ANTARCTICA, NOVEMBER 17th, 2013
Nothing lived here. Buried miles beneath a hundred solid, frigid layers of pressure that held the fabric of our world together lies a deep secret that would change the path of humanity forever. One that dared to tempt the laws of order, invoking an ancient power that would draw a world so desperate to cling onto hope into the darkest pits of despair. The remnants of something that once drew breath sends its ghastly echoes, calls of a forgotten past into a present so obsessed with its sacred presence.
It should be dead. It should have stayed dead.
CONNECT, PLEASE
A sleek, vanilla shaded cane erupted from an air of nothingness and materialized into the Odd-Father's hands. It tapped against the upper floor of the glacier. Between each tap, silent gusts of wind ordered the intruder to stop, but these actions wouldn't matter. This place of salvation has already been disturbed. Strength in their taps increased on a gradual pattern, as if poking a bear with a stick, but fully devoid of poor judgment; aware of the consequences that shall unfold, or already have. It didn't matter, though.
The path has been set.
The ice cracked. The end of the world was upon them.
TORIISAKA HIGH, THAT SAME DAY
Just another day. It was half past noon, and the never-ending bore of classes has come to an end, at least for the time being. Instructors waved off their students, wishing them a fine break. Some with less stellar attitudes from the draining rigidity of the path to guiding youth, but others holding onto that bright enthusiasm, and wishing with grand smiles. Even if few bothered to appreciate the sentiment, it persisted. Eyes swimming through clear, azure waves, she hadn't bothered to reach into her bag.
Nowadays, Mayu Inamori is preoccupied with other things. Class has transformed into an obstacle in her path instead of a once mandatory excuse to build and strengthen the connections between others, and the future she would set the foundations for. However, her future has been set in stone for half a year now, it's just that up until a few months ago, she didn't know it. In the past, Mayu was never certain of what to say when someone asked her, 'What do you want to do?'
Oftentimes, she either brushed it off with, 'We have time to still decide, right?' Or, the young girl would lie about life-long dreams being nothing more than momentary visions in her peripheral. Always changing, and always met with cordial laughter among her clique of friends.
"If you don't decide eventually, the world will go on without you." One of them would say. "At least, that's what my Mom seems to think."
"Or worse, the world will decide for you!"
Neither of them knew that Mayu has already decided, and is moving on even if the world isn't ready to catch up. As a magician, she sets out everyday with a new purpose: Restore hope to her family with a power the present has rejected. Still, one could say that Mayu is caught up in the past, but sometimes you must face it in order to move towards the future.
The days pass by, and Mayu Inamori keeps her head out that window, only wondering: What's next?
"Mayu-chan!" Familiar voices snapped her out of her daydreaming. A trio of girls approached her, close friends, and gathered around her desk. One of them, with braids in her hair, was the first one to speak up – being the bubbliest of the bunch, and all: Fumiko. Glancing over at the clock, she hadn't noticed how much time she had already spent gazing out into the distance. Five minutes now.
"O-oh, you guys…" Spoken with a timid voice, breaking at the seams of someone stepping into her private little world; it was one that she had cast off from the other corners of this plane, and any interruption was like pushing her off the edge of a cliff and facing the bottom in less than a fraction of a second. "What're you doing?"
"Don't be ridiculous, we're here to eat with you!" Fumiko said, and the students pulled up their chairs to the little desk in the back corner of the room. One that at some point in time, carried its discretion as a means of defense from embarrassment. Now, a shield against dangers that only she alone could bear the burden of.
No one was safe from Fumiko's radiance. Even the gloomiest student could have their day turned around. "Besides, you've been back to school for nearly a week and haven't really done anything other than sit alone. Aren't you hungry?"
"I am, but–" Mayu was cut off.
"Then take this!" Yakisoba pan. Crisp and delicious, and it made Mayu's stomach rumble. Denying the hunger wasn't going to work, and yet with something so wonderful in her grasp, Mayu couldn't reach out to take it.
"No," Mayu laughed, retreating back into her seat. "I-I can't, I have lunch already."
"Still, you must be super hungry." Fumiko stated, refusing to back down. "You live alone now, don't you?"
"Yes." Mayu nodded, feeling a tinge of shame rising up through her shoulders. Finding it hard to loosen them, she decided it was best to release that tension by speaking the truth. As much as she could, at least. "Actually, I'm in the dorms, but I have a single room. It saves on costs."
"What about the rest of your family?" Fumiko asked. "You don't really talk about them."
"My grandparents live in Nagoya – and I want to be able to finish my education here." Mayu replied. "To them, I would be nothing but unneeded trouble."
"Ah, don't say that." Fumiko shook her head. "Who are you to say that you're trouble? You're no different than the rest of us." Somehow, that comment actually made her feel better – if only for a moment, about the distance between them. "Take it. A gift from me to you, as a kind of… 'Welcome back to us.' present."
Accepting the gift, Mayu reached out to take it in her grasp. It was then, as she brandished her now worn hand, that something undiscovered now became apparent.
"Wow, that's gorgeous!" Another friend, who sported glasses, by the name of Akemi, couldn't help but to admire the ring on her finger. "What a ring, where did you get that?"
"O-oh, this?" Mayu asked, the amber colour shimmering underneath the light of the afternoon sun. "It's something that was entrusted to me, by my family."
