Chapter 31

Haruka, clad in the sleek Kamen Rider The First armor, stands in awe of the displays before him. The glass panels showcase the evolution of Green Arrow and Speedy's costumes, each iteration more advanced than the last. He can't help but admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail, a testament to the heroes' dedication.

Beside him, Speedy approaches, her curious gaze fixed on Haruka's distinctive attire. "Nice armor," she comments, her voice laced with a hint of playful curiosity. "Where'd you get it?"

Haruka hesitates for a moment, considering how to respond. He can't exactly reveal the existence of the Kamen Rider System that provided him with this advanced suit. "I, uh, designed and built it myself," he says, his tone casual, hoping to divert Speedy's attention.

Speedy's eyebrows raise in surprise, and she casts an appreciative glance over the sleek, metallic lines of Haruka's costume. "Impressive," she says, a note of admiration in her voice. "I didn't think anyone outside of Wayne Enterprises or S.T.A.R. Labs could create something like this."

Haruka feels a twinge of unease, aware that he's treading on delicate ground. He offers Speedy a small smile, hoping to deflect any further questions. "It's been a work in progress," he says, his gaze shifting back to the display of Green Arrow and Speedy's suits.

Haruka's brow furrows slightly as Speedy's question catches him off guard. He glances down at his hand, then back up at her. With a subtle flick of his wrist, the Shotriser materializes in his palm, its sleek, metallic frame gleaming under the display lights.

"This is what I used," Haruka explains, his voice calm and measured. "It's a bit more than just a gun, but it gets the job done." He offers the device to Speedy, allowing her to examine it, though he's careful to keep his true capabilities hidden.

Haruka watches as Speedy examines the Shotriser, her fingers tracing the sleek lines of the device. "How did you make it appear like that?" she asks, her curiosity piqued.

"It's part of the suit's abilities," Haruka explains, trying to keep his tone casual. "The Shotriser is integrated into the armor, so I can summon it at will." He pauses, gauging her reaction.

Speedy's eyes widen with appreciation. "That's really cool," she says, handing the Shotriser back to Haruka. "Convenient, too. Doesn't have to worry about forgetting your weapon, huh?"

Haruka nods, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Exactly. It's come in handy more times than I can count."

Haruka finds himself engaging in more casual conversation with Speedy. The young hero's curiosity about his advanced suit and integrated weapon piques his interest, and he finds himself drawn into a discussion about their respective adventures.

"So, what kind of baddies have you been up against?" Speedy asks, her eyes gleaming with a hint of friendly competition. "I bet they don't stand a chance against that fancy gear of yours."

Haruka chuckles, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Oh, you know, the usual — thugs, mob bosses, the occasional supervillain." He pauses, recalling the harrowing encounters he's faced as the Kamen Rider. "But I have to say, your team's rogues gallery sounds pretty impressive too."

Speedy nods, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Yeah, we get our fair share of crazies in Star City. But nothing we can't handle, right?" She nudges Haruka playfully, her camaraderie evident.

Observing the two heroes from the side, Green Arrow can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. He watches as Haruka and Speedy exchange stories, their laughter and camaraderie filling the Arrowcave.

"Looks like you two are getting along just fine," Green Arrow interjects, a warm smile on his face. "I'm glad to see you've found a kindred spirit, Speedy."

Haruka watches as Speedy's face flushes with embarrassment, and she turns to Green Arrow with a playful scowl.

"Shut up, Ollie," she says, lightly punching his arm. "You're embarrassing me in front of the new guy."

Haruka chuckles, finding Speedy's reaction endearing. He turns his attention to Green Arrow, his expression growing more serious.

"How's Perdita holding up?" he asks, concern evident in his voice.

Green Arrow's brow furrows slightly. "She's been looking through the news about the attack at the airport," he explains. "Seems pretty distressed about the whole thing."

Haruka nods, his mind already contemplating the best way to approach the young queen. He knows all too well the weight of responsibility and the fear of losing one's family. With a determined stride, he makes his way towards the room where Perdita is resting, hoping to offer her a sympathetic ear.

