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: A slight revision was done to the two previous chapters. I decided the SengokuDriver and Zhuqiao Lockseed vanished instead of being found with baby Mitsuki. Where did they go? Well, you're going to find out soon enough. Also, to everyone who hates this fic, well, that's your opinion. I will write what I wanna write and that's all that matters to me. Do not tell me what to do when concerning my own hobby but you can make suggestions. But if that suggestion is to 'stop writing' then I can tell you to shove it. Also, reviews are for REVIEWS. If you want to send a suggestion, use the PM function.
Saji was summoned by Dai Shi.
Ever since the Demon Beast King's revival, he had immediately taken control of the RinJyuKen Akugata and Ukitsu's cult. There had been a few dissenters early on that refused to swear their allegiance to him, but Dai Shi had quickly made an example of them to show them his power and why it was a bad idea for them to even think of opposing him.
Everyone else swiftly fell in line soon after.
Saji did not normally answer to anyone, not even to Ukitsu. In fact, he had considered Ukitsu his partner rather than his superior. He was not the type to take orders from anyone, but he knew better than to challenge someone more powerful than him and who would not hesitate to kill him.
While Saji's injuries had been treated, there was nothing that could be done about his scars. Most of Saji's handsome face was now marred by hideous burn scars. While he could consider it as a badge of honor for successfully slaying Baron - a feat no other could ever boast about - he hated how the Crimson Enforcer had managed to wound him so grievously even during his final moments. Despite his condition, Saji answered the summons and hid his scars by raising his hood. He wondered why Dai Shi had called him.
Was Dai Shi going to reward him for killing one of the Sovereign Riders? Saji was not the first to do so, however. Taiga had killed Gaim before but Saji had killed Baron without the need of a Fiend Lockseed.
Saji entered the throne room and quickly got down on his knees and bowed his head. He did his best to hide his scowl. He hated bowing to anyone, but he also enjoyed living. Besides, this was only a temporary arrangement. While he was grateful to Dai Shi for granting him the power to kill Baron, he still had his own ambition with his eyes set on the Seal of Heaven. It was only a matter of time before the mystical artifact fell into his hands. He just needed to wait for his chance.
"Dai Shi-sama," Saji said and then he raised his head to look at Dai Shi who seemed to look down at him from his throne.
"Saji Genpou, you claim to have killed the Armored War God of the Ultimate Spear," Dai Shi spoke. Saji had bragged about it quite openly. It was why the members of Ukitsu's cult were celebrating.
"Yes, I did," Saji affirmed. He was proud of his accomplishment. "He did not stand a chance."
"Then you know nothing," Dai Shi retorted, completely flooring Saji.
"Nothing? What do you mean nothing?" Saji questioned.
"The Sovereign of the Vermillion Phoenix lives," Dai Shi proclaimed.
That was not something Saji expected to hear, not in a million years.
"HE'S ALIVE!?" Saji shouted in disbelief as he jumped to his feet. "HOW!? THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"
"Do not raise your voice at me," Dai Shi commanded and Saji was instantly cowed. The Demon Beast Emperor had not raised his voice. He had no need to. His oppressive aura filled the room and Saji could not resist obeying his command. Still, this did not stop the Armored War Devil from continuing his tirade. Dai Shi allowed him to continue so long as he kept his voice at a volume he deemed as proper.
"But Dai Shi-sama, I know I killed him! I drove a spear right through his heart! There's no way he could've survived!" Saji insisted.
"Then clearly you do not realize the power he has gained since claiming the Vermillion Phoenix Armor," Dai Shi told him.
"The armor's power...?" Saji's eyes widened in realization.
"A phoenix can never truly die. Their deaths are only temporary as they rise from the ashes almost immediately," Dai Shi explained.
Saji bit back a curse. Somehow, that damn Zhuqiao Lockseed had saved Baron's life. He had boasted about killing Baron but now he had been made into a liar. Well, Saji would not let this stand.
"Dai Shi-sama, give me another chance. This time I'll make sure he stays dead," Saji swore. He would take the Zhuqiao Lockseed. That would make sure Baron never rose from the dead ever again.
"Be sure that you do and if you succeed this time I will give you what you desire," Dai Shi told him. "You know, your recovery was right on time. I heard they were having a party to celebrate Suzaku's rebirth. You should go." Saji scowled when he heard that. He actually had his own celebration planned to commemorate him killing Baron.
Frustrated and angry, Saji turned and marched out of the throne room after Dai Shi dismissed him.
Once Saji left the throne room, Dai Shi turned his gaze toward a nearby pillar.
"What do you think, Taowu?" Dai Shi asked.
'Taowu' stepped out from behind the pillar with his arms crossed.
"I knew there was no way Mitsuki could've died so easily," 'Taowu' commented.
"And you know this for sure?" Dai Shi asked.
"Of course. He and I, we're survivors," 'Taowu' answered. "We're way too stubborn to accept death so easily."
