[Sentai]

Hey Guys, Sentai here. I decided on a new direction for Hikari, one that was better flushed out. Least I hope so.

So here it is: Kamen Rider HIkari (ReBirth)

[Sentai]

Kamen Rider Hikari (ReBirth)

“There it is! Cannons, full burst!” The armored police each took their positions around their uniformed commander, shouldering their Pulse Cannons. The targeting reticules swirled before their eyes. Focusing on the lumbering creature shuffling itself closer towards their defensive line. Red.. Red… GREEN! “FIRE!” Two prongs on the barrel of each cannon sprung forward violently. Acting like a dousing rod, drawing the power stored inside each cannon. Running along the length of the prongs like ripples of purple energy. The cannon barrel began to glow, forming this large ball of energy. Like a miniature white sun.. And when the cannons reached full power each one in turn unleashed that beam of power towards the creature’s stomach.
Dust trails moved off on either side of each beam of purest purple light streaming into the creature, making the horrible thing bend backward. Groaning his pain while the light twisted through his guts. Each of the men gathered shielded their eyes as the beast detonated. Sending debris hurtling towards the defensive line.. “Someone get eyes on that goddamned thing! NOW!” From the nearby rooftop one of his men laid prone, adjusting his thermal scope attached to his helmet. Trying to see through the haze of smoke and flames their attack had turned the public park into.
“This is Light 34. No Visual on Target, repeat, Target has been… Wait.” Through the smoke the shadow of a figure appeared. Elongated arms ending in three fingered hands which grasped hold of what looked like a long bo-staff, some sort of wrap around it’s spindly legs. Torn and shredded from the force of the explosion surrounding it. It’s long black hair, near reaching the beast’s feet, blew helplessly in the maelstrom they’d created. And then he saw the thing’s face.. Skin hanging off skeletal features, with two lidless yellow eyes swirling with power.. “Target’s survived, repeat Tar… GURK!”
Each of the soldiers turned in horror. Watching as the rooftop where their men had just been stationed erupted in an explosion violent they were each thrown to the ground. “That’s the end!” The Commander stood. Carefully brushing off the gathered dust from his full length military coat, and bent himself forward. Retrieving his hat from off the ground, adjusting it properly, and calling on the only one who save them now.. “Call Him.”

The wind was almost serene. Despite the scene of horror going on twelve stories below him, the men dying trying to beat back that unholy creation. He knew the call was coming even before his earpiece chimed and the man was already moving. One hand reaching to snap the Hikari Driver around his waist. The belt snapping around the, opened, full length military-styled jacket he wore with a segmented silver belt. The Driver though came in pieces. The main piece was already attached, a multi-bladed turbine locked inside a segmented white housing. The next two came from his wrists. Rectangular pieces snapping on either side of the turbine, starting the generator with a loud whine echoing across the empty rooftop. The next two came from the sides of the belt. Two hemispheres with snapped onto the rectangles, making the turbine glow red as it spun quicker inside the belt. And the last piece came from his necklace. Ripping it from around his neck he held the key, marked with two stylized angelic wings etched into the white metal, and plunged it into the top of the belt. “Henshin.”
His arms flung outstretched on either side of his body, the Driver exploding in white light which engulfed him completely, as the Driver rang out an echoing “K-K-KAMEN RIDER HIKARI!” Leaping from off the roof, hurtling towards the ground below, the monster’s attention turned upward. Watching helplessly as that ball of light impacted the ground creating a large crater. And in the center, as the light faded and the smoke cleared.. Stood Humanity’s last hope. The Kamen Rider Hikari!
Molded white armor with black highlights covered the new Rider, with smooth black mesh underneath. The armor started with treaded boots, leading into thigh guards. And the Driver Belt beneath segmented stomach armor and a chest guard. His gauntlets were the same as he brought them up, and adjusted them like one would gloves. The shoulder guards jutted upward like that purple Eva. A design he chose. And the helmet. Sloped back, white with a solid black, featureless face. “So you’re the new Shinimasu. Do you have a name? I like to keep track of each of you I destroy…”
The monster merely opened his toothed maw, preparing another mouth-blast like the one that decimated that rooftop moment’s before. “Heh. I guess not.” Reaching for his belt Hikari pulled out an Orange key. “Assault Hikari” Replacing the white key, Hikari drove in the Orange causing the turbine to whirr itself into life once again. “ASSAULT HIKARI, RRRRRRRIDE!” Holding his hands down at his sides, palms open towards the creature, his armor began to shift. Opening along the seams revealing gill-like vents, the helmet itself changed. Revealing, inside the once featureless black faceplate, two large compound orange eyes. And within his hands, formed from seemingly thin-air, where his twin swords. Long Katana shaped weapons with silver blades, and black handles.
The creature continued preparing his attack, growling his annoyance.. Until Hikari seemingly disappeared. That didn’t stop the Beast from charging his attack, that took Hikari plunging both swords into the Beast’s stomach from behind. And out through the other side. Lifting the beast up, hoisting him above him on his swords alone. “Hikari.. JUDGEMENT!” The swords began to glow brightly, becoming like twin suns inside the monster’s stomach.. Until, at last, it detonated in a massive explosion which engulfed him and Hikari holding him.

