//------------------------------// // The Kind Lover // Story: Kamen Rider Justice // by RuinQueenofOblivion //------------------------------// Sweetie Drops was handed a card as she took her spot at the training center. Several targets appeared at the far end and she took a deep breath as she looked at the card. It depicted a single cup, the Ace of Cups, her weapon card. “Alright Sweetie, you can do this,” she said as she slid the card into the slot on her Driver. “Arcana Bow!” The Driver said as an ornately designed bow appeared in her hand. “Alright, this should be simple,” Stone said over the intercom. “If you pull back on the bow an arrow should appear that you can use. We’ve never experimented with a Cups card before, but that should do the trick.” “Nice to know I’m the first,” Sweetie Drops said as she raised the bow and aimed for the target. She drew back on the bow and was surprised to feel resistance as an arrow made out of pink energy formed. She stumbled a bit with it and sent it flying into the wall behind the target she was aiming for. “Crap…” “It’s okay, you’re not used to using this kind of weapon yet,” Fancy Pants said over the intercom. “You just need a little practice and you’ll get the hang of it. I suggest trying again but wait a moment for the feeling of the bow to stabilize. You can get used to it easily enough.” “Right,” Sweetie Drops said as she aimed the bow at the target again. She concentrated as she pulled the string back and the same energy arrow appeared in it. “Just keep it steady… figures that I get the archery card…” “Is she nervous? I feel like she’s nervous,” Lyra’s voice said in her head which startled her so much she sent the arrow flying into the window separating her from the others and cracking it. “What the hell?” Sweetie Drops asked as she looked around confused. “Why did I just hear Lyra’s voice?” “What are you talking about?” Lyra said as she moved up to the intercom. “I didn’t say anything.” “No, you didn’t say anything, it was more like it was in my head,” Sweetie Drops said as she placed her hand on her head. Something about this was weird, why could she suddenly hear Lyra’s thoughts like that? “Okay, I heard that,” Lyra said suddenly as Sweetie Drops snapped up and looked at her. “You’re confused right?” “Yeah…” Sweetie Drops said as she blinked from behind the visor. “Director, do you have any idea what’s going on?” “Possibly,” Fancy Pants said. “Given that we’ve never used a card like this anything at this point is merely speculation. The closest thing I can think of is Kamen Rider W in Japan, some reports suggest that they had some sort of, psychic link to one another while wearing the Driver.” “Right, that makes me feel so much better,” Sweetie Drops said. “That’s not going to help me shoot straight. I’m not an archer you know.” “I know,” Fancy Pants said as he looked at Lyra. “But you’re going to have to learn. Right now we need all the help we can get if we want to take down Tripen and you’re the best chance we have at actually wounding him.” “Don’t worry, you’re going to be fine,” Lyra said. “Remember everything you learned back at camp? You weren’t that bad with the bow and arrow back then.” “Yeah, but that was years ago,” Sweetie Drops said as she raised the bow again and pulled back as she aimed the arrow at the target once more. “I don’t know if I can do this…” She felt a strange sensation at that as if someone was placing their hands on her’s. She paused a moment as she held the bow steady, the sensation was not unpleasant, it felt, warm and kind. She steadied the bow and fired at the target, hitting it in the crotch. “Were you aiming for that?” Lyra asked with a chuckle through their strange connection and Sweetie Drops just chuckled a little. “This is going to take a lot of getting used to you know,” she said as she raised her bow again and pulled back on the string. “Just don’t go poking around in my head, I’ve got secrets in there you shouldn’t know about.” “Oh, what’s this? The Colonel’s Secret Recipe?” Lyra asked with a laugh as Sweetie Drops let loose another arrow, this time impacting a target in the shoulder. “Much better,” Fancy Pants said over the intercom. “Keep it up and you’ll be a real archer in no time. Just make sure that you don’t mess up too badly.” “Like what, accidentally shoot my teammate?” Sweetie Drops asked as she raised her bow again and pointed it at a target that suddenly started moving. “What is this, Dungeons and Dragons?” “The risk is always there, and you can’t always be shooting at stationary targets,” Fancy Pants said. “You have to be able to hit any target with the same amount of speed and accuracy. This is how the archer works and you are going to have to learn.” “Right,” Sweetie Drops said as she readied her bow and aimed for where the target was but missed. “Son of a…” “You don’t aim for where he is, you aim for where he’s going to be,” Lyra’s voice said. “Come on Bon Bon, I know you can do this. Just line up your shot, try to anticipate your target’s next move, and you’ll be fine.” “When did you become an archery expert?” Sweetie Drops asked as she aimed the next arrow at the target. After a moment she let loose and hit the target square in the chest. “Oh, you know, I spent a few summers as a camp counselor, I needed to find work somewhere,” Lyra said with a laugh. “I picked up a few tips on archery, so don’t worry. Just think of me as your personal archery teacher. Relax your grip, don’t be too tense or it’ll throw off your shot.” “Right,” Sweetie Drops said as she looked at the target and aimed the nearest target that started to move again. “I’ve got this… I hope.” She pulled the bow back as the lined her shot up with the target and let loose another arrow that caught it in the arm. She quickly drew it back again and shot it in the leg, then the stomach. “Okay, so I never had someone who could conjure up arrows like that, nice work,” Lyra said with a chuckle. “I think you’ve gotten the hang of this, just keep practicing as best you can and we’ll be fine.” “Right,” Sweetie Drops said as she continued to practice on the targets as best she could. 