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.

Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: End of the Armored War Gods

Co-Written By: Kamen Rider Chrome & Ten-Faced Paladin

Beta Reader/Editor: Busterleader92

Interlude: An Unperfected World


Shortly after killing Baron, Saji Genpou managed to return to the Genesis cult's secret lair. However, he had not returned unscathed. As one final act before his death, Baron burned the Armored War Devil with his divine flames. As Saji was horribly injured, the physicians patched him up and put him in a bed to rest and recover from his injuries. He would no doubt develop scars from his burns, but Saji would forever be praised for finally killing one of the false gods.

While recovering, Saji would not stop bragging about how he managed to kill Baron. He might have embellished the details, but he had not left anything out. He even revealed how he had used Mei to discredit Baron.


Diaochan was left alone with Saji as he slept. She glared down at him hatefully as she clenched her shaking fists while gripping her acupuncture needles tightly.

One single thought echoed in her mind, urging her to commit the act.

'He killed Baron-sama, kill him.'

It was not just Baron's death that gave Diaochan the urge to assassinate Saji, but it was Mei's death as well. Diaochan liked the girl. She had been innocent in all of this and had not deserved to die so meaninglessly. Her only sin - if it could even be called a sin - had been her association with Baron. There was no need for her to die, but Saji wanted Baron to suffer and did it in the most personal way.

Right now, Saji was vulnerable. There were guards on patrol so she would have to do this quick before they passed by to check up on them. It would be so easy to plunge her needles into his neck. She could make Saji suffer a slow and agonizing death. She did not even care if she got caught. Baron was dead so why should she care about what happened to her?

Diaochan did not have any second thoughts and did not hesitate as she drove the first needle into his throat. Saji awoke as a result and started screaming, but no sound came out of his mouth. The first needle made sure of that. Then she continued to drive even more needles into his neck as he violently thrashed and convulsed in bed. She watched as he began to choke on his own blood, his eyes filled with horror and disbelief.

Finally, Saji expired, his body twitching only for a few seconds before he finally went still.

Diaochan stepped back to admire her handiwork. Working with Ukitsu had given her quite a cruel streak which allowed her to kill without remorse. She was satisfied with what she had done, and the best part of it was that it had been justified. However, it would not be long for any of the guards to come by and check up on Saji and find him this way and she did not want to stick around to find out.

Spitting on Saji's corpse, Diaochan vanished, leaving the lair for the last time.

Of course, if she had stayed, she would've found that killing Saji was not so easy. As he had studied sorcery, he still had a few tricks up his sleeves.

Saji gasped and gagged as he reached up to his neck. He took hold of the needles and pulled each of them out. It was an agonizing process, but he still managed to get them all out.

"That bitch!" Saji cursed. He could not believe it but Diaochan had tried to assassinate him. Luckily for him, he had prepared something just in case he experienced a premature death. Tattooed to his chest was a spell that would activate just in case he died. Once his heart stopped beating and he ceased to breathe, it would bring him back to life.

He wanted to hunt her down, but he also needed time to completely recover. The revival spell had brought him back to life, but his injuries were not completely healed. He would just need to let his powers do the rest. Then he'd make her pay for her betrayal. He swore he would.


Saji had shown up to make good on his promise. When he heard that Baron had survived, he knew he had to do something. He also knew Diaochan would be there. Killing Baron again would be fun, but he would also enjoy killing Diaochan for her betrayal. However, Saji had been careless in his attempt and ended up being killed by Baron instead.


A few days after Saji's death, Sousou summoned her generals, advisors, and strategists to discuss an important matter.

"Blue King Gaim is gone, so Shoku is without its strongest Armored War God," said Sousou. "This gives us an opportunity to absorb them into our ranks."

Everyone exchanged looks. Some agreed with Sousou, but others were doubtful. Sousou smiled. Good, they were not a group of blind, mindless sycophants.

"Shoku still has a strong Armored War God, Karin," Mitsuki remarked. "Ryugen, the Demon Dragon." Having seen what Iori could do in his Yomotsuheguri Arms Armor, he had no doubt that he would oppose them if they tried to take Shoku by force.

"That might be true. Even so, Shoku is currently being threatened," Sousou argued. "It may not have fallen like Son Go, but they have lost a lot of manpower after surviving several attacks. Also, their capital, Touka Village, is suffering. They don't have enough food since the last attack destroyed their food stores. They're surviving on rations which will soon run out."

"I heard that Kosonsan-dono was offering aid," said Kakuka.

"Even so, I doubt Kosonsan has enough resources to share with an allied kingdom," Sousou countered. "That means that Shoku may have to turn to another kingdom for aid, and since we're allies we should offer our hand."

