Reviews:
HanzoHasashi98: Gotcha. Yeah, something faster than Ryuga's would work. Sort of like a counter. Do you think he could switch with people he sees instead of teleporting with them? I feel like he should be combat-oriented like you said, so having him teleport himself only seems fitting.
Guest: He kinda is. Well, he's a little based off of Ramon Salazar from Resident Evil 4. But I just mix in arrogant and childish personalities in him.
lordri25may2001: Yeah, Damian will try to talk to them and see if he can convince them but you know what happens in the story. But he'll try anyway and fight to the end. We still haven't discussed what Bragard is yet, though you can get some ideas from previous chapters. So I'm not going to spoil much about him but you're on the right track. Also, Hajime and Jades's brother instincts kicking in. Overprotective brothers. Also, thank you for that. I appreciate your words since they motivate me to keep writing.
Daemon of Wrath: I really like this take on Bragard. It hasn't been confirmed yet but it can be inferred that he's not the former Bragard. But the reason why he turned evil will come up soon enough. But your theory is pretty close. You are right about the Autoscorers. As we saw, they were people at one point but were turned into dolls with their memories sealed. Though it appears they happen at random since only Garie and Damian seemed to have remembered. Or perhaps there's a reason why? As Odin said, his arrogance will end up being his undoing.
Tenzalucard123: It was a heavy chapter. I teared up a little too. Damian and Garie's story ended up being more tragic than I intended. But Damian promised her he will protect Tobias. Hibiki will be facing her dad in this chapter and we will see what Hajime does.
Caballero lector rojo: Asi es. Abyss estara solo por un tiempo, tratando de recuperar a sus amigos y hacerlos recapacitar. Tambien su meta es derrotar a Bragard por lo que les hizo. Veremos si terminara aliandose con los demas para derrotar a un enemigo en comun. Sobre lo de Abyss y Knight...pues la verdad decidi con que su rival fuese Tiger y Raia. Tiger por que peleo contra el en el pasado y Raia por que tambien tiene el poder de un animal aquatico. El enfrentamiento final se acerca.
Tigracho: Glad you liked it. Yup, Kuroiwa will be relevant later on. But it's a secret as to what he'll be doing. Yeah, dude went too far and what the punishment he deserved lol.
Chapter 62
Words From My Heart
Zeke sat outside of the infirmary, keeping guard while Bragard received his check-up from their doctor. He didn't want to admit it, but it was rather lonely without Damian around. Their constant arguments had become a daily routine, and now, he had no one to argue with. Not until Damian got back from being discharged from his duties so he can take care of Garie and their son. Except his friend, who was too eager to bother him while he worked.
"Damn it, Micha. Can't you see I'm working?" He huffed, ignoring the red-haired girl's poking him on the cheek on the chair next to him.
"Oh, yes. You're very busy waiting for the Prince while you're just falling asleep on your chair." She rolled her eyes, her tone full of sarcasm as she continued her task.
"What do you want?!" He hissed, slapping her hand away."And stop doing that! Your nails are too long and it hurts!"
"Aw, you like them? Your sister helped me with them the other day. She said they look pretty."
"Seriously? Phara?" He snickered."I didn't know she was knowledgeable in stuff like that. She's rather plain, you see. It is no surprise she hasn't found an appropriate man for her just yet."
"What a horrible thing to say about your own sister." Micha chastised him, pulling on his cheek."You're supposed to be a knight. Have you no shame in talking about ladies that way?"
"Ladies?! You girls are insane!" He groaned, slapping her hand away again."Why are you here anyway? Are you just following us around?"
"Not this time." She winked."I came here because I have an appointment. I've been feeling a little lightheaded lately so I decided to visit the good old doctor."
"Must be because you're always hyperactive. You need to learn to calm down a bit." He shrugged, crossing his arms and closing his eyes.
"You're going to nap? Would you rather not play with me?"
"I am not napping." He sighed, slowly opening his eyes."Just...thinking. I'm concerned about the Prince's condition."
"Do you think it's the plague?"
"We would all have been infected by now." He shook his head."It's different. Something that not even the best doctors of the kingdom know about. And we're running out of time. I'm his knight. I'm supposed to protect him at all costs, but..." The young knight clenched his fists tightly."I'm useless to him now."
"That's not true." Micha frowned."You're by his side, giving him the support that he no doubt needs. Imagine if he was all alone. But he has you, Carol, Lucine, and all of us. Even if...by chance, he doesn't make it, we must at least make sure he spends his time in happiness. Don't you think?"
"Right...He at least deserves that." He relented, smiling at Micha."But I'm not going to give up hope. He's been learning a lot of Alchemy and Izak and Leo gave me their words they'll find a cure. And I believe in them. It's just a matter of time."
"I sure hope they're safe. I heard the riots are getting more dangerous lately." Micha's shoulders slumped, shuddering."They were burning someone again today...It was horrible..."
"The damn Church is getting desperate and is taking advantage of the fear the Plague is causing to the citizens. Shameless. But I'm sure if His Majesty makes a full recovery will Alchemy, they'll have no choice but to see that it's not a bad thing."
"Let's hope so." Micha offered a tiny smile, which Zeke returned to reassure her."So...when are you going to invite me for dinner?"
"Not this again..."
Bragard checked on his console, smiling upon noticing Zeke beginning to finish up his upgrades."It won't be long now. Damian won't have anywhere to go after the Divine Weapon is up and about. In the meantime, though...Phara?"
"Yes, Lord Bragard." Phara took out the chip she had stolen, swallowing it and letting out a screech, forming a hologram of a yellow sphere.
"So, this is what you got from your little mission, did you?" Leiur said with an unimpressed look."Not much of a show, I must say. Not in comparison to Garie."
"I could have taken the place apart, but I was afraid of destroying the data," Phara responded with a shrug.