00000 Sweetie Drops sighed as she laid on the couch in her apartment. She was feeling sorer than anything else after having trained with the bow. She sighed a little as she placed an ice pack on her arm and closed her eyes as she laid back. “You didn’t do too badly out there,” Lyra said as she took a seat on the chair near her. “It’s not exactly the same as going after a real thing though. Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” “Yeah, I guess,” Sweetie Drops said with a shrug as she looked at the Tarot Driver for a long moment. “It’s weird, ever since I started working for SMILE and found half the card I knew I was supposed to use it. But, I don’t know now that I’m actually here…” “It feels like the weight of the world is suddenly on your shoulders?” Lyra asked and Sweetie Drops nodded a little. “Yeah, I get what you mean and I’m not even the one using the Driver. What if something happens while I don’t even have the card with me? Doesn’t it only work if we’re both holding them?” Sweetie Drops paused a moment, she hadn’t even thought of that. Even if she was the one holding the Driver it wouldn’t do them much good if they weren’t both holding their halves of the card. “Okay, you have a point there,” she said with a sigh. “We’re going to have to figure that out. Maybe there’s something we can do about it to make sure that we don’t get into that situation. For now, I’ll give you my phone number and we’ll try to keep track of the halves, maybe we can put them in a necklace or something.” “Who knew being a superhero would be so complicated?” Lyra said with a sigh as she took out her half of the Lovers card and looked at it for a long moment. “It’s weird huh? We haven’t seen each other in years but we both found part of this card.” “Yeah, funny how that works out,” Sweetie Drops said with a sigh as she shifted over and looked at Lyra for a long moment. “I just wish that we wouldn’t have been drawn together by this kind of thing.” “Do you know what the thing was after when, Justice… I mean Scootaloo confronted him?” Lyra asked. “Sounds to me like an amateur drummer who was living nearby,” Sweetie Drops said with a shake of her head. “We’ve been trying to track him down ever since with no luck. I’m afraid that Tripen or whatever his name is may have gotten his claws on the guy.” “That’s not good,” Lyra said with a shake of her head. “Do you still think he’s going to come after me?” “I wouldn’t rule it out,” Sweetie Drops said with a shake of her head. “If he’s trying to collect musicians then he’s either going to stick to certain targets or find new ones. Given that it’s not easy to just find a new target without studying them it might depend on his timetable.” “So, basically we have to hope that he doesn’t get pressed for time and will go after someone else?” Lyra asked. “Yeah, probably,” Sweetie Drops said, really the truth was that it would be easier if he went after Lyra because they could find him that way. “But something about all of this still bugs me. It feels almost like we’re missing something.” “Who knows, maybe he’s trying to enter the Battle of the Bands or something,” Lyra said with a shrug and Sweetie Drops looked at her surprised. “What? It’s in a few days, it would make sense if he’s trying to put together a band right?” “I didn’t even think of that,” Sweetie Drops admitted as she brushed her hair back a little. “That makes a lot of sense, to be honest. So, if he’s trying to form a band, why doesn’t he just get musicians? Why go through all this trouble?” The two women thought about that for a long moment. Lyra took out her phone on a hunch and went through some things on it without looking up at Sweetie Drops. “How exactly do these card spirits pick their hosts?” “Well, we’re still figuring that out, but we think that it’s connected to the meaning of their cards,” Sweetie Drops said. “They seek out the most compatible individuals and make deals with them. Both the Five of Cups and the Eight of Swords seemed to work on this logic when Justice fought them, both exhibited their negative traits.” “Three of Pentacles,” Lyra said as she read off the screen. “It sounds to me like the Three of Pentacles reversed is someone who doesn’t have a high opinion of those he works with. He ignores their input and only cares about what he can do.” “I see,” Sweetie Drops said as Lyra handed her the phone and she read over the page from the site on the Three of Pentacles. “It looks like a pattern is definitely starting to emerge. So, what do you think, the leader of a band who had, creative issues with the others?” “Maybe, it’s not that uncommon in the music industry, especially among amateurs,” Lyra said with a shrug. “It’s what makes the most sense to me right now. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exactly narrow down a potential identity.” “No, but it’s a start,” Sweetie Drops said and gave Lyra a soft smile. “This is definitely a good start. We at least have an idea of exactly what kind of person we’re dealing with.” “And it explains the mid control element,” Lyra added. “They don’t want anyone to argue, they just want them to follow their vision blindly. Basically, they’re trying to create yes-men, and I don’t like it.” Sweetie Drops paused a moment, Lyra was right of course. Something about that still bugged her, and she had a feeling that it had to be more than just that. “You mentioned the Battle of the Bands,” she said as she looked over at Lyra. “How big is that usually?” “Well I’ve never been to one personally, but I’ve heard that they tend to draw big crowds,” Lyra said. “They’re a pretty popular thing on the local music scene. I was thinking about going myself if I had time.” “I’m starting to think that we’ve got bigger problems than just vanishing musicians,” Sweetie Drops said. “If this monster does have the ability to control people…” “Then if they play at the Battle of the Bands, it could brainwash the entire crowd,” Lyra finished as her eyes went wide. “They’d have an army of mind-controlled servants.” “The Order would just become more powerful, especially if they started spreading the music,” Sweetie Drops added as a chill ran up and down her spine. “This is bad, this is very bad.” “Agreed,” Lyra said with a sigh. “So what do you suggest we do?” “Me?” Sweetie Drops asked. “Yeah, you’re the monster hunter here, don’t you have any ideas?” Lyra asked. “First, we need to tell the Director our suspicions,” Sweetie Drops said with a sigh as she looked at Lyra. “If we’re right and that’s what Tripen is planning, then we’ve got a big problem on our hands. We’re going to have to approach this carefully, especially if they are able to pull this off. Right now, we have to beat that demonic rocker and stop him from doing whatever it is he is planning to do.” “Geez, never thought I’d turn into Batman,” Lyra said with a groan. “Batman?” Sweetie Drops asked as she looked at her confused. “You know, Fortunate Son, he fought against the “evils” of Rock and Roll,” Lyra said which just left Sweetie Drops more confused. “Okay, first chance we get, you are binge watching Atop the Fourth Wall Bon Bon.” “I’ll, take your word for it,” Sweetie Drops said as she just looked at her confused for a moment. “Let’s just worry about dealing with this monster first, I’ll call Scootaloo and we’ll work on coordinating our attacks a bit if we have to.” “Heh, Kamen Riders Justice and Amores working together,” Lyra said with a chuckle. “That sounds like a weird buddy cop movie to me.” “Hey, I never agreed to that name,” Sweetie Drops said. “I think we’re still in the discussion phase of my name.” “Oh I don’t know, something tells me it’s going to stick,” Lyra said with a laugh. “Besides, I’m sure Scootaloo is just as nervous about this whole thing as you are. And if you ever need anything, you know I’m right here by your side right?” “Yeah, I know,” Sweetie Drops said and smiled softly. “Thank you for coming back Lyra, I don’t know where I’d be right now if you didn’t.” “Well, it was that or keep trying at a floundering career, I think I made the right choice,” Lyra said with a chuckle. “But you’re very welcome Bon Bon. I’m just glad that I found you, even if it’s under such weird circumstances.” Sweetie Drops nodded as her mind drifted off towards the card. The Lovers, was that supposed to have a deeper meaning than just the close friendship that she and Lyra had? It felt weird to have the card be that specific right now. She just shook her head and sighed. This wasn’t the time to be thinking about this, she just wanted to deal with Tripen so that Lyra could get back to her normal life. So that he couldn’t threaten the city again. After all, that was her duty, to protect Canterlot and its people. She just hoped that she was going to be up to the task. 00000 “So, another Kamen Rider huh?” Apple Bloom asked as the three friends were seated at their kitchen table that night eating pizza. “Ah gotta admit, Ah wasn’t expectin’ that, or at least not this soon.” “The timing is good at least,” Scootaloo said with a shrug as she took a bite. “We needed a Rider with ranged attacks and it sounds like Agent Sweetie Drops can provide that. Still, something kind of bugs me.” “What’s that?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Someone was shooting at Tripen when he had me on the ropes,” Scootaloo said. “They weren’t aiming for me, they hit Tripen clean in the back and chest. I’m starting to get the feeling that someone else out there doesn’t exactly like the Order.” “Can yah blame them?” Apple Bloom pointed out. “They are causin’ nothin’ but trouble fer this city. Ah wouldn’t mind gettin’ a few shots at them mahself. When do we get a shot anyway?” Scootaloo sighed a little, that was not an easy question to answer. Though, the throwing knives might be more useful than anything else in this situation. They just had to make sure that they caught Tripen by surprise. “You’re right of course,” she finally said with a nod. “And given how powerful this monster is, we’re going to need all the help we can get to take him down. This could be a good opportunity to use those knives.” “We’ve always got your back Scoots,” Sweetie Belle said as she placed her hand on her girlfriend’s and squeezed it gently. “If you think that we can help with this, then we’ll help as best we can.” “Yeah, that monster won’t know what hit him,” Apple Bloom said with a grin as she took another bite of her food. “Yah saw how good we became with those knives. And not ta mention now that SMILE has access ta some Soul Metal they’re gonna be makin’ new weapons with it ta help out.” “The Order is going to have a lot more than just Riders to worry about,” Sweetie Belle said with a nod. “This is our fight too you know. If they’re threatening the city then we want to help too. Just make sure we get a chance to okay?” “Got it,” Scootaloo said and gave Sweetie a soft smile. “I did promise that you’d be able to help didn’t I? Again, sorry about how things went with Alupah.” “Not yer fault,” Apple Bloom said with a shrug. “There ain’t no point in dwellin’ on it.” “So, did you get any impressions about this, Tripen while you were fighting him?” Sweetie Belle asked. “He was a bit full of himself,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. “He liked to mock me, like, more than usual to be honest. I couldn’t even get in close because of his sound attacks, it was weird like he didn’t want to risk me getting too close.” “Yeah, that ain’t good,” Apple Bloom said