AlSymphoGotchard : Kamen Rider Gotchard X Symphogear

by sentobestmatch

A crossover story between Kamen Rider Gotchard X Symphogear with a twist and change that you may have never experienced or read before. A story full of imagination. For now, this would be just a one-shot story or chapter and no guarantee for long longevity but have a fun time reading this pilot chapter if any reader stumbles into this story.

2. S1 EP1 Part 2

Okay, this was the continuation and the second part of the pilot chapter of this fic. Since this was going to be a long one with it buckling at 30K words, I'll save my digressions later and just enjoy the story for now! Have a fun time reading!

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Houtaro stormed down the street, his steps heavy with frustration as he clutched Hopper1 tightly to his chest. The little hopper chirped softly, its usual cheerful energy replaced with a meek, concerned tone.

"Hop...pa?" it murmured, nudging Houtaro's arm with its small antennae as if trying to comfort him.

Houtaro sighed deeply, his anger not directed at Hopper1 but at the situation itself. He didn't want to fight with Rinne—especially not so soon after they had just reconciled. Yet her insistence that Hopper1 was dangerous had struck a nerve. How could something so gentle and friendly be a threat? It didn't make sense to him.

"Why does it always have to end like this?" Houtaro muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I don't want to fight with her... but I can't just abandon you, Hopper1."

"Hop! Hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped, its tone almost apologetic as it nestled closer to him.

Behind him, Kajiki called out, his voice firm but laced with concern. "Houtaro! Wait up!"

Houtaro ignored him, his pace quickening. He didn't want to stop—he didn't want to face anyone right now. But Kajiki wasn't one to give up so easily. With a determined stride, Kajiki jogged ahead and stepped in front of Houtaro, blocking his path.

"Hey, stop for a second!" Kajiki said, his hands outstretched to keep Houtaro from walking past him. "What are you even doing? You're just running away!"

Houtaro glared at Kajiki, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm not running away! We don't have time for this, Kajiki. You've got your article to submit, remember? Let's just keep moving!"

Kajiki shook his head, his expression firm. "Forget the article for a second. This isn't about that anymore. You're upset, Houtaro. You can't just leave things like this with Kudo."

Houtaro's grip on Hopper1 tightened, and he looked away, his voice faltering. "She... she doesn't understand. She said Hopper1 is dangerous, but look at it! Does this look dangerous to you?"

"Hoppa... Hop?" Hopper1 tilted its head, its glowing eyes blinking innocently as if to agree with Houtaro's point.

Kajiki placed a hand on Houtaro's shoulder, his tone softening. "I get it. I don't think Hopper1 is dangerous either. But don't you think Kudo might have had a reason for saying what she did? She's not the type to just make stuff up."

Houtaro opened his mouth to argue, but Kajiki cut him off. "Listen, I'm not taking sides here. I'm on your side, okay? But you and Kudo need to talk this out—properly this time. No yelling, no running away. Just... talk."

Houtaro hesitated, his emotions warring within him. He wanted to make things right with Rinne, but the memory of their heated argument held him back. "What if we just end up fighting again?" he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kajiki smiled reassuringly. "You won't. Not if you're honest with her. Tell her how you feel—why you're defending Hopper1. And listen to her, too. I know you don't want things to stay like this."

Hopper1 chirped softly, its antennae brushing against Houtaro's cheek. "Hop...pa! Hoppa-ho!" It seemed to echo Kajiki's sentiments, its tiny voice filled with encouragement.

Houtaro let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping. "You're right... I can't just leave things like this." He glanced down at Hopper1, its glowing eyes looking up at him with trust and hope. "I need to apologize to Kudo. She's always been there for me... I shouldn't have said those things."

Kajiki grinned, clapping Houtaro on the back. "That's the spirit. Go make things right."

Houtaro nodded, a determined look crossing his face. "Yeah. I will."

Kajiki stepped aside, gesturing down the road. "I'll head to the publisher on my own. It's just around the corner, anyway. You focus on fixing things with Kudo."

Houtaro hesitated for a moment, then gave Kajiki a grateful smile. "Thanks, Kajiki. For everything."

Kajiki waved him off with a teasing smirk. "Don't get all sappy on me now. Just go. And hey, maybe while you're at it, ask her if she's the girl from your dream."

Houtaro's face turned bright red, and he sputtered, "W-what?! This isn't the time for that!"

Kajiki chuckled, giving him a thumbs-up. "Just saying. Good luck, man."

As Kajiki jogged off toward the publisher's building, Houtaro turned back the way they had come. He clutched Hopper1 close, the little creature chirping softly as if to cheer him on. "Alright, Hopper1," Houtaro murmured. "Let's go make things right with Kudo."

"Hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped, its voice bright with determination as Houtaro and Kajiki soon parted their ways and walked to the opposite direction.

Kajiki walked briskly toward the publisher's building, the articles and illustrations for his submission clutched tightly in his hands. The excitement of finally submitting his work mingled with a lingering worry about Houtaro and Rinne's fallout. As he approached the building, his thoughts distracted him just enough that he didn't notice someone walking directly in his path.

Thud!

Kajiki collided with the person, and the impact sent him tumbling to the ground. His papers and Houtaro's illustrations scattered everywhere, fluttering like leaves in the wind.

"Ah! I'm so sorry!" Kajiki exclaimed, scrambling to gather his scattered work.

The person he had bumped into—a woman cloaked in a long hood that obscured most of her face—knelt down as well, her movements calm and deliberate. "No, no, it's my fault," she said, her voice gentle and melodic. "I wasn't paying attention."

Hearing the commotion, Houtaro turned back, his concern overriding his earlier determination to leave. He jogged toward Kajiki, quickly tucking Hopper1 into his bag to avoid drawing attention to the creature. "Kajiki! Are you okay?" he asked, crouching down to help collect the scattered papers.

Kajiki looked up, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude on his face. "I'm fine, Houtaro. You didn't have to come back. You've got your own stuff to deal with."

Houtaro shook his head, his tone resolute. "I couldn't just leave you here after hearing that crash. Besides, you're carrying my illustrations too. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help?"

The hooded woman chuckled softly, handing a stack of neatly gathered papers to Kajiki. "It seems you've got a good friend here," she said warmly. "I'm sorry for the trouble I caused."

Kajiki waved off her apology with a sheepish smile. "It's no trouble, really. Thank you for helping me pick these up."

As the three worked together to gather the rest of the papers, the woman's gaze lingered on one of Houtaro's illustrations. Her gloved fingers traced the lines of the drawing, and her lips curled into an appreciative smile. "These are remarkable," she said, holding up the piece. "The detail, the emotion—it's captivating."

Kajiki's face lit up at the compliment, his earlier embarrassment forgotten. "Really? You think so? Houtaro did those! He's amazing at drawing, isn't he?"

Houtaro blushed, scratching the back of his head. "I just did what Kajiki asked me to. It's nothing special."

"Don't be modest," the woman said, her voice carrying an encouraging warmth. "You've got talent. And you," she turned to Kajiki, "your writing is full of passion. I can tell how much you love the occult just by reading a few lines."

Kajiki's excitement bubbled over, and he began enthusiastically explaining the inspirations behind his article and how Houtaro's illustrations brought his ideas to life. The woman listened intently, nodding and occasionally interjecting with thoughtful comments that only seemed to fuel Kajiki's enthusiasm.

Houtaro watched the exchange with a smile, glad to see Kajiki connecting with someone who shared his interests. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride at the compliments his work had received as well.

"I'm actually entering the same submission contest," the woman revealed, holding up a small folder. "It's always nice to see other passionate creators. Your work is going to stand out, I'm sure of it."

Kajiki's eyes sparkled. "Really? You think I have a chance?"

"Absolutely," she said with a nod. "Your passion shines through every word."

As the three chatted, Rinne approached from a distance, her movements slow and deliberate as she clutched her still-throbbing arm. Despite the pain, her focus was on the two boys—and the hooded woman standing with them. Her heart twisted with unease as her gaze locked onto the cloaked figure.

"Ichinose-kun... Kajiki-kun..." Rinne called out, her voice soft but tinged with urgency.

The sound of her voice in the distancec caught Houtaro's attention first. He turned toward her, relief flickering across his face, though it was quickly replaced by concern as he noticed her pained expression. "Kudo?" he said, stepping toward her. "Are you okay?"

Before he could close the distance, Rinne's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on the hooded woman. Beneath the cloak, she caught a glimpse of a face she knew all too well. Her breath hitched, and a chill ran down her spine.

"It can't be..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The hooded woman seemed to sense Rinne's presence. She turned slowly, her face still partially obscured by the hood, but her posture straightened as if recognizing an old acquaintance.

Houtaro was still reeling from his conversation with the hooded woman when Rinne's panicked voice cut through the air like a knife.

"Ichinose-kun! Kajiki-kun! Get away from her now!"

Her words startled both Houtaro and Kajiki, who turned to see Rinne limping toward them, her face pale and her injured arm trembling as she clutched it tightly. Hopper1, sensing the tension, chirped nervously from Houtaro's bag, its tiny body quivering as if it too could feel the weight of the moment.

Houtaro frowned, his earlier frustration with Rinne bubbling back to the surface. "Kudo, what are you talking about?" he asked, his tone laced with irritation. "She's been nothing but kind to us! Why do you keep acting like everything and everyone around us is dangerous?"

Kajiki looked between Rinne and the hooded woman, confusion written all over his face. "Kudo, what's going on? Do you know her?"

The hooded woman's demeanor shifted almost imperceptibly. Her soft, friendly smile morphed into something sharper, more sinister, as she tilted her head slightly, her hood casting a deeper shadow over her face. "So, these two are your friends, huh, Kudo Rinne," she said, her tone dripping with mockery. "I suppose I should've expected you'd show up sooner or later."

Houtaro blinked in surprise, glancing between Rinne and the woman. "Wait, you do know her?" he asked, his confusion deepening.

"Ichinose-kun, she's not someone you can trust!" Rinne shouted, her voice cracking under the strain of urgency. "She's dangerous!"

Houtaro opened his mouth to respond, but the hooded woman moved faster than he could react. Her hand lashed out in a backhanded slap, the force of the blow sending Houtaro sprawling onto the ground. He rolled twice before coming to a stop, groaning in pain as Hopper1 tumbled out of his bag and landed a few feet away.

"Ichinose-kun!" Rinne screamed, her injured arm forgotten as she rushed toward him, her limp more pronounced than ever.

Hopper1 sprang to its feet, its antennae twitching furiously. "Hoppa! Hoppa! Ho-pa!" it cried, buzzing angrily as it hovered in front of Houtaro protectively, its tiny body trembling with rage.

Kajiki, frozen in shock, finally found his voice. "Why would you do that?!" he demanded, his voice cracking with disbelief. "What's wrong with you?!"

The hooded woman laughed, a cold, cruel sound that sent shivers down Kajiki's spine. "What's wrong with me? Oh, poor boy," she sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. "What's wrong is that you were too naive to see through my little act. Didn't your friend warn you not to trust strangers?"

With a dramatic flourish, she reached into her cloak and pulled out a long, sharp fingernail that gleamed menacingly in the light. Kajiki's heart sank as she turned her attention to the stack of articles and illustrations he had worked so hard on.

"No!" Kajiki cried, lunging forward, but the woman swiped her clawed finger through the air, slicing the papers into ribbons. The shredded remnants fluttered to the ground like dead leaves, the culmination of Kajiki's hard work reduced to nothing in mere seconds.

Kajiki fell to his knees, staring blankly at the ruined pages. Tears welled up in his eyes, spilling over as he clutched at the fragments. "Why would you do this?" he whispered, his voice trembling with despair. "Why?"

The woman smirked, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. "Oh, don't take it so personally, dear. I just love seeing hope turn into despair. And you," she added, pointing a sharp claw at Kajiki, "gave me such a delightful show."

Houtaro, having regained his footing, clenched his fists as he glared at the woman. "How could you?" he demanded, his voice shaking with both anger and hurt. "You pretended to be kind, to support us—why would you do this to Kajiki?"

Before the woman could respond, Rinne finally reached Houtaro's side. "Ichinose-kun, are you okay?" she asked breathlessly, her eyes scanning him for injuries.

"I'm fine," Houtaro said, though his voice was heavy with guilt. "Kudo... I'm sorry. I should've listened to you. I should've trusted you."

Rinne shook her head, her expression softening despite the situation. "We can talk about that later. Right now, Kajiki-kun needs us."

The hooded woman interrupted their exchange with a mocking laugh. "How touching," she sneered. "You're all so adorably naive. But I'm afraid this little reunion is going to be short-lived."

Houtaro turned to face her, his eyes blazing with determination. "I won't let you hurt Kajiki or anyone else," he said firmly, stepping protectively in front of Rinne.

Rinne's gaze hardened as she glared at the woman. "Millaarc," she hissed, her voice low and venomous. "Why are you here? What do you want with them?"

The oppressive tension hung in the air as the hooded woman finally revealed her face, her pale features illuminated under the faint light. Her crimson eyes glimmered with cruel intent as she smirked at Rinne, who stood trembling, her injured arm clutched tightly to her chest.

"Millaarc, you… Answer my question!" Rinne spat, her voice filled with venom and an edge of fear. It wasn't just recognition—it was loathing, born from a history she clearly wasn't ready to share yet.

Houtaro's eyes darted between Rinne and Millaarc, confusion written all over his face. "Kudo, who is she? What's going on?" he demanded, his tone tinged with both frustration and concern.

Rinne shot him a sharp glance, her voice low and urgent. "Ichinose-kun, it's a long story. Just don't ask needless questions now."

Even Hopper1, usually playful and curious, was visibly agitated. Its antennae twitched furiously, and it buzzed with an almost feral energy as it hopped forward, positioning itself protectively in front of Houtaro. "Hoppa! Hoppa! Ho-pa!" it exclaimed, its tiny form vibrating with defiance.

Millaarc's smirk deepened at the sight of Hopper1. "Well, well," she purred, her tone dripping with mockery. "What a lucky day this has turned out to be. Another Chemy, right here in front of me. The Boss will be thrilled."

Her words sent a chill down Houtaro's spine. "The Boss" he echoed, his fists clenching at his sides. "What do you mean by that? What do you want with Hopper1?"

Ignoring his question, Millaarc turned her attention back to Rinne, her crimson eyes narrowing. "It seems I stumbled upon quite the jackpot. I was just looking for a good specimen to bring to the Boss, and here I find not one, but two little boys with such important plans today. What better way to ruin everything than to drag them into despair?"

She gestured to Kajiki, who was still on the ground, clutching the remnants of his shredded article. "Look at him," Millaarc sneered. "He's already drowning in despair. But you," she said, turning her gaze to Houtaro, "you're still holding out. Such a shame. I had hoped to see you crumble too."

Houtaro glared at her, his voice steady despite the fear bubbling in his chest. "I won't give you the satisfaction," he said firmly.

Millaarc's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Oh, don't worry, sweet boy. You'll break soon enough. The Boss has a particular taste for naive little fools like you."

Before Houtaro could respond, Rinne stepped in front of him, her body trembling with both anger and determination. "I won't let you touch him," she declared, her voice fierce. "Ichinose-kun is under my protection. You won't lay a finger on him, Millaarc."

Houtaro blinked in surprise, a warmth spreading through his chest at her words. Despite everything—their arguments, his stubbornness—Rinne was standing up for him. And not just standing up for him, but fiercely, without hesitation. Regret welled up in him as he thought of how many times he had dismissed her warnings, how often he had let his pride get in the way.

Millaarc, however, seemed unimpressed. She laughed, a cold, mocking sound that echoed in the tense silence. "How touching," she said. "You might have him but I'll take the other one." Her gaze shifted to Kajiki, and then to Hopper1. "And maybe this little Chemy as a bonus."

She reached into her cloak and pulled out a card—dark, ominous, and etched with the image of a tarantula. The sight of it made Rinne's eyes widen in horror. "No," she whispered, taking a step forward. "Millaarc, don't—"

But before Rinne could reach her, Millaarc unleashed a shockwave of crimson energy. The blast sent Rinne flying backward, her body colliding with the ground. Houtaro lunged forward, catching her just before she hit the dirt. "Kudo!" he shouted, his voice filled with panic. Hopper1 hopped beside them, chirping furiously, "Hoppa! Hoppa-hop! Ho-pa!"

Millaarc laughed as she stepped toward Kajiki, who was still kneeling on the ground. "Now, let's begin. Be dyed in Darkness!" she said, holding the Tarantula Card aloft. Dark energy crackled around it, and without warning, she thrust it into Kajiki's chest.

Kajiki's scream tore through the air, a sound of pure agony that made Houtaro's blood run cold. "Kajiki!" he shouted, trying to move toward him, but Rinne grabbed his arm, her grip surprisingly strong despite her injuries.

"Don't!" she warned, her voice shaking. "You can't stop it now."

Dark energy erupted from Kajiki's body, swirling around him like a storm. The ground beneath him cracked and splintered as the energy consumed him, enveloping him in a cocoon of shadow. Hopper1 chirped nervously, "Hoppa… Ho-pa… Hoppa-hop…" as it backed away.

When the energy finally subsided, what emerged was no longer Kajiki. Standing in his place was a monstrous figure—a grotesque fusion of man and spider. Its body was covered in a mix of wooden textures and yellow fur, its limbs twisted and segmented like a tarantula's. Multiple crimson eyes glowed from its chest, and its hands, tipped with sharp claws, cradled an orb that pulsed with an eerie red light.

Millaarc's voice was filled with delight as she gestured to the creature. "Behold," she said, "the Spider Malgam. A perfect specimen, wouldn't you agree?"

The Spider Malgam let out a guttural, inhuman howl, its tarantula-like limbs twitching violently as it loomed over the battlefield. Houtaro's eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat as he stared at the monstrous amalgamation of his best friend, Kajiki, and the Tarantula Chemy. The scene felt like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. His voice cracked as he yelled, "What have you done to Kajiki?!"

Millaarc, standing with an air of smug satisfaction, chuckled coldly. "What have I done? Oh, little boy," she said, her tone dripping with mockery. "I've merely brought out his true potential. Or perhaps... his true despair."

Rinne stood a few paces behind Houtaro, her hands clenched into trembling fists. Her sharp gaze flicked between Millaarc and the Spider Malgam. Though her face was set in steely resolve, a flicker of anguish betrayed her calm demeanor. Hopper1, standing in front of them, chirped frantically, its cries echoing a mix of defiance and distress. "Hoppa! Hop! Pa-pa!" it exclaimed, bouncing slightly on its tiny legs.

Houtaro's voice rose, desperate and furious. "You twisted psycho! Kajiki isn't a weapon for you to use! How could you—" His voice faltered, his throat tightening as the weight of the situation bore down on him.

Millaarc laughed, her blue hair gleaming under the bright noon. "Oh, spare me the righteous anger, little boy. Your dear friend's despair was just too delicious to resist. His precious article, his fragile dream... It was all too easy to shatter. And once he was broken, the rest fell into place."

"You're disgusting!" Houtaro snapped, his fists trembling. "You crushed everything he worked for just to turn him into... into this!"

Millaarc shrugged nonchalantly. "It's nothing personal. Just business. And, well, people like you and your friend make it so easy. Your naïve little dreams are like glass—so fragile, so satisfying to break."

Houtaro's fury boiled over, and he took a step forward, his body trembling with rage. "I won't forgive you for this!"

But before he could charge, Rinne's hand shot out, gripping his arm firmly. "Ichinose-kun, stop!" she said sharply.

Houtaro turned to her, his eyes blazing. "Kudo, let me go! I can't just stand here while she—"

"You'll get yourself killed!" Rinne interrupted, her voice firm but laced with urgency. "This is way beyond you, Ichinose-kun. You can't fight her, not like this."

"But Kajiki—"

"I know!" Rinne's voice cracked slightly, but she quickly steadied herself. "I know what she's done. And I know how much Kajiki-kun means to you. But charging in recklessly won't save him. You'll just make things worse."

Their argument was abruptly cut short as Millaarc smirked and gestured lazily at the Spider Malgam. "Enough bickering. My pet, show them what despair truly feels like."

The Spider Malgam reared back, its grotesque body glowing faintly as it fired a condensed ball of sticky, shimmering web toward Houtaro and Rinne.

"HOPPA!" Hopper1 cried out, leaping into action. It slammed into Houtaro and Rinne with surprising force, knocking them both to the ground just as the web shot past them, narrowly missing its target.

