Even he still wishes he could kill the Noise, kill them until they are gone. He wanted to exterminate them.
Tsubasa looked at her friend in the form of a new light. She never thought to hear such a speech. And what he said was true; while it is okay to have revenge, it isn't right to focus on it at all costs. It would only lead to a mistake she could regret. Suddenly a flashback came into her mind.
"Is this what Kanade wants!? T a murderer because of the girl who now has her armor!?" Eternal demanded in anger.
Tsubasa nodded, "Yeah…. You're right…"
Enrique's grip on the can loosen before he lifted his head to look at her. He shook his head to stop whatever was affecting his head. It slowly felt calm before the American checked the time. Just as he did, he heard his phone ring. Checking to see who it is, he saw it was from Shroud. "Give me a moment, Tsubasa." He stood up from the seat and kept a distance to prevent her from hearing. "What's wrong, mom?"
"Come back to the house now. This mission is an important task."
"Huh?"
"Just get back and fast." And she hung up. He never expected to hear her tone in that type of manner. She sounded very serious and yet angered. That combination was a first to hear. Whatever is going on, it was necessary. Walking back to Tsubasa, he said, "Sorry, Tsubasa, but I have to go."
"Huh? So soon?" Tsubasa inquired in which her friend nodded, "Was… it something I did?"
"No, it is just something my mom needs help with," He said, hiding the real reason. "Sorry, we have to end the hang out this early."
The bluenette nodded in understanding, "Alright. We'll try to reschedule again."
"...Hopefully," he replied before he left.
Entering the lab, the teen noticed Shroud staring at the screen, her hands gripping tightly with her left hand holding the gun. "Uh… mom?"
"Go after the Dopant."
"So another mission?" Enrique guessed.
"Yes, he's in the center area of the city. Go after him now…" She ordered. "And don't trust anyone in the fight."
"U-Understood," He obeyed before he grabbed the uniform and got into the gear. Once his suit was on, he walked over to the motorcycle and outs on the helmet. With the piece of equipment over his head, the visor displaying directions and type of Dopant. Revving the engine, he immediately drove towards the location to where the Dopant was.
As he drove, he made sure he cuts through the needed traffic to get to the location as fast as possible. He still wondered just what made Shroud so furious about the Dopant he will face. His visor lit up again to show the danger approaching. Looking ahead of the road, the rider saw the target, but he immediately stopped the motorcycle the moment he did.
Standing there was an older man with a white suit, fedora, and had a presence and stature that showed experience, wisdom, and even intimidation. He had short black hair and was holding up some money in hand as he counted every bill.
"Stop him." He heard Shroud say through the communication. "Now."
While he wanted answers, he had to comply and got off the motorcycle but kept his helmet on. The teen stood across from the man who paid no attention to him. "Hey, what are you doing?" Enrique asked, the motorcycle helmet muffling his voice slightly.
The man ignored him, continuing to count his bills before sighing, "To think, she would send a child… Even though he doesn't know the truth."
"The truth? What truth?"
He then stopped, a smirk on his face as he pocketed the money before turning to him and taking off his fedora, "That you're nothing but a failure." He mocked before presenting a Gaia Memory much to Enrique's shock.
"What the heck…?" Enrique said.
"Stop him now!"
SKULL
"Henshin…" He said, placing in the memory into his Lost Driver, before sliding it over to activate it.
SKULL
The dark, ominous tune plays as wind flows around him as bits and pieces of armor attached to him, creating a new Kamen Rider. He had black armor with purple accents and a silver-white skull on top with a white scarf around his neck as he places the fedora back on his head.
"Now… Let's count your sins?" He said, pointing to him.
"The hell…" Enrique uttered. 'Another Rider!?'
As he stood there in a daze, Skull punched him, really hard that cracked his visor as he was flung back, skidding to the ground.
"Goddamn it," Enrique cursed as he growled. He slammed the Lost Driver onto his waist as the belt formed.
"Nu-uh… As if I'll let you do that, imposter…" Skull, wiggled his finger, holding his hand that held the ETERNAL Memory.
"Fat chance," the white rider reeled his head and slammed it against Skull's own, sending him stumbling as Enrique placed his left hand over the front of his helmet as the itch began to return while he held the ETERNAL Memory in the other side.
ETERNAL!
"Henshin!" He slammed it into the driver as he 'clawed' his helmet as he slanted the buckle.
ETERNAL!
With the tune, his armor formed before it created the Eternal Red Flare armor. He thrust his arm out and gave a thumbs down. "Now, enjoy your hell." Brandishing the Eternal Edge, he rushed towards Skull as the two clashed in a fury of sparks.
In the Section 2 base, Genjuro was keeping track of any Noise that was appearing, and so far nothing showed up thankfully.
"Ara? Looks like today's very quiet for once." Ryoko said as she entered the room.
"Yes and none of those odd monsters that are people…" he still couldn't forget how a few individuals were somehow involved with a simple device that turned them into monsters. So far, there were three that Eternal defeated and took the instruments they used.
"And nothing new on that new warrior?"
"Nothing and the fact the mystery woman prevents us from doing so." Genjuro sighed. "Whoever she is, she knows how to prevent anyone from looking into this."
But before they knew it, alarms went off as the screen shifted to that mysterious warrior and
"Another one?" Ryoko got out.
They witness Eternal and the unknown fighter battling in a fury of punches and slashes. They know Eternal fought for good reasons, so there is no doubt that the strange warrior is an enemy. They watched Eternal being slammed against a car before the 'Skull' fighter forced Eternal through the glass and pulled him away with a kick. They winced from the beatings they are witnessing from both factions.