"Wow, an heirloom?" Fumiko and Akemi couldn't help but to gaze longingly. "It's not cute, but it's…"
"... Powerful." Akemi finished.
"It's really nothing." Mayu shook her head, glancing back outdoors. This was surprisingly nice, being able to spend time pretending to be normal. A group of classmates were gossiping in another corner of the room, and although she didn't have to turn, Mayu knew who they were talking about.
"... Orphan… And now… People have seen her do weird things." Noticing the idle chatter, her friends decided that they couldn't remain silent. "... Freak… Maybe she made her family disappear."
"Don't mind them." Fumiko said. "Rumors are just that. Rumors, they disappear eventually – and they're never true."
"If something happened to them, everyone would be speaking about it too," Akemi assured her, but with a lesser degree of success. "Actually, last week, you should've seen what happened to Ai–"
"It doesn't bother me." Mayu said. "Really, it doesn't." Being a witch meant that you couldn't be part of the social sphere you once inhabited. No matter what you do, you're different. Once, Mayu was a freak because she was a twin. Then, she was a freak because she was an orphan. Now, she's a freak because some have heard about doing magic. No matter what, she didn't belong here, and so how could someone's perception of her ever be something that would bother?
As the conversation continued, Mayu found herself drifting off once again. However, this time, a familiar sight interrupted her daydreaming. It was familiar because it was a Familiar!
"Say, Mayu-chan," Akemi started, but oblivious to the fact that her friend wasn't listening. "We're nearly in our third year, and you still haven't chosen a club yet." A little flustered by the suggestion, the student tried to mitigate the awkwardness of unwarranted criticism in the face of social burial. "U-um, music has never been your thing, but we're kind of short on members, and our next conc–"
Just then, the sounds of shrill screams erupted throughout the hallways. Mayu was the first to get up from her seat. Commotion broke out in the classroom as glimpses of terrified students strut past their doors. The school alarm broke out. Imminent danger.
"What's going on?!" A quiet, timid boy could no longer play his role and started freaking out.
"There!" Another replied, and their attention turned to the window, a crowd forming where Mayu began slipping out from. There were gray, spear-wielding monsters with lines of amber energy coursing through cracks in their skin. Enraged and erratic, they trampled in numbers over the school grounds with no remorse for the damage they caused. Just as she was about to slip-away like a magician with a cape, the illusion of her attempt at invisibility was cut short as the curtains remained unveiled.
"Hold on, Mayu – !" Fumiko bouldered past the circle of students. "Wait, where are you going?!"
"T-to the bathroom!" Mayu answered, making up a quick excuse. Her friends raced after, but by the time they got into the hall, the trick was on once more, and it was like she never existed – nothing but a ghost, a faint gust.
And yet, that gust spiraled into a whirling wind! Sprinting down the halls with as much might as these legs could carry her, Mayu's boots clapped like thunder through the floor. Having slung the school bag over her shoulder, she quickly opened the flap, making haste with caution that it didn't fall out. A chain-link of rings, each with their own radiance that reflected off the afternoon glare, which she clipped onto the upper seam of her skirt.
CONNECT, PLEASE!
Sorry, but today Mayu has a meeting with a club of her own: the Kamen Rider Club! (Note: Not affiliated with club at the neighboring school, Amanogawa High)
The leather belt wrapped around her waist with a crimson outlined hand transformed into a steel studded silver device that would grant all her wishes. An amber sigil appeared at head level to her side, following the young witch as she carried on, turning the corner with a swift tap of the heel. Without another second to think, Mayu unstrapped her bag and tossed it straight inside! Vanishing completely, fret not! The schoolbag was safe and sound in her locker, just where she always transported it when it was go-time!
CONNECT, PLEASE!
Another sigil appeared before her, but from the opposite side! Reaching inwards with her right arm, Mayu unsheathed a blunt, well-crafted and curved crimson staff twice her size! At one end, the tip was pointed like the handle of a European blade, or more like a spear; the other side, which tilted towards the floor, was a dazzling hedge of crisp, blackened bundle of hay tied together with a thin, silver frame. Best be careful, for it could crush a dragon if desired. Now, for the final act before the main show! The door to the rooftop burst open, and Mayu watched as the monsters swarmed the courtyard below. No more time to waste, open the curtains!
Stretch out towards the stars!
"TRANSFORM!"
MAGE, PLEASE!
Kicking off the ground, Mayu Inamori soared into the sky, spiraling upwards into the clouds. For a moment, there was peace. She closed her eyes, basking in the warm sun as its light nurtured her towards radiant hope. A smile wandered across her pale face. Up here, it was like she was closer to her family – if only by an inch, and if only for a second. Then, as she sprawled out her arms like a set of flying branches, Mayu was enveloped by an orange glow.
BOOM!
Surfing above the ground on a broom and crashing like an arrow splitting a wave in two, Kamen Rider Mage tore a straight line through the party of ghouls. Several of them knocked off their feet, the last image they saw before getting a taste of dirt was that of a tangerine-robed magician flying by. Out of the suggestion of her mentor, Mage was decked out with a new suit – something that spoke more to her. A mask of the same shade that shined like a topaz, it was outlined with a white casing and had horns etched with hollow joints resembling that of a butterfly. Their outfit was a simple rogue's cloak, outlined with white edges that ran circular front and back. A thicker shade of orange, darker than the almost gold-coloured base regions, was a small cape that wrapped around her neck and down past her shoulder blades.
