Hey there everyone! Fen and Raptor here for another chapter of Kamen Rider Gaim: Romance of the Three Kingdoms! We got a lot of actions coming at ya. I get the feeling that you're gonna like this chapter. So without further ado, let's do this!

Disclaimer: Same thing.

For some reason I couldn't explain, I feel like something bad was going to happen. It didn't make sense at all. I woke up earlier today feeling refreshed and energetic thanks to Kakouen–san's massage. I feel even more refreshed with the herbal tea Shuri made for me, although I admit it was pretty bitter but it's nothing I couldn't handle.

I really don't know why, but I had this weird chill running on my spine like I was being watched. Who or what was it?

"Gaim–sama? Are you alright?" I turned to Aisha who was looking at me worried.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I felt kind of bad lying to her, but I couldn't burden her with my weird paranoia.

Aisha stared at me for a moment before she finally said. "If you say so."

Right now my general and I were on our way to meet with our prisoners, namely Ryofu, Chōryō, and Kayuu. We were going to squeeze some information from them and hopefully recruit them to our cause. They would be a great help, especially Ryofu. She could go toe to toe with me as Gaim with little to no problem and that was truly something.

Gender bent or not, Ryofu Housen was truly strong.

"Have our interrogators gathered any information yet from Chōryō or Ryofu?" I asked.

"No. At least nothing useful at the moment." Aisha shook her head. "Ryofu has been quiet the whole time ever since our doctors healed her injuries and as for Chōryō well…"

"What? What is it?" I asked, looking at her.

"Well… to be blunt, she had too much to drink last night. Let's leave it at that." She sweat dropped.

I looked incredulous at her statement. "You mean… She drank herself silly?"

"Yes. I do wonder where she got the sake and that saucer," replied Aisha.

"Just great," I groaned out. "Oh boy, might as well talk with her first so it's out of the way."

"Are you sure?" Aisha asked a bit worried.

"Trust me, I'm not liking it too, but we don't have a choice."

"Mmmmmmmmmmm…" Aisha said, thinking about it before sighing dejectedly, "Okay, we'll talk with her first."

"Gomen, Aisha, I wish there was another way around it." I smiled sadly.

"I just hope she will control herself this time," she muttered before shaking her head. "Shall we?"

"Lead the way," I gestured as Aisha led me to the barrack where our prisoners were being held.

(Cue Theme Howling Soul by Rekka Katakiri)

(First Instrumental Section) We see black and white flashes of a few of the girls before freezing on Kurogasa in full color, standing back to back with Gaim. Then a few more black and white flashes of the girls appearing before coming to a full color image of Koji, smirking coolly with several of his harem girls surrounding him as Baron is off to the side. The last few black and white flashes then occur as we see Souji and Daigo stand back to back, Souji looking serious and Daigo upbeat as Zangetsu and Ryugen stand by them.

(Second Instrumental Section) the title logo for "Kamen Rider Gaim: Romance of the Three Kingdoms" appears in front of the palace before it slowly fades to change scenes. The scene changes to Kurogasa as Gaim leading the Shu forces in battle. Then, the scene changes to Koji as Baron, attacking a group of Inves with the Gi forces. Lastly, the scene changes to Daigo and Souji as Ryugen and Zangetsu, protecting the Go forces.

(Tsumetai genjitsu nageki kodoku ni karada furuwasu) The scene changes to a destroyed village as rain poured down. Kurogasa was sitting with his back on a destroyed wall, looking down on the ground sadly. His eyes then shifted to the Orange Lockseed in his hand, and clenched it tightly before looking up at the cloudy sky.
(Koko kara nigedashitai kedo sukoshi mo ugokazu ni ita) Koji is then seen on a balcony, leaning against the railing, looking out into the night with a deep, thoughtful look on his face. He looks down briefly at the Banana Lockseed in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he turns back into the building.

(Uzumaku sabishisa kanji kuchibiru tsuyoku kamishimeru) In the palace courtyard, Daigo is sitting on the tree, leaning his back against the huge trunk looking bored as he looked at his Budou Lockseed while his Souji was sitting down on a chair, reading a scroll before looked up at the sky then looked back down at the table where his Melon Lockseed was.
(Kuyashinamida nagasu mae ni yuuki furishibori onore tsuranuke) Suddenly, the scene changes to a town that seemed to have started to be overtaken by Helheim. As Inves surround them, Kurogasa, Koji, Daigo, and Souji nod to each other as they put on their Sengoku Drivers. Locking on their Lockseeds, they transform into Kamen Riders Gaim, Baron, Ryugen, and Zangetsu.

(Atsuku tagiru tamashii otakebi to tomo ni tokihanate) In the following shot, as the Kamen Riders battle against the Inves, the women prove their martial might in the fight by taking on the Inves as well, different shots showing them each in action.
(Kimerareta RUURU wo uchikowashite) As the fighting continued, in the distance Kurogasa sees Saji, the man who had started it all and sent him and his friends to the Three Kingdoms world and he immediately charges at him.
(Kakenukero jiyuu e to) Saji smirked evilly as he takes out his own Sengoku Driver. His Lockseed, however, is obscured because as he activates it, a flash of light overtakes the screen, making it unclear which Rider he becomes or if Kurogasa hits him.

(Instrumental) Kurogasa, Koji, Daigo, and Souji are seen with their armies, sitting in yukata's of the color scheme of their Rider, holding up their Lockseeds. The Musou women stand behind them at the ready with their weapons out as the title logo appears again.

Chapter 10: The Lie of Luoyang

Aisha and I continued walking in the barrack as she led me to the cell where Chōryō was being held. However just as soon as we got to the door…

"BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGH!"

…Yep, that's right. Chōryō puked and judging by that sound, she's gonna have a major hangover.

"That can't be good…" I muttered. "Should we get Shuri to make a hangover cure?"

"It's her own fault for getting drunk in the first place. I should have searched her thoroughly so she couldn't hide her sake," Aisha grumbled.

I heard another puking noise and sighed. I guess this explained that bad feeling I got… but was it really?

"Let's just get this over with. The sooner the better." I said and Aisha nodded.

We entered the room and… whoa! What the–!

"Oh gross!" I said disgusted, covering my nose and mouth, trying not to puke myself, seeing Chōryō's vomit all over the floor. How many bottles of sake did she drink?!

"Soldier! Find someone to clean this up!" Aisha said urgently.

"Y–Yes, Ma'am!" One of the soldiers replied before he left in hurry.

Chōryō looked up to us with a pale and bleary face. "Oh hey, Kan'u, Kururugi." She managed to greet us before she covered her mouth with her hand.

I groaned in dismay. "How much did you drink last night?"

"L–Lost count after the fifth," she answered.

I gawked in disbelief. Fifth!? What the heck!?

"…Fifteen," a soft voiced added. I turned to see Ryofu raise her hands, all fingers opened. "…She drank that many last night."

"…No wonder you look really sick," Aisha put one hand on her forehead, as if she was trying to stave away an incoming headache.

"Well 'scuse me for wanting to be drunk!" She retorted before she puked again.

Eeww, gross.

A few minutes later, a couple soldiers came back with the cleaning supplies and managed to clean up Chōryō's mess and after leaving, Chōryō managed to sit at a table and Aisha and I sat down on the opposite side. "Okay Chōryō, do you think you'll be able to answer a few questions?" I sighed.

"I'll try," Chōryō answered weakly.

…I don't think she could answer straightly.

"Okay, first question: How many of your forces are stationed at Luoyang?"

"Heck if I knew. If Yue is still in charge, then it should be around 50,000 or so," answered Chōryō.

"If Yue is still in charge?" Parroted Aisha.

"Yup. Miyabi already told you, didn't she? Someone's pulling the strings behind this 'Tōtaku the Tyrant' stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if they have more."

That's definitely not a comforting thought…

"Okay then, next question: Do you know the whereabouts of Shinji Omura?" I asked.