"But you'll fix the terms, won't you?" Mitsuki asked. He knew she saw this as a chance to take advantage of the situation.

"I reward people who serve me well," Sousou stated. "Speaking of which, have you decided on what to do with your little issue?"

Mitsuki knew what Sousou was talking about.

"I'll speak with her soon."

"Be sure that you do, and remember, her fate is in your hands."


Instead of being locked in a dungeon cell, Diaochan was locked in her room. She was not allowed to have any contact with anybody but she would still receive meals. She had expected this. After being outed as Marika, she had her GenesisDriver and Peach Energy Lockseed confiscated before she was taken to her room. Before that, her room was searched for anything suspicious. Finally, they had her locked in her room. She was told not to try anything until judgment had been passed upon her.

Diaochan sat on her bed, waiting, still wearing her Shibai disguise.

Waiting was the worst part. It was the anticipation of her doom.

She heard the locks outside her room come undone and watched as the door opened. Her eyes widened as Mitsuki stepped into her room and closed the door behind him.

"We need to talk," he said.

"We do," Diaochan concurred. They really needed to have a serious talk.

"But I want to talk to the real you," he ordered.

Diaochan understood. She no longer needed her disguise. She removed her earrings and the illusion cast over her faded as her true appearance was revealed.

"So, you were Shibai this whole time," Mitsuki stated.

Diaochan nodded.

"You were sent as a spy, weren't you?"

She nodded again.

"What changed?"

"I...I could no longer support their insane plan."

"What insane plan?" he asked.

"The plan to turn this place into the Land of the Dead."

Now that definitely raised red flags.

"Tell me everything," Mitsuki commanded as he crossed his arms.

It did not take much convincing for Diaochan to spill the beans.

She recalled her last conversation with Ukitsu.


Following Dai Shi's proclamation to replace humanity with his undead Rinshi, Diaochan pulled Ukitsu aside to speak to him.

"You're not seriously expecting us to be part of this, are you?" Diaochan demanded.

"What Dai Shi-sama is offering is immortality. Imagine all the knowledge I could acquire and accumulate once I am no longer able to die, thanks to him," Ukitsu replied, not at all disturbed by the prospect of becoming an undead being.

"What kind of knowledge can you find when everyone is turned into undead slaves? What point will there be?" she questioned in disbelief.

Ukitsu answered her with a smirk.

"My own personal satisfaction. The world will finally be at peace and we will be able to get what we want."

Diaochan, however, disagreed. This was not true peace. Even if it was, then it would cost everyone their lives and freedom as they were resurrected and turned into Rinshi slaves.

"This is not what I want."

"Do you really think you can back out now? You've got innocent blood on your hands, just like the rest of us," Ukitsu coldly reminded her.

He was right. It was too late to turn back, but it was not too late for her to choose a new path for herself.

"I was taught by someone that while you can't turn back time, there's a chance that you can start over," Diaochan responded defiantly.

Ukitsu suddenly slapped Diaochan as his calm demeanor was replaced by fury.

"You ungrateful girl! If it weren't for me, you would've remained that lord's plaything!"

Diaochan rubbed her cheek, looking at Ukitsu with soft, grateful eyes.

"And you will always have my gratitude, but I can no longer stand by while you agree to this madness!"

Ukitsu let out a scoff. As if Diaochan could do anything about it.

"One person's madness is actually just another form of enlightenment."

Diaochan's beautiful eyes hardened.

"If this is enlightenment then I would rather stay in the dark."


"Soon after that, the last I heard, Ukitsu went to attack Touka Village with Ryoma," Diaochan concluded.

"What happened then?" Mitsuki continued questioning her.

"All I know is that the attack failed and Ukitsu was killed," Diaochan answered, not sure how she felt about her former comrade's death.

"I heard Oda disappeared during the attack," Mitsuki said, eyes narrowed. "But that's not the full truth, is it?"

"No, it isn't. He was killed."

"Who killed him?"

Diaochan could not lie.

"He's called Taiga Shiba, but he also goes by 'Majin Gaim'."

Mitsuki scoffed at the name.

"Another damned Gaim copycat," Mitsuki remembered Nise who went by Bloody Gaim, who was basically just a poor man's Bujin Gaim. Then he became a demonic being who called himself Bujin Gaim. Now he had been a true threat. He had given them all a challenge. Now there was another evil Rider who took Gaim's name.

"Yes, but he's different from the previous ones. He has a sense of honor, twisted as it might be," Diaochan told him. "He's also very skilled and powerful since he has Bujin Gaim's powers."

