Chapter 103: Chapter 102
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Livewire's defeat at the hands of Supergirl and Kamen Rider was a triumphant moment for the people of National City. The streets erupted in cheers and applause as the news spread, with residents praising the heroic duo for their bravery and skill in subduing the dangerous metahuman.
At CatCo, Cat Grant wasted no time in publishing a glowing editorial, hailing Supergirl and Kamen Rider as the city's true champions. "In the face of darkness, these remarkable individuals have shone a light of hope," the article read. "Their unwavering dedication to protecting the innocent is an inspiration to us all."
While the majority of National City celebrated their saviors, a small but vocal contingent of Leslie Willis' hardcore fans refused to be swayed. They took to social media, denouncing Supergirl and Kamen Rider as "glory-hogs" who had robbed Leslie of her rightful spotlight.
"Leslie was just standing up for herself against the establishment," one disgruntled fan posted. "Supergirl and that masked freak are the real villains here."
However, their defiant cries were quickly drowned out by the thunderous applause of the overwhelming majority. The people of National City had made their choice, and they stood firmly behind their heroes.
"Supergirl and Kamen Rider saved us all!" a young woman exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration. "They're the bravest, most amazing people I've ever seen."
An elderly gentleman nearby nodded in agreement. "In my day, we didn't have the luxury of such extraordinary protectors," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "These young heroes are a true blessing to our city."
The mood was one of pure elation and gratitude, with the citizens of National City reveling in the knowledge that they were safe under the watchful gaze of Supergirl and Kamen Rider. The two heroes, unseen by the adoring crowd, exchanged a meaningful glance, their unspoken bond strengthened by the shared triumph.
As the celebration continued, the DEO's involvement in Livewire's defeat remained a closely guarded secret. Director Chase had made it clear that the agency's role was to be kept out of the public eye, ensuring that the spotlight remained firmly on Supergirl and Kamen Rider.
Livewire paced back and forth in her cell. The power dampeners in the room prevented her from using her abilities, leaving her trapped and frustrated. She slammed her fists against the reinforced glass, but the barrier held firm, unaffected by her attempts at escape.
Kara and Haruka observed Livewire's futile efforts, their expressions a mix of amusement and vigilance. Kara crossed her arms, a small smile playing on her lips, while Haruka remained stoic, his eyes never leaving the captive metahuman.
Livewire glared at Kara, her eyes narrowing with frustration. "You think this is funny!" she spat, her voice laced with venom.
Kara couldn't help but let a small smile tug at the corners of her mouth. "It is a little bit funny," she admitted, her tone light.
Livewire's expression darkened, and she slammed her fists against the reinforced glass of her cell. "Once I get out of here, I'm going to fry you till you're a bunch of charcoal!" she threatened.
Haruka stood silently beside Kara, his gaze unwavering. "Good luck with that," he replied calmly. "You're staying in this cell until we can figure out how to get rid of your powers."
Livewire's lips curled into a snarl. "This isn't over," she growled, her voice dripping with menace. "I'll find a way out, and when I do, you two are going to regret the day you crossed me."
Kara and Haruka turned and left the prison cell, the sound of Livewire's screams echoing behind them. They walked in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Do you really think we can find a way to neutralize her powers?" Kara asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Haruka nodded, his expression serious. "We have to," he said. "Livewire is too dangerous to be left unchecked."
Haruka and Kara made their way through the DEO's secure facility, their footsteps echoing against the sterile walls. Director Chase greeted them, her expression unreadable.
"Director Chase," Haruka began, his voice steady. "Can that cell really hold Livewire?"
Chase nodded, her hands clasped behind her back. "Of course, Livewire's abilities will be no match for it."
Kara chimed in, her brow furrowed with concern. "And you're sure there's no way she can break out of that cell?"
"Positive," Chase replied. "The cell is lined with specialized materials that will ground her powers and prevent her from accessing any electrical sources. She'll be contained until we can figure out a more permanent solution."
Haruka nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's reassuring," he said. "Livewire is a dangerous threat, and we need to make sure she can't escape and hurt anyone else."
