//------------------------------// // The Overflowing Cup // Story: Kamen Rider Justice // by RuinQueenofOblivion //------------------------------// "Hmm, lets see, which card do the fates dictate this time," a female figure said. She was dressed in robes that featured the same symbol as the other members of the Arcana court with a mask that covered half of her face and blocked off one of her eyes with a golden symbol. She was shuffling through a deck of cards as she looked at a large wheel. "The wheel of fortune spins and prepares to reveal what is to come." "This is not the time for your riddles, Priellit," Caesar said as he came in and looked at the woman with a frown. "What do the cards tell us we must do next?" Priellit frowned and shook her head a little as she placed the deck down and drew a card before she placed it on the table before her. "The Five of Cups is upright," she finally said. "A being who has suffered loss and regret, they will give us the edge we need." "It had better," Caesar said as he picked the card up off the table and it glowed with energy before it flew off to find its new subject. "You had better know what you're doing this time." "The Two of Wands served its purpose," Priellit said with a dismissive wave. "It drew out the keeper of the Justice Card and gave us information we needed as I foresaw. You did learn more about her did you not?" "Yes, but that is beside the point," Caesar said with a shake of his head. "This is our first chance to enter this world in 13 years. Last time our operations were disrupted by that blasted Kamen Rider, I will not allow this to happen again." "Of course not," Priellit said without looking back at Caesar. "You had better be careful Caesar. You know that the master will not accept failure again." "And I will make sure that we succeed," Caesar said as he sneered a little. "One wannabe hero does not disrupt our plans yet." "Do not take her lightly," Priellit said with a shake of her head. "There are many things we do not yet understand. She is only the beginning." Caesar just shook his head and walked out of the room. 00000 “Come on y'all, it’s time ta get out of bed already,” Apple Bloom said as she knocked on the door to Scootaloo and Sweetie’s bedroom. “Ah know what yer up ta in there, we need ta figure out what’s gonna happen today already.” “Is it just me or does Apple Bloom have a really dirty mind?” Scootaloo asked with a groan as they woke up. “Yeah, I’ve noticed,” Sweetie said with a chuckle as she gave Scootaloo a soft kiss. “I mean you remember how much she teased us before we got together right?” “Don’t remind me,” Scootaloo said with a chuckle as she reached over and picked up the cards. “So, do you think this card is another weapon card?” "Well, 56 cards, 56 weapons probably," Sweetie said as Scootaloo set the card back down and got up to get dressed. “How are you feeling after yesterday?” “A little sore, but not nearly as bad as what happened last time I fought that thing,” Scootaloo said as she picked out a t-shirt and jeans before she pulled on a robe and looked back at Sweetie. “Sweetie, you know I don’t want to put you in any risk right? If you want me to stop this, I’ll do it for you.” “Really, you’d do that for me?” Sweetie asked surprised as Scootaloo sat down on the bed. “Sweetie, I love you so much and you’re the most important thing in the world to me,” Scootaloo said as she took Sweetie’s hands gently and smiled. “You’re my girlfriend and I don’t want to put you in danger.” “Scootaloo…” Sweetie said softly as she looked into her girlfriend’s eyes for a long moment. “You should do this, no more ifs ands or buts about it. You’re out there and if anyone saw you, you’re already in danger. If being this, Kamen Rider helps keep people safe then that’s what we’ll have to do.” “Okay, thank you,” Scootaloo said as she hugged Sweetie gently. “I love you Sweetie Belle, more than anything.” “I know,” Sweetie said and smiled a little as she played with Scootaloo’s robe a little. “How about we grab a shower. I need to get ready for work anyway, and we should probably save time by, well you know…” Scootaloo blushed a little at the suggestion as she felt Sweetie’s lips gently pressed against her’s as she started to undo her robe. “Mmm, sounds good to me,” Scootaloo said softly as they got up and headed over to the adjoining bathroom together. 00000 Apple Bloom chuckled a little when she heard the sound of the shower starting up. Though she couldn’t help but sigh a little, she didn’t want to admit it to her friends but there were times she felt almost like a third wheel. The three of them had been friends since they had met as kids when Scootaloo joined their Elementary School Class. They had been through everything together, and when Scootaloo and Sweetie had started dating in High School, Apple Bloom had been happy for them. She sighed a little and took a sip of her coffee. She didn’t want to do anything to hurt them, but maybe if she could find someone for herself that would at least help. “Well, it ain’t like someone is gonna just knock on tha door and ask me out,” she said with a shake of her head, just as there was a knock on the door and she blinked a little. “Well, it ain’t like a million dollars is gonna fall into mah lap.” When nothing happened she just shrugged and sat her mug down and headed over to the door and checked it. Agent Sweetie Drops was standing outside and she opened the door. “Can Ah help yah?” She asked. “I need to talk to you and your friends,” Sweetie Drops said. “Can I come in?” “Yeah, Ah guess,” Apple Bloom said with a shrug as she gestured for the secret agent to come inside. “Let me guess, it’s about what happened yesterday?” “Very perceptive of you, where are they?” Sweetie Drops asked. “Probably takin’ a shower together,” Apple Bloom said with a shrug as she took a seat and sipped her coffee again. “Yah know how it is with couples, bein’ a bit cutesy and stuff.” “Yeah, I know,” Sweetie Drops said with a shake of her head. “What about you, are you seeing anyone?” “No, not since High School,” Apple Bloom said with a shrug. “How about yah? Does tha mysterious Agent Sweetie Drops have someone special?” “No, but being a SMILE agent doesn’t really give a lot of chances for that,” Sweetie Drops said as she placed her hand on her pocket. “It’s not for lack of trying, but I’d have to find someone, special.” Before Apple Bloom could finish the sound of the shower stopped. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came out of the bathroom a few minutes later with Scootaloo dressed in a t-shirt and jeans while Sweetie Belle was dressed in a buttoned up shirt and medium skirt with a nametag on it. “Uh, can we help you?” Scootaloo asked as they saw Sweetie Drops standing there. “Is this about what happened yesterday or are you here on Sweetie’s traffic tickets?” “Well, we are very much aware of what happened yesterday with Zauzwei,” Sweetie Drops said with a nod. “I’m to escort you back to Fortune Division with the Two of Wands card to be put in storage.” “Wait, it’s a weapon card right?” Scootaloo asked. “Why do we have to put it in storage?” “We’re only really now figuring it out, but the weapon cards are spiritually connected certain transformation cards,” Sweetie Drops said. “You can only use the Swords card and when she was Magician Fleur could only use the Wands.” “Oh, I see,” Sweetie said. “Any idea why?” “We don’t know,” Sweetie Drops said with a shake of her head. “But for now, the Wand cards will be put into storage along with Pentacles and Cups. They won’t be able to be used by the Order and if we can ever get more Riders they can hopefully use them.” “Yeah,” Scootaloo said with a nod. “Do I have to come by now? I was supposed to go job hunting today.” “And we need to get to work, so we can’t go with her,” Sweetie said and Apple Bloom nodded a little. “I’ll be okay,” Scootaloo said as she hugged Sweetie gently and added jokingly. “I’m just going to a top secret government facility, nothing to worry about.” “Don’t worry, she just needs a debriefing so we can try and figure out what might be going on here,” Sweetie Drops said. “And maybe some training on the bike, she’ll be home in time for dinner.” “She better be, I’m cooking tonight,” Sweetie Belle said with a smirk. “You know maybe I’ll be gone a bit longer…” Scootaloo said. “I could go talk with… OWW!” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Drops just laughed as Sweetie slugged her girlfriend. “My cooking isn’t that bad!” “You burned orange juice once, ORANGE JUICE!” “Do I want to know?” Sweetie Drops asked as she looked at Apple Bloom as the couple argued a bit longer. “No, yah really don’t,” Apple Bloom said with a shake of her head. “They do this all the time, don’t worry about it.” “Oh dang it I should go,” Sweetie Belle said as she gave Scootaloo a quick kiss on the lips. “See you tonight.” She left and Apple Bloom left not long after. Scootaloo sighed as she went into her bedroom and picked up the Tarot Driver and the cards and put them away. This was going to be her first time going to the Fortune Division without her friends. She just hoped that everything really was going to be okay. Or Sweetie’s bad cooking would be the least of her worries. 00000 “Come on Silver… you can pull through,” a young woman with light violet hair with a white streak said softly as she sat next to a grey haired girls’ hospital bed. “Don’t die on me now…” “Diamond,” a man with short dark brown hair said as he walked in. “I talked with the Doctors, they said that Silver Spoon is going to be hit and miss for awhile. You were very lucky you two didn’t get hurt worse.” “I know,” Diamond Tiara said softly as she looked at her unconscious friend. “They’re going to do everything they can to help her,” Filthy Rich continued. “What were you two thinking? You were acting very…” “Dad, I already feel bad enough, I don’t need a lecture from you!” Diamond snapped at her father as she started crying. She and Silver Spoon had recently gone out drinking to celebrate Diamond’s 21st Birthday. The two of them had had more than too much to drink but Diamond had still gotten behind the wheel. They had gotten into a single car accident which they had barely survived. Well, Diamond had barely survived. Silver was laying in a Hospital Bed barely holding onto life because she had made a stupid mistake. She hated herself more than anything right now because it was her fault that her best friend was in this situation. “Diamond, it’s okay,” Filthy Rich said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’ve got the best Doctors money can buy working on her. If anyone can save her it’s them, just give them time okay?” “Okay,” Diamond said as she looked at Silver with a sigh. “Do you want to stay here?” Filthy asked. “I think it would help if she knew you were by her side.” “Yeah, I’d like that,” Diamond said with a smile. “I’ll just stay here with her, if that’s okay of course.” “It’s fine,” Filthy said with a reassuring smile as he gave her a hug. “It’ll be okay Diamond, I promise Silver Spoon will be okay. You made a mistake, but you can’t let that rule your life, we’ll do everything we can to make sure she’s okay.” “Thanks Dad,” Diamond said with a sigh as her father left the hospital room while Diamond sighed a little and leaned back in her chair. “I’m so sorry Silver…” Diamond said as she cried more. “I wish there was something I could do to make sure you’re going to be okay. I would do anything to have you back...” “Really? Anything?” A calm voice said from around her. “Who’s there?” She asked and looked around. “A friend, I’m here to help you,” the voice