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: So, after some thought, I decided to update the last five chapters into volume. I put them together into two chapters of sufficient length; not too long and not too short. Made it a two-parter instead. Hopefully this clears up the confusion.
Nagata was in his office with Ryuubi, Kanu, Hoto, and Komei. After his talk with the chief to clear things up, he had called them over to discuss how they were going to deal with Karasu and appease the villagers. The villagers were not going to be satisfied with Karasu being locked up alone. They wanted justice.
However, Nagata adamantly refused to execute Karasu, which the villagers felt was unfair. After all, the girl had betrayed them all and nearly destroyed the village. There were many lost lives that day, including Gien.
Karasu was an Armored War Goddess. She was supposed to be a symbol of hope and justice. And yet, she turned out to be the exact opposite.
And then, somehow, the villagers find out that Nagata brought Kanu back to life. They believed he could bring their dead loved ones back to life.
Unfortunately, he couldn't. He did not know how he did it, so he couldn't help them.
And that caused even more backlash.
Nagata did not know what to do. He couldn't bring himself to execute his own cousin, and he also couldn't let the situation escalate any further.
This was a dilemma.
What was he supposed to do now?
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 21-1: The Night Shoku Falls (Part 1)
Ryuubi decided to head down to the dungeon to visit their prisoner. The guards bowed to her when they saw her and she bowed back.
A show of respect was not too much to ask.
Ryuubi stood before the cell.
"Idunn, it's me. It's Ryuubi."
Karasu looked up at her, filled with depression and resentment. There were times when Karasu would not say anything at all. She would just sit quietly in the corner of her cell, hiding in the dark. But, there were times she would talk as well. Unfortunately, she would hurl curses at them, unwilling to share any information. Her words would be full of only venom and spite. Between these periods of erratic behavior, she would become completely unresponsive.
Ryuubi decided to take a chance anyway. Karasu appeared to be lucid and Ryuubi wanted to understand her better.
Fortunately, Ryuubi came on a relatively good day. Karasu was willing to talk.
"So, did you come to gloat? Or are you here to declare your revenge?" Karasu spat accusingly. She already heard about Gien's death.
"None of that," Ryuubi answered. "I've come to talk so I can understand you better."
"Talk? Understand? What is there left to understand? I'm a traitor, right? You've already established that."
"I just want to know why."
"Do you want to know why I did this? Because of love, that's why!"
"Love?"
"Yes, love! And it's not like the shallow love you've shown him! I love him more than you could possibly understand! I would do anything for him! I would live for him! I would kill for him! I would even die for him! Can any one of you show such devotion!?"
"Nagata-sama would not ask us to die for him," said Ryuubi firmly. "But we would gladly lay down our lives for him."
"Shallow, meaningless words," Karasu spat. "To you, he's some kind of god, but once that illusion fades and he reveals himself to be nothing more than a man, you would abandon him at the drop of a hat. But not me! I gave up everything to be reunited with him! I gave up my home! My status! My wealth! What have you given up for him!? What would you throw away for his sake!? Huh!? Tell me!?"
The heiress' eyes were wild and furious, burning with madness. But they were also brimmed with sorrow as Ryuubi saw lines of dried tears on her face.
"It must be hard..." Ryuubi started.
"Huh?"
"You gave up everything to be with him like he gave up everything to be with us. You must really love him."
"Of course! Was there any doubt?"
Ryuubi shook her head.
"No, there was no doubt at all. It's because you love him so much that you could not bring yourself to kill us before."
Karasu gawked at Ryuubi.
"Are you...are you stupid!? I tried to kill you! I nearly killed Kanu! I even killed Gien!"
"No, I can never forget. Enya's gone, but I know she would not want me to on vengeance. She would want me to move on and be happy. She would want me to live my life. You also had every chance to kill us. You could have killed us at any time, but you never did."
"I was merely biding my time."
"I don't believe that. I think deep down you valued our friendship."
"Utter nonsense."
"You also did not want to cause Nagata-sama pain. That's how much you love him. You did not know what to do, so you convinced yourself that you were doing all this for his sake, and that's why you attacked us."
"I attacked you all because I hate you," Karasu hissed.
"But you did care about us before," Ryuubi countered. "All this time, when we fought together, you were our comrade. You weren't just a fellow warrior, but our sister."
Karasu could not believe what she was hearing.
"Shut up..."
"You were part of our family and that what hurts the most. You've given up so much for Nagata-sama, and that includes a family who accepted you, along with his trust."
"Shut up..."
"You can call me selfish, but I love both Nagata-sama and my family so I can never give one up for the other."
Karasu snapped angrily.
"SHUT UP! HE CHOSE YOU OVER ME!"
Ryuubi did not hate Karasu, even though she should. Karasu had killed Gien, her best friend, and bodyguard. Instead, she pitied Karasu.
