Heya guys! What's up?! Fen and Raptor here for another chapter of Kamen Rider Gaim: Romance of the Three Kingdoms! Today, we're doing something different! We're gonna see what's happening with the other Riders in their respective factions! So today, we're starting with Sou Gi! Let's go!
Disclaimer: Same thing.
Dang, I don't feel so groovy lately. Maybe it's because of Sousou's decision to attack the Ba Clan territory. I know she's ambitious, but attacking a neutral territory like that without warning… it left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Not groovy…
"Boss? Is something wrong?" I heard someone call for me.
I turned to see one of my lieutenants who was a woman who wore a sleeveless purple blouse with an upturned collar and shorts. She had silver hair which at first seemed spiked and short, but falling down her back at a meticulous braid. She had slightly tanned skin, but she was covered in scars from either battle or some other hazardous profession. Her name is Gakushin.
"O–Oh, heya, Gakushin." I said sheepishly. "What's shakin'?"
"You're spacing out again, boss," Gakushin pointed out and I sighed.
"Just have a lot on my mind lately."
Gakushin nodded, "I know you are. But we are only following Karin–sama's orders."
"Still feels wrong for me, though," I replied.
"Let's finish patrol first, Baron–sama," said Gakushin. Sheesh, this girl needs a chill pill or two…
So with that, I went over to my room and changed into my new uniform that I got customized over at the tailor shop. I had on a white button up shirt and red pants with a red overcoat that had yellow accents. My title Baron written on the back plus the Baron symbol was on the left side of the coat. And I had on black pants and shoes. With a nod, I went out the room.
Sousou assigned three girls under my command and Gakushin is one of them. Supposedly it's to keep my spirits up, but… I wonder if my choice to follow Sousou was right…
(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 13: A Sour Lemon Day in Sou Gi
It took us a while to finish our patrol routine. Gakushin and I returned to our rendezvous point, but there were no Riten and Ukin yet. "Huh? Where are those two?" I asked as I looked around noticing that my other two lieutenants hadn't arrived yet.
"That's weird, those two are always on time to return," frowned Gakushin.
"Maybe something happened to them," I replied. "Should we check on them?"
"We should." Gakushin nodded.
"Alright." I said as we continued to walk. While we were walking, I went down memory lane as I remembered how I first met the trio.
Flashback
It was when Sousou and I along with her entourage and soldiers had just come back to the capital of Sou Gi from our campaign with Kurogasa and the Anti–Tōtaku Alliance that I met them. The journey back was without incident, well maybe except for Kakouton who kept grumbling to herself about Kurogasa trying to get close to Sousou and Kakouen, which I don't think will be happening any time soon with Karin. As for Kakouen, that may be another story.
"That Kurogasa… he's gonna get it from me…" Kakouton grumbled.
"What's up with her?" I whispered to Kakouen. "She's been like this ever since we left Luoyang."
"I know. She still thinks Kururugi–dono is getting close to Karin–sama." Kakouen sighed slightly weary. "And she thinks he's getting close to me too."
"THAT MAN DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE NEAR YOU OR KARIN–SAMA!" Kakouton yelled.
"Yeesh… take a chill pill…" I winced, cleaning my ear with my pinky.
"He is not bad for a man and I admit he is strong, though a little soft on the side," Karin admitted with a smile.
"KARIN–SAMA! YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY BE INTERESTED IN KUROGASA!" Pleaded Kakouton and Jun'iku.
"Why not?" Karin asked back.
"And besides, what is it about Kurogasa that you hate so much?" I retorted.
"EVERYTHING!" Kakouton and Jun'iku cried out.
"Oh yeah, that explains a lot…" I deadpanned.
"Speaking of Kurogasa…" Karin smirked before looking at Kakouen. "Shuuran, you still need to tell me about your interest in him. You haven't fully explained yourself back in Luoyang."
"…Do I have to?" Asked Kakouen.
"Oh yes, this is an order from your Empress," answered Sousou with a smirk.
"Isn't that authoritative abuse?" I pointed out with a sweat drop.
"Urusai." Sousou said, giving me the stink eye.
Hehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…
It wasn't until later in the day that we returned to the capital of Sou Gi where the citizens greeted us with open arms while the soldiers and Sousou's entourage marched into the city gates. By the time we arrived at the palace, there was someone already there waiting for us.
"Ah! Baron–niichan! You're back!"
The one who had called me was a young girl, around Chouhi's age with pink hair that she pulled into high twin tails and has amber eyes. Her skin was naturally tanned. She wore a pink short sleeveless shirt which bared her midriff and pink short shorts. She also wore blue detached sleeves with a blue shoulder guard that connected to a blue back mail armor. A light blue duster cloak hung on her hips and she wore brown shoes.
Her name was Kyocho Chuukou, my sorta imouto figure here like how Chouhi was to my buddy. Not only that, she's a huge eater. I mean whatever she eats, she'll wolf down without any problems. I mean her stomach is like a black hole.
