Chapter 98: Chapter 97
To DC X Rider readers. I will now be updating this story weekly. Don't worry because the chapters will be longer.
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Haruka sped through the streets of National City on the sleek Auto Vajin, his eyes scanning the dimly lit alleyways and shadowy corners for any signs of criminal activity. As he weaved between the sparse late-night traffic, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of putting his new Kamen Rider gear to the test.
"Ada, when does the daily mission reset?" he asked, his voice raised slightly to be heard over the rumble of the motorcycle's engine.
[The daily mission resets at 6:00 AM, Host]
Haruka glanced at the time displayed on his HUD. It was nearly 11 PM, which meant he had a little over seven hours to complete his current objectives. He gripped the handlebars tighter, determined to make the most of his time.
As he rounded a corner, a faint commotion caught his attention. Slowing the Auto Vajin, Haruka listened intently, his enhanced senses picking up the sound of raised voices and the clatter of metal. Quickly, he steered the motorcycle towards the source of the disturbance, his heart racing in anticipation.
Pulling into a dimly lit alleyway, Haruka spotted a group of men in dark clothing, their faces obscured by shadows. They were gathered around a parked van, hurriedly loading boxes into the back. Haruka narrowed his eyes, recognizing the telltale signs of a robbery in progress.
Without hesitation, Haruka brought the Auto Vajin to a stop and dismounted, his hand instinctively reaching for the Faiz Driver NEXT at his waist. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, and stepped forward, his voice ringing out in the stillness of the night.
"Hold it right there!" he called, his tone commanding and unwavering.
The men whirled around, startled by his sudden appearance. Haruka could see the glint of weapons in their hands, and he tensed, ready to transform and engage them.
The men whirled around, startled by his sudden appearance. One of the robbers, a burly man with a gruff voice, demanded, "Who the hell are you?"
In response, Haruka calmly grasped the Faiz Driver NEXT at his waist and transformed into Kamen Rider The First, the sleek, metallic suit enveloping him. The robbers' eyes widened in recognition.
"It's the Kamen Rider! He's back!" one of them shouted.
"Shoot him!" the leader barked, and the robbers opened fire.
Haruka effortlessly dodged the bullets, his enhanced speed and reflexes allowing him to weave through the hail of gunfire. Without even needing to transform into a more powerful form, he swiftly incapacitated the robbers, his precise strikes and grappling techniques leaving them groaning on the ground.
Haruka surveyed the scene, slightly disappointed that he hadn't needed to transform further.
"A shame," he murmured, "but a job well done nonetheless."
Haruka left with the Auto Vajin; he already notified the police to capture the robbers. As he navigated the streets, he encountered several other minor criminal activities, but each time, his enhanced abilities allowed him to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators without the need to transform into a more powerful Kamen Rider form.
It was already 3:00 AM, and Haruka knew he needed to get home and rest before the school day began. He could feel the fatigue creeping in, but the satisfaction of a job well done kept him alert and focused.
With a final sweep of the area, Haruka revved the engine of the Auto Vajin and headed back towards the Kojima mansion.
Throughout the city, the news of Kamen Rider's return had spread, putting criminals on high alert while providing a renewed sense of security for the citizens.
...
In an underground bunker, Vartox stood before a holographic display. His muscular frame and weathered features betrayed the hardened nature of the alien executioner. A scruffy beard framed his piercing gaze, hinting at his resilient and unyielding demeanor as he awaited a response from the figure on the screen.
"Why did the plane crash not go as planned, Vartox?" the man demanded. "The DEO agents were supposed to perish, not be saved."
"The trap was set, as you instructed," he replied, his deep voice rumbling. "But the female... she intervened and prevented the agents' demise."
"Who is this female who intervened?"
"She could be Alura's daughter. Jor-El also saved his child before Krypton's destruction."
"This complicates matters. Eliminate the DEO operatives and the girl."