"Nagata-sama still loves you."
Karasu turned away. She was just too tired now.
"Just leave me alone, Ryuubi Gentoku."
Ryuubi sighed.
"Your life does mean something, Idunn. You just need to find your way. Goodbye, Idunn. Please, take care of yourself"
With those last parting words, Ryuubi left Karasu to her solitude.
As she walked up the stairs, she thought about what Karasu said. She did raise a good question.
What was Ryuubi willing to give up for Nagata?
Once she was left alone, Karasu shed a tear.
She didn't know what else to do or what to believe anymore. She had sacrificed everything to get Nagata's attention, only to lose him in the process.
What was she supposed to do now?
In an open field, surrounded by armed guards, was a yellow tent. The symbol on the entrance flaps was the En Clan's crest.
Enjutsu was in the tent. She sat on her throne with the Seal of Heaven in her lap.
She was not alone. Sadako Ryoma was with her.
"Why can't I announce myself and give them my ultimatum?" Enjutsu whined. She had prepared a speech and everything.
Sadako pinched the bridge of her nose and took in a deep breath. She told herself to calm down, relax and be patient.
This was why she hated dealing with children. They were just so demanding. When she had kids of her own, she would have a nanny handle them.
Her parents did the same for her and she turned out alright.
"Enjutsu-sama..." Sadako replied, resisting the urge to smack the blonde brat in the mouth, "This is a surprise attack. We want to catch them off guard so they have no time to react properly. That way, we can assure our victory."
"But I want them to know I'm the one trying to conquer them!" complained Enjutsu.
Sadako turned away. She clenched her jaw and sucked in a breath. She told herself not to kill Enjutsu, yet. The blonde was still of use to them.
Sadako put on a sweet smile as she turned to face Enjutsu again.
"Don't you want to see the looks on their faces once they realize who defeated them?" Sadako asked.
Enjutsu contemplated Sadako's words. She had a point. She wanted them to know that she was the one who defeated them. The look of utter surprise on Ensho's face when she betrayed her was still fresh in her mind.
She loved it.
She could not wait to see the same look on the Seiryuoh's face.
"OK, we'll do it your way," Enjutsu approved.
"I'm glad you approve," Sadako accepted.
It was the middle of the night and most of Touka Village was fast asleep. The guards were on patrol at the front gate and wall of Touka Village. They were ever vigilant and could not afford to be complacent.
The guards were ready for anything. If they ended up in over their heads, they would ring the gongs to alert the generals and Armored War Gods.
The night was cold but peaceful. It was almost comforting, but they couldn't afford to let their guard down.
Danger could come at any moment and anytime.
Suddenly, orange spheres of energy shot out from the darkness. They hit a section of the wall and caused it to explode. The guards scattered from the explosion and the unfortunate ones that were standing on top of the wall were knocked down.
The guards heard battle cries and their eyes widened in horror. They saw a group of Kurokage Troopers coming at them with white scarves around their necks and armed with Kagematsu.
"IT'S A RAID! SOUND THE ALARM!"
Nagata immediately woke up when he heard the alarm gongs go off. They only went off like that when there was an emergency.
He grabbed his shirt and put it on before he gathered his SengokuDriver and Lockseeds.
It was time for the Shoku Warriors to assemble.
The villagers were instantly awoken by the gongs and they cried in panic as the Kurokage Troopers attacked them.
It was utter chaos as the Kurokage Troopers attacked. The Kurokage Troopers invaded homes and chased after defenseless villagers.
Houses were set ablaze as the Kurokage Troopers threw torches on them.
A man who was fleeing with his family was speared in the leg and he went down. The Kurokage Trooper withdrew his spear and was ready to finish the job.
[SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH!]
Gaim attacked with his Burai Kick and hit the Kurokage Trooper square in the chest. The Kurokage Trooper took the hit and was sent flying before he exploded. He went down as his armor vanished while his SengokuDriver and Matsubokkuri Lockseed broke.
Gaim went and helped the wounded man up.
"Go! Get to safety!" he instructed. The man's wife and son both helped take him to safety.
A couple of Kurokage Troopers spotted Gaim and attacked, but they were swiftly cut down.
Gaim was not the only one fighting the invaders. The Shoku Warriors came down hard on the Kurokage Troopers. With their armor enhancing them, they had an advantage against the invaders.
Right now, they needed to get the villagers to safety and subdue these invaders.
Suddenly, Gaim took a blow to the face. He recovered from the sucker punch but recoiled in shock as he saw who had hit him.
"HARU!?"
From a distance, Sadako watched with a gleeful grin as Touka Village was under attack. It was a magnificent sight. Iori had chosen to settle down in this place and Sadako wanted to make him pay for his offense against her. How dare he refuse their engagement?
