The morning sun spilled through the broken windows of Shining Moon Diner. Hitomi stood in the middle of her ruined restaurant, broom in hand, sweeping bits of broken glass and shattered plates into a pile. The once-bustling shop now felt hollow, its lanterns dark and its tables overturned.
She sighed. It'll take weeks… maybe months… to get everything back to normal.
Just then, the front door creaked open.
"Hitomi?"
She turned to see her friends, Aya and Ren, stepping inside. Aya, with her cheerful ponytail and big brown eyes, frowned at the sight. Ren, always calm and reserved, adjusted his glasses as he took in the damage.
Aya gasped. "It's worse than I imagined… Hitomi, are you okay?"
Hitomi forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just… the shop isn't. Not sure when I'll reopen."
Ren crossed his arms. "You built this place with your own two hands. You'll rebuild it, too."
Aya pouted, stepping closer. "But what about us? Where are we supposed to eat the world's best curry rice until then?"
Hitomi laughed despite herself, shaking her head. "Give me some time. I'll make it shine again. I promise."
---
That night, Hitomi walked alone through the city streets. Neon lights glowed above, casting colorful reflections on the wet pavement. Couples strolled, children laughed, and food vendors called out, filling the night with life.
But Hitomi's thoughts were heavy.
That man said it was only the beginning… If that monster was just the start, then what else is coming?
She tightened her grip on the coin that now hung on a chain around her neck.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the night.
"Help! Somebody help us!"
Hitomi spun around. Up ahead, chaos erupted. A group of twisted monsters—similar to the ones she had fought days earlier—were tearing through the street, knocking over stalls and attacking terrified civilians.
Her heart raced. Without hesitation, she ran forward.
---
The monsters turned, snarling at her. One hissed, its jagged teeth glinting in the neon glow.
"You again," it rasped. "The human who dares to fight us."
Hitomi slid the belt around her waist, the coin glowing in her hand.
She raised it high. "I won't let you hurt anyone else!"
The coin locked into place.
"Henshin!"
Emerald and pink light engulfed her body, armor forming in perfect harmony. The helmet snapped shut, and the Rider stood tall.
One monster tilted its head, hissing. "What are you supposed to be? Some kind of warrior?"
Hitomi gripped the hilt of a glowing sword that appeared in her hand, her voice strong and clear.
"I am the one who will protect this city… the one who stands against your darkness." She raised her sword, light reflecting off its edge. "I am… Kamen Rider Hitomi!"
---
The monsters roared and charged. Hitomi dashed forward, her blade slicing through the air. Sparks flew as she clashed with the first creature, knocking it back with a powerful slash.
Another lunged at her side. She spun, blade cutting clean across its chest, sending it tumbling to the ground.
"Your tricks won't work on me anymore!" she shouted, kicking another minion through a streetlamp.
But the monsters fought viciously, their claws scraping against her armor. She blocked, countered, and struck, moving with newfound confidence.
Aya's words from earlier echoed in her head. You built this with your own two hands.
"Yes," Hitomi growled, slamming her sword down and shattering another enemy into shards of energy. "And I'll protect it with my own two hands, too!"
---
The last monster snarled, its body glowing with unstable energy. It charged, claws raised high.
Hitomi sheathed her sword and pressed her hand against her belt. Energy surged, emerald flames bursting around her leg.
"Time to end this!"
She sprinted forward, leaping high into the air. The city lights gleamed off her armor as she flipped, aiming her glowing foot at the monster.
"Rider Kick!"
Her foot struck the creature with explosive force, emerald and pink energy erupting in a dazzling burst. The monster screamed before shattering into fragments of light that dissolved into the night sky.
The battle was over.
---
Hitomi landed gracefully, her armor shimmering before fading away. She stood in the quiet street, breathing heavily as the people who had fled began to return, staring at her with awe.
"She… she saved us."
"That warrior… who is she?"
Hitomi glanced back at them, determination burning in her eyes.
"I already told you," she whispered, her voice carried by the evening breeze. "I am Kamen Rider Hitomi."
She walked off into the night, her shadow stretching beneath the neon glow.
And somewhere in the distance, hidden eyes watched her every move.