Hello everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Kamen Rider Gaim: Romance of the Kingdoms! We're starting the second half of this epic story with a new theme song! The new theme song is Maikaze by Yoshioka Aika from the anime Hakuouki Hekketsuroku! Now just a couple things about the opening in this song.

1. I changed one of the words in the lyrics so that it's more appropriate. That word is "Naraku" which apparently means "underworld" which I don't like. So I replaced it with the word "Sekai" which means "world".

2. I changed the last two lyrics at the end of the song. Those last two lyrics are from another set of lyrics in the same song. The original lyrics were: "Yoake no kaze ni nare kurayami no tobira kojiakeru kaze ni." And it means in English: "Become the sunset wind, and then become the wind that forces open to door to darkness." That's a no–no in my book. Instead, I'm using these lyrics: Yoake no kaze ni nare kono kuni ga itsuka akeyuku hi made." Which means in English: "Become the sunset wind until the day this country is forced open." Which is more appropriate seeing that this is the Romance of the Three Kingdoms after all.

Okay, enough about that. Just wanted to make a note about the changes in the theme song! So let's get on with the chapter! Henshin!

ORANGE!

LOCK ON!

SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!

Disclaimer: Same thing.

At the White Clothes HQ, Ukitsu had just finished a meeting with the Elders of this so–called cult and following him out of the meeting room was a boy that had pale brown hair and purple eyes. His stature was athletic and he wore the same kind of clothes that Ukitsu wore but his face now had a tattoo on his forehead and two small ones, one on each cheek. This was the same boy that was at the museum. And right now, the teenager looked annoyed.

"Mattaku… what am I going to do with you? Picking a fight with the Elders isn't going to solve anything." Ukitsu sighed as they walked down the hallway.

"Hmph…" the teenager scoffed, "Both they and we are all just scripted existences. Why must I show respect to them? They don't even understand that, and willingly allow themselves to be manipulated…" He then added with disgust, "It makes me sick."

"That is true." Ukitsu agreed. "But getting upset over it won't change anything."

"Hmph… is walking the path that's already laid out for us our only reason for existing?" The teenager asked.

"That's right."

"Che…"

"Hu–hu… you're pouting like a child." Ukitsu chuckled in amusement.

"Shut up." The teenager snapped. "Why don't you think of a way to get rid of Kururugi, Ukitsu?"

"I have already taken measures towards that." Ukitsu said.

"What kind of measures?" The teenager raised an eyebrow.

"Secret measures." Ukitsu said before adding with a chuckle, "Especially after that person in the sky made the announcement about the Golden Fruit. Just watch as the finishing touches are placed… Although I may be scripted, I am still an element of this plot. I can still set things in motion…"

"Well, I hope it's fast. We need to crush this world." The teenager said, as they paused from walking to look at each other.

"Because Gaim is here?"

"That and the other Riders too, but… I'm getting tired of following a path that has already been laid out."

"Hmm…" Ukitsu pondered in thought. "We do indeed want to finish this soon. However, the problem isn't that. It's the possibility that this alternate history will become a base and in turn will give birth to even more alternate histories."

"That's precisely why it's dangerous if we don't crush this alternate history… and him along with it." The teenager said.

"Heh… those cold–hearted eyes." Ukitsu chuckled. "I wouldn't mind dying for those eyes."

"Die if you want to." He said wryly.

"Heh… It wouldn't be so bad dying at your hands, but I'll have to pass for now. I'm going to head over to Sou Gi and prepare everything before you arrive. The rest is up to you."

"Che… whatever… just get going." The teenager said. And with that, Ukitsu vanished from his sight. He then walked towards the window of the headquarters as he looked out on the horizon while taking out something from his pocket looking at the object he held. "Just you wait Kururugi. I'll be sure to kill you…"

(Cue Theme Maikaze by Yoshioka Aika)

(Instrumental) The scene starts with the three different kingdoms of Shoku, Sou Gi, and Son Go, raising their war flags, ready to go to battle. The Kamen Riders from different factions on the battlefield rushed to the center with their fellow generals and soldiers behind. While mounted on their horses, the said Riders drew out their weapons and before they clashed, the screen zoomed up into the sky, with the title appearing. As the singing was about to start, it immediately changed to a scene.

(Ikusen no mirai yori mo~) Kurogasa was walking along the outside halls of his palace in Xizang as he reminisced about his past adventures while holding his Orange Lockseed. He saw his generals and Minako gathering in the garden and Aisha beckoned to join him. He smiled and jogged to their place.
(Isshun no ima wo tsuyoku ikitai) In Sou Gi, Koji looked at his Banana Lockseed before looking out in the horizon on the balcony as Sousou looked on. Gakushin, Ukin, and Riten looked at him in worry as they were holding their Kurumi, Durian, and Matsubokkuri Lockseed.
(Sekai no hotori de sae mo~) In Son Go, Daigo and Souji leaned against a tree opposite of each other as if standing back–to–back while holding their Melon, Melon Energy, and Budou Lockseed in the palace garden. Sonsaku, Shuuyu, and Sonken looked on as a sudden breeze blew the cherry blossom petals to the sky.
(Kakete yukeru anata to nara, mau kaze no gotoku) Somewhere on the battlefield, a dimensional zipper revealed itself, opening up where the Helheim Forest is. As the screen zoomed in further, the Inves were getting grouchy for battle, and the Overlords stood there, looking at the other side of the world to start the invasion.

(Aragaenu jidai no yaiba ni kizutsuite taorete nao) On the battlefield, all of the Kamen Riders in their base forms performed their Squash attacks on the invading Inves, including the even larger ones. Many explosions occurred because of it, causing the battlefield to be caught on fire.
(Yume ni mishi hikari wo shinjite hisakata wo aogite) Multiple energy arrows then came out of nowhere, and the whole battle stopped for the Riders, generals, and soldiers of all armies to look up and see from atop of a hill, the Genesis Riders, Duke and Sigurd, along with Mars and Bujin Gaim staring at them.
(Ah, waga mi ni, Ah, kaetemo) The scene then changes to the Woman of the Beginning who looks at the battle sadly, before bowing her head down with Sagara walking up next to her.
(Anata wo mamoreru nara) Sagara smirked in amusement before he held out in his hand, the Forbidden Fruit, and he turns to the screen, holding it out to offer to the viewer before the light from the Forbidden Fruit shined, covering the whole screen to change scenes.