Chase regarded the two heroes with a hint of respect. "You both did well in stopping her," she acknowledged. "The DEO is grateful for your assistance, even if we don't always see eye to eye."
Kara and Haruka exchanged a glance, their unspoken bond strengthened by the shared triumph over Livewire.
Director Chase continued, "However, I would prefer if you two didn't expose yourselves further or draw too much attention. The DEO operates best in the shadows."
Haruka replied sarcastically, "And you just had to ruin the mood after you praised us." He shook his head. "Anyway, I have other matters to attend to. Can't spend all day in this secret government facility."
Kara chimed in, "And I need to get back to my internship at CatCo. Cat Grant will have my head if I'm late again." She glanced at Haruka. "I'll see you around, Kamen Rider."
With that, Haruka and Kara departed the DEO headquarters, each heading off to their respective responsibilities.
Chase watched Haruka and Kara depart, a faint frown on her face.
"Children," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. "Always so reckless, and in a hurry." She sighed, turning back to her work.
…
Beneath the bustling streets of National City lies an expansive labyrinth of sewers. Murky waters flow through the dimly lit tunnels as massive rats scurry across the damp, cracked concrete. The air carries a nauseating stench, best avoided if one can help it.
A hooded figure roams the sewers, his entire body concealed by a cloak and a mask obscuring their face. As he walked, Soot-stained footsteps, not resembling human feet, marked his passage.
The hooded figure emerges from the manhole, stepping out of the sewers and into the dimly lit interior of a factory. The air is thick with the acrid stench of molten rock, and the man makes his way toward the containers of Insulated Holding Tanks that contain red-hot molten metal.
Approaching the vat, he removes his mask, revealing a face that appears to be made of living magma. The figure dips his head into the lava, drinking deeply of the molten substance. Steam rises around him as the lava is consumed, replenishing his strength.
The hooded figure turns as a guard approaches, shouting,
"Hey, you! Don't move!" Without hesitation, the figure grabs the guard's face.
The man screams as his skin blisters and burns under the intense heat. Releasing his grip, the figure swiftly departs, leaving the guard writhing in agony on the factory floor.
The hooded figure hurried into an empty alley, his steps quick and furtive. He thought he was safe, but a prickling sensation at the back of his neck made him pause. The figure tensed, scanning the shadows warily. Someone was watching him, he could feel it.
"Who's there?" The deep, muffled voice echoed through the sewer tunnels.
He hears footsteps and turns to see a woman. The figure's dark hair falls in sleek waves, framing a striking face with piercing blue eyes. She moves with a regal, commanding presence, her stance exuding confidence.
"Relax, Ignakos. It is only me."
The woman's piercing gaze settled on the hooded figure. "You seem to be doing well, Ignakos."
He shifted his stance, the soot-stained footprints shifting as he turned to face her. "What do you want?"
"Have you heard of Supergirl and Kamen Rider?" she asked.
Ignakos shifted his stance, the soot-stained footprints shifting as he turned to face her. "I have," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of disdain. "It infuriates me to know that Supergirl is flying about, free to do as she pleases." He paused, his hands clenching into fists. "And I have a grudge with that girl's mother. She was the one who imprisoned me."
The woman nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I see. Then you understand the importance of our mission. Supergirl and Kamen Rider must be dealt with, for the greater good."
Ignakos remained silent, his eyes narrowing behind the mask. The weight of his grudge against Alura and the presence of these new heroes in the city only fueled his determination to see his plans come to fruition.
"Can I kill her?" he asks, his voice laced with a hint of anticipation. "I know you have a connection with Supergirl."
The woman's piercing gaze remains steady. "It is fine," she replies, her tone measured. "If it is for the sake of our mission, then I will allow you to eliminate Kara."
Ignakos smirks under the mask. "Good."
Ignakos removes his cloak and mask, revealing his true form. His body is composed of living magma, with cracks of molten red lava visible across his humanoid frame. Fiery tendrils of hair whip around his head, and his eyes glow with an intense, smoldering heat. Sharp obsidian claws extend from his fingers, ready to tear and burn.
