"Um, guys, do you feel like something is… amiss?" Yuji tilted his head sideways and addressed the people in the snack bar with a wide-eyed innocence.
"What're you jabbering about now, spiky-head?" Isla drawled, leaning against the counter with a bored expression.
"I dunno, it's just… a feeling, you know? Like a pebble in your shoe. Something felt off about the last showing," Yuji mused, stroking his chin with a thoughtful frown.
"Yeah! You're totally right, Yuji!" Ruby bounced forward from the snack bar, a half-eaten cookie in her hand and crumbs on her cheerful face. "It felt… less lively, somehow!"
Harry's brow furrowed in concentration as he mentally replayed the beginning of the second viewing. Those disguised spider monsters… Ron would not like it… Wait a moment. "Ron! He… he wasn't there!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes widening in sudden realization, his voice filled with panic.
"Neither Blake nor Yang showed up either!" Weiss declared, her voice sharp with alarm, her usual composure cracking as worry etched lines on her face.
"Where's Makima-sama? And Aki-kun?!" Denji blurted out, his eyes scanning frantically for his superior and stoic partner.
"Diluc and Kaeya excused themselves after the first movie, but they haven't returned." Lumine stated, her voice calm but tinged with concern, as she exchanged worried looks with Amber.
"Weird. The Ikari soldiers just… vanished." Shun'ei mumbled, his eyes narrowing with suspicion as he surveyed the crowd.
"Think they just wandered off and got themselves lost or somethin'?" Isla scoffed, but a look of curiosity crossed her face.
"That is one distinct possibility." Gojo mused, stroking his chin with a thoughtful hum, his usual carefree smirk missing for the moment. "However, for several individuals to have gone missing simultaneously… it does seem strange."
"Oh! Paimon knows where they went!" A cheerful, high-pitched voice chirped through the noisy snack bar.
"They said they were going on an exploration, Paimon thinks!" the small, floating being declared as she recalled the brief exchange.
"Pardon me, Paimon, is it?" McGonagall approached the small figure, her posture slightly lowered and her eyes filled with worry. "Could you please elaborate on where they went?" she asked, concerned about her missing students.
"Oh, sure thing! They went that way!" Paimon nodded enthusiastically as she pointed a tiny finger towards the north.
"Thank you." McGonagall replied softly, her lips pressed into a thin line. She was torn between frustration at her students' blatant disregard for the rules and genuine concern for their safety. Shivers ran down her spine as she feared for her students' safety.
"Albus, you will remain here. I shall go out to find Ron and Hermione." McGonagall stated, turning to Dumbledore, her voice firm despite the tremor of worry in her eyes.
"Professor, with all due respect, I believe such an endeavor would be extremely risky, given our lack of understanding of the place beyond these walls." Dumbledore replied gently. Before McGonagall could interject, he continued. "However, fret not, Minerva, for I shall gladly undertake this task myself. My… extensive experience with navigating the unknown would, I believe, be most advantageous."
McGonagall let out a frustrated huff, recognizing the undeniable logic in his words, and possibly a hint of his underlying desire for some independent exploration. "Very well, Albus. But you must promise me, once you find them, you will return them here immediately. I will not have them blundering into whatever unforeseen dangers lurk out there!"
"Of course, Minerva, you have my word." Dumbledore said, a reassuring smile gracing his lips, accompanied by a subtle wink that did little to soothe the old professor's anxieties. McGonagall simply sighed, shaking her head in defeat.
"Where is that theater guy anyway?!" Weiss said with irritation. "We really could use his service right now!" Weiss said, as if she were demanding a staff service.
"How can I be of service, esteemed guests?" The Manager suddenly materialized before the group, his polite demeanor unwavering.
"Yes, I do. I demand information regarding the current location of my… teammates." Weiss demands in a polite yet impatient tone.
"I too must inquire as to the whereabouts of my students, Mr. Manager." McGonagall intervened, her voice firm but barely concealed concern.
A low murmur of agreement echoed through the audience, with many expressing concern for their own missing companions. Lumine exchanged a worried look with Paimon, who was hovering anxiously beside her.
