[KamenRiderOOO]

Mana. The very essence that fills every living being. Those who can manipulate and channel their mana, the Mahoutsukai. Those who seek to create more of their kind from potential Mahoutsukai, the Phantoms. One girl, with her immense power, created countless Phantoms that broke free, but never once became one. With the aid of a fellow Mahoutsukai, she was freed of her problem. Now, she travels the worlds, helping those in need. This, is her story.

Kamen Rider Magica: The Resonant Phantoms

The streets of Paris were in disarray. Ghouls running about everywhere, attacking any citizen they saw. In the middle of the crowd of Ghouls was none other than a Phantom, the Kappa Phantom. “Find the gate, he couldn’t have gotten far!” As the Ghouls continued their assault, a young man ran past them, but found himself falling on his face. Looking up, he saw a cloaked figure, simply enjoying a croissant. “Hey, get out of here! It’s dangerous!” To the man’s surprise, the figure simply kept eating, watching the Ghouls carefully. As they approached the man, he closed his eyes and cowered in fear. “Sorry, I wanted to finish my meal first.” The man opened his eyes to see that the cloaked figure had stepped in front of him and cut down the Ghoul. Watching the figure toss its cloak off, the man’s eyes widened when he realized it was an asian teenage girl. “You may wanna stay back.” “Eh? But you need to get yourself to safety too!” “Trust me, these guys are the ones who’ll need to get to safety.” Looking closely, he saw her put on two rings, one on each hand. “Is it really time for you to try on jewelry right now?!” “Just watch me, okay?!” Bringing her right hand toward her waist, the young man was startled to suddenly hear ~DRIVER ON, ONEGAI?~ To his surprise, a belt materialized around her waist. “What was that?!” “Didn’t I tell you to be quiet?!” “There he is, the Gate!” The Kappa Phantom pointed towards the young man as Ghouls charged. “So you’re the Gate after all, huh? Well stand back. HENSHIN!” Bringing her left hand towards her belt, she became enveloped in pink light as a magic circle appeared. ~MAGICA! ONEGAI? MAHOU, MAHOU, MAHOU SHOUJO!~ Where the girl once stood was an armored figure that looked like a Japanese schoolgirl, with two yellow pigtail like attachments attached to her head. “Saa, Watashi No Showtime Daa!”

“Mahoutsukai?! Ghouls, get her!” As they approached her, the girl put on another ring. Bringing her hand to her belt, it said ~CONNECT, ONEGAI?~, creating a magical circle in front of her. Reaching forward, she then pulled her arm back, revealing a long staff with a crescent moon at the top. Pulling the moon down, the staff transformed into a sword as she began cutting her way through the Ghouls. As several of them circled her, she turned it back into a staff and swung it around, knocking several Ghouls off their feet. “Now, how about we take this to the elements?!” Pulling out a ring that had black, silver and red, she took off the ring on her left hand and slipped it on. Hitting a lever on her belt, it began to glow, shouting ~SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN? SHABADOOBIE TOUCH TO HENSHIN?~ before she brought her hand to it. ~FLAME, ONEGAI? HI? HI! HI HI HI!~ From an alley way, the man watched as she raised her hand to her left side, as a fiery magical circle came towards her. Once it passed, in her place was another armored figure that resembled a witch. With her cape flowing behind her, she converted her staff into a sword again and began to slash away. “How about this?!” Placing her hand on the “hand” of her weapon, it suddenly was engulfed in flames. Taking off the ring on her right hand, she put on another, one that resembled a pegasus running quickly. ~RAPID, ONEGAI?~ Putting her sword in front of her, she jabbed it several times, hitting Ghouls over and over again until each one exploded. Seeing this, the Kappa Phantom commanded some of his other Ghouls to attack. “Keep her busy! I’ll take care of the Gate.” The girl noticed what was going on, and pulled off the ring on her left hand. Taking out a silver and blue ring, she slipped it on and placed it in front of her belt.

~WATER, ONEGAI? SUI SUI SUI SUI~ Her form changed yet again, giving her the appearance of a cleric with a hood. Turning her weapon back into a staff, she swung it towards Ghouls and lifted them off the ground. Several Ghouls attempted to stab at her, but she put on another ring on her right hand and scanned it. ~VAPOR, ONEGAI?~ Breaking up into small water particles, the vapors surrounded the Ghouls, before crushing them. Reforming back, she put on another ring. ~HURRICANE, ONEGAI? FU? FU! FU FU FU FU FU!~ Changing forms again, her new form was green with arrow shapes and a green ponytail. Kicking some Ghouls aside, she scanned another ring as she leapt into the air. ~LEVITATE, ONEGAI?~ Throwing her staff at the Ghouls, it circled around her, hitting other ones as she made her way closer to the Kappa Phantom. “Leave him alone!” Kicking the Phantom aside, she helped the young man off the ground. “It’s okay, just stay back, and I will be able to end this quickly. Taking out a yellow and silver ring, she scanned it and charged. ~LAND, ONEGAI? DO DON DO DON DO DON~ Kicking him down, she scanned another ring. ~KAKKOII! EXODUS. SUGOI!~ Concrete surrounding her, the girl leapt into the air and kicked down at the Phantom, crushing him completely as he exploded. Landing on her feet, she turned to the young man, who watched as she reverted to her human form. “Beautiful...” “Huh?” “Uh, nothing, thank you for saving my life.” “It’s what I do,” the girl said, turning away. “Wait!” “What is it?” “My name is Pierre, and yours?” Sighing, she turned and got a closer look at him. “Cute...” “Eh? Your name is Cute?” “Wha- No! It’s Marika. Sakai Marika.” “I’m confused, is your first name Sakai or Marika?” “First name is Marika, last is Sakai.” “Where are you from?” “What’s with the questions?!” “Well I’m curious, it’s not everyday that a magical girl appears and save my life!” As soon as he saw Marika walking farther away from him,