Dark gloves flashed her signature ring, the students who chose not to flee and remained indoors watched from the windows above in awe. "Now, it's time to end this!" Mage declared, spinning her broom around so that the strawed end readied itself to be turned against her foes. Let the opening act begin!
There were around five of them. On her next breath, Mage dashed forward and braced for the battle before her! One ghoul took the initiative, piercing ahead towards the Kamen Rider. Anticipating the attack, Mage raised her broom and dismantled any notion of success with an upwards strike, her weapon horizontal and parrying the spear from below. Then, to counter, she spun on her heel and threw her leg out into their chest! Landing on that foot, she turned and swung straight at another ghoul, knocking two of them over.
DEFEND, PLEASE!
Pivoting, a shield made of crystallized energy sat before her and disregarded the attacks that had previously been readied to make quick work of the witch as soon as she was off-guard, but if there's one thing she's learned over the past few months, it's that one can never let their guard down – not until it's over, and she would decide that!
SPIN, PLEASE!
The broom ejected itself from her grasp and started spinning in circular motions, generating high gusts of wind that shattered the glassy shield; pieces of magical debris went flying into the other monsters. Now, there was one more. Where did it –
"Grahh!" A surprise attack from above! Stepping back, Mage collapsed over herself, and for that blunder, took a slight cut over the shoulder. Just barely missing a trip to the nurse's office, but an 'almost' still mattered as much as any other accident. The ghoul had stuck their spear through the middle of pathed vanilla four way road. Struggling to get it out, Mage retaliated with an onslaught of quick, successive strikes that finished with a charged strike down the head!
Catching her breath, she started to notice that more ghouls were flooding into the field. It appears that the battle was drawing more near. This had to mean one thing: a phantom was nearby, but where, and more importantly, where was the Gate?! The monsters swallowed up all free space at each entrance, gathering to make a garden of chaos before her. There were far too many to handle, but retreating wasn't an option. As the distance between them closed rapidly, Mage decided to pull out a trick.
Changing rings at a moment's notice, she slipped on a golden coloured ring that had an "!" etched into it with a snow white polish. Raising the broom, there was now an apparent branding carved into the handle that separated the brushy edges and the actual staff.
SPECIAL: TAKE-OFF, PLEASE!
The bottom of the broom ignited, heavy clouds of smoke gathering at the ground, a great rumbling violently shook the tool she held onto so tightly. Then, just as one of the monsters was done pestering about and was ready to strike alongside its many, many friends, she took off like a rocket! Generating a shockwave great enough to rock anyone's balance in this vicinity, the broom blasted off into the sky, with Mage being this vessel's sole passenger!
That was sure to rock them into a new waking, but as Mage disappeared from sight above the school, something became clear. There was one way back down. At a moment's notice, her ray of hope has transformed into terror! Falling through the sky, Mage frantically searched through her belt of rings, hoping that there was something – anything to help break the fall! Her broom twirled around wildly, and just when she thought it was over, there it was! A ring that could flatten her. If she could activate it, she could soar down like paper! All she needed to do was–
It's gone! The wind turned against her and brushed it out of her own hand. Collapsing downwards at an incredible speed, she could only close her eyes and brace the impact that awaits down below! Darkness became all corners of her surroundings.
BIG, PLEASE!
A new light struck like lightning through a sea of dark clouds and collected the Mage during her fall, sweeping her right off to safety! A large, black hand whose texture felt like a counselor's couch, carried the young woman back to ground level. As she returned contact with the grass, it was only then that she noticed who had come to her rescue.
"Haruto-san?!" That's right, it was Kamen Rider: Wizard, at your service!
"Next time, pack a parachute." Wizard chuckled, tossing the missing ring back. Seems catching fellow magicians wasn't the only thing he excelled at.
"Yo, Mayu-chan!" Surprising her with a loud, explosive voice, it was Beast, who was currently facing off with several of the ghouls by himself. Blocking a swipe with his rapier sword, Beast grinned beneath the mask. "Long time, no see. Feel free to jump in with the competition!" A retaliating slash.
B-B-B-BUFFALO!
A red mantle with horns set itself over his shoulder. "Just don't eat them all, got it?!"
"How many times do I have to say this, we don't eat ghouls!" Wizard exclaimed, twirling around in a circular motion as he fired off his blaster at several of the aforementioned monsters. "Don't get cold feet now," he turned, glancing over his shoulder towards Mage, who was still trying to take this all in. "We've got a show to put on." He said, breezily gesturing to their audience up in the stands. By stands, he means up in the windows, where the rest of the students were gazing in awe. "Now, time for the finale!"
SPECIAL: VERY NICE, KICK STRIKE!
Dashing ahead into the fray, Wizard performed several acrobatic cartwheels, his boots igniting from sparks into great flames.
"Oh, I see – don't let him take all the glory!" Beast cried, turning towards Mage. As Wizard landed, he tapped his feet and kicked off once more, leaping backwards and projecting a huge wave of flame upwards, sending the ghouls straight into the air! Victims of gravity, the ghouls started to fall back down towards the ground. "Knock 'em out of here!"