Ignakos's fiery gaze burns with a vengeful gleam as he declares, "I can't wait to burn Supergirl and get my revenge."
His molten claws clench in anticipation, the scorching heat radiating from his body.
The woman's expression remains impassive. "Then see that it is done. Do not fail me, Ignakos."
"With pleasure."
…
I lace up my worn sneakers, the familiar motion grounding me as I prepare for my morning run. With a deep breath, I set off, my feet pounding the pavement in a steady rhythm. Each stride feels effortless, my body moving with a grace and speed far beyond that of a normal human.
As I push myself, I can feel my muscles straining, begging for more of a challenge. The gains I've made in my strength and endurance have been substantial, but lately, the progress has slowed to a crawl. I'm considering adding weights to my regimen—anything to keep pushing myself and become even stronger.
I walk into the familiar coffee shop, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. As I approach the counter, the barista, a young woman with a warm smile, greets me.
"Good morning, Haruka. The usual?" she asks, her voice laced with a hint of flirtation.
"Yes, please," I reply, handing her the exact change.
She takes the money, her fingers brushing against mine for a moment longer than necessary. "You know, I've noticed you come in here every morning. I have to say, I look forward to seeing your face."
I nod, unsure of how to respond. "Oh, well, I'm glad the coffee is good."
The barista leans in slightly, her eyes sparkling. "It's not just the coffee that keeps me looking forward to your visits."
I feel my cheeks warm, but before I can say anything, my attention is drawn to the television behind the counter, where the news is reporting on the Justice League.
I watch the news report with rapt attention. The Justice League, Earth's mightiest heroes, have saved the day once again. A small part of me can't help but wonder if I'll ever get the chance to meet them, to be a part of their legendary team. After all, Kara is Superman's cousin, and if there's any way for me to cross paths with the League, it might be through her.
"Here's your coffee, Haruka," the barista says, placing the steaming cup in front of me.
"Thank you," I reply, the warmth of the drink seeping into my hands.
"Come back again soon, okay?" she says with a wink as I head for the door.
I head back home, eager to wash away the sweat and grime of the day. As I walk through the front door, the familiar scent of my mother's cooking fills the air, instantly putting me at ease.
"Welcome back, Haruka!" Hana greets me with a warm smile. "I have your breakfast ready."
"Thanks, Mom," I say, returning her smile. The sound of sizzling bacon and the scent of freshly brewed coffee pull me towards the kitchen. Mom ushers me to the table, where a plate of scrambled eggs, toast, and crispy bacon awaits me.
"Eat up, dear," Mom says, pouring me a cup of coffee. "You must be hungry."
I nod gratefully and dig in, savoring the flavors.
I look up from my breakfast, glancing around the kitchen. "Where's Dad? Did he already leave for work?"
"Yes, he had an early meeting this morning. But I was hoping we could all spend the weekend together as a family. Are you free?"
I pause, considering her words. "Yeah, I don't have any plans. What did you have in mind?"
"Well," she says, her eyes lighting up, "I thought we could pack a picnic and spend the day at the park. It would be nice for us to get out of the house together."
I nod, remembering my recent conversation with Dad. "That sounds great. I know Dad mentioned we could take a family trip soon, and I'd love to do that."
"Oh, Haruka, that would be wonderful. I'm so glad you're on board. We'll make it a special day, just for the three of us."
I can't help but smile. "Sounds like a plan. I'm looking forward to it."
"Good, now hurry up and finish your breakfast, or else you will be late,"
I nod and chug down the last of my coffee.
"Thanks, Mom. I'm going to go take a shower and then head out," I tell her.
"Alright, dear. Drive safely, and have a good day at work," she replies, her eyes crinkling with a smile.
I head upstairs to my room, grabbing a fresh set of clothes before stepping into the shower. The hot water feels soothing as it washes away the sweat and grime. Once I'm clean, I dry off and change into the new outfit. Feeling refreshed, I leave my room.
"Bye, Mom! I'm leaving now!" I call out as I head for the front door, my backpack slung over one shoulder.
"Goodbye, Haruka! Have a wonderful day!"
