//------------------------------//
// The Dented Shield 
// Story: Kamen Rider Justice 
// by RuinQueenofOblivion 
//------------------------------//

Fleur had to give credit to the general, when he said he’d deliver he actually did manage to deliver. As of now, there was a massive crate being unloaded from a truck, two members of the G3 team hauling it inside the base. 

“Well, everything should be in order now,” McAllister said as he checked over the tablet and looked up at the crate. “The Order won’t know what hit them once we deploy this system.”

“You’re confident aren’t you?” Fleur observed, having a vague idea of what exactly was in that crate. Skeptically, she then asked: “Sure it’s not overconfidence?”

“I have every confidence in the system’s capabilities as well as the Corporal’s,” McAllister replied. “Have a little faith, Agent De Lis.”

“The G3-X system only offers a few mild improvements,” Fleur pointed out. “I’m confident in the Corporal’s capabilities, but less so in the suit’s. It, after all, is nearly two decades old by this point. And Gallus barely survived the attack by the Order’s generals, even with Sweetie’s help.”

“And what would you suggest?”

“You know exactly what I’d suggest,” Fleur said, her eyes slightly narrowed.

“Agent Shadow is not exactly in a position to help and the decision on Miss. Dash stands,” McAllister said. “We have an immediate threat and none of our contacts in Japan can get here quickly enough to assist.”

Fleur, with an unreadable expression, was forced to concede his point. “Very well then…”

“Agent, it is our mission to protect the citizens of this city, no this world from threats like the Order,” McAllister said. “We cannot keep placing civilians in danger. Miss. Dash has served her country, and we have other options now.”

Fleur bit her tongue and refrained from commenting on how Miss Dash had been doing a fine job, actually a better job than McAllister seemed to be giving her credit for. Yeah, sure she and Agent Shadow had made a mistake, a rather large one but all the same… The way things were going so far Gallus was going to get himself killed. Sweetie couldn’t always make it to the battlefield every time. One day soon, she may arrive too late to help her fellow Rider. 

Fleur honestly dreaded that day when it came. She sighed. McAllister’s heart was in the right place, but she couldn’t honestly say he understood the threat he faced. “Let’s hope he does come to realize it before he loses, what is apparently, his best man. Merci beaucoup Lord, for giving us such a mess.”

Fleur idly wondered if SAUL, the Blue Sky Organization and BOARD had to deal with nonsense like this. If so, she could understand why Megumi Aso had retired a few years ago. Fleur idly wondered if there were good retirement benefits in all of this. After all, putting life and limb in danger day in and day out just had to pay well right? ...then again, with the way the government worked as of late, she’d be lucky to see half of her retirement pension. God bless the US of A.

“My biggest concern is what she’s going to do if she doesn’t get to interview Miss. Dash,” McAllister commented. “Do we have agents watching her apartment complex?”

“Yes, of course we do,” Fleur answered as the two walked. “Not sure what good they’d do, considering that’ll be the first place Vignette’s likely to look. I’ve already got an evacuation order on standby. The less bodies we have to bury by the end of this the better.”

“Good, let’s hope it’ll work out…” McAllister said and paused a moment. “What do you think of Miss. Dash, Agent De Lis?”

“Off the record, or professionally?” Fleur asked for clarification.

“Both,” the General replied. “I am curious to be honest. I’ve read the reports on Justice, you understand that I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe it was the right decision. But I am curious about the woman herself.”

“Professionally? I think she’s headstrong, a little bit reckless and not at all suited for the job,” Fleur said. “Off the record, that same stubbornness keeps on driving her forwards. She’s brave, and so very kind. She wants, if you excuse the pun, justice for her family and that’s what keeps her going. She never lets it overwhelm her, and that I believe is why she’s best suited for the Tarot Driver.”

“I see,” McAllister said thoughtfully as he looked at the crate. “I will take that under consideration. She must be something else to earn the respect of everyone here.”

“Yeah, that she is…” Fleur said to herself. Honestly, Fleur wanted to take up the big sister role for Scootaloo, but her professionalism prevented it. She’d been keeping an eye on Scootaloo since that day, and yeah maybe it clouded her judgement a bit but she was so proud of the fine young woman she’d become.

Fleur frowned to herself slightly, just when had she become so sentimental? It wasn’t like her. She wasn’t a woman of sentiment, she was one of professionalism. What was happening to her? 

No, best not to think about this. She had a job to do, she wasn’t supposed to be anyone’s friend around here. She was supposed to be their boss, their supervisor. Not their sister, not their friend, just their fellow agent. Sentiment got nobody anywhere, it clouded their judgement and never kept them from thinking straight.

Hell, she was hardly thinking straight right now. Fact is, this whole sentiment for Scootaloo was probably clouding her judgement as is. She was biased, and Fleur didn’t like that at all. If you were to ask anyone else around the base, they probably wouldn’t have been so complimentary of Sc… Miss Dash’s actions. Damn her, she was getting to her. It was Miss Dash, not Scootaloo. Miss Dash. Miss Dash. She needed to keep reminding herself of that. 

Fleur shook her thoughts clear, she had a job to do, and right now? That was keeping Mister Gruff from getting himself killed.


00000


The Dash/Belle/Bloom household, again. Scootaloo peered out the window, in spite of herself. She didn’t like being cooped up in here, she had to be out there. She had to be out there protecting her city. Some might have called it dangerous, an addiction, but Scootaloo needed it for her own peace of mind.