"Heya Kyocho–chan," I greeted. "You behaved yourself while we were gone?"
"Yup! I've been very good!" Kyocho grinned. She then pouted childishly. "I'm still upset you didn't take me with you to the Anti–Tōtaku alliance."
"Hey, it's not my call. It was Sousou-sama who decided that you were staying behind, remember?"
"But…!"
"How about I treat you to lunch tomorrow to make it up to you? You can eat anything you want," I offered. I already could hear my wallet wailing.
Immediately, her expression changed. "Really? Can I?"
"Yes you can."
"YATTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Kyocho cheered. While I put on a smiling face outward, I wailed inside. Goodbye, good chunk of my cash…
"Baron," Sousou called. "Come with me. There are some people I want you to meet."
"Sure." I then turned to Kyocho and waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow, Kii."
"See you Onii–chan!"
"Later." I waved before following Sousou. I wonder what she's up to this time.
I kept following Sousou until we were at throne room. At the footsteps were three women. One of them which was Gakushin, whom I've introduced earlier.
The second had orange hair, tied up in a braided ponytail on the side, wearing a vest with a white tube top, detached sleeves and a dark skirt, wielding a pair of swords and glasses. She also wore baggy white socks and black shoes. And the third was a voluptuous young woman with purple hair in pigtails, wearing a tiger–stripe bikini top with denim shorts and brown chaps. Over her arms she wore flowing purple sleeves. She also had leather belts crisscrossing over her waist.
This was Ukin and Riten respectively.
"Who are they?" I asked as Sousou and I approached them.
"Your new lieutenants." Sousou answered.
"…Scuse me?" I blinked confused.
"You have done a great service to me, Baron, so I am promoting you as one of my senior officers. These three…" Sousou gestured to the three girls. "…are now your lieutenants. Introduce yourselves, you three."
The one with silver hair stepped forward and bowed, "Greetings, Baron–sama. My name is Gakushin Bunken."
The one with purple hair then waved at me with a grin. "Heya, my name is Riten Mansei."
Lastly, the glasses wearing girl also waved at me cheerfully. "Hello, Baron–sama! My name is Ukin Bunsoku. Nice to meet you!"
"Uh… heya." I waved. "Nice to meet ya."
"Also, since these are your lieutenants," Sousou began. "These girls are also a part of your own… "entourage.""
WHAT?! No way! Sousou's giving me my own–!
"Seriously!?" I blurted out.
"What's wrong? Are they not up to your liking?" Sousou inquired curiously.
"It isn't like that! But seriously, how do they feel about this?" I replied incredulously.
"I–I admit I have little experience about being a woman," Gakushin admitted shyly, betraying her professional look for a moment. "But you can count on me to watch your back, Baron–sama."
"Well~, I'm more interested in how your belt and other equipment works, but becoming part of your, eh, "entourage" is a nice bonus," Riten grinned.
"You're not bad looking, Baron–sama. I think you're just my type!" Ukin giggled.
"…I feel like I was cheated somehow," I groused.
"What do you mean, Baron?" Sousou asked as she tilted her head aside.
"I usually woo the girls with my charm and I'm proud of it," I answered. "But now…"
"It's already been done for you?" Sousou asked.
"Something like that." I replied.
"Then you should… 'woo' them as if they were girls you just met. Isn't that simple?" Sousou questioned off–factly.
…Well, that makes sense. Alright, let's see if old Shinamori charm can woo them. But when I wanted to speak, for some reason I couldn't! What's going on?! My Shinamori charm has never failed me before!
"Well? I'm waiting." Sousou said expectantly.
I tried to speak to them, but for some reason, I just can't! The wooing was already done for me! How is that even possible?! "Maybe I'll try another time…" I sighed, slumping my shoulders with my head hung low.
"Oho? Was everything you say about wooing women was all a lie?" Sousou asked smugly.
"No. I just can't muster my charm now, since I was cheated from my chance," I replied with a glare.
"Hm." Sousou said looking very amused. "Maa ii wa, I must get going. I need to do some "questioning" on Shuuran about Kururugi." She said with a hint of seduction before leaving with a wave. "I leave these three in your care." I watched as Sousou walked away before sighing in exasperation. Seriously that girl…
"So, Baron–sama. What would we do now?" Asked Ukin.
"Huh, well…" I thought about it for a moment before I answered, "How about we get something to eat while we get to know each other better?"
"I'm good with that!" Riten grinned.
"I suppose we could." Gakushin agreed.
End Flashback
Since then, I usually spent some time to get know the girls under my command better. Gakushin was the most serious out of the three. She's always thinking about work, work and work. You could say she was like Kan'u of Gi. Riten was a gadgeeter nuts. She often asked me how my Driver and my Rose attacker worked. Heck, she even created a drill spear as her personal weapon. A real drill spear! In ancient China! Ukin was the most playful of the three and loved to cosplay. Cosplay in Ancient China… I wonder how in the world that worked? I know for one thing that they had become my friends and precious people as I spent more time with them.
