Merlyn unleashed a barrage of arrows, his fingers a blur as he nocked and fired in rapid succession. Green Arrow and Speedy worked in tandem, deflecting the deadly projectiles with their own trick arrows. The clash of steel and the whistle of the arrows filled the air, a symphony of combat.
Green Arrow's eyes narrowed as he assessed Merlyn's movements, searching for an opening. "He's good, I'll give him that," the veteran hero muttered under his breath. Beside him, Speedy gritted his teeth, his muscles straining as he matched Merlyn's relentless assault.
Merlyn's lips curled into a smug grin as he watched his adversaries struggle. "What's the matter, Oliver?" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Have you grown soft in your old age?"
Green Arrow's jaw tightened, and he let loose a volley of explosive arrows, the detonations rocking the rooftop. Merlyn evaded with feline grace, his own arrows finding their mark, forcing Green Arrow and Speedy to take cover.
Speedy emerged from behind a vent, his bow drawn and his eyes burning with determination. "We're not going to let you win, Merlyn," he growled, his voice laced with a fierce resolve.
Merlyn chuckled, his eyes gleaming with malice. "We'll see about that, boy." He nocked another arrow, his fingers caressing the fletching with a practiced touch.
The two sides resumed their deadly dance, arrows cutting through the air with lethal precision. Green Arrow and Speedy worked in tandem, their movements fluid and coordinated, but Merlyn's skill and experience proved to be a formidable challenge.
Haruka, clad in the sleek Trapping Spider armor, landed beside Green Arrow and Speedy, his arrival drawing their attention.
"What happened to the queen?" Green Arrow demanded, his voice laced with concern.
"I've already taken care of the intruders and the mastermind behind the attack," Haruka replied, his modulated voice betraying no emotion. "Count Vertigo was the one orchestrating this assault on Perdita."
Merlyn's eyes narrowed as he realized his employer had been defeated. Recognizing the shift in the tide, he decided it was time to retreat.
"Well, it seems my work here is done," Merlyn said, his tone dripping with mocking amusement. "I must congratulate you, Kamen Rider, on your victory. But don't think this is the last you'll see of me."
With a dramatic flourish, Merlyn released a thick smokescreen, obscuring his escape. Green Arrow and Speedy rushed forward, but by the time the smoke cleared, their rival had vanished.
Green Arrow thought it was a shame Merlyn had gotten away. He and Speedy returned their arrows to their quivers, their expressions etched with frustration.
"Where's Perdita?" Green Arrow asked, his gaze shifting to the Kamen Rider.
"She's with the security team," Haruka replied, his modulated voice betraying no emotion. "We should go to her."
The three heroes made their way towards the building, their footsteps echoing in the tense silence. As they approached, they saw Perdita surrounded by Haruka's Candroids, the small robotic creatures keeping a vigilant watch.
Perdita's eyes widened with relief when she saw them. "Green Arrow, Speedy, Kamen Rider," she greeted, her voice laced with gratitude. "I'm so glad you're all safe."
Green Arrow placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're just glad you're alright, Your Majesty. Merlyn is a dangerous foe, but we'll make sure he doesn't get to you again."
Speedy nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed with concern. "What happened in there? Were you hurt?"
Perdita shook her head. "No, thanks to the Kamen Rider's quick thinking and your Candroids. They kept me safe when the intruders attacked."
Haruka, Green Arrow, and Speedy turned towards the commotion to see Count Vertigo being loaded into a police armored truck. The villainous aristocrat was screaming at the top of his lungs, his face contorted with rage.
"This is not over!" Vertigo bellowed, his voice laced with venom. "I will have my revenge, Green Arrow! You and your meddlesome sidekicks will all pay for this humiliation!"
Green Arrow stepped forward, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Careful, Vertigo," he taunted, "your aristocratic temper is showing. I'd hate for you to lose what little dignity you have left."
Vertigo's eyes narrowed, and he strained against the officers restraining him. "Dignity?" he spat. "I am a nobleman, a rightful ruler! You have no idea the power I possess, the forces I command. This is not the end, I assure you."