The Commander shielded his eyes from the blast, while he and his men awaited to see the aftermath. But the smoke cleared, and standing in the crater his power created was Hikari. Still holding his swords even as his armor’s new vents ejected steam and then sealed closed once again. Making the eyes go back into the blackness of the faceplate. “Hikari, Good..” The commander was interrupted as Hikari just walked past the man, as though he wasn’t even there. “Those men died because of your pride, General. They died because you wanted to handle this yourself. Those men will never return home.. Because you wouldn’t let me do my job. Tell that to their families, General. Tell them you got them killed.” The General began to respond.. But Hikari just kept walking away.

“Did he really deserve that, Shin?” From within the darkened room, he turned his lowered head just enough to see the slender figure occupying his door. Leaned in against the frame. “Not saying you weren’t wrong, just.. You could’ve handled the situation better. We need the military’s help with the Shinimasu.” He just continued watching her. Standing against his doorframe wearing that same red dress she always wore. The one that clung against her body like a second skin, contrasting the paleness of the skin along her exposed arms. But matching the gentle ginger of her shoulder-length hair. “Think you could try and behave a little better.. Please?”
Shin just returned his attention towards the disassembled Hikari Driver laying on the desk at his bedside. His jacket was folded over the chair beside him, letting her see the simple black tank he often wore underneath. And the tight pair of faded, torn, blue jeans over those military styled boots. For someone who didn’t like the military he sure liked dressing like them. “He was wrong.”
She should’ve expected that response, to be honest. “I know he was, Shin. I said that. But the man just watched three of his men die.. There was a time and place to tell him he was wrong, you know?” Placing his hands on his knees, Shin pushed and stood up enough to hold the key swiped from his bedside. “He wants to see me, doesn’t he, Mira?”
Mira gave a soft nod, and walked into the room close enough to lay her hand upon his exposed shoulder. “He has to, Shin. We found another Key.” Shin’s hazel eyes flashed wide for a moment as he gripped the key, grabbed his jacket, and walked with Mira towards the meeting room.

“As you know;” The General continued, even after throwing a rather nasty look towards the just entering Shin. “Whenever a Shinimasu is destroyed it leaves behind a Key, that Key is what we use to power the Hikari Driver. And gives Kamen Rider Hikari his abilities. Near as we can determine: Kamen Rider Hikari is a Shinimasu weapon.”
Mira interrupted, before Shin could interject, and shook her head as she spoke. “Not the same, General. If you’d read my report you’d know that the Hikari Driver has a completely different energy signature. Near as we can determine: The Driver was created from Shinimasu to Destroy them.”
The men gathered, each representing their own government involved with Project Hikari all nodded their heads in agreement with Dr. Mira. Much to the General’s ire. “I stand corrected then, don’t I? .. So then, Doctor, tell us what then this new key does?”
Shin spoke up this time. Leaned against the nearby wall, hands tucked into his pockets. “The power of the Key comes from the power of the Shinimasu it came from. Assault Hikari came from a Bladed Shinimasu. That Shinimasu used a Rod, and a powerful energy attack. So it would be one of those.” Opening his palm the key floated from the General’s hand and entered Shin’s upturned palm, just like the others. They all knew that meant he was tied to those creatures somehow.. Just none of them knew how. None of them had the choice either. Shin was the only one who could use the Driver, everyone else who tried ended up nearly killing themselves from the sudden power surge through their bodies.

