TWF: Yo, minna! What is UP?
Fen: HELLOOOOOOOOOOO, ZAWAME CITY! XD
TWF: Seems like someone is happy about this chapter.
Fen: Of course I am! It's the debut of Kamen Rider Gaim after all!
Audience: WOHOO!
TWF: I knew you guys would love it.
Fen: But you'll love that a certain group is debuting too!
TWF: You guys wanna know? You better read this chapter up to find out!
Fen: Ikuze, ikuze, ikuze!
Disclaimer: Same thing.
Darkness…
The one thing about the darkness is that you could never see what was in front or behind you without some source of light. Sight was completely obscured and the only things you could rely on were your nose and ears. As for the case of Kurogasa, this was no exception. "Ugh… what happened…?" Kurogasa groaned as he was coming to from unconsciousness. Looking around as he pushed himself to stand up, he looked around and saw that he was in the darkness. "Where am I? Why's everything so dark in here? Why do I feel like I'm all alone? Hello?" He called out, only to have echoes reflect back at him. "HELLOOOO!" this time, he shouted, but still there's no reply. Confusion got the best of him as he started walking inside this dark world he's. His footsteps were the only thing he can hear and each passing step into this endless void didn't help. "IS SOMEBODY HERE?! JADEN, KOJI!" He called out, but there was no response, "RIKA! ALEXIS!"
But still there was no response… Then he remembered what happened. During his duel with Kaito, the latter picked up the victory, but soon after this talisman of his glowed and a white orb hovered over him before he was hit with this huge beam of light and not only were his powers taken, but all of his friends were gone too… "I remember now… Allyson's prediction came true. All of my friends are gone…" He said as he remembered each one of them. "Yuusuke… Shouichi… Shinji… Takumi… Kazuma… Hitoshi… Souji… Momotaros… Urataros… Kintaros… Ryuutaros… Sieg… Wataru… Tsukasa… Shotaro… Philip… Eiji… Gentarou… Haruto… Mana… all of them gone…"
He couldn't believe it, but it came true. With his friends gone, there was nothing he could do. "How…? Why…? Why did this have to happen?" He asked himself, looking down sadly. "I thought I could beat the odds. I thought I could defy that prediction from coming true… and now… I'm all alone… What can I do? I want to find my friends…! I have to save them! WHAT CAN I DO?!"
At that point, he heard what sounded like a zipper opening. Kurogasa's eyes widened and turned to his left to see that a zipper like portal has opened. The light from the other side blinded him momentarily before the light dimmed. On the other side of the portal was some kind of forest. "What the– What is that?" He wondered to himself. This was something new to him; A zipper –like portal appears from out of nowhere in the darkness? There's something definitely fishy going on, but… for some reason he had the urge to go into the portal. "Maybe my friends are on the other side!" Kurogasa thought out loud.
So with that, he ran towards the portal and jumped to the other side to get to the other side and after that, the zipper–like portal closed up behind him. Taking a closer look around the forest, he noticed that it didn't look incredibly intimidating, but it was enough to unsettle him a bit. Everything was covered in a light mist, but the trees looked a little strange. Most of them were oddly straight trees wrapped in green vines with large purple flowers growing off of them. "What the heck is this place?" He wondered. He knew it definitely was not any of the woods back at Duel Academy.
Wherever this place was, he would hope that his friends are here. Putting aside his sorrow for the time being, he began to look around for a way out of the forest. "I just need to look around and hopefully find the Riders and Mana. And then I can figure out how to get back to Duel Academy."
So with that, he began walking around the forest, wandering around in hopes to find a way out of it.
(Cue in Now or Never by NaNo)
(Instrumental) With the sound of drums, the lights started flashing on Kurogasa, Alexis & his family together in one scene, Rika & Jaden side–by–side, Koji and Marta together as she hugs Mamori from behind, Victor and Kurai looked at each other as Victor handed out his Deck, the rest of GX members and finally went to the main title, with all of the Heisei insignias rotate around the red core When the title disappears, the camera zooms in at Kamen Rider City, then on a road with each Kamen Rider on both sides of the road. Kuuga, Ryuki, Blade, Kabuto, Kiva, W, and Fourze are on the left side and Agito, Faiz, Hibiki, Den–O, Decade, OOO, and Wizard on the right side, doing their iconic poses along the way before it reached the light at the end of the road, to trigger the next scene.
(LOST~, tesagari de sagashiteta [sagashiteta]) Sitting at the edge of a cliff as the sun sets Jaden looks at his blank cards while Rika looks sadly at him from afar.
(Tozasareta mirai no, kotae nante doko ni mo, nai hashiru shou~dou ima kaidoku funou~) Kyoshiro stood high at the top of the school building, looking at the view of the island down below with his wife Yukina at his side as they had their attention on their son, standing at the coastline of the beach.
(FOUND~, kudaketa hazu no unmei o~) Kurogasa looks at the sea before also looking at his blank cards while Alexis looks sadly from afar.
(Mijuku na yume no naka de, kikoetekita nda, saigo made "I'll be there for you.") After looking at the blank cards, Kurogasa lowered his head down, with the bangs of his hair covering his eyes. Alexis approached Kurogasa and hugged him tightly from behind before she whispered in his ears, while tears streamed down her eyes that were covered by the bangs of her hair: "I'll be there for you."
(Tachidomaranai~ kono hari dake wa~, boku no asu o kizamu oto tsukisasu!) In the next scene, inside the Obelisk Mansion, the possessed Sartorius laughed as the screen zooms out, as most students were now a part of the Society of Light until the camera turns towards Kurogasa, Jaden, and Koji facing them as Yukina stood by Kurogasa's side.
(Shinjitsu kara nigetara ima) Hassleberry, Syrus, Alexis, Bastion, Chazz, Victor, Kurai, and Aster look up to face the screen with determination on their faces on the right side.
(Genjitsu ni mo maketara ima) Rika, Marta, Mamori, Atticus, Crowler, Bonaparte, Sheppard do the same thing on the left side.
(Nani ga nokoru no~? [nokoru no~?]) Zane appears on the other side with his Cyber Dark Dragon behind him while donning his new suit with an evil glare and smirk, before the scene changes to Kamen Rider Sorcerer in his armor, looking at the screen.
(Kazoekirenai kono kizu dake ga, boku no kinou o zanzou to shite kataru) Meanwhile, Sartorius and Kamen Rider Sorcerer, with the Light of Destruction looming over behind them with the assistance of the Arcana Monsters, faces Jaden, Koji, and Kurogasa as Jaden has the Neo Spacians, Koji has the Lost Boogie Knights', and Kurogasa has the Secondary Riders behind them ready to face Sartorius.
(Unmei ga hodokete mo i~ma,) While the war is going on, Allyson, Masaru, Tsukiyo, and Mitsuyo stood next to a figure wearing a mask from the figure's left.
(Sonzai o kowashite mo i~ma) William, Rock, Ginsuke, and Shunsuke stood next to the masked figure's right.
(Boku no michi o yuku yo~ It's now or never!) The masked figure took off the mask, the screen showing the bottom half of the face and looks at the battle with a smile, thinking about, Kurogasa. The figure and the characters head towards the battle area, the figure saying "It's now or never!" before the screen flashed white to another scene.
(This is what they say "Live your life today" [Yeah, yeah!]. There will always be, there will always be a way. [Yeah!]) Kurogasa is on a cliff gazing at the sunset, as his thoughts of the Primary Riders appeared in the sky as ghost images.
(This is what they say "Live your life today" [Yeah, yeah!]. There will always be, there will always be a way. [Yeah!]) He bows his heads then closes his eyes, remembering the past encounters he had and remembering the smiling face of Tarakudo after his disappearance telling him to live a good life. Kurogasa opened his eyes with a small smile and looked to his left and sees Alexis next to him, smiling and he smiles back.
(This is what they say "Live your life today." [Yeah, yeah!]) Kurogasa and Alexis then look back at the sunset holding hands as the wind blew gently and the cameras slowly pans out.
Chapter 10: Kamen Rider Gaim! Arriving On Stage!
For a countless amount of time, Kurogasa wandered, but he continued to be lost all while calling out for his friends, "Yuusuke! Shouichi! Shinji! Takumi! Kazuma! Hitoshi! Souji!" He called out, but no response, "Momotaros! Urataros! Kintaros! Ryuutaros! Sieg! Wataru! Tsukasa!" But there was still no answer. "Shotaro! Philip! Eiji! Gentarou! Haruto! Mana!" He called out a third time, but again no response.
