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.
"There it is, the gate," Bucky pointed as he, Naga and Nanamomo peered at the gate from behind a rock. "Magnificent, isn't she?" The group had traveled long and far, getting past harrowing obstacles, to reach the gate and it was an impressive sight to behold. It was built into the wall with huge double doors standing between two pillars with a flight of steps leading up to it. Carved into the doors was a menagerie of beasts.
"I can't say the same for the decorations, though," Nanamomo remarked.
What struck the group as odd was the collection of jade statues that stood in front of the gate like morbid lawn ornaments. They were randomly organized and were non-identical as each was posed uniquely. The only thing the statues had in common was the look of pure terror carved into their faces.
"And there's the Gatekeeper," Bucky pointed.
"He's huge!" Naga said as he got a good look at the only thing standing between them and the gate.
The Gatekeeper was a Yak Beastman with a bulky muscular body that could rival the top bodybuilders if not for his huge gut. He wore no clothing, save for a loincloth that was secured to his waist by a leather belt, revealing his greyish skin and hairy chest. He wore bandages around his feet instead of shoes and he also had on leather wrist bands that were dotted with studs. He looked like a Viking with his thick black beard, long shaggy hair and a helmet with huge horns. He carried a pair of Jade Axesabers with chains on them that were wrapped around his large forearms.
The Gatekeeper sat at the foot of the steps, fast asleep.
"Yes, he is. His name is Kai, Gatekeeper Kai. He is also known as the 'Beast of Vengeance' and 'Maker of Widows'," Bucky informed them. "You want to hear how he got those names?"
"No," Nanamomo and Naga declined in unison, for different reasons. Nanamomo was not in the mood to listen to a story and Naga just wanted to face Kai so he could earn his freedom.
"Oh well, you're missing out. It's quite a tale," Bucky said with a shrug.
"So I have to beat him, right?" Naga asked. "Then I can go through the gate?"
"Yes," Bucky answered.
"Does he have to beat the Gatekeeper?" Nanamomo inquired. "I mean, look at him. He's fast asleep. We could just sneak past him and get through the gate without any trouble."
"I wish it was that easy, lass," Bucky replied with a sigh. "But the gate won't open unless someone proves themselves by beating the Gatekeeper."
"Let me help then," Nanamomo offered. "Naga, if we work together, I'm sure we can defeat him."
"Sorry lass, but he has to face Gatekeeper Kai alone," Bucky denied. "If he doesn't, he forfeits."
"You heard Bucky, Nanamomo. This is my fight," Naga agreed. Nanamomo bit her lower lip. She wanted to protest against such a disadvantageous stipulation. Honestly, they stood a much better chance if they worked together.
"Are you ready, lad?" Bucky questioned.
Naga looked at Kai. Was he ready to face Gatekeeper Kai and earn his freedom? Honestly, he wasn't sure. But he was sure that he wanted to leave this place. He was ready to get out of Purgatory and return to the land of the living.
"Yes," Naga answered firmly. He had come this far and went through the obstacles with Bucky and Nanamomo. There was no turning back now.
"Good! Then let's go say hello!" Bucky grinned widely, slapping Naga on the back for encouragement.
Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: End of the Armored War Gods
Written By: Kamen Rider Chrome
Beta Reader/Editor: Busterleader92 & Kamen Rider Goji
Chapter 47: The Gatekeeper
Kai cracked an eye open when he sensed their presence as they approached. He saw a puny old man, a lovely young lady he wouldn't mind getting to know more intimately, and a blue lizard on two legs.
He knew what they had come for and it wasn't for a visit. Nobody came unless they wanted to go through the gate.
Well, they were going to have to go through him first.
Kai stood to full height and he was definitely huge. He stood over eight feet tall, towering over the trio. He leered at them with bright green eyes that matched the hue of his Axesabers.
"I am Gatekeeper Kai," the Gatekeeper introduced himself. Pointing his right Jade Axesaber at them, he demanded, "State your purpose or begone."
"OK, lad," Bucky urged Naga. "This is it. Go on and tell him."
Naga stepped forward. If his heart was still beating, it would be pounding so hard in his chest right now. He briefly glanced back at his friends who gave him looks of encouragement, though Nanamomo just looked bored and wanted to get this over with.
"Gatekeeper Kai," Naga spoke respectfully. "My name is Naga and I wish - no, I demand you to let me pass through the gate."
Kai scoffed and then he let out a peal of loud bellowing laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! You demand passage, little lizard? I should skin you to make myself a new pair of boots but I do like your attitude! Very well, you may go through the gate but you must first pass a Trial by Combat! However, I should warn you that nobody gets past Gatekeeper Kai!"
Naga balled his fists tightly and clenched his jaw.
"There's always a first time for everything!" Naga boldly declared and then he lunged straight at Kai, roaring as he bared his teeth. Kai effortlessly smacked Naga aside and he went tumbling before he stopped at the foot of a statue.
Bucky and Nanamomo winced. That had to hurt.