Heh, maybe for once I wouldn't have to rely on the ol' Shinamori charm to woo the ladies.
Anyways, Gakushin and I continued our search for Ukin and Riten, walking around the area and on the outskirts of the city, but still there was no sign of them.
"Something is definitely wrong." Gakushin frowned.
"No kidding." I agreed. "Where could they be?"
"Aw mou~ get out of the way!" Ukin's voice cried out annoyed.
"C'mon! Is that all you got?!" Riten's voice shouted.
"That's their voice!" I said.
"And looks like they're in trouble. Let's go, boss!" Added Gakushin.
"I hear ya, now c'mon!"
The two of us then ran towards the source of Ukin and Riten's voice. By the time we arrived, we saw the two of them but they were being overrun by a swarm of bandits in the local outskirt village. I groaned at this. This was something I really don't need to start off the morning. Really not groovy.
"Bandits…" Gakushin gritted.
"Man, these jive–turkeys are really gonna get it." I groaned before taking out my Sengoku Driver and attaching it to my waist. I then took out my Banana Lockseed and shouted, "Henshin!"
BANANA!
The Crack above me opened up and the metallic banana descended down as I twirled the Lockseed once before placing it onto the Sengoku Driver, locking it in place, and slicing the Lockseed open.
LOCK ON!
COME ON! BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPEAR~!
Clad in my signature Arms, I charged at the bandits and sent them to their death with a swing of my spear.
"Ah, hubby! You're here!" Chimed Riten.
"Baron–sama! I'm sorry to make you worry!" Apologized Ukin as she cut down several soldiers.
"These jive–turkeys giving you trouble?" I asked as I approached them.
"They're really annoying." Ukin puffed her cheeks.
"I can tell that much…" I deadpanned a bit.
"Let's get to work then. We have to protect the citizens here and subdue the bandits." Gakushin said before going to punch a bandit out cold with her fists.
"Alright you jive–turkeys, let's dance!" I roared out as I ran forward. Some bandits tried to stop me, but I struck them down with a single swing of my Banaspear.
"That's my hubby!" Riten gushed before she skewered another bandit.
"C'mon! Come here you meanies!" Ukin challenged.
"Take this! HI–YAH!" Gakushin shouted, punching another bandit. Another one tried to slash her from behind, but she spun around and did a counter kick, almost like how Kamen Rider Kabuto would kick. I blocked some of the other bandits that tried to gang up on me and I bashed them back before I stabbed them quickly. I then slashed my Lockseed twice.
COME ON! BANANA AU LAIT!
I stabbed Banaspear forward and a giant banana projection erupted from the tip, skewering several bandits at once.
"Oh, hubby! You're always so manly!" Riten gushed out.
"Oi, Mao! Focus!" Gakushin snapped as she beat several bandits into unconsciousness.
"Maa, maa, I think you really need to relax once in a while, Nagi," Ukin supplied with a grin as she struck down several bandits. "Maybe some time alone with Baron–sama would work?"
"O–Oi!" Gakushin snapped, blushing a bit kicking away another bandit.
"Hey! Less talking more fighting ladies!" I called out.
"S–Sorry, boss!" Gakushin apologized.
"Well~ let's kick their butts and we can get our hubby time!" Riten cheered.
"How about we make a bet? Whoever beats the most bandits can have her alone time with Baron-sama?" Ukin proposed.
"NANI?!" Gakushin gawked.
"Hey not a bad idea!" Riten grinned. "Let's do it!" She then charged towards a group of bandits.
"Wait for me!" Ukin cried out, before going after her.
"How did I end up in these situations?" Gakushin sighed wearily before following suit.
Meanwhile, not far from the battle, a person was watching from afar. He had pale skin, mid–length spiky blonde hair, slate blue eyes, tall, and narrow and looks to be in his 30's or so. And he has a lab coat on him over his clothes which were a simple yellow shirt and black pants, wearing his black shoes.
"Well, what do we have here?" The person said to himself amused. He saw that Baron and the girls were laying it down against the bandits and winning easily. Considering how strong the girls were and how futile it was to go against a Rider. "Hmm~, Shinamori–kun looks interesting. Omura–kun did say he was quite strong, but nowhere interesting as the elder Nogano–kun or Kururugi–kun," the man thought to himself. He then shrugged his shoulders. "Oh well, I'll just have to test him myself. It's my job as a teacher and I need to get the data anyways."
The man then whipped out a Genesis Driver and strapped it to his waist.
"Whew, that's the last of them." I sighed in relief.
"You sure show 'em hubby!" Riten grinned as she hugged my left arm.
"Ah, Mao! You cheated!" Ukin pouted, hugging my other arm.
"You two! How can you be so shameless like that? This is not the place nor the time!" Gakushin scolded.
"Maa, maa, Nagi. Calm down, you'll get your turn later," I laughed lightly, causing her cheeks to flush.
