Trick 1: Return of the Illusionist
Canterlot, what is it? Is it a city with a weird name? A city with freaks that have funny names, and weird fashion senses? Yeah, this town is all of that, but that's not everything. That's not all this place is.
Let me tell you a story. Sometime in the early 70s, this place was just a small ranch town in the middle of California, nothing special, nothing worth noting. It didn't even have a name. It would have been forgotten. But there was this kid, you see? This little kid loved the stories of King Arthur, so much that he was obsessed with it. He and his friends looked at the number of horse ranches in town, and came up with the name “Canterlot”, a pun on “Camelot”, the land of King Arthur. The town was small, so eventually the name caught on.
Then the immigrants came. Chinese and Japanese settlers came to this small town and helped it expand. Pretty soon, this small town grew into a bustling metropolis. No one even knew when it happened, or how, but the people all came together and made Canterlot into something truly special.
Then the hippie movement got started. Boy, was that a mess. See, Canterlot was known for its nature. Naturally, hippies started gathering here. The hippie movement took over, and soon it became common for names like “Sunshine Radiance” and “Twinkle Shine”, to be given to people. This went on for years, and eventually just stuck.
You see, this city is history. It's a place of unity, harmony, an example of what happens when people come together. People from all walks of life. It doesn't matter who you are, where you came from, Canterlot will accept you, and I'm proud to call this place my home.
But recently, things haven't been all that great here. The planet has been a target for a number of alien life forms. Beings from other planets, even other dimensions. Most of the monsters in Canterlot are taken care of by this rock band turned super hero team called The Rainbooms, also known as the Power Rangers. They're a ragtag group, but they do a good job.
I used to hate them. I was jealous of them, so I made a huge mistake. I took advantage of them, stole their technology, and with a little help made something that could compete with them. I didn't know what I was doing, nor why. Things had been really rough for me. Nothing had been right since my mother disappeared. They did a great job of showing me what a bitch I was being.
But then “they” walked into my life. They fixed my “morpher”, renaming it a “Rider System”, and gave me a new purpose. At first I wasn't sure why I should have helped them, but then their leader made me an offer I couldn't refuse.
He'd help me find my mother...
Now I act as an agent for Hexagon, fighting aliens called Changelings, all the while hoping to get closer to finding my mother.
Standing on top of a building looking out at the city, was an armored warrior. They were clearly female, wearing black and purple armor that was fashioned to look like a magician's tuxedo with a red bowtie. Her left arm had a silver gauntlet, and her right arm had an odd watch/card reader like machine and a golden shield guarding it. Around her waist was a fancy silver belt with a golden five pointed star glowing in the screen in the center, and at her left side was a magic wand. Finally the warrior had a fancy helmet with silver mouth piece shaped like an actual woman's mouth with purple colored lips almost like lipstick, a dark blue head piece that looked sort of like hair, and a purple and orange opera mask over her eyes, which were yellow and large, almost like sharp bug eyes. On her head was a black top hat, and she wore a long cape that was black outside and purple inside.
This was the Illusionist.
The Illusionist heard a scream below her. She looked down, and then turned around throwing her cape behind her elegantly as she walked away.
On the surface was a woman who was running away from what looked like a black and dark green monster shaped like a humanoid bug. She tripped and fell to the floor, and looked up helplessly as the monster loomed over her.
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!”
The monster turned around as three spot lights shot down and pointed to the Illusionist, who stood straight up holding her hands in the air as if presenting herself to the stage.
“Presenting the greatest magician of all time, Kamen Rider Great Illusionist!” the Illusionist took her hat off and bowed to the monster. The bug creature gave a shrill cry and ran over to the Illusionist, who stood up and ran a finger over the rim of her hat.
“Show time,” she said softly to herself right before holding her arm up to block the monster's swipe. She kicked the monster to the side, and then spun around doing a spin kick knocking the monster back. She pulled a playing card out of a slot in her belt and ran it over the card reader on her right arm.
Next Trick
The monster fired at the Illusionist, but she turned around throwing her cape again, and seemed to vanish into thin air. The monster looked around in confusion, unaware that the Illusionist was right behind him.
She threw another playing card at the monster's back with the force of a bullet to catch his attention. She pulled out another playing card and read it.
Next Trick
The monster tackled the Illusionist, or tried to at least. He hit what appeared to be a mirror. The monster looked shocked as the Illusionist's reflection waved to him and silently told him to turn around. The monster turned around just in time to see the Illusionist punch him through the mirror. He fell to the ground as the Illusionist sauntered toward him, pulling out her magic wand.
The monster got up and held out his hands. At the same time, a long, thin blade appeared out of the bottom of the Illusionist's wand. She got in a fencing stance and charged at the monster. The monster threw his arms around trying to slash the Illusionist, but she dodged all of his attacks. She then gave him a few quick slashes and thrust her rapier a few times impaling him. The monster reached out to grab the Illusionist, but she spun around to his back, and then bumped him with her rear knocking him to the ground.
The Illusionist turned around elegantly, and hit a switch on her belt.
Grand Finale
The Illusionist jumped into the air, flipped forward once, and then did a drop kick onto the monster with a foot engulfed in blue energy. He exploded on contact. As the Illusionist dusted herself off, the woman ran up to her.
“Illusionist,” she said relieved, “Thank you so much.”
“No need to thank me,” the Illusionist said to the woman as she turned to walk away, “I hope you enjoyed the show.”
My name is Trixie Lulamoon, and I'm Canterlot's secret defender. I'm the hottest act in town. I am the Great Illusionist.
I am the Kamen Rider...
As the Illusionist sauntered away, her cape flowed in the wind.
Kamen Rider Great Illusionist
Trick 1: Return of the Illusionist
Even though Canterlot was the site of many monster attacks as of late, school remained open, much to the chagrin of the teenage students of Canterlot High. Things had been quite lately, but the Power Rangers had just defeated another of Nightmare Moon's monsters, so it would proably be at least another few days before something else happened.
Maybe even longer, as now there were two guardians of Canterlot.
It had been a few days since the rumors started, stating the resurfacing of a lone warrior on a motorcycle. Kamen Rider Great Illusionist, most people just called her Kamen Rider or Great Illusionist for short, had first been sighted a few months ago right after the Power Rangers had risen. At first they were rivals, but one day the Illusionist just vanished without a trace.
That is until a few days ago, when an armored magician very similar to the Illusionist appeared, now helping the Power Rangers. No one knew why she had a change of heart, but ever since then rumors of her sightings had been spreading, along with the strange creatures that also roamed about.
Who was the Illusionist? Were the rumors of her being a student in Canterlot High true? No way there were seven heroes in Canterlot High though, as all the Rangers went there as well.
Octavia didn't know any of those things, nor did she care. All she cared about was her friend who was finally returning to school full time. Wearing her gray and white dress, her Treble Cleft symbol on the skirt for all to see, she anxiously looked around worried that her friend wouldn't make it in time.
“Come on,” Octavia said looking at her watch, “You have a motorcycle for Christ's sake. Why are you cutting it so close?”
She looked down the street, seeing a sight that made her smile. A girl wearing a blue and purple dress, a blue hoodie overt op of it, and matching blue and purple heeled boots riding on a simple white motorcycle to the school. She parked the bike, and removed her helmet, allowing her extremely long and full light blue hair to flow down her back. She was wearing light blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick, and on her dress was a magic wand symbol.
“Trixie!” Octavia called out, catching the girl's attention. Trixie smiled at Octavia as the latter ran into her arms.
“Hey Tavi!” Trixie said, “I'm not late, am I?”
Octavia shook her head, “But you cut it really close. What took you so long, anyway?”
“I had to stop by work before coming to school,” Trixie said. Octavia noticed the odd pin on her hoodie. It was a small, silver hexagon with six lines separated by small gaps surrounding a lowercase letter I and the number three.
“You still haven't told me what you do for work,” Octavia said as Trixie grabbed her purple backpack.
“Nothing special,” Trixie said, “Just assisting some old guy.”
“I sort of figured it wasn't special since you weren't bragging about it,” Octavia said.
“I don't brag as much,” Trixie said rolling her eyes. She and Octavia started walking to the school building, arms around each other, “Sorry Trixie wasn't around, Octavia.”
“It's okay Trixie,” Octavia said, “Just promise me that you'll tell me the next time you disappear off the face of the earth.”
“Y-yeah,” Trixie said, rubbing her pin, “I'll try not to vanish like that again.”
After separating from Octavia, Trixie went to her locker, happy that she had remembered her combination. She opened her backpack, pulling out her books before putting her backpack inside her locker. Before closing it, she looked at the silver machine inside, taking out what looked like a silver watch like machine with a card reader.
