Haruka sits silently in the backseat of Green Arrow's van, Perdita beside him. The young royalty turns to him, her eyes shimmering with gratitude.
"Thank you for saving me back there," she says, her voice soft. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't intervened."
Haruka nods, feeling a sense of pride at having been able to help. "I'm just glad I could assist," he replies, his voice muffled by the Kamen Rider helmet.
Green Arrow glances at them through the rearview mirror. "So, Kamen Rider, what brings you to Star City?" he asks, his tone curious.
Haruka hesitates for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. "I'm just visiting different cities, trying to help where I can," he explains. "I happened to be at the airport when I saw Perdita in trouble."
Green Arrow nods, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Well, we're glad you were there. That was quite a display of skill back there." He pauses, then adds, "Have we met before? Your fighting style seems familiar."
Haruka shakes his head. "I don't believe so. This is my first time in Star City."
Speedy, who has been silent until now, leans forward. "Well, welcome to our city, Kamen Rider," he says, a hint of admiration in his voice. "It's not often we get a visitor from out of town."
Perdita looks between the three men, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm grateful to all of you for your assistance," she says. "I'm not sure what would have happened if you hadn't been there."
Green Arrow nods, his expression softening. "It's our job to protect the people of this city, your Majesty," he says. "We're just glad we could be of help."
Haruka listens to the exchange, feeling a sense of unease. He knows he needs to be careful about revealing too much, especially with these seasoned heroes. As they drive through the city, he takes in the sights, noting the stark contrast between the towering skyscrapers and the gritty, crime-ridden streets.
Haruka watches as Green Arrow turns his attention to Perdita, a concerned look on his face.
"So princess, if I may ask - why were those assassins targeting you?" Green Arrow inquires, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Haruka watches as Perdita's expression shifts, a sad look settling on her face. She takes a deep breath before speaking.
"My father, the king, passed away recently," Perdita says, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Now I am the queen of Vlatava." She pauses, her gaze downcast. "I believe someone is after my position, and for that, they want me dead."
Haruka feels a pang of sympathy for the young queen. He knows all too well the pain of losing a parent, having grown up as an orphan himself. Gathering his courage, he asks, "What about your mother?"
Perdita's eyes meet his, and Haruka is struck by the depth of grief reflected in them. "She... she died giving birth to me," Perdita says, her voice barely above a whisper.
Haruka's heart sinks. He understands the burden of being an orphan, but to have such heavy responsibilities thrust upon one so young—it is a weight he cannot fathom. He reaches out, placing a gloved hand on Perdita's shoulder in a gesture of comfort.
"I'm so sorry," Haruka says, his voice soft. "I know what it's like to grow up without parents. It's not easy, but you're very brave for taking on this responsibility."
Perdita looks up at him, a hint of surprise in her expression. "Thank you," she says, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's been a difficult adjustment, but I'm determined to do what's best for my people."
Haruka listens as Green Arrow turns to Perdita, his voice laced with concern.
"Do you have any idea who might be after you, your Majesty?" Green Arrow asks, his brow furrowed.
Perdita shakes her head, her expression troubled. "I'm afraid I don't," she admits, her voice tinged with worry. "My father's passing was so sudden, and I've been trying to establish my rule in Vlatava. But there are always those who seek to undermine the monarchy for their own gain."
Haruka's heart sinks as he hears Perdita's words. If she doesn't know who is targeting her, then that means the threat is still out there, lurking in the shadows. Perdita is constantly in danger, and Haruka knows all too well the weight of that responsibility.
Green Arrow nods, his lips pressed into a thin line. "That's a problem," he says, his eyes narrowing. "Without knowing who's behind this, it's going to be difficult to keep you safe."
Haruka watches as Green Arrow pulls the van into a hidden entrance, the vehicle descending into a cavernous underground lair. As the doors open, Haruka's eyes widen behind his Kamen Rider helmet, taking in the sight before him.
The Arrowcave is a vast, high-tech command center, filled with an array of advanced equipment and technology. Massive computer screens line the walls, displaying real-time information and surveillance feeds. Haruka's gaze is drawn to the impressive arsenal of specialized arrows and gadgets stored in a nearby armory, each one meticulously organized and maintained.
Perdita, too, seems captivated by the Arrowcave's impressive design and capabilities. "This is remarkable," she murmurs, her eyes scanning the room with a mixture of awe and curiosity.
Green Arrow and Speedy lead the way, guiding Haruka and Perdita deeper into the Arrowcave. Haruka notices the strategic layout of the space, with designated training areas, a medical bay, and even a garage housing a sleek, customized vehicle.
"Welcome to the Arrowcave," Green Arrow announces, gesturing around the room. "This is the nerve center of our operations in Star City."