"Hmmm." The Manager hummed softly. A beat of silence stretched out with tension. "While I understand your concern, esteemed guests, I must inform you that the situation is… not very simple, to say the least."
"WHAT?! So, you don't know anything despite this entire dimension being under your supposed control?!" Weiss's voice cracked with anger. Her outburst caused Ruby to flinch and several nearby viewers to stumble back in surprise.
"My control encompasses this specific viewing dimension, which is carefully managed to ensure maximum guest satisfaction." The Manager explained calmly. "However, events that occur outside here are beyond my influence."
"What do you mean by that?" Lumine asked worriedly after hearing the Manager mention dimensions. Paimon repeated her confusion with a series of increasingly frantic "Ehe?"s.
"Ehmm." The Manager cleared his throat. "I can assure you that everyone is still fine as of now. Please do not worry."
"Ahem." The Manager cleared his throat. "Rest assured, your associates are currently experiencing no critical deviations from a state of well-being. Please do not worry."
"How could we not be worried?!" Weiss snapped back. "Are you suggesting we simply ignore the fact that our comrades have wandered off into some unknown abyss of this… dimension and we just sit here and watch those stupid movies, pretending everything is still fine!?" Weiss's voice was dripping with sarcasm, and her frustration was boiling over.
"Weiss…" Ruby extended a small, comforting hand to her partner's arm, her eyes filled with genuine concern. "Those movies aren't stupid. They're about heroes who overcome challenges! Just like we try to be!" Ruby defended.
Weiss looks over her shoulder at Ruby's eyes, her frustration mingled with a twinge of guilt at her partner's sincerity. She let out a dramatic sigh, as if releasing a torrent of pent-up frustration, before returning her gaze to the Manager, her voice low and stern.
"Manager." Weiss spoke sternly. "I respectfully request that you return us to our own world right now."
"What?!" Weiss' abrupt demand sent shocked and surprised reactions throughout the group.
"But Weiss! We were just getting started with Hibiki!" Ruby wailed, her lower lip trembling from disappointment.
"Yeah, I still want to watch more Kamen Rider!" Yuji exclaimed.
"Oi, Ice Queen, don't be such a buzzkill." Isla said provokingly.
"Are you people serious?!" Weiss rounded on the group, exasperated. "Do none of you have the least bit of concern for your missing allies? How can you be so relaxed when your friends and family have gone off to god knows where?!"
"Well, I am worried about Megumi, too, but he is strong and I know he can handle himself." Yuji said, nodding.
"I bet Megumi is going to act like he is the group's leader." Gojo said playfully.
"Heh. I'd pay good money to see him trying to boss around his grumpy twin." Nobara snickered with a sly smile.
"So, are Aki and that gloomy guy long-lost brothers or something?" Denji blurted it out in curiosity, and Power cackled in agreement.
"Besides, if that little floating… fairy is telling the truth, they all went off together, right?" Isla pointed, casually waving her hand. "Normally, I'd be raising hell for being left out, but these Kamen Riders are growing on me."
"True. I know the Ikari team can handle anything on their own." Shun'ei nodded confidently.
Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose, her frustration rising even higher. She returned her gaze to the Manager, her voice filled with barely suppressed rage. "This so-called 'Manager' cannot even account for the whereabouts of his guests! "How can he expect me to believe his words when he has not even accepted responsibility for his service?"
"Listen carefully." Weiss continued, her voice becoming sharper. "I have no interest in your… entertainment. If you cannot guarantee my team's immediate safety and return, I demand that you send us home. Immediately."
"I must respectfully announce that ending the viewing experience prematurely violates the terms of your visit." The Manager spoke calmly. "Your participation was scheduled to ensure a satisfactory watching experience."
"Well, then consider this my official review of unsatisfactory service!" Weiss exclaimed, her voice filled with outrage. "You kidnap us for this ridiculous spectacle, and I refuse to remain a captive audience while my friends face untold danger! Return us to Remnant at once!"