"You mean that untrustworthy, backstabbing, shady guy, Sigurd?" Chōryō asked and I nodded. That was a pretty accurate description of Shinji. "Probably in Luoyang, together with the other two."

"The other two?" I asked and Chōryō nodded.

"They call themselves Duke and Marika."

So I was right. Duke and Marika were also here. The question is, who are they?

"Did you meet them and do you know their names?" I asked.

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…" Chōryō closed her eyes with her head down, crossing her arms, while trying to think. After a moment, she lifted up her head and opened her eyes. "I don't know their names, but I know what they look like."

"What do they look like?" Aisha asked.

"Well, the guy calling himself Duke has pale skin, mid–length spiky blonde hair, slate blue eyes, tall, and narrow. Looks to be in his 30's or so. And he has this strange white coat on him over his clothes. Marika has fair skin, short wavy pink hair, pink eyes, a little tall, and also narrow, wearing a "school uniform" as she called it.

My eyes widened and my face paled at the descriptions of the said people. "N–No way, Saito–sensei and Minako–san?"

"You know them?" Questioned Chōryō with wide eyes.

"Y–Yeah," I answered. "Saito–sensei, or Takuro Saito for his full name is one of my teachers, my science teacher to be exact. He is rather eccentric and callous, he is what you call as… a Mad Scholar. Despite that, he is a certified genius. Minako Kubo on the other hand was different. She is my school mate, the only daughter of her parents and the heiress of Kubo Zaibatsu… A large group of merchants under her family's leadership. She is a real life princess back in my world and was aloof and distant. She also has a lot of admirers."

"But why would they join the enemy?" Aisha asked.

"That I don't know…" I shook my head. This was starting to become very worrisome. Takuro Saito and Minako Kubo. I never thought that they would join the bad guys. I then got up from my chair to head for the door.

"Where are you going?" Aisha asked.

"I gotta make a call real quick. I'll be back." I said.

["EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"] Koji, Daigo, and Souji said shocked over the Lock Phone after relaying the information to them. Oh yeah, did I mention that the Lock Phone can handle multiple phone lines so that the four of us could talk all at once?

["Saito–sensei and Minako are working with the enemy!?"] Koji gawked.

["I know Saito–sensei is somewhat eccentric, but for him to join to the enemy is…!"] Sempai gritted his teeth in frustration.

["And Minako… just what she is thinking?! Granted I don't know much about her, but what the heck man?!"] Ranted Daigo.

"It's really hard to believe that they are here too. This really complicates things," I said.

["Thank you for telling us this, Kurogasa–kun. You should return to your interrogation,"] said Sempai.

"Alright. I'll inform you all once I learn more," with that, I closed my Lock Phone and returned it into its Lockseed mode.

I went back to the cell Aisha and Chōryō were in with Ryofu adjacent to it and I sat back down saying, "Okay Chōryō, I have an offer I want to make with ya."

"What's that?" Chōryō asked.

"You need to tell me everything that's been going on in Luoyang. If you do that, I will rescue Tōtaku and grant her and all of her court members, including you, Ryofu, and Kayuu asylum, and I will offer you all a position in my court."

"Really? You'd do that?" Asked Chōryō in response.

"You have my word as the leader of Zhuo," I answered.

Chōryō looked at me for a moment before she sighed, relenting. "Fine, I'll tell you everything."

"Okay then." I said, then turned to the other general. "Ryofu, are you okay with this?"

Ryofu stared at me for a moment before she spoke, "…I have some conditions…"

"And those are…?"

"Don't destroy my house. I want money."

Aisha looked indignant at her conditions. "You want to be paid like a lowly mercenary? You have some nerve, Ryofu!"

"You got it wrong, Kan'u," interjected Chōryō. "Ryofu–chin needs the money to feed her pets."

"Pets? She has pets?" I asked. What a way to ruin the image of Ryofu Housen.

"Yeah, she has a lot of them. Cats, birds, dogs… You name it. Maybe around fifty or so."

…That's a lot of them.

"Uh–huh…" I said, taking in the information. "Well… since pet food really doesn't cost that much, consider that done."

"Gaim–sama?!" Aisha asked surprised.

"It's okay Aisha, it's not that big of a deal." I assured.

"But–"

"C'mon Aisha, you should know by now that I always keep my promises. And this is no exception."

Aisha sighed in defeat. "Very well, I will defer to your judgment, Gaim–sama."

"Thanks," I replied before turning to Chōryō. "What about you?"

The purple haired warrior waved her hand. "Nah, just give me a couple of good sake and a good battle once in a while, and you got yourself a deal."

"Okay, just as long as you don't drink 15 times and puke all over." I sweat dropped.

"Ehehehe… right," Chōryō giggled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.

So after getting information from the Tōtaku Generals, I called for another war council and all the generals and leaders of each factions, including the Riders are here. "Thanks for coming everyone,"

"No problem." Kousonsan waved off. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about her for some reason. "So, mind telling us what this war council is for?"

"Well…" I began. "Long story short, I got some info out of the Tōtaku Generals."

"And that information is?" Prodded Sousou.

"I have confirmed that there is someone else who called the shots and used Tōtaku as a front from Chōryō, as well as the existence of the other Genesis Riders," I answered. My response was met with grave silence. No doubt this news had caused uneasiness for the other warlords.

"And who are these other Genesis Riders that you identified?" Kousonsan asked, breaking the silence.

I sighed before saying, "The one identified as Duke is named Takuro Saito. He was a teacher at my school. Rather eccentric, callous, and what you would call as… a Mad Scholar. Despite that, he is a certified genius. Marika is identified as Minako Kubo. She also goes to my school, but is a student. She is the only daughter of her parents and the heiress of Kubo Zaibatsu… A large group of merchants under her family's leadership. She is a real life princess back in my world and was aloof and distant. Also has a lot of admirers."

"I see…" Sousou mulled over the information on her mind. "And what about their Armor?"

"Duke is considered as the strongest Genesis Rider, but it's mostly because its previous user was not used to combat and relied over its enhancement. In Saito–sensei's hand, it could get stronger as it gets involved more in battle," I answered.

"And what about Marika?" Sonsaku asked.

"Marika is more on the balanced side. She uses power but her strength is mostly relied on her speed. She's quick and fires off her Sonic Arrow whenever she can find an opportunity of weakness in her enemies."

"Looks like we will be fighting for our lives," commented Sousou, eyebrows furrowed.

"One Genesis Rider is already bad enough, but three of them is bad news," stressed out Koji.

"We only have one Genesis Rider on our side, but clearly it won't be enough, will it?" Inquired Sonken.

"It won't, as much as I hated to admit it," sighed Souji–sempai.

"If I had an extra Energy Lockseed and a Genesis Core, we could change the tide in our favor." I said.

"But sadly, we don't have the extra stuff we need to turn things around," Daigo pointed out.

"So what do we do?" Enshō frowned, crossing her arms.

I crossed my arms, with my head bowed down and eyes closed thinking long and hard before I open my eyes. "To be honest, I don't know. What do you think Shuri?"

"We can't just storm the capital with the Genesis Riders there, obviously. So we need to be discreet about it," said Shuri after thinking about it for a while.

"It will be difficult, but not undoable," nodded Shuuyu in agreement.

"What about sending a unit to infiltrate the Capital ahead before sending the rest of our army units by units?" Proposed Kousonsan.

"That's not a bad idea." I said to Kousonsan. "Luoyang is a pretty big city though. I think a battalion should do the trick."

"That's only 1,000 soldiers." Sonken pointed out.

"I know, but you know the saying, "It's better safe than sorry.""

"That's true," nodded Sonsaku.

"And what will we do when we encounter the Genesis Riders?" Asked Sousou.

"I can handle one of them, preferably Marika or Sigurd. Our Sengoku Riders can win if they team up against the other. Duke though, will be different. I will need some help to defeat him," stated Sempai.

"Alright, then let's set the plan into motion." I nodded.