Mitsuki crossed his arms.

"Doesn't matter. He's still an enemy and he'll fall like all our enemies."

"Are you going to avenge Gaim?"

"Avenge him? No way," Mitsuki smirked. "But I am interested to meet this new Majin Gaim. I can't wait to cross blades with him."

Diaochan saw his eager smile. No, she could honestly say it was more bloodthirsty than eager. A shiver ran up her spine, like a pleasant tingle.

She actually looked forward to watching the Crimson Phoenix Emperor clash with the Great Fiend of Greed.

Mitsuki continued to question Diaochan, extracting every bit of information he could gather from her. She left nothing out. There would be no more lies.


Diaochan remained under house arrest but she was allowed to request for things. She was still provided meals, water, and a way to relieve herself. Her former comrades, Mitsuki's lieutenants, regarded her with disdain. Well, Riten and Gakushin looked like they loathed her but Ukin actually pitied her. Nonetheless, they all gave her the cold shoulder.

Diaochan could not blame them for their hostile attitude. She was a spy, a traitor. They had trusted her and she had thrown it back in their faces. Thankfully, she had not been executed for her treachery as she had tried to stand up to Saji, to stop him from killing Sousou. She even attempted to take him with her as she used a spell to self-destruct, but her sacrifice had been in vain. If it hadn't been for Mitsuki, Diaochan would still be dead.

As she had once been one of Mitsuki's lieutenants, her fate was in his hands. That was all the mercy Sousou would grant her.

Mitsuki entered the room. He had taken some time to deliberate, discussing with his lieutenants. They had each given their points and he considered their opinions.

Gakushin, his second-in-command, suggested that they show her some leniency as she had defected and tried to stop Sigurd.

Riten wanted her to be locked up forever for lying to all of them and betraying their trust.

Ukin asked Mitsuki to show her mercy. After all, she had literally killed herself to atone for what had happened.

Ultimately, the decision was his to make. Diaochan knew she deserved a severe punishment. Betrayal was not something that could be so easily forgiven in Sousou's court. Being locked up for life would be the best she could hope for, but she knew that a public execution would be in her future.

"Come with me," Mitsuki ordered.

Diaochan did not protest as he took her arm and took her away. She did not resist him. She would need to pay for her sins somehow.

She was brought to the courtyard where the Crimson Guard was gathered to witness her punishment.

'No, the Phoenix Guard,' Diaochan mentally corrected. She spotted Gakushin, Ukin, and Riten in the audience. Riten just glared at her, Gakushin looked stoic, and Ukin just gazed at her in pity.

Diaochan's hands were restrained and she was made to kneel before them as Mitsuki delivered his judgment.

"She posed as one of our own, winning our trust. She joined under false pretenses, becoming one of my most trusted lieutenants. Even I was fooled as I was impressed by her talents. However, she had a change of heart and has defected to our side. While we cannot ignore her crimes, we cannot ignore that she tried to destroy the one who had killed me at the cost of her own life. So, I will decide her fate," Mitsuki told his Phoenix Guard who waited in anticipation. Diaochan closed her eyes as she felt his burning gaze upon her.

"Diaochan of the Armored War Devils, I have decided your punishment," Mitsuki declared. Here it was, he was going to pass judgment on her. She was prepared for it, whatever it was, as she made peace with herself. "From this day forth, Diaochan is dead! From now on, you will live as Shibai."

Diaochan's eyes widened in amazement as she gasped, shocked by his verdict. His punishment was for her to throw away her true identity and to live on under her false identity as Shibai?

"Does anybody have a problem with that?" Mitsuki challenged. Nobody in the crowd protested. Nobody complained. They all understood that this was an absolute order from the Crimson Phoenix Emperor.

"Why?" Shibai - formerly Diaochan - asked as she stood up. He untied her bindings.

"Because you tried to give your life to defeat Sigurd. Also, I still need my strategist and interrogator."

Shibai silently nodded, grateful for his mercy.

"Thank you, Baron-sama."

Mitsuki returned her GenesisDriver and Peach Energy Lockseed to her.

"This is your last and only chance, Shibai. Don't make me regret it or I will make you regret it," Mitsuki warned.

No, it was more than a warning.

It was a promise.


Late one night in the city, a man stood in front of the door that was at the end of an alley. He briefly checked to see that nobody had followed him before he knocked on the door. When a panel slid open, he whispered a phrase that allowed him access. The door opened and he entered before it slammed shut.

The Genesis cult was holding a secret meeting tonight. They made sure to be careful when holding meetings within the capital. Due to the building's rundown appearance, it was easily ignored. Putting guards in front would just attract unnecessary attention. Fortunately, they managed to draw in potential recruits who sympathized with them.

