Chapter 99: Chapter 98
Please give power stones daily to support this story. Going to my P@tE0N is the best way to support.
///
Kara arrives at the National City power plant, her red cape billowing behind her. She tries to use her X-ray vision to scan the area, but the buildings are lined with lead, blocking her sight.
"Clever," Kara mutters, her brow furrowing. "Picking a spot lined with lead. But I can still hear your heartbeat."
Focusing her superhuman hearing, Kara tries to pinpoint the location of the heartbeat. Suddenly, she senses a presence behind her, but before she can react, a powerful fist connects with her face, knocking her back a few feet. Kara tumbles to the ground, her surprise evident on her face.
Kara turns to see Vartox, a physically imposing alien with a rugged, weathered appearance. His skin has a slightly leathery texture, accentuating his Kryptonian-like resilience. Vartox's muscular frame is adorned with a futuristic combat suit, its metallic accents gleaming in the dim light. A massive energy axe is strapped to his back, the weapon's heft suggesting its formidable power.
"On my planet, females bow before males," Vartox declares, his deep voice carrying a tone of arrogance.
"This is not your planet," Kara retorts, her eyes narrowing as she takes in the stranger's appearance and words.
Vartox's gaze shifts, his eyes studying Kara intently. "You look like Alura," he states, a hint of recognition in his voice.
Kara's brow furrows in confusion. "How do you know my mother's name?" she asks, her curiosity piqued.
"You don't easily forget the name of the woman who condemned you to prison," Vartox responds, his expression darkening.
"What?" Kara's voice is laced with bewilderment as she tries to make sense of Vartox's words.
"She was our judge and jailer. Can't kill her, so killing you will have to do," Vartox declares, his hand reaching for the axe on his back.
Kara flies toward Vartox, determined to tackle him through the wall. She clenches her fist, ready to strike, but Vartox easily dodges her attack. With lightning-fast reflexes, he lands a powerful punch to Kara's gut, causing her to stagger back.
Kara grimaces, realizing that Vartox's strength and experience are nearly equal to her own. Despite her Kryptonian abilities, she finds herself struggling to gain the upper hand against this formidable foe.
Vartox seizes the opportunity and grabs Kara, hurling her towards the power plant. Kara crashes through the wall, debris and dust swirling around her as she hits the ground with a thud.
Kara gets up, her body aching from the impact, but Vartox drop-kicks her, knocking her away again. "Just because you wear that symbol on your chest doesn't mean you're him. Fighting him would be an honor. Fighting you is just exercise," said Vartox, his voice dripping with disdain.
Kara, frustrated by Vartox's taunts, throws another punch; Vartox dodges effortlessly, and she throws another. Vartox grabs her outstretched arm and hurls Kara, and she crashes into the power plant's equipment, sparks flying as she tumbles through the machinery.
"You actually think you could stop me? That you'd be able to stop any of us?" Vartox scoffs, his eyes narrowing as he advances on the fallen Kryptonian.
He grabs Kara and, with a mighty heave, throws her out of the power plant. Kara crashes through the circular metal pipes, the impact sending her tumbling across the ground. She lies there, dazed and struggling to regain her footing.
Vartox pressed his foot down on Kara's chest, pinning her to the ground. He reached back, grabbing the massive energy axe strapped to his back.
"Time to end this," he growled, raising the axe high above his head.
Kara's eyes widened as the blade came swinging down. She tilted her head to the side, the axe narrowly missing her. With a grunt, she pushed against Vartox's foot, forcing him to stagger back.
Vartox steadied himself, then hurled the axe at Kara. The sharp edge sliced across her arm, drawing blood. Kara stared at her blood in shock. This was the first time she had bled, the first time she had felt true pain.
But there was no time to dwell on it. Vartox was already charging at her, his massive frame barreling forward.
Vartox grabs Kara by the neck, his fingers tightening around her throat. With a powerful motion, he slams her back down to the ground, his grip constricting her airflow.
"Now you know what it's like to bleed," Vartox growls, his face mere inches from Kara's. "Soon, your whole city will bleed."
Kara struggles against Vartox's chokehold, clawing at his hands as she tries to pry them from her neck. Her lungs burn, desperate for air, but Vartox's grip only tightens. She can feel her consciousness starting to fade, her vision blurring at the edges.