Naga groaned as he climbed back to his feet and panicked as Kai twirled his chains around and then swung his Jade Axesabers down on Naga. He rolled out of the way as the blades came crashing down. Kai withdrew his Axesabers and started to swing his chains like whips in an attempt to strike Naga with his blades.
Naga kept dodging the Axesabers as they came at him. He could try to tire out his opponent but that tactic may not work against an undead Beastman. Their stamina would be limitless. Since Kai was using his Axesabers to extend his reach, Naga decided to use a special trick of his own.
Naga leaped high into the air before the Axesabers slammed onto his spot. He grabbed hold of a stalactite and then released his tentacles which shot out of his back. He sent them to strike Kai but he sliced through the prehensile appendages with his Axesabers. Naga cried out in pain and released the stalactite as he withdrew his tentacles and fell to the ground.
Kai then twirled his chains and threw the left one at Naga, catching him around the arm with the chain as he was picking himself up.
"Gotcha."
He tugged on the chain and pulled Naga to the ground before he started swinging the hapless Reptilian Beastman around, knocking over a couple of jade statues. Kai then began to drag Naga over to him, chuckling darkly.
While being dragged on his back, Naga tried to break the chain holding his arm. He even tried to use his teeth but failed as it was too strong for him.
He needed to get free!
He looked at the chain holding him and got an idea. He electrocuted Kai through it, causing him to scream. Naga continued to electrocute him until he collapsed.
With Kai down, Naga was able to unwrap the chain from his arm and get back to his feet. Meanwhile, Kai recovered but he looked ridiculous as his hair now stood on ends after being electrocuted. His beard also looked like he was wearing an afro on his face.
Roaring in anger, Kai charged at Naga who summoned his secret weapon.
[LEGENDRIVER!]
He unlocked the Nobunaga Lockseed to summon the Nobunaga Spirit Armor.
[NOBUNAGA!]
The Spirit Armor burst out of Naga's chest and threw itself at Kai. The Gatekeeper became annoyed as the Spirit Armor hovered in front of his face. He tried to swat it away, but the Spirit Armor evaded Kai's swings as if taunting him.
[LOCK ON!]
While the Spirit Armor had Kai distracted, Naga transformed.
"Henshin!"
[SOIYA! NOBUNAGA ARMS! SENGOKU JIDAI NO DAI SHOGUN!]
The Spirit Armor flew back to Naga and draped itself over him to transform him into his Armored War God form.
"So, you've got some tricks," Kai grinned viciously as he approached. "And I thought this would be boring."
Naga drew his Musou Saber as Kai charged at him. The huge Yak Beastman began to wail furiously on Naga, striking him repeatedly with his twin Jade Axesabers. Sparks erupted as green jade met black steel. The Gatekeeper had him on the defensive, preventing him from striking back. Naga could not even see any openings to exploit so he did his best to defend himself by parrying all of Kai's blows.
"C'mon, lad! C'mon! You can beat him! Fight! Fight!" Bucky cheered.
Nanamomo was silent but she was biting her lower lip anxiously as she watched Kai attack Naga with such ferocity.
Kai launched Naga into several jade statues with a violent kick and they went down like bowling pins. Groaning, Naga picked himself up as Kai stepped toward him.
"You've lasted longer than so many others I've fought before," Kai praised. "But that still won't change your fate!" He raised his Jade Axesabers which glowed with an eerie green light.
"My fate is my own!" Naga summoned the Nobunagun and fired a shot straight into Kai's chest, surprising him as he staggered back. It burnt off some of the hairs on his chest and left a scorch mark. The shot also managed to damage his beard at the tips. When Kai saw this, his jade eyes blazed with anger and he let out a furious bellow.
The bayonet on the Nobunagun extended and Naga drove his weapon forward like a spear. Kai blocked it with his Axesaber and swung at Naga who put his Nobunagun up to block the swing before he thrust his Musou Saber into Kai's stomach. Kai stepped back and kicked Naga who crossed his weapons to shield himself. The blow sent him skidding back but he remained on his feet.
"I think...I think the lad's going to do it," Bucky said as he watched Naga hold his own against Kai. "I really think he can win!"
Nanamomo did not respond. Something wasn't right about this. If Kai was strong enough to become the Gatekeeper, then why was he holding back? Could it be that he just wanted to draw this battle out to make it last longer for fun? Was he enjoying himself?
Seeing an opening, Naga swung his Musou Saber but his blade failed to cut into Kai's flesh as his muscles were as hard as armor.
Kai decided to end this farce. This had been an enjoyable little exercise but now he was ready to finish it. His blades glowed as he swung his weapons, delivering explosive green energy slashes that threw Naga into the air. He howled as his armor vanished before he even hit the ground.
Bucky's ears flattened against his skull as Nanamomo hung her head.
"It's over." Bucky looked dejected.
"No..." Nanamomo murmured.
Naga had lost.
"Nobody gets past Gatekeeper Kai," Kai repeated his boast. "Nobody."
Naga's claws dug into the floor as he willed himself to get back up. Kai watched, amused, as this reptilian denizen of Purgatory tried to defy him.