said. “I will heal your friend, but you must do something for me first.” “Anything, I just want her to be okay!” Diamond said as she looked around rapidly. “Where are you? Who are you?” “Do you agree?” The voice asked. “Yes, I agree, I’ll do anything!” Diamond said, practically shouting at the top of her lungs. The voice didn’t speak right away, instead a card appeared on the bed in front of her. She reached forward and picked it up, the card depicted a man staring down at five tipped over cups on a riverside. Her eyes glowed white as the same circle as the other monsters formed on her chest out of nowhere. She placed the card in her pocket and got up, and walked out. A face appeared in her mind. It was one that the spirit that now inhabited her mind didn’t recognize but had been told to find. There was a flash of recognition in her eyes as she recognized it. She had to find Scootaloo Dash, she knew that face, she knew where to find her. 00000 “Scootaloo, I’m glad you could come,” Fancy Pants said as Scootaloo took a seat across his desk from him. “Is everything going well? You’re not feeling any side effects from yesterday are you?” “No, I’m fine,” Scootaloo said with a shrug and then blinked a little. “Wait, what kind of side effects are you talking about?” “Oh, nothing to be concerned with, sometimes the process can be hard on the body,” Fancy said with a shake of his head. “You should be fine though, we’ve gotten enough readings to tell that everything should be fine. May I have the Two of Wands now?” “Okay, good, I think,” Scootaloo said as she took the card out of her pocket and placed it on the desk before she slid it over to Fancy. “Should I be worried about what happened back there? I mean, I’m holding two of these cards, will something like that happen to me?” “No, these cards are bound to you and won’t do anything other than create your armor and your weapons,” Fancy said. “We’ve had enough experience with these cards thanks to Fleur, just be careful and don’t try to use any cards that are not part of your suit.” “What will happen? And how do these cards work anyway?” Scootaloo asked. “It’s complicated, but if it happens it will likely kill you,” Fancy Pants said with a shake of his head. “These weapons are powerful objects, we cannot take them lightly. They draw on your energy, so the stronger the weapon you summon the more energy is expended. An Ace level weapon only uses a little, but when we get into the stronger ones it’ll use more energy.” “Right,” Scootaloo said with a nod of understanding. She sighed a little, she was still a little unsure about how these things worked, but it did at least make her feel a little better. “So, what do we do with the Wand card now? Wait until we get the Magician card back?” “That’s our only option really,” Fancy said with a nod. “Or if we can find another Rider who is connected to the Wand suit.” “And, what’s going to happen to the man?” Scootaloo asked. “He’s no longer a monster, right?” “Well, no he’s not,” Fancy said. “Actually he was a wanted criminal and has been taken in by the police. Normally they will be given a chance to recover from any wounds and any other effects left behind by the transformation.” “I see,” Scootaloo said and sighed a little before she paused. “So, what now? I’m guessing there will be others.” “Of that there is no doubt,” Fancy said. “We’ll keep an eye on the internet and inform you of any attacks or sightings. For now you need to continue your training with your Rider form and start training on your bike.” “Fun,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she gave him a nod. “I want to do everything I can to stop the Order and protect this city. If there’s anything I can do to help that goal, I’ll do it.” “Alright, go talk with Stone then,” Fancy said. “Stay as long as you need, this place is as good a base of operations as any.” Scootaloo nodded and headed out of the office and towards Stone’s area. 00000 “Alright, this shouldn’t be too hard,” Scootaloo said as she got on Forseti after transforming into her Rider form. “You can do this Scoots.” “Alright,” Stone said as he gave Scootaloo instructions on how to start the bike and keep it steady. “It’s just like riding a bike, sort of… okay you have a motor and are moving faster than on a bike. Okay, I may have lost the metaphor, but just keep it steady and don’t lose your balance and you’ll be fine.” “And what if I crash?” Scootaloo asked. “Your armor will take the brunt of it, don’t worry,” Stone said and she shot him a look. “You’ll be fine, this kind of armor has been used by Riders for years.” Scootaloo nodded a little as she revved up the engine. She looked forward for a moment and then took off along the track. She was a bit surprised at how quiet the bike was as she picked up speed down the track before taking a turn. She took a deep breath and rounded the next corner on the track. She passed Stone as she did a full lap, it took a little getting used to but she was able to get the hang of it pretty quickly. “Alright, you’ve got the hang of things so far,” Stone’s voice said over her helmet. “Try drawing the Arcana Rapier. Don’t try and hit anything yet, just see if you can hold the sword and wield it while on the bike.” “Alright,” Scootaloo said as she slowed down and pulled it to a stop before she took out the Ace of Swords card. “This had better work.” “It’ll be fine,” Stone said on the other end. “Just be careful and make sure you don’t lose your balance. You’re going to be just fine, it just may take some getting used to, start out slow so you don’t mess up too badly. Remember, both the sword and the bike is an extension of the Rider, make it part of yourself and everything will be fine.” “Right, because that totally makes sense,” Scootaloo said with a groan as she held the card up and slid it into her