"Not like it matters." Bragard leaned back on the throne, enjoying some cheese in a bowl."So that's the famous..."Photosphere", or whatever they call it. Each of those lines represents a vein surrounding the planet. I believe this is what that hag, Professor Nastassja, used to concentrate the phonic gain around the Earth onto the Frontier. And also, what I use to connect the Mirror World globally. The ley line map."
"The tools we need to dissect the Earth are gathering around us, so there's not much time left." Phara addressed the Prince."Lord Bragard, what about your plans?"
"Oh, I'm ready whenever you guys are." He waved his hand dismisivally."I'm just missing the Boy Wonder's energy, but I can get that any time. Once I activate the Overall, all life on Earth will end."
"I hope Lulu gets to have some fun before everything burns." Leiur scoffed."She hasn't had much action."
"Patience, my dear Leiur." Bragard chuckled."Your sister will come in handy, I assure you. Who knows? She might put on a better show than you."
"Hmph! We shall see."
"What about those other Riders, my Lord?" Phara inquired."Will you put them to work?"
"One of them has done a good job so far. Chiaki Nakahara, I believe. The others are biding their time. Once they awaken to their Survive, they'll be a valued resource. Also, I'm almost finished with the Goliath Noise. It will be...interesting."
"What about those failed experiments you keep in the abyss?" Leiur asked."The humans you tried fusing with Mirror Monsters?"
"They're there, I guess?" He shrugged nonchalantly."They can't die by normal means, so they're at the bottom of the Overall, crawling around and crying, begging for death. It's a shame that I only ever succeded in mixing a human with a Mirror Monster twice."
"Whatever happened to those?"
"To Angelo and Levi? They're somewhere around one of my bases. Not sure." Bragard smiled, stuffing some cheese in his mouth."They haven't tried to assassinate me, so they must be either captured or occupied. Probably Adam and his group of rejects got to them. But that doesn't matter. I have better...and more practical plans in the making."
"Are you not concerned in the slightest, my Lord?" Phara asked, receiving a scowl from the small albino.
"You dare say that I, the great Bragard Second Hyperion, should be concerned?" He scoffed in indignation."Watch your tone, doll. For I have no reason to be concerned. After all, I am the closest thing to a god in this world. And soon...I'll be the perfect being with no equal."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Hajime squeezed Hibiki's hand as she laid her head on his shoulder."You don't have to if you don't want to."
"No...it's fine. I can't run from my problems." She gave a small smile."You taught me always to face my problems head-on. And this is one of them."
After her unexpected encounter with her father, Hibiki decided to meet with him on the condition he traveled to Tokyo. Now, they were on a train to meet him at a restaurant they agreed on.
"I know, Sunshine, but..." Hajime took a deep breath."I know I should be encouraging you right now. Telling you that this is the right thing since he's your dad. But..."
"It's okay, Sunny." She cupped his cheek, kissing him."I understand. It's hard, right? Since your dad did a similar thing to mine. I can see why you're hesitant to encourage me to meet him. Which is why I don't know if you should come with me."
"I'm not leaving you alone. Ever." Hajime solemnly stated."You won't be alone to face this problem. I'll be with you no matter what. To give you strength."
"Thanks, dear." Hibiki leaned forward, kissing him on the cheeks."I'm really lucky to have you."
"So am I." Hajime rested his head on top of hers."Besides, we're both members of the shitty dad club, right? It's only fair."
Meanwhile, Takeru sat a few seats behind, eating a cheeseburger and onion rings while listening in.
"Why the hell are we here?" Chao-Xing tapped her armrest, sitting in front of the orange-haired teen.
"Because the Lieutenant requested me to go with them just in case. He's like a little brother to me, so I couldn't say no."
"Okay, so we're here to gossip. Why am I here?"
"Because he's your cousin and you were interested too." Takeru frowned."Besides, it's not for the gossip. The Lieutenant just thinks...he might need someone to restrain him. He's been a little...unhinge. Ever since he found out the thing about his dad."
"I suppose that would have rocked his whole world." Chao nodded."And from what I hear, Hibiki Tachibana's father is just as lousy as Lingyun's. So I suppose it stands to reason he would get infuriated if he said the wrong thing. But why you?"
"Well...I also had a shitty dad, so I can relate." Takeru took a sip from his milkshake."My Dad was the leader of a mercenary gang back in Val Verde. He...did a lot of bad shit. Some of it to Chrissy. Anyway, he's dead now. I killed him."
"I see. So you're an ex-mercenary." She hummed."Interesting. No wonder he calls you Captain and you call him Lieutenant. I thought that was some weird roleplay."
"It's also because I wanted to join the military. And well, he kind of played along with me."
"Wanted to?" She arched an eyebrow."Not anymore?"
"I decided I don't want to be too far from my wife." Takeru explained, glancing at his ring."And if I become part of the army, I'd get deployed for long periods of time. I don't think I can be away from her for that long."
"Wife?" The raven-haired chuckle."I recall that those are Promise Rings. You're not married yet. Or is this perhaps more roleplaying at work?"
"Whatever. You get the point." Takeru groaned."So...what about you? What are you going to do, after this whole thing is over?"
"Not sure. Whatever happens, happens, I suppose." Chao leaned back on her seat."I... want to see that bastard Bragard bleed. I don't care about what happens next."
"Well, you're welcome to stick around. We'd love to have you on the team."
"Lingyun said something like that..." She trailed off, noticing the train was stopping."I'll think about it. First, we must survive this ordeal. I do have a bastard wanting me dead, after all."
"Huh. That makes two of us." A sly grin graced Takeru's features."So...Chao-Xing...does this count as a date?"
"Takeru, you keep talking, and I'm going to shove my boot so far up your ass, you'll be shitting shoelaces for the next two weeks."
Meanwhile, back in Bragard's castle, the child-like prince stood in front of the tube containing Zeke with Phara next to him. The liquid began to filter out, and the tube cracked open, slowly letting out steam.
Once the tube opened all the way, Zeke emerged. He was looking the same, except now, his scleras were pitch black and a horn protruded out of his forehead, pointing upwards.