Kai approached and smashed his fist down on the Beastman's head, knocking him back down. He then picked Naga up by his horn and punched him repeatedly in the face. Releasing the horn, Kai kicked Naga in the chest, knocking him flat on his back. He then pinned the Reptilian Beastman down with his foot on his stomach.
"You might've lost but you've impressed me very well. You're a fine warrior and you deserved a spot in my collection," Kai praised. He had been bored for quite a while now as there had not been a challenger that managed to entertain him like this in a long time.
"Your collection?" Naga repeated and then it clicked in his head when he looked at the jade statues again. The way they were posed, their looks of terror, it all made sense now. "Those statues were your past challengers."
"That's right," Kai confirmed proudly. "Anyone who challenges me, if they impress me enough, are added to my collection as trophies. That's why I'm also known as 'The Collector'. "
"That's sick," Naga spat, appalled. Taking trophies from victory was one thing, but turning opponents into trophies was just wrong.
"We all need our hobbies," Kai shrugged. "It's not like there's very much to do in Purgatory. We gotta find something to pass the time or else we'll go mad. Anyway, thanks for playing but now it's time for you to join my collection."
"NO!" Nanamomo refused to let it happen and stepped forward but she was stopped by Bucky who blocked her path. "Get out of my way!"
"Don't be a fool, girl! You'll cause him to forfeit and you'll be made into a statue too!" Bucky warned.
Nanamomo gritted her teeth and was tempted to smack Bucky aside so she could help Naga.
Gatekeeper Kai's green eyes glowed and he was about to turn Naga into a jade statue to add to his collection when rose petals suddenly rained down around them. Kai blinked in confusion, turning cross-eyed to look at a petal that landed on his nose. Even Naga, Bucky, and Nanamomo were stunned by this phenomenon.
"HI-YAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Kamen Rider Reaper Rose suddenly appeared out of nowhere and flung herself at Kai. The Yak Beastman was stunned by her sudden appearance before he was hooked by a huge mechanical scythe and tossed straight into the wall.
Naga was stunned by her appearance.
"Who...who are you?"
"I am a mother who has come looking for her son," Reaper Rose stated her business in Purgatory. She had tracked his soul to this place. When she saw Naga in trouble, she immediately went to save him.
"You lost your son?" Naga asked.
"Yes, I did," Reaper Rose answered sadly.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Naga said sympathetically. "Thank you for saving me and I hope you find your son."
"Wait a minute," Reaper Rose paused as she examined Naga carefully. Despite his appearance, she instantly recognized her son's soul within this reptilian form. She quickly picked him up to happily pull him into a tight embrace. "I've found you! I've been looking for you for ages!"
"...Who are you?"
Reaper Rose blinked and looked back at Naga in confusion. Then she realized that there was no way he could recognize her while she was dressed like this.
"Wait a moment." Reaper Rose opened up her GhostDriver, took out her Eyecon, and closed it back up.
[OYASUMI!]
Her armor vanished and now Ruby Oda was revealed to Naga.
"It's me," Ruby said.
Naga still couldn't recognize her.
"And you are...?"
Ruby gasped, shocked.
"Nagata, don't you recognize me? It's me, I'm your mother."
"My mother?"
How could he not recognize her? It must be this place, this strange Purgatory where he ended up. It must've done something to his memories as well as to his body.
"Come on, we're getting you out of here so we can fix this," Ruby insisted as she took his hand and opened a portal with her scythe. Once she took him out of this terrible place, she could see what was wrong and fix him.
For some odd reason, Naga did not resist or pull his hand out of her grasp. There was something familiar about this woman who claimed to be his mother and he felt that he could trust her. She pulled him toward her portal and managed to slip through easily. As for Naga, he slammed right into a barrier that separated them both.
"Nagata?" Ruby questioned.
Naga touched the portal and it felt like there was a solid wall even if there did not seem to be anything there.
"I can't get through," Naga said as he pressed his hands against the barrier.
Ruby stepped out and the portal closed behind her. What was stopping her from taking her son back with her?
Ruby suddenly yelled in agony and collapsed to her knees.
"What's wrong!?" Naga cried in alarm.
"Something...no someone doesn't want me here!" Ruby yelled as her form started to glitch, fading in and out of existence. "If I don't leave, I'll be destroyed!"
"Then get out of here!"
"No!" Ruby grabbed his hand, shaking her head in protest. "I'm not leaving you again!"
With his other hand, Naga gently caressed her face. He may not remember her right now but he knew it was the right thing to do since it comforted her.
"Don't worry. I'll be OK."
Ruby could not comply. She would not. What kind of mother would she be if she just abandoned her son and left him to suffer in this dreadful Purgatory? She could not leave him, but the oppressive force trying to drive her out was getting stronger and it would reduce her spiritual body into spiritual particles if she tried to resist for much longer.
What good would she be if she was destroyed now? And what about her husband? If she never returned to him, what would he do without her?
Then she got an idea. What if she could leave her son something to help him?