Kara and Vartox suddenly heard the rumble of a motorcycle engine in the distance. Kara glanced to the edge of her vision and spotted a familiar figure.
The motorcycle roared to life as Haruka, clad in the First armor, leaped off the Auto Vajin.
"Rider Kick!" he shouted, his boot connecting with a powerful blow that sent Vartox staggering back from Kara.
Haruka rushed to Kara's side, concern etched on his face.
"Supergirl, you okay?" He quickly examined her for any serious injuries, relieved to find none.
"Yeah, I'm okay," Kara replied, her voice slightly ragged from the battle.
Haruka's gaze shifted to Vartox, who was now rising to his feet, glaring menacingly at the new arrival.
"That's good," Haruka said, his stance shifting as he prepared to face this formidable foe.
Haruka eyed the imposing alien warily. "Who are you?"
Vartox puffed out his chest, his deep voice dripping with arrogance. "I am Vartox! You'll pay dearly for getting in my way, human."
Narrowing his eyes, Haruka demanded, "What are you doing here?"
Vartox's lips curled into a sneer. "That's none of your concern. You'll be dead soon enough."
Undaunted, Haruka squared his shoulders. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. It would be best if you didn't underestimate me."
Haruka gripped the Faiz Driver NEXT, the familiar weight of the device a comforting presence as he strapped it around his waist. Retrieving the Faiz Phone 20 Plus from his pocket, he pressed the transformation app, his fingers moving with practiced precision. Inputting the code "555" on the keypad, he steeled himself for the transformation.
[Standing By]
"Henshin!" Haruka declared, inserting the Faiz Phone into the device.
[Complete]
Photon steam lines appear around Haruka, forming the Kamen Rider Next Faiz armor. The suit is a sleek, modern evolution of the original Faiz design, with a striking metallic sheen. The helmet features glowing red compound eyes and a circular Faiz Phone emblem in the center, giving it a futuristic, almost cybernetic appearance. The black and vibrant red accents create a dynamic, high-tech aesthetic, blending the Faiz motif with a more advanced, streamlined look. Haruka can feel the power coursing through the suit, ready to face the formidable Vartox.
Kara watched in awe as Haruka transformed into Kamen Rider Next Faiz, the sleek and powerful armor enveloping him. The display of technology and heroism left her momentarily stunned, her eyes wide with wonder.
Vartox let out a derisive laugh, his deep voice echoing through the power plant. "You think putting on some armor is going to stop me?" he taunted, his gaze fixed on Haruka.
Undeterred, Haruka replied, "Let's find out, shall we?" His voice carried a calm confidence that belied the intensity of the impending battle.
Haruka rushed forward, unleashing a rapid succession of powerful punches aimed at Vartox's sturdy frame. The alien warrior braced himself, then swung his massive energy axe in a sweeping arc, forcing Haruka to dodge the deadly blade.
Sensing an opening, Haruka channeled the power of his Stronger Cyber Enhancements, electricity crackling around his fists. He landed a series of electrified strikes, the jolts of energy causing Vartox to stagger back, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Argh!" Vartox roared, the electricity coursing through his body. He swung his axe upward in a powerful, overhead strike, and Haruka raised his arms to block the attack. The impact sent him reeling, but his reinforced armor protected him from the worst of the blow.
Vartox charged forward, his axe poised to strike. Haruka braced himself, then executed a series of lightning-fast dodges, weaving through Vartox's relentless attacks. He countered with more electrified strikes, the power surging through his limbs and into Vartox's body.
The alien warrior roared in pain and frustration, his movements becoming more erratic as the electricity disrupted his coordination. Haruka seized the opportunity, unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks, each one powered by the Stronger Cyber Enhancements.
Vartox staggered, his grip on the axe loosening. Haruka saw an opening and launched himself forward, his right fist crackling with energy. He delivered a devastating blow to Vartox's midsection, the force of the impact sending the alien crashing through the power plant's machinery.
Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring Vartox's form. Haruka stood his ground, his senses on high alert, ready to defend against any counterattack.
Vartox emerged from the debris, his features twisted in rage. "I'm going to kill you!" he roared, his deep voice echoing through the power plant.
