Talking: Nice to meet you.

Whispering: That's wild.

Thinking: (What the hell is happening?)

---------------------------------------------------------

{3rd Person POV}

https://youtu.be/QM4FBy2ZIbI

A certain blue-haired girl can be seen walking into her video rental store, Random Play. She looked around as if making sure she wasn't being followed before closing the door, pulling down the blinds, and flipping the sign on the window from "OPEN" to "CLOSED".

She stepped through the dark until arriving at the door that led to the back of the store. Once Belle opened it she saw Nicole leaning against a cabinet, with Wise standing in front of her. His arms were crossed, always serious when it came to business.

Belle: I just checked. Doesn't look like there's anyone suspicious outside.

Nicole: Don't worry, I wasn't followed! It took a lot to get out of Fourteenth Street unnoticed, but I made sure nobody was tailing me.

Wise: I hope so.

Nicole: I know things've been tight lately with the general election just around the corner. They're really cracking down on Proxies. They set up a hotline and–

She was interrupted by Belle, who placed a hand on her hip with a teasing smirk.

Belle: So what's the hurry, Nicole? Which creditor is chasing after you this time?

Nicole: That's not it! I was set up by Public Security and that angry reporter from Ridu TV!

Wise: Alright then, give us a recap.

The woman sighed, adverting her gaze from the siblings and playing with one of her pigtails. She began to explain what happened; from getting a request to steal a precious box from the Red Fang Gang, to when they were ambushed, and all the events leading up to the explosion...

At the mention of a mysterious male that entered to rock everyone's shit, the two siblings looked at each other with nervous yet knowing expressions.

Wise: Nicole, this guy you're speaking of. Could you describe him?

The Cunning Hare placed a finger on her mouth, trying to recall his appearance

Nicole: Well his hair was black and white and split down the middle. His eyes were of two different colors...um, he looked really grumpy too, if that helps. Why?

They could've figured it out at "His hair was black and white". Wise pinched the bridge of his nose and inhaled sharply. He nodded toward his sister who looked a little annoyed, but more worried than anything.

Belle: (Oh that feisty little!–)

Wise: *Sigh* No reason...

Nicole: Anywho...Billy and Anby fell into a Hollow. I have to get them out! And I need to get back what I've been commissioned to deliver! It's an emergency, and you're the only ones who can help!

Wise: Why don't you make a rescue application with the Hollow Investigative Association?

Nicole: I... don't want to make us a target for the Association right now. If they found we'd been involved in Hollow raiding, we'd be in big trouble.

She suddenly frowned, her voice turning into a more venomous tone of disdain!

Nicole: And it'd take a small fortune to pay those greedy vultures off! But I can't just abandon my squad, right?

The blue-haired girl looked at her with another bratty grin.

Belle: Leaving employees behind... That does sound a lot like Nicole's style.

Nicole: Hey, don't be mean! I allocate a large portion of revenue to the "employee rescue budget"!

She crossed her arms and huffed in indignation. How dare she suggest she would just leave her team behind?!

Nicole: Look. All in all, my request is simple! All you need to worry about is getting my people and my client's stuff out of the Hollow safely!

The pink-haired woman covered her mouth with one hand, looking at Belle with a teasing glint.

Nicole: You don't accept basic Proxy work now? Phaethon?

Belle glared at her with a bratty pout.

Nicole: Tell you what? Finish this job, and I'll clear my entire bill in one go!

That was an incredibly rare thing for NICOLE to say. Usually, they would have to nag her for months for her to keep paying them so the blue-haired girl naturally jumped at the chance.

Belle: Ok, deal!

Nicole: Still no good? Then I'll add... Huh? You'll do it?

The silver-haired male sighed, bringing his hand up to cover his face.

Wise: ...Damn, you should have waited for Nicole to add the bonus.

Nicole: Great! There's no time to waste! I'll be waiting for you in the Hollow! *She winced in pain* Hnngh!

The blue-haired proxy dropped the brat act for a second.

Belle: Nicole are you hurt? You should stay and rest a while before heading back out.

The woman held onto her injured arm, attempting to retort but ultimately succumbing to the pain.

Nicole: But! ...Ngh!...

Wise: Just listen to my sister. But we'll need your help to take Eous somewhere close to the Hollow later.

This "Eous" he was referring to was none other than one of their multiple Bangboo. But it was clear as day that this specific Bangboo was special. Modified.