“Wait up!” “How long are you going to follow me?!” “Til you answer my questions.” Marika looked at Pierre, he was out of breath, panting while looking down with his hands on his knees. “Look, I know I am a stunning girl, but I’m only 18, do you really wanna keep following me around?” “I am 18 too!” “Didn’t ask that. Look, Pierre, I don’t have time for this. I gotta get back to the hotel I’m staying at before check out time.” “Oh...so you’re leaving Paris?” “Not...not exactly.” Marika took out one of her rings and slipped it on. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner.” ~TELEPORT, ONEGAI?~ “Hey, wait!” “Get out of the magic circle, idiot!” Before she could push him out, Pierre grabbed onto Marika just as the magic circle spirited them away.

___

Landing in the hotel lobby, Marika pushed Pierre off of her. People passing by noticed what was going on and laughed. “Oooh, look, a lover’s quarrel.” Marika’s face turned bright red as she frantically waved her arms around. “It’s not like that, he just latched onto me! Help, he’s a stalker!” “Eh? No I’m not!” Marika ran to the elevator, only for Pierre to follow her in. “Ugh, why won’t you leave me alone?!” “It’s cause I want to know about you! Please, tell me.” “Fine...As soon as we get to my room, I’ll tell you everything.” Pierre smiled at Marika with delight and pulled a small notebook out of his pocket. “What are you doing?” “I’m a reporter, I want to record our conversation!” “Wha...fine. But you better not use my name in there!” “Oh, no problem, I guarantee I won’t!” Sighing, Marika pressed a button and waited until they reached her floor. Quickly walking out of the elevator, Marika attempted to shake off Pierre only to see that he managed to follow her closely. “Ugh...come in.”

Opening her door, Marika and Pierre stepped into her hotel room. To his surprise, it was messy and covered with strange colored rocks. “I think someone ransacked your room!” “Nope, this is how I left it.” “EH?! But it’s so messy!” “Just take a seat on the bed.” Pierre did as he was told only to prick his hand on something. “OW! Why do you have carving tools in your bed?” “I was working on something, okay?! Geez.” Pierre looked down at his hand then back at Marika. “Okay, so tell me, what exactly are you?” “I’m a Mahoutsukai.” “Ma-ho-su-guy?” “MA-HOU-TSU-KAI.” “Mahoutsukai? Is that Japanese for something?” “It means wizard or magician. Okay, the next part might confuse you. Is that okay?” “Sure, go ahead,” Pierre said, holding his pen close to his notebook. “Every human being has something called mana, the essence of all life. Some people have more mana than others, they are called Gates, which is what I used to be and what you are now. Those who are Gates, when they fall into despair, unleash their inner Phantom. A Phantom is what that monster that attacked you was, and they are created by killing their host and then taking everything- their lives, their memories, their names, all for their own. But if a Gate can resist falling into complete despair at the last minute, they gain the ability to become a Mahoutsukai. Mahoutsukai use their abilities to fight against the Phantoms and enter a Gate’s Underworld, using one of these.” Marika held up a ring and handed it to Pierre. “An Engage Ring, which allows the Mahoutsukai to enter a Gate’s Underworld and defeat their inner Phantom. This in turn depletes their excess Mana, allowing them to live lives as a normal human. Did you get all of that?” “Uh...” “Where did I lose you?” “After you said ‘Every’, I’m afraid.” “You’re hopeless...” “So does that mean I’ll fall into despair and become a Phantom?” “For now, I wouldn’t say you would do that. I mean, what is your hope?” “Well...right now it’s to get to know you better.” “Eh?” “Like, are there more of you? You know, Mahoutsukais?” “Well, there’s the Shiroi Mahoutsukai, ones called Mages, an ancient Mahoutsukai, and then there’s-” Marika stopped herself from speaking before her eyes started to tear up. “Are you alright?” “Yeah...I’m fine...can you please leave?” “But Marika, I have so much to ask y-” “JUST LEAVE!” Pierre looked at her, saw her tears and could see the pain she was feeling. “I...I’m sorry...I’m gonna leave my card here...just in case you ever want to talk. I understand if you wouldn’t call me.” Pierre walked out the door as Marika collapsed in her bed and wept.