Without warning, Vartox launched himself at Haruka, his massive frame barreling forward. Haruka braced himself, but the sheer force of Vartox's attack sent him tumbling across the ground, his Kamen Rider armor absorbing the impact.
Vartox advanced, his eyes burning with determination. Haruka knew he needed to turn the tide of the battle, and he quickly pressed the Faiz Edge App on his Faiz Phone.
[Faiz Edge, Materialize]
In a flash of energy, the Faiz Edge materialized in Haruka's hand, its crimson blade glowing with Photon Blood. The diamond-hard Sol Metal of the sword promised devastating power against his formidable foe.
Haruka gripped the Faiz Edge tightly, the crimson blade glowing with Photon Energy as he prepared to face Vartox's renewed assault. The alien warrior charged forward, his massive energy axe swinging in a powerful arc. Haruka raised the sword, the blades colliding with a resounding clang. Sparks flew as Vartox's axe scraped against the Faiz Edge, the sheer force of the impact sending shockwaves through Haruka's armored frame.
Gritting his teeth, Haruka pushed back, using his enhanced strength to hold his ground. He then launched a flurry of slashes, the Faiz Edge cutting through the air with precision. Vartox parried the strikes, his axe a blur as he fought to maintain the upper hand.
The two combatants exchanged a series of powerful blows, the sound of their weapons crashing together echoing through the power plant. Haruka's enhanced reflexes allowed him to anticipate Vartox's movements, but the alien's raw power and tenacity made him a formidable opponent.
Suddenly, the air was pierced by the whirring of helicopter blades. Haruka and Vartox both turned to see a pair of sleek, military-grade choppers hovering overhead, their spotlights trained on the battlefield. A hail of gunfire rained down, forcing Haruka and Vartox to scatter for cover.
Vartox let out a guttural roar, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Haruka. "This isn't over," he growled, his voice dripping with menace.
Without warning, Vartox leaped into the air, his powerful muscles propelling him towards the nearest building. He scaled the structure with ease, disappearing from view as the choppers continued to provide suppressive fire.
"Wait!" Haruka called out, but Vartox had already made his escape. Haruka watched helplessly as the alien vanished, his frustration palpable.
Haruka stuck close to Kara as the soldiers surrounded them, ready to shield her if necessary. To his surprise, a familiar pair emerged from the group - Eliza and Jeremiah Danvers, Kara's adoptive parents.
Kara's eyes widened in recognition. "Mom? Dad?" she said, her voice laced with confusion and disbelief.
Eliza and Jeremiah approached them, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. "Kara, we're so glad we found you," Eliza said, reaching out to her daughter.
"What's going on?" Kara asked, glancing between her parents and the soldiers.
Jeremiah placed a hand on Kara's shoulder. "Kara, we have a lot to explain. But first, we'd like you to come with us. It's not safe here."
Eliza and Jeremiah turned to Haruka and asked, "Would you be able to come with us as well? We could use your help."
Haruka nodded, his stance cautious. "I'll come, but if there's any funny business, I won't hesitate to fight back."
Jeremiah raised his hands in a placating gesture. "We understand your concern, but we assure you, our intentions are to keep everyone safe. We're grateful for your assistance."
Kara glanced between Haruka and her parents, her brow furrowed with uncertainty. "What's going on? Where are you taking us?"
Eliza placed a reassuring hand on Kara's arm. "We'll explain everything once we're in a secure location. For now, let's get you both to safety."
Kara and Haruka were escorted to a remote location on the outskirts of the city. The drive was tense, with Kara glancing nervously at her parents and Haruka maintaining a vigilant silence. When they arrived, the group was ushered into a nondescript building, its exterior belying the advanced technology within.
As they stepped inside, Kara and Haruka were amazed by the sight that greeted them. The cavernous space was bustling with activity, agents rushing to and fro while holographic displays flickered to life. Kara's eyes widened in awe, and even Haruka, usually stoic, couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer scale and sophistication of the facility.
Kara turned to her parents, her brow furrowed with questions. "Mom, Dad, what is this place?"
Before they could respond, a tall, stern-looking woman approached them. Her sharp features and commanding presence immediately drew the attention of the two young heroes.