At the front of the assembly, cultists dressed in white robes stood to greet them all. The leader stepped forward to address them.

"My brothers and sisters, the ones you call Armored War Gods, the ones who you worship, the ones who you depend on to protect you all, have failed you! They are nothing but false gods, and even worse your ruler has fallen under their spell! Join us and offer us your power so we may send these wretched false gods to whatever unholy pit spawned them!"

All of a sudden, the door was kicked down and Phoenix Guardsmen stormed the building.

"Nobody move!" Mitsuki ordered loudly as he marched into the building. "This is a raid!"

The cultists tried to escape, but the Phoenix Guardsmen quickly blocked all their exits, essentially trapping them. The cultists were immediately disarmed and restrained. Some of them were found to be in possession of SengokuDrivers and Zakuro Lockseeds.

"Round them all up for questioning," Mitsuki commanded his men. The people gathered here were citizens of Sou Gi and yet they were here conspiring to commit treason. Such a crime was unforgivable, but there was still room for mercy.

Mitsuki found some of the people glaring at him, some even spitting in his direction. He ignored them all. This was his duty, his responsibility. If these traitors hated him for doing his job, then so be it.

He looked to Shibai who stood stoically beside him. Diaochan no longer existed and thus she appeared and dressed as Shibai, as decided by the Crimson Phoenix Emperor himself. She was essentially on probation and one of the conditions was to discard her former identity and live the rest of her life as Shibai, Mitsuki's strategist. It was thanks to the information she provided that they found this place.

She understood why he gave her this chance to prove herself. As one of the former higher-ranking members of the Genesis cult, Shibai knew all about their operations, including where they held their recruitment meetings within the city. With her aid, soon Sou Gi would be rid of the entire cult's influence.


Chosen was a man who appeared on a whim, so when he showed up for Mitsuki, the Crimson Phoenix Emperor decided not to chase him away. Despite how creepy the flamboyant and muscular hard-gay man could be, he still provided the Armored War Gods with useful help.

"Chosen, you're supposed to be 'all-knowing'," Mitsuki said to Chosen. "Why did Mei have to die?"

Chosen's jovial mood shifted as he turned serious. He knew the reason but he was not sure if Mitsuki would like the answer. However, Mitsuki had asked and Chosen had to answer.

"He killed her to get back at you," Chosen answered.

"I know that. We've ruined his group's plans so many times already."

"It's more personal than that. How much do you remember how you came to this world?"

"I know it happened after I tried to stop a thief from stealing a mirror at the museum."

"That was Saji and it was not just an ordinary mirror. It was a wish-granting mirror."

Mitsuki's eyes widened as soon as he heard that. A wish-granting mirror, an actual magical wish-granting mirror had been at the museum at the time. Well, that would explain a lot.

"You mean Saji killed Mei because I stopped him from getting his wish granted?" Mitsuki questioned angrily.

"He believed you stole his wish from him. Your arrival in this world, your powers, they were all a result of the mirror granting all your wishes."


Shibai found Mitsuki sitting alone at night on the terrace. He was holding an instrument, a ruan. It was a four-stringed moon-shaped lute with a long straight neck and multiple frets. It was the closest thing this era had to a guitar.

As his fingers brushed against the strings, he took a deep breath. He was still in mourning but he needed to move on. Mei would not want him to wallow in a pit of grief and despair, and neither would his family.

According to Chosen, the reason they were Armored War Gods, the reason why the RinJyuKen Akugata existed, and the reason the heroes of the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' were women instead of men, was because the mirror shattered and granted the wishes of everyone within its radius. He got his wish to reunite with Karin, or at least a different version of her who was also the mighty ruler Sousou Motoku.

So, in a way, it was Mitsuki's fault that Mei had died. Even so, Mitsuki would move forward and if the RinJyuKen's existence in this world was his fault, then he would gladly send them all to Hell to make up for it.

And he would fight for the Seal of Heaven to make things right.

Shibai quietly watched and listened as he started to sing:

Unperfected World by: Kobayashi Yutaka (Sung by Mitsuki Akechi)

"Yume wo miteita kono te de tsukurikaeru sekai/Usomo giman mo sonzai shinai sekai wo/Unperfected World"

Shibai realized quickly that he was reciting his desire through song. He wanted to change this imperfect world that was full of deceit and two-faced liars.