(Hageshi~ki~ kaze ni nare~ kono inori~) The scene suddenly changed to a snowy battlefield as Gaim was surrounded by Kurokage Shin Troopers while holding his Daidaimaru at the ready. The snow covered the screen momentarily before it moved, revealing the Kurokage Shin Troopers dead with Gaim standing alone. Kurogasa's armor disappeared into motes of orange light, then looked up at the sky with a sad and pained look on his face as snow gently fell and the wind softly blew.
(Sa~dame kaeru hodo i~ma sugu~) On another battlefield, as flames covered the dry land, Koji looked up in the sky, with a tear streaming down his face. Vines of Helheim Forest can be seen on his body and his hand evolved into one part of Lord Baron's armor.
(Yoake~ no~ kaze ni nare~ kono kuni ga itsuka) The scenes changes to another battlefield with Kiwami Gaim on one side and Bujin Gaim on the other. The two looked up to see the Golden Fruit descend down from the clouds and both warriors go after it.
(Akeyuku hi made~) Bujin Gaim and Kiwami Gaim ran very fast before both of them leaped up high, trying to grab the fruit, and the screen froze as soon as the song ends on the last note.

Chapter 21: Sousou Strikes

After Sagara's announcement, Aisha and I quickly returned to the city and gathered our friends for an emergency meeting. To say that they were restless was an understatement. I'm being bombarded with questions and demands for explanations. That Sagara really knows how to 'time it right'.

"Oi, Gaim–sama, what's going on?!" Sui demanded.

"I wonder about that too." Shion added concerned.

"Yeah, what was that about?" Rinrin questioned.

"Who was that guy in the sky huh?!" Ei snapped.

"Okay ladies, calm down before you all boil over. I'll explain." I said.

"Kurogasa–sama, what was the old man talking about?" Touka asked worried.

"Well, it's as he said, Sagara revealed the existence of the Golden Fruit, which grants the user omnipotent power." I sighed.

"You mean… like become a god?" Toshi asked.

"Yeah, and he decided to spill the beans now. I'm pretty sure Sousou and Sonsaku have seen and heard him too, considering how Sagara covered the entire sky."

"Not only that, the White Clothes are involved in this too." Shuri added.

"Is this Golden Fruit really that powerful?" Tanpopo asked.

"Trust me, you have no idea." I answered darkly making her shudder a bit.

"And now every warlord in China knows." Miyabi added.

"Huge war…" Ren commented.

"Yeah, no kidding," I sighed.

"The power of the Golden Fruit is really tempting, so it's no wonder that they would try to fight and get their hands on it." Sei commented.

"So Boss, what's our next move?" Shia asked.

"To be honest, I really don't know." I shook my head.

"What do you mean you don't know?" Iishe asked incredulously.

"I meant what I said. I don't know. It's not just the whole country that's at stake anymore, it's the whole world, and I don't think this world is prepared for Helheim's Invasion just yet."

"But we have to do something Kurogasa–kun." Minako pointed out.

"Yeah, I bet that Sagara is up to no good!" Pairen replied.

"I know Minako, Pairen. I need to think this through and quick." I said. "For now our only objective is to go out into the city, calm the people down, and explain everything to them. I need all of your help for this." Such a life–altering announcement would cause panic and confusion to spread through the masses. I was wondering how my fellow Riders were dealing with this shock. I could only imagine.

Sou Gi

Sousou had summoned all her officers to court. The loli ruler sat upon her throne with Jun'iku at her side.

"Well this is certainly unexpected." Sousou said.

"We all didn't expect this, Karin–sama." Kakouton frowned.

"Why would Sagara reveal the existence of the Golden Fruit now?" Shuuran pondered. "I see no reason that he has to."

"He just wants to stir the pot as much as he can." Koji sighed. "Not to mention that he has really bad timing."

"With us entering the open warring era, that Sagara wanted to see the last ruler standing to attain that Golden Fruit," Jun'iku offered with a frown, causing Sousou to look pensive.

"This is quite a situation we have," the blonde empress stated after a moment before she smirked, "But it is an advantage we have to seize."

Koji looked alarmed at her words, "Please don't tell me you're going to get that Golden Fruit."

"Why should I?" Sousou scoffed. "If I want to rule this land, then I will do so with my own hands and not because of some fancy fruit with Godly power."

"Phew…" Koji sighed in relief. "Don't scare me like that."

"Then what do you plan, Karin–sama?" Shuuran asked.

"We strike while the iron is hot. The other smaller factions must be in chaos because of Sagara's revelation and we will take advantage of that and crush them. People like them have no place in this world."

"Oh boy…" Koji sighed.

"What about the Shoku and Go alliance?" Kakouton asked.

"For now, we leave them be," Sousou answered. "We need an appropriate stage to settle things after all."

Koji looked worried as he said in his thoughts, 'Kuro, Daigo, senpai, better watch yourselves…'

Son Go

"Aw mou~ Sagara just had to spill the beans!" Daigo whined.

"He's Helheim Forest itself, what do you expect?" Souji frowned. As of now, the Nogano brothers were in Sonsaku's court having an emergency meeting with her members.

"So is it true? About this Golden Fruit that Sagara spoke of?" Sheren asked, her manners were serious as expected of the Queen of Son Go.

"Hai, Sheren–sama." Souji nodded. "The Golden Fruit is a fruit of Heaven itself. Even a seed of this fruit is very potent and contains great power."

"Really?" Renfa asked. "It's that powerful?"

"Yes. It's what allowed the Original Gaim to access his Final Form, the Kiwami Arms, and became a being that's close to that of a god," Souji answered.

"Such power…" Shuuyu breathed out.

"I don't even want to think what a whole fruit can do. Heck, just one bite and you'll lose your entire humanity and become an Overlord." Daigo offered weakly.

"And now every faction and warlord will want to get their hands on it, is that right?" Kannei asked.

"Yes. Very tempting, isn't it." Souji said. "The solution is definitely not worth the problem we have now."

"What do we do?" Rikuson asked.

"For now, nothing. We will not pursue that fruit because I know it is not worth the trouble," Sheren ordered calmly. "However, should any other factions turn on us, then we will deal with them swiftly."

"As you wish, Sheren," Shuuyu nodded.

"Souji–kun, Daigo–kun, I want you two to go to Xizang and assist Kurogasa–kun. I don't know why, but for some reason, I have this feeling that Sousou will strike first in light of Sagara's revelation. He will need all the help he can get."

"Understood," the brothers replied as one.

Sheren nodded before turning to her sister. "Renfa, I want you to take Kannei with you and go with the Nogano Brothers. You will be my representative for meeting with Kurogasa–kun."

"Hai, Onee–sama," Renfa nodded, though she wondered if Sonsaku was playing matchmaker again. It seemed she was all business, though.

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh… that took forever calming everyone down! I've been bombarded with questions left and right from the citizens and I had to explain everything slowly so they could understand. Right now, I'm sitting at my desk, trying to rest from all of this. Not to mention that my body is aching from standing in the square for so long trying to explain everything.

"I could really use Shuuran's massage right about now…" I sighed heavily.