Finally, angrily, he kicked a rock on the ground as he shouted, "Darn it! There's gotta be a way out of here! And my friends are nowhere!" However, he paused when, from the direction the rock came, he heard the sound of growling. "W–What is that…?"
He slowly turned around and saw three strange creatures all of them are hunchbacked monsters with gray skin and flat mask–like faces. Each of them was subtly different though portions of their chests and legs were colored either, red, blue, or green. Their faces were also slightly different. The red one had sad–looking slit–like eyes. The blue one's eyes were simple circles, and the green one had more ornate slits with a circular line on its forehead. The one thing they all had in common was large claws.
"What the– What are those things?!" Kurogasa gasped.
Roaring at the young Kamen Rider, the strange creatures clashed their claws together and charged at him, slashing through any plants blocking their way. "Oh man, this is not what I had in mind!" Kurogasa panicked as he turned around and ran away with the strange creatures in hot pursuit.
Looking back as he ran, he went to grab his Henshin Gauntlet until he realized, "Oh no! I don't have my gauntlet!" Of all times in a situation like this, he doesn't have his gauntlet?! Kurogasa hissed as he thought to himself, 'Man, I'm gonna get killed in this place!'
He continued to run, hearing the creatures growling as they charged after him, until, much to his later chagrin, tripped over a root that was partially sticking up out of the ground, causing him to roll down the hill before him, "AHHHHH!"
After rolling a bit, he sat up and looked around seeing a large tulip–like purple flower with feelers coming from the center. The funny thing was that the stem was some kind of semi–circle which reminded him of a padlock. He then noticed that there were these these flowers all over the place. Could these flowers be the food that these creatures eat? "There's only one way to find out!" Kurogasa said. He just hoped throwing one at them would distract them enough for him to get away.
Picking it up, he waited until the creatures were down the hill before lobbing it at them. "Eat up, fellas!" It landed on the ground right in front of them and the creatures much to Kurogasa's relief, immediately began fighting over who would get to eat it.
"Now's my chance!" He said, before getting up and making a run for it.
But after running several more feet away from the Inves, there was another horde of these strange creatures that got in his way. "Seriously?!" Kurogasa shouted as he found his way of escape blocked off. Preparing to turn around, he found that now he could not go back either, the other Inves having finished with the strange flower and now coming back towards him.
"Grrrr… darn it!" Kurogasa gritted as he was understandably fearing for his life as the creatures slowly closed in, surrounding him. "What do I do? What do I do?!"
Just when all seemed lost…
ORANGE!
"Huh?!" Kurogasa gasped and his eyes were wide open when he saw an orange light and it flashed briefly before seeing a huge orange fruit hovering in the air. But rather than the citrus fruit itself, it was a metal sphere painted orange with metal studs on the surface.
LOCK ON!
Kurogasa then heard a horn–like noise, the kind Japanese warlords would've sounded in battles during the Sengoku Era, but sounds techno at the same time, "What is…!"
"Henshin!"
"WHAT?!" Kurogasa gasped.
SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!
The Inves broke the circle formation and Kurogasa saw the metal orange drop and landed on a person's shoulders, engulfing his head. The person's body rippled and became covered in a dark blue bodysuit which had quilted leather. On his arms and legs were golden bracers and leg coverings which added extra protection. On his side was a black sword with a gold line on the blade with a trigger under the sword guard and the cross like guard looked like it actually doubled as a gun. Around his waist was some kind of Driver he had never seen before. It looked like a belt buckle with a hexagonal indent in the center with a sword–shaped lever on the side. The top of the buckle had a slip of metal with a hole in it for some reason. On the left side was the armored face of some figure with a sword–like decoration on his forehead, a blue helmet, a rainbow–colored visor, and a steel mouth plate. On it was some kind of lock pad but it was opened showing an orange slice and on the bottom was a picture of an orange slice sword of some sort.
The orange then sparked and began to disassemble, the sides folding in half to form the shoulder pads, the chest plate with a black line on top, and leaning on his back was the top of the orange with the silver inside facing out. Appearing in his hand was a short scimitar which was orange and styled after an orange slice.
For his helmet, it was a blue helmet with a silver mouth guard, and a sword like decoration on the forehead. There was also an extra decoration on the helmet made of the studded orange steel and the visor was orange, looking like an orange slice.
"No way… a Kamen Rider?!" Kurogasa gasped. "I've never seen that one before!"
(BGM: Kamen Rider Gaim OST: Track 17 – 始動 鎧武)
"Stay away from him!" The Kamen Rider shouted with a as he charged forward towards the towards the horde of creatures, shooting some with the gun–like sword, before closing in close enough to slash at them with the orange slice sword. After that, he managed to get to Kurogasa. "Are you okay?" He asked.
"Y–Yeah," Kurogasa said stunned. "What's–"
"I'll explain later. Right now, let me get you outta this mess." The rider said.
Kurogasa nodded as he watched this new Kamen Rider charge forward, attacking more of these gray creatures.
He slashed down another strange creature and he parried before countering by striking the creature on its chest. He then pulled the yellow tab on the gun–like sword and emptied the magazine as he shot at the creatures who tried to attack him. The new Rider then looked at more of the incoming creatures who tried to surround and gang up on him and Kurogasa. Reacting quickly, he reached for the sword–like lever and "sliced" the lock pad once.
SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH!
The orange slice scimitar lit up with an orange aura as he held it ready before slashing wide, creating an energy wave which struck the creatures, killing them.
The creatures were looking at the new rider with trepidation and fear. But there was some who were brave enough to try and attack.
With a loud battle cry, the new Rider charged headlong toward the creatures with ten of the latter charging at him too.
The new rider twirled his gun–like sword and orange slice sword and gracefully slashed five of the creatures. He then proceeded by pulling the handle on the gun–like swords and fired energy bullets, killing them too. Another twenty of them jumped at the new Rider, hoping to gang up on him with one strike.
"Look out!" Kurogasa shouted.
The new rider was quick as he looked to his Driver and "sliced" the lock pad three times with the sword lever.
SOIYA! ORANGE SPARKING!
At that point, the armor he had on folded back up into the metal orange and he spun it around rapidly, causing the creatures to bounce back and be sent flying in the air before exploding. After it stopped spinning, it folded out back into his armor. "Alright, who's next?!" the Rider shouted.
He charged at the creatures again, and struck wide with his orange sword, killing them before pivoting on his foot and bringing his gun–sword into a perfect arc, slashing at those who tried to surround him. Some of them tried to sneak on this new Rider, but his boosted senses saw them coming and he emptied his magazine on them before he reloaded. He then noticed a group of those strange creatures coming from behind Kurogasa.
"Duck!" He called out and reached for his Driver and "sliced" the lock pad twice.
SOIYA! ORANGE AU LAIT!
Once more, the orange slice sword flared with an orange aura, but it was noticeably more intense this time. The aura then solidified into an enlarged orange slice–like energy projection that acted as an extension. Kurogasa immediately did as asked while the creature saw him move in for the kill. They tried to get away, but he was faster and slashed them with his new finisher, killing the creatures in one swoop before they exploded. By then, there were no more of those strange creatures to be found.
(End BGM)
The new Rider then approached Kurogasa who stood back up as he asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah… I'm alright, thanks to you." Kurogasa sighed.
"Glad to hear that." The new Rider nodded before he closed up his lock pad and his armor disappeared into motes of orange light to reveal his civilian form. He had short black hair and wore a white shirt with a blue jacket over him wearing tan short that covered his knees and wore white and black sneakers.
"Who are you?" Kurogasa asked.
"I'm Kouta Kazuraba." The man now known as Kouta said. "A.K.A: Armored Rider Gaim."
"Armored Rider… Gaim?" Kurogasa blinked. "Don't you mean Kamen Rider Gaim?"
"Well… that too, but that's just my preference." Kouta shrugged. "You can call me Kamen Rider Gaim if you want. Anyways, what's your name?"
"Kurogasa Kururugi." He introduced. "Also known as Kamen Rider Duelist…" He added with a hint of sadness.
"Oh, so you're an Armored Rider too?" Kouta asked a bit surprised.
"Yeah… well… I used to be…"
"Huh?" Kouta asked confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"It's a long story…"
"Well, you can tell me now," Kouta said looking around. "I don't think there're any more of these Inves around."
"Inves?" Kurogasa asked confused. "Are those the creatures that attacked me?"
"Yep." Kouta nodded. "Looks like I better explain things too."
"Yeah, you should." Kurogasa nodded as the two started to walk along the path. "Maybe you should start things off with this forest. What kind of a forest is this?"
"This is the Helheim Forest." he began. "The forest where these Inves live… and once, the civilization of humanity."
