//------------------------------// // Ride 19: Paper Moon // Story: Kamen Rider Achilles // by Axle the Cobalt Exorcist //------------------------------// Lightning crackled through the room in all sorts of colors, hitting everything but the doctor that stood in front of the machine. Walking into the room, Cypher saw the chaos unfolding. “I know there must be a way. You will bend to my will!” Kurogiri declared. It was then that a stray bolt of pink lightning exploded towards him. “Doctor!” Cypher yelled out as he ran forward, activating his transformation. “PEGASUS!” Morphing into his armoured state, he tackled the doctor out of the way before he could get hit. The lighting was growing more intense as the Advanced tried to get closer. He smacked down onto an emergency shut-off. The energy died down and only the cube with a storm cloud inside remained on the machine. “What was that?” Cypher asked as he helped the Doctor up. “It is what might be my greatest work yet,” Kurogiri answered as he approached the machine again. “When I was just starting to work on the Magi-beast cards, this was one I had never seen before. Something that has a power we could only dream of. It was something I dabbled and tinkered with before, but was too busy with helping Starlight to really focus on. I just know there is a way I can master this power.” “So this thing will lead to the next phase of your plan?” The winged creature asked. “Indeed," the doctor answered. "I was hoping observeing the different magi-beast would give me a clue as to how to unlock its power, but the data I have so far has been useless." He soon made his way to a small vault in the room. After typing in a code and going through several scanners, Kurogiri opened it and pulled out a pane of glass. Within the glass was a set of different magi-beast cards. “These are some of the first cards I created. After the incident with Starlight, I had to put testing with them on hold. However, one of them appears to share many characteristics with the card trapped in the cube. Maybe observing that one will give me more useful data.” “Leave it to be Doctor, I will not fail you this time!” Cypher declared. “I know you won’t Cypher,” The Doctor said as he handed the card to the Advanced. "THAT ABSOLUTE JERK FACE!!!" Trixie was pacing back and forth in the hallway of the Sentry household. When Flash told her what happened yesterday, Trixie still hadn't calmed down. "Not only does he have the gall to say who Twilight can and can't be friends with, but to threaten you with his rider powers. Isn't there like a rule that says he can't do that?" Flash, In his pyjamas, opened the door to the bathroom partly. He looked very sickly, with bags under his eyes and his hair a mess. "Yeah. He's the worst," Flash's voice was very weak. "Are you going to do something about this?" She asked. "I'm in no position to do anything right now," the rider responded. After saying that, the teen dry heaved. “I can’t be more than five feet from this bathroom.” “Ok, you have to deal with this flu thing. But after that, you need to stand up to this guy.” "Yeah, I'll tell the girls about it when I'm able to keep down solid foods. Twilight needs to know how two-faced the guy is." Out of nowhere, his eyes went wide and closed the door. The sound of vomiting soon filled the air. "Jeez, this bug is doing a number on you. Good thing there isn't a monster attack," Trixie pointed out. "Shining can take care of anything that comes up," Flash replied through the closed door. "What about Unicorn and what she said?" Trixie asked. "That whole 'a world where everyone gets what they deserve' thing. Does she somehow want to be a good guy or something?" "I have no idea. Maybe she has an axe to grind with the doctor," Flash responded whilst opening the door again. "I would be lying if I said it didn't sound pretty good. But I don't trust any of those guys more than I can throw them." "Jeez," Trixie leaned back on the wall opposite the door, sliding down till she joined Flash sitting on the floor. "Ever since Timber showed up, it's just been one thing after another." Flash let out a laugh. "Yeah, just fighting monsters on a weekly basis sounds pretty good right now." “The number you have dialled is unavailable to take your call. If you wish-” “Gosh darn it!” Shining yelled at his phone for the fourth time within the hour. “Trouble at work Honey?” A gray-skinned woman in a purple sweater vest asked. Her hair was violet with a streak of white in it, not unlike the magenta highlight Twilight had. She had served Shining a plate of waffles as he put away his phone. “Sorta mom,” Shining answered as he took his fork. “I'm having trouble getting in contact with my boss. I wanna know why would he do something like this without telling me beforehand?” “I’m sure there is a reason for all this,” Shining’s mother, Twilight Velvet, replied as she returned to the stove-top. “I do appreciate you staying over for the night, I just wish you brought Flurry with you.” “Dad did look pretty beaten up after that Magi-Beast attacked. I just wanted to make sure he was doing alright,” the officer