As the meeting ended, The General stopped Mira while the others filtered from the circular room. Each of the thirty monitors showing the same spinning winged logo they’d chosen for Project Hikari. “He needs controlled, Doctor.” Mira glared, pulling her arm free from the General’s grasp. “What has you so upset General? That he told you off or that he was right? We told you our weapons can stand against a Full-Shinimasu. Only Hikari can. If anyone, owes anyone, an apology it’s you. But not to Hikari.” And as she turned to leave, she watched him over her shoulder one last time. “That attitude is why we’re Divorced now, John. And why the Prime Minister, the JSDF, and the UN.. Have put me in sole command of Hikari. You’re just support, remember that.”

[Sentai]

Tires squealed in protest against the weight of the six-wheel APC drifting around another sharp bend, forcing the driver to wince. Worried he was about to slide the tail end through another building front. “Hikari’s to goddamn fast, this beast can’t keep pace!” What made him jump more was Mira’s hand slamming into the council from behind him. “Don’t lose him!” Using his chair for support, her free hand pressed the small talk-stud on her earpiece. “Hikari! Shin, don’t wait for us, that Shinimasu comes first! When you’re clear of the civilians use the new Key!”
“Confirmed.” Mira winced, recognizing the sound of Shin turning off his com-unit through the earpiece. “Ma’am?” “Focus on driving!” He was trying his best, swerving around people unlucky enough to step outside and see what the commotion was barreling down the their sleepy town’s streets. “Why do we call him Shin? If I’m gonna die trying to follow him, only fair I know. Ya know?”
She smirked, but still gave his helmet a hard punch from behind. “Focus on the road. He chose the name. When we found him he couldn’t remember his name, or why he was naked in the middle of the National Park, but when we brought him home he took to an Anime named Neon Genesis Evangelion. He chose the name based on the main character, Shinji. Didn’t you notice those tall protrusions from the shoulder-blades? He did that himself, apparently. Willing the armor to mimic part of Shinji’s Eva in the show.”

Another building burst. The Shinimasu, uncaring of the lives destroyed, continued leaping through one building after another. It’s spindly eight legs grasping onto the rubble to propel itself quicker through the air. But Hikari was closing quick. Using Assault mode he leapt from rooftop to rooftop across the street from the beast. Watching as it’s long neck turned towards him, and all twelve pupils eyes watched Hikari’s progress.
“Hikari Blade.” Opening his palms Hikari gripped the blades right as they appeared, upside-down with the blades pointed behind him. Allowing him to quickly swipe and slice through the debris the creature was sending hurtling towards him. “Do you have a name?” The creature just opened it’s maw and bellowed it’s annoyance. “None of you have a name either.”
One foot pressed into the rooftop, sending Hikari in an aerial cartwheel. Allowing him to clear the roof and keep an eye on the monster at the same time. “Out of places to hide, Nameless Shinimasu.” Once Hikari’s feet skidded across the ground, pausing on the rain slickened grass several meters from the neighborhood. And far from anyone he would hurt..
“If you won’t give me your name, then you have no use to me.” One hand swiftly removed the Assault Key, while the other slipped in the new. /Hikari B-B-BUUUUSTER!/ The surge flung his arms outward, sealing closed the vents opened during Assault Mode. The creature was already charging. Stomping across the wet field between them before being flung back as the armor’s energy surged. And when it recovered, a new Rider stood. Molded armor to match Hikari Base. Sleek black with white seams. And where the Assault had Orange compound eyes this new rider had two downward tilted slits, compound designs showing through and brilliant red.
Hikari took apart his Henshin Buckle, replacing the four pieces attached to the turbine with two half-hexagonal black pieces. /Hikari Buster C-C-CANNON!/ Hikari spread his feet for support, slapping his hands together. Keeping his fingers tight while the cannon formed along his arms, with the barrel encompassing both hands. And supports attaching the rig against his chest, ending with a target reticule already locking on to the Shinimasu getting ready for another charge. “Full Charge.”
Two prongs flipped forward, already gathering rippling energy along the length. Building between them against the barrel in the shape of a large glowing blue sphere. “Light Destroyer!” Grunting from the recoil the ball fired forward, searing the grass as the great beam soared forward striking the monster square against it’s emancipated chest. Twisting it’s body, compacting it as though caught in a great vacuum before the Monster finally detonated. Sending a resounding explosion echoing through the countryside.. Just as the APC slid to a halt behind Hikari.

