Haruka stood in the DEO command center, his shoulders slumped with guilt as he recounted the events to Director Chase. The usually composed woman pinched the bridge of her nose, a headache forming behind her eyes.
"So let me get this straight," Chase said, her voice terse. "Kara has been kidnapped by this Anur Vladias character, and Astra is somehow involved as well?"
Haruka nodded, his jaw clenched. "I couldn't stop them. Astra and Anur got away with Kara under their control."
Chase let out a frustrated sigh. "This is a disaster. We need to find them, and quickly. Who knows what those two are planning with a rogue Supergirl at their disposal."
She turned to her agents, barking orders. "I want every available resource focused on locating Kara, Anur, and Astra. Their whereabouts are our top priority. Move!"
The agents scurried to their stations, fingers flying across keyboards as they searched for any leads.
Haruka stepped forward, his expression apologetic. "Director Chase, I'm sorry I couldn't do more. I should have been able to stop them."
Chase held up a hand, silencing him. "Don't blame yourself, Kamen Rider. You did what you could. Right now, we need to focus on finding Kara and bringing her back safely."
Haruka nodded, his resolve hardening. "I'll do whatever it takes to get her back."
Chase offered him a rare, reassuring smile. "I know you will. Let's get to work."
Chase gestured to Haruka, "Kamen Rider, come with me. I need to show you something..."
Chase guided Haruka to a heavily guarded door, punching in a security code to grant them access. As the door slid open, Haruka's eyes widened at the sight of the room's contents – shelves upon shelves of specialized weaponry.
"Where are we?" Haruka asked, his gaze sweeping across the arsenal.
"This is the DEO's weapons vault," Chase replied, her voice grave. "It's where we keep our arsenal against alien threats." She paused, her expression pained. "I didn't want to have to use these against Kara, of all people."
Chase approached one of the shelves, carefully retrieving a small lead-lined container. She popped the lid open, revealing several shards of a glowing green mineral.
"Kryptonite," she said, her eyes meeting Haruka's. "Our last resort against Supergirl, should the need ever arise."
Haruka hesitated, his gaze locked on the glowing green shards in the lead-lined container. The thought of using Kryptonite against Kara, his friend, filled him with a deep sense of unease.
"Director Chase, I'm not sure I can do this," he said, his voice laced with uncertainty. "Kara is my friend. I don't want to hurt her."
Chase's expression shifted, a flicker of empathy crossing her features. "I get it, Kamen Rider... this isn't something I'm taking lightly." Her hand landed on his shoulder, steady and firm. "But we've gotta be ready. Astra's a powerhouse—a Kryptonian who could tear through our defenses in seconds. And now with Supergirl aligned with her? Our team just got seriously outgunned." She paused, her voice dropping lower. "She's more than an ally to them now. She's leverage. A hostage we can't afford to lose."
Haruka's brow furrowed as he considered the gravity of the situation. He knew Chase was right – Astra posed a formidable threat, and they needed to be equipped to handle her. Reluctantly, he reached out and took the container from Chase's outstretched hand.
"I'll keep this with me," he said, his fingers closing around the cool metal. "But I'll only use it as a last resort, I promise."
Chase nodded, her eyes conveying a mixture of understanding and concern. "I'll be in touch as soon as we have a lead on Kara's location. Be ready, Kamen Rider. We're going to need you."
With that, Chase turned and strode out of the weapons vault, leaving Haruka alone with the Kryptonite and the weight of the responsibility it represented.
Haruka left the DEO base, his mind still reeling from the confrontation with Astra. He couldn't shake the feeling that he could have done more to help Kara. As he rode back to National City on his motorcycle, his personal phone suddenly rang. Glancing down, he saw an unknown number flashing on the screen.
Answering the call, Haruka was greeted by a familiar voice. "Haruka, it's Lena." Her tone was serious, lacking the usual warmth he had come to associate with her.
"Lena?" Haruka replied, his brow furrowing. "How did you get this number?"
"I have my ways," Lena said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But that's not important right now. I hear you're in quite a bind."
Haruka furrowed his brow, his grip tightening on the motorcycle's handlebars. "How much do you know, Lena?"
Lena's voice was calm, almost matter-of-fact. "Everything, Haruka. About Anur Vladias, Supergirl going rogue, and Astra's involvement. I've been keeping a close eye on you and your activities."
Haruka felt a pang of unease. "What are you planning to do?"
"Not even denying you're Kamen Rider?" Lena asked, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Haruka steeled himself. "Answer the question, Lena."
"Come to Lex Corp Tower, Haruka," Lena replied. "We'll talk there."
Haruka hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, I'm on my way."
He revved the engine of his motorcycle and headed towards Lex Corp Tower, his mind racing with questions about Lena's intentions. As he rode, he couldn't help but wonder what awaited him at the towering building.
Haruka stepped into the grand lobby of Lex Corp Tower, the assistant's heels clicking as she approached him.
"Mr. Kojima, Ms. Luthor is expecting you. Please, follow me." She gestured towards the elevators.
Haruka followed the assistant, stepping into the sleek elevator. As it ascended, he felt a growing sense of unease. What did Lena want from him?
The doors opened, and the assistant led him down the hallway. "Ms. Luthor is right through that door," she said, gesturing to the ornate entrance ahead.
Haruka took a deep breath and pushed open the door, his eyes landing on Lena seated at her desk, an unreadable expression on her face.
"Welcome, Haruka," Lena said, rising from her chair. "I'm glad you could make it."
///
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