The “Magnum Opus“ was filled to the brim with customers, which in turn meant that the staff was working even harder to satisfy them. It had been nearly a week since his victory over Lightning Dust, all of his injuries had healed, apparently, the driver enhancing his healing factor everytime it was used and he was thankful for that. Because if not he would probably have broken every bone he had in a month, two if he was lucky. But thanks to this neat side-effect, he was still able to work for his brother, if this was something he considered good or bad he wasn’t sure on yet.

However, thanks to the customers he hadn't much time to dwell on it. He had to rush out the orders, so his brother or Summer wouldn’t lay another verbal smackdown upon him about “not slacking off” and “doing your job” and he could live fine without that.

In the kitchen, Thunder was managing three separate orders at the same time with his usual proficiency. Right now he was spinning a pizza dough, all while picking up ingredients for the two orders and throwing them on their respective pizza. It didn’t really matter how often he saw him do something of this caliber he would always be impressed by the skills his brother possessed.

Meanwhile, Summer was busy balancing an absurd amount of plates on her hands and arms, all apparently with no effort what so ever. She even managed to whistle a cheery melody. Opening the door with her back, she left the kitchen.

Both showed that they had worked way longer in the restaurant business than him, honing their skills and growing into their respective roles. He somehow found this rather impressive, since the time he had started to work for his brother he had already broken three plates and managed to mix up two dozen orders. Seeing their capabilities was frustrating and inspiring, all at the same time.

Snapping out of his thoughts he picked up two plates, one normal fungi pizza, strangely somewhat out of place with the other, at times baffling, combinations of ingredients the “Magnum Opus“ builds its reputation on, and something that was even outlandish for Thunders restaurant, a tuna-salami-pepperoni-pineapple-apple-pizza. Whoever wanted that one surely had a strong stomach, or had no taste buds.

The first order was for a blond high school girl with a grey complexion. She wore a blue top with yellow tie and a green skirt. An innocent and sincere smile covered her face as he delivered the order, somewhat offset by her eyes that were staring in different directions. Still, it had its own charm and who could resist this pure innocent smile. She seemed to come right from school, her bag sitting right next to her on one of the chairs, hopefully, she wouldn’t forget about it.

Still, the moment she saw her order arriving her smile, even if it seemed to be impossible, grew several times larger. And it was infectious, unable to resist he adopted a similar expression.

“Here, your fungi pizza.” He put the plate next to her on the table.

“Thank you!” She said to him in a bubbly voice, only increasing the pure happiness she seemed to spread. He had to admit the work as a waiter was fun, to a certain extent, thanks to the happy smiles he could bring to the customers, even if it was hard work and he was not the biggest fan of hard work. Still, it reminded him of his “side job” as Kamen Rider Alchemy, like defending people from dangerous monsters seeing those he protected smile thanks to his actions was an exhilarating feeling that was not comparable to anything else.

Chuckling he moved on to his next order. The strange pizza for table number four, he still was wondering who would even want something like this. As he moved over to the table and customer the answer to this mystery became clearer and it only confused him more.

At table number four seat someone he never expected to see here, even less with an order like this. The customer was a woman with dark- and light blue hair and a bluish-white complexion, as well as a dark blue jacket with a cyan shirt underneath, agent Ocean Skies! She didn’t strike him as the kind of persona that would order something like that. But well, the pizza was for table number four, the worst that could happen was that he was wrong, right?

As he approached her she was absorbed by some papers in front of her. Unable to make out what was written on them beyond some graphs he made his presence known. “Uhm, hello, is this tuna-salami-pepperoni-pineapple-apple-pizza yours?”

Eyeing him for a second with a calculating look she smiled back. “Yes, that was my order, thank you.” Noticing the still somewhat skeptical look in his eyes she chuckled. “Let me guess, it is not what you expected someone like me to order?”

“Uhm, no, I would never…”

Before he could continue she interrupted him. “Yeah, I get this a lot.”

“Well, most people assume that the agent of a government organization would eat something more, you know, plain and normal.”

“Oh, now you surprised me.” She chuckled.

“Why?” He could feel every muscle in his body tensed, knowing he might have just let something slip he shouldn’t have.

