We do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider Gaim. They belong to their respective creators. We just thought this idea would be fun and decided to give it a try. If you like it, then that's great. If you don't, then we tried. Anyway, come along and let's see what you think.
KRC: BTW, the review page is for REVIEWS and FEEDBACK. No challenges are going there. If you want a challenge, you can post something on my ANTHOLOGY's review which is series of one-shots on my profile. Just FYI.
It was complete chaos in Shoku. A massive battle was taking place. Ryuubi led the Shoku Warriors and their soldiers to fight against the threat.
They were battling monsters.
But these monsters were different from the ones they were accustomed to. They didn't have the distinct markings that identified them as Rinrinshi, nor were they Inves. The monsters they were facing came in all sorts of shapes and sizes that they might as well be from various species.
The Shoku Warriors' situation wasn't getting any better even when Ryuubi, Kanu, and Chouhi activated their special armor to face the threat. The open portals allowed more of those things to spill out and crowd the battlefield.
The same thing was happening all across the land. The capitals and territories of Sou Gi and Son Go were under attack. Ensho's city was under siege and even Kosonsan's city was under assault. Kosonsan hated being left out, usually, but she would rather not be in this situation at all. At least they all had their Armored War Gods.
Unfortunately, Shoku did not have their Armored War Gods. Nagata, Iori, and Karasu were missing.
Where were they!?
In Helheim Forest, Nagata was on his knees before Bujin Gaim. Injured, Nagata could not defend himself. Bujin Gaim looked down at him and raised his sword.
"Long Live the King."
The sword came down.
Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: End of the Armored War Gods
Co-Written By: Kamen Rider Chrome & Ten-Faced Paladin
Beta Reader/Editor: Busterleader92
Chapter 12: The Conquest of Bujin Gaim
3 Days Earlier...
"Gaim-sama, it's time to wake up!" Kaku called. As she entered his room, she found him absent. "Where is that man?"
"Good morning, Kaku."
Kaku gasped and whirled her head around in a panic.
"Who said that!?"
"Oops, sorry. Hold on."
Nagata suddenly appeared in front of her.
"I forgot to turn visible."
Kaku's eyes widened then rolled up in the back of her head as she fainted.
"Kaku! Oh, crap!"
Kaku woke up later in Nagata's bed. She did her work as usual but avoided Nagata. She just couldn't get used to the idea that he was technically a spirit. She also had to wonder if he was wandering the halls while invisible.
Even if things had changed for Nagata, that didn't mean he could shirk his responsibilities. He still had work to do and duties to fulfill. Being a spirit didn't change any of that.
"Nagata-sama, I got those books you wanted," said Komei as she entered his office. Suddenly, she gasped in shock and dropped the books.
She stared at the brush floating in the air as it was being used to write on paper.
"Shuri, am I invisible again?"
She gave him a nod.
"Hold on."
Nagata turned visible. Komei watched the process with odd fascination. First, she saw a transparent outline and then colors and features filled in before she saw a fully visible Nagata.
"Can you see me now?" Nagata asked.
"Yes, I can," she answered.
"Good. Sorry about that. I'm still getting used to this whole being a spirit thing. Sometimes I just turn invisible without realizing it."
Komei grabbed a chair and dragged it over to Nagata's desk. She then sat down and smiled with a curious look in her eyes. She wasn't afraid. She was utterly fascinated and wanted to know more.
"So, what's it like being a spirit?" Komei asked.
"Is this for your book?" Nagata asked. Komei was writing a book about the Armored War Gods and this new development was interesting.
"Well, yes. I always record anything new I learn about you. Now I learn you can live without a physical body as a spirit," she said. "I mean, how many people can say they've experienced something like that?"
"Not a lot," Nagata sighed.
"So, how are you?" Komei asked.
"I guess you can say I'm trying to take my mind off the fact that I'm not really here. I'm technically a ghost while Bujin Gaim is out there, with my body, doing god knows what. I mean, I don't feel hungry, and I don't feel tired. I'm just existing."
Komei frowned sympathetically.
"Nagata-sama, don't worry. I know you'll get your body back."
"Thanks, Shuri."
"But out of curiosity, what else can you do as a ghost beside turn invisible?"
"Well, I can levitate."
Hoto could not reach the book on the top shelf and went to grab a ladder.
"Let me get that for you," Nagata offered as he levitated and grabbed the book for her. "Here you go."
Hoto was speechless as she accepted the book. Seeing a man levitate off the ground like that was just shocking. She knew from Komei that she had to expect the weird while working under Nagata, but she thought it would be gradual and she would have time to adjust. Now she was presented with something that was impossible.
"And I can walk through walls," Nagata continued.
"What's that like?" Komei asked.
"It's like I won't have any trouble going in or out of places. It freaks people out, though."
"Nagata-sama, it's time for training!" Ryuubi called outside his office. Kanu and Chouhi were with her too.
"I'm coming!"
Nagata stepped out the door without opening it. He just phased through. Kanu and Chouhi gawked. Ryuubi dropped her training sword.
"I just walked through the door again, didn't I?"
He received silent nods in return.
"You girls are still freaking out, aren't you?"
"I don't think Aisha and Rinrin are used to me being able to do that," Nagata said sheepishly.
"Well, they are deathly afraid of ghosts," Komei recalled.
"Yeah, I know."
Kanu and Chouhi were afraid of ghosts and ghost stories. It was cute, to a certain degree, but he didn't want to scare the two girls he loved the most. Kanu was his first girlfriend and Chouhi was his little sister. He couldn't bear the thought of them being afraid of him.
"Is there anything else?" Komei continued to ask.
"Physical objects can't hurt me anymore."
Nagata held his training sword. "OK, Touka! Show me what you can do!"
CLACK! CLACK! CLACK! CLACK!
Nagata and Ryuubi exchanged blows with their wooden training swords. Nagata made sure to maintain a certain level so he wouldn't overwhelm her, but it seemed that he didn't have to hold back as much anymore. Ryuubi had improved greatly since she began training under him, and it showed in the skill that she displayed. She knew how to parry, how to strike, and even perform a feint. She was truly growing as a warrior and he was proud of her.
Because of his contemplation, he got careless and she managed to disarm him.
"This is it!" Ryuubi yelled as she swung towards Nagata's chest. She would pull her punches, though. After all, this was just a training exercise. She would stop as soon as her sword touched him and she would tap him on the chest.
However, instead of meeting solid flesh, her wooden training sword seemed to pass through Nagata as if he was made of air.
"Huh?" Ryuubi blinked.
"Sorry," Nagata apologized.
"So, yeah. Pretty standard abilities for a spirit," Nagata concluded.
Komei picked up on Nagata's feelings through his body language. They were still trying to track down Bujin Gaim, but he was hiding somewhere in Helheim, and right now they were still recovering from his last attack.
"What are you going to do if you don't get your body back?" Komei asked. They needed to be ready for the worst possible outcome.
"I don't know. Try to live with it, I guess. It's not ideal, but if there's nothing anyone can do about it, then I just have to accept it," he answered.
Komei knew that wasn't true. He wanted his body back. He wanted to be able to sleep again and to be able to eat again. Not having a real physical body took away a part of what made Nagata who he was. He just wasn't whole anymore.
So Komei said what she believed could offer him comfort.
"No matter what, Nagata-sama, we'll be by your side. Even if you end up a ghost."
"Thanks, Shuri," he smiled at her and she blushed.
It was a very touching moment and Komei wanted so much to hug him.
"OK, I guess I can finish up these reports later. Right now, I got archery practice with Iori," Nagata said. Suddenly, he vanished like a ghost.
Komei blinked and looked around.
"Nagata-sama? Nagata-sama, are you there?"
She received nothing but silence. She was alone in the room, and she felt a weird chill.
Iori and Nagata were out on the archery range, practicing.
"So, how have you been, Casper?" Iori asked.
"Can't say I'm fine because then I'd be lying," Nagata said as he fired another arrow. "This isn't like the last time."
"Because you weren't aware the last time. You were focused on taking down Braco. Now, well, you have no choice but to adjust to being a spirit," Iori said. "By the way, how do you maintain corporeal form?"
"Focus. I meditate to keep myself focused and maintain a solid, visible form," Nagata answered. "It's all about mental and emotional control."
"I'm surprised you're taking this all so well," Iori observed. "I'm impressed."
"Only because, if I panic, I'll turn invisible and intangible," Nagata replied.
"So, has this affected your sex life?" Iori asked curiously.
"It makes things interesting."
Recently, he had slept with Chou'un. It was after he lost his physical body. She joined him in bed and they made love. While she was riding him cowgirl style, he ended up levitating off the bed.
And she cried with passionate, reckless abandon.
"Oh, yes! Nagata-sama! Yes!" she yelled out as they floated in the air.
"Oh! Oh man! This feels AMAZING!" Nagata cried as he held her hips.
"So, I was with Sei and we floated in midair," Nagata summarized.
Iori blinked.
"Wait, you actually levitated in the middle of sex?"
"Like I said, it makes things interesting," Nagata replied with a shrug.