"I'll make sure the job is done, but I can't promise her death won't be public and messy."
"I don't care if it's messy - human casualties are irrelevant."
"Good." Vartox gripped his energy axe, the blade humming with power.
"And if she is Alura Zor-El's daughter, then she will pay for her mother's debts. And so will her city." A grim determination settled over his weathered features as he prepared to carry out his mission.
The man in the holographic display nodded in approval. "See to it that the job is done. I want no loose ends." With that, the transmission ended, leaving Vartox alone in the bunker, his focus now laser-targeted on eliminating the DEO agents and the mysterious female who had intervened.
...
Haruka made his way to school, Kara walking beside him. As they approached the campus, they overheard their classmates excitedly discussing Kamen Rider's recent return to National City. Kara's eyes lit up at the news, and she turned to Haruka, a smile spreading across her face.
"Did you hear? Kamen Rider is back!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable. Haruka nodded, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Yeah, it's been all anyone can talk about," he replied, feeling a surge of anticipation at the prospect of the legendary hero's reappearance.
Haruka jokingly comments that Kara is still a fan of Kamen Rider.
"I should have known you'd still be fawning over that guy," he teases.
"Absolutely! I was worried when I heard he was showing up in other cities, but I'm so relieved he's back home." She leans in, her eyes shining with excitement. "Do you think Kamen Rider and Supergirl will team up?"
Haruka raises an eyebrow, unfamiliar with the name. "Supergirl? Who's that?"
"She's the one who saved that plane a few days ago. Didn't you see it on the news?" At Haruka's blank expression, she continues, "The name just fits, you know? She's a hero, like Kamen Rider."
"I suppose it's possible they could work together, seeing as they're both in National City," he muses.
"I can already picture it! Kamen Rider and Supergirl, teaming up to protect the city. It would be amazing!"
She gestures animatedly as she speaks, her excitement palpable.
As they reach the school's entrance, Kara turns to Haruka, her eyes shining. "I really hope they do team up. I'd love to be there to see it happen."
Haruka considered the new superhero, Supergirl. If she and Kamen Rider could work together, it could be beneficial. But he needed to have a plan in case something went wrong. He couldn't risk exposing his own secret identity. As Haruka pondered his options, Kara noticed his thoughtful expression.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Haruka shook his head. "Nothing," he replied, his tone neutral, as they headed towards their classroom.
...
Haruka gripped the handlebars of the sleek, futuristic Auto Vajin as he navigated the bustling streets of National City. Suddenly, a small Takacandroid appeared beside him, its urgent chirps informing Haruka of a train hijacking in progress. Without hesitation, Haruka revved the Auto Vajin's at full speed, the vehicle surging forward with incredible speed.
"Lead the way," Haruka commanded the Takacandroid, his eyes narrowing with determination as he raced towards the unfolding crisis.
The Auto Vajin's tires gripped the asphalt as Haruka leaned into the turns, his focus unwavering. "Henshin!" he muttered, reaching for the Amazon Driver at his waist.
[Omega]
[Evolu-E-Evolution]
Haruka, now transformed into Amazon Omega, surveys the scene from below the train tracks. He deploys his Takacandroids, the small robotic hawks soaring up to the hijacked train.
Through the Takacandroids' live feed, Haruka observes dozens of masked armed robbers terrorizing the passengers. They shout demands, waving their weapons menacingly.
"Everyone stay down and shut your mouths!" one of the robbers yells, his voice laced with malice. "One wrong move and you'll all be filled with lead!"
The hostages whimper in fear, huddling together as they tremble at the sight of the guns pointed in their direction.
Haruka can see the people lowering their heads in fear. He climbs up the train onto its roof, but the robbers have not noticed him yet. With the Shotriser in his hand, he breaks through the window and beats the robbers one by one, shooting the Shotriser and his claws and disarming them.
One of the robbers turns around, his eyes widening in surprise. "What the-?" he manages to get out before Haruka's Shotriser blast knocks him back.