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 38: The Festival of War Gods
"He should be here by now," Shibai said to herself as she watched Mitsuki who was sleeping peacefully in his crib. Instead of attending the party, Shibai stayed in Sousou's room to babysit Mitsuki. With everyone else at the party, she was left with the responsibility of looking after him. As one of his most trusted lieutenants, nobody questioned the decision.
Mitsuki being killed was not a scenario she had planned for and she never expected Saji to be the one to deal the killing blow. And then, as they were mourning at his funeral pyre, a miracle happened and Mitsuki was reborn as a baby. He may not be the same man he used to be anymore, but he still had the same potential. However, right now, he was quite weak and vulnerable and needed everyone to protect him.
Saji had no doubt learned of Mitsuki's miraculous revival by now and Shibai hoped he had not learned that Mitsuki was just a helpless baby. She knew Saji would not hesitate to kill a baby and with his speed, there was very little anyone could do to stop him. However, he was going to get a nasty shock if he tried to crash the party. She just hoped their plan to take Saji down was successful.
"You know, you look like you would make an excellent mother."
Shibai straightened her back when she heard the voice and turned to face a muscular man in a pink thong with pigtails. Her lips became set in a firm line as her beautiful eyes narrowed dangerously with resentment.
"Hello, grandfather."
Chosen tiptoed toward the crib and looked at the slumbering baby.
"Oh, what a cutie! I just wanna pinch his chubby wittle cheeks!" Chosen gushed.
Awakened by Chosen's voice, baby Mitsuki opened his eyes. As soon as he saw Chosen grinning at him, he cried loudly.
"You're scaring him!" Shibai shoved Chosen aside to gently pick Mitsuki up. She cooed at the child as she rocked him in her arms. "It's OK. It's alright. The scary monster will go away." She glared at Chosen. "Now look at what you did."
"I'm sorry. He's just so cute~!"
"Stop talking." Shibai flashed her needles at Chosen as a warning. "Or else these are going to where the sun doesn't shine!" Chosen went silent and pale at the threat. "Now what do you want?"
"I just want to see what your decision will be, granddaughter."
Shibai looked at Mitsuki as she comforted him. Her eyes hardened.
Armored War Devil Sigurd stood in the middle of the banquet hall with his arms crossed as he sneered at his audience. He had disposed of the guards and now he was here to take care of some unfinished business.
How dare they throw a party and not invite him? It was unforgivable.
Sousou stood up to confront Sigurd.
"What do you want?" Sousou glared at Sigurd who had the audacity to come to her palace. How dare he show up uninvited? This was a private affair. It was disrespectful for him to show his face here, especially after what he had done not too long ago.
"Your surrender and Baron's death," Sigurd said simply.
"Like that will ever happen!" Marcus shouted as he stepped forward with his SengokuDriver around his waist.
"I was able to defeat Baron while he was at his strongest. Do you really think anyone of you stands even the slightest chance against me?" Sigurd mocked.
"Of course," Sousou boasted confidently. "Because you just walked right into our trap. Choho! Now!"
Choho received the signal and slapped a talisman that was pasted on the wall. The writing on it glowed and all of a sudden all the banners hung in the banquet hall glowed as well. The banners then shot out beams of light which struck Sigurd, much to his shock. They forced him to his knees and bound his arms to his sides.
"WHAT!?" Sigurd shouted as he tried to break free of the magical bindings. "What's the meaning of this!?"
"Something we prepared just for you," Sousou said with a smirk. "Do you like our surprise? I had Choho made it especially for you, our guest of honor. We knew once you learned that Baron was not dead you could not resist coming back to finish the job. You might be fast, but your speed is useless if you can't move. Struggle all you like. You'll just make your bonds tighter." Oh, Sousou was enjoying this. She definitely was. She took sadistic glee at watching her enemy being forced to his knees, powerless and helpless as he struggled uselessly. It was definitely what he deserved.
"Damn you!" Sigurd cursed as he continued to struggle, but failed to break free as the bonds only tightened instead like Sousou said. Now he was stuck with all those damned mocking stares looking down upon him. "You fucking bitch! Let me go!"
"Oi, language!" Marcus admonished. "There are ladies present!"
With Sigurd restrained and immobilized, they could interrogate him for information. However, that thought never crossed their mind. None of them was interested in hearing what he had to say. Including Sousou, everyone wanted to avenge Mitsuki and now they had their chance.
Nobody knew how long the trap could hold the Armored War Devil so it was now or never. It was time for Sigurd to pay for his crimes, especially for killing Mei and Mitsuki.
Gakushin strapped on her SengokuDriver, an action copied by Ukin and Riten.
"Let's just end him here, right now, for Baron-sama," Gakushin declared.
"For Baron-sama!" Ukin and Riten echoed.
Gakushin activated her Lockseed.
[MANGO!]
Riten followed.
[BANANA!]
Finally, Ukin unlocked hers.
[PUMPKIN!]
After activating their Lockseeds, the Crimson Angels transformed in unison.
"Henshin!"
[MANGO ARMS! FIGHT OF HAMMER!]
[BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPEAR!]
[PUMPKIN ARMS! HAPPY HARVESTING!]
