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.
When Kaku heard the noises that were coming from outside, she knew they needed to get someplace safe.
"Come on," Kaku said as she took Riri's hand. "We need to get someplace safe."
"Where?" Riri asked.
"The basement. We should be able to avoid danger if we hide down there."
Kaku knew she had to keep Kochu and Iori's daughter safe. On occasion, the couple would ask her to babysit and she had grown fond of the little girl.
She also feared the wrath of Riri's parents if anything were to happen to their little girl.
Riri did not protest as Kaku took her down to the basement with her. The two of them were soon joined by Chinkyuu, Hoto, and Suikyo who had the same idea. They also shared the space with Chinkyuu and Ryofu's pets.
They would hide in the basement until the crisis was over.
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 21-2: The Night Shoku Falls (Part 2)
Karasu remained in her cell. The door was open but she decided not to leave.
What was the point?
Even if she escaped, where could she go?
"Are you just going to stay here?" Chosen asked as he mysteriously appeared. Karasu did not seem surprised to see him.
"Everyone believed in me, they trusted me. And how do I repay them? I brainwashed my cousin and killed one of their own," Karasu murmured. "I'm such a fool."
"True, you were a fool, and you've done terrible things, but Nagata thinks you're worth protecting. Perhaps he wants to give you a second chance."
"A second chance? Me?"
Did she even deserve a second chance?
"It's not too late to start over. You can still change. Right now, he's putting his life on the line not just for you, but for everything he wants to protect. You can still help him."
"But how can I help? I don't have any weapons."
Nagata had taken her SengokuDriver and her Darkness Lockseed was gone. Her sword was also taken from her.
Chosen presented her with her SengokuDriver and a new Ringo Lockseed.
Karasu's eyes widened in surprise when she saw them.
"How...?"
"Take these and this time, use them to do the right thing," Chosen instructed.
Karasu gazed at the items before narrowing her eyes in determination.
It was time for her to make things right.
"Taiga...Shiba..."
Taiga Shiba had midnight black hair that was cut short and slicked back with a fringe hanging over his right eye. His attire consisted of a black gakuran jacket, worn open to reveal a red T-shirt with a black dragon on it. He also wore black jeans with red scale patterns on the side. On his feet, he wore red sneakers.
Ryujin Gaim couldn't see Taiga's eyes as they were concealed by a pair of sunglasses. It was an impractical accessory since it was nighttime.
Nagata once tried sunglasses at night and could barely see through them.
"Taiga, what are you doing here?" Ryujin Gaim asked and turned to Duke. "Did you bring him here?"
Duke kept silent.
"I heard you've been doing well for yourself, Nagata," said Taiga. "Look at you. A kingdom of your own, everyone knows your name, and you even had your own harem of beautiful warrior women who are ready and willing to fight for you and pleasure you at the drop of a hat. Must be nice to have everything you want to fall just so conveniently in your lap. And yet...now it's all going down to Hell."
"Taiga, why are you here?" Ryujin Gaim asked.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing. When you just vanished one day-yes I watch the news-I just couldn't believe it. You used to talk about becoming a Kamen Rider when we were kids, remember? I told you it was just a fantasy, a foolish dream. And yet, somehow, it came true. Just like everything in your life, everything just goes your way. Like the world bends over backward just for you."
Taiga's calm tone shifted to an angry one.
"And that just pissed me off! Right after you destroyed my dream, you manage to make your own dreams come true! How is that fair?"
"Taiga, you know what happened that day was not my fault-"
"Save it, Nagata!" Taiga snapped angrily, cutting Ryujin Gaim off. "You ruined my life and now you're going to pay! I'm going to crush your dreams!"
Taiga reached into his jacket and pulled out a SengokuDriver of his own, surprising Ryujin Gaim. He placed it on his waist and the belt materialized, securing the device. The Rider Indicator flashed, showing the profile of a Rider's face.
He then took out his Lockseed. It looked like the one Duke had used to summon the Bujin Gaim puppet, but only more authentic. Ryujin Gaim could sense a very familiar taint of darkness coming from the Lockseed, even before it was activated.
"Henshin," Taiga announced as he unlocked the Lockseed.
[BUJIN GAIM!]
A dark portal opened up and the Bujin Gaim Armor Part descended. It looked like Bujin Gaim's head with a dark aura surrounding it like black flames.
"Taiga, no!" Ryujin Gaim objected, but he was too late.
Taiga ignored Ryujin Gaim's warning and swiftly loaded the Lockseed into his SengokuDriver.
[LOCK ON!]
And then he sliced it open with the Cutting Blade. The core image was of his SengokuDriver with the Blood Orange Lockseed. The lid's backside displayed the Blood Orange Lockseed on its own.
When the Lockseed opened, a dark guitar riff came out.
[BUJIN GAIM ARMS!]
The Armor Part descended and dropped on Taiga's head. Dark energy wrapped around Taiga's body, forming a black Ride Wear suit with red bands and greaves around the wrists and shins. The Armor Part disassembled as the top folded onto his back and the sides folded to become shoulder armor. The front folded onto Taiga's chest, forming the chestpiece with the familiar blood red coloring and black tribal flame patterns.
[CHI NO MUSHA ON THE DARK PATH!]*
(*Translation: Warrior of Blood on the Dark Path)
The helmet was a dead ringer for Gaim's own in his default form, but it was black with a red headpiece. The crest was blood red and the visor was blood red as well due to the Arms. The faceplate which covered Taiga's mouth had razor sharp, shark-like teeth sculpted into the space between the 'upper jaw' and 'chin strap'.