Following Weiss' outburst, the snack bar fell silent, with the other patrons shifting uncomfortably at the heiress' unusual display of raw emotion.
"As previously stated, a return to your original realities is dependent upon successfully completing the audience viewing experience." The Manager reaffirmed with unwavering calm. "However, as a gesture of goodwill and in response to your concern, I can provide an additional service arrangement."
A collective murmur of curiosity rippled through the snack bar, causing Weiss to pause in her tirade, a flicker of intrigue in her cold gaze.
"In my capacity as the designated Manager of this interdimensional viewing theater, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or departure from the highest level of guest satisfaction. I will personally accompany your designated group in their endeavor to ascertain the current location and ensure the continued well-being of your temporarily misplaced associates." The Manager announced in a formal tone. "I accept full responsibility for their safe return, and upon their reunion with your party, I will make every effort to fulfill a single, reasonable request of your desire as a further demonstration of my dedication to providing a positive guest experience."
The audience was overcome with a tangible sense of curiosity. The Manager's offer implied a level of power far beyond their comprehension, and the prospect of a fulfilled request, however vague, was undeniably appealing.
"What exactly are the extent and limitations of this 'reasonable request,' Mr. Manager?" Dumbledore inquired, his eyes twinkling with both curiosity and caution.
"The parameters encompass any action within the operational capabilities of this dimension that does not negatively impact other guests' safety and well-being or fundamentally disrupt the established viewing schedule." The Manager clarified. "Additional details can be discussed at a later time. For the time being, I will start assembling a search force and personally manage the location procedure."
Weiss was visibly conflicted. She was suspicious of the Manager, but she could not deny the practicality of his offer. So, she kept her skepticism in check, as finding her friends is her current top priority.
"Very well." Weiss conceded. "But if my friends get even a single scratch, you will learn the true meaning of 'unsatisfied customer' in a way that you will not soon forget."
The Manager remained silent for a beat. "Those who want to help with this endeavor, please step forward and form a group. I shall await you."
Weiss Schnee was the first to take a decisive step forward, with a slight huff of impatience. Her gaze remained fixed on the Manager, impatiently.
Dumbledore followed closely, his eyes twinkling with insatiable curiosity that even the pressing matter of his missing students could not quell. As he looked at the Manager, he smiled gently, a silent acknowledgement of the intriguing mystery unfolding in front of them.
"I must admit that the workings of this place pique my curiosity greatly. Lead the way, Manager, and maybe we can uncover some of its secrets while we look for our missing companions."
Yuji scratched his spiky hair in deliberation, torn between the immediate thrill of a potentially "super cool tour" and the growing excitement of seeing more Kamen Rider action.
"Ah man, I can't decide." He complained, his brow furrowed in comedic distress. "Both sound so good!"
Nobara, however, had no such internal conflict. A smug grin spread across her face as she considered the prospect of a dimensional tour.
"Heh. Sucks for you then." She declared smugly, flicking her fiery orange hair. "A super-duper cool tour to who-knows-where, packed with who-knows-what weirdness? Way more my style than sitting around watching some dude in a bug costume. Count me in!" She took a decisive step forward, joining Weiss and Dumbledore.
Suddenly, Yuji felt a familiar hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Gojo-sensei's blinding smile shining down on him.
"Yuji, my precious student, I'm counting on you for this crucial mission." Gojo said in a light, teasing tone, but with a hint of genuine expectation.
"Eh?" Yuji was bewildered, tilting his head at the teacher's cryptic words.
"After you have thoroughly enjoyed the rest of this cinematic masterpiece, please do me a monumental favor and recount every single glorious detail for your beloved sensei, okay?" Gojo elaborated, his smile widening.
"Ehhhh?!" Yuji's jaw dropped in utter shock. "Aren't you gonna stay here and watch with me, sensei?! We could have gotten snacks and everything!"
"Haha, Yuji, the allure of explosive fights and flashy transformations is undeniable, but alas…" Gojo sighed dramatically, striking a pose with a hand over his heart. "My duty awaits."