The trio surrounded Sigurd, ready to execute him on Sousou's orders.
"After this, we'll celebrate your execution, Sigurd," Sousou declared as she gave him a thumbs-down. "Girls, finish him."
As the Crimson Angels advanced on him, Sigurd's shoulders shook.
Was he crying?
Had he finally realized this was the end and shedding tears of guilt?
Would he try to beg for his life?
He could try begging for mercy but it would not matter because it was too late for him anyway. Sousou had decided it was his time to die and in her kingdom her word was law.
As Baron's lieutenants closed in on him, they soon noticed that Sigurd's shaking was getting harder and it was spreading all over his body. He was vibrating so rapidly that he was blurring on the spot.
"Mon dieu!" Marcus gasped.
The beams holding Sigurd were starting to destabilize as he continued to rapidly vibrate his entire body, increasing the intensity with each passing second. Every molecule in his body was bouncing around, supercharged by his speed. The beams would not be able to hold him for much longer.
"Finish him now!" Sousou ordered, but it was too late. Before the Crimson Angels could execute their finishers and their target, Sigurd broke free. The beams holding him shattered like glass and the banners went aflame.
[CHERRY ENERGY SQUASH!]
Sigurd swung his Sonic Arrow and unleashed a powerful crimson energy slash that collided with the Crimson Angels, knocking them back as sparks blasted off on impact.
Sigurd was going to kill them all and it would be all over in an instant. As he stepped out from the now useless trap, his body crackled and spasmed. He tried to access his speed but found that he was unable to. He looked at his hand as he tried to vibrate it, only to fail after a few unsuccessful attempts.
Escaping Choho's Speed Trap had used up all his speed energy, negating his powers. For now, he was temporarily barred from accessing his superhuman speed, but he was still powerful enough to kill everyone here and then kill Baron all over again.
Choosing his targets, he aimed his Sonic Arrow at Gakushin and fired at her. The energy bolt connected with her chest, causing her to stagger. He continued to fire at her but was suddenly interrupted.
[COME ON! BANANA SQUASH!]
A giant banana suddenly sprouted out from under him and he leaped back to evade it.
"Gotcha!" Riten cheered as she pulled her Banaspear out of the floor. "Sawa!"
Ukin used this chance to throw the Pumpkin Kusarigama and the weighted end of the chain scythe went flying. With a swing of her arm, she had the chain wrap around Sigurd's arm - the one holding his Sonic Arrow - as he raised it to block her attack. Gakushin used the opening her comrade gave her and bashed Sigurd in the chest with the Mango Punisher, blasting sparks off on impact. He grunted from the strike while trying to pull free from Ukin's hold.
"Annoying bitches!" Sigurd growled.
"You killed Baron-sama," Gakushin said as she raised the Mango Punisher over her head. "And for that, you'll be sentenced to death."
"Like Hell!" Sigurd screamed and with all his might he pulled the chain on his arm. He yanked Ukin off her feet as she yelled in shock and sent her crashing into Riten, knocking them both to the ground. He pulled his arm free as Gakushin swung and blocked her weapon with his. Sparks scraped off on contact and he kicked her in the stomach, driving her back.
[CHERRY ENERGY SPARKING!]
Charging his Sonic Arrow at maximum capacity, Sigurd unleashed a series of violent slashes that knocked Gakushin out of her transformation and sent her tumbling. She did not get back up as the attack had knocked her unconscious.
[LOCK OFF!]
With his Cherry Energy Lockseed in hand, he turned to face Ukin and Riten who were in the process of picking themselves back up.
[LOCK ON!]
After loading his Sonic Arrow with his Cherry Energy Lockseed, he took aim and pulled the bowstring to its maximum tautness.
[CHERRY ENERGY!]
He released his Sonic Volley, shooting an energy arrow which dragged along two giant cherries behind it. The arrow hit its mark and the cherries swung forward, exploding like bombs as they hit Ukin and Riten. They were flung to the ground, their armor deactivating as a result. Injured and unconscious, they were unable to fight anymore.
"Now, where is Baron?" Sigurd demanded after dealing with those three pests.
"You'll need to get through moi if you want him, cerise batard," Marcus said courageously as he stepped forward. With Ukin, Riten and Gakushin all out of commission, it was up to him to save the day.
"Really? You're going to face me by yourself?" Sigurd mocked. Was Marcus blind? Did he not see how easily Sigurd had defeated the Crimson Angels? Had he not heard how he had defeated Baron?
"After what you did to my comrade, it's only right that I avenge him as well," Marcus retorted.
"And us as well," Kakoton said as she approached with Kakoen.
"You will die here," Kakoen finished.
Sigurd was surprised to see the Kako Sisters adorned with SengokuDrivers as well.
During a raid on a Genesis cult compound, its location provided by Shibai, Mitsuki managed to acquire two blank SengokuDrivers that were kept inside a chest. Along with the two Drivers were two Lockseeds, a Black Cherry Lockseed (L.S.-30) and a Pineberry Lockseed (L.S.-29) which he had given to Kakoen and Kakoton respectively.