Mira handled cleanup. Overseeing the Hikari Project cleaning the grounds, reimbursing residents now homeless from the struggle, and taking whatever readings they could. What was new though was Shin. Usually he liked to leave once a Shinimasu was destroyed, but this time he was standing beside Mira. Wearing that same military jacket and black tank top. And those same faded, ripped, denim blue jeans.
“Something’s on your mind, Shin. What’s wrong?” Shin just continued watching her men working, with his hands stuffed deep into the pockets of his jacket. “They never tell me their names.”
That had always bothered her. But she never found the time to ask: “Why do you ask every Shinimasu we come across their name, Shin? Did you remember something?” Shin just shook his head. “Something I dreamt about, something I continue dreaming about. A Shinimasu with a Name.”
“Do you remember the name, or what he/she looked like?” Shin turned his attention towards the sky. Seeming abnormally calm as the large droplets of rain splashed across his sharp features. “No. Just that He had one, and it was important. But I can’t remember.”
“You will Shin. When I found you, you didn’t know or talk or anything. But look now. Look how you handle the Hikari Driver.”
Shin just shook his head. “I didn’t learn how to use the Driver. It was all I remembered when you found me. How to Henshin, how to fight, and how to kill Shinimasu. It was like knowing how to breath.. All reflex and instinct.”

[Sentai]

Ever see the movie Doctor Strangelove? Whoever designed the council room had because it looked just like the War Room from that movie. The hanging monitors over the oval table. The large digital map in the background with orange dots representing where a Shinimasu was discovered, and then destroyed, by Hikari. All we were missing was a whacked out scientist in a wheel chair, with a mechanical arm that never listened to him.
But they had Mira. Standing before the representatives of the UN, JSDF, the Japanese Government, the American Government, and even NATO. In another crimson outfit, this one more a functional business suit and skirt. It was the only color she ever wore. “Gentlemen. As you know the Shinimasu attacks have increased. Since the last attack one week ago, by what we’re calling the Spider Shinimasu, there have been five in as many days. Hikari is handling them well with minimal damage to civilians and property. And what damage is caused is being repaired on time, and budget, as laid out in the blue folders before each of you. But, as you already guessed, you weren’t brought halfway around the world for another progress report.”
Mira carefully removed her glasses and turned everyone’s attention towards the map behind her. Watching, with everyone gathered, as the map changed to a picture of the Pacific Ocean. “The JSDF captured this footage from a fishing vessel. 100 miles off the coast of Tokyo.” And each man gathered watched as the waters began to churn, bubble and rise up like in those old Godzilla movies. But it wasn’t the product of radiation which raised up from the waters. Parting the waters arose a great spire. Black, with a winding staircase moving along the outside with torches which came to life. One by one, as it rose from the depths. “We used satellite imagery to ascertain the Spire’s size: At the surface of the water it’s three hundred meters across, and almost double that high. We’ve sent out unarmed Drones to survey the Spire, this next footage is what happened.”
The footage changed to the feed from the drone. Black and white, with the target reticule fixated on the spire quickly approaching from the distance. Including a distance readout showing how close the Drone was to the structure. 1200 meters, 1000 meters.. Then nothing. The screen went blank like someone had flipped a switch. But just as quick, the screen flickered on. Focusing slowly on another Shinimasu. Standing tall above the downed camera, covered in black molded armor broken up to simulate rock with orange glowing seams. And a helmet that molded black. With two large horns twisting from the top and back along the slope of the helmet, and two narrowed compound eyes which seemed to burn with an unseen fire. “I am Lord Shi. Shinimasu God of Death, Reaper of your World. Your Lives will soon end.” And just as quick his foot lifted and smashed down onto the camera severing the feed.
The men all began talking amongst themselves, trying to determine if the footage was real, but Mira brought them back again. Standing back on her podium and dropping her clipboard down hard onto the top, sending a nice heavy thud resounding through the room. “Gentlemen. This is the first named Shinimasu we have ever come across. We think, through research done on the stone tablet found beside Shin when I found him, that this is their leader. We’ve tried assaulting the island directly. Using Drones at first, and through artillery strikes from three American Warships. None have been successful. The drones splashed down from an unseen force before even reaching the Spire. And the Warships’ barrage ever even got close. The Spire is protected by some kind of dome made from purple energy. Hikari is still our best weapon.”
“What about Project Two?” Mira turned her attention towards the voice. Yamamoto. Head of the JSDF. An elder man with graying hair, but if you ever called him Elder it’d be last career choice you ever made. “As some of you know,” Mira began. “Project Two is the development of our own Kamen Rider Hikari. Based on research gathered from examining the Driver. And we are ready for testing.”
“Testing? We have a Spire off the coastline, increased attacks throughout the country. We all trust you Mira. You wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think you were doing the best humanity can against these Beasts. But your Hikari cannot last forever. Powerful as he is, he is still human. He cannot keep this pace up forever.”
He wasn’t saying anything she wasn’t already thinking. What everyone inside the room was already thinking. “We have a pilot in mind for Kamen Rider Inochi.” Mira finally chimed. “We’ll step up the time table, and launch Inochi with the next attack as support.”