Speedy steps forward, a proud grin on his face. "We've got everything we need here to keep the city safe - from state-of-the-art tech to a fully equipped gym for training."
Haruka glances around the Arrowcave, taking in the impressive array of technology and equipment. He turns to Green Arrow, hesitating for a moment before speaking.
"I appreciate you allowing us to see your base," Haruka says, his voice soft. "I know the identity of a hero can be a closely guarded secret." He pauses, considering his next words carefully. "Are you sure it's alright to show this to us?"
Green Arrow nods, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "It's fine, Kamen Rider," he assures. "This is a safe place, and we trust you." His tone is relaxed, exuding a confidence that Haruka finds reassuring.
Haruka nods, grateful for Green Arrow's understanding. "He seems to have a lot of faith in me," Haruka thinks, "even though we just met. I'm thankful for his trust."
"Your Majesty, I think it's best if you stay here in the Arrowcave for a few days," Green Arrow says. "Until we can figure out who's after you and why, this is the safest place for you to be."
Haruka listens as Perdita shakes her head, her expression resolute.
"I appreciate the offer, Green Arrow, but I'm afraid I can't stay," Perdita says, her voice steady. "I have a diplomatic meeting with the local government that I must attend. As the queen of Vlatava, I have responsibilities that I cannot ignore, even in the face of this threat."
Speedy steps forward, his brow furrowed in concern. "But your Majesty, it's not safe for you to be out there," he argues. "Those assassins are still out there, and we don't know who's behind this. You'll be vulnerable."
Perdita meets Speedy's gaze, her expression unwavering. "I understand your concern, but I cannot simply abandon my duties," she says. "My people are counting on me, and I won't let them down."
Haruka watches the exchange, admiring Perdita's resolve. He can see the determination in her eyes, the same kind of unwavering spirit that he has had to cultivate within himself. Despite the risks, she is willing to face them head-on, driven by a sense of responsibility that Haruka can relate to.
Green Arrow nods, a hint of respect in his voice. "I admire your dedication, your Majesty," he says. "But I can't in good conscience let you leave without proper protection."
Perdita holds up a hand, silencing Green Arrow. "I appreciate your concern, but I must insist," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I will take a small security detail with me, but I need to attend this meeting."
Haruka can see the frustration on Green Arrow and Speedy's faces, but he also understands Perdita's position. As the queen, she has obligations that she cannot simply abandon, no matter the risk. Haruka knows all too well the weight of responsibility, and he respects Perdita's willingness to face it head-on.
Haruka listens as Green Arrow argues with Perdita, insisting that she stay in the safety of the Arrowcave. The seasoned hero's brow is furrowed with concern, his voice laced with urgency.
"The people after you have Merlyn, one of the deadliest assassins I've ever faced," Green Arrow says, his hands clenching into fists. "Regular security just won't be enough to stop him. And since they failed to kill you at the airport, they'll be even more prepared to succeed next time."
Perdita's expression remains resolute, but Haruka can see the conflict in her eyes. She understands the danger, but her duty to her people is unwavering.
Stepping forward, Haruka clears his throat, drawing the attention of the others. "Perhaps I can help," he says, his voice calm and measured. "I could act as your personal bodyguard, your Majesty, while Green Arrow and Speedy protect you from the shadows."
Green Arrow and Speedy exchange a glance, their brows furrowed in contemplation. Haruka continues, "This way, you can still attend your meeting, but with an additional layer of protection. And it might even lure out the people behind this plot, giving us a chance to stop them."
Perdita's eyes widen slightly, and Haruka can see the gears turning in her mind. "That... that could work," she says, her voice tinged with hope. "I'd be willing to try it, if you're willing to take on the responsibility."
Haruka nods, his resolve unwavering. "I am," he says, his voice firm. "I've faced my own challenges, your Majesty, and I know what it's like to have the weight of responsibility on your shoulders. Let me help you with this."
Green Arrow steps forward, his expression thoughtful. "It's a risky plan, but it might be our best chance of keeping you safe," he says, his gaze shifting to Haruka. "Are you sure you're up for this, Kamen Rider?"
Haruka meets Green Arrow's eyes, his own determination shining through. "I am," he says, his voice steady. "I won't let anything happen to her."
Green Arrow nods, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Alright, then," he says, turning to Perdita. "We'll make the necessary arrangements. Kamen Rider will be your personal bodyguard, and Speedy and I will provide additional support from the shadows."
Perdita's expression softens, and she reaches out, placing a hand on Haruka's arm. "Thank you," she says, her voice sincere. "I appreciate your willingness to help."
Haruka nods, his heart swelling with a sense of purpose. He knows the risks, but he's determined to see this through. "I won't let you down, your Majesty," he thinks, his gaze unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
///
Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.
Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.