"Welcome home, brother." Phara smiled at her younger sibling, who was examining his body."How do you feel?"
"Different..." He muttered, astonished by his new power. He reached for the horn in his head, caressing it."This is...?"
"A side effect for harnessing Loki's Divine Power." Bragard explained, admiring his handiwork."Your body is working as a focal point, ready to manifest that power. It seems that none of them have reached that state yet. So you, my faithful knight, have touched the territory of Gods. However, that power is still dormant within you. You'll know when to use it. I also incorporated the battle data of those Riders and their Survive Forms along with the Ignite Module."
"I see." Zeke knelt in front of the prince."Thank you, Lord Bragard, for bestowing me with this much power."
"Oh, my. Did you fix his speech impediment, Lord Bragard?" Phara approached her brother, eyeing him from head to toe."He's talking normally."
"It wasn't a speech impediment. I must admit, I was going through a phase. I liked the slang, so I incorporated it into his programming. But I got rid of that so he's back to normal."
"I see..."
"Regardless, he's the strongest Kamen Rider...No, I guess he's more than that now. He's a Divine Weapon now. A weapon that will no doubt serve the king of this world spectacularly."
"What about you, my Lord?" Zeke asked the red-eyed albino."How you will assimilate the Divine Power?"
"I'm preparing a clean body just for that. He's not done but he might not be ready for me to take over soon enough." Bragard shrugged."It's a shame. But I have my ways to get stronger. Worry not about me, my faithful knight. Just focus on your job."
"Where...is Damian?" Zeke eyed the empty pod next to his."Is he already done with his upgrades?"
"I was just about to tell you that." Bragard smiled wickedly."There is much to tell you."
Once they got to the restaurant, Hajime took a seat behind Hibiki, while Takeru and Chao-Xing sat near the entrance. Hajime and Takeru recognized him as the guy Kuroiwa disliked and called him a coward. Takeru noticed Hajime tensing up immediately, and by the way he was clenching his fists, he had a feeling he would have to step in. Not that he blamed him. The guy was just eating without a care, even though his daughter had barely touched her food.
'Fascinating. So a cheery and airheaded girl like hers has a complicated family as well.' Chao-Xing rested her chin on her palm, observing with mild interest.
"Remember back when everyone was panicking that the Moon might fall?" Akira began, stirring his drink."That girl they kept showing on the news back then looked a lot like you. "
Hibiki said nothing, keeping her gaze on the table. She didn't see him, but she knew Hajime was close, and this gave her the courage to be quiet and listen.
"Ever since I saw that, I've been thinking that maybe we could..." He trailed off, scratching his cheek."Start over."
"Start over?" She repeated, keeping her head low.
"Yeah. I know I'm being selfish here, but back then I just couldn't take living like that anymore."
Hajime bit on his lower lip so hard, he cut his lip and started to bleed. His Deck began shining in his pocket due to the intensity of his emotions and Dragreder resonating with him.
'Fuck. I'm going to have to step in after all...' Takeru put down his fork, deciding to take his pancakes to go.
'Cool it, Lingyun.' Chao-Xing narrowed her gaze critically.'Your emotions are all over the place. You can't let your anger overtake you. Hibiki is doing fine right now, so be patient.'
"So, what do you think?" Akira asked with no shame."We can be together again. Tell your mother for me."
"No way." Hibiki replied with no emotion in her voice."You're the one that left when we needed you...when I needed you the most..."
"Fair enough." Akira chuckled nonchalantly."I just thought it'd been long enough that things worked themselves out. I guess not. Do you remember, Hibiki? The magic words we had to help us through tough times. I-"
A loud bang was heard through the restaurant, prompting everyone to stare. Hajime had punched a hole through the table, gritting his teeth in anger.
"Hajime!" Hibiki gasped, noticing the blood in his hands due to the splinters."Your hand!"
"What the fuck kind of father are you?" Hajime ignored her, slamming his hand on their table and scowling scornfully at the man."Do you think it's been long enough that their pain is magically forgotten?! That you get to come back after everything is over?!"
"Wait, you're that kid!" Akira pointed at the amber-eyed boy."You're Kuroiwa-kun's friend! Hibiki, do you know this boy? Is he a delinquent like him too?!"
"He is not a delinquent! He's my boyfriend!" She yelled, surprising her dad.
"Your...boyfriend...?" Akira blinked, processing the information."You have a boyfriend? And it's this delinquent?!"
"HE IS NOT A DELINQUENT!" She reiterated, raising her voice higher."I love him! We've been together for a while now and he's already done so much for me! Way more than you ever did!"
"Hibiki, I'm your father. I do not approve of this! I-"
"Just shut the fuck up. Now." Hajime growled, and for a moment, Hibiki could swear his growl sounded like Dragreder's."Because you're pissing me the fuck off. I'm already in a bad mood as it is. And you don't want to make it worse. Because I have half mind to-"
"Sunny." Hibiki grabbed his hand, standing next to him with a pleading look."Please...calm down...Your hand is hurt...We need to get it checked out, okay? Let's just go."
"Sunshine...I'm sorry..." Hajime exhaled."I...don't know what came over me."
"It's okay...Let's just go, okay?"
Hibiki and Hajime made their way to the door, almost meeting up with Chao and Takeru when they heard a voice.
"Hibiki, wait!"
Akira held out the bill, with a sheepish smile on his face."I'm a little short on cash, right now since I have to fly back to Okinawa. So would you mind picking up the bill?"
And with those words, Hajime saw red. He abruptly turned around, pushing Hibiki onto a table by accident as he rushed at Akira, baring his teeth like a rabid animal. He punched him square in the face, knocking him to the ground. He sat on top of his chest, pinning him down as he began to punch him repeatedly.
"Where do you get off making demands, you fucking coward!" Hajime screamed, giving another blow to Akira's face."Your daughter is standing right here and all you have to offer are excuses! She's the bravest girl in the world! She deserves way more than a father like you could ever hope to offer her!"