“Oh, you just don’t seem like the guy that would watch the news. No offense.” She smiled back at him.

Hearing this, his body began to relax. He had totally forgotten about the press conference she had held regarding Alchemy. “None taken. Yes, I might not look like it, but stuff like this interest me immensely.” Phoenix was lying through his teeth, hopefully, she wouldn’t catch on. Ocean had given him an out and he was damned if he wouldn’t use it. “In general it isn’t normal for the police, or in this case the government to work together with a vigilante. Why did you decide to do it regardless, since, you know that could turn out bad in the end, who knows what Alchemy will do in the future. If he goes off the deep end or is just using you.” He tried his best to sound convincing, he really didn’t want blow his cover as Alchemy, again. And what better way was there than to play an Alchemyskeptical, right?

Raising one of her eyebrows, Ocean retorted: “Well, I can’t give you the official reason, top secret and so on, but I can give you why I think it is a good idea. Until now he has shown that he only wants to help people. I have no reason to distrust him, doesn’t mean I'm not cautious. I even managed to talk to him once, while he seems to not be the most, well serious person,” Phoenix smirked a little at her description of the rider. She apparently didn’t notice his reaction. “I’m sure he is no threat. At least as far as I can see, I can read people rather well and he seemed to carry his heart in his sleeve. It really wasn’t hard to get an impression on him.”

A frown could be seen for a second on his face, but the moment he noticed his poker face slipping he returned to his previous smile, hoping she hadn’t seen his short moment of weakness.

“He seems to be a rather, well how do I put it, I think simple fits the best. He doesn’t seem to be stupid, but not overly clever either. He comes off more like someone that doesn’t think too much about something and just does it. I could be way off, but his battle style and the short conversation I had with him point towards that as well. But ultimately I think he is a good person, but this could be the inner optimist in me speaking.” She continued amused.

He felled kinda flattered but tried to hide it as best as he could. “Interesting, but I’m sure your opinion isn’t the only one regarding him. I’m sure others think differently about him.”

“Like you?” He nodded.

“I personally would like to wait till I decide if he truly is a hero, but until now I remain a little skeptical.

“Fair standpoint. And yes you are not the only one with this stand, the CCPD, in general, seems rather put off by him. Probably fear he is taking their job. But I’m sure that will change as time goes on.”

“There is another thing that kinda confuses me. Shouldn’t you be at work?” He kinda felt uncomfortable asking this question, but his thirst for answers had already consumed him.

“Oh, well I have a short break, privileges of a government agent. But if something happens,” she pointed at an earplug in her ear. “I know about it asap and can move out. But I was craving for something to eat and I have only heard good things about this place.”

“Well, my brother is a genius when it comes to pizza.” He proudly proclaimed.

“Oh, your brother is the cook here? I didn’t know this was a family business … what was your name again?”

“Phoenix, Phoenix Feather and my brother is Thunder Cloud. He has built this place from the ground up and it is truly magnificent, isn’t it.” His look moved through the room with all the customers.

“Well, it looks good, I can’t say much about the food since you still have my pizza.” Ocean chuckled, glancing over at her order.

“Oh, shoot. I’m sorry, here.” Placing the plate on the table he readies himself to leave before she continued their conversation.

“No problem, it was fun talking to you Phoenix. I just have one last question for you before you are allowed to leave.” His cheery mood had vanished, replaced by an anxious feeling of dreed. What would she ask? Had she caught on? Did he say something wrong? “Wanna try the pizza?”

Phoenix just looked dumbfounded at her, for at least five seconds. “What? I don’t think that is allowed.”

“Oh come on, if I allow it you sure won’t get into trouble. And besides that, you just have to try this, it is great, believe me.”

“I don’t know, seems to be a little bit too fishy for me.” To his surprise, she didn’t react with the usual groan any of his puns received, but by actually laughing about it. “Ok, that is new. You actually laughed at my joke?”

“Sure, why not? I have a soft spot for puns.” She smiled back at him.

“Well, dame, now I can’t really refuse without feeling bad, thanks.”

“You are welcome,” Ocean replied with a smug look on her face.