“I'm sorry Tavi...” Trixie said sadly, “Trixie doesn't like lying to you, but...” she put the machine back inside and pulled out a picture. In it was a younger Trixie being held by an older woman with really long hair similar to Trixie's, but straighter, and wearing red glasses.
“I'll find you Mom,” Trixie said, “I promise.”
Trixie put her picture away, and closed her locker. As she walked back to class, she bumped into Lyra Heartstrings.
“Hey!” Trixie said smiling, “Lyra, how's is going girl?”
“Hi...” Lyra said, “Um...”
“Trixie,” Trixie said jogging her friend's memory, “We've been going to the same homeroom since last year. I know I haven't been in school for nearly a month, but that's not long enough to forget me.”
“Right! Trixie!” Lyra said embracing Trixie suddenly, “I'm sorry. I my head was somewhere else for a bit. Did you have a nice trip?”
“Yeah, I did,” Trixie said frowning a bit, “How's your asthma treating you?” Trixie asked.
“Oh, I'm fine now,” Lyra said, “I don't even need my inhaler anymore.”
“I see. Well, I'm glad you're okay.”
Lyra nodded smiling, “I can't wait to hear about your trip,” Lyra said hugging Trixie again, “I'll see you soon, bestie.”
As Lyra skipped away, Trixie frowned and turned back to her locker.
“Damn it,” Trixie said sadly, “Sorry Lyra.”
“Well, that's about it for class today,” the teacher said right before the bell rang, “Oh, Trixie? Could you stay after for a bit?”
“Yes, Ms. Cheerilee,” Trixie said getting up. Octavia walked up to her with a concerned expression, “Don't worry, Tavi. I'll catch up with you in a bit.”
“Okay,” Octavia said. She put an arm on Trixie's shoulder and then walked out of the room, leaving Trixie and Cheerilee by themselves.
“I'm surprised that you were able to finish all of your assignments,” Cheerilee said, “Did you have any time to enjoy your trip?”
Trixie laughed, “It was more of a business trip actually, so the homework was actually a good way to relax.”
“I see,” Cheerilee smiled handing Trixie a piece of paper, “This is the study guide for the test in three days. The other students knew about this in advanced, so you can sit this one out if you-”
Trixie shook her head, “I'll be fine, Ms. Cheerilee,” Trixie said, “I don't want the others thinking I'm getting special treatment.”
“You know Trixie, you've changed,” Cheerilee said, “There's something a lot more mature about you.”
“My new job has given me a new perspective on life,” that, and a reason to live, Trixie thought.
“Well, keep up the great work, Trixie,” Cheerilee said. Trixie bowed to Cheerilee and walked out of the classroom to her locker, thinking about what Cheerilee said. This time a few months ago, she was self-centered, condescending, and an overall mess. What most people didn't know was that she was frustrated. Back then she didn't have anything to live for. Now things were different though. She had something to fight for.
Something she was searching for, and the tools to find it.
She packed up her books and made her way outside, searching for Octavia or Lyra. Either one would be good, because she could either spend time with her best friend or take of...
Trixie saw Octavia standing by the statue waiting for her. Just as she was about to walk over to her, Lyra got to her first and tapped her shoulder. Octavia and Lyra hugged, and it looked like Lyra was walking Octavia somewhere.
“Shit!” Trixie swore, running after them.
Lyra had brought Octavia to the soccer field, which was currently deserted. Not even Rainbow Dash was around practicing. Lyra was really nice, but for some reason Octavia felt really uneasy. It might have had something to do with how hard Lyra was holding her hand.
“Lyra, what's going on?” Octavia asked, “Trixie's probably looking for me.”
“Don't worry about Trixie,” Lyra said with her back turned to Octavia, “I'm sure she'll understand.”
“But... she's finally back...” Octavia said looking down, “I don't want her first day back to be-”
“You love her, don't you?” Lyra asked, catching Octavia off guard.
“What? Lyra, where is this-”
“You love Trixie, I can feel it,” Lyra said. She breathed in and moaned in ecstasy, “It feels so wonderful. The love a girl has for her best friend. That thin line between sexual attraction and platonic love. This particular feeling can only come from teenage girls.”
“Lyra... you're scaring me...” Octavia said backing away, “Why are you saying these things?”
“I want your love,” Lyra said finally turning around and giving Octavia a crazed smile, “Give me your love... so I may give birth to a new Changeling!” her golden eyes changed color to a sickly green. Octavia screamed and ran, but Lyra somehow ran in front of her at high speed, making Octavia fall back onto the ground. She backed away helplessly as Lyra was engulfed in a green flame.
“W-what's happening to you?!” Octavia asked.
“Lyra is gone,” Lyra said still with that manic smile, “And you'll be joining her soon!”
Lyra was completely engulfed in a flame, and turned into a humanoid bug like monster with a light brown exoskeleton, green eyes, and heavy armor. It looked almost like a roach.
“My name is Roach,” the monster said, now sounding male oddly, “You'll create a wonderful addition to the hive, I'm sure.”
Octavia went into full panic mode, screaming loudly and running away, but Roach quickly ran in front of her again. When she tried to run away, Roach grabbed her arm.
“No!!!” Octavia cried, “Let me go!!!”
“Your love is delicious!” Roach said, green energy leaving Octavia and going into Roach, “Teenagers have the best tasting emotions!”
“Trixie...” Octavia said weakly, not even know why she called out to her, but maybe she wanted to see her friend again one last time before she died.
“Tavi!” Trixie called out. She didn't want to show her this, because Octavia would recognize this, but she had to save her best friend. She set her backpack down and opened it, pulling out the first object in her backpack, that being a silver mechanical belt with a card holder on the right side, a magic wand hooked to the left side, and a blank screen in the center. She put the belt on, hooking it closed in the back and pushing a switch next to the screen.
Driver on
Trixie then pulled out the second item, being the watch and card reader. She pulled out a card, which looked like a fancy Joker playing card, and held it between her index and middle fingers holding it to the side of her face diagonally.
“Transform!” Trixie shouted. She lifted the card reader up and elegantly held the card to the card reader. The belt began playing a beautiful song as a golden pentagram on the screen of the belt. The pentagram came out of the belt, grew, and hovered over Trixie as she held her hands out to her side. The pentagram then spun around and slowly dropped down over her, changing her into Kamen Rider Great Illusionist.
Introducing The Great Illusionist
She didn't know how much more she could take. She was dying, she could feel it. Any long, and she would-
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!”
Somehow, everything went dark that moment, and Octavia saw three spot lights shoot down, revealing someone wearing a familiar armored magician's suit.
“Presenting the greatest magician of all time, Kamen Rider Great Illusionist!” the Illusionist gave both Roach and Octavia a bow as all the lights came back on.
That voice. She recognized it. Her voice was deeper, and she was speaking in a more sultry tone, but Octavia knew that voice anywhere.
“Trixie...?” Octavia asked.
“The Illusionist?!” Roach cried out letting go of Octavia, “What are you doing here?!”
“Didn't you get the memo?” the Illusionist asked, “I'm putting on a private show, and you're my assistant. Speaking of which,” she ran a finger across the rim of her top hat, “Show time.”
Roach and the Illusionist ran over to each other and began trading blows. Roach threw a kick to the Illusionist's side, but she blocked and punched Roach back. As he recovered the Illusionist pulled out a hand of five cards.
“Let's see...” the Illusionist said looking over her cards. Roach swiped, punched, and kicked her, but she calmly moved out of the way of all of his attacks not even looking at him, “Ah, I think you'll like this trick,” she kicked Roach away and put the middle card to her card reader.
Next Trick
The Illusionist turned around to face Roach, and two clones of her walked out from behind her, as if they were always there. All three Illusionists pulled out their wand/fencing swords and charged at Roach.
Roach fought off all three Illusionists for a bit, but the middle one slashed downward, followed by the other two slashing sideways. Roach fell to the ground and rolled away, looking up as the Illusionist sauntered over to him.
“How did you know that I was going to be here!” Roach asked.
“You didn't see me, but I was nearby,” the Illusionist said as her clones walked away vanishing.
“When did I meet you?!” Roach said, “Well, it doesn't matter,” Roach ran over to Octavia at high speed and grabbed her arm.
“No!” the Illusionist called out.
“It's too dangerous here, and I'm not one to leave my food half eaten,” Roach stated, “I'll be back to feast on you later.”
“Trixie...!” Octavia cried weakly, holding her hand out to the Illusionist. Roach picked up Octavia and raced off at high speed. The Illusionist ran after them out of the soccer field, stopping when she realized they were already gone.