"S-stop!" Akira yelled but received another punch in return.
"IF YOU WANT TO DIE, THEN KEEP TALKING! YOU RAN AWAY WHEN THINGS GOT HARD AND YOU NEVER BOTHERED TO COME BACK! YOU'RE A COWARD! A FUCKING COWARD! WHERE WERE YOU ALL THESE YEARS, HUH?! HIDING?! JUST TO COME BACK NOW AND MAKE SHIT HARDER FOR EVERYONE! YOU ABANDONED YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE YOU'RE A FUCKING SPINELESS COWARD! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT! NO RIGHT! YOUR FAMILY SUFFERED BECAUSE YOU LEFT!"
"Lieutenant! That's enough!" Takeru rushed to grab him in a full Nelson, but Hajime managed to kick the man a few more times, tears streaming down his face.
"LET ME GO! I'LL KILL HIM! I'LL FUCKING KILL HIM RIGHT NOW!"
"Lingyun!" Chao-Xing screamed, silencing her cousin. She was kneeling next to a wide-eyed Hibiki, staring at her boyfriend with a shocked expression on her face."You lost your temper. And because of that, Hibiki got hurt."
"Hibiki...got hurt...because of me..." Hajime immediately lost the will to keep fighting, lowering his head and hiding his eyes behind his bangs. Takeru dragged him out of the restaurant and Chao-Xing took out her wallet, offering a handful of yen to the cashier.
"Take the change. It'll cover the table. But..." She glanced over at the fallen man, coughing up blood after taking such heavy blows."We won't cover his medical expenses."
"I understand." The cashier gave a quick bow.
"Let's go." Chao-Xing grabbed Hibiki's hand.
"Y-you don't have to pay, Chao-Xing-san!" She cried, wiping some tears off of her face."It's because of my Dad that Hajime-"
"He let his anger overtake him and pushed you. Yes, it was by accident, but had you landed in the wrong place, you could have gotten seriously hurt, or worse. Let's get you out of here."
"Thank you...I thought you didn't like me."
Chao-Xing stared back at her with a blank expression."I do not. I think your way of doing things is stupid. But...you are my cousin's girlfriend. My sister-in-law. Since his family is too hellbent on marrying Japanese women, then all I can do is sit on the side and let him do it. Besides...This was a surprise for me."
"A surprise?"
"I always thought you were an entitled girl that just happened to get blessed with power. But I guess even you have skeletons in your close." The Chinese girl remarked."And yet, you continue to be the way you are. A king-hearted girl with plenty of love to give. The exact opposite of me. I suppose...I envy you a little. Despite all your pain, you can still smile. It's astonishing, really."
"I...I'm not that special..." Hibiki sniffed, unable to contain her tears.
"You are." Chao-Xing sighed, pulling her into a hug to comfort her. Hibiki cried into her shoulder while the raven-haired girl simply rubbed her back soothingly."At least, more than you think. My cousin seems to think so anyway. As idiotic as he is, I can respect his decisions."
"Hajime...let me go talk to him..."
"It's best if you two stay away from each other for a bit." Chao-Xing concluded."At least until you cool off. Takeru will take you home. Let me talk to him. I'll get him disciplined."
"Thank you..." Hibiki whispered, still clinging to her sister-in-law.
"Fuck...fuck!" Hajime fell on his butt inside of an alleyway, banging his head on the wall."Fuck...!"
"Lieutenant..." Takeru crossed his arms."Just now...it sounded like you were directing those words toward your dad. They sounded like they came straight from your heart and you were talking with your Dad, not Hibiki-chan's. Filled with venom and disdain. Are you still blaming yourself for what he did?"
"It's because of him that the Rider War started. It's because of him that Bragard wiped out all of the Liangs...he wasn't there when my mom died or when me and Setsuna got bullied." Hajime cried, hiding his face behind his palms."My grandmother raised us as best as she could...We grew up without a mom and a dad. He...caused so much pain and misery. And when I heard this fucker talk...it reminded me of him, Captain..."
Hajime began to shed tears uncontrollably."She suffered so much, Captain! Because she was the only one who survived the Zwei Wing attack! They threw rocks at her house and vandalized it! Called her horrible things! And she had to take it all! It's not fair! She didn't deserve that! She's the kindest person in the world! She didn't deserve that!"
"It's a shitty world, Lieutenant." Takeru took a seat on the floor next to him."Sometimes...bad shit happens to good people for no good reason. Sometimes...it breaks them. Maybe that's what Ryuga wants to do. To make a world without that. But you know...just as bad things can happen, so can good things. Even to the worst of people. I get how you feel. Sometimes...I wonder what I would tell my Dad if he was here today. Right in front of me."
Hajime rose his head, meeting gaze with his friend.
"I have so many mixed emotions about him. It's hard to tell you what I would tell him. He made me into the person I am today. He took care of me, in his own way. But he also hurt so many people. He hurt Chris. I thought I would never forgive him. And I won't. But...I can learn to move past that. And look to the future. Don't forget your Dad. Hibiki-chan doesn't have to forgive hers. But you both have each other. Your families. Your friends. Look toward the future together. No matter what. And be better than those who came before you." Takeru showed him the ring on his finger."You'll give one of these to her one day, right? You gonna be a good boyfriend, I know. Are you going to be a good husband?"
"The best..." Hajime adopted a slight smile."I will never leave her alone...Never. Even if she tells me to."
"That's my boy." Takeru ruffled his hair playfully, receiving a chuckle in response.
"You guys done?" Chao-Xing tapped her foot impatiently.
"Yeah." Takeru groaned, getting back to his feet, followed by Hajime."Where's Hibiki-chan?"
"I sent her home." Chao-Xing quickly explained."I'm taking Lingyun with me. We need to train. You up for it?"
"Yeah..." Hajime slowly nodded, following his cousin out of the alley.