took a sip of his coffee. “Your such a good son, Shining.” Twilight soon came into the kitchen, sitting down and digging at the pate her mother set for her. “Your looking chipper today,” Shining pointed out as he observed how happy Twilight looked after almost being burnt to ash. “Today, Fluttershy got me an early birthday gift,” the younger sister answered as she took a bite out of her breakfast. “The both of us plus Rarity and Pinkie are all gonna have a spa day.” “Well, that’s very nice of her,” Shining commented. “Are you excited? The big day is just two days away.” “Of course. Especially now Timber is here to celebrate with us.” “Haha yeah im happy for you,” Shining said as he tightened his grip on his mug. Spike ran across the floor to sit on Twilight’s lap. “Pinkie keeps talking about the party she has planned.” “Pinkie loves surprise parties.” Twilight followed. “Your real lucky to have made so many great friends Twilight," Velvet commented. "Far more than you had at Crystal Prep. as far as I know Moondancer was the only one you really talked to." “It’s kind of funny. By the time I transferred out of Crystal Prep, everyone got a lot friendlier. I wonder what they’re up to now?” Twilight pondered “Well if you don’t hurry up, your gonna miss out on spending time with your current friends,” Spike said. “Oh, your right! I’m gonna miss the bus!” Twilight yelled, her breakfast only half-finished. She scooped up Spike into her bag and ran out of the door. As the teen was on her way to the bus stop, a pickup truck drove up next to her slowing down to match her pace. "Hey babe, where are you off to?" Timber asked through the open window. He slowed, allowing Twilight to walk and talk. "Oh, just on my way to a spa day with the girls," Twilight answered. “Oh that's a bit disappointing,” Timber replied with a depressed look. “Why’s that?” “I was hoping we could get lunch together. I mean, how long has it been since we had a date? Not since the thing at the observatory,” Timber explained. “Awww, that's very sweet. Maybe we could do it tomorrow,” Twilight suggested. “Oh, that's a shame I would think like to spend some time with a rider. Ya know, trouble is bound to show up. Could be a great way to study a Rider up close,” Timber said with a bit of a grin. The genius thought about that. “I mean...that is very tempting. And if it’s for scientific study...” “Twilight," Spike interjected, "you can’t just blow off the girls." “Are you scared I'm gonna leave you behind? Don't worry, I don’t mind dogs in the truck." Spike was not amused by that comment. “I’m sure the girls will understand," Twilight said as she made her way to the passenger side of the truck. "I can go to the spa anytime." “You won’t regret this," Timber smiled as his girlfriend got in the truck and buckled her seatbelt. "I know just where to go." After a short drive, Timber and Twilight arrived on the north side of town. “I hope you’re hungry." Timber lead the teen down the sidewalk. "The restaurant I heard of is supposed to be amazing.” “What is this place anyway?” Spike asked. “It’s one of those noodle places that just opened up. I think it was udow or something,” Timber answered. “I think you mean udon,” the dog corrected. “Spike has really been getting into anime lately,” Twilight mentioned. She looked in the window of a fancy-looking cafe to see a group of friends sipping on an espresso. “I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I've been by this part of town.” “Hmm, why’s that?” “This is where some of the students of Crystal Prep would come to hang out. It's where more high-end stores are located. Use to come here cause everyone said I needed to 'branch out,' but I rather stay in my lab,” Twilight answered. “I'm pretty sure Rarity comes by here a lot. Oh, that reminds me,” she pulled out her phone. “I need to tell the girls what’s going on.” Before she had a chance to finish typing the text, someone bumped into Twilight and the two fell to the ground. "HEY!" An angry yet familiar voice yelled out, "WATCH WHERE YOU’RE-" It then stopped, "Twilight?" Twilight saw that the girl that bumped into her was one of her former classmates. "Sour Sweet!?" The two picked themselves up. "YOU’RE THE LAST PERSON I WANTED TO SEE," Sour Sweet yelled, a bit annoyed as she brushed herself off. "But you might be who I need," she said, switching her demeanour. “Twilight," the rider asked, "who is she?” “Oh, Timber, this is Sour Sweet. She goes to my old school. Sour Sweet, this is my boyfriend, Timber,” the young woman introduced. “Nice to meet you,” Sour Sweet responded in a kind tone. “I never thought you would even talk to a boy. Guess the world is full of surprises.” She continued offhandedly. “Um, what were you saying about needing help?” Twilight asked. Changing the subject. “Oh well you see I was out for my morning jog when all of a sudden-” the Crystal Prep Student started before she was interrupted by an explosion of fire. People started to run as a blast of ice and lightning came out of the cloud of smoke. Timber took a few steps back in shock as the cause stepped out, revealing a Magi-Beast. It