[Sentai]

“Henshin.” The pieces of his Driver snapped themselves into place, and Shin drove the Base Key home to become engulfed in light. Only to emerge again as /Kamen Rider…. HIKARI!/. The armor glistened against the rain, which hadn’t stopped it’s steady stream since the Spire rose from the depths. Making the white molded pieces gleam against the lights covering the Control Zone. The old Sector of Tokyo that was abandoned after the Landfall. The event where Hikari fell to Earth and decimated four square miles in every direction. The perfect place to test a new Driver.
Standing across from him, getting just as soaked beneath the downpour, was Mira’s sister. Marie. She stood a mere five foot five, and looked like she spent more time running than anything else. That type of slender build. He had no choice but to notice with that sleek black one piece she was wearing for the test. With a crimson Hikari Project seal over her right breast. Matching her waist length hair, which was being matted by the rain.
He watched as she gripped her own Driver. A mimic of his, but one solid piece, and snapped it down firm against her belt. “Henshin!” Gripping a piece inside tight, she pulled the long plastic piece hard from her belt. Forcing the Turbine inside to spin and engulf the woman in a soft blue light. Shin brought his hand, shielding his eyes until Inochi finally emerged from inside the brilliant light.
Her armor matched Hikari’s, though obviously sculpted to match a more feminine physique. But she was lacking the shoulder extensions. Instead opting for a split-styled cape. Which was just two pieces of long material, soft blue to match the seams and under mesh of her uniform, flowing off from her flattened shoulder pads. /K-K-KAMEN RIDER… INOCHI!/
“Begin, Hikari.” Hearing Mira’s voice chime through the rain, Hikari was already moving. Keeping himself low. Rushing towards the new Rider while also reaching for another Key. They wanted a real test, and he wasn’t about to show mercy to someone meant to help him. The Shinimasu wouldn’t. Snapping in the assault key, Hikari changed form seamlessly and brought both swords down as though he were trying to slice her arms right off at the shoulders.
But she was ready. She had already snapped in one of her own keys, with a loud /KAMEN RIDER INOCHI BATTLE ONE/. Her right arm’s gauntlet had changed shape from he changed forms, becoming a wider shield -styled arm guard with a long chain whip forming from just above her hand. Which she gripped tight with both and used to block Hikari’s swords. “I was ready for that, Shin. You’re supposed to test me!” Kicking one foot off the ground, she pressed the other into his chest, flipping herself backward while brandishing her whip. Brutally striking against Hikari’s chest. Sending him flailing backward from the sudden assault of quick strikes.
But he was quick to recover. The sections of his armor were already opening, venting their steam and allowing him to achieve top speed. And with one flick against the Turbine on his driver he sent the Henshin Device spinning and glowing orange. /KAMEN RIDER HIKARI ASSAULT.. FULL RIDE!/ Hikari moved with blinding speed. One direction, and then another, each time he passed her sending his sword into a different section of her armor.
Marie was doing her best. Blocking as much as she could, but it began to become overwhelming. Sending her spinning one direction and then another as he connected his blades against her armor. And when he was finished: /K-K-KAMEN RIDER BUUUUSTER!/ Forming his Buster Form, Hikari clasped both his hands together towards her. Steadying his footing. The cannon unfolding, forming along his arms, supporting itself against his chest, and snapping those deadly prongs forward. Already gathering so much energy the rain around him never touched. Turning into white steam before it had the chance. /HIKARI BUSTER C-C-CANNON!/
“SHIN! What’re you doing?!” The frantic voice was coming from Mira, high above them in a pre-built Military tower. But then another voice came through. The instant Hikari fired his weapon, something that she hoped would mean her sister wouldn’t be obliterated by Hikari’s cannon. /KAMEN RIDER INOCHI PROTECT!/
When the blast struck it took several moments for the blast wave to dissipate, and the smoke to clear itself away.. Revealing nothing. Just a smoking, rubble strewn, crater where Inochi had once stood. “MARIE?!” Mira fought back tears, slamming her fists against the glass.. But one the men began looking upward, and her eyes widened. “Inochi!”
Above them was Kamen Rider Inochi. Safe and sound inside her Protect Form. Both wrists had become Shielded Gauntlets with long chain-whips whipping through the breeze created from her plummet. Her Legs had become sturdier and, as with Hikari, her helmet changed drastically. Two large, brilliant blue, compound eyes shown against the black and white faceplate. And behind her, from extensions rising from above her shoulder blades, her split-styled cape had become two wings. Feathered but made from pure light, and folded behind her to assist her sudden dive downward. Crossing her forearms before her, her Driver rang out again /INOCHI FIIIINAL WAAAAVE!/. Inochi flung out her arms. Causing her whips to grow impossibly large and start lashing against the ground around the still surprised Hikari.
But he regained his senses quickly. Aiming his cannon upward, preparing another assault, gathering more energy into the barrel of his cannon.. “That’s enough, Shin.” Mira’s calm tone broke through his haze and Hikari’s cannon retracted. And Shin dissolved his armor, watching as Inochi landed not three feet from him and did the same. They didn’t see it.
But Mira did.. Inochi had created the symbol of Project Hikari around Shin without him even noticing.. “Tell the General: Inochi is ready for her first battle..” And Mira just collapsed down into the chair behind her. “Someone tell them to meet me in my office for immediate debrief.. And explain to Hikari what practice is. Please?”