He looked like a demonic version of Kamen Rider Gaim.
In this form, Taiga was known as Majin Gaim.
"Armored War Devil Majin Gaim...Kenzan."
"Taiga..." Ryujin Gaim murmured, shocked by this unexpected transformation. Just the sight of Taiga in that armor brought back bad memories of when Bujin Gaim menaced them.
His fists clenched as they trembled.
Duke smiled in approval.
"Taiga-dono, it looks like you can handle this yourself. I'll leave the rest to you."
"You're right," Majin Gaim replied as he summoned his Blood Daidaimaru. "Leave all the rest to me."
In a move that shocked both Duke and Ryujin Gaim, Majin Gaim suddenly slashed Duke across the chest. Sparks blasted off him as the leader of the Armored War Devils was suddenly assaulted by his own comrade.
Duke staggered back, surprised. Ryujin Gaim stood frozen, shocked and confused by this development.
"Taiga-dono, what is the meaning of this!?" Duke demanded.
"My partner has not forgotten about what you tried to do the last time, Ukitsu," Majin Gaim said cryptically.
"Your 'partner'?" Duke repeated, confused for a moment before his eyes widened in realization. "Wait, you don't mean him!?"
"That's right," Majin Gaim confirmed. "And he tells me it's time for payback."
Duke gritted his teeth. He should've seen this coming. Fortunately, he was prepared for such a situation. He took out the Taowu Lockseed. With its power, he could punish Taiga for double-crossing him.
Before Duke could activate it, Majin Gaim drew his Musou Saber. In a flash, he cut Duke's hand right off. It fell to the ground, along with the Lockseed that was clutched in its fingers.
"AAAARRRGGGHHHHH!" Duke screamed as he cradled the stump as blood gushed out of it. Ryujin Gaim recoiled at the ruthless move.
"It's time for you to realize your place in the world, Ukitsu. You're just a relic of the past. It's time you left things to the new generation," Majin Gaim said as he hit his Cutting Blade twice.
[BUJIN GAIM AU LAIT!]
Majin Gaim delivered a series of lightning quick slashes which hit Duke repeatedly. Duke staggered from the attack, his armor crackling and sparking all over the place.
"YOU...YOU DOUBLE-CROSSING BASTARD! I WAS GOING TO CHANGE THE WOOOOOOORRRLLLLDDDD!" Duke screamed as he exploded.
His damaged GenesisDriver clattered to the ground, with the Crucial Keys falling on top of it.
"Well, that takes care of that," said Majin Gaim. He picked up the Crucial Keys and Taowu Lockseed that Ukitsu dropped. He did have to pry the fingers of Duke's dismembered hand off the Lockseed first.
He didn't pay the GenesisDriver any mind, however. As far as he was concerned, it was garbage.
Ryujin Gaim was horrified as he witnessed Majin Gaim casually murder Ukitsu.
"Taiga, he was your comrade!"
"Yes, he was, but he was just in our way. But why do you care? He was your enemy, wasn't he?"
Such a blatant act of betrayal was unforgivable in Nagata's eyes. However, it was Taiga's casual dismissal of the action that infuriated him.
"It's time we settled things right here and now, Nagata," challenged Majin Gaim.
"Taiga, I don't have time for this. Now get out of my way."
"If you want to leave, then you'll have to go through me."
Taiga was a stubborn and hardheaded person. Persuading him to change his mind was a challenge. Even Tsukahara-sensei failed to change him for the better. He was just too set in his ways.
Ryujin Gaim could speed past Majin Gaim, but what would stop him from going after his friends?
And what about Karasu? If he left Majin Gaim, then he could just as easily find Karasu in the dungeon. She was vulnerable right now.
He knew Majin Gaim was not going to back down from a fight, especially a challenge he issued personally. There was no swaying him, so Ryujin Gaim had no choice but to oblige.
Once this was over, he could return to help the others.
"Just don't expect me to hold back, Taiga."
"Oh, I know you won't, Nagata. You would never disappoint me. But first, how about you allow me to even things up?"
Majin Gaim took out a Lockseed that filled Ryujin Gaim with a familiar feeling of dread. It was similar to the one his cousin had used before.
It was a black demonic eyeball clutched in a set of claws.
Majin Gaim unlocked it. This caused a dark portal to appear above him.
[TAOTIE!]
He loaded the Taotie Lockseed into his SengokuDriver.
[LOCK ON!]
A toxic aura enveloped Majin Gaim. He hit the Cutting Blade, exposing the Lockseed's core. The core image was the visage of a demonic ram with the RinJyuKen's inverted triangle emblem displayed on the lid's backside.
[TAOTIE ARMS!]
The armor that formed resembled Bujin Gaim's Conquest Arms Armor, but with minor differences. First, his helmet had ram-like horns mounted on both sides. The shoulder pads sported numerous spikes on them. His chestpiece was a snarling demonic face that was framed by black wool with ram-like horns that curved over his shoulders. A wooly black cloak with a hood hung from his back. The same wool covered his shins and forearms which had spikes sticking from them.
This was Majin Gaim Taotie Arms.
Majin Gaim drew out the Blood Drake Tail Sword. Ryujin Gaim recognized the sword but chalked it up as a benefit of Majin Gaim possessing Bujin Gaim's Lockseed.
Putting away his Nobunagun, Ryujin Gaim held his Ryujinmaru in a two-handed grip. Majin Gaim firmly held his own blade, his eyes never leaving his opponent.