___

“Huh? What? Where am I?” Marika looked around to see a desolate wasteland. “Wait...Is this my Underworld? Why is it so-” Marika was interrupted when something crashed beside her. “Ma- Magisus?!?” Magica stared at her own Phantom, who was heavily wounded. The sky of her Underworld grew dark as Marika attempted to revive Magisus. *Marika, run!* “What? I can’t just leave you here! What’s going on?!” *It...it’s happening again!* As soon as she heard those words, Marika knew what Magisus meant- a group of large Phantoms charged towards her. “No, not again! HENSHIN!...Why can’t-” *Marika, this is YOUR Underworld, remember? You can’t transform here!* The Phantoms then dove right at her, colliding into her body as purple cracks spread all over her. “They...are...KYAAA!!!!!!”

___

“Wake up...wake up...” Marika opened her eyes to see her entire hotel room trashed; the windows were broken open, her bed in shreds, and her magic stones crushed. “Yoohoo, over here.” Marika turned to see a Phantom staring back at her, covered with straw and shreds all over it, with a large metal nail sticking out of its chest and through its back. “It’s a pleasure to meet the Gate who managed to spawn me and my friends.” “Why...why did I create Phantoms again?! I thought I was-” “Oh, you thought you were cured? Yeah, sorry, but no. Remembering what you did to your first love happened to make you have a nightmare which helped us escape. Ah, nothing like a little broken heart to send a young girl like yourself into despair. And I should know about hearts, I don’t even have one! And if I did, I’m pretty sure this large freakin’ nail in my chest would stab right through it.” “What do you want?” “What else do Phantoms want? To instill despair into anybody that we can spawn new Phantoms from. Now, let this Voodoo Phantom tell you a little something.” Leaping from where he was to land in front of her, the Voodoo Phantom stared at her with his blank eyes. “There are five of us that broke out. You have twenty-four hours to find out where they went, or else, we’ll go crazy and cause despair everywhere.” Marika clenched her hand into a fist and attempted to punch the Voodoo Phantom, only for him to flip her, causing her to crash into a wall. “Now, now, don’t get hostile, I haven’t finished explaining the rules yet.” “Rules?! Is this a game to you?!” The Voodoo Phantom smiled and grabbed Marika by the neck, lifting her off the ground. “OF COURSE IT’S A GAME! LIFE IS ONE BIG GAME!” The Voodoo Phantom reeled back a bit and coughed. “I’m sorry, that was...that seemed crazy didn’t it?...Oh, I’m still choking you, I’m sorry!” Dropping her, the Voodoo Phantom walked close to one of the holes in the wall. “Again, you have twenty four hours to find my fellow Phantoms, and me. Oh...and they are all over the world. Try and find them, Marika-chan. Kehehehehehe!” Laughing like a maniac, the Voodoo Phantom leapt out of the hole. Grasping her neck, Marika made her way to the desk in her hotel room, grasping the card that Pierre left.

“Hello?” “Is this Pierre?” “Marika?! Are you okay? I heard that something happened at the hotel you were staying at!” “I...I’m fine. I’m sorry but... I gotta go, I can’t stay in Paris any lo-” “Go?! What do you mean go?! Marika, there is so much I have to ask y-” “Pierre, please, don’t get yourself involved with me okay? I fear that something could happen to you and I can’t let someone I met and told my life story to get hurt!” “Marika, I’m worried!” “Pierre, please. Promise me you won’t come to my hotel. Promise me.” “I...I promise.” Hanging up the phone, Marika slipped on a black, silver and red ring onto her left hand. “Henshin!” ~FLAME, PEGASUS. REKKA. REKKA. REKKA REKKA REKKA!~ Transforming into a crimson version of her Flame Style form with black hair, Magica jumped out the hole and climbed to the roof of the hotel. “Okay Magisus, we have one thing to do- find those other Phantoms. Can you sense them?” *I can, closest one seems to be in Pompeii, Italy.* “EH?! Italy?! How did it get that far so fast?!” *Well, you were passed out for several hours so-* “Ugh, I gotta get to Pompeii then,” Marika said, slipping on the Rapid Ring. ~RAPID, ONEGAI?~ Aiming her hand at her feet, Marika ran off the top, running along the clouds. Pierre happened to be passing by when he saw her, before looking down at his notebook.

___

POMPEII, ITALY. TIME LEFT: 21 HOURS, 45 MINUTES LEFT

Marika followed Magisus’s instructions to find herself in the destroyed ruins. “So this is where the first Phantom is?” *Yes, keep on high alert, Marika. This one was the first one to break out of you as well.* Marika brought up her sword, and circled the grounds, peering around every corner. “Yo, Host-chan.” Hearing the voice, Marika swung her sword behind her to see a Phantom that resembled a humanoid goat, his horns curled and lit with flames. “I am Faun. Your first opponent.” “So each Phantom relates to one of the elements, huh?” “Yes, but I assure you that only I and the wind Phantom are in the location where our elements would be strongest. You do know what was here in Pompeii, right?” *Marika, look out! Dodge to your right!* Marika did what she was told and leapt, only to see a crater where she stood before. “What the?! Is that a-” “Yup, ball of magma. Under Mt. Vesuvius, I can control the magma itself within the volcano itself! So guess what girly, this is our battle field! And just to make it fair-” Faun rose his hand and pointed at Marika, who was suddenly hit with a magic circle. “Wha...what did you do to me?!” “I sealed you in that form. You can’t use any of your others unless you defeat me.” “Coward!” “Hey, this is a game. Anything goes!” Faun pointed at Marika and the volcano erupted, hitting Marika several times.