"O-on it!" Mage said, twirling her broom with all her might. It was heavy, but she was feeling pumped up! No matter the weight, it was like an unyielding storm that curved endlessly through her arms. Eventually, a cyclone formed around her body, and just as the ghouls were about to hit the floor, it was time for the home run!
Batter up!
The clash of thunder ignited when struck by her power. The ghouls, sent upwards once more, dazzled the other magicians. That was, until Beast realized, she had put a little too much power into it! "Ah, man I can't miss my meal!"
CHAMELEO, GO! CHA-CHA-CHA-CHA-CHAMELEO!
A green mantle appeared over Beast, and in a flash, he was taking off towards the sky! Using its magical tongue, he wrapped it around several loose branches from sturdy trees, and swung upwards like a spider! The other students watched, unable to blink, for they would miss a single second of an amazing performance. Once he sent himself above the upper windows, crossing over to the rooftop, it was time to put the finishing touches on this act.
"Here comes the main dish!"
DOLPHI, GO! DO-DO-DO-DO-DOLPHIN!
Spiraling like a drill, Beast spun like a torpedo and crashed straight through the ball of ghouls! Appearing out the other side, the monsters became infused with an otherworldly energy, a golden sigil appearing over their bodies. They combusted back into their original states, pure, unfiltered mana, and were consumed by the mayo magician!
"Now, that's a five star meal!"
When the fighting was over, Haruto and Nitoh joined her at the back of her campus. Wanting to avoid the inevitable attention that would loom over the girl, Mayu insisted that they find someplace more quiet.
"Man, I'm stuffed." Nitoh said, patting his stomach. "Nothing ever beats the taste of ghouls."
"What are you doing here?" Mayu asked, puzzled by their sudden appearance. That was too convenient.
"We were in the neighbourhood." Haruto jokes, pocketing his hands. "Looks like you've been keeping up with your magic."
"Here and there." She answered, a bit shyly. "It's still nothing special."
"Ah, don't be so modest!" Nitoh patted her shoulder. "You were pretty great out there. What kind of weapon is that?"
"Um, it's something that was said to 'fit my style.' Although, I'm still new to using it." Mayu answered, keeping a fair distance between those two. She should be more grateful to have others around that understand the path she has taken, and yet, Mayu stands off to the side, clinging on tightly to her broom.
"Pretty sweet upgrade nonetheless! Oh, that reminds me." Nitoh crossed his arms. "Haruto and I are about to kick it out on the town for a little while. Are you in?"
"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow, confused by this metaphor.
"Whoever beats the most ghouls owes the other lunch." Nitoh laughed, and his proclamation of victory sent Haruto into a line of questioning.
"Aren't you full?" He asked.
"Chimera is, but I sure ain't!" Nitoh said, turning towards his rival. "Most of the time, I'm helping him out with lunch, so I end up forgettin' my own. Today, it's on you."
"Says who?" Haruto protested. "I don't recall making that bet."
"Sorry, I'm actually, um busy with other things." Mayu said, brushing her shoe against the campus concrete. "There's a lot, of um, homework in my classes, and I already pro–"
"DON'T SAY IT!" Nitoh shouted, throwing a hand in front of her face. "You're a student, I get it. Reminds me of my own classes. Actually, I have to repeat a year, thanks to Chimera…"
After that, Mayu left in a hurry. Haruto and Nitoh simply watched. Neither of them expected to bump into her today, but life was full of surprises.
REMNANTS, LATER THAT DAY…
"Too much polish can cause trouble." Hearing an ominous voice creeping up behind her, Koyomi lost her composure and the crystal ball slipped right out of her hands! Rolling off the table, it was as though time slowed down to a point where the bounds of gravity didn't matter as the young woman leapt from her comfy, but plain place in the leaf coloured chair behind the counter. With fortune on her side today, Koyomi gathered the ends of the glass sphere by the tips of loose fingers and curled them backwards. When everything came back into focus, Koyomi saw who it was that had made her jolt out of a daydream.
"Wajima-san…" Koyomi sighed, furrowing her brows. "Don't scare me like that."
"Oh, my apologies. I hadn't noticed." Offering a helping hand, Koyomi forgave him with a bright smile and took it gladly. Getting back up to her feet, she noticed in the midst of everything, she had knocked over the table. "Are you alright?"
"Mhm." Koyomi nodded. Before she could right her wrong, Wajima cleaned up the mess.
"Oh, there's no need." Wajima protested as she attempted to help.
"I'm not dying." Koyomi sighed. Lately, this was her standing in life. Ever since that day when that crimson, glowing crack appeared over her hand, she had been seen as a bird with a broken wing. At first, she appreciated the thought – especially when it came to housekeeping; it was the chore she promised to do in exchange for the generosity shown by the older man taking both she and Haruto in. However, the support could be a bit overbearing. "You and Haruto don't have to do everything for me."
"Ah, right." Wajima pulled up a chair in the corner of the room and sat down, insisting she do the same. "Tell me, are you okay, Koyomi-chan?"
"I am." Koyomi nodded, frowning at the thought that this was going to become a lecture.
"Are you?" Wajima asked, this time with greater sincerity. It took her aback a little, because perhaps she had come to realize that this wasn't a testament to perceived helplessness, but towards diminishing her troubles. Not to minimize pain, but to make sure she could stay as happy as she could be, even if it took a little more labor from the other two sharing this roof.