"Welcome to the Department of Extranormal Operations, or the DEO for short," the woman said, her voice carrying an air of authority. "I'm Director Cameron Chase, and this is our headquarters."
Kara and Haruka exchanged a glance, both equally intrigued and wary of the woman's introduction.
"The DEO is a government agency tasked with monitoring and containing extraterrestrial and metahuman threats to the world," Cameron continued, her gaze sweeping over the two young people. "We operate in the shadows, protecting the public from the dangers they can't even begin to comprehend."
Kara's eyes widened further, her mind racing with the implications of what the director was saying. "Extraterrestrial and metahuman threats? You mean, there are more people like me out there?"
Cameron nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes, Miss Danvers. And it's our job to keep them in check, whether they're heroes or villains."
Haruka stepped forward, his posture tense. "And what does that have to do with us?"
Cameron's gaze shifted to the young man, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're the Kamen Rider, aren't you? We've been monitoring your activities in the city."
Haruka tensed, his hand instinctively moving towards the Faiz Driver at his waist. Kara placed a hand on his arm, silently pleading with him to remain calm.
Kara asked, "Why have you brought us here?" Her voice was laced with uncertainty, the weight of the director's words settling heavily upon her.
Cameron Chase fixed Kara with a measured gaze. "Because, Miss Danvers, you are not the only one of your kind to have arrived on Earth." She paused, letting the implication sink in. "Years ago, when you crash-landed on this planet, you brought with you the remnants of Krypton's maximum security prison, Fort Rozz."
Kara felt a chill run down her spine. "Fort Rozz? But how is that possible?"
"The same Phantom Zone that ensnared your ship also held Fort Rozz," Chase explained, her tone grave. "When you escaped, so did the worst criminals in the galaxy. They've been hiding on this planet ever since."
Haruka remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he processed the director's words. Kara turned to him, her expression pleading for his understanding.
"That's why the DEO exists," Chase continued, her gaze shifting between the two young heroes. "To monitor and contain these extraterrestrial threats, whether they be heroes or villains."
Kara's mind raced, the implications of what Chase was saying sinking in. "So you're telling me that my arrival on Earth has put everyone in danger?"
Chase nodded solemnly. "In a manner of speaking, yes. The criminals from Fort Rozz have powers that most on this planet can barely imagine. And they've been using those powers to terrorize and subjugate the very people you've sworn to protect."
Kara felt a surge of guilt and determination. "Then I have to stop them. I have to make things right."
Director Chase countered Kara's determination, saying, "You could barely stop one of them without the help of the Kamen Rider. Our job is to keep people in the dark about alien life on Earth. Nothing says 'covert operation' like a flying woman in a red skirt."
Kara frowned. "But people know about my cousin, Superman, and they don't fear him."
Chase shook her head. "Many people do fear him, they just don't admit it openly. If you want to help, Kara, you should go back to being a student."
Chase then turned to Eliza and Jeremiah. "Fix Kara's injuries and make sure she stays out of our way."
Eliza placed a gentle hand on Kara's shoulder. "Come on, honey, let's get you to the med bay."
Jeremiah guided Kara down the corridor, his voice soft. "It'll be alright, Kara. The DEO is just trying to do their job, even if their methods are a bit...heavy-handed."
Kara glanced back at Chase, her brow furrowed. "But I want to help. I can't just sit on the sidelines while people are in danger."
Eliza squeezed Kara's arm reassuringly. "We know, sweetie. But for now, let's focus on getting you patched up. We'll figure the rest out later, okay?"
Kara reluctantly nodded, following her adoptive parents to the med bay.
Haruka listened intently as the conversation unfolded, his mind rapidly connecting the dots.
'Supergirl is Kara Danvers, my classmate? No wonder she seemed so familiar.'
He was stunned by the revelation, his gaze shifting between Kara and the Director. Haruka had always suspected Supergirl's true identity, but to have it confirmed so directly was a surprise. He could see the guilt and determination in Kara's expression, and Haruka knew he had to do something to help her, even if the DEO wanted to keep her out of the fight.
Director Chase turned her attention to Haruka, her piercing gaze scrutinizing the young man. "So, you're the Kamen Rider," she said, her tone laden with skepticism. "Are you human?"
Haruka met her stare unflinchingly. "Yes, I am," he replied, his voice level.