with a shrug. “Sounds ta me like he’s playin’ it smart, but he needs ta be knocked off his high horse. Ah don’t suppose we’ll have back-up from whoever was takin’ shots at him.” “Probably not, I still don’t even know who that was,” Scootaloo said with a shake of her head. “And Fancy Pants is being cryptic about it, I think he knows something that he isn’t letting on yet. I don’t like it when people hide things from me.” “Well Scootaloo he is a secret agent, I’m sure it’s just a habit for him,” Sweetie said with a shrug. “If it was important, I’m sure he’d have told you what was going on.” “Yeah, you’re right,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “I just wish I knew what was going on with that strange figure. Something tells me that they’re going to be more important than we know.” “Well, there’s no point in dwelling on mysterious figures right now,” Sweetie Belle said as she finished her slices of pizza. “Right now, we need to relax and hope that we can come up with a plan to take down Tripen. The longer he’s out there, the more of a threat he’s going to be, right?” “Right,” Scootaloo said with a soft sigh. “And if he’s going after musicians, I’m worried he might go after…” She let that thought trail off and Sweetie sighed a little and leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Don’t worry Scootaloo, if he tries anything I’ll be just fine. I’ve still got at least one knife with me at all times and I know that he’ll have to deal with you. I trust you to help me if I really need it, and I can fight back as well.” “Really?” Scootaloo asked and Sweetie nodded a little. “Thanks, that, really helps me a lot. Just promise me you’ll be careful okay? I don’t want anything to happen to you.” “We’ll both be careful,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah promise, we can take whatever tha Order can throw at us. Ah’m not gonna let some monster beat me.” “Yeah, same here,” Sweetie Belle said. “Your grandmother said those knives are very effective when it comes to slowing them down at least. We can help, and we want to, we just need the chance to.” “Alright alright, I get it,” Scootaloo said with a chuckle. “I’m going for a walk to clear my head, okay? I’ve got a lot to think about.” “Don’t be too long,” Sweetie said and gave Scootaloo a kiss on the cheek. “I love you Scoots.” “I love you too Sweetie,” Scootaloo said as she pulled her coat on and headed out of the apartment. 00000 Scootaloo sighed a little as she reached a nearby park. She took a seat on the bench, even as it was getting dark she just wanted to get a chance to sit down and relax and try and figure out everything that had happened. She brushed her purple hair back as she leaned back on the bench and stared up at the darkening sky above her. There was a lot to take in right now, she had made it a point to do everything she could to help the city but Tripen had trounced her. Heck, if it wasn’t for that strange woman, she probably wouldn’t have survived the encounter. They were right, she needed help, there was no way she could take these monsters on her own if they were all going to be that strong from here on out. She just hoped that Sweetie Drops was up for the task. And that she was up for the task, she wasn’t really sure about either one of them. “Something on your mind kid?” A voice said from next to her and she snapped up to see an old man with short grey hair, aviators sunglasses and a mustache standing there dressed in a green sweater. “Nothing anyone would really understand,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she looked over at him. “Try me, I’ve seen a few things in my day,” the old man said and gestured to the bench next to her. “Do you mind if I take a seat?” “Yeah, go ahead,” Scootaloo said, this was a strange thing to happen but she figured that if he was going to try anything she’d be fine. “I’ve just got a lot on my shoulders right now, it feels like everything’s coming down around me.” “I think I’ve got an idea of what you’re feeling,” the old man said. “I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on in this crazy town myself. I heard about what was going on with Kamen Rider Justice, does this have anything to do with that?” “How’d you guess?” Scootaloo asked. “I’ve got an eye for this kind of thing,” the old man said with a chuckle. “Go ahead, you can tell me, I’m not going to tell anyone.” “I’m Justice,” Scootaloo said with a sigh. “I got into a fight with a monster earlier and, well it didn’t go well for me. I don’t really know what happened, but I’m, almost afraid that if I go out there again, it might kill me.” “Is going out there and stopping that thing the right thing to do?” The old man asked. “Yeah, even with the new help I got, we’re going to need to work together if we want to defeat him,” Scootaloo said. “I’m not much of a superhero, am I? I’m supposed to keep this city safe, but I keep being afraid that something horrible is going to happen.” “Tell me, do you know what makes a superhero?” The old man asked. “In my experience, a superhero is someone who stands for what is right. It’s someone who knows that the odds are against them but they stand up to evil. You don’t need powers to be a superhero kid, all you have to do is be able to stand for what is right.” “I don’t even know if I can do that,” Scootaloo admitted with a soft sigh. “I’m too nervous to even try right now. My friends want to help, I’ve got someone else who’s able to transform, but I don’t know how to tell any of them how I feel right now.” “Yeah, I see that,” the old man said and gave her a sad smile. “You’re going to have to make a choice. Do you live in fear, or do you overcome that fear and keep fighting the fight that you know deep down you need to? The way I’ve heard it, this city believes in you, they know you’re here to help and that you can do it. Being a hero is not