Theresa and her crew left Arc City behind. Their original hope had been to track down Kiana using the data stored within the Ningyo's brain. But shortly after, Cocolia—an enforcer of Anti-Entropy—made contact and requested Hyperion's assistance in protecting the Gem of Desire.
Then everything spiraled out of control.
The supposedly dead Gray Serpent infiltrated Hyperion's systems through the Ningyo, throwing the entire battleship into chaos.
Though the crew ultimately regained control of the Hyperion, the Ningyo remained unconscious, and no one had yet decided what their next move should be.
Back to the present.
After finally disconnecting the Ningyo from Hyperion's systems, Einstein let out a small sigh of relief.
Einstein : "I've severed the link between the Ningyo and the mainframe of the Hyperion. But we lack the facilities to awaken her. We must use what we have at the AE HQ."
Tesla crossed her arms, still unconvinced.
Tesla : "But what about Cocolia? She said she needed support and claimed that Schicksal sent a large force to seize the Gem of Desire. Things will get worse if Schicksal gets their hands on that Gem."
Einstein thought for a moment before nodding.
Einstein : "I talked to Madam Theresa about this. I came up with two plans."
She raised two fingers.
Einstein : "One: ignore Cocolia's request for aid and return to our HQ to repair the Ningyo. Though we'll give up the Gem of Desire to search for Kiana, focusing our forces will minimize risks. We basically give up the Gem and let Cocolia and her forces get defeated by Schicksal. This plan may not be the best."
Bronya quietly asked.
Bronya : "What about the other plan?"
Einstein adjusted her hair.
Einstein : "Split our forces evenly for AE HQ and for helping Cocolia. We'll solve both issues if we're lucky. But Schicksal might defeat both forces and we'll end up losing everything. Plan 1 is less risky, but we'll definitely lose the Gem of Desire and Cocolia. Plan 2 is an attempt to keep what we have, but it's a more dangerous gamble."
Tesla sighed heavily.
Tesla : "A tough choice..."
Theresa folded her arms and looked at everyone.
Theresa : "We should vote on this."
Einstein nodded.
Einstein : "Let's think about this for 5 minutes and cast our votes afterwards."
The group dispersed, each person quietly weighing the risks.
Mei looked around the bridge thoughtfully.
This is important… How will everyone choose?
She walked through the ship, checking on the others. Everyone seemed troubled by the decision.
Eventually, Mei spotted Bronya standing quietly by one of the observation windows.
Beside her stood the translucent blue figure of Kamen Rider Zero-Two.
Mei approached gently.
Mei : "Made up your mind, Bronya?"
Bronya stayed silent for a few moments before answering.
Bronya : "Bronya believes that Plan 1 is a more feasible option."
Mei glanced at her.
Mei : "But what would happen to your Matushka?"
Bronya lowered her head slightly.
Even without emotion on her face, the sadness in her voice was unmistakable.
Mei thought quietly to herself.
Hmm... Bronya really can't give up on Cocolia...
She placed a hand on Bronya's shoulder.
Mei : "Follow your mind, Bronya. Dr. Einstein told us to think carefully about this."
Bronya remained conflicted.
Bronya : "Da. But Matushka did terrible things to us. Bronya does not want to endanger anyone else."
Mei gave her a reassuring smile.
Mei : "Everyone will be making a sound judgment."
Bronya looked back toward the window.
Bronya : "Bronya... wants to see her again. Bronya has many questions for her."
Mei nodded slowly, remembering everything Cocolia had done—including framing her father.
Mei : "Same here. There's unfinished business between me and Cocolia. I do look forward to meeting her."
Bronya turned slightly toward her.
Bronya : "Thank you, Mei."
Mei's attention then shifted toward the blue translucent Rider standing silently beside Bronya.
With a small smile, she spoke.
Mei : "Looks like you've figured out how to use Kouga's gift too."
Understanding what Mei meant, Bronya looked toward Zero-Two.
Bronya : "Nay, Bronya still doesn't fully understand how this being come to be."
Mei chuckled softly.
Mei : "It's actually pretty simple. The crystal responds to your will. You just have to picture what you want clearly enough."
To demonstrate, Mei held up the violet crystal necklace hanging around her neck.
The crystal began to glow.
Violet particles gathered in the air beside her—
forming into the transparent figure of Hyper Shinken Red.