"Ano hi miageta sekai no itadaki wa kumo kakure/Jimen ni wa tada jibun no muryoku ga ochita"

"To higher sky nobori tsumeru kaidan wa nagaku/Modorenai kindan no kajitsu wo teni shite"

He sang about how he was first weak, but he still dared to reach out to seek power. He remembered feeling helpless until someone reached out to him in his time of need. Now it was his time to reach out to others and help them seek their own power, allowing them to ignite their burning resolve.

"Dream of a perfect world itsudatte shinjiteita/Tsuyosadekega anosora e chikazukuhanedato/Dream of a perfect world tsuyokimonodakega kitto/Sekaimo hakanainegaimo mamoreruhazuto"

Mitsuki dreamed of a Perfect World which he would create with his own strength. He would also protect that Perfect World with his own power.

Shibai understood what he meant. He believed this was his Perfect World as he fought to make Sousou's ambition a reality. Once Sousou's ambition was fully realized, this chaotic land would be brought to order and peace would spread.

"Senaka wo muketa aite kara shouri mogi-tote mo/YATSU yori tsuyoi shoumei ni wa naranai sa"

"Fly, higher sky sono kokoro ga chi ni ochita mama ja/Egaku risou no sekai de sae mo nigotteku"

Shibai agreed that attacking someone who had their back turned was dishonorable. It was cowardly and such a victory was hollow. Mitsuki was no coward. He faced his challenges head on to prove his strength and that he deserved to wield it. His victories would not be tainted by cowardice or dishonor.

Shibai wanted to witness Mitsuki soar to greater heights of power and she would be at his side as he obtained it.

"Dream of a Perfect World jibun nara kanaerareru/Zetsubou no hate ni hikaru atarashii sekai wo/Dream of a Perfect World tsuyoki mono dake ga kitto/Mirai mo jakusha no namida mo oshieru hazu to"

"Yume wo miteita kono te de tsukurikaeru sekai/Usomo giman mo sonzai shinai sekai wo... It's brand new world"

"Dream of a Perfect World itsudatte shinjiteita/Tsuyosadekega anosora e chikazukuhanedato/Dream of a Perfect World tsuyokimonodakega kitto/Sekaimo hakanainegaimo mamoreruhazuto"

Mitsuki would fight for his Perfect World and protect everyone he cared about so that they could attain their dreams. He swore to make Sousou's dream a reality. He knew it would not be easy, and that he would suffer as a result. He knew this when he had given up Heaven and losing Mei had brought him nothing but grief, but he channeled that pain to fuel his anger to give him the strength to create a better tomorrow.

Shibai knew she did not make a mistake when she decided to swear her fealty to him. Quietly, she listened as he continued to sing about an Unperfected World and his dream to create a Perfect World.


KRC: In this interlude, Diaochan officially defects and becomes Shibai. Mitsuki also learns what motivated Saji and also Mitsuki sings "Unperfected World" while Shibai watches. I used the Romaji lyrics with passages that interpret their meaning. And Chosen makes an important appearance.

Oh, and there's a bit of a bonus after this.


Note: As Saji had been killed by Mitsuki, this may or may not have actually happened.

Saji mysteriously found himself standing inside Dai Shi's chamber. He did not know how he got here, but he forgot about it the instant he saw his prize.

There it was, the Seal of Heaven, standing upon a pedestal. There was nobody who could stop him now as he let his greed and desire for power carry him over to it.

Saji gazed into the eyes of the Seal of Heaven and grinned.

"Such power. With it, I can become a true god," Saji uttered as he reached out for it, only for an invisible force to repel him, sending him flying backward. He crashed against the wall and grunted.

"That was not very smart of you."

Saji scowled.

"Dai Shi..."

Dai Shi revealed himself from the shadows and frowned in disapproval at Saji.

"Saji Genpou, are you trying to steal my property?" Dai Shi asked.

Saji was about to lie to save his own skin, but he had made it this far. There was no reason for him to lie about wanting to claim the Seal of Heaven for himself.

"That power..." Saji growled. "It should be mine!"

It should be his. It was his right to claim such power.

"And why do you believe that?" Dai Shi questioned.

"You only exist in this world because of us! You owe us!" shouted Saji.

"Indeed, your assistance was integral in my revival. However, your actions also brought the Armored War Gods," Dai Shi argued.

"That was not my fault and if you're going to stand in my way, you're dead!" Saji snapped. He did not seem afraid of Dai Shi at all. Either his desire for the Seal of Heaven had overpowered his intelligence or he was just stupid enough to not fear the Demon Beast King.

"So you truly believe you deserve the full power of the Seal of Heaven, do you?" taunted Dai Shi as the Seal of Heaven appeared in his free hand. "You have no idea of its true might. Allow me to show you." The Seal of Heaven glowed with malevolent light and Saji felt a heavy pressure press down upon him, forcing him to his knees.