*MARIKA!* “I’m on it!” ~DEFEND, ONEGAI?~ Holding her hand up high, a magical circle appeared above Marika and deflected the blast. Faun snapped his fingers and summoned magma, which he leapt onto and used to run towards Marika. ~CONNECT, ONEGAI?~ Summoning her sword just as Faun got to her, she blocked his attacks until he kicked her stomach. Reeling back, Marika found her helmet being grabbed as Faun kneed her in the jaw. Tossing her aside, Faun summoned magma to his hand, forming a blade. “Get up, the game is still going!” Faun looked at Marika, who laid motionless. “No way...did I kill her already? Eh, just to make sure!” Faun took his blade and stabbed through Marika, only to hear ~SUBSTITUTE, ONEGAI?~ “What?!” Faun yelled out in anger, seeing a large piece of coal where Marika once was. “Try and catch me!” Marika shouted out of sight. “Damn it...this is supposed to be my game! Where are you, you bitch?!” Faun looked down to see a trail of soot on the ground. Smirking, he laughed at the sight. “You really are foolish, aren’t you?! A labyrinth?! It doesn’t matter where you hide, I will find you!”

Inside the labyrinth, Marika was holding her stomach in pain. *Marika, you need to use your mana wisely now, you’re close to producing another Phantom. Don’t overexert yourself.* “Got it. I think I have a plan to take him down.” “Take me down, huh?” Marika looked up in shock as Faun grabbed her neck. “I’ll take that,” he said, grasping her Substitute Ring. “Now, I can enjoy this!” “Hehehe...” “What are you laughing about?!” “Although I can’t change forms...I still can use my form rings!” ~COPY, ONEGAI?~ ~LEVITATE, ONEGAI?~ ~WATER, SLASH STRIKE. SUI SUI SUI, SUI SUI SUI~ “What?!” To Faun’s surprise, Marika had taken three of her rings and tossed them into the air, scanning each one on her sword, which doubled and became imbued with the power of water. Flying to Faun, the blades pierced him and pinned him to the wall. “You really should’ve been watching me closely. Now, it’s time to finish you!” Pulling out a silver and red ring with Magisus’s face, Marika scanned it and looked towards Faun. ~KAKKOII! UNIQUE. SUGOI!~ From her chest, Magisus’s head appeared as flames circled in her mouth. “Wait, no! You’re not supposed to beat me!” “Too late.” The flames erupted and blasted right at Faun, incinerating him completely. Falling to her knees, Marika returned to her civilian form. “Magisus...where...is...the next...one...” *I can’t sense it. We may have to return to France. There I will be able to trace where it is.* “But our time limit!” *If you switch to a different form after some rest, you can still make it on time.* “Okay...I just need to eat...good thing I brought this pack with us.”

___

POMPEII, ITALY. TIME LEFT: 19 HOURS, 50 MINUTES LEFT

“Okay, I should be ready.” *I’d suggest using-* “Already on it! Henshin!” ~HURRICANE, PEGASUS. SHIPPU SHIPPU SHIPPU SHIPPU SHIPPU~ Transforming into an emerald green version of her Hurricane Style with a black ponytail, Marika looked to the sky. ~KAKKOII! UNIQUE. SUGOI!~ Sprouting Magisus’s wings, Marika put on the Rapid Ring again. ~RAPID, ONEGAI?~ Launching into the air Marika flew back to Paris and landed at the Louvre. “Marika!” “Pierre?! I thought I told you to-” “I know, I know, but, I couldn’t help but try to find you. Marika, please, let me help-” “NO!” Marika looked away from Pierre. “Magisus, where is the next Phantom?” *The path leads to Kenya, Africa.* “Then that’s where I’ll go.” Marika leapt into the air and flew off, leaving Pierre distraught on the ground.

___

KENYA, AFRICA. 16 HOURS, 26 MINUTES LEFT.