Oh yeah… that reminds me… my new love life is adding stress too…

I got Aisha. And then there's Shion and Shia gunning for me. Sui is soon to follow and Shuuran is not far behind too. Renfa is possibly going for me, but I'm not sure about that since Sheren keeps playing matchmaker. Then there's Ren, and I can't tell with her even though she likes staying close to me. Man, I can't handle seven girls at once! It's impossible! There's just no way! This is why I try to avoid having a harem so I don't have to be indecisive! And having all of them will cause even more problems!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH MOU! WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE SO DIFFICULT?!" I finally yelled before nearing slamming my head on the table.

"Ano… Gaim–sama? Are you alright?" I heard Yue call from behind the door.

"Ah… come in Yue," I answered and I heard the door opened and my maid entered the room.

"I made some tea for you. I hope it will help reduce your stress," Yue said.

"Ah… arigatou…" I said, taking the tea from her tray and sipped it. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh… just what I needed…"

"Is something wrong Gaim–sama?" Yue asked a bit worried. "You were… screaming your head off."

"Oh," I paled a bit before saying sheepishly with a nervous laugh, "Warui na, I'm just stressed over the fact that today, the universe basically hates me…" I then slumped my shoulders with my head hung down.

"Why do you say that?" Yue tilted her head after sitting on a chair in front of me at my desk.

"Well, this whole Sagara thing is very stressful, but so is my new love life. Having multiple girls that have affections for you can take a lot out of a person." I sighed. "Not to mention that I'm trying to be open and get used to it, but…"

"You never had a relationship before, have you?" Yue asked.

"No, not really. There was one I nearly had, but…" I trailed off, not wanting to go into detail. "I've gotten some advice, but I'm still not sure what to do. I mean, I'm not an expert in romance and I'm still learning with Aisha. And with the others girl trying to get my attention, it feels like it's going too fast for me." I added.

"I see." Yue pondered in thought. "No wonder you screamed so loud."

"Yeah, no kidding," I sweat dropped.

"Okay, let me ask you this: How many girls can you handle?"

"Huh?" I asked dumbly.

"As you are a lord and a ruler of your kingdom, it is inevitable that you will end up with multiple spouses. I am asking you how many girls you are comfortable with," Yue explained calmly.

"Well actually… the other girls agreed to be confidants and not actual spouses. I have appearances to keep up after all." I said sheepishly. "But going back to your question, I… think I can handle two girls."

"And from those who pursued you romantically, who are the two ladies that you feel the closest with?" Yue pressed on.

"Well… Aisha is given, so no surprise there." I said. "As for the other one, let's see… well… I think… I'm closest to Sui. To be honest, she and I have some things in common. We both lost someone we care about. And we went into depression, but never gave up. For me, I never gave up because my friends were there for me. And for Sui, she didn't give up because of me."

"I see." Yue nodded.

"But… there's also one other person. And it's Shuuran. There's just something about her that I like. I don't know what it is, but it just feels… right. Maybe it's her character or her personality. But I honestly genuinely like her. It's just a shame that I can't include her, now that I've made my choice."

"Now, have you calmed down, Gaim–sama?"

I sighed at that and I actually do feel calmer. "I have. Thank you for listening to me, Yue," I smiled.

"It's my pleasure to be of help to you," Yue smiled back.

"I'll tell the other girls when the time is right and Shuuran when I see her." I said. "I don't know how she'll react though. I'm sure she'll understand but…"

"You really are attracted to her aren't you?"

"I am."

"Well if that's the case, perhaps… you can give her something to remember you by for a long time and she won't ever regret it."

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"Well you could…" Yue trailed off with the slightest blush on her face while looking sheepish. It took me exactly five seconds what she meant before I blushed too.

"Oh… you mean…" I got out.

"Hai."

"I see." I coughed out. "Well… I suppose I can do 'that'. And I'm sure Aisha and Sui will understand, right?"

"Of course," Yue smiled without the blush.

Well, I'm glad that's actually taken care of. My new love life is finally solved. When it comes to what I can do for Shuuran… I just have to make it so good, Sousou can never top it.

"ACHOO!" Sousou sneezed before shivering violently.

"Are you getting a cold, Karin–sama?" asked Jun'iku.

"No," denied Sousou. "Just a random sneeze. And who told you to stop rubbing my feet?"

"I'm sorry Karin–sama," Jun'iku apologized as she resumed rubbing Sousou's feet. The strategist was without her usual coat and was happily rubbing Sousou's feet as she sat on her bed in thought. The big reveal by Sagara regarding the Golden Fruit had caused her citizens to panic. She had to send messengers to help calm them down, informing them of what was happening.

While Sousou herself had no intention of gaining the Golden Fruit as it was just a too easy path to power, another part of her was actually intrigued by it. Such power would be tempting and her rivals would want to claim it for themselves. If Sagara's claim was true, then anyone could become a god and take over everything and thus ruin everything Sousou was aiming to accomplish. That would not do.

If she had to, then she would claim the Golden Fruit, if only to prevent others from claiming it.

'Still… where did that random sneeze and shiver come from? Was someone talking about me? No, that can't be, that's just silly superstition.' Besides, because of her reputation, everyone should be talking about her.

A couple days have passed and for this morning, I received a report from one of my soldiers that Daigo, Souji–senpai, Renfa, and Kannei are coming here to Xizang, so right now, I was with Aisha at the entrance of the city waiting for them.

"C'mon, they should be here by now." I said a bit worried.

"They'll be here. I know that Sagara's announcement has you and the rest of us still on edge, but you have to be patient." Aisha said.

"I guess." I sighed. The two of us were silent for a moment before Aisha spoke up.

"So… you've made your decision."

"Eh?"

"About… your harem…" Aisha added with a blush.

"Gack!" I choked on my own spit. "Y–You heard!?"

Aisha shuffled in place for a moment before adding, "W–We didn't mean to eavesdrop… but we heard what you said to Yue…"

"O–Oh…" I said, but then noticed something else. "Wait a minute "we"?" I asked wide–eyed. "Don't tell me that–"

"Yes… Sui heard as well…" Aisha admitted.

"Oh great… Just when I thought I was about to surprise you two…" I groaned.

"Sorry," Aisha said sheepishly.

"Not only that, it won't be a good surprise for Shion and Shia when I tell them."

"Oh they heard too."

Dang it! Not what I had in mind!

"Ugh, I'm gonna regret asking this but… how did they take it?" I asked wearily.

"Pretty good, actually," Aisha answered, much to my surprise. "They accepted the fact that you can only love two women at the same time. Shion asks that you at least be a father figure to Riri, since she has no father."

"I see. Well, of course I would be." I nodded.

"Shia however, asked you, and me by extension," here Aisha paused as she blushed before continuing, "…to 'scratch the itch', every now and then, as she put it…"

"Uh…" I said stunned. "I… suppose." Me, Aisha, and Shia in a– no, no, no, no, no! Don't think that! Although it's very tempting too… GAH! What the heck am I thinking!?