She felt a pair of arms gently wrap around her and nearly jumped before she realized it was Sweetie Belle. “Hey Scoots, are you okay?”

“I’m not, I’m nervous. I’m antsy,” Scootaloo answered. “I… I need to be out there. Don’t you get it Sweets, I need to be out there. That’s my city. My city, and I can’t even do anything to protect it right now because of that damned order!”

“I know,” Sweetie Belle said softly as she pulled her fiance in close. “I swear, I keep thinking about that one clip from Mystery Science Theater 3000 we saw on YouTube that one time. You know the Uncle Sam one where he was going, ‘I’m the government, I’m the government, I’m the reason nothing works!”

Scootaloo snorted. “You’re terrible.”

“I heard the snort, though,” Sweetie said. “SMILE’s not the villain here, at least they’re not trying to be.”

“I know, and I messed up. I guess I do sorta deserve this,” Scootaloo agreed. “I should have stepped in and stopped Tempest. Wasn’t my place to be part and party to someone playing the Punisher, understandable reasons or not. Justice, in that case, was for the courts to decide.”

“You were tired from the fight, you couldn’t have stopped her,” Sweetie said reassuringly. “You didn’t force her to make a choice, she made that choice. Nothing that happened is your fault.”

“I… I know, but I could have at least tried…” Scootaloo mumbled.

“Scootaloo, you did what you could, and Tempest’s family is safe,” Sweetie pointed out as she sighed a little. “I agree that you should’ve stopped her from doing that. You’re a good person Scootaloo, it’s why you should be out there fighting. And it’s one of the many reasons I fell in love with you.”

“You know I hate sap, right?” Scootaloo said. “So uncool.”

“You love it when it comes from me though, you just don’t want to admit it,” Sweetie giggled.

“Mhmm, maybe…” Scootaloo said.

“I’m your fiance, I know these things,” Sweetie said as she smiled. “You’d miss my sap if I stopped doing it.”

“I dunno, maybe if you stopped for a week, we’d put that theory to the test. Who knows, mix it up a little, eh?” Scootaloo asked.

“We’ll see,” Sweetie chuckled. “Look, I know this time is hard on you, but I’m going to be by your side the whole way. And who knows, maybe the General will come to his senses, let’s just hope it’s soon.”

“I know, and… well, do you think there’s something that SMILE’s keeping from us? It’s… I just have this feeling,” Scootaloo said. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know something’s up. Like, I just do. It’s… well, you know when you have that chill up the back of your spine, like when you know something’s wrong. It’s… gah, maybe I’m growing paranoid. Maybe it’s this job, it’s starting to get to me.”

“No, you’re not growing paranoid…” Sweetie soothed. “You’re absolutely right, something is up. I’ve been watching the streets outside. Follow me.”

Sweetie gestured outside the window, and pointed to a nearby alleyway. There was a van resting there, seemingly abandoned. 

“Look there, just look,” Sweetie pointed.

“So, it’s just a van,” Scootaloo shrugged. 

“It wasn’t there yesterday.” Sweetie replied. “I swear it wasn’t!”

“And I thought I was the paranoid one, Sweets…” Scootaloo said looking at her fiancee. “It’s just a van!”

“Then why do I feel like I’m being watched…?” Sweetie shivered.

“Fine fine, I’ll go out to the van, and knock on the door. When nobody answers, will you please relax?” Scootaloo asked and Sweetie nodded nervously. Scootaloo grabbed her pants and her coats, and walked across the street and into the alleyway. With a raised fist, she banged on the side of the van.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

“See, nobody ho…” Scootaloo started before the back of the van opened. Two men in black suits were in the back, sitting at computers. “Oh come on! So what, are you guys spying on me now?”

She looked at the screens and groaned, yeah they were. Shown on the screens were obviously the views from security cameras and guess where they were all pointed? No, really. 

“Look, guys, I appreciate the concern, but this really isn’t necessary,” Scootaloo replied. “I can handle myself. And frankly, you’re scaring the fiancee.” she said, pointing behind her to the house where Sweetie was watching nervously.

Frankly, Sweetie was still scared over being attacked in her own home thanks to the Six of Pentacles incident. This wasn’t going to help her paranoia, really.

“Actually, you should be worried, both of you. Namely because…” the first agent said before being shushed.

“Hush, don’t tell her!” the second said.

“I’m a big girl, I think I can handle it.” Scootaloo drawled.

The second agent sighed. “Alright, so Vignette’s out of jail, and well…”

Scootaloo had that sinking feeling again.

“...and she’s going after me, I’m guessing. Great, just great. At this point, I should really consider a new address for me and Sweets,’ Scootaloo muttered to herself. “Well, with my luck Vignette’s an Order agent right now isn’t she?”

“Four of Swords, actually,” the first SMILE agent said. 

“OH COME ON!” Scootaloo yelled, stamping her foot. “I WASN’T BEING SERIOUS!”

“You really shouldn’t say stuff like that, it’s just begging for trouble,” Sweetie called with a light chuckle. “Are you trying to jinx us or something, Scoots?”

“...with my luck?” Scootaloo said with a small shake of the head. “We’re already jinxed, really. Good god, our wedding’s probably going to be insane.”

“Oh, a wedding?” came a familiar sickeningly sweet voice, and Scootaloo’s eyes widened as she saw Vignette descending like an angel of mercy, the moon at her back. “Oh, you really should have told me!”