“Tavi!” the Illusionist called out before stomping her feet in frustration, “Damn it!” her phone rang. The Illusionist picked up her phone and answered it, “Fleur, did you get that?!”
“I did,” a deep, sensual voice said on the other end, “Fancy Pants is calling you to Hexagon HQ.”
“I can't!” the Illusionist shouted, “That Changeling captured my best friend, and I need to-”
“It's about the Changeling that escaped,” the woman on the other end said, “Trixie, I know you're scared, but you have to stay calm. We'll rescue your friend, I promise.”
The Illusionist visibly relaxed, “Alright,” she said nodding, “Thanks Fleur.”
The Illusionist hung up and ran over to her white motorcycle. She pulled out a card and held it to her card reader.
Next Trick
The Illusionist pulled off her cape and held it over the motorcycle. After a second, she pulled her cape away putting it back on, revealing a different motorcycle. This one was a black Ducati model with purple highlights to match the Illusionist's armor. She got on her motorcycle and rode off at high speed.
As she rode off, she pulled out a card reading it.
Next Trick
She rode her motorcycle right into a building scaring a few civilians, but she seamlessly flew into the reflective window and her reflection rode off. Everyone who saw that started applauding as she rode off to an unknown location.
Octavia had gotten a bit of her energy back, so she didn't feel like she was dying again, but Roach had taken her to a warehouse and tied her to a pipe. She struggled for a few seconds until she realized that it was futile, and then just looked down hopelessly.
“I don't want to die...” she said, tears falling from her eyes, “Trixie... help me...”
“Aw come on!” Lyra's voice was heard from right outside, “Why can't I just eat her now?! I know that the Illusionist cares about her, but how is that my problem?! Ugh, you wanna know her identity that badly... Okay, fine!” Lyra walked back in hanging up her cellphone scowling.
“Are you going to let me go?” Octavia asked fearfully. Lyra laughed.
“You'd like that, wouldn't you?” Lyra said with a sneer walking over to Octavia, “But my employer wants me to use you to draw out the Illusionist. Hopefully then we can learn her identity, but I have a feeling you know already.”
Octavia looked away biting her lip, “I...”
“Oh, you do know who she is?” Lyra knelt down to Octavia and held her chin, “How about this, you tell me who she is, and I'll let you go.”
“N-no!” Octavia said shaking her head, “I'm wouldn't tell you, even if I did know!”
“I thought you humans were selfish,” Lyra said, “I'm offering you a chance to leave out of here with your life, and yet you're willing to protect the Illusionist? Is that... you're special someone? The one you love?”
Octavia backed away from Lyra a bit, making Lyra laugh.
“Oh, this is rich! You love the Illusionist! That's why you're protecting her?”
“Like I said, I'm not telling you anything!” Octavia said, “All you're going to do is feed on her if I tell you!”
“How odd,” Lyra said, “You're actually willing to sacrifice yourself for her... She isn't worth your love, you know. Love is just something to be used and controlled. No one would do the same for you.”
“I know some who would,” Octavia said, “That someone would give everything to rescue me if they were here.”
“Ah, your love is so powerful...” Lyra breathed in, “I wish my employer would let me feed on you. You'd make such a powerful Changeling, I can tell.”
“Lyra, what happened to you?” Octavia asked pleadingly, “You've always been strange, but this isn't-”
“I'm not Lyra,” Lyra said as a green flame built up around her, “Lyra ceased to exist once I was born. I'm a Changeling.”
“Ceased... to exist...?” Octavia asked trembling again.
“And once I take out the Illusionist, both you and her will join Lyra, as you add to our hive.”
Lyra walked out of the room, and closed the door. Now alone, Octavia broke down, now torn about Trixie coming. She knew she would come, but if she did, the Changeling would...
The Illusionist stayed inside mirrors, riding all the way to the secret underground tunnel which lead to the Hexagon HQ. She emerged from the mirror world, driving through a golden pentagram in front of her and shifting back into Trixie. Still wearing the Rider System and Card Reader, Trixie stopped in front of a large elevator and rode it to the top floor.
The elevator ride was a long one, but when it stopped she emerged in a nice office building with silver walls. She greeted everyone cordially as she made her way to the main office, her destination.
Sitting at a desk in front of the main office was a beautiful woman with long light pink hair, wearing a white business suit like a secretary. She wore purple eye shadow and red lipstick, and had the build of a super model.
When Trixie reached the office, the secretary stood up and walked over to her.
“Kamen Rider, Fancy Pants is inside.”
“Thanks Fleur,” Trixie said walking past Fleur, who lightly grabbed her arm stopping her, “Fleur, I-”
Fleur pulled Trixie close and embraced her from behind. The gesture was extremely maternal, and somewhat sensual.
“Stay calm, Trixie,” Fleur said, “You won't be able to put on a great show for your friend being so tense.”
“Fleur...” Trixie said falling into the embrace, “You're always lifting me up. I thought your job was just to navigate for me and be a go between for me and Fancy Pants.”
Fleur giggled, “That's true, but more than that I'm your biggest fan.”
“Right, thanks,” Trixie said. Fleur nodded smiling and led Trixie into the office. Inside was an older man with short dark blue hair and a matching mustache, wearing a nice suave blue suit and black tie. He wore a monocle in his left eye, and was sitting at his desk with a cup of tea.
“Sir, The Illusionist has arrived,” Fleur said.
“Wonderful,” Fancy Pants said with a peaceful smile, “Care for a cup of tea?”
Trixie was about to protest, but she remembered the last time she tried to turn down tea with Fancy Pants. Both she and Fleur relented and sat down at his desk, where oddly there were already two cups of tea waiting for them.
“Fleur told me that the one the Changeling took was important to you,” Fancy Pants said.
“Octavia Melody,” Trixie said, “She's been my best friend since kindergarten.”
“Does she know your identity as the Illusionist?” Fancy Pants asked.
“Probably,” Trixie said, “She was the first one I showed when I first became the Kamen Rider. She helped me design the Rider System and everything.”
“So it stands to reason that she would recognize the transformation,” Fancy Pants reasoned.
“She must be put under Hexagon protection then,” Fleur said, “Especially if she was captured by the Changelings already.”
“I don't think the Changelings wanted Tavi to get to me,” Trixie stated, “She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was really happy that I came back, so the Changeling must have been attracted to that.”
“She clearly cares about you,” Fancy Pants said, “To take advantage of her love for you, we must stop this Changeling at all costs.”
“Which I'd like to be doing right now,” Trixie said after taking a sip of her tea.
“You will,” Fancy Pants said finishing his tea, “But as this has become an official mission, you'll need our help.”
“Is Roach really that dangerous?” Trixie asked, “I was able to hold him off pretty easily by myself.”
“That's because you caught him off guard,” Fleur said pulling out a folder, “Now Roach will be expecting you.”
Trixie looked at his file, noting that he had already created five Changelings on his own.
“Talk about a glutton,” Trixie said.
“We've been tracking him for weeks,” Fancy Pants said, “But his super speed makes him a difficult target.”
Trixie remembered how quickly Roach had moved. He could probably move at sound speed.
“He also has extremely tough armor,” Fleur added, “You don't have any monster tricks to draw from this time, so you'll have to rely on your own skill.”
Trixie looked down worried, and more than a little humiliated. Along with her personal tricks, as the Illusionist she had the ability to learn new tricks from her enemies. Sadly she lost all of those cards when she lost the power of the Illusionist before. She would be at a disadvantage in the next fight.
“We'll have our agents surrounding the parameter,” Fancy Pants said, “Once you've secured the safety of Miss Melody, you'll be able to give the Changeling a show he won't forget.”
“Do we know where the Changeling is?” Trixie asked.
“The warehouse district,” Fleur said, “Our servers are pointing us to warehouse 17.”
“Use the southern duct to reach it,” Fancy Pants said, “After your mission is complete, you are to bring Miss Melody here. We'll set up a system of protection, that way she'll be safe.”
“Thank you,” Trixie said finishing her tea, “I'm heading out.”
“Be careful,” Fleur urged. Trixie smiled to her and ran out of the office, “Sir, is it really okay to send her after these monsters? She's just a child.”
“She'd go out on her own regardless,” Fancy Pants said sipping his tea, “All we're doing is providing her guidance, making sure she doesn't crash on the way. Right now, we're all she has.”
Fleur looked back at the door with a saddened expression. She felt so bad for Trixie. She tried so hard to be strong, but to Fleur she could see how close she was to cracking. She probably cried herself to sleep every night.