belt. “Arcana Rapier.” The sword appeared in her hand and she swung it around to make sure that it was ready. It was just a matter of figuring out how to keep the bike steady. She started it up again and took off down the track again. She gripped the handlebars of the bike with one hand and her sword with the other. Despite her low speed she was having a hard time steadying it. She held the sword off to the side and tried to swing it a little but only barely managed to right the bike again. “I don’t think this is going to work,” she said into her helmet’s com system. “How am I supposed to steer this thing when I have one hand full?” “Alright, well it’s still experimental but your best bet may be to enter battle mode,” Stone said over her com. “There are buttons on the handlebars of your bike. If you press them at the same time, it will put the craft on autopilot and will only require occasional adjustments.” “Alright, why didn’t we do this already?” Scootaloo asked as she checked for the buttons and found them after a moment. “As I said, it’s experimental,” Stone answered. “When I developed Thoth for Fleur a lot of this was still based on your standard motorcycles. This is derived from files we acquired that once belonged to a group called Gorgom. Its basically a limited AI that can choose targets and go after them based on perceived threat.” “Alright, let’s try this,” Scootaloo said as she pressed the buttons on both handlebars. “Battle mode activated,” the computerized voice said from the bike. “Standing by for commands from Rider.” “Alright good, just tell it to follow the track for two laps at a low speed for now,” Stone said. “I don’t want to have to explain to the Director that I put our new Rider in the Hospital wing.” “Understood,” Scootaloo said as she looked down at the bike. “Okay, follow the track for two laps, low speed.” The bike started itself up and sped down the track. Scootaloo held the Arcana Rapier off to the side and gave it some test swings. At the very least it seemed to be going easier than it did when she was steering the thing. She just hoped she wasn’t in over her head already. 00000 “She’s my shooting star, Carried me so far. Yeah, she’s the shiniest sight, My little light in the night.” Scootaloo smiled a little as she entered the High Note Cafe. Sweetie Belle was seated on a stool as she sung into a microphone. Scootaloo couldn’t help but smile a little as she watched her girlfriend sing on stage. Sweetie finished her song and smiled a little when she saw Scootaloo being seated. She went to talk to her manager before she sat down at the table next to Scootaloo. “Hey Scoots, how’d it go today?” “Well, they had me try out the bike itself,” Scootaloo said quietly, she didn’t want anyone to overhear her right now.”And shouldn’t you be working right now?” “I explained to my manager that my girlfriend got into an accident and recently got out of the hospital,” Sweetie said as she rest her head gently on Scootaloo’s shoulder and sighed happily. “She was very understanding and let me go on break.” Scootaloo smiled softly and wrapped her arm around Sweetie gently. “I’m not really sure what to think about all of this honestly.” “Hey, you’re the one who liked to pretend to be the superhero growing up,” Sweetie Belle said with a chuckle. “Yeah, with you as the beautiful damsel in distress, lets hope its not prophetic,” Scootaloo said with a chuckle as she gave Sweetie’s shoulders a light squeeze. “I’m just lucky I’ve got such good friends by my side.” “And don’t you ever forget it,” Sweetie said with a chuckle as a waitress came to the table. “What can I get for you two?” She asked as she took out a pad and pen and got ready to take their orders. “Hmm, I’ll take a burger and fries with an Opal Cherry,” Scootaloo said with a smile as she looked up at the waitress. “What about you Sweetie?” “Lets see, I’ll just have a salad and a coke,” Sweetie said with a smile as she gave the waitress a small nod. “Alright, I’ll be right out with your drinks,” the waitress said with a nod as she walked off with her notebook. “Do you like working here?” Scootaloo asked as she looked down at Sweetie. “Well, it’s tiring, but it gives me a lot of singing practice,” Sweetie said with a shrug. “It’s not too bad, and it helps pay the bills so I’m fine with it. Why, are you looking into getting a job as a waitress?” “I’m open to suggestions at least,” Scootaloo said with a shake of her head. “It just sometimes feels like I’m not really doing enough to pull my weight around here with what I make with my part-time job.” “You do fine, don’t worry about it right now,” Sweetie said. “Besides, you’ve got something more important to worry about right now. We can manage with what you make, I don’t want you to worry about it.” Scootaloo sighed a little and put her arm around Sweetie. They just sat in silence as the waitress came by and set their drinks down on the table. She gave them a smile but didn’t say anything so the two girls could just enjoy their closeness before she walked off. “So, did you hear about that weird superhero?” One of the other patrons said to another that was in hearing distance. “Kind of hard to miss it, it's all over the news,” their companion pointed out with a chuckle. “Yeah, a friend of mine has a cousin in Zawame City or something,” the first person said. “Apparently it’s getting some attention over in Japan because there’s been similar stories over there.” “Yeah, Masked Rider or something right?” The second one said. “Wait, no that sounds ridiculous…” Scootaloo just chuckled as she took a drink of her soda and set it back down. She just sat there for the longest moment as she sat there with her girlfriend, she was about to say something when her phone dinged signifying there was a text message. “What’s that?” Sweetie asked as Scootaloo took