Guns fired as agents poured out of the woodwork, one speaking into his walkie-talkie to warn SMILE of what was going on. Bullets bounced off Vignette’s golden skin as she descended from the heavens, her wings looking sickeningly like miniature blades.

“Um… hey Vignette,” Scootaloo said, taking a few nervous steps back. “So, how’s life?”

“Oh, it's very much looking up,” Vignette said with a wicked grin as her swords levitated up out of her scabbards. “I’ve gone through a lot of trouble to find you, Kamen Rider Justice.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened in horror, before they narrowed. “So these are the lengths you’ll go to for your exclusive stories?” she asked knowing she had to buy time. “Joining the Order? Just when I thought you couldn’t get anymore disgusting. Well, I gotta say, you’ve really outdone yourself this time in terms of sheer fucked upness.”

“I don’t care, all that matters now is the story,” Vignette said as she advanced. “So go on, tell me and the world who you really are, and maybe I’ll let you go. I’d suggest you comply, be a real shame if this Sweets of yours has to become a widow.”

Scootaloo’s eyes narrowed, before she ran up a wall, backflipped off it and drop-kicked the woman. Vignette staggered, as Scootaloo reached for her driver, before remembering. “Oh.”

Swords slammed into the wall above her head.

“So what will you do without your driver, then?” Vignette asked. “Fight me? Is this what the mighty Justice has descended to? Running like a coward?”

“Not fighting, no. Nor am I running,” Scootaloo said as she heard the roar of a motorcycle engine. “Just… buying time!”

She dived out of the way before Vignette was rammed in the chest by an old Honda X4, police lights flashing, Vignette being sent flying to the other end of the street. The user, covered in blue and silver armor stepped off, and leveled his gun at Vignette. Gallus dryly stated: “Doubt anyone will give you any awards for this report really, even if it's exclusive. Scootaloo’s right, you really are plumbing new depths of low.”

“You think I care? My life’s a mess now because of you lot, I’m going to get it back!” She hissed. Scootaloo had run for cover.

“You have no one to blame but yourself,” Gallus replied side-stepping a sword slash. “You chased after story after story, not caring about the little things like ethics or privacy. What happened is really all on you, woman. So don’t come crying to us about how your life is over. YOU destroyed it yourself.”

Vignette, he knew, was now at her most dangerous. She had nothing left to lose, and she was now at her most dangerous. She had to be stopped now. 

“You think I care at this point?” Vignette snorted as she pointed her cutlass at him, the swords turning back around and slashing at him again. “I’m stronger than any of you. And your little toys aren’t going to be enough to take me down!”

Several powerful punches seemed to prove her wrong, before Gallus went for the unicorn knife and delivered one single slash. Vignette actually let out a scream of pain, clutching her side.

“Want to test that theory, Mercy?” Gallus drawled. “This suit was made to kill angels. Let’s see what it does against you.”

“Then I’m going to use a new trick of my own…” Vignette growled as she called her swords back and held her cutlass up. The swords started glowing brightly as they came together with the cutlass and formed into a much larger sword that flew out right at Gallus. “Now, give me what I want!”

“A good solid lay?” Gallus drawled leaping over the sword and watching it boomerang right back to Vignette’s hands. He slammed a fist hard in her face. “Sorry, pretty sure nobody’s that desperate.” 

He dodged the sword swing as it came, and Vignette swung again. Gallus held back the blade with his hands, though visibly strained. He pushed upwards, and socked Vignette in the jaw and as she staggered scored a punch to the gut, before whirling around and scoring a slash with the unicorn knife. “Newsflash, bigger isn’t always better. Your reaction time is slower, meaning I can hit you again, and again, and again.” 

Vignette slashed again, and Gallus flipped sideways over her shoulder. The sword came around to cut him in half, but Gallus leaped over the blade and kicked Vignette in the face. He flipped backwards and landed, using the unicorn knife to slow himself. Spinning it in his hands, he said: “You’re not the only one with a few new tricks.”

Vignette shrieked and lunged forwards fist drawn back. Gallus grabbed her by the wrist and shoved her into a building. “Anger dampens you. Makes your blows easier to catch.”

“CATCH THIS!” Vignette said swinging her cutlass and three swords rocketed towards Gallus. He side-stepped one, and then another, only for the third to slash through his armor. Gallus stumbled forwards, falling to the ground only catching himself at the last moment. Vignette kicked him in the head. “I’ve had enough of dealing with you Riders!”

She punched him, again and again and again Gallus collapsing to the ground. Then, she lurched as Scootaloo held up the scorpion, shooting her several times in the chest. Scootaloo grabbed the briefcase resting on the Guard Chaser’s back, before shoving it towards Gallus. “Catch!” 

Gallus nodded, with a shout of: “Thanks, Tracer!” before pressing a series of buttons on it. 

The attache case stated in a monotone: “1, 2, 3. Releasing safety.”

The attache briefcase unfolded and was now a multi-barreled gatling gun. It thundered as Vignette’s monstrous form was riddled with bullets, her wings ripped to shreds. Vignette staggered, falling to the ground using a hand to catch herself. 

“See, a lot more guns.” Gallus drawled, numerous gold shell casings at his feet.

He was then caught off guard by a sharp pain as a fist impacted his back, sending him falling forward as Granforca stood over him, rubbing his fist. “We really need to stop meeting like this…” he grumbled as Caesar appeared behind Vignette. “And you need to learn how to fight better.”