I hop on the Auto Vajin, the familiar roar of the engine comforting me as I rev it to life. Just as I'm about to head towards the hotel, one of my Takacandroids comes flying towards me, chirping urgently. I slow down and wait for the mechanical hawk to reach me.
"What is it?" I ask, and the Candroid flaps its wings, signaling me to follow. Without hesitation, I turn the Auto Vajin and follow the Takacandroid, my curiosity piqued. Whatever it has discovered must be important enough to warrant my attention.
The Takacandroid leads me to a warehouse, where police have cordoned off an area with yellow tape. A crowd of onlookers has gathered, murmuring among themselves. I approach one of the bystanders, a middle-aged man, and ask, "Excuse me, what happened here?"
The man turns to me, his expression grave. "One of the guards was killed last night. His face was burned off, can you believe it?" He shakes his head in disbelief. "And that's not all - many of the holding tanks inside are empty. No one knows what happened."
"Do the police have any leads on what happened?"
"Not that I've heard. They've been tight-lipped about the whole thing. All I know is that it's got everyone in the neighborhood spooked."
"I see. Thank you for the information."
"Be sure to stay safe, kid. National City is not as peaceful as it is used to be anymore."
I nod at the man and head towards an empty alley, my Takacandroid fluttering beside me. Something about this crime doesn't feel right. I turn to the Candroid and ask, "Did you see anything suspicious around here yesterday?"
The Takacandroid chirps urgently and displays a video feed from last night. I watch as a hooded figure in a mask enters the factory.
The video only showed the outside of the factory because the candroid didn't get into the factory. I turn to the Takacandroid and ask, "Can you lead me to the location where the hooded figure was last seen?"
The Takacandroid chirps in response and takes flight, guiding me down the alley and through the streets of National City. I follow closely, weaving through traffic on the Auto Vajin. The mechanical hawk leads me to a shadowy corner, where the hooded figure was last spotted. I scan the area, searching for any clues that could point me in the right direction.
I examine the area carefully, my eyes narrowing as I spot something unusual on the ground. A soot-covered footprint, but it's not human - it's much larger, with two sharp-looking toes. The ground around it is slightly charred as if something with intense heat has passed through.
"What is this?"
I examine the strange footprint closely, its sharp, inhuman shape standing out against the charred ground. Could this be one of the escaped aliens from Fort Rozz that Director Chase warned us about? I can't be certain yet, so I quickly snap a photo, hoping the DEO can identify it.
If this is indeed one of the Fort Rozz inmates, we'll need to track it down and apprehend it as soon as possible. It's already claimed one victim, and who knows how many more there may have been in the past. This thing will continue to be a threat to innocent people if we don't stop it.
"I'll head to the DEO after I finish my work. I'll message Kara to meet there at the end of the day."
WIth nothing else I can do. I get on the Auto Vajin and ride away.
…
I clock out from my shift at the hotel and make my way to the Auto Vajin. Climbing onto the bike, my Faiz Phone suddenly buzzes to life. I glance down and see it's Kara.
"Hey Kara, I was just about to call you. Did you get my message?" I say, firing up the engine.
"Yeah, I did," Kara replies. "What's up?"
"I might have a lead on an inmate from Fort Rozz," I tell her. "I was hoping we could meet up at the DEO to check it out."
"Got it, I'll be there," Kara says, her voice serious. We end the call, and I rev the Auto Vajin, speeding towards the DEO headquarters.
I pull up to the DEO headquarters, the Auto Vajin's engine growling as I park it. Quickly, I remove my helmet and make my way inside, already spotting Kara and Director Chase waiting for me.
I approach them, the red scarf of my First armor fluttering as I walk.
"Sorry to keep you both waiting," I say. "I got here as soon as I could."
"No worries, Rider. So what is this intel you found?" said Kara.
I reach into my pocket and pull out a small red can.
"What is that?" Kara asks, eyeing the can curiously.
"It's called a candroid. You can think of it as a little tool that helps me out." I flip open the lid, and the can transforms into a takacandroid, it chirps and flutters around for a moment before landing on my shoulder.