Marika landed and looked around. *Be careful with this one, Marika. It’s night over here, which means your fight will be more dangerous.* “Of course. I got just the ring to help with that.” ~SHINE, ONEGAI?~ Raising her hand in the air, the ring illuminated everything around her. Right in front of her, she saw something moving around. “What is tha-” The thing she was staring at turned at looked at her with glowing eyes. It was at that moment she knew what she was looking at- whatever that thing was had just devoured part of a lioness. “What the?!” “Ah, so you’ve come at last, my host.” “You...you’re the Phantom I’m supposed to fight?” “Olitiau, at your service.” The Phantom stepped forward, and Marika saw what he really looked like- a large vampire bat like creature with blood red wings attaching her arms to her waist. In her jaws, chunks of lion meat were still stuck to her serrated teeth. “Oh, excuse me a moment, I seem to still have a mess on my face.” “Magisus...I...” *It’s okay Marika, you’ll be alright. This Phantom definitely is not like the last one. But don’t underestimate her.* Olitiau stared at Marika and smiled. “You do know the rules, right?” “You lock the Style that I use.” “Correct. Now, prepare yourself.” Olitiau opened her wings and flew straight at Marika. ~CONNECT, ONEGAI?~ Reaching for her sword, Marika swung forward and sliced at Olitiau. “Gotcha!” “That’s what you think.” Marika felt an immense, sharp pain in her arm as Olitiau bit straight down. “Mmm...you taste delicious!” Olitiau kept chomping harder, until Marika scanned a ring. ~KAKKOII! UNIQUE. SUGOI!~ Marika propelled herself into the air and spun around, loosening Olitiau’s grip. “Hehe, nice trick. But how much longer can you stay conscious?” “Long...enough.” Marika flew straight towards Olitiau as she did the same. Clashing in the air, the two were knocked away from each other, with Marika staying in the air and Olitiau crashing into a tree.

“Hehehe...your blood tastes so delicious!” Olitiau said from the ground. Marika looked over at her arm- even though she had transformed, Olitiau’s jaws had bitten right through her, leaving her arm nearly numb and bleeding profusely. “You’re lucky I didn’t bite you with my venom...otherwise, you’d end up like them.” Marika looked around to see various animals getting closer...and the corpse of the lion get up. Staring at her, they flew into the air and began to attack her. “Making vampire animals is so much fun! But hey, look at this as a bonus level,” Olitiau said laughing. “Magisus, what do we got that can handle these things?” *Marika, if they are like her, their eyes might be sensitive to light!* “Got it! First I should use this!” ~SHINE, ONEGAI?~ The light from the ring caused the animals to cringe, as Marika took it off and inserted it into her sword. “Now!” ~HURRICANE PEGASUS, SLASH STRIKE. SHIPPU, SHIPPU. SHIPPU, SHIPPU~ Swinging her blade around, Marika cut through the animals one by one as they exploded in a ball of light. “My eyes!” Olitiau cried from the ground, shielding herself from the light.

*Are you okay, Marika?* “My arm really hurts Magisus. Do we have a ring to help me heal?” *We left it back in Paris, I’m afraid. But Marika, you have to be careful, you’ve lost too much blood.* “Crap...I gotta be quick about this then..” Marika took her sword and switched it to its staff form, and plugged her Hurricane Ring into it. Scanning the Hurricane Pegasus ring on the hand of the staff, Marika aimed it at Olitiau. ~HURRICANE PEGASUS, SPELL STRIKE. SHIPPU, SHIPPU. SHIPPU, SHIPPU~ Olitiau regained her footing and flew at Marika. “Got ya!” yelled Marika as she scanned another ring with her belt. ~KAKKOII! TYPHOON. SUGOI!~ Olitiau found herself trapped in a magic circle as Marika flew around her. From her staff, a green energy blast hit Olitiau and pierced through her wings, causing her to fall from the sky. As she fell, Olitiau saw Marika spinning her staff in the air before holding it above her head. Throwing it like a javelin, the staff stabbed right through Olitiau, causing her to explode before she hit the ground. “Two...down... three...to...go...” *Marika, give me control for now, you need to rest. I’ll fly us back to Paris.* “O...Okay...”

___

PARIS, FRANCE. 13 HOURS LEFT.

“Marika! Wake Up! Marika!” Marika jolted up and found herself in a room. “What...where...” Looking down at her arm and then around her, she found that the person who woke her up was Pierre. “I thought I told you to- Ow...” “Hey, don’t move around so much, you’re still pretty injured.” “Where am I, Pierre?” “My apartment. You suddenly landed back at your hotel where I saw you, but when you wouldn’t say a word, your transformation cancelled and I carried you here.” “How long have I been in Paris?” “Two hours.” “Oh no, I’m losing time! I have to-” “Hey, don’t strain yourself! Now, I know I shouldn’t have, but I went to your hotel and raided your room before the police showed up. I managed to get these.” Pierre reached behind his couch and took out a suitcase; inside were several magic stones and some of Marika’s rings. “Pierre...can you hand me that one, right there?” Pierre looked to where she was pointing and picked up the ring with a pegasus’s wings forming a heart. “This one?” “Yes.” ~REMEDY, ONEGAI?~ Pierre was surprised as Marika was bathed in a blinding pink light. “Your wounds!” “Yes, my arm’s all better. I’m sorry Pierre, but I need to go.” Marika picked up her rings and was about to head to the door when Pierre walked in front of her. “Marika, that injury...did Phantoms do it to you?” “...Yes. Now please move.” “Wait. Promise me, that whenever what you’re doing is over...you’ll come back here.” “Pierre, I-” “Promise me!” Marika could see the sincerity in his eyes and sighed. “Okay...I promise.” “Before you go, I got some info looking online. Apparently, monsters have appeared in the Amazon and in Sydney, Australia.” “So, one of those, I’ll head to next.” “Marika.” “Yes?” Pierre suddenly hugged her then let go. “Be careful.” “I...I...will...”