"And about Kakouen–dono." Aisha continued.

Oh boy… they heard that also?

"Y–Yeah?" I gulped.

"…We approve."

"Eh?"

"We approve what you want to do, but… only if you 'do the deed' with us first," Aisha finished, her face being as red as a tomato.

"Uh…" I said, not knowing what to do next before saying, "O–Of course, absolutely, you have my word on that."

"Good." Aisha nodded.

Just then, we saw two Cracks open in front of us and there, a Rose Attacker and Sakura Hurricane came out of those Cracks. Riding them were Daigo and Souji–senpai in their armors while Renfa and Kannei were sitting behind them. They soon came to a stop as the Cracks closed and got off the bikes before the Riders went into civilian form.

"Hey guys, glad you could make it." I smiled as Aisha, after calming down from blushing, and I approached them.

"Of course, though I wished it were on different circumstances." Souji–senpai said.

"Sagara sure stirred the hornet's nest with his stunt," Daigo grumbled.

"Greetings Gaim–dono." Kannei bowed. "Renfa–sama and I are here on behalf of Sonsaku–sama."

"Of course," I nodded before looking at Renfa. Right, I didn't tell her and Ren about my decision. I'll tell them later. This is more important. "Let's take you to the castle so we can talk," I offered.

"Hai." Renfa nodded before we went on our way.

"We have concerns about this Golden Fruit," Renfa spoke as were in the meeting. "It will no doubt be tempting for someone like Sousou."

"Quite," I agreed. I remembered Enshō mumbling about wanting to claim it if she still had her army. "Then again, I hope Koji can dissuade her from that."

"There's also the White Clothes to worry about and their alliance with the Overlords which we haven't seen yet. They'll be gunning for it too." Daigo said.

"If an Overlord Inves ever got their hands on it, it would just accelerate Helheim Forest's invasion, turning our world into another extension of it," Souji–senpai added.

"Not only that, we haven't heard anything about the other Genesis Riders: Sigurd and Duke in a long time. Who knows what they're up to?" I added. "And then… there's Bujin Gaim."

Daigo and Souji–senpai looked at me incredulously. "I'm sorry, what?!" The former gawked.

"Are you saying your evil doppelganger is here too!?"

"Apparently." I nodded. "He was most likely the one that killed Bachou's father during Sousou's campaign when she invaded Ryosho and was hoping to put all the blame on Koji, but we managed to figure it out."

"Huh… no wonder Bachou was all hostile about Sousou and him during the campaign against Enshō." Souji–senpai thought out loud.

"Yeah, but that's all water under the bridge so she and Koji are on good terms." I waved off.

"But that still leaves the problem of having a Dark Rider wearing your image. He's on the loose and can use that against you and ruin your reputation."

"Yeah, I know." I said. "I just can't figure out how to have the people differentiate between me and him, other than by the color of our armors."

"Confront and finish him off," Senpai stated bluntly. "Don't hesitate, don't think twice. Be decisive, right then and there."

"Oh, you won't get arguments from me on that." I agreed.

"I'm sorry, but I am a little lost here. Who or what is Bujin Gaim?" Renfa asked.

"I'm also at a loss." Aisha added.

"I'll explain." I said. "Basically, I got an evil clone, a palette swap of my armor which is red, blood red to be exact, and evil all over. Unlike me, Bujin Gaim is completely ruthless. In my world, he's a bloodthirsty warrior who killed other Kamen Riders for the sake of proving his might. He even gave himself the title of Strongest Kamen Rider. In the end, the remaining Kamen Riders, saw him as a major threat, and banded together to defeat him."

"And now someone new has that armor. The new user can use it to do slander and tarnish Kurogasa–kun's reputation," Souji–senpai supplied.

"That is troubling…" Aisha frowned.

"And as much as I want to worry about that now, there are other things that need my attention. And that starts with–"

*BANG!*

Before I could finish, a soldier came into the room, bursting through the doors.

"Gaim–sama! I have an emergency report!" The soldier shouted.

"Speak soldier!" I said.

"The army of Sou Gi has attacked an outpost at our northern borders!"

"WHAT?!" We exclaimed.

"It was all so sudden! Their attack is led by General Kakouton and General Kakouen!"

Say what now!? Shuuran also participated on the attack!?

"Looks like Sousou is not wasting her time," Renfa frowned deeply.

"Kurogasa–sama! We have to retaliate!" Aisha urged urgently.

"I know," I replied as I steeled myself for what I'm about to order next. "Sound the gong and have our troops deploy to the northern border now!"

"Yes sir!" The soldier saluted before running to do what he was ordered to do.

"I'm gonna go right away and help out the soldiers there!"

"Using the shortcut?" Senpai questioned.

"Using the shortcut." I answered then turned to Aisha, "Aisha, assemble the rest of the Generals and Shuri. Bring Toshi, Iishe, and Minako too."

"Hai." Aisha nodded.

"And here." I said, pulling out the Genesis Driver and Dragonfruit Energy Lockseed from my coat and gave it to Aisha. "Give this to someone who you feel is best to use it. I'm not letting Enshō use this anytime soon."

Aisha looked at the items in her hand before nodding and taking them with her, "Understood."

"Our army shall help as well," Renfa spoke up and I nodded gratefully to her.

"Thank you." I said.

Soon after giving out the order, the gong sounded and the troops gathered to march out of the city and to the northern border. Aisha and my other generals have gathered too and they along with Daigo and Souji–senpai were to march with them. Before long, they went out of the city gates and marched on. As for me, I'm taking the shortcut using Helheim Forest to get to the outpost fast. However just when I was about to leave…

"Kurogasa–sama!" Sui called out as as she saw me.

"Sui?" I blinked as she approached me. "Shouldn't you be with the others?"

"Yeah, I just… wanted to see you off."

"Oh…"

"And… also…" Sui trailed off as she blushed a bit, looking away for a moment before she looked back at me and gave me the shocking surprise of kissing me.

"MMMMMMMMPH!" I cried out in shock. Seriously, what is it with me and girls unexpectedly kissing me from out of nowhere?!

She broke the kiss and blushed before smacking my back, "Good luck, Kurogasa–sama!"

"Uh… yeah." I said before snapping out of my daze. "Right, right!" before I strapped my Sengoku Driver to my waist. "H–Henshin!"

ORANGE!

LOCK ON!

SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!

The Crack opened up above me and the metallic orange descended down before landing on my shoulders and energy rippled around my body, forming my bodysuit before the metallic orange disassembled to form my armor. After that, I unlocked the Sakura Hurricane, got on it, and sped off fast, making a Crack open up before I went in it.