was a creature covered in a patchwork of fur and scales. Its feet were hoofed and a belt adorned its waist with large spikes jutting out. It had three heads on its body. The main head was that of a tiger, a goat head on its shoulder and a snake that was functioning as its tail. “Where is she? Where is that girl!?” The monster's tiger head yelled out. The goat's head turned to the tiger. “I told you, Flair, I saw her go the other way.” The snake's tail then let out a hiss. “I wouldn’t trust anything you have to sssay Frost. She will sssay anything just to make it ssseem you're right.” “ Frost, Fizzle, Will the two of you shut up! Your not helping me find her,” The tiger head yelled. The three heads kept fighting with one another, not seeing Sour Sweet and the others were right in front of them. “When did this thing show up?” Twilight asked. “About an hour ago, I was on my way to…” Sour Sweet started. “Don't worry Sour Sweet, I got this,” Timber interrupted as he put on his driver. The Chimera monster, named Try-Mera, soon noticed the green-haired young man. “Hey, who’sss thisss guy?” Fizzle asked. “I’m the guy that's gonna kick your butt. Or butts since there’s three of your” Timber declared as he pulled out his card. “Henshin!” “DEFENDER OF EARTH, THE HUNTING HOUND HERO!!!” “G-G-G-GAIA!!!” Timber transformed into his rider form, which caught the attention of the monster. “Check this out, Sour Sweet. I'm about to save you and the town in record time,” He boasted as he grabbed his axe. “Even I can see you're just spitting out hot air. You need to cool it,” Frost said as she raised her left arm. Ice crystals began to form before she threw the attack at the rider. The crystals grew into giant shards mid-air, which Timber needed to jump out the way of. Flames began to form around Flare’s mouth as she charged at the rider. She tried to bite Timber, but he was able to block it with his axe. "I'm sorry, but I'm not on the menu," Timber groaned as he pushed Tri-Mera back. He slashed the Magi-beast a few times before delivering a kick. “They say two heads are better than one, but you are proving that three is one too many,” Timber tainted. “Say that again, I dear ya!” Flare replied as she charged at the rider. Her fiery fangs almost cleaved Timber in half but were blocked by the axe. The monster pushed on, but Timber kept his defences up. Fizzle moved on her own, sliding around her main body's legs to end up behind Timber unnoticed. Twilight saw this as well as the monster giving off an electric discharge. "Oh no, you don't!" Thinking quickly, the teen used her powers to grab Timber and pull him out of the way seconds before Fizzle wrapped around his leg. "Timber, you need to pay more attention. You were almost gonna get electrocuted. Again!" Twilight yelled. "Hey that's why I got you, always watching my back, ma lady," Timber replied. “QUIT WITH THE FLIRTING AND BLOW THAT THING UP!” “Jeez, someone has no sense for the theatrics,” Timber quipped. “Way to miss your chance," Frost complained as she eyed down the snake-head. "How could you not hurt the guy if he was just standing still?” “Well, I don’t ssssee you doing anything. At lessssst Flare was being more useful than you,” Fizzle snapped back. “I would if the big lug we’re attached to would stop charging at anything that moved,” Frost responded as she gave Flare the side-eye. “Seriously, it’s like you can’t focus at all.” “Ya want to talk about focus, how about the stupid rider coming back for seconds,” Flare pointed out. Just as she said, Timber was back, standing on top of a car to prepare his finisher. He took his axe and brought it to his belt. “GAIA CRASH FEEDBACK!” “Dang it! This isn’t over between us,” Frost said as she took a deep breath and blow out a fog cloud of cold air. When it cleared, the monster was gone. “Running with their tail between their legs,” Timber commented as he got off the car and undid his transformation. “Well at least everyone is safe for now,” Twilight observed. “DANG IT, I THOUGHT YOU RIDERS WERE SUPPOSED TO GET RID OF THOSE PESTS. THAT'S WHAT EVERYONE GOES ON ABOUT ONLINE!” Sour went off. “Hey hey, These things will always come back. I’ll get it then, especially now I know its tricks,” Timber replied. “Everyone calm down." Twilight got between them. "Getting bent out of shape is the last thing we want to do. Especially since it’s just gonna make things a lot worst.” Sour took a deep breath. “I don’t need this right now, I have a job interview today, and having a crazed monster stalking me isn’t gonna help.” “If this um...Tri-Mera is anything like the other Magi-Beast, it’s gonna try to do anything to screw up your interview,” Spike chimed in. “Well looks like we will be hanging out together Sour, just like we never did in the old day,” Twilight commented. “Um Twilight,” Timber said as he pulled the young woman to the side. “This was kinda meant to be our date. I wasn't really prepared for a third wheel.” “Jeez, not even third wheel worthy,” Spike said out of earshot, hearing the not so private conversation. “I know how you feel Timber, but we have to help her. After all, that’s