Vignette grumbled as Caesar drew his sword and pointed it at Gallus. “So, let me guess, this is my only warning to stay away from your girlfriend?” Gallus spat. “I’ll be taking her in, going to let you know that right now. Put your chips on some other poor bastard. I’ll take them down as well. Seems the G3-X armor is more than a match for your minions.”

Caesar drew back his fist and all went black. 


00000


“This shouldn’t be possible, the only reason the other Riders were able to hurt our Agents was because they took our card spirits!” Caesar said as he stormed into the main room of the Order base, dragging Vignette behind him. “And that new weapon has managed to hurt her more than anything the others threw at us! This is impossible!”

“Ah… if I may speak?” Vignette asked nervously.

“You’re on thin ice here,” Caesar snapped as he turned and stared down Vignette. “You were supposed to be dealing with the Riders, not trying to score interviews with them!”

“It’s just… well, I’m a reporter and this G3 has always been nagging at me. Like I swear I’ve heard that name somewhere before…” Vignette replied. “I just now remembered where I’ve heard the name before. Back in the early 2000s, there were these incidents with creatures called the Unknown. G3 was deployed to stop them. Didn’t do much at first, until he got an upgrade into G3-X, which I just faced. Not sure if it’s the same one, probably not, but point being? That gun of his? It may be nearly two decades old but it’s meant for, apparently, dealing with angels. Depends on what you believe I guess. Anyways, seems it works just as well on you guys.”

“That or you’re just weak,” Caesar growled.

“Now now, Caesar, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” a voice said as the same man in black walked forward with his cane. “We assumed that their weapons would only hurt us if they were connected to us. This is a learning opportunity, we will adapt to make their... G3 system you called it? Useless against us.”

“You mean this is the first you’ve heard of G3, or… any other riders?” Vignette asked. “Forgive me if I speak out of turn here, but seriously, you didn’t research the world around you? The Tarot Riders aren’t the only Riders out there. They’ve had one since at least… oh, the 80s with that Black guy?”

“We are only here every 13 years, which you would know if you were properly synced with the Agent,” Caesar pointed out. “Last time we encountered Kamen Rider Magician, before that… well that’s another story. But the point is that we have almost never encountered other Riders. And once we succeed in our plans it won’t matter anyway.”

“If you say so…” Vignette trailed off wondering if these Order guys really knew what they were doing, or if they were about to get a very rude wake-up call…


00000


“You’re several kinds of crazy and then some, you know that right?” Fleur said as she helped patch Gallus up, the man finally awakening that next morning. “Like, merde… Taking on Vignette without backup and then flipping off a General.”

“Eh, I had the situation under control until that Roman weirdo and his muscle showed up,” Gallus said, flinching a little at the pain. “Could you be a little gentler? I’m still tender.”

“Consider it punishment for acting like such an imbecile,” Fleur stated. “You’re a big boy right? I think you can handle a trip to the doctor’s office. Who knows, might end up with a lollipop.”

Gallus just rolled his eyes a little. “I’m not a kid. How do the Tarot Riders handle these things?”

“By not charging in without a plan, for one,” Fleur said. “...though admittedly, that never seems to stop Justice. You do know why you’re here, right?”

“To help stop the Order.”

“Exactly, though that implies not getting yourself killed in the process,” Fleur said, poking him in the chest. “Understand?”

“U-Understood.” Gallus nodded weakly.

“What’s that?” Fleur asked.

“Understood Ma’am!” Gallus saluted.

“That’s better,” Fleur said. “Now, next time try not to get the G3-X suit so damaged okay? It’ll take a bit before you can safely use it out in the field again. Several of the internal systems are pretty badly damaged. That armor of yours has its limits, it won’t protect you for long against a General. It’ll do some damage to one, but really in practice you won’t last long. We’re developing a new attachment for your armor, though not sure how much good it’ll do you if you charge in again like some wild dog.”

“I… I see,” Gallus murmured, hanging his head in shame.

“What’s with you anyways?” Fleur asked. “You’re almost as driven as Justice to stop these guys, and that’s saying something. What’s your story?”

“Do you have a minute, because it’s a bit of a tale,” Gallus confessed. Fleur waved her hand for him to continue. “I was five, okay? I… I didn’t exactly have the best life growing up, really. Oakland was… well, you know what Oakland’s like I assume. It’s shit. But it was home for me. Just stay out of certain alleyways, and life was good. Maybe shoot some hoops. Went on a bit of an explore once, okay yeah not my brightest choice but I was a kid so sue me. Dragged my sister along with me, stupid ass choice really. Wandered into some warehouse, and that’s when I saw… it.”

“It?” Fleur pressed.

“It. I don’t want what to call it. It was… just an it. Looked like something out of Terminator really. Me and my sister barely got out of there alive. I wanted to talk to my parents about this, but what could I say? I went into some warehouse I wasn’t supposed to be in the first place, and saw someone’s robot thing? Like… shit, I wouldn’t even believe myself!”

“I… see,” Fleur said, the descriptions vaguely ringing a bell. “So that’s why…”

“Yeah, when I joined the military I had a purpose. To protect those closest to me, and to find out what that thing was and hopefully stop it before it hurts anyone else. I haven’t found it yet, but I’ll keep searching. And for the time being, help you with your Order. It’s the least I can do really.” Gallus said.

Fleur looked concerned for a moment as she stroked her chin. “A machine you say? That would be, 2000, 2001?”

“Thereabouts, yeah,” Gallus answered. “Why, what of it?”