[BLACK CHERRY!]
[PINEBERRY!]
Twin Helheim portals opened, dropping the two new Arms that hovered over the Kako Sisters. The Pineberry Arms Armor Part looked much like the Ichigo Arms Armor Part, but it was inverted and of course pure white. The Black Cherry Arms Armor Part looked similar to Sigurd's own Cherry Energy Arms Armor Part saved for the fact that they were a dark, near-black color, connected by their stems to a leaf. With their Armor Parts summoned, the Kako Sisters loaded the Lockseeds into their belts.
[LOCK ON!]
"Henshin!" both Kako Sisters cried out. They pressed the Cutting Blade of their new Drivers down, cutting open their respective Lockseeds. Displayed on the backside of the Pineberry Lockseed's lid was a battle fan that was spread wide open, decorated with red seeds and steel tips. The back of the Black Cherry Lockseed's lid revealed a blood red handle which was decorated inside the larger cherry, while the rest was the flexible body of a whip which coiled in the slightly smaller cherry.
[COME ON! BLACK CHERRY ARMS! LADY KNIGHT OF DOMINATION!]
[COME ON! PINEBERRY ARMS! LADY KNIGHT OF CONQUEST!]
The Armor Parts descended upon the women, landing on their heads and adorning them in their Ride Wear suits.
Kakoen's suit was silver with a blue V-shaped neckline that connected both shoulders. Around her neck was a silver choker. The sleeves had blue diamond patterns adorning their entire length with silver elbow length gloves that had silver wristbands. From the waist down, she sported a blue skirt that reached down to her ankles with slits running up the sides. She wore blue thigh-high stiletto boots with silver diamond patterns on them. A thin blue line connected the boots to the belt, giving the illusions of garters.
Kakoton's Ride Wear suit was of a similar design, but it was mainly red like her usual dress, with a gold V-shaped neckline and a matching choker. Gold diamonds adorned her sleeves and golden gloves covered her arms right up to the elbows, accessorized by golden bracelets. She too sported a slitted skirt and red thigh-high stiletto boots with golden diamond patterns. The same garter-like lines, but in red, also connected the boots to her belt.
"I can feel the power, Shunran," Kakoen said to her sister. "I feel like I can do anything." Inside her Black Cherry Armor Part, Kakoen's helmet materialized around her head. The headpiece attachment soon connected, taking the form of an almost black helmet which had dark cherry-like studs on the sides, two deep crimson draconic horns which curved and framed her jawline, and around her neck was a black scarf which was decorated with blood-red cherry jewels.
"Agreed," Kakoton nodded. The power was almost intoxicating! It was no wonder Mitsuki enjoyed how empowered he felt in his armor. She almost gasped as her helmet appeared, bringing with it a white headpiece which was studded with red seeds, adorned with a pair of white metal wings which spread back from her own temples like the helm of Hermes. Threads of white silk trailed from the back of the helmet like hair, tipped with red rubies.
The Black Cherry Arms then flashed and began disassembling. The front of the black cherries folded onto Kakoen's breasts, fitting with her physique, forming a dark red breastplate. The right side of the Black Cherry Arms twisted around to cover her shoulder perfectly while the back sections folded onto her back. Lastly, the stems folded under the leaf as it landed on her left shoulder, forming a flat shoulder plate.
The Pineberry Arms had the tip unfold onto Kakoton's left shoulder, while the right side revealed a previously hidden shoulder plate which was smooth save for a red disk in the center which rested on her shoulder similarly to the pineberry tip. The front panels folded together and rested on her chest and abdomen, appearing to look like a white corset decorated with red buttons up the middle and red trim on the top. The back made a similar attachment behind her, looking like the back of a corset.
In splashes of black and white juice, both women were armed with their respective Arms Weapons. Kakoton materialized a battle fan known as the Pine Fan and Kakoen was granted a flexible whip dubbed the Cherry Lasher.
"Armored War Goddess of Ultimate Grace! Jeanne!" Kakoton announced.
"Armored War Goddess of Ultimate Punishment! Erzabet!" Kakoen declared.
Kakoton and Kakoen were not the ones to have come up with their names and titles. It was Mitsuki who had granted them.
"Erzabet" was the Hungarian name for Countess Elizabeth Bathory who was infamous for murdering young maidens so she could bathe in their blood and preserve her youth.
"Jeanne" was the French name of Joan of Arc, a heroine who was unjustly burned at the stake. She would always be famous for courageously defending her homeland.
He always did have a thing for strong and influential women.
"Ooh la la!" Marcus admired. "Don't leave me behind, ladies! Henshin!"
[PEAR!]
The Pear Armor Part descended from the Helheim portal, a shining light green metallic fruit. Marcus then loaded the Pear Lockseed into his SengokuDriver and hit the Cutting Blade.
[PEAR ARMS! ROCKING WILDSTAR!]