Houtaro and Rinne rolled across the dirt, coming to a stop a few feet away. "Hopper1!" Houtaro exclaimed, sitting up and looking at the tiny Chemy.

"Hop! Hoppa-pa!" Hopper1 chirped furiously, bouncing in place as if scolding them.

Rinne pushed herself up, brushing dirt from her uniform. "Hopper1's right," she said, her voice steady. "This isn't the time to argue. Ichinose-kun, you need to leave. Now."

Houtaro hesitated. "But what about you? What are you going to do?"

"I'll handle this," Rinne said firmly. "You need to get back to the school. Find Saint-Germain-sensei or Cagliostro-sensei. They'll know what to do."

"No way!" Houtaro shot back. "You're injured, Kudo! You can't fight them alone!" His eyes darted to her bandaged arm, guilt and worry etched across his face. "I can't leave you like this. I won't!"

Rinne's expression softened for a brief moment before hardening again. "Ichinose-kun, please. You'll only get in the way if you stay. Go!"

But Houtaro shook his head stubbornly. "I'm not leaving you!"

Rinne clicked her tongue in frustration. "You're impossible," she muttered under her breath. Then, almost to herself, she added, "I didn't want to do this, but... I don't have a choice."

Houtaro frowned, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Rinne stepped forward, raising her injured arm. His eyes were drawn to the ornate ring on her middle finger. He had seen her wearing it countless times, but she had always dismissed it as a cheap accessory.

Now, she slid the ring off her middle finger and onto her index finger. The air around her seemed to shift, growing heavy with an almost electric tension.

"Kudo...?" Houtaro began, but his words trailed off as a bright blue light enveloped her.

In an instant, her school uniform was replaced by a striking new outfit. The deep blues and silvers of her attire shimmered in the light, the cape flowing elegantly behind her. Her expression was resolute, her stance protective as she positioned herself between Houtaro and Millaarc.

"I'll stop you," Rinne declared, her voice firm and unwavering. "And I'll save Kajiki."

Millaarc raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh? This should be interesting."

Houtaro could only stare, his mind racing as he tried to process what he was seeing. "Kudo... what...?"

Rinne glanced over her shoulder at him, her eyes filled with determination. "Ichinose-kun, I'll say it simply for you to understand. I'm an Alchemist."

Houtaro stared at her, his mouth slightly agape, unable to reconcile the image of his friend with the powerful presence before him. "Kudo... what just happened? What are you wearing? And what do you mean you're an Alchemist?"

Rinne glanced at him briefly, her eyes calm but firm. "Ichinose-kun, I'll explain everything later. Right now, you need to leave."

"But—"

"I said, later," Rinne cut him off, her voice leaving no room for argument. "I'm an Alchemist. It's something I've trained for my entire life, and it's the only reason I can stand against them now. You, on the other hand..." She trailed off, her gaze flicking to Hopper1, who was tugging at Houtaro's sleeve. "You can't protect yourself in a fight like this. You'd only get in the way."

Houtaro blinked, the weight of her words sinking in. "An Alchemist..." he murmured, more to himself than to her. "I've read about Alchemists in books and seen them in games and anime, but... I never thought I'd meet a real one. And it's you?!"

Rinne's lips pressed into a thin line. "Ichinose-kun, this isn't the time for questions. Just trust me on this. Go find Saint-Germain-sensei or Cagliostro-sensei at the school. They'll know what to do."

"But Kudo, I can't just leave you here!" Houtaro protested, his voice rising. "Kajiki's our friend. I can't just—"

"You can't help me if you're dead!" Rinne snapped, her voice sharp but tinged with a rare note of vulnerability. She took a step closer, lowering her voice. "Ichinose-kun, trust me. I'll bring Kajiki-kun back. I promise. But right now, you need to go."

Houtaro hesitated, his fists clenched at his sides. "But what about you? What if—"

"I'll be fine," Rinne interrupted, her tone softening slightly. "I'm not asking you to forget about this. I'm asking you to trust me."

Hopper1 hopped up onto Houtaro's shoulder, chirping urgently. "Hoppa! Hop! Ho-pa!"

Houtaro looked at the tiny Chemy, its determined little eyes boring into his. He exhaled shakily, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "Fine," he said finally, his voice tight. "But you'd better keep your promise, Kudo."

Rinne gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I will. Now go."

With a heavy heart, Houtaro turned and ran, Hopper1 bouncing beside him. He glanced back one last time, his chest tightening at the sight of Rinne standing alone against Millaarc and the Spider Malgam.

---

As Houtaro disappeared into the distance, Rinne turned her full attention to her enemies. The Spider Malgam hissed, its grotesque body twitching as it prepared to strike. Millaarc, meanwhile, stood with a smug smile, her arms crossed as if she had already won.

"How touching," Millaarc sneered. "Your little naïve friend really thinks you can save his precious friend. How naive."

Rinne's eyes narrowed. "Save your breath, Millaarc. You're going to regret underestimating me."

Without another word, Rinne thrust her hand toward a nearby bench. Blue light crackled around her fingers as the wooden bench disassembled itself, the planks and metal legs floating into the air. With a sharp gesture, she transmuted the pieces into a flurry of sharp, metallic shards, which she sent hurtling toward the Spider Malgam.

The Malgam screeched, raising its tarantula-like limbs to shield itself. The shards embedded themselves in its thick exoskeleton, but the creature barely flinched. It lunged at Rinne, its massive legs slamming into the ground where she had stood moments before.

Rinne leaped back, her cape billowing behind her as she landed gracefully. She extended her hand toward a pile of discarded cans and debris, transmuting them into a series of spinning, razor-sharp discs. She sent the discs flying at Millaarc, who dodged effortlessly, her silver hair whipping around her.

"You'll have to do better than that," Millaarc taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. She raised her own hand, summoning a series of jagged, crystalline spikes from the ground. The spikes shot toward Rinne, who countered by transmuting a nearby trash bin into a sturdy metal shield.

The battlefield became a chaotic dance of alchemical attacks, each side trading blows with increasing intensity. Rinne's movements were precise and calculated, her eyes constantly scanning for an opening. But Millaarc was no amateur, and the Spider Malgam's relentless attacks left Rinne little room to breathe.

"You're holding back," Millaarc said suddenly, her tone accusatory. "Why haven't you transformed yet? Come on, you surely still have that card up to play, right? Or perhaps, you don't have enough energy to transform."

Rinne's jaw tightened. "I don't need to transform to deal with someone like you," she shot back. "Hiding behind that Malgam only proves how weak you really are."

Millaarc's smirk faltered for a brief moment before returning with renewed venom. "Big words for someone who's barely holding her ground."

Rinne ignored her, her mind racing. She still had one trick up her sleeve, but it was risky. She had used it before to capture Steamliner, but the effort had left her injured and she had less energy to use it again. Using it again now, in her current state, was a gamble and she was sure that trick wouldn't last a minute or two.

Her gaze flicked to the Chemy Riser at her waist. This was her alternate plan beside using that risky trick. Knowing that she had captured the rather powerful level 9 Chemy, Steamliner, she thought that she could use it as lending hand here. Steeling herself, Rinne pulled the Chemy Riser from her belt. The device gleamed in the dim light, its sleek black and orange design catching Millaarc's eye.

Millaarc's confident demeanor wavered. "What are you doing?" she demanded, a note of panic creeping into her voice.

Rinne didn't answer. She slid the Steamliner card into the device and pressed the triangular button. "Steamliner," she said firmly. "I need your help."

The Chemy Riser whirred to life, glowing faintly. But instead of materializing, Steamliner's voice rumbled from within the card, low and dissatisfied. "Steeam... stea... steeee..."

Rinne's heart sank. "Steamliner, please," she pleaded. "I know we didn't start off on the best terms, but I need you now. I need to save Kajiki-kun!"

Millaarc burst into laughter, her earlier panic replaced with glee. "Even your own Chemy doesn't want to help you! How pathetic."

Rinne ignored her, her grip on the Chemy Riser tightening. "Steamliner, I'm begging you," she said quietly. "I can't do this alone."

The card remained silent, and Rinne clicked her tongue in frustration. She shoved the device back into her belt, her mind racing for alternatives.

The Spider Malgam screeched, lunging at her again. Rinne dodged, her injured arm throbbing with pain. She transmuted another pile of debris into a makeshift spear, hurling it at the creature. The battle raged on, but the strain was beginning to show.

Rinne's breaths came in ragged gasps, her movements slowing. She just hoped Houtaro was listening to her and would find reinforcements soon.

---

The faint sound of battle echoed in the distance, the clash of transmuted weapons against monstrous limbs. Houtaro's chest heaved as he slowed to a stop, his breath misting in the cool evening air. Hopper1 sat on his shoulder, chirping anxiously.

"Hoppa! Hoppa-pa!" the little Chemy exclaimed, its tiny body trembling as it tugged at Houtaro's sleeve with its stubby arms.

Houtaro bent over slightly, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. "I'm fine, Hopper1," he said between pants, glancing at the small creature with a faint smile. "I'm just... worried about Kudo. She's out there, hurt, fighting that woman, Millaarc, and that monster, and here I am... running away."

He straightened up, looking back in the direction he had come from. The sky above the battlefield glimmered faintly with flashes of blue and silver light—Rinne's alchemy clashing against Millaarc's dark power. The sight only deepened the knot in his stomach.

Hopper1 tilted its head, its large, expressive eyes filled with concern. "Hop? Hoppa-pa, hop!" it cried, shaking its head and pulling at his sleeve again as if to urge him to keep moving away.

Houtaro frowned, gently brushing Hopper1's hands away. "I know, I know. You don't want me to go back. But... how can I just leave her behind like that?" His voice cracked slightly, betraying the turmoil inside him.

The Chemy chirped again, more insistently this time. "Hoppa! Ho-pa! Hop-hoppa!"

Houtaro sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to make sense of everything. "I don't even know what's going on anymore," he muttered, his thoughts spiraling. "Kajiki turning into that... thing. Millaarc showing up out of nowhere and acting like she owns the place. And then Kudo—Kudo—pulling off some crazy alchemist transformation like she's been doing this her whole life?!"

He let out a frustrated laugh, shaking his head. "I mean, seriously! What am I supposed to do with all that? How am I supposed to help?"

Hopper1 chirped softly, its tone gentler now as it patted Houtaro's cheek with its tiny hand.

"I know you're worried about me," Houtaro said quietly, reaching up to pet the Chemy's head. "And I get it. Kudo said the same thing. She told me to run, to find help, to stay safe. But... I can't just leave her there. Not when she's hurt. Not when Kajiki's... like that."

He looked down at the ground, his fists clenching at his sides. "I can't just sit around and do nothing. That's not who I am. And it's not what friends do."

"Hop... Hoppa-pa," Hopper1 chirped, shaking its head again. It pointed toward the distant school, its gestures frantic as if to say, Find help! Don't go back!

But Houtaro shook his head, his voice firm. "I can't, Hopper1. I just... I can't."

The Chemy let out a series of frustrated chirps, hopping up and down on his shoulder as if trying to knock some sense into him. "Hop! Hoppa! Ho-pa-pa-pa!"

Houtaro couldn't help but chuckle, despite the weight of the situation. "Kajiki was right. You're just like Kudo, you know that? Always worrying about me, always trying to keep me out of trouble."

He paused, his smile fading as a memory surfaced—vague and dreamlike, yet strangely vivid. "You remind me of someone else, too," he said softly, his voice tinged with melancholy. "This morning, I had this dream... about a girl. A childhood friend. I don't even know if it was real, but it felt real. She had long black hair, just like Kudo, and this teasing way of talking that drove me crazy."

Hopper1 tilted its head, its chirps growing curious. "Hop? Hoppa?"

Houtaro laughed weakly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know it sounds crazy. But in that dream, I promised her something. I promised we'd always be together. And now... I can't even remember her name. I don't even know if she was real, or if I just made her up."

His voice grew quieter, almost a whisper. "But the thought of forgetting her... it scares me. And now, leaving Kudo and Kajiki behind like this... it feels the same. Like I'm breaking another promise. Like I'm losing more people I care about."

Tears welled up in his eyes, and he quickly wiped them away, embarrassed. "I don't want to lose them, Hopper1. Not like that. Not ever."

The little Chemy stared at him for a long moment, its expressive eyes filled with understanding. Finally, it let out a resigned chirp. "Hop... hoppa-pa," it said softly, patting his cheek again.

Houtaro smiled faintly, his tears still glistening. "Thanks, buddy. I needed that."

Hopper1 chirped again, this time with a note of encouragement. "Hoppa! Hoppa-pa!"

Houtaro nodded, cradling the Chemy in his hands. "Don't worry, I won't do anything stupid. I'll just... make sure she's okay. From a distance. I promise."

"Hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped, as if to say, You'd better keep that promise.

With renewed determination, Houtaro turned and began running back toward the battlefield, Hopper1 clinging tightly to his shoulder. The flashes of light in the distance grew brighter as he approached, and his heart pounded with a mix of fear and resolve.

"Kudo... Kajiki... hang on," he murmured. "I'm coming back."

Houtaro sprinted through the forest, the crunch of fallen leaves beneath his feet muffled by the pounding of his heart. His breath came in uneven gasps as he neared the battlefield where he had left Rinne. Ducking behind a cluster of trees, he peered cautiously through the branches, his eyes widening at the sight before him.

Rinne stood at the center of the chaos, her posture tense but commanding. The Spider Malgam loomed, its grotesque form bristling with malice, while Millaarc hovered nearby, her predatory grin as sharp as a blade. Rinne moved with precision, her hands weaving intricate patterns as she transmuted shards of the surroundings into weapons. Jagged spikes of stone and shards of metal shot through the air, forcing the Malgam to retreat momentarily.

Houtaro's breath hitched. She's amazing, he thought, unable to tear his eyes away. Yet, even from his concealed vantage point, he could see the strain etched on her face. Her injured arm trembled with every motion; the bandage he had wrapped earlier now stained with fresh blood.

Millaarc's mocking laughter echoed through the clearing. "How much longer can you keep this up, Kudo? You're practically falling apart." She smirked, her crimson eyes gleaming with malice. "Why don't you just give up? It would be so much easier for both of us."

Rinne gritted her teeth, her voice firm despite the pain. "I'm not done yet. Not by a long shot."

Houtaro clenched his fists, his instinct to rush in nearly overwhelming him. But before he could act, Hopper1 tugged at his sleeve with a series of urgent chirps.

"Hoppa! Ho! Hop!"

Houtaro frowned, glancing down at the tiny Chemy. "What do you mean, 'not yet'? She needs help!"

Hopper1 shook its body furiously, its antennae pointing toward the battlefield as if urging Houtaro to wait. Houtaro groaned in frustration but reluctantly stayed put, his heart hammering as he continued to watch.

Rinne dodged a barrage of web balls fired by the Spider Malgam, her movements graceful despite her injuries. She conjured shields from nearby debris, the transmuted barriers absorbing the brunt of the attacks. Houtaro couldn't help but silently cheer for her resilience, but his hope was short-lived.

The Spider Malgam's next attack was quicker, more calculated. A web ball shot forward, striking Rinne's foot with precision. Her eyes widened as the sticky substance locked her in place.

"Damn it!" she hissed, tugging at her leg to free herself, but the webbing held firm.

Houtaro yelped softly, his hand instinctively reaching out as if he could help from where he stood.

Millaarc chuckled darkly. "Looks like the mighty alchemist has been caught in her own web of desperation." Her hand glowed with crimson energy as she prepared to strike. "Let's see how long you can last now."

A red energy blast shot toward Rinne, who hastily conjured another shield from a nearby bench. The barrier absorbed some of the impact but shattered under the force of the blast. The residual energy scraped her injured arm, tearing through the bandages.

Rinne cried out, clutching her arm as she fell to the ground. Blood seeped through her fingers as she gritted her teeth, trying to mask the pain. Houtaro's stomach twisted at the sight of her crumpled form, his mind racing.

Millaarc sauntered closer, the Spider Malgam following her lead. "This is the end of the line for you, Kudo," she sneered, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Houtaro's panic reached its peak. His eyes darted around until they landed on a cluster of rocks nearby. Hopper1 chirped excitedly, pointing at them.

"Hoppa! Hop!"

"Fine," Houtaro muttered, grabbing a handful of stones.

With a determined yell, he hurled the first rock, striking Millaarc in the side of the head.

The vampire reeled, her expression shifting from smug amusement to irritated confusion. "What the—?" She turned, her crimson gaze locking onto Houtaro.

"Hey, over here!" Houtaro shouted, throwing another rock. "Why don't you pick on someone who can actually fight back?"

Rinne's eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice. "Ichinose-kun?!" she exclaimed, her tone a mix of relief and exasperation.

Houtaro stepped into the clearing, his stance defiant despite the obvious danger. "You didn't really think I'd leave you behind, did you?"

Rinne glared at him, her frustration evident even through her pain. "I told you to go find help! You're going to get yourself killed!"

"I couldn't just leave you here!" Houtaro shot back, throwing another rock. "I'm not losing another friend, Kudo. Not again."

Millaarc's patience snapped. "You've got some nerve, kid." She gestured to the Spider Malgam. "Kill him."

The Malgam charged another web ball, but Houtaro managed to land a well-aimed throw, the rock striking Millaarc's left eye.

She shrieked in pain, clutching her face. "You little brat!"

Seizing the opportunity, Hopper1 leaped into action, its small body colliding with the Malgam's massive frame.

"Hop! Hoppa!"

The Malgam stumbled, momentarily distracted by the tiny Chemy's relentless assault.

Houtaro wasted no time. He sprinted to Rinne's side, crouching down to help her up. "Come on, we're getting out of here."

Rinne winced as he lifted her, her voice strained. "You're reckless, Ichinose-kun. You should've just left me."

"Not a chance," he replied firmly. "We're in this together."

As Houtaro carried Rinne toward the edge of the clearing, Hopper1 launched one final attack before darting back to them.

"Hoppa! Ho!"

"Good job, buddy," Houtaro said, glancing back.

But their escape was cut short as Millaarc, her rage boiling over, shouted, "Don't let them leave!"

The Spider Malgam fired another web ball, its trajectory aimed directly at Houtaro and Rinne. Hopper1 intercepted the attack, its tiny body becoming ensnared in the sticky threads.

"Hopper1!" Houtaro cried, reaching out as the Malgam reeled the Chemy in.

Millaarc sneered, her crimson eyes narrowing with sadistic glee as she held Hopper1 in her grasp. The small Chemy struggled, its tiny body wriggling against the sticky web that bound it. "You should be grateful," Millaarc purred, her voice dripping with venom. "Your little pet will serve a far greater purpose than being your pathetic companion."

Houtaro clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as anger and desperation welled up inside him. "Hopper1 isn't just a tool!" he shouted, his voice trembling with emotion. "It's not yours to take! Let it go!"

Millaarc's laugh echoed through the clearing, sharp and mocking. "Such boldness from someone so powerless. You're amusing, boy. Truly. But this is where your little fairy tale ends." She motioned to the Spider Malgam, which hissed menacingly as it tightened its hold on Hopper1.

Rinne, still leaning against Houtaro for support, gritted her teeth. "Ichinose-kun, stop it!" she snapped, her voice laced with both frustration and concern. "You're not strong enough to take them on. We need to think—"

"No, Kudo!" Houtaro interrupted, his voice firm and resolute. "I won't stand by and watch them hurt Hopper1. I couldn't save Kajiki, but I won't let them take another friend from me!"

Rinne's eyes widened at his words, a pang of guilt and admiration flickering in her chest. She wanted to argue, to pull him back from the brink of his reckless bravery, but the fire in his eyes silenced her. Houtaro wasn't going to back down, no matter what.

Rinne could feel her heart pounding in her chest as Houtaro's panicked voice filled the air. Hopper1, trapped in Millaarc's grasp, let out a desperate, "Hoppa! Hop! Ho!" that echoed in their ears. Houtaro clenched his fists and took a step forward, his eyes blazing with determination.

"Kudo, let me go!" he shouted, trying to break past her.

But Rinne swiftly blocked his path, her injured arm trembling as she held him back. "Ichinose-kun, stop! You can't just charge in recklessly!" she said, her voice firm yet tinged with desperation.

Houtaro's gaze didn't waver. "I can't just stand here while Hopper1—"

"Enough!" Rinne cut him off, her tone sharp. She steadied herself, her mind racing. She knew Houtaro wouldn't back down, and time was slipping away. Her body ached, her bandaged arm throbbed, and the energy within her was dwindling. But she had one last trick up her sleeve—a gamble she hadn't wanted to reveal yet.