"That power...should be mine!" Saji struggled to rise to his feet, ignoring the pressure that was pressing down on him. Dai Shi let him suffer for a few moments before finally releasing the pressure.

"If you wish to take the power of the Seal of Heaven, then you must earn it," Dai Shi declared.

"Then I have to fight you?" Saji challenged.

Dai Shi laughed. As if Saji stood a chance against him.

"No, you have to fight him," Dai Shi corrected.

Dai Shi stepped aside to reveal another figure, a familiar figure that Saji recognized.

It was Black Baron in his Red Banana Arms.

"How is this possible!?" Saji demanded. "You're supposed to be dead!"

"I got better," Black Baron shrugged.

Why didn't anybody stay dead anymore?

"He was dead," Dai Shi corrected. "But now he isn't. Being the Master of Death, I can revive anyone I want, as long as they have potential. That is why I brought you back to life as well, Saji Genpou."

"...What?" Saji could not believe what he was hearing.

"Have you forgotten?" Dai Shi asked mockingly. "You easily died at Suzaku's hands. So what makes you believe that you deserve the Seal of Heaven now?"

"Excuse me, Dai Shi-sama," Black Baron politely interrupted. "Mind if I tell him?"

"Very well."

"Mitsuki roasted your weak ass!" Black Baron mocked.

Saji's eyes widened in panic and finally, he remembered how he had died. He remembered how Kaizer Baron had toyed with him before finally immolating him. He remembered the flames as they cooked him alive and Saji let out a scream as he recalled how his life was so violently extinguished.

Furious, Saji angrily strapped on his GenesisDriver and went through his transformation sequence.

[CHERRY ENERGY!]

"Henshin!" he furiously shouted.

In a flash, he was already in his armor.

[SODA! CHERRY ENERGY ARMS!]

Sigurd glared at Black Baron. He had a lot of anger to unpack. Just seeing Black Baron enraged him as his appearance reminded him of his killer, Armored War God Baron. He may not be the real thing but killing him would still be cathartic.

He did not even wait as he charged at Black Baron who was ready for him. Sparks flew as their weapons violently connected before they clashed furiously. After several swipes, Sigurd finally broke through Black Baron's guard, disarming him and sending him tumbling.

Sigurd took aim and fired his Sonic Arrow but Black Baron rolled out of the way. Getting back to his feet, he gazed at Dai Shi who gazed back.

Dai Shi shared a look with Black Baron and gave him a nod.

"Use it," Dai Shi commanded.

[LOCK OFF!]

The Red Banana Lockseed was removed. Black Baron grinned as he took out a Fiend Lockseed, the one formerly used by Jam.

[TAOWU!]

He unlocked it and then loaded it into his SengokuDriver before hitting the Cutting Blade.

[COME ON! TAOWU ARMS!]

A pillar of dark fiendish energy blasted out of a portal to shower Black Baron with its dark demonic power, changing him. His Ride Wear suit remained the same, but now the armor on his limbs turned purple with a scale-like texture and purple vein-like patterns covered his bodysuit. His cape resembled a pair of insectoid wings which seemed to have an iridescent gleam to them. His helmet became adorned with demonic ram horns that curved forward and a small skull was mounted on his brow. Finally, set in the middle of his chest, was the Taowu Face chestpiece.

Sigurd's eyes widened as he saw Black Baron clad in the Unholy Fiend Armor. He resembled his corrupted demon form from before but now augmented by the Taowu Arms Armor.

"What in the world...?"

"Call me Armored War Fiend Baron Nero. Now, let's continue," declared the newly self-dubbed Baron Nero as his gauntlets glowed. They were soon equipped with the Nero Beelzepikes which were a pair of deadly forearm-mounted lances.

Sigurd gripped his Sonic Arrow tightly. All he had to do was to get rid of that Taowu Lockseed and he would be victorious. Then he could finally claim the Seal of Heaven for himself.

He fired his Sonic Arrow but Baron Nero deflected the shots with his Nero Beelzepikes. Roaring, Sigurd sped towards Baron Nero. Baron Nero's visor flashed and he dissolved into a cloud of smoke. Sigurd ran through the smoke, stunned by the move, and spun around in confusion. Baron Nero reformed at that very moment to strike him in the face.

Sigurd went tumbling but recovered quickly. He gritted his teeth and rose to his feet. Baron Nero yelled and rushed at Sigurd to jab him in the face, but the cherry-clad youth dodged his opponent's lance-gauntlet before kneeing him in the gut. Sigurd then began to unleash a combo of kicks, forcing Baron Nero on the defensive as he held his forearms up in front of him.