With that, while the armies were getting ready to prepare heading out to Luoyang, I went to the cell where Chōryō, Ryofu, and Kayuu were being held and I opened up their cell doors. "Alright, you three, we're moving out."

"Eh?" Chōryō asked.

"I said we're moving out." I repeated. "I need all of you helping me in rescuing Tōtaku. And besides, I'm sure she would want to see you three."

Ryofu nodded as she stood up. "…Our weapons?"

"In storage. I already had my men retrieve it for you," I answered.

"Are you really going to provide asylum for us? Including Yue–sama?" Kayuu asked suspiciously.

"I give you my word as the Ruler of Zhuo," I replied firmly.

"Mmmmmmmm…" Kayuu frowned.

"Maa, maa, no need to be all suspicious Miyabi, if he says he'll give us asylum, then he will." Chōryō waved off.

"How can you be so sure of that?" Questioned Kayuu.

"Gaim is trustworthy," answered Ryofu simply.

"What Ryofu–chin said, "Besides, I don't think he'll let us live just to kill us later," added Chōryō.

"You have every right not to believe me, but believe me or not, I'm intending to hold my end of the deal." I said.

Kayuu looked at me for a moment before she exhaled out. "You better keep your word, Kururugi, or else you'll be dead."

"Nice threat attempt," I remarked dryly.

So with that, the three generals of Tōtaku were free and they received their weapons back before our entire marched towards the city of Luoyang. We already sent the battalion ahead to check things out for us while the entire Alliance were getting prepared for invading the city. A few hours of marching, we arrived at the outskirts of the city to await the report of the battalion. However, for some reason, something felt a bit off.

"It's quiet…" I frowned, "A little too quiet…"

"I have a baaaad feeling about this…" Muttered Daigo as he glanced towards the capital.

"Tell me about it. It's too quiet for my liking," Koji frowned.

"If that's the case, then something is wrong…" Souji–sempai agreed.

"What do you mean Zangetsu–dono?" Aisha asked.

"Can't you see it, Aisha? It's too quiet. There's no sound at all. It doesn't make any sense since this the capital we're talking about," I said to her.

"So then…" Aisha said, but before she could say anymore, we saw a soldier running towards me and stopped in front of me to catch his breath.

"I… I have a report!" The soldier panted.

"Speak soldier." I said. "What's going on in Luoyang?"

"The entire city… is deserted!"

THAT surprised everyone present.

"Wait, seriously!?" Asked Koji.

"Yes, there is no one there. There are no civilians in their homes. They are just… gone."

"Something sounds fishy here," Daigo frowned.

"It's a trap," sempai noted and I nodded in agreement.

"No doubt whoever's waiting wanted us to get in the capital to check what happened before setting an ambush on us."

"Then what should we do, Gaim–sama?" Asked Aisha.

I looked at the capital and heaved a long sigh. I didn't like what I was going to do, but I had no other choice, "We'll enter the capital."

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked shocked.

"We don't have a choice. We gotta bite at some point." I tried to reason.

"I don't like it too, but staying here won't do anything," commented Sempai after a while.

"Lose–Lose situation for us, huh?" Mumbled Koji.

"It can't be helped. We might as well bite now." Daigo sighed. "Hope it's not more than what we could chew…"

"Don't worry Aisha. We're not going in this blindly. I promise to be careful and that I won't do anything stupid."

Aisha was silent for a while before saying, "Very well…"

With that, I ordered the army to advance slowly and carefully. Who knows what awaits us there?

Like the soldier had reported, the capital was deathly quiet, like a ghost town. This didn't make any sense. I know there should be at least the feeling that you were being watched by nervous and scared townsfolk, but there was none of it now.

I really didn't like this.

"This is really freaking me out." Daigo said a bit scared as we continued walking.

"You're not the only one." Koji agreed.

"Ryofu, do you know where your house is?" I asked.

"Ren."

"Eh?"

"Call me Ren. True name."

I felt Aisha's stare on the back of my head. Of all things, why now?

"And you can call me Shia!" Chōryō grinned widely.

*POP!*

Yabai!

"I really don't know if I should say it or not…" Kayuu trailed off. Don't tell me she's going to… "Call me Miyabi if you want."

*POP!* *POP!*

…I knew it.

"Gaim–sama~?" Aisha growled threateningly.

"Hehehehehehehehe, aibou you lucky bastard." Koji chuckled.

Stop adding fuel to the fire Koji!

*BONK!*

"Ow!" Koji cringed in pain, after bonked on the head by Souji-sempai.

"Leave him alone…" he frowned. This is why sempai is the voice of reason and the only one that can keep my sanity in check. "If Kurogasa–kun chooses to start his harem, it is within his rights after all."

…You traitor. Don't say that with a sagely nod, dang it!

"…We're here…" Said Ren.

"Eh?" I blinked and we all looked to see that the house Ren lived in was… pretty average. I thought it was gonna be grand since she's a general, but she's pretty well… cheap about it.

"Huh… how quaint." I commented.

*WOOF! WOOF!*

Immediately. Plethora of animals rushed out of the house, barking, meowing, and chirping as they greeted their mistress. Ren smiled and knelt as she returned their greeting with a smile and a lot of pettings.

"Whoa…" Koji and Daigo gaped.

"…That's a lot of animals," noted Souji–sempai in surprise.

But what caught my attention was Ren.

"Sekito… minna… you're all okay…" Ren said relieved as she continued petting them.

"Wow… I've never seen that side of Ren before." I commented. It was as if she wasn't a warrior at all. She looked like an innocent girl this way. Really, I never thought she had it in her.

"Well, at least the animals are safe." Shia said.

"Yeah." I agreed. "Alright, let's scout more of the city and–"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"What was that!?" I asked in alarm.

"Looks like the trap has been sprung," grimaced Sempai.

"Well, shall we greet our hosts then?" Grinned Koji.

"We shall," answered Daigo as he strapped his Driver.

We all nodded as we strapped our Drivers. Everyone also prepared themselves for battle, even Ren who looked as if her switch was flicked.

It's time to battle.

A soldier hurriedly approached before kneeling in front of me. "I have an urgent report, Gaim–sama! Our enemy has ambushed us!"

"Where are they?" I asked.

"Take that road!" the soldier said, pointing to the said road. "It should lead you to where our enemies are, but you have to hurry! We're outnumbered!"

"Right." I nodded. "Make sure to guard this house."

"Yes sir!" The soldier saluted before I looked to Koji and the others. "Let's go guys!"

"Right!" They said before the Riders, Aisha, and I along with the Tōtaku generals went to where the enemy is.

We found our enemies in the middle of attacking our army. And truth to be said, they looked like more cult members than an army. The enemies wore lavender robes with white capes under it. Their hats were white and pointy with with three red eyes stacked on top of each other. Their faces were covered by a lavender mask which was decorated, also with three red eyes stacked on top of each other.

"So that's them, huh?" I asked.

"Looks like it. They look like more of cultists, though," commented Koji.

"Let's just kick their butts already!" Said Daigo impatiently as he unlocked his Lockseed. "Henshin!"

BUDOU!

"Agreed, shall we?" Sempai nodded as we unlocked our Lockseed.

"Henshin!"

MELON!

BANANA!

ORANGE!

We then locked our Lockseeds into place and sliced them open.

LOCK ON!

SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!

COME ON! BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPEAR~!

HAI~! BUDOU ARMS! RYU, HOU, HA–HA–HA!

SOIYA! MELON ARMS! TENKA GOMEN!

The metallic orange, banana, grapes, and melon fell on our shoulders, covering our heads and energy rippled over our bodies, forming the bodysuits before the metallic fruits disassembled to form our armors and reveal our helmets.

After the 'juices' splashed, we were about to battle them until the White Clothes cultists noticed us and knocked out their present enemies cold and unconscious.

"There he is!" the White Clothes leader shouted, pointing at me for some reason.