"Surrender now," Haruka commands in a firm voice, "and no one has to get hurt."
The robbers exchange panicked glances, their weapons trembling in their hands. One of them, the apparent leader, steps forward, his brow furrowed.
"You think you can take us all on, hero?" he sneers. "Boys, take him down!"
Haruka braced himself as the robbers opened fire. His enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge the hail of bullets with ease, the projectiles ricocheting off his reinforced armor.
Leaping forward, Haruka's claws slashed through the air, disarming one robber after another. The criminals' panic-stricken faces betrayed their growing desperation as their weapons were torn from their hands.
One particularly burly robber charged at Haruka, his meaty fist swinging wildly. Haruka sidestepped the blow and struck the man's elbow, causing him to cry out in pain as his arm went limp.
Another robber attempted to tackle Haruka, but the Kamen Rider easily lifted him off the ground and hurled him into his comrades, sending them tumbling in a heap.
Haruka's movements were a blur, his claws flashing as he systematically disarmed and subdued the panicked criminals. The robbers' bullets were no match for his superhuman agility and reflexes, each shot missing its mark.
Haruka, now clad in his Amazon Omega armor, continued his relentless assault on the train hijackers. His enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge their frantic gunfire with ease, while his razor-sharp claws disarmed one criminal after another.
However, as Haruka focused on subduing the robbers, he failed to notice that a group of them had taken several passengers hostage. The criminals shoved their captives forward, their weapons pressed against the hostages' heads.
"Woah there, Kamen Rider," one of the robbers taunted. "You don't want these pretty little heads to pop now, would you."
Haruka immediately halted his attack, his Shotriser still raised but not firing. "Let them go," he demanded, his voice firm and unyielding.
"Not a chance, hero. You either get lost or we start painting the walls with their brains. Your choice."
Haruka's mind raced as he assessed the situation. He couldn't risk the hostages' lives, but he couldn't simply allow the criminals to escape either. Gripping the Shotriser tightly, he knew he had to find a way to diffuse the standoff without resorting to lethal force.
"I'm warning you," Haruka said, his tone laced with a hint of desperation, "release them, or you'll leave me no choice."
The robber leader let out a harsh laugh. "Choice? You don't have a choice, Kamen Rider. Either you walk away, or we start shooting. Now get lost before we decide to add more to the body count."
Haruka does not leave, and the hostages whimper. "Not gonna leave? Well then," the lead robber sneers.
"No!" Haruka shouts, gripping the Shotriser tightly.
Before the robbers could shoot, something bursts through the door. A blur of red and blue speeds into the train car, and suddenly, the robbers' guns are reduced to molten metal in their hands. Kara, in her Supergirl costume, hovers in the air, her eyes glowing with heat vision.
"Let them go," Supergirl commands, her voice firm and unyielding.
The robbers, their eyes wide with fear, immediately release the hostages, who scramble to safety. Supergirl darts forward, snatching up the criminals one by one and tossing them to the far end of the train car, where they land in a heap, groaning in pain.
Supergirl then turns to Kamen Rider, her gaze meeting his through the reflective visor of his helmet.
"Hello, Kamen Rider," she says, her expression unreadable.
"Supergirl?" he questions, a hint of surprise in his modulated voice.
"You know me?"
"Well, I have my ways," Haruka replies, his tone measured. "But it is not the time to get to know each other. We have to stop this train."
Haruka quickly moves towards the train's cab, but his heart sinks as he sees the controls are completely destroyed. He turns back to the robbers, who are still sprawled on the floor, groaning in pain.
"How do we stop this train?" Haruka demands, his clawed fingers gripping one of the robbers by the collar.
The robber lets out a mocking laugh. "Stop the train? Good luck with that, hero. The controls are toast. This train's not stopping until it crashes and burns!"
Haruka's grip tightens, his frustration mounting. "There has to be a way," he insists, his voice laced with urgency.