"I'm impressed you stayed solid the whole time."
"Solid, yes. Visible, no."
Iori cocked an eyebrow in response.
"That must be quite the experience for Sei."
"She liked it. As in she really liked it. Sometimes, I just don't understand that girl."
"She's adventurous."
"I guess that's one word for it."
"Well, it keeps things interesting if she doesn't mind sleeping with a ghost."
"I'm a spirit. I'd be dead if I were a ghost," Nagata corrected.
"Well, at least this can't get any weirder."
"Actually, it can. Apparently, I sometimes glow in the dark."
Iori cocked an eyebrow.
"You glow in the dark? Like a glow stick?"
"Exactly like a glow stick."
"Well, that kind of makes sense. I mean there's phenomenon of glowing spirit orbs. Maybe that's it."
"Let's just continue training and not talk about it."
"Hey, you're the one who mentioned it."
The day went on until evening. It was dinnertime and everyone sat at the table, including Nagata. Being a spirit, he did not need to eat. So he just watched.
It was dinnertime and everyone sat at the table, including Nagata. Being a spirit, he did not need to eat. So he just watched.
He could only watch. He missed eating. And he also missed the taste and smell of food.
"Onii-chan, aren't you going to eat?" Chouhi asked.
"Rinrin," Kanu scolded.
"It's fine. I'm not hungry," Nagata declined.
Karasu finally had enough.
"You're not hungry because you're a ghost!" Karasu snapped. "I can't believe you're being so calm about this! Why aren't you out there looking for your body!?"
Without waiting for a response, Karasu stormed out of the dining room and to her room.
"I better check on her," said Nagata as he excused himself from the table. He suddenly vanished into thin air.
Everyone felt a chill when he did that.
"I don't think I will ever get used to that," Kanu commented.
"I have," Chou'un smiled slyly. "I had all night to get used to it."
Karasu had gone into her room and locked herself in. She threw herself onto her bed and cried. She picked up her Nagata doll and hugged it.
"Naga-kun, why...?" she sobbed.
He wasn't technically dead. His body was out there, somewhere. But he was a spirit now, so he might as well be dead. How could he be okay with it? How could any of them be okay with it?
She heard his voice outside her door.
"Kara-chan?"
"Go away!" she yelled.
"You know locking me out won't work since I can just walk through doors."
Karasu got off her bed and wiped her tears. He had a point. There wasn't anything stopping him from coming in. Hell, with how he could walk through walls, the door might as well not be there at all.
She opened her door, allowing him in.
"What's wrong?" Nagata asked as he saw the tears in her eyes.
"I don't understand how you can live like this! How can you even call this living?" Karasu responded.
"Kara-chan, I can't afford to freak out or breakdown right now. I need to stay strong for everyone's sake."
"So, this is about keeping up appearances."
"Exactly. We just went through a major battle and the villagers need to think everything is OK now. If they found out what happened to me, they might panic."
"I understand, but we should be out there hunting down Bujin Gaim and getting your body back."
"It's too dangerous."
"It's worth the risk so you can be normal again."
"I just don't want any of you to get hurt because of me. Bujin Gaim's gotten stronger, and now he has my body. This is on me because I dropped my guard and let it happen. Plus, we don't know how to exorcise him from my body. If we go in unprepared, then things could get worse. Look, we'll figure something out. In the meantime, just trust me, OK?"
"Have you even tried asking Kada?" Karasu suggested. "You know he's not just a doctor, right?"
Nagata blinked and he realized his folly. "Why didn't I think of that?"
Nagata visited Kada's clinic the following day. Currently, the doctor was busy performing acupuncture on one of his patients. Fortunately, he was capable of multitasking so he wasn't too busy to speak with the Musou Seiryuoh.
"You wish for me to help you retrieve your body?" Kada asked.
"Well, you have a lot of experience with sorcery. We just thought you probably have an idea of how to exorcise an evil spirit from my body," answered Nagata.
"I haven't learned anything like that, but I'll consult my books and see if I can find anything."
"Thanks, Kada-sensei."
"It's the least I could do for a friend. Come by tomorrow. I should have something ready for you."
"Again, thanks."
"No problem."
The next day, Nagata returned to Kada's clinic to see if he was ready. As promised, Kada managed to come up with something that could help Nagata get his body back.
"Use these paper talismans to expel the demon from your body," Kada instructed as he handed the talismans to Nagata.
"Are you sure these will work?" Nagata asked.
"You just need to get close enough to put one on him and read this spell," Kada said as he handed him a rolled up sheet of paper. "You should be able to expel the demon."
"Alright," Nagata said. He unrolled the paper and read the spell. "Well, all we can do now is hope this spell works."
"Best of luck to you, Nagata-sama."
Nagata rolled the spell back up and looked at the talismans. He was going to get his body back.
It was time to take the fight to Bujin Gaim.
Nagata, Iori, and Karasu assembled in the courtyard with the rest of the Shoku Warriors. Nagata told them about his plan to get his body back and explained how they were going to do it. For this, he needed to go into Helheim Forest with Karasu and Iori.
"Don't you need us to come with you?" Kanu asked.
"You'll need our protection," Ryofu added insistently.
"It'll be alright, girls. I got Iori and Kara-chan watching my back," Nagata assured them.
"I really wish we could go with you," said Ryuubi worriedly.
"If I'm right and Bujin Gaim is in Helheim Forest, then it'll be pretty dangerous," Nagata replied.
"But Aisha, Rinrin and I still possess the armor you gave us!" Ryuubi said as she showed him her magatama earring. "We can help you!"
"I know, and that's good, but you're all needed here in case something happens," Nagata gently responded.
"Just be careful, please?" Ryuubi requested.
"I will," Nagata promised.
"Here." Iori tossed his LockPhone over to Ryuubi. "If you need us, you can call us on that. Our helmets can pick up the signal once we've transformed."
"Just promise you'll all come back safely," Ryuubi said as she clutched the LockPhone.
"We will," Iori, Karasu and Nagata replied in unison.
Iori gave Riri a peck on the forehead.
"Be a good girl while daddy's away, OK?"
"OK, Daddy!" Riri smiled.
"Airen," Kochu said softly.
"Koi," Iori responded.
The couple shared a passionate kiss. Kochu even went so far as to squeeze his ass.
"Seriously?" Karasu frowned as she saw the passionate public display of affection. She then turned and her frown deepened as she witnessed Nagata share kisses with his harem. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me."
"Until we get back, Touka's in charge," Nagata informed the Shoku Warriors.
"We won't let you down, Nagata-sama," Ryuubi promised.
"I know you won't. Kara-chan, Iori, let's do this."
[COME ON! RINGO ARMS! DESIRE FORBIDDEN FRUITS!]
[HAI~! YOMOTSUHEGURI ARMS! MEI, KAI, YOMI, YOMI, YOMI!]
[SOIYA! KACHIDOKI ARMS! IZA SHUTSUJIN! EI, EI, OH!]
"Alright, Kara-chan. Make a door for us," Gaim requested.
Idunn nodded and raised her palm. A Helheim portal zipped open, revealing the mysterious, foggy forest. Ryuubi took a step forward with a worried expression.
"Nagata-sama, are you sure you won't need us to come along?"
"We'll be fine, Touka."
Ryuubi looked over to Idunn who nodded.
"Don't worry so much, Ryuubi. He won't be fighting alone."
Ryugen-Yomi shouldered his Yomiyari.
"That's right. We'll take care of this and come back before dinner."
Gaim clapped his hands together.
"And I'll make the best dinner ever to celebrate."
"Naga-kun, are you ready?"
Gaim narrowed his eyes in determination as he faced the portal.
"Let's go. It's time we buried Nise for good."
The three Armored War Gods stepped into the portal while the Shoku Warriors watched. Shortly afterward, the portal vanished.
"Now, we must wait," Kanu murmured, her hands wrapped tightly around her Green Dragon Crescent Blade.
Ryuubi put her arm around Kanu's shoulder as Chouhi put an arm around her waist. She appreciated the support of her sworn sisters.
Waiting was always the hardest part. At least none of them would have to do it alone.
Bujin Gaim sat upon his throne as he gazed upon his domain. Vines wrapped around the pillars and he had spawned Black Sproutmen to act as his personal guard. Black, vein-like extensions stretched from his throne and went across the floor. They pulsated as if they were alive.
The local Inves stayed away from the ruins once Bujin Gaim moved in. Oh, some tried to evict him but he was quick to show them that he was this domain's new master. None of them could contend with his power and kept their distance. They could only watch as Bujin Gaim made himself at home.
Bujin Gaim was alone. The Black Sproutmen were just mindless tools to be used and disposed at his leisure.
He didn't remain alone for long, though. He now had some uninvited guests to attend to. Standing before him were the Genesis Riders, Duke, Sigurd, Kagemusha, and Marika.
"So, it's true. You have returned," said Duke.
"Why have you come here?" Bujin Gaim demanded.
"To welcome you back and to ask you to rejoin our group."
Bujin Gaim only had one thing to say to that offer.
"Leave."
Duke was surprised.
"Excuse me? Could you repeat that?"