what heroes do,” Twilight replied. Timber looked back at his girlfriend with a smile. “Like always, Twi, your right,” Timber said as he turned to approach the maroon-haired girl. “Sorry about that, why don't we try to think of what that thing will do next. They're usually easy to predict.” “WHY THE HECK ARE YOU ASKING ME?” Sour shouted. “I would have thought you were smart enough to figure it out.” “How am I supposed to do that!?” “Sour, Magi-Beast tend to form their plan around causing some kind of distress,” Twilight explained, getting between the two again. “Is there anything important today?” “I have an interview,” Sour responded. “It's for an internship my dad set up. And if anything happens, IT COULD RUIN EVERYTHING I'VE WORKED FOR!” As the teen yelled, more wisps started to come off her body and flying away. “Alright, alright no need to get all worked up. I get it, big important interview,” Timber said as he raised his hands. “What if we help prepare you for it and then come with you if the monster tried to get in your way.” “Great idea,” Twilight chimed in. “Really? You are gonna help with this. I know how much of a pushover you were,” Sour said. “Hey, I don’t know what you two had but this isn’t the same Twilight you knew. This one is amazing” Timber defended. Twilight responded by giving her boyfriend a quick hug. This prompted another eye roll from Spike. The Tri-Mera was hurt badly, as they limped along out of sight. They leaned on a dumpster as they tended to their wounds, Frost using her ice breath to cool her burns whilst Flare used her flames to seal up the open wounds. “This is just great," Frost mused. "After all our hard work we just ended up in the trash." “I would have gotten the rider if that girl didn’t get in the way,” Fizzle added. “Next time I see him I’m gonna-” Flare started before they were introduced by footsteps. Looking around the dumpster, Tri-Mera saw Cypher walking up. “Oh no, it’s the boss,” the tiger head cried as all threes’ eyes went wide. “Bosssss, we’re sssory, I almost had the guy,” Fizzle started “No, I did!” Flare interrupted “No, I did!” Frost followed. It soon devolved to the three arguing with each other again. “Enough!” Cypher yelled, getting the three-headed monster to be quiet. “I'm more disappointed in the fact that it was that guy and not Achilles,” he mused. “Wait, so you're not mad?” Frost asked. “I don’t get mad,” He answered, to the Magi-Beast’s relief. “But I would have preferred it if you were fighting Achilles.” The monster looked confused as the heads looked at each other. “But wouldn’t us beating any rider be a good thing?” Flare asked. Cypher crossed his arms as he took a deep breath. “That is true, the less we need to fight the better. But Achilles is the bigger threat. The Doctor asked me specifically to defeat him and I have never failed him. Whatever he’s working on, you are the key to it and if I get data on you fighting Achilles, I'm sure it will more than make up for my delay.” “Why Achilles?” Frost asked “I don’t know. I don't question the Doctor’s wishes, I just follow them to completion.” Cypher answered as he put his hands in his pockets, switching to a sombre tone. “Defeat this Timber guy if you can. Even if it isn’t the data I want, it's the data the Doctor wants. “You got is bosssss!” Fizzle responded. The others join. “Oh and please stop fighting with each other. If working with Terra and Starlight taught me anything, it's that fighting within a unit gets you nowhere.” The three looked at each other for a moment before turning back to Cypher. “Yes Sir” they said in unison, showing that they were finally in agreement.” “So Ms.Sweet, your resume is impressive but why do you think we should have you on our team?” Sour Sweet twirled a lock of hair in nervousness. “Well...I'm a very capable person. As you can see my grades, extracurricular, and teacher evaluations show that I am more than worthy of this spot,” She went on. “ I see. And after your time is done what do you plan for the future?” “Well I plan to apply to Golden Vine University and…and,” she paused for a moment, struggling with her words. “THIS IS STUPID!” She yelled. The teen was sitting at an outdoor table, sitting across from Spike who was using Twilight’s spare glasses to help act like the man performing the interview. “Sour, you need to control your temper better,” the dog pointed out “TWILIGHT! There is a monster on the loose, trying to devour my soul, and you want me to play pretend with your dog?” The magenta haired girl asked as she turned to her friend. “I read that if you're nervous about an interview then doing a mock one would help you get used to it,” Twilight explained. “and Spike volunteered.” “And if you won't calm down for the mock interview, do it to not get drained anymore than you already are,” Timber pointed out. Sour saw the wisps of energy come off her and quickly took a deep breath. “Alright, you have a point.” “Why don’t you go cool down for a bit and we can try again,” Spike suggested. “Fine, I need something to drink anyway,” Sour said as she walked towards the smoothie cart. Timber just