Nicole: Ohhh? Deploying your "Bangboo Double," huh? Okay!

Wise: Sis, can you tend to Nicole's wound? I'll go debug the HDD and help you with the prep work to infiltrate the Hollow.

The girl with turquoise eyes looked up at her brother and smiled. Her eyes carried a glint of determination. This wasn't just another job. This was a rescue mission, for both Nicole's employees and her best friend!

Belle: Well then... Let's get down to business!

~Time Skip~

Belle was seen typing away into her computer. Lots of lines of complicated code that would probably take a PhD in computer science even to begin to understand it. Despite this, the pair of genius siblings could easily master it regardless of their young age.

Wise could be seen pacing around the room, making sure every minute piece of the plan was perfectly calculated. He held his phone up to his ear, Nicole on the other end.

Wise: Hello, can you hear me, Nicole? You can put Eous through now!

Within a restricted area of 14th Street was Nicole. She discretely kneeled beside the small and squishy bunny android. To her right was also a mysterious black a silver briefcase.

The words "Smart Brain" were engraved on it. She was given precise instructions by Belle and Wise to get Eous and the briefcase inside the hollow and to not open it under any circumstance!

Nicole: Before I do...you suuuure you don't wanna tell me what's so important about the briefcase?

Wise: *Sigh* It's confidential. Just complete your role, Nicole.

Nicole: Okay! Right, little one, off you go then~

She gently guided the rabbit robot forward. Eous waddled over to the briefcase, picking it up and holding it above his head with a bit of difficulty. He then began the walk down the alley towards the Cretan Hollow.

Back at Random Play, the silver-haired male hung up the call and placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. In turn, she looked up at him with a confident, yet determined smile.

Wise: Well then, can we begin?

Belle nodded, closing her eyes and leaning back into her gaming chair. Wise reached over for a large red button. The second he pressed on it, Belle's eyes snapped open! Her normally turquoise eyes were shining a neon sky-blue as her consciousness was being digitally transferred to her bangboo!



*FWOOOOOOOOOM*

..................

...............

............

.........

......

...

[HDD TRANSFER: COMPLETE]

A heterochromatic boy, a white-haired girl, and a cyborg can be seen running across the rooftops of a destroyed and decrepit train station! They jumped down to the streets below before stopping and looking around.

Billy: Huh?! We're back here again?

Suddenly, the Etherials chasing them down jumped in front of them. One of them was holding a stop sign as a makeshift weapon and had seemingly absorbed different pieces of debris to form armor.

Billy: Damn, another fight?! At the rate my ammo's depleting, I can say goodbye to my efficiency bonus...

Kiba: Focus on that later!

Anby: Incoming, get ready.

They got into battle stances, but before they could throw the first attack four balls rolled to their feet from behind them. Then they suddenly exploded into a thick cloud of smoke. Anby and Kiba glared at the gunslinger robot.

Billy: Wait, that wasn't me!

What caught their attention was a bandana-wearing Bangboo waving towards them from behind. It seemed to be the source of the bombs! It called them over, having a girly voice. To Kiba, it sounded strangely familiar...

"Hey, guys! Over here!"



The trio quickly went to hide behind the train car with the Bangboo. It looked up at them, and proudly placed its little nubs on its hips.

Bangboo: Good work, all!

Anby: it's a scarf-wearing, talking Bangboo...

Billy: Ohhh! You're-

"🔋🤖Phaethon!🤖🔋"

...

"🐕Who???🐕"

~Time Skip~

After a few minutes of looking around the place, they finally took in the time to rest. It had been a rough couple of hours and they had barely slept beforehand. The only thing that was keeping Anby and Kiba going was adrenaline at this point.

Anby: I can't hear that superior Ethereal anymore.

Billy: Uh, great, I feel like my legs' pistons are gonna break!

Kiba: You can get tired?

Billy: Yeah of course I can. Why wouldn't I?

The delinquent looked up at the cyborg, squinting his eyes in utter confusion.

Kiba: Never mind...

The white-haired girl then cast an inquiring look at the small, round figure beside her.

Anby: I propose now is a good time to take a break. Is that acceptable? Proxy?

The Bangboo looked up at them and "smiled". Kiba was starting to get tired of robots without months.

"Phaethon": You all rest. I'll take the first watch.