She was hoping to do this after she took her son away from this awful place but it looked like she had no choice but to do it now. She was running out of time.
Ruby got up to her feet, supported by her Death Scythe, and gently held Naga's shoulder. She pulled him down to her level and planted a loving kiss on her son's forehead. The instant she did, the memories Naga had lost exploded inside of his head.
"I am Kanu, followed by Unchou. A mere humble woman doing what she can to protect people from the viciousness of the bandits."
"Make way for the Rinrin Bandits! We're making our getaway!"
"Armored War God Gaim! Arriving on Stage!"
"I am Chou'un, known as Shiryuu."
"I saw you fight and I realized that I've still got a long way to go before I can claim to be the strongest! So, I'm going to go and train under you, Gaim-sama!"
"My family name is Shokatsuryou and my given name is Komei."
"My name is Ryuubi followed by Gentoku. Nice to meet you."
"Are you really that dense not to recognize me yet, Naga-kun?"
"Ascending to the Throne. Armored War God Ryujin Gaim, On Stage."
As his memories returned, the Reptilian Beastman form seemed to shed off his body, much to Bucky and Nanamomo's amazement. Now, Nagata looked as he had before he became a Beastman but with a new wardrobe. He sported a blue version of a Rinrinshi's standard uniform with black pants and a matching sash while the gloves and boots he wore in his Beastman form remained. His skin, however, was deathly pale. His irises were still silver but the sclerae surrounding them were pitch-black.
Nagata touched his non-scaly face and gasped as he ran his hand through his dark hair. He really missed having hair as he'd been stuck as a Reptilian Beastman in what felt like decades.
"Okaasan...I remember..." Nagata finally remembered his mom and hugged her. "Okaasan! Thank you! Thank you!"
"I'm sorry, Nagata. I have to go now," Ruby said apologetically as she tearfully returned the hug.
"I know. I understand."
The reunited mother and son reluctantly broke their hug. This was goodbye, at least for now.
Ruby noticed Bucky and Nanamomo who had politely watched the mother-son reunion quietly.
"So, lad, mind introducing us?" Bucky asked.
"Oh." Nagata rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment for forgetting his manners. "Bucky, Nanamomo, this is my mother, Ruby Oda. Okaasan, these are my friends."
"Thank you for looking after my son," Ruby gratefully said as her body painfully glitched again. "Sorry! Gotta go!"
Ruby quickly swung her scythe to slash open an exit portal so she could escape Purgatory and her destruction. She truly wished she could take him back with her but powerful forces were preventing her from doing so. At least Nagata now stood a much better chance in Purgatory.
"Your mother seems nice," Nanamomo commented.
"Yes, she is," Nagata agreed. "Didn't know she was a Rider though."
"So, this is what you used to look like, huh, lad?" Bucky looked Nagata up and down. "Not bad."
"And I even have my memories back," Nagata told them. "I'm whole again."
"There is still the matter of beating Kai and earning your freedom," Nanamomo pointed out. "Not sure if he will give you another chance after your mother interfered."
"Don't worry. I have a feeling I can convince him to give me a rematch."
Kai had returned to his post, sitting at the foot of the steps that led up to the gate.
Nagata walked up to Kai who leered at him. He was going home and if the Gatekeeper was going to stand in his way, then he was going to go right through the Gatekeeper.
"Come to taste defeat again?" Gatekeeper Kai mocked. Nagata's appearance might have changed but his Ki signature was still distinct enough for Kai to recognize him.
"No, because you'll be the one tasting defeat here," Nagata shot back defiantly. "I want a rematch."
Gatekeeper Kai grunted and stood up from his seat to face an arrogant challenger who needed to be shown his place, again. Meanwhile, Nagata's gaze focused on the gate before returning to Kai.
"You know, I should really turn you away since someone interfered in our duel," Kai argued.
"That was my mother. I can't control what she does," Nagata rebutted.
"Then you should've turned back while you had the chance," Kai growled. "You're either foolish, stubborn, suicidal or brave."
"Maybe I'm all of the above," Nagata remarked.
"No argument here," Kai snorted.
"And can you really let me walk out of here without getting a proper win?" Nagata questioned.
"Excuse me?"
"You didn't defeat me since my mom interfered before you dealt the finishing blow. I mean, you'd be the winner but you'd only win on a technicality. I walk out of here, people are gonna know you did not beat me. I doubt that would be good for your reputation," Nagata explained.
He knew most Rinrinshi did not care about honor but they did have their pride. He just hoped Kai had too much pride to accept such a cheap win.
"Do you seriously want a rematch?" Kai growled, simmering in anger with every word Nagata had said to him. How dare he? He was basically calling him a weakling who could only claim victory due to a technicality.
"I'm going back," Nagata resolved as his silver-on-black eyes narrowed. "There are people I need to return to, people I want to see again. People that are precious and dear to me. I won't let anyone stop me, even if I have to die 100, no, 1,000 times more. I am going to go through that gate even if it means going through you."
"Who do you think you are?" Kai demanded.