It was getting dark when Trixie arrived at the warehouse. She prayed that Octavia would be okay. As far as Fancy Pants knew, the Changeling wouldn't eat her yet, but she still wanted to be quick.
As she stopped her bike, she looked around to see if Hexagon had arrived yet. Sure enough, she saw a few men in black armor were seen moving to various positions around the warehouse. Good, she though, that meant she didn't have to wait to move in.
Not that she would have waited.
She slowly made her way to warehouse 17. When she got inside, she took a lay of the area, planning out the upcoming battle. Since she didn't have any monster tricks available, she couldn't afford to improvise. She'd have to rely solely on her own personal tricks and illusions.
She could definitely use the darkness of the building to her advantage. Her armor was dark, so she could blend in. If need be, she could easily get up on the rafters and upper pipes, and the main room was big enough to have a drawn out fight.
Her show planned, she carefully walked deeper into the warehouse, where she saw Lyra pacing back and forth in front of a door, probably where Octavia was.
“I guess it's time then,” Trixie said stepping away a bit. As she was already wearing the Rider System and card reader, she flicked the on switch starting it up.
Driver on
Trixie pulled out her first card and held it diagonally to the side of her face, “Transform!”
Trixie held the card to her card reader, and held her hands out elegantly as the pentagram came out of the belt and hovered over her. It then slowly came down over her, changing Trixie into the Illusionist.
Introducing The Great Illusionist
She threw a card at the side of Lyra's head too catch her attention, and then she slowly walked out, holding her magic wand and tapping her other hand with it.
“Illusionist!” Lyra called out, “I was waiting for you!”
“I'm sure,” the Illusionist said, putting a little more base in her voice to hide her identity, “It goes without saying, but I've come for the girl in that room.”
“Oh, I know,” Lyra said as a green flame build up around her, “This gives me an idea of who's behind that mask,” Lyra changed into Roach, who pointed dramatically at the Illusionist, “Prepare yourself, Kamen Rider! I'm going to be the one to expose you!”
“You can try,” the Illusionist ran a finger to the rim of her hat, “Show time.”
The Illusionist immediately activated her fencing sword and charged at Roach. She slashed at Roach a few times, but he did a side kick knocking her back. Roach then ran up to the Illusionist at high speed and punched her, knocking her into a pipe.
He was about to charge at her again, but she rolled out of the way and pulled out a card.
Next Trick
Roach ran up to the Illusionist and slashed at her, but she faded away as if she were a mirage.
“What?!” Roach shouted.
“Over here,” the Illusionist called out. Roach turned around and saw her lying on the ground relaxing. She even had the audacity to yawn.
“Why you!” Roach shouted running up to her. She kicked up to her feet and moved out of the way of all of his assaults, but when one attack hit her, she once again vanished, “How in the world...”
“Boy, for a monster that has super speed, you sure are slow,” the Illusionist said walking up from behind Roach with her arms folded under her chest. Roach tightened his fist in frustration and started punching and kicked the Illusionist, who once again refused to be hit even once. He managed to get a lucky kick through...
Just to kick air as she faded away again.
“Stop doing that!” Roach shouted. He turned to the door where his prisoner was being held, and saw the Illusionist leaning on the wall right next to the door waving to him. Roach charged at her at his top speed and threw a punch right at the Illusionist face, making contact with the wall behind her as she faded away.
“Damn it! Fight fair you-” he stopped when he realized that the door was partially opened. He went inside the room, expecting to see either his prisoner of the Illusionist.
Instead he was greeted with an empty room, the ropes lying on the ground and a Joker playing card on the ground.
“That bitch!” Roach exclaimed, “She was buying time to rescue the girl!” Roach ran off to find her.
The Illusionist lead Octavia near the entrance, happy that her trick kept kept Roach busy for a bit.
“Alright, it should be safe here,” the Illusionist said, “Stay here, I'll take care of that monster and come back for you.”
“Trixie, wait!” Octavia called out, making the Illusionist stop, “That is you in that armor, isn't it?”
“Tavi...” the Illusionist said, losing the sultry edge in her voice as there wasn't a point in hiding her identity.
“I thought you were done with the whole Kamen Rider business,” Octavia said taking the Illusionist's hand, “How are you even able to transform again? I thought the morpher was destroyed.”
“Tavi, there's no time to explain right now,” the Illusionist turned to Octavia and put her hands on her shoulders, “Trixie promises to explain everything after this fight, so just wait here until then, alright?”
Octavia bit her lip looking away, but nodded. The Illusionist apparently smiled behind her mask, and ran off to the main area.
“Why Trixie?” Octavia asked, “You don't have to do this anymore.”
Roach ran into the main open area, as he knew that the Illusionist would have to come through here.
“Where are you!” Roach called out, “You steal my food and you don't think I'm not going to get angry! Come out here and-”
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!”
Three spotlights shot down and focused on the Illusionist, who stood on a raised platform as if presenting herself to an audience.
“Presenting the greatest magician of all time, Kamen Rider Great Illusionist!” the Illusionist took off her hat and bowed to Roach.
“You think your so hot, Illusionist? All you've done this entire fight is run away!” Roach taunted.
“Well I couldn't in good conscious give my best without an audience,” the Illusionist spun her hat and put it back on.
“Audience? There's no one else here,” Roach said.
“Are you sure about that?” the Illusionist said wagging her finger. Before Roach could say anything else, a barrage of bullets was fired around him. He looked up and saw men in black armor standing all around the higher areas of the warehouse. There had to be at least twenty men.
“The stage has been set,” the Illusionist said running a finger on her hat, “Now... the real show begins.”
The Illusionist jumped down and slashed at Roach a few times with her fencing sword. Roach blocked a slash, and threw a kick, but the Illusionist ducked and did a side kick to Roach's stomach. She pulled out a card and read it.
Next Trick
“Oh no! You're not running away again!” Roach said charging at the Illusionist.
“My tricks aren't for running away,” the Illusionist said turning around and throwing her cape. When Roach reached her, she had vanished, leaving only her cape behind.
“They're meant to misdirect,” she said throwing three cards at Roach's back. He fell forward a bit from the attack, and when he turned around, the Illusionist charged over to him and slashed downward with his sword. Roach threw a punch at her, but she back flipped away pulling out another card.
Next Trick
A large box appeared behind the Illusionist. She stepped inside the box and it closed. Roach ran up to the box, but it opened up revealing one of those soldiers from above, who pointed his machine gun right at Roach and fired at him. Roach fell back, clearly on his last legs as the Illusionist walked out from out of nowhere once again wearing her cape.
“Time to wrap this one up,” the Illusionist said pulling out a card, “You've all been a great audience,” she held the card her card reader.
Grand Finale
The Illusionist bent down preparing to jump, and then jumped high into the air. She flipped a few times midair, and then did a flying drop kick into the monster, her foot engulfed in blue energy. She kicked through Roach, destroying him instantly. As she stood up, a playing card landed in her hand.
“Show's over,” the Illusionist said. She turned around and saw Octavia standing there looking at her in shock. Octavia ran over to the Illusionist and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you,” Octavia said, “I didn't know what I-”
“Shh...” the Illusionist said embracing Octavia, “You don't have to worry anymore. I am the light in the darkness.”
Octavia looked up, staring deep into the large yellow eyes of the Illusionist's mask. She couldn't see her eyes at all, but she could feel Trixie's comforting gaze.
“Trixie...” Octavia said softly.
“Come on,” the Illusionist said, “I'll take you to my boss's base. There, we'll tell you everything.”
The Illusionist took Octavia's hand and led her to her motorcycle. As they rode back to Hexagon HQ, Octavia held onto the Illusionist's waist tightly.
I am the light in the darkness. I am greatest magician in the world.
I am the Great Illusionist...
I am... the Kamen Rider...
The Illusionist looked back at her passenger briefly, and then looked forward picking up speed and driving back home, to Canterlot.
Author's Note
Next time on Kamen Rider: Great Illusionist!!!
Octavia learns the truth about Trixie's new job in Hexagon, and the secret fight against the aliens called Changelings. However, Octavia isn't comfortable with Trixie fighting as the Kamen Rider again. Why is Trixie so adamant about this? And will their friendship survive?
Next Trick: Hexagon vs Changelings
Hope you enjoy the show!
Here's a link to my Patreon.
Trick 2: Hexagon vs Changelings
It only took a little under an hour to get back to the tunnel she departed from. Octavia hadn't said anything to her at all since they left the warehouse, probably because she was still shaken up. Either that, or felt odd talking to Trixie while she was still in her armor.
Understandable, considering how messed up she got last time she donned this mask.