"Let me try," Supergirl says and flies away.
Kara flies to the front of the train, her cape billowing behind her. Gripping the front of the locomotive, she strains against the massive weight, her muscles bulging as she pushes with all her might. The train slows incrementally, but the momentum is too great for Kara to stop it on her own.
Haruka watches from the rear of the train, his enhanced senses picking up Kara's struggle. Knowing he must act quickly, he calls upon the power of Shazam.
"Shazam!"
Haruka is enveloped in a burst of lightning, his Kamen Rider Amazon Omega armor transforming. The sleek green and black suit gives way to a new form, adorned with a bold lightning bolt emblem and gleaming golden accents. Haruka can feel the power of the gods coursing through him, empowering his every movement.
Without hesitation, Haruka takes to the air, rocketing towards the front of the train. Kara's eyes widen as she sees him approaching, his new attire a stark contrast to his previous appearance.
"Let me lend a hand," Haruka calls out, his voice amplified by the magic of Shazam.
Positioning himself beside Kara, Haruka grips the train's front, his enhanced strength adding to Kara's efforts. Together, they push against the massive locomotive, their combined might gradually slowing the train's breakneck pace.
The wheels shriek in protest as metal grinds against metal, sparks flying in every direction. Kara and Haruka strain with every fiber of their being, their bodies glowing with the power they wield.
Inch by agonizing inch, the train's speed decreases, its forward momentum slowly but surely being brought under control. Haruka can feel the strain on his muscles, the magic of Shazam taxing his reserves, but he refuses to give in.
"We've got this!" Kara shouts, her voice filled with determination.
Haruka nods, his focus unwavering as he pours every ounce of his enhanced strength into the task at hand. The train's velocity continues to drop, the screeching of its wheels echoing through the city streets.
Finally, with one last mighty push, the locomotive comes to a complete stop, its momentum dissipated. Kara and Haruka, their bodies weary. They hover in the air, surveying their handiwork.
Kara turned to Haruka, her expression softening. "Thanks," she said, a grateful tone in her voice.
"Couldn't have done it without you," he replied, his modulated voice betraying a hint of camaraderie.
Haruka and Kara look down at the cheering crowd below. The people shout in awe, their voices rising in a crescendo of excitement.
"It's Kamen Rider!" one person yells, their fist pumping the air.
"And who's that with him?" another asks, craning their neck to get a better look at Supergirl.
"Doesn't matter!" a woman shouts. "They saved us all!"
The crowd erupts into thunderous applause, their gratitude and admiration palpable. Kara glances at Haruka, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Looks like you've made quite the impression," she says, her voice light.
Haruka nods, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "As have you, Supergirl."
They exchange a brief, meaningful look before Kara speaks up again.
"We should get going. I'm sure there are others who need our help."
Haruka agrees with a slight incline of his head. Together, they take to the skies, leaving the cheering onlookers behind.
…
Kara and Haruka, now transformed into Kamen Rider, land gracefully on the rooftop, the city lights twinkling below them. Kara's eyes shine with excitement as she finally stands face-to-face with the enigmatic hero.
"I'm so glad to finally meet you in person. I'm Supergirl, but you already knew that." Kara's cheeks flush with embarrassment, her hands fidgeting nervously. "You've been an inspiration to me. Seeing you out there, protecting people - it made me want to be a hero too."
Haruka tilts his head, his expression unreadable behind the sleek Kamen Rider helmet. "I'm flattered, Supergirl."
As Haruka looks at Kara, he can't help but notice the similarities between her and his friend Kara Danvers. The same bright eyes, the same warm smile - it's almost uncanny. Haruka finds himself momentarily distracted, his thoughts drifting to the Kara he knows.
"What's wrong?" Kara asks, her brow furrowing with concern.
"Huh? Oh, nothing. It's just that you remind me of someone I know. Thanks for saving the hostages, by the way."