"Nani?" I gritted, feeling uneasy.

"Comrades! Fear not death! Isolate Kan'u, Baron, Ryugen, and Zangetsu! Kill Kurogasa Kururugi, the root of all evil!"

"What?!" I gasped.

"Kisama! Are you all after Gaim–sama's life?!" Aisha snapped clenching her weapon tight.

"He is the root of all evil! And it is our duty to bring justice to that evil!"

"Gaim–sama is anything but evil! He is a Messenger of Heaven sent to save this continent!" Aisha said firmly.

"Thou art a fool! You have already been entranced by his evil!" The White Clothes leader yelled. "It was because of him that the Forest is starting to swallow this world!"

I froze at that. I was the reason why Helheim Forest started to invade this world!?

"Oi! Who the heck do you people think you are!? Like I'd let you to accuse my buddy like that!" Snapped Baron.

"Koji is right! If you think you can bully Kuro–kun like that, then you have another thing coming at ya!" Added Ryugen as he pulled the hammer of his Budou Ryuhou.

"If there's a root of evil here, then it would be you! You people are sick enough to force an innocent girl to be your pawn!" Said Zangetsu–sempai vehemently.

"Hmph, you are all naive fools!" The White Clothes leader scoffed. "This world has been lost the moment Kururugi entered this world! We, the White Clothes, will ensure that this world's future does not go down the path of darkness!" Then the leader pulled out from his sleeve… a Genesis Driver?! Not only that, he took out an Energy Lockseed with the cover of a brown pinecone and has the code E.L.S. – 05.

"Shoot, that's–" I gritted as the White Clothes leader attached the Genesis Driver to his waist. His followers also did the same as they too have Genesis Drivers and Energy Lockseeds.

"Where did they get that?!" Ryugen demanded.

"Curse your own powerlessness as we bring down the hammer of justice on you all! Henshin!" The White Clothes leader shouted, opening his Lockseed as did the rest of his followers.

MATSUBOKKURI ENERGY!

A shamisen tune played as multiple Cracks opened up from above and brownish-black metallic pinecones descended down from above before the White Clothes' locked in their Lockseeds.

LOCK… ON!

They didn't waste time as the White Clothes' pushed the lever, opening up the Lockseed and a clear liquid filled up the Concentrate Pods.

LIQUID! MATSUBOKKURI ENERGY ARMS! EI WOSHO WASHOI!

Dropping down from the Cracks above their heads were Armor Parts similar to standard Matsubokkuri Arms, but was glowing brightly. They landed on the White Clothes' shoulders' and formed the suit before unfolding. They now looked similar to Kurokage, or outright same sans the Driver, but with different weapons. The Kagematsu is now double bladed with large, three–pronged silver blades on the top ends.

The White Clothes Army became Kamen Rider Kurokage Shin Troopers!

"W–What is this?!" Aisha asked, caught off guard.

"Trouble, that's what…" Baron gritted.

"Now men! Isolate Kururugi! KILL HIM!" The Kurokage Shin leader ordered. And with that, the troopers all charged in.

"Here they come!" Sempai warned as he drew his Musou Saber.

I mirrored his motion after I placed Daidaimaru on my left hand. I didn't even have to charge in as the leader reached me and I blocked his attack. It was strong, but nowhere as strong as Sigurd or Zangetsu Shin–sempai. I kicked him in the chest, forcing him to separate before I slashed my Musou Saber and Daidaimaru. He grunted and I followed with a spinning slash that sent him stumbling.

The Shin Troopers kept on coming in overwhelming numbers and soon the Shin Troopers managed to corral me away from the rest of the Riders, isolating me from their assistance.

"GAIM–SAMA!" Aisha yelled, trying to get over to me, but the overwhelming Shin Troopers blocked her path.

"Aibou/Kuro–kun/Kurogasa–kun! The Riders shouted, doing the same, but again, they were blocked by the Shin Troopers.

With their Kagematsu, they struck at me. While I was capable of handling one Kurokage Shin Trooper, the coordinated group was giving me trouble. I was struck repeatedly as sparks flew from my armor. One Kurokage Shin Trooper lunged for me and I raised my Musou Saber, only to be struck in the side and sent reeling by a kick and went tumbling.

"GAIM–SAMA!" Aisha screamed the name of her lord, but went unheard as the Kurokage Shin Troopers cut him off from the others.

"Dang it! Out of my way already!" Roared Baron as he sliced his Lockseed thrice.

COME ON! BANANA SPARKING!

He stabbed his Banaspear to the ground as multiple banana projections erupted and skewered the Troopers mercilessly.

"We gotta get through!" Ryugen shouted as he shot a few bullets at the Shin Troopers, but didn't do much. "I'm gonna have to bring out a new toy!" He added before deciding to pull out a new Lockseed and open it.

PLUM!

The Crack opened up from above and a metallic purple plum slowly descended down before Ryugen switched Lockseeds and sliced it open, revealing the top part which was the core of the plum, and the bottom revealing a picture of a big shuriken with a plum motif which will be dubbed the Shuriplum.

LOCK ON!

HAI~! PLUM ARMS! SLICE AND THROW! SWISH SWOOSH SLASH!

The Budou Arms disappeared in motes of purple light, before the new Plum Arms descended down onto his shoulders and it disassembled much like Orange Arms, having the shoulder armor folding out, before folding inwards as well as the chest armor. The back part only folded outward and his helmet had a maroon–like color and his helmet had a plum skin like texture. In his hand was the large Shuriplum.

Ryugen twirled his Shuriplum before charging at the Troopers, swinging his Shuriken in frenzy.

Though they are Genesis Riders, the Kurokage Shin Troopers suffered the same flaw as many mooks out there: they were weak. Their strength came from their numbers. That was why Gaim was being overwhelmed since he was alone and there was so many of these mooks.

Not for long, though.

"Oryaaah! Out of my way!" Yelled Ryugen as he threw his Shuriplum at several Troopers. The weapon buzzed as it cut through them before returning to his hand. "Alright, let's finish this off quick!" Ryugen said before slicing his Lockseed thrice.

HAI~! PLUM SPARKING!

The Shuriplum glowed purple and a hologram of it, grew larger in size before he sliced a group of Shin Troopers while a hologram of a plum slice formed before the Shin Troopers were no more.

"I guess I better go new too." Baron said before taking out a new Lockseed, opening it up.

LIME!

The Crack opened and a green metallic lime descended down before Baron switched Lockseeds and sliced the new one open revealing the core of the lime on top and a pair of lime motif battle axes, which will be dubbed the Lime Axes.

LOCK ON!

COME ON! LIME ARMS! WARRIOR OF DOUBLE A~XE!

The Lime Arms landed on Baron's shoulder before disassembling. The sides unfolded and became green shoulder plates with pale green trims. The front part folded in half and formed his chest plate, similar to Zangetsu's Melon Arms, but less jagged with pale green trims, as the back parts also folded and grayed out. The helmet piece attachment was now green with two diagonally cut lime slices stuck on each side. A pair of double axes with lime slice–shaped blades appeared on Baron's hands as his armor generated lime juice and his visor lit up pale green.

"Alright, you jive–turkeys, let's dance!" Baron declared before charging in at the Shin Troopers.

Baron rushed at the Troopers with Lime Axes brandished. He slashed a Trooper before sending another flying toward his comrades. A Trooper tried to stab him, but Baron blocked with his axes before kicking him in the stomach and slashed his chest. Baron spun around and sent a group that tried to surround him kissing the ground.

"Now out of my way!" Growled Baron as he slashed his Lockseed twice.

COME ON! LIME AU LAIT!

His Lime Axes glowed neon green before slashing them wildly in the air, sending multiple holograms of lime slices towards the Shin Troopers, hitting their targets until they were no more.

"Perhaps I should do a new Lockseed too." Zangetsu said before opening up a new Lockseed.

COCONUT!