"There were people in it too?!" Kurogasa gasped.
"Yeah. Unfortunately, the forest managed to get through this world and spread it across." Kouta cringed, as Kurogasa noticed his changed of expression. "And these Inves that we killed? They were once… the people of that civilization."
"N–No way…" Kurogasa said.
"Yeah… believe me, I was surprised too." Kouta said before walking up to a tree with the strange purple fruit. "It's all thanks to these Lockseed Fruits."
"Lockseed Fruit?" Kurogasa asked confused. "Wait a minute… not that you mention it, I threw one of those fruits at the Inves and they fought over the thing like their lives depended on it."
"That's because they can't live without it." Kouta explained. "They will surely go mad just because of this fruit."
"And what happens if people are eating it?" Kurogasa said.
"Have you been tempted to eat it, Kurogasa–kun?" Kouta asked.
"Well… not really." he replied.
"That's good to know." Kouta said sadly, recalling past memories. "If you eat that fruit… you will turn into an Inves… just like…"
"W–What is it?" Kurogasa asked worried.
Kouta shook his head, "Iie, it's nothing." Kouta said. "A-Anyways, the only way to prevent that from happening, is if one wears a Sengoku Driver, the one you see around my belt." He gestured to the belt in question.
"Huh…" Kurogasa said inspecting it. "A new Rider Belt…"
"The ones who don it will be dubbed as Armored Riders, where I come from."
"That is something new." Kurogasa said as Kouta approached the tree, plucking one of the Lockseeds. "H–Hey, what are you doing?"
"Relax, it's fine." he assured as the said fruit turned into a Lockseed, much to Kurogasa's surprise. "If it's in the hands of us Armored Riders, this happens."
"Whoa…" Kurogasa said looking at it. This one was a Lockseed and it had a picture of a pineapple. "A… pineapple Lockseed huh?"
"Yep. The one I have now is an Orange Lockseed." Kouta said. "And there are others too like the Walnut, Acorn, Melon, Strawberry, Banana, Grape, Watermelon, Mango, Durian, and Kiwi, just to name a few."
"There are that many kinds of Lockseeds?" Kurogasa asked surprised.
"That's right, though the effects are random." Kouta further explained while he put it in his pocket and wanted to pluck a few more.
"Random?" Kurogasa said. "What do you mean?"
"These Lockseed fruits have a mind of its, own. Even the maturity of them, are different." Kouta added as he plucked it out, and a white Lockseed appeared on his palm. "And this one is the most common Lockseeds of them all."
"A Sunflower Lockseed?" Kurogasa questioned.
"That's right. Ones like the Orange and Pineapple Lockseeds are the rarer ones." Kouta said.
"So… do you rank them?"
"Yeah, we do actually," Kouta said. "Good guess."
Kouta pondered a bit, thinking deeply. "Well?" Kurogasa asked.
"Truth to be told… I don't know much about it." Kouta laughed nervously while rubbing the back of his neck.
"I should've known…" Kurogasa sweat dropped.
"I'm still new to this Armored Rider stuff. I was once a member of Beat Riders before I decided to quit the team and started to find a job for supporting my family's finances." Kouta reminded.
"Beat Riders?"
"It's a dance group I used to be in." Kouta answered.
"Oh…" Kurogasa nodded in understanding.
"Anyways, now that I told you my side of the story, you tell yours." Kouta said as he decided to pluck two more Lockseeds and they turned into the Strawberry and Watermelon Lockseed.
"Alright. Fair trade, one should say." Kurogasa quoted.
"Tell me, where do you live and what kind of clothing are you wearing?" Kouta asked.
"My family and I lived in Domino City and this clothing here is the school uniform of Duel Academy."
"Duel Academy?" Kouta said, scratching his head. "Never heard of it before."
"It's a place where students like me go and and learn the card game of Duel Monsters."
"Duel Monsters?"
"Yeah, that one's gonna be, long to explain though." Kurogasa said.
"What about education?" Kouta asked.
"Education is still the primary reason why most students go there. But that place implied more on dueling and some can even go pro."
"That sounds great!" Kouta said happily. "I didn't know there are people who earned their livings by playing cards. Maybe I should give it a try at your world?"
"It may take years of learning this stuff. And crossing worlds would be impossible for you." Kurogasa added.
"That might be true." Kouta nodded. "I guess I should stick to what I can do best."
"And that's kicking those Inves' butts." Kurogasa pointed out. When he noticed Kouta looking at the sky, he asked, "Something wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing, Kurogasa–kun." Kouta assured. "It's just that… I had a dream last week. It's more of like a prediction of the future."
"A… prediction of the future?" Kurogasa gulped.
"Yeah… it's kinda weird though."
"What's weird about it?"
"It has something to do with… a Kamen Rider seeking for my help."
"A Rider?!" Kurogasa gasped.
"Yep, and I still don't get it, even if makes me feel excited." Kouta said as he shifted his attention to Kurogasa. "Do you know about it, Kurogasa–kun?"
"Um… well…" Kurogasa said, looking away. "I think… you're looking at that Rider."
"Eh?!" Kouta asked surprised. "You're the Rider that needs help?"
"Yeah…" Kurogasa said sadly, before looking back at Kouta. "Remember when I told you I used to be Kamen Rider Duelist?" Kouta nodded at that. "Well… not too long ago… I lost my powers as a Rider…"
"How did it happen?!" Kouta asked shocked from what he heard.
"It was just supposed to be a friendly duel with someone in my world... but then, something unexpected happened…" Kurogasa said, lowering his head down.
"Something… unexpected?" Kouta said, confused.
"Yeah…"
"What happened?"
"Well, this light orb appeared over my head and this beam of light and thunder crashed down on me… Not only that… as that happened, I saw… the other Kamen Riders and Dark Magician Girl, being wrapped up in chains. They were being sealed up…"
"That's so… terrible…" Kouta said, feeling the pain that Kurogasa felt.
"I know… and I'm feeling guilty for not able to help them out, Kouta." Kurogasa added.
"If that's the case, let me help you find your friends, Kurogasa–kun!" Kouta offered, surprising him.
"H–Huh?" Kurogasa startled.
"It's always been my duty to aid to those who are in need. I feel like my responsibility of donning this belt has become heavier for the sake of humanity." Kouta said as he looked at Kurogasa, filled with determination. "And there's no way I'll turn my back away from those who are needed. Whatever troubles you, I'll be there to help you out."
"Kouta…"
"I know we can do this. Whoever did this will pay! It's our turn to take the stage!"
"Hmmmmm…" Kurogasa said before smiling a bit. "You're right. I'd like that Kouta."
"Good, I look forward to working with you." Kouta said, extending his hand.
"Me too," Kurogasa nodded before he extended his hand and the two shook hands.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
"Nani?!" Kouta went on full alert, looking around his surroundings.
"Kouta, what's wrong?" Kurogasa asked.
"I heard something…" Kouta said. As soon as he noticed a blur heading towards him, he immediately pushed Kurogasa aside, dodging the crimson mist. "Abenai!"
"WHOA!" Kurogasa said surprised before Kouta got back up.
"Henshin!" Kouta shouted.
ORANGE!
The metal orange appeared above and Kouta locked in the Lockseed in the Sengoku Driver.
LOCK ON!
SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!
After his blue bodysuit was equipped on him and the metal fruit dropped on his head, his armor was formed and he wielded his swords in his hands.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" the monster growled once again.
"It's an Overlord." Gaim said.
"An Overlord?" Kurogasa asked confused.
"Inves that somehow survived the forest and evolved." Gaim said. "They're intelligent Inves."
"Oh great…" Kurogasa gritted. At that point, the crimson mist formed in one place a few feet from the two and dispersed to reveal the Overlord.
As the mist cleared, a new monster appeared, which was different than any other Inves that Gaim has ever fought before. On its greyish body were crimson red paddings and decorations on his front body with a side blade on each wrist. With a demonic like appearance, he also wielded a rather large sword, red cape, and crimson red shoulder pads. Also, his 'horn' on the top of its head seems to be curved back.
"You warrior! Enlighten me!" the Overlord challenged.
"Yabai! This guy means business!" Gaim cringed. "Even if I tried to convince him, he won't listen!"
"Convince him?" Kurogasa asked.
"I've tried to talk to these Overlords to find a solution in how we humans and Inves can coexist and not have the forest invade Earth, but it's no use!"
"DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!" The Overlord yelled before charging at Gaim.
"Oi! Just listen to me for once!" Gaim growled angrily as he went defensive using his swords.
"Man, what should I do?" Kurogasa asked himself. "I don't have the ability to transform anymore… what can I do?"