Kara shakes her head modestly. "I'm sure you could have handled the situation."
"No, if you didn't arrive. I was not sure I could have saved them in time. So, thank you, Supergirl." Haruka's words are sincere.
Kara's cheeks flush with a faint blush at Haruka's praise. "It was my pleasure. I'm just glad we were able to work together to help those people."
Haruka noticed the S on her chest. Kara also noticed.
"Hey, that is rude, pervert," said Kara, a playful smirk on her face.
"What? No! It's just the S on your chest, I mean on your upper area." Haruka's cheeks flush under the helmet.
"Pfft, just messing with you," Kara says, her laughter filling the air.
"So, any connection with the Man of Steel?" Haruka asks, grateful for the change in topic.
"Yeah, Superman is my cousin," Kara reveals, a hint of pride in her voice.
"Your cousin? So your—" Haruka starts, his curiosity piqued.
"Kryptonian, yup," Kara finishes, nodding.
"Cool." Haruka pauses, considering his next question. "So, do you live here? Or are you staying in Metropolis?"
"Oh, no, I've lived here in National City for years," Kara explains. "It's my home, just like Metropolis is Superman's."
Haruka nods, processing the information. "That's interesting. I guess that means we're both protectors of our respective cities, in a way."
Kara's eyes widen, and she grins. "I like the sound of that. Two heroes, working together to keep our cities safe." She extends her hand towards Haruka. "What do you say, partner?"
Haruka hesitates for a moment, then reaches out and grasps Kara's hand firmly. "I'd be honored, Supergirl."
The two heroes exchange a meaningful look, their handshake sealing a newfound partnership. Haruka feels a sense of camaraderie and trust growing between them, and he knows that together, they can accomplish great things.
"How will we contact each other, Supergirl?"
"We should exchange contact information. That way, we can keep in touch and coordinate if we ever need to team up again."
Nodding, Haruka reaches into a compartment on his Kamen Rider suit, retrieving the sleek Faiz Phone. "Here, let me give you my number."
Kara pulls out her own phone, and the two heroes quickly exchange contact details. As Haruka types in Kara's information, he can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie growing between them.
"There, all set," Haruka says, pocketing the Faiz Phone. "Now we can stay in touch."
"I'm really looking forward to working with you, Kamen Rider. This is the start of a great partnership."
Kara's eyes shine with curiosity as she looks at Haruka. "So, are your powers innate, or do they come from your suit?"
"I have some innate abilities, but most of my powers come from the armor and equipment."
He gestures to the sleek, futuristic design of his suit. "The Amazons Driver, the Shotriser, and other devices I've acquired all enhance my strength, speed, and various combat capabilities."
"That's really cool."
Kara noticed that she had other plans and says goodbye. "It was so nice to meet you."
Haruka watched as Kara flew away, her red cape billowing in the wind. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, realizing that his worries about exposing his identity had been unfounded.
"I guess I was worried for nothing," he thought to himself, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
As Kara disappeared into the distance, Haruka couldn't help but wonder what the future might hold for their partnership. The prospect of working alongside such a powerful hero filled him with a sense of excitement and determination. He knew that together, they could accomplish great things and make a real difference in the lives of the people they protected.
Haruka turned and began making his way back home, his mind already racing with ideas and plans for how he and Supergirl could collaborate in the days and weeks to come.
…
Haruka sat beside Kara in the classroom, observing her beaming expression. "What's got you so happy today?" he asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just met with someone I always wanted to meet," Kara replied, her smile widening.
"Let me guess. You met with the Kamen Rider?" Haruka said, raising an eyebrow.
"How did you know?" Kara asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Lucky guess, and he seems the only person I could think of that would illicit such a reaction from you. So, how did you meet him?" Haruka inquired, feigning ignorance.
"Umm...I was on the train that he and Supergirl saved yesterday."