Standing beside her was Ukitsu.
"The first wave has already started their attack," Sadako informed him.
"I can see that. Good work," Ukitsu approved.
His own army was assembled at the base camp. They were terracotta soldiers. They were all different and were separated into four specialized groups: swordsmen, spearmen, archers, and cavalrymen.
"I'm heading over there," Ukitsu informed her.
"If you see Iori-san, please don't kill him. He and I need to have a chat."
"Don't you worry Ryoma-dono, he's not who I'm here for."
Gaim froze as he stared at the one who had attacked him. It was someone he knew quite well, as both a trusted friend and ally.
It was Armored War God Knuckle (Jimber Marron Arms).
He did not expect Haru to betray him, but he had not expected his cousin to double-cross him either. Still, this totally came out of left field.
"Haru, what are you doing? Why are you attacking us?"
"I'm sorry, man! I don't have a choice!"
Knuckle swung his fist and Gaim dodged the blow. Knuckle swung again and Gaim barely avoided it. Another swing sent Gaim sprawling.
"What do you mean you don't have a choice? Haru, what's going on!?" Gaim demanded.
Knuckle did not answer as he hit his Cutting Blade.
[COCONUT SQUASH! JIMBER MARRON SQUASH!]
The built-in pistons pumped power into his Marron Bombers and he slammed the ground with them. The resulting shockwave sent Gaim tumbling several feet away.
"Ugh!"
Gaim rose to his feet but was kicked in the chest. Angered, Gaim retaliated and slashed Knuckle across the chest.
"Dammit, Haru! Tell me! What's going on!?"
"I...I...AAARRRGGGHHHH!" Knuckle screamed and began throwing a flurry of punches at Gaim. Gaim took the hits before a punch to the jaw floored him.
Gaim groaned as he got up from the ground. This did not make sense. He knew Haru. He would not be part of some invasion. However, expectations failed to line up with reality.
The only thing that made sense was that someone put Knuckle up to this, by force.
Was it Ensho? No, it could not be her. She would not attack them without a reason.
Gaim was going to get his answers somehow.
Knuckle approached Gaim but he was knocked back when Kanu struck him with her Green Dragon Crescent Blade. Ryuubi and Chouhi joined her to defend Gaim.
"Knuckle-dono, what is the meaning of this!?" Kanu demanded.
"I'm sorry, Kanu! But I gotta do this for Reiha-chan!" Knuckle shouted as he threw a punch at her. Kanu blocked the blow with her Green Dragon Crescent Blade.
"What does Ensho have to do with this?"
"Everything!"
Kanu clenched her jaw.
"Aneue, Rinrin, we need to work together and subdue him!"
Chouhi and Ryuubi obliged.
Kanu threw Knuckle back with a swing of her guandao. She lunged at him and struck him across the chest. He threw a punch at her, but his fist was intercepted by Chouhi who swung her Viper Spear in its path. She pivoted and swung her Viper Spear into Knuckle's midsection, sending him reeling back.
Ryuubi tightened her grip on her sword.
She never imagined she would be fighting an ally.
"Knuckle-dono, are they forcing you to do this?" Ryuubi asked.
Knuckle did not answer as he hit his Cutting Blade.
[COCONUT SQUASH! JIMBER MARRON SQUASH!]
His Marron Bombers glowed and exploded, sending spikes flying at the three sisters. Their armor took the brunt of the attack, but they still felt the strikes.
The pistons on Knuckle's gauntlets pumped once before he rushed at them. He aimed for Ryuubi but she blocked his punch with her sword. She was thrown back by the force of the blow and he followed up with another strike. Kanu and Chouhi attacked him from the side and knocked him away from Ryuubi.
Knuckle punched the ground and the pistons pumped again, sending a shockwave that shook the ground, nearly knocking the girls off their feet.
"He's really strong!" Chouhi groaned.
"Indeed, but he's not unbeatable," said Kanu as she eyed his SengokuDriver. "If we remove his belt..."
"He will be powerless," Ryuubi finished, nodding at Kanu.
Kanu focused her Ki into her Green Dragon Crescent Blade as Knuckle charged at them again.
"BLAZING OGRE STRIKE!"
Kanu sent the flaming ogre head flying at Knuckle. It roared as it struck Knuckle, nearly knocking him down.
"LIGHTNING VIPER SLASH!"
Chouhi swung down and the snake of lightning descended, striking Knuckle on the spot. He screamed as he was electrocuted. His armor showed damage with scorch marks and smoke rising from him.
He fell to his knees.
But he was not beaten yet.
He remembered what he was fighting for and why he could not afford to lose.
He rose back to his feet and pounded his fists together.
"DON'T HOLD BACK IF YOU WANT TO PROTECT SOMETHING!" Knuckle roared.