"B–Boss!"
"My, my, always so popular with the ladies, aren't you Shinamori–kun?"
The girls quickly unlatched themselves as I turned around to see a familiar visage of one of my teachers in St. Francesca.
"Takuro–sensei…" I muttered lowly. Dang, this is bad. Really, really bad.
"Who is he, boss?" Asked Gakushin wearily.
"He's a Genesis Rider…" I gritted in anger.
"What?!" The ladies gasped. Sousou must've filled them in on the Genesis Riders.
"That's right, I am." Takuro–sensei chuckled.
"What are you doing here?" I growled. "And why have you joined the enemy in this world?!"
"For the sake of science, of course," Takuro–sensei answered, as if it was an obvious answer. "It is, after all, a chance of a lifetime to end up in a parallel world, like this one. And Helheim forest! Do you know how much data it has?"
"Don't know and frankly, don't care much," I answered.
Takuro–sensei sighed disappointedly. "You're always a man of emotion than logic and science as I am." He then shrugged. "Oh well, I'm here for the data anyway. It's not like my answer matters anyway."
"Oh it matters alright!" I said.
"Really…"
"Yes really! I'm not gonna just let you dance to your own funky beat of experimenting on this world, Helheim Forest, and killing innocents just for the sake of science! I'm gonna stop you in your 8–trak and kick your jive–turkey butt!"
"Is that so?" Takuro–sensei smirked with amusement as he unbuttoned his lab coat to reveal his Genesis Driver. He then took out from his lab coat pocket, an Energy Lockseed, one that has a yellow metallic cover shaped like a lemon and has the code E.L.S – 01. "Are you willingly to test that theory?"
"Gh!" I gritted behind my mask.
Takuro–sensei then stretched and crossed his arms while saying, "Henshin!"
LEMON ENERGY!
The familiar techno tune played as a Crack opened above and a metallic like lemon descended. He then did the hand movements Ryouma did and placed the Lockseed into the Driver's Core and locked it in place.
LOCK… ON!
There was a low humming, pulsating sound before he pushed the Seaboll Compressor to open the Lockseed. The lemon image split in two vertically to reveal its core, based from the image of a lemon slice. Yellow 'juice's flowed through the Vascular Duct to the Concentrate Pod, filling it up until it is full.
SODA! LEMON ENERGY ARMS! FIGHT POWER! FIGHT POWER! FI! FI! FI! FI! FI–FI–FI–FIGHT!
The lemon descended down and opened up like the Mango Arms before dropping onto his shoulders and the rest opened up to reveal his form. His chest armor was a citrus yellow with his emblem marking the panel on his left side. His right shoulder was covered in armor, looking like a top of a lemon. On his back were yellow armor panels with yellow cape–like protrusions lowering from those panels. His helmet sported a triangular grille over a yellow visor. His helmet attachment sported lemon tops on either side of his head and silver tubes running along the bottom of the attachment. Gripped in his hand was a Sonic Arrow.
Takuro–sensei became Kamen Rider Duke!
"Girls… stay back," I said to my lieutenants.
"But, boss! If this guy is as dangerous as you said he is, then you're going to need our help!" Gakushin protested.
"Nagi is right, hubby. You're going to need some help to fight against this guy," agreed Riten.
"No," I shook my head. "Only a Rider can fight a Rider. That's the unwritten rule."
"But…" Ukin tried to protest, only for Duke to cut her off.
"Oh, don't worry. I won't hurt Shinamori–kun too much. After all, a precious specimen can't be hurt too much to gather data."
Something inside me snapped when I heard his callous words. "Alright, that's it! I don't care if you're a Genesis Rider! You're going down, jive–turkey! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" I yelled charging in at Duke.
"Hmph…" Duke scoffed before charging in as well and my Banaspear and his Sonic Arrow clashed. Sparks flew as we tried to push each other back to see which of us is stronger. Of course, I know that the Genesis Riders are since their Lockseeds are S–Rank, but I'm gonna change all that!
"Simply fascinating. We've only clashed one time and you're already struggling, yet holding your own?" Duke taunted.
"Damare!" I snapped before jumping back to slice my Lockseed thrice.
COME ON! BANANA SPARKING!
I stabbed the ground with Banaspear, causing banana projections to grow from the ground and homed at Duke. The Knight themed Genesis Rider chuckled infuriatingly as he dodged my finisher attack with ease. "My, you're quite interesting, Shinamori-kun. Sure you are no Kururugi–kun or the older Nogano–kun, but you are still interesting," Duke remarked.
"DAMARE TO IU HAZU DAAAAAAA!" I snapped as I pushed the Cutting Blade three times again.
COME ON! BANANA SPARKING!
More banana projections erupted from the ground and homed into Duke who managed to dodge in the nick of time. "This is getting bothersome," he muttered before pushing his Seaboll Compressor once.
LEMON ENERGY SQUASH!