“Ok, fine, I will do it.” She passed him one piece, Phoenix still not so sure if this was that good of an idea. Slowly he moved the pizza towards his mouth, closing his eyes and suspecting the worst. As his mouth closed around the slice of pizza something strange happens, he actually liked the taste, even if comen sense demanded that it would taste awful. “Hmm. That actually tastes good.”

“You see, not strange at all, now give me. I’m starving.” With that, she tore the slice out of his hand and took a huge bite. “Hmmmm! Great! I can’t even …” Her face had filled with complete bliss. “Well, apparently your brother is indeed a genius. I need more of this. I think I have found my favorite break restaurant in the city.”

“Well, I’m sure Thunder is going to love this. So, yeah, have a nice meal. I think I should get back to work before someone sees me. So yeah, good luck with the whole monster business and so.” As he walked back towards the kitchen he waved he really hoped he hadn’t screwed this up.

“Thanks.”

As he reentered the kitchen Thunder was about to look for his brother, assuming he was again slacking off. “Ah, finally. What were you doing? Here take this.” Giving him a few plates he intended to send him out again.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, but there is one thing I need to let you know first. It’s about one of our customers.”

“What have you done. Stumbled and thrown the order in his face?” His right eye began to twitch nervously.

“What? No! I did nothing wrong. Seriously why are you always expecting the worst of me? Anyways, you remember that government agent that gave the press conference a week ago?”

“Ocean Skies? Yeah, I remember, that woman with the dark and light blue hair? What about her?” Sunner had intersected into their conversation.

“Well she, right now she is eating one of your pizzas.”

“Oh, well ok, nothing too out of the ordinary. She has to eat somewhere I presume. And you just brought her the order and left again, right?”

“Ah, well, not really. I had a little chat with her.” Trying to avoid the look of his brother he had fixated the stairs leading to the upper floor. Starting to sweat, just made the situation even more unpleasant.

In unison Summer and Thunder just facepalmed themselves. “You have got to be kidding me? Not even you could be that stupid. Sure talk with one of the persons that are interested in Alchemy’s identity the most. Masterfull planning, flawless I say.” The annoyance in his voice was clear.

“Well, I thought I could get some information out of her.” Phoenix had a voice was timed, knowing that coming off to confident in his decision would only lead to an angrier Thunder.

“A flawless plan, someone like you tries to outplay a government agent in her own game. I’m… How… What were you thinking? She can play you like a fiddle, even before the first-morning-coffee. Did you blurt anything out and please say no.” He started to look more anxious with every passing second.

“I don’t think so, I even attempted to throw her off. I was skeptical towards Alchemy so she wouldn’t catch on.”

“Ok, let's hope it worked, even if the chances are minuscule. Did you at least get something useful out of her?” Thunder seemed to calm down a bit, but still, he was rather on edge.

“Well, from what she told me not much. She supposedly trustees me and thinks I’m a good person. However, some of the police have a relatively negative opinion of Alchemy. But that’s about it.” He tried to come off as convincing but know very well that this was not much.

“Well, better than nothing I guess. Let’s hope this doesn't become something regular.” The uncomfortable look on Phoenix faces just let him sign. “Let me guess, she likes it so much that she will become a regular, doesn't she?”

“Yep!” He tried to smile, but it just looked face.

“Just go out there and bring the people their orders, I need a moment.” Knowing fully well that right now the best thing he could do was just follow orders he left the kitchen as soon as possible.

“Sometimes I could just… Nevermind, let's hope he didn’t screw this up.”

“I’m sure everything will work out in the end. At least I hope it does.” Summer tried to comfort him.

“Yeah, we can only hope.”

He had evaded his brother for the remainder of the day since he didn’t want to test his luck. Thankfully he had managed to arrange that he wouldn’t have to train on his day off and so when the next morning came he decided that he would explore the city. He really hadn’t much time to do this since his arrive approximately two weeks ago. And knowledge of the city's layout would help him reach the location of a monster attack far quicker, that was ultimately the reason he used to convince his brother.

As he casually walked through the streets of his new home examined his surroundings. Surprisingly nearly everything he could ask for could be found in the city. All kinds of stores from clothing too music were easily reached from his brother's restaurant with a five-minute walk. And if he really needed something specific there always was the mall with movie theater, animal shelter, kiosks with different bits and pieces and many other things. Granted it was a little further away, but not too far off that it was inconvenient.