"I said leave. This is my domain and you are trespassing."
"Who do you think you are?" Sigurd demanded.
"The king of this world."
Sigurd scoffed.
"This place? You're joking. You're actually claiming this forest as your own personal kingdom?"
"That is correct. I am the most powerful being here. Therefore, this world is mine by right of conquest."
"So, if we beat you here, does that mean we'll rule this place?" Kagemusha asked, eager for a fight.
"You wish to challenge me? Very well." Bujin Gaim conjured his weapon. It was a sword with an obsidian grip and a broad jagged red blade resembling a spiked dragon's tail. This was his Blood Drake Tail Sword.
"Come at me," Bujin Gaim dared them.
Instantly, Bujin Gaim's throne room became a war zone. The Genesis Riders scattered as they attacked Bujin Gaim, holding nothing back. While he was outnumbered, he was certainly not outmatched.
Kagemusha roared as he hammered his Sonic Arrow down on Bujin Gaim's Blood Drake Tail Sword, but the demonic Dark Rider sent him reeling with a swing then slashed him across the chest. Sparks blasted right off Kagemusha's armor as he screamed. Bujin Gaim then smacked Kagemusha across the throne room with the flat side of his blade.
Using his speed, Sigurd rushed towards Bujin Gaim with the intent of cutting him down. Tapping his foot, Bujin Gaim willed the black tendrils on the floor to shoot up and catch Sigurd. He was bound by the tendrils which began to pull at his limbs. Pointing his Blood Drake Tail Sword at Sigurd, Bujin Gaim strode towards the trapped Rider.
A blast of sparks from behind stopped him and Bujin Gaim slowly turned to see that Duke was the one who struck him. Raising his sword, Bujin Gaim was about to split Duke in half when the talisman Duke planted on his back activated. It glowed and Bujin Gaim froze as a golden light enveloped him. He was frozen, like a statue.
Sigurd dropped to the floor as the bindings that held him loosened and he regrouped with the others.
"About time," grumbled Sigurd.
"Don't complain. We managed to subdue him, but I doubt my spell will hold him for long," said Duke.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Kagemusha asked impatiently. "He's a sitting duck. I say we kill him and be done with him."
"I wish to study him. I want to know the secret of his resurrection," Duke countered.
"I agree with Shishi. Let's just kill him and get it over with. We don't need him causing us problems," Sigurd argued.
Marika watched as the three of her comrades argued when she sensed something. She looked at Bujin Gaim and noticed that he was slowly beginning to move again.
"He's breaking free!" Marika shouted.
The spell broke in that instant and Bujin Gaim roared as he stabbed his sword into the ground. The resulting shockwave knocked the Genesis Riders off their feet.
"That was annoying," complained Bujin Gaim as he rolled his shoulders and neck. "It made me go stiff all over." Raising the Blood Drake Tail Sword again, Bujin Gaim advanced on the Genesis Riders.
"Finish him off!" Sigurd ordered.
[CHERRY ENERGY SPARKING!]
[LEMON ENERGY SPARKING!]
[GRAPEFRUIT ENERGY SPARKING!]
[PEACH ENERGY SPARKING!]
The Genesis Riders threw continuous energy slashes at Bujin Gaim, but their combined attack had no effect as the energy slashes evaporated upon contact with his body.
"Is that all?" Bujin Gaim asked, bored.
[LOCK ON!]
[LEMON ENERGY!]
[CHERRY ENERGY!]
[GRAPEFRUIT ENERGY!]
[PEACH ENERGY!]
Four simultaneous Sonic Volleys hit Bujin Gaim. The Peach Energy Sonic Volley contained Bujin Gaim in a peach-shaped barrier, allowing the Lemon Energy and Grapefruit Energy Sonic Volleys to pierce him. Finally, the Cherry Energy Sonic Volley exploded as it hit.
It seemed that it was over. There was no way Bujin Gaim could've survived their combined power. Their Sonic Volleys could kill anyone.
Unfortunately, for them, Bujin Gaim was no longer just anyone. As the smoke cleared and the dust settled, Bujin Gaim was revealed.
He was unharmed.
"My turn, then."
That was the only warning they got before he unleashed hell upon them.
[SEIFUKU SQUASH!]
The Blood Drake Tail Sword glowed as it radiated with black and red energy. The sword then changed shape, extending into a whip-like form. Bujin Gaim struck the Genesis Riders repeatedly with his whip sword before he sent them flying. They each smashed into a pillar before they dropped to the ground. Moments later, their suits of armor vanished as their Energy Lockseeds popped out and deactivated.
The Genesis Riders were all sprawled out on the floor of Bujin Gaim's throne room. Returning to his throne, Bujin Gaim sat down and leered down at them.
"You weren't even a challenge. You're not even worth killing. Leave, now."
"Damn you!" Saji cursed angrily as he picked up his Cherry Energy Lockseed. "This isn't over!"
"Genpou-dono, I'm afraid that we must withdraw," recommended Ukitsu.
"You want us to run away from him!?"
"We've overstayed our welcome. It would be rude of us to remain. If you wish to stay, then be my guest."
Saji clicked his tongue and shot Bujin Gaim one last glare before all four Genesis Riders vanished via a teleportation spell.
Once they were gone, Bujin Gaim sighed. He was waiting for a worthy challenge. Give him Zangetsu, Baron or even Gridon. Instead, he got the Genesis Riders and they weren't worth the effort. They were just small fish, so he let them go so he could wait for a much bigger fish.
Bujin Gaim was tired of waiting. He was growing impatient.
He grew bored.
Conquering this realm was too easy. Besides the Inves that inhabited it, there was nobody else to oppose him. What chance did these mindless beasts have against his peerless might?
Even sparring with his Sproutmen became tiresome. They provided no challenge since he made them naturally weaker than him.
Bujin Gaim looked at the native plants which spawned the deadly fruit. The same fruit the Inves consumed as the only part of their diet. The same fruit that became Lockseeds once picked by him.
The plant life seemed to respond to his will. Could he extend his control to the Inves? He knew he could open portals with just a thought. Could he use these abilities to conquer China?
Yes, he could.
And why stop at China? With his almighty power, he could even conquer the world.
One of Bujin Gaim's Sproutmen was acting strangely. It fell on its hands and knees as the skin on its back began to bulge. Bujin Gaim watched with morbid curiosity as its skin began to tear as something emerged from its body.
When Bujin Gaim saw what emerged, he could only smile.
He snapped his fingers and opened portals that allowed him to peer into China. He looked upon the Three Great Kingdoms and began to formulate a plan for conquest.
Idunn, Ryugen-Yomi, and Gaim entered Helheim Forest as the portal behind them vanished. As Idunn scanned their surroundings, she held back a shudder.
"You know, no matter how many times I come here, it's always so eerie," confessed Idunn.
"This forest is huge. He could be anywhere," said Ryugen-Yomi.
"I have a pretty good idea of where he might be," Gaim stated. He was thinking of the ruins. If Bujin Gaim wanted a palace of his own, he would go right there and claim it.
"You sense your body," Idunn stated.
"Yes, follow me."
Idunn and Ryugen-Yomi followed Gaim deep into the forest until they reached a cliff.
"Down there," Gaim pointed.
Idunn saw the ruins and gasped.
"Are those ruins?"
"This place once had a thriving civilization before the Helheim plants infested it. Now, all that remains are these ruins," Gaim explained. "Come on. I know a safe path down."
Ryugen-Yomi glanced at the ruins and murmured, "Realm of the Dead. Now that name actually holds meaning."
Gaim, Idunn, and Ryugen-Yomi quietly took the path that led into the throne room. As they hid behind some bushes, they spotted Bujin Gaim. He was sitting on the throne while the place was decorated to fit his image.
"Not too subtle, is he?" Idunn whispered as she saw the decorations.
"What's he up to?" Ryugen-Yomi asked suspiciously. "He's just sitting there."
Gaim narrowed his eyes as they continued to watch.
Bujin Gaim snapped his fingers, opening several portals. Gaim could see where the portals led to. He recognized those places. They were the capitals of Sou Gi, Son Go, and Shoku. Kosonsan and Ensho's cities could also be seen. That wasn't the only thing they witnessed as they saw what he was sending through the portals.
"Wait, those are..." Ryugen-Yomi started as he saw the various monsters.
"Kaijin," Gaim identified. "Grongi, Unknown, Mirror Monsters, Orphenochs, Undead, Makamou, Worms, Imagin, Fangires, Yummies, Dopants, Zodiarts, and Phantoms. But how?"
Idunn spotted a Black Sproutman shed its skin and become an Orphenoch.
"He's making them out of your memories," Idunn told Gaim.
"My memories?"
"He's possessing your body, so he had access to your memories. That's the only explanation for this."
Gaim grimaced as he was told by this and cursed his encyclopedic knowledge of all things Kamen Rider. Now that knowledge was going to threaten everyone.
"Naga-kun, I think you watched way too much Kamen Rider," Idunn remarked.
"Yeah, sorry," Gaim replied.