Anby: Thanks, Proxy.

The small rabbit robot looked around herself. Anby and Billy looked pleased but...Kiba was looking at her with a small glare. It wasn't one of hate but more like one of suspicion. She knew she shouldn't act impulsively. She knew she shouldn't say anything. But the way he was looking at her, and just the simple fact he was even inside a Hollow was killing Belle!

"Phaethon": Kiba why are you so reckless?!

Kiba: HUH?! How the hell do you know my name?!

"Phaethon": How mean! Seriously, don't you recognize your best friend's voice?

The gears began to turn in his head...He lightly scratched behind his ear as he thought about it. And he kept on thinking...and thinking...and thinking...and thinking until he suddenly perked up. Eyes wide.

Kiba: BELLE?!

Belle: THAT TOOK YOU WAY TOO LONG–WOAH!

She yelped in surprise as the dual-colored boy picked her small Bangboo form. Her real body back at Random Play began to squirm slightly, her cheeks heating up. Did she like being held like this by him?

Kiba: You're a proxy?! Since when?!

Belle: U-Um, funny story. Since a couple of years back?

Kiba: ...Huh?



After a few seconds of the boy looking confused, they finally took the time to sit down and just...take a breather. They had to recuperate their energy. You never know what can happen inside the hollow after all.

Billy: So, how do you know the manager buddy?

He looked up at Billy who sat in front of him on some rubble. Kiba was sitting with his legs spread out and Belle's Bangboo was sitting on his lap. He had already tried to argue but she insisted on it. Anby looked at the pair and felt a small sting on her chest...

Anby: (What am I feeling?...)

Kiba: We live in the same neighborhood. We've been friends for years now...but somebody still didn't tell me she was a proxy.

He glared down at the bunny robot sitting on his lap. Belle looked up at him and crossed her small limbs.

Belle: Hey, I already said sorry!

Billy: Anywhos, that was dangerous. It's surprising what a powerful monster that Red Fang dude has mutated into.

He gave the small Bangboo a thumbs-up with a wink. From the wink, came out a little cartoon star that quickly disappeared.

Billy: You got us out of there in the nick of time. As expected from Phaethon! Reliable as always!

Belle: D'ow you flatter me too much. I'm just doing what any Proxy does.

Anby: I figured, to save money, Nicole would've left us to fend for ourselves. Hiring the great Phaethon to get us out is quite a surprise.

Kiba raised an eyebrow in surprise, confusion, and annoyance.

Kiba: You have a shit boss...

Anby: She's good when she wants to be. If she hadn't sent Phaethon I'm afraid we wouldn't have made it out of that Ethereal's territory.

She gave the small rabbit a nod of acknowledgment.

Anby: Thanks for coming to the rescue.

Billy: Speaking of which, I've always wanted to ask about that device in your store, you know, the one that lets you sync with Bangboo and communicate in real-time within a Hollow!

Kiba: Wait seriously? That's how you're pulling this?

He looked down at the Bangboo on his lap.

Kiba: Hell, I don't think Public Security and the Hollow Investigative Association have tech like that.

Billy: With a trump card like that, why didn't you just join the Association? Whatever way you look at it, working with us Hollow Raiders has to be more dangerous than the profit is worth.

The blue-haired girl was being put on the spot. She wasn't good when it came to these kind of situations. Luckily or...unfortunately? They heard a loud, ear-piercing roar that shook the squad to their core.

Kiba: What the hell was that?!

Anby: That sounds like an Ethereal.

Billy: No way! So soon? I only just sat down!

The heterochromatic boy and white-haired girl stood up at the same time. The male still held Bangboo Belle in his arms as she hung to him for safety.

Kiba: Quit complaining and get up!

Anby: Unless, Billy, you'd like to stay here forever? That new Starlight Knight Belt you wanted? I guess I'll place it at your grave next year.

Billy: When you say things like that with that poker face of yours, I can't tell if you're joking or not!

The Bangboo squirmed a little before hopping out of Kiba's arms, landing on the ground, and puffing out her chest.

Belle: Let's get moving. Follow me.

Anby: Leave any combat along the way to us.

Billy: You just focus on leading the way. Of course, it'd be nice if you lend a hand if battles get a little too intense.

Kiba nudged him on the side, causing him to grunt a little.

Kiba: Dude, do you think she can fight like that?