"That crack on your hand," He gestured quietly to the beige glove that fit too nicely. "You don't have to hide it from us. Not from me, or Haruto…" With much hesitation, Koyomi removed it. There it was, the wound that seemed to persist.
"It hasn't grown." Koyomi assured, not knowing if it was true or if it was just something she told herself so that she needn't worry. "Actually, I think it's shrunk."
"Let me see." Like a father tending to a scrape on his child's knee after tempting fate going downhill with a bike, Wajima inspected the wound. He too, was hesitant, but he was steady and keenly observant. "Hm, maybe it has. Either way, Koyomi-chan, we can bear this. Together."
"You really think it's gotten smaller?" Koyomi asked, a slight smile appearing.
"I do." Wajima nodded. "If there's one thing I've learned from either of you two this year, it's that hope carries a strong presence. If you believe things will get better, then against all odds, that belief can persevere. Ah, it's how wizards are born, aren't they?"
"Are you saying I could be a wizard?" Koyomi laughed.
"If it isn't too hard to believe." Wajima returned the gesture. "Magic is the essence of life, and it can be shaped by a variety of things. We give it as much life as it gives us, and I'm certain that if a Gate can become a phantom, or a wizard, then this condition holds that same power. So long as you hold onto that hope."
"Wajima-san…" Koyomi smiled with her head to the ground. She held this hand close to her chest, and as the young woman considered his words, this burden became weightless. Perhaps, with a bit of time, it will become nothing but a memory. "I'll do my best."
Just then, the door opened. It was Haruto, who strutted in with a shiver. A brisk wind followed him, and he wrapped the red scarf tighter around his face in a manner of defense. "Yo." He said, entering the shop with some relief in escaping the coming winter.
"Finally," Koyomi said, excitedly meeting him out in the lobby. "You've been gone all day."
"Things got a little carried away." Haruto replied with a friendly shrug, slumping back into the couch. "Nitoh and I had to chase the ghouls halfway across town."
"Something tells me it wasn't exactly the phantom's fault." Koyomi chuckled, finding herself next to him. It's funny, despite how cold it was outside, he felt as warm as a roasting campfire. Or, maybe that was her heart lighting aflame. Could this be the influence of the dragon deep within his soul? Then again, every phantom is a part of its hosts' inner being.
"No matter what, it's a competition to him." Haruto smirked, although he didn't really find this all too funny. "Part of me wonders if I should just leave the hunting to him."
"Both of us know you would never do that." Koyomi said, and the more she talked, the less weight was being carried on her shoulders. "Leaving that to him would plunge the city into despair!"
They laughed. Then, Wajima appeared from the rooms in the back with a bowl of food. It was a savoury portion of gyudon! Chewy, thin-cut beef resting over a warm bed of rice with golden onion. "You haven't had dinner, have you?"
"Oh, not at all!" Haruto replied, eyes widening as he received his share of the meal.
"We figured you might be out late today, so I left this until you came back. It's still fresh." Nodding, the wizard started to devour the bowl. "You eat like you haven't touched food since yesterday."
"Mm, it's delicious!" Haruto glanced up from his bowl. Although he was much more of a sweets type of person, a scrumptious dinner made with love is enough to make any donut-eating man succumb to their desires for flavour. "What's this?" He asked, gesturing to the sauce. It tasted familiar.
"Mayonnaise." Wajima admitted. Then, Haruto refused to touch the bowl. "I-is something wrong?!"
"No." The magician crossed his arms. "Seems I've lost my appetite."
"Less phantoms have been appearing lately." Koyomi pursed her lip. Having Haruto here made her realize she's been seeing a lot more of him. Usually, when he wasn't out running errands for the shop, he was out fighting phantoms, but the errands have been piling up. "That's not a bad sign, is it?"
"Perhaps they get cold?" He joked, breaking out into an awkward laugh. "If that were the case, water dragon would've solved things a while ago. Still, fewer phantoms is a good thing."
"I'm not sure." Koyomi shrugged.
"Don't worry, phantoms will never truly disappear." Wajima said with a cheery expression, then realizing the gravity of what he was saying. "A-ah, not to imply that you want to fight them your whole life…"
"At least, it means we're closer to overturning the eclipse." Haruto said, a sense of pride radiating from that statement. It was an earnest, sincere sense of accomplishment that he rarely let show. "Besides, I'm sure we'll have more adventures. Hoping we get another vacation?"
"Well, a trip to another island sounds nice amidst this weather."
"Either way, you two will always be able to make things interesting around here." Wajima said, sipping on some hot green leaf tea he had brought out to compliment their dinner. This little ritual between the three of them brought him joy. In the past, Wajima was a bit of a recluse. People weren't a problem for him, but he found serenity in his own solitude. It might be that the world he became invested in was a well-kept secret in modern times. This profession didn't offer the same social opportunities as say an office-space, but it was his own work, and he admired it in spite of the loneliness.
A little over a year has come to pass since Haruto and Koyomi showed up on his doorstep that fateful day. He remembered it with vivid detail. The sky was a dark, azure – the clouds imposing with a great shade that smothered the sunlight. Voices lost amidst the harsh winds, he would've figured these strangers were devoured by the ongoing storm had he not paid closer attention to their faces, particularly the eyes. Something more devastating than a bit of thunder had befallen both of them.