Many strategies rapidly ran through their minds as their hearts beat quickly in their chests.
These were two people who knew each other from the past, but their paths went in two different directions, only to converge here and now.
Was it fate?
In what felt like hours, the two finally made their move.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"HI-YAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"
Letting out simultaneous battle cries, the two closed the gap between them in the blink of an eye. Sparks exploded as their blades connected, steel striking against steel.
Their duel had begun.
Their swords clashed violently, each strike reflecting their resolve. Sparks exploded like fireworks as their blades connected, ringing loudly in the night.
There was bad blood between them, blood that would be spilled on the field of battle.
Nothing else mattered.
Their blades were soon locked together, as were their eyes as their glares met.
The two broke apart and exchanged a furious flurry of strikes. Both combatants fought with fierce determination and pure ferocity.
Ryujin Gaim finally broke through Majin Gaim's guard and struck him in the chest. However, besides a splash of sparks, the blow had no effect. Majin Gaim did not even show a sign of discomfort, let alone pain.
Majin Gaim retaliated, sending Ryujin Gaim sliding back with a swipe.
"You truly have become stronger, Nagata."
"I have, Taiga. I've trained a lot and experienced so much more."
"There's no doubt about that. This world has so many dangers and you did what you could to survive. Of course, it also helped that you had that belt. You had an unfair advantage from the start."
"So says the pot to the kettle."
"I'm just evening up the playing field. How could I stand against you if I didn't have my own fancy equipment?"
Suddenly, Majin Gaim took out the Toxic Arrow and fired at Ryujin Gaim, sending him reeling. Pressing his advantage, Majin Gaim dashed forward and slashed Ryujin Gaim across the chest, sending him backpedaling as sparks erupted from the strike. Majin Gaim resumed his assault with a furious flurry of slashes.
Ryujin Gaim was forced on the defensive as he used his sword to parry Majin Gaim's strikes. A critical blow broke through his guard and sent Ryujin Gaim falling to the ground.
Ryujin Gaim groaned. He never expected for Majin Gaim to display such power.
"You self-entitled son of a bitch. You have everything, but deserve none of it. You take it all for granted and throw it all away when it suits you," Majin Gaim growled. "It's time you got what you deserve! Goodbye, Nagata!"
[TAOTIE SQUASH!]
Majin Gaim charged his Blood Drake Tail Sword and Toxic Arrow. He swung his weapons, sending crescent-shaped blades of energy flying towards Ryujin Gaim.
When they hit, he would be obliterated.
Suddenly, a giant red apple intercepted both attacks, causing an explosion. Ryujin Gaim's eyes widened as he saw the apple. His shock grew as the giant apple split apart and Idunn emerged from it.
"Kara-chan?"
Ryujin Gaim blinked in surprise as Idunn offered him her hand. He didn't hesitate as he took it and she helped him up.
"Naga-kun, he's too strong for you. Let me help you."
Ryujin Gaim was hesitant to trust her, but right now he could use her help.
"It doesn't matter how many of you there are. I'm still going to win," said Majin Gaim as he replaced his sword and bow with a spiked mace. The head of the mace was covered with a hundred sharp spikes. This was his 100-Needle Club.
Ryujin Gaim and Idunn then took a stance together with their swords.
"Kara-chan, let's do this!"
Idunn nodded and smiled as he accepted her help.
The two Odas charged at Majin Gaim who was ready to take them both on.
[KAGEMATSU! BANASPEAR! ICHIGO KUNAI! CARAMBOLA STARS!]
The summoned weapons burst out of an invisible wall and flung themselves at Majin Gaim. Majin Gaim deflected the flying projectiles with his mace, not noticing the Helheim portal opening behind him.
Ryujin Gaim accelerated, lightning trailing behind him as he tackled Majin Gaim. Wrapping his arms around his rival, he lifted him up and carried him through the Helheim portal. Idunn soon followed and the portal closed behind them.
When Ryujin Gaim dropped Majin Gaim, they now stood in the Helheim Forest. Majin Gaim scanned his surroundings and glowered at Ryujin Gaim and Idunn.
"So, changing the battlefield, huh?" Majin Gaim cocked his head to the side. "You think this will give you an advantage? It won't make a difference."
[PAPAYA CHOPPER!]
"Then you don't know anything," Ryujin Gaim retorted as he brandished the halberd.
Both Odas rushed Majin Gaim at the same time. Once the two closed the gap, they struck Majin Gaim in the chest. His defensive power prevented him from taking damage, but he still managed to feel their combined might as they struck him.
In retaliation, Majin Gaim struck back, prompting them to parry the blows and swing back at him. He once again blocked their strikes and returned his own. A furious exchange of lethal blows took place.
It was two against one, but it was not superior numbers that would determine the conclusion of this fight. Only superior skill would decide the victor.
Majin Gaim knocked the Apple Reflecter out of Idunn's grip and threw a kick that sent her tumbling. He soon returned his focus on Ryujin Gaim and bashed him with the 100-Needle Club, throwing him to the ground to join his cousin.
"Come on, Nagata! I know you can do better than this!" Majin Gaim shouted.
Ryujin Gaim growled and brought out his Nobunagun. He passed the weapon over to Idunn, giving her a nod. He was entrusting her with this.
She would not let him down again.
Ryujin Gaim ran up to Majin Gaim and the two resumed their duel. Their weapons clashed violently. Ryujin Gaim slashed at Majin Gaim, but his rival smacked the halberd aside with his club before driving Ryujin Gaim back with a violent smash.