Belle: Hey! What is that supposed to mean?!

Kiba: You know exactly what it means. Bangboo can't fight! Lead the way and fall back if we have any problems.

The small rabbit began to walk in a seemingly random direction and the three lost people followed right after her. As they walked, Kiba wondered why Belle was carrying a random Briefcase.

That is something Billy and Anby were wondering too. It seemed important and with a pretentious name such as "Smart Brain" engraved on it who knows what significance it holds?

They traversed through the treacherous terrain of the Cretan Hollow. The group stayed close together and alert, always looking around in case an Ethereal might take them by surprise but Belle assured them that she already scanned the area.

The more they walked the more they could understand the terrain, the distortions in space becoming a little bit more obvious.

Billy: Man, it feels awesome to not run in circles anymore!

Anby: We've broken out of the infinite loop. Thanks, manager.

The blue-haired girl reveled in the praise, her real body kicking her feet as she giggled. All she was missing was a compliment from Kiba and she would be set! In response, Wise looked at her with a deadpan look.

Wise: Focus, sis. There's Ethereals coming up.

Back at the hollow Bangboo-Belle stopped in her tracks and tucked on Kiba's pant leg.

Belle: There's Etherals. I'll stay back alright?

She held up the black and silver briefcase for him to take. Her voice turned shake and her words almost got caught in her throat.

Belle: Take this with you. I'll tell you what to do...

Anby and Billy dashed forward to take care of the Alpeca Ethereals. They seemed to be the most basic and most abundant type of monster found in this particular Hollow.

Kiba: What's so important about this briefcase?

Belle: Just trust me on this!

They stared at each other briefly before he clicked his tongue and nodded. He knelt beside the small android while grabbing the mysterious briefcase. He undid the latches and hastily opened it to reveal its contents.



The heterochromatic boy blinked in confusion. Out of everything he expected to be inside a briefcase he didn't expect this...thing. Was that a flip phone, camera, a laser pointer? He expected something like a gun or something a little more useful.

Kiba: Belle, what the hell even is this?!

Belle: I call it the Faiz Driver! Now hurry up and up and put it on!

He quickly obeyed her bratty command, despite being a bit annoyed at being ordered around by her. He felt a small heat rise up his cheeks but didn't let it deter him from the task at hand. He quickly gripped the...thing at the upper area of the briefcase and pulled it out, revealing it to be a belt.

The small limbs of Belle's Bangboo form nudged at his leg so he could hurry up. He huffed before unclipping one side of the belt, wrapping it around his waist, and tightly clipping it back. It felt strangely natural and comfortable.

Belle: Here! Take this!

He looked down at the bunny robot pulling on his pant leg. She was holding up a silver rectangular device for him to take. He grabbed it and flipped it open.

Kiba: A phone?

Belle: I told you I was getting you a phone didn't I?

Her voice sounded smug with her hands on her hips.

Kiba: How are a phone and a belt supposed to–?

"S̷̗̰͘C̵̱̳̈́͊̅R̶̜̠͍̄͆Ẹ̷̛̈́͆E̴̦͇̯͂̀̀E̵̛͚͓E̶̮͐̅̄Ẻ̷̲È̶̗̈́͗Ȩ̸͍̔͋Ễ̶̯̱͙̿E̴̥͂͋͝Ē̶̲C̶̣̒͋̔Ḧ̴͙́!̸͚͌!̵͙̺̞̀̕!̸̻͓͉͆̈́"

The group was momentarily stopped by the gargled screeches of multiple incoming beasts. What Kiba and Billy thought were simple Hollow flowers suddenly bloomed, bursting up from the ground and flying through the air. Anby kicked an Alpeca away before looking up at the multitude of flying creatures.

Anby: Arlaune!

【☢️Ethereal: Arlaune☢️】



From the rubble, the nooks and crannies, the shadows, and anywhere both possible and impossible emerged a seemingly endless horde of Ethereals. In this distorted space, nowhere was safe.

Billy: Did they just call for backup?! I don't have the ammo for this!

Anby: We're being overrun...

*Shroooooom–BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!!* *PWOOOOOOF*

A volley of energy projectiles from the Arlaune suddenly rained on the group of hollow raiders! As soon as they made contact with a surface they detonated into a surge of Eather!

Billy: Look out, manager!

Anby: Kiba!