watched Sour and Spike leave as Twilight continued to look at stuff on her phone. “Looks like eye contact is very important for interviews. If you have trouble with this you can focus on the area in the middle of their forehead,” she read off, pointing to the spot on Timber’s head. “Good to know Twi, but I don’t think Sour is nervous. Has she always been this temperamental?” “She’s always been like that. At a drop of the hat, she could go off. The only time I've ever seen her calm was during the Friendship Games, especially on the archery challenge.” Twilight started. “Sour has always been hard to read. Maybe it’s the pressure of trying to be the best.” “I get that, you always tend to get in your own way when you're trying to do what you love.” Twilight nodded. “That makes sense. Sour always went on about how she was gonna make it big one day back when I went to CPS.” Timber smiled and rested his arm on his girlfriend’s shoulder. “She just needs to get out of her head for a little bit, try to take off some of the pressure. Then again she may just need some anger management,” He joked causing Twilight to let out a little laugh. Meanwhile, Sour was ordering her drink at the smoothie stand which the cashier went to make. As she walked away, she passed another woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties. “Excuse me, sir,” the woman started. “I have been waiting for ten minutes for my drink, where is my drink?” “Oh sorry ma'am, I’ve just been really swamped with orders, I promise I will get to yours right away.” the worker replied. “I wanted it when I ordered it, right now I want my money back. It’s the very least you can do for wasting my time!” The woman complained. She stared down the worker who was starting to tremble. As the woman continued to complain, Sour and Spike just watched. “Jeez, what's her problem?” Spike asked. Sour reconciled the words she was saying and how she was saying them. He saw how the Smoothie guy was trembling as he was berated. It was similar to how not just Twilight, but most weren’t her close friends would look when she had an outburst. Only this time she was one of the onlookers. “Um, are you ok?” Spike asked, wondering why the teen didn’t move for a moment. Without saying a word, Sour approached the woman. “Excuse me, miss,” she interrupted, her face emotionless. “Not now!" She replied, "don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt a conversation?” “Well, that’s what I wanted to talk about, cause you know what is really rude,” Sour started. She took another breath. “CAN'T YOU SEE THERE ARE OTHER CUSTOMERS? HE IS THE ONLY ONE GUY AND HE NEEDS TO SERVE OTHERS. WHERE DO YOU GET OFF COMPLAINING LIKE YOU'RE SOME BIG SHOT!” she lashed out. The older woman was taken aback by the outburst. After a moment she collected herself. “Hmf, this slop wasn’t that great anyway,” she huffed as she left. “Wow, I owe ya one,” the worker said. “Your next order is on the house.” “Oh, it was nothing. She was just getting under my skin,” Sour replied. “That was great Sour,” Spike praised. “But I think you picked the worst time to blow up like that.” Sour looked at her hand to see it starting to fade away as more wisps started to leave her body. The two watched as they flew away but they didn’t go far. The Tri-Mera was already walking down the road towards the host. The extra energy they just absorbed causes their elemental powers to be put on full display. “Come out little girl!” The three called out simultaneously. Sour's eyes went wide and she started moving backwards, but Tri-Mera spotted and all three chuckled. "There you are," Flare smirked. "Time to fry!" She launched a fireball that flew towards Sour and hit the ground, causing it to explode and send her flying. Spike had leapt away just in time, running off to get Twilight and Timber. "Or freeze!" Frost unleashed a burst of cold air, that made the ground it touched ice over as it got closer to Sour. It began to creep up her shoes, but the girl managed to pull them free of the ice and jump up to her feet. "Of getting a rather nassssty static ssssshock!" Fizzle hissed before shooting a thunder bolt at her, hitting the ground around her and making Sour's arm hair stand on end. The girl began to pant in fear, causing more specks of light to come off her and fly into Tri-Mera. They all laughed as their began to charge up another attack. But before they could- "HiYAAH!" Timber, already suited up, leapt into the fray with his axe at the ready. He tried to deliver a strike to the tiger head, but his outcry and caught the beast's attention and allowed it the opportunity to leap back. "Time to finally take you down!" Timber cried as he started swinging his axe around, but Tri-Mera easily avoid each and every strike. Fizzle then short forward and bit the axe's blade, sending a jolt through it that caused Timber to cry out and drop it. "Weak!" Frost cried before Flare unleashed a flamethrower, which struck the rider and knocked him flying backwards. "Gyah!" He cried from the eat, then from the impact of him hitting a tree. "Ahhh!" He hit the ground and moaned whilst pushing himself