[Sentai]

“Shin.” Mira was standing in his doorway, again, and leaning against the frame with another clipboard hugged against her chest. “You didn’t have to be so rough with Marie, she’s here to help you. You know? The General’s angry enough because we tested Inochi against orders without you trying to kill her. Why were you..”
Mira was interrupted as Shin stood snapping the Driver firm onto his belt. “Because something big is coming. I can feel it, like I know who He is. . . She had to be ready. Because he’s here.” Moment’s later, as though on cue, the alarm blared through the whole of the compound. “Shinimasu at perimeter! Repeat: Shinimasu approaching Base Perimeter! Hikari and Inochi to Stations, Mira please report to Ops!”
Without being told: Hikari took through the halls at full stride. Shifting his weight to avoid knocking over soldiers heading the other direction, rolling away from them, while continuing towards the main shaft to the surface. Where Marie joined him, still wearing that full-body sleek uniform from before. With her driver snapped in place and ready.
“Shin. I’ll do my best.” Reaching for her belt, gripping the cord tight, she ripped it free and whirred the Inochi Driver into life. /KAMEN RIDER INOCHI!/ Becoming the Inochi Marie began stretching her fingers inside the tightness of the gloves, already feeling her heart pound inside her small chest. But she was ready for this. She had to be.
“Try not to die. I don’t like seeing Mira cry.” She didn’t have to question what he meant, as he already snapped the Base Key into the belt and started his own generator turbine screaming away. /KAMEN RIDER HIKARI!/
The shaft reached the surface. Stopping with enough force to raise them up slightly as the doors shunted open with a loud hiss, revealing the old American military base they used for cover. Nothing looked out of place. Even as they stepped out into the rain, and the elevator behind them disappeared back into the pavement as though it were never there, there no sign of a Shinimasu Incursion. Not until the base around them erupted in a series of intense explosions.
Both Riders raised their arms, blocking the fragments sent hurtling through the air as the explosions rocked through buildings and sent pieces of them flying every direction. And that was they saw Him. Stepping through the flames as though they hadn’t the power to touch him, walking with a scythed staff as he approached. Molded black armor, shoulder extensions, and long claws on the ends of his gloved fingers.. The perfect mirror of Hikari. Aside from the long cape which flowed off behind the Shinimasu.
“Shin, what’s the plan?” Hikari wouldn’t answer, he was frozen. As though he was locked inside a memory. Unable, or unwilling, to move and fight the approaching Shinimasu. “Shin?! Shin, what’s wroANGH!”
The blast struck her square on the chest. Sending Inochi hurtling backward until she impacted through one of the old guard towers. Sending it toppling down on top of her beneath a massing pile of rubble. And Hikari didn’t even react. Not even when Mira started screaming in his communicator, begging him to act. To help Marie.
But he just stood there. Even as the Shinimasu came to stand not two feet from him, and rose his hand to stroke along the helmet’s cheek of Kamen Rider Hikari. “Shin. You have been from us for to long. Leave these fools to their fate, return with me home. Fulfill why I sent you to this place. Become what you were meant to.. Rejoin your Family.”
Family.. The word sounded so… Right. Like that was what he had been missing since being under Mira’s care. His family. But there was another voice. Something else inside his head, blaring at him. Pleading with him...
“Shin! Marie’s hurt, you have to snap out of whatever’s happening and help her! PLEASE SHIN RISE!” Shin’s eyes opened with those final words and his armor exploded in a light so intense the Shinimasu known as Shi stumbled backward. Shielding his eyes from the sudden assault.
And when the light faded, when the smoke cleared, there stood a brand new Rider. His molded armor had become Silver with brilliant soft blue seams running along each piece. His Driver had changed as well. The Turbine Casing had become the same silver as his suit’s armor attached to a now black belt, and a hemisphere one each side covered in one long vent. His shoulders were now smooth, with a long black cape wrapped around his arms and flowing off behind him. And his helmet.. The same design as before but with two large, angrily narrowed, brilliant yellow compound eyes. /KAMEN RIDER HIKARI… HYPEEEER MODE!/