"What a nice surprise!" The group stopped, turning toward the source of the voice. A young man wearing Lydian's uniform with slick back black hair, a feminine-looking face, and a big camera around his neck, approached them with his walking cane."I didn't expect to run into you here, Takeru."
"Allister, what's up?" Takeru gave a friendly smile.
"Mind if we chat for a bit?" Allister pointed at a tea shop across the street."I know a good place."
"Sure." Takeru shrugged."See you guys later."
After saying goodbye, Takeru and Allister headed for the tea shop. The photographer talked to the waitress, and she escorted them to a VIP room for special guests.
"Man, this is a classy place." Takeru whistled, entering the room and admiring the gothic atmosphere."You come here often?"
"Sometimes. It reminds me of home a little." Allister replied. Both young men sat across each other at the table. Before Takeru could ask what Allister wanted to talk about, the undercovered assassin placed his Ouja Deck on the table.
"Let's cut to the chase." Allister smirked."And lay our cards on the table. I don't want the roundabout this time."
"What...?" Takeru gasped, all color draining from his face."What...what is this...?"
"Aw, come on now. Are you seriously that surprised?" Allister mused with a crooked smile."I thought the cane would give it away. I figured that Chiaki-chan would have given you the idea that we were all closer than you think."
"You're...you're..." Takeru's features hardened, forming a scowl. As he was about to explode, Allister held his hand out.
"Remember there are people here." Allister said, prompting him to stop."Wouldn't want to cause a scene like you guys just did at that restaurant, would you?"
"You were following us, Cypher..." Takeru growled."You've been playing us all along...Lying, deceiving us...I considered you a friend, you bastard!"
"Don't be mistaken, Takeru. Not everything was a lie. My real name is Allister Albedo so feel free to call me that, as a sign of our friendship. Code Cypher is just my alias. I did have fun with all of you at school." He leaned back on his chair, crossing his legs."I always wanted to experience the real school experience, you know? It was fun. Classes, friends, clubs. Things like that. I never got to experience that back in France."
"So you're actually French?"
"I am." He gave half a shrug."But unfortunately, I can't play to be a schoolmate anymore. I have things to do, you see."
"Yeah, like working for Bragard and Carol."
"Oh. So you know that much. I'm not surprised." Allister chuckled humorously."We did use those vials of theirs to teleport."
"You're working with these psychos. Well, you are working with Ryuga, so there's that. Why even go undercover at our school? What are you planning?"
"Planning?" He rose a brow."Nothing, really. As I said, I didn't lie about my time spent in Lydian. I was just...experiencing a normal life, I suppose. And well, I got so hooked on the photography club that I took my time. I finally finished the yearbook. Wanna see some pictures?"
Reaching for his bag, Allister pulled out a handful of pictures belonging to the members of S.O.N.G.
Takeru examined these pictures. In effect, he remembered his class being called down to the auditorium to get their picture taken. To think the person who was in charge of that was the same person who left him handicapped for a while was surreal.
"These are very good pictures, Cypher." Takeru complimented his work."If you weren't a hitman, you'd be a good photographer. Ever thought of switching careers?"
"Perhaps if things had been different." Allister hummed."Anyway, back to what you said. Yeah, we're working for Bragard. We have...certain things in common, I suppose. Similar goals."
"Shirabe-chan told me Fine spoke to her. She said you can call this off." Takeru tried reasoning with him."This is insane, man. Do you really believe in Ryuga's goal? In Loki's vision?"
"Here's the thing. While I do consider Fine as a type of mother, I do have as an assassin. I'm not like Chiaki. I'm not like Kuwana-san. I don't kill for the fun of it. I kill for the right price. And once I'm given a job, I have the policy of going through with it. It's part of what makes me the best assassin in the world."
"You're really stupid if you think it will be that easy." Takeru scoffed."You must be confident showing yourself like this to me. What, do you think you can take me out? Even if you do, my friends know I was with you. They'll put two and two together."
"I'm not concerned about that at all." Allister chuckled, earning a surprised look from Takeru."Think about it, Takeru. Don't you want to see a new world? A world without evil? You might see your real parents. Chris might see her parents again. Everyone wins."
"Yeah? At what cost? Global genocide? Our free will? No thanks. We've indeed suffered, but we're happy with the lives we got." Takeru clenched his fists."We won't let you destroy the world and take over it."
"Pfft. It's not like your consent is what I was after. But oh well." Allister picked his ear with a bored expression.
"Not to mention you've caused a great deal of turmoil in our group. You killed GoroGoro, you fucking bastard." Takeru gritted his teeth."So as soon as we're done with this bullshit, your ass is mine!"
Unexpectedly, Allister slammed the table with his fist, standing up from his chair and glaring at Takeru directly."Let's see you try!"
Both assassin and mercenary glared into each other's eyes with disdain, not backing down for a second. After a few long seconds, Allister took a deep breath, sitting back down with a smile."My bad. These new emotions...Ever since I became one with Goro Tanaka and experienced the emotions of all the other students, I've been feeling rather... Odd. Mixed emotions."
Takeru said nothing, folding his arms under his chest and waiting for him to continue. Allister heaved a long sigh.
"I don't think you realize. But being a hitman and a Kamen Rider gives me complete immunity to everything. I'm talking about people all the way up the food chain here." He pointed at the ceiling to emphasize his point."They see everything. And there's no limit to what they'll do to protect their interest. I can't be arrested because if I get arrested in one country, I can spill all the secrets of all the corrupt politicians that hired me all over the world. Of course, Japan as well. The government will collapse and all other countries will wage war against each other due to the things I know. Of course, this will only happen if I'm arrested. You see, I want to be killed in battle. You must understand, Takeru. We're similar. We've taken countless lives before. And once you take a life, you must be ready for your life to be taken away as well. It's how it works."
'The fuck...?' Takeru gulped down his nervousness."You're full of shit."