Kara's face lights up in a warm smile. "Aww, it's so cute!"
The takacandroid nuzzles against my cheek, its metallic body warm to the touch. I chuckle and give it a gentle pat on the head.
"This little guy is called a Takacandroid. It's one of the Candroids I have that can assist me in different ways."
"This one is great for aerial reconnaissance - it can fly around and relay information back to me. Plus, it has limited sentience, so it can even understand complex instructions I give it."
I chuckle as Kara's face lights up with delight at the sight of the Takacandroid. "Can it do any tricks?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Sure, let me show you." I turn to the Takacandroid. "Takacandroid, fly around Kara in a circle."
The little robot springs to life, its wings flapping as it takes to the air. It circles Kara gracefully, eliciting a delighted laugh from her. She follows its movements, mesmerized by its agility.
"Wow, it's so cool!" Kara exclaims, her hands reaching up to try and catch the Takacandroid as it darts around her.
Kara grins at the Takacandroid. "Okay, little guy, let's see what else you can do. Raise your feet!"
The Takacandroid lifts its tiny metal feet, hovering effortlessly.
"Now roll around!"
The Takacandroid tucks in its limbs and spins across the floor, leaving Kara giggling in delight.
"And play dead!"
The Takacandroid dramatically drops to the ground, motionless. Kara laughs, thoroughly entertained by the robot's obedient performance of her requests. Her face lights up with pure wonder as she watches the Takacandroid's nimble tricks, captivated by its capabilities.
Director Chase observes the Takacandroid intently, her expression shifting from curiosity to intrigue. "That's quite an impressive piece of technology. Do you think the DEO could have access to some of these...Candroids for further research?"
I furrow my brow slightly. "I appreciate the interest, Director, but these Candroids are powered by a special power source, and I doubt the DEO would be able to replicate it."
I doubt the DEO could fully replicate the Candroids. These little guys are powered by Core Medals from the Kamen Rider OOO series. At most, they could use the Candroids as a reference to create their own version, but it wouldn't be the same. These Candroids are uniquely tied to the Rider system, which the DEO can't touch.
"That's a shame." Chase's brow furrows. "Anyway, what's this lead about a possible Fort Rozz inmate?"
I turn to the Takacandroid. "Show them the image."
The little robot springs into action, projecting a holographic image of the strange footprint we discovered earlier. Kara and Chase lean in, studying the strange imprint intently.
"We found this at the scene this morning. A man was killed this morning with his face burnt to a crisp. I investigated the area nearby and found this footprint - it does not look human, and the ground had soot as if something burnt it."
Director Chase turns to her agents. "Alright, I want a full investigation on this incident this morning. Find out what we're dealing with."
The agents spring into action, typing furiously on their keyboards. Holographic screens flicker to life, displaying the details of the crime scene.
"The victim was a security guard at a factory downtown," one agent reports. "Cause of death appears to be severe burns, likely from some kind of intense heat source."
Another agent chimes in. "And it's not just this one incident. Several other factories have reported missing Insulated Holding Tanks, all with similar burn marks around the area."
I frown, studying the images on the screens. "So whatever did this isn't just a one-time thing. It's hitting multiple locations."
Chase nods grimly. "Exactly. This is starting to look like the work of a metahuman or some non-human." She turns to me and Kara. "We need to get to the bottom of this before whoever - or whatever - is responsible strikes again."
Kara and I exchange a determined look. "We're ready to help in any way we can," I say.
Chase gives a curt nod. "Good. I'll have my team compile all the information we have so far. In the meantime, I want you two to keep an eye out for it. The DEO will search our database to see if we can identify its species."
I nod in agreement. "Sounds good. Kara and I will keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and track down this thing before it can cause more damage."
Kara flashes me a determined smile. "You bet. If we can find it, Rider and I will deal with the perpetrator. We won't let them hurt anyone else."
"Alright, then let's get to work," I say, turning to Director Chase. "Just let us know if you find anything else on your end."
Chase nods. "Will do. Keep me posted on your progress."
Kara and I exchange a nod, ready to tackle this mystery head-on.
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