"I am Gaim, Armored War God Gaim, and this is my stage now!" Nagata's eyes glowed and he focused on summoning his LegenDriver again. He took a deep breath and let out a loud roar to match his resolve. The LegenDriver reappeared and the blank plate on the left-hand side now displayed a dragon. "Henshin!"
Nagata's eyes glowed red as black veins appeared around his eyes. A dark aura burst from his body as he transformed into his Reptilian Beastman form.
Kai would've scoffed but he could sense there was something different about Nagata now.
It was the power that radiated from him, a very familiar power.
It was the power of the Seal of Heaven, specifically the Azure Dragon.
This could be fun.
Kai grinned viciously and eagerly decided to give this stubborn challenger another lesson. The glow of his jade eyes intensified as his jade statues began to glow as well. Nagata watched as the jade statues began to move. At first, their movements were stiff and robotic before they began to move more organically.
Kai had his entire collection gather in front of him. They looked formidable and intimidating despite being soulless reanimated statues. They had to be pretty strong if Kai deemed them worthy to be part of his collection.
"How about this?" Kai offered. "If you can take out my whole collection, we can have our rematch. Do we have a deal?"
Nagata looked at the lifeless jade statues that Kai had reanimated and made his decision.
"Very well," Nagata agreed as he was prepared to fight them all.
"Attack!" Kai commanded his jade zombies and they wordlessly charged at Nagata.
"Oh, jade zombies!" Bucky yelled excitedly. "Oh, let's call them 'jombies'!"
Nanamomo said nothing as Nagata turned and broke into a run to get away from the charging jombies. Kai laughed at the cowardly display but Nanamomo saw it for what it was as he was putting more distance between himself and a horde of jombies.
Once Nagata made sure he was far enough, he came to a halt and turned to face the charging jombies. He saw that they were each running at different speeds so he just waited for them to come within striking range.
He moved swiftly, striking with his claws and forearm blades. Sharp and enforced with his Rinki, Nagata sliced through their jade bodies like a knife through butter. As the jombies started to overwhelm him, he darted away to gain some distance. He knew he had no way of taking out the whole horde barehanded and his lightning would not affect them. Fortunately, he had a way of annihilating them all at once.
[NOBUNAGA!]
He activated his Nobunaga Lockseed and summoned the Nobunaga Spirit Armor. It flew around him, knocking down the jombies in the front of the horde, causing the rest to trip over them. Once the Lockseed was loaded in his Driver, he hit the Executting Blade.
[SOIYA! NOBUNAGA ARMS! SENGOKU JIDAI NO DAI SHOGUN!]
The Spirit Armor draped over him as energy wrapped around his body. Instead of his standard blue Ride Wear, it materialized his Ryujin Ride Wear.
Gaim leveled his Nobunagun at the charging jombies. A single gun would not be able to take them all out but he could manage.
Also, lucky for him, the jombies were all lined up like prizes in a shooting gallery.
Perfect targets.
[SOIYA! NOBUNAGA BREAK!]
Gaim conjured a projection of fifty holographic rifles which were all stacked in five rows behind him and leveled at the horde. He fired and the simultaneous blasts shattered the charging jombies to pieces.
Kai watched helplessly as his precious collection was destroyed by the explosive volley, eyes wide in shock.
When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, all that remained of the jombies were broken jade pieces.
"OK," Bucky acknowledged with a whistle. "That's one way to take care of a jombie problem."
Gaim shouldered his Nobunagun and locked eyes with Gatekeeper Kai.
"So, do I get that rematch?" Gaim asked, feeling smug.
Kai stood enraged as the collection he had painstakingly accumulated was just destroyed before his eyes. He glared back at the cause and let out an angry bellow before he charged at Gaim like a raging bull chasing Kevin Hart in his red pajamas.
"I'M GOING TO SMASH YOU TO PIECES!"
Gaim fired his Nobunagun at Kai who deflected the shots with his Jade Axesabers. Once Kai had crossed the distance, Gaim switched to melee tactics. Sparks flew as they traded blows but Gaim managed to land a slash across Kai's chest and successfully cut into his flesh. The Yak Beastman howled and retaliated but Gaim blocked his blades with his rifle before he shoved them aside and drove the butt of his weapon into Kai's stomach. As the Yak Beastman staggered back from the blow, Gaim pivoted on his heel to land a kick and then followed up with a powerful roundhouse.
[SOIYA! NOBUNAGA ATTACK!]
The bayonet blade of the Nobunagun charged up with violet energy as Gaim buried it into Kai's flesh, spilling his violet blood. He then fired and the explosive shot cauterized the wound as it sent the huge Beastman tumbling.
Gaim put his rifle away and took out a new Lockseed to replace his Nobunaga Lockseed.
[SOIYA! RED ROSE ARMS! RED LIKE RO~SES!]
His Nobunaga Spirit Armor vanished and was replaced by a new dark armor that included a red cloak and hood. The chestpiece had an image of a rose in the center with thorny vines surrounding it. His visor had also turned silver to match his eyes. Besides, he gained a new weapon in the form of a huge mechanical scythe.