Chase's brow furrowed slightly. "That's curious, considering the advanced technology you've been wielding." She took a step closer, her eyes narrowing. "Where did you get that equipment?"
Haruka straightened his posture, a hint of pride in his voice. "I made it all myself."
'Well, technically, Ada made them, but it's the same thing.'
Haruka asked Director Chase, "Are you going to arrest me?"
Chase shook her head. "No, we won't be arresting you. The DEO doesn't have jurisdiction over you." She paused, her expression turning more serious. "However, we would prefer if you didn't interfere with our operations."
Haruka's brow furrowed. "I just heard there are dangerous criminals from space roaming around the city, how can I ignore that? People are in danger."
"That's exactly why we need to handle this delicately," Chase explained. "The public can't know about the existence of extraterrestrial threats. It would cause widespread panic."
Haruka considered her words, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I appreciate your concern, but I can't simply stand by and do nothing. If I have the power to help, I have a responsibility to use it."
Chase sighed, realizing she wouldn't be able to dissuade the young man. "Look, Kamen Rider, we're not your enemy here. We're trying to protect the city, just like you. But our methods have to be more covert."
"Then let me work with you," Haruka proposed. "I can help take down these criminals."
Director Chase regarded Haruka with a critical eye. "If you want to work with us, Kamen Rider, I'll need to know your true identity. We can't have uncontrolled variables in our operations."
Haruka stood his ground, his expression unwavering. "I'm afraid I can't reveal that, Director. My identity is my own, and I won't compromise it, even to work with you."
Chase let out a frustrated sigh. "Then I can't authorize your involvement. The DEO has to maintain control over these situations."
Haruka shook his head. "I understand your concerns, but I won't stand by and do nothing. These criminals are a threat to the people, and I have the power to stop them. With or without your cooperation, I will continue to protect this city."
Turning on his heel, Haruka made his way down the corridor, determined to find Kara and ensure her safety as well.
Chase watched him go, a hint of frustration in her expression. "These heroes are really a pain to deal with," she muttered under her breath.
Haruka found Kara in the DEO's medical bay, her wounds being tended to by Eliza and Jeremiah. As he approached, Kara looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and confusion.
Haruka approached Kara in the medical bay, his brow furrowed with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Kara sighed, her gaze shifting between Haruka and her adoptive parents. "I'm fine, I guess, considering I just found out my parents work for a secret organization that monitors aliens."
Haruka nodded, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, at least you don't have to worry about them forgetting your curfew. They probably have the whole city under surveillance."
Kara couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Yeah, I'm sure they know exactly when I sneak out to go on patrols as Supergirl."
Kara looked up at Haruka, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thanks for saving me, by the way."
Haruka returned her smile, his expression softening. "When I noticed you left frantically, I knew something was wrong. Glad I followed you."
Kara's smile faded slightly, and she let out a soft sigh. "I wanted to do the saving, not the other way around."
Haruka chuckled, reaching out to give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry, we all start somewhere. I'm sure there will come a time when you will be the one saving me."
Kara's smile returned, and she nodded, feeling a surge of determination.
Haruka's expression turned more serious as he asked, "Did you talk with your parents?"
Kara's gaze shifted, and she averted her eyes. "I don't want to talk to them right now..."
Haruka frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. "Delaying it will only make it worse. Talk to them."
Kara hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the medical bed. "I'll think about it..."
"Do you think it's my fault?" Kara asked, her voice laced with guilt. "My mother was the one who sent those criminals to Fort Rozz. And now they're here, putting everyone in danger."
Haruka regarded Kara with a sympathetic gaze. "No, Kara, this is not your fault. Your mother was trying to protect your people, just as you are trying to protect this world now."
Kara looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "But if I hadn't escaped the Phantom Zone, they wouldn't have been able to come here. I've put everyone in danger."
Haruka placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Kara, you couldn't have known what would happen. You were just trying to save yourself, and there's no shame in that. What matters now is that we stop these criminals before they can hurt anyone else."
Kara took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "But how? The DEO doesn't want me involved, and I'm not like my cousin. How can I possibly stop them?"
Haruka's eyes narrowed with determination. "That's why I'm here, Kara. We can stop them together. I'll be needing the help of Supergirl."