He slashed with his energized Sonic Arrow, firing a wide energy arc that cut through the banana projections and struck me in the chest. "GAAAAAAH!" I cried out in pain as I went tumbling.
"Baron–sama!" The ladies cried out.
"What's wrong? Already down?" Duke mocked. "Well, I guess I was wrong. You're quite weak, when compared to the elder Nogano–kun or Kururugi–kun."
"Nan… dato?!" I gritted, getting up.
"You're just average when compared to those two. The elder Nogano brother can go toe to toe with a Genesis Rider using a Sengoku Driver while Kururugi–kun could draw the potential of the Lemon Energy Lockseed to its fullest despite only using it for a while," here Duke sighed. "I knew I should have chosen either of them as my subject."
"Don't dismiss me yet!" I snapped as I stood up.
"Oh?" Duke got out.
"I got plenty to show ya, and it starts with this!" I said before taking out my Banana Lockseed from my Sengoku Driver.
LOCK OFF
I then pulled out the last of my new Lockseeds and opened it.
APRICOT!
A metallic apricot descended from the opening Crack above me. I swapped my Banana Lockseed with the one in my hand, securing it to my driver, before slicing it open. The core revealed the image of a sliced apricot while the lower image showed a shield based on an apricot.
LOCK ON!
COME ON! APRICOT ARMS! DEFENDER OF SHIELD~!
The metallic apricot descended down and landed on shoulders before disassembling. It pretty much opened up like Kurogasa's Orange Arms, the side folding out then folding in on itself to form the shoulder pads while the back only folded back and the chest armor was folded back and in, but it was brown like the apricot's core and the design was grilled and bulky. My helmet was light orange and the lens were brown as well. In my hand was a shield similar to the Melon Defender, only more kite like and has bladed tips on the corner. And of course, it was apricot motif, so I'll dub this the Aprishield.
"Oh? A new Arms?" Duke said with interest as he examined my new Apricot Arms. "Intriguing…"
"Intrigue this! I yelled as I charged in with my Aprishield.
Duke fired an energy arrow, but I blocked it with my Aprishield. He strafed several more arrows and I blocked them again. Once I was close enough, I bashed my shield against him which Duke blocked with his Sonic Arrow. "Yare, yare. It looks like this Arms has not only increased your defenses, but your offenses too. Fascinating."
"Oh there's more where that came from!" I said before slicing my Lockseed twice.
COME ON! APRICOT AU LAIT!
Suddenly the Aprishield's bladed tips glowed and I knocked Duke away before slashing him with the bladed tips, making holographic apricot slices each time I slashed.
*SWISH! SWOSH! SLASH!*
"GAH!" Duke cried out, as he tumbled to the ground as sparks flew and smoke trailed off his armor.
"How's that!?" I shouted at Duke.
The Archer Rider recovered before he laughed, "Ahahaha! That's better! Now show me more!" He then pressed the Seaboll Compressor once.
LEMON ENERGY SQUASH!
Duke aimed his Sonic Arrow and pulled its shaft to the fullest, before twisting the knob on the shaft, causing the blades to project extensions with yellow energy strings. One that Duke in the series used against Shimugrun.
"…Crap!" I cursed as i quickly tapped my Cutting Blade thrice.
COME ON! APRICOT SPARKING!
"I don't think so!" Duke said before releasing the shaft and an energy arrow spiraled towards me. My Aprishield, glowed and a large holographic version of it, projected out and blocked it, but the spiral arrow shattered it and I took the hit.
"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I yelled in pain. I tried to stand up, but I ended up falling on my butt. Dang, was this really the gap between S–Class Lockseed and A–Class?
"Is that all you can do, Shinamori–kun?" Inquired Duke, half curious, half mocking.
"Don't…" I grunted as I managed to stand up, albeit shakily. "Count me out… just yet!"
"Ukin! Riten! We have to use THAT!" Gakushin said.
"What?! Use THAT?!" Riten got out.
"Are you sure?" Ukin asked concerned.
"Yes! Baron-sama is in danger and we have to help him!"
THAT? What are they talking about? The girls looked at each other before they nodded and the three of them took out… Sengoku Drivers?!
"Ho~? What's this?" Duke said interested. The three girls ignored the question as they attached the Sengoku Drivers to their waists and their Rider Indicators appeared. Gakushin's and Ukin's Sengoku Drivers let out different small guitar riffs while Riten's let out a percussion sound of two sticks hitting each other fast. The three girls then took out their Lockseeds. Gakushin's had the cover of the walnut with the code L.S. – 02. Ukin's was the cover of the yellow-green durian with the code L.S. – 12, and Riten's had the cover of the brown pinecone with the code L.S. – 01.
"Henshin!" The three girls shouted, opening their Lockseeds.
KURUMI!
DURIAN!
MATSUBOKKURI!
Three Cracks opened up from above them and a metallic light brown walnut, green durian, and black pinecone slowly came down and the girls locked in their Lockseeds.
LOCK ON!