"And he's sending an army of Heisei Era Kaijin out into the world," Ryugen-Yomi grimaced.
"Not if we can help it. We gotta stop him here," Gaim ordered.
"Let's ambush him," Idunn suggested. "He won't be ready for a surprise attack."
"OK, we go on 3. 1...2..."
"I know you're there," Bujin Gaim interrupted.
"Is he talking to us?" Gaim whispered.
"Yes, I am talking to you. You can come out now."
"What do we do?" Ryugen-Yomi asked.
"There's no use hiding. I can sense you."
"We gotta face the music," Gaim said.
The three Riders stepped out from behind the bushes. When Bujin Gaim saw them, his eyes widened as he spotted the Blue King.
"Gaim."
"Surprised to see me, you bodyjacking son of a bitch?" Gaim asked.
"I was wondering why I wasn't hearing any screams of protest in my head. You ran."
"I'm here to get my body back," Gaim stated.
Bujin Gaim let out a snicker.
"Really? Just the three of you? Hm, perhaps you'll offer me a better challenge than the last group. Well then, come at me with everything you got! Don't hold back! I want this to be fun!"
"Alright, you asked for it!"
[RYUJIN!]
The Aura Dragon lunged towards Bujin Gaim, but he managed to smack it away. It quickly turned and merged with Gaim, changing him into his much stronger form.
[LOCK OPEN! RYUJIN ARMS! DAI RYUOH! SORA NO SEIRYU, RISE TO THE THRONE!]
Ryugen-Yomi and Idunn watched the Sproutmen and assorted kaijin warily.
"If you're afraid my minions will attack you, then you have nothing to worry about. They'll just watch. After all, I do need an audience," Bujin Gaim said.
Ryujin Gaim twisted his key multiple times and summoned up his arsenal from his Infinite Armory.
[MANGO PUNISHER! PINE IRON! CARAMBOLA STARS! BANASPEAR! ICHIGO KUNAI!]
With a punch, Ryujin Gaim flung the weapons towards Bujin Gaim. Bujin Gaim raised his hand and released a pulse of red energy that halted the weapons, stopping them in midair. He then flicked his wrist and sent them flying back to Gaim who dove out of the way. Several curious Inves and Black Sproutmen were hit and destroyed by the projectiles.
"Damn it, he's telekinetic!" Ryugen-Yomi swore.
"He can read our minds too?!" Ryujin Gaim gasped.
"I said telekinetic, not telepathic!"
"Argue later! We've got incoming!" Idunn yelled.
Bujin Gaim summoned his Blood Drake Tail Sword as he leaped at them. He struck the ground with incredible force, shattering the floor. The three Riders reeled back in shock at Bujin Gaim's immense strength.
[DURI NOKO!]
Ryujin Gaim summoned Bravo's signature swords.
"Remember the plan," Ryujin Gaim reminded. "Go!"
Ryugen-Yomi blasted Bujin Gaim with his Budou Ryuhou but the energy bullets fizzled before they could make contact.
Ryujin Gaim slashed at Bujin Gaim who released his sword. Bujin Gaim caught the Duri Noko swords. He didn't even feel the spikes piercing his hands. The vein-like patterns on his sleeves glowed as his muscles bulged and broke the swords. He then kicked Ryujin Gaim in the stomach.
Picking up his Blood Drake Tail Sword, Bujin Gaim used it to block Idunn's slash as she attacked him from behind. He didn't even need to turn around.
Spinning on his heels, Bujin Gaim struck. Idunn held her shield up but he broke her shield, breaking her guard, and sent her flying into a pillar.
"Even as we speak, my armies are marching across the land to conquer everything in my name. Instead of fighting out there, you decide to face me here."
"Once we stop you here, your armies are next," spoke Ryujin Gaim confidently.
"And our friends can handle your armies," added Ryugen-Yomi.
"Can they? I'd like to see that for myself," Bujin Gaim said with interest.
The kaijin attacked Kosonsan's city viciously, destroying anything they could get their hands on. Coming to confront the threat were Kosonsan's (probationary) officers, Hideyoshi, Kenshin, and Kayu. Joining them was Sasuke, a new addition to their team.
Hideyoshi sighed at the sight of the creatures.
"Another monster invasion? How cliche is that?"
Kenshin smiled cheerfully.
"Must be another Sunday, buddy."
"I know, but it's just the timing of it all. Yue-hime and I had plans."
Kayu joined them as she tossed the Matsubokkuri Energy Lockseed up and down in her hand. She was sporting Kenshin's GenesisDriver. Since it lacked the DNA-lock function of the standard SengokuDrivers, she had no trouble wearing it or using it.
"Quit complaining, Hideyoshi. It's been a slow week and we need to earn our pay," Kayu stated.
Hideyoshi took out his Donguri Lockseed to activate it.
"Well, when you put it that way, this is part of our job description," Hideyoshi rationalized.
Kenshin smirked at Sasuke.
"Try to keep up, new guy," Kenshin playfully taunted Sasuke.
Sasuke returned the smirk with a smile of his own, a smile that radiated confidence.
"I'll make sure to show you what I'm capable of," boasted Sasuke.
[DONGURI!]
[MATSUBOKKURI!]
[MATSUBOKKURI ENERGY!]
[DRAGONFRUIT ENERGY!]
"Henshin!" Hideyoshi, Kayu, Kenshin and Sasuke shouted.
[COME ON! DONGURI ARMS! NEVER GIVE UP!]
[SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI ARMS! ICHIGEKI IN THE SHADOW!]
[LIQUID! MATSUBOKKURI ENERGY ARMS! SEI, YOISHO, WASSHOI!]
[SODA! DRAGON ENERGY ARMS!]
Once transformed, the four Riders working under Kosonsan rushed into battle. The kaijin horde charged back at them, with only carnage and destruction on their minds.
"ORA, ORA, ORA, ORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Knuckle was sending the kaijin flying with his fists. He was in his Jimber Marron Arms and kicking all kinds of ass. His explosive punches were filled with a destructive force that the kaijin could not match or defend from. His fists flew with incredible speed and hit as hard as a speeding bullet train. Any monster he hit was killed on the spot.
Knuckle turned towards the guards and ordered, "Get the civilians to safety! I'll hold these freaks off for you!"
"Yes, Knuckle-sama!" the guards obeyed and started escorting the citizens someplace safe until the crisis was over.
As Knuckle saw more of the kaijin coming towards him, he hit his Cutting Blade and rolled his shoulders.
[COCONUT SQUASH! JIMBER MARRON SQUASH!]
Knuckle fired the spikes from his Marron Bombers, peeling the outer layers to reveal the hidden punching gauntlets. Seeing he had more and more monsters to kill, he let out a fierce battle cry.
From a watchtower set up within the safe confines of the En Clan's estate, Ensho's new strategist Denho Genko was watching the entire battle with a high-powered spy glass. Denho was a petite young lady with long white hair and sky blue eyes. She wore a pair of red-rimmed glasses over her eyes, giving her a scholarly look. She had some of her hair up in buns, wrapped in black fabric. Her outfit consisted of a sleeveless, light orange robe with white trim and a purple sash around her waist. The robe was short and went down to her mid-thigh. Her outfit included a matching pair of detached sleeves which flared out at the end. She also wore pantyhose.
She was a new addition to Ensho's inner circle. The Head of the En Clan knew she needed a strategist to assist her in her future plans. Many came to apply for the position, but it was Denho Genko who had impressed Ensho the most. She got the job right on the spot.
Denho was well aware that Ensho wasn't exactly the brightest candle of the bunch, but the blonde paid her officers generously. Presently, she shared equal rank with Bunshu and Ganryo, but that would change if she played her cards right. If she proved herself extremely valuable to Ensho, she could get herself a raise and a much higher position in Ensho's faction. She would even outrank the two idiots Ensho had working for her.
Denho wondered why Ensho even kept those two idiots around. It was likely that she wanted a couple of stooges that would praise her beauty and leadership. It definitely wasn't for their intelligence. At least they served well on the battlefield as generals and had good leadership and fighting skills, so they weren't totally useless.
And then there was Ensho's fiancé, the Armored War God known as Knuckle of the Ultimate Fist. Denho was quite curious about the Armored War Gods as she had never witnessed any of them in action. She only heard rumors of their godly might. She wanted to know if the rumors were true and they were not mere hoaxes.
When she first met Haru, she wasn't really impressed. Sure, he looked strong, but he really didn't emit any kind of godly presence.
And then the kaijin suddenly attacked and Haru immediately leaped into action.
And she saw his power firsthand.
What she witnessed right now was no hoax and she was speechless and pale at the sight of Knuckle beating up the invading monsters single-handedly.
Denho couldn't believe what she was witnessing, but she couldn't refute it either. This was the power the Armored War Gods possessed. It was no wonder they were so talked about in the land.
She observed as he fought, using his brute force effectively. He wasn't some brainless musclehead. He knew what he was doing. Every swing of his fists served a goal and there were no wasted movements. He didn't make any flashy movements. He just kept on punching, and punching, and punching.
It was simple, yet effective, and Denho was witnessing it all with her very own eyes.
