A few days had passed since Bronya fell into a coma, and the weight of it hung heavily over everyone. Mei and Kiana were constantly worried about her, their usual energy dulled by anxiety.
Kouga, meanwhile, had locked himself away in his room. He only came out for meals, spending the rest of his time on something no one else was allowed to see.
Today, inside his room—
"I've done it."
Kouga stood in his Kamen Rider Build form, staring down at his work. On the desk before him lay three crystal-like necklaces: one glowing bright purple, one burning with a red-orange hue, and one shining calm blue. Each pulsed softly with energy, the result of Kouga combining the brilliance of Kamen Rider Ichigo, Genm, Duke, and Build.
Satisfied, Kouga de-transformed and left the room.
In the dining area, Mei was seated at the table, quietly working on her homework.
"Hey, Mei," Kouga said.
She looked up, surprised. "Kouga-kun, you're out."
"Where is everyone?" he asked.
Mei hesitated. "Himeko, Sakura, and Theresa went to work. Kiana went training. And Bronya…"Her voice faltered, the last word barely leaving her lips. The sadness in her eyes said everything.
Kouga nodded, understanding. Without another word, he took out one of the necklaces and gently placed it around Mei's neck.
Mei blinked in surprise. "Kouga-kun… what's this?" She looked down at the purple crystal, glowing faintly against her chest.
"I've been working on these," Kouga explained. "Each necklace has abilities that can protect you and help you in the future. I made one for each of you. Kiana and Bronya have theirs too."
"I see…" Mei murmured, fingers brushing the crystal. She smiled softly. "Thank you, Kouga. I'll cherish it."
Kouga nodded, then turned and headed toward the medical clinic.
Bronya lay motionless in her bed, machines quietly monitoring her condition. Kouga stepped closer and carefully placed the blue crystal necklace around her neck, even though she couldn't respond.
That left only one.
The red-orange necklace rested in Kouga's hand as he left the clinic. He wandered for a while, the sky slowly darkening above him. Taking it as a sign, he returned to the dorm.
Inside, Mei was already preparing dinner.
Kouga frowned slightly. "Hey, Mei. Have Kiana and Himeko come back yet?"
Mei shook her head. "No, not yet."
"That's strange," Kouga muttered. "They're always back by dinnertime."
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Himeko rushed in, her expression tense and serious.
Kouga turned toward her. "Something happen, Himeko?"
She didn't hesitate."Prepare for battle, you two," Himeko said grimly. "Kiana has been taken."