Kara's eyes widened in surprise. "You want me to work with you? But the DEO said-"
"Forget what the DEO said," Haruka interrupted. "They're too concerned with keeping this under wraps. We need to focus on protecting the people, and I can't do it alone."
Kara hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her features. "But what if I make things worse? What if I can't control my powers?"
Haruka squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "I'll be there to help you, Kara. We'll figure this out, together."
Kara looked up at him, a glimmer of hope sparking in her eyes. "Okay, I'll do it. I want to help, and if you think I can, then I trust you."
Haruka nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That's all I needed to hear. Let's go show those criminals what Supergirl and Kamen Rider can do."
Kara felt a surge of determination, her doubts momentarily pushed aside. With Haruka by her side, she knew they had a chance to stop the Fort Rozz escapees and protect the city she had come to call home.
Kara looked up at Haruka, her brow furrowing slightly. "You probably already know my real identity, so I'll introduce myself. I'm Kara Danvers. What's yours?"
Haruka met her gaze evenly. "Sorry, but I can't tell you mine."
Kara pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hey, that's unfair!"
Haruka chuckled, the corners of his mouth turning upward in a small smile. "Maybe you'll know someday."
Haruka and Kara stand in the command center of the DEO, facing Director Chase, Jeremiah, and Eliza. Haruka speaks up, representing both himself and Kara. "We're here to help stop Vartox," he declares firmly.
Director Chase regards them with a stern expression. "I'm afraid I can't allow that. It would be too conspicuous to have Supergirl and Kamen Rider involved. I also don't trust you two."
Haruka's brow furrows, and he responds without hesitation. "Well, that's a good thing we don't take orders from you."
Jeremiah and Eliza exchange a glance, and Jeremiah steps forward. "Director, let them help. Kara and Kamen Rider are our best chance at stopping Vartox before he causes more destruction."
Eliza nods in agreement. "They've already proven themselves capable. We need all the help we can get."
Chase's lips tighten into a thin line, but she reluctantly concedes.
One of the agents working at the console interrupts them. "We've located Vartox. He's heading towards the city, and we've tracked him using the metal shard from Supergirl's arm."
"Send in the strike team to intercept," said Chase.
Kara steps forward. "Your men won't be enough to stop him," she argues.
"Thank you for your opinion, Miss Danvers," Chase replies, her tone dismissive.
Haruka speaks up. "Director Chase, let us stop him." His gaze is steady, unwavering.
Chase regards the two heroes, considering their request. After a moment, she nods. "Make sure you both win," she says.
Haruka and Kara exchange a determined look and head out, ready to confront the threat.
Haruka then looks for the Auto Vajin. "Where's my bike?" said Haruka.
"How about I give you a lift? It would be much faster," said Kara.
Haruka thought it would be embarrassing to be carried by Kara, but time was ticking. "Fine," he conceded.
Kara stepped closer, and Haruka hesitantly wrapped his arms around her. With a nod, Supergirl took flight, carrying the Kamen Rider towards the city. The wind whipped through their hair as they raced to intercept Vartox.
Kara carried Haruka, and they flew to the location where Vartox was. When they arrived, they could see Vartox driving a truck.
"Drop me off here. Think you can stop that truck?" said Haruka.
"I got him," said Kara. She stands in front of the truck, and when it crashes into her, Vartox flies out of the window.
Vartox tumbled onto the ground. He quickly regained his footing, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Kara.
Third Person
"You never should have come back for more," Vartox growled, glaring at Kara.
"Good thing she's not alone," Haruka said from behind Vartox, materializing the Faiz Blaster.
[Faiz Blaster, Materialize]
"You think the two of you can stop me?!" Vartox roared, whirling around to face the pair.
"I know we can," Kara said, determination etched on her features.
Haruka and Kara attacked Vartox in a flurry of blows. Kara unleashed her heat vision, the beams searing towards Vartox, who raised his massive energy axe to block the assault. Haruka opened fire with the Faiz Blaster, the energy projectiles peppering Vartox's lead-lined hide.
The villain weathered the onslaught, his lips curling into a malicious grin. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, swinging his axe in a wide arc. Kara and Haruka dove aside, the shockwave of the attack cracking the pavement.