about being without fear, it’s about being afraid and acting anyway.” Scootaloo paused a moment and then smiled softly. “You’re right,” she said with a nod. “Do you think I can beat that thing?” “I think, if you work together with your friends, then you can do it,” the old man said. “You’re going to have a long trial ahead of you. There will always be those who believe you should stop or give up, but don’t listen to them. Even if you’re the one thinking it. I know a thing or two about superheroes, and I know that you’ve got it in you to be a great one.” “Thanks, Mr…” Scootaloo said as she trailed off for a moment as she realized she never caught the old man’s name. “Call me Stan,” he said as he got up and offered her a hand. “Scootaloo,” Scootaloo said as she shook his hand gently. “Do you come around here often?” “You might say I’m just passing through on my way somewhere else,” Stan said as he gave her a soft smile. “Take care of yourself Scootaloo. Be the hero that I know you can be and nothing will stand in your way.” Scootaloo nodded as the old man walked off, she turned her head for a moment and when she looked back she realized he had vanished. “I’m seeing things…” she muttered as she shook her head, but he had given her a lot to think about. She just hoped that he was right. 00000 The next day passed without much incident, despite having all the satellites at their disposal pointed at Canterlot SMILE couldn’t get so much as a blip of activity. Sweetie Drops stayed with Lyra at the apartment. It wasn’t until the morning of the next day, with only one day left until the Battle of the Bands that something came up. “Are you sure you got a reading from here?” Scootaloo asked as she and Sweetie Drops pulled up in front of an old abandoned warehouse. “Because we’re not seeing anything.” “Confirmed, everything is pointing to a large energy signature in that area,” Fleur’s voice said on the other end. “What do you see there?” “Nothing honestly,” Scootaloo said as she looked around confused. “Do you see anything Agent Drops?” “No, I can’t say that I do,” Sweetie Drops said as she looked around. They headed into the warehouse which just left them more confused since it was just as empty inside. “I don’t like this, it feels like we’re walking into…” “A trap?” A woman’s voice said from above them and they snapped up to see a black-clad woman with a hat pulled down over her face. “Please, I wouldn’t be so petty. I simply wanted to had a chat with you.” “Who are you?” Scootaloo asked as she placed her hand on her Driver nervously. “Do you work for the Order?” “No, but I had a feeling that energy would draw your attention,” the woman said. “I heard that there was a new Rider in town, I wanted to see for myself. You’re not exactly what I expected, a bit short really.” “Hey, why don’t you come down here and say that to my face!” Scootaloo said as she started to take out her Driver but Sweetie Drops placed her hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder. “Calm down, she’s trying to test you,” the older woman said as she turned her attention back to the strange woman. “It seems like you went through a lot of trouble to get our attention. What do you want?” “You’re aware of the summoner I assume,” the woman said. “You’re in a lot of trouble if it’s who I believe it is. There is only one summoner in the Order that is powerful enough to do that, and he is second only to their Master.” “How do you know so much?” Sweetie Drops asked. “I doubt you just happened upon this kind of information.” “I am privy to the inner workings of the Order, that is all you need to know right now,” the mysterious woman said. “I’m here because you need my help.” She reached into her pocket and took out a box of bullets. She tossed them down with surprising precision as Scootaloo caught them. “What are these?” She asked. “They’re similar to Soul Metal, they can wound Agents of the Order, SMILE may be able to use them,” the woman said. “They’re what was used against Tripen earlier.” “Wait, you were the one who shot him?” Scootaloo asked as she blinked in confusion. “Why did you save me from him?” “Because I hate the Order with every fiber of my being,” the woman said. “They did a lot of things to me and my family, things that you wouldn’t completely understand. I want to see them all pay for that, and I will do whatever I can to make sure that happens.” “Understood,” Scootaloo said with a nod as she gave the box to Sweetie Drops. “I still don’t understand why you’re so interested in me now.” “Riders are the only thing that can stop the Order, you draw on their power and use it against them,” the woman said. “This is your best chance to stop them once and for all before it’s too late.” Scootaloo paused a moment, what did she mean by too late? Did this strange woman know something that they didn’t about what was going on? She didn’t like being kept in the dark about what was happening, but at least she seemed to be on their side. “Thank you,” she said softly. “Don’t thank me, not yet,” the mysterious woman said as she adjusted her hat a little. “Once the Order is defeated then you can thank me. The world would be a better place if we didn’t need to resort to such things.” “Yeah, like there won’t ever be a threat again,” Sweetie Drops said with a roll of her eyes. “We know the Order isn’t the only threat out there.” “Yes, but they are the most immediate threat, and the one that we need to deal with,” the mysterious woman said. “The fact of the matter is that we are at war. You can’t always play nice with your enemy, even if they are being used. Sometimes the world is better off without that kind of scum.” “I don’t agree,” Scootaloo said. “We have to avoid killing them unless necessary or we’ll be no better than they are. We can’t lose our humanity just because we’re fighting against monsters.” “An idealistic view, but