Further landmarks of the city were the Starswierld Observatory, located on top of a hill near the outskirts of town, the Easyglider Stadium, a sports stadium that always was well visited, especially during matches of the Canterlot Wonderbolts, the team having inspired Canterlot High as well as Crystal Prep in the naming of their sport teams, Wondercolts and Shadowbolts respectively, and the Everfree Park with its amphitheater, the place where the “Battle of the Bands” had taken place and subsequently the second magical incident that had ravaged the city.

While he hadn’t time to visit every spot, he had managed to snatch a local map from a bookshop called the Golden Oak. And after his long stroll through the city, he was looking for a quieter place where he could rest for a short while and the White Tail Park was the perfect location for that. Not too far off, but still a somewhat secluded place, even if it was in the middle of the city. Sadly his plans were shattered by a huge group of people shouting and waving singes.

He could just search for another place to rest but now this had sparked his curiosity. He continued his way towards the park, trying to figure out what the fuss was all about.

Phoenix singled out a group of five, all approximately at the age of Highschool students. He even recognized one of them, the boy with green hair, red shirt and brown jacket he had seen on his first day in town. Next, to him stood, girls with a mellow expression, like nothing could even shake her. She looked remarkably similar to the boy, same hairstyle; just instead of green, her hair was red. Her complexion was a light shade of green and she wore a baggy orange dress and bandana with daisy pattern. Maybe they were brother and sister?

The three others stood close to each other. First was a pale yellow girl with cherry-colored hair and a strangely shimmering rose embedded into it. Her lime green dress fitted her quite well. Her expression, however, was, well, aggressive; the anger could clearly be seen on her face.

Next to her magenta girl with green hair was waving her shield around, though not quite as aggressive. On her orange and yellow dress, two daisies were printed. And the last member of the small group was another girl with pink complexion. Her blond hair mixed well with her white dress and the lily in her hair.

“I don’t want to interrupt, but what is going on here?” He asked the group.

The green girl with the red hair was the first to answer: “Dude, they want to flatten this park and build a new animal shelter her. But that would destroy the aura of this place. You get me, right?”

“I only understand half of the words you just said, but correct me if I’m wrong. They want to build an animal shelter, but that would mean they will tear down this park? Right?” He tried to make sense of what the strange girl just had said to him.

“Right, bro. Normally that would be totally radical, but that park is the chillout area of so many people that this would blow, really hard. So we do what has to be done, protest.” The boy in the red shirt tried to explain to him.

“Aha, sure. Well, there goes my break in the park.” He signed.

“See, they destroy everyone free time.” He replied, Phoenix just staring at him unsure of what to reply. “When they ruin your free time as well, why not help us, bro?” And before he could even answer a shield was pressed into his hands.

“What!? I didn’t even agree. Don’t drag me into this.” He shoved the sign back towards the boy.

“Pah, we don’t need someone that gives up that easily anyways. If we want to save the park and the flowers we have to push harder.” The aggressive girls had replied, shooting daggers with her eyes at him.

“Rose, he just wanted to ask what was going on. He has no stake in this; don’t get mad at him, please.” The lily girl tried to calm the girl, apparently called Rose down.

“Pah, if people just keep looking away nothing is going to change. Normal people will get pushed around by these big corporations, we have to strike back and this is the start.” A fierce look in her eyes started to worry him.

“I see, admirable, to a certain extent, but don’t you think that your attitude is a bit, I don’t know, extreme. I think you are only going to make the situation worse if you act so hostile? Just a suggestion.” Phoenix was starting to feel uncomfortable, that girl had an air around her that seemed dangerous.

“We have tried being nice and it has gotten us nowhere. It’s time to change tactics or nothing will change.” Her conviction was kinda admirable, if not somewhat misguided.

“Ok, well that has nothing to do with me anyways, so I really can’t tell you how to do it. So I leave you to your own devices and look for someplace else to…” Before he could finish a black limousine drove in, honking so the crowd would let them trough.

A butler with black skin and greenish blue hair exited the car and opened the door, a young man with green skin and orange hair exited. His purple business suit didn’t quite fit the more limited look of the man. The crowd had gathered around him, shouting and waving the signs even more vigorous as he walked through their middens.