“That’s around when SMILE was first starting up and was experimenting with advanced AI called T.I.T.A.N., the files are confidential so I shouldn’t say much more than that,” she sighed. “But the Terminator comparison isn’t completely inappropriate. It’s been missing since around that time.”

“...so I stumbled upon one of your messes then?” Gallus asked. “...wow, funny how this ends up working out then. Oh, the irony. So someone was fooling around with AI before Korenosuke Hiden got started? ...I hope they know what they’re doing, because, like I’ve seen every Terminator movie. Yes, even Salvation. Really, they have no-one but themselves to blame if this goes bad.”

“It was early in SMILE’s life, we were looking for ways to keep track of Kaijin, mistakes were made,” Fleur sighed. “Like I said, it’s classified.”

“Because of course it is,” Gallus drawled. “That one won’t come back to bite you in the future, I’m sure.”

“Just rest, okay?” Fleur sighed. “I’m sure you’re going to need it…”


00000


“Well, seems your paranoia isn’t exactly unfounded is it?” Scootaloo said with a grimace, leaning back on the couch. “So, this is… what, the second time our place got attacked?”

“I’ve lost count actually,” Sweetie answered. She chuckled bitterly. “...so much for being a normal couple really.”

“...I don’t think we were ever a normal couple really…” Scootaloo said. They’d decided to crash at Silver’s place, given SMILE had cordoned off their regular home. Well, that and Sweetie didn’t exactly feel safe sleeping in her own bed right now. God only knew if Vignette would try again, and this time she knew she could probably handle Gallus thanks to the Generals having her back.

“Blue and silver government issued Rider,” Sweetie muttered. “...anyone else getting that strict sense of Deja Vu? Or is it just me?”

“No, I think I’m getting flashbacks as well. And maybe a little headache,” Scootaloo admitted. “It’s… yeah. Ooof, yeah, there’s the headache. What is it with our luck? Like, who’d we piss off in a previous life?”

“Don’t ask me,” Sweetie said. “Oh well, at least we’ve got each other. ...honestly, between you and me?”

“Yeah?” Scootaloo asked.

“I… like you not being a Rider right now. I worry and I fret every time you go out into the battlefield, that you’re never going to come back and… God!”

“I know, I know, Sweets,” Scootaloo soothed running a hand through her hair. “But I can’t not just ignore the city when it cries out can I? It’s my…”

“Duty?” Sweetie Belle answered. “...real crappy duty if you ask me. But then again, what do I know? I’m not a Rider, so I suppose it’s something I just don’t… get, really.”

“Trust me on this, it… sucks. Like, it really does,” Scootaloo said. “Like, the suckage is major.”

“I’ve begun to figure that out, yeah,” Sweetie said. “You say you’re doing a duty to your city, but you never look… happy during it.”

“It’s just a job, not necessarily one I like but it is my job. Not one I can just quit either, given I’m the only one who can use the Tarot Driver. Well, one of the only ones really,” Scootaloo said. “But I promise you Sweets, as soon as the Order is defeated, I’ll hang up my belt. We’ll live our lives together and hell, maybe I’ll be a mother. I sorta like the idea of kids, the little rugrats running about and causing a bit of chaos from time to time.”

Sweetie kissed her softly. “I’ll hold you to that promise, okay?”

“Noted. Sticking a pin in it,” Scootaloo said.

From the doorway, Apple Bloom and Silver watched.

“They’re cute, aren’t they?” Apple Bloom asked. “Like, they really are.”

“Sickeningly,” Silver said. “Shame about their wedding though, I wonder if… Nah, probably not.”

“When did you figure it out?” Apple Bloom said. “Like, did Diamond…”

“No, she didn’t need to,” Silver replied. “I sorta figured it out all by myself. I’m not stupid you know. Diamond passed off about all of her schoolwork to me for a reason. I think I can figure out that Scootaloo’s actually Kamen Rider Justice. Explains a fair bit, really!”

“Right…” Apple Bloom said. “Now what’s this about the wedding?”

“Right, well, if this SMILE group of theirs won’t give them a proper wedding, well then! I say we do it ourselves. Want something done right, you gotta do it yourself eh?” Silver said. “I know a few people, here and there. I know someone who just might do as a caterer. My cousin works for him. Lives in Zawame actually. Took lessons from him as a patissier. Cuz speaks of him often. He’s tough as nails, but he’s a good guy. Mostly. If not a bit… odd.”

“Well, I think we can handle ‘odd’ given who we’re friends with.”

“Too true!” Silver agreed with a laugh. “Now, where did I put my phone…?”


00000


“Well, I think it’s safe to say the G3-X armor add-on is a rousing success!” McAllister said. “Wouldn’t you agree, Agents De Lis and Drops?”

“Well, I wouldn’t go with rousing. A success certainly, but maybe not rousing,” Fleur said. “General Caesar, soon as he arrived, handed Gallus his derrière on a platter really. The suit’s in pretty poor condition as is, it’ll take several days before it’s back up to full strength.”

“So, we adapt it even further,” McAllister said. “Easy as pie, right? And we now know that the GX-05 Cerberus works like a charm. We can just reverse engineer it and job done. Mission accomplished.”

“Funny, I know another famous American who once said that, and yet the war proved to be far from over…” Fleur grumbled and McAllister looked at her. 

“Something to say, Agent De Lis?” he asked critically.