"You can ask your Commander later on." He waved his hand."But yeah. Bragard is a loose end we'll take care of eventually. And that's a faith you'll both share. It goes without saying, but this won't end with you alive."
"Maybe so. But I won't go to hell all alone." Takeru gave a challenging grin."I hear the way to hell is a lonely one. And you look like you make for good company."
These words caused Allister's smile to widen."God, you're so perfect, Takeru. So simple and stupid. And yet so interesting and intriguing. That's what nobody else understands. I'm going to miss you when you've died, but you'll become part of me, so I'll always have you by my side."
"Wrong. You're the one who'll become one with me. Also, are you coming on to me? I don't swing that way, man. Sorry."
"Neither do I." Allister looked down at the ring around his finger."Oh? You and Chris are tying things up? Getting married so soon?"
"Not married. But yeah, she's essentially my wife." Takeru smiled at the ring, remembering Chris."I'll marry her. When we're ready. All I gotta do is get you out of the way."
"It's too bad. Hopefully, you guys haven't had unprotected sex." Allister adopted a sardonic grin."I'd hate to leave a young single mom taking care of a baby who'll never meet its father."
'Don't worry. You won't have to worry about that." Takeru retorted.
"I sure hope so. I hate killing kids." Allister rubbed the bridge of his nose."I try leaving them alive, but they grow up to want revenge and whatnot. Then I have to kill them. Anyway...how about we go out for a bit? It's been a while, after all."
"You read my mind." Takeru stood up, marching over to the door. Allister picked up his things, stuffing them inside his bag and following the ex-mercenary.
"Allister-san!" A young girl working called."I was just about to go take your order!"
"I'll be back soon, Kotori-chan. We just have to...handle some personal affairs. Don't worry." Allister waved at her, looking over his shoulder and keeping Takeru in his eyesight."This won't take long."
"Oh, okay." The waitress blushed, blood pouring down her nose after misunderstanding what he meant."Oh, my god..."
"Fucking hell, Andreas. Can you stop doing that?"
"Doing what, dear brother?"
Andreas was humming a happy tune to himself, twirling around as if he was having the best day of his life.
"That. Just stand still. You're making me anxious."
"He's happy, Raiden. Stop bothering him." Shirabe chided the bespectacled boy."It's not his fault he found someone he likes. You should feel the same."
"What?! Elfnein-chan and I have nothing going on!"
"I never said Elfnein-chan..." Shirabe pointed out with a coy smile.
"Shirabe, my beautiful little sister. I love you with all of my heart. But honestly, sometimes I wish I didn't." Raiden muttered in disdain."I feel bad for the guy who ends up with you. Who would want to be with a plain Jane like you, anyway?"
Shirabe spilled some of her juice on his new shoes, causing him to scream.
"WHAT THE FUCK! I JUST BOUGHT THEM!" Raiden cried, immediately taking out his handkerchief and attempting to wipe them to no avail."You asshole!"
"You started it by calling me Plain Jane." Shirabe huffed, not at all sorry."I know one day a boy will notice me. Kiri-chan got noticed, so I'm hopeful."
"Yeah, but you saw the guy who's into her." He grumbled, watching as Kirika and Andreas were picking their drinks from the vending machine."That weirdo from Okinawa. And judging by how giddy she gets when she texts, she's probably into him too."
"What?! I am not!" Kirika accidentally pressed the wrong button, dispensing black coffee."No! Ugh! Look what you made me do, Raiden! I am not in love with Hamaguchi-kun, okay-desu?! He just...texts me a lot and I feel bad for leaving him on read."
"Yeah, yeah. Excuses." Raiden sat on the floor, giving up entirely on his shoes."On another note, how did your tests for the Ignite Module go?"
"Everything went well-desu!" Kirika gave him a peace sign."We might be able to use the Ignite Module too!"
"That is if we can withstand the Dainsleif's madness." Shirabe brought down the cruel reality. She switched her drinks with Kirika, taking the black coffee instead and giving her her juice.."So...it's up to us. I like black coffee."
"I don't know how you like it without cream or sugar. It's so weird." Raiden rose his eyebrows."Anyway, back to the important matter. I wonder how you even control such a thing? Hibiki-san and the others say you do it in your own way since it varies from person to person."
"Maybe you need a strong will and determination not to regret the choices you made." The blonde said, taking a sip from her drink until she noticed the whole group staring at her as if she had grown a second head."D-desu?"
"That was...uncharacteristically deep of you." Raiden praised her, throwing a coin at her."Here. Think of it as a reward for being so smart. You better step up too, Andreas, or you'll be left in the dust."
The group resumed their idled chatter until their communicators went off simultaneously. They all took the call, huddling together.
"Yes, sir," Raiden reported in.
"We've detected Alca-Noise sixty meters underground, most likely in the utility conduits." Genjuro's voice came through."We've sent you the coordinates. There should be an entrance nearby your location."
"Utility..." Shirabe began.
"...conduits?" Kirika finished.
"What are those?" Andreas tilted his head.
"Underground tunnels that carry power lines and other utilities." Raiden responded, earning several nods of gratitude."What about Mirror Monsters?"
"For now, we have detected any of them coming out." Genjuro replied."There shouldn't be any mirrors or any other type of reflections down there but keep an eye out just in case. We'll be heading down there with HQ. Hibiki-kun, Hajime-kun, and Chao-Xing-kun are on their way. Also, keep an eye out for Takeru-kun. We detected the Zolda Deck activating, but we suddenly lost contact."
"You better call if you see him there, okay?!" Came the worried voice of Chris."And wait for the others! Don't be like that dummy and rush into danger alone!"
"R-right..." Raiden nodded, a little taken aback by how loud she was."Leave it to us."
Chao-Xing and Hajime walked down the streets of Tokyo, with no particular destination. The one-armed girl continued glancing at her cousin, who looked dejected, to say the least.
"I see we got a lot of work before us." Chao-Xing said, breaking the silence."You've shown me a lot today."