Riten's Driver played out Gaim's standby noise, while Gakushin's and Ukin's Driver played out the rock n' roll standby noise. After a moment, Gakushin did the movements Zack did in the show, slicing her Lockseed open revealing the walnut core and the Arms Weapons Kurumi Bombers. Ukin sliced her Lockseed open the way Oren would revealing the durian core and the Arms weapon Duri Noko. And Riten sliced her Lockseed normally, revealing the core of the pinecone and the Arms Weapon, the Kagematsu.
KURUMI ARMS! MISTER~ KNUCKLEMAN!
DURIAN ARMS! MISTER~ DANGEROUS!
SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI ARMS! ICHIGEKI IN THE SHADOW!
I gaped as the girls transformed before my eyes. "No… Friggin'… way…"
Gakushin's ride wear was black with silver accents on her hands and legs as the Kurumi Armor Parts descended on her shoulders. I knew how the helmet looked like, it was similar to Gridon, only it was black and the silver trimming had ridges. The Kurumi Armor Parts disassembled itself forming the Kurumi Arms. The sides become black accented orange shoulder armor while the front parts became her chest plate with the same coloring and theme on her shoulder armor. The back parts flipped out and the helmet attachment was also like the rest of the armor and had gear–like decorations. On her hands, were the Kurumi Bombers which were, basically oversized walnut–themed boxing gloves.
Gakushin had become Kamen Rider Knuckle.
Ukin wore a neon green bodysuit with a silver shirt as his arms sported purple gauntlets spiked like a durian. She sported thigh armor which was the same color. Her greaves were mostly green, but had purple spikes decorating the edges. Her head was covered by a deep green helmet with a silver face covered in spikes with two bright yellow, narrowed eyepieces, the right one having a crack on the armor around it. The deep green helmet attachment was covered in spikes with elongated ones sticking out from the sides and a blood red Mohawk on top. The Arms armor on her body was deep green and covered in spikes, including the Y–shaped plating of armor on her chest. In her hands was a pair of broadswords with serrated edges and spikes along the flat side of the blade.
Ukin became Kamen Rider Bravo.
As for Riten she looked the same as the Kurokage Shin Troopers, but not as shiny and bright and she wielded the original Kagematsu.
Riten became Kamen Rider Kurokage.
"Mister… Knuckleman…?" Knuckle asked as she gave herself a brief examination. "I know I'm not the most feminine woman, but isn't that a little too much?"
"I admit, it's a little plain," Kurokage asked as she examined herself and her weapon. "But hey, I can give myself a modification here and there… once I know how it works."
"I feel so powerful!" Bravo said giddily before looking down at her belt. "But I am a girl, you know?"
I still tried to process what was happening before Duke chuckled. "My, my, looks like I have some volunteers for my little observation."
"Volunteer this, you bastard!" Knuckle snarled as she settled into a stance.
"As if I'd let you hurt my hubby!" Kurokage growled as she readied her Kagematsu.
"Let's see if you like some pain because you're in for a lot of it!" Bravo declared, readying her Duri Noko for combat.
Duke laughed at them. "Hahahaha! Very well, let the observation begin!"
Knuckle, Kurokage, and Bravo all charged at the Genesis Rider. Knuckle cocked her fist and threw it at Duke who blocked it with his Sonic Arrow. He broke the deadlock, but before he could retaliate, Knuckle moved aside and Kurokage struck with a fast lunge, followed by two fast jabs. As Duke staggered, Bravo came with a fast slash, followed by a spinning slash and a double chop that made the Genesis Rider tumble to the ground.
"Gah!" Duke grunted in pain.
"Now's our chance!" Knuckle said before slicing her Lockseed once.
KURUMI SQUASH!
"We're right behind ya!" Bravo added before slicing her Lockseed twice.
DURIAN AU LAIT!
"Alright, let's see how you like this!" Kurokage said smugly before slicing the Lockseed thrice.
SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI SPARKING!
"Take THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!" Kurokage shouted as she jumped and corkscrewed downward towards Duke, the Kagematsu pointed at him while a holographic pinecone surrounded her. Meanwhile, three holographic durians appeared in front of Bravo and the latter whacked each of them towards Duke. And lastly, Gakushin was covered in a holographic walnut as she jumped up and dived down for her Rider Kick.
"Tch!" Duke clicked his tongue as he quickly pushed for his Seaboll Compressor.
LEMON ENERGY SQUASH!
Duke slashed with his Sonic Arrow, sending out a yellow energy arc that caused the girls to scream in pain as the finisher connected with them.
"GIRLS!" I called out worriedly before I snarled at Duke and charged at him recklessly. "KISAMAAAAAAAAAA!"
"Hmph… I think it's time to put you out of your misery." Duke said before taking out his Lockseed and locking it onto his Sonic Arrow.
LOCK… ON!
Duke pulled the shaft of his Sonic Arrow to its fullest and yellow energy pooled into the weapon. He aimed at me and fired his energy arrow.