Haruka paused, his mind racing. He was present as there during the train incident, but he didn't recall seeing Kara there. The more he looks at Kara and for a moment, her image seemed to overlap with Supergirl's in his mind. 'No, it couldn't be, could it?' he thought.
"Did you get harmed?" Haruka asked, concern evident in his voice.
"No, Kamen Rider and Supergirl managed to save the day," Kara reassured him, her smile returning.
"It's good to know you're safe," he said.
Kara blushed and was happy Haruka was worried for her. She tried to hide her blush. "I'm fine, really," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Have you already made plans for our internship that's coming up soon? We need to find a company to join."
Haruka's eyes widened as he realized he had completely forgotten about the internship. "Oh, no, I haven't made any plans yet. What have you been thinking about?"
"Well, I'm planning to intern at CatCo," Kara replied, her eyes shining with excitement. "I want to be a journalist in the future, and I think working at CatCo would be the perfect opportunity to gain some experience."
"That's nice. I hear CatCo is a well-respected media company, and I'm sure you'll learn a lot there."
"What about you? Do you have any ideas for where you'd like to intern?"
Haruka shrugged apologetically. "I'm probably just going to intern in one of my dad's hotels," he said.
Kara couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. While she had to go through a competitive interview process to secure her internship at CatCo, Haruka could simply rely on his family's connections.
"That's...convenient," she said, trying to keep her tone neutral.
"Sorry, I know it's not as exciting as your plan, but it's what works best for me."
"No, it's fine," Kara assured him, mustering a small smile. "I'm sure you'll still learn a lot, even at your dad's hotel."
Before the conversation could continue, their teacher arrived, and both students turned their attention to the front of the classroom, their discussion set aside for the moment.
…
Haruka stood in the grand lobby of his father's hotel, his gaze sweeping across the elegant decor and bustling activity. As the son of the hotel's owner, Matsu Kojima, Haruka had requested to complete his internship at one of the Kojima Hotel locations, and his father had readily agreed.
The manager, a seasoned professional named Akira Fujimoto, greeted Haruka warmly, aware of his familial connection.
"Welcome, Haruka. We're glad to have you here for your internship," he said, gesturing towards the front desk. "Let me introduce you to the team."
Haruka held up a hand, a polite smile on his face. "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd prefer it if you treated me the same as any other intern. I don't want any special treatment just because of who my father is."
Akira blinked, surprised by Haruka's request, but quickly recovered.
"Understood. In that case, let me show you around and get you acquainted with the guest services team."
As Haruka followed Akira, he noticed the curious glances from the hotel staff. It was clear they were unsure how to approach the boss's son, their usual formality and deference creating a slight distance. Haruka made a conscious effort to engage with them, introducing himself and expressing his eagerness to learn.
Over the next few days, Haruka immersed himself in the daily operations of the hotel. He shadowed the front desk staff, observing how they handled guest inquiries and requests with a calm, professional demeanor. The concierge team shared their knowledge of the city's best dining and entertainment options, teaching Haruka how to provide personalized recommendations.
Gradually, Haruka's co-workers began to warm up to him. They saw his genuine interest and willingness to learn, and the initial hesitation melted away. During their breaks, Haruka would join them in the staff lounge, engaging in casual conversations and sharing his own experiences.
One afternoon, as Haruka was assisting a guest at the front desk, he overheard a commotion near the main entrance. Turning, he saw a group of agitated individuals arguing with the security guards. Akira, the manager, quickly approached the scene, his brow furrowed with concern.
"What seems to be the problem here?" Akira asked, his voice firm yet diplomatic.
A well-dressed man stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. "Your security staff has refused to let me enter the hotel! I'm a paying customer, and I demand to be allowed in immediately!"
"Sir, I understand your frustration, but our security team is simply following protocol. Let me see if I can assist you."
As Akira began to defuse the situation, Haruka observed the exchange, his gaze thoughtful. He recognized the importance of maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor, even in the face of difficult guests. Akira's handling of the incident impressed Haruka, and he made a mental note to learn from the experienced manager's approach.