Yuji was left sputtering in utter confusion by his teacher's dramatic response.
"As your esteemed and incredibly responsible teacher, I cannot, in good conscience, allow my precious students to wander off unsupervised in this place." Gojo explained in an unexpectedly sincere tone, his usual flippancy replaced by a genuine sense of duty. "Therefore, it falls upon my broad shoulders to venture forth and ensure my students well-being. Such is the heavy burden of a sensei."
"Sensei…" Yuji's eyes widened, a spark of emotion flickering within them at this unusually sincere display.
"Pfft, said the guy who once enthusiastically pushed us into a cursed spirit-infested apartment building!" Nobara interjected, arms crossed and a cynical smirk on her face. Gojo's impossibly bright smile faltered for a brief moment before snapping back into place.
"Regardless, I cannot let my students go unsupervised. Thus, Yuji, you must remain here and absorb every thrilling moment on my behalf. Understood?"
"I got it, sensei!" Yuji exclaimed enthusiastically, puffing out his chest with determination. "I swear on my life, I'll watch every single second and remember every tiny detail so I can tell you all about it later!"
"That's the spirit, my boy!" Gojo gave Yuji a hearty pat on the back. A radiant aura seemingly emanated from the two of them.
"Ugh. Boys." Nobara groaned, rolling her eyes upward.
"Believe me, I completely understand how you feel." Weiss chimed in, a rare hint of camaraderie in her voice.
"Dealing with your own brand of knuckleheads on a daily basis?" Nobara raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"Oh ho, where do I even begin?" Weiss sighed dramatically, revealing a cynical smile.
"Hmmm." Denji's gaze drifted over to Power, who was pacing back and forth, muttering under her breath and raking her claws through her unruly hair, looking like a caged animal.
"You alright there, Power? Got a bug up your butt or somethin'?" Denji asked, his usual bluntness softened by a look of concern.
In response, Power let out a frustrated growl. "Dammit! I wanna stay here with Denji, but that stupid dark movie room is making my magnificent brain rot!"
She was clearly torn between the allure of chaotic freedom on an unknown adventure and the begrudging comfort of Denji's presence, which was overshadowed by her complete dislike for the confined space of the theater.
"Stupid Denji, making me sit here all bored just 'cause you're a goddamn… nerd!" Her red eyes narrowed as she accused.
"Huh?! What the hell did I even do?" Denji retorted, baffled. "If you wanna go run around and cause trouble, be my guest! It's not like I could actually hear the movie with all your screeching anyway!"
"Well, fine then! If stupid Denji doesn't appreciate my glorious presence, I'll just go have my own fun! Don't come crying to me when you get all lonely and miss your favorite blood fiend!" Power finished her declaration with a childish raspberry.
"Fine! Go have your 'fun,' you dumb fiend!" Denji responded by sticking his tongue out in retaliation.
"Alright, is that everyone who wishes to partake in this retrieval tour?" The Manager announced again, his gaze sweeping across the hastily assembled group.
"Before we venture into the extradimensional environment, I must reiterate several critical instructions to ensure the continued safety of all participants. Firstly, you are to remain in my immediate vicinity at all times. Under no circumstances should you deviate from the designated path or separate from the group. I must emphasize that I cannot accept responsibility for any injuries or losses incurred as a result of independent exploration. Second, you are strictly prohibited from physically interacting with any element of the environment, whether intentional or accidental. The properties of this dimension are…unpredictable, and contact may result in unforeseen consequences. Third, I implore you to maintain civil discourse throughout our journey. Any form of interpersonal conflict or argumentative behavior will impede our progress and reduce the effectiveness of our mission. Are these conditions clearly understood by everyone present?
A few members of the group gave brief nods, ranging from cautious agreement to thinly veiled impatience. Others, such as Gojo, responded in a more relaxed, almost amused tone, while Power simply tapped her foot restlessly.
"Excellent. Let us move quickly and efficiently. Time, as they say, is of the essence." The Manager stated, his voice taking on a barely perceptible note of urgency, the first sign of anything other than his usual calm demeanor.