LEMON ENERGY!
A spiraling yellow arrow launched from the arrow and struck me on the chest. "AAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!" I yelled as multiple sparks flew off my armor and I fell to the ground, and I immediately went back to civilian form.
"Hmph… not powerful after all…" Duke scoffed. "I'll admit that you caught me off guard for a moment. But unfortunately for you, it's not enough for me to gather sufficient data."
"Gh…!" I gritted, as I struggled to get up.
"The ladies however are interesting. I think I'd like to observe them more."
"Don't… you dare touch them!" I snapped.
Duke chuckled. "But what can you do? You already know that a Genesis Rider is far more superior than, a Sengoku Rider. At the level you are now, you cannot hope to win."
I gritted my teeth at his words. Duke was right. I couldn't defeat him at my current level. What should I do!?
"Haaaah!" Knuckle suddenly attacked Duke with a jumping punch that struck him in the chest. Unrelenting, she then landed a quick one–two punch before she sent him staggering with a mean hook to the face.
"I got you!" Kurokage then struck him in the back with her Kagematsu before she whacked Duke on the face with the end of her spear. Growling angrily, Duke took a swipe on her, but Kurokage somersaulted to dodge his attack.
"Watch your back now!" Bravo then attacked him on the back with her Duri Noko and sent Duke staggering with another blow. A cross slash finally sent the Genesis Rider sprawling on the ground.
"GRAH!" Duke yelled.
"Alright, let's try this again!" Knuckle said, slicing her Lockseed twice.
KURUMI AU LAIT!
"Don't forget me!" Bravo added, slicing her Lockseed thrice.
DURIAN SPARKING!
"And me!" Riten added, slicing her Lockseed once.
SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI SQUASH!
For Knuckle, two large holographic walnuts appeared and she punched them towards Duke. Kurokage twirled her Kagematsu as it was shrouded with pinecone shaped aura before she threw it at Duke like a javelin. As for Bravo she twirled her Duri Noko blades rapidly, to make it appear like spinning saws and rushed towards Duke.
"Hah! As if I'd let you!' Duke shouted as he pushed the Seaboll Compressor twice.
LEMON ENERGY SPARKING!
"Girls! Get out of there now!" I called out to them desperately in vain. But it was too late. Duke slashed his glowing Sonic Arrow, firing a wide energy slash in the shape of a lemon slice that caught the girls in, causing a great explosion and they screamed loudly in pain. "NOOOOOOOO!" I yelled as I saw the girls knocked out of their transformation and moaning in pain on the ground.
Duke sighed in disappointment. "I was expecting more of them." He then closed the Energy Lockseed and went back to civilian form. "I suppose this experiment is over for now." He added before turning around to walk away.
"Where do you… think you're going jive–turkey?" I growled, staggering up.
"To leave of course. Like I said, the experiment is over and I already have all the data I needed," said Takuro–sensei, as if it was an obvious answer.
"All of this… was just an experiment to you?!" I asked angrily.
"Isn't that obvious? I just needed the data and to see if you are a threat to me," answered Takuro–sensei. "And while the data gathering is a success, I'm rather disappointed in you Shinamori–kun and your girls."
"T–Teme…!" I growled angrily.
Takuro–sensei chuckled at me. "My, that's quite an angry expression you have, Shinamori–kun. Let's see if you can back it up the next time we meet." A Crack then opened and he walked into it. "Get stronger, Shinamori–kun. Or else, I'll have to kill you for disappointing me."
And with that, the Crack closed.
Later on that day, I called Sousou on the Lock Phone to call in medical relief. And yes, I found a spare Lock Phone to give to Sousou during one of my Lockseed excursion trips in Helheim Forest. After being picked up by the relief team, the girls were being patched up in one room while I am in another room with Sousou and the Kakou Twins with her.
"I see… So Duke showed up and attacked you four," said Sousou after I told her what happened.
"I'm sorry, Sousou–sama. It's because I'm not strong enough…" I apologized, but Sousou raised a hand to stop me.
"Don't apologize. What's done is done." She then sighed. "Still, the four of you in your armor and Duke still defeated you."
"That is quite a gap. Is the difference between a Sengoku and Genesis Driver that big?" Asked Kakouen.
"Yeah," I answered bitterly. It was then when I realized something. "Oh yeah, how did those three get those belts anyway?"
"You can thank me for that one." A new voice said. All of us were alert and looked around before my eyes widened at seeing a rather familiar person leaning against the wall, at a corner of the room.
"Sagara…" I gritted.
"Who are you?! How did you get in here?!" Kakouton demanded.
"That man is Sagara, also known as the consciousness of Helheim Forest," I answered for Kakouton, surprising everyone.
"So you are Sagara that Baron is talking about," commented Sousou.
"That is correct. A pleasure to meet you, Sousou Motoku," said Sagara with a bow.
"So you gave Nagi, Sawa, and Mao those Drivers? Just what are you playing at?" I demanded.