And it was superb. He was superb.
Denho continued to observe Knuckle. For intellectual purposes of course! She needed to become more familiar with how he fought so she could formulate better strategies in the future.
In Sou Gi, Baron led the charge as the kaijin attacked. Ukin, Riten, and Gakushin were in their armor and aiding their leader. Bravo joined them as well, swinging his spiked Duri Noko to put the beasts down.
[COME ON! BANANA SQUASH!]
Baron drove his Banaspear into the ground and impaled the unlucky kaijin with multiple energy bananas that burst right out from under them.
[KURUMI SQUASH!]
Gakushin dashed towards the monsters and smashed them with her fists. She trailed fire and smoke as the monsters she destroyed exploded on the spot. Jumping up, she nailed one with a brutal tornado kick then put another one down with a punch.
[TOMATO SQUASH!]
Speeding forward, Riten speared every monster in her path with the Tomaspear.
"Au revoir, monsters! Ukin, let's do this!" Bravo yelled.
"Alright!" Ukin nodded.
[DURIAN AU LAIT!]
Ukin and Bravo hurled hundreds of energy durians that detonated like bombs when they met their targets.
Baron spoke into his helmet communicator, "Karin, the monsters are clear in this sector! We're moving to another sector!"
Karin sat on her throne and replied through Baron's LockPhone, "Good. Now wipe those things off the face of the Earth.
"YES, SOUSOU-SAMA!" Sousou received from the LockPhone, coming from all five Riders.
It was even more intense in Son Go. Lockvehicles crowded the city as they were spread out to take down the kaijin. Zangetsu-Shin was leading them with Mars and Kamuro assisting him.
[YOROI MODE!]
Several Suika Arms landed to confront the kaijin and flattened them with their superior physical strength. However, they soon found themselves swarmed by the army of kaijin.
[MELON ENERGY!]
Arrows made of energy rained down upon the horde, destroying them as they burst into fireballs. Zangetsu-Shin rushed to take down the survivors with Mars and Kamuro doing the fired from above, raining lasers on the kaijin.
Finally, in Shoku, Ryuubi, Kanu, and Chouhi were already clad in their mystical armor, leading their friends and their soldiers into battle against the invading kaijin army.
"LIGHTNING VIPER SLASH!"
"BLAZING OGRE STRIKE!"
"DRAGON STAR FLASH!"
The Armored Trinity combined their attacks to destroy a huge chunk of the kaijin's numbers.
"There's so many of them! Why aren't Nagata-sama and the others back yet?" Batai shouted as she struck a kaijin down.
"We just have to hold these things off until they get back!" Bacho shouted.
"If they come back, you mean!" Batai argued.
"They will come back!" Bacho insisted. "Now, keep fighting, Tanpopo! We can't let these freaks win!"
[BANASPEAR! MELON DEFENDER!]
[SOIYA! RYUJIN AU LAIT!]
Ryujin Gaim drove the Banaspear into the ground and a number of large banana energy projections shot out from under Bujin Gaim. They pierced him and held him in place. Ryujin Gaim then spun and hurled the Melon Defender towards Bujin Gaim. Bujin Gaim broke free and deflected the shield with his sword.
[SONIC ARROW!]
Bujin Gaim advanced on Ryujin Gaim, deflecting the Sonic Arrow's energy bolts as the latter backed away while firing. Once Bujin Gaim got within his personal space, Ryujin Gaim slashed with the Sonic Arrow, but the sharp edge of the bow's blade met an obstruction as it collided with Bujin Gaim's Blood Drake Tail Sword. The sword proved to be mightier as it sliced the Sonic Arrow in half before Bujin Gaim used it to slash Ryujin Gaim across the chest, sending him reeling.
"Is this all you got, Gaim? You were talking a big game before! Think you can beat me now!?"
[COCO BOXERS!]
Ryujin Gaim began to throw a flurry of furious punches as Bujin Gaim blocked the punches with his Blood Drake Tail Sword. A punch managed to drive Bujin Gaim back, but he halted himself by stabbing his sword into the ground.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
Ryujin Gaim swung his arms forward and launched the Coco Boxers like rockets. Bujin Gaim swiftly withdrew his sword out of the ground and sliced through the flying Coco Boxers, causing them to detonate prematurely.
Ryujin Gaim, realizing he needed to think up of a new tactic and quick, shot skyward into the air. He needed to gain some distance and buy himself some time to think up of a new strategy. Bujin Gaim shouldn't be able to follow him in the air, right?
Bujin Gaim looked up at the sky and his eyes narrowed. His blood red cape moved like a living entity as it morphed into a pair of large bat-like wings. Black veins covered them as they spread. He truly looked like a demon now and he took off after Ryujin Gaim.
Ryujin Gaim's eyes widened as he saw Bujin Gaim come flying towards him. The Armored War Devil swung his sword to decapitate his enemy, but Ryujin Gaim managed to dodge as he leaned back, allowing the sword to sweep over him. Realigning his body, Ryujin Gaim saw Bujin Gaim coming at him with another swing. He raised his forearms to block and sparks tore off his gauntlets as he cried out in pain. Bujin Gaim dragged him back to the ground and they crashed into a clearing in the middle of the forest.
As the dust cleared, both Bujin Gaim and Ryujin Gaim could be seen grappling. Lying nearby was Bujin Gaim's sword. The two broke apart and started to furiously exchange blows. The two combatants fought fiercely, neither letting up as their blows echoed loudly in the forest.
Idunn watched in terrified awe as Bujin Gaim was able to match Ryujin Gaim in combat.
"This is bad. He's on par with Naga-kun."
Bujin Gaim knocked Ryujin Gaim to the ground with a punch and was about to retrieve his sword when Ryugen-Yomi leaped towards him. Ryugen-Yomi swung his Yomiyari down upon Bujin Gaim's head but had his weapon caught instead. Bujin Gaim tore the Yomiyari out of Ryugen-Yomi's hands and struck him multiple times across the chest with it before sending him flying with a forward jab.
"This is a good weapon." Bujin Gaim took a moment to appreciate the Yomiyari before he tossed it aside.
Vines shot out of the ground and wrapped around Bujin Gaim's wrists and ankles, binding him.
"Use the talisman!" Idunn shouted to Ryujin Gaim.
"Which one?" Ryujin Gaim asked.
"ALL OF THEM!"
Ryujin Gaim slapped the talismans on Bujin Gaim.
"What are you trying to do?" Bujin Gaim demanded as he saw what Ryujin Gaim had done.
Idunn took out the sheet of paper and read the spell.
The talismans started to glow and the glow spread to envelop Bujin Gaim's body.
"I think it's working!" Ryujin Gaim exclaimed.
The glow maintained for a few more moments before being overtaken by a dark aura which exploded, killing the vines and freeing Bujin Gaim.
"It didn't work!" Ryugen-Yomi exclaimed.
Bujin Gaim removed the talismans and rolled them up into a ball before he tossed it.
"That was your plan? An exorcism?" Bujin Gaim asked in disbelief. He snapped his fingers and the paper in Idunn's hand burned. "I'm more than just a mere ghost or demon."
Bujin Gaim made a slapping motion and tossed Idunn across the air and into a pillar. The vines then wrapped tightly around her, binding her to the pillar.
Ryugen-Yomi aimed his Budou Ryuhou but the gun was torn out of his hand. He was soon flung towards a nearby pillar and bound tightly by the vines. Bujin Gaim snapped his fingers, closing Ryugen-Yomi and Idunn's Lockseeds before causing them to pop out of their SengokuDrivers. A moment later, the two of them reverted to their civilian forms.
"Now that they're out of the way, it's just you and me, Gaim."
"Let's dance on my stage!"
Ryujin Gaim fired blue lightning from his hand which collided with a red energy shield conjured by Bujin Gaim. Bujin Gaim retaliated with his own red lightning which Ryujin Gaim countered with blue lightning.
Bujin Gaim waved his hand and threw Ryujin Gaim through a pillar, breaking it in half.
"Alright," Ryujin Gaim said as picked himself up. "Let's do this old school."
[HINAWA DAIDAI DJ JU! MUSOU SABER! RYUJINMARU!]
Dual-wielding the DJ Taiken and Ryujinmaru, Ryujin Gaim charged towards Bujin Gaim. There was a loud clang followed by an explosion of sparks, but no damage.
There was no damage inflicted because Bujin Gaim parried with his Blood Drake Tail Sword. Pushing the offending swords aside, Bujin Gaim cut a gash across Ryujin Gaim's chest. Ryujin Gaim staggered in pain and shock as he looked at the mark.
"Beautiful, isn't it? I made this sword to cut anything so your impregnable defense means nothing. Also, it's thirsty for your blood!"
Bujin Gaim seemingly teleported and slashed Ryujin Gaim again, sending him backpedaling from the blow. Ryujin Gaim grunted in pain. Bujin Gaim aimed to decapitate, but his sword went right through Ryujin Gaim like he wasn't even there.
In fact, Ryujin Gaim wasn't there. He just vanished.
"Huh?!"