The Crack opened to reveal a brown metallic coconut descending down before Zangetsu switched Lockseeds and sliced the new one open, revealing the coconut core on top and a coconut motif mace on the bottom which will be dubbed the Cocomace.

LOCK ON!

SOIYA! COCONUT ARMS! BADABING, BADABOOM!

The Coconut Armor Parts landed on Zangetsu's shoulder and disassembled. The sides lowered itself to be Zangetsu's new shoulder armor, brown with black highlights. The front parts unfolded and became a brown chest plate with black highlights. The back parts unfolded and became back armor. His helmet attachment was brown without side decorations and Zangetsu's visor turned white. White 'juice' splashed off from his armor as the Cocomace appeared on his hands.

"Alright, let's see how you deal with this!" Zangetsu declared as he charged at the Troopers.

One Trooper tried to stab him, but Zangetsu knocked it away with the spiked Cocomace and retaliated by swinging at that Trooper's armor, sending him flying. Another tried to get him from behind, but Zangetsu blocked it, and gave him the same fate. Three of them then pushed the levers of their Genesis Drivers once.

MATSUBOKKURI ENERGY SQUASH!

The three Shin Troopers jumped and corkscrewed down as holographic pinecones enveloped them.

"I don't think so!" Zangetsu said as he sliced his Lockseed once.

SOIYA! COCONUT SQUASH!

The Cocomace glowed with white energy as Zangetsu twirled it in one hand. He spun in place before swinging his weapon at the diving Troopers. White energy slammed into the Troopers, causing an explosion that caused them to be blown away. They were knocked out of their transformation as they landed painfully on the ground.

"Man, there's too many!" Baron gritted.

"We gotta get to Kuro somehow!" Ryugen added.

"I know, but we have keep fighting if we're gonna get to him!" Zangetsu said before the fighting continued.

Meanwhile…

COME ON! DONGURI SQUASH!

"TAAAAAAAKE THIIIIIIIIIIS!" Gridon yelled as she spun wildly with her Donkachi held out, surrounded with an acorn like aura. She easily smashed through the ranks of Kurokage Shin Troopers for a minute before she stopped. "Uuuaaaahhh… Everything's spinning…" She slurred as she stumbled around like a drunk.

"Toshi–san! Focus!" Enshō snapped.

"I caaaaaaaaaan't… tooooo diiiiiiiizzyyyyyyy…" Gridon slurred.

"Then why spin in the first place?" Bunshuu sweat dropped.

"Forget about that! Just defeat these rude men!" Enshō ordered. "Show them the might of En Clan!"

"Hai, Reiha–sama!" Said Bunshuu as Gridon still tried to balance herself.

"Uuuhhh… I'll do my best…"

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!" Kakouton yelled, killing her enemies mercilessly with her sword.

"This is starting to get annoying…" Sousou frowned, slashing a Shin Trooper with her scythe.

"Agreed. I can see why Kururugi–dono had a hard time facing a Genesis Rider." Kakouen agreed as she fired an arrow at another.

"And speaking of that…" Sousou smirked. "Are you truly interested in Kururugi?"

Kakouen blinked in surprise as her sister growled angrily at the mention of Kurogasa. "Why makes you say that, Karin–sama?" Inquired the younger twin.

"You spend a lot of time with Kururugi and even going as far as giving him massages," observed Karin.

Kakouen pondered her reply for a moment. "Well, I would be lying if I say no."

"WHAT!?" Kakouton gaped.

"And why is that?" Sousou pressed as she struck down another Trooper.

"Well, his responsibilities as Supreme Commander has taken its toll on him, so I thought of helping him out relieve his stress." Kakouen answered honestly.

"I see…" Sousou pondered. She then asked slyly, "Are you sure it's not something more?"

Kakouen paused again before she sighed. "Let us deal with these imposters first before I explain more."

"Very well," Sousou conceded while Kakouton still looked furious.

'Damn you, Kururugi! First Karin–sama and now Shuuran!? You damn perverted lecher!'

"Hah!" Kannei shouted, slashing a Trooper with her sword.

"Grr, this feels like it's never ending." Sonken gritted, trying to stay steady.

"Indeed they are numerous, but they are nowhere as good as Zangetsu–kun or Gaim–kun. Perhaps they are relying on their belts too much?" Pondered Sonsaku.

"Perhaps," answered Sonken as she dodged a stab and struck the Trooper on his chest and kicked him away. "I'm worried about Kurogasa…"

Sonsaku's grin was like a cat who got a canary. "Ara, you call him by his first name already?" Sonken blushed as she realized her slip up. Her sister giggled as she let her imagination ran wild. "I wonder how my future nephew or niece will look like… Should I pick some names already?"

"ONEE–SAN!" Shrieked Sonken as she now sported a full body blush.

"Oh Renfa, you know I'm only joking with you." Sonsaku giggled.

"Sometimes I can't tell whether you are joking or not…" Sonken deadpanned with a sweat drop.

Sonsaku chuckled as she waved her hand. "Maa, maa, let's take care of them before we help Gaim–kun. I can't let my future brother–in–law gets into too much trouble now."

"ONEE–SAN!"

"Sheren–sama, can you please stay focused?" Shuuyu sighed as she had her horse trample on one of the Troopers.

"She's right. Please concentrate." Rikuson pleaded as she was sitting behind Shuuyu.

"Mou, you need to learn to loosen up everyone." Sonsaku sighed.

"Oraoraoraoraoraoraoraoraoraoraoraora!" Rinrin yelled swinging her Viper Spear wildly, sending the Shin Troopers flying.

"Man, these guys won't quit!" Bachou gritted as she swung her spear.

"Hawawa, we got to get to Gaim–sama!" Shuri panicked.

"That's kinda difficult there kid!" Shia said, stabbing a Trooper with her Flying Dragon Crescent Blade.

"Troublesome…" Ren said softly, stabbing another with her Heaven's Piercer.

Aisha growled as she sent another Trooper flying. The enemy caught them off guard and now her lord was paying the price. The thought of her lord's life in danger fueled Aisha's resolve to get rid of these foolish cultists. They were the real evil who caused so much trouble for everyone!

"Get out of my way!" Aisha roared as she sent another group of Troopers flying.

"Calm yourself Kan'u." Miyabi said.

"But–"

"We'll get to him, but you won't do Gaim any good if you keep attacking like that recklessly."

Aisha gritted her teeth before she sighed. "…I'm worried about Gaim–sama."

"…Gaim is strong," said Ren as she struck down several Troopers. "…He won't lose to them."

"What Ryofu–chin said; Gaim is too strong for these losers," added Shia with a grin.

"He'll pull through, we just gotta believe in him!" Kousonsan said.

Aisha was silent for a while before saying, "You're all right. Gaim–sama is strong. We'll get to him soon." But in her mind, she thought with worry, 'Gaim–sama… please hold on. Don't die on me…'

A Kurokage Trooper tried to stab me, but I reacted fast and used the technique Aisha taught me and disarmed him of his Kagematsu Shin. I then used his weapon as mine and struck him before swiping my weapon in a broad arc striking another group of Troopers who tried to surround me.

I looked around to see many Troopers surround me. I growled to myself as I clenched my fingers around my stolen weapon. At this rate, I will be overwhelmed in no time!

"Die Kururugi!" One of the Shin Troopers yelled.

"Taste the bitterness of defeat!" Another shouted.

"Know your own powerlessness and watch yourself fall before the hands of justice!" A third added.

"Crap… what do, I do?! WHAT DO I DO?!" I gritted.

Then all of a sudden, time seemed to stop and freeze around me. "Huh?"

"You look like you're in trouble, kid," spoke a man's voice and I turned towards the source with apprehension. Who I saw was a man I knew all too well. To start off, he was a Japanese man in his 40's. He wore a huge red turban on his head with a big black and white scarf covering his mouth and to finish off he wore a white tannish robe and brown sandals.