As if the Manager's carefully articulated instructions were mere suggestions to be ignored, Power bolted northward like a blur.
"Hah! You slowpokes! Captain Power doesn't wait for anyone! Follow me, inferior beings! Glory awaits!" she shrieked excitedly, her laughter echoing in the sudden burst of speed, completely oblivious to the stunned silence she left in her wake.
The majority of the newly formed search party stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief at Power's blatant disregard for the Manager's instructions. Denji, on the other hand, simply groaned, bringing his hand to his forehead in exasperation.
"Wha— Hey! You dork! Didn't you just hear the guy?!" Weiss snapped, her composure cracking instantly. Her frustration visible in her tightly clenched fists, she dashed after the unruly fiend.
"Oh, for the love of… this is going to be a delightful tour, isn't it." Nobara muttered sarcastically, followed by a dramatic facepalm. With a weary sigh, she began jogging after the rapidly departing trio.
"Buahahahahaha!" Denji finally burst out laughing, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Good luck babysitting her, you uptight ice queen! Hahahaha!"
"I think it would be wise to pursue them now." Dumbledore urged, his usual gentle demeanor tinged with concern as he observed the chaotic departure.
"Think your old bones can handle a bit of cross-dimensional sprinting, gramps?" Gojo joked, a playful smirk on his lips, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
"Oh, Mr. Gojo, you would be surprised at how quick this 'old man' can still be when the situation calls for it." Dumbledore responded with a slight competitive glint in his gaze.
The Manager remained silent as he gracefully floated after the rapidly dispersing group, his movements seeming effortless.
With everything in place, there are now two main groups that set out to explore this dimension.
The members of the first group currently exploring this dimension are as follows:
Megumi Fushiguro, the stoic figure, led the initial, and perhaps less intentionally cohesive, expedition into the uncharted territories beyond the theater walls, albeit unintentionally. His natural sense of responsibility, honed by a life spent dealing with the unpredictable and often dangerous world of jujutsu sorcery, most likely drove him to investigate the anomaly of their displacement with quiet urgency. While he does not explicitly declare himself a leader, he still takes upon the role to lead the team and ensure their safety.
Hermione Granger was the second, driven by a combination of intellectual curiosity and a desire to maintain order. Her concern for the safety of her friends, particularly Ron and Harry, drove her determination to navigate this strange new reality.
Ron Weasley was reluctantly drawn in by Hermione's initiative.
Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long are seeking to venture out to this dimension for different reasons. Blake was driven by a thirst for knowledge, a quiet curiosity about the nature of space-time, and a deep concern about the Manager's true intentions. Yang, a thrill-seeker with an insatiable thirst for adventure, was dissatisfied with the confines of the theater, and this unexpected detour provided a glimpse into the excitement of unknown possibilities. Her fierce protectiveness of Blake, however, remained top priority.
Kaeya and Diluc Ragnvindr are the second duo to contribute to this first foray. Kaeya, with his penchant for uncovering secrets, treats this dimensional shift as another intriguing puzzle to unravel. Diluc, in contrast, would approach the situation with a grim determination, as his past experiences left him wary of the unknown. Despite their outward indifference to one another, a shared, unspoken responsibility for the safety of those caught up in this situation, particularly those associated with Mondstadt, compelled their participation.
The second newly formed search party, motivated by a mix of responsibility, curiosity, and sheer exasperation, was far more vocal and possibly less cohesive.
The Manager took the lead, exuding a commitment to customer satisfaction and entertainment. His primary motivation was most likely a combination of correcting a perceived service disruption and a genuine, if perhaps slightly clinical, concern for his guests' well-being.
Weiss Schnee led the charge, motivated by a mix of concern and righteous outrage. Her natural sense of responsibility for her teammates, combined with her complete disbelief in the Manager's perceived incompetence, made her the most outspoken advocate for immediate action. Her pride and sense of order were deeply offended by the chaotic turn of events, and she was determined to correct the situation quickly and decisively.