not unexpected,” the mysterious woman said. “You need to be careful young Scootaloo Dash. This world is a treacherous one, and we cannot always afford to be merciful.” “What do you…” Scootaloo started to say but the mysterious woman just turned and walked off into the upper floor of the warehouse. “What was that about?” “Honestly? I have no idea,” Sweetie Drops said as she blinked in confusion and tapped her communicator. “Director, Fleur, did you get all of that?” “Yes, and it concerns us,” Fancy Pants said on the other end. “Also it seems that Tripen struck again while we were directing our attention here.” “What? How?” Scootaloo asked. “We had every satellite we could aim here, how did we miss them?” “He grabbed a bass player from Phoenix,” Fleur answered. “He knew we were going to be watching for him in Canterlot so he left town to do it. And we’re no closer to figuring out his identity.” “So, what are we going to do?” Sweetie Drops asked. “If you’re right and this is about the Battle of the Bands, then we’ll have to stake that out,” Fancy Pants said. “We don’t have a lot of choice at this point unless his signature comes up again this is going to be our best chance to stop him.” “Agreed,” Scootaloo said with a sigh as she looked back at Sweetie Drops. “This isn’t good, they’re going to have a chance to take as many as they can. Do we have any plans on how to filter out the suggestion?” “Flim and Flam are working on that now,” Fleur answered. “Hopefully that’ll be done in time for the Battle of the Bands tomorrow. We don’t know a lot about what’s going on, but this is our only chance to do it. The fate of the city if not the whole world is on your shoulders.” “Yeah, thanks for not putting the pressure on us at all,” Sweetie Drops said with a groan as she looked back at Scootaloo. “Do you really think we’ll be able to do this?” “Yeah, we can,” Scootaloo said with a smile. “We have to, this is our best chance to save the city. That’s our job isn’t it?” “Yeah, I know,” Sweetie Drops said with a nod. “I’m ready if you are.” Scootaloo nodded as they headed back out and climbed aboard their bikes. She looked back at the warehouse and sighed a little. She just hoped that everything was going to be okay. 00000 “WHERE IS HE?” Caesar demanded as he stormed into the throne room. “Who are you looking for? Priellit said without looking up from her table. “That insufferable second in command, the master placed me in charge of this invasion force, but he circumvented my authority by sending a monster!” Caesar said as he sneered. “I will not stand for this, the Master…” “The Master doesn’t care about your petty squabbles Caesar,” the cold voice of the man in black said as he walked into the room. “And with all your failures you have been on thin ice. It was bad enough that we failed 13 years ago, now you honestly expect me to believe that you believe the same old tactics are going to work again?” “You still went against protocol,” Caesar said as he placed his hand on his sword’s hilt. “I demand compensation! You should not have taken this…” The man in black said nothing instead he simply pushed his coat to the side and drew a sword and slashed it through the air. Energy waves went from the blade and impacted Caesar which sent him flying against the wall. “Why you…” Caesar started to say before he felt the tip of the blade pressed against his throat. “Do you know what they call this blade?” The man in black said cooly. “This is a blade infused with the souls of those who have suffered and died at my hands. You would not want to meet with the same fate would you?” “No…” Caesar said, now terrified of the man standing before him as the figure in black held the sword closer. “General Caesar, such an illustrious name for a dismal failure,” the man in black said. “I have studied many things about Earth history, and I find it interesting that you share a name with a figure from their own history. Julius Caesar, do you know what happened to him?” “You know I have little need for…” Caesar said only to have it be cut off when the man in black lowered his sword and grabbed him by his neck. “Caesar was a great general, but he got too full of himself,” the man in black said as he pulled Caesar in close as his eyes glowed red. “He was killed because he fancied himself a king and ruler by those who wanted to see him stopped. You are nothing more than a fool who fancies himself a master, and I will not suffer fools lightly. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes sir,” Caesar said. “But, I was given this position…” “Yes, you were, but I still outrank you,” the man in black said as flames started to form around him. “I am the Master’s right hand, and while he is gone you serve me as you would him. If I desire to send an agent of my own, then it is my prerogative, do I make myself clear?” “Yes sir,” Caesar said. “Then do not question me again,” the man in black said. “And watch your tongue, or my blade will cut it free. This is not some mere invasion, we will bring this world to its knees and we will start by destroying its protectors. Your monsters were not cutting it, so I had to intervene. That is all you need to know.” He tossed Caesar to the side and picked up his cane as he walked off. Caesar struggled to get to his feet as he scowled at the retreating man in black. “You brought that on yourself you know,” Priellit said as she shuffled her deck of cards and placed it on the table in front of her. “He knows you fear him, you dare not even speak his name lest it brings him down on you.” “Indeed,” Caesar said as he straightened himself out a little and brushed off his cape. “I do not enjoy being thrown aside like that. He will make a mistake, and I will be there to make sure that he pays for it.” “I’m sure you will be,” Priellit said as she rolled her eye. “For now Caesar, I would watch and see what he has planned. Perhaps we’ll finally have some success.” “Perhaps,” Caesar said, though deep down he hoped that this failed too just so he could humiliate the man in black. “But I’m not about to let him get away with this. If Tripen is defeated, I want to summon a monster as soon as possible.” “The wheel works in mysterious ways,” Priellit said. “I cannot predict when it will work through me and you know that Caesar. Do not presume to know the will of Fortune, only its Avatar and the Master know such things.” Caesar snorted a little as he shook his head. He had put little stock in the idea of the Wheel, but there was hardly any point in arguing with Priellit. She was the only summoner they currently had, or at least the only one that would listen to him. Now it was just a matter of waiting to see what happened next. He hoped that everything would work in his favor. 