Knuckle threw his punch but Ryuubi sidestepped and slashed him across the chest. She knocked him back with a thrust and followed up with a series of slashes that sent him staggering. Kanu sped towards him and struck him violently across the chest and Chouhi sent him tumbling with a jab of her Viper Spear.
Ryuubi raised her Dragon Claw Sword as Chouhi and Kanu crossed their spears with the blade of her weapon. Their weapons glowed as a blue, green and red aura surrounded their bodies.
"TRINITY ATTACK!"
They fired the attack at Knuckle and he screamed as explosions erupted around him before an explosion engulfed him. When the smoke and fire cleared, Haru laid face down, his armor gone and his body injured.
Gaim was stunned. Just what was going on?
Ukitsu closed the Crucial Keys and smiled.
"Alright, time to send in the second wave," Ukitsu decided.
He snapped his fingers. The eyes of the terracotta soldiers lit up with a purple light as they came to life.
The Shoku Warriors would not know what hit them.
Gaim knelt down and helped Haru up.
"Haru, what's going on?" Gaim asked.
Haru groaned, both from fatigue and injury. After taking such a heavy blow, he could barely stand on his own two feet.
"Nagata...you have to go..."
Gaim was confused.
"Go? Go where?"
"You gotta go save your cousin."
"Wait, Kara-chan? What do you mean? Save her from what? Is she in danger?"
"It's Ukitsu. He mentioned tying up loose ends."
Gaim's eyes widened.
Ukitsu was going after Karasu.
He turned to Kanu, Ryuubi, and Chouhi.
"Take care of the rest of the Kurokage Troopers. I have to get back to the castle," Gaim ordered.
Ryugen stood in his way.
"Hold on, Nagata. Where do you think you're going?"
"I gotta head back to the dungeon."
Ryugen's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"You're going to let her out, aren't you?"
Gaim did not have time for this.
"Damn it, Iori. Let me go. I need to save her."
"It could be a trap."
"I know, but I have to make sure she's OK."
Ryugen became vexed. Clearly, he was displeased by his friend's decision.
"I don't believe it. After everything she's done to us, you still want to save her."
"I do. Maybe I can even convince her to help."
"You're letting your feelings cloud your judgment right now. Have you forgotten how she's betrayed us? Have you forgotten how she killed Enya?"
"Of course I haven't forgotten! I know what she did is unforgivable! But...even so...I can't abandon her right now! Now let me through!"
"So you're just going to choose her over us," Ryugen accused.
"It's not like that," Gaim protested.
Ryugen crossed his arms, maintaining his glare.
"You're making a mistake."
Gaim paused for a moment.
Was it a mistake to let Karasu out after everything she had done?
It was too early to decide. Nevertheless, he could not afford to let a single soul to be slain here tonight.
"I'll be back."
Ryugen said nothing in response as he let Gaim past. He had made up his mind.
As Gaim headed for the castle, Kanu stood in his way. Hopefully, she could talk some sense into him.
"Aisha, please step aside," Gaim requested.
"Nagata-sama, tell me. Are you sure you're doing the right thing here?" she asked.
He remembered how she had spoken to him about standing beside each other. She swore she would stand by him, no matter what. Now she needed to know that he would stand by her.
"Aisha, I'm sorry. But Kara-chan needs me. I can't turn my back on her."
"But she's a traitor," she reminded.
"You're right, she is a traitor, but she's still family and I refuse to abandon her." He held her hands and looked her in the eye. "Please, Aisha. You need to trust me."
Kanu said nothing as she looked into his orange visor.
She then let out a sigh. This was the person she had come to accept into her heart. He would not turn his back on his loved ones without a good reason.
"Then go. Do what you feel is right."
Gaim smiled, relieved.
"Thank you. I promise I'll be back."
As Gaim returned to the castle, Kanu returned her attention to the Kurokage Troopers and resumed her attack on them with the others.
Karasu sat in her cell. She heard a commotion and carefully approached the bars of her cell to see what was happening.
She watched as the guards fell due to an invisible force. When she saw Ukitsu enter the dungeon, her eyes widened.
Ukitsu turned his gaze towards Karasu who was sitting in her cell. In his hand was the Crucial Keys to the Way of Peace, a cursed tome that drew power from anger, hatred, and resentment. It had once been used to manipulate the Chou Sisters.
The malevolent aura surrounding it was as clear as day.
Using his magic, Ukitsu casually unlocked the cell door and opened it.
Karasu looked up to meet Ukitsu's gaze, wondering why he was here.
Could he be here to break her out?
"You truly are a pathetic sight," Ukitsu sneered.
"So, are you here to break me out?" Karasu asked. Once he freed her, she could formulate a new plan to get Nagata back on her side. He had confiscated her SengokuDriver, but she knew where he would hide it. It would not be hard to find it.