Speedy crossed his arms, his expression one of amused disdain. "Yeah, yeah, we've heard it all before. Your big, scary 'forces' couldn't even stop us from taking you down. Maybe you should try a new schtick, Count."
Haruka, still in his Trapping Spider armor, remained silent, observing the exchange with a stoic demeanor. He could sense the tension in the air, the clash of egos and the underlying threat of Vertigo's words.
Vertigo's face flushed with indignation, and he struggled against the officers once more. "Mark my words, Green Arrow," he snarled. "This is not the last you'll see of me. I will reclaim what is rightfully mine, and I will make you all pay for your insolence!"
The police officers, sensing the escalating situation, quickly ushered Vertigo into the armored truck, slamming the doors shut behind him. The vehicle rumbled to life and began to pull away, Vertigo's muffled shouts of rage echoing through the streets.
Green Arrow watched the truck depart, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Well, that was certainly entertaining," he remarked, turning to Speedy and Kamen Rider. "Looks like we've got one less problem to worry about, at least for now."
Speedy nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, the guy's a real piece of work. But I have to admit, it's kind of fun getting under his skin."
Haruka, his expression hidden behind the Trapping Spider helmet, spoke up for the first time. "He seems like a formidable opponent, one who won't easily be deterred. We should remain vigilant."
Green Arrow placed a hand on Haruka's shoulder, his tone reassuring. "Don't worry, Kamen Rider. We've dealt with Vertigo and his ilk before. We'll be ready for him, no matter what he tries next."
Scene 2
Haruka, clad in the sleek Kamen Rider The First armor, stands before Perdita, the young queen of Vlatava. A few days have passed since the chaotic events at the diplomatic meeting, and now Perdita is about to depart for her home country.
Perdita faces Haruka, her regal bearing softening as she speaks. "Kamen Rider, I cannot thank you enough for your bravery and selflessness in protecting me. Vlatava owes you a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid."
Haruka listens, his expression concealed behind the metallic visor. "I was only doing what was right," he replies humbly.
Perdita nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "I hope you will visit Vlatava someday. I would be honored to host you and show you the beauty of my country. Perhaps then I can properly express my thanks."
Before Haruka can respond, Perdita steps closer and, to his surprise, leans in to place a gentle kiss on his helmet. Haruka feels a flush of embarrassment, his heart racing at the unexpected gesture.
"I look forward to seeing you again, Kamen Rider," Perdita says, her green eyes shining with warmth. "Until then, please stay safe."
Haruka nods, momentarily at a loss for words. "I...I will. Safe travels, Your Majesty."
Perdita offers him one last smile before turning to join her entourage, leaving Haruka to watch as she departs, the weight of her gratitude lingering in the air.
Haruka watched as Perdita's entourage departed, her parting words echoing in his mind. The unexpected kiss had caught him off guard, leaving him flustered. While it felt strange, he couldn't deny the warmth that had blossomed in his chest. Perhaps they would meet again someday, and he could properly express his gratitude.
Turning to leave, Haruka noticed Green Arrow and Speedy approaching. Green Arrow's voice carried a hint of curiosity as he addressed Haruka.
"So, Kamen Rider, what are your plans now? We could use your help in protecting Star City."
Haruka considered the offer, but the weight of his mission weighed heavily on him. "I appreciate the invitation, Green Arrow, but I'm afraid I can't stay. I have to move on to the next city on my list."
Green Arrow nodded, a trace of disappointment in his expression. "I see. Well, it was good working with you. If you're ever in the area again, don't hesitate to lend a hand."
Haruka understood the sentiment. Despite their brief partnership, he had come to respect the legendary heroes. "Thank you. I'm glad we were able to work together."
As Haruka prepared to depart, his inner thoughts returned to the mission at hand. Defeating Count Vertigo had been a significant step, but there were still two more supervillains he needed to confront in other cities. The prospect filled him with a sense of determination, even if it meant leaving Star City behind.
"I have to keep moving," Haruka mused, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I have a deadline to complete for my mission and earning those rewards."
With a final nod to Green Arrow and Speedy, Haruka turned and headed towards his next destination, the weight of his responsibilities guiding his steps.
///
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.