00000 When the time had finally come for the Battle of the Bands Scootaloo had to admit she was a little nervous still. Flim and Flam had put together some special equipment that would block out the suggestive messages in our earpieces. She pressed her hand against her’s as she entered the crowd, speaking quietly. “I don’t have any visual on the target, any luck up there?” “Negative,” Sweetie Drops replied, she was watching from the catwalk above the stage. “I checked everyone backstage. No demonic looking punk rockers to be found.” “Great, keep a close eye out,” Scootaloo said as she glanced up at the stage where a woman with spiked blue hair was busy playing on a turntable. “Anyone else see anything out there?” “No, just a lot of music fans, we don’t even know what we’re looking for,” Sweetie said over the communicator. “For all we know he could be using his human guise and we don’t actually know who he is.” “Stay focused,” Fleur said over the communicator next. “This is our best chance, and possibly our only chance, to stop him. The minute he appears I want you both transformed and ready. Sweetie Drops, wait until Scootaloo engages him before you use your bow, understood?” “Understood,” Sweetie Drops said. Scootaloo moved through the crowd as she looked around for any sign of the monster. Sweetie Belle was right though, they didn’t know what this guy looked like, he could easily be hiding in his human form somewhere in the crowd or backstage. She placed her hand on her pocket where the Driver was waiting. Somehow that made her feel a little better like she was going to be able to take this guy down. She glanced up to see Sweetie Drops just barely visible and she gave her a nod. “Alright Scoots, no pressure, just the fate of the entire city on your shoulders,” Scootaloo said nervously as she looked back out at the crowd. “How do you find a specific weirdo in a group of music fans…” She was about to report in that she hadn’t found anything. The night was running long and there was only one more band that was supposed to play tonight anyway. She was about to raise her hand to her ear as the DJ left the stage when smoke began to pour out of the stage followed by bursts of fire. “Is that supposed to happen?” She asked as she pressed her hand to her ear again. “No, we got information from the person in charge of the show, he said that no one was using pyrotechnics,” Fleur said. “This is bad, get into position…” Whatever she said next was drowned out by the sound of a guitar rift being blasted from the speakers. As the smoke cleared a band was on the stage with Tripen in front of the microphone holding a guitar as he shot energy into the sky. “Hello Canterlot, ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?” He shouted into the microphone as the rest of the band began to play their song. “Sorry our last entry couldn’t make the show, but we’re here to show you the real power of music! You will all serve ME!” Scootaloo flinched a little when she felt waves of energy falling over the crowd as the once cheering group suddenly went silent. They stood there in stone cold silence as they stared forward. “Report, is everyone okay?” Fleur’s voice said over the communicator as the song began to play. “Yeah, I’m fine,” Scootaloo said as she reached for her Driver and the others checked in. “Are you ready for this Agent Drops?” “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Sweetie Drops said as she looked down on the crowd from the catwalk. She took out her Driver and set it on her waist as the belt formed around her. “I just hope I know what I’m doing.” “You’ll be fine, I know it,” Lyra said over the communicator. “Just remember everything I taught you and you’ll have no problem.” “Right,” Sweetie drops said as she held her half of the card up. “Henshin.” She slid the card into her Driver’s card slot and it glowed as the second half formed as well. “LOVE CONQUERS ALL THINGS!” The energy flew around her as her body was covered by the same red and pink armor and the Arcana Bow appeared in her hands. She started down the catwalk towards where she could get down, it was time to take the fight to the monster. “Scootaloo, Ah’m on mah way with Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom said over Scootaloo’s communicator. “But we need yah ta engage them first, are yah up fer this?” “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” Scootaloo said as she took out her own Driver and placed it on her waist and held up the card. “Henshin!” “TIME TO TIP THE SCALES!” The Driver said as she slid the card into the slot and the armor and sword appeared around her. “Let’s do this,” she said as she pushed forward through the crowd once more. She made sure to not hurt anyone as she did, even if they were under his control she wasn’t going to put anyone in this city at risk. She reached the edge of the crowd and found herself in front of the stage, she shouted up at the monster guitarist. “Tripen!” “Well, well, you’re here for more