"Oh..."
"You can't be losing your temper like that." She berated him with a scoff."You need to keep your anger in check. Do not let it get the better of you."
"I know...but I just couldn't-"
"Help it? That's the worse excuse ever." She snorted in pure disappointment."Lose your temper like that and your enemy will capitalize on it. You're revealing your weakness and what ticks you to your opponent. If you do that with Bragard, consider yourself dead. Not only that but losing your temper also endangers those around you. I'm aware of your little stunt 3 months ago when you lost control. You nearly killed Tsubasa. What if you had accidentally hurt Hibiki just now? She fell on the chair, but what if she slipped and hit her head on the table? Or maybe you hit that man too hard. You can't do stuff like this and not think of the consequences."
Hajime said nothing, lowering his head in shame and resignation."You're right...Hibiki needed me and I just flipped like that...I..."
"I do understand your point of view, somewhat." She sighed, taking out her phone and her AirPod case, putting one on to listen to her favorite K-POP band."I don't really get it, since my Father was nothing short of perfect. But I suppose that it wasn't easy for neither her nor you. But she's counting on you. She's vulnerable too, Hajime."
"I know..." Hajime closed his eyes, fighting back the urge to cry."I messed up...I want to see her and apologize..."
"And you will." She nodded."But first, we need to get your temper under control. I happen to know a good place where we can resume our training. We don't know exactly when we'll face Bragard, so we must train as much as we can. If done right, this training will not only clear your head and help you regulate your emotions but also boost your latent abilities. You will reach deep within you."
"What kind of place is it?" Hajime asked, more than intrigued.
"Well, we will have to-"
Before she could finish, their communicators went off.
"Guess we'll have to wait for a bit."
At the entrance of the tunnels, Hibiki spotted the four siblings waiting.
"Hibiki-san." Raiden acknowledged her, noticing her puffy eyes."Are you...okay? What's wrong?"
"Did something happen?" Andreas gasped.
"N-no, it's fine, guys. Really." She forced a smile, waving off their concern."Let's just go in and deal with this, okay?"
"If you say so..." Shirabe said, unconvinced about her answer."Hajime-san and Chao-Xing-san are on their way. We should wait a little until-"
"That's fine!" Hibiki rose her voice, silencing the purple-eyed girl and running past her."We can deal with this ourselves!"
"Wait!" Raiden grunted, chasing after her."Damn it! Why does everyone on this team have to be so reckless!"
Both boys took out their Decks while their girls did the same with their Pendants.
"Henshin!"
"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron..."
"Zeious Igalima Raizen Tron..."
"Various Shul Shagana Tron..."
(Play Genkai Toppa G-Beat)
In seconds, all 5 of them were transformed into their respective forms. They all jumped down the railings, the two Riders drawing a card in anticipation.
Sword Vent: Gazellesword
Copy Vent
Imperer grabbed a hold of his blade while Raia made a copy of Kirika's scythe.
"You like copying my scythe, huh?"
"It's fun to use it." He shrugged, smirking under his helmet."Now I see why you have fun fighting."
"Oh! So they actually showed up!" Micha giggled, standing on top of a metal tube."Guess I shouldn't be surprised. But unfortunately, we don't-"
Suddenly the Autoscorer found herself in the need to dodge a punch that barely missed her. The group was surprised to see Hibiki lunging at her so suddenly and without warning.
"Don't interrupt me mid-sentence!" Micha growled, throwing a handful of gems on the floor and spawning more Alca Noise.
Hibiki kicked the ground, propelling herself toward the Noise, and immediately began punching threw them. Her attacks were uncalculated, merely wide and wild swings with the intention to break everything in their path.
"Man, she's totally going hardcore today, huh?" Imperer commented.
"Something must have happened." Shirabe narrowed her gaze at the Noise around them.
"So much for trying to talk to the Autoscorers." Raiden huffed."Wait...she said "we". Is there someone else-"
A tongue wrapped around his ankle, pulling abruptly and causing Raia to fall on his back, realizing a sharp slash of wind approaching him.
He quickly threw the scythe in an attempt to block it, but it was torn to pieces. He rolled to the side, barely avoiding being sliced open.
"I can barely believe how strong I am now." They heard a voice above them. Verde floated in the air with two small tornados around his ankles."I don't know if I should have even transformed for this."
"That's Zeke!" Kirika recognized him."Listen! Damian and Garie-"
"Bla bla bla. I don't care." Zeke conjured a green magic circle, creating wind bullets that were shot down at them.
Swing Vent: Evilwhip
Raia lashed out his wind, blocking all the bullets in one fell swoop.
"Girls, keep the Noise off of us. We'll handle this guy."
"Roger." Shirabe and Kirika nodded, focusing their attention on Verde.
'Still...This won't be easy. And he's not willing to listen so we'll have to do this by force.' Raia reached for his Deck, pulling out his Survive Card and quickly activating it.
Survive: Seishin
In an instant, Raia was in his Survive Mode, creating a psychic arrow in his hands and aiming at Verde."Andreas, back me up!"
"Yes!" Andreas drew for a new card, inserting it into the visor on his knee
Shoot Vent: Gazellebolt
A nailgun appeared in Imperer's hands, which he used to aim and shoot a few rounds at Verde, who did nothing to block."Huh?"
"Tch!" Raia shot his arrow and it went clean through his chest. But Verde just laughed maniacally, black dust swirling around and healing his injuries instantly."He regenerated so quickly...?"
"This is the power bestowed upon me by Lord!" Verde reached for his Deck, drawing a card."And I'll show you the vast difference between pathetic humans and beings of my caliber!"
Strike Vent: Bio-Arms
Three spikes sprouted out of his forearms, and he clad them with the wind to enhance their attack power. He shot himself toward Andreas, who in return activated his Final Vent
Final Vent: Drive Divider
Verde just laughed, mowing down the Gazelles before he reached the Gigazelle, slashing it away and kicking Imperer toward the ceiling.