out her phone and read what it said. “I know who you are, meet me in Whitetail Park. Come alone or there will be consequences.” Scootaloo showed Sweetie the text message to her. “That’s, not good,” she said with a sigh. “Do you think it’s about, you know what?” “I don’t know,” Scootaloo admitted. “There’s not much else that could mean. What should I do?” “Go, but be careful,” Sweetie said and gave Scootaloo a kiss. “For good luck, go get ‘em. I’ll get your food put away for later.” Scootaloo nodded and got up and headed out of the cafe. She wasn’t too far from Whitetail Park, she just hoped she wasn’t going to be too late. 00000 Scootaloo paused a moment as she placed her hand on her bag. The Driver was in her bag, she didn’t feel comfortable leaving it anywhere since there was always the risk of being attacked or running into a monster. But the park seemed so, normal right now. There wasn’t any sign of any sort of monster or something else, maybe it was a prank call. She shook her head, she didn’t like having her time wasted when she could’ve been back at the cafe with Sweetie. “I swear if you’re wasting my time…” Scootaloo muttered. “Oh, now why would I do that?” A voice asked from behind her and she spun around to see a figure standing there. They were dressed in a hoodie and hat that were pulled down over their face. “I’ve been looking for you Scootaloo. They told me you are of great interest to them.” “Who told you? Who are you?” Scootaloo demanded, the voice sounded familiar somehow but at the same time distorted. “The Order sent me, you may call me Vikotano,” the figure said in a distorted voice as she reached up to lower her hood. “But you would be more familiar with my host I’m sure.” Scootaloo’s eyes went wide when she saw who was under it. She recognized the familiar purple and white hair of Diamond Tiara as she removed her hood and hat. Her eyes though, they were glowing with an unnatural color. “What did you do to her?” Scootaloo demanded as she took out the Driver and put it on her waist but didn’t use it yet. “Diamond, I know you’re in here, don’t listen to it!” “Why? She made the contract, which means she’s all mine!” “Diamond” said with a wicked laugh as she reached into her pocket and took out a card that started to glow and dark energy surrounded it. “Unlock my true form!” The energy changed her body, made her taller as her clothes shifted into what seemed to almost be a long dress with armor on it. Her hair turned dark purple and spiked while her face while her face became inhuman, with shapes and symbols on her face. Finally a symbol of five cups appeared in a circle on the chest of her armor. What she noticed immediately was that there was markings on her face that looked like tears. “Ahhh, much better,” she said as she stretched out a little as a tomahawk appeared in each hand. “Now, as for you Scootaloo Dash… it’s time for you to die!” “Well, if you want to do it that way,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she reached into her pocket and took out her cards. “Henshin!” “TIME TO TIP THE SCALES!” The same energy fell over her as the black and green armor formed over her. She slid the Ace of Swords into her belt and the Arcana Rapier appeared in her hand. “Then I’m going to force you out of her,” she continued. “Because I can see your future, and it doesn’t look bright!” “You realize that sounds very cheesy right?” Vikotano said with a laugh. “What, are you trying to sound like a superhero or something? Don’t make me laugh.” “You’re using my friend’s body, and I’m going to stop you Kyubey, I don’t care if I sound cheesy or not,” Scootaloo said as she pointed her sword at her. “I don’t care if she agreed to some sort of contract with you, you don’t turn her into a monster!” “A lot of loyalty for someone who used to bully you and your friends!” Vikotano said as she held her tomahawks upright and ran forward faster than Scootaloo expected and swung at her, Scootaloo was just barely able to get out of the way. “You can’t even hope to match my speed little girl!” Scootaloo flinched a little as she pushed forward and tried to slash at the monster but she just dodged the attack and laughed. “Darn it, I’m not going to let you get away with this…” “You think I care what you want?” Vikotano said with a laugh as she pointed her tomahawk at Scootaloo. “You’re not much of a hero are you? You can’t even save your own friend from herself!” “Yes, she bullied us,” Scootaloo said as she flinched at the memory. “But she and Silver Spoon came around and became our friends eventually. I don’t know what you promised her to make sure that she agreed to this, but I know she would never want this!” “Too bad you’ll never get her back!” Vikotano said with a grin as she threw the tomahawk at Scootaloo as hard as she could. “You’ll never see your friend again, she is mine forever!” Scootaloo flinched a little as she swung her sword around and caught the tomahawk with it and knocked it to the side. Vikotano just laughed and raised her hand and the weapon just flew into her hand. “I won’t back down,” Scootaloo said as she held her sword at an angle. “You’re nothing more than a big bully taking advantage of someone’s weakness. You and your whole Order make me sick, and I’m going to take each and every one of you down.” “Good luck with that, you can’t even beat me,” Vikotano said as she ran forward right at Scootaloo and backhanded her with her weapon, sending her sprawling out. “Some hero you turned out to be, you don’t stand a chance. Just go home to your friends.” Scootaloo struggled to her feet as she picked the sword back up and flinched a little at the pain. “I’m not down yet… I’m not letting you or anyone get away with this kind of thing…” “This will never be over if you’re going to keep fighting,” Vikotano said as the tomahawks vanished