Following the violent guitar riff, the Pear Arms Armor Part flipped upside down and the top split open before the fruit-like armor dropped on Bravo's head. The top halves became shoulder pads while the front and back of the fruit split apart and the pieces folded onto his chest and back. The Pear Arms headpiece resembled a Japanese Kabuto with a comb on top. Then, a different guitar riff was heard and his Arms Weapon - the Pearock Axe - which was a guitar modeled after a sliced pear appeared in his hands.
"Let's Rock & Roll! And here's Bravo presenting a special solo for you!" Bravo shredded the Pearock Axe's strings and unleashed a powerful sonic blast that slammed into Sigurd. So surprised, he did not even dodge it and was hit by the devastating musical attack.
"Aaaahhhhh!" Sigurd covered his ears as his entire body was being tortured by Bravo's musical assault. That was when the Cherry Lasher wrapped around his neck with Erzabet holding the other end.
"Hyah!" Erzabet tugged on the Cherry Lasher and swung with all her might. Sigurd slammed against a table, spilling dishes to the floor as he smashed it to pieces with his own body. The dishes broke to pieces as Sigurd was again thrown across the room and into a nearby pillar.
"All yours, Shunran!" Erzabet tossed Sigurd into the air, pulling back her whip to wind him up like a top. He spun uncontrollably as Jeanne intercepted and struck him repeatedly with her Pine Fan. Sparks erupted violently with each strike before she smashed him with her elbow and sent him crashing to the floor.
Sigurd cursed. If only he had his speed then he might stand a chance. Too bad for him, his speed was negated thanks to Choho's trap. However, he was not without options. He still had his trump card and while it would be a waste to use it on these unworthy pests, he decided they needed to have a taste of the power that killed their precious Baron. He was also getting tired of being beaten by them, hence the decision to use it. He needed to show them their place, right at his feet.
Sigurd got up just as Jeanne was about to strike him down for good. He intercepted the attack with his Sonic Arrow and pushed her away with a kick. He dodged Erzabet's Cherry Lasher but was hit by Bravo's sonic blast. He tried not to scream in pain as he was pounded by the destructive sound waves as he summoned his Karatsuru Lockseed which he promptly unlocked.
[RUTSU! RASUKA!]
The two figures materialized then converged on him as he loaded the Lockseed into his GenesisDriver and then hit the Seaboll Compressor to activate its power.
[RINKI! KARATSURU ARMS! WICKED WHITE AND WICKED BLACK FISTS OF THE SKY!]
Now in his ultimate form, Sigurd did not waste time and activated the Squash Finisher function.
[RINGI! KARATSURU SQUASH! JAAKURINGU!]
He spun in place and hurled dart-like feathers at Erzabet, Jeanne and Bravo. The Kako Sisters manage to avoid them, but Bravo was hit and knocked down. Once he was down, Sigurd stopped spinning and ran toward the subdued Armored War God of Furious Passion.
"Give it to me! Kodo Modoshi!"
Bravo screamed as Sigurd sucked his Ki and life force out of him like some kind of energy vampire. As soon as he had his fill, he dropped Bravo who changed back to his civilian form. His Pear Lockseed had turned grey after being drained and he looked pale as well.
"Marcus!" the Chou Sisters and Chouryou cried out in panic.
"That was good," Sigurd sighed as his eyes flashed. He felt rejuvenated and he turned his menacing gaze toward the Kako Sisters as he summoned his swords. "Your turn. I wonder how you both taste."
"Everything will be alright, Baron-sama." Shibai tried to comfort Mitsuki as he continued to whine and cry in her arms. Chosen had gone away, much to her relief. His presence had not helped matters in the slightest. "Nothing bad will happen again, I promise."
She was likely lying just to make herself and Mitsuki feel better, but it was all she could do to make him stop crying. Perhaps he could sense that nothing was going right.
"Shibai-dono!" a guard yelled as he came into the room. She glared at him for raising his voice and he gulped.
"What?" Shibai hissed as she finally got Mitsuki to stop crying.
"It's not looking good, Shibai-dono. Everyone's been defeated," the guard reported, causing Shibai to grimace.
She gently put Mitsuki in his crib.
"Watch him and make sure nothing happens to him," Shibai ordered the guard. "Or else."
The guard did not question her order and obeyed. The strategist stepped out of the room, determined to join the battle. Although, the silent guard wondered what she planned to do.
Jeanne and Erzabet fought with all their might, locked in deadly combat with Sigurd. There was too much at stake now so they could not afford to lose. Sparks flew as their weapons connected with Sigurd but he retaliated with his own blades, hacking and slashing at Sousou's armored generals.
He kicked Jeanne in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her, and then sent her tumbling with a roundhouse kick to the face. She picked herself back up and threw herself back into the fray. Erzabet flogged him with her Cherry Lasher, but he dodged the strikes as he sidestepped Jeanne's attack. Erzabet then caught his right foot with her Cherry Lasher and tugged, tripping him up and pulling him to the ground. Using his wings, Sigurd flew up and dragged Erzabet with him before he spun and threw her to the ground as her weapon slipped from his foot.
[COME ON! PINEBERRY SQUASH!]