"Shape your own fate." a female voice got out.
"H–Huh?" Kurogasa said startled.
"Embrace the new path destiny has unveiled for you…" a girl's voice echoed. Kurogasa gasped and his eyes widened when he looked around somewhat wildly.
Everything else around him, including the battle between Gaim and the Overlords, seemed to slow, almost freezing in time. Then, walking out of the mist in the forest was a mysterious girl. She was a beautiful young woman wearing a white tunic which exposed her shoulders and white pants with dark leather boots. Her hair was blonde but not unnaturally and she had heterochromatic eyes, one brown and one red.
"W–Who are you?" Kurogasa asked.
"You have come seeking power and you have found it. Helheim Forest does not open for the faint of heart or the weak. The power will be yours." She said, as she slowly walked closer towards Kurogasa. "However, once you use it, your fate is sealed and there will be no turning back. You will have to fight until the bitter end… until the world is dyed in your image."
"My… image?" Kurogasa got out.
"Your fate stands at a crossroads, and it shall be your choice in which way you shall go. The choice is yours." The mysterious girl said. "Do you possess that resolve? Will you run from your path? Will you face your fate or forever flee from it?" she asked rhetorically.
"I…"
"What will be the choice you will choose? Despair? Or hope?" she said as she showed him a familiar item in her hand.
"A Deck?" he blinked for a moment as the Deck in her hand was placed next to her side, containing the Deck holder. Putting it in, five holograms of her cards were seen in front of her.
"I will know on this battle. Are you ready?"
"You are… asking me for a duel?" Kurogasa asked.
"To determine whether you have the heart and courage to face the inevitable future ahead of you, I shall test you with this method. A method that an outsider as you can understand."
"But… I can't…" Kurogasa said looking away.
"Why is that?"
"All of my Monsters… they're sealed…" Kurogasa said sadly.
"Not all of them." she said.
"Huh?"
"You still have one hope left…" she said while looking at Gaim. "…the man that will shape destiny by his own hands."
"But he's only one!" Kurogasa said. "What can I do with just him?"
"You need to stop being pessimistic." A new voice said.
"Huh? Who said that?" Kurogasa asked looking around.
"Henshin…"
MELON!
"Huh?!" Kurogasa panicked, until he noticed a white Rider slowly walking toward him and pulled down the sword on his belt, 'cutting' the Lockseed on it. A green Melon struck on his head and slowly folded down, forming an, armor for his body.
SOIYA! MELON ARMS! TENKA GOMEN!
Upon the armor has been completely deployed on his body, his helmet consists of Melon Kabuto equipped with Pulp Eye visor, mounted with green chest armor and shoulder pads and his main weapon is the Melon Defender, a rather large shield that can also be used as a large broadsword while mounting on his arm.
"Who are you?" Kurogasa asked.
"Armored Rider Zangetsu." The man said. "Or you can call me Takatora Kureshima."
"Zangetsu?" Kurogasa asked. "You're like Kouta?"
"Do not make me the same rank amongst the street trash…" Zangetsu warned.
"W–What?" Kurogasa stuttered as Zangetsu looked at Gaim.
"…but that man has proven there are ways to save humanity before. Kazuraba Kouta truly is my fellow comrade in arms, not mere street trash."
"I see." Kurogasa nodded.
"What will your choice be?" he suddenly asked, catching Kurogasa off guard.
"H–Huh?"
"If you have an option to save only 1/6 of human population around the world, are you willing to find another method that will save all of humanity, just as how Kazuraba Kouta showed me of his true capabilities?" Zangetsu asked again.
"I…"
Kurogasa looked to Gaim, still frozen in his battle against the Overlords. Gaim was risking himself for Kurogasa. And the Riders… those were his friends! They weren't just Duel Spirits! They were his friends, practically his family! When he was all alone, they stood by him! Turning back to the Zangetsu, he nodded with determined fire in his eyes as he replied, "I'll find a way! I'll find a way to save the other Kamen Riders!"
Zangetsu nodded on his answer, approving his determination.
"Then, you must prove it to me through a duel, to see whether your resolution is strong as what you have imaged in your mind." the mysterious girl said.
"Imagine your path of victory and it will determine everything whether you have the right of using the Secondary Riders… or not." Zangetsu warned.
"Wait, what?" Kurogasa asked surprised. "T–The Secondary Riders?!"
"Yes."
"No way…" Kurogasa said before scoffing saying, "And they say second best won't cut it. I guess I'll have to prove otherwise. Let's do this!" At that point, the Mysterious Girl raised her hand and it glowed before a duel disk and Deck appeared on Kurogasa's arm. After that, it activated and Kurogasa drew his starting Hand.
"DUEL!" Kurogasa shouted while the Mysterious Girl remained silent.
Mysterious Girl: 4000
Kurogasa: 4000
"I will begin the first battle." she said as she drew a card, creating a hologram of another card in front of her. As she touched one of them, it immediately materialized behind her. "Come to me, the World Tree."
As she summoned it out, a rather large tree grew out, completed with vines of the Helheim Forest wrapping around it. "What's that supposed to do?"
"You will know soon enough." she said as she touched another card, making it fly to the front and materialized. "Come to me, Botanical Lion." A plant–like lion appeared in front of her, letting out a growl towards its opponent. (4/ATK: 1600/DEF: 2000) "As the plants grow, so does its strength. It gains 300 ATK for each of them, including itself."
Botanical Lion (4/ATK: 1600–1900/DEF: 2000)
"And with a facedown, that would be all." she said as a hologram of a set card appeared.
"Alright, it's my go!" Kurogasa said drawing his sixth card. His eyes widened when he saw the card he drew. "This is…"
"Is something wrong?" The Mysterious Girl asked.
"N–No, everything's fine." Kurogasa assured before playing it. "Here goes nothing. I summon Kamen Rider Gaim in ATK mode!" At that point, Kouta suddenly appeared, already in his armor. (4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1500)
"Eh?! Nani?!" Gaim asked looking around wildly. "Wait a minute, what am I doing here? I thought I'm fighting that Overlord! Why am I– eh? Kurogasa?"
"Uh… hey, Kouta." Kurogasa said sheepishly.
"What's going on here?" Gaim asked as he noticed the mysterious girl before him. "Mai–chan?"
"Mai–chan?" Kurogasa blinked.
"She's a friend of mine." Gaim said. "But… lately, I've been seeing her looking like that."
"Really?" Kurogasa asked.
"Mai–chan, what are you doing here?" Gaim asked.
"Both of you will decide the destiny of the worlds." she said.
"Huh?" both Gaim and Kurogasa said in unison.
"The balance of your world is at stake. If you cannot decide what path would you take, it will come to an end." she said while raising her free arm and pointed at them. "Decide what you must do now."
"Kouta, we have to defeat her in a duel."
"What?!" Kouta asked incredulously.
"Don't worry Kouta. I'm not gonna lose." I said. "You said it yourself Kouta. It's our time to take the stage!"
"Right!" Gaim nodded.
"…" Zangetsu remained quiet, looking at the duel intensely.
"Decide your moves now." she reminded.
"Oh I'll decide alright!" Kurogasa said. "First I'll activate Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying your facedown!" A heavy wind picked up destroying the facedown. "Next I'll activate Rush Recklessly, adding 700 ATK to Gaim for the turn.
Kamen Rider Gaim (4/ATK: 1700–2400/DEF: 1500)
"Now Gaim will attack Botanical Lion with Burai Kick!"
"Hai!" Gaim nodded before slicing the Lockseed once.
SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH!
He leaped up high in the air, and positioned himself to kick the said Monster on the Field. As he dived down, holographic images of orange slices appeared leading to the lion, with Gaim passing through each orange slice. As he was about to kick the lion down, without warning, a black mist covered Kurogasa's vision, much to his surprise. "What the heck?!"
"Soiya~h!" Gaim shouted as the kick connected to the lion. As the explosion happened on her side of the Field, another explosion occurred on Kurogasa's side at the same time.
Mysterious Girl: 3500
Kurogasa: 3500
"The card you destroyed is Black Pendant." she said calmly. "When it is sent to the Graveyard, you will take 500 Damage." she explained as Gaim landed back to Kurogasa's side.
"Not what I had in mind." Kurogasa said.
"Do you end your turn?" The Mysterious Girl asked.
"After I place this facedown." Kurogasa said, putting a reversed card on the Field.
"And due to the destruction of the plant, my World Tree will gain a fruit of creation." the Mysterious Girl said as a fruit ripened on the edge of the tree, indicating the counter on it.
World Tree counter(s): 1
"No complaining there. Your go." Kurogasa told her.