It was break time, and Haruka decided to call Kara to check on her. He dialed her number, and after a few rings, Kara answered.
"Hey, Kara, how are you doing?" Haruka asked, his voice laced with concern.
"I'm fine, Haruka, but I'm a little swamped with work right now," Kara replied, her tone slightly frazzled. "Cat Grant has me running all over the place as her errand girl."
Suddenly, Haruka heard a sharp voice in the background. "Kerah! Get in here, now!"
Kara sighed. "That's my cue. I have to go, Haruka. Thanks for checking in. I'll talk to you later, okay?"
"Good luck, Kara," Haruka said before the line went dead.
He pocketed his phone, his brow furrowed with worry for his friend. Kara seemed overwhelmed, and he couldn't help but wonder how she was handling the demands of working for the notorious Cat Grant.
…
Kara steps into Cat Grant's office, her heart pounding. The room is filled with the hustle and bustle of Cat's elite team of reporters and photographers, all eager to impress their demanding boss. Kara takes a moment to observe the woman at the center of it all.
Cat Grant commands the room with her mere presence. Her sharp, impeccably styled bob frames a face that exudes a fierce intelligence. Her designer suit is tailored to perfection, radiating an aura of power and confidence. Kara can't help but feel a twinge of admiration mixed with trepidation as she approaches the media mogul's desk.
"As you all know," Cat begins, her voice cutting through the chatter, "Supergirl and this mysterious Kamen Rider have been making headlines in National City. We've been trying for months to get a decent photo of this so-called 'hero,' and now Supergirl has appeared as well."
Cat leans back in her chair, her piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "I want an exclusive with these two. I want to know who they are, where they came from, and why they're here. And I want a photo of them, together, by the end of the week. Understood?"
Kara listens as the room erupts into a flurry of activity. Cat's team springs into action, each person eager to crack the Supergirl and Kamen Rider mystery.
Kara's heart pounds with a mix of nervousness and excitement as Cat dismisses the rest of the team. When the room clears, Cat turns her sharp gaze towards Kara.
"Kerah, be a dear and go get me a lettuce wrap," Cat says, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Kara hesitates for a moment, then gathers her courage. "Ms. Grant, would it be possible for me to try and get a photo of Supergirl and Kamen Rider instead?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly.
Cat's eyes narrow, and she lets out an exasperated sigh. "Kerah, you're an intern. Your job is to help out around the office, not gallivant around the city chasing after superheroes."
"But Ms. Grant, I want to be a real journalist. I don't want to just hand out coffees or print press releases. I want to do real work."
For a moment, Cat's expression is unreadable. Then, a hint of a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.
"Well, Kerah, if you're so eager to prove yourself..." She pauses, considering. "Alright, I'll give you a chance. Go out there and get me a photo of Supergirl and Kamen Rider. If you can pull it off, I might just overlook your little outbursts."
Kara's eyes widen in disbelief, and she nods enthusiastically. "Thank you, Ms. Grant! I won't let you down!" She turns to leave, but pauses at the door. "Oh, and I'll get your lettuce wrap too."
With that, Kara hurries out of the office, her mind racing with the possibilities. This was her chance to prove herself, to show Cat Grant that she was more than just an intern. Kara was determined to capture the perfect photo of National City's two mysterious heroes.
…
In the heart of National City, an armed robbery is unfolding at a bank. Gunfire echoes through the streets as police officers engage the heavily armed robbers in a tense standoff. A police officer, his voice laced with urgency, speaks into his radio.
"This is Officer Garcia, we need backup immediately! The robbers have us outgunned, we can't hold them off much longer!"
The sound of shattering glass and panicked screams fills the air as the robbers continue their assault. The police officers take cover, returning fire with their service weapons, but the criminals' superior firepower proves overwhelming.