I continued driving through Helheim Forest driving on the Sakura Hurricane for a few minutes, before cherry blossoms flew towards me, meaning that I was close to my destination. Going full throttle, I sped up and the Crack opened up before I went through it. I was suddenly up in the air, and down below, I saw the outpost in shambles, seeing my soldiers fighting the enemy. I then got off my bike jumping even higher before I sliced my Lockseed once.

SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH!

Rows of orange slices appeared before me as I kicked my right leg out and leapt through them. "SEEEEIIIHAAAA!" My kick increased with power while going through each slice before I landed my kick on a group of Sou Gi soldiers and the energy I gathered got onto them, sending them flying all over while leaving a crater in my wake. After a moment, I then slowly got up.

"Gaim–sama!" One of my soldiers cried out. "He's here! He's here!"

"Thank goodness!" Another said relieved as I approached them.

"Are you all okay?" I asked.

"Yes, we're fine."

"I'm sorry I couldn't reach here sooner." I apologized.

"No, no, it's okay. We're glad that you're here now." The soldier assured.

"Good. I want you and the others to gather the wounded and retreat. Reinforcements should be here soon. I'll take care of things here before they arrive."

"Yes sir!" The soldier said before running off.

"KURURUGI!" A voice shouted and I turned to see the Kakou Twins a few feet from me.

"Kakouton… Shuuran…" I muttered, though I said the latter's name sadly.

"So you finally decided to show up." Kakouton sneered.

"Because you decided to fire the first shot!" I retorted. "Why?! There's no reason for us to fight! Not when we have the White Clothes and Inves running around!"

"This is for Karin–sama's dream! And you're in the way of that dream! Prepare to die!" Kakouton roared before she charged at me, sword held for an overhead slash. I raised up both my Musou Saber and Daidaimaru in an 'X' to block the overhead slash before we disengaged and I swung both my swords at her, only for the latter to block it back. "I've always wanted to fight you Kururugi! That way I can get you to back off from Shuuran!" Kakouton growled as she clashed her sword with my Daidaimaru and Musou Saber again and we tried to push each other back.

"What the heck does that have to do with anything?!" I asked incredulously.

"Everything!" she shouted at me as she furiously slashed at my chest, causing sparks to fly. "Because of you, Shuuran isn't as devoted to Karin–sama like before!"

"Guh…!" I grunted as I quickly blocked a powerful blow from Kakouton with my blades. "So you're going to be the overprotective sister now?"

"Silence!" the elder twin snapped only for her to gasp in pain as I kicked her in the gut, strong enough to knock the wind out of her.

"You need to cool off!" I snapped before I kicked her again, making her slide back.

"Aneja, just stop." Shuuran said.

"No!" Kakouton snapped and charged at me again, but this time I side–stepped her blow and retaliated with a slash from Musou Saber. She blocked the attack hurriedly, before she was forced to disengage to avoid my Daidaimaru coming from her side.

"I won't lie to you Kakouton. I am attracted to your sister." I admitted.

"WHAT?!" She fumed.

"I've liked her for some time now, ever since we started working together in the Anti–Tōtaku Alliance! She's been very helpful to me and we enjoyed being in each other's company! Not a day goes by without me thinking about her!"

"Kurogasa–sama…" Shuuran murmured with a slight blush.

"You… you're saying that you have feelings for her?!" Kakouton shouted.

"I do and I'm not afraid to say it!"

Kakouton only growled and snarled as her blood began to boil. "You… You! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" She yelled as she charged at me.

"Aneja! Enough!" Shuuran shouted as she ran past her and Kakouton stopped her charge when the former… got in front of me?

"Move Shuuran!" Kakouton demanded.

"You are making this way too personal! Also whom I have feelings for should not be any of your concern, sister!"

"You would dare betray Karin–sama for this… this lecher?!"

"Hey! I treat women with the utmost respect!" I snapped.

"I would never betray Karin–sama, but I don't see why you are so concerned about whom I have feelings for and make such a great racket about it," Shuuran retorted, narrowing her eyes at her bullheaded sister.

Before anything else could happen, there was a familiar sound.

LEMON/CHERRY ENERGY!

My eyes widened when I heard that. "Move!" I shouted as I pushed Shuuran to the side as two energy arrows came flying in. Kakouton managed to block them quickly, but was blown backwards from the finishers.

"ANEJA!" Shuuran called out in worry.

"SURPRISE, SURPRISE!"

It was Sigurd and Duke and they had a bunch of Inves with them while the Inves wreaking havoc with the Sou Gi soldiers.

"Takuro! Omura!" I gritted.

"Fancy meeting you again, Kurogasa–kun." Duke chuckled.

"What are you doing here?!" I demanded.

"Research, like usual," Duke replied easily before adding, "Besides, we owe you for our defeat during the En Clan campaign."

"Oh believe me when I say I'm going to enjoy this so much," Sigurd grinned behind his mask.

"Not if I can help it!" I snapped as I charged in at Sigurd. Sigurd soon followed with the latter firing arrows at me, and I swatted them away before we clashed our weapons against each other's. "What is your end game, Shinji?!" I demanded. "Why are you and Takuro sided with the White Clothes?! And don't give me that 'it's all for profit' speech. It's getting really old!"

"Aww, no one respects my reasoning anymore…" Sigurd whined.

"Because they're pitiful excuses like you!" I shouted before I broke off the lockdown and slashed him, causing him to stagger back before I put the Musou Saber in Daidaimaru in Naginata Mode and sliced my Lockseed twice.

SOIYA! ORANGE AU LAIT!

"Take this!" I slashed my weapon twice at Sigurd who managed to dodge the finisher just in time, but was caught by the shots of my Musou Saber.

"GAH!" Sigurd grunted in pain before I slashed him in the chest twice before sending him staggering with a powerful backhanded slash.

"How's that!?" I taunted.

"Ngh…! You're getting better…! But…!" Sigurd replied before I had to dodge a salvo of energy arrows from Duke.

"You need to pay more attention to your surroundings, Kurogasa–kun," Duke chided.

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. I'm up against two Genesis Riders and I don't have time to activate my Jimber Arms. At this rate…!

DRAGONFRUIT ENERGY!

The shot came roaring out of nowhere and struck Duke, sending him reeling to the ground.

"What the–!? Who is it!?" Sigurd demanded. I turned around and looked to see… a purple colored Kamen Rider Tyrant?

"Kurogasa–sama, daijobu?" the new Tyrant asked, and she sounded like Shion.

…

…

…

…EH?! Wait a minute, Shion?!

It made sense. Among my generals, Shion was the best archer and should be able to utilize the Sonic Arrow.

"S–Shion–san?!" I stuttered.

"Yokatta… I'm glad you're okay." She sighed in relief as she approached me.

"What are you doing here? How did you even get here this fast?" I asked still surprised.

"Oh, that…" She smiled behind her helmet as she told me.

Flashback

"Take this!" Aisha shouted as she cleaved a Gi soldier in two before pivoting with her feet and swiped widely to strike the soldiers around them.