Ukitsu gave Karasu a look of contempt.
"Why would I want to break out a failure like you?" Ukitsu asked, shocking Karasu.
"But...but you promised that...as long as I helped you, you will be able to send me back with Naga-kun," Karasu shakily responded.
"I did, but only if you succeeded in destroying Shoku. I even gave you power assure its destruction, but you still failed. You were defeated and now you're locked up."
"But I could try again!" Karasu insisted.
"There would be no point to it. Besides, your cousin gave up his chance to return to his world. Not even I have the power to send him back anymore," Ukitsu replied, shocking her.
"Then...then all of this...was for nothing!?" Karasu shouted.
The realization hit her hard.
Ukitsu had been using her this whole time.
He gave her only empty promises and she had fallen for his deception hook, line and sinker.
"On the contrary. I wanted to hurt Nagata Oda in the worst possible way. You made sure of that with your betrayal. Now, I can hurt him even more by ending your life." Ukitsu smiled wickedly as dark energy gathered in his hand. "Goodbye, Karasu Oda. At least you can die knowing that your life was taken for a greater purpose."
Karasu froze as she realized that Ukitsu was here to tie up loose ends. There was nowhere for her to run. She was trapped.
She closed her eyes to accept her fate. This was what she deserved.
'Naga-kun...I'm sorry...'
A gunshot was heard as a bullet flew by Ukitsu's head. It whipped past his hair before burying itself in the wall of the cell.
"STAY AWAY FROM MY COUSIN!"
Gaim barged right into the dungeon brandishing his swords. He had given Ukitsu a warning shot to get his attention.
"You..." Ukitsu glowered as he put away the Crucial Keys. He composed himself so he could greet Gaim politely. "I'm surprised to see you down here, Gaim-dono."
"Someone told me you'd be here," said Gaim. After what Haru told him, he had rushed over to prevent Ukitsu from hurting Karasu. Along the way, he fought Kurokage Troopers that tried to hinder him.
He was forced to cut them down.
Karasu was relieved to see her beloved cousin.
"Naga-kun..."
Though she could not see under his mask, Gaim was giving her a warm, reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Kara-chan. I'm not letting him hurt you."
Comprehension dawned on Ukitsu.
"I see. So you came to protect her. Why bother? She's just a filthy traitor."
"Everyone in this village is under my protection. That includes her," Gaim defended.
Karasu's eyes widened in surprise. Even after everything she had done, he still cared about her.
Ukitsu rolled his eyes and scoffed at such sentimental nonsense.
"What's your plan, Ukitsu? What are you after this time?" Gaim questioned.
"Just making arrangements for a new world order," Ukitsu claimed.
"What new world order? Where all the kingdoms are destroyed while you all stand on top of the corpses and ruins?" Gaim accused.
"Do you really think I want to destroy this world?" Ukitsu asked.
"It's the only conclusion I can come up with. When everything is destroyed, you can rebuild it in your own image. You even allied yourself with the RinJyuKen Akugata to make it happen," Gaim answered.
"Ah, yes. Those undead monsters. I only joined them because we have a common enemy: you. Once you and your fellow Armored War Gods are destroyed, our alliance will be dissolved and I can pursue my plans for this world."
"Too bad for you that I'm going to stop you right here, Ukitsu," Gaim vowed.
Ukitsu sighed as he put on his GenesisDriver. Instead of his usual Lemon Energy Lockseed, Ukitsu held up the Dragon Fruit Energy Lockseed.
"That's Sasuke's!" exclaimed Gaim as he recognized the Energy Lockseed.
[DRAGON FRUIT ENERGY!]
"Henshin," called Ukitsu as he loaded the Dragon Fruit Energy Lockseed into his GenesisDriver and pushed the Seaboll Compressor.
Gaim swiftly attached his Genesis Core to his SengokuDriver and unlocked his Grapefruit Energy Lockseed.
[GRAPEFRUIT ENERGY!]
[LOCK ON! SODA! DRAGON ENERGY ARMS!]
Duke's Dragon Energy Arms was almost identical to Tyrant's. The right shoulder pad was much larger than the left, and it had a white stone embedded in it. Duke also gained a hexagonal badge that was mounted on his helmet. His personal emblem was on the left side of the chestplate.
[LOCK ON! MIX! JIMBER GRAPEFRUIT! HA-HA!]
Once transformed, the two clashed immediately. Gaim dragged Duke away to fight elsewhere.
Once outside the castle, Duke and Gaim's battle could truly begin.
"Naga-kun!" Karasu cried as she watched them make their exit, leaving her all alone in a cold and dark dungeon.
She could do nothing but pray for Nagata's victory.