"I killed one Baron! I can easily kill a knockoff!" Sigurd shouted before he rushed at Baron Nero with a burst of speed. Baron Nero braced himself and took the charge head-on. Sigurd threw Baron Nero against a wall, and then another wall and another wall. He then performed a flurry of attacks, punching Baron Nero repeatedly with lightning fast punches before sending him flying with an uppercut. He grabbed his Sonic Arrow and blasted Baron Nero with a flurry of energy arrows.

Sigurd watched as Baron Nero vanished in the explosion. He smirked and lowered his Sonic Arrow before he was suddenly struck in the back. He spun around and was struck repeatedly in the chest before he was sent reeling by a powerful thrust to the stomach.

"You killed one Baron, sure, but he sure as hell didn't stay dead!" Baron Nero taunted.

"At least I still managed to kill him while you failed!" Sigurd snapped back. "And once I have the Seal of Heaven, I'll make sure both of you stay dead for good!"

[CHERRY ENERGY SPARKING!]

Sigurd fired a powerful energy slash but Baron Nero blocked it as the energy slash did nothing but harmlessly fizzle into nothingness.

"That's not happening," Baron Nero coldly responded with a cruel glower. "He's mine."

Sigurd sped around Baron Nero, rapidly shooting his Sonic Arrow. In frustration and annoyance, Baron Nero gave his Taowu Lockseed one strike of his Cutting Blade.

[COME ON! TAOWU SQUASH!]

Baron Nero jabbed his Nero Beelzepikes into the ground and a ring of giant red spikes sprouted around him to shield him from Sigurd's Sonic Arrow onslaught. Then, a giant spike surged from the ground and struck Sigurd, throwing him back with an explosive force.

"Ugh!" Sigurd grunted.

"You're fast, but I can see the future. I can predict your moves before you can even make them," Baron Nero boasted as the spikes receded back into the floor.

"Predict this, asshole!"

[LOCK OFF!]

Sigurd loaded his Cherry Energy Lockseed into his Sonic Arrow.

[CHERRY ENERGY!]

Sigurd fired his Sonic Volley. His energy arrow dragged a large pair of cherries that would explode on contact.

Baron Nero slashed his Taowu Lockseed twice.

[COME ON! TAOWU AU LAIT!]

Baron Nero thrust the Nero Beelzepikes forward and twin drills of Rinki extended from his weapons, neutralizing Sigurd's attack before it could touch his armor. The drills then burrowed into Sigurd's chest, causing him to scream.

Baron Nero withdrew his weapons and watched as Sigurd staggered, blood dripping from his wounds.

"You know, Sigurd, I think I finally got you all figured out," Baron Nero started again.

"You know nothing about me," Sigurd spat venomously. How dare Baron Nero presume he understood him?

"You have a superiority complex. You believe you're so much better than everyone else that you feel you are entitled to everything. You have all this power and yet it's still not enough for you. And you absolutely can't stand it when things never go your way. You're nothing more but a spoiled brat who whines when he doesn't get everything he wants," Baron Nero described. "Am I warm or am I red hot?"

"Sh-shut up!"

Baron Nero looked to Dai Shi for his decision.

"Finish him," Dai Shi commanded with a thumbs-down.

Baron Nero's eyes narrowed dangerously as he grinned menacingly.

"With pleasure."

Baron Nero finally slashed his Taowu Lockseed thrice.

[COME ON! TAOWU SPARKING!]

Baron Nero fired a pair of dark energy drills that converged on Sigurd, pinning him in place.

"Ciao!"

The wings behind Baron Nero's back spread and buzzed, taking him into the air. He soon descended as he delivered a dropkick while producing a duplicate of himself. Both versions of Baron Nero drilled through Sigurd's body with the energy drills, phasing through his body before becoming one again.

Sigurd gurgled as blood filled his throat and mouth.

"Not again...My destiny..."

"What's that? Sorry, I can't understand you over the holes I just made in your chest," Baron Nero mocked sadistically as he cupped his hand around his ear. "It's kinda like the hole you made in Mitsuki's chest. That's karma for you."

Baron Nero watched as Sigurd exploded, leaving nothing but his helmet which made a loud clang as it landed on the floor.

"Fatality," Baron Nero concluded. He took notice of Sigurd's helmet and went to pick it up. "Oh, and a trophy!" He narrowed his eyes as he looked inside and grimaced in disgust. "I may need to scoop out and clean the inside first, or I could make someone else do it."