up to his feet. "How is this thing so much stronger then before." "It powered up from me," Sour pointed out as she fell to her knees from feeling the drain. More and more of her body started fading away. "Well get out of here!" Timber cried, pushing himself up to his feet and charging again. "I'll beat this thing, just you watch!" Frost launched an ice breath attack, but he leapt forward and rolled towards his axe. He grabbed the weapon and threw it at the Magi-Beast, making it leap back as Timber jumped back to his feet. Meanwhile, Twilight had run into the scene and grabbed Sour. "Come on!" She cried, pulling her to her feet, "we need to go!" Sour decided to do as she was told, not wanting to be in sight when the loser Rider was taken down. But just as they were about to leg it, Fizzle unleashed a thunderbolt and Timber used the flat of his blade to deflect it. Unfortunately, he ended up deflecting it into the girl's direction. "Look out!" Spike cried, as the girls saw the attack coming and Twilight managed to use her magic in order to summon a piece of blow up pavement. The rock flew in front of them seconds before the blast struck, exploding with enough force that they were all thrown backwards. The girls cried out as they hit the wall of a nearby building, Twilight landing on the ground and knocking herself out. Luckily, as weird as it sounded, Sour's head went transparent the moment she hit the wall. This meant she didn't feel as much pain and stayed conscious as she fell to the floor. "Twilight!" Timber cried, growling as he turned to Tri-Mera. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" The Magi-Beast looked confused, the sisters turning to one another. "Wasn't he the one that sent that attack flying towards them?" Flare asked, the other two nodding. "Not our fault he has bad aim," Frost agreed as Timber roared and charged forward. He swung his axe wildly, but Tri-Mera easily managed to dodge before unleashing a trifecta of attacks at him. "Ahhhhh!" Timber cried as his body was engulfed by the flames, only for the frost to then hit him. The sudden change from hot to cold was making his body feel horrible, the only thing protecting him from hypothermia being his suit. And as he did, the lightning slammed into his chest and he was blasted backwards. "AUGH!" He crashed into the ground, his axe being sent flying. As this happened, Sour moaned as she began to pick herself up. More and more of her body was beginning to fade away, but she forgot about that as she noticed Twilight and Spike laid out on the ground. "No!" She cried, rushing over to shake her. "Take, you have to get up!" She was unresponsive, "SNAP OUT OF IT FOUR EYES!" Still nothing from her. "Ahhh!" More specks flew off her, as she looked over to see Timber in trouble. "He's completely useless. What do I do?" She looked around, only to then notice what building she had crashed into. "Sporting goods?" She asked, looking the building over before an idea popped into her head. "I hope this works!" She rushed inside, leaving Timber to continue getting his rear-end handed to him. "Raaaaah!" He cried as he tried to punch the beast, but all that did was hurt his hand. "Pathetic!" Flame cried before Fizzle wrapped around his boot and pulled his leg out from under him, Timber crying as he fell to the floor. Tri-Mera stamped her foot onto him, making the Rider cry out as he was winded. "Now," they opened their mouths to fire all at once, "say goodbye!" But before they could do so- "HEY!" They looked over, just in time to see an arrow flying at them and slamming into Flare's head. "Augh!" They all cried, staggering back and reaching up. The arrow had barely entered Flare's head, with just a few inches of the tip being all that got passed its steel skin. Timber rolled back to his feet and when he did, he was greeted to the sight of Sour Sweet armed with a bow and arrow. She notched another arrow and fired, the projectile shoot through the air at Tri-Mera. But this time, the beast was able to shoot a fireball that destroyed it. "What are you doing?" Timber asked, "get out of here. I can handle this." "Yeah right!" Sour cried as she drew another arrow, "I'm done letting someone else fight my battles. If you wanna hurt me, come and get me." She fired and this one skimmed Fizzle's head, making her hiss in annoyance. "Get her!" The snake cried, with the rest of the body charging at her. Flare shot a fireball and Sour, showing amazing athletic skills, did a cartwheel to avoid the fireball as Frost launched an ice attack. Sour once again showed her amazing agility by leaping onto a bench and spring-boarding off of it avoid getting frozen solid. "Take this!" She fired another arrow, but Tri-Mera dodged it as they charged forward. "Tag-team!" Fizzled told her sisters, Flare firing a fireball before Frost sprayed ice breath. Soul leapt back to avoid the flames, but this was what they wanted. The ground where Sour landed had become frozen, causing her to slip and hit the ground hard. "Ow!" She cried, as the monster got closer. "Now to finish your off!" Flare cried, her mouth filling with flames. But