"My, my.. Such brutality." Ryoko noted, "What should we do, commander?"
Genjuro stared at the fight, knowing full well what could happen. But still, "Send in whoever is closest to that area and assist the White Knight." He ordered.
"Tsubasa and Hibiki are not too far," Ryoko responded.
"Then send them to assist him, before this 'Skull' does anymore. Cause from what we see…" Genjuro gritted as the fight continued, with 'Skull' having a severe advantage over the White Knight, "He could kill the white rider…"
Eternal stumbled across the pavement, gritting his teeth as he held back the pain he was enduring. His hand gripped the Eternal Edge tightly, not willing to release his hold on the weapon. The other Rider was stronger than him, and he was only getting a beating from him.
"Hmph, you truly are a disappointment, boy…" Skull scoffed, "But with how easily this is? I can remove the replacement and return to my duties…" He said, holding up his Skull Magnum before firing into him several times.
Eternal screamed in pain as sparks cast off the armor, stumbling from the pain that he was going through. Smoke coming off the body armor as he knelt on one knee in pain. He gritted his teeth, his anger rising before he lifted his head, seeing the barrel pointed at his head plate.
"To think, you believed her." Skull sighed.
"What… do you mean by that?" Eternal panted.
"Shroud… Do you honestly think she cares for you? Giving you this chance and 'helping' you? Then you don't know her."
"You're… lying. She raised me and cared about me," The white rider growled in pain, only for Skull to press the gun barrel to his forehead.
"Heh, if she does… Then how come she hasn't told you, the man she loved, the one standing right in front of you, was a Kamen Rider? And the one who helped her make plans to steal these Memories?"
"What…?" His eyes widened underneath his helmet. Did Shroud know someone who was not just a Rider but was one who planned on getting the Memories, the very ones he has to obtain…?
"Maybe you can figure it out…. In the afterlife." Skull said, as everything soon felt like it slowed down as he squeezed on the trigger.
"Leave Eternal-san alone!" A voice shouted. In a second, Hibiki flew in, striking Skull and sent him flying before she fell on the ground, face first. She seemed to have headbutted him to help, "Ow… That hurt…"
"Hibiki…?" Eternal recognized. "What are you doing here?"
"Commander Genjuro sent us to help you out!" Hibiki smiled.
Eternal heard his helmet underneath, letting out a signal, causing him to place his hand close to his ear. "Mom."
"You have to keep focus. You have to stop that imposter!"
"Just who is that imposter!?" The Rider demanded through the communications. "Just who was Skull and what did he mean by not telling me the truth!"
"That isn't important! Just deal with him quickly!"
Eternal grimaced, but he had to comply. He needed answers, but if that were to happen, he had to stop the 'imposter.' Looking back at Skull, the two see him pick up the fedora to wipe off the dust before placing it back on.
"Hm? Little girls like you should stay in school. I rather not kill another one who got in my way…" Skull said menacingly.
"Says the one who is hurting my friend!" Hibiki accused.
"Hmph, I don't have time for this…" The dark rider scoffed, placing the Memory into the Mangum before pointing it at the two.
SKULL: MAXIMUM DRIVE
The moment Skull pulled the trigger and fired, the white rider moved in front of Hibiki while facing her as he took all the hits came in contact with his back, creating an explosion and sparks from the attack. Seeing the action made Hibiki's eyes widened in fear and shock.
"W-Why… would you do that for me?" Hibiki got out.
"I… can't lose anyone… again…" Eternal rasped before he slowly fell to his knees and onto the ground, his armor vanishing to reveal the young man with the motorcycle helmet over his head but unconscious.
"Hmph, one more attack will end this problem…" Skull said, aiming at him once more before Hibiki stood in front of him.
"I won't let you hurt him anymore." She declared.
"And just what can a little brat like yourself do against me?"
"I am not doing this on my own."
"Hm?"
Suddenly a rain of swords made the Rider stumble from the attacks before he quickly raised his head to see Tsubasa in her Symphogear.
"Another one..."
"I suggest you surrender…" Tsubasa frowned as she pointed her sword at him, "I rather not taint my blade with your filthy blood."
"Tsubasa!" Hibiki cried out, frowning, "You can't just hurt him! He's human, just like us!"
"He is trying to harm us Hibiki, and him as well," she gestured to the unconscious teen with the helmet. "We cannot let him endanger the public."
"But he's human! We can't do things like that! We'll be no better than monsters or Noise!" She frowned, trying to stop this conflict. "If we just talk, I'm sure we can resolve this!"
Tsubasa frowned slightly upon Hibiki's words. While it was indeed wrong, she didn't agree to talk out since the evil fighter was trying to kill them. "Ugh.. you truly are just a child.." she sighed.
"Um… Tsubasa?" Hibiki called out, before pointing to where Skull was or was at recently. "He left…"
"He got away!" She growled, turning to the younger girl. "And you let him get away!"
"Well, what was I supposed to do? Let you hurt him?" She frowned.
"Stopping him was more like it!" The bluenette argued.
"I was just trying to help out…" she pouted. "We're meant to fight the Noise… not hurt humans…"
"That human was a monster, Hibiki. Just like those other three."
"You're wrong!" The user of Gungnir shouted out, "Regardless… he was still human, and we can't hurt humans!"
Tsubasa scowled until her attention went to the unconscious teen. "Speaking of…." She then walked towards him, checking his vitals before she moved him to his back, "I think it's time we find out who this one, truly is?"
Hibiki gasped, "W-Wait, you're planning to remove his helmet? Wouldn't that be an invasion of privacy?"