"Very well. I shall conduct my phase." she said as another card was drawn out and hovered in front of her. "Lonefire Blossom, bloom within this forest." The vines of Helheim wrapped around in front of her to take shape, until a lone fire flower appeared before her. (3/ATK 500/DEF: 1400) "And it shall make a sacrifice, to call forth a stronger flower that blooms in this forest." she added as the flower started to grow big into a rafflesian flower and in it, a woman emerged out from it, with a red flower on top of her head. At this point, she looked at her opponent in front of her, ready to attack. "The strongest flowers of them all, Tytannial, Princess of Camellias." (8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2600)
"Not good…" Kurogasa gulped.
"I got a bad feeling about this…" Gaim said worriedly.
"And it will conduct its attack. Bind him to the earth, Tytannial." she commanded as the flower girl shot out vines from her hands, heading towards Gaim.
"Kurogasa–kun! Anything now!" Gaim exclaimed.
"Reveal facedown!" Kurogasa said revealing it. "Defender's Mind!"
"What's that?" Gaim asked.
"It switches you to DEF and your defense doubles!" Kurogasa said.
Kamen Rider Gaim (4/ATK: 1700/DEF: 1500–3000)
"You might wanna defend that!"
"O–Oh, right!" Gaim said before looking to his Sengoku Driver and sliced his Lockseed three times.
SOIYA! ORANGE SPARKING!
Gaim got into a stance as his Orange arms folded back up into a metal orange. He spun it around quickly and it immediately deflected the vines that were trying to hit him, and it inflicted damage onto the plant when it was sent flying back at her.
Mysterious Girl: 3300
Kurogasa: 3500
"Thanks, Kurogasa–kun." Gaim thanked after his Orange Arms folded back out and crossing his swords, signaling him in defense position.
"I can activate its effect, but it would all be futile. I will set two cards down and that would be all." she motioned as two holograms appeared on her Field.
"It's my move!" Kurogasa said drawing his next card. "I play Card of Sanctity, allowing both of us to draw until we have six cards!" Both drew until they had six. "Next I play Pot of Greed to draw two extra cards." He drew two and now his Hand is at seven. "Then I'll activate Magic Planter, destroying Defender's Mind and drawing two more cards!" The card shattered and Kurogasa drew two more.
"You're stalling. I sense fear in you." The Mysterious Girl said.
"H–Huh?" Kurogasa stuttered.
"Those who wish to decide their own fate must go through a series of trials ahead of them." Zangetsu spoke up. "From what I'm seeing here, your fear started to act up."
"Fear?" Gaim got out, looking at Kurogasa. "What kind of fear, Kurogasa–kun?"
"The fear of failure." the Mysterious Girl pointed out. "Failing to protect of those who are in need, failing to fight back the past trauma he received recently… and failing of facing the fear of losing itself."
"Gh…!" Kurogasa gritted.
"Am I not wrong?" The Mysterious Girl asked.
"You don't know me!" Kurogasa said before playing a card, "I play a facedown and use Bait Doll to force the activation of the card!" The facedown revealed itself. "Go Skill Drain! By paying 1000 Life Points, all Monster effects are negated!"
Mysterious Girl: 3300
Kurogasa: 2500
"Of course… it will not go down as easy as you think…" she calmly said as the princess immediately turned herself into spores and flew towards the Skill Drain that Kurogasa activated. "I am allowed to sacrifice her in order to prevent your trap card from activating it."
"Gh!" Kurogasa cringed as his card got paralyzed, unable to be used and immediately shattered into pixels.
"The fear you are experiencing, it must have occurred to you recently." she deducted. "The strains on your body that only you know, traumatized by that event alone. And the whole reason that you have lost your gift to protect people, am I correct?"
"Ghhh!" Kurogasa cringed again.
"It sounds like I am correct." She said.
"Damare!" Kurogasa shouted. "I activate Cold Wave! This prevents you from activating or setting Spells or Traps until my next turn comes up!" The two cards the mysterious girl had were now frozen in ice. "Now I'll have Gaim attack you directly!"
"Kurogasa–kun…" Gaim muttered while looking at Kurogasa. With a sigh, he immediately rushed forward and slashed her, inflicting Damage.
Mysterious Girl: 1600
Kurogasa: 2500
"And you are starting to act rashly because of it…" she added as the fluttering of her scarf from the attack eventually calmed down, looking at Kurogasa with her determined eyes. "…you are afraid that you will suffer the same fate as you lose again. This has happened… to your spirit friends, correct?"
"Nani?!" Kurogasa gasped.
"How did she–" Gaim got out.
"You cannot hide it from me." The Mysterious Girl said.
Kurogasa gritted his teeth, clenching his fist tightly. He remembered the blast that he received from his last battle, he even heard the sound of his friends that tried to free themselves before they passed out, being absorbed into the black hole while he passed out due to the strains on his body he felt from the electric blast.
"It is clear now… the reason of your current actions." she said.
"What can you do if you use the Secondary Riders in your disposal?" Zangetsu asked. "After you gained back your lost friends, you will eventually abandon them, as they are no longer useful to you. Your current strength will not be enough to change your future, should you still seek and only use the powers of your current friends."
"You're wrong!" Kurogasa shouted.
"Kurogasa–kun…" Gaim muttered.
"Am I?" Zangetsu asked rhetorically. "That is what most people would say. All of them would seek power to transcend higher than other people. While the power that I seek is for the hope of humanity, others will take advantage of it in order to make their dreams a reality."
"That's where you're wrong, Takatora!" Gaim defended Kurogasa. "Kurogasa–kun isn't like that!"
"Kazuraba Kouta, why is it that you are still defending him, despite what purpose that he might have for gaining true strength?" Zangetsu questioned.
"Because I know Kurogasa–kun can change his fate!" Gaim exclaimed.
"Kouta…" Kurogasa muttered.
"If what he said is true, he shall prove it to us... to the forest itself." The Mysterious Girl said as another card was drawn out and hovered in front of her. "Gigantic Cephalotus, appear before me." Another flower grows out from one side, forming into a large, dangerous eating plant. It lets out a growl, wanting to eat his opponent. (4/ATK: 1850/DEF: 700)
"Ugh… that's disgusting." Gaim cringed.
"Since I cannot activate any Spells or Traps this turn thanks to your Cold Wave, The Giant Cephalotus will attack Gaim." The Mysterious Girl said. The large plant thrust towards Gaim and chomped on him.
"AHHHHHHH! HEY GET OFF ME!" Gaim shouted, struggling to free himself, but it was no use as he was already eaten and was destroyed into pixels.
Mysterious Girl: 1600
Kurogasa: 2350
"And with that, I end my turn." she said. At that time, the ice melted down, allowing her to use her set cards once more.
"Kouta!" Kurogasa panicked.
"Your only comrade has left the Field. What will you do within these circumstances?" she asked.
"Grrr…" Kurogasa gritted. "I'll fight to the bitter end!" He drew his next card. "Yes! I play Monster Reborn to revive Gaim!" The orange samurai returned to the Field.
"Whew… thanks for the save Kurogasa–kun." Gaim sighed in relief.
"No problem." Kurogasa said. "Now I play Megamorph, equipping it to your Giant Cephalotus! Since my Life Points are higher, your plant's ATK gets cut in half!"
The plant monster growled angrily in pain, as a few of its leaves started to wither down.
Gigantic Cephalotus (4/ATK: 1850–925/DEF: 700)
"Go, Gaim! Destroy that plant!" Kurogasa commanded, as Gaim 'cut' the Lockseed once more.
SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH!
"During the Battle Phase, this trap card will activate. Plant Food Chain shall be equipped to my Monster." she said as the plant let out a growl, increasing its ATK points.
Gigantic Cephalotus (4/ATK: 925–1425/DEF: 700)
"Even so, that Monster is destroyed!" Kurogasa shouted as Gaim slashed down his sword onto the plant. It let out a screech before being destroyed in pixels. At the same time, another fruit appeared on the tree.
World Tree counter(s): 2
Mysterious Girl: 1375
Kurogasa: 2350
"When it is destroyed while equipped with Plant Food Chain, another plant shall fight for its sake. Return to me, Tytannial, Princess of Camellias." At the same spot where the previous plant was destroyed, the same red flower bloomed out, revealing the princess once more. (8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2600)
"Not her again…" Gaim groaned.
"Don't worry Kouta, we got this." Kurogasa assured. "I'll end my turn with another facedown!"
"It is my move." The Mysterious Girl said, drawing her next card and a hologram card hovered in front of her. "Tell me, Kurogasa. How will you shape your destiny?"
"Huh?" Kurogasa asked.