"I usually prefer a sword compared to something so crude, but beggars can't be choosers," Majin Gaim commented as he walked up to Ryujin Gaim with his 100-Needle Club.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SQUASH!]
Ryujin Gaim jumped and performed a scissor kick. Around his legs, a projection of dragon jaws appeared.
"DAI RYUJIN KIBA!"
The attack was instantly countered as Majin Gaim swung his 100-Needle Club, knocking Ryujin Gaim back down to the ground.
"Try again," Majin Gaim dared.
[COCO BOXERS!]
[SOIYA! RYUJIN AU LAIT!]
"DAI RYUJIN DANMAKU!"
Ryujin Gaim climbed to his feet and attacked Majin Gaim with a flurry of lightning fast punches. However, Majin Gaim did not seem to be affected by the blows. He just laughed as he took the punches without a care in the world.
"Hahahaha! Stop! That tickles!"
Idunn removed the Ringo Lockseed from her SengokuDriver and loaded it in the Nobunagun's Drive Bay.
[LOCK ON!]
The bayonet blade moved as it curved over the muzzle, changing the rifle to Sickle Mode.
"Naga-kun, move!"
Ryujin Gaim got the signal and scrambled away.
[RINGO CHARGE!]
She swung and fired an arch of red energy that hit Majin Gaim, freezing him up. He was completely immobilized.
[HINAWA DAIDAI DJ JU!]
Ryujin Gaim took out his DJ Gun and loaded it with the Orange Lockseed. He then hit his Cutting Blade thrice.
[SOIYA! RYUJIN SPARKING!]
[ORANGE CHARGE!]
"Take this! DAI RYUJIN HOU!"
Ryujin Gaim fired a dragon-shaped blast at Majin Gaim.
He was finished.
The eyes of the demonic face on Majin Gaim's chestpiece suddenly flashed as it opened its jaws. Much to Ryujin Gaim's shock, it literally swallowed the Dai Ryujin Hou blast.
The jaws snapped shut and then opened again to fire the same blast, only with twice the intensity. The two Odas were engulfed by an explosion. They tumbled out of the smoke and flames as their armor vanished in a flash, reverting them to their civilian forms.
But that was not the worse part. The Kachidoki Lockseed had taken damage too and was covered in cracks.
Majin Gaim broke out of the forced immobilization. He considered his next move. He could kill Nagata right now, but he wanted to savor his misery.
"Your kingdom is going to crumble, Nagata. Everything you've built and fought for is going to burn, burn and fall into ashes. Now you'll know how it feels to lose everything like we have. But this isn't enough for us. Oh, no. You took everything from us, so now I'm going to take away something precious from you."
He put away his 100-Needle Club to take out his Toxic Arrow.
He aimed for Karasu and fired.
The armored Shoku Warriors fought the terracotta soldiers. At first, there was some difficulty as the terracotta soldiers' sturdy bodies prevented their destruction. However, when Chouhi stopped holding back and managed to destroy them with ease, the solution was really quite simple.
All they had to do was hit them really, really hard.
[HAI~! BUDOU SPARKING!]
Ryugen fired rapidly at a group of the terracotta soldiers, reducing them to rubble.
Despite putting a dent in their numbers, however, the terracotta soldiers were still tough opponents. Being living statues, they did not get exhausted and the Shoku Warriors were gradually feeling drained from fighting continuously.
But then, all of a sudden, the terracotta soldiers froze. They stopped moving. They were just statues again.
"What just happened?" Bacho asked as she tapped one of the inert terracotta soldiers with her spear. It did not respond. It just stood there with its sword raised.
"Maybe they ran out of juice?" Ryugen suggested. He looked over to Haru who had taken cover during the whole thing. "And now, to get some answers."
Enjutsu was enjoying her honey water while admiring the Seal of Heaven. Any minute now, a messenger from Shoku would come and hand her a letter that declared their surrender. She had no doubt that they would surrender. This was not an army they could fight and hope to win.
Suddenly, Sadako barged into her tent.
"Enjutsu-sama, they're coming to attack us!" Sadako reported.
Enjutsu spewed out her honey water and coughed.
"Wha-wha-WHAT!? They should've sent a messenger first! Stupid rebels! Fine, if they want to fight then we will give them one! Get those statues moving! We're going to destroy this place and take what's left of it! We'll make an example out of them!"
"The statues aren't moving anymore."
"WHAT!?"
"They just stopped moving. I think something happened to Ukitsu."
Enjutsu gripped her hair. Why did something have to go wrong when she was so close to victory?
"What can we do?" Enjutsu asked Sadako.
"There's no need to worry, Enjutsu-sama. We still have Kurokage Troopers. We can handle them."
"You're right. We can handle anything they throw at us. Nothing can stop me when I have the Seal of Heaven."
Sadako resisted the urge to roll her eyes. If only Enjutsu knew the truth of her Seal of Heaven.
Sadako stepped out of the tent to get ready. She put on her GenesisDriver. Any minute now, Iori would show up.
She soon spotted the Shoku Warriors coming their way. She unlocked her Lemon Energy Lockseed in response.
[LEMON ENERGY!]
"Henshin."
[LOCK ON! SODA! LEMON ENERGY ARMS!]
Transformed and equipped for battle, Duchess-Shin rallied the Kurokage Troopers. While their forces have diminished when the terracotta soldiers returned to being mere statues, they still had enough power to deal with the Shoku Warriors.
"Take them out!" Duchess-Shin ordered and the Kurokage Troopers roared as they rushed the charging Shoku Warriors.