before she could fire, Frost grabbed her mouth and closed it. "No, you fool!" Flare's cheeks expanded from the flames as smoke came out her mouth, nose and ears. "We can't destroy her. We need her to completely fade away or we'll be done for." Sour used this chance to jump to her feet, only for her legs to go ghost again. "And by the looks of things, it won't be long. At that moment, Timber ran up behind them. He watched Sour try to fire an arrow, but her hands kept going through the bowstring whenever it faded in and out of existence. "Time to end this!" He cried as he hit the buttons on his belt, causing the leaf green aura to be unleashed and surround him. “GAIA FEEDBACK!” Timber rushed forward as Sour Sweet fired another arrow, only for it to be burned to a crisp by Flare. As they did, they sensed the energy behind them and spun around to see Timber getting closer and preparing for a final attack. The sisters each unleashed a stream of their attacks, all aiming at the same spot. But Timber leapt into the air seconds before they struck, which caused an explosion that only doubled the force behind his next attack. As Timber got into position for the final strike, the energy axe appeared around him. He let out a roar as he swung his foot down, the construct following and striking the triple-headed Magi-Beast. Flare screamed as her head was split down the middle, whilst her sisters both screamed her name. As Timber leapt backwards away from them, the monster exploded into green fire that consumed the other two's heads and made them scream out as they were burned to absolute dust. From the flames, energy flew into the air and began to fly towards Sour. She was freaked out by it, but quickly realised it was a good thing as the light flowed into her body and began to make it reform. "I'm back!" She cheered before looking unhappy, "IT'S ABOUT TIME!" "Wooow!" Timber cheered as he leapt up and powered down, "all in a day's work for Canterlot's number one hero." "Hardly," Sour told him. Timber turned to raise an eyebrow at her, "you hardly did anything. That creep had you on the ropes until I stepped in." They then heard a groaning and looked over to see Twilight and Spike beginning to come around, "plus you probably gave Twilight a concussion." She ran over to help them up, "you okay?" Twilight corrected her glasses and rubbed her head, feeling a bump but not getting any serious pain from it. "I think so." "Good," Sour smiled before she frowned, "because your boyfriend sucks at what he's doing. He would have been toast if I hadn't saved his sorry but!" "Oh please," Timber smirked. "You might have helped out a little, but I would have figured out a way to take it down eventually. All you did was speed up a given outcome. So I guess thanks, but I totally didn't need any help." "ARE YOU SERIOUS!" She cried, but took a moment to take a deep breath. Remembering what the others had said about keeping her temper in check at important moments, she controlled her breathing to calm herself down. "Whatever. I don't have time for this." She checked her phone and saw what time it was, "I need to get to my interview." "We'll give you a ride," Twilight told her. "Seriously?" Timber asked, "I thought we were only hanging around her because the monster was after her. That thing's gone now, so why don't we go celebrate with some ice cream?" "Come on Timber," Spike told her. "Being a hero isn't just about fighting monsters and saving damsels. Helping Sour get to her interview on time is what a real hero does." Timber still didn't look so sure. After the hard day of fighting, he was really craving the frozen treat. "I bet Argo and Achilles would happily do it." That seemed to push Timber over the edge, the teen agreeing to take Sour to her interview. "Thank you!" The girl nodded before looking angry, "NOW LET'S GO ALREADY!" Timber led them over to where he had parked his truck, the four of them quickly getting in as he started it up. "Be happy you got the only Rider with the common sense not to ride those death machines," Timber told her as they drove off. Sour looked like she was going to say something, but decided to remain quiet and focus on her interview. As they drove, Twilight began talking about all the tips she had found online to help Sour. The girl happily listened, not trusting herself to speak. Later in the day, Twilight and Timber were driving back to her house with Spike asleep in her bag. After they had dropped Sour off, they went off for their ice cream and had a rather pleasant experience. Twilight had spend the entire time telling him stories of other Rider events, thought Timber only half listened. He wasn't really interested in hearing about anything he wasn't apart of. Twilight had told him hearing about previous Rider fights might help him if he ever went up against a Magi-Beast with similar powers to the ones previously defeated. But Timber didn't think he needed any lesson. "I'm the best Rider that's ever lived," he said after seeing Twilight had also fallen asleep. "Just watch, Achilles. Next time we face off, I'll show everyone that I'm the real hero this city needs and you're nothing but a criminal out to make yourself famous." He was interrupted from his thoughts by Twilight's phone, which started ringing as the girl suddenly woke up. "Huh?" She looked around and realised where she was, then looked down at her phone. "It's a text from Sour." She smiled, "she got the job." "Yay," he said sarcastically. "She also said the tips I gave her really helped." She held her phone to her chest, "it's good to be helping people." Timber nodded in agreement as they turned into Twilight's street. But as they drew closer to her house, the girl was spotted three figures standing outside it. Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy were all looking upset, as they saw Timber's truck pull up with Twilight stepping out of it. "Twilight," Rarity frowned, "where have you been?" "We were worried," Pinkie pouted as Fluttershy nodded and held her phone tight. Twilight looked down at her phone and realised she had a bunch of missed texts and calls, all from the three of them. She remembered she had set the phone o silent when they ran into Sour Sweet and had only just set it back to normal before falling asleep. "I'm sorry girls," she told them. "It's been a really busy day. There was a Magi-Beast attack and I had to help someone." The girls were surprised to hear this, but nodded. "I'm really sorry I didn't answer your calls." "It's fine darling," Rarity told her. "Saving somebody's life is far more important then a spa day." The others nodded as Twilight sighed in relief. "So you're not mad?" "A little miffed that it happened and you couldn't call us to explain," Rarity went on. "But no, not mad." As she said that, Timber stepped up to them. "Hey girls," he smiled. "Twilight tell you what happened?" "Yeah," Pinkie nodded, "so were you the one that beat it?" Timber smirked and flicked his nose with his thumb. "You have to ask. Of course I was the one who beat it. Totally sucks that it showed up though. Ruined our day out." "Wait," Fluttershy looked confused, "day out?" Twilight panicked, but Timber kept talking. "Yeah, Twilight and I were having such an awesome time together. But then that monster showed up and we had to deal with it. Took a huge chunk out of our time together." The girl's shocked expressions turned back to annoyance as their gazes shifted back to Twilight. "So," Rarity raised an eyebrow, "Magi-Beast or no Magi-Beast, you were going to blow us off." "Well," Twilight suddenly felt very sweaty, "yeah...I guess I did." "Twilight," Pinkie pouted, "how could you. We were gonna have so much fun together." "Hey!" Timber frowned, "Lay off her. It's a free country. If Twilight wants to spend the day with me, that's her decision." The girls turned their anger on him. "She's well entitled to doing that," Rarity told him before Fluttershy went on. "But she should have told us she was doing it. It's not fair to us, since we ended up spending most of our day waiting for her." Twilight felt bad about that. "I'm really sorry girls." "Don't apologise," Timber told her. "Don't forget, if you hadn't come with me I wouldn't have taken you out to that part of town. Then what would Sour Sweet have done." Twilight realised he was right. Her blowing off her friends had saved a life...but still... "You got lucky," Rarity told them. "Well...not lucky, but on any other day you wouldn't have had that excuse." "Whatever," Timber told her, "you're just jealous that Twilight would prefer to spend a day with me instead of you. Not that you can really blame her." The girls all frowned at this and had clearly had enough. "Well," Rarity sighed, "I guess we don't need to be here anymore. Come along girls, maybe we can salvage this day and have some fun as well. Leave these two lovebirds alone." Pinkie and Fluttershy nodded before they began to walk off, Twilight wanting to ask them to stay but feeling like she didn't have the right too. "You know Timber," she then heard Rarity say. "I thought you were a perfect gentlemen when we first met and an excellent boyfriend for Twilight. I was happy when I discovered you were a Rider. Now I'm not so sure." With that, she was gone and the two were confused by what she meant. But then Timber shrugged it off, "whatever." He wrapped an arm around Twilight, "who needs those guys if this is how they treat you. It's better when it's just the two of us...three of us," he corrected after Spike popped his head out the bag. Twilight, meanwhile, only stood there feeling like she was torn. Her blowing off her friends had saved a life, but she still felt guilty. Had she done the right thing...or the wrong thing? As the sun began to set over Canterlot, Twilight and Flash were both sitting on their living room couch feeling terrible. Twilight was feeling emotionally terrible whilst Flash was feeling physically terrible, both feeling being equally bad. "I'm home," they both heard their mothers say as they shut the door and headed into the living room. When they saw their child on the couch looking like crap, they frowned. "You don't look so good." The two teens sighed before saying, "I've had a really bad day."