"We have to know who he is, Hibiki. None of us know who he is. We deserve to know." Her teammate replied. Grabbing the edge of the motorcycle helmet, she gently removed it, but when they did, the identity of the rider was someone they recognized much to their shock.
"W-Wait… is that… Enrique?" Hibiki gawked with shock.
"He's…. The White Rider?" Tsubasa also was in shock. They never expected the ruthless, vengeful Rider was the kind and caring teen they met.
And from the base of Section 2, they too were surprised by the identity of the white rider.
"Ara, to think he'd be so young," Ryoko noted.
With the girls, they could only stare at him. However, before they could move him, a click was heard, causing them to look up to see Shroud. The woman appeared out of nowhere, much to their shock.
"Step away from my son. And don't think about moving. If you do, I won't hesitate to shoot you both." She threatened.
"Woah! Mother is packing heat!" Hibiki cried out.
"Listen, we haven't done anything. We had the right to know our friend was fighting this whole time." Tsubasa said.
"I don't care."
"C-Can't we just calm down and talk this out?" Hibiki asked as she was about to inch towards her.
Shroud shot the ground in front of Hibiki, causing her to yelp and stand back. "Step back. Now."
"I'm… just trying to help out… just like how Enrique helped me…" Hibiki said softly.
Shroud gently lifts her adoptive son as she backs away from the girls. "You better not come near him during his battles. Or I will make you regret it," she warned. "I don't care who you are, and I am not letting you use him to rid the Noise as a weapon."
"T-That's not what I want! I want to continue to be his friend and help him out! That would also mean helping him beat those odd things from before." Hibiki said, trying to reach out, "I… just want to be part of his life and make him happy…"
Shroud presented a canister and tossed it to the two, creating smoke and fled the scene.
"They're gone…" Tsubasa muttered.
Darkness was all he could see. The pain, the anger he had during his fight against Skull. It upset him that he lost against the supposed Kamen Rider, but it left him with many questions.
'You honestly think she cares about you?'
That sentence kept repeating and echoing in his mind. Did Shroud didn't see him as her adoptive son? Nothing more than her tool? Was the two years nothing but false hope? Nothing but for her to mold him into who he is?
Slowly opening his eyes, his vision greeted with the metal ceiling of the lab.
"Thank god, you're awake…" Shroud sighed with relief, sitting next to him. "I told you to be careful and stop him…"
"Just who was that person, mom…? How does he have a Rider form?" He asked.
"It's nothing more than a trick…" She turned away.
"Huh…?"
"The Dummy Dopant is the reason for the attack."
….
"...Wait, are you serious? A 'Dummy' Dopant?" Enrique blinked.
"Yes… it has the power to disguise itself and become anything." She explained.
"Oh…" he then remembered what the supposed Dopant said to him, causing him to grip his hands tightly and slowly.
"Furthermore… We have a problem…" Shroud informed, "Your 'friends' found out who you were."
The revelation earned his attention. "They… know?" He got out.
"They took off your helmet."
This made him pale. His two friends now know he is the White Rider. No doubt they would want answers from him once they see him again. "What should I do…?"
"Simple, we'll have to erase their memories." She said, walking over to the chemical station to get the serum.
"What? Why?!" He demanded.
"They know too much, and I can't let that continue."
"But mom, you can't do that," he refuted. "They are my friends!"
"You're safety is more important than friends!" She snapped.
Enrique flinched upon her words, seeing his mother not caring about his friends or him the words of Skull echoing in his mind. "So that is it… Do you see me as nothing but a tool? You don't care about my friends or your adoptive son?"
Shroud turned to him, "I'm… sorry?" she said, not knowing what he meant, "I don't know what you mean, Enrique."
"You don't care about me at all, only using me as a tool to get those Memories!" He yelled in anger.
"Enrique, that is not true." The masked woman shook her head in refusal. "You're my son."
"Then explain why you want me to get the other Gaia Memories! Explain why you want me to keep fighting to the point I could get killed! Just admit it, you only see me as nothing but a tool to get what you want!"
"Enrique, that is enough!" Shroud stomped her foot, "I don't know where you're getting these ideas, but you need to forget about them!"
"How can I when that guy is telling me what the truth is!" He stood up, pointing his finger at his adoptive mother. "How can I forget the realization that you are using me to 'help' you!"
"I'm not using you! And that bastard is only using what he knows to attack Narumi and me!" She shouted, "You want to know who he was? He was my husband who died!" She said, surprising the teen.
Shroud's husband was a Kamen Rider before him.
"What you fought wasn't anything but a fake identity…. This bastard used to be known as 'The Chameleon' and was a master of thefts and disguises. He was put away by Narumi after he became Skull.." Shroud informed. "I don't know what that thief told you, but he was only lying to make sure you were focused as he did his best to harm you. Most likely to kill you for believing you to be Narumi's successor."
The raven-haired teen's anger dissipated for a moment as his eyes relaxed, but his temper still present.
"Whatever he said to make you doubt this, remember… he is still the enemy, and could use that Memory to harm others even worse could kill them," She reminded, "So snap out of this and stop him before he does anything that drastic."
His fists slowly relaxed for a moment as he began to calm down slowly. Shroud approached him before she gently hugs the Rider. He wanted to push her away from everything 'Skull' said but… he just couldn't. He had to focus on the vital matter.
"Please…. Don't ever think that. You are my son. I could never see or treat you as a weapon…" She said softly, "I would rather take this mission upon myself than ever to put you into it…"
And those were the final words as his anger replaced into sadness, guilt seen his eyes. He didn't want to be abandoned and be left alone after losing his biological parents to the Noise. He lost everything before, and he didn't want to lose it again. Shroud was the only person left to consider family.