___

THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, 7 HOURS LEFT

“Thanks to Pierre, now I can just head straight to where we need to go.” Marika looked around her surrounding, and found that she was next to the Amazon river. From across the way, she could see something charging straight towards her. “Okay, it’s time to go!” ~WATER, PEGASUS. AME AME KOUSUI, SHIKKE FURI!~ Transforming into a blue version of her Water Style, Marika ran across the water towards the thing running in her direction. Dodging piranhas and alligators, Marika made her way to the opposite shore. “Whoa...you looked smaller across the way.” Marika found herself face to face with a Phantom that had to be more than 6 feet tall, his single eye looking at her. “Why do I feel like something is breathing on me?” Marika looked down to see a gaping mouth where the Phantom’s stomach should be. “EWWWWWW!!!!!” “Name...is...Mapinguary. Game...set?” “Okay...bring it on!” Marika was just about to slip on her Connect Ring when Mapinguary smacked her aside.

“No weapon. Fight with fist.” “A fist fight...how about this?!” ~KAKKOII! UNIQUE. SUGOI!~ Marika sprouted Magisus’s tail and used it to prop herself up as she kicked Mapinguary. “Got ya!” “No...Got...you.” To Marika’s surprise, Mapinguary had caught her foot with the mouth on his stomach. “EW!!!! Let go!” *Marika, bring him close to the water!* “Got it!” Marika used her tail to propel herself into the water, taking Mapinguary with her. “CAN’T...SWIM!!!” Marika stared at the Phantom as it tried to bring itself to the surface of the water. “Uh...you are the Water phantom I’m supposed to fight, right?” “No! Me...Earth!” “EHHH?!” *Well, this should be quick then.* Marika pulled out another ring and slipped it on. ~KAKKOII! FLOOD. SUGOI!~ Marika jumped out of the water and walked on its surface towards Mapinguary. Several pillars of water circled around her before surrounding Mapinguary in a bubble. Raising her hands, Marika clenched both of them into fists as the bubble imploded and crushed Mapinguary. “Well, that was faster than expected.” *Marika, it just occurred to me that you could’ve used your Teleport Ring this whole time to bring you to where you needed to be.* “WHAT?! WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY ANYTHING?!” *You didn’t ask.* “Ugh...well, guess I should switch forms before I go.” *Are you sure that’s a wise idea-* ~LAND, PEGASUS. JISHIN, JISHIN JISHIN, JISHIN, JISHN JISHIN JISHIN!~ Turning into a yellow version of her Land Style, Marika pulled out her Teleport Ring. “If this battle ends quickly, I will be able to find Voodoo and end this once and for all.” ~TELEPORT, ONEGAI?~

___

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. 5 HOURS, 23 MINUTES LEFT.

Marika found herself in front of the Sydney opera house. Turning around, she found herself surrounded by curious tourists who began to take her picture. “Wha- oh...um...cheese?” Marika said, posing for them. *Marika! We don’t have time for that!* “Oh, right! Sorry everybody, I need to go find a-” “MONSTER!!!” Marika turned in the direction of where the shout had come from, to see something eerie crawl out of a body of water. With a hound-like face and walrus-like tusks, the creature walked towards her. Its crocodile-like skin shimmered in the sunlight and its long mane flowed in the wind. What freaked Marika out the most...was its lack of eyes. That is, until it lifted its hands, revealing that its eyes were within its palms. With its snake-like tongue sticking out, it licked its tusks. “I’m the Bunyip Phantom. I commend you for making it this far. Now, to lock that form.” “Alright, I’m ready to-” Marika suddenly found herself strangled by Bunyip’s tail, as it clenched tight and dragged her to the water. Finding herself nearly 15 feet under, Marika managed to free herself. “Let the game begin!”

Bunyip zoomed past Marika, hitting her with his tail before circling around her. Chomping on her left arm, Marika punched him in the snout to get him to let go. “I like your spunk. But watch this!” Bunyip zoomed up to her again and began to attack her on all sides. ~DEFEND, ONEGAI?~ Marika braced herself as underwater rocks surrounded her, blocking Bunyip from attacking. Just when she thought she was safe, Bunyip kicked right through her shield and propelled her away. *Marika, you have to think of something! If you don’t, you might meet your end here!* Marika nodded and was about to pull out another ring when Bunyip swam right up to here. “No no no no no. I can’t have you using your rings just yet. I need to have a little more fun.” Bunyip smirked and bit hard down on Marika’s shoulder. *MARIKA! Now!* ~KAKKOI! UNIQUE. SUGOI!~ Magisus’s hooves materialized on her hands, allowing Marika to punch Bunyip away. “Now we’re getting somewhere!” Bunyip kicked at Marika, who blocked with the hooves before returning her own kick. Bunyip anticipated the attack and snared her leg with his tail, pulling her into another kick. *Marika! Observe him! He must have a weakness!* Marika did as she was told and watched carefully. It was at that moment that he always paused before he moved. *That’s it, he uses echolocation to find where you are! Do you have any idea what to do?!* Marika nodded and ceased using the hooves, bringing out another ring. ~SHINE, ONEGAI?~ The bright light illuminated the water, causing Bunyip to flinch around. *I see, with his eyes in his palms, he can’t close his eyes, and the bright light will temporarily immobilize him!*