"Masaka… Sagara…?" I recognized, but then gritted behind my mask while clenching my fist. For I knew who or to be more precise, what Sagara really is.

"Oh, so you know my name." said Sagara as he approached me.

"What are you doing here?" I retorted.

"I'm here to offer you help." Sagara said as he looked around. "It looks kinda bleak for ya doesn't it?"

"Yeah," I admitted. "But knowing you, there's always a catch in exchange for that help. So why even bother offering? I know who… or rather what you really are, so don't play dumb with me."

"So you know…" Mused Sagara bemusedly. "But it doesn't really matter, does it? What can you do right now with your current power? Didn't you make a promise to those girls?"

I gritted my teeth. As much as I hated it, Sagara was right. The situation looks really bleak right now. I was surrounded and isolated from the others. I have no choice but to accept Sagara's help. Hopefully I won't regret it in the future. "Alright, I'll bite," I answered. "But know that I'll come for you sooner or later once you try to invade this world."

"I'd like to see you try," Sagara replied, apparently amused. He then reached to his pocket and pulled out two objects.

"T–That's…!" I gasped in surprise. The objects in question were a Genesis Core and an Energy Lockseed which was pale blue with the cover of a yellow metallic lemon with the code E.L.S. – 01; aka: The Lemon Energy Lockseed.

"I hope you provide better entertainment than Kazuraba," he said as Sagara handed me the Genesis Core and Energy Lockseed. "Though, you did prove yourself as much better entertainment so far." With that, Sagara turned and walked away, waving his hand in parting gesture as he disappeared. "I'll be watching you, Kururugi. Make it look showy!"

Everything seemed to return to normal as I gazed at the Genesis Core and Lemon Energy Lockseed in my hands.

"Make it look showy, huh?" I muttered. I really don't like to depend on Sagara and his gifts, but I couldn't deny that if I don't use them I will be in trouble. "Alright, he wants me to make it showy, I'll make it look showy!" I declared as I snapped off the Rider Indicator and replaced it with the Genesis Core. I then proceeded to open the Lemon Energy Lockseed.

LEMON ENERGY!

BGM Theme: Toki no Hana by Kamen Rider GIRLS

A techno tune played as a circular Crack zipped open above me and a yellow metallic lemon descended down. The Orange Arms went back to its metallic orange form and rose from my shoulders as I placed the Lockseed into my Sengoku Driver and locked it in before pushing down the Cutting Blade, revealing the cores of the orange and lemon.

LOCK ON!

SOIYA! MIX! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!

The two Arms seemed to collide with each other before glowing in a sphere and it re-emerged as a black oblong sphere marked with silver accents. It came back down onto my shoulders before beginning to open. The sides and front folded together to make shoulder plates and a chest plate while the sides around the chest plate would likewise fold out, giving the image of wearing a jinbaori coat like the samurai of old would do. It was colored yellow and patterned with lemon slices, marked on the left side with my personal insignia, that being a short katana within a circle. The visor remained orange. The helmet attachment, however, while the same was now black like the Jimber Arms and had silver accents. Splashes of mixed colors appeared in my hand before forming into the red futuristic Sonic Arrow.

JIMBER LEMON! HAW–HAW!

Such power! I could feel the power of Jimber Lemon Arms coursing through my body and it feels amazing! I clenched my fist to contain my excitement. Now I'm ready to take them on. The Troopers looked at me apprehensively. Looks like the upgrade made them wary.

"It doesn't matter if he changes his armor. Kururugi has no chance to defeat us all!" Yelled a Trooper.

"Is that so?" I challenged as I readied the Sonic Arrow. "Koko kara, wa ore no sutteji da!"

"Attack!" Ordered the Trooper.

"Heh," I scoffed as a line of Troopers charged at me, only for me to pull back the bow of my Sonic Arrow and firing off an energy arrow, piercing through the entire row. I was amazed. Was the enhancement that strong? Nevertheless, it's time to kick some butt!

A Trooper attempted to skewer me, but I parried the attack and struck with the bladed bow of the Sonic Arrow, sending him sprawling. Another two followed, but I reacted faster and the Sonic Arrow bit into their unprotected abdomen, taking them out of the fight. Some others tried to join, but I pulled the shaft of my weapon and let loose a barrage of energy arrows that struck into their target. Huh, I never knew I was that good with bow and arrows.

"Let's see what happens when I do this!" I said before slicing my Lockseed once.

SOIYA! ORANGE/JIMBER LEMON SQUASH!

The blade edges of my Sonic Arrow glowed with yellow and orange energy as I spun in place slicing the Shin Troopers while letting out a wave of holographic orange and lemon slices. "Aw yeah, this is awesome!" I cheered.

"I–Impossible! H–How come he became this strong!?" Stuttered a Trooper.

"Do you want to know?" I asked rhetorically as I removed the Lemon Energy Lockseed from my Driver.

LOCK OFF

"It's because I fight for justice! I fight for those who cannot protect themselves from people like you! You are the real source of evil by manipulating an innocent girl and destroyed her reputation just to further your agenda!"

I then locked the Lemon Energy Lockseed to the Sonic Arrow and sliced my Orange Lockseed twice.

LOCK… ON!

SOIYA! ORANGE AU LAIT!

I pulled the shaft of my weapon at the fullest as a row of orange and lemon slices appeared between me and the Troopers.

"Saa, omae no tsumi o kazoero!" I yelled before I released the shaft and the energy arrow flew through the slices, enlarging its size and covered it with flaming orange and yellow auras.

LEMON ENERGY!

The Troopers tried to dodge, but it was too late. The bolt struck through them and many others behind them. I lowered the Sonic Arrow as I exhaled a breath. It's official. I love Jimber Arms. I couldn't wait to get Kachidoki Arms!

"Grrrrrrrrrr…" The Shin Trooper leader growled before closing his Lockseed and went to civilian form. "We'll be back… you can count on it." He said before he suddenly teleported away, surprising me a bit. The few remaining Shin Troopers alive did the same: going back to civilian form then suddenly teleporting away.

End BGM

"That's a nifty trick they got," I commented.

"GAIM–SAMA!"

I turned to see Aisha calling out for me, together with the others.

"Minna! Are you alright?"

"We should be asking you tha– whoa!" Ryugen gawked.

"You're in Jimber Lemon form!" Baron added.

"What?!" Aisha gasped, looking at me. "I've never seen this form before!"

"Of course you haven't." I grinned under my mask.

"It looks SOOOOO cool!" Gushed Rinrin, eyes sparkling in delight.

"So this is Gaim–sama's equivalent to the Genesis Riders…" Commented Shuri in awe.

"Whoa… It looks awesome…" said Bachou.

"You never cease to be amazing, eh Gaim?" Chuckled Kousonsan.

"Ara… look at you. I guess I was right in picking you to be Renfa's husband. You certainly look dashing with that armor."

"Onee–san!" Sonken blushed.

"How intriguing." Shuuyu commented.

"It's so shiny." Rikuson added.

"Hmph, not bad." Kannei said.

"Hmmmmmm… interesting." Sousou smirked. "All the more reason that I should claim you."

"Karin–sama!" Kakouton and Jun'iku gawked.

"Calm down you two…" Kakouen sighed.

"Mou~ how come he has to be all flashy?!" Enshō complained.

"Hehhhhhhhhhhh…" Bunshuu and Toshi sighed with a sweat drop.

"You're just full of surprises Kururugi." Miyabi said.

"Nice armor!" Shia grinned widely. "Makes me wanna fight you now!"

"…Shiny." Ren commented.

I then closed my Lockseeds, returning to my civilian identity with my friends following the example.

"So, how did you get the Lemon Energy Lockseed and Genesis Core, Kurogasa–kun?" Asked Sempai.

"Believe it or not, I get it from Sagara," I answered, sighing.

…

…

…

…

"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?! SAGARA?!" Koji, Daigo, and Souji–sempai asked shocked.

"Sagara?" Sonsaku asked confused.

"Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man!" Daigo rambled on tugging on his hair while panicking.

"What's going on?" Sousou frowned.

"Who is this Sagara?" Aisha asked.

"More like what is Sagara?" I sighed. "To be blunt…" I said hesitantly before saying, "…Sagara is Helheim Forest itself."

"Wait, are you saying that Helheim Forest, the same place where you get your Lockseeds, is actually alive!?" Asked a surprised Sonken.

"Yes, I am. I guess he's going to bring in that cycle again," I frowned.

"Like heck we'll let him!" Said Koji, punching his open palm.

"What cycle are you talking about?" Asked Sousou.

"The destruction and rebirth of the world… with Helheim Forest as its conduit." I frowned.

Everyone's eyes widened at that.

"Could you explain that to us, Kurogasa–kun?" Inquired Sonsaku.

"Like I said, Helheim Forest is sentient and often appear in various myths of other worlds. What drives it to interact with them is it promoting evolution," I then paused as a scowl formed in my face. "Or so he says."

"This Sagara person," Aisha said.

"Yeah, but you can't make heads or tails with this guy." Daigo said.

"Why is that?" Sonsaku asked.

"Well for one, he's on neither side. Not good or evil." I explained. "And whenever he helps you, there's always a catch to it in exchange for that help. And whenever one is side is winning unfairly, he always find a way to even the playing field."

Sousou's face scrunched in concentration as she trying to make sense of Sagara's role. "So… he is like a referee who actually interferes in the game to even things."

"More or less, yeah. That'd be a good analogy," nodded Daigo.

"But then again, you never know what he's gonna do next, so we better watch ourselves." Koji said.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to find Tōtaku and get this over with. The sooner the better." I suggested.

Just then, a soldier quickly approached and knelt before me. "Gaim–sama, I have a report! My group has spotted a carriage with a man and two girls inside."

I rose my eyebrow at that. "Who are they?"

"My apologies. I don't know who they are, but the girls insisted to meet you."

"Ho~? Two girls want to join the harem?" Daigo chuckled.

*BONK!*

"OW!" Daigo cried out in pain after I bonked him on the head.

"Will you stop that?! I told you I'm not having harem!" I snapped.

"Anyway," Sempai cleared his throat. "We should take a look at them. Who knows they are the people we're looking for."

"Agreed," I then turned to the soldier. "Please lead the way."

"Yes! Please follow me!"

The Riders minus Gridon, Aisha, the Tōtaku Generals, and I followed the soldier until we came upon the carriage. The man in question had red short hair with green eyes, wearing a white sleeveless coat over his black sleeveless shirt, fur collar, brown pants and shoes.

One girl had long green hair, tied into twin braids that went a little past her waist with red ribbons tied near the end and amber eyes which sat behind a pair of pink–rimmed glasses. Her stature was petite and she was wearing a tan tunic with black trims on the end of the sleeves and black miniskirt. She was also wearing a black pantyhose and silver–trimmed high boots with silver heels. To complement her appearance further, she was wearing a black hat and black shoulder cape which had long extensions that reached past her knees with silver trims. A pair of black fingerless gloves covered her hands and a red ribbon acted as a strap for her shoulder cape.

The other had short light blue hair and purple eyes. She was wearing an elaborate and expensive looking robe which consisted of blue robes with white fur linings and black under robes with hanging sleeves and a red long skirt that swept the floor. She was also wearing a squared black headdress with a transparent veil that partially covered her face. Like the other girl, her stature was also petite and had a radiated aura of innocence, although it dimmed with how depressed and resigned she was.

"Yue–sama!" Miyabi, Ren, and Shia called out, running over to… the light blue haired girl? Wait a minute, they call Tōtaku, Yue, meaning…

"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?! THAT'S TOTAKU?!" The Riders and I asked shocked.

"Yue–sama hardly makes any appearance in public thanks to the White Clothes, so it's not surprising if you don't know how she looks," commented Shia with a slight grin.

"B–B–But…! The history…!" Koji babbled weakly.

"Tōtaku is a loli too!?" Gawked Daigo.

"Might as well throw all we know about the Three Kingdoms out the window," I deadpanned after some moments.

"…That I can agree with," Souji–sempai muttered.

"Minna, are you all okay?" Tōtaku asked kindly.

"Nothing to worry about!" Shia grinned widely. "You should thank Gaim for driving out those White Clothes!"

Tōtaku turned to and approached my position. She then bowed to me as she spoke, "Thank you for taking care of my precious friends."

"Nah, I'm just doing the right thing," I replied.

"Hey, how dare you address Yue–sama that way!" the green haired girl scolded.

"Kaku–dono, there's no need to be like that." the red haired man said.

"But Kada–dono, he's–" the green haired girl known as Kaku began, but I interrupted her.

"Wait, Kada? As in Kada Genka?" I blinked surprised. According to history, he was a physician of legendary status.

"At least someone's gender was right," I heard Sempai muttered.

"You're Kada Genka, as in Kada Genka the legendary physician?" I inquired.

"That is correct, although I don't know if I could be considered legendary. I am Kada Genka of THE WAY OF FIVE GRAINS!" I jumped a little as Kada–sensei shouted at the last part. What the heck was that?

"Hey, what's with the shouting?" Daigo protested.

"Ah, I apologize, I must insist that saying THE WAY OF FIVE GRAINS must be said that way."

"Why?" I asked.

"It has to be called out in the loudest and most dramatic fashion every time. It must be given appropriate emphasis."

…Forget I'm asking. The answer was too ambiguous and stupid. Judging from the looks my friends got, they too were dumbfounded by this. I heard Aisha cleared her throat and asked, "What are you doing here, Kada–dono?"

"Oh, I just happened to pass by the city when these White Clothes suddenly appeared out of nowhere." Kada–sensei answered.

"Do you know what happened to the people?" Souji–sempai asked.

Kada frowned, "From what I have gathered so far, most of the civilians are under enchanted sleep. I have broken the spell and told them to not leave their houses."

"You said most, what happened to the rest?" Inquired Koji.

"They…" Kada–sensei began, but went hesitant.

"What? What is it?" I prompted.

"They… they were taken to some kind of forest from some other world." Kada–sensei said. "I couldn't see clearly but… the leader of the White Clothes was talking to something… humanoid. They were agreeing to some kind of deal that the rest of the people were… payment. They were to be sacrificed…"

"SACRIFICED?!" We all asked shocked.

Tōtaku gasped as her hands covered her mouth. Her body trembled as she muttered weakly. "N–No…"

"Yue! Please hang on!" Pleaded Kaku.

"How could they do that!?" I snapped angrily.

"What's the point in doing that anyway?!" Koji growled.

"What else? It's in exchange for the Inves and Lockseeds the White Clothes were provided." Souji–sempai growled.

"And this humanoid… the only thing I could think of is–" Daigo stopped at mid–sentence before he had realization on his face. Oh no… nonononononononono! This is bad! This is bad! This is bad!"

"What's wrong, Daigo?" Asked Sempai.

"Bad News, guys! Bad News in capitals!" He frantically shouted.

"What is it? Tell us already!" Koji demanded impatiently.

"Overlords."

Koji, Souji–sempai, and I looked at Daigo in shock. I completely forgot about them. Every Kaijin of a Kamen Rider series has its leaders and for the Inves, the Overlords were the ones in charge.

"Crap…" I groaned with the facepalm. "How could I forget them?"

"Gaim–sama, who are these Overlords?" Aisha asked.

"The Overlords are survivors of the last civilization inside Helheim Forest. They are known as the rulers of the forest since they have obtained godly power that Helheim had bestowed them. One amongst it, has the power to control the forest itself," I answered.

"What?" Aisha gasped.

"Hawawa, t–this Helheim Forest i–is even more dangerous than I thought." Shuri stuttered.

"You don't know the half of it." Koji frowned.