Shroud sighed calmly, "The Dopants will always do what they can to lower your guard and break you… You need to make sure your will is strong enough to resist it."
He slowly nodded as he felt the embrace of his adoptive mother.
In the Section 2 base, Hibiki and Tsubasa were staring at the paused image that Section 2 managed to keep before Shroud deleted the rest. It was a close call, but the picture showed the unconscious rider without his helmet.
"So, this friend of yours is this White Rider?" Genjuro noted as he went over their report.
"Y-Yes…" Hibiki replied, still reeling from the shock of learning her friend being Eternal.
"I…. just can't believe he's been keeping this hidden from us…" Tsubasa said softly, actually feeling betrayed by him for not only keeping this secret but the lies he had made from it.
"Well it is the same for you girls, isn't that true?" Genjuro questioned, earning a flinch from both girls. They couldn't tell their friends about their Symphogear missions. Even Hibiki couldn't tell Miku. "I'm sure he has his reasons, as do you two. Though, now that we know, the only thing we can do is continue to help should he ever needs it."
The girls looked up in surprise, with Hibiki having a positive expression, "You mean, you'll still let us help him?"
Genjuro smiled, "Of course." he nodded proudly, "Regardless if he joins us or not is irrelevant. If he needs help and you two aren't busy, we'll inform you."
"But… what about that woman…?" Hibiki raised her hand. She couldn't forget how Enrique's mother pointed a gun and nearly shot the two for learning his identity.
"All we can do is try not to make her angry, and hope to let her see us in a new light." Genjuro stated, "Now, we should help and find that 'Skull.' It's obvious he's dangerous and needs to be stopped. Understood?"
"H-Hai." Hibiki nodded but still felt nervous. 'Just who was she…?'
The next day, the Rider was sitting under a tree at the park as usual. He was gently strumming his guitar, enjoying the relaxation from the ordeal yesterday. While he and Shroud have talked things through after the argument, everything settled for the time being.
"Under here again?" From his peripheral vision, he noticed Chris with her arms crossed, "Don't you have anything better to do than play music?"
He raised his head to see the girl. "Hey, Chris." He greeted. "As for your question, it is something I enjoy doing. Gives me and those who listen to it a form of peace."
"More like boredom." She rolled her eyes, "And peace? Music never brings that, only a distraction and annoyance."
"To you," he rolled his eyes. "That is your opinion. Others don't seem to mind." He gestured to the people who were at the park.
"Hmph, then they're lying to themselves." she huffed, "Sides, don't you have homework?"
"I tend to finish it quickly, so it gives me time to be here." He glanced at her. "What about you? Don't you go to an academy?"
Chris crossed her arms and huffed. "Like I need to."
"Wait… you don't go to school?" he was surprised. It would explain the maroon dress she was wearing, which wasn't a uniform.
"Why should I? It's nothing but pointless." She shrugged.
"It helps expand the knowledge for people," he pointed out. "I mean sure it can be boring, but you may never know what can catch your attention during school."
"You are starting to sound like an adult…" The half-American scoffed, "No, thanks. I would rather stay here than at school."
"Meh, I tried," The American shrugged before he continued his strumming with the guitar. The lavender haired girl felt annoyed at first to the music, but something about the song he was playing through the guitar. The feeling through each tune, it felt… soothing.
As he does, something in her, something she never wanted to do again; slowly came back as she started to sing along with the tune, even if the music is soft, but enough for him to hear it.
The American smiled upon finally seeing the girl enjoy it as she sings. Who knew she could? "Never thought to hear you sing, Chris." He mused. "I thought you dislike music?"
She blinked, snapping herself out of her trance before blushing and growled, "I-I don't like music! You heard nothing!" She said before she stormed away. 'W-Why…? Why was 'he' of all people able to make me sing? I hate it!'
Enrique watched her walk away, but he chuckled to his amusement. And she said she didn't like music, but nope, it seems like a part of her still does. Though as he does, he starts to get that odd feeling again. Ever since he came into the park today, he's been having a weird feeling that someone is watching him.
Upon looking a bit, but not too much, he noticed a few men in suits watching from afar, or acting casual. Something was up, and he could tell they weren't regulars at the park.
Slowly placing his guitar back in the case, he closed it before putting it over his back and stood up. Walking away, he took it slowly since that feeling was getting to him. As he walked, those very people began to follow.
Just why were they following him?
The teen continued to walk before he began to move faster, even noticing the group were doing the same before it then became a chase. He started to run through and past crowds and corners to get away, only to see them still on his tail. Just who were these people? Section 2, maybe? Then again, the ones chasing him were wearing identical suits which gave creepy vibes.
Turning a corner, he began to run more until one of the followers was in front of him, blocking his path. He turned around, only to see the others doing the same.
"You have nowhere to run now." One of them called out.
"It would be best to surrender quietly, kid." Another one added on.
"What do you want from me?" He asked.
"Come with us, and you'll find out." Another one said as they took a step further.
"If I don't?" The rider inquired.
"Then this is your end…" Another one added before they all lifted the same Gaia Memory?!
MASQUERADE!
Placing the Gaia Memories to their necks, their faces reformed into what seems to be black-masked humanoids with silver markings on their heads.
"Now… will you comply or be brought in by force?" They all said in unison.
"Uh… hehe…" Enrique gulped but remembered the self-defense lessons from Shroud. "How about… no?"