"Don't get in my way!" Rinrin roared, sending Gi soldiers flying with a mighty swing.

"Hiyah!" Sui shouted, spearing a soldier with her Silver Flash and had her horse trampled another.

"Hmph, these soldiers are no match for us." Sei scoffed.

"Weak…" Ren muttered after stabbing another.

"Man, these guys aren't strong at all!" Shia whined.

"And they're the pride of Sou Gi? Hmph… very contradicting if you ask me." Miyabi scoffed.

"Those White Clothes did a lot better than this." Sonken added.

"Agreed." Kannei nodded.

"So what's the plan now?!" Iishe asked as she swung at a group of Gi soldiers with her broadsword.

"We have to get to Kurogasa–kun and fast!" Zangetsu said after bashing another soldier with his Melon Defender. "He needs our help!"

"Uh, yeah, one problem! We can't get through!" Ryugen snapped before firing energy shots with his Budou Ryuhou. "There's too many of these guys!"

"Yeah, they're annoying!" Tanpopo pouted.

"Hawawa, what do we do?!" Shuri panicked.

"Ara, aren't you supposed to be the one thinking of a plan Shuri–chan?" Shion said worried, tilting her head.

"I–I know, b–but…!" Shuri bit her lip, trying to form a plan under the gravity of the situation they were in. It wasn't even a minute later when the proverbial light bulb blinked on her mind. "That's right! We can break through them with that!"

"Uh, what are you saying, Shuri–san?" Gridon asked.

"Aisha–san! The Genesis Driver and the Energy Lockseed! Give it to Shion–san!" Shuri called out.

"…I see! So that's your plan, Shuri," Aisha said as she struck down several soldiers in one swipe. She took out the Driver and Lockseed before throwing them to Shion. "Shion–san! Catch!"

Several soldiers, knowing what the items could do tried to grab them for themselves.

"Get that belt and lock! Don't let Shoku get it!"

"For Karin–sama!"

"I can get promoted if I have them!"

"As of I'd let you!" Ryugen snapped and sliced the Lockseed thrice.

HAI~! BUDOU~ SPARKING!

"Let me in on it!" Marika said pushing the Seaboll Compressor twice.

PEACH ENERGY SPARKING!

"Eat bullets!" Ryugen fired his finisher, firing a lot of energy bullets at the soldiers as he swiped his gun around.

"HAAAAAH!" Marika slashed her Sonic Arrow twice, sending pink energy arcs that went through the ranks of Gi soldiers like a hot knife on butter.

Shion caught the Genesis Driver and the Dragonfruit Energy Lockseed and didn't waste her time to strap the former to her waist. She was quite familiar with how they worked as Minako had explained it to her during their conversations together.

"Henshin," she said calmly, unlocking the Dragonfruit Energy Lockseed.

DRAGONFRUIT ENERGY!

The techno tune played as the Crack opened up to reveal the metallic dragon fruit before she locked it in place and pressed the Seaboll Compressor to open the Lockseed.

LOCK… ON!

SODA! DRAGON ENERGY ARMS!

The rest of the techno tune played and the metallic dragon fruit dropped on her shoulders and energy wrapped around her before the bodysuit formed and the metallic parts disassembled. Although… the color changed to being highlights of purple all over for some reason.

"Ara…" Shion murmured looking at herself. Now she was Kamen Rider Tyrant Reine.

"Huh…" Pairen blinked.

"You're all purple!" Idunn noticed, pointing at her.

"I could get used to this." Tyrant Reine said.

"Perhaps it is because the user is different," Sonken pondered.

"Wonder about that later! We need to help Kurogasa–kun now!" Zangetsu urged. "Shion–san, you'll have to go on without us. We'll catch up!"

"I'll go," Tyrant Reine offered.

End Flashback

"Now, Kurogasa–sama. I suggest we take care of these ruffians immediately," she suggested.

"You got it, Shion!" I agreed. Tyrant Reine had given me the chance I needed to turn this fight around as I unlocked my Lemon Energy Lockseed.

LEMON ENERGY!

LOCK… ON!

SOIYA! MIX! JIMBER LEMON! HAW–HAW!

"Alright! This is our stage now!" I declared confidently.

"Don't get cocky just because you have backup now!" Sigurd growled.

"We shall see about that," Tyrant Reine replied as she strafed several energy arrows at Sigurd.

The Viking–themed Rider barely managed to get away from the volley, but was struck by the second wave when he tried to retaliate. "GYAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Sigurd screamed in pain as the arrows struck. I smirked. Shion was really quick when she fired arrows. So it came to no surprise that she could fire an instant volley with the Sonic Arrow.

"Omura–kun!" Duke shouted before he growled and charged and tried to reach him, but I blocked his way and struck him with my Sonic Arrow not letting him get to Tyrant Reine. "Why you…"

I then parried his Sonic Arrow with mine and pushed him back. "Your fight is with me, Takuro!"

"How rude of you to not call me 'Sensei'!" Duke snarled.

"You lost the right to be a sensei the moment you joined the enemy for your own ambitions!" I retorted. "All for the sake of science? I say BS!" I snapped at him. "Now what are you doing with Sou Gi!?"

"Hmph, you really want to know that badly?" Duke scoffed. "As if I'd tell you."

"Then I'll force you!" I shouted as we disengaged and I struck continuously at Duke with the Sonic Arrow. He brought up his own and sparks flew as our weapons clashed.

Where was Koji during all this?

Meanwhile, Aisha and the others continued their battle with the Sou Gi soldiers. Ryugen took out the Yomotsuheguri Lockseed. As he held it, his hand started to tremble. "Can I really use it without dying?" He muttered.

"You can do it Daigo!" Iishe called out in encouragement.

"Huh?" Ryugen said, turning to his new girlfriend.

"You'll be fine! Go for it!"

Hearing those words steeled his resolve as the trembling ceased. "Well… if she says I'll be fine, then I'll be fine! I won't fall into a living Hell again. This time I'm the master of my own fate!" He unlocked the Lockseed.

YOMOTSUHEGURI!

Black steams formed over Ryugen's head and the Yomotsuheguri Armor Parts descended from it. Taking a deep breath, the Chinese soldier themed Rider swapped the Budou Lockseed with its darker counterpart and locking it into place.

LOCK ON!

The Rider indicator turned red and Ryugen sliced the Lockseed open.

HAI~! YOMOTSUHEGURI ARMS! MEI! KAI! YOMI, YOMI, YOMI!

The Budou Arms dissipated into motes of light as the Yomotsuheguri Armor Parts landed on Ryugen's shoulder, forming his crimson and black Yomi Ride Wear. The Armor Parts unfolded to be the Yomotsuheguri Arms, releasing crimson steam in all direction as it completed the transformation.