"Listen to me, Ichinose-kun," she said, her voice softening. "I have a plan. But it's risky, and I'll need everything I have left to pull it off. You need to trust me."

Houtaro hesitated, his eyes darting to her bandaged arm, where blood had begun to seep through the fabric. "But Kudo… You're—"

"I'll be fine," she interrupted, forcing a small, reassuring smile. "I'll create an opening for you to save Hopper1. After that, we retreat. We'll find Saint-Germain-sensei and the others. We'll save Kajiki-kun then together."

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, Houtaro's resolve faltered. He bit his lip, then gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. But you'd better not push yourself too hard."

Rinne nodded back, her expression steeling. She raised her hand, focusing her dwindling Alchemy energy into the ornate orange-gem ring on her index finger. The gem began to glow, its light pulsating like a heartbeat. The ring expanded, transforming into an intricate design. The band became thicker, adorned with wing-like patterns that stretched outward, framing the glowing gem at its center. The gem itself now resembled a radiant arrowhead, its fiery orange hue casting a warm glow.

Houtaro's eyes widened as he watched the transformation. "Is that…?"

Before he could finish, Rinne extended her other hand, and an ornate belt materialized around her waist. Its design was striking—a sleek black base with vibrant orange accents that seemed to pulse with energy. The centerpiece of the belt was a translucent panel, framed by angular designs, with a faint golden sheen beneath its surface. The intricate circuitry-like patterns etched into the panel glowed faintly, giving the belt an otherworldly aura.

"That's so cool!" Houtaro exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. "It looks just like the belts from—"

"Pipe down, Ichinose-kun!" Rinne snapped, shooting him a glare. "I need to focus."

She raised the ornate ring to the belt, scanning it across the translucent panel. The belt emitted a sharp, resonant hum as its design began to shift. The orange accents flared brighter, and the translucent panel transformed, taking on a more elaborate, triangular design with white and gold elements. The new form exuded an air of elegance and power, its intricate details reflecting Rinne's mastery of Alchemy.

"Alchemisdriver!"

Millaarc, standing a few steps away with Hopper1 still in her grasp, chuckled darkly. "Finally decided to show your hand, have you? Let's see what you've got."

Rinne ignored her, pulling two cards from her pocket. She held them up, revealing the creatures depicted on them—TheSun and Unicon. The creatures within the cards seemed to shimmer, their forms reminiscent of Hopper1's, yet distinctly unique.

Houtaro leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Those cards… The creatures inside… They're just like Hopper1's!"

But before Rinne could proceed, her knees buckled. The strain of manifesting the belt and preparing her transformation was taking its toll. She collapsed, and Houtaro was at her side in an instant, catching her before she hit the ground.

"Kudo!" he cried, his voice filled with panic.

Rinne's breaths came in short, ragged gasps. Her vision blurred, and her body felt heavy, as if every ounce of energy had been drained from her. "I… I'm fine," she murmured, though her trembling frame betrayed her words.

"You're not fine!" Houtaro shouted, his grip tightening on her shoulders. "This is too much for you. You need to stop!"

Rinne shook her head weakly, her determination unwavering despite her condition. "We… don't have time, Ichinose-kun. I can still… make this work."

"But—"

"Trust me," she whispered, her eyes locking onto his. "Please."

Houtaro hesitated, his heart aching at the sight of her struggle. But her resolve was unshakable, and he knew there was no stopping her now. Reluctantly, he nodded, his voice soft. "Okay. I trust you."

Rinne gave him a faint smile before turning her gaze back to Millaarc. She clenched the cards in her hand, her fingers trembling. Her mind raced as she tried to muster the strength to stand. Hopper1's faint cries—"Hoppa! Hop! Hoppa!"—spurred her on, fueling her resolve.

"I won't let you down," she whispered to herself, summoning every ounce of willpower she had left.

Rinne's legs trembled violently, the weight of her injuries bearing down on her as she pushed herself upright once more. Her breath was ragged, her vision hazy, but her resolve burned fiercely. She steadied herself with one hand on her belt, the other clutching the ornate ring that now glowed with an intense, fiery orange light.

With a deliberate motion, she raised the ring to the triangular scanner atop the belt.

"Alchemis Link!"

The device hummed with energy, the orange glow intensifying as its intricate patterns lit up like veins of molten lava. The sound resonated through the tense battlefield, a stark contrast to the silence that had fallen over Houtaro and Millaarc as they watched her.

Houtaro's voice broke the stillness. "Kudo, what are you doing?" His tone was a mixture of awe and worry, his eyes darting between her pale face and the equipment she wielded.

Rinne didn't answer, her focus locked on the task at hand. Her trembling hands slid two cards—the Unicon and TheSun—into the slots on the belt. The cards clicked into place, their images glowing faintly as the belt's energy surged.

"Unicon! The Sun!"

Millaarc's crimson eyes narrowed. She tightened her grip on Hopper1, who let out a frantic cry. "Hoppa! Hop! Pa!" The little Chemy's voice was tinged with fear, its tiny legs flailing in a desperate attempt to escape.

Millaarc smirked, her voice dripping with mockery. "Well, well, what do we have here? You think you can stop me with your little parlor tricks, girl?" She raised Hopper1 higher, holding the trembling creature as a shield. "If you try anything funny, I can't promise this one's safety." Her long, sharp fingernail hovered dangerously close to Hopper1's tiny neck.

"Hoppa! Ho! Ho!" Hopper1's cries grew more frantic, its tiny body shaking with fear.

"Millaarc!" Houtaro shouted, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His rage boiled over as he took a step forward. "Let Hopper1 go! Now!"

Millaarc's laughter rang out, sharp and cruel. "Oh, you're adorable when you're angry, boy. But I don't think you're in any position to make demands." She turned her gaze back to Rinne, who had frozen mid-motion, her hand hovering over the belt's lever. "And you," Millaarc sneered. "What's the matter? Afraid to act? Or maybe you're finally realizing how useless you really are."

Rinne's teeth clenched as she released her grip on the lever, her hand falling to her side. "You coward," she hissed through gritted teeth. "Using a hostage... How low can you sink?"

Millaarc shrugged, her smirk widening. "Oh, spare me the righteous act. You 'heroes' and your rules... Always holding yourselves back. It's almost too easy to beat you."

Rinne took a shaky step forward, her body protesting with every movement. But her strength was fading fast, and her knees buckled once more. Houtaro was at her side in an instant, catching her before she collapsed.

"Kudo, stop this!" he pleaded, his voice breaking. "You're pushing yourself too hard. You can't keep going like this!"

"Ichino...se-kun..." Rinne's voice was barely above a whisper, her breaths shallow and uneven. She tried to muster a reassuring smile but failed. "I... I can still fight."

"No, you can't!" Houtaro's frustration was evident, his grip on her tightening. "Look at yourself! You're barely standing! How can you expect to—"

"Enough!" Millaarc's mocking voice cut through their exchange. "You two are pathetic. Honestly, it's almost painful to watch." She glanced at the Spider Malgam standing nearby, then back at the pair. "But as much as I'd love to savor your despair, I have more important matters to attend to. My boss will be thrilled with my haul." She turned to leave, Hopper1 still struggling in her grasp.

"Hoppa! Hoppa! Ho! Pa!" Hopper1's desperate cries echoed through the air, each one a dagger to Houtaro's heart.

Houtaro's body tensed. His hands curled into fists, his jaw tightening as Millaarc's taunting words replayed in his mind. His gaze shifted to Rinne, who was too weak to stand, then back to Hopper1, whose cries grew fainter with each passing second. Something inside him snapped.

"Kudo, I'm sorry," he muttered, gently lowering her to the ground. Before she could protest, he was on his feet, sprinting toward Millaarc and the Spider Malgam.

"Wait! Ichinose-kun!" Rinne's voice cracked as she reached out for him, but her strength failed her. She collapsed to the ground, her vision blurring. "Don't... Please, don't..."

Houtaro didn't look back. His mind was set, his heart pounding as he closed the distance between himself and Millaarc. "Let. Hopper1. Go!" he roared, lunging for the Chemy.

Millaarc's eyes widened in surprise, but her shock quickly turned to annoyance. "You've got guts, boy, I'll give you that." She tightened her grip on Hopper1, pulling back as Houtaro grabbed hold of the Chemy's tiny body. The two began a desperate tug-of-war, Hopper1 crying out in distress.

"Hoppa! Ho! Hop! Pa!"

"Spider Malgam!" Millaarc barked. "Teach this brat a lesson!"

The Spider Malgam sprang into action, its clawed hands slamming into Houtaro's back. He cried out in pain but refused to let go of Hopper1. "I won't... let you take him!" he shouted through gritted teeth, his determination unwavering.

"Ichinose-kun, stop!" Rinne's voice was hoarse, tears streaming down her face as she watched him endure blow after blow. "You'll get yourself killed!"

"I don't care!" Houtaro yelled back, his voice filled with defiance. "I won't abandon my friends! Not now, not ever!"

Millaarc's patience wore thin. "Enough of this nonsense!" she snarled. But before she could react, Houtaro bit down on her hand with all his strength.

"Argh!" Millaarc yelped, her grip on Hopper1 loosening just enough for Houtaro to yank the Chemy free. "You little pest!"

"Hopper1, I've got you!" Houtaro whispered, shielding the trembling Chemy with his body.

"Hoppa! Hop! Ho!" Hopper1 chirped gratefully, its tiny legs clutching onto him.

But the victory was short-lived. The Spider Malgam delivered a powerful blow, sending Houtaro flying. He hit the ground hard, rolling several times before coming to a stop. Hopper1 tumbled from his grasp, letting out a frightened cry.

"Ichinose-kun!" Rinne screamed, her voice breaking as she struggled to rise. "No! Please, no!"

Houtaro lay on the ground, battered and bruised, but he managed to lift his head. "I'm... not done yet," he muttered, his voice barely audible.

"Hoppa... Hop..." Hopper1's tiny voice trembled as it crawled toward him, its small body shaking with worry.

Rinne's tears fell freely as she watched the scene unfold, her heart shattering with every second. "Ichinose-kun... Please..."

The air was thick with tension, the scorched battlefield silent except for the faint crackling of embers in the distance. Houtaro lay sprawled on the ground, his body aching from the brutal blow delivered by the Spider Malgam. Every attempt to move sent sharp jolts of pain coursing through his limbs, but his eyes remained fixed on Millaarc. She stood tall and menacing, her crimson eyes glowing with malice as she hissed in frustration, her clawed fingers twitching with pent-up rage.

"You insufferable brat!" Millaarc snarled, her voice dripping with venom. Her left eye, still bruised from Houtaro's earlier desperate strike, narrowed dangerously. "First my eye, now my hand?" She glanced at the faint bite mark on her pale skin, her lips curling into a sneer. "You've tested my patience for the last time!"

Her hands began to glow with an ominous red light as she gathered alchemic energy into a swirling orb. The air around her crackled with dark power, the ground trembling beneath her feet. Millaarc's lips twisted into a cruel smile as she raised the pulsating sphere above her head. "I've had enough of you. Die with your precious hopper and be grateful I'll end your misery quickly!"

Houtaro struggled to push himself up, but his battered body refused to cooperate. Hopper1 hopped frantically beside him, its tiny legs trembling as it cried, "Hoppa! Ho! Hop!" in a desperate plea. Houtaro forced a pained smile, his trembling hand reaching out to gently pat Hopper1's head. "You… you need to go, buddy," he whispered, his voice hoarse and broken. "Get to Kudo… she'll protect you."

"Hoppa! Hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped in defiance, its small body pressing against Houtaro's arm as if refusing to leave him behind.

"Kudo!" Houtaro's voice cracked as he turned his head toward Rinne, who was barely managing to stay upright several meters away. "Take Hopper1 and run! Please!"

But Rinne's tear-streaked face twisted in anguish. "Ichinose-kun! No! You… you can't ask me to do that!" Her voice broke as she staggered forward, clutching at her side where blood seeped through her tattered outfit. "You both need to get out of there! Now!"

Millaarc's laughter cut through the chaos, sharp and mocking. "How touching," she cooed, the glowing orb in her hands growing brighter and more volatile. "But it's all for nothing. Say goodbye, little hero!"

As the alchemic blast shot toward them, a blinding streak of crimson light tearing through the air, Houtaro instinctively shielded Hopper1 with his body. "I'll protect you," he murmured, his voice steady despite the fear gripping his heart. "No matter what."

The searing heat of the approaching attack was overwhelming, the very air around him seeming to ignite. Houtaro squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable impact.

"ICHINOSE-KUN!" Rinne's voice pierced the air like a desperate cry from a soul on the edge of breaking. With a burst of sheer willpower, she forced her trembling legs to move, her hand gripping the ornate lever on her belt.

"G-G-G-Gotchanko!"

In one swift motion, she pulled it, unleashing a cascade of brilliant white light that enveloped her battered form as she launched herself forward to intercept the attack.

The impact was deafening, a thunderous explosion of light and sound that shook the ground beneath them. Houtaro's ears rang as the force of the blast knocked him backward, his arms instinctively tightening around Hopper1. He didn't feel the attack hit him, but the muffled sound of a scream sent a chill down his spine.

"Kudo…?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the ringing in his ears. Slowly, he opened his eyes but he was blinded a bit by a dispersing white light. After the light was gone, he was met with a sight that made his heart stop.

Rinne stood before him, her body trembling as she struggled to remain upright. Her once-pristine alchemic outfit was in tatters, charred and stained with blood. Her face, pale and streaked with tears, was etched with pain. She took a shaky step forward, then collapsed to her knees with a soft, heart-wrenching thud.

"Kudo!" Houtaro scrambled toward her, ignoring the protests of his battered body. He cradled her in his arms, his hands trembling as he gently brushed her hair away from her face. "Kudo, stay with me! Please!"

Rinne's eyelids fluttered open, her gaze unfocused but soft as it landed on him. "Ichinose-kun…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're… you're safe. That's all that matters."

Tears streamed down Houtaro's face as he shook his head. "No, no, no! You're the one who matters, Kudo! Don't… don't do this! Don't leave me!"

Hopper1 hopped onto Rinne's lap, chirping frantically. "Hoppa! Hop! Ho!" Its tiny cries were filled with worry, its small frame trembling as it nudged her hand.

Rinne managed a faint smile, her fingers weakly brushing against Hopper1's head. "You… you two need to go," she said, her voice breaking. "Millaarc… she's still…"

"I'm not leaving you!" Houtaro shouted, his voice raw with emotion. "I can't! You've always been the one saving me, Kudo. I… I'm sorry. I've been such an idiot. This is all my fault!"

Rinne let out a soft, shaky laugh, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You… you really are an idiot, Ichinose-kun," she whispered, her tone laced with both affection and exasperation. "But… that's why… I trust you."

Houtaro tightened his grip on her, his tears falling onto her bruised skin. "Don't say that like it's goodbye! You're not leaving me, Kudo. You're not allowed to!"

"Hop! Ho-hoppa!" Hopper1 chimed in, its tiny wings flapping with urgency, trying to nudge Rinne awake.

But before Houtaro could say more, a cold, mocking laugh cut through the air like a blade. "Oh, isn't this touching?" Millaarc sneered, her crimson eyes gleaming with malice as she approached. "The reckless boy crying over his foolish little knight. How quaint."

Houtaro's head snapped up, his tear-streaked face twisting into a mask of fury. "You... You monster!" he spat, his voice trembling with rage.

Millaarc's lips curled into a cruel smirk as she sauntered closer, her movements languid, almost taunting. "Monster? Oh, please. I didn't force her to throw herself in front of my attack. That was all her. A foolish sacrifice for an even more foolish boy."

Houtaro's fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood. He gently laid Rinne down, his movements careful despite the storm raging inside him. Hopper1 chirped in alarm, trying to block his path, but Houtaro pushed past it, his eyes locked onto Millaarc with a ferocity that made her pause for a moment.

"You don't get to talk about her like that!" Houtaro roared, charging at her with every ounce of strength he could muster.

"Ho-pa! Hoppa!" Hopper1 cried, darting after him, its tiny voice pleading for him to stop.

Rinne, barely conscious, tried to reach out. "Ichinose-kun... don't..." But her voice was too weak, her body refusing to obey her desperate will.

Millaarc raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. With a lazy flick of her wrist, she commanded the Spider Malgam. "Handle this pest."

The monstrous creature lunged forward, one of its massive legs striking Houtaro with brutal force. He was sent sprawling across the ground, his body tumbling like a ragdoll. Hopper1 let out a distressed wail, flying to his side as Rinne's faint voice called out in agony, "Ichinose-kun!"

Houtaro groaned, his vision swimming as he tried to push himself up. Hopper1 landed beside him, nudging his cheek with its tiny head. "Hop! Hoppa-ho!" it cried, its tone pleading, almost scolding.

Millaarc's laughter rang out again, sharp and cruel. "How pathetic. You can't even stand up, and yet you still try to play the hero." She turned her gaze to Rinne, her smirk widening. "But you... you're the real prize here."

She strode over to the fallen girl, grabbing a fistful of Rinne's dark hair and yanking her up. Rinne cried out in pain, her body too weak to resist.

"Kudo!" Houtaro shouted, his voice cracking as he struggled to rise.

Millaarc tilted Rinne's head, examining her battered form with a mockery of pity. "Such a shame. All this strength, all this potential, wasted on protecting someone so useless." She sneered, before grabbing the belt in Rinne's waist before yanking it from her body and tossing Rinne's belt to the Spider Malgam. The belt shimmered for a moment before reverting to its original state, its enhancements undone.

Rinne weakly reached for the belt, her voice a broken whisper. "No... give it back..."

Millaarc's response was a sharp slap across Rinne's face, the sound echoing like a gunshot. "Know your place, girl."

Houtaro's heart shattered at the sight. "Stop it! Leave her alone!" he begged, his voice hoarse.

Millaarc turned her gaze back to him, her smirk twisting into something darker. "Oh, I'll stop... if you give me Hopper1."

Houtaro froze, his arms instinctively wrapping around the tiny creature. "No... I can't..."

Millaarc tightened her grip on Rinne, her arm snaking around the girl's neck. "Then I suppose I'll just have to break her in front of you."

"Hoppa! Ho-hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped, its voice trembling with fear as it nestled closer to Houtaro.

Tears streamed down Houtaro's face as he looked between Rinne and Hopper1. "Kudo... I... I can't…"

Rinne, her voice barely audible, whispered, "Run... Ichinose-kun... take Hopper1 and... go..."

But Millaarc silenced her with a cruel squeeze, cutting off her breath. "Enough from you," she hissed, her eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure.

Houtaro's mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't abandon Rinne, but he couldn't give up Hopper1 either. His hands trembled as he held the tiny creature close, his voice breaking. "What do I do...?"

Millaarc's laughter rang out again, triumphant and mocking. "Tick-tock, boy. Make your choice."

Hopper1 chirped softly, nuzzling against him. "Hop... ho..."

Houtaro stood frozen in place, his hands trembling as he cradled Hopper1 closer to his chest. Millaarc's cruel grin pierced through the tension like a blade, her voice dripping with mockery as she tightened her grip on Rinne's neck. Houtaro's mind raced, his thoughts swirling in a storm of panic, guilt, and desperation. Rinne's weak form dangled helplessly in Millaarc's grasp, her breaths shallow, her strength fading. Hopper1 let out a series of frantic cries, "Hoppa! Ho! Hop! Hoppa!" as if urging Houtaro to act, to do something, anything.

But what could he do? The weight of Millaarc's ultimatum bore down on him like an iron shackle. The choice she offered was cruel: surrender Hopper1, the friend he had just fought so hard to save, or watch Rinne, his steadfast companion, slip away before his eyes. Houtaro's legs felt like lead, his chest tightening as he struggled to breathe.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the scene in front of him, trying to think. Focus, Houtaro. Focus. He needed to find a way out. But as his eyelids closed, the chaos around him seemed to dissolve, replaced by a haunting vision that seized his imagination.

---

When Houtaro opened his eyes again in this imagined world, the sight that greeted him sent a chill down his spine. Rinne lay motionless on the ground before him, her body battered and broken. Blood seeped from her chest and neck, pooling beneath her pale, lifeless form. The vibrant energy that had always defined her was gone, replaced by a stillness so absolute it felt like a dagger to Houtaro's heart.