Haruka makes his way to the room where Perdita is resting, his expression filled with concern. He finds the young queen lying down, tears glistening in her eyes. Haruka approaches her cautiously, his voice gentle.

"Perdita, are you okay?" he asks, his brow furrowed with worry.

Perdita looks up, quickly wiping her eyes and putting on a brave front. "I'm fine, really," she says, her tone unconvincing.

Haruka sits down next to her, his gaze warm and understanding. "Perdita, you don't have to pretend with me. If you need to talk about it, I'm here to listen. Sometimes sharing the burden can make it feel a little lighter."

Perdita was silent, thinking about whether or not she should confide with Haruka. Haruka sat beside her in silence, patiently waiting for her to speak.

After a few seconds, Haruka asked, "Perdita, can you tell me about your father? What was he like?"

Perdita's gaze softened, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "He was a good man," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "When I was a child, he would always make time to play with me, to support me in everything I did." She paused, a hint of sadness creeping into her expression.

Haruka listened intently, his eyes filled with empathy. As an orphan himself, he understood the weight of losing a parent all too well.

"He was so kind and loving," Perdita continued, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "Even with all the responsibilities of running the country, he never made me feel like I wasn't his top priority." She swallowed hard, the emotions evident in her voice.

"He also taught me how to rule our country," Perdita says, a hint of pride in her voice. "I know he would be excited to see me take the throne, to continue his legacy."

Haruka glanced down at his hands, the memory of his own father weighing heavily on his mind. "He seemed like a good father," he said quietly, his voice tinged with wistfulness.

Perdita nodded, her expression pensive. "He was..." she trailed off, the words hanging in the air between them.

A solemn silence settled over the pair as they both reflected on the weight of their pasts.

Haruka glances down at his hands, the weight of his past visible in his expression. "I didn't have parents when I was growing up," he says quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Speedy's brows furrow with empathy. "Are you an orphan?" she asks, her tone softening.

Haruka nods slowly. "It's complicated," he admits, his gaze lifting to meet Speedy's. "I have parents now, but it's hard to forget the years of pain I went through without them." A rueful smile tugs at the corner of his lips. "I guess some scars never fully heal, you know?"

Haruka glances down at his hands, a flicker of wistfulness passing across his features. "I was quite a troublemaker when I was growing up. I got into a lot of fights and learned I could only rely on myself." He pauses, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm quite jealous your father showed you plenty of love."

Perdita's expression softens with empathy. "I'm sorry," she murmurs.

Haruka shakes his head slightly. "Don't be, you should be proud you have such a loving father." His gaze meets hers, and for a moment, a shared understanding passes between them.

Haruka looks at Perdita, his expression softening with empathy. He gently wipes the tears from her face.

"I know this is a difficult time, but I'm certain your father wouldn't want to see you so sad." His voice is calm and reassuring. "You're strong, Perdita. I know you can get through this, and I'll be here to help you however I can."

Haruka pauses, his gaze meeting hers. "When all of this is over, you can show your father that you would make a fine queen, even without him. I'm sure that would make him proud."

Perdita looks up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you... Kamen Rider."

Perdita leans on Haruka's shoulder, her posture relaxing as she feels the warmth of his presence. A small smile plays on her lips, and she turns to him, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

"You know, Kamen Rider," she says, her voice light and playful, "I'm counting on you to protect me at the upcoming diplomatic meeting. I can't have my bodyguard slacking off, now can I?"

Haruka feels a strange fluttering in his chest as Perdita's words register. He clears his throat, his expression earnest.

"I promise, Perdita," he says, his voice sincere. "I'll be by your side, no matter what happens. I won't let anything happen to you."

Perdita's eyes widen, and a coy smile spreads across her face. "Oh, my," she teases, "that almost sounded like a proposal, Kamen Rider. Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?"

Haruka's cheeks flush with embarrassment, and he shakes his head quickly. "N-no, that's not what I meant at all!" he stammers, his hands waving frantically. "I just want to keep you safe, that's all."

Perdita laughs at Haruka looking embarrassed, her melodic laughter filling the room. Haruka can't help but smile, relieved to see the young queen's spirits lifted. The tension in his shoulders eases, and he's grateful to have brought her some comfort.

///

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