"You have once saved your world from the darkness, yes? But without your friends, how will you save the world once more… as the Light is slowly consuming it?"
"The Light?" Kurogasa asked confused.
"Huh?" Gaim asked confused.
"What are you talking about?" Kurogasa asked.
"A new threat is looming over your world. It is called the Light." she said.
"The Light? Isn't it a good thing?" Kurogasa said. "I mean, darkness is the enemy, right?"
"With that naïve thinking, it is one of the reasons why you will never gain your true strength." Zangetsu explained. "Not all of the Darkness is evil. Some converted and joined the dark side in order to protect the people who live in fear, risking their lives for the sake of humanity and not letting others sharing the same fate as the wielder itself. I believe you have experienced it before, Kurogasa Kururugi. Regarding a certain… relative of yours."
"A relative?" Gaim asked.
Kurogasa gasped at that, then looked down sadly, "My… Uncle Tarakudo."
"That's right." Zangetsu nodded. "Your uncle risked himself in order to keep the promise he made, thus using his powers to do so."
"But how did you know all of this?" Kurogasa asked.
"It has been foreseen in your memories." she said as she touched another card and materialized it. "Activating a spell card, Monster Reborn. Return to the Field, Lonefire Blossom."
The vines of Helheim wrapped around once more, molding up into a small plant (3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1400).
"Sacrifice yourself once more, as a new flower sets into bloom. Bloom, Mariña, Princess of Sunflowers." As she chanted, the said small flower started to grow, which eventually became a rather large sunflower. There, a princess that resided within the sunflower awakened, looking at her opponent. (8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1600)
"I haven't seen that card before." Kurogasa said.
"Of course you haven't." Zangetsu said.
"Allow me to utilize the Sunflower Princess's ability." The Mysterious Girl said. "Tytannial, attack Gaim." she commanded as the vines shot out from her wrist.
"Not gonna happen! Activating the trap card, Sakuretsu Armor! With this card, your monster will be destroyed!"
"…" she remained silent, letting her monster be destroyed in pixels.
"I don't get it… why didn't she activate her Monster's effect to negate it?" Kurogasa questioned himself.
"And now, Mariña's effect activates. When my other plant Monster gets destroyed by a battle or card effect, it allows her to retaliate for her fallen comrade by destroying one card on the field. And I choose… Gaim."
"Nani?!" Kurogasa gritted.
"Yabai!" Gaim panicked as Mariña shot out sunflower petals and destroyed Gaim.
"And now you have nothing left to defend you." The Mysterious Girl said.
"No… No!" Kurogasa shouted. "I'm not going down like this!"
"Of course you are not going down…" Zangetsu said.
"W–What?!" Kurogasa startled.
"As long as you are brave enough to face your fears, it doesn't matter even if you lose, Kurogasa Kururugi." Zangetsu explained. "There is no need to fear for the worst. As the bearer of the Armored Rider, it has always been your duty to fight with your inner self. The conflicts of either winning or losing in order to determine your path, it is something that you must endure. Once you have passed your limits, your true strength shall shine on its own."
"Takatora…" Kurogasa muttered, before looking down with his eyes closed. "So… all this time…"
"It was never about winning or losing." Zangetsu said.
"Throughout this whole duel…"
"It was all about facing your fears, Kurogasa." the Mysterious Girl said.
"Facing… my fears…" Kurogasa muttered to himself.
"Go. Finish this battle with Petal Storm." she commanded as the princess shot out more sunflower petals, inflicting damage on Kurogasa, thus leading his Life Points to 0.
Mysterious Girl: 1375
Kurogasa: 0
As the battle ended, the whole world around Kurogasa, Gaim, the Mysterious Girl and Zangetsu turned into a white void, where the scenery of the forest and the appearance of the Overlord are nowhere to be seen. "A–re?! What happened?" Kouta asked as he was now in civilian mode. "What happened to the forest?!
"You have faced your fears, Kurogasa Kururugi." Zangetsu said. "How does it feel?"
"I feel…" Kurogasa paused, placing his hand on his chest. "…better."
Zangetsu nodded as the Mysterious Girl approached Kurogasa, taking his palm and placed a Deck into his hand before closing it. "And you have earned the right to use the power of this Deck. The Secondary Riders are yours to command."
"Mm…" Kurogasa said.
At that point, the Deck glowed and the spirits of the Secondary Riders appeared before Kurogasa, surprising him a bit.
"G3–X… Knight… Kaixa… Delta… Garren… Chalice… Leangle… Ibuki… Todoroki… Gatack… Zeronos… Deneb… New Den–O… Teddy… Proto–IXA… IXA… Saga… Diend… Accel… Birth… Meteor… Beast…"
"You're our new partner, huh? I guess I'm just gonna have to go with the flow." the first figure said. He is within his 30's, having black hair that's combed nicely, wearing a white formal shirt with a blue tie, the G3 black jacket and black pants, shoes and black gloves. This is Makoto Hikawa, aka Kamen Rider G3–X.
"The fight for survival has begun. I am certain you are ready for the battle ahead of you, kid." the second figure said. He has short spiky black hair with a serious expression on his face, wearing a black jacket over his tan green shirt and black jeans and black boots. Around his waist is a V–Buckle. He is Ren Akiyama, aka Kamen Rider Knight.
"A new battle begins. Let us see the ending of this battle." the third figure said. His appearance is almost similar to Ren, but with his hair combed to the back, wearing an all–black shirt, pants and shoes. He even has the Kaixa Gear around his waist and the Kaixa Phone on his hand. He is Masato Kusaka, aka Kamen Rider Kaixa.
"I agree… I won't lie that I'm afraid, but… I'll do my best to help." The fourth figure said. He had brownish–black hair in his 20's having a blue shirt, black gloves, and tan pants, and shoes, having the Delta Gear on his waist. He is Shuji Mihara, aka Kamen Rider Delta.
"I hope you have what it takes to being the Eternal Trump." A man in his 30's said. he had brownish–black hair that fell to his neck wearing a black jacket, gloves, pants and shoes and around his waist was the Garren Buckle, having a green plate with a gold diamond on it. This was Sakuya Tachibana aka Kamen Rider Garren.
"I owe Kenzaki for sparing my life, so now it's my turn to save his." A young man in his 20's said. His hair style is somewhat like Tachibana's but not really. His clothes consist of a red shirt with a tan jacket over it, wearing, blue jeans and black shoes. Around his waist was the Chalice Rouzer. This was Hajime Aikawa aka Kamen Rider Chalice.
"Yeah. Kenzaki–san has helped us a lot. We should help him back." another figure agreed. He just reached his 20s, having a black hair that's less spiky than Ren, but more hair on his head, wearing a green shirt with grey jacket and pants, and white shoes. Around his waist was the Leangle Buckle. This is Mutsuki Kamijo, aka Kamen Rider Leangle.
"Hitoshi was willing to sacrifice himself to seal up the advancing Makamou as I cannot do. He always took the task where I seemed to be unable to do that. I will repay the favor for his actions. Allow me to be of assistance." the next figure said. He has short brownish black hair, wearing a dark blue shirt with a furry coat and dark blue jeans and boots. Around his neck there is an item known as Henshin Onibue – Onteki. He is preferred to be known as Ibuki, as in Kamen Rider Ibuki.
"Hitoshi, don't you worry about it! We're coming to save you!" the next figure said happily. He is about to reach his 30's, having short black hair, wearing a light yellow shirt with white vest, green pants and white shoes. Around his wrist, there is a henshin item known as Henshin Kigen Onjō. He is Tomizo Todayama, aka Kamen Rider Todoroki.
"I'll do everything to get Tendou out of whatever he got himself into. It's my turn to be the arrogant badass." A man in his 20's said. He had black hair that was somewhat messy and combed down, while wearing a three piece black suit. On his shoulder was the Gatack ZECTer. This was Arata Kagami aka Kamen Rider Gatack.
"Mattaku… that Momotaros always get in trouble and I have to save him now?" A man in his 20's said a bit annoyed. He had brown that fell to his neck and was combed wearing a black shirt with a white vest over it, having black jeans and shoes. On his waist was his the Zeronos Belt. His name was Yuuto Sakurai aka Kamen Rider Zeronos.
"Oh I hope Momo–chan had something to eat before he got sealed." Deneb said worriedly. He was an Imagin like the Taros. He had a yellow bird–like mask with a black mouth guard like piece having green on his chest and black armor on himself. His legs were covered by black hakama pants and his head was covered by a hood.
He was then in a headlock thanks to Zeronos. "Oi, Deneb, stop being so stupid!"