“Oh yes, I’ve got something to say actually,” Fleur spoke. “So that’s all Gallus was to you? A ‘proof of concept’? A test dummy for weapons that worked against the Order?”

“Well, no…” McAllister said.

“Funny, looks that way to me!” Fleur said, crossing her arms.

“Mind your tongue, Agent De Lis,” McAllister warned with a sharp glare. Fleur wasn’t even fazed, much to his surprise. “You’re bordering on insubordination.”

He had finally gone too far, and Fleur had, quite frankly, had enough of him. Right now, she was mad enough to not care about the consequences.

“Actually, no I won’t hold my tongue. This is SMILE, not one of your bases where you can just throw your weight around. Fact is, you don’t have much authority here really. I’d kindly like you to get out of my office, actually,” Fleur said pointing to the door. “The door’s that way.”

“Fleur…” Sweetie said disapprovingly.

“Oh, hush!” Fleur snapped. “I don’t know when you suddenly became a fan of this guy, but your loyalty is to SMILE first and foremost. It’s not pandering to the US Government’s whims. Or at least not the military’s whims. When you forgot about it, I’m not sure, but right now frankly I don't want to even talk to you. Now get out of my office. And don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

Sweetie, however reluctantly, obeyed. For whatever reason she found herself in the gym, destroying punching bag after punching bag as Amores. Lyra listened as Sweetie vented, ever the caring lover. Secretly, Lyra had suspected what had just happened had been a long time coming. She’d heard quite a few things about McAllister, not all of them necessarily good. 

“Wow, you’re in a mood,” Lyra remarked. “Who’s got you all hot and bothered, because it’s certainly not those bags. They didn’t do anything to you, I’d think!”

“It’s… Fleur, and well, I’m worried. She’s right, isn’t she? I’m starting to bend too much to General McAllister’s will. Look, I’m sure he’s a nice enough man, but… God! Fleur’s right. For the most part, Gallus was just a ‘test dummy’ for anything that could work against the Order. And I just followed along like a loyal dog, never questioning.”

“He’s your superior officer isn’t he? It’s only natural you’d want to please him at every turn. Even if common sense would say otherwise,” Lyra said. “He’s not a bad man, no, but you need to find a balance. You’ve got two things to be loyal to. SMILE, and the US Government. You can’t just suddenly choose one or the other. That’s what Fleur’s mad about, I’d imagine.”

“I suppose, maybe you’re right…” Sweetie answered.

“Oh, you know I’m right. I usually am, aren’t I?” Lyra asked.

“And here I thought I was the one wearing the pants in this relationship…” Sweetie mumbled.

“Nope, you’re just the one wearing the mask!” Lyra jingled.

Meanwhile… 

“So, I heard you had a bit of a blow-up at General McAllister,” Fancy Pants said, having called Fleur to his office. Really, it wasn’t hard to have heard about it. The whole base’s gossip chain ran rather quickly. Fancy was amazed secrets were kept as well as they were these days.

“One long coming, really,” Fleur said fairly unapologetic about her actions. “He’s been a real thorn in my side, and probably yours as well actually. I understand there needs to be consequences for all of our actions, but this is getting stupid. Taking Scootaloo’s driver away? Oh yeah, weaken our team even further. Tempest’s punishment I get, but this is going too far. We only have one really effective Rider now. Yeah, Gallus can do some damage, but he can’t last long in a fight. And the Order knows it. They’ll be sending their Generals out to protect Vignette now, you know.”

“I… do know that actually,” Fancy said, sounding rather ashamed. “I have… made mistakes. I think we all like to think that with age comes wisdom, but the truth is, it doesn’t. In reality, our mistakes just end up being far larger. Thank you Fleur, for catching mine in time before any real damage was done.”

“You’re… welcome, sir?” Fleur asked, rather surprised. “I was expecting to be punished.”

“Consider yourself on leave for a day,” Fancy smiled warmly. “Go on, treat yourself to something nice. Go to that day spa I know you like.”

“T-Thank you sir!” Fleur stammered out, truly stunned she was being let off this lightly. “But aren’t you worried about any blowback from this?”

“I’ll handle McAllister, you just go and enjoy yourself eh?” Fancy smiled before he frowned as Fleur left. He reached under his desk, and pressed a button. A painting moved aside, and he pulled a briefcase from out behind it. Opening it, he sighed as he pulled out a fourth driver. On it was the infinity symbol. “...I think I know exactly what to do with this one in the coming days…”


00000


“So, superheroes right? Isn’t that what you call yourselves?” Vignette asked, having somehow hijacked the tv stations. “Well, here’s a little exclusive extra for you. If you don’t get here on the double, this guy’s taking a tumble!”

She’d shown a man dangling off a bridge, held up by the leg via a shadowy cloaked figure. Needless to say, G3-X and Amores had quickly been mobilized. 

So, that was the current situation, with Gallus approaching Vignette cautiously. From a building a few blocks away, Amores stood ready, her bow aimed directly at Vignette’s heart. 

“So this is what you’ve resorted to, Vignette?” Gallus asked disgustedly, ready to go for his gun at the drop of a hat. “Petty threats? Gee, you’re a few steps out of a comic book by now. What, do we have to throw a symbiote on you or something?”

“No, if I was out of a comic book I would start monologuing,” Vignette said, then shimmered and vanished. Then from behind Gallus there was a whistling sound and a sharp pain as one of her swords slashed at him.

“Cute…” Gallus said as he went for the Cerberus. “Real cute.”