The Kurokage Troopers and the Shoku Warriors were engaged in brutal combat. Knuckle had led the Shoku Warriors straight to Enjutsu's base camp. He wanted to make up for attacking them earlier. He also asked them to help him rescue Ensho and the others once they were done here.
In the midst of the battle, Ryugen found Duchess-Shin and chose to engage.
It was a good thing he still had his Ryugen-Yomi powers. Even if his Yomotsuheguri Lockseed was broken, he could always make a new one with a spare Budou Lockseed.
[HAI~! YOMOTSUHEGURI ARMS! MEI, KAI, YOMI, YOMI, YOMI!]
Duchess-Shin was a threat to his happiness and the safety of his family. He had every intention of ending her life.
Duchess-Shin was prepared for this confrontation. She remembered how their last encounter went, of how he soundly beat her with his Ryugen-Yomi form. As a precaution, Ukitsu had given her a talisman to empower her, to put her at the same level as Ryugen-Yomi.
When Duchess-Shin saw Ryugen perform an Arms Change into Ryugen-Yomi, she put the talisman on her chest. The paper vanished but the written characters were absorbed into her body. She felt the power flow through her veins. Her armor changed hue, the yellow turning into gold.
Now she was ready for anything Ryugen-Yomi had to throw at her.
The two formerly engaged pair fought furiously. Duchess-Shin proved to be a ferocious combatant and the extra power granted by the talisman proved to be more than Ryugen-Yomi could handle.
This surprised Ryugen-Yomi as she was never this strong before. Even with Lemon Energy Arms, she should not be this strong.
Duchess-Shin sent Ryugen-Yomi reeling with a slash across the chest. He howled in pain as he staggered back.
[LEMON ENERGY SQUASH!]
Duchess-Shin fired her Sonic Arrow and the bolt pierced Ryugen-Yomi's left shoulder. He screamed as he fell to the ground, his shoulder smoking.
"I expected better from you, Iori-san," said Duchess-Shin with a disappointed sigh. "What happened to you? Have you gone soft? Where's that power you used to drive me away before?"
Ryugen-Yomi gritted his teeth.
"Whatever. Anyway, your kingdom is about to fall. Quite a pity really. Now Iori-san, where's that bitch and her little brat?"
Ryugen-Yomi's eyes widened as he heard that.
She was planning on harming Kochu and Riri.
In that instant, something awakened within him. He struggled for a bit but managed to climb back to his feet.
"So, still got some fight in you, it seems," said Duchess-Shin. "Well, I can fix that." She aimed her Sonic Arrow at him. She wasn't going to kill him. After all, she couldn't marry a corpse. She just wanted to knock him out.
She fired up the charged energy bolt but Ryugen-Yomi deflected it with his Yomiyari. A reddish-black aura flared up from his body, and Duchess-Shin's eyes widened in shock as a chill ran up her spine.
"No!" Duchess-Shin shrieked in protest as she fired her Sonic Arrow repeatedly at Ryugen-Yomi. However, the dark aura shielded his body as it neutralized the energy bolts.
Duchess-Shin's eyes widened in fear as she saw Ryugen-Yomi approach. This form had plagued her nightmares for months. It was why it took some time until she regained her confidence. She thought that her new Lemon Energy Arms would help her match him. Ukitsu's talisman should have also made her more than powerful enough to take Ryugen-Yomi on.
She had the advantage before, but not anymore. Once she realized that, her bravado fell.
"GO AWAY! STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Duchess-Shin screamed desperately as she fired at Ryugen-Yomi. However, her shots had no effect on Ryugen-Yomi.
He was invincible.
Duchess-Shin swung at him, but he caught her Sonic Arrow.
"What!?" Duchess-Shin shrieked and she tried to take her weapon back. "Let go! I said let go! Let go!" She started kicking him, but this just made him tighten his grip on her bow.
Ryugen-Yomi tore the Sonic Arrow out of Duchess-Shin's grip before he buried his fist into her stomach, painfully throwing her backward.
"You're not hurting them and I'm not going back with you, Sadako-san. Not now, not ever. You can't make me do what you want anymore," he told her coldly.
"All I want is what's best for you!" Duchess-Shin justified. "You shouldn't be living like this! You should be living in luxury, with a fortune and servants to command! The way you're living now is undignified for someone of our station!"
"All the money in the world can't buy you happiness, Sadako-san. I figured that out a long time ago! For the first time in my life, I'm truly happy! The way I live will be dictated by myself, and this is what I want! This is how I choose to live!"
"You don't know what you want!"
"Yes, I do! And right now, I want you gone!"
[HAI~! YOMOTSUHEGURI SQUASH!]
"Goodbye, Sadako-san!"
Ryugen-Yomi aimed his Budou Ryuhou and pulled the trigger.
Duchess-Shin screamed as she was blasted by the Budou Ryuhou. She was thrown backward, landing roughly on her back. In a flash, her armor vanished. Her Lemon Energy Lockseed also popped out of the GenesisDriver.
Exhausted, Ryugen-Yomi fell to his knees as he dropped his Budou Ryuhou. In a flash, his armor vanished before he collapsed on the ground.
Sadako groaned and hissed as she shakily climbed to her feet.
Glaring down at her former fiancé, Sadako dragged herself over to him.
She kicked him over onto his back then drew her rapier.
"Sadako..." Iori groaned.
"Iori-san..." Sadako hissed. "You need discipline...!"
She brought the rapier down on his shoulder and he released a cry of agony as the blade pierced his flesh.