The Illusionist stood by her motorcycle while Octavia called her grandmother. Thankfully Octavia had calmed down, so she was able to give an excuse that sounded believable.
“Yes, Trixie is with me,” Octavia said to her grandmother, “It took a little longer helping her catch up, so I'm spending the night at her place. Um... I don't...” Octavia turned to the Illusionist and walked over to her, “Uh... my grandmother wants to...”
The Illusionist nodded and took the phone, “Hello? Yes, sorry Trixie held her so long. Trixie was having trouble with a math problem so Octavia...” Octavia's grandmother spoke, “Oh good. Thank you. Yes, I'll give Octavia back the phone,” the Illusionist gave the phone back to Octavia, who took it back slowly.
“So, it's okay then?” Octavia asked turning her back to the Illusionist, “Thanks. I love you too.”
Octavia hung up her cellphone and just stood there with her back turned. She was breathing heavily, and it was beginning to worry the Illusionist. She walked over to Octavia and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Tavi, talk to me,” the Illusionist said, “What are you thinking right now?”
The second her hand touched Octavia's shoulder, she flinched.
“C-could you change back...?” Octavia asked, “Seeing you like this... it's...”
The Illusionist sighed, stepped back, and flipped a switch on her belt. The golden pentagram came up around her, changing her back into Trixie, who spun around smiling.
“There, that's better, right?” Trixie asked. Her smile faded as Octavia didn't turn around, “Tavi? You're scaring Trixie. What's-”
“Why are you wearing that... thing again?” Octavia asked.
“That... thing?” Trixie asked. Octavia finally turned around, tears in her eyes.
“The morpher we built! Why are you still wearing that thing?! I thought it had been destroyed! You said that you were done being the Kamen Rider, and that you weren't going to compete with the Power Rangers anymore!”
“Trixie's not competing with the Rangers,” Trixie said looking down, “I know I said I wasn't going to be the Kamen Rider anymore, but something... changed...”
“Trixie...” the way Octavia looked away told Trixie that she was really upset. Trixie walked over to Octavia and hugged her tightly.
“Remember when I said I would explain everything?” Octavia nodded, “Come with me, and we'll tell you everything.”
Trixie took Octavia's hand and led her to the elevator. The ride up to the surface was long and quiet, but Octavia wouldn't let go of Trixie's hand. It was comforting, as it put Trixie at ease a bit. They were always really close, doing things like hugging, holding hands, even kissing. They weren't dating, but Trixie always felt comfortable being affectionate around Octavia.
When they arrived, Octavia looked around in awe. There were agents everywhere, many of them greeting Trixie as they walked by, always calling her either “Illusionist” or “Kamen Rider”.
“Fleur,” Trixie said once they reached her desk, “This is Octavia.”
“Ah, you're the friend she went on about,” Fleur said getting up to greet Octavia, “Fleur de Lis, Fancy Pant's secretary, and the Kamen Rider's navigator.”
“It's... nice to meet you,” Octavia said shaking Fleur's hand.
“Ooh, I love your accent,” Fleur said, “Are you from England?”
“Yes...” Octavia said, “I was born in London, but I moved here to live with my grandmother eight years ago,” Octavia looked at Fleur confused, “Um, did you say Fancy Pants? As in, famous entrepreneur Fancy Pants?”
Fleur giggled, “Come with me.”
Fleur led both Octavia and Trixie inside, where they saw Fancy Pants sitting at his desk drinking a cup of tea.
“Hello ladies,” Fancy Pants said, “Octavia Melody, welcome to Hexagon.”
Kamen Rider Great Illusionist
Kamen Rider is a product made by Toei. Please support the original release.
Trick 2: Hexagon vs Changelings
The room was quiet, and awfully tense. For a few moments Octavia just sat on the couch in Fancy Pant's office looking into her tea cup. Trixie sat down next to her, every so often stealing a glance at her friend before looking down in shame.
Fleur sat down at Octavia's other side, and placed a hand on her leg to comfort her. It seemed to work a bit, but only a little bit.
Fancy Pants, for his part, sat opposite of the three young ladies drinking his tea, perfectly at peace with himself.
“Ahh, Earl Grey, my favorite of all teas,” Fancy Pants said blissfully, “I have tried every tea out there in the world, but none of them really affect my pallet quite like Earl Grey does. Octavia, do you have a favorite tea?”
Octavia looked up in surprise, “Um, my favorite tea?” she questioned, “Well, if I had to say... it would have to be... Mint flavored...”
“Well why didn't you say so? Fleur, please pour the young lady a cup of mint tea.”
“Yes sir,” Fleur said bowing to Fancy Pants. She obediently got up, took Octavia's cup, and walked over to Fancy Pant's counter where he prepared his tea.
“Tea is more relaxing when one is drinking their favorite,” Fancy Pants said holding up his own cup, “There are many different kinds of teas, each one having at least one person that matches it. One can learn a lot about a person based on the tea they drink.”
“I... see...” Octavia said leaning toward Trixie, “He's a bit of a fanatic, isn't he?”
“You have no idea,” Trixie whispered, “I think that's all he ever drinks.”
Fleur returned with a cup of mint tea, and gave it to Octavia, “Thank you,” she said smiling.
Fleur nodded and sat back down, “Sir, I believe it's time we got to the matter at hand.”
“Yes, you're absolutely right,” Fancy Pants said, “Well then, I suppose you have questions Miss Melody?”
“Actually, yes,” Octavia said, “Um, you said this is Hexagon. What exactly does that mean?”
“Ah, I suppose that name wouldn't mean much to you,” Fancy Pants said more so to himself, “Tell me, you're familiar with the Power Rangers, yes?”
“Of course,” Octavia said, “They go to our school for crying out loud. They've been fighting Nightmare Moon for a few months now.”
“What if I told you that Nightmare Moon was just one of the number of issues in this world?” Fancy Pants asked.
“I'm sorry, but I don't follow,” Octavia said, “What do you mean one? Isn't Nightmare Moon the issue?”
Fancy Pants laughed, “If only it were that simple. Alas, she is not. There are many other threats in the world. Threats from the Astral Realm, Outer Space, why, even alternate dimensions or time lines.”
“But if there were threats like that in the world then we'd know about it!” Octavia said, “It would be in the news everyday, just like Nightmare Moon.”
“The reason why it's not in the news is because we insure those issues never reach the public. Had we gotten a hold of the Nightmare Moon issue we'd have done the same to that.”
“So you basically lie to everyone,” Octavia stated.
“We don't lie,” Fleur said, “Our mission is the safety of planet Earth. We deal with issues in secret, enabling people to live their lives comfortably.”
“Sadly, some of those issues refuse to stay in the dark. In fact, just a few hours ago you had a run in with one such issue.”
“You mean... that monster that captured me?”
Fancy Pants nodded, “That, my dear Miss Melody, is called a Changeling.”
“Changeling?” she turned to Trixie, who held her hand tightly, “But... it looked like Lyra.”
“That wasn't Lyra,” Trixie said, “The Changelings capture humans, and use their love to create more Changelings.”
“They are able to take on many forms,” Fancy Pants, “They favor the human that gave birth to them, but they aren't limited to that face alone. Some of the higher ones can even create their own forms from scratch.”
“What would have happened to me if Trixie hadn't saved me?” Octavia asked, now looking down.
“The Changeling would have fed on you, draining you of as much of your love as it could until you became nothing short of a vegetable,” Fancy Pants said venomously, “From there, a new Changeling would be born from your leftover emotions, constantly feeding on your energy for sustenance.”
“Wait... so that means...” Octavia looked horrified, “Lyra... she can't actually be...”
“She's not dead,” Fleur said, “Thankfully the Kamen Rider destroyed Roach, so Lyra should be coming around wherever she is. However, our agents didn't find her cocoon in the warehouse.”
“This means that another Changeling could find her and feed on her, giving birth to another Changeling,” Fancy Pants said gravely.
Elsewhere, the real Lyra was waking up. She didn't remember what happened, or when she fell asleep. The last thing she remembered was that she was running from something.
She tried to move, but she felt her hands were bound behind her back. Fully alert, she looked around and saw that she was tied up with some weird web, and she was trapped inside what looked like a green and black cocoon. She even had some of the web over her mouth gagging her. She tried to scream as best as she could, even kicking the cocoon, but it was too hard. She couldn't get out on her own.
Right when she was about to break down in tears, what looked like a monstrous humanoid wasp walked up to the cocoon and stared into it. The wasp had a female build, her legs were high heeled, and on her head was a queen's crown. She was also holding a scepter.