With his answer, they rushed at him, causing him to be on the defensive as he avoids one of their attacks. Spinning away from one slash, he looks at the other Masquerade Dopant. Bringing up his guitar case, he said, "Hold this for me." He tossed the guitar case to him. The Dopant caught it while stumbling back a bit. Enrique looks back to punch the other Dopant in the gut before he rolled over the Dopant (the one holding his guitar case) back and grabbed the case before kicking the Masquerade Dopant forward to the other two.
He ducked from the next swing the other one delivered before he used the blunt end of the guitar case to slam it against his chest, causing him to clutch his stomach before the teen punched him to the ground. He got to thank Shroud for the lessons.
"We can't let this continue. Men? Take him down…" One of the top Dopant's ordered as others began to rush in, some throwing punches, while others had weapons in hand as they started to overwhelm him. Their numbers weren't stopping as Masquerade Dopants now surrounded him. Each one came in, as he defended himself, but it then started to get to the point as they were able to give a few punches or blunt hits on him.
He grimaced as he felt the bruises forming from the hits they delivered. He needed to get away and fast, but how is the question. "Just who the hell are you guys?" He demanded.
"We are with Museum, and we've come to collect you, ETERNAL." They all said in unison.
"Museum…?" The white rider repeated. More importantly, how did they know he was Eternal?! Were they- Wait.
'We can't let them take the T2 Memories.'
His eyes widened in realization. Now he realized who 'they' were. Shroud was referring to the organization, Museum! They were after the T2 Gaia Memories!
"I am not letting you guys take them away," Eternal growled.
"Then we'll take it and you by force." The leader Masquerade said, snapping his fingers as the troops then charged ahead towards him.
He stumbled as he gritted his teeth in anger. He needed to henshin, but even with the numbers, it won't give him time. And he needed to find that 'Dummy' Dopant too. But as he seemed cornered, a familiar tune is heard.
"Balwisyall nescell Gungnir tron…."
Some of the Masquerade Dopants were sent flying into the air, causing the others to take action as they moved away from the sudden hits. The one responsible was none other than- "Hibiki!?" Enrique noticed.
"Hey!" the young girl beamed, waving as she dodged an oncoming swing before punching the dopant high into the air as it soon left his vision.
The other Dopants rushed at her, the girl squeaked as she punches a few away, but he knew she needed help. He could see her in trouble. Her eyes slowly becoming filled with fear as she tries to fight back.
'Punish them for their sins'
It was the same voice when he first fought the day he found the Gaia Memory. It was screaming at him in the back of his mind, telling him to fight the Dopants for harming an innocent girl. Gently placing the case down, he stands up fully and grabs the Lost Driver and Eternal Memory. Once on his waist, he put his left hand over his face while holding the Gaia Memory in the other. A fierce yet hungry grin spreads across his face.
ETERNAL!
"Henshin!" Slamming it into the Lost Driver, he 'clawed' his face as the Lost Driver was slanted.
ETERNAL!
Energy formed around his body until it formed his Eternal Red Flare armor. Thrusting his arm out, he gave the Dopants a thumb down. "Now, enjoy your hell." He announced before rushing to them with the Eternal Edge.
The first Dopant was struck across the chest by Eternal before he slammed his elbow to another one's neck, sending him to the ground. He followed it up by the one who was about to attack Hibiki as with a swift movement, snapped the Dopant's arm, earning a painful cry from him and a shocked look from Hibiki.
"H-Hey! Enr- I mean Eternal! You're hurting humans!" Hibiki called to him.
Eternal punched another in the face before he used his knife to block the next attack. The Dopant tried to swing his sword, but Eternal merely headbutted him before he swipes his leg across the Dopant's sending it falling, but he elbowed it, sending it flat on his back.
And he wasn't even done as his arms ignited before he delivered a roundhouse kick across another, sending it crashing to the wall. "Enjoy your hell!" He grabbed the ETERNAL Memory and placed it into the knife.
ETERNAL! MAXIMUM DRIVE!
He swipes the blade, sending arcs of fire at them before they all exploded in flames before it died down to reveal the unconscious members of Museum. He panted as he looks left and right, seeing them all defeated.
"E-Enrique?" Hibiki called out to him, only for him to snap his attention towards her, making her flinch.
Eternal panted before he clutched his head for a moment, trying to shake away that itch in his mind. It felt like a damn headache.
'They all should PAY!'
The influence was getting to him, but he didn't want to harm the innocent. It wasn't right because Hibiki was innocent. He fought to protect the girl from the Dopant grunts. He clutched his head again as he stumbles a bit.
"Enrique? What's wrong?" Hibiki asked as she reached out to him.
The Rider gritted his teeth, nearly close to biting his lip from the influence. He will not submit to its influence and become corrupted. He will not fall into insanity, he is not a killer, and he is not a monster.
"SHE SHOULD PAY!"
"STOP IT!" He shouted, trying to stop the influence that was screaming in his mind.
He grabbed the ETERNAL Memory as he gripped it before forcefully removing it from the belt, canceling the armor as he breathed heavily. It felt like he ran a marathon, his head in pain. He needed the serum to stop the effects of continuing.
"Enrique!" Hibiki shouted before she rushed to him, worried, as she placed her hands on him.
Enrique slowly raised his head to see Hibiki's innocent eyes. He grimaced as he slowly stood up, grasping his head from the pain that was pounding his head. "Serum…" he breathed out.
"Huh? What serum?" She blinked, as she helped him up.
"I… have to… go home…" He gently pushed her away as he grabs his case and tries to walk home, but he leaned against the wall, the pain from the bruises, and the headache was affecting him.