She pulled the blade out and watched as he trembled on the ground, blood spreading from the wound. Iori breathed heavily as he tried to endure the pain.
She then moved her rapier down his arm and then pierced his hand. He let out another cry of pain from the injury.
Sadako was torturing him. She wanted to pay him back for all the pain he had caused her.
Iori screwed his eyes shut as Sadako lifted her rapier to his bicep and pushed the blade down. The blade went through and he let out another scream of pain. The woman grinned as she sadistically tortured him.
His cries of pain were so arousing.
"Don't worry, Iori-san. After this, I'll have you fixed up. Then the real fun can begin..."
She pierced him in the thigh and he yelled out again. As he started to bleed, his mind drifted. He began to think about Kochu and Riri while reminiscing about their time spent together.
He could die with no regrets since he was able to experience true happiness with them.
Sadako raised her rapier to his face.
"I really don't want to mess your face up, so how about you tell me how much you love me?" Sadako asked sweetly.
"I...love..." Iori started, with a shallow breath.
"Yes...go on..." Sadako prompted, eager to hear him finish.
"I love Shion and Riri..."
Sadako scowled.
"Oh, you're going to pay for that! I'm going to mess your face up so much that not even she will ever love you!"
"Go ahead...you bitch..." Iori dared.
Sadako made a cut on his cheek, drawing blood.
Suddenly, she let out a scream when an arrow pierced her wrist, forcing her to drop her weapon.
"WHO DID THAT!?" she shrieked as she cradled her injured wrist while looking around wildly.
Another arrow hit her in the leg and she dropped onto one knee, screaming again. Another one pierced her chest before she was riddled with arrows.
"This...this is not...how it's...supposed to..." Sadako could not finish her sentence as an arrow hit her right between the eyes. It pierced her skull and brain.
It was a headshot.
There was no way she could have survived that.
Sadako collapsed in front of Iori.
Iori looked surprised when he saw this.
Who had saved him?
"Airen!"
Was he hearing things? Was he hallucinating due to blood loss?
"Shion...?"
"My goodness! You're hurt!"
Kochu scooped up her husband in a bridal carry and carried him away to safety. He did not resist and rested his head against her chest.
"Just hang on, Airen! We'll get to Kada and he'll fix you up! Just hang on!"
Kochu's words, while frantic and desperate, filled him with comfort.
They left Sadako's body behind. Now that she was dead, she would no longer trouble them ever again.
Enjutsu was frantically packing her things in her tent. The situation was no longer in her favor. The Shoku Warriors were taking down her soldiers and her Armored War Goddess had been taken out.
She needed to get away and hole herself up in her castle.
She finally snatched the Seal of Heaven. She would not dare forget about her most precious treasure.
"Yes...my precious..."
She tossed it into her bag and lifted it up before she stepped out of the tent. If she snuck off in all the confusion, she could get away.
She stopped in her tracks.
Chouhi and Batai were standing right in front of her, blocking her exit. Enjutsu yelped and dropped her bag, causing the contents to spill out.
"MY PRECIOUS!" Enjutsu screamed as she picked up the Seal of Heaven. She held it up to the two warriors. "YOU TWO, BOW BEFORE ME! THAT'S AN ORDER!"
Chouhi smacked the Seal of Heaven out of Enjutsu's hand. It fell to the ground and shattered to pieces.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Enjutsu screamed as she fell to her knees, trying to gather up the pieces of her beautiful Seal of Heaven. "MY PRECIOUS! MY PRECIOUS! DON'T LEAVE ME! NO! NO! NOOOOOOOOOO!"
The Seal of Heaven would not have broken so easily. It could only mean one thing.
Enjutsu's Seal of Heaven was a forgery.
Majin Gaim fired the Toxic Arrow at Karasu.
The corrosive arrow was headed toward her, and it would have hit her too if Nagata had not caught it in his hand.
He broke the arrow which evaporated into nothing.
This surprised Majin Gaim. Just touching one of those arrows without protection was fatal, but Nagata was able to catch one and survive. Not only that, Nagata's eyes glowed bright blue with lightning crackling from them.
"GET AWAY FROM MY COUSIN!" Nagata roared as black lightning surged from his body. In that instant, Nagata changed as he transformed without the use of his SengokuDriver.
He was clad in a black jinbaori over a bronze and gold set of armor with a draconic skull on his chest. The eye sockets of the dragon skull glowed with frigid fury. A segmented, black metal dragon tail trailed behind him as he continued to walk forward while a black cape hung from his back, secured to his shoulders by pins resembling his personal emblem. His head was encased in a kabuto helmet with draconic horns mounted on top as well as a dragon's face on the brow. His eyes were covered by a blood red visor and his mouth was covered by a faceplate resembling a set of jagged teeth. His forearms were encased in bronze and gold gauntlets with sharp claws at the tips.
The Heavenly Demon Overlord Gaim had descended.
Karasu gaped at her cousin's new demonic form.
"Naga-kun...?"
"My, my, isn't this interesting?" Majin Gaim remarked as he gave Overlord Gaim's new form a once over. "Dark and broody. Is that supposed to be intimidating?"
Overlord Gaim looked straight at Majin Gaim before he struck.
The sudden blow sent Majin Gaim flying as he crashed through several trees.
Overlord Gaim ran after his flying opponent.
He wanted to finish this.
Karasu's eyes widened in shock.
"...So fast."
She climbed to her feet so she could go and watch the fight.
Majin Gaim rose to his feet but took another punch to the face. He then took another and another. Punches rained down on him before a blow to his chin knocked him down to the ground.