“So Roach has fallen,” the bee monster said in an uninterested manner, “What a waste.”
“We should have just let him feast on the girl,” another bug monster said walking out. This one was male and wore black knights armor that was sharp, and a long ponytail coming down from his head that was actually a scorpion's tale, “We could have outnumbered The Illusionist, and gotten two new drones for the hive.”
“No no no no, that wouldn't do at all,” a third bug monster said, this one with a sharper head and thinner body that was light green, and wore a long white lab coat over his not as heavily armed body, “Scorpion, you lack vision! We could have exposed The Illusionist!”
“Dragonfly, you're the only one who's obsessed with that magician,” the bee monster said, “All I want is more drones. Good, lustful humans are hard to come by though...”
“You'd have more drones if you worked harder, and broadened your range, Queen Bee,” Scorpion said. Queen Bee folded her arms and turned her nose to the air.
“Says the one who's drones come out as nothing more than brutes obsessed with fighting,” Queen Bee said.
“Well excuse me Princess for seeking drones who actually do more than lust over me!”
Queen Bee's eyes began glowing red and she shot an electric blast out of her scepter at Scorpion, who moved to the side out of the way.
“Never call me Princess! I am a Queen!”
“You're more like a spoiled brat to me,” Scorpion said. Queen Bee was about to charge over to Scorpion, but Dragonfly rushed over to both of them.
“Please, calm down, you two. Our Queen is still resting, and she's counting on us to prepare the planet for her arrival. Until then we need to work together, and that means you two.”
Both Queen Bee and Scorpion folded their arms and looked away. Dragonfly sighed wiping his forehead. Clearly this was the norm among those two.
“Queen Bee, perhaps you could create a drone from this one,” Dragonfly said, “She may not make a drone of your preference, but it'll still be stronger than anything I could create.”
Queen Bee sighed, “Since you asked so nicely, why not?” she sauntered over to the cocoon Lyra was trapped in and ran a sharp finger over it opening it. Lyra screamed trying to back away from her, but Queen Bee pulled her up and caressed her cheek.
“You know, this one is still a good human,” Queen Bee said, “I think there's an emotion here I can use.”
“Then hurry up,” Scorpion said, “Before we molt.”
“Hush you!” Queen Bee scolded, “Art takes time,” the way she touched Lyra was sensual yet somewhat maternal. Oddly, Lyra felt more comfortable, as if this on in particular wasn't going to hurt her, “There. See, love? That's not so scary, now is it?”
Queen Bee began stealing green energy from Lyra, who soon fell unconscious again. After setting her down gently, Queen Bee absorbed the green energy, which then shot out of her scepter forming a new cocoon. It grew and exploded, revealing another humanoid bee. This one seemed to have a masculine build, large wings on its back, and a large abdomen like Queen Bee.
“A bumblebee,” Queen Bee said now sauntering her newest child, “May not be fancy, but it'll do its job, right darling?”
The bee Changeling transformed into Lyra and got on one knee bowing to her, “Yes, my Queen. I shall not disappoint you.”
“Then I guess that's my next mission?” Trixie asked Fancy Pants.
“We'll let you know once we've found the real Lyra Heartstrings,” Fancy Pants said, “In the meantime, I want you to be on the lookout for another Changeling using Lyra's face.”
“Got it,” Trixie said.
“Hold on,” Octavia said suddenly, “That's another question I have. Why Trixie? Couldn't you have made someone else your Kamen Rider?”
“Tavi...” Trixie said looking away.
“She almost died the last time she wore that belt! Why are you making her wear it again?”
“We're not making anyone do anything,” Fancy Pants said, “All we required of her was to help in repairing and upgrading it. Trixie volunteered herself to be the operator.”
Octavia turned to Trixie in shock, “Is that true? Did you seriously volunteer?”
“Tavi, I-”
“You promised you weren't going to do anything dangerous again, and that this was behind us!”
“Tavi, I know what I said, but I'm the best candidate to use the Rider System.”
“You're just a teenager! He has trained soldiers, couldn't he have found someone to-”
“Great Illusionist was designed with me in mind,” Trixie stated, “Even if someone more trained used it, they wouldn't be able to bring out it's true power. Besides, I wouldn't want anyone else using this thing anyway. I know what it looks like, but I'm not doing this to get back at the Power Rangers. In fact, the Rangers and I are sort of allies now.”
It looked Like Octavia was still upset about it, so Fleur took Octavia's hand.
“I know you're worried about your friend. She has great support though, so she's not alone,” Fleur said. Octavia sighed and pulled away from Fleur storming out of the room. Trixie tried to run after her, but stopped as the door closed behind her.
“Damn it,” Trixie said looking down, “I knew she'd be upset, but...”
“Take your time with her,” Fancy Pants said to Trixie, “She'll understand eventually. Until then, you must go easy on her.”
“Right,” Trixie said not turning around, “I'll talk to you guys later.”
As she left Fancy Pant's office, Fleur folded her arms looking at Fancy Pants, who was engrossed in his tea once again.
“This is why hiring teenagers isn't a good idea,” Fleur stated, “Neither one of them can handle the strain of-”
“Give them time, Fleur,” Fancy Pants said, “Miss Melody is just scared of losing her friend. Once she calms down, things will work themselves out. You'll see.”
The ride to Trixie's house was quiet. In fact, most of the rest of the night was silent. It wasn't until they were both lying in bed that Octavia finally broke the silence.
“Why did Fancy Pants repair the morpher?” Octavia asked, her back still turned to Trixie.
“They liked the technology,” Trixie said, “They figured that with something like that they could finally begin turning into active players in the battle for planet Earth.”
Octavia closed her eyes seriously, “I wish we had never made that damn thing. Because of that you got hurt.”
“It would have been worse had it not been for the Rangers,” Trixie stated.
“Exactly, the Power Rangers should be handling this! Why should you-”
“The Power Rangers aren't that different,” Trixie retaliated, “They're teenagers, just like you and me. The only difference is that they've dealt with magic before, but take that away and they're just regular kids like us,” Trixie closed her eyes, “I just want to pay them back is all. They saved me, so the least I can do is help them by keeping the Changelings off their case. The less they have to deal with the better.”
“Is that the only reason?” Octavia asked, “To pay the Rangers back for helping you?”
“There is another reason...” Trixie said, “But that's not important right now. Let's get some sleep.”
“Yeah...” Octavia said closing her eyes. After a few seconds, Trixie turned around and wrapped her arms around Octavia. She wanted to still be mad, and she partially still was, but being held by her best friend like that did make her feel a little better.
At school the following day, Trixie tried to stay close to Octavia, probably just in case another of those monsters attacked her. Truth was, Octavia was more concerned about what would happen the next time Trixie transformed. She was actually really happy once the morpher (sorry, Trixie called it a Rider System now) had been destroyed. Trixie became really reckless once she became the Illusionist the first time.
But now Kamen Rider Great Illusionist was back, and with it her friend was back in danger. Even worse was that she decided to willingly put that damned belt back on. Octavia had enough mind to destroy it herself.
She was on her way to lunch, when she saw a sight that made her smile. Walking down the hall to the schoolyard was Lyra! She was with her girlfriend Sweetie Drops. Did Hexagon actually save her?
“I have to tell Trixie!” Octavia said running to her locker. Trixie was taking out her books for her next class when Octavia got to her.
“Trixie! They did it!” Octavia said happily.
“Huh?” Trixie asked raising an eyebrow.
“You know...” she got really close to whisper, “Hexagon.”
“What about Hexagon?” Trixie asked.
“They saved Lyra!”
“Wait, you saw Lyra?” Trixie asked, oddly not looking as happy as Octavia thought she would be.
“She's with Sweetie Drops,” Octavia said, “Trixie, what's wrong?”
“Where are they now?!” Trixie asked urgently.
“T-the schoolyard, but-” Octavia was cut off as Trixie pulled out her backpack and ran to her schoolyard. Octavia was so confused, but she ran after her friend.
Outside she and Trixie saw Lyra and Sweetie Drops lying under a tree making out. God, Octavia knew they were serious, but they weren't the type to make out in public like that.
Octavia turned to Trixie, who opened up her backpack and pulled out the belt putting it on. Octavia was horrified when she saw Trixie pull the switch.
Driver on
“Trixie?! What are you doing?!” Octavia asked in horror as Trixie put the card reader on her wrist.
“I didn't get a call from Hexagon that they located Lyra,” Trixie stated, “That means the one over there isn't Lyra!”
“You don't mean...”