"I repeat, we need reinforcements at the National City Bank. The suspects have us out gunned! We're taking heavy casualties here!"
The officer ducks behind a police cruiser as bullets ricochet around him. His eyes dart frantically, searching for any sign of additional support arriving to turn the tide of the battle.
The wind whistles as Kara, in her Supergirl costume, lands in front of the armed robbers. The robbers open fire, but the bullets harmlessly bounce off her invulnerable body.
"You're wasting your bullets," she said, her voice steady.
With swift, decisive movements, Kara stepped forward. She grabbed the nearest robber's gun and crushed it in her hand, rendering the weapon useless. The other robbers continued shooting, but Kara shielded the civilians with her body, protecting them from the stray bullets.
Kara then began systematically taking down the robbers one by one. She disarmed them, twisting their weapons out of their hands with ease. With her superhuman strength, she incapacitated the criminals, leaving them groaning on the ground.
Haruka arrived as he transformed into Trapping Spider form. With a flick of his wrist, he fired web-like restraints that ensnared the remaining robbers, trapping them in place.
"You're not going anywhere," Haruka growled, his voice distorted by the mask.
He stalked towards the criminals, his movements fluid and precise. Without warning, he lashed out, punching and kicking the robbers with superhuman force. The men cried out in pain as Haruka's relentless assault left them battered and unconscious.
Stepping back, Haruka surveyed the scene, his shoulders rising and falling with each steady breath. The robbers lay motionless, their weapons and ill-gotten gains scattered around them.
"Thank you for the help, Kamen Rider. But I had it under control."
"Well, I was nearby, so I thought I'd lend a hand. Just in case my junior had gotten in over her head." He gives her a playful nudge.
Kara rolls her eyes, but can't hide the amusement in her expression. "Oh, please. I could've taken them all on my own." She nudges him back, the two of them falling into an easy banter.
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Supergirl." Haruka grins, clearly enjoying their exchange.
Haruka and Kara leave the scene, the defeated robbers now in police custody. As they walk side by side, Kara turns to Haruka, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Kamen Rider, I have a favor to ask," Kara says, her voice filled with anticipation.
"What is it, Supergirl?"
"I was hoping we could take a picture together," Kara says, already reaching into her pocket for her phone. "I want to capture this moment, you know, as fellow heroes."
Haruka considers her proposal for a moment, then nods. "Alright, let's do it."
Kara beams, quickly framing the shot and holding her phone up. Just as she's about to take the picture, a high-pitched screeching sound suddenly pierces the air, causing Kara to wince in pain.
Haruka stepped closer to Supergirl, his brow furrowed with concern. "Supergirl, are you alright?"
Kara winced, the high-pitched sound piercing her sensitive hearing.
"I'm communicating at 50,000 hertz. If you can hear this, you were not born on this Earth. Painful, isn't it? The humans of National City will suffer 10 times this pain if you don't face me. Meet me at the National City power plant. How many innocent people are going to die until you prove that you are not a coward, daughter of Alura," said Vartox.
"I have to go," and flies away before Haruka can respond.
"Supergirl, where are you going?!"
But Kara is already gone, leaving Haruka confused and concerned.
Haruka deploys his Takacandroids, the robotic hawks, to track Supergirl's movements. Their keen eyes and agility allow them to follow the Kryptonian heroine as she flies with haste towards the National City power plant.
Sensing the urgency in Supergirl's departure, Haruka materializes the sleek, powerful Auto Vajin, his Kamen Rider motorcycle. With a twist of the throttle, the engine roars to life, and Haruka takes off, determined to catch up to Supergirl.
The Auto Vajin's advanced propulsion system propels Haruka forward at breakneck speeds, the wind whipping past him as he navigates the city streets. His heart races, a foreboding feeling telling him that Supergirl is heading into a dangerous situation. Haruka pushes the Auto Vajin to its limits, weaving through traffic and leaving a trail of rubber in his wake.
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