"Huh, it doesn't hurt anymore," Ryugen Yomi commented once he completed the transformation sequence. "Right, let's do this quick since I don't have much time!"

He then took out Budou Ryuhou in one hand and Kiwi Gekirin in another and took fire at the nearest soldiers. He then charged ahead, swing his bladed wheel weapon on any enemies before firing his gun at the incoming soldiers.

"I think I get a hang of this fella," Ryugen Yomi grinned in satisfaction.

Zangetsu looked over and sighed in relief. "Looks like what Sagara said was true after all. That's a miracle in itself, I guess." He then took out another Lockseed. "And speaking of miracles…"

MIRACLE!

LOCK ON!

SOIYA! MIRACLE ARMS! SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND!

His Melon Arms disappeared into motes of light and the Crack opened up, revealing the metallic miracle berry before descending down on his shoulders and disassembling to form his armor and his Miracle Gatler appeared. "Let's make it rain bullets!" He shouted before firing at the Gi soldiers.

COME ON! DONGURI/RINGO SPARKING!

"Out of the way please!" Gridon called out as she spun on her place, holding her Donkachi out, and surrounded with an acorn like aura. Idunn meanwhile threw her Apple Reflector in the air and smacked it towards the enemy with her Sword Bringer and the former formed an energy apple slice that enveloped the shield. The apple slice like boomerang and Gridon spun and tore through the enemies, sending them flying before Gridon stopped spinning and the Apple Reflector returned to Idunn.

"Uwhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa… sooooo… dizzyyyyyyyyyyyyy…" Gridon slurred, stumbling around like a drunk person.

"Again, why spin in the first place?" Iishe sweat dropped.

"Forget that. Let's focus on breaking through," Renfa chided.

"Leave it to me! Ready, Aniki?" Ryugen asked as he sliced the Yomotsuheguri Lockseed three times.

HAI~! YOMOTSUHEGURI SPARKING!

"Right behind you!" Zangetsu sliced his Miracle Lockseed thrice.

SOIYA! MIRACLE SPARKING!

Crimson energy gathered in front of Budou Ryuhou while Miracle Gatler lit up with charged up energy.

"Eat this! Brother Burst!" Ryugen Yomi and Zangetsu shouted in harmony as they fired their weapons. Barrages of energy bullets tore through the rank of Gi soldiers with ease, not even the middle line and back line soldiers were spared by the volley.

"Whoooaa~, what a rush," Ryugen Yomi said woozily as he fell to a knee.

"Are you alright, Daigo?" Zangetsu asked.

"Yeah, no worries," Ryugen Yomi waved off. He was already feeling the energy drain but he should be able to hold out before passing out.

"This is our chance, everyone! Let's break through!" Idunn declared.

"Charge! Smash! Victory!" Rinrin cheered.

"UWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOA!" the soldiers yelled.

SOIYA! ORANGE/JIMBER LEMON SQUASH!

DRAGONFRUIT/LEMON/CHERRY ENERGY!

All of us fired our respective energy arrows at each other and they all met in the middle, causing an explosion.

"Grrrr… we're not getting anywhere with this." I gritted.

"Be patient. We can do this. Stay calm and you won't miss." Tyrant Reine said calmly.

"Right…" I nodded.

"Tsk, I'll just charge forward then!" Sigurd declared before he charged at me and Tyrant Reine with Duke performing support fire for him.

"Shion–san!" I called out as I intercepted Sigurd, matching his blows to blows. Tyrant Reine shot a fast barrage of arrows that neutralized Duke's and even outpaced his shots.

"Damn that woman…!" Duke growled before he rolled to the side to avoid her blindingly fast volley.

"This is as far as you go," Tyrant Reine stated calmly as she placed her Dragonfruit Energy Lockseed on her Sonic Arrow.

LOCK… ON!

"As if I'd let you!" Duke retorted as he locked his Lemon Energy Lockseed to the Sonic Arrow.

LOCK… ON!

They pulled the shaft of their Sonic Arrows, letting the finisher charging before they fired at almost the same time.

LEMON/DRAGONFRUIT ENERGY!

Spiraling yellow energy arrow clashed with dragon head–shaped blast and trying to dominate each other. However, it soon proved that the former was tad weaker and was obliterated by the latter. Duke even didn't have time to react as Tyrant Reine's finished blasted him dead on.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGHHHHH!" Duke screamed in pain as his transformation cancelled. To add insult to the injury, his Lemon Energy Lockseed was ejected and flew into Tyrant Reine's hand, much to hers and my surprise.

"Ara, is this for me?"

"Yeah, you won, so that's yours to keep!" I grinned behind my helmet. Less Energy Lockseed on their hands are just good news to me!

"You wench!" Sigurd roared and tried to attack Tyrant Reine, but I immediately blocked him.

"You won't get pass me!" I declared as I shoved him and slashed my Lockseed twice.

SOIYA! ORANGE/JIMBER LEMON AU LAIT!

The arrow I fired at him sent him sliding back and pinned him in place as alternating giant orange and lemon slices made of energy lined up between him and myself. I then jumped and went skyward with the orange slices following me and lining up at an angle. Finally, I executed the Jimber Burai Kick, flying through the slices as energy gathered and grew around me as orange–yellow flames. "SEIHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*

"ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!" Sigurd yelled in pain as he was sent flying and fell a few feet away from me after, cancelling out his transformation.

"You're finished," I muttered.

"Ara, splendid job Kurogasa–sama," Tyrant Reine said delighted as she approached me.

"Thanks, I do what I can." I said, before turning back to Shinji and Takuro who were staggering up from their fall. I wasn't just going to let them get away, not this time.

"This… isn't over!" Takuro gritted.

"Oh it will be!" I said. "Whatever you have planned, I'll be ready and waiting!"

But then–

BLOOD ORANGE SQUASH!

My eyes widened when I heard that and a wave of blood red energy hit the ground near Tyrant Reine and I, causing sparks to fly off the ground, making us defend ourselves from them.

"What the–!" I got out surprised before lowering my arms and my eyes widened when I saw… Bujin Gaim?!

He was exactly as I pictured him, wearing the same Ride Wear suit and a similar Arms Armor. The only different was that his was red with black flame–like patterns on the chest and also on his blood red visor. He had blood red accents on his helmet's sword–crest. In his hand was a blood red Daidaimaru, the Blood Daidaimaru.

"Kurogasa… Kururugi…" Bujin Gaim spoke slowly and I could hear a tone filled with hatred and contempt aimed towards me. "DIE!" He charged straight at me and I immediately responded.

Sparks flew as his Daidaimaru connected with my Sonic Arrow.

"Grrrr… let's retreat Omura–kun." Takuro gritted.

"Yeah…" Shinji cringed. "Man this sucks!"

With that, they retreated into the Crack where Bujin came out of. Meanwhile, my evil counterpart and I tried to push each other back.