“I do,” Trixie pulled out her first card (which Octavia noticed was a fancy Ace of Spades) and held it to the side of her face, “Transform!” she ran the card over the card reader. The belt played a pretty tune and the golden Pentagram came out of the belt hovering over Trixie. Trixie held her hands out to her side as the pentagram game down around her, changing Trixie into the Illusionist.
Introducing the Great Illusionist
“Trixie wait!” Octavia cried grabbing the Illusionist's hand, “You can't just run over there and attack Lyra!”
“I told you, that isn't Lyra!” the Illusionist said turning to Octavia, “That's a Changeling, and if I don't act now then Sweetie Drops could be in danger!”
The Illusionist pulled her hand free from Octavia's grasp and ran out to the kissing teenagers.
“Lyra, when did you get so frisky?” Sweetie Drops asked smiling.
“Less talking, more kissing,” Lyra said locking lips with Sweetie Drops again. She stopped when a playing card shot at the tree landing next to Lyra's face, “Damn it!” Lyra swore. She stood up and turned to the Illusionist, who had another card in her hand poised to throw it, “I heard you had a habit of interrupting us when we're eating.”
“Leave that student alone,” the Illusionist demanded, “She's not your next meal.”
“Hold on!” Sweetie Drops said standing in the Illusionist's way, “Why are you attacking my girlfriend?!”
“That isn't your girlfriend,” the Illusionist said, “And you were almost turned into a buffet.”
“What are you-” she was cut off as Lyra pushed her to the ground and pointed at the Illusionist.
“I was going to wait until I finished eating so I'd have more power, but since you were so kind to come to me, I'll deal with you now!” Lyra said, engulfed in a green flame. She then turned into a Changeling shaped like a humanoid bee.
Understandably, Sweetie Drops screamed in horror. Octavia covered her mouth in shock, scared at the thought of one of those creatures being in the school and her not knowing.
“Fleur, you see this?” the Illusionist asked.
“Yes, I see it Kamen Rider,” Fleur said to the Illusionist, her voice going right to her ear, “That's a worker type bee Changeling, based off a Bumblebee.”
“Bumblebee, huh?” the Illusionist said, “Here I was expecting another Roach.”
“Never send a roach to do a bee's job,” Bumblebee said, “My beloved Queen wants me to destroy you, and that's what I'm going to do!”
“Sorry, but that's not going to happen,” the Illusionist pulled out her magic wand, “I have to put on my best show for my audience. My death isn't in the script,” the Illusionist ran a finger across the rim of her hat, “Show time.”
The Illusionist and Bumblebee charged to each other and immediately began trading blows. While they fought, Octavia sneaked her way to Sweetie Drops and pulled her aside.
“Octavia?! W-what's-”
“We have to get to safety!” Octavia demanded pulling Sweetie Drops away. When they left, the Illusionist pulled out her fencing sword and slashed at Bumblebee a few times. He grabbed the Illusionist's wrist after the third slash and threw her into the tree. As the Illusionist got to her knees, Bumblebee flew into the air and began shooting his stingers at her and the tree. The shots exploded once they hit the ground, knocking the Illusionist forward and onto the ground. Octavia turned around when she saw that.
“No!!!” she cried out, careful to not scream out Trixie's name.
“Kamen Rider, are you okay?” Fleur asked.
“Barely,” the Illusionist said forcing herself to her knees, “This one is on a different level than Roach.”
“Looks like your show is ending early!” Bumblebee said preparing to fire again. This time the Illusionist was prepared herself as she pulled out playing card.
Next Trick
The shots landed and exploded around the Illusionist, but when the smoke cleared she was nowhere to be seen.
“Huh?” Bumblebee said looking around.
Next Trick
The Illusionist appeared in the air flying past Bumblebee slashing him and knocking him down. Somehow, she kicked off the air, flipped, and kicked Bumblebee in the chest knocking him back.
“I don't know how you did that, but you won't get so luck next time!”
“It's not luck,” the Illusionist said, “It's magic,” she pulled out another card and read it.
Next Trick
The Illusionist held her fencing sword in front of her and charged over to Bumblebee. She slashed at him, but seemed to go through him as he blocked. The second he let his guard down he was hit with what seemed like the delayed slash. She followed up by slashing him in the back, also going through him. It wasn't until he turned around that her slash actually hit him, this time hitting him in the face.
She jumped away from him and pulled out an odd looking card, this one with a picture of Roach on the front.
Monster Skill: Roach
The Illusionist was surrounded by a ghostly image of the Roach Changeling. As Bumblebee continued to fly around shooting his stingers at her, the Illusionist ran around the schoolyard now using Roach's super speed.
“Hey! No fair!” Bumblebee shouted, “How are you using Roach's power?!”
“Oh, you didn't know?” the Illusionist said, somehow on a nearby tree looking at Bumblebee, “I can learn new tricks form my enemies. Even now, I'm getting ideas for my next show watching you fight.”
“So, you're hoping to take my powers too?” Bumblebee said, almost sounding offended.
“My goal is to put on the ultimate show,” the Illusionist said, “A truly great magician learns from everything they see, and draws inspiration from every detail of their life.”
“If you think you're using my powers you're in for a rude awakening!” Bumblebee shouted charging at the Illusionist, “For my Queen, you shall die!”
The Illusionist yawned, “You're like a broken record,” The Illusionist fell back off the branch she was standing on, somehow sticking to the branch upside down. She came back up behind Bumblebee and slashed him in the back.
This time Bumblebee didn't get knocked down. Instead he and the Illusionist traded blows, Bumblebee still in the air and the Illusionist standing on the branch. Bumblebee pointed his abdomen at the Illusionist and fired at her point blank in the chest knocking her off the branch.
“Trixie!” Octavia cried out.
As the Illusionist tried to stand, Bumblebee landed next to her. He kicked her in the stomach knocking her back onto the ground.
“This is the Great Illusionist?” Bumblebee asked leaning close to her, “My Queen was incorrect to worry about you.”
“I have to help her!” Octavia said before running over to the fight, Sweetie Drops holding her hand out to her.
“Octavia! That's dangerous!”
Octavia ran up to Bumblebee and hit him in the back. Bumblebee turned around to her whacking her hard in the face and knocking her to the ground.
“Stupid human!” he shouted.
“Tavi!” the Illusionist cried.
“You're the human that Roach was trying to feast on,” Bumblebee said walking over to Octavia, “Well, you're not my personal flavor, so I'll just finish you off.”
“Like hell you will!!!” the Illusionist shouted forcing herself up and running over to Bumblebee, who flew to the air out of the way. Poised to fire again, Bumblebee shot his stingers at Octavia and the Illusionist, the latter now standing over Octavia taking a majority of the assault.
“Trixie!!!” Octavia shouted as the Illusionist screamed in pain. She then fell to her knees and onto the ground face first unconscious. Octavia was horrified looking at her friend lying on the ground not moving.
Bumblebee flew down to Sweetie Drops, who fell back screaming.
“I'd love to finish what we started later,” he said, using Lyra's voice, “See ya honey bun.”
As Bumblebee flew off, Sweetie Drops fell to her knees, trying to process everything that just happened.
“Wake up!” Octavia pleaded shaking the Illusionist, “Please Trixie, wake up! You're not dead! You can't be dead! Trixie!” Octavia broke down crying over the Illusionist. A few seconds later, a black van rode up to the school and Fleur ran out followed by two Hexagon soldiers.
“Secure the Kamen Rider!” Fleur commanded running up to Sweetie Drops, “Honey, are you alright?”
“T-that monster... it was Lyra, but she-”
“Shh...” Fleur shushed holding Sweetie Drops in a maternal manner, “It's okay now. That monster won't bother you anymore. Your friend will be okay, I'm sure.”
“Miss de Lis,” a Hexagon officer said running up to her, “The Kamen Rider's emergency shut down activated.”
“Good,” Fleur said, “I'll leave this girl to you,” Fleur got up and walked over to Octavia, who was looking into the black van, where Trixie was now lying down on a stretcher.
“Octavia,” Fleur said approaching the teen, “Trixie will be-”
SLAP
“This is your fault!” Octavia screamed, “Trixie's life was fine before you people forced her to wear that horrible machine again!”
Octavia ran into the van, leaving Fleur standing there holding her cheek. She sighed shaking her head and got in the passenger seat of the van.
“Drive,” she commanded once everyone was inside. As the van drove by, Octavia held Trixie's hand tightly, holding herself back from smashing the Rider System right now.
When Trixie came to, she was in what looked like a medical room. She looked to her side and saw both the belt and card reader on a bed stand.
“Apparently the emergency shut down activated,” Octavia said surprising Trixie, “So they didn't need to repair it.”