Ryujin Gaim suddenly reappeared and kicked Bujin Gaim in the head. Bujin Gaim turned and saw Ryujin Gaim levitate.
"Of course. Without a true physical body, you're like a ghost."
Ryujin Gaim vanished and reappeared in front of Bujin Gaim to punch him in the face. He followed up with a knee strike to the stomach before he gave him a rapid series of punches that ended in a swift uppercut to the jaw.
Bujin Gaim fired red lightning but Ryujin Gaim vanished, causing him to miss.
Bujin Gaim scowled as he looked around. He could still feel his enemy's presence, he just couldn't see him.
"Stop playing around and fight me for real!" Bujin Gaim demanded. "Or are you just going to hide like a coward?"
Bujin Gaim was suddenly thrown into his throne, breaking it.
"It's not cowardice. It's strategy. I'm just using the gift you left me when you took my body," Ryujin Gaim defended as he turned visible again.
Bujin Gaim sent the vines to attack, but they passed right through Ryujin Gaim like he wasn't there.
Ryujin Gaim vanished. He reappeared and like a bolt of lightning struck Bujin Gaim in the face with his fist, causing Bujin Gaim to lurch backward.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
"DAI RYUJIN ZAN!"
Ryujin Gaim slashed Bujin Gaim with all his might, causing an explosion. Bujin Gaim, however, was unharmed.
"That tickled."
"Shit!"
Bujin Gaim's punch sent Ryujin Gaim flying across the forest. As he watched Ryujin Gaim fly, Bujin Gaim covered himself in a black and red flaming aura and went after him.
Ryujin Gaim landed in the middle of the forest, trailing broken trees. He rose to his feet and saw Bujin Gaim land in front of him.
"I wonder if a spirit can bleed," said Bujin Gaim eagerly. "Let's find out."
Suddenly, fireballs, large rocks, and water bombs hit Bujin Gaim and exploded.
The smoke cleared and Bujin Gaim spotted the ones who had attacked him: Baron, Zangetsu, and Gridon. The three Armored War Gods were clad in their Celestial Armor. They also looked unhappy to see Bujin Gaim.
"So, came to save your friend?" Bujin Gaim asked. "How noble."
"Actually, we came to see what sent those monsters," said Zangetsu.
"And we found you," Gridon added.
"Finding Oda here was just a coincidence," finished Baron.
"Oh, how cute. You think you can stop my conquest," Bujin Gaim mocked.
"If you're the source of the problem, then defeating you will stop it," reasoned Zangetsu.
"Well, now that the Four Sovereigns are here, I wonder how I compare to the greatest of the Armored War Gods," smiled Bujin Gaim.
"GO!" Baron yelled.
Baron spread his wings and flew towards Bujin Gaim with Zangetsu speeding alongside him. Meanwhile, Gridon went to check Ryujin Gaim for injuries.
"Are you OK? Does it hurt anywhere?" Gridon asked to check. He put his hands on Ryujin Gaim, only to have them pass through. "Huh?" Gridon pulled his hands back. "What the hell?"
"Oh, just for your information, I'm a spirit right now. Bujin Gaim's possessing my body," Ryujin Gaim informed Gridon.
"...I'm not sure why, but I'm not surprised by anything anymore."
Bujin Gaim slashed Baron's fireballs and sliced them in half before he grabbed hold of Baron by the throat. He then slammed him to the ground. Zangetsu lunged and slashed him with the Baihu Claws, but Bujin Gaim held his ground and struck Zangetsu with the Blood Drake Tail Sword. Zangetsu struck repeatedly, causing sparks to explode off Bujin Gaim's armor, but failed to cause any damage or pain.
Suddenly, Bujin Gaim punched Zangetsu in the face and sent him crashing into several trees. The trees collapsed and fell in a pile with Zangetsu lying on top of them.
Baron lunged at Bujin Gaim from behind with his flaming Zhuqiao Talons, but Bujin Gaim turned and quickly knocked him down with a kick right between the legs. Baron gasped, a quiet scream slipping out of his mouth like a whimper before Bujin Gaim sent him flying with a strike of his massive blade.
Ryujin Gaim managed to recover and stand back up with Gridon standing next to him.
"So, got a plan?" Gridon asked.
"Just one," Ryujin Gaim said as he twisted his Ryujin Key.
[DAIDAIMARU! BUDOU RYUHOU!]
Ryujin Gaim summoned his Daidaimaru and Ryugen's Budou Ryuhou before he went ahead to rejoin the skirmish.
"OK, I'll just watch from a safe distance behind my shield," Gridon called.
[SOIYA! BAIHU SQUASH!]
Zangetsu's Baihu Claws spun like drills and he threw his arms forward to strike. Unfortunately, the Baihu Claws shattered as they met Bujin Gaim's chest, much to Zangetsu's shock. Bujin Gaim smacked Zangetsu and sent him flying. He once again made a pile of fallen trees with his body.
[COME ON! ZHUQIAO SPARKING!]
Bujin Gaim felt the heat and looked up to see a massive firebird coming to dive-bomb him.
[SEIFUKU SQUASH!]
Blood red energy radiated from Bujin Gaim's body and blazed. The same energy surrounded the blade of the Blood Drake Tail Sword. The energy surrounding the blade then formed a facsimile of it, several times bigger. With a yell, Bujin Gaim swung his massive energy blade and the resulting gust blew away the flames surrounding Baron. Bujin Gaim then shot his hand forward and caught Baron by the face and slammed him to the ground. Raising his still energized sword, Bujin Gaim smiled maliciously at his subdued opponent.
"You lose."
Bujin Gaim suddenly found himself under attack as purple energy bullets pelted him. Turning towards the source of the annoyance, he saw Ryujin Gaim coming straight at him. Ryujin Gaim slashed Bujin Gaim across the chest, knocking him away from Baron. Ryujin Gaim repeatedly slashed at Bujin Gaim, sending him reeling with each strike.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
A huge sphere of purple energy grew in front of the barrel of the Budou Ryuhou. Taking aim, Ryujin Gaim fired the sphere of power at Bujin Gaim. The resulting explosion sent the demonic Dark Rider sailing away.
"Are you OK?" Ryujin Gaim asked as he extended his hand to Baron. Baron ignored the gesture and picked himself up.
"What the hell is he?" Baron demanded.
"My best guess is that he's a demon and he's possessing my body," Ryujin Gaim answered.
Zangetsu rejoined them and overheard Ryujin Gaim's answer.
"Wait, if he's possessing your body, how can you be standing here with us?" Zangetsu asked.
"Oh, this? It's a spirit body. I had to abandon ship when he was taking over my body," said Ryujin Gaim.
"I would probably mock you for running and abandoning your body, but my rage is currently aimed at that asshole." Baron pointed at Bujin Gaim who had come back to resume their fight. Bujin Gaim broke into a run. Ryujin Gaim fired, but Bujin Gaim ignored the shots as he attacked.
Bujin Gaim struck ferociously, knocking Baron, Gaim, and Zangetsu down, not giving them any chance to retaliate.
Bujin Gaim paused as he spotted Gridon.
"Wait, I don't think we've been properly introduced! You really don't have any reason to kill me!" Gridon yelped.
"You're a friend of Gaim's," Bujin Gaim stated.
"I wouldn't call us friends. We're more like 'acquaintances'," Gridon excused.
"Doesn't matter. I loathe you by association. So you're going to die too so I can show the world I'm the greatest."
"I knew I shouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning," Gridon groaned as he resigned himself to accept this fight.
Bujin Gaim raised his hand and willed the vines to grab the Four Sovereigns. He then started to play with his prey, tossing them up and down and then slamming them against each other. He spun them around and around before making them crash into each other. He then electrocuted them with the vines. It was a very enjoyable sight, but he didn't want to waste time with unnecessities. He dropped them and liked how they seemed to squirm and whimper in pain.
"Time to put you all out of your misery," Bujin Gaim decided.
[SEIFUKU AU LAIT!]
Bujin Gaim twirled his Blood Drake Tail Sword and stabbed it into the ground. Glowing red vein-like lines spread out across the ground and under the Four Sovereigns. Suddenly, the glow of the veins intensified and exploded.
The smoke and dust cleared and Bujin Gaim stood in a deep crater. Sprawled all around him were the Four Sovereigns.
Ryujin Gaim managed to recover and looked to his comrades. His eyes narrowed as he hit his SengokuDriver's Cutting Blade thrice.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SPARKING!]
Ryujin Gaim roared as his blue aura burst from his body, taking the form of a dragon. Seeing this, Bujin Gaim responded.
[SEIFUKU SPARKING!]
Red-tinted black energy blazed from Bujin Gaim and formed a demonic visage that surrounded him.
"DAI RYUJIN RIDER KICK!"
Ryujin Gaim jumped and performed a flying kick. Bujin Gaim copied him and did the same as he flung himself towards Gaim.
The two flying kicks smashed into each other and there was a bright flash of light in the sky. A massive explosion followed.
The Inves curiously gazed up and saw the explosion that lit up their gloomy sky.
Nagata was lying on the ground. Bujin Gaim stepped on his chest, pinning him down. He then put the tip of his sword against Nagata's throat.