Mei smiled proudly.
Mei : "See."
Bronya's eyes widened slightly.
Though her face remained mostly expressionless, she looked genuinely fascinated.
She carefully held her own blue crystal necklace.
Moments later, Kamen Rider Zero-Two dissolved into streams of blue particles before reshaping itself into another figure entirely—
Kamen Rider Para-DX Perfect Knock Out Gamer Level 99.
Bronya stared at the new form with almost childlike wonder sparkling in her eyes.
Mei smiled warmly at the sight.
Then she noticed someone nearby.
Tesla.
The scientist had very clearly been listening in on the entire conversation.
Mei raised an eyebrow teasingly.
Mei : "Dr. Tesla? Were you eavesdropping on us?"
Tesla immediately looked away.
Tesla : "Why would I eavesdrop on teenage girls like you? I'm here to remind you that 5-minute is almost up. Time to gather, girls."
Mei let out a small laugh before turning back to Bronya.
Mei : "Let's go, Bronya."
The two girls focused briefly.
Both Rider figures dissolved into glowing particles and vanished back into their crystals.
Tesla watched the entire thing with visible disbelief.
Tesla : "What's an unfair Hax."
Everyone gathered together once more on the Hyperion's bridge.
Theresa, Einstein, Tesla, Sakura, Mei, and Bronya stood around the central table as the atmosphere grew serious again.
The time to decide had come.
Theresa looked around at everyone before speaking.
Theresa : "I trust everyone has thought about this. Let's start voting."
The crew nodded quietly.
A few tense moments passed before Theresa raised her hand.
Theresa : "3, 2, 1. Cast your votes."
One by one, everyone submitted their decision.
Einstein quickly calculated the results while Theresa read them aloud.
Theresa : "Einstein and I voted for Plan 1. Mei, Bronya, Sakura and Tesla voted for Plan 2."
Einstein report calmly.
Einstein : "4:2. We'll go for Plan 2."
Theresa blinked in mild surprise before turning toward Sakura.
Theresa : "I'm suprise that Sakura actually vote for plan 2."
Everyone's attention shifted toward the pink-haired shrine maiden.
Sakura answered calmly.
Sakura : "From what I've seen, both Mei and Bronya possess objects capable of summoning manifestations connected to Kouga Hayata. Considering that, I believe we have more than enough firepower for this mission. Besides, we were all in the same room while deciding our votes, so I also manage to see what they did ."
As she spoke, Sakura briefly glanced toward Mei and Bronya.
Theresa slowly nodded.
Theresa : "Time to get into action."
Einstein immediately began outlining the operation.
Einstein : "I've discussed with Madam Theresa regarding the best way to split our forces. Theresa, Bronya, and I will fly the Hyperion to Cocolia and retrieve the Gem of Desire. Dr. Tesla, Sakura and Mei will take the Helios and head to AE HQ to repair the Ningyo. This proposal is based on our current conditions. Any questions?"
Tesla answered first.
Tesla: "Nope."
Sakura calmly followed.
Sakura : "I have no objection."
Mei gave a small nod.
Mei : "I trust Dr. Einstein and the Principal's judgment."
Bronya responded shortly after.
Bronya : "Bronya agrees with this setup."
Einstein concluded the briefing.
Einstein : "As per our consensus, we should commence Plan 2."
Theresa then turned toward Mei, concern visible in her expression.
Theresa : "Be careful, Mei. Rita has acquired the Ningyo's intel and will be tracking Kiana closely. You might have to deal with her."
Mei nodded seriously.
Mei : "Thank you, Principal. Be careful out there as well."
She then looked toward Bronya.
Mei : "Try not to strain yourself, Bronya."
Bronya gave a small nod.
Bronya : "Da. Bronya understands. Thank you, Mei."
A notification sounded across the bridge.
Tesla glanced toward the nearby monitor.
Tesla : "The Helios has landed. We can board it anytime."
Mei turned toward the exit.
Mei : "We're off."
With that, Mei, Tesla, and Sakura departed from the bridge and boarded the Helios.
Back inside the Hyperion, Theresa stood silently by the observation window, watching the Helios lift off into the distance.
Her expression softened slightly as the ship disappeared into the clouds.
Theresa: "Mei, Tesla, Sakura... Good luck!"