While Gaim confronted Duke, the Shoku Warriors were dealing with the Kurokage Troopers. Despite their greater numbers, the Kurokage Troopers were no match for the more skilled and organized Shoku Warriors.
All of a sudden, a rain of arrows came down on the Shoku Warriors. The Shoku Warriors deflected the sharp, steel-tipped arrows, sending them scattering. Some of the arrows managed to land on target, but their armor protected them.
The arrows were merely a prelude of what was to come next.
After the arrows, an army stormed the village. Reinforcements had come for the Kurokage Troopers. To the Shoku Warriors' surprise, the army consisted of living statues, armed with swords and spears.
The Shoku Warriors engaged them, and a fierce battle ensued.
Surrounding the village walls were terracotta archers that were prepared to fire another volley. This time, their arrows were on fire.
The archers let loose the flaming arrows and set the buildings on fire.
Villagers screamed in panic when this happened.
This was insane!
This was madness!
"EVACUATE THE VILLAGERS! GET THEM TO SAFETY!"
Ryugen grimaced.
Where was Nagata when they needed him?
As the Shoku Warriors dealt with the enemy reinforcements, Gaim and Duke were in the courtyard and furiously engaged in combat.
Sparks erupted as Duke and Gaim clashed violently with their Sonic Arrows. When they broke apart, Duke attempted to fire at him but Gaim took the chance to pin him to the wall.
Duke shoved him back and slashed him across the chest. Gaim retaliated with his Sonic Arrow and then took aim. However, Duke kicked the weapon out of Gaim's grip and shot several energy bolts at Gaim, causing him to backpedal.
Duke then dashed towards Gaim. He slashed him repeatedly with his Sonic Arrow, causing sparks to explode from the Jimber Grapefruit Arms armor.
Duke aimed for Gaim's head but he drew his Musou Saber and shot several rounds at Duke, causing him to misfire. Getting back to his feet, Gaim charged at Duke to slash him in the chest but he was parried by the Sonic Arrow.
Gaim shouted as he punched Duke in the stomach. He then landed another punch to his face, sending him staggering. He then thrust his sword, sending Duke sprawling.
"Hah, so you've stopped holding back," Duke chuckled. "Good, it's time I stopped holding back myself." His visor glowed along with his armor also as he rose to his feet. He dashed towards Gaim and slashed with his Sonic Arrow, causing a huge burst of sparks on impact.
Gaim's eyes widened in shock and pain as he was hit. Duke followed up the slash with an uppercut, sending Gaim sprawling.
"Surprised? The RinJyuKen were kind enough to help us unlock our full potential," Duke boasted.
"Oh, will you just shut up!" Gaim shouted as he got back up and slashed at Duke, only for his opponent to vanish from sight. "Huh?"
He screamed as he was blasted in the back and knocked to the ground.
Duke reappeared and shouldered his Sonic Arrow.
"I also discovered some other useful abilities," Duke smirked.
Gaim growled and got back up as Duke turned invisible again. Gaim's eyes narrowed as his visor glowed and he activated his optical enhancements. If his opponent was invisible, then the best way to find him was through his body heat.
He scanned his surroundings and saw Duke coming at him. Swiftly, Gaim swung his Musou Saber and slashed Duke across the chest, sending him backpedaling in surprise. Gaim then thrust forward, knocking Duke back and forcing him to reveal himself again.
"I almost forgot. You have an enhancement as well," Duke frowned.
"That's right," Gaim smirked as he tapped his visor with his blade before he re-engaged Duke. Duke might have enhanced strength, but Gaim's own skills enabled him to fight toe to toe with his augmented opponent.
Duke blocked the strike and slashed Gaim across the chest before he ran backward to gain some distance. His visor glowed as he took out a set of talismans. He chanted a spell and threw them at the Blue King.
The talismans surrounded Gaim and their writings glowed purple. Ropes of energy shot out of the talismans and wrapped around Gaim, bindings his arms to his sides.
[DRAGON FRUIT ENERGY SQUASH!]
Duke conjured five clones of himself which took turns attacking Gaim before they vanished. Meanwhile, Duke aimed his Sonic Arrow and pulled the shaft, stretching the string to its limit. Finally, he fired his Sonic Arrow, sending a charged energy bolt straight into Gaim's chest.
The energy ropes dissolved as Gaim's armor flashed and he reverted back to his default Orange Arms. Duke strutted towards Gaim and then kicked him in the face, sending him sprawling.
"Tell me, Gaim-dono. Why do you continue to oppose us?" Duke asked.
"Because you seek to harm innocent people," Gaim claimed. "Also, for what you've done to Kara-chan."
"You're the one who locked away your only blood relative in this world, and you dare say I'm the one at fault here?"
"You manipulated her and drove her mad."
"She was already mad from the start. You were just too blind to see it."
Angrily, Gaim took out the Kachidoki Lockseed and activated it.