Overlord Gaim stood over him. He looked menacing in his demonic armor. It seemed that any semblance of mercy had left him.
"Looks like you caught your second wind," Majin Gaim observed as he rubbed his chin. "I was afraid this would be boring."
Overlord Gaim growled in response. He took a step forward but was hit by a sudden wave of vertigo. He groaned as he fell on his hands and knees while he reverted to his civilian form. He was exhausted and drained.
Majin Gaim blinked.
That was rather anticlimactic.
Majin Gaim roughly grasped Nagata by his hair, pulling him up to look him in the eye.
"You almost had me. Too bad you ran out of steam at the most critical moment."
A black, tar-like substance surrounded Majin Gaim's free hand. The malleable material took on the shape of a blade and hardened.
"In the end, I came up on top. Goodbye, Nagata."
Majin Gaim drove the makeshift blade through Nagata's chest.
Karasu was standing by a tree when she saw this happen.
"NO!" Karasu screamed.
Nagata gasped and spat out blood as the blade pierced him.
Majin Gaim looked at her as he withdrew his blade from Nagata's chest. The blade melted and dripped to the ground as the tar-like substance used to create it formed a puddle.
"Here, take your garbage."
Majin Gaim carelessly tossed Nagata to her. She was frozen in shock and did not catch him. He landed roughly on his back with a deep wound in his chest.
Karasu crawled over to Nagata.
"Naga-kun...?"
Karasu put a trembling hand on his shoulder.
"Kara...chan..."
He was still alive, but barely holding on. He coughed up more blood.
Nagata weakly held up the Ryujin Key to her. With only moments to spare, he needed to do this.
"Take it...please..."
Karasu shakily took the Ryujin Key.
"Naga-kun...I'm so sorry. Please don't die..."
"Kara-chan...I'm entrusting you...with my will..."
Those were his last words.
That was all he managed to say with his last, dying breath.
Kanu felt an icy grip on her heart.
It was not a good feeling. In fact, she was filled with a cold feeling of dread.
Something felt terribly wrong.
"Nagata-sama...?"
Karasu shook her head in denial as tears flowed down from her eyes.
"No...No...No..."
She pressed her face against Nagata, weeping.
"Naga-kun...Naga-kun...Naga-kun..."
[A life for a life. The price must be paid.]
A dark aura spread across Nagata's body, turning his body black. He disintegrated right before her eyes and vanished into thin air, leaving behind his belt and the broken Kachidoki Lockseed.
Karasu panicked when he disappeared.
"Naga-kun! Naga-kun!"
She mourned for her cousin, feeling a mix of anger and grief swell within her heart.
Her most beloved cousin was gone forever.
She would never see him ever again.
Her only hope for salvation and redemption was taken from her.
Karasu glared at Majin Gaim and her anger exploded.
"YOU BASTARD! YOU KILLED NAGA-KUN!"
Majin Gaim just sighed in response.
"I suggest you run. After everything you've done, I doubt anyone will be happy to see you out and about. What do you think will happen when they find out Nagata is gone and see that you're free?"
Majin Gaim summoned a portal and stepped through it, leaving Karasu alone with only her grief to keep her company.
While she hated to agree with Majin Gaim, what he said was true. Nobody would be happy to see her free, and once they learned Nagata was gone, they would immediately blame her.
She had betrayed Nagata once, so they would believe she had done it again.
She did the most sensible thing given her situation. She decided to run. With all the chaos taking place, nobody would notice she was gone until things calmed down.
Before she fled, she picked up Nagata's SengokuDriver and his broken Kachidoki Lockseed. Along with his Ryujin Key, they were all she had left of him.
A Helheim portal opened up in the storehouse. Saver stepped out first, followed by a group of Genesis cultists in white robes.
Finding what he was looking for, Saver opened up the chest to reveal the red pomegranate Lockseeds. His visor glowed and the Lockseeds glowed as well.
Now, they were ready.
"Take one each and spread out all over the village," Saver ordered. "Show them how easily everything they've worked so hard to build can crumble."
The cultists each grabbed a red pomegranate Lockseed and Saver opened the door. With no guards to stop them, they spread out all over the village.
It did not take very long for them to begin. Minutes later, multiple explosions happened throughout Touka Village. Homes and businesses were destroyed in blazes of destruction.
Saver eyed the castle in the distance. It was a monument that represented Shoku's power.
It would fall as well.
"After this, it will be your turn, Onii-chan," Saver vowed menacingly.
Komei was up on the watchtower, surveying the battle via a telescope.
Earlier, she saw Ryujin Gaim fighting against Duke. She had seen the entire thing. She had even witnessed Ryujin Gaim fighting another doppelganger.
When she saw Idunn join the fight, she was shocked.
She soon lost sight of them when they entered a Helheim portal.
When she looked back to the battle taking place outside the walls of their village, she saw the Shoku Warriors beating Enjutsu's Kurokage Troopers. Even without Ryujin Gaim, they were victorious.
She heard a boom and cried out in fright. She turned her attention towards the noise. She saw a plume of smoke rise into the air.
A couple more explosions followed while she watched helplessly as homes and businesses were blown up. More explosions occurred, spreading destruction all around her as plumes of smoke rose in the air.
This was not good. While their defenders were gone, someone was attacking the village.
She needed to warn everybody, but by the time she reached them, it would already be too late. She did not know what was causing the explosions, but she knew she could not remain here. So she decided to do the most sensible thing and flee.
Fortunately, Shokatsuryou Komei was a resourceful girl. She knew how to get away from danger.