The white-haired girl snapped her head back to look at the cloud of smoke that had formed! The heterochromatic boy and bunny android had been launched away into a cave of rubble by the explosion.

Billy: Crap, that blast was strong–

He was about to go and help them but was stopped by an incoming attack by an Alpeca's sword arm. He sidestepped, using his incredible flexibility to limbo dodge right under another attack! The monster's back was facing Billy, which gave him the time to shoot it dead in the back of the head.

Billy: We can't check on them right now. Not when we have like half of the ethereal population on our backs.

Anby:...You're right...don't waste too much ammo!

She gave the mysterious dust cloud a final glance before going right back to slicing monsters to ribbons, but in the back of her mind, her worries lingered.

"🔋(Please be okay...)🔋"

The two teenagers coughed under the pile of rubble. They got lucky. Somehow, the explosion had left them with just enough space so they wouldn't be crushed under the weight of the metal and concrete.

Kiba: Argh...You ok Belle?

Belle: Yeah I'm fine. This body is just a robot, dummy. I'm not in danger.

He blushed in embarrassment. He was so caught up in the moment, that he totally forgot her actual body was still at Random Play.

Kiba: Tch, I-I knew that...

Belle: Sure you did...

The male-only sighed at her eye roll. With all his might, he pushed off the ground with his legs! He managed to clear some of the rubble, but it was a minuscule amount.

Kiba: How the hell do we get out of here?

Belle: Do you still have the phone with you?

He pulled the silver device out of his pocket.

Kiba: What is this supposed to do?

Belle: Ok...I need you to input the code "Five-Five-Five" and then connect the phone to your belt.

Kiba: Seriously?...Grah whatever! I trust you!

He flipped open the silver phone and clicked the middle button three times, a beep for each button press.

《𝛷 5-5-5 𝛷》 《𝛷 Standing By! 𝛷》

The phone began to play some sort of standby sound. Kiba took a deep breath and raised the phone above his head!–

Belle: Wait! You have to say "Henshin"!

Kiba: What, why?

Belle: You just have to ok!

Kiba: ...Tch, fine!...

"🐕Henshin!🐕"

He brought the phone down upon the belt and turned it 90 degrees to the left!

《𝛷 Complete! 𝛷》

https://youtu.be/gSJlLtkS3S4

Blinding red lines of energy emerged from the belt and began to wrap around his body! The energy burst caused a small shockwave that cleared even more of the rubble!

Outside, Anby, Billy, and the ethereal could only watch with amazement as shining crimson lights bled through the cracks of the wreckage.

They saw a figure rising up from the subsequent dust cloud...

【𝛷 Kamen Rider Faiz 𝛷】 [Dashing Instinct]



Billy: Is that an Ethereal?...

Anby: No...No it's not!

She quickly pointed to the small bamboo emerging from the shadows!

Belle: Alright, Kiba! Or should I say Kamen Rider Faiz?~ *Giggle* Go get 'em!

The armored male nodded, getting into a low fighting stance and...taking off! He sprinted towards the group of ethereal with a level of speed that far exceeded that of a regular human!

He was still slower than someone like Anby, but to even be put on a similar speed bracket was remarkable!

Multiple ethereals attempted to intercept his charge, but nothing they did even slowed him down. He grabbed one by the arm and gave it a knee to the gut! The monster's stone flesh seemed to crack under the force of his strike!

Another Alpeca tried to swing its blade arm at him from behind, but the blade recoiled off his armor! Sparks flew into the air from the impact! The boy whipped around around, grabbed the monster by the arm, and landed a HAYMAKER!

*POW–CRAAAACK!*

Not realizing the strength he now had, his fist rammed into the Alpeca's chest and drove it into the ground! The impact cracked the concrete beneath him. Kiba watched the Ethereal dissolve into Eather particles and then looked down at his hands...

Kiba: (I'm strong...stronger than ever before...)

He grinned under his helmet and flicked his wrist, slowly turning around to face the rest of the horde. A cocky smile was hidden beneath his helmet. He felt unstoppable.

Kiba: (I can do anything...I can protect anything...)

He dashed once more! Once he was a few meters away from the horde, Billy, Anby, and Belle watched in amazement as he jumped high into the air!

*~Fwooossh~*

"🐕And nothing's gonna get in my way!!!🐕"



{TO BE CONTINUED...}