"You're weak, I can't let you go off on your own," Hibiki said as she changed back to normal and walked up to him, helping the young teen out.
"I can…" he grasps his head. "I can't let you know… about it..."
"But I can't leave you like this!" She argued.
"But…" He wanted to push her away. He needed to get home and get Shroud to inject the serum to help him. But he was too weak as he fell to his knees. Hibiki caught him as she got him to lean on her.
"I don't care! You're hurt, and I can't leave my friend like this!" She frowned, "I'm taking you home so you can be treated, and that's that. If you want to stop me, then go ahead and try it! I'll keep coming back to help you."
Silenced reigned over him for a long while before he said, "...Fine…"
Hibiki helped her friend walk as she carried his guitar case. She glanced at her friend for a moment, seeing his tired expression. Looking ahead, she noticed they were almost close to the edge of the city. She has never been this far off, so this was a first for her. However, just as she looks ahead, she noticed a large house much to her surprise.
"This… is your house?" She gawked.
"... yes…" he breathed out as they approach the door. He tried to get the keys from his pocket, but it dropped onto the ground. "Darn it…"
"I got it." Hibiki smiled as she picked it up and handed it to him.
"... thanks," he rasped as he unlocks the door, but when he did, there stood Shroud with her gun in one hand and the serum on the other side. "Mom…"
"N-Now it makes sense…" Hibiki gulped as the weapon directed at her.
Shroud stared at Hibiki as she gently grabs her son and injects the serum into his neck, the teen not even flinching from the jab of the needle. His breathing was slowly shifting normal, and the headache was dissipating. She then looks at Hibiki, who was trembling slightly. "Go." She said to the cream haired girl.
"I-Is he okay? I mean, he looked like he was dying…" Hibiki asked.
"He needs the serum. Now go."
"I-Is that even safe? I mean, it could do something else that-"
"I said, beat it, brat!" Shroud shouted out.
Hibiki recoiled from her shout, "I-I'm… just trying to help my friend…" She responded softly.
"I could care less…" Shroud dismissed coldly before slamming the door in front of the young girl. Hibiki stared at the door with a sad look.
Behind the door, Shroud sets her adoptive son on the couch. "How are you feeling?"
"My headache is starting to go away…"
"At least you fought against its influence." She observed.
"Mom… they tried to take the four T2 Gaia Memories and me away …" Enrique spoke. "The ones who called themselves Museum."
The masked woman frowned at the information, "So… they know…" She muttered before she clenched her gloved hand tightly, "Damn it… Damn it, I was hoping this would never happen..." she placed her gun on the coffee table. "Enrique, you have to make sure you get the Gaia Memories before they do. They must not. They will go as far as killing to get what they want."
"Any… suggestions?"
Shroud sighed heavily. With Museum now knowing who Eternal is, it puts her adopted son in danger and those close to him. This information was a bad situation. "If they ever attack you, you have to fight back." She looks at her gun. "Just… be careful and please don't worry me."
"Y-Yes, mom." He nodded. "And… thank you."
The masked woman stood up from the sofa. "I'll inform the school that you won't be able to go tomorrow. Just make sure you get to rest for now to recover."
Nodding, he slowly stood up before he walks up to the stairs. Shroud watched before she walks over to the door and slams it open, seeing Hibiki still there, for the past 5 minutes. "I told you to get lost." She warned.
"Is… he alright? I know I should go, but I'm still worried…" The brunette said to her.
"He is fine, now go home and leave us alone."
"But just you saying that isn't reassuring me-" Hibiki froze when she felt the gun pressed against her forehead.
"That is because you don't know me. You don't know what I know."
"I-I get that… but…. He's my friend. I can't sit by when he's in danger…" the young Symphogear said, "I-I know he can fight, but… how long before that problem occurs again?"
"It only affects him after using the armor."
"It still makes me worry about him." She argued.
"Leave." Her tone was now dangerous.
Hibiki slightly shook from the gun, but her heart wouldn't let this go, "N-No… I won't until I help put a stop to this…"
"Excuse me?"
"I-I said… no…" she repeated bravely, "Enrique is my friend… and no matter what you say, I won't stop until he can have a happy life like anyone else…"
Shroud glared at her with slight anger. She so wanted to force the brat to leave. The girl wouldn't budge from the spot she stood on. Even with the gun, Hibiki wasn't intimidated. She had to admit; the girl had guts not to be afraid of a gun pressed against her head.
The woman looks left and right of her property then at Hibiki. "... Is no one aware you are here? Not even Section 2?"
Hibiki shook her head, "I saw him in danger and helped out and couldn't leave him like that. Plus, I forgot my terminal…" She said sheepishly.
Shroud lowered her gun, giving Hibiki relief. "Get inside." The woman gestured slightly.
Hibiki's eyes lit up in gratitude before she entered, greeted with the interior of the house. Large numbers of books were in the living room, each in shelves along with a fireplace in the center. The kitchen looked reasonably well and a bit expensive. Some stairs lead up to the upper floor.
"Wow."
Shroud kept her gun in her pocket and made her way to the living room. "My son is upstairs if you wish to speak with him." Hibiki looks at Shroud only to see her gone. It was like she vanished in thin air!
Hibiki walked upstairs as she believed she found his room before knocking on it. She heard the music behind the door, assuming he couldn't hear from the music playing. She still felt a little nervous since she was approaching a boy's room. Quickly shaking her head, she decided to open the door, only to see the teen wearing black pants but he didn't have a shirt, revealing his skin. While his muscles were developing, they were noticeable as he had a towel over his head to dry his damp hair.