"I can't help it! He always helped us out!"
"Tch…" Sakurai hissed a bit as he let go of Deneb.
"And Yuuto–chan, I hope you will like the dinner I've prepared for you! It's a miso shiitake mushroom for dinner!" Deneb cheered happily.
"Oi, you know I hate shitake mushrooms!" Sakurai shouted, now strangling Deneb.
"AHHH! AHHHH!"
"Oi, futari tomo, ochitsuite!" A young man who resembled Ryotaro Nogami said, getting in between the two. This was Ryotaro's grandson from the future Kotaro Nogami. "There's no need to fight one another!"
"Indeed. It is now up to us to save the Taros' from danger." A purple Imagin said. Though his appearance is similar to Momotaros, he is in fact a Neotaros as his horns are pointier and having a black upper chest armor and shoulder pads to differentiate with other Taros. This is Teddy, Nogami's partner.
"Hasifuagaqr!" a white cobra–like object said hovering next to another figure.
"Agreed, Sagark." he nodded. He has short brown hair, wearing his white long sleeve shirt, black pants and a Jacorder in his hand. He is Taiga Nobori, Wataru's half–brother. He is also known as Kamen Rider Saga. "My brother's life is in peril and we should aid them. Even though the power of Dark Kiva has been sealed in the Shadow Realm, your powers are as strong as it is. We shall triumph in victory."
"You bet, kid! There's no way I'll be letting my son be in harm's way!" another figure said, determined. He is in his 30's, wearing a white shirt with grey vest, black necktie, and grey pants that is styled in the 80's, with black shoes and a violin case on his hand. This is Wataru's father, Otoya Kurenai, aka Kamen Rider Proto–IXA.
"Then it's a good thing I'm here." A new voice said as a familiar black bat came flying in.
"Kivat II?!" Kurogasa asked shocked. "What are you–"
"You forget that Taiga and Otoya can use the power of Kiva."
"But I thought that–"
"I was sealed along with Tarakudo?"
"Yeah… I thought that happened…" Kurogasa said, still surprised to see Kivat II.
"Shounen, you didn't notice before, but as my former partner entered the Shadow Realm Gate, I escaped, from it, waiting for the opportunity to assist my other partners." Kivat II explained. "And I'm also carrying your uncle's will: aiding his nephew to achieve his goals without turning back."
"I see…" Kurogasa smiled gently. "Thanks. I'm sure your son will be happy to see you."
"Yes, he will be."
"Oh, it's the black bat!" Otoya recognized.
"It has been a while, hasn't it, mortal?" Kivat II said.
"Looks like we'll be fighting together again, huh?" Otoya brimmed.
"I believe so." Kivat II nodded as Otoya wrapped his arms around another figure.
"So, let's go save my son, Nago–kun! You and I are IXA, after all!" he said delightfully, making the said character to be a bit discomfort from his happy–go–lucky attitude.
"Please refrain from doing that." The figure said. Like Otoya, he had the IXA Knuckle. He has black hair neatly combed with black eyes wearing a three piece suit. This was Keisuke Nago aka Kamen Rider IXA.
"There better be some treasure out of all of this." A man in his 20's said casually. He also had black hair with a white shirt and brown jacket, wearing black jeans and shoes. In his hand was a gun called the DienDriver. This was Kamen Rider Diend aka Kaito Daiki.
"Oh boy… Tsukasa's not gonna be happy to see you, once we free him." Kurogasa groaned.
"Oh, relax, kid. He has a lot of things to worry about, other than me." Daiki waved off.
"Should you ever do any crimes, I will not hesitate to arrest you, thief." a serious tone warned. He is in his 20s, have brownish black hair that is combed to the side, wearing a crimson red shirt underneath his burning red jacket and pants, with a burning heart behind it, a pair of black shoes and an Accel Driver on his waist. This is the hot–blooded Ryu Terui, known as Kamen Rider Accel.
"Stop being serious all the time, detective. I can be pretty serious too in battle. So, don't worry too much." Kaito waved off nonchalantly.
"Akira Date's in the house." Another said. He had short spiky black hair with a short moustache and goatee wearing a white long sleeve shirt with a Chicago Bears t–shirt over it wearing jeans and white shoes. On his waist was the Birth Driver. This was Akira Date aka Kamen Rider Birth. He did a two finger salute to Kurogasa as he said, "Heard you need some back up."
"I sure do." Kurogasa said.
"Don't worry kid, we'll help you out." Akira assured. "Just be ready to pay up later. I need the money, y'know?"
"I don't know about that…" Kurogasa pondered.
"What makes you say that? A man's gotta live!" Akira said.
"Well… once you get into my world, you're gonna be in spirit form..." he said nervously with a sweat drop.
"Aw, man~!" Akira whined a bit.
"Gentarou has taught me the true value of friendship. I couldn't pay enough for his friendship. This is the time where I should start assisting the riders to find him." a high schooler said while looking at his fist. He is around 16, having brownish blonde hair, wearing a Subaruboshi High School uniform, and a pair of black shoes. Around his waist is the Meteor Driver. This is Ryusei Sakuta, known as Kamen Rider Meteor.
"And this is a great chance for me in this adventure! Whenever there's danger, I can't help but be excited about it!" a figure exclaimed happily. He is in his 20's, having curly, spiky brownish–blonde hair, wearing a yellow shirt with a brown furry coat, blue jeans and brown boots. Around his waist, was the Beast Driver. This is Kosuke Nitoh, the Kamen Rider Beast.
"Looks like everyone is here!" Kouta said excitedly.
"Not all. I will join as well." Zangetsu said.
"Really?" Kurogasa asked.
"You're going to help?" Kouta asked surprised.
"Yes. Along with two others."
"Who?" Kurogasa asked.
"Henshin."
BANANA!
"Huh?!" Kurogasa gasped as everyone to see a figure having a metallic banana overhead while also having a Sengoku Driver on him. The faceplate had a red helmet with a gray visor appeared with rainbow eyepieces covered by strips of white metal. Decorating the section was a red background and white vine–like decorations. The figure twirled the Lockseed once before locking it in place on the Driver.
LOCK ON!
A trumpet fanfare blared out, and it was one of those fanfares that you hear in old European times. The figures sliced the Lockseed open and it revealed the inside of a sliced banana while the bottom half revealed a spear.
COME ON! BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPEAR!
The banana came down and landed on the figure's shoulders, concealing his head. A suit of armor formed over his body. The torso was covered in white quilted armor while the rest of his body was clad in a crimson bodysuit with silver armguards and leg guards. The banana then let out a splash of pale yellow power before it unfolded. Either side of the banana folded down to attach to his shoulders while the sides folded onto his chest and back, the chest pieces appearing like gold sections of pectorals and abs, lined with black. His helmet was a red helmet, the face part covered by strips of white metal. He had a set of banana–like horns attached to a smooth silver helmet that was attached to it, turning the eyepieces bright yellow.
"E–Eh?!" Kurogasa said incredulously before pointing at the figure shouting, "BA–BA–BANANA! BANA–BANANA?!"
"Baron da!" The figure shouted.
"Nani?! Kumon Kaito?!" Kouta asked surprised. "W–Why are you here?"
"It's none of your business, Kouta." Baron scoffed. "I'm only here to seek more power. That's all you need to know."
"And who's the other one?" Kurogasa asked.
"Henshin!"
BUDOU!
"Budou?" Kurogasa blinked for a moment, noticing metallic grapes above another figure's head while also having a Sengoku Driver around his waist. The faceplate had a green helmet face with a green background appeared with rainbow–colored eyes. He thrust his Lockseed forward before placing the Lockseed onto the driver.
LOCK ON!
Chinese–style Erhu music played for a moment before the figure pressed the sword handle which 'sliced' the Lockseed open, the top half being the inside of grapes and the bottom half holding the image of a handheld gun.
HAI~! BUDOU ARMS! RYU HOU, HA–HA–HA!
The metal grapes then dropped, covering the figure's head, his body covered in green and black protective cloth. It was styled like Chinese cloth armor, complete with the decorative cloth at his waist. The metal grapes then unlocked and began to unfold. The top and back folded onto his back, creating a pack–like armor. The sides folded outwards before resting on his shoulders like a samurai's armor. Finally the front folded in half with the top half covering his chest. In his hand, the weapon depicted on her Lockseed appeared, a purple jeweled handheld gatling gun which looked partially like a bunch of grapes.
"My brother… Kamen Rider Ryugen." Zangetsu said.
"Micchy!" Kouta exclaimed.
"Kouta–san!" Ryugen exclaimed as he approached Kouta.
"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be with Mai–chan and Team Gaim?" he asked.