Rose look darkened, anger replacing the aggression. She gripped her sign even harder, increasing the intensity of her voice even more.

“Who is this?” Phoenix asked the girl with the two daisies on her dress.

“He is one of the two sons of Crisela Change, the head of Change Industries. His name is Thorax Change, he is the head of public relations. He tries to keep the goodwill towards the company alife. Probably heard of what is happening here and is trying to get this sorted out.” She replied, all while staring at the newcomer.

“So, I assume Change Industries is responsible for the new animal shelter that is being built here? Why? Is something like that not responsibility of animal protection organizations?” He was somewhat confused why a successful company like Change Industries would build an animal shelter.

“In the last six months, they have started to do this frequently. They call it the “City development plan”. They build anything the city might need, a shelter for the homeless, repairs towards old buildings and stuff like that. Their public reputation has skyrocketed.”

“Huh, thanks,” Phoenix replied, now intrigued what this Thorax would say.

“Pah they have shown their true colors. Just don’t care about the small people. They will ruin this beautiful place and with it the flowers.” Rose interrupted their conversation, her anger growing with every passing second.

“I’m not sure if flowers are that important.”

But before Rose could retaliate the new guest started to speak: “As you know we plan to build an animal shelter here, since this part of the city sadly has none. We didn’t expect that our plans would be met with so much opposition. I wanted to inform you that your complaints have been heard and we are currently…”

“Bolox! You don’t care about us at all. You will ruin one of the only green places in the neighborhood. And all for your own gain!” Rose had interrupted the young man, shouting at him with an amount of contempt that was just uncalled for.

“Rose, stop! You are just going to make it worse.” The girl with the lily in her hair tried desperately to reason with her friend.

“I’m sorry that it appears this way, but I assure you this is not my intended. I will try my best…” Thorax tried to calm the girl down, even if he really wasn’t comfortable with the whole situation.

“Enough! I will stop this travesty right here and now. It is time to push back against the oppressors!” In her hair, the rose started to glow, Phoenix already suspecting what this meant. The wind started to increase in speed and intensity and in mere moments started to spin around the girl. It didn’t take long until the wind was so strong that it blows signs and anything light around. It was getting so bad that seeing Rose in the whirlwind was becoming increasingly hard. At this moment a bright light enveloped the eye of the storm and blinded the bystanders.

After the light had subsided the wind started to die down as well. Rose form had shifted into something more malevolent. Her shoes now reached up to her thighs, taking on a black leathery color. Instead of the conformal ones, she worn before now they had transformed into high heels. A dress seemingly stitched together out of red rose petals covered her body. Her skin tone had changed into a light pink. Thorny vines wrapped around her body, especially around her forearm. Her arms were covered by rose-red gloves that reached up to her upper arm. A cape made out of stitched together rose-leaves hanging over her shoulders reaching to her knees. Roses' lips had taken a deep shade of red, her eyes covered by her new “hair”, a rose, complete with pedals, how she could see without eyes was a mystery to him, but after the events of the last two weeks, he really didn’t question it too much. Seeing without eyes was by far one of the more normal things he had experienced.

Roses’ lips curled into a devious smile, apparently directed at Thorax, but without eyes that was rather hard to determine. The young man was shooked, but strangely not terrified, just shocked, like he hadn’t expected something like this here. For a brief moment, Phoenix could see how he started to clench his fist, but Thorax stoped this nearly immediately. He began to raise his hands, so too not come off as threatening and tried to defuse the situation: “Ok, I know that you are angry, but no one needs to be hurt if we just talk this through. Doesn’t that sound good.” While he spoke the gathered crowd was storming off, trying to get to a safer place, far away from the Corrupted. Phoenix followed suit, but for different reasons, he was looking for a place to transform.

“That is all you can do, talk! Talk and tell lies, but times are about to change and you will be the first to feel it. A new era blossoms!” She proclaimed while pointing at Thorax, who looked disappointed. But he had not much time to contemplate his emotions and start another try to talk her down since Rose send a storm of razor-sharp rose petals, carried by the wind she had summoned, in his directions. Thankfully he was able to dodge her attack, but it was indeed a close call. The pavement that belonged to the path behind him didn’t have so much luck, where the pedals made contact with the ground massive cracks formed that wound themselves through the stone plates.