“I am not impressed, Old Friend.” Holding his right hand out towards Hikari he began gathering his energy. Long strands of purple energy rippled and crackled towards his palm, forming a large swirling purple sphere of energy grasped by his curled fingers. “We could’ve been Gods among these insects.”
Hikari’s Driver spoke for him. /HIKARI HYPER BUUUUUSTER CANNON!/ Angrily slapping his hands together, his fingers interlaced as the molded armor of his forearms changed shape. Becoming a four-barreled version of his Buster Cannon. Each barrel having it’s own prong spring forward, the cloak on his back retracted into his shoulders, and his chest armor changed shape. Becoming the molded version of Buster, and attaching itself into the cannon for added support. And when his shoulders became beefier his compound eyes become blazing red, with the right having a targeting reticule in the center.
Hikari’s turn to gather energy. Blue energy rippled along the prongs with his own spheres of energy forming before each barrel, only to join into one larger one as the barrels began to spin around that central axis. /HIKARI HYPER BUUUUSTER FIIIINAL HORIZON!/ Roaring Hikari launched his Buster just as Shi fired his own attack!
The two beams of light struck each other between them, enough force sent every direction the ruins of the buildings around them were blown away as though an atomic bomb had just gone off around them. So powerful the clouds themselves parted and sunshine began pouring through the seams. Each Fighter pushed their energy towards the other, standing on such equal footing.
Until Hikari felt someone behind him. Daring to look he saw.. /INOCHI FIIIIINAL WAVE!/ Her chain whips wrapped themselves around his arms. The defeated, exhausted, Rider giving him every ounce of spare energy she could muster. Her whips glowing such brilliant orange as the plate-seams of the Buster began to glow just as bright.
Both still pushed, Hikari’s wave growing every closer, so close to ending this here and now.. But Shi just chuckled. A deep, rumbling sound that echoed even above the sound of the energies being unleashed. Only to stop his assault. Throw his hands to the side and allow himself to be struck by the oncoming wave of energy which struck through his chest. And straight out the other side of his armor..
Hikari’s cannon broke off. Falling to the ground with a loud clang while he turned himself around. Outstretching his cloak to wrap around Inochi along with his arms just as the blast wave struck them both, almost sending both of them on another flight into some rubble.

Three Hours and the cleanup wasn’t even near finished. The aftermath of the fight looked like a true war zone. Impact craters, the largest being where the final attack took place. Destroyed buildings and towers. And power being knocked out for the majority of Tokyo from all the energy being flung around between the two gladiators.
Mira was beneath the ground though. Knowing she could trust her men to oversee the cleanup without worry. She was more concerned about her sister. She’d given everything she had to Hikari for that final attack, and was suffering for it now. But she’d recover. Long as she remembered to stay in bed and rest like the Doctor’s wanted.
“You can come in, Shin.” Mira’s eyes widened a moment, turning her attention towards Marie and then the door on the other side of her bed. She never even noticed Shin standing there. He had that habit, just appearing beside you like a ghost. And then disappearing again midway through a conversation.
Marie managed turning her head towards him, despite how much her body protested. Morphine: It’s a beautiful thing. Reaching for, and hopefully grasping, his nearest hand with her heavily bandaged left. “Told you we’re better working together..” And she gave him that trademark grin before her grip faltered and began to slip..
Only to be grasped again by his. Another surprise for Mira, and Marie to be honest. “I couldn’t let you die. Mira would have cried, and I told you I don’t like when she cries.” Laying her hand back onto her chest, Shin turned to leave the room. Only to pause. And take one last look over his shoulder towards both women. “Thank you for your help Marie.” And just like a ghost he was gone again.