punishment!” Tripen said as he grinned a little and ran his fingers along the strings of his guitar. “What do you say, boys? Let's show this so-called hero what it means to truly rock? Just like I told you, let’s do this!” The band began to play a new song as the hypnotized crowd suddenly snapped to attention and looked right at Scootaloo. “Okay, that’s not good,” Scootaloo said. “Don’t worry, we’ve got this,” Sweetie’s voice said and Scootaloo looked up just as Tripen let out a scream of pain as something hit him in the hand. She grinned a little when she saw that it was a familiar knife that had hit his guitar playing hand and impaled through to the strings beneath. “Nice throw,” she said as she glanced back to see Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom standing there holding soul metal knives. “Thanks,” Apple Bloom said with a nod as they turned back to look at Tripen who let out a scream that sounded equal parts pain and frustration. “Ah don’t think he’s happy about that.” “YOU LITTLE WORMS, YOU DARE ATTACK ME?” He screamed out as he threw his guitar off to the side. “YOU WILL PAY FOR THAT, YOU WILL ALL PAY!” He pulled the knife out of his hand and blood started to gush out before it closed up. He tossed it at the ground where it landed in front of Sweetie Belle who took a step back. “Okay, that does not bode well,” Sweetie Belle said as Scootaloo jumped up on the stage. “Come on Scoots, we’ve got this!” “I’m not going to let you get away with this,” Scootaloo said as she pointed the Rapier at the monster but he just laughed and fired a shot at her, but her armor absorbed it. “Not so big now without your guitar hand are you?” Tripen let out a roar as sound waves went out and hit Scootaloo, pushing her back a little. She grunted and ran forward, thrusting the Rapier at the monster only to have it be caught by his arm. “Okay, note to self… don’t taunt the monster…” “Agent Drops, if yah want ta make a move now would be tha time,” Apple Bloom said as she threw another knife at Tripen but he just dodged it. “Ah think he’s onto us.” Sweetie Drops took a position backstage and raised her bow. She needed to make sure she got a good clean shot as she pulled the bow back and aimed at the monster. She took a deep breath as she steadied herself. “You’ve got this,” Lyra’s voice said in her mind. “Just aim the bow, relax your grip, and make sure you aim straight and true. Don’t worry, you’ve got this if anyone can make this shot it’s you.” “Thanks,” Sweetie Drops said softly as she let loose the energy arrow and hit Tripen in the back and the demonic rocker let out a scream. “What the…” he said as he turned around and saw Sweetie Drops standing there as she drew her bow back and fired another arrow at him before he could react. “No one told me there was going to be two of you!” “Yeah, well get used to it,” Sweetie Drops said as she fired another arrow at him which he dispelled with a sound wave only to be cut across the back with the Arcana Rapier. “We’re in this together, and we’re not going to let you get away with this!” Tripen screamed as he tried to turn his attention back to Scootaloo only to get a knife in his chest as he fell back, struggling to get up. Scootaloo looked at Sweetie Drops and gave her a nod, “Do you want to do the honors?” “Sure,” Sweetie Drops said as she raised the bow and gripped it tight as she slowly pulled it back, energy gathered in it as she aimed it at the struggling to get up monster. “SONIC ARROW!” The arrow flew through the air and struck the monster hard sending him sprawling. He was surrounded by energy as the monstrous form vanished around him, leaving a card lying on the ground next to him. “Not bad for a first outing,” Lyra said as Sweetie Drops lowered her bow and let out a sigh of relief. “Though I wouldn’t mind a chance in the driver’s seat sometime.” “We’ll see,” Sweetie Drops said with a chuckle as she bent down and picked up the card. Three of Pentacles, another card had been recovered by them, it was a step in the right direction. “Keep it up and we’ll have a full deck in no time,” Lyra said with a chuckle. “Though I guess for now that means you’re not playing with a full deck.” “How long have you been waiting to make that joke?” Sweetie Drops asked with a groan as she watched Scootaloo power down and hug her friends as the crowd was starting to come back around. “Since I found that out, I’m still waiting to make some others,” Lyra said with a chuckle. “You’re jealous of her aren’t you?” “I don’t know what you mean,” Sweetie Drops said. “I sense your feelings, you wish you still had friends like she does,” Lyra said. “You missed us didn’t you?” “Maybe a little,” Sweetie Drops said and sighed a little as she went backstage. She didn’t want to worry about this right now as she powered down and put the Driver away again. But deep down, she knew that Lyra was right. 00000 “This is my place,” Lyra said as they pulled in front of an apartment complex. “Are you sure you don’t need any help?” Sweetie Drops asked as Lyra got her stuff together. “I can walk you up to the front.” “Nah, I’ll be fine,” Lyra said with a smile. “Thank you for everything Bon Bon, it means a lot that you were there to help me.” “Anything for a friend,” Sweetie Drops said with a smile. “Hey, do you want to get lunch together or something? You know, stay connected outside of fighting monsters…” “Sure,” Lyra said as she leaned in and gave Sweetie Drops a kiss on the cheek. “I’d be glad to do that with you. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Sweetie Drops blushed a little as Lyra grabbed her bags and headed up to the apartment complex. The agent smiled softly as she watched her go, Lyra turned and waved to her before she vanished inside. “What am I going to do now…” Sweetie Drops said with a shake of her head as she started the car back up and headed back home.