Ruby's kiss had not only restored his memories. She had also left a portion of her power within him which then took the form of a Lockseed. This allowed him to access the Red Rose Arms.
When he put on the armor, he recalled his mother's wise words from many years ago.
"Heroes don't need a reason to protect people. They do it because it's the right thing to do. That's what being a true hero is all about."
"Okaasan, let's go!"
Kai picked himself up but was knocked down by a slash across his chest as red rose petals scattered around him. He got back up only to receive another blow in the back, knocking him forward. Roaring, he swung wildly as Gaim zipped around, slashing him at lightning speed. More and more rose petals scattered as Gaim ran circles around Kai while the blade of the scythe even trimmed off the Yak Beastman's hair and beard, much to his ire.
Gaim jumped back and used the recoil of his scythe's gun portion to gain some distance. Smiling, he held his red cloak and waved it around.
"Hey, toro! Toro!" Gaim shouted tauntingly. Kai fumed as steam spewed out from his nostrils and he charged at Gaim. Gaim continued to taunt him while waving his cape. Kai then slammed right into him but ended up bursting through a cloud of rose petals. They blinded him, some even getting in his mouth as he coughed and spat.
Gaim reformed nearby. As he twirled his giant scythe, he built up a mass of rose petals that followed the path of the blade. He then swung the scythe at Kai, sending the mass of rose petals flying into his face. This blinded Kai who tried to swat away the rose petals but only succeeded in spreading them around.
[SOIYA! RED ROSE ATTACK!]
With Kai distracted, Gaim shot at Kai like a bullet, his giant crimson scythe shining, and struck him with a powerful lightning-fast energy slash. Kai raised his weapons just in time to block the blow that cracked his Jade Axesabers. He gasped as his prized weapons were so easily damaged. Gaim returned for another attack and slashed him with his Crescent Rose as he flew by. He then flew back and slashed him again. Gaim did this several times, slashing at his enemy as he flew by before coming back to land another blow.
Roaring, Kai sent Gaim tumbling with a punch but he managed to flip back on his feet and perform another Arms Change with a new Lockseed which represented his bond with his adoptive mother, Yang Oda.
"Let's do this, Mom!"
[SOIYA! YELLOW SUN DRAGON ARMS! BU-BU-BU-BURNING FURY!]
The Arms Change included a fiery aura that burst out of Gaim as he now sported a short brown leather jacket with golden pauldrons and a yellow chestplate that emulated muscular pecs and abs. The helmet also gained a wild golden mane and dragon horns to go with the violet visor. Finally, he was equipped with a pair of yellow shotgun gauntlets that added more power to his punches.
And he was going to put them to good use like his adoptive mother's advice.
"And if anyone or anything stands in your way, just punch it really hard! That way, you'll forge a new path right in front of you!"
Gaim drove his fist into Kai's gut, causing him to double over. He then threw a right hook that buried itself into Kai's face, rattling his teeth and causing him to stagger back. Kai growled and swung at Gaim but he ducked before driving a fist into Kai's belly, causing him to gag. Kai retaliated but Gaim held his ground before striking back as each punch he threw sounded like a gunshot. There was an explosive impact that stunned Kai before the Armored War God of the Ultimate Sword delivered a roundhouse kick to his gut. He then threw a series of punches that knocked Kai back before delivering a powerful flame blast that sent Kai skidding backward in pain. Roaring, Kai charged back as he threw a barrage of punches at Gaim.
Gaim gave it everything he's got as he and Kai traded blows. What Kai did not know was that Gaim's current armor could absorb the blows and convert them into energy. This was a fact he would soon learn the hard way once Gaim unleashed all of the power he had stockpiled.
[SOIYA! YELLOW SUN DRAGON ATTACK!]
Gaim's visor flashed red as his Dragon Mane lit up like fire. His shotgun gauntlets roared with him as he threw a furious barrage of blazing rapid-fire punches into Kai's stomach and chest before finishing up the combo with an explosive uppercut.
The Gatekeeper had tried to use his Jade Axesabers to parry the blows but they ended up shattered instead. The Gatekeeper was sent sprawling but he recovered quickly, snarling. He bared his teeth and revealed that Gaim managed to knock out a few of them.
"DIE!" Kai fired emerald laser beams from his eyes. Gaim jumped to the side to avoid them but Kai's gaze followed him as he continued to fire his eye lasers at him. As Gaim ran and dodged from the beams, he saw the wall of the chamber get hit and turn to jade and realized that was how Kai turned all his victims into jade statues.
He did not want to share their fate so he switched the Yellow Sun Dragon Lockseed with a different one, changing Arms as a result.
[SOIYA! BLACK BEAST ARMS! HIDDEN IN THE SHADOWS!]
Kai's jade beam hit its mark. However, he failed to add a new statue to his collection as Gaim suddenly went poof and vanished.
"Huh!?" Kai looked around for his opponent.