An ocean of pain deeply buried beneath their hearts, unearthed for him to see. It was the sight of a forbidden tragedy that he, no, the world, should have never been allowed to see, much less endured by two young adults whose semblance of home was robbed under the twilight sun. Somehow, as he ushered them inside, he knew: Wajima was responsible. He wasn't sure how, but the fault of their lives as it was now rested on his shoulders.
The first few days were difficult. While this wasn't a hotel, he was once experienced in nurturing others. A woman, and a child. Now gone, and he was left with two empty rooms. At least now they could be of some use.
Getting acquainted was met with moments of silence leaving a longing for help he wasn't sure he could provide, but knowing that he had to try. Properly establishing boundaries with the property took a week, and it wasn't until a month in that conversation was a normal thing. Neither of them knew how to approach him at first, and how could he have known to approach his new guests? A man who had done the impossible and held back his inner phantom, and a woman who rested on the edge of human and monster – an amnesiac cursed by a reliance on mana, perhaps for the exchange of memories?
Even now, he wasn't certain on all the details of what happened the day of the solar eclipse, but one thing was for sure, and that was Shigeru Wajima would protect these kids to the damndest he could. Haruto and Koyomi, both of them felt they owed an insurmountable debt for the continued support, and Wajima the same for unknowingly aiding in the burial of who each of them once were.
They say time heals all, and maybe it can't cure every wound, but Haruto and Koyomi have blossomed into beautiful people, and he couldn't be more proud. Little did Wajima know that as much as an old man needed two youths to bring radiance back into his life, Haruto and Koyomi needed his wisdom to help rebuild what was lost, if never to be found.
What the three of them have built, together, was an inseparable bond that needed not to be explained through words. It was in this nightly routine, Wajima serving them dinner (with Koyomi coming to his aid, and Haruto doing the dishes), and speaking about their days – it didn't really matter what the topic was, they could talk about anything; it was these moments that brought them a new kind of happiness. It was something none of them would ever want to change.
It was theirs to share.
"Speaking of interesting," Haruto said, deciding to continue his food, because he was starving. "Mayu-chan tagged in today."
"Inamori-san?!" Koyomi raised a brow. "Isn't that…"
"Medusa's twin." He nodded, gazing back into his bowl. "At least, her Gate was."
"The white wizard vanished with her, didn't he?" Koyomi asked. "Was he around?"
"No," Haruto shook his head, looking disappointed in himself with that statement. "That's the last I saw of him." Flashing a smile, he tried to ease the mood. "He isn't exactly a very social person." The White Wizard was a mystery, to say the least. Whenever he appeared, there came more questions than answers. After the Sabbath, he was the first to greet Haruto. It was he who saved him from the phantom, bestowed upon him the driver that allowed him to harness his power, and delivered Koyomi.
There were so many things he wasn't sure about. Just who was he, and why did he take a special interest in Mayu when he was seemingly of no concern? Could it be that he had a change of heart recently, perhaps guilt of leaving someone out in the dust without an answer? No, something about that man and the way he carried himself, showing up only when necessary, seemed to say that he only acted when it suited him. Moreover, if there were phantoms, why wasn't he lending a helping hand every once in a while? Each day is in dire need of more wizards who could protect the nature of hope, but it was as if the White Wizard couldn't care less about any of that.
At best, he handed Haruto a tool to achieve what the young man had already set out to do, and at worst he was willingly ignorant to the consequences of the Sabbath. On another note, what was the purpose of that ritual? Why exactly had it been that he and Koyomi found themselves washed up on that beach that morning last year? It's not a topic he likes to engage with, but he couldn't help it given today's surprise.
The protege of the White Wizard had resurfaced once more. Following her appearance on the bridge to square off with Medusa, Mayu hadn't been seen in some time. At first, he was amazed at how strong she's become in such little time, and then that amazement sparked more curiosity, which then led to nothing but another dead end about the identity of her mentor. It's been a few weeks since then, and he hadn't heard from her until now.
Was it a coincidence that they crossed paths today?
"It's good to have another wizard around." Haruto smiled. "Eventually, I'm sure we'll figure something out about who the White Wizard is. We just have to keep our hope."
"Are you sure she can handle herself?" Koyomi asked.
"We'll see." Haruto replied. "How are you?"
"Fine, really." Koyomi held out her hand. "I'm okay. As I told Wajima-san, this isn't a big deal. I'll do my best." She set her imperfect, cracked fingers atop of his. "I promise."
"Me too." Haruto said. "I promise."
TORIISAKA HIGH, DORMS – LATE EVENING
What a day. At least, that's what Mayu was thinking when she closed the door behind her. Slumping to the floor, a heavy whiff of total exhaustion carried its way into the stale, lonely air. After all this training, she still soured over like a toy that had lost its batteries once the battle was over. At this rate, Mayu started to wonder if the road before her was one that ever had an end. Not only that, but the journey to becoming a true magician – no, a Kamen Rider, was cutting into her studies. Just before she left, she happened to check her school's website. It was a private little corner of the net in which you needed to enter your ID. Students would use it for various things: a news network, a support board, and most certainly to vent out frustrations.
In her first year, Mayu was enthralled with the thought of such a vast place. Meeting people wasn't easy, especially when you moved fairly often. Back then, friends weren't exactly something that left a lasting impression. There was one person she could count on, however. That was then, and this was now. Grades were listed, and to no surprise, it wasn't good. Not bad, but 'decent' was the right word, and it wasn't a word she was particularly fond of either.