Jeanne delivered a series of energy slashes with each swing, hitting Sigurd repeatedly as sparks exploded with each hit.
[COME ON! BLACK CHERRY SQUASH!]
After retrieving her weapon, Erzabet performed her own finisher as well. Energy surrounded the Cherry Lasher and took on the form of a giant serpent. She cracked her serpent-whip then sent it to strike Sigurd. It buried its fangs into his shoulder and she swung him to the ground with enough force to shatter the floor. Sigurd immediately exploded on impact.
"Did we do it?" Jeanne asked her sister.
It should have been over, but Sigurd's recovery speed was inhuman. In a flash, he suddenly flew out of the smoke and grabbed the Kako Sisters by their throats.
"Itadakimasu! Kodo Modoshi!"
He drained them too, causing their suits of armor to vanish and he dropped them once he was finished with them.
He looked at everyone present, all of them who were frozen in fear. With all their armored warriors defeated, there was nobody left to stop him.
He eyed Sousou. He had wanted to claim her life before, but Baron got in the way. This was his chance to rectify it.
"Was this your plan, Sousou? Did you really think you could tire me out by throwing cannon fodder at me? Why don't you come and face me yourself or do you fear me, Sousou? Is that it? Does the great ruler of Sou Gi need others to fight her battles?" Sigurd taunted. Sousou narrowed her eyes at Sigurd, refusing to be baited by him. He was just trying to provoke her, and it was nearly working as she clenched her fists. "Without your precious Armored War God Baron, you have lost your most powerful weapon. You must realize that you can't defeat me, so why don't you just make things easier on yourself and hand the throne over to me?"
"Saji-dono! Stop!" Shibai shouted out of the blue, interrupting Sigurd's villainous monologue.
"What do you want?" Sigurd asked with a scowl. Sousou was curious too. Why had Shibai addressed Sigurd with such familiarity?
"I've come to end this," Shibai responded as she strapped on the last thing they expected her to have.
It was a GenesisDriver.
Then Shibai took out and unlocked a familiar Lockseed, surprising them again.
[PEACH ENERGY!]
"This is for Baron-sama! Henshin!" Shibai declared.
[LOCK ON! SODA! PEACH ENERGY ARMS!]
The Peach Energy Armor Part descended from a Helheim portal and dropped on Shibai's head, forming her pink Genetic Ride Wear suit. Then, following an Arabian jingle from her belt, the Energy Armor Part disassembled and folded onto her feminine frame, revealing her helmet.
Everyone gasped in shock. They just couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Shibai was Armored War Devil Marika.
"Finally decided to stop hiding, huh?" Sigurd asked snidely. "I've been looking for you too so I can thank you for your treatment." He massaged his throat. "It was a bitch to take those needles out."
"Then I should've put them in deeper and put a few more in your skull," Marika shot back cruelly.
"What I don't understand is how you could betray us like this!?" Sigurd demanded.
"I joined you because I believed you could change the world. But I now see the truth! What we've been doing will only serve to destroy it! That is why from this day forth I will fight in Baron-sama's name!" Marika declared.
"You would fight for a dead man?"
"He was more of a man than you ever were."
"Then you can join him in Hell!"
Sigurd rushed at Marika and threw a punch but she countered it with her own before she slashed him across the chest. In response, Sigurd summoned his energy spears and retaliated. Sparks flew from their weapons as they clashed violently while their captive audience watched speechlessly.
Sousou watched the battle intently. If Marika survived, Sousou was going to have a few words with her.
Conjuring his light spears, Sigurd threw them at Marika. She leaped high and dodged them, propelling herself through the air and performing an aerial somersault.
[PEACH ENERGY SPARKING!]
She performed a dropkick that connected with Sigurd's chest, knocking him backward before she landed back on her feet. He conjured another energy lance, but she kicked his arm, breaking his concentration. She then slashed Sigurd across the chest and kicked him in the stomach. He retaliated with a punch but Marika deflected it before elbowing Sigurd right in the face.
Sigurd stumbled back. He then entered a stance and began to execute a series of kicks. Marika blocked them but one strong kick went through her defense and sent her tumbling. Sigurd leaped to execute a devastating heel kick but Marika rolled out of the way at the last possible second as Sigurd's foot came crashing down, forming a crater on the floor. Marika then flipped back to her feet, eyes focused on Sigurd. Sigurd then fired at Marika, throwing her backward.
"Don't you understand, Diaochan? We're trying to change the world for the better!" shouted Sigurd.
"No, you're not. You're trying to bring this world down because you hate it. I will no longer be part of it," Marika told him.
"Yet you stayed with us the whole time!"
"Only because I had nowhere else to go!"
"And you believe they will accept you now?! You've lied to them!"
"I will accept whatever punishment for my crimes!"
"Then you will die as a traitor!"
Marika fired several energy arrows at Sigurd but he managed to dodge them by somersaulting backward. Once he landed back on his feet, he threw an energy spear at her. Marika was hit in the chest by the attack and she cried out in pain. Seeing his opponent stunned, Sigurd dashed forward to strike her down, only for Marika to kick him straight in the chest before kneeing him in the stomach.