Meanwhile, Phoenix had managed to reach a deserted alleyway that was just perfect to transform. Checking again, just to make sure he truly was alone and he pulled out the Alchemy Driver and placed it at the usual spot. The belt shoots out and looped itself around his waist again. As usual, he placed the flame disc in the driver and started to spin the disc.

\ MAGIC DISC DETECTED! /

“Henshin!”

\ FLAME DISC ACTIVATED! /

After the flames of his transformations had died down and he was armored up Phoenix wasted no time and sprinted back towards the park. Even if he had only been gone for approximately two minutes the park was recked, the path that leads through it was cracked and badly damaged, some trees had fallen over and the entire place was covered in rose petals, all courtesy of Rose. And in the middle of it all stood she, Rose, in her monster form seemingly not happy in the slightest.

“Why won't you just stay still and let me kill you already!?” She was facing Thorax, who, to Phoenixes surprise, while sweaty, was completely unharmed. How he managed this trick he was not sure but he had to admit for some rich kid that was impressive.

“Hey, Thorny, would you please be so kind and let this nice man alone.” Rose stopped in her onslaught on Thorax and looked over towards the newcomer.

“You. You are the hero the city is up in arms over. Come here and help me so a new era can blossom for Canterlot.” She spoke to him in a booming voice that was somewhat uncomforted.

“I think I pass. Being the head of a social revolution is not really my thing, to much work and people that are just misinterpreting what you preach. But I have an offer for you, turn back, give me your artifact and I make sure mister rich kid will forget this ever happen. I won’t uproot you and you will face no consequences. Doesn’t that sound good?” He was hoping it would work, even with all evidence towards the contrary.

“Oh, that is sad. And I thought you truly were a hero, but in the end, you just lack the ambition to remove the weeds from the garden. This is nothing I like to do but for a future were everything can blossom I have to end you, but be assured it is for a good cause.” The wind was picking up again, this time it was blowing in Alchemies direction. Seconds later a swarm of rose petals was racing straight towards the rider.

While he was evading the incoming projectiles he was speaking to himself out of sheer frustration: “Why does this never work? This is so frustrating. Why can’t there be one Corrupted that is just: ‘Oh I’m sorry, that sounds great. Let me turn back and no one gets hurt.’ Is that really asking too much?”

During Roses attack on Phoenix Thorax had used his opportunity and hightailed out of the park, Alchemy seeing this and smirked underneath the helmet. While he evaded the increasing number of petals that was coming at him he slowly closed in on her.

As Phoenix finally reached her, he was channeling magic into his fist, planning on planting a signal on her to detonate later. Sadly she had realized what he was planning and just leaped up into the air, floating several meters above the ground. Phoenix just punched the air. But before he could come up with something else she had entangled him with one of the vines that wrapped around her forearms, lifted him up and smashed him into a nearby tree, sparks flying off during the impact.

“Realy you can fly? Oh, that is just unfair.” He was starting to stand up again, not sure what the best way to approach this new situation would be.

“Had enough? My offer still stands, help me lead this town into a rosy future!” Phoenix couldn’t believe that she even attempted this, what was she expecting? That he would turn on the people he protected on a whim? Then an idea formed in his head.

Not wasting any time giving the Corrupted an answer he took the flame disc from the Alchemy Driver and it started to glow again.

\ Flame Disc Attack Mode! /

\ Flame Saber! /

After the disc once again had transformed into the Flame Saber he prepared himself for his next attack. “How is that for an answer? Flaming Slash!” Spinning the handguard he swung the sword and unleashed the wave of fire magic that raced ever closer towards Rose. She just chuckled and unleashed a powerful gust of wind that extinguished the attack before it even reached her, to the utter shock of Phoenix.

“Oh come on, that can’t be true! Ok, fine let’s trie this. Flaming Barrage!” This time he unleashed not one but five waves of fire magic, hoping the greater amount of attacks would make her unable to snuff the flames out, sadly he was dead wrong. She just summed another gust of wind, this time with the dreaded rose petals and send it towards Phoenix. The flames were blown out just ass easily like the first time, but now his attack being canceled was not the worst that happened to the rider. The petals continued their path towards their destination and hit him, everywhere. Sparks were flying, while countless small objects collide with his body, the force of the attack, combined with the wind sending him flying.