"Daijobu. The others are there to stop any Inves from getting there." Ryugen assured.
"Sokka," Kouta nodded, "Arigatou."
"No problem." Ryugen said before turning to Kurogasa. "You must be the Armored Rider my brother told about.
"Yeah, that's me." Kurogasa nodded. "I hope we can work together, uh… Ryugen."
"Call me Micchy." he said.
"And with this, the gathering has been completed." the Mysterious Girl said, which made the Riders look at her. "Kurogasa Kururugi, I shall send you back to your reality, along with the help of the other Riders that you have sought for help. A bigger threat is now approaching your world. Are you ready to face them?"
"I'm ready. More than ever."
"Very well." The Mysterious Girl nodded. "Go on back. Your loved ones are waiting for you." And with that, Kurogasa's world went white.
"Mmmmmmmmm…" Kurogasa moaned.
During his moaning of awakening, his right hand slightly clenched a bit, grabbing the hand of Yukina, who was asleep, holding her son's hand. This triggered her a bit, prompting her to slightly wake up. "Kuro… gasa?" she said while rubbing her eyes with her free hand.
"…–san…" he muttered weakly.
As his hand clenched on Yukina's hand more securely, Yukina became fully alert. "Kurogasa? Are y–you… awake?"
"Kaa… san…" Kurogasa said as he slowly opened his eyes and slowly turned his head towards her.
"Oh my gosh!" Yukina sobbed before using her Duel Pilot to call everyone, "Minna! Kurogasa's awake!"
"Kurogasa?!" Alexis gasped as she was the first to run over to his bedside.
"A… lexis…"
Tears shed on Alexis' and Yukina's faces while Alexis hugged him dearly, with Yukina rubbing her son's right hand on her left cheek, still feeling happy while sobbing for the reunion. "I'm so glad you're okay! You have no idea how alone I am without you!"
"I'm… sorry…" he muttered while still wearing the breathing mask on his face.
"Don't be." she shook her head while breaking off the hug while looking at him with her sincere smile. "All that matters is that you're awake after a week."
"A… week…?" Kurogasa asked a bit surprised.
"Yeah, a week." Alexis nodded. "You've been in a coma for that long."
"Hmm…" Kurogasa said sadly. "I'm sorry…"
"All that matters is that you've woken up my son." Yukina said as she gave her son a warm hug. "And as a mother, I'm happy to hear your voice again…"
"Kurogasa, you're awake!" Rika's voice called out.
"Took you long enough! You have no idea how long I gotta wait for ya, man!" Koji's voice said as the two approached him, followed by the rest of the gang.
"Hey everyone…" Kurogasa smiled small.
"You're awake!" Syrus sobbed wiping his tears with his arm.
"You're alright Sarge!" Hassleberry said in the same state. "I was afraid to give you a posthumous two–rank promotion if you didn't wake up!"
"Both of you and I are in the same boat." Rock admitted.
"I was wondering how long you will stay in a coma." Bastion said. "And I'm glad my estimation is correct."
"Welcome back, dude. Looks like our hero's waking up now." Victor brimmed happily.
"Yeah…" Kurogasa nodded.
"Wohoo! It's party time!" Mitsuyo cheered only for Tsukiyo to bonk her on the head.
"Calm down…" Tsukiyo frowned. "He's just recently recovered. Give him some time to rest up, alright?"
"Aw~!" Mitsuyo pouted.
"It looks like you've passed the trial with flying colors, Kurogasa." Allyson said, looking at Kurogasa while Alexis got a bit defensive on seeing her.
"Uh–oh…" Ginsuke muttered.
"Not good…" Shunsuke added.
"This could get ugly." Marta agreed.
"You're telling me." Kurai said.
"A–Ano, please don't fight." Mamori stuttered.
"Y–Yeah, please you two." Masaru said.
"C'mon sis, no cat fighting," Atticus chuckled nervously.
"…" Alexis still glared at her, in which Allyson completely understood.
"Lex…" Kurogasa muttered.
"I understand." Allyson interrupted. "I only came here to check on his condition. If you want me to leave this room, then I understand." she said as she is about to take her leave from the infirmary.
"Allyson… Wait…" Kurogasa said, making her stop and turn around.
"Yes?" Allyson said.
"I won't… give up…" Kurogasa said painfully. "If you think… this will bring me down… think again… I'll free… the Kamen Riders… and Dark Magician Girl… the… Secondary Riders… will see to it… that I defy fate… and break… the Chains of Destiny…"
Allyson paused, taking all of the words that Kurogasa said. After that, a kind and gentle smile appeared on her face, saying, "I'm sure you will, Kurogasa. The cosmos are giving you full support on the battle ahead of you."
"Thanks…" he nodded slightly.
"…and, um…" Alexis trailed off, looking at Allyson. "…I'm sorry… for the other day."
"Apology accepted." she nodded before she finally walked out from the room.
"Man, I'm sure Kaito would be happy to hear you waking up again… so that he can duel you again." Koji pointed out.
"Yeah… Once I recover…" Kurogasa said.
"Kurogasa, what did you mean by Secondary Riders?" Syrus asked.
"I… had a dream…" Kurogasa said. "A dream where… I managed to get… the Secondary Kamen Riders…"
"I don't think the Secondary Riders would be possible for you to have right now." Rika said.
"What…?" Kurogasa said, confused.
"Apparently, Professor Kururugi is out cold due to the assault he had the other day." Shunsuke said.
"And from what we know, your dad didn't even plan on creating the Secondary Riders." Koji pointed out. Meanwhile, Masaru noticed the Deck that was next to the fruit basket, which the others didn't notice.
"Wait, what…?!" Kurogasa gasped. "Dad was… attacked…?! By who?"
"Well…" Alexis began.
"You might not believe it, but you're mom said Orma did it." Rika said.
"What…?! Orma?! As in… Kamen Rider Sorcerer…?!" Kurogasa wheezed, but then cringed in pain. "Ergh!"
"Dear, please stay down." Yukina said worriedly as she gently held him down. "Your body is still weak and you just woke up."
"She's right. And you need a lot of rest after this." Alexis said.
"Back to the topic, yes, Orma appeared and assaulted your dad, causing him to be in the same injury as you are." Kurai added.
"Dad…" Kurogasa got out as he looked to his left and saw that his dad was lying next to him on another bed.
"M–Minna, look!" Masaru said, getting his attention. "T–There's a fruit basket with a Duel Monsters Deck in there."
"Huh?" Everyone asked confused.
"A fruit basket?" Alexis said, confused. "Who sent it?"
"I don't seem to find any cards in here, other than the fact that it has some nice fruits for eating." Bastion said.
"Oh! Oh! Can I eat 'em?!" Mitsuyo asked excitedly.
*BONK!*
"Ow!" Mitsuyo cried in pain after Tsukiyo bonked her head with a frying pan.
"No…"
"It's right here, see?" Masaru said holding out the Deck in question.
"A Deck?" Syrus asked.
When Masaru checked the contents of the cards, followed by Rock looking at it too, the two were surprised from what they saw. "W–What's this?!" Masaru exclaimed.
"There're new Rider cards in here, as if they're replacing the old ones!" Rock pointed out.
"WHAT?!" Rika and Koji shouted. "Let me see those!" Then they took the Deck to check it.
"No way…" Rika said in disbelief.
"G3–X, Knight, Kaixa, Delta, Garren, Chalice, Leangle, Ibuki, Todoroki, Gatack, Zeronos, Deneb, New Den–O, Neotaros, Proto–IXA, IXA, Diend, Accel, Birth, Meteor, Beast, they're all here!" Koji said. "Wait a minute… Gaim, Baron, Ryugen, and Zangetsu? Who are they?"
"I don't know…" Rika shook her head. "This is the first time I've heard of such Kamen Riders."
"They… will help us." Kurogasa said.
"Huh? What makes you say that?" Koji asked.
"I know… because I'm now ready… to face this new… enemy." he said confidently while looking at the Deck that Masaru handed. "I'll go forward… not go back…"
TWF: Well, there you have it, after a week of coma, Kurogasa has finally returned back to reality and all of his friends and family are truly happy to see him again.
Fen: Plus he has the Secondary Riders and the Gaim Riders to add too!
TWF: I wonder what kind of effect the Secondary Riders do? And btw, what happened to Jaden? Is he still lost within the forest of DA?
Fen: C'mon man, you know the answer to that.
TWF: Oh yeah, the shooting star. He's finally meeting with the Neo–Spacians, huh?
Fen: Yep.
TWF: As always, be sure to anticipate the next chapter of GX!
Fen: See ya later!