Bunyip flailed around in the water when Marika pulled out another ring. ~ECHO, ONEGAI?~ From her belt, a loud noise erupted from her belt and echoed through the water. Bunyip began to thrash around as the sound appeared to get louder. *As I thought, he also has sensitive hearing. Marika, finish this!* ~KAKKOI! UNIQUE. SUGOI!~ Manifesting the hooves again, Marika began to punch Bunyip several times. *Marika, keep going!* ~KAKKOII! EARTHQUAKE. SUGOI!~ The entire ocean floor began to shake as underwater volcanoes began to erupt. Punching Bunyip repeatedly, Marika landed one last hit, causing him to fall into the path of the eruption. The impact created a large explosion, propelling Marika out of the water and onto the beach. *Are you okay, Marika?!* “Yeah...I’m fine...how are we on time?” *2 hours left, I’m afraid.* “Can you locate...Voodoo?” Marika waited for Magisus’s response until she heard a gasp. *MARIKA! WE HAVE TO HURRY TO FRANCE NOW!* “What? Why?!” *It’s Pierre! He’s-*

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PARIS, FRANCE. 30 MINUTES LEFT.

Marika ran straight to Pierre’s apartment. As soon as she got there, she found that he wasn’t there, but a note was on the table. “Eiffel Tower...quickly...” Marika dashed to the site, which was already surrounded by police officers and several civilians. Making her way through the crowd, she could see what was going on- dangling from the top of the tower was Pierre, tied up unconscious. “PIERRE! Magisus, we need to get up there!” *Marika, use Teleport!* ~TELEPORT, ONEGAI?~ The crowd were surprised to see her vanish in a pillar of light and appear at the top. “Pierre, hold on, I’ll help you do-” Marika was suddenly kicked aside, almost falling of the edge. “Kehehehe...well isn’t this a surprise!” Marika got back on her feet and stared at Voodoo; her gaze was so intense that the Phantom actually started to back away. “Ahem...did you know why those Phantoms manifested?” “Cause I was falling into despair again.” “Non, not just that my dear host. Think about it. Didn’t you find it odd that they all went those specific locations?” “What do you mean?” “Oh come on, you’ve been traveling for over a year helping people around the world. The lost boy in Pompeii. The starving girl in Kenya. The drowning child in the Amazon. The blind man in Sydney. The reason you manifest Phantoms, is cause you take on all the despair of those you help! You become their hope! So guess what girly, that despair has to go somewhere!” “So...what you’re saying is...” “That’s right. If you didn’t help this guy out, I would’ve become his Phantom. But it seems there is something else giving him hope.” “Ma...Marika...” “Pierre! Are you okay?!” “Transform, girly. Do it. If you want him to be safe.” Marika looked down at Pierre and sighed, slipping on a ring. “You’re gonna lock my form, right?” “But of course! Wouldn’t make the game interesting if I didn’t.” “Then here I go...HENSHIN!” ~INFINITY, ONEGAI! HI SUI FU DO REKKA AME SHIPPU JISHIN...MAHOU!~ With a long silver coat and a tiara on her Magica-style like helmet, Marika held her hand up high as Magisus began to circle her, turning into a large broadsword. “Bring it on, Phantom!”

“If you insist.” Voodoo disappeared from his spot in a flash of light, and appeared in front of Marika. Punching her chest, Voodoo then punched her face until she swung her sword, hitting his side. “Oooh, bad choice, girl.” Marika suddenly felt a sharp pain in her side, when Voodoo suddenly touched his own face and slapped it. Even though he was the one that got hit, Marika was sent flying back. “Wha...what’s...going on...” “You forgot how I introduced myself. The name is Voodoo, remember?” Pierre regained complete consciousness at that moment, and began to move around. “Marika! Leave her alone, you freak!” “Kehehehehe...so now you’re awake, the real fun can begin!” Voodoo grabbed onto the rope that held Pierre and swung him onto the top with him. “Now, remember how I said that something else gave him hope?” Marika was breathing heavily, trying to get back on her feet. “Wha...what of it...” “It’s you.” “...What?” Pierre attempted to run to Marika when Voodoo backhanded him. “Pierre!” “And to think. He is so close to despair right now. And all he needs...is for me...” “What are you doing?!” “Quiet boy, this will be over in just a second,” Voodoo said smirking, taking out a hammer. “Pierre! I...” “Now...say...” “Pierre!” “Goodbye.” Slamming the hammer on the spike of his chest, Voodoo began laughing maniacally as Marika collapsed. “Hey...Marika. This isn’t funny.”