From the corner of his eye, he blinked before fully seeing Hibiki. "Hibiki...? What are you doing here?" Enrique asked, surprised to see her in the home.
"U-Uh…. Your mother let me in." She said with a soft blush on her face. She quickly looked away to avert her gaze.
"She did?" He knew Shroud isn't one to let other people into the house. She would instead use her Bomb Magnum than allow anyone inside. Once his hair was dried, he placed the towel over his neck and walked over to the drawer to grab a fresh shirt.
"H-H-Hai." Hibiki stuttered. "S-So um.. are.. you alright?"
Putting on the black shirt that had a blue flame design on the sleeves, he looks at her. "I'm… okay, to say the least. The serum helped me, and the headache is going away." He used the remote to pause the music. "I… I am sorry about earlier. The device has a side effect…"
"It does that to you? So why continue to use it?" Hibiki frowned with worry.
"It is incomplete, so my mom is trying to find out the reason," He explained softly. "And my reason to fight? It… was vengeance."
"What?"
"When I first used it, all I wanted was to defeat, no, exterminate the Noise." He explained with a small growl. "I didn't want to give in, but a part of me still wants to. But when I defeated them the first time, I felt different. It felt like I wanted to continue with it till there was nothing. All I want… is to fight since I have something to help me stop the Noise."
"Enrique…" Hibiki got out with a warm smile, before she placed her fist on her chest, "Well, then I'll help you out!" She declared.
He looks at her, "You… want to?"
His friend nodded, "Mhm! We're friends after all. It would be much better to fight this together than on our own."
Staring at her caramel-colored eyes, he began to remember what Shroud told him. While he had to work on his own to get the Gaia Memories, he couldn't continue without help. But the other part was the Museum. And with them now possibly fighting against him for it. He could use more help against them.
"I…. alright."
"Yay!" She cheered, hugging him playfully.
He patted her head with a small smile marring his features until it vanished, remembering how she and Tsubasa know he is Eternal. "Hey, Hibiki." He said, a sad tone present. "I am sorry…"
"Sorry for what?"
"For… not telling you that I was the Kamen Rider…"
Hibiki smiled softly, "It's alright. We had our secrets, after all." She reminded him of her armor. "I was sad, but I later realized it must be important if you didn't tell us just like Tsubasa-san and me."
"I wonder how she is after what happened when she found out…" He realized.
"Well, Tsubasa-san was a little upset…" Hibiki admitted, rubbing her arm uncomfortably. "But she understood why you couldn't tell her or me."
"So she isn't mad?" His friend nodded. "That's a relief."
"Hehe, glad so you could try to date her?" Hibiki giggled.
"N-No, nothing like that," He shook his head. "We are only friends. It's not like she likes me."
"Hehehe, it's entertaining to tease you." The girl giggled.
"Geez, you sound like Kanade," her friend rolled his eyes. "But that's just you."
"Speaking of…. Think we can hang out?" She beamed, "I'm so curious about this place and more! Especially since we haven't hung out yet!"
"Er… sure, but…" He rubbed his neck. "Are you sure being here is a good suggestion?"
"I don't mind," She waved off but blushed softly, realizing she will be hanging out with her friend who is a boy but also hanging out in his home.
"You alright?" He noticed the redness on her face.
"Um… Y-Yeah! Uh.. so.. Why not show me around?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Sure," He shrugged as he leads her out of his room and to the living room. "Well, I am sure you noticed all the books."
"It's a lot…"
"Yeah, but my mom is like that. She got me into the reading of all those books."
"Eh!? You read all of them!?" She gawked.
"Not all of them." He admitted. "From all 1670 books on the shelves, I only read 479 within two years." He looks at her, seeing her jaw drop. "What?"
"T-That's a lot of reading…." She noted. "Miku would have a field day here…"
"I'm a bit of a bookworm thanks to her." He walks over to the shelf, pulling out one of the books. "I never forgot when I first learned more about her…" He smiled softly upon the memories. "I was curious that I found this." He opened it and grabbed what was inside, a photo. "I found this during my reading." Hibiki took a look, seeing an old family photo. "I never asked or told Shroud about this. Plus…" He points at the young teen in the image who wore a green hoodie. "She told me… how she lost her son to the Noise..."
"That's so sad…"
"I felt sorry for Shroud, I did…" He admitted. "And then… her husband. I recently realized who he was. He was the Rider before me. The one, you and Tsubasa, saw yesterday."
"But…. why would he do this if he's like you?" She questioned.
"That wasn't him," Enrique said with a frown. "She told me a Dopant was taking his identity."
"Dopant?"
"People who use the devices like the one in the buckle, into their bodies." He explained. "And they become under the influence, driving them to get what they seek. The devices are conscious."
"O-Oh…. Wait.. then why would he become a Rider?" Hibiki questioned.
"Mom told me that the Dopant has a history with him, so he wanted to discredit him and try to take me down."
Hibiki frowned, "Well, not anymore he won't. We'll take him down!" She raised her fist high in a declaration.
"The thing is, he is probably laying low…" Enrique crossed his arms. "After the fight, it would have created attention to the point he has to lay low until he decides to attack again." He looks at Hibiki. "Say… do you want to see something?" He gestured her to follow before leading her back to his room. Walking to the closet, he searched through before finding what he needed. He presented his two guitars, the one he plays at the park that he carries with him everywhere and the black electric bass guitar that held a symbol of a white cross.
Seeing the black guitar in the closet, Hibiki's eyes lit up in recognition, "That's the one you used when you sang that song at the park!"