The air thundered with the sound of the gatling gun’s weapons fire, bullet casings falling to the ground by the second. Gallus did a 180 degree sweep, leaving no area covered in bullet holes. He knew she was here somewhere. Oh well, he’d hit her eventually. See, Gallus had an easy enough solution to problems he couldn’t solve. If one type of gun didn’t cut it, grab a bigger one. It generally worked pretty well.

“Shame she doesn’t have huge guts, eh?” Amore’s voice crackled over the coms with a laugh. “Sadly, I’d rate hers as very small. Coward can’t even be bothered to fight you face to face!”

How was she doing this? Was teleportation one of her powers? Gallus had to wonder. Okay, for the time being he’d assume on top of flight and her sword abilities she had access to teleportation. He whirled around at the sound of footsteps to strike Vignette with the unicorn knife, -having tossed his gun aside- only for a blade to slash through his armor.

Clutching his side in pain, Gallus shouted: “You know, for a woman who used to be in a career that thrived on honor and integrity, you seem to have very little of either! Journalism used to have a romance to it, guess with people like you that’s why it’s gone down the drain!” he barked. That was it, get her angry enough to show herself. “Nowadays it’s all about hits, clicks, and hatchet jobs!”

“Hey, a girl’s gotta make a living,” a voice said from behind him, he snapped in that direction only to get slashed by another sword and no sign of her still. “And why shouldn’t I go after this story? People deserve to know who their heroes are, I get that unlike that hack blog Rider Watch.”

“So you’re J. Jonah Jameson, not She-Venom then,” Gallus said, listening out for her footsteps. “Nice to know. You’re still crap, just a different kind of crap.”

There was the twang of a bow string, and a sharp ear-piercing sound rang out through the air. Gallus’ suit quickly silenced the sound, but as for Vignette…? She stumbled into view only to get punched in the face. Gallus flashed a thumbs up to his partner before drawing his knife again.

“Nope, definitely She-Venom!” Sweetie drawled.

“Well, well, still having problems I see,” a voice said as a man appeared out of thin air. He appeared similar to the other Order Commanders, only he had robes with the symbols of the four Tarot suits attached to his waist as he leaned on a staff. “Good thing they sent me to lend you a hand.”

Around this time, the figure holding the man had vanished and… oh, of course. He should have known, he was so stupid! “Gallus, get out of there!” Sweetie warned. “That’s one of the Generals!”

“I’ll… I’ll take him down too! I am a Kamen Rider, and this is my duty!” Gallus growled, planting his feet and grabbing the Cerberus, going for it’s rocket launcher mode. He fired. 

The robed monster just raised his staff and caught the missile in mid-air. He pulled it back and sent it flying back into Gallus’ chest. “Really, did you think it would be that easy?”

Gallus had been sent flying back, armor plating being ripped away. But still he stood. “As long as one man stands against you, that’s all there needs to be,” Gallus said clutching the Cerberus, his finger on the trigger. “That’s all there needs to be. If you tell me to move, I’ll tell you otherwise. I’ll plant my feet and tell you: “No, you move.”

Bullets flew and shell casings clattered as the air racketed with the sound of gunfire. 

The bullets hit the robed man as he lowered his head, each one hitting him without him pausing. When the firing finally stopped he just raised his head and the bullets fell to the ground one by one. “Did you really think that would work?”

“Well, I’d thought I’d give it my best shot…” Gallus said weakly, his armor already half ripped away.

Gallus felt another pain as a sword slashed across him, this time from Vignette’s cutlass. A golden fist then struck him across the face, knocking him back as she grinned, pointing her sword at him as she kicked away the gun. “Not so high and mighty now are you?”

Gallus slid back up against a pillar, bleeding and bruised. His vision was blurred, one eye half knocked shut. He went for his pistol. Then, there was possibly the most wonderful sound in the world as came the roar of a motorcycle engine. Vignette found herself knocked away, and the Magician staggered as the rear tire of a motorcycle ground itself up against his face. The bike touched ground again, and spun to face the two monsters. The rider threw off her helmet. 

“Sorry I’m late,” Scootaloo said as she climbed off her bike. “Traffic was killer. Are you okay?”

Gallus nodded weakly, managing to cough out: “Kick their asses for me will you?”

“With pleasure, I’m actually going to enjoy this one,” Scootaloo said as she raised her Driver and placed it on her waist as the familiar belt formed around her as she slid the cards into her Driver’s slot. “Henshin!”

“TIME TO TIP THE SCALES!”

As the green and black energy flowed over her, the armor wrapping itself around her as the Arcana Rapier appeared in her hand and she pointed it at the two of them. “I can see your future, and it’s not bright!”

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAGGGHHHHHH!!!!” Vignette screamed as she surged forwards.

Scootaloo caught the cutlass with her own rapier, grabbing another card from her deck box and sliding it into her Driver.

“ARCANA CIRCLE SHIELD!” The Driver said as a shield appeared on her other arm just in time to catch one of the flying swords.

“I’ve been looking forward to this ever since you did that stupid video on Kamen Rider Kiva being just as bad as the monsters they fight,” Justice said side-stepping another sword. “Kinda personal, you know?”

The Magician tried to strike Justice but was blown backwards by a series of arrows from Amore. “And stay down…” she muttered.

“I’ll deal with the archer, you take out Justice,” the Magician monster said as he tapped his staff on the ground and vanished.