"You held back, didn't you? You couldn't risk destroying your body. That's why you lost."
Bujin Gaim removed his foot and picked Nagata up. Bujin Gaim forced Nagata to his knees before he raised his sword.
"So, got any last words?" Bujin Gaim said as he looked down on Nagata. "None? No cries for mercy? Fine then."
[SEIFUKU SQUASH!]
"Long Live the King."
Bujin Gaim brought the Blood Drake Tail Sword down. He expected to slice through spectral flesh, but his sword met resistance instead. There was a cage of electricity surrounding Nagata, acting as a barrier, protecting him.
"Last words? I got one. Just one: EVICTION!" Nagata glowed as his spectral body turned into light that entered the Ryujin Key. The Ryujin Key then shot towards Bujin Gaim and penetrated his chest.
As Bujin Gaim's aura flickered between red and blue, while the visor kept shifting between red and green, a battle raged between old rivals from within Nagata's subconscious.
Nagata opened his eyes and found himself in the middle of a familiar dining room. It was a place he could never forget for as long as he lived.
His family's restaurant.
"I'm back home," Nagata said in surprise.
"Not quite."
Nagata turned and saw someone sitting in a booth. It was Bujin Gaim. His appearance clashed with their surroundings. Standing up, Bujin Gaim stepped out of the booth to confront Nagata.
"I'm surprised you had the courage to come here by yourself, Gaim," said Bujin Gaim.
"Bujin Gaim..." Nagata whispered with cold fury.
"You know, when I decided to peek around your brain, I didn't expect to find this. It does explain a lot, though. This is where you grew up."
"I came to take back what's mine," Nagata stated firmly.
"Your body, right? I can see why you'd want it back. There's so much power in this vessel."
"You're pathetic, you know that? The only way you can get power is by stealing it from others. Then you get carried away with it."
"You say I get carried away once I tasted a bit of power? But what about you? What makes you so much better than me?"
"Because I use my power to help people!" Nagata justified.
"'Help people'? Are you serious? Did you help the people I killed? Did you help the people in Rakuyo? No, you didn't and now they're all dead."
"There was nothing I could do."
"Now that's just an excuse, and a weak one. It's funny, really. You used to call my former self pathetic too, but you're not exactly perfect yourself, Gaim."
"What are you talking about?"
Bujin Gaim tapped his head with a finger.
"It's obvious, isn't it? I'm in your head. I saw your memories. And what I saw only makes you look sad. You hated being average. You didn't want to spend the rest of your life working in a restaurant. Oh, no. That wasn't enough. You craved for adventure, even if it meant abandoning the family who took you in and raised you. So ungrateful. You didn't even say goodbye to them."
"Because...I couldn't..."
"Because they would stop you. Tell me, was abandoning your family away for a life of adventure worth it? You gave up a nice, normal and safe life so you could run away to play hero. And for what? So you can have a personal harem who worships the ground you walk on? You criticize Nise for using people when you've been doing the same thing! You're nothing but a hypocrite! You're also a failure! How many people died in Rakuyo? A real hero would've saved them, but you did nothing. You're just a phony, a poser, a gutless coward and a failure."
Nagata was shaking.
"I'm not..."
"How many people must suffer and die in order for you to enjoy your fantasy?"
"AAAAHHHHHH!"
In a flash, Nagata was completely clad in his Celestial Armor. Charging towards Bujin Gaim, Ryujin Gaim punched him in the face to silence him.
Bujin Gaim simply laughed.
"Struck a nerve, didn't I? The truth hurts, doesn't it? I can't believe I considered you my nemesis. I overestimated you. You don't deserve my hatred. You deserve nothing but pity."
"And you deserve to rot in Hell!"
"And when you realize you can't beat me, are you going to run like before? Are you going to run away like you ran away from home?"
"I didn't run away from anything! I came back to protect the people who needed me!" Ryujin Gaim rebuked.
"Keep telling yourself that, Gaim. I'm sure if you convince yourself long enough, you'll believe all the lies you tell yourself so you can feel better after everything you've done."
Ryujin Gaim threw another punch, but it was caught by Bujin Gaim who then twisted his wrist. Bujin Gaim drove his knee into Ryujin Gaim's gut and threw him into a set of tables. Bujin Gaim walked over to Ryujin Gaim and lifted him up by his collar. Ryujin Gaim tried to pry Bujin Gaim's hands off him.
It didn't seem to be a fair fight as Bujin Gaim was dominating Ryujin Gaim. Suddenly, dark chains burst out of the floor and wrapped tightly around Ryujin Gaim. Bujin Gaim smirked as he crossed his arms to admire the sight of his struggling prey.
"You don't even deserve that armor," proclaimed Bujin Gaim as he snapped his fingers, causing Nagata's armor to vanish. "You really should just surrender."
"Screw you!" Nagata snapped as he struggled.
"Why do you even bother? Why keep fighting? This place isn't your world! You're just living out your childhood fantasy to forget that you're still just that little boy who cries every night because he misses his family," mocked Bujin Gaim.
"I'm going to kill you!"
"Ugh, don't you have anything else in your vocabulary but cliche lines? Whatever. Time to stash you away in a quiet little corner." Bujin Gaim snapped his fingers, banishing Nagata. "Now, time to collect my spoils."
Back in Helheim Forest, Bujin Gaim hummed as he collected the Sovereign Lockseeds and put them in a bag. He tied the bag close and smiled.
Nagata had failed.
Karasu and Iori were still tied to the pillars. Mitsuki, Hideyoshi, and Masataka were tied up too. They were all gagged.
"You want to know what happened to Gaim, am I right? I can see it in your eyes. Well, it's quite simple, really. He's back here, in his body, trapped by me. No need to worry about him, though. He's not suffering. He's right where he belongs, safe and sound," Bujin Gaim claimed as he pointed to his head. "He's blissfully oblivious to everything that's going on right now. Call it my gift to him since he so generously gave me this." He held up the Ryujin Key for them to see.
Karasu's eyes widened when she saw the Ryujin Key and Bujin Gaim smiled. He snapped his fingers and opened a portal.
"Now, time to see what I can conquer next."
KRC: Sorry about the twist at the end. Originally, this ended with Bujin Gaim being defeated. However, I decided to change that around and show him winning. I'm milking him for all he's worth here.
And now Bujin Gaim has the Sovereign Lockseeds, including the Ryujin Key. What is he planning to do with them?
It can't be anything good.
I also think the idea of Bujin Gaim taking Nagata's body is similar to how Zamasu took over Goku's body to become Goku Black from the Dragonball anime series.
TFP: Well it seems that Bujin Gaim just won't stay down no matter what is tried against him. His grudge has turned him into a demon and we all know that demons are notoriously stubborn about getting what they want. What's worse, Bujin Gaim now has in his hands the keys that will allow him to conquer all of China and turn it into his own personal kingdom. Let's hope he can be stopped if there is anything left capable of stopping him.
BL92: Oh, come on! When will that bloody demon just die ALREADY?! He just doesn't know when to quit. He's more like a super demon like in every horror films. I just hope the Armored War Gods could stop him before he conquered China just like the original Bujin Gaim when he tried to conquer the Sengoku World from Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle. Also, I know I said this before, I hate that bloody Neasel.
Karasu was trying to free herself. She attempted to reach for her Lockseed with her foot. She was almost there. Almost...The only thought in her mind was rescuing her cousin. She needed to save him. She had to.
Suddenly, a red and silver blur ran past them and cut the vines to shred. The five of them removed their gags and turned to look at their mysterious savior.
They came face-to-face with the masked visages of the Genesis Riders, aka the Armored War Devils: Duke, Marika, Kagemusha, and Sigurd.
"We're here to talk," Duke said.
KRC: This omake will be NON-CANON. It's just a special scene which I wrote for the readers. It answers the question "What if Nagata had a Ghost Lockseed and Ex-Aid Lockseed?" As it is NON-CANON, it will no way affect the story. It's just something fun to write and share. Remember, it is NON-CANON. I actually wrote this as a sort of homage to the latest crossover movie: Ghost & Ex-Aid Heisei Generations.
SPECIAL OMAKE: A HAUNTING GAME CHANGER
Gaim groaned as he supported himself against the tree. The battle with Bujin Gaim to reclaim his body wasn't going so well. Ryugen and Idunn had already been taken out, leaving him to face the demon that possessed his body, alone.
Gaim was starting to question his idea of not getting any backup now.
"There's no way you can win, Gaim. You don't have the power to win. So why don't you just give up already?" Bujin Gaim said.
"I guess you're right. My power isn't enough," Gaim remarked. "But what if I borrowed the power of other Riders?"
He held up the Ghost Lockseed and unlocked it.
[GHOST!]
The Ghost Armor Part had an orange face, big round black eyes and a single curved horn on the forehead.
[LOCK ON! SOIYA!]
The Ghost Lockseed was sliced open, revealing the image of the GhostDriver in the core and the Ore Eyecon on the lid's backside.