As he landed he lost the grip on the Flame Saber, which turned back into the flame disc. His entire body arched, he was hardpressed to find a spot that the petals didn’t hit, expect his back. But he managed to stand up again while picking up the flame disc. “Ok, Flame Mode is not going to cut it. Oh, Thunder is going to be furious but I have no choice, even if I still haven't mastered it.” He placed the flame disc onto a socket at the side of the belt and took what was on the one next to it. The thunder disc. “Ok here goes nothing.” After placing the thunder disc onto the buckle of the belt he started to spin it, just like always.

\ THUNDER DISC ACTIVATED!/

His body was enveloped by the whirlwind again, only this time instead of fire, it was composed of lightning. As the magical energy subsided again his armor had changed. The crimson of Flame Mode had been replaced with electric blue, while the gold was still unchanged. His shoulder plates now looked like a collection of lightning bolts that were pointing upwards and behind him in a right angle. The symbol of fire on his left chest had vanished, now replaced with a lightning bolt, symbolizing the thunder disc. The horns on his helmet had taken a lightning motive, complementing the rest of the armor relatively well.

“Resistance is futile against Kamen Rider Alchemy Thunder Mode!” He proclaimed, having regained his confidence.

“Oh, and a color swap should intimidate me? You still can’t reach me. So just give up and I just might let you live.” Every single word she spoke using confidence. While she spoke police sirens could be heard closing in on them. One of them belonging to agent Ocean Skies bike.

“Oh, you will be shocked.” He proclaimed. “Let’s just hope this works.” He muttered to himself. He positioned himself into sprinting position, focusing his goal, Rose. The moment he started sprinting a dustcloud had taken the place he had stood only a moment ago. Alchemy already having bridged the distance between the two of them, in one single second, to the disbelief of Rose. Every movement he made was accompanied by electricity sparking off of him.

As he was close enough he jumped towards his enemy, using his momentum he easily reached her and delivered a swift strike to her face. She was unable to react to the inhuman speed he now possessed and was hit dead on, sending her crashing into some bushes, disoriented from the attack.

The police that had gathered around the park just watched in awe at the Kamen Rider and his new powers. Agent Skies now wore the same strange glasses Ivory Diamond had the day Phoenix defeated Lightning Dust, apparently taking care of the gathering of the data this time.

Wasting no time he rushed over to Rose the moment he again had ground under his feet. Sprinting towards her he didn’t bother to stop after he hit her once, instead of turning around and hitting her from another angle. He continued this tactic, continuously striking her on different parts of her body, sparks flying with every contact. She was unable to retaliate since he moved to fast for her to recognize where he was and by the time she did, he already was somewhere else.

Everything seemed perfect, Phoenix had her exactly there where he wanted her. But then, through his continues shifting of directions, he lost his balance and fell. The momentum sending him spiraling towards a group of bushes, crashing into them. That was the moment Rose had waited for, she summoned the worst storm jet, complete with her dangerous petals. Police and Alchemy were kept down and she arouses into the air.

“You stand in the way of this beautiful garden that is Canterlot City. I will deal with you another day.” With these words, she ascended higher and higher. After she had reached a suitable hight she flew towards the center of the city with its skyscrapers, and descended again, disappearing between the buildings.

“Dammit!”Phoenix slammed his fist on the ground, out of sheer frustration. He had managed the speed the whole time, why now? Couldn't he just manage it a little long?

“What was that? You let her get away. Like I expected, in the end, you are just not up to the task.” The police officer with the blue hair screamed at him, while running in his direction, weapon ready.

He was about to give an angry reply but could swallow it just in time. Thankfully someone else came to his aide. “Officer, Armor, if you would be so kind and not antagonize our local hero. Instead, I think helping him up takes priority now.” Ocean demanded from the young officer. He begrudgingly followed her orders helping Alchemy stand up again.

“Thank you very much.” He replied somewhat jokingly. Shining Armor really wasn’t amused being teased by the rider.

“So, new power I see, Ivory will love this. From what I could gather it has the same magical-energy-signature as Lightning used, correct?” She now was taking to Alchemy, seeing rather interested in his Thunder Mode.