[KACHIDOKI!]
The Kachidoki Armor Part dropped from its portal and drove Duke back.
[LOCK ON! SOIYA! KACHIDOKI ARMS!]
The Kachidoki Arms Armor Part landed on Gaim. It quickly disassembled and folded onto his body, forming his armor.
[IZA SHUTSUJIN! EI, EI, OH!]
Gaim drew the Kachidoki Bata from his back and jabbed Duke with the Kachidoki Bata, pushing him back. Duke shot at Gaim but he twirled the Kachidoki Bata, deflecting the energy bolts. Duke charged at Gaim but the King of Shoku blocked Duke's attack by crossing his Kachidoki Bata. He then shoved Duke back and dropped the Kachidoki Bata to draw out his DJ Gun.
He fired a shot that sent Duke tumbling painfully while disarming him at the same time.
"It's over, Ukitsu! You can't beat me!" shouted Gaim as he leveled his DJ Gun at Duke.
Duke picked himself up. He considered the gap of power. Even with Dragon Energy Arms, Gaim's Kachidoki Arms still beat him.
"Perhaps you're right. Perhaps I can't beat you, but maybe they can."
Gaim was perplexed by Duke's declaration.
"What are you talking about?"
Duke held up four Lockseeds.
"Allow me to show you."
He activated them, one-by-one.
[BLACK BARON!]
[JAM!]
[BUJIN GAIM!]
[RYUGEN-YOMI!]
Duke tossed the unlocked Lockseeds as darkness burst out from them and formed into four humanoid figures:
Black Baron.
Jam.
Bujin Gaim.
And Ryugen-Yomi.
Gaim's eyes widened in shock as he saw them appear.
"...How?"
"I used the remains of their Lockseeds. It was really quite simple, really."
"So they're just puppets," Gaim deduced.
"Yes, and quite capable of following orders. For example: destroy Gaim," Duke ordered.
Ryugen-Yomi summoned the Yomiyari and rushed at Gaim. He was followed by Jam, Black Baron and Bujin Gaim who came at Gaim with their own weapons. Gaim fired at the charging Puppet Riders, but they avoided his shots as they closed in on him. Ryugen-Yomi reached him first and disarmed him, throwing the DJ Gun to the ground. This was followed by Black Baron who hit him in the chest with the Black Banaspear.
Jam kicked him in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. Gaim rolled out of the way as Bujin Gaim brought his swords down on him.
Jam forced Gaim back to his feet, allowing Ryugen-Yomi to strike him in the chest with his Yomiyari. Black Baron also joined in, and the two of them repeatedly landed blows upon Gaim's body. Bujin Gaim also struck, attacking Gaim from behind with his swords.
Duke hung back and watched as his Puppet Riders overpowered Gaim. It was truly a sight to behold. Even with his Kachidoki Arms, Gaim was being overwhelmed by their combined power.
Suddenly, a burst of air blew the four Puppet Riders away.
Duke cocked an eyebrow curiously when he saw this.
"I'm not going to fall here!" Gaim shouted as he took out the Ryujin Key.
[RYUJIN!]
Gaim slotted in the Ryujin Key and gave it a twist.
[LOCK OPEN! RYUJIN ARMS! DAI RYUOH! SORA NO SEIRYU, RISE TO THE THRONE!]
His Kachidoki Arms burst to pieces and the components flew in all directions, hitting the four Puppet Riders, knocking them back.
[RYUJINMARU! NOBUNAGUN!]
The Ryujinmaru appeared in Ryujin Gaim's right hand while the Nobunagun occupied his left hand.
Ryugen-Yomi recovered quickly and hit the Cutting Blade of his SengokuDriver.
[HAI~! YOMOTSUHEGURI SQUASH!]
Ryugen-Yomi trained his Budou Ryuhou at Ryujin Gaim and fired.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
Ryujin Gaim deflected Ryugen-Yomi's Dragon Shot with the Ryujinmaru and returned fired with the Nobunagun.
"DAI RYUJIN BAKUDAN!"
The charged up shotgun blast from the rifle hit Ryugen-Yomi dead center in the chest and obliterated the Puppet Rider.
[COME ON! RED BANANA AU LAIT!]
A cage made up of giant energy red bananas burst out of the ground and encased Ryujin Gaim.
Black Baron pulled his Black Banaspear out of the ground and leaped to execute the Cavaliend Rider Kick.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
Ryujin Gaim shattered the trap with a swing of his Ryujinmaru, the energized blade shining proudly.
"DAI RYUJIN SPEAR!"
The bayonet of his Nobunagun pointed forward and he thrust the weapon at Black Baron. The energy surrounding the bayonet extended into a blade that pierced Black Baron's chest, exploding him.
[DARKNESS AU LAIT!]