"No… no, no, no!" Houtaro's voice cracked as he stumbled forward, dropping to his knees beside her. His hands shook as he reached out, cradling her limp body against his chest. Her head lolled to the side, her dark hair spilling over his arm like a curtain of shadows.

"Kudo! Kudo, wake up! Please, wake up!" His voice grew more frantic with each passing second, his grip tightening as if he could will her back to life through sheer desperation. "You can't… you can't leave me like this! Please!"

But Rinne didn't respond. Her face remained pale, her eyes closed, her chest still. Houtaro shook her gently at first, then more forcefully, his voice rising in pitch as panic consumed him. "Kudo! Come on! Say something! Anything!"

A cruel laugh echoed through the air, shattering what little composure he had left. Houtaro's head snapped up, his tear-streaked face contorted with fury and anguish. Millaarc stood a few feet away, Hopper1 struggling in her grasp. The tiny creature squirmed and cried out, "Hoppa! Ho! Hoppa!" but it was powerless against her grip.

"Give him back!" Houtaro's voice rose into a hoarse scream, his throat burning with the effort. His gaze shot to Millaarc, who stood nearby, her face alight with a twisted glee. Her mocking laughter echoed, sharp and piercing, like shards of glass embedding themselves into his already shattered resolve.

"You really are an idiot, aren't you?" Millaarc sneered, her voice dripping with venomous amusement. "Did you really think I'd give her back to you unharmed? I kept my promise, didn't I? I said I'd give her back. I never said she'd still be alive."

Her words were venomous, each syllable stabbing into Houtaro's chest. He shook his head violently, his tears falling even faster. "No… no, you're lying! This wasn't the deal! You… you killed her!" His voice cracked, trembling with disbelief and fury.

Millaarc's grin widened as she saw the despair etched across his face. "Oh, don't look at me like that. You should be thanking me. At least now you don't have to worry about her nagging you anymore."

"You… monster!" Houtaro roared, his fists clenching as he struggled to his feet. "Give Hopper1 and Kajiki back! Now!"

But Millaarc only chuckled, her amusement growing. "Oh, I've had my fun here. Thanks for the gift, kid." With a final, mocking laugh, she began to vanish, Hopper1 crying out one last desperate "Hop! Hoppa!" as she disappeared into a swirling vortex of shadows.

"NO!" Houtaro reached out, his arm stretching toward the fading figure of Hopper1, but it was too late. Houtaro stood there, his hands trembling, his vision blurring with tears. Kajiki was gone. Hopper1 was gone. And now… Rinne was gone too. His knees buckled, and he collapsed beside her, his hands shaking as he gently brushed her hair from her face.

"Kudo… please…" he begged, his voice barely a whisper now. He pressed his ear to her chest, hoping—praying—for the faintest sound of a heartbeat. But there was nothing. No rhythm. No warmth. Just silence. The crushing finality of it tore a broken sob from his lips.

"I'll listen to you," he murmured, his voice thick with grief. "I won't make things harder for you anymore. Just… just call me an idiot one more time. Please…" His words dissolved into incoherent cries as he buried his face into her shoulder, his tears soaking the fabric of her jacket.

As Houtaro cradled Rinne's lifeless body in his arms, the weight of despair crushed him. Tears blurred his vision as he stared at her motionless face, his voice trembling as he begged her to wake up.

"Kudo… please… just open your eyes," he whispered, his voice cracking under the strain of his sorrow. "Say something… anything…"

But there was no response. No flicker of life. No warmth.

The silence tore at his heart, driving him deeper into the abyss of his own imagination. His sobs grew louder, echoing in the stillness around him. Desperation clawed at him, and he wiped his tears away, trying to focus on Rinne's face. But as he looked again, his heart froze.

The figure in his arms was no longer Rinne.

Instead, the priestess girl from his dream that morning lay limp in his embrace. Her lifeless body was soaked in blood, her face pale and still.

"No… no, no, no!" Houtaro stammered, his voice rising in panic. His mind reeled as he tightened his hold on the girl's body, shaking his head violently. "This isn't real! It's not real!"

But the blood was too vivid, the silence too deafening. The sight of her lifeless form twisted his grief into a fresh wave of horror. His voice broke as he cried out, his words tumbling out in a desperate plea.

"Why her too?! Why am I seeing this?!"

He clung to the girl's body, his tears falling onto her bloodied clothes. The bad imagination clawed at his mind, dragging him further into despair. He screamed into the void, his voice raw with anguish, as the world around him began to crumble.

The gray void swallowed everything—light, sound, hope.

But then, amidst the chaos, a warm hand rested on his right shoulder.

Houtaro flinched, his tear-streaked face snapping upward. The gray void wavered, and his surroundings shifted. He found himself back in with his father in their house that morning.

"Hou-chan," his father's voice echoed, calm and grounding. "If she's real, you'll find her someday. But you've got to believe it'll happen. If you keep imagining the worst, you'll never see the good stuff coming."

His father's words hung in the air, steady and reassuring. They pierced through the fog of despair clouding Houtaro's mind, pulling him back from the edge.

"You're a dreamer, Hou-chan," his father had said. "Use that imagination of yours. If you want to find her, start by believing she's out there."

The memory steadied Houtaro's breathing, and he clung to his father's words like a lifeline.

Then, another hand—a softer, gentler one—rested on his left shoulder.

Houtaro turned, and the scene shifted again. This time, he was a small boy, sitting on the floor of their living room. His tiny hands clutched a crumpled drawing, and tears streamed down his young face.

"I can't do it, Mama!" little Houtaro sobbed, his voice high-pitched and shaky. "My drawings are bad! I'll lose for sure!"

His mother, Tamami, knelt beside him, her warm smile unwavering. She gently smoothed his messy hair and cupped his tear-streaked cheeks in her hands.

"Houtaro, listen to me," she said softly, her voice full of kindness. "You're not going to lose. You just need to try your best. That's what matters."

"But what if my best isn't good enough?" he whimpered, clutching the drawing tighter. "Why did you even sign me up, Mama? I'm not good at this…"

Tamami's smile didn't falter. She placed her hands over his, her touch warm and steady. "Because, Houtaro, I see something special in you. You have so much passion and imagination in your heart. It would be a waste not to let the world see it too."

Houtaro sniffled, his doubts still clinging to him. "But… but what if I fail?"

Tamami leaned closer, her gaze tender but firm. She pressed her fingers gently against his chest, right over little Houtaro's heart. "Then you'll try again. Because that's what heroes do, isn't it? They never give up, no matter what."

Little Houtaro's tear-filled eyes widened as he looked up at her. "Heroes…?"

She nodded, her voice brimming with conviction, "Believe in the imagination in your heart, Houtaro. That's what makes you special. That's what makes you strong."

Her words sank deep into his young mind, filling him with a flicker of hope. He wiped his tears away and nodded hesitantly. "Okay… I'll try."

And he did. He entered the competition, his heart still trembling with doubt but bolstered by his mother's encouragement. When the results came in, he didn't win first place, but he did earn third.

He remembered the pride in his parents' eyes as he held up his bronze medal. His mother had hugged him tightly, whispering, "See? I told you. You're stronger than you think."

The memory faded, but the warmth of his mother's words lingered in his heart.

Then, a voice—soft and familiar—called out to him.

"Houtaro…"

He turned, and the world shifted once more. He was back in the dream from that morning, standing before the childhood girl. Her face was still obscured, but her warm smile shone through the haze.

"You promised, didn't you?" she said, her voice like a gentle breeze.

Houtaro's heart swelled as he recalled the pinky promise they had made. "I did," he whispered, his voice steady now.

The girl stepped closer; her expression soft but serious. "Will you protect me? If something bad happens, will you be there?"

Little Houtaro puffed out his chest, his young voice filled with determination. "I will! I'll protect you no matter what!"

She giggled softly, tilting her head. "Are you sure? You always look so unconvincing for the most part."

"Of course! I won't give up!" he declared, his small fists clenched. "I'll be the greatest hero of imagination ever!"

The girl giggled a bit after hearing Houtaro's childish declaration, "Still dreaming of being a hero, huh?"

"I'm not just dreaming!" Little Houtaro puffed out his chest, his young voice rising in indignation. "I will become a hero. The best hero! You'll see!"

The girl giggled, her laughter light and teasing. "You? A hero? Like the ones on TV?" She leaned closer, her hands on her hips. "Don't tell me you're going to fight bad guys with that wobbly sword you drew in your sketchbook?"

Houtaro flushed, his cheeks puffing out as he stomped his foot. "Hey! My sword isn't wobbly! It's… it's imaginative!"

The girl's giggles grew louder, and she clutched her sides. "Sure, sure. And what are you going to do after you save the day? Make me eat your mom's burnt cookies to celebrate?"

"Hey!" Houtaro crossed his arms, his pout deepening. "My mom's not the one who burns cookies! That's you!"

The girl gasped, mock offense dripping from her tone. "Me?! Excuse you, Houtaro, but my cooking is amazing!"

"Yeah, amazing at making Hopper1 run away!"

As if on cue, Hopper1 bounced into view, its tiny frame buzzing with energy. It chirped out, "Hoppa! Ho! Pa! Hop!" before spinning in a little circle and flopping onto the ground dramatically, as if fainting.

The girl crouched down, wagging a finger at the small robot. "Hey, don't take his side, Hopper1! My cooking isn't that bad!"

"Hoppa… Hop… Ho…" Hopper1 replied, as if sighing in defeat.

Houtaro burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. "See? Even Hopper1 agrees! You need to practice more!"

The girl huffed, crossing her arms and turning her back to him. "Fine, then! If my cooking's so bad, I'll just stop making anything for you!"

"Good!" Houtaro retorted, sticking his tongue out. "That'll save me from your charcoal rice balls!"

She spun around, pointing a finger at him. "Take that back, Houtaro! My rice balls are—"

"—harder than a rock!" he finished, grinning mischievously.

The girl stomped her foot, her voice rising in playful frustration. "You're impossible!"

"Hop! Hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped, bouncing between them as if refereeing the argument.

But then, the girl's expression softened, and she let out a small sigh. "Okay, fine. Maybe my cooking isn't the best…"

"Finally!" Houtaro said, throwing his hands up in mock victory.

"…But," she continued, stepping closer to him, "if you really do become a hero someday, I'll make you a deal."

Houtaro tilted his head, curiosity lighting up his young face. "A deal?"

She nodded, her tone suddenly serious but still laced with warmth. "Every time you finish saving the day, I'll make you a feast. The best feast ever. No burnt cookies, no rock-hard rice balls. Just good food to help you keep going."

Houtaro's eyes widened, and he grinned from ear to ear. "Really? You promise?"

She held out her pinky, her smile gentle. "I promise. But only if you keep your promise to me."

"What promise?" he asked, tilting his head.

Her voice softened; her gaze unwavering. "That you won't give up. No matter how hard things get, no matter how scary it is, you'll keep going. You'll protect everyone you love, just like the heroes you dream about."

Houtaro hesitated for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. Then, with all the determination his young heart could muster, he hooked his pinky around hers. "I promise. I'll never give up. I'll protect you and everyone else. And I'll be the greatest hero ever!"

The girl smiled, her voice filled with a mix of fondness and teasing. "You better. Otherwise, I'll make you eat only my cooking for the rest of your life."

Houtaro burst out laughing again, and even Hopper1 joined in with a series of cheerful chirps.

"Hoppa! Ho! Pa-pa!"

As the laughter echoed through the meadow, the scene began to fade. The girl's voice lingered in the air, soft and full of hope.

"Don't forget, Houtaro. Heroes never give up."

Houtaro's young heart brimmed with warmth as he looked at her. Though her face was still a blur, her smile radiated hope and faith.

The dream dissolved into light as the echoes of his parents' words and the girl's promise filled his heart with newfound resolve.

He knew what he had to do. For Hopper1. For Kajiki. For Rinne.

This time, he would face Millaarc not as a boy drowning in despair, but as the hero he had always dreamed of becoming.

---

The world was a blur as Houtaro opened his eyes, the vivid memory of his childhood dream fading into the present. His chest heaved, his breaths ragged, but his heart burned with a new resolve. The meadow and the girl's laughter still echoed faintly in his mind, but now, all he could see was the dire situation before him.

Rinne was barely struggling, her body weak and trembling as Millaarc's cold, merciless grip tightened around her neck. Her breaths were shallow, her voice faint as she tried to call out to him.

"Ichinose-kun…" she whispered, her tone pleading yet pained. "Forget about me. Take Hopper1 and run. Just—"

Her words were cut off as Millaarc's grip strengthened, choking the life out of her sentence. Rinne's face twisted in pain, her legs kicking weakly as she tried to resist.

Houtaro's gaze shifted downward, to Hopper1 nestled in his arms. The little Chemy looked up at him, its round eyes filled with worry as it chirped softly. "Hoppa… Hop… Hoppa…" It was as if it didn't want to leave his side.

For a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Houtaro's fingers tightened around Hopper1, and he glanced back at Rinne, her struggles growing weaker. He exhaled slowly, his voice calm but firm. "I've made my decision."

Gently, he released his embrace and placed Hopper1 on the ground. The Chemy tilted its head, letting out a confused chirp. "Hoppa? Ho?"

Millaarc smirked, her crimson eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Good boy," she purred. "I knew you'd listen to reason. Now, bring it to me."

Rinne's voice, weak but desperate, cut through the air. "Don't… don't listen to her, Ichinose-kun! She won't—"

Her protest was silenced as Millaarc's grip tightened once more. The vampire chuckled darkly, her voice dripping with mockery. "Hush now, little girl. No need to spoil the moment."

Houtaro crouched low, whispering to Hopper1. "Go. Get out of here now. I'll save her."

"Hoppa! Ho-pa!" Hopper1 chirped in protest, hopping in place as if to say it wouldn't leave him.

But Houtaro didn't give it a chance to argue. In a flash, he bolted forward, his eyes locked on Millaarc.

The vampire's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of surprise. "What—?!"

"Ichinose-kun, no!" Rinne's voice cracked, her plea filled with desperation.

Houtaro didn't stop. His legs burned, his body screamed in protest from the earlier beatings, but he pushed through, his mind focused on one thing: saving Rinne.

Millaarc tightened her grip on Rinne, her voice sharp with warning. "One more step, boy, and I'll snap her neck!"

But Houtaro didn't falter. He reached her in an instant, his hands grabbing at Millaarc's arm, trying to pry her grip off Rinne's neck. His strength was no match for the vampire's, but he didn't care.

"Let her go!" he shouted, his voice raw with emotion.

Millaarc snarled, her composure cracking. "You insolent—!"

Before she could finish, Rinne gasped out, her voice hoarse. "Stop, Ichinose-kun! You'll get yourself killed!"

Houtaro gritted his teeth, his determination unwavering. "I promised I wouldn't give up! Not on you, not on Kajiki, not on anyone!"

Millaarc's frustration boiled over. "Spider Malgam, deal with him!"

The Spider Malgam loomed behind Houtaro, its massive frame casting a shadow over him. Without hesitation, it lashed out, its blows landing with brutal force. Houtaro staggered but didn't fall, his grip on Millaarc's arm unwavering.

"Stop it!" Rinne screamed, her voice breaking. "Kajiki-kun, please! Stop! You're hurting your own friend!"

But the Spider Malgam didn't relent, its strikes growing more vicious. Houtaro's body buckled under the assault, but he refused to let go.

Millaarc laughed, her voice cold and cruel. "How pathetic. Is this your idea of heroism?"

Houtaro coughed, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes burned with defiance. "I promised… my father, my mother… and her. I won't back down. I won't give up!"

The Spider Malgam's fists came down hard, but Houtaro raised his own, catching the blow. His voice roared with determination as he shouted, "Kajiki! I'm sorry!"

With all his strength, he swung his fist, landing a solid punch on the Malgam's face. The impact sent it rolling back, and as it tumbled, something fell from its grasp—a belt.

Houtaro caught it instinctively, his fingers tightening around it.

Millaarc growled, her patience snapping. She raised her hand, her long nail glinting like a blade. "Enough of this. I'll finish you myself!"

Rinne's eyes widened in horror. "Ichinose-kun, move!"

But before Millaarc could strike, a small figure leapt into the fray.

"Hoppa! Ho-pa!"

Hopper1 soared through the air, its tiny legs kicking out. Its foot connected with Millaarc's right eye, and the vampire screamed in pain, releasing Rinne as she clutched her face.

"You little pest!" Millaarc screeched, her voice filled with rage. "Both of my eyes—!"

Rinne collapsed, her body too weak to stand. Houtaro caught her, his arms wrapping around her protectively.

"Kudo," he whispered, relief washing over him.

Rinne's voice was faint but filled with gratitude. "Ichinose-kun… thank you…"

Hopper1 landed beside them, chirping triumphantly. "Hoppa! Ho! Hoppa!"

Houtaro looked down at the little Chemy, a small smile breaking through his battered face. "Good job, Hopper1."

The three of them stood together, battered but unbroken, as Millaarc's screams echoed in the distance.

Houtaro's brief victory, however, felt like a distant memory as the Spider Malgam, now seething with rage, rose to its full, imposing height. Its multifaceted eyes glinted menacingly in the dim light, its spindly legs crackling with unnatural energy. Without hesitation, it lunged at Houtaro and Rinne with renewed ferocity, its attacks as relentless as a storm.

Houtaro, battered and bruised, struggled to shield Rinne, but the Malgam was faster, its grotesque limb slamming into both of them with bone-shaking force. They were sent hurtling in opposite directions, their bodies crashing into the cold, unforgiving ground with sickening thuds.

"Hoppa! Hop! Ho!" Hopper1 chirped frantically, its small form skidding to a stop near Houtaro. The tiny Chemy's cries were filled with panic as it tried to hop back toward its partner, only to be swatted aside by the Malgam like a mere insect.

Rinne's voice, weak but desperate, called out, "Ichinose-kun!" Her trembling hand reached out toward him, but her strength failed her, and she collapsed onto the dirt, gasping for breath.

Houtaro groaned, pain radiating through every fiber of his body as he struggled to push himself up. His vision blurred, but he could see Rinne's Chemy Riser lying a few feet away, its faint glow pulsing with the trapped presence of Steamliner. Beside it, Rinne's belt lay discarded, the tools of her fight now seemingly out of reach.

The Spider Malgam loomed over Houtaro and Hopper1, its chittering laugh echoing like a death knell. It raised a clawed limb, poised to deliver the finishing blow, but was interrupted by Millaarc's sharp voice.

"Stop," she hissed, her tone dripping with venom. She emerged from the shadows, still clutching her injured eyes, her elegant yet menacing figure illuminated by the flickering flames of the battlefield. Her fury was palpable, her previous composure shattered.

Millaarc sneered, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You've caused me enough trouble, boy. I thought I'd deal with that little girl first, but no... You and that annoying little Chemy have earned my full attention."

Rinne's breath hitched as she watched Millaarc summon an orb of crackling, violet energy into her palm. The sheer intensity of its glow cast eerie shadows across her face, making her appear even more monstrous.

"Run, Ichinose-kun!" Rinne screamed, her voice breaking with desperation. She clawed at the ground, trying to drag herself toward him despite her injuries. "Please, just run!"

Houtaro, cradling Hopper1 protectively, locked eyes with Rinne. His body ached, his strength waning, but his resolve burned brighter than ever. "Kudo..." he murmured, his voice steady despite the pain. "I'm not leaving you. I won't run away. I won't give up. Not ever."

"Hop! Hoppa! Ho!" Hopper1 chirped, trembling in his arms.

Millaarc cackled, her laughter sharp and grating. "How touching. But let's see how far that determination gets you." With a flick of her wrist, she hurled the energy ball directly at Houtaro. Time seemed to slow as the deadly orb streaked toward him.

"NO! ICHINOSE!" Rinne's screams echoed in his ears, her voice raw with fear and anguish. Houtaro tightened his grip on Hopper1, shielding the tiny Chemy with his own body.

"I won't give up," he whispered, his voice filled with unyielding determination. "Not now, not ever."

Inside the Chemy Riser, Steamliner stirred. The trapped Chemy emitted a low, guttural grunt, its voice resonating with pride and defiance. "Stea... Steam... Steeeeeam!"

The Chemy Riser began to glow, its light intensifying until it was blinding. Just as Millaarc's energy ball made contact, the battlefield was consumed by a massive explosion, the shockwave rippling outward and throwing debris in every direction.

The explosion consumed the battlefield, a deafening roar that seemed to silence the world itself. Flames licked at the sky, their orange and crimson hues painting a scene of devastation. Smoke billowed upward in thick, choking plumes, obscuring everything in its path.