[GHOST ARMS! IDAINA SEISHIN NO ME, OPEN! (Eye of the Great Spirit, open!)]
The Ghost Armor Part landed on Gaim's head and disassembled to form his armor over his Ride Wear suit. The upper half split in half as the middle of the top detached and folded onto his back with the horn flushed against his back. The two halves of the head mounted on the shoulders. The mouth portion folded onto his chest, giving him a black chestpiece which had orange lapels on both sides and an eye-like emblem. His helmet was revealed, sporting a black headpiece and a visor that looked like two large round black eyes over a glowing orange background. A curved horn extended from his helmet crest.
"I believe in myself!"
Nagata had become Armored War God Gaim Ghost Arms.
Gaim jumped up and levitated, trailing orange energy as he flew towards Bujin Gaim. He summoned the Gan Gun Saber, which was a black and silver broadsword with an eye emblem in the center of the guard. Crossing the gap, he slashed and Bujin Gaim raised his Blood Drake Tail Sword to block.
The two were in a deadlock as they pushed against each other. Gaim then twirled his arms around to force the Blood Drake Tail Sword to the ground and punched Bujin Gaim in the face, stunning him. He then performed a powerful swing, slicing Bujin Gaim across the chest with the blade of the Gan Gun Saber.
"Time to put you to sleep!" Gaim held the Gan Gun Saber in front of the Ghost Lockseed, lining up the eye emblem with the image of the GhostDriver in the Lockseed's core.
[DAI KAIGAN! OMEGA BREAK!]
A massive eye made of energy formed behind Gaim and the energy from it flowed into the Gan Gun Saber. Gaim swung and the energy from the sword burst as it hit Bujin Gaim and exploded.
As the smoke clear, Bujin Gaim was revealed. While he had taken damage and his cape was gone, he was otherwise fine. There was a slight crack on his Lockseed, though.
Tossing the Gan Gun Saber aside, Gaim took out another Legend Rider Lockseed.
"Now, time for a game changer!" Gaim announced.
[EX-AID!]
The Ex-Aid Armor Part descended. For a Legend Rider Armor Part, it looked strange. Almost cartoony. It was silver but with cartoony orange eyes with white pupils in a pair of goggles and spiky pink 'hair' on the helmet. The mouthplate was silver with a black gap between the visor and mouthplate.
[LOCK ON!]
"Dai...Henshin!"
[SOIYA!]
The Ex-Aid Lockseed was sliced open, revealing the GamerDriver in the core. The Mighty Action X Gashat was displayed on the lid's backside.
The Ex-Aid Armor Part landed on Gaim and disassembled. The top half folded onto his back to give him a backpack while the mouthplate folded onto his chest. The chestplate looked like a gamepad with four buttons on the left colored yellow, red, green and blue in a clockwise order. Next to it was a life gauge. The sides folded onto his shoulders, giving him shoulder pads. The headpiece he had on gave him spiky pink hair on the back of the helmet and also the same goggles and cartoony eyes as the Armor Part in his visor.
[EX-AID ARMS! MIGHTY DOCTOR~! LEVEL UP! ACTION GAMER X~!]
"Let's clear this game with no continues!"
[GASHACON BREAKER!]
A large white and pink mallet appeared in Gaim's right hand. It had a pink A-button and green B-button.
"Hey, Nise! Ever played 'Whack-a-Mole'?"
Gaim leaped towards Bujin Gaim and smashed him in the head with the Gashacon Breaker.
*HIT!*
He repeatedly assaulted Bujin Gaim, whacking him over and over again, overwhelming with devastating blows and painful strikes.
*HIT!* *HIT!*
*HIT!* *HIT!* *HIT!*
*GREAT!*
A few swings to the chest sent Bujin Gaim sailing. He smashed right into his throne.
"You bastard!" Bujin Gaim yelled as he manipulated the Helheim vines to attack. The vines lashed out at Gaim. Gaim dodged from the vines while he tapped the mallet's A-button.
[JA-KIN!]
A pink and white blade popped out of the top of the Gashacon Breaker. Gaim then tapped the B-button twice, boosting the sword up. When the vines came at him, he sliced them to shreds.
Bujin Gaim drew his personal sword and lunged at Gaim. Sparks blasted off their weapons as they connected. Bujin Gaim was ferocious as he attacked Gaim with fierce strikes. However, Gaim proved to have the advantage as he broke through his enemy's guard and landed a series of critical blows.
*HIT!* *HIT!* *HIT!* *HIT!*
*GREAT!* *GREAT!*
Bujin Gaim staggered back. He could barely stand after taking so much damage and he cursed his weakness.
Gaim could see that he had already softened up Bujin Gaim. It was now time he initiated the finisher. He tossed his weapon aside and hit his SengokuDriver's Cutting Blade twice.
[SOIYA! EX-AID AU LAIT! MIGHTY CRITICAL STRIKE!]
Bright and colorful energy crackled around Gaim's right foot. He gave it a wiggle then put it behind him as he bent his legs like he was about to run. Clenching his fists, he prepared himself and leaped towards Bujin Gaim.
Gaim first executed a front snap kick, hitting Bujin Gaim in the chest.
*HIT!*
Gaim performed a flip and then executed a bicycle kick that hit Bujin Gaim's waist.
*HIT!* *HIT!* *HIT!* *HIT!*
*GREAT!* *GREAT!* *GREAT!*
And finally, he kicked the Blood Orange Lockseed, causing it to shatter.
*PERFECT!*
Bujin Gaim screamed as he exploded and Gaim landed on one knee before standing up to punch the air.
"Yosha! Game Clear!" announced Gaim.
Gaim suddenly felt a pull and was tugged towards his body. His spiritual body faded as he phased right into his real body.
Nagata opened his eyes and sat up. Smiling, he held the two Rider Lockseeds, Ghost and Ex-Aid.
"Thank you."
Meanwhile, Iori and Karasu were still quite tied up.
"So, feel like we're missing all the action?" Iori asked.
"I think that it would be safer for us if we stayed here," Karasu answered.
"All tied up?"
"Something tells me if we tried to go and help, we'd suffer a lot of pain."
"And what about Nagata?"
"I have a feeling that Naga-kun will be okay without us."
"So...we never really had a lot of chances to just sit down and talk. So, how have you been?"
"Pretty good, even if the situation isn't really all that pleasant."
"Well, we are tied up."
"True, and I think he tied us up a bit too tightly. I'm beginning to lose feeling in my arms."
"With any luck, we should be freed once Nagata beats Bujin Gaim. Think he can do it?"
"Of course. Naga-kun can win. I just know it."
"Yeah, I think so too."
"So, I've been wondering, did you have any plans before you got zapped to Ancient China?"
"Not exactly. My parents were trying to get me engaged to some diva with a very unpleasant attitude. I didn't even get a say. They just told me to accept and that was it. You know how parents are, huh?"
"I lost my mother a long time ago, and my father tried to groom me to be his ideal heir."
"But you wanted more, right? Something else."
"Yes, I wanted to be with Naga-kun. I couldn't become my clan's heir without him around. It would feel so empty."
"So that's why you decided to go find him and somehow ended up in Ancient China."
"Exactly, and I think my life is better now."
"Mine too. I managed to meet the love of my life."
"Kochu Kansho, right? You like older women, I take it."
"Yeah, I guess I've always had a thing for older women. So, what's your type?"
"Strong, noble, compassionate and courageous. Oh, and he has to be a good cook and can make me smile."
"I see. So, I've been told you were a wandering bandit hunter before you joined up. How exactly did you land the job?"
"I delivered their heads and collected the reward money."
"Ah, so you're a literal headhunter."
"That's right."
"...So read any interesting books lately?"
"Kara-chan! Iori!" Nagata cried out as he found Karasu and Iori. With Bujin Gaim gone, the vines came loose allowing Karasu and Iori to free themselves.
"Naga-kun, is that you?" Karasu asked carefully.
"Yeah, it's me."
"And Bujin Gaim?" Iori inquired.
"He's gone, for good this time. Let's go home."
Nagata, Karasu, and Iori returned to Shoku Castle. Upon arrival, Nagata was welcomed by his friends who were happy to see him. He was back to normal, with his body and his soul right where it belonged.
"Don't worry everyone, he's finally gone," said Nagata as he smiled, much to their relief. Suddenly, he was hit with fatigue as he wobbled on his feet, feeling dizzy. Luckily for him, Karasu was right next to him to support him.
"Are you alright?" Karasu asked, concerned for his health evident in her tone.
"Yeah..." he answered, sweat dripping down his face. "Just need some rest, that's all."
"I'll take you to bed," Karasu warmly offered him before she addressed the Shoku Warriors next, "As for the rest of you, get yourselves cleaned up! You stink of sweat!"
Ignoring Karasu, Ryofu went and picked Nagata up in a bridal carry.
"Huh, Ren?" Nagata said in confusion.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?" Karasu demanded.
"Taking Nagata-sama to bed," Ryofu answered as she marched back to the castle.
"Hey! Get back here! That's an order! Hey!" Karasu chased after Ryofu. Ryofu picked up speed and broke into a run towards the castle.