Dai Shi applauded as his new Fiend Rider disposed of Saji. While this meant he had lost all of the original Armored War Devils, he had no need for any traitors in his ranks. Speaking of Diaochan, she seemed to have defected. Fortunately, Dai Shi still had his Four Great Fiends to aid him in his conquest.

"You truly have earned that power," Dai Shi praised. "I knew I didn't make a bad choice in bringing you back to life." He watched as Baron Nero started to play with Sigurd's helmet like a soccer ball, juggling it with his foot.

Baron Nero looked forward to the day he faced Mitsuki again. It would be a very dramatic reunion for both of them.


Deleted Scene: Popped Cherries

"Is that all you've got?" Kaizer Baron mocked. "Because you're starting to bore me."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME YOU SON OF A BITCH!?" Sigurd exploded with rage. Sigurd furiously punched him in the chest but the Crimson Enforcer easily tanked the blows. He continued to absorb Sigurd's punches as sparks exploded with each impact. Realizing he was not doing any damage, Sigurd stepped back and sped out of the palace. He needed to figure out a plan to put Mitsuki down once and for all.

"He's getting away!" Sousou shouted.

"No, he's coming back," Kaizer Baron deduced as his visor flashed once he saw Sigurd returning. He counted down with his fingers. "In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1." He finally balled his fist. "0."

Sigurd had suddenly run out to put as much distance as he could between himself and Kaizer Baron. Then he sped around the kingdom several times to gain momentum. He went faster and faster, generating kinetic energy before he dashed back toward the palace. In a burst of inhuman speed, he threw himself at Kaizer Baron, fist clenched and cocked back to execute a supersonic punch. With all the momentum he had built up, he was sure to punch Kaizer Baron's head off his shoulders.

Suddenly, with lightning-fast reflexes, Kaizer Baron threw his own counterpunch and the Ignition Booster's knuckles connected with Sigurd's family jewels. A loud high-pitched shriek followed, ripped straight of Sigurd's throat, as he dropped to the floor in pure agony.

"The eggs! You broke my golden eggs!" Sigurd whimpered pathetically on the floor.

All the other men watching felt sympathetic pain as they cupped their hands over their own balls and groaned in unison.

Well, every other man except for Marcus.

"Batard deserved it," he muttered vindictively.

"Did he just...?" Chokaku asked.

"Oui," Marcus answered as he put on a convenient pair of shades for dramatic effect. "He popped Sigurd's cherries."

"YEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Kyocho cheered.


KRC: We see Saji brought back and killed by Saito who is here to stay. Also added a little deleted scene for fun. Anyway, this ends the Phoenix Reborn Arc for Baron. A new arc will be written soon so please be patient. I will write it but I want to chill and right now it's the time for mid-season finales anyway. But I will get to an arc focused on Nagata that will set up his return. I'm just going the long way around right now.

BL92: Looks like Cherry Boy got killed again by Baron Nero. Serves him right for killing Lord Baron. Also, I like the part when he got his golden eggs smashed by Kaizer Baron on the deleted scene. The golden eggs joke was my idea if AU Issei kicked AU Riser (Ochita) right in his golden eggs to make him squawk like a chicken. Because I simply hate the guy for hurting Lord Issei with one of his bitches to do his dirty work for him and I'm talking about the pig face loli with a twig. Also for Ochita, he's nothing but a cock-sucking peacock. Just saying in my opinion about Ravel's wimpy brother. One more thing about Cherry Boy, hope he burns in hell like Neasel and ShiToraTah.


Fruits of the Tree, Yggdrasil

Taowu Arms (Baron Nero Version): This version of the Taowu Arms changes Black Baron's armor to resemble his monstrous berserker form, but this time he's in full control. Dubbing himself Baron Nero in this form, he possesses the power of flight, can turn into smoke, and gains limited precognitive abilities that allow him to see moments into the future. This comes in handy when predicting what his opponent will do so he can counter them. His Fiend Arms Weapons, the Nero Beelzepikes, is a set of powerful arm-mounted lances. This Arms Armor allows Baron Nero to perform the following killing moves:

Squash: Hell Spike Barrier - Baron Nero drives his Nero Beelzepikes into the ground and a multitude of spikes sprout around him to form a barrier. He can also send spikes to attack his opponents.

Au Lait: Hell Spike Shot - Baron Nero fires twin energy drills from his Nero Beelzepikes.

Sparking: Hell Spike Break - Same as his Au Lait finisher, Baron Nero fires energy drills but this time they are used to pin down and immobilize his opponent. He then performs a dropkick, producing a duplicate. Once he and his duplicate connect with the energy drills, they burrow and phase through their target, resulting in an explosive death.