“Looks like you’re on your own,” Scootaloo said as she held her sword and shield out. “I’m taking you down, now!”

Amores took a running jump off a rooftop, and slid down another before leaping off that one as well. She was soon on the battlefield, spotting the Magician fleeing. “Oh, no you don’t!”

Amores’ eyes had narrowed as she changed her bow into combat staff mode. Swinging it, she went for the Magician's knees before roundhouse kicking him in the stomach. Rapidly switching her weapon back to bow mode, she drew back the string and fired. 

“Good to have you back,” Amores said to Justice, side-stepping a slash from the Magician and karate-chopping him across the neck. “Been getting a bit boring, actually.”

The Magician teleported behind her, but Amores was ready, swinging her bow and rapid-changing it to combat staff mode slamming it into the side of his head. She slammed the tip into his stomach, and thrusted upwards lifting him before tossing the General behind her. The Magician picked himself up, thrusting forwards with his weapon only for Amores to side step. She grabbed him in a hurricane maneuver, slamming him bodily back into the ground. “Did you not hear me asking you to stay down?”

The Magician knocked her off her feet with a leg sweep, before grabbing her in a chokehold. He shoved her against the wall, but Amores stamped hard on his foot before leaping forwards and going into a diving kick. “RIDER KICK!” 

She bulldozed him through several walls, the Magician rolling along the ground, his cloak covered in dirt and dust. Slashing a card across her bow, she fired off another finisher. 

The Magician staggered from the force of the second finisher, even as Justice threw Vignette through the wall. Dusting off her hands, Amores grinned under her helmet before speaking: “Yeah, see, this is the part where you lose. There’s no version of this where you come out on top. Got a Driver with your name on it.”

“You really think it’s going to be that simple? I’ll see you again, very soon,” the Magician said weakly as he slammed his staff down on the ground and vanished into thin air

“Okay, correction,” Sweetie said as she turned her gaze to the now very afraid Vignette. “There’s no version of this where you come out on top. No Generals to hide behind this time, I’m afraid. Justice, I’ll hit her high, you hit her low.”

“Got it,” Scootaloo said as she took a fighting stance. “Ready whenever you are.”

The fight, if you could even call it that, was frankly rather embarrassing for the most part. Vignette was so fueled by anger and indignity, her blows were easily dodged or caught. Sweetie smacked her around several times with her combat staff, before Justice wrapped her legs around Vignette’s upper body and threw her to the ground. Grabbing Vignette, she slammed her up against a wall and tossed her towards Sweetie who punched her in the face. Justice and Amores shared a nod before both Rider Kicked her roundhouse kick style.

“You enjoyed that a little too much, didn’t you?” Amores asked.

“A bit maybe,” Scootaloo chuckled as she looked at the unconscious Vignette. “So, back to jail with her then?”

“Yep,” Sweetie replied as the Four of Swords card appeared in her hand. She was half tempted to destroy it for how much trouble it’s user had caused. “Let’s see here. Espionage, consorting with the enemy, domestic terrorism. How screwed is she again?”

“Very.” Sweetie said canceling out her transformation, Scootaloo to follow. “Like I said, it’s good to have you… Gallus!”

She broke into a sprint, having suddenly remembered her teammate. Kneeling down next to the man, she breathed out: “God, please tell me you’re alright…”

“I’ve… I’ve been better,” Gallus said weakly, giving a small thumbs up. “But I’ll live. Tell me, Vignette?”

“Ass kicked,” Scootaloo said as she went for her phone, dialing 911. “You can rest now.”

“I’m… I’m going to be in for it, aren’t I? Trashing the G3-X armor as I did.”

“Fleur’s a forgiving sort, I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Scootaloo said, kindly stroking his hair. “Thank you, for filling in for me.”

“It was my pleasure.” Gallus breathed as the sounds of sirens were heard. “Now… now? I think I’m going to take a very long rest…”


00000


“I’ll be taking my leave now, Director,” McAllister said as he was gathering up his things. “I know we didn’t exactly get along…”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Fleur muttered.

“But after everything that has happened I believe that my initial decision was incorrect,” McAllister said, taking a deep breath. “The techs back at headquarters are going to have to go over the G3-X suit mind you, but it’s not properly equipped to fight against the Order. Still, we may salvage something from this.”

“Of course, thank you for understanding,” Fancy Pants said. “We will keep you apprised of further details.”

“Of course, I look forward to your reports,” McAlister said as he picked up the final file folder and looked at Fleur for a moment. “Tell Miss. Dash I am sorry for my rash decision. And once the Corporal is out of the medical wing, he’ll be given leave for as long as he needs it.”

The General walked out of the office with the files under his arm and Fancy Pants and Fleur let out a sigh of relief.

“I swear, if he stayed any longer I’d have punched him in the face,” Fancy Pants groaned.

“I’m glad I wasn’t the only one,” Fleur said with a laugh. “I think he meant well, in his own way. At least he came around before it was too late.”

“Yes, quite,” Fancy Pants said as he turned back to his computer.

“I’m going to the Medical Wing,” Fleur said as she walked out of the office and turned down a hallway.

Meanwhile in the elevator going up, McAllister was looking through the G3 file for a moment and shook his head. The G3 suit was outdated, this test run had shown that much. The Tarot Riders were more than enough to fight the Order, but there was always the risk of more threats.

As he stepped out of the elevator he opened another folder and dialed a number on his phone. “Yes, this is General Roland McAllister, tell the Doctor that Project Assault is a go.”