Sigurd stumbled back and was then assaulted by a series of slashes before Marika used a reverse roundhouse kick to his face. Marika then performed a snap kick and then grabbed Sigurd by one of his helmet-wings, bringing him down to smash his face into her knee.
Sigurd stumbled back but recovered quickly enough to counter Marika's next strike. He blocked the Sonic Arrow and swung his fist, aiming for her face. Marika performed a backflip and nailed Sigurd with a kick that sent him staggering back. She fired repeatedly at him, throwing him to the ground.
"I can't believe it. She's actually beating him," said Juniku in awe.
Sousou was silently watching. Just how was Marika able to stand up to Sigurd on her own when even her best warriors failed?
"You're using one of those talismans, aren't you?" Sigurd questioned suspiciously.
"Not just one," Marika revealed and Sigurd understood the implication. Her body painfully spasmed for a moment as cracks appeared on her armor. The cracks were glowing and Marika groaned through gritted teeth as she tried to bite back the pain.
"You used all of them?!" Sigurd questioned in disbelief. "You're insane! You'll tear yourself apart!" The power enhancement talismans were only meant to be used one at a time. Using so many at once could cause the user to gain unimaginable power, but that was more power than the human body could handle. Right now, Marika was suffering from immense pain due to power overload, but she kept fighting.
"Perhaps," Marika responded and then she suddenly grabbed Sigurd's arm. "But I'm taking you with me!"
"Let me go! Let me go, you bitch!" Sigurd tried to pull himself free but Marika had an inhumanly strong grip.
The energy within Marika reached critical levels and she exploded. The Armored War Devil of Lightning Speed screamed as the explosion enveloped him as well.
Everyone who was still conscious stood speechlessly as Marika did what none of them could do. She had defeated Sigurd but at the cost of her own life.
However, everyone's sense of relief soon turned into dread as the smoke cleared to reveal Sigurd still standing. He had scorch marks covering his suit from the blast, but he was still very much alive. As for Shibai, she lay on the ground, her clothes in tatters from the explosion.
"I almost did not make it," Sigurd remarked. "Luckily I absorbed most of the blast." The Pulse Reversal had saved his life so Shibai's sacrifice had only been in vain. "Now then...Where were we?" Sigurd eyed Sousou. Chouryou quickly went to defend Sou Gi's ruler. She was not alone either as she was joined by Kyocho and Ten'i. Even Kakuka went to defend Sousou.
"You're not laying one hand on Sousou-sama!" Kakuka declared courageously, despite shaking in fear. What was she doing? She was no warrior! She could not fight nor did she even have a weapon! Yet, here she was willing to throw her life away for Sousou. After all, how could she not? The bespectacled strategist was in love with the petite blonde ruler.
Sigurd laughed.
"Oh, how cute. Even after seeing what I did to the others, you still think you stand a chance against me. I guess everyone in this kingdom is an idiot."
"Karin-sama, we must flee!" Juniku pulled on Sousou's arm.
"We'll hold him off while you get away!" Chouryou added, gripping her signature polearm.
Sigurd rolled his eyes. Hold him off? What could they do? Against his power, they were absolutely powerless to stop him. To even attempt to stop him would mean throwing their lives away for a fruitless endeavor. He could think of so many ways to kill them which included slaughtering them all in an instant. He would leave Sousou alive in the end so she could flee and then he would hunt her down just for the fun of it.
And when she could not run anymore, he would put her out of her misery.
"That's right, run away! Just leave the kingdom to me!" Sigurd mocked.
Sousou glared back at Sigurd and held her ground. She would not abandon her kingdom no matter what. Bravely, she stepped forward, ignoring her advisor and bodyguards.
"I will not run! Even if you kill me, the people will not accept you as their ruler! They will rise up and depose you!" Sousou declared.
"I don't think I have to worry about their compliance," Sigurd replied darkly as he summoned his energy lances. "Once they realize that, they'll have no choice but to fall in line like a herd of sheep."
"Then I shall stop you, here and now! Keifa, put it on me!" Sousou surprised everyone when she took out Mitsuki's Lemon Energy Lockseed while Juniku slapped the GenesisDriver on her beloved ruler's waist. The silver belt strap materialized, securing the device to her waist.
"Do you really think that will make a difference?" Sigurd mocked.
Sousou ignored Sigurd as she activated the Lemon Energy Lockseed.
"Henshin!"
[LEMON ENERGY!]
She performed the transformation sequence, locking the Lemon Energy Lockseed into the GenesisDriver before pushing in the Seaboll Compressor.
[SODA! LEMON ENERGY ARMS! FIGHT, POWER! FIGHT, POWER! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FI-FI-FI-FIGHT!]
The Lemon Energy Arms Armor Part landed on Sousou's head, materializing the Genetic Ride Wear suit before it disassembled to form the armor, revealing her helmet-covered head.
Sousou stood before Sigurd, clad in Baron's Lemon Energy Arms Armor. She looked identical to her beloved brother now, only more petite due to her stature. To Sigurd, she looked like a midget version of Baron.