Part of her wondered why she cared. After all, school didn't serve much of a purpose right now. There were more pressing matters at hand – and she didn't belong here, maybe she never did. Even so, Mayu went to class when she could. Perhaps, it was out of a spiritual obligation. Not that it mattered now. And yet, Mayu still went. Yet, she still tried.
Grumble, grumble.
"Oh, right." Dinner wasn't made. Considering the thought of going out, Mayu smirked and simply got right back up on her feet. There was no chance of that, it's way too cold out, and today's been a long day. Longer than usual, and so she stood up and walked over to the kitchen counter. This room wasn't exactly anything special, but it came with a few perks. One of those being that there was a quaint little corner where students were allowed to make food of their liking. Supposedly, it was to help them 'adjust' to the real world ahead of them. She figured it was a bit silly, the thought that their school's idea of helping students was dropping them into a room and saying 'Take your best shot', but there was value in that, even if she couldn't see it now. Someone once said, "You choose your beginning and end." and that applies to being a cook, which Mayu was a little more than decent at by now.
CONNECT, PLEASE!
A sigil appeared. Reaching inside, she pulled out a jar of fermented okra. Inspecting it for a moment, the desire for a good meal worsened. She wasn't exactly sure why, but for a few months now, Mayu has been addicted to this stuff! The taste was a bit of an acquired one, but she always added it to whatever she ate.
During her brief period of absence, Mayu had stayed at a little cottage by the beach when she had begun her training as a Kamen Rider. The days were longer than before, and on the rare occasions that she saw her mentor outside of grueling sessions of practice in fine arts of magic (adding onto that, a few pointers here and there in how to fight), he often held no time for her.
CONNECT, PLEASE!
Let's see, there was a bit of rice leftover too. All that was needed was the protein. Well, there was some tofu left in her fridge. Setting that on the counter, she picked up a knife and began cutting them into small squares. There had to be vegetables still, didn't there? Just last week, Mayu did a bit of grocery shopping – of course there had to be some, it's not like she would forget that! A bit of green is what she was feeling. Scallions? Can't go wrong with that.
Time to turn up the heat. There wasn't any magic in this one.
Part of her wished that she could have something like a flame form, akin to Haruto. What wonders that would bring for cooking…
Vague riddles about where she should go next were common, and that was usually the best she got for conversation. Very little was known about him, but Mayu ought to think she owed him, whoever he was, her life. Not just in rescuing the frail, meek student who had been sauntering about in darkness, but for helping to bring about who she is now: a Kamen Rider.
Someone who will avenge her family. Someone who will never have the most important piece of her heart trampled about again. Someone who will–
Right before that thought could unravel itself, it became apparent that the flame was rising upwards far beyond what she wanted it to.
"My dinner!" She cried out, recognizing her mistake. In a bit of haste, Mayu had put the flame too high. Oh, no it was going to char the tofu if left untouched for another second! Scrambling to stop the meltdown of her meal, she quickly turned down the heat and watched as the shape of the fire reduced itself. What a close one.
Maybe Mayu needed a bit more strength to do as she desired. Eating dinner alone was no longer something she found loneliness in. Actually, it had become more of a routine. Even before her life had been changed forever, Mayu ate alone. In England, while studying abroad, Mayu ate alone. Oftentimes, in a dining hall, a huge one at that. Definitely not narrow, and stretching past the size of a whole house with cream coloured walls, and sturdy maroon posts outlining all the empty spaces where she belonged. The girl made sure there were others next to her, but part of her always felt alone in that way.
KNOCK, KNOCK!
A lone voice beckoned her towards a new world.
REMNANTS – LATE EVENING
It was about 10 o'clock when Haruto was sprawled out on his bed. He said his goodnites, as he usually does, to both Koyomi and Wajima. It was a mundane ritual, but one he quite particularly enjoyed. For many years, he spent the lonely nights wandering around his room until he couldn't walk anymore and collapsed into his sheets. When he lost his parents, he found himself in an orphanage up until highschool. It was a decent place, and the people there were kind, but by the time he had graduated he figured it would be best to part ways. Something about that place never felt quite right. It was as if it wasn't his home to wander through, and it wasn't, but they kept a clean house and tried their best. It's been a while since he's visited. Despite leaving, Haruto owed a lot to them. Not just for the hospitality, but for helping him maintain hope. The boy had no living family, and although he never found himself particularly attached to those around him, Haruto appreciated the care he was provided.
Only now, after many years have come to pass, Haruto realizes in the wake of a quiet night how he was never really alone, beyond the corners of that tiny space. After all, it was the owner of the building who had helped strengthen his resolve many months ago against Phoenix and awaken the dormant power of Dragon. Funny, despite the phantom having handed over the power with great reluctance, warning him of the foreboding danger that lies ahead with great magic, he figured that in some ways, Dragon was always looking out for him. Maybe in ways he hadn't known before – after all, would a mighty beast want to admit defeat to a lowly human?
Deep down, someone would always be with him. Even if he couldn't see them, someone was there in his corner, and that's the lesson he learned after all this time. Regardless of the distance, he was loved.