"But all that aside," I said, wanting to change the subject. "Whoever did this, will be brought to justice and we'll make sure this doesn't happen again. And Tōtaku, I would like to offer you, your court, and your generals, asylum and positions in my court. Meaning that Luoyang will now be under my protection."

Tōtaku looked surprised at my offer. "B–But… I caused so many deaths…" She uttered weakly.

"It's not your fault. Those White Clothes are at fault," I insisted.

"Manipulating innocents like that is unforgivable. They may have escaped justice this time, but they won't be so lucky next time around," Aisha vowed vehemently.

"B–But…" Tōtaku sniffed as tears formed on her eyes. "I don't deserve to live after everything!"

I sighed and put my hands on Tōtaku's shoulders. She looked even smaller and more fragile than she should be.

"Look, I know you feel guilty for everything, but again, this isn't your fault. If you choose to die, then it won't cleanse your sins away. If you really want to repent, then live on. Live to count up your sins and repent."

"…" Tōtaku was silent, looking at me for a while before looking down saying, "Okay…"

"Thank you." I smiled before turning to Kaku and Kada. "Do you two have any objections to this?"

"As long as Yue is happy, I have no objection," sighed Kaku before she glared at me. "But I'll be watching you, Kururugi! Don't think you can take advantage of Yue!"

Geez, overprotective much?

"It will be honor to join you, Gaim–dono," smiled Kada as he bowed.

"Great. I'm looking forward to working together with you." I bowed back.

"Awesome! You got the entire Tōtaku faction to add to your harem!" Daigo said randomly.

*BONK!*

"ITEEEEEEEEE!" Daigo cried out in pain after I bonked him on the head.

"What part of "I'm not having a harem" don't you understand?!" I snapped.

"WHAAAAAAAAAT?!" Kaku exploded, freaking me out. "Y–You–! You're trying to–!"

"NO! I would never!" I stammered blushing heavily. Daigo you idiot! Why did you have to say that of all times?!

"…I–It's, okay Ei–chan. I don't mind…" Said Tōtaku, much to my shock. She then looked at me shyly as she said, "…P–Please call me Yue, Gaim–sama."

Killing intent rising! This is bad! Bad! Bad, bad, bad!

"Gaim–sama…" Growled Aisha lowly.

"I didn't plan this! I swear!" I frantically pleaded.

"Man, I really don't envy you now, buddy!" Traitor! How could you do this to me, Koji!?

"Enough guys." Souji–sempai said. "If he wants a harem, then he will have one."

NOT YOU TOO SEMPAI!

"Heh, heh, don't worry buddy, you'll come to accept it sooner or later." Daigo grinned stupidly.

I slumped my shoulders and hung my head low, looking miserable. "You're all a bunch of jerks…"

"No, we're not." Daigo smiled still. "We're just trying to help you."

"No you're not. And yeah, you are being a jerk. Whenever it comes to me trying to woo a girl, you always tease me. It's always been like that… ever since…" I trailed off dejectedly.

"Kurogasa–kun… you…" Sempai noticed.

"Just leave me alone…" I said sadly, before walking away.

"…I think we went too far," said Sempai.

"Gee, you think?" said Shia sarcastically.

*BONK!*

"OW!" Daigo cried out in after sempai bonked him on the head. "What was that for?!"

"For being the idiot you are…" Souji–sempai frowned at his brother.

"What!? I'm just–"

"Daigo, there's a difference between joking and being serious. You may think the harem thing is a joke, but it's not to him. You know how he is, yet you keep pushing his buttons and sooner or later, you might make him do something stupid."

Daigo pondered for a moment before he sighed. "Man, I messed up big time, huh?"

"You need to read the mood better, pal," said Koji before he slumped. "Not that I have any right to say that."

"A–Anyway. We need to catch up with Gaim–sama fast. Who knows the enemy maybe still lurking around," urged Shuri.

"I'll do it," Aisha volunteered. And with that, she went to follow me.

"Is Kururugi–sama alright?" Bachou asked a bit worried.

"He'll be fine." Souji–sempai assured. "He's just trying to mend an old wound."

Night fell in Luoyang and thankfully there were no more White Clothes in the area. Tonight, the Anti–Tōtaku Alliance were celebrating in the main dining hall of the castle with the soldiers and citizens celebrating in the city, but not me. I was in a bedroom I decided to stay for the night and I was sitting against the wall on the floor, hugging my knees as I stewed in depression. I just hate it when the guys tease me like that. Sure, they don't mean harm, but today Daigo took it too far, causing me to be in this state.

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

"Gaim–sama, are you in there?" Aisha's voice asked, but I didn't bother to answer.

Slowly, the door opened and Aisha came in and approached, looking at me worriedly. "Gaim–sama, what are you doing here? Everyone is celebrating in the main dining hall."

"Sorry…" I smiled sadly, looking at her. "I just… needed some alone time."

"Was it because of what Ryugen–sama said?" She asked and I sighed.

"…Yeah. I'm usually very shy around girls. But ever since I met you at the plains a while back, I think I got over it."

"You did?" Aisha asked.

"Maybe…" I said. Things were silent for a moment before I said, "You remember the story about what happened to Mikoto right?" I asked and Aisha nodded. "Well… that night… I wanted to tell her my feelings since we've been childhood friends for a long time, but as you heard she…"

"I see…" Aisha nodded sadly.

"Ever since she left, my confidence in wooing girls dropped very low. I can't even ask somebody out on a date. Heck, at one time I felt like I'm unattractive and undesirable because of what I happened. And that's why I fumble whenever I try talking to a girl. I'm afraid that I tried to love someone, something bad will happen and I don't want that. Maybe… maybe I was never meant to be with someone…"

Aisha looked at me for a while and what happened next was that Aisha sat next to me, and she pulled me, in close letting me rest my head on her chest, surprising me with a slight blush. "A–Aisha…?"

"Don't let your past regret chain you down, Kurogasa–sama," said Aisha. "You are a special person and never doubt that. And don't think for a moment that you will be alone forever. I'm right here for you, and so are Rinrin, Shuri, Ren, and the others."

"Y–You mean that?" I stuttered, as my eyes were starting to water.

"Yes, I am," smiled Aisha.

"Thank you. You don't know how much it means to me," I replied earnestly.

"You're welcome… Kurogasa–sama." Aisha said.

We stayed like this in comfortable silence as Aisha gently combed my hair and I have to admit… it feels nice. Say what you want about her, but Aisha can be a real sweetheart underneath the warrior persona. This is what I definitely needed though. I feel… more confident with her around.

After a few moments, Aisha and I both stood up. "You feel better?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm better now." I nodded.

"That's good to hear." Aisha smiled. "Now come, the others are waiting for us." She was about to turn and leave when I stopped her and she turned to face me.

"Wait…" I said.

"What is it?" Aisha asked.

I was a bit nervous as I blushed, but after a moment I came up to her and made the daring move of–

*Chu*

…kissing Aisha on the cheek.

"K–K–Kurogasa–sama…?" Stammered Aisha in surprise as her face flushed red.

I didn't answer her as I pulled her by her hand. "Come on! Let's join the others. We can't miss the party!"

"H–Hold on a moment!" Aisha stuttered, as I kept pulling her hand laughing along the way. Thanks to her, my confidence is starting to come back. And who knows? Maybe I can try loving someone again. As a friend once told me: Forget about the past, live in the present, and build for a better future. And that's what I'm gonna do.

And there you have it! Another chapter of Kamen Rider Gaim: Romance of the Three Kingdoms! And boy, is the pot being stirred. The White Clothes are a Kurokage Shin army, going after Kurogasa, plus we get to add the Tōtaku faction to Kurogasa's faction, we got some fluff at the end, AND we get to see SAGARA! He's invaded the Koihime Musou world, picking this world to be next one tested on who's worthy to receive the Forbidden Fruit! How will he play in all this? Well, you'll have to stay tuned to find out! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Next time, we're gonna mellow down with some Home Base Phase chapters! See ya later!