Rinne's eyes were wide with horror as she watched the flames engulf Houtaro and Hopper1. Her breath hitched in her throat, and for a moment, she was frozen, unable to process what had just happened. The world around her felt distant, the sounds of crackling fire and Millaarc's mocking laughter muffled as if she were underwater.

"No..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos. Her trembling hand reached out toward the inferno, as if she could pull them back through sheer willpower.

Then it hit her—the realization, the crushing weight of what she had just witnessed. "No! Ichinose-kun! Hopper1!" she screamed, her voice raw and desperate. Her body lurched forward, but her injuries betrayed her, and she collapsed onto the ground.

Her hands clawed at the dirt, nails digging into the earth as she tried to drag herself closer to the flames. "Please, no! This can't be happening!" she sobbed, her voice cracking with every word. "Ichinose-kun... You idiot! Why didn't you listen to me?! Why?!"

Her tears fell freely, streaking her dirt-stained face as her cries grew louder. She pounded the ground with her fists, her strength faltering with each hit. "You were supposed to run! You were supposed to leave me behind!" she shouted, her voice breaking into incoherent sobs. "Why... Why do you always have to be so reckless?!"

Rinne's body shook violently as the grief overwhelmed her. Her fingers curled into fists, clutching at the soil as if it could anchor her in a world that suddenly felt so cruel and empty. Her chest heaved with every ragged breath, the pain in her heart far outweighing the injuries on her body.

Her mind raced with memories of Houtaro's laughter, his goofy grin, the way he always seemed to find the bright side no matter how dire things seemed. She remembered the way he had shielded her earlier, his unyielding resolve as he declared he wouldn't give up on her or Hopper1.

And now he was gone.

The thought crushed her. She buried her face in her hands, her sobs muffled but no less heart-wrenching. "Ichinose-kun... I'm so sorry..." she choked out, her voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't protect you... I couldn't protect anyone..."

Her shoulders shook as she wept, her cries echoing across the battlefield. The pain in her chest was unbearable, a hollow ache that threatened to consume her entirely. "Why... Why does everyone leave me?!" she cried, her voice rising in anguish. "Why am I always the one left behind?!"

Millaarc's laughter cut through the air, sharp and cruel. "Oh, Kudo Rinne," she taunted, her tone dripping with mockery. "How does it feel? How does it feel to lose another one of your precious friends again?"

Rinne didn't respond. She couldn't. Her grief was too consuming, her sobs too loud.

Millaarc stepped closer, her smirk widening as she loomed over the broken girl. "This isn't the first time, is it?" she sneered. "You've felt this pain before, haven't you? Watching the people you care about disappear, one by one. It's pathetic, really."

Rinne's head shot up, her tear-streaked face twisted with a mixture of fury and despair. "Shut up!" she screamed, her voice hoarse from crying. "You don't know anything about me!"

Millaarc's smirk didn't falter. "Oh, but I do. You wear your pain on your sleeve. It's written all over your face. You think you can save everyone, but all you do is fail. Over and over again. Just like that time when Boss took your best friend's life too."

Rinne's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms until they drew blood. "I... I tried..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "I tried to save him... I tried to save them all..."

Her tears flowed even harder as she looked back at the flames. "Ichinose-kun... Hopper1... Please... Please come back..." she begged, her voice cracking. "I need you... I need you both..."

The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the crackling of the fire.

Rinne's sobs quieted, but her tears didn't stop. She stared into the flames, her vision blurred by the saltwater pooling in her eyes. Her lips quivered as she whispered, "Ichinose-kun... You promised... You promised you wouldn't give up..."

Her body trembled as she lowered her head, her forehead resting against the ground. "Please... Please let this be a nightmare..." she murmured. "Please let me wake up and see you smiling again..."

The hopelessness in her voice was palpable, each word a dagger to her own heart. She curled into herself, her hands clutching at her chest as if trying to hold her broken heart together.

For what felt like an eternity, Rinne remained like that, her sobs the only sound in the oppressive silence. Rinne's grief consumed her as she knelt on the ground, tears streaming down her face, her sobs raw and filled with anguish. Her trembling hands clutched at the dirt, her body shaking as despair weighed heavily on her chest.

"Why... Why does it always have to end like this?" she whispered between sobs, her voice barely audible. "Ichinose-kun... Hopper1... I couldn't protect you... I couldn't protect anyone..."

Her sorrow was interrupted by the looming presence of Millaarc and the Spider Malgam. The two closed in on her, Millaarc's smirk widening with sadistic glee. "Oh, don't cry, little girl," Millaarc sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. "You'll be joining them soon enough. Consider it a reunion in the afterlife."

Rinne didn't even flinch as Millaarc approached, her grief too overwhelming to muster any resistance. But just as Millaarc raised her hand to deliver the final blow, a sudden and blinding light erupted from within the still-burning pillar of flames where Houtaro and Hopper1 had been consumed.

"What the—?!" Millaarc stumbled back, shielding her eyes as the light grew brighter. The ground trembled beneath them, and from the inferno emerged a massive, gleaming locomotive. Its metallic surface shimmered in the firelight, steam billowing from its sides as it roared to life.

The train barrelled forward, its horn blaring as it jettisoned straight toward Millaarc and the Spider Malgam. "Impossible!" Millaarc shouted, but she had no time to react as the locomotive slammed into them, sending both flying backward in a heap.

The train screeched to a halt beside Rinne, its immense presence casting a protective shadow over her. Rinne's tear-streaked face turned upward, her eyes widening in shock. "Steamliner?" she murmured, recognizing the Chemy she had once captured but that had refused her call earlier.

Steamliner let out a proud and resonant grunt, "Steeeam! Steaaa!" as if to confirm its identity. One of its cabin doors hissed open, and Rinne's breath caught in her throat.

Emerging from the train's interior, illuminated by the warm, soft glow of the cabin, was Houtaro. Hopper1 perched on his shoulder, chirping energetically, "Hoppa! Ho, ho, pa!" as though declaring their triumphant return.

Rinne froze, her mind reeling. Her breath hitched; her body unable to move as her heart tried to process what her eyes were seeing. The figure before her, stepping out of the train and rushing toward her, was unmistakable.

"Ichinose…-kun?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, as though speaking louder might shatter the fragile vision in front of her.

Houtaro sprinted to her side, his face etched with concern. Hopper1 leaped down, bouncing around her feet and chirping, "Hoppa! Hoppa! Ho!" in excitement. "Kudo! Are you okay?!" Houtaro asked, his voice urgent, his hands hovering as though afraid to touch her in case she was hurt.

Rinne didn't answer. Instead, her trembling hand shot out and pinched his cheek.

"Ow! What was that for?!" Houtaro yelped, jerking back in surprise.

Her hand remained on his face, her fingertips pressing against his skin as though trying to feel the warmth of life beneath it. "You're... You're real?" she stammered, her voice shaky. "Not a ghost?"

"Of course, I'm real!" Houtaro exclaimed, rubbing his sore cheek. "What kind of ghost would yelp like that?"

But Rinne wasn't convinced. She pinched his other cheek, harder this time.

"Okay, okay! I'm real!" Houtaro protested, flinching as he tried to dodge her persistent pinching. Hopper1 hopped in circles around them, chirping in agreement, "Hoppa! Ho, ho!"

Rinne's hand fell away as her body began to tremble, the realization crashing over her like a wave. Her lips quivered, and her eyes brimmed with fresh tears. "You reckless idiot!" she suddenly shouted, her voice a mixture of anger and overwhelming relief.

Before Houtaro could respond, she pounded her fists against his chest. "Do you have any idea how worried I was?! Do you even think before you act?! You almost got yourself killed!"

Houtaro winced under the barrage but didn't try to stop her. "Kudo, I—"

"Don't you 'Kudo' me!" she cut him off, her voice cracking. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her fists slowed, her strength waning. "You never listen! You never think about what it does to the people around you! And I—" Her voice faltered, a sob breaking free.

Her fists came to rest weakly against his chest, her shoulders slumping as the weight of her emotions bore down on her. "I thought I lost you..." she whispered, her head lowering. "I was so scared, Ichinose-kun... I didn't know what I'd do if you were gone..."

Houtaro's expression softened, and he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his touch steady and grounding. "I'm sorry, Kudo," he said, his voice filled with quiet sincerity. "I didn't mean to make you worry. I didn't want to scare you. But I'm here now. I'm alive. And I'm not going anywhere."

Rinne's tears continued to flow as she leaned forward, her forehead resting against his chest. Her sobs were quieter now, but the depth of her relief was palpable. Hopper1 nuzzled against her leg, chirping softly, "Hoppa... Ho, pa..." as though trying to comfort her.

For a moment, they stayed like that, Rinne letting herself feel the steady rhythm of Houtaro's heartbeat beneath her head, a tangible reminder that he was alive and with her.

"You're such an idiot," she muttered, her voice muffled against his chest.

"I know," Houtaro replied with a small, sheepish smile.

"And reckless."

"Yeah, that too."

"And you never listen to me!"

"I'm working on it," he said with a chuckle, his tone warm and light, a stark contrast to the weight of the moment.

Rinne pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face glaring up at him. "You'd better," she said, her voice still trembling. "Because if you ever do something like that again, I'll—"

"You'll what?" Houtaro asked, his smile widening.

"I'll..." She faltered, her lips quivering before a fresh wave of tears spilled over. "I'll cry like this all over again, you idiot!"

Houtaro's smile softened as he reached up to gently wipe a tear from her cheek. "Then I'll make sure you never have to."

Rinne sniffled, her lips pressing into a thin line as she tried to compose herself. "You'd better keep that promise, Ichinose-kun," she said, her voice wavering but firm.

"I will," he said, his tone resolute.

Hopper1 chirped enthusiastically, hopping up to perch on Houtaro's shoulder. "Hoppa! Hoppa!"

Rinne managed a small, watery smile as she reached out to stroke Hopper1's head. "You too, Hopper1," she murmured. "You've got to keep him out of trouble."

"Hoppa! Ho, ho!" Hopper1 chirped in agreement, puffing up proudly.

After a moment, Rinne pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes. "How... How did you survive?" she asked, her voice still shaky.

Houtaro grinned and patted Steamliner's side. "It's all thanks to this guy," he said. Steamliner let out a triumphant grunt, "Steeeam! Steaaa!" puffing out a cloud of steam as if to emphasize its pride.

Rinne blinked in surprise. "Steamliner? But... It didn't respond to me before. Why now?"

Houtaro shrugged. "I think it saw how determined I was. Or maybe it just likes me better," he added with a teasing grin.

Rinne narrowed her eyes, though the corners of her lips twitched upward. "You're impossible, Ichinose-kun."

Her relief was short-lived as she glanced toward the distance, where Millaarc and the Spider Malgam were already starting to recover. "We need to leave, now," she said urgently.

But Houtaro shook his head, his expression turning serious. "Not yet. I think I know how to save Kajiki."

Rinne's eyes widened as she noticed the belt now fastened around Houtaro's waist—the same belt she had worn earlier. "Ichinose-kun... That's—"

Rinne's eyes remained wide, her shock and horror intensifying as she processed the sight of Houtaro wearing her belt—the very tool she had warned him was dangerous and not meant for someone like him. Her voice trembled as she shouted, "Ichinose-kun! What are you doing with my belt?! Take it off right now!"

Houtaro, standing with an uncharacteristic calmness, placed a hand on the belt and glanced at her, his eyes steady but filled with determination. "Kudo, I know this might sound crazy, but I've got an idea. I've imagined a way to save Kajiki. Trust me on this."

Rinne's panic surged as she tried to push herself up from the ground, but her weakened body betrayed her. "No, no, no! You don't understand! That belt—it's dangerous! It's not for someone who isn't an Alchemist! It could hurt you—or worse!"

Houtaro knelt beside her, gently catching her before she could collapse completely. "Kudo, calm down," he said softly, his voice tinged with guilt. "I know I've been reckless. I know I've done a lot of stupid things today, but you've got to trust me this time."

Rinne shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. "How can I trust you when you keep ignoring everything I say? You're not listening, Ichinose-kun! Please, take it off!" Her voice cracked with desperation, her hands weakly reaching for the belt as if she could tear it away from him.

Houtaro gently caught her hands, his grip firm but tender. "Kudo," he began, his voice steady, "I'm sorry for worrying you. I really am. But I promise you, this isn't just some reckless idea. It's something I saw—something I know will work. You've got to believe in me."

Rinne's tears spilled over as her strength finally gave out, and she slumped against him. "Ichinose-kun..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Houtaro carefully lowered her to the ground, propping her up against Steamliner's sturdy frame. Hopper1 hopped to her side, chirping softly, "Hoppa... Ho, pa..." as though trying to console her.

Rinne's voice was faint but pleading. "Please... don't do this... It's too dangerous..."

Houtaro gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I'll be okay. I've got Hopper1, Steamliner, and my imagination. And I've got you, Kudo. You've always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. So, please... believe in me now."

Rinne stared at him, her lips trembling as she struggled to find the words. But before she could speak, her curiosity broke through her fear. "How... How did you survive? That explosion should've..."

Houtaro nodded, his expression growing serious. "I'll explain," he said, glancing down at the belt. "It all started with Steamliner."

---

Houtaro's mind flashed back to the instant Millaarc's deadly energy blast had been fired. As Millaarc's charged alchemy blast hurtled toward him, Houtaro's mind raced with a mix of fear and resolve. The fiery orb of destruction painted the world in blazing reds and yellows, its heat palpable even from a distance. Clutching Hopper1 tightly against his chest, Houtaro shouted with every ounce of determination he could muster, "I won't give up! Not now, not ever!"

Inside the Chemy Riser strapped to his side, the card housing Steamliner began to glow faintly, a pulsing, rhythmic light that mirrored the pounding of Houtaro's heart. A low, resonant rumble emanated from the device, growing louder with each passing second. Then, with a deep, almost commanding voice, the Chemy spoke: "Steeeam... Stea... Steam!"

A brilliant light erupted from the Chemy Riser, enveloping the battlefield in a radiant glow. Houtaro squinted against the sudden brightness, his breath catching as the massive form of Steamliner materialized before him. The locomotive Chemy stood tall and proud, its polished metal exterior gleaming with an almost supernatural luster.

"A train...?" Houtaro whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and disbelief.

Steamliner let out a proud, rumbling grunt. "Steeam!"

Without hesitation, the gigantic Chemy surged forward, placing itself between Houtaro and the incoming blast. Its massive body coiled protectively around Houtaro and Hopper1, creating an impenetrable barrier of steel and strength.

The explosion hit, a deafening roar of fire and energy that shook the ground and sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Houtaro instinctively shielded Hopper1 with his body, though the Chemy's protective embrace absorbed the full force of the blast. Steamliner's metallic frame glowed red-hot from the impact, but it held firm, its grunts reverberating like a steadfast declaration of its resolve.

As the explosion subsided, Houtaro slowly opened his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. The world around him was a haze of smoke and embers, but he and Hopper1 remained unharmed within Steamliner's protective cocoon.

Houtaro stared in awe, his heart pounding. "You... You saved us," he breathed, his voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you… Mr. Train…"

"Steeam..." the Chemy grunted in response as if wanted to inform its name being Steamliner to Houtaro, its tone both proud and steady.

Houtaro couldn't help but grin, his earlier fear momentarily replaced by a surge of hope. "Oh, your name is Steamliner? Thank you, Steamliner." he said, reaching out to touch the Chemy's sturdy frame.

Hopper1, nestled in Houtaro's arms, chirped excitedly. "Hoppa! Hop, hoppa!" It bounced slightly, as if trying to express its own gratitude and excitement.

Then, a familiar voice echoed in Houtaro's ears, soft yet unmistakably clear. "Houtaro..."

Houtaro froze, his eyes widening. "Mom?" he whispered, glancing around. The voice sounded so real, so close, yet there was no one else there.

The voice continued, calm and encouraging. "Use that belt beside you. Believe in your imagination, Houtaro. Trust yourself. Trust your heart."

His gaze fell on the ornate belt lying nearby, its intricate design glinting faintly amidst the glowing embers. Something about it called to him, as though it were the key to unlocking the path forward. Without fully understanding why, Houtaro reached for it, his hands steady despite the chaos around him. He also took the Chemy Riser that Rinne previously used that also laid on the ground beside the belt.

As he fastened the belt around his waist, a vivid vision overtook him. The world around him faded, replaced by a vast expanse of light and color. Before him stood a figure silhouetted in rainbow hues, its form unmistakably heroic. The figure moved with precision and purpose, inserting two cards into the belt—one bearing Hopper1's image, the other Steamliner's—and transforming in a burst of light.

The transformation revealed an armored figure, its design reminiscent of the Kamen Rider heroes Houtaro had drawn as a child. The armor gleamed with an ethereal brilliance; its intricate details obscured by the rainbow hue that cloaked it.

Houtaro watched in awe as the figure leapt into action, battling a horde of monsters that resembled the Spider Malgam. Despite the overwhelming odds, the hero fought with unwavering resolve, defeating the creatures one by one.

As the vision continued, the heroic figure turned toward Houtaro, its gaze piercing despite its obscured features. It raised a hand, pointing directly at the belt now fastened around Houtaro's waist.

"Is this... for me?" Houtaro asked hesitantly.

The figure nodded, its movements deliberate and assured.

Houtaro's voice trembled with uncertainty. "If I use this..., can I save Kajiki? Can I protect Kudo and Hopper1?"

The figure nodded again before stepping closer. A pair of voices echoed in Houtaro's mind, their tones warm and familiar. One was his mother's, filled with gentle encouragement. The other was the voice of the girl from his dream, playful yet sincere.

"Unleash your imagination, Houtaro." they said in unison.

The vision faded, leaving Houtaro standing in the aftermath of the explosion. He looked down at the belt around his waist, then at Hopper1 and Steamliner. His resolve solidified, his earlier doubts melting away.

"You're with me, right?" he asked, his voice steady and confident.

"Hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped, its tone resolute.

"Steeam!" Steamliner grunted, its engine roaring with approval.

Houtaro smiled, determination blazing in his eyes. "Then let's do this. Together."

Steamliner grunted once more, lowering its cabin door. Houtaro climbed inside, Hopper1 hopping in beside him. As the train roared to life, its powerful engine drowned out the lingering echoes of the explosion. With a mighty burst of speed, Steamliner surged forward, carrying Houtaro and Hopper1 out of the flames and into the fray.

---

Houtaro finished recounting his story, his eyes meeting Rinne's. "That's how I knew I could do this," he said, his voice steady. "Because I saw it—I felt it. I can save Kajiki, Kudo. I just need you to trust me."

Rinne stared at him, her emotions swirling in her chest. Her weakened voice cut through the tension between them. "Ichinose-kun... are you really sure about this?" Her tone carried a mix of fear and hope, as if she was holding onto a thread of faith while bracing herself for heartbreak.

Houtaro knelt beside her, his expression resolute yet gentle. "Kudo, I know it sounds crazy. Trust me, I know. But... I've seen it. I've imagined it. I can do this." He pointed to his head, his usual goofy grin softened by the gravity of the situation. "My imagination hasn't let me down before, and it won't now."

Rinne's lips trembled as she stared at him, the edges of her vision blurring with exhaustion. "You always act on impulse, Ichinose-kun. You don't think things through... You don't listen..." Her voice cracked, and she coughed weakly, gripping her injured arm. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that belt is? How much it could hurt you?"

Houtaro's gaze softened, but his determination didn't waver. "I get it, Kudo. You've told me a hundred times already. But this time, I'm not just acting on impulse. I'm acting because I believe—because I have to. If I don't try, we lose Kajiki, and you... you'll get hurt even more. I can't let that happen."

Rinne tried to argue further, but her body betrayed her. A sharp pang of pain shot through her, forcing her to clutch her side and wince. Houtaro quickly steadied her, lowering her gently to the ground. "Kudo, please... just trust me this once," he said, his voice quieter now but no less earnest.

As she lay there, struggling to breathe evenly, her gaze locked with his. For a fleeting moment, Houtaro's face blurred in her mind, replaced by another—someone from a memory she had buried deep within her heart.

In her mind's eye, she saw a girl around her age, wearing the same alchemist attire Rinne herself had donned. The girl's features were obscured, her face veiled by the haze of time, but her voice rang clear as day.

"Rinne, you have to believe in me," the girl had said, her hands clutching the very same driver and cards that Houtaro now held. Her tone was filled with determination, mirroring Houtaro's earnestness. "I'll protect you. I promise, Dess!"