Yawning, Haruto rolled over and faced the wall. Koyomi's room was adjacent to his. Pondering about how she's been lately, a sinking feeling felt its way crawling up his chest. He hasn't been here for a while, often spending the day outside fighting against the ever increasing power in phantoms. Part of him wishes someone else could handle this battle, but he still felt as if he owed it to the world. Maybe, it was because he survived the Sabbath, that is his debt. However, doesn't that mean he also owes it to Koyomi to be by her side? After all, as far as he knew, she and him were the only ones who walked off the beach that day, and it was by his words that caused her to give living a second chance.
Still, as close as Koyomi and Haruto have become, it felt like a wall had erected itself between them lately. Perhaps it's because of her current condition – that crack startling him more than ever, and never being able to leave his mind, but Wajima, who had informed him earlier tonight of its shrinking size, had only provided momentary relief. If this was temporary, then he could relax. It would stop occupying every second of his mind. However, what upset him, though he masked it underneath his supportive sigh, was that he hadn't noticed this at all.
Haruto and Koyomi knew each other in ways that no one else could ever understand, and he had to hold out hope with her. He loved her, and on the other side of this wall, Koyomi loved him. That's all that mattered, and whatever it was, both of them would get through it together. That's what love is, and it's a love they shared.
Speaking of ideas, what was the mystery behind Mayu Inamori? Months ago, the girl disappeared underneath the enigmatic white wizard's wing, and now she returns, decked out as a magician and ready for battle – a completely new person, for better or worse, he couldn't tell. While it made him happy that she found her resolve in fighting for the memories of her family, there was a lot to answer for regarding her disappearance.
What he wondered about the most was the very man who blessed either of them: the White Wizard. Just who could he possibly be, and what was he hiding? Why, after so long, has he avoided Haruto and Koyomi? For someone who believed in the cause of fighting against Phantoms, he didn't bother much with setting the stage and making himself known. It was as if he wasn't hiding from either side, but from the entire world. Moreover, what was his interest in Inamori? Neither pupil held equal treatment in his presence – could it be that he wasn't able to attend to Haruto at the time? It was he who tasked Haruto with protecting Koyomi, and he who guided them to seek out Wajima, but beyond that, he was absent from their story. Not even the presence of Nitoh had enticed him enough to make a grand entrance, so his reasons for secrecy eluded him, if anything.
What was his purpose in this, and what would be his next move, if any?
The snow whispers against the ground, and Haruto dozed off without an answer.
THE NEXT MORNING…
"Mornin'." Haruto said, strolling out into the lobby with his housecoat wrapped tightly around him. The sun was shining, and the clouds were rolling. Koyomi, who was up before him, as always, was preparing some tea.
"You're up earlier than I expected." Koyomi laughed, turning off the stove.
"Or am I right on time?" He joked, watching as she loaded the kettle onto the tray and carrying it over towards the dining table. Haruto glanced over her shoulder; she was still wearing the glove. He better not ask about it, such a talk might worry the girl, especially this early in the morning. Together, he and Koyomi sat adjacently and with compassionate smiles. This was peace. If he could wake up every morning to something like this, Haruto would gladly accept that. "Oh, here –" He said, getting too caught up in her that he nearly forgot. Unsheathing from his thin, multi-coloured jacket, Haruto unveiled his belt. "You need this, right? Tell me if you need more."
CONNECT, PLEASE!
"Just a moment." Koyomi said, sipping on her tea. She closed her eyes and basked in the taste. Absolutely incredible. "Mm, try this!" Handing off her own cup to him, he couldn't help but to oblige.
"Are you sure? The magic–" Haruto replied, cut off too soon.
"It's okay." Koyomi said in a sincere voice. Someone was looking out for her worries, but was anyone ever looking out for his own? "Just give it a try and tell me what you think."
"If you say so." Haruto said with a smile, carefully lifting the saucer alongside the cup. As the first bit touched his tongue he felt an incredible surge of energy! It was like each and every bit of him was struck with a lightning bolt that surged throughout him, charging to the extreme. Also, it was absolutely radiant with flavour! "Woah, what is this?!"
"A bit of something new I wanted to try." Koyomi laughed. "It's oolong mixed with purple yam."
"You have a knack for this." Haruto said, and the girl ushered him to have another cup. Just now, between them, everything was more than okay. The way she smiles told him that much, and he hadn't noticed, but Koyomi was stuck on how he grinned back with such life. If he truly could spend each and every day like this with her, then Haruto would. No questions asked.
KNOCK, KNOCK!
"Oh, did Wajima open the shop today?" Haruto chuckled, standing from the chair. As he made his way to the door, he wondered if it could be Rinko or Shunpei on the other side. Perhaps, the rare visit from Nitoh – although he wasn't someone who invited himself into others houses, being much more the type to send out invitations to… Well, wherever he was that day of the week.
Instead, it was Mayu Inamori.
"We have work to do."
Nothing beats another adventure.
AUTHOR'S NOTE (10/10/24)
Hello, hello! Welcome back to another story! Another long-fic based around Kamen Rider: Wizard, I can't wait to create this project and watch it unfold with all of you! Two long-fics on the board right now... I'll do my best to deliver the best story I can! This time the trio of wizards (which is a bit underrepresented in the series, might I add), Haruto, Kosuke, and Mayu all come together for a tale of action, of adventure, and maybe a lesson along the way?
Either way, I don't have much to say, other than I hope you enjoy!