“Well, not surprisingly, both lightning magic.” He replied while stretching himself.

“So, what can it do. You don’t have to answer if don’t want to, however.”

“Oh, how friendly of you, I can decide to not tell you about my powers that are none of your business. Appreciated.” He replied rolling his eyes, knowing fully well that she wouldn’t be able to see it anyway.

“Sarcasm is unbecoming of you.” She dryly replied.

“Have you meat me? Sarcasm is basically a side dish for me.” She just snickered at his response.

“Show a little bit more respect for a government official please!” Officer Armor tried to chastise Phoenix who in return just stared at him.

“Officer Shining Armor, I think your colleges need your help right now more. I think I can handle this for now.” There was an unsettling undertone in her still rather friendly voice and Shining Armor know that he really should just follow her order for now, or things would soon become uncomfortable.

“Yes, Mam!” And with this he returned to his colleagues, helping them gather any evidence they could find.

“So where were we again? Oh, right, your new powers. Interested in giving me a rundown?” Ocean continued like nothing had happened.

“Sure. You will figure it out anyway, so why not. Thunder Mode makes me fast, like really fast, sadly no increased reaction time besides the one I get from being Alchemy in general, which means a high chance of hitting something while using it. Just like what happened here, still haven't gotten it completely under control. You would be surprised how hard it is to just turn around without stumbling over your own feet. But I’m sure I get used to it eventually.”

“Hmm, interesting.” She had scribbled everything he had just said on a small notebook before she continued. “Have you tried using it more sparingly, from what I have seen you used it the whole time without break. Don’t you think it would work better if you use it as an attack and after that turn it off? That would give you time to concentrate and take in your surroundings again. Just an idea, I have no idea how it feels, so take this with a grain of salt.”

“That could actually work, the biggest problem was maintaining the concentration during the speed, but that could solve that problem. Until now I thought I could just learn it through repetition, but seeing it from this angle that could work just as well. Thank you.” He thanked her, this time without joking around like with Shining Armor.

“I’m glad I could help. But there is still something I wanted to ask you. Do you know the Identity of Corrupted number eight?” While at first smiling back at him her demeanor changed as she got back to business, becoming stoic again.

“Not, much. Her name was Rose, I think, however, I don’t know if that is simply a nickname. She seemed relatively young, probably highschooler. Relatively pale yellow skin and cherry-colored hair, but that is all. I would however not suggest confronting her, that probably won’t end well. I don’t think she is all that keen on authorities right now. I already tried the whole talking her down thing and, yeah didn’t work. It would be probably better if you would let me handle this. I just have no idea where to find her.”

“Fine, we let you handle this. But you need to know where she might strike next. Let me help you. Why did she transform?” Ocean looked sincere in offering her help, but you could never be too sure with these government agents.

“Well, she was one of the protesters here. Already relatively angry before that Thorax appeared. He apparently wanted to defuse the situation, but she was to lost in her rage and didn’t listen, transformed and started this whole mess by attacking him.” Phoenix recalled, trying to figure out where she would strike next.

“Ah, she apparently was after this Thorax. Then she will probably attack him again to finish the job. At least that seems the most logical, but monsters sometimes don’t think logical.” She added.

“Hmm, probably. I will keep this in mind. So bye.” He was just about to leave when she called out to him again.

“Wait, so what is your plan now?” Ocean asked him, quite confused.

“I have no idea, but I probably will come up with something and if I have to walk up to the Change Industries and demand to speak to Thorax. I will figure it out.” Before she could ask further questions he had already left, and thanks to his new form way to fast to even try to argue with some more.

“Great, let's just hope he won’t cause too much chaos. I probably should warn Thorax that he might want to see him or something like that. If he would have just waited or a few more minutes I probably could have arranged something. But nope, he just runs off. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right call. Well it’s already too late for this now, isn’t it? I will just have to endure this. Ivory, I hope your research pays off soon. I don’t know how long this city can take him alone. It just seems like he really needs someone to get him more focused.” She spoke to herself, organizing her thoughts and any possible further actions. Se really didn’t care what others thought about her way of focusing. She was just hoping that everything would work out just fine.

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