Haruka rolled to his feet, quickly assessing the situation. "Supergirl, distract him! I'll hit him from the side!"
Kara nodded, flying in low to draw Vartox's attention. The villain swiped at her with his axe, but she darted and weaved, her speed allowing her to evade his strikes. Haruka, seizing the opportunity, opened fire with the Faiz Blaster, the energy bolts pummeling Vartox's flank.
Vartox roared in pain and whirled around, his eyes blazing with fury. "Enough games!" He swung his axe, unleashing a powerful energy wave that slammed into Kara, sending her crashing into a nearby building.
"Supergirl!" Haruka cried, his heart racing. He charged forward, transforming the Faiz Blaster into its sword mode.
The glowing energy blade clashed against Vartox's axe, the two combatants trading blows in a dizzying display of speed and power.
Kara emerged from the rubble, her costume tattered but her determination unbroken. "I'm not done yet!" she shouted, flying back into the fray. She unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks, her Kryptonian strength amplifying each strike.
Vartox grunted, staggering under the combined assault. "Persistent pests!" he snarled, swinging his axe in a wide arc. Haruka and Kara were forced to break off their attack, dodging the deadly blow.
"Now, Supergirl!" Haruka yelled, unleashing another volley from the Faiz Blaster. Kara joined him, her heat vision cutting through the air alongside Haruka's energy projectiles.
The attacks slammed into Vartox, eliciting a howl of pain from the villain. He stumbled, his axe falling from his grip. Seizing the opportunity, Haruka charged forward, the Faiz Edge raised high.
"This ends now!" he declared, bringing the blade down in a powerful slash.
Haruka blocked Vartox's attack, his eyes narrowing. "You're right, it ends now!" he declared.
Kara surged forward, slamming a powerful punch into Vartox's chest. The villain grunted, staggering back from the blow. Seizing the opportunity, Haruka pressed the Faiz Pointer App on his Faiz Phone. With a flash of light, the Faiz Pointer materialized on his right leg.
[Faiz Pointer, Materialize]
Haruka's fingers danced across the device, activating the Exceed Charge.
[Exceed Charge]
Haruka charged towards Vartox, his leg extended. Red photon lines flowed from the Faiz Driver, coursing through his leg and into the Faiz Pointer.
"Take this!" he yelled, leaping into the air.
A cone of concentrated photon energy erupted from the Faiz Pointer, slamming into Vartox's chest. The villain howled in pain, frozen in place by the sheer power of the attack.
"What is this?!" Vartox growled, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief.
Haruka leapt into the air, his leg extended, and his body fused with the cone made of photon energy, drilling through Vartox's body. The Kamen Rider passed through the villain before Vartox exploded in a burst of energy, the shockwave rippling through the air.
Kara shielded her eyes from the blast, her hair whipping in the wind. As the smoke cleared, she saw Haruka land gracefully, the Faiz Pointer disappearing in a flash of light.
"It's over," Haruka said, his voice steady.
Haruka and Kara looked down at the injured Vartox. "You have no idea what is coming…" were the villain's last words before his body went limp.
Kara's brow furrowed as she regarded Vartox's lifeless form. "What did he mean by that?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Haruka shook his head. "I'm not sure, but at least it is over for now."
Haruka then takes a selfie. "What are you doing?" said Kara.
"Didn't you want a photo of us together? How about we take it now."
Kara remembered that she had asked for a photo together. The two strike a pose, and Haruka takes the photo.
Haruka held out his phone, extending his arm to get both himself and Kara in the frame. "Say cheese!" he said with a grin.
Kara smiled brightly, positioning herself next to Haruka. The two heroes stood side by side, Kara's cape billowing in the wind as Haruka snapped the picture.
"There, now we have a memento of our first team-up," Haruka said, examining the photo on his screen. He turned the phone towards Kara, allowing her to see the captured moment.
Kara's eyes lit up as she looked at the image. "It's perfect! We make a great team," she said, bumping his shoulder playfully.
Haruka chuckled, pocketing his phone. "That we do. I have a feeling we will be working together a lot more in the future."
The two heroes shared a look of camaraderie, their partnership forged in the heat of battle. As they prepared to part ways, Haruka and Kara knew that this was just the beginning of their adventures together.
///
Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story.
Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.