The vision faded, leaving Rinne staring up at Houtaro once more. Her lips quivered as she fought back tears.

"Am I about to make the same mistake again? Am I about to lose someone else I care about because I couldn't trust them?"

Her breath hitched as she whispered, "Ichinose-kun... please don't make me regret this."

Houtaro smiled warmly, his hand gently squeezing hers. "You won't, Kudo. I swear."

Houtaro crouched beside Rinne, his fingers brushing lightly against her trembling hand. Her expression was a mix of hesitation and resignation, her lips pressed into a thin line as she fought against the torrent of emotions threatening to spill over. She closed her eyes briefly, as if steeling herself, before letting out a shaky breath.

"Fine," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Ichinose-kun... I'll trust you."

Houtaro's eyes lit up with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Kudo. I promise, I'll take care of Millaarc, save Kajiki, and keep everyone safe."

Rinne's gaze softened for a moment, but it quickly turned into one of concern as Houtaro scratched his head, suddenly looking puzzled. "Uh... there's just one problem."

Rinne raised an eyebrow, her tired expression tinged with exasperation. "What now, Ichinose-kun?"

Houtaro gestured to the belt around his waist. "In my vision, the driver had cards of Hopper1 and Steamliner in it. But I don't have those cards. How do I—"

Hopper1, perched on Houtaro's shoulder, tilted its head and chirped in confusion. "Hoppa? Ho, hop?"

Rinne sighed deeply, the weight of exhaustion evident in her every movement. "You really didn't think this through, did you?"

Houtaro rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, no... but I figured it'd work out somehow."

Rinne shook her head, her lips twitching into a faint, almost reluctant smile. "You're impossible, Ichinose-kun." She gestured weakly toward his blazer pocket. "Did you happen to pick up the Chemy Riser along with the driver?"

Houtaro blinked in realization, then quickly rummaged through his pocket. "Oh! You mean this thing?" He pulled out the sleek device, its triangular button catching the faint glimmer of light.

"That's the Chemy Riser," Rinne confirmed, her voice faltering slightly as she pushed herself up slightly to reach for it. "Give it to me."

Houtaro handed it over, watching as Rinne's fingers trembled while gripping the device. Despite her weakened state, there was a steadiness in her movements as she pressed the triangular button. The Steamliner Chemy, which had been hovering nearby, let out a low, rumbling grunt. "Steeeam..."

A golden glow enveloped Steamliner as it transformed into a shimmering yellow orb, its energy swirling into the Chemy Riser. Moments later, the device ejected a card with Steamliner's image emblazoned on it. Rinne pulled it out, her expression unreadable as she inserted a blank card into the Riser.

"Now for Hopper1," she said, glancing at the little creature perched on Houtaro's shoulder.

Hopper1's antennae drooped as it let out a nervous chirp. "Hoppa... hoppa!" It darted behind Houtaro, clearly uneasy.

Houtaro chuckled softly, reaching up to pat Hopper1 gently. "Hey, it's okay, buddy. Kudo knows what she's doing. We need your help to save Kajiki, remember?"

Hopper1 hesitated, its small body trembling, but Houtaro's reassuring tone seemed to calm it. With a reluctant chirp, it hopped down from his shoulder and approached Rinne.

"Hoppa..."

Rinne gave a faint nod, pressing the button on the Chemy Riser once more. A beam of golden energy enveloped Hopper1, transforming it into a glowing orb that was absorbed into the device. The blank card now bore Hopper1's image, radiating a warm, golden hue.

Pulling the card out, Rinne held both it and the Steamliner card in her outstretched hand. "Here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Houtaro's face lit up as he reached for the cards. "Thanks, Kudo! I—"

His words were cut off as Rinne's grip tightened on the cards, refusing to let go. Her other hand weakly pounded against his chest, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Do you have any idea what you're about to do, Ichinose-kun?" she said, her voice trembling. "This isn't some game or one of your childhood fantasies. You could... you could die."

Houtaro's smile softened, and he placed his hand over hers. "Kudo, I know it's dangerous. But I made a promise—to you, to Kajiki, to myself, and to her too... I'm not backing down and I won't give up now!"

Her lips quivered as she looked down, her tears finally spilling over. "Just... don't leave me behind. Don't leave me alone, Ichinose-kun."

"I won't," Houtaro said firmly, his tone carrying a weight of unshakable resolve. "I promise."

Her grip loosened, and she let the cards slip into his hands. As he stood, she looked up at him, her voice barely audible. "Save Kajiki-kun... and come back to me."

"I will," Houtaro said, his gaze steady. "Count on it."

On the other side, Millaarc staggered to her feet, brushing off the dust and debris from her tattered outfit. Her crimson eyes burned with frustration as she snarled under her breath, her elegant demeanor now twisted into raw fury. Beside her, the Spider Malgam twitched and clicked its mandibles, its many legs shifting restlessly. The two had barely managed to recuperate after being blindsided by Steamliner's sudden materialization earlier.

"Every. Single. Time," Millaarc hissed, venom lacing her voice. "Why can't things ever go smoothly?" She clenched her fists, her sharp nails digging into her palms as her gaze snapped toward the nearby figures of Houtaro approaching her with a resolute look on his face.

Houtaro stood protectively in front of Rinne, his posture firm despite the tension in his jaw. His blazer fluttered lightly in the breeze, and his eyes were set with unyielding determination. Behind him, Rinne lay on the ground, weak but conscious, her pale face watching the scene unfold with a mixture of hope and worry.

Millaarc's lips curled into a mocking smirk as she crossed her arms. "Oh? So, you're not running away? How quaint. What is this, a dying wish?" She gestured dramatically to the Spider Malgam, then to herself. "After we almost killed you, you think you can just waltz back in here and play hero?"

Houtaro's voice rang out, steady and defiant. "I'm not here to play anything. I'm here to take Kajiki back." His hand rested on the driver secured around his waist, and in his other hand, he held the cards containing Hopper1 and Steamliner. The creatures' voices echoed faintly from within the cards.

"Hoppa! Hop, ho, pa!"
"Steeam! Stea, steeeeam!"

Millaarc's smirk faltered for a moment as she squinted at the cards, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. Then, she burst into laughter, her voice dripping with derision. "What's this? Are you trying to kill me by making me laugh to death? You're going to use her driver? That thing isn't meant for normal people, you idiot. You'll barely survive it—if you survive at all!"

Houtaro's lips curled into a confident grin as he tapped his temple with his free hand. "I believe in the imagination in my head," he said, his voice brimming with conviction. "It's what got me this far, and it's what's going to save Kajiki."

Millaarc's laughter grew louder, almost hysterical. "Oh, this is rich! Go ahead, then. Do your little stunt. I'll enjoy watching you regret it."

Ignoring her taunts, Houtaro turned his focus to the cards in his hand. "Hopper1, Steamliner," he said firmly, "lend me your power. Let's save Kajiki together!"

"Hoppa! Ho, hoppa!"
"Steeam! Stea-steeam!"

With a determined shout, Houtaro inserted both cards into the driver. He put Hopper1 in his left hand to the driver's right compartment.

"Hopper1!"

Then Houtaro put the Steamliner card in his right hand to the driver's left compartment.

"Steamliner!"

The device hummed to life, its mechanisms whirring as the cards were locked into place.

Suddenly, projections of the cards materialized in front of Houtaro, glowing with vibrant energy. From these projections, Hopper1 and Steamliner burst forth, their forms alive and brimming with power. Hopper1 chirped excitedly, its metallic body gleaming under the sun, while Steamliner let out a deep, resonant roar, its train-like frame radiating raw strength.

The two creatures circled Houtaro protectively, their energy forming a swirling vortex around him. Then, above them, a massive boiling flask appeared, its glass surface shimmering with alchemical symbols.

Houtaro's eyes widened. "What the—?!" He instinctively raised his arms to shield himself as the flask descended rapidly. But instead of crashing into him, it phased through his body, encasing him in a protective barrier.

Hopper1 and Steamliner transformed into streams of orange and purple energy, their forms glowing with arrow-like symbols before they entered the boiling flask from the flask's hole. Inside the flask, the energies swirled together, creating a mesmerizing cloud that enveloped Houtaro completely. He stood in awe, the colors reflecting in his wide eyes.

"This... this is just like in the shows..." he muttered, his voice filled with wonder before he accidentally pulled the lever of the driver. Then, with a surge of adrenaline, he shouted the word that had been etched into his heart since childhood. "Henshin!"

"Gotchanko!"

In a blink-or-miss closer inspection, Houtaro's eyes shone a rainbow-coloured hue as he being covered by the energy cloud inside the flask. Then, as if responding to his declaration, the energy cloud intensified, shifting into a brilliant blue hue. The flask shattered into countless particles, and the energy exploded outward in a dazzling display.

Millaarc shielded her eyes from the blinding light, her mocking expression replaced by one of shock. "What... What is this? You've got to be kidding me... He actually pulled it off?"

Rinne, still lying on the ground, whispered softly, her voice tinged with both awe and concern. "Ichinose-kun..."

As the light faded, Houtaro's new form was revealed. His body was encased in sleek, segmented armor that shimmered like polished steel. The design was intricate, with his torso resembling the mechanical structure of Hopper1, complete with its angular, insect-like aesthetic. His arms and legs were adorned with blue and black plating, the joints reinforced with hydraulic-like tubing that suggested both agility and strength.

The most striking feature was his helmet, which bore the visage of Hopper1's face. The eye lenses were a deep, glowing crimson, framed by sharp, antenna-like protrusions that gave him a menacing yet heroic silhouette. On his back, a pair of mechanical limbs extended outward, resembling the legs of Hopper1. They twitched slightly, as if alive, ready to assist in combat.

On his chest, a small compartment housed the Steamliner and Hopper1 card, its image glowing faintly. Steamliner's influence was evident in the armor's accents—purple lines ran along the edges, mimicking the tracks of a locomotive. Steam-like exhaust vents adorned his shoulders, periodically releasing bursts of energy that hissed like a train engine.

"What the...?" Houtaro muttered, his voice distorted slightly by the armor's vocal modulator. He raised his arms, flexing his clawed fingers, and then glanced down at his legs, noticing how the powerful joints seemed primed for immense leaps. "I mean... this is cool and all, but... I was kind of hoping for something a little more... humanoid?" He tilted his head, his crimson, glowing eyes narrowing in mild disappointment. "This is way different from that Kamen Rider show..."

"Hoppa! Ho, ho, hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped from within the driver, its cheerful tone almost like it was laughing at him.

"Steeam! Stea, steeee!" Steamliner added, its gruff voice echoing in amusement.

Houtaro sighed, rubbing the back of his metallic head. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, you two. I guess this is what happens when you combine a bug and a train. Great."

Millaarc's laughter suddenly broke the moment. She clutched her sides, doubling over as her mocking cackle echoed across the battlefield. "Oh, this is priceless!" she howled. "This is the big, heroic transformation? A mechanical grasshopper with train parts? What are you going to do, hop me to death?" She wiped a tear from her eye, shaking her head. "This just keeps getting better."

Houtaro's glowing eyes narrowed as he straightened, his voice firm. "Laugh all you want, Millaarc. This is the result of my imagination, combined with Kudo's driver, and the power of Hopper1 and Steamliner. It might not look like much to you, but it's more than enough to take you down."

Millaarc's laughter faltered slightly as she noticed the unwavering determination in his tone. "Tch. Big words for someone in a tin can," she muttered, her earlier amusement giving way to irritation. "Fine. Let's see what your 'imagination' can do, bug boy."

Behind Houtaro, Rinne's lips curved into a faint smile. "Ichinose-kun..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her chest swelled with a warmth she hadn't expected. Despite her earlier doubts, she found herself believing in him. "You really are an idiot... But… Don't lose now…"

Houtaro crouched low, his mechanical legs hissing as they compressed. "Alright, Hopper1, Steamliner," he called out, his voice brimming with energy. "Let's show them what we've got!"

"Hoppa! Hop, hoppa!"
"Steeam! Stea-steeeam!"

With a burst of steam from his shoulder vents, Houtaro launched himself forward, his powerful legs propelling him through the air like a bullet. Millaarc barely had time to react as he closed the distance in an instant, his clawed hand swinging toward her in a sharp arc. She leaped back, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the force of his attack sent a shockwave rippling through the ground.

The Spider Malgam skittered into action, its arms moving with unnerving speed as it lunged at Houtaro. The mechanical hopper twisted mid-air, his body flipping effortlessly as he dodged the creature's snapping mandibles. Landing on the Spider's back, Houtaro slammed his claws into its armored carapace, sparks flying as his powerful grip dented the metal.

"Not so tough now, huh?" Houtaro quipped, his voice brimming with confidence.

The Spider Malgam let out a screech of fury, bucking wildly in an attempt to throw him off. Millaarc, regaining her composure, raised her hand, a glowing alchemical circle forming in her palm. "Don't get cocky, you little pest!" she snarled, firing a blast of crimson energy toward him.

Houtaro's antennae twitched, sensing the attack. He leaped off the Spider's back just as the blast struck, the explosion sending shards of debris flying. Landing a few meters away, he crouched low, his legs coiling like springs. Then, with another burst of steam, he launched himself toward Millaarc, zigzagging unpredictably to avoid her follow-up attacks.

"Stay still, you annoying little—!" Millaarc's words were cut off as Houtaro closed the gap, his clawed hand slashing toward her. She barely managed to block with a hastily conjured alchemical shield, the force of the impact sending her skidding backward.

The Spider Malgam, enraged, fired a web of sticky threads toward Houtaro. He twisted and flipped through the air; his movements almost too fast to follow. His hopper-like agility allowed him to evade the webs with ease, each leap and dodge accompanied by the hiss of his steam vents.

"Hoppa! Hop, ho, hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped encouragingly.

"Yeah, I know!" Houtaro replied, grinning beneath his helmet. "This is actually kind of fun!"

But his overconfidence proved to be his downfall. As he prepared to launch another attack, the Spider Malgam suddenly shifted tactics, firing a wide net of webbing that caught him mid-leap. Houtaro struggled against the sticky threads, but the Spider's strength was too much. It yanked him toward a nearby bridge, pinning him against one of its support beams.

"Damn it!" Houtaro growled, his mechanical limbs straining against the webbing.

Millaarc stepped forward, her lips curling into a wicked grin. "Looks like the bug got caught in the spider's web," she sneered. She raised her hand, another alchemical circle forming. "Let's see how well you handle this!"

With a powerful blast, she targeted the bridge's support beams, the explosion sending cracks racing through the structure. Houtaro's eyes widened as the bridge began to collapse, the debris threatening to crush him beneath its weight.

"Kudo!" he shouted, his voice echoing as the first chunks of concrete fell.

From the ground, Rinne's eyes widened in horror. "Ichinose-kun!" she screamed, her voice filled with desperation.

The scene hung in tense silence as the bridge groaned and began to give way, the weight of the falling debris hurtling toward Houtaro like an unstoppable avalanche.

The collapsing debris rained down mercilessly, a cacophony of crashing stone and metal echoing through the battlefield as dust and smoke filled the air. Houtaro grunted in pain, the weight of the fallen rubble pressing down on his mechanical steamhopper body. His powerful limbs strained against the crushing force, hydraulic joints hissing with effort, but the sheer weight of the debris made it impossible to move.

"Damn it!" Houtaro muttered, his voice trembling with frustration. "I can't... I can't get free!" His glowing eyes dimmed slightly, a sign of his fading resolve.

"Hoppa... Hop, ho..." Hopper1's voice, usually so energetic, sounded faint, as though it, too, was struggling under the weight of their predicament.

"Steeam... Stea-steee..." Steamliner grunted, its voice low and strained.

Houtaro cursed himself for his carelessness. He had let his confidence get the better of him, and now he was paying the price. The pain in his body was matched only by the sinking realization that he might not be able to keep his promise—not to Kajiki, not to Rinne, and not to himself.

From a distance, Rinne watched the scene unfold with wide, horrified eyes. Her battered body trembled as she tried to push herself up, but every movement sent waves of pain shooting through her limbs. Still, she refused to give up. Dragging herself across the ground, she reached out toward Houtaro, her voice hoarse as she called out to him.

"Ichinose-kun!" she cried, her tone desperate. "Get up! You have to get up!" But her voice was swallowed by the noise of the battlefield, and Houtaro didn't respond.

Millaarc, hovering above the chaos, smirked triumphantly. "What a pathetic sight," she sneered, raising her hand. "Let's end this farce, shall we?" With a flick of her wrist, she fired another alchemical blast at the already crumbling bridge, sending even more debris tumbling down toward Houtaro.

Houtaro's eyes widened as he saw the shadow of the falling rubble. He struggled harder, his mechanical limbs screeching under the strain, but it was no use. "No... not like this!" he shouted, his voice laced with desperation.

Rinne's heart clenched as she saw the new wave of debris hurtling toward him. Her mind raced with the thought that this could be the end, that Houtaro might not survive this time. But instead of succumbing to despair, a surge of determination welled up inside her. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself up on trembling arms and shouted with all her might.

"Ichinose-kun!" Her voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a beacon. "Didn't you promise me you'd come back alive?!" Her words carried a mixture of anger, desperation, and something else—an unshakable belief in him. "Show me what your imagination can do! Prove to me that your stupid, childish drawings are more than just doodles! Realize your imagination into reality, Ichinose-kun!"

Houtaro froze, her words slicing through the fog of his despair. He was being reminded by the sketch and drawing that he had made when he was younger and the one he showed to the girl in his dream. That hero drawing was also the one he sketched in his class that got him and Kajiki into detention prior.

In his mind's eye, he saw it—his drawing, the one he had poured his heart into. It wasn't just a picture; it was a vision of the hero he wanted to be, the hero he had dreamed of becoming ever since he was a child. The Kamen Rider-like figure he had sketched, inspired by Hopper1's agility and Steamliner's strength, stood tall in his imagination, a symbol of everything he believed in.

"That's right..." Houtaro muttered, his voice gaining strength. "My imagination... it's not just for me. It's for everyone who believes in me." His glowing eyes flared to life as he clenched his fists. "Gotcha! That's my imagination's Gotcha!"

With a determined roar, he reached for the lever on his driver, pulling it with all his might. The device roared to life, its mechanisms whirring as steam and light erupted from it.

"Hoppa! Hop-hoppa!" Hopper1 cheered, its voice filled with renewed energy.
"Steeam! Stea-steeeam!" Steamliner bellowed, its tone triumphant.

The falling debris crashed down, burying Houtaro completely. For a moment, the battlefield fell silent, save for the sound of settling rubble. Rinne's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the pile of debris, her heart pounding in her chest. "Ichinose-kun..." she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

Millaarc's laughter rang out, cold and mocking. "That's the end of your little hero," she declared, folding her arms smugly. "Crushed under his own foolishness."

But before she could revel in her victory, a sudden hiss of steam pierced the air. The rubble began to shift, a faint blue light emanating from within. Millaarc's smirk faltered as the light grew brighter, accompanied by the sound of hissing vents and whirring machinery.

"What...?" she muttered, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

"Gotchanko! SteamHopper!"

With a deafening roar, a massive burst of steam erupted from the pile of debris, sending chunks of rubble flying in all directions. Millaarc and the Spider Malgam were caught off guard, the force of the explosion knocking them backward. Rinne shielded her face from the blast, her heart racing as she tried to see through the swirling smoke and light.

When the dust finally cleared, Rinne's eyes widened in awe. Standing amidst the wreckage was Houtaro, but he was no longer in his mechanical steamhopper form. His new form was sleek and humanoid, an idealized version of the hero he had always envisioned.

His armor gleamed with a brilliant metallic blue, accented with silver and black. The chest piece was adorned with a glowing, furnace-like core, radiating an intense orange light that pulsed like a heartbeat. His shoulders were angular and aerodynamic, with steam vents integrated into the design, releasing faint wisps of vapor. His arms and legs were streamlined, the plating reinforced with intricate mechanical details that evoked the image of a powerful locomotive.

The helmet was a masterpiece, combining the insectoid motif of Hopper1 with the industrial aesthetic of Steamliner. Twin antennae jutted upward, framing a glowing visor shaped like a train's front grille. The helmet's design was both menacing and heroic, a perfect blend of form and function.