"Hey, I'm over here!" Gaim waved his arms. His new armor this time resembled a ninja's outfit with a black tailcoat, matching scarf and chainmail covering his arms. Black ribbons were also wrapped around the chainmail sleeves. His visor resembled a pair of yellow feline eyes and his helmet sported a pair of black cat ears on top.
Kai fired his jade-ification laser at Gaim only for him to vanish again.
"Hah, you missed!"
ZAP! POOF!
"Seriously, are you even trying?"
ZAP! POOF!
"Hey, you gullibull! You big nincowpoop!"
ZAP! POOF!
"Your aim's bullshit!"
ZAP! POOF!
"You couldn't hit the broad side of a barn!"
ZAP! POOF!
Kai fired at Gaim who kept poofing and reappearing, taunting him. It took some time for the Gatekeeper to realize he was being trolled by fakes.
"Where are you hiding - Gack!?" A blade hooked itself around Kai's throat from behind. The blade was attached to a long black ribbon leading to Gaim who ran around Kai to bind his arms to his sides with the ribbon.
Nagata had other positive female role models besides his mothers. There was his godmother, Blake Kurogami, who instilled within him with a strong resolve to fight for what's right.
"Fight for what you believe in. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Kai growled and made his horns glow. Energy gathered between them, forming a sphere of green Rinki.
"Eat this!" Kai shouted as he fired a destructive jade blast at Gaim who leaped out of the way and replaced himself with a Shadow Clone which took the hit instead. He then summoned an army of Shadow Clones and hid among them as Kai fired his jade blasts to try and destroy the real one. However, he ended up hitting only the decoys instead as they vanished after taking one hit.
The real Gaim was in the air as he summoned two Shadow Clones to throw him at Kai. He smashed his knee into the Yak Beastman's face and then kicked right off him, sending Kai stumbling back.
[SOIYA! BLACK BEAST ATTACK!]
Gaim's Shadow Clones quickly converged on Kai and slashed him repeatedly with their Musou Sabers. Once they were finished, they vanished as Kai dropped to his knees, wounded.
"You...YOU SON OF A BITCH" Kai rose to his feet and roared. An intense emerald aura burst from his body, breaking the ribbon binding him as his muscles bulked up with pulsing dark veins.
Gaim switched Lockseeds again as the angry Beastman powered up his horns to fire another jade blast.
[SOIYA! WHITE SNOW ARMS! MIRROR OF ICE, REVEAL WHAT'S INSIDE!]
A glyph magically appeared in front of Gaim and deflected the blast before another appeared under Kai's feet and erupted, freezing him in a block of ice. Gaim was the cause as he was now clad in armor that invoked nobility. It consisted of a white jacket with a high collar along with shining silver plate armor on his chest and shoulders. A snowflake emblem was displayed proudly on his chest, and a vertically grilled light blue visor with a crown headpiece was equipped to his helmet. In his hand was a silver rapier that was pointed at Kai. Like a magic wand, it gave Gaim the ability to summon glyphs for various effects.
Nagata did not have just one godmother, but two. Weiss Yukihime was the wealthy CEO and President of the Yukihime Diamond Dust Corporation. The woman could be haughty but she cared for those close to her and believed such bonds to be more precious than diamonds.
"Never waver in your resolve. Life will never stop challenging you, so you need to stand firm in the face of adversity."
Kai roared and shattered the ice, breaking free. He charged at Gaim who activated his next finisher.
[SOIYA! WHITE SNOW ATTACK!]
A new glyph with a different design appeared under Kai and caused him to slow down like a video in slow motion. Then another glyph appeared above him and he fell to his knees as he was being crushed by the increased gravity. Finally, a series of elemental glyphs appeared and positioned themselves around Kai, hitting him with a volley of fire, ice, and lightning attacks.
Meanwhile, Bucky and Nanamomo stood on the sidelines to watch the Trial by Combat. They were surprised by the variety of armors Nagata was using to throw Kai off and gain an advantage in their duel. By cycling through them, it granted him new weapons and abilities to wield as he gradually chipped away at Kai's strength.
"You can see it, can't you?" Bucky questioned Nanamomo as they watched Gaim dominate the duel. "The lad's changed and not just in looks. His desire and motivation have become stronger not because he wants to run away but because he wants to return home so he can right his wrongs."
Nanamomo could see that. She really should not have doubted him. She had a feeling that he might win.
Gaim took out one last Lockseed to Arms Change again. It resembled the Nobunaga Lockseed but it was sparkling orange in color. He quickly switched out the White Snow Lockseed for it and hit the Executting Blade.
[SOIYA! DAI SHOGUN ARMS! SEKAI NO OUJA! SHINING DAIROKUTEN MAOU!]
The White Snow Armor vanished as his body became clad in the Sparkling Orange Armor, except the shoulder pads, before the Nobunaga Spirit Armor's coat part draped itself over him. The Nobunaga Armor headpiece attached itself to the Ryujin Kabuto causing his visor to fill with a sparkling orange color.
This was Shogun Gaim.
Despite his many injuries, Kai was not going down so easily as he powered up his eyes to unleash the most powerful jade-ification beam he could muster. He had stood undefeated for ages and would not let anyone break his streak. Not now, not ever.