While Sigurd had not expected this, he was not intimidated. He was merely frustrated by all the annoying opposition, but he accepted the fact that he may have to defeat Sousou in battle.
Nah, he had a much better idea.
"Why don't you play with them?" Sigurd offered as he unlocked a generic standard Lockseed. A portal zipped open beside him and a couple of Elementary Inves and a Lion Inves jumped out of the portal. He pointed the Inves at Sousou and sent them at her.
Sousou did not hesitate and engaged the three Inves. It was an easy battle for the now armored ruler of Sou Gi. She was still a warrior with skills that made her a nightmare for her opponents. She slashed at the Inves, sending them reeling and dividing them. She focused on the Lion Inves and screamed as she unleashed her fury, slashing at it viciously with her Sonic Arrow. Right now, she was imagining that she was brutally beating Sigurd.
"Karin-sama! Fight! Fight! Fight!" Juniku cheered on her beloved ruler.
Sigurd rolled his eyes, bored, but he continued to watch.
Sousou sent the Lion Inves tumbling with a kick then took the Lemon Energy Lockseed off her belt before loading it into the Sonic Arrow.
[LOCK ON!]
She stretched the bowstring, taking aim as the Sonic Arrow charged itself with the energy of the Lemon Energy Lockseed. The Lion Inves picked itself up and lunged at her.
[LEMON ENERGY!]
Sousou fired a direct hit as the energized Sonic Volley pierced the Lion Inves' chest. It let out a roar as it exploded. Sousou then turned her attention back to Sigurd and charged at him, but the two Elementary Inves stood in her way. She engaged them angrily.
"Get out of my way!"
While the Elementary Inves distracted Sousou, Sigurd gripped his Seaboll Compressor to activate his finisher. This did not go unnoticed by Juniku who yelled out a warning.
"Karin-sama, watch out!"
[RINGI! KARATSURU SQUASH! JAAKURINGU!]
Meanwhile, back in Sousou's room, Mitsuki started to cry again. The young guard, not knowing what to do, tried to calm the baby down by making funny faces.
"Please, don't cry! Look at me! Look at me-AAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
The guard suddenly screamed when the baby spontaneously burst into flames. He continued to scream as the flames took the shape of a firebird which flew out of the crib and toward the door. The flaming avian flew through the door, leaving a gaping hole with scorch marks surrounding it.
The guard could only stare dumbly at the hole in the door.
"I am so dead..." he whimpered in fear as he recalled Shibai's earlier warning.
KRC: Sousou has transformed, ready to combat Sigurd on her own. Though, does she stand a chance against him? Also, it seems that another miracle is about to happen. Is Mitsuki joining the fight? What can a baby do against an Armored War Devil? You guys will just have to wait for the conclusion of this arc. Also, please remember that the review section is for REVIEWS and FEEDBACK. If you wanna make suggestions for other ideas besides AWG, go to my forums or PM me.
[RINGI! KARATSURU SQUASH! JAAKURINGU!]
Sigurd fired, bombarding Sousou and the Elementary Inves with his Wicked Spinning Encounter. The two Inves were destroyed instantly by the dart-like feathers as they exploded while Sousou was painfully thrown to the ground by the attack. Luckily, she was not knocked out of her transformation. She picked her aching body up as Sigurd advanced on her.
"How about you play with me now?" Sigurd challenged before he broke into a run and charged at Sousou. She courageously stood her ground, firing at him but he slapped the energy arrows away as they were about to hit him. Once he was within range, she swung the Sonic Arrow but he caught it easily by its blade before he slapped his hand on her chest.
"Kodo Modoshi!"
Sousou screamed as Sigurd absorbed her energy. Her armor flickered and turned grey before vanishing completely. Satisfied, Sigurd tossed Sousou to her officers who caught her.
"Enough. Time for you all to die," said Sigurd as he conjured his light spears and he hurled them at Sousou, Juniku, Chouryou, Ten'i, Kyocho, and Kakuka. Suddenly, a massive bird of flames emerged from out of nowhere showing off its huge wingspan. Standing behind Sousou and company, the firebird wrapped its massive wings protectively around the girls, shielding them from Sigurd's attack. Instead of penetrating the blazing barrier, the energy lances simply fizzled into nothing.
"WHAT!?" Sigurd shouted. Why was nothing going right for him tonight? Why did he face interference after interference constantly? He was beginning to lose his patience. Just once, couldn't he have a proper victory?
Within the firebird's embrace, Juniku clung to Sousou who felt warm. Chouryou was surprised as well, eyes widened as the firebird gazed down at them. Kakuka's glasses nearly fell from her gawking eyes while Kyocho and Ten'i could only gape in silence. Slowly, the firebird began to shrink and changed into more of a humanoid shape.
Sigurd could hardly believe his eyes.
Sousou could hardly believe her own eyes as well.
Dai Shi smiled.
"The Phoenix rises from the ashes, and with each rebirth, his power grows stronger than it was in his previous life. But will he return as a god or as a devil?"