"I just gave them to those three to even the odds," Sagara answered.
"Even the odds?"
"Against Duke of course."
"And yet, I still got my jive–turkey butt beat up." I retorted.
"Well, that part was on me. Warui, warui." Sagara waved off as if it was nothing. "That's why I came to give you this." He added before pulling out… a Genesis Driver and Lemon Energy Lockseed?!
"A Genesis Driver and Lemon Energy Lockseed?!" I asked in surprise.
"Aren't those the items that allows Duke to transform?" Kakouen pointed out,
"Oh, this one is special. For Baron's use only," replied Sagara with a smirk.
"Why are you helping us?" Kakouton asked.
"Oh don't misunderstand. I only intervene to even the playing field. After all, the Battle for the Golden Fruit must be always be sporting. Sure you'd sometimes have to dirty your hands, but isn't that what this battle is all about? To have the feeling of excitement and thrill in order to see who will win the prize of changing the world in how they see fit?"
"To change the world," Sousou muttered to herself.
"Either to destroy the world and remake it anew, to become a salvation for the world and be hailed as the savior, or reimaging the world in your image? The choice is yours. All you have to do is to obtain the Golden fruit."
"Gh…!" I gritted as Sousou pondered in thought.
"Maa ii wa. I'll leave the decision to you." Sagara said before leaving as he slowly faded, with a wave goodbye. "Hope you provide better entertainment than Kaito Kumon, Shinamori–kun."
And with that, he was gone.
There was a silence in the room for a moment before Sousou spoke up. "Who is this Kaito Kumon Sagara spoke of?"
"He was the one who held the title of Baron before me," I answered. "He was defeated by the previous Gaim when they battled over the Golden Fruit." Sousou nodded thoughtfully and I asked, "You're seriously not thinking to pursue that fruit, right?"
"I admit it is tempting, however, if I wish to paint the world in my image, then I will do it by my own hands," Sousou said confidently.
"Glad to hear that," I sighed in relief. "That fruit is not the worth the problem, I'll tell ya that."
"You're right." Sousou said. "I'll let you rest. You earned it."
"Thanks." I said, before she and the Kakou Twins started to leave. "Oh, almost forgot. En–chan, mind if I talk to you for a bit? It's kinda important."
"Oh? Sure," Kakouen replied as she stayed in the room.
Kakouton then glared at me warningly. "You'd better don't do anything funny to my sister. Messenger of Heaven or not, I will beat you up!"
"Aneja," Kakouen chided while her sister clicking her tongue in annoyance. Sousou only chuckled as she left the room with the elder Kakou Twins. "So, what is it you need from me?"
"Well… it's like this. I know this is completely random and out of the blue and all, but… there's been something I wanted to know."
"What is it?" Kakouen asked.
"Uh… it's like this. I'm sure Sousou has… 'questioned' you about Kurogasa." I said sheepishly.
Kakouen blushed slightly at that, "Yes, she did. Why do you ask?"
"Well…" I said, before saying, "Look, I just want you to be honest with me. Do you genuinely like Kurogasa? Like actually have a thing for him?"
Kakouen seemed to think about her question before she sighed. "…Yes. I do like Kurogasa–dono and have this "thing for him" you speak of."
"I see…" I sighed before I laughed slightly. "You know, Kurogasa was quite shy around the girls back in our world. Now he's pretty popular here and I might get jealous with how easy he was attracting girls right and left without noticeable effort." I then looked at her. "What makes you like him?"
"…To be honest, I'm not sure. But there's just something about him that feels… right." Kakouen said. "Perhaps it's his sense of justice and morality or his leadership that I find myself attracted to him."
"Heh~, I guess the girls of this era have a different view for the person they like," I grinned at Kakouen and gave her a thumbs–up. "Good luck. You have my support to pursue Kurogasa. Don't lose to Kan'u and Sonken, okay?"
"Arigatou, Baron–san," Kakouen smiled with flushed cheeks. "I don't intend to lose to anyone."
"Good to hear that," I said. "How are the girls? Can I see them?"
"I suggest staying in bed 'til tomorrow." Kakouen suggested. "You need your rest."
"Maa, maa, hidoi yo, En–chan." I jokingly whined.
"Good night Baron–san." Kakouen chuckled before leaving.
Well, today's not so bad. My lieutenants are Kamen Riders thanks to Sagara and Kurogasa is starting to become more confident with the girls thanks to Kakouen admitting that she liked him. Maybe staying here in Sou Gi won't be as bad either. I just hope that whatever happens, Kurogasa and I along with the Nogano Brothers are still friends.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE! How did you like that?! Not only did we introduce Takuro as Kamen Rider Duke, but we introduced Gakushin, Ukin, and Riten as Kamen Rider Knuckle, Bravo, and Kurokage?! How cool is that?! Plus, Kakouen has admitted that she likes Kurogasa! Things are gonna be interesting from here on out! Next chapter will be Son Go! See ya there!