Once his eyes were properly charged, he fired his jade eye blast at Shogun Gaim.
[RED ROSE!] [WHITE SNOW!] [BLACK BEAST!] [YELLOW SUN DRAGON!]
All of a sudden, the Spirit Armors appeared and formed a protective shield in front of Shogun Gaim, catching the jade blast. Kai gawked as his attack failed but he did not give up as he kept firing his eye blast. He would make Gaim into a jade statue and then shatter him to get him back for destroying his collection.
Meanwhile, Shogun Gaim's forearms flashed as he clad them in the shotgun gauntlets before he hit his Executting Blade, slicing his Dai Shogun Lockseed thrice for his strongest finisher.
[SOIYA! DAI SHOGUN FINISH!]
As bright orange energy blazed around his body, four energy dragons in red, white, black and yellow emerged from him and roared. Shogun Gaim pounded his knuckles together and then drew both his fists back.
"DAI RYUJIN SHOGUN PUNCH!"
Shogun Gaim threw his fists forward, sending the four dragons flying at Kai. The Dai Ryujin Shogun Punch connected and Kai screamed as he was hurtled at the gate by the four energy dragons. He smashed through the doors which swung open on impact and vanished as he was sent to parts unknown.
Once the adrenaline wore off, Shogun Gaim lowered his arms and allowed himself to relax. He looked up at the Spirit Armors who gazed back at him before they faded away.
"Thank you."
"Congratulations, lad," Bucky applauded as he approached with Nanamomo. Both wore proud smiles on their faces.
"You did it," Nanamomo acknowledged.
Nagata canceled his transformation, returning their smiles with his own. His gaze then went to the open gate which was his one way out of Purgatory.
He had passed the Gatekeeper's Trial by Combat.
Now, he could finally return home.
He then looked back at his friends who had traveled with him during this entire journey.
"You both could come with me," Nagata offered.
"That's a nice offer, lad, but..." Bucky replied as he rubbed the back of his head. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself out there. I've been stuck in this place for so long that it's become my home."
"What about you, Nanamomo?" Nagata asked. "Once we leave this place, I'll cook something special for you."
Nanamomo's eyes brightened.
"Lass, go with him," Bucky encouraged. "You'll be much happier with him."
"Alright, let's go home," Nanamomo smiled. She was about to join Nagata when the three of them suddenly tensed up as they sensed five familiar and powerful Rinki signatures approaching.
"Oh no." Nagata recognized those Rinki signatures anywhere.
The Femme Fatales had found them.
"Pretty clever using your bird as a decoy to draw us away," Shirokumahime complimented but there was an edge in her voice. She saw the open gate but no Gatekeeper in sight. "And it looks like you defeated the Gatekeeper. Congratulations, Gaim, but you won't be going anywhere."
"Wow, lad. I'm impressed. You must've been really popular to have this many women coming after ya," Bucky quipped.
"There's no reason for you to come after me like this," Nagata said as he tried to reason with the Femme Fatales. "I'm not the reason you're in Purgatory. You were the ones who sacrificed yourselves to revive Dai Shi."
"Even so, you are still an enemy of the RinJyuKen Akugata and so we have some unfinished business to settle with you," Shirokumahime retorted.
The Five Femme Fatales began to advance, confident in their impending victory. Rinki began to rise from their forms as they prepared to unleash their special techniques on the group. Nagata was about to transform to fight again despite the exhaustion in his bones from his duel with Kai.
It wasn't going to be easy as the odds were heavily stacked against them.
Nanamomo suddenly went into action as she quickly used her power to trap the Five Femme Fatales in her Slothdown Field. They were instantly stopped in their tracks, moving as slow as snails. Nagata blinked at her swift action, surprised by the sudden respite before he felt skinny hands grab his shoulders.
"Lad, go through the gate! Hurry while you still have a chance!" Bucky pushed Nagata toward the gate.
"Wait, what about you two?" Nagata questioned worriedly.
"I'll hold them off for you," Nanamomo answered but she looked like she was straining to hold the Femme Fatales in her Slothdown Field.
"But I can't just leave you two!" Nagata protested.
"Nagata, you have a place to go back to. I don't. You have more reasons than me to go back. Now go. I can't hold them for long," Nanamomo argued as the Femme Fatales were gradually speeding back up. "Go now! Hurry!"
Nagata was reluctant to leave Bucky and Nanamomo behind to face the Femme Fatales alone but this was also his only chance to go home.
"I'll come back for you!" Nagata promised and he ran up the steps. He stopped at the gate to look at his friends one last time before he stepped inside.
The doors slammed shut behind him.
KRC: What an intense adventure, huh? And that climax! I had fun writing this chapter and we get to see some new exclusive Arms too.
First, some info on the LegenDriver. It's basically an upgrade of the old SengokuDriver. Mitsuki has a red one and Nagata has a blue one. The Cutting Blade is now called the Executting Blade and the Rider Indicator is known as the