Houtaro straightened, his stance confident and commanding. Steam hissed from the vents on his shoulders as he clenched his fists, the furnace core on his chest glowing brighter. Steam hissing from the vents on his shoulders as his glowing eyes scanned his new form. Awe filled his voice as he raised his hands, clenching and unclenching his fists to feel the power coursing through him. The armor fit perfectly, as though it had been forged directly from his imagination. Every detail of the humanoid figure was a testament to the dreams he had clung to since childhood.

"So, this is it…" Houtaro murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief and wonder. "I've really become... just like the Kamen Rider I used to draw. This is amazing."

Hopper1's chirp could be heard in Houtaro's ears, its voice bursting with excitement. "Hoppa! Hop-hop! Ho, ho!"
Steamliner's metallic form rumbled beside him, steam puffing out of its vents. "Steeam! Stea-stee!"

Houtaro chuckled softly, the tension of the battle momentarily fading. "Thanks, you two. I couldn't have done this without you."

From behind him, Rinne's voice broke through the moment. "Ichinose-kun…" she called weakly, her voice still hoarse from shouting earlier. Houtaro turned to see her struggling to sit up, her face a mix of confusion, relief, and lingering disbelief. Despite the pain etched across her features, she managed a small, weak smile. "You… you really did it. You actually turned into that ridiculous hero of yours."

"Kudo…" Houtaro began, but before he could say more, Rinne cut him off with a wry laugh that turned into a soft cough.

"You're so useless without me," she muttered, shaking her head. "If I hadn't yelled at you, you'd probably still be under that rubble, crying about how unfair life is."

Houtaro couldn't help but smile at her teasing tone. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Thanks, Kudo. Your words… they were the push I needed."

Rinne's expression softened for a moment before she sighed. "I guess… I can't call your stupid sketch childish anymore, can I?"

Houtaro laughed, a sound that felt light despite the chaos around them. "Nope. And now I'm going to finish what I started." His voice turned firm, resolute. He turned back toward the battlefield, where Millaarc and the Spider Malgam were recovering from the earlier explosion of steam.

Millaarc sneered, brushing dust off her shoulders. "So, the little insect has shed its shell. How quaint."

The Spider Malgam hissed, its many red eyes narrowing as it crouched low, ready to strike.

Houtaro clenched his fists, steam hissing from his vents as he readied himself. "I won't let you hurt anyone else. This ends now!"

Houtaro charged forward, his movements swift and precise, a stark contrast to the more mechanical motions of his earlier form. Millaarc's lips curled into a venomous smirk as she raised her hand, conjuring a crackling wave of alchemical energy. "Let's see how long your new toy lasts!" she sneered, launching the energy directly at Houtaro.

The energy crackled and roared as it surged toward him, illuminating the battlefield with an eerie glow. Houtaro leapt into the air, Hopper1's agility enhancing his movements. He twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the blast as it exploded behind him, sending shards of concrete flying.

He landed gracefully, his feet skidding slightly on the cracked ground, before he charged toward the Spider Malgam. The Malgam hissed, its spindly arms lashing out like deadly whips.

Houtaro ducked under one swing then spun to avoid another, his armor gleaming as he moved. "You're not as fast as you think!" he taunted, delivering a powerful punch to the Malgam's torso. The force of the blow sent the creature skidding back, its claws scraping against the ground.

But the Malgam wasn't finished. It screeched, its red eyes glowing with malice, and lunged forward with all of its appendages striking in rapid succession. Houtaro raised his arms, blocking some of the strikes with his armored gauntlets, but one leg slipped through his defense and struck his shoulder.

"Ugh!" he grunted, stumbling back as pain radiated through his body. He quickly regained his footing, his eyes narrowing.

From above, Millaarc swooped down, her blade of alchemical energy crackling in her hand. "You're too slow!" she jeered, slashing downward.

Houtaro raised his arm just in time, the blade glancing off his gauntlet with a shower of sparks. The impact sent a jolt through his arm, but he held firm, twisting his body to counter with a roundhouse kick.

The kick connected, sending Millaarc flying back. She landed with a hiss of frustration, her eyes narrowing as she pushed herself up. "Impressive," she admitted, brushing dust off her clothes. "But don't think for a second you've won!"

Houtaro didn't give her time to recover. He turned his attention back to the Spider Malgam, which was already lunging toward him again. Its legs lashed out, but this time, Houtaro was ready.

"Hoppa! Hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped excitedly.

"Got it!" Houtaro said, sidestepping the Malgam's attack. He crouched low, then sprang upward, delivering an uppercut that struck the Malgam square in the jaw. The force of the blow sent the creature crashing into a nearby wall, leaving a spiderweb of cracks in the concrete.

Steamliner let out a triumphant growl. "Steeeeam! Stea-stee!"

The Malgam screeched, pulling itself out of the wall with a feral snarl. It lunged again, its claws slashing wildly. Houtaro ducked and weaved, his movements growing more fluid as he adapted to the fight. He delivered a series of rapid punches to the Malgam's torso, each strike accompanied by a burst of steam from his vents.

Millaarc, meanwhile, had regained her footing and was charging toward Houtaro with her blade raised. She swung the weapon in a wide arc, forcing Houtaro to leap back to avoid being caught between her and the Malgam.

"Two against one, huh?" Houtaro muttered, his breathing heavy but determined. "Fine. Bring it on!"

He dashed forward, feinting toward Millaarc before pivoting and delivering a spinning kick to the Spider Malgam. The creature screeched as it was sent sprawling, but Millaarc took the opportunity to attack. Her blade slashed downward, aiming for Houtaro's back.

"Hoppa! Ho, hoppa!" Hopper1 cried in warning.

Houtaro twisted just in time, raising his arm to block the blade. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, the sound ringing out across the battlefield. Houtaro pushed back with all his strength, forcing Millaarc to stumble.

He didn't let up. Using the momentum, he spun and delivered a powerful elbow strike to her chest, sending her crashing to the ground. "Stay down!" he shouted, turning back to the Malgam.

The Spider Malgam hissed, its arms twitching as it tried to recover. Houtaro seized the opportunity, charging forward and delivering a series of devastating strikes. Each punch and kick landed with precision, pushing the Malgam further back.

Finally, with one last powerful punch, Houtaro managed to separate Millaarc and the Spider Malgam. The two enemies were now on opposite sides of the battlefield, giving him a clear shot at the Malgam.

"This is my chance!" Houtaro muttered, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the creature.

Houtaro turned to Hopper1 and Steamliner. "How do I save Kajiki? There's got to be a way!"

"Hoppa! Hop, hoppa!" Hopper1 chirped, its chirps telling Houtaro to be confident.
"Steeam! Stea-stee!" Steamliner rumbled, its tone urging action.

Houtaro's eyes lit up with realization. "A kick… Of course! Just like the Kamen Rider heroes always do!"

He reached for the lever on his driver, pulling it back as steam erupted around him. The furnace core on his chest glowed brighter, and energy surged through his body.

"Here we go!" Houtaro shouted before pushing the lever and leaping high into the air. Hopper1's jumping ability propelled him upward, while Steamliner's pressure boost accelerated his descent. He aimed his glowing foot at the Spider Malgam, ready to deliver the finishing blow.

But just as he was about to strike, the Spider Malgam conjured a massive web, its threads gleaming with a sinister energy. Houtaro's foot became ensnared, and before he could react, the webbing tightened around him, trapping him mid-air.

"No!" Houtaro shouted, struggling against the sticky threads.

The Spider Malgam hissed triumphantly, pulling Houtaro closer as it prepared to strike. Millaarc smirked from a distance, her confidence restored.

"Looks like the hero's luck has run out," she taunted.

Houtaro gritted his teeth, his body straining against the webbing as the Malgam loomed closer. For the first time since his transformation, doubt began to creep into his mind.

Houtaro struggled against the sticky, glowing strands of the Spider Malgam's webbing, every movement causing the threads to tighten further around his armored frame. His breaths came in ragged gasps as the Malgam loomed over him, its crimson eyes glowing with malevolent glee.

"Ugh… not like this…" Houtaro muttered, his voice strained as he fought to free himself.

The Spider Malgam struck without mercy, its sharp, spear-like legs piercing the air with deadly precision. Each blow landed with a brutal force, sending shocks of pain through Houtaro's body despite the protection of his armor. He cried out as one appendage slammed into his side, then another struck his shoulder, pinning him further against the webbing.

Above him, Millaarc hovered with a wicked smile, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "So much for your miracles, little hero," she sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. "You may have surprised me once or twice, but in the end, you're just a kid playing dress-up. This is where your story ends."

Houtaro clenched his teeth, his head hanging low as he bore the relentless attacks. Despite the searing pain coursing through his body, he refused to let Millaarc's words break him. "I… won't… give up," he growled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Millaarc rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed by his defiance. "Still clinging to hope, are we? Fine. Let's see how much more you can take!" She raised her hand, alchemical energy crackling around her fingers as she prepared to unleash another devastating attack.

Before Millaarc could strike, a sudden barrage of glowing projectiles rained down upon her and the Spider Malgam. Sharp shards of metal, transformed by alchemical energy, zipped through the air, forcing both enemies to retreat momentarily.

"What?!" Millaarc hissed, her eyes darting toward the source of the attack.

Standing amidst the rubble was Rinne, her body battered and her breathing labored, but her eyes burned with determination. Her hands trembled as she clutched the remnants of her alchemical tools, transmuting whatever she could find around her into weapons.

"Stay away from Ichinose-kun!" Rinne shouted, her voice cracking but resolute. She flung another volley of projectiles, forcing Millaarc and the Spider Malgam to keep their distance.

Houtaro's eyes widened as he looked at her. "Kudo… you're still fighting?"

Rinne shot him a weak but determined smile. "You're useless without me, remember?" she quipped, though her voice betrayed the strain she was under. She focused her alchemy, transmuting several nearby metal beams into sharp, glowing spikes. With a swift motion, she launched them at the webbing that held Houtaro captive.

The spikes tore through the strands, freeing Houtaro from his bindings. He stumbled forward, catching himself before falling. "Kudo… thank you," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

"Don't thank me yet," Rinne replied, her knees buckling slightly as she struggled to remain standing. She gathered her remaining strength and transmuted the leftover webbing, along with discarded trash bins and metal beams, into a massive chain. With a flick of her wrist, the chain coiled around Millaarc, binding her tightly.

Millaarc thrashed against her restraints, her face contorted with rage. "You meddlesome brat!" she spat. "You'll regret this!"

Rinne gritted her teeth, her arms trembling as she held the chain in place. "Ichinose-kun… I can't hold her for long. You need to save Kajiki-kun now!"

Houtaro nodded, determination flaring in his eyes. "I'm on it!"

The Spider Malgam lunged at Houtaro once again, its spindly appendages stabbing forward like spears. Houtaro braced himself, catching one leg with his armored gauntlet and shoving it aside. The Malgam pushed harder, forcing Houtaro to slide back a few steps.

"No more running. I'll save Kajiki, no matter what!" Houtaro declared, his voice ringing with newfound resolve. Then, he heard the chirp and grunt from Hopper1 and Steamliner again. However, it was different because for the first time, Houtaro could clearly make out their encouraging words.

"Unleash your imagination, Houtaro!" the two Chemies shouted in Houtaro's ears, their voices resonating deep within him.

A spark of inspiration lit up in Houtaro's mind. He tilted his head a bit, a small smile forming on his lips before tilting his head back with a spark of rainbow appearing in his helmet. "Unleash my imagination, huh? Got it!"

With renewed energy, Houtaro pushed back against the Spider Malgam, forcing it to stumble. He leapt into the air, Hopper1's agility propelling him upward. As he soared, he twisted his body, delivering a spinning kick that struck the Malgam square in the head.

The creature screeched, reeling from the impact, but Houtaro didn't let up. He landed gracefully, then charged forward, steam hissing from his vents as he unleashed a flurry of punches. Each strike landed with precision, the force of his blows sending shockwaves through the Malgam's body.

The Spider Malgam retaliated, lashing out with its legs, but Houtaro's movements were sharper and more confident now. He ducked, weaved, and countered each attack with ease, his instincts guiding him.

He grabbed one of the Malgam's arms mid-strike, using its momentum to swing it into a nearby wall. The creature screeched as it crashed into the concrete, cracks spidering out from the point of impact.

Houtaro didn't give it a chance to recover. He leapt onto the Malgam's back, grabbing hold of its spindly legs and wrenching them apart. The creature writhed beneath him, its screeches growing more frantic.

"This ends now!" Houtaro shouted, his voice echoing across the battlefield.

Houtaro's fists and legs moved in a relentless rhythm, his blows landing with newfound precision and confidence. Each punch reverberated through the air, each kick sending shockwaves into the Spider Malgam's grotesque form. Hopper1 chirped excitedly within his chest compartment, its tiny voice urging him on.

"Hoppa! Hoppa, ho!" it exclaimed, its tone brimming with excitement.
"Steeam! Steeeam!" growled Steamliner, its deep voice rumbling like the roar of a mighty locomotive.

Houtaro felt their encouragement like fuel in his veins. With a final, forceful kick, he sent the Spider Malgam hurtling into a nearby wall, its body slamming into the cracked surface with a sickening crunch. Dust and debris rained down as the creature screeched in fury, its crimson eyes glowing brighter with rage.

"This is my chance!" Houtaro shouted, determination blazing in his voice. He reached for the lever on his driver, pulling it with a sharp motion. The furnace on his chest roared to life, thick plumes of smoke billowing out as energy began to course through his body.

The Spider Malgam, still pressed against the wall, seemed to sense the impending danger. It shifted its stance, its arms twitching as it prepared to counterattack. With a shrill cry, it shot another webbing toward Houtaro, the sticky threads glowing ominously as they hurtled through the air.

Houtaro didn't flinch. "Not this time!" he declared, his voice steady and confident. He pushed the lever on his driver again, the smoke intensifying as his entire body began to glow.

"Gotchanko! SteamHopper, Fever!"

With Hopper1's leaping ability and Steamliner's powerful boost, he launched himself into the air, soaring toward the Malgam with incredible speed. As he lunged forward, Houtaro also transformed back into his previous mechanical steamhopper form as he rushed forward.

The Spider Malgam's webbing shot forward, aiming to trap him mid-air. But Houtaro was ready. "This is what I've been waiting for!" he exclaimed, a grin forming beneath his helmet.

In a flash, his mechanical steamhopper form disassembled into dozens of small, glowing parts, each piece darting through the gaps in the webbing like a swarm of fireflies. The Spider Malgam's attack passed harmlessly through the empty space, leaving it momentarily confused.

As the glowing parts flew past the Malgam, they began to reassemble behind it, the pieces snapping together with mechanical precision. In seconds, Houtaro's humanoid form was restored, his armor gleaming as he floated gracefully behind the creature.

The Spider Malgam turned, its movements jerky and frantic as it tried to react. But Houtaro was already in motion. He leaped toward the wall before stepping on it, using it as a springboard to launch himself back into the air. Hopper1's agility carried him higher, and he performed a somersault mid-flight, his body glowing with concentrated energy.

"Rider Kick!" Houtaro shouted, his voice echoing through the battlefield as his foot connected with the Malgam's body. The impact was devastating, the force of the kick sending the creature hurtling backward.

The Spider Malgam screeched in pain as it crashed into its own webbing, the sticky threads wrapping around its struggling form. Houtaro didn't let up. Steamliner's boost roared to life, propelling him forward with incredible speed. His foot struck the Malgam again, the sheer force of the blow shattering the webbing and kicking through the creature as Houtaro left a trail of rainbow behind him.

As the Malgam tumbled through the air, its body began to disintegrate. A bright light erupted from its core, and with a thunderous explosion, the Spider Malgam was obliterated. Smoke and debris filled the air, but amidst the chaos, a familiar figure emerged.

"Kajiki!" Houtaro shouted as he saw his friend, unharmed, being separated from the Malgam's remains. Kajiki collapsed to the ground, unconscious but safe, his breathing steady.

Houtaro barely had time to react before his attention was drawn to Millaarc, still struggling against the alchemic chains that bound her. Rinne's hands trembled as she maintained the transmutation, her face pale with exhaustion.

"Ichinose-kun…" Rinne called out weakly. "She's still dangerous… finish this!"

Houtaro nodded, his resolve unwavering. Without hesitation, he launched himself toward Millaarc, his body glowing once more as he prepared another Rider Kick.

Millaarc's eyes widened in panic as she saw him hurtling toward her. "No… NO!" she screamed, thrashing against the chains with renewed desperation. At the last moment, she managed to twist her body, the kick narrowly missing her chest. But the force of the attack still grazed her shoulder, sending her spinning out of the chains and crashing to the ground.

Houtaro landed a few feet away, his momentum causing him to stumble. He tried to steady himself, but his legs gave out, and he tumbled to the ground in a comical roll, coming to a stop just beside Rinne.

Rinne blinked at him, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as she let out a soft sigh. "Really, Ichinose-kun?" she muttered, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You always have to make a scene, don't you?"

Houtaro groaned, pushing himself up. "Hey, I got the job done, didn't I?" he replied, his tone playful despite his fatigue.

On the other side of the battlefield, Millaarc struggled to her feet, clutching her bleeding shoulder. Her once-confident demeanor was replaced with fury and frustration. "You… you pests!" she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "You've ruined everything! My task was simple, and now look at me!"

Her eyes burned with hatred as she glared at Houtaro and Rinne. "Don't think this is over. I'll make you pay for this… both of you!"

With a sharp motion, she pulled a crystal from her cloak and threw it to the ground. The crystal shattered, releasing a swirling pinkish energy that formed a glowing teleportation circle beneath her feet.

Millaarc sneered at them one last time before stepping into the circle. "Enjoy your victory while it lasts," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Next time, you won't be so lucky."

With a flash of light, she vanished, leaving behind only the faint hum of the teleportation circle as it dissipated.

As the shimmering pinkish energy of Millaarc's teleportation circle faded into nothingness, Houtaro and Rinne finally allowed themselves to breathe. The battlefield, once filled with chaos and destruction, now stood eerily silent, save for the faint crackling of dissipating energy. Houtaro, still in his transformed Kamen Rider-like form, let out a relieved sigh, his shoulders sinking slightly.

"Is it… over?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Rinne, leaning heavily on one knee as she clutched her injured arm, managed a weak but reassuring smile. "Yes, Ichinose-kun," she replied softly, her voice trembling with exhaustion. "You did it… you really won."

For a moment, Houtaro froze, her words sinking in. Then, as if a switch flipped inside him, he threw his fists into the air and let out an excited yell. "I won! I actually won!" His giddy exclamation echoed across the empty battlefield.

Houtaro's eyes wandered down to his armored body, his gaze tracing the intricate design of his Kamen Rider-like form. The glowing furnace on his chest, the sleek yet mechanical details, the bold lines—it was exactly as he had imagined. No, it was better.

"Kudo!" he exclaimed, turning to Rinne with unrestrained excitement. "Look at me! I'm awesome! Doesn't this look just like the hero I drew in class? The one you said looked 'childish'?"

Rinne blinked at him, her expression a mix of fatigue and bewilderment. She was still processing everything that had just happened—the battle, Houtaro's transformation, and the fact that he had somehow used her driver and the Chemies without any prior knowledge of alchemy. It made no sense.

"This shouldn't be possible…" she murmured under her breath, her mind racing. A non-alchemist using that driver? And not just using it—mastering it, channelling the Chemies' powers with such ease and precision? Was it sheer determination? Luck? Or something else entirely?

Meanwhile, Houtaro continued to marvel at himself, his excitement undeterred by Rinne's silence. "I mean, come on, Kudo! Look at these details! The furnace chest, the hopper legs, the steam vents—it's just like I imagined it as a kid! Admit it, it's cool!"

Rinne snapped out of her thoughts, her gaze shifting to Houtaro's glowing form. She sighed, a small, amused smile tugging at her lips. "Well… I suppose it's… unique," she said, her tone deliberately nonchalant.

"'Unique'? That's it?" Houtaro protested, crossing his arms in mock offense.

Rinne's smile widened slightly, and she couldn't resist teasing him further. "It's definitely… interesting, Ichinose-kun. But it's still a bit childish, don't you think? Just like that drawing."

"Childish?!" Houtaro exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "If it's so childish, then how did I just save you, Kajiki, and Hopper1 with it, huh?!"

Rinne chuckled softly, her teasing demeanor masking the genuine relief she felt. Despite his reckless and absurd methods, Houtaro had done the impossible. She glanced at him, her expression softening as she whispered, almost to herself, "Thank you, Ichinose-kun…"

Her voice was so quiet that Houtaro barely caught it, but he noticed her averted gaze and the faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "Huh? Kudo, did you just say something?" he asked, tilting his head curiously.