"Who are you?!" I demanded.

"Someone who wants to kill you!" Bujin Gaim snarled as he kicked me backwards before slashing me across the chest. "And I will kill you for that Golden Fruit spoken by that sage. I can't let anyone else claim it!"

"No way! Nobody's getting their hands on that fruit if I have anything to say about it!"

"We'll see about that!"

Despite only using Blood Orange Arms, he somehow managed to fight toe–to–toe with me. That however wouldn't last long as he only could barely keep up with me. He tried to strike me with Blood Daidaimaru which I parried and shoved back at him before slashing his chest twice. He staggered, but quickly recovered before unsheathing Musou Saber, pulling the tab, and emptied his magazine. I rolled to the side and fired an energy arrow at him, which he dodged.

We traded shots and blows every so often, but Bujin Gaim was solely focused on me so he forgot someone else until it was almost too late.

"Kurogasa–sama!" I heard Tyrant Reine calling out for me, followed by the familiar beeping noise of a Sonic Arrow charging.

I quickly shoved him and got out of Tyrant Reine's firing range. Much to my dismay, Bujin Gaim managed avoid her volley.

"Damn puppet…!" I heard him growl under his breath.

"Just who the heck are you!? Why are you attacking me and killed Batou–dono!?" I demanded again as I charged up my Sonic Arrow.

"Do you really want to know?" I could see his sneer behind his mask. "Don't tell me you're quite attached to this world of a puppet show already?"

"What are you talking about?!" I snapped.

"You really don't get it do you? This world and its inhabitants are nothing but scripted existences. In other words, just puppets of something greater."

"The hell it is! They are as real as me and my friends! I won't let you get away with that!" I snapped as I locked my Lemon Energy Lockseed to Sonic Arrow and sliced Orange Lockseed twice.

LOCK… ON!

SOIYA! ORANGE AU LAIT!

In response of my action, Bujin Gaim combined his Musou Saber and Blood Daidaimaru before locking the Blood Orange Lockseed to his weapon.

LOCK ON! 1! 10! 100! 1,000! 10,000!

"KURAE!" We both shouted.

LEMON ENERGY!

BLOOD ORANGE CHARGE!

Spinning slices of orange–tinted lemon clashed with blood orange slices. The finishers struggled against each other before exploding violently, knocking both of us off of our feet.

"Gah!" I grunted.

"…Kuso… If not because of that Energy Lockseed…!" Bujin Gaim hissed.

"Stay away from my buddy, you bastard!"

HAI~! YOMOTSUHEGURI SQUASH!

"Nani?!"

"Take this!" Another shouted.

PEACH ENERGY!

"And more is coming!"

SOIYA! MIRACLE SQUASH!

COME ON! RINGO AU LAIT!

COME ON! DONGURI SPARKING!

At that point, multiple grape and miracle berry bullets came flying at Bujin Gaim making him dodge, but then a pink energy arrow came flying at him, hitting him and trapping him in a hologram peach. Energy apples then came flying towards the peach construct and a spinning Gridon crashed into it, causing a massive explosion.

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*

"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Bujin Gaim yelled in pain as he was sent flying back several feet before sprawling to the ground.

"Minna!" I shouted as the other Riders came up to me, Gridon still kinda dizzy.

"You okay buddy?" Ryugen Yomi asked.

"Yeah, I'm good." I replied.

"Thank goodness we got here in time." Zangetsu–senpai sighed in relief.

"Otherwise, you could've been in trouble." Marika said.

"Yeah, thanks everyone." I said.

"Ahhhhh! He's back up!" Idunn noticed Bujin Gaim as the said Dark Rider staggered up.

"Aw mou~ that attack should've knocked him out!" Gridon whined.

"Grrrrrr… this… isn't over." Bujin gritted as he opened up a Crack. "I will have your blood on my hands Kururugi! No matter what you do, in the end, you're nothing but scripted existences!" And with that, he staggered into the Crack and zipped up not long after.

"Geez, what's his problem?" Ryugen Yomi asked before falling to his knee.

"Daigo! Are you alright?" Zangetsu–senpai asked.

"Just… tired. That last finisher drained me out," he wheezed out before preparing to close his Lockseed. "I think I'm about to pass out when I de–transform."

"Then do it. Don't push yourself too much," Zangetsu–senpai replied quickly.

"Right." He said before all of us went back to civilian form with Daigo passing out and Toshi catching him.

"At least he's not gonna die." I said before looking around. "By the way, where are Kakouton and Shuuran?"

"They have escaped in the confusion of this battle. Their soldiers too have seemed to retreat to another outpost," Shion reported.

"I see…" I sighed, then muttered under my breath sadly, "Shuuran…"

"KUROGASA–SAMA!" I heard Aisha call out. I looked up and everyone turned to see Aisha and everyone else along with the armies of Shoku and Son Go behind them.

"Aisha…" I murmured before she ran over to and hugged me.

"Thank goodness you're okay!" Aisha said relieved.

"Sumanai, Aisha. I didn't mean to worry you." I smiled sadly as I hugged her back.

"As long as you are alright," she replied. Aisha then let go of the hug as she said, "We saw another Rider fighting you. Who was that?"

"He is my dark counterpart, Bujin Gaim. I don't know who he is, but he seemed to hold a lot of grudge on me," I answered.

"What?" Everyone gasped.

"You fought yourself?" Rinrin asked confused.

"Not exactly." I sweat dropped. "Think like there is someone else wearing an evil version of my armor."

"Oh, I see!" Rinrin said as she hit her palm in understanding.

"Anyways, let's all help out rebuild this outpost, get it in working order, and then plan our next move." I suggested.

"Hai." Aisha nodded.

"Shuri, make sure everyone gets this order."

"Hai." Shuri nodded too before turning to the army. "Minna, please help the wounded and rebuild the outpost! We need everyone's help!" The soldiers all voiced out their response of affirmation and went to work as well as my friends and generals. As they started working however, I thought back to what Bujin Gaim had said earlier.

"Don't tell me you're quite attached to this world of a puppet show already?"

"You really don't get it do you? This world and its inhabitants are nothing but scripted existences. In other words, just puppets of something greater."

"Kurogasa–sama?" Aisha said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"H–Huh?" I stuttered looking at her.

"Are you alright? You were spacing out for a moment."

"O–Oh sorry, yeah, I'm fine." I said sheepishly.

"Are you sure?" Aisha tilted her head.

"Yeah, I'm fine. C'mon, let's help out." I said, before walking off.

"Hai…" Aisha trailed off as he looked at me for a bit longer before following.

And there you have it guys! The second half of this story is finally under way! The White Clothes are being suspicious as ever, Sousou has fired the first salvo in this war, and we finally have the appearance of Bujin Gaim! How is this all gonna play out? You're gonna have to stay tuned! Because things are gonna be crazier from here on out!