Pierre walked over to her while Voodoo laughed. “Marika. Wake up. Hey.” At that moment, her transformation canceled, and Pierre could see what was going on- right where her heart was supposed to be, was a gaping hole and her face was covered in blood. “Hey...Marika...this can’t be...Come on...wake up...” “Kehehehehe....isn’t it funny? Your hope was to have her heart...and now you never will!” “Hey...wake up...please...” Voodoo looked at Pierre, whose face began to be covered in purple cracks. “Yes...Fall into despair!” Pierre looked at Marika as the cracks began to grew, but then grabbed something and put it on his hand. ~ERROR~ “Come on...it worked before!” ~ERROR~ ~ERROR~ ~ERROR~ “Come on, please, work!” ~ERROR~ ~ERROR~ “What do you think you’re doing, boy?” ~ERROR~ ~ERROR~ ~ERROR~ “Please! Marika!” ~ERROR~ ~ERROR~ The cracks fully spreading throughout his body, Pierre tried to scan the ring on Marika’s belt one more time. “MARIKA!”

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~REMEDY, ONEGAI?~ Marika’s body was covered in a pink light, as Pierre’s body began to fix itself. The purple cracks glowed a bright gold, before sealing again. “No...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” “Guess that makes me a Mahoutsukai now.” Pierre looked at Marika, who was fully healed, but still unconscious. “Please, wake up now. Come on.” “YOU!” Voodoo grabbed Pierre by his neck and walked over to the edge of the Eiffel Tower. “You ruined my plans! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE?!...Well it doesn’t matter now. As soon as I get rid of you, I’ll get rid of her!” ~INFINITY, ONEGAI!~ Voodoo froze in place and turned slowly. “No...” ~HI SUI FU DO~ “THIS CAN’T BE!” ~REKKA AME SHIPPU JISHIN...~ “NO!!!” ~MAHOU!~ Marika pierced through Voodoo and swung his body to the side, catching Pierre. “Are you okay, Pierre?” “Yes...Marika...I’m so glad you’re...alright...” Marika wiped his tears and set him down. “Here, put this on.” Marika slipped the Teleport Ring onto Pierre’s finger. “I promise, I’ll be back when this is all over. For now, please, stay away from here.” “Wait, Marika-” ~TELEPORT, ONEGAI?~ Pierre disappeared in a flash of light as Marika held the MagiSabre in hand. “Ready to end this Magisus?” *Ready!* “DAMN YOU!!!” “Saa...Watashi No Showtime Daa!”

Voodoo held his hammer in hand and charged towards Marika. ~CONNECT, ONEGAI?~ Pulling her Magica Staff in Sword mode out of the magic circle, she sliced right through Voodoo. Voodoo recovered and put his body back together as he attempted to attack again. Hitting her armor with his hammer, he was surprised that the attacks did nothing. The impact of the attacks actually caused Voodoo to take damage instead. “What?! Why isn’t my power working?!” “You talk too much.” Marika slashed at him and kicked him back. “Now, let’s see how you handle this!” Marika tossed her Magica Staff aside, and pressed the red part of the MagiSabre’s pentagon symbol. To her left, Flame Style and Flame Pegasus materialized. Pressing the blue part caused Water Style and Water Pegasus to appear on her right. After pressing the green part, Hurricane Style and Hurricane Pegasus materialized above her. After pressing the yellow symbol, Land Style and Land Pegasus materialized right in front of her. “Time to close the curtains on this show!” The four Elemental Styles circled Voodoo, creating a pillar of elemental magic. From each of their palms, they blasted Voodoo with their respective element. The four Pegasus forms proceeded to hit Voodoo with their respective parts of Magisus before converging into Flame Pegasus with all of her parts, kicking Voodoo off the side of the Eiffel Tower. “Damn you!” “It’s not over yet. Here’s the show stopper!” Grabbing the MagiSabre, Marika pressed the pink part of the pentagon. ~MAGITRICK!~ Spinning the MagiSabre around, Marika jumped off the building with each of her other forms following her. As she got closer to Voodoo, she swung her sword, releasing a pink energy slash that took the form of her Magica Style. Kicking Voodoo, he began to fall to the ground faster as the Styles and Pegasus forms combined with Marika, giving her Infinity Style Magisus’s parts. Surrounded by elemental manifestations by Magisus, they attacked Voodoo one by one before Marika delivered the finishing kick. “NO!! THE GAME ISN’T OVER!!!!” Voodoo erupted in a sea of flames as Marika flew back to the top of the tower.

“Marika!” Cancelling her transformation, Marika turned to see Pierre run towards her before he gave her a big hug. “Let go, baka!!!” Pushing him off, Marika looked at him in surprise. “Wait...how did you get up here?” “Well, you lent me your ring, and somehow, I can use it!” “Give it back!” Marika snatched the ring and put it in her pocket. “Marika...since this is over...there’s something I wanna ask you...” “Wha...what is it, Pierre?” “I...I...” Marika was stunned to see a shadow loom over her and Pierre. “I told you...the game isn’t over!!!” “Voodoo!” Marika picked her Magica Staff off the ground and held it tight. “What’s this...I detect a great source of power...this might be useful...Kehehehehe...I’ll be back Marika, and this time, I’ll bring a game changer!” Marika and Pierre were stunned when a dark portal opened up and Voodoo stepped through it. “Hey, come back here!” *Marika, I know where he went!* “Where did he go, Magisus?” *Apparently...Canada.* “Oh, I see...EH?!?!”

KAMEN RIDER MAGICA: THE RESONANT PHANTOMS END