from her hands. “But you’re hardly a challenge to me. Come back when you get better!” She laughed wickedly as she spun around and vanished into thin air. Scootaloo groaned as she tried to get to her feet again. “Need a hand?” A voice said and she looked over to see a police officer with blue hair approaching as he offered her a hand. “Yeah, thanks,” she said with a groan as she let the police officer pull her to her feet. “I should probably get going.” “Look, I wanted to say thank you,” the officer said and Scootaloo blinked a little. “Thank me?” She asked confused. “My wife and daughter was on the freeway yesterday,” the officer said with a tip of his hat. “You saved them from whatever that thing was. And, well someone like you saved me once.” “Yeah, but I can’t save my friend,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she looked down at her feet. “Look, I don’t pretend to know how this works,” the officer said. “I’m still trying to figure out exactly what happened a few years back. But if you’re trying to stop these things, well you’re alright in my book. And, well, you can’t win them all, just keep it up and eventually you’ll stop that monster and save your friend.” “Thanks,” Scootaloo said with a nod as she removed the Ace of Swords and looked at it. “I’m going to wind up on the Internet again aren’t I?” “What can I say, you’re trending,” the officer said and offered her a hand and a business card. “Officer Shining Armor, if you ever need any help from the police just give me a ring.” “Thanks,” Scootaloo said and paused a moment as she tried to figure out how to introduce herself. She couldn’t use her real name, but she remembered what Fleur had been called. “Just call me Justice.” “That’s a very on the nose name,” Shining Armor said with a chuckle. “Says the guy named Shining Armor,” Scootaloo said with a chuckle. “I should probably get out of here before people start questioning me.” “Alright, stay safe,” Shining Armor said with a nod as Scootaloo headed off. Once she was sure she was in the clear, Scootaloo took the Justice card out of her Driver and powered down. She sighed a little as she looked back towards the park, her mind was running a mile a minute. What had happened to Diamond Tiara? Why had she made some sort of contract as the monster had said? Something about all of this felt weird, she just wished that she could figure out how to save her. She sighed and put the cards and Driver before she headed back towards the cafe. 00000 “You’re sure it was Diamond Tiara?” Sweetie Belle asked that night as Scootaloo sat on the couch with an ice pack on her head. “It couldn’t just be someone else that looked like her?” “Yeah, I’m pretty sure it was her,” Scootaloo said with a groan as she shook her head a little and looked between her two friends. “When was the last time either of you heard from her or Silver Spoon?” “Not since her birthday,” Sweetie said with a shake of her head. “They stopped by the cafe that day and we talked a little. They seemed fine when I saw them.” “Yeah, Ah haven’t seen them either,” Apple Bloom said with a shake of her head. “Why would she want ta become a monster or somethin’?” “I don’t know,” Scootaloo said with a sigh and a shake of her head. “The monster, it said something about a contract or a deal or something she made with the monster. I don’t know what she meant by that.” “Well, they did say that these spirits possess people or something,” Sweetie said with a frown. “And we noticed that with that Zauzwei monster. So, then how did she make a contract with this spirit and why?” There was a long pause as they tried to think it over when Scootaloo remembered something. “The Five of Cups.” “What?” Sweetie asked. “I think that was the card, she had five cups in a circle similar to how Zauzwei had the two wands,” Scootaloo said. “What does the Five of Cups mean?” Apple Bloom took out her phone and looked up Tarot card meanings. “Lets see… ah here we go, found a site called Biddy Tarot,” she said as she flipped through the information. “Five of Cups, upright it means loss, regret, disappointment, despair, and bereavement. Reversed it means movin’ on, acceptance, and forgiveness.” “Let’s assume that it’s the negative meaning,” Sweetie said with a shake of her head. “So, what do you think happened?” They all paused for a long moment as they tried to think about what might’ve happened. It had been so long since they had really talked to either Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon, so they had a lot to think about right now. Scootaloo sighed a little and brushed her hair back as she removed the ice pack. “Well, whatever happened she’s not in a good state. Whatever this monster is, its got its grip on her and I don’t even know if I’m fast enough to stand a chance against her.” “So, what are you going to do?” Sweetie asked as she looked at Scootaloo. “I honestly don’t know,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she shook her head a little. “If I can get faster or maybe get the proper hang of the bike in a combat situation I might have a chance. I, honestly don’t know what to do at this point.” “Scootaloo, we’ll figure it out, I promise,” Sweetie said as she put her arm around her girlfriend gently. “We’re going to save Diamond, I don’t know how but we’ll do it.” Scootaloo smiled softly as she rest her head on Sweetie’s shoulder as she sighed happily. She still had a lot to figure out about this, but she just wanted to spend time with her friends right now. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. “So, yah think yer gonna be on the news again after earlier?” Apple Bloom asked. “I hope not,” Scootaloo said with a shake of her head. “I’m not a fan of all of this honestly. I screwed up back there, I couldn’t even hit her no matter how hard I tried. She was way too fast for me.” “Did yah really introduce yerself as Justice?” Apple Bloom asked with a laugh. “Well I couldn’t use my real name,” Scootaloo said with a roll of her eyes. “I just remembered that Fleur used the name Kamen Rider Magician when she used the Magician card. I guess since I use the Justice card I just went with it.” Her friends just laughed a little at that and after a moment Scootaloo joined in the laughter. It felt good to laugh after everything that had happened lately. She was in a tough position because of everything that was happening. She looked over at the Driver and the two cards as she did a little bit of math. She had Justice and the Ace of Swords. The two of Wands card was in custody and they now knew where the Five of Cups was. This was going to be a long fight. “75,” she said with a sigh as she shook her head a little. “75?” Sweetie Belle asked. “That’s how many cards are left out there,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as Sweetie held her close to her. “75 Tarot cards all of which could potentially hurt someone in Canterlot. It’s a lot of cards, and I don’t know if I can do it alone.” “You don’t have to do it alone,” Sweetie said with a soft smile. “Yah have us, and help from SMILE,” Apple Bloom said with a chuckle. “Yer gonna be just fine, besides there could always be others out there that can help yah.” “Yeah, true,” Scootaloo said with a chuckle and nodded a little. “Thank you, both of you. That means a lot to me.” “Friends forever,” Sweetie said and gave Scootaloo a soft kiss on the lips. “And girlfriends of course.” “Get a room yah two,” Apple Bloom said with a laugh. “Some of us are still lookin’ fer love yah know.” “We know, sorry,” Scootaloo said with a shake of her head. “I’m sure you’ll find someone someday Apple Bloom. And they’ll make you as happy as we make each other.” “Yeah, Ah hope so,” Apple Bloom said as she got up and headed into the other room. Sweetie sighed and gave Scootaloo another long kiss. After a few minutes they headed to their bedroom together. 00000 “You’re absolutely certain that was what they said?” Fancy asked, he and Fleur were questioning Scootaloo about what happened the next day. “Yeah, she said that they made a contract with Diamond Tiara,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “I saw her right before she transformed into her monster form. There’s no doubt about it, that’s exactly what happened.” “Wait, you didn’t already know about this?” Sweetie asked as she leaned on Scootaloo. “You did fight these guys 13 years ago right?” “Well, yes, but we never quite figured out how the card spirits created the monsters,” Fleur admitted as she shook her head a little. “I’m sorry, I didn’t consider the possibility that one of your friends might become a target for the Order like this.” “Can she be saved?” Scootaloo asked with a sigh. “If the monster is defeated, yes,” Fancy said with a sigh. “But she may have to face whatever caused her to become susceptible to the spirit to begin with. That may not be easy if your theory about it being about the upright meaning of the Five of Cups.” “So, what happened to Diamond that caused that to happen?” Sweetie asked as she looked between all of them. “What would she regret or despair about?” Fleur paused a moment and sighed. “While you were talking, I looked into recent news reports and police files. It was kept out of the news and was more or less swept under the rug, but she and Silver Spoon were in a car accident on the day of her Birthday. They both had a Blood Alcohol level over the legal limit.” “Diamond and Silver were…” Sweetie said as she blinked in surprise, she had just seen them earlier that same day. “What happened? Are they okay?” “Diamond is fine, as fine as she can be at least, but Silver Spoon hasn’t regained consciousness yet,” Fleur said with a sigh. “And Diamond was the one driving.” “Oh god…” Sweetie said as she placed her hand over her mouth. “Ah don’t blame her if she blames herself fer that,” Apple Bloom said with a shake of her head. “Ah wouldn’t wish that kind of thing on anyone.” “So, what are we going to do then?” Scootaloo asked as she looked at Fleur and Fancy Pants as she sighed a little. “She’s too fast for me to defeat, I couldn’t even land a blow on her no matter how hard I tried.” “Yes, well that was a concern we had,” Fleur said with a sigh. “Stone already said that you have shown promise with Forseti already. That might give you the edge, but you have to make sure that you know how to ride it in a real combat situation.” “But no pressure right?” Scootaloo asked with a groan. “Don’t worry, we’ll train you,” Fleur said as she gave her a nod. “You’re going to have to learn anyway. It may take a little bit of practice, but I’m sure you can figure it out.” “Alright, I’ll try it at least,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “I just hope that we’ll be able to save Diamond Tiara somehow.” “Me too Scootaloo,” Fancy said as they got up and started out of the office again. 