"Andreas!" Raia growled, opening his visor up and inserting a card.
Shoot Vent: Exo Arrows - Type Explosive
Quivers equipped with special arrows were now attached to his hip, and he immediately dragged onto two, pulling them back on his bow and shooting them simultaneously. Verde simply grabbed them, inspecting them with curiosity before they blew up in his face.
"We got him?!" Imperer cried.
"No...No, we didn't..." Raia breathed, astonished upon seeing Verde standing with his right arm and head gone. But just as fast as before, he regenerated them in an instant.
"Oh, yeah..." Verde chuckled sinisterly, splaying his hands."This is the power of a God, alright. I have so many lives stocked up, you can kill me all day and I wouldn't die!"
"Oho! Someone's mad!" Micha giggled, dodging all of Hibiki's attacks with ease."Had a bad day?"
"SHUT UP!" Hibiki lunged at her, but a wall of Noise stopped her. She pulled back the piston on her right gauntlet, smashing through them with ease and sending them flying everywhere.'How can he talk about starting over so easily?! He was the one who destroyed our family!'
"T-take it easy-desu!" Kirika gasped after one of the Noise Hibiki punched almost hit her.
'But maybe...Was I to blame as well...?'
"Aw, you were doing so well." Micha appeared next to her, using her pigtails as propulsors. She touched her stomach, firing a fire spear from her hands.
Hibiki cried in pain, crashing against a wall and almost passed out due to the impact alone.
"Oh, no!" Kirika rushed to her side, helping her up."Are you okay?"
"Hibiki-san!" Imperer yelled in concern. Raia turned to see what was going on, ready to jump in but Verde had other plans for him.
Final Vent: Death Punish
Verde shifted on his heels, leaping into the air and leaping upside down as Biogreeza grabbed his legs with its tongue, swinging him into Raia, launching them in the air.
"N-not this again!" Raia tried to wrestle out of the hold, but Verde proved too strong and was now heading toward the ground in a piledriver.
"RAIDEN!" Shirabe was about to save him, but Micha fired a spear at her, knocking her to the ground. She then aimed her hand toward Hibiki and Kirika, charging up her next attack.
"If you don't sing for me..." Micha unleashed a powerful fire beam at them. Kirika closed her eyes, shielding Hibiki as best as she could. But the attack never came.
Guard Vent: Dragbarrier
Ryuki landed in front of the girls, conjuring a dome of fire that canceled out Micha's flames with ease. He thrust his arm forward, firing a fireball at her and launching her across the tunnels.
Imperer noticed a trail of lightning bouncing off the walls before colliding with Verde and Raia, kicking them both into the wall.
"What the hell?" Verde grumbled, annoyed that someone had stopped his Final Vent.
Raia sighed in relief, his Survive Mode abandoning him before staring up at his savior."Chao-Xing-san..."
"It seems you siblings are making a habit for me to save you." Chao-Xing scoffed, shaking her head."No matter. I am itching for a fight, after all."
"Well, this suits me just fine." Verde smirked condescendingly."You're about to-Huh?"
Zeke froze like a statue, his head moving around as if he were looking for something."Ah...finally found you, huh? Micha, let's get out of here."
"Huh?! Why?!" Micha pouted."I haven't had enough fun yet!"
"Well, you can stay if you want." Verde manifested a green magic circle, unleashing a tornado shaped like a drill to make a hole to the surface."But I found my prey. See you around. If you survive, that is."
With that, Zeke leaped into the air and crawled his way to the outside. Micha, with a huff, simply brought out a red vial, crushing it and teleporting away.
"Fucking cowards." Chao-Xing grunted in disappointment."Always running."
"Girls!" Hajime returned to his human form, running over to Kirika and Hibiki."You okay?!"
"I'm fine, Blacky-kun." Kirika nodded, watching as Hibiki averted her gaze from him."But Hibiki-san..."
"Hibiki..." Hajime knelt in front of her. Kirika moved aside, giving the couple some space while she joined Shirabe and Andreas."I'm sorry...For how I acted. I lost my cool when you needed me. I...I let my emotions get the better of me, but I promise I won't let that happen again. I won't run away ever again. I love you. And when I said I'd make you the happiest girl in the world, you better believe I meant it...So please...forgive-"
Hibiki didn't let him and lunged at him, gripping his torso tightly.
Hajime blinked, taken aback by her sudden action but realized what was going on when he felt his shirt dampen due to the tears. She was crying. And as her boyfriend, he wrapped his arms around her and comforted her, rubbing her back soothingly.
"It's okay...I'm here now...Don't worry. You'll be fine. We'll both be fine."
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, in an abandoned warehouse, Allister leisurely walked down the outside of him, glancing around for any signs of Takeru. And that's when he noticed something in the mirror. Zolda was waiting for him inside the mirror, which made Allister smile, pleased.
'So you can get into that world too, huh?' Allister took out his Deck before his V-Buckled appeared around his waist and inserted it into the slot."Henshin!"
An energy version of Venosnaker slithered his way around the wall, heading for the ground and circling Ouja as if he were an anaconda before opening its jaws and going in to eat him. However, instead of swallowing him, he absorbed it into his body, turning into Ouja. The snake-themed Rider jumped into the Mirror World, appearing inside the warehouse filled with barrels.
"Ah..." He cracked his neck with a sigh, shifting on his heels to face Zolda."Finally!"
Suddenly, he started kicking the barrels around him."It's been some time, hasn't it? Since we last fought?"
Wordlessly, Zolda reached for his visor on the holster around his hip, aiming at Ouja.
"Let's do this, you effeminate bastard."
Finally, we reached the chapter I wanted to cover. Hibiki reunites with her dad and Hajime breaking down due to his daddy issues. On the other hand, Zeke is out and about. And he's ready to test out his new powers. He'll be hunting down the traitor. And finally, we will see the rematch. Zolda vs Ouja. A classic.