A large dark apple made of energy flew towards Ryujin Gaim.
Ryujin Gaim countered her attack.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
"DAI RYUJIN REAPER ZAN!"
His Nobunagun turned into its Sickle Mode as he swung it in a vertical swipe followed by the Ryujinmaru which he swung horizontally. The energy slashes neutralized her attack and kept going until they hit the Puppet Rider, destroying her.
Bujin Gaim was the last one. The Puppet Rider tried to attack, but he was quickly disarmed. Ryujin Gaim slashed him repeatedly before driving him back with a thrust of his Ryujinmaru.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
"DAI RYUJIN ZAN!"
Bujin Gaim exploded from the violent slash.
Once the Puppet Riders were destroyed, Ryujin Gaim pointed his Ryujinmaru threateningly at Duke.
"We're finishing this, here and now."
Instead of being intimidated, Duke applauded him.
"What an impressive show of might, but that is to be expected. The miraculous power of the Seal of Heaven is truly a remarkable thing. It has made you an Armored War God among Armored War Gods. There is certainly no way anyone can match you now, especially me."
Ryujin Gaim cocked an eyebrow in confusion. He did not expect Duke to react this way.
What's he up to?
Duke continued, "With that kind of power, you could change the world. Why settle for a kingdom when you could have the entire nation? Why stop there? Why not claim the entire world and become a real God Emperor?"
"God...Emperor...?"
"Indeed. You can become the omnipotent ruler of the world. You have the power. Use it and claim the world as your own. Then the peace you desire will be in your grasp."
Ryujin Gaim shook his head.
He could not let Duke sway him with his words.
"Shut up! There's no way I would do something like that!" Ryujin Gaim snapped.
"Wouldn't you? You have the power to enforce peace as you see fit," Duke pointed out.
"What you're talking about is ruling through fear!"
"Of course! Fear makes people more compliant! The weak fear the strong, but also want to be led by them! Only the strong have the right to rule the world and you, my friend, are truly strong! Even if both your power and might inspires fear and hatred, you have the power to crush such opposition!"
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I'm just giving you the facts. You're powerful, but deep down you're weak. But that can change if you just embrace that power like Chojo."
"She turned into a monster."
"Indeed, and that could happen to you too."
"What...?"
"Yes, the power of the Seal of Heaven made her into a monster. There's no doubt that it's made you into a monster too."
"That's nonsense! I'm not a monster!"
"Aren't you? How many people have you killed? How many people have died because of you? Like it or not, your hands are stained with blood. You're a monster already. You're just wrapped up in a pretty package."
"Shut up! There's no way! There's no way I'll become a monster!"
"So, one day you won't just decide to use that power to bring peace by destroying everything that will threaten it? Won't you use that power to force people to follow your rules? I can sense it, Gaim-dono. You're tired of this life of endless death and conflict. You don't want another war so you'll decide to make sure nobody dares to start one. With your power, you can create true peace. All it will take is for you to throw away your humanity and ascend to godhood."
Ryujin Gaim did not want to admit it, but what if Duke was right? What if he could bring peace?
With such power, Ryujin Gaim could end all war and conflict. Wasn't that what Kanu wanted? She called him the Messenger of Heaven. He was meant to bring peace to the land. Maybe the power of the Seal of Heaven could help him do it.
He was sick and tired of all the fighting.
He just wanted it to stop.
Maybe the way to do it was to conquer everything and stop all the chaos and conflict through force.
Peace...through tyranny...
Wait, what was he thinking?!
He could never force people to follow his rule!
He could never make them obey him through fear!
It wouldn't be right!
What kind of peace would it be without free will?
What kind of peace would it be if they had to live in fear because of him?
"So, how about it, Gaim-dono? Why not end all the senseless death and violence? All you have to do is embrace your true power," Duke offered.
Ryujin Gaim took a deep breath and met Duke's gaze with his own.
"Ruling through fear? Do you really think I would ever do that?" Ryujin Gaim responded.
Duke sighed in disappointment.
"Look like you're content with how the world is right now."
"No, I'm not. You're right. I am sick and tired of all the death and violence. But I won't do things the easy way. It will set a bad example. That is why I will keep fighting for peace. It will be hard, and difficult, but the path to peace is always full of obstacles. And if I succeed, nobody will have to live in fear of anything ever again."
"Well, if it's a fight you want, allow me to provide you with a better opponent."
"More puppets?"
Gaim was ready for anything Duke threw at him.
"No, just an old friend."
A Helheim portal zipped open beside Duke and a young man stepped out. Ryujin Gaim looked eyes widened in shock and recognition when he saw the newcomer.
"No way. It can't be..."
"Hello, Nagata," the young man said with a dangerous smirk. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
"Taiga...Shiba..."
To Be Continued in Part 2