Nobara Kugisaki was reluctantly drawn into the fray but secretly intrigued by the prospect of chaotic entertainment. Her initial annoyance at the interruption of their viewing pleasure quickly turned into a reluctant acceptance of the dimensional detour, viewing it as a potentially "super-duper cool tour" filled with intriguing oddities.
Gojo Satoru came next, displaying a genuine concern for his students as well as an undeniable thirst for the unknown. While feigning casual indifference, his underlying responsibility as a teacher, no matter how unconventional his methods, compelled him to ensure his students' safety. However, the opportunity to explore a new dimension undoubtedly added an element to his motivations.
Then there is Power, who led with reckless abandon and self-proclaimed leadership. Her primary motivation was most likely a childish desire for excitement and a fleeting desire to prove her self-proclaimed superiority, all while secretly hoping Denji would not be lonely without her.
Albus Dumbledore joined the search party; his deep concern for his students, combined with his insatiable curiosity about the workings of magic and the complexities of the universe, made him an ideal candidate.
Meanwhile, a separate, more enigmatic group operated independently. The Ikari Warriors—Ralf Jones, Clark Still, Leona Heidern, and their commander, Heidern—moved out with a silent efficiency, their reasons for venturing out motivated by a sense of duty, a need to assess potential threats, or simply a professional curiosity about the nature of this strange new environment.
The remaining audience members were left to their own devices within the theater, bound together by their shared experience and the unexpected turn of events.
"So… what do we do now?" Ruby inquired, her cheery demeanor slightly dampened by her teammates' departure.
"I don't know about you guys, but…" Yuji's usual goofy grin disappeared, replaced by a look of intense determination. "Gojo-sensei has entrusted me with a sacred mission! Therefore, I shall watch every single remaining frame of these Kamen Rider… episodes and movies with unwavering focus, even if it costs me my very soul!" He declared in a dramatic manner, striking a heroic pose that earned him a series of bewildered stares.
"Geez, dude. They're just movies, no need to get all intense about it." Denji said, scratching his head in confusion. "Although, I gotta admit, Hibiki's pretty damn good so far."
"I really like seeing how Hibiki and Asumu support each other." Lumine shared, a soft smile on her lips. "I have a feeling Asumu will have an important role to play later on."
"I agree." Harry spoke quietly, with a thoughtful look on his face. "Their relationship reminds me of the bond I have with my mentors."
"Indeed. The dynamic between Hibiki and Asumu reminds me of my master, Tung Fu Rue." Shun'ei added, a rare hint of warmth in his normally stoic tone.
"Wait a minute, guys, I've got a brilliant idea!" Yuji exclaimed, snapping his fingers to get everyone's attention. "We all love watching these movies, right? So, I think it's time we formed our very own… movie appreciation group!"
"Ooh! A movie fan club!" Ruby gasped, her eyes widening with delight.
"Yes! And we shall call ourselves… 'The Interdimensional Movie Club'!" Yuji declared proudly.
"Pfft. What a ridiculously lame name." Isla scoffed, rolling her eyes with typical disdain.
"Oh? And you have more inspired ideas?" Eula countered.
"Damn right, I do! How about… 'The World Riders'?" Isla announced with a smug grin.
"Hmm… I must admit, 'World Riders' does possess a certain… niche. Given how we are watching all different Riders." Shun'ei said.
"It doesn't really matter what we call ourselves." Lumine interjected gently. "The important thing is that we've found a shared interest and can enjoy these stories together."
"Alright then." Yuji grinned, his earlier intensity replaced with his usual enthusiasm. "World Riders, let our next ride begin!"
With that, the newly formed World Riders returned to the darkened cinema room, excited for the next episode of Hibiki, completely unaware of the chaotic events unfolding in the unknown dimension beyond the theater walls.
Another chapter's out. This is not really a reaction chapter but rather a continuation of the story's side plot. Of course, I intend for the side plot to involve Kamen Rider in some way, so do not worry.
That's all I have to say for now. If you enjoyed it or have a suggestion, please leave a comment. Stay tuned for the next chapter; Daichung06 is out!