"N-no!" Rinne stammered, quickly shaking her head. "It's nothing!"

But as she moved, a sharp pain shot through her body, and she winced, clutching her injured arm. The makeshift bandage Houtaro had tied earlier was now soaked with blood, and the strain of the battle had only worsened her injuries.

"Kudo!" Houtaro exclaimed, his playful tone replaced by genuine concern. He crouched beside her, his hands hovering uncertainly. "You're still hurt! What do I do? Should I call someone? Or—"

"Calm down, Ichinose-kun," Rinne interrupted, her voice firm despite her weakened state. "I'm fine. It's nothing serious. At least… I'm still alive."

Before Houtaro could respond, a faint glow caught their attention. They both turned toward the spot where the Spider Malgam had been destroyed. Floating in the air, amidst the dissipating smoke, was a small, glowing yellow orb. Inside the orb was a tiny tarantula-like creature, its delicate legs curled against its body as it pulsed faintly with light.

"That's…" Houtaro began, his eyes widening in recognition. "That's the Tarantula from the card Millaarc used! The one that turned Kajiki into the Spider Malgam!"

The orb slowly drifted toward them, its glow growing brighter. Rinne, despite her injuries, reached out her hand. "Ichinose-kun, give me the Chemy Riser," she said, her tone steady but strained.

Houtaro quickly complied, unbuckling the device from his waist and handing it to her. Rinne inserted a Blank Card into the Riser, her fingers trembling slightly. She aimed the device at the floating orb and pressed the triangle button.

A surge of energy shot out from the Chemy Riser, enveloping the orb in a beam of light. The orb trembled for a moment before being absorbed into the device. The Blank Card inside the Riser began to glow, and an image of the tarantula-like creature appeared on its surface with the card having the number 2 and two arrows being filled in the card.

"Catchula…" Houtaro read aloud, noticing the name printed on the card. The tiny creature inside chirped happily, its voice a high-pitched, playful series of sounds.

"Catchu! Catchu, la la!"

Houtaro grinned. "It's just like Hopper1! And it's happy we saved it!"

Rinne managed a small smile, though her exhaustion was evident. "That's one less Chemy to be bothered with," she said softly.

Houtaro's excitement quickly shifted to curiosity. "Kudo, how does this all work? These creatures, the monsters, Alchemists, Millaarc, my transformation—what's going on?!"

Rinne sighed, overwhelmed by his barrage of questions. "Ichinose-kun," she said, her voice weary but firm. "We still have things to take care of first."

Houtaro blinked, then remembered. "Kajiki!" he exclaimed, turning toward his unconscious friend, who lay a short distance away. But as he moved, he glanced back at Rinne, noticing her pale face and trembling form.

"You're in no condition to walk," he said firmly. Before Rinne could protest, Houtaro scooped her up, lifting her onto his shoulders with surprising ease.

"W-what are you doing?!" Rinne yelped, her face turning bright red. "I can walk on my own, Ichinose-kun!"

"Not like this, you can't," Houtaro replied, his tone resolute. "You're hurt, Kudo. Just let me help, okay?"

Rinne opened her mouth to argue but quickly realized she didn't have the strength. Instead, she averted her gaze, hiding her flushed face. "…Fine, thank you, Ichinose-kun" she muttered, her voice barely audible.

With Rinne on his shoulders and Hopper1 chirping cheerfully from his chest, Houtaro made his way toward Kajiki.

On the other side, Kajiki, who was still lying on the ground, stirred awake, his fingers twitching as if grasping for some faint memory. Slowly, his body shifted, and he pushed himself up with trembling arms, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses. His groggy voice broke the silence.

"Ugh… what happened…?" Kajiki murmured, his tone sluggish, as if he'd just woken from a deep slumber. His eyes blinked rapidly, adjusting to the harsh light of the setting sun. As he sat upright, his gaze wandered across the battlefield, scanning the charred remains of the Spider Malgam's destruction and the fading traces of alchemic energy.

Then he heard it—a familiar voice, or rather, two voices, calling his name in unison.

"Kajiki!"

"Kajiki-kun…"

The sound jolted him to full awareness. His head snapped toward the source, and what he saw made his heart race.

Standing just a few meters away was a figure shrouded in mystery—a towering armored warrior with a sleek yet rugged design. The figure's spark blue armour gleamed under the sunlight, its furnace-like chest glowing faintly with residual heat. The figure carried someone over his shoulder—Rinne, her form slumped and her arm visibly injured.

Kajiki froze, his breath hitching. Fear gripped him as his mind struggled to comprehend the sight before him. The armored figure stepped closer, its metallic boots crunching against the debris-strewn ground.

"Kajiki!" the figure called again; its voice distorted but undeniably familiar.

Kajiki's instincts kicked in, and he scrambled backward, his hands clawing at the dirt. "M-monster!" he shouted, his voice trembling with terror. "Stay away!"

The figure stopped in its tracks, startled by Kajiki's reaction. It quickly lowered Rinne to the ground, kneeling beside her. Then, in a calm and familiar tone, the figure spoke.

"Kajiki, it's me! Houtaro!"

Kajiki's frantic movements stilled. He stared at the figure, his fear momentarily replaced by confusion. "H-Houtaro…?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

The armored figure nodded. "Yeah, it's me! I know this looks weird, but it's really me!"

Rinne, despite her injuries, chimed in, her voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "It's true, Kajiki-kun. As ridiculous as it sounds, that's Ichinose-kun in that armor."

Kajiki's wide eyes darted between Rinne and the figure. Slowly, the fear in his expression gave way to awe. "Wait… you're saying… this is Houtaro?"

Houtaro's armored form nodded again, his glowing eyes flickering slightly. "Yup! Cool, right?"

Kajiki's jaw dropped. "This… this is insane!" His voice was filled with disbelief, but there was also a hint of excitement. "You look like… like a superhero! Like one of those Kamen Riders you used to talk about all the time!"

Houtaro's chest puffed out with pride. "Exactly! It's like my childhood dream come true!" He gestured to his armor, his movements animated. "I mean, look at this! The furnace chest, the hopper legs, the steam vents—it's just like the hero I drew in class! Remember that drawing? The one my dad showed you this morning?"

Kajiki's awe deepened as he examined the intricate details of Houtaro's armor. "Yeah… yeah, I remember. And this—this is just like it!"

Houtaro grinned, his excitement bubbling over. "I know, right?! I'm a hero, Kajiki! Just like in the shows I used to watch as a kid!"

As Houtaro continued to gush about his transformation, Kajiki couldn't help but smile. His earlier fear had completely melted away, replaced by admiration for his best friend.

Meanwhile, Rinne watched the two with a mix of exasperation and amusement. Houtaro's childlike energy was both endearing and exhausting, and she couldn't help but shake her head. "Ichinose-kun," she interjected, her tone dry, "you're still in that ridiculous form. Aren't you uncomfortable?"

Houtaro blinked, her words snapping him out of his excitement. "Oh… uh… now that you mention it…" He shifted uncomfortably, rolling his shoulders. "Yeah, it's kind of… tight. And hot. How do I turn this thing off?"

Rinne sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You really are clueless, aren't you?" she muttered. She reached for the driver strapped to Houtaro's waist and deftly pulled the lever. The device emitted a mechanical whir, and the cards—Hopper1 and Steamliner—popped out.

"Hey, careful with those!" Houtaro protested.

Ignoring him, Rinne pushed the lever back into place, and the armor began to disassemble. The vibrant colors faded to dull gray before the entire suit dissipated into particles of light, leaving Houtaro standing in his regular clothes.

"There," Rinne said, handing him the cards. "Back to normal. Now give me my driver."

Houtaro sheepishly complied, unstrapping the driver and handing it over. "Thanks, Kudo. You're a lifesaver."

Rinne rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "I only did it because I want my equipment back, Ichinose-kun."

Houtaro grinned, his usual cheeky energy returning. "Still, you're the best, Kudo!"

As he spoke, Rinne's expression softened. For a moment, her mind drifted to a memory—a vision of another friend from her past.

---

In her mind's eye, she saw a girl with a bright, infectious smile, holding up a drawing. The drawing depicted a Kamen Rider-like figure, much like Houtaro's drawing of his transformation, but with distinct differences. The armor was primarily white with accents of orange and silver. The chest plate resembled a blazing sun, its rays extending outward in intricate patterns. The helmet featured a unicorn-like horn, and the shoulders were adorned with cape-like extensions that flowed elegantly.

"See, Rinne? This is what your transformation would look like if you used the driver, Dess!" the girl had exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. She handed Rinne two cards—TheSun and Unicon—and grinned. "You'll look so cool on it, Dess!"

Rinne had scoffed at the time, waving off the suggestion. "There's no way I'm basing my transformation on something so… flashy."

But the girl had been insistent, her enthusiasm unwavering. "Oh, come on! Don't you want to be a hero, Rinne? We'll be the best alchemists ever—and the greatest heroes, too! We'll protect everyone we care about, Dess!"

---

The memory faded, and Rinne found herself staring at Houtaro's grinning face. His energy, his smile—it was so much like hers. A serene smile spread across Rinne's lips as she whispered, almost to herself, "You really are something else, Ichinose-kun…"

Rinne remained lost in thought, her gaze distant as she replayed the vision of her past in her mind. The memory of the girl's bright smile, her boundless energy, and her insistence on creating a heroic future together lingered like a bittersweet echo. Rinne's fingers brushed against her injured arm absentmindedly, her lips curling into a faint, wistful smile.

That moment of quiet reflection was shattered by Kajiki's sudden yelp. "Ah! I remember now!" His voice cracked as he scrambled to his feet, clutching his head. His eyes darted wildly, as though piecing together fragments of a broken memory.

Houtaro and Rinne both turned toward him, startled. "Kajiki?" Houtaro asked, stepping closer. "What's wrong?"

Kajiki spun to face them, his voice tinged with both anger and despair. "The woman! That woman ruined everything! My article draft, your illustrations, Houtaro—everything we worked on for the magazine submission!" His hands tugged at his hair in frustration. "It's all gone! She ripped it all apart!"

Houtaro's eyes widened as realization dawned. "Oh no…" he muttered, slapping his forehead. "I totally forgot about that! The submission deadline passed while we were dealing with Millaarc…"

Kajiki groaned, his shoulders slumping. "I worked so hard on that article! And your illustrations, Houtaro—they were perfect! Why would she do that? Why would someone just… destroy everything out of nowhere?"

Rinne remained silent, watching Kajiki's outburst with a mix of sympathy and curiosity. She folded her arms, her expression softening as she observed the frustration etched on Kajiki's face.

Houtaro placed a hand on Kajiki's shoulder, his voice calm yet resolute. "Hey, Kajiki, I know it sucks. It really does. But you can't let this stop you."

Kajiki blinked, his lips quivering as he looked up at his friend. "But it's all gone, Houtaro. My draft, your art… everything's ruined. What's the point?"

"The point," Houtaro said firmly, "is that you're not giving up. If your work's destroyed, you make it again. And if it's destroyed again, you make it again after that. That's what you do when you're passionate about something, right?"

Kajiki stared at him, his frustration slowly giving way to something else—something warmer, steadier. "You really think I can just… start over?"

Houtaro grinned, his hand tightening on Kajiki's shoulder. "Of course! And I'll be right there with you. Anytime you need illustrations, I'm your guy." He gave Kajiki a thumbs-up, his grin widening. "We're a team, remember?"

For a moment, Kajiki was silent, his gaze locked on Houtaro. Then, a smile broke across his face—a genuine, relieved smile. He reached out, and the two boys shared a firm fist bump. "Thanks, Houtaro," Kajiki said, his voice steady now. "You always know how to pull me back."

Houtaro laughed, the sound light and infectious. "That's what friends are for!"

Rinne watched the exchange, her lips curving into a small smile. The camaraderie between the two boys stirred something deep within her—a memory of another friendship, long past but still vivid in her heart. The way Houtaro encouraged Kajiki, the way their energy seemed to bounce off each other, reminded her so much of the girl in her vision. That girl had the same spark, the same unyielding optimism.

Rinne's smile deepened, and she whispered under her breath, "You really are like her, Ichinose-kun…"

Houtaro's head snapped toward her, his grin replaced by a curious frown. "Huh? Kudo, are you whispering about me again?"

Rinne blinked, startled. "What? No, of course not," she said quickly, averting her gaze.

Houtaro narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Oh, come on. You totally were! What did you say? Was it something nice for once?"

Rinne sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're imagining things, Ichinose-kun."

But Houtaro wasn't convinced. He leaned closer, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Seriously, Kudo, just tell me! What did you say?"

Rinne rolled her eyes, her tone turning dry. "Fine. I said your transformed state is absolutely ridiculous. It's like something out of a five-year-old's daydream."

Houtaro's face fell, his lips curling into a pout. "Hey! That's not fair! My imagination is awesome, you know!"

Rinne smirked, clearly enjoying his indignation. "If by 'awesome,' you mean 'absurd,' then sure."

Houtaro crossed his arms, muttering under his breath. "The girl in my dream appreciated my imagination more than you do. And she was cuter, too…"

Rinne's ears perked up, catching snippets of his muttering. Her eyes narrowed as her mood soured. "What was that, Ichinose-kun? A girl?"

Houtaro froze, his eyes darting toward her. "Wha—no! I didn't say anything about a girl!"

Rinne's gaze sharpened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "You absolutely did. Who is she?"

Houtaro stammered, his hands waving defensively. "N-no one! You're hearing things, Kudo!"

But Rinne wasn't buying it. She stepped closer, her arms crossed and her mouth forming a slight pout. "Ichinose-kun, don't lie to me. Who's this girl you're talking about?"

Houtaro's panic deepened, and he scrambled to change the subject. "K-Kajiki, help me out here!"

Kajiki, however, merely chuckled, clearly enjoying the show. "You two really need to stop this," he said, his voice light and teasing. "You look like an old married couple."

Rinne's face turned crimson, her composure shattering. "W-what?! Old married couple?!"

Kajiki shrugged, his grin widening. "I mean, you argue like one. It's kind of cute, honestly."

Rinne's blush deepened as she spun away from them, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "There's no way I'd end up with someone as childish as Ichinose-kun!"

"Childish?!" Houtaro exclaimed, clearly offended. "I'm not childish!"

Rinne refused to look at him, her face still burning. "You absolutely are," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Houtaro sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Man, you're impossible, Kudo…"

Rinne huffed, turning her back to both of them. But despite her irritation, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her lips. Rinne still refused to meet Houtaro's gaze, her arms crossed tightly as she tried to hide the faint blush lingering on her cheeks. But as she turned slightly, a sharp pain flared through her side, forcing her to wince and stumble forward. Her legs buckled under her weight, and she nearly collapsed—until a pair of steady arms caught her just in time.

"Careful!" Houtaro exclaimed, his grip firm as he held her up. His eyes darted to her pale face; worry etched into his features. "Kudo, you're pushing yourself too hard. You can barely stand!"

But Rinne, ever stubborn, brushed him off with a sharp glare. "I don't need your help, Ichinose-kun," she said, her voice tinged with both defiance and embarrassment. "I'm fine on my own."

Houtaro frowned, his hands still supporting her despite her protests. "You call this fine? Look at you! You're barely holding it together, and your injuries—" His voice caught as he glanced at the deep gash on her arm, the blood staining her sleeve. "They're critical, Kudo. You need treatment, now."

"I said I'm fine!" Rinne snapped, though her voice wavered. She tried to pull away, but the pain made her falter again. She clenched her fists, frustrated at her own weakness.

Houtaro's expression softened as he let out a sigh. "Kudo… I'm sorry." His voice was quiet now, almost a whisper. "I know I don't listen to you enough. I know I make things harder for you sometimes. But I can't just stand by and do nothing. Not when you're like this."

Rinne froze, her sharp retort dying on her lips as she looked up at him. His eyes glistened with unshed tears; his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a raw vulnerability she rarely saw.

"If not for Hopper1 and Steamliner… if not for that miracle transformation," Houtaro continued, his voice trembling, "I might have lost you. And Kajiki. And everything else. I can't… I can't even think about that possibility." He swallowed hard, his hands tightening slightly around her arms. "I don't want to lose you, Kudo. Not you, not anyone."

The sincerity in his words struck a chord in Rinne. She sighed, her shoulders slumping as the fight drained out of her. "Ichinose-kun…" she murmured, her voice softer now. "Alright. You win. Help me, then."

Houtaro blinked, surprised by her sudden relent. "Really?"

"Yes, really," she said, rolling her eyes. But then her expression softened, and she glanced away, her voice barely audible. "And… I'm sorry too. For being harsh earlier. It's just… I care about you, you know? And I want you to take better care of yourself."

Houtaro's eyes widened slightly, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Kudo…"

"But don't get the wrong idea!" she added quickly, her cheeks flushing again. "I'm just saying it's important for you to stay alive. If you do, maybe—just maybe—I'll stop calling your drawings childish."

Houtaro's face lit up, his earlier sorrow replaced by a newfound enthusiasm. "Wait, really? You mean you'll actually admit my drawings aren't childish anymore?"

Rinne smirked, a hint of mischief returning to her expression. "Only if you improve. Which means you'd better start taking your life more seriously, Ichinose-kun."

He laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You got it, Kudo. I'll take care of myself, I promise."

Kajiki, who had been watching the exchange with an amused grin, finally chimed in. "You two are something else," he said, shaking his head. "I swear, it's like watching an old married couple."

Rinne's face turned bright red, and she opened her mouth to protest—but the exhaustion overtook her, and she simply let out a resigned sigh. "Kajiki-kun, please…"

Houtaro chuckled, slinging one of Rinne's arms over his shoulder while Kajiki took the other side. "Alright, let's get you out of here, Kudo. Kajiki, any ideas where we should take her?"

Kajiki tilted his head, thinking. "Café Ichinose, maybe? Your dad might know what to do."

Houtaro nodded in agreement. "Good idea, Kajiki! Dad might know how to tend Kudo up!"

But Rinne immediately shook her head. "No way! Your father would have a heart attack if he saw me like this."

Houtaro shot her a look. "He's tougher than you think. Besides, he's good at this kind of stuff."

"I'm not going there," Rinne insisted, her voice firm. "You're already worried enough about me. I don't want to drag your family into this too."

Kajiki chuckled again, shaking his head. "You two really need to stop bickering like this. We'll be here all day at this rate."

But before he could say more, a sudden whistle cut through the air. A dart flew out of nowhere, embedding itself in Kajiki's forehead. His eyes rolled back, and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"Kajiki!" Houtaro shouted, lowering Rinne gently to the ground before rushing to his friend's side. He shook Kajiki's shoulders desperately. "Kajiki, wake up! Come on, don't black out again at times like this!"

A calm, familiar voice interrupted him. "Ichinose Houtaro. There's no need to panic."

Houtaro turned sharply, his eyes widening as a figure stepped out of the shadows. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized her. "Saint-Germain-sensei?!"

It was their homeroom teacher—but not as they knew her. Gone was her usual modest attire and glasses. Instead, she wore a long lavender coat that billowed slightly in the breeze, paired with a fitted vest and high boots. Her hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, unbound and gleaming in the moonlight. The absence of her glasses revealed sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to see right through him.

Saint-Germain's voice was calm yet commanding as she approached. "You've been through quite the ordeal, haven't you, Kudo Rinne?" she said, glancing at Rinne with a faint smile.

Rinne's face lit up with relief. "Saint-Germain-sensei… you're here."

But Houtaro's relief was short-lived. As Saint-Germain drew closer, she reached into her coat and pulled out a sleek musket gun. Without hesitation, she pointed it directly at him.

"Hand over the Hopper1 and Steamliner cards," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Those cards are not meant for someone like you."

Houtaro froze, his blood running cold. "S-Saint-Germain-sensei… what are you—?"

"This is not a discussion, Ichinose Houtaro," she interrupted, her gaze unwavering. "Do as I say."

Little did Houtaro know, this was just a start of Houtaro's new adventure full of imagination along with his friends.

---

That's the end of this pilot chapter of crossover between Kamen Rider Gotchard X Symphogear with a rather slight twist and turn. Since this part was already long, I already prepare the next chapter to be a digression or additional info that I want to express and share so as not to prolong with lengthy chapter even longer. Feel free to check the next chapter part if you feel curious with how I ended up with this story. For now, thanks for anyone who stumbles and reads my story whoever and wherever they were!