00000 “What is the word Prielit?” Caesar asked as he walked into the room where the masked woman was seated at her table again. “Our latest acquisition seems to be doing very well.” “Yes, but I wouldn’t put it past the Rider to figure out how to overcome it,” Prielit said as she shuffled through her deck of cards. “The Five of Cups is considerably stronger than the Two of Wands, she should provide an adequate challenge for the Rider.” “And what about our, other acquisition?” Caesar asked as he narrowed his eyes a little. “It was not easy to get my hands on an Ace. I do not like that you let it leave our possession so soon.” “The cards work in mysterious ways, they know things that we will never truly understand,” Prielit said as she looked back at him and narrowed her eye. “You are not doubting the will of the Master are you?” “No, of course not,” Caesar said as he flinched a little, there was something about Prielit that always made him uneasy. “What is the latest on them?” “They’re moving into position as we speak,” Prielit said as she put the deck away and took out another one. This one was a full Tarot deck that didn’t have the cards removed from it like the summoning deck did. “I understand that our agent was able to identify the Rider.” “Yes, apparently her name is Scootaloo Dash, what a strange human name,” Caesar said with a snort. “But she is still dangerous, the spirit of Justice may have been lost to us but we know how much of a threat she is,” Prielit said with a shake of her head. “We may have to take extra precautions to ensure our survival at this point.” “Granforca is not ready to be summoned again,” Caesar said. “Once enough energy is gathered we will…” “We will do what Caesar?” A voice said from behind them and he turned to see the black suited man standing there. “You’re not going to disappoint our master again are you?” “No, no of course not,” Caesar said. “We’ve already got two agents in the field preparing to take on this new Kamen Rider. If we can take her out before she starts to gain too much attention then we should be able to get ready for the convergence.” “See that you do,” the man said as he approached Caesar, his eyes glowing red. “The tower is almost in position, I am putting a lot of faith in you and the others to make sure that our plans aren’t foiled again.” “Of course not sir,” Caesar said. “We will double our efforts to make sure that the Rider is defeated. I will make sure that they are defeated and any further attempts to use the Major Arcana Spirits against us is thwarted. You have my word that I will not allow this to happen again.” “See that you do,” the man said and walked off as he vanished in a burst of flame. “I don’t trust him,” Prielit said as she looked back at her deck. “There is something about him that is off.” “He is the second in command to the Master,” Caesar said as he shook his head a little. “And he is the reason we are even standing here. Show him some respect.” Prielit just shook her head and placed the deck down as she drew the top card and set it on the table in front of her. It depicted a man holding a staff over a table with objects on it and the infinity symbol over his head, but it was facing down. She narrowed her eyes a little at that. That was not a good sign, and it did nothing to dissuade her concerns. 00000 “No, no, this can’t be possible!” A tall monster with armor covering its body said in protest as it fell back onto the ground. It had a symbol on its front of a single pentagram that glowed with energy. “What are you?” “I am your end, I am your death,” the shadowy figure said in a distorted voice as it walked forward, slamming its armored boot down on the monster. “Now, tell me, what was your mission, why did the Order send you?” “There’s a new Rider, not like Magician, someone new!” the monster said in fear as it looked up at the shadowy figure, fear was prevalent on its inhuman face. “They wanted me to help defeat it, I swear that’s all they told me.” “A new Rider huh?” the distorted voice said. “Well, that’s an interesting piece of information.” “Enough to let me go?” The monster asked fearfully. “I just want to do my duty to the Order, you understand that right? Just let me go, I won’t tell anyone you were here.” “Let me think about it… no,” the armored figure said and punched into the monster’s chest, it let out a scream as the figure pulled out a card and the armor around the creature shattered, leaving them barely alive. The armored figure raised the card to her eyes and looked at it. It was of a hand holding a pentagram bordered by trees and flowers. “The Ace of Pentacles,” the figure said as the armor vanished around it, revealing a vaguely female shape as she pocketed the card. She looked at the man lying on the ground who was slowly coming to. “Well, look who’s awake.” “Who the hell are you?” he demanded as he looked up at the woman who just rolled her eyes and drew a pistol and pointed it at him. “What? What are you doing?” “Don’t hide it, I can see your life story,” she said with a shake of her head. “Just another lowlife who thought he could make a deal for the power of the Order. Too bad you had to run afoul of me, you’re not worthy of the life you were given.” “What? NO DON’T!” The man said as she aimed the pistol at his head and pulled the trigger, he screamed but it was cut off a second later by the sound of a gunshot. The woman holstered her pistol and walked over to a nearby bike and climbed on. She put her helmet on and sped off away from the scene of the crime just as the sound of sirens were heard from nearby. 00000 “Alright Scootaloo, you know the drill,” Stone said as Scootaloo in her Rider form climbed aboard Forseti. “We’re going to turn on the combat simulation for this test, its similar to the one you used before.” “Got it,” Scootaloo said with a nod as she drew the Arcana Rapier. “This had better help save Diamond.” “It should,” Stone replied. “Now get out there and show us what you can do. Do the same thing as before, start at low speed and tell it to track all hostile contacts.” Scootaloo nodded as a holographic figure appeared down the track again. She hit the two buttons on the handlebars as the now familiar computerized voice was heard again. “Battle Mode activated. Standing by for commands from Rider.” “Alright,” Scootaloo said. “Start out at low speed and target all hostiles.” “Acknowledged,” the bike’s robotic voice said as it started off down the track again towards the holographic target. Scootaloo held her sword aloft, she knew that if she was going to save Diamond Tiara she had to make sure that she could do this. She just hoped that it was going to be enough.