“That's good,” Trixie said sighing in relief. She didn't know what she'd do if it broke again. They could of course repair it, but that would take a while and there was still a Changeling loose out there, “Is Sweetie Drops okay?”
Octavia nodded, “She's being checked out by Hexagon now. They said that they needed to make sure the Changeling didn't steal a lot of her energy before they release her.”
“Makes sense,” Trixie sat up, “She could have collapse randomly if she lost a significant amount of energy.”
“Trixie,” Octavia ran up to Trixie and took her hand, “Don't go out there again!”
“Huh? Tavi, what's-”
“You could have died just now!” Octavia said, “I thought I had lost you!”
“Tavi, the armor protects me, so it's going to take more than that for me to-”
Octavia grabbed Trixie's shoulders, “Trixie, you were unconscious! This is dangerous, and unlike the Power Rangers you don't have magic helping you! What would you have done if you had died?!”
“What about you?!” Trixie retaliated, “Running out there like a maniac! I'm the Kamen Rider, but you're a civilian! You're fussing at me but you were the one in danger!”
“I got scared, okay?! That monster had you on the ground! What was I supposed to do, sit there and watch while you died!”
“I could have gotten out of there! You putting yourself at risk was stupid! Damn it, if I lost you-”
“That's exactly how I feel!” Octavia screamed, “You were right there fighting that monster, and I thought you were going to die!”
“So you put yourself in harms way instead?! My armor kept me alive, but if those blasts had hit you, you'd be dead and I have to bury my best friend!”
“Well excuse me for giving a damn about my best friend!”
The two girls glared at each other as the door opened, revealing a Hexagon officer.
“Kamen Rider, Fancy Pants found the location of the real Lyra,” he said, “Um, if you're not well enough then-”
“No, Trixie is fine,” Trixie said still glaring at Octavia, “Tell Fancy Pants that she's on her way.”
The Hexagon officer bowed and exited the room. Trixie grabbed the belt and card reader and got out of her bed.
“You're going back out there?” Octavia asked incredulous, “You not fully recovered yet!”
“Someone has to fight,” Trixie said putting the belt and card reader on, “Hexagon officers aren't equipped to handle high level Changelings alone,” Trixie walked over to the door.
“Why are you so determined to do this?” Octavia asked, “Why does it have to be you?”
“I already told you, I'm the best one to use the Rider System. Even if they found someone else-”
“No, I don't believe that,” Octavia said, “What's the real reason you're doing this?”
Trixie was silent for a while, “I can't keep Fancy Pants waiting.”
“Trixie-”
“Someone from Hexagon will escort you home,” Trixie said somberly before walking into the hall. Octavia ran out into the hall after her.
“If I leave this base then I'm not coming back!” Octavia called out making Trixie stop, “I'm not going to watch you destroy yourself like this!”
“Do what you want!” Trixie called out, shocking Octavia, “I have a mission to get to.”
With that Trixie walked off. Octavia fell to her knees looking at Trixie walk off, unable to keep her tears from falling.
Unknown to Octavia, Trixie was wiping tears from her eyes as she walked to Fancy Pant's office. She knew that it would come to this eventually, but she had secretly hoped that it wouldn't.
When she got to his office, both he anf Fleur were waiting for her.
“Trixie,” Fleur said walking up to Trixie, “Are you-”
“Fine,” Trixie said curtly, “You said that you found Lyra?”
“Well, we suspect we have,” Fancy Pants said turning his computer around to show Trixie the map of Canterlot, “We followed Bumblebee to an abandoned factory. As he was impersonating Lyra, we have reason to believe that her cocoon is there.”
“Got it,” Trixie said, “I'm heading out now.”
“Trixie wait,” Fleur took Trixie's hand, “About your friend...”
“Make sure Octavia gets home safely,” Trixie said mechanically, “She'll need Hexagon watching her at least until Bumblebee is taken out.”
Trixie pulled away and walked out of the office. Fleur turned to Fancy Pants, who just sighed gravely drinking his tea.
Trixie emerged from the elevator and walked over to her motorcycle. As she got on her motorcycle, her emotions hit a head and she found herself leaning over her motorcycle crying harder than she had in a while.
After spending a few seconds letting her emotions out, she pushed the switch on her belt activating it.
Driver on
She started the motorcycle and pulled out the Ace of Spades card, “Transform...” she said softly, slowly moving the card to the card reader. The Pentagram flew out in front of her, and she drove the motorcycle through it, emerging as the Illusionist on the other side.
Introducing the Great Illusionist
As the Illusionist drove off, her radio turned on, “Be careful Kamen Rider,” Fleur urged, “We're detecting multiple signatures inside that factory.”
“So there's more than one Changeling?” the Illusionist asked.
“It might be the one that made Roach and Bumblebee,” Fleur said, “Your objective is to rescue Lyra Heartstrings. If it's possible to do that without being seen, then do that.”
“Understood,” the Illusionist said, still in that mechanical manner.
“Trixie, if you want to talk-”
“I have a mission to complete,” the Illusionist said, “I'll let you know if I need help.”
She cut the link and focused on the ride before her. She knew that Fleur was trying to help, but there wasn't anything that she could say right now that would make her feel better. She just lost her best friend. This was a wound that would never heal.
The sun was beginning to set when she arrived in the factory. The Illusionist pulled out her fencing sword and slowly walked through the factory, careful to keep an eye out for the Changeling. It would be too easy to get attacked from behind in this place.
When she got to the main area, she saw a green and black cocoon. She ran over to it and saw Lyra lying inside. She was tied up and gagged with a white web like substance, and she appeared to be unconscious.
“Damn it,” the Illusionist swore. She slashed at the cocoon opening it, and began tearing the web off of her, “Hey, wake up,” the Illusionist said shaking her.
Lyra slowly woke up, “Kamen Rider?” Lyra asked. The Illusionist smiled behind her helmet.
“I'm going to get you out of here, okay?” the Illusionist said. She picked up Lyra, but something shot at her catching her attention. She looked up and saw Bumblebee walking up to her.
“Can't let you do that, Illusionist,” Bumblebee said, “I'm still drawing from her love.”
“So that's how you knew about Sweetie Drops,” the Illusionist said setting Lyra down, “You were made from the love she had for her?”
Electricity shot around the Illusionist, who hunched over Lyra holding her to protect her. When she looked up she saw another bee monster sauntering over to them. This one had an hourglass figure, her feet were high heeled, and her entire body looked more like a sexy gown with the front open showing her legs. On her head was a crown, and she was holding a scepter.
“You like that?” the Changeling said, her voice a deep and sensuous drawl, “All of my changelings are made from such emotions. Love, with a hint of lust.”
“Are you the one who made Roach and Bumblebee?” the Illusionist asked pointing her sword at the new Changeling.
“The only one I'm responsible for is the lovely child here,” she said sauntering over to Bumblebee and caressing him, “The Changelings I give birth to are only of the highest caliber. My name is Queen Bee, and I'm one of the Hive Five.”
“Hive Five?” the Illusionist asked, silently reeling at the name.
“We still need the girl, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave,” Queen Bee said.
“I can't do that,” the Illusionist said, “This girl is right now trapped in the darkness, and I am the light in the darkness.”
“Oh hoh! Someone fancies themselves a hero?” Queen Bee said, “Why don't you show me your strength?”
“Don't say I didn't warn you,” the Illusionist said running a finger across the rim of her hat, “Show time.”
The Illusionist charged over to Queen Bee, but she blocked with her scepter. The Illusionist slashed at Queen Bee, but she continued to block all of her attacks. Queen Bee kicked the Illusionist back into Bumblebee, who turned her around and began throwing punches at the Illusionist. She tried to block the attack, but one punch got in and Queen Bee took that opening to kick her to the ground.
“Show's over Illusionist,” Queen Bee said pointing her scepter at the Illusionist. At the same time, Bumblebee pointed his stinger at the Illusionist. Both of them fired at her at the same time, knocking her into the air. As the Illusionist screamed in pain, she realized that she may have just bitten off a little more than she could chew.
And the last thing she ever said to Octavia was “Do what you want”...
To be continued...
Author's Note
Next time on Kamen Rider Great Illusionist!!!
Along with Bumblebee, Trixie faces a new foe in the form of Queen Bee of the Hive Five! In order to save Lyra, she'll have to defeat both Bumblebee and Queen Bee.
Meanwhile, Octavia is torn, unable to understand why her friend is so adamant about fighting in such a dangerous battle. Will Octavia come to understand Trixie? Can Trixie and Octavia reconcile? Will Trixie be able to rescue Lyra?
Next Trick: Best Friends Forever
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