"Wanna hold it?" He presented the instrument.
"Yes, please!" She beamed brightly. He handed her the instrument as she gently held it, looking over the design and more of the guitar as she made a few strums across the strings, "This is a very nice guitar."
"I kept it with me for the past year. Mom gave it to me when I turned 16," He looks at the instrument in her hand. "But I tend to play music because I enjoy it."
"Well, as I said before… you have true talent." She smiled at him.
The American stifled a chuckle as Hibiki noticed something on the desk. She walked over before seeing music sheets, making Enrique jump upon seeing her look at them. "C-Can you please put those back?" He said. Hibiki ignored as she was humming through the music notes in her hand. When she finished, she was in awe and looked at Enrique.
"Enrique… did you write all this…?" She gestured to the lyrics and music notes.
"Yes," Enrique nodded sheepishly, embarrassed.
Hibiki's smile brightened and turned to look at him, "This? This is very good, Enrique! You have to sing it!" she pleaded, handing him the lyrics.
"E-Eh? You want me to sing it now?" He asked as she nodded happily.
"Well…" He scratched his head.
"Please?" The young girl pleaded with the same puppy eyes.
Enrique's eyebrow twitched from seeing the puppy eyes, the same ones she used when they first met. He had to resist. 'Must… resist…'
"For me~?" She pleaded with a quiver to her lower lip.
He sighed heavily. "Fine… I'll play the song…"
"Yatta!"
XXX
Tsubasa was approaching Hibiki's dorm since she needed to talk to her. Ever since the fight against 'Skull,' she needed to speak to her about her ideals. While it is true that it isn't right to kill humans, what else was she supposed to do? That 'Skull' was causing harm, and Eter-Enrique nearly died from whoever Skull was.
When it starts threatening the lives of others, that ideal should not come into play, and they would be no different from any other Noise. Even more so, the blunette couldn't let Enrique die, not after what Kanade did to give him his hopes and dreams. She was still reeling from learning her friend was Eternal. The cold, ruthless Eternal being the kind, friendly, and talented young man the young Japanese met was still surprising. She felt her cheeks heat up before she shook her head.
"I need to focus on the situation. Enrique's just a friend, nothing more." She said, shaking her head again, "D-Damn it Kanade, why did you place in those thoughts…"
She knocked on the door and waited. When she heard the door open, the one to answer was Hibiki's roommate Miku. "Tsubasa-senpai?" Miku recognized. "Is something wrong?"
"Er… have you seen Hibiki?"
"Last I heard she went to town." She replied. "Even more so, she left her terminal here again."
"Hmm... I'll go find her." Tsubasa offered.
"Please do and thank you."
Tsubasa nodded and went to look for Hibiki. Just where could she have gone to?
XXX
After playing the song, Enrique took a deep breath to relax and took stock of Hibiki's reaction. It was like there were real stars in her eyes. No seriously, he swore he could see stars in her eyes.
"T-That… was AWESOME!" She cheered loudly, jumping up with glee and applauding for him.
"I-It's was nothing Hibiki," He waved his hands while setting down his electric bass guitar.
"Nothing? I swear if you sing one song on Tsubasa's next local tour, you're gonna be chosen by talent agencies around!" She giggled.
"I… am not interested in professional singing like Tsubasa." He admitted.
"EEEHHHH!?" She screamed, causing him to cover his ears. "Why not!?"
"I…. I'm kinda shy if I'm in a larger crowd…"
"What about the time in the park!?"
"It is the park…. But not a stage or viewings from thousands to millions of people watching you…"
"So stage fright?"
"Somewhat," He scratched his cheek. "The park is a comfort zone, so it allowed me to sing without a nervous breakdown. If I sing in front of a larger crowd, that will get to me."
"Oh…"
"Hehehe, sorry about that Hibiki." He apologized. "B-Besides, I am still making a few more edits to that song, so it isn't fully complete."
"Well… when it's complete, I'll be the first one to be in that crowd, cheering you on." She smiled.
"Is that a promise I hear?" He asked.
"You bet!"
He smiled, "Alright. A promise is then." Hibiki smiled with excitement.
Looking at the time, he noticed it was starting to get late. "Looks like it is getting late. You should head back, Hibiki."
She looked at the time, realizing it is a bit late, "Oops… Hehe, guess your song kinda took the day away from us." She giggled.
"Sorry about that."
"No, it's okay," She assured. "Thank you."
"It's… the least I can do after what has been going on."
"Regardless, just remember I'm willing to help any way I can." she smiled brightly, hugging him before she made her way out.
"Take care," He waved before looking at the music sheets, remembering what Hibiki said. "To sing to a larger crowd huh…?" He muttered. While he does sing at the park, he still felt nervous about singing at a much larger crowd in another area. He looks at the window, seeing the sunset. He knew that the Skull imposter is out there. He will finish what he started and stop that Dopant from not only harming but also for insulting the image of the previous Rider who was also Shroud's husband.
He will make that Dopant enjoy hell.
XXX
A/N: And that is it for this chapter, folks. It seems Eternal is being tested on what is real and what is false; lies, doubts, and questions. And now we just have to find out on part two to see what will happen for him, now won't we? On Tuesday, I might update one of my stories if nothing stressful happens at my two jobs. And also as you all know, we were given a trailer for Kamen Rider 01 and man I am starting to like the Rider armor. It honestly fits due to the fact he is the first Rider of the Reiwa Era. So let us see what he will bring into the table in September? Anyways, don't forget to favorite, follow, and leave a review. Stay in the shadows, everyone, and see you in the next updated chapter!