[Sentai]

(For those interested: The Hikari Driver voice, in my head anyway, is Decade's. And Inochi's is the same was Gokaiger when they use Final Wave. My two favorites.)

[Sentai]

The debate had raged for ongoing three hours now. The General and Mira leading both sides against each other, like what usually happened. The General was arguing the same point that had been made when he learned Hikari was similar to the Shinimasu in power, only now he was using Shi’s words in the debate. And Mira was heralding the side of reason. Which Shin knew was doomed to lose against the General even before it started.
“Shin has defended this country time and time again, General. Six hours ago he risked his life to save this Base and my Sister. And, General, if you remember he also destroyed Shi with help from his new Form. So don’t you dare stand there and question his loyalty.” He’d never seen her that angry before. She looked ready to leap across the table and outright slug him.
And General Yama had the same look. Only he was slowly being outnumbered by the council, who were one by one siding with Mira. And once again Yamamoto stood to her defense. Much to General Yama’s chagrin, and Mira’s relief. “General Yama you will stand down from these baseless accusations.” Emphasized by Yamamoto slamming his cane tip onto the hard tiled floor. “The vote was taken this morning before the UN Security Council: Shin will continue his work as Hikari, Mira will continue to Head the Project Hikari, and you will be reassigned. Unless you would like to resign your commission here and now.”
Even Mira’s eyes widened at that. But no one was as surprised as Yama. His dark brown eyes narrowed, making the wrinkles around his eyes crease as though on fire. What surprised Shin was he said nothing. Just slammed his ID and Sidearm on the Podium and walked from the room. Blowing straight past Shin with nothing more than a dirty look..

Even the Celica that Yama drove sounded angry. Matching the swirling storm clouds gathering overhead, pouring more rain down on the already drenched cityscape of Tokyo. They fired him.. Oh, they could pretend he had a choice all they wanted. But they fired him without saying the words. Making him resign. In front of that… Thing! But Yama wasn’t finished. If they thought he was going to slip quietly into the background they had another thing coming.
Then so did Yama. He couldn’t have had time to react when that molded black armored figure appeared before him, not moving one inch even as his Celica slammed straight into him. Sending Yama’s head bouncing off the airbag violently deploying from the steering wheel. Pushing himself off, shaking his head free, he tried opening his door only to watch as his roof was violently torn from the frame of the car. Stripped off like a tin lid allowing the creature to grip him by the front of his uniform. And lift him out of the car as though he weighed nothing.
“… Get.. Your hands.. Off me!” And Shi just chuckled. A deep rumbling sound, matching the depth of the Thunder overhead. “Foolish Mortal. I am here to Grant your Ultimate Wish.. The End of Hikari.” Laughing, Shi’s arm began glowing brilliantly purple along the panel seams of his armor. Creating long ripples of energy gathering all along his forearm.. “Arise AKARUSA!”
Yama screamed. Shi poured his energy into him, electrocuting him with his power while lightning struck the ground all around them. Sending chunks of pavement flying. Until finally one struck Yama, sending him hurtling backward into the wall of a nearby parking garage. Bouncing off cars, the charge moving through his body rippling between them causing them to explode in hellish fireballs all around him.
While Shi watched on with delight. Through the flames and smoke rolling all around him a new Shinimasu appeared.
The Fallen Rider’s armor was a stark purple, with pulsating white panel lines along each piece of molded armor. His sword was large. Almost long as he was tall, six foot, and setting between the vents extended along each shoulder blade. His mask was a mimic of Hikari’s. Only with one gleaming red compound eye and on the other side a deep yellow scar running along the face mask. A black cloak fell from his shoulders, wrapping around his arms, and flowing off behind him. And the final piece” A broken, disfigured version of the Hikari Driver.
Standing before the God of Death, this new God of Darkness knelt on one knee. With both hands pressed into the ground before him. “How may I serve you, Great God Shi?” The Shinimasu Master chuckled once more, and bid his new servant to rise. “Kill the Female Rider. Break her while Hikari watches. Then, together, we will punish our wayward brother and slaughter these pathetic Apes inhabiting our planet."