Taking out a Lockseed, she summoned up her Inves. A long time had passed since she got her Lockseed, and the Elementary Inves she summoned with it had grown to the size of an adult.
"Get me out of here, please," Komei commanded the Inves. The Inves nodded and put its arms around Komei. The Inves sprouted its wings and took off, carrying Komei to safety.
Komei looked down as more explosions destroyed Shoku.
"No..." Komei wept but she had to get away and rejoin the others.
They needed to know the terrible news.
THE END OF SEASON 6 VOLUME I
TO BE CONTINUED IN VOLUME II
Fruits of the Tree, Yggdrasil
Dragon Energy Arms (Duke Version): Duke's Dragon Energy Arms is similar to Tyrant's, but it is asymmetrical as the shoulder pads are different. In terms of physical power, Duke receives a significant boost in this form. He can also use his cloaking ability and he can generate clones to overpower his opponents. These abilities were carried over from his Lemon Energy Arms. It is unknown what his Dragon Energy Arms' special abilities are. The Dragon Energy Arms used by Duke does have one minor aesthetic difference compared to Tyrant's. The right shoulder pad is much larger with a white stone embedded in it. This gives the armor an asymmetrical appearance, which is the general look for this Energy Arms.
Lemon Energy Arms (Duchess-Shin Version): Duchess uses Duke's Lemon Energy Lockseed to assume this form. As such, it possesses the physical strength enhancement as the original. Ukitsu decided to provide her with an extra boost. Via a magic talisman, Duchess-Shin's Lemon Energy Arms turns to gold in color and she receives extra power to put her at the same level as Ryugen-Yomi.
Bujin Gaim Arms: Summoned via the Bujin Gaim Lockseed, this Arms form possesses the powers of Armored War Devil Bujin Gaim. In terms of stats, it is superior to Kachidoki Arms. It still loses to Ryujin Gaim but it can still put up a pretty good fight. The Arms Weapons of this form are the Musou Saber, Blood Daidaimaru, Blood Drake Tail Sword and Toxic Arrow.
Taotie Arms: Summoned via the Taotie Lockseed, this Arms form grants the user the power of Taotie, one of the Four Great Fiends. Taotie Arms boasts incredible defensive stats. This Arms form also grants the user the ability to absorb damage to increase their physical might. The Taotie Face on the chest can also absorb energy attacks and redirect them with double the power. The signature weapon of this form is the 100-Needle Club, which is a spiked mace that is covered with exactly 100 spikes.
KRC: And so ends the third arc of the 6th Season and also the first volume. That's right. This is the end of this volume so I'll continue Season 6 with another volume real soon. I'll take a long break before I start that, though. There's some much needed planning.
A lot has happened in this arc, that's for sure. First, we have Iori and Nagata's relationship being strained by their conflicting views. Karasu finally reveals herself as the traitor Nanamomo warned Nagata about. Karasu tries to brainwash Nagata but fails, then we have Enjutsu gaining the Seal of Heaven.
And now Nagata is gone and Karasu is a wanted fugitive. There is absolutely no way she can go back to the Shoku Warriors or get help from the other factions. They would kill her on sight without a second thought.
OK, so I've received some negative reviews of my fic. It's always been about the villains, the story direction, characterization, and anything that the reviewers felt were disappointing. Speaking of characterization, you complain a lot from how I've been writing Nagata. I can see how his development has not been noteworthy. But I think he's just reacting to all the stuff that has happened to him and around him. His decisions and their consequences are starting to take their toll on him. I hope you understand. But if you don't care for it, that's your opinion.
As for filler, I probably may not stop writing those kinds of chapters. I enjoy writing those moments. If I enjoy it, I'll keep writing it.
I know what I want should not overshadow what the story needs, but I will decide what to include. But if I do decide on a revised AWG Saga, I could put a volume aside for the fillers alone.
But that's a slim chance maybe.
I try my best to consider what you're all saying so I can fix this story. Even the ones that say this story is damaged beyond repair. I'm still going to stick to this fic until it's finished. Yeah, it may have its flaws, but nothing is perfect. All we can do is just do our best. I'm trying to share a story. It may not be the best or win any awards, but I want to share something that I wrote myself.
Wait, I did not exactly write it myself. I also had help from other talented people I met online. I don't expect everyone to enjoy AWG, but for those who still stick around to read the Adventures of the Armored War Gods, I thank you for the support.
And as long as there are people who still want to read this fic, I'll continue writing it to the very end.
TFP: Well, another arc has finished and the dark days of Shoku are continuing. Now it seems the kingdom has fallen and Enjutsu's part has been finished. The would-be empress no longer has power but Shoku seems forever broken now.
The enemy tide is rising and it seems they are one-third of the way to victory. Boo the bad guys!
Touka Village had seen better days. There were rubble and ruins scattered all over the place. It was also overrun with Helheim plants which spread everywhere.
There was an atmosphere of dread and gloominess surrounding the once lively and active capital of Shoku.
There was nobody in sight. It was abandoned and looked like it had been that way for quite some time now.
The castle was a complete wreck. It looked like a bomb had gone off inside. Once so full of life, but now it was left empty and lifeless like the rest of the surrounding village.
Suddenly, a portal quite unlike the Helheim portals opened. It was like someone tore a hole in reality with a sword.
Then, a figure leaped out of the tear and landed on his feet.
His whole body was concealed under a hood and cloak that was worn out and tattered but with an odd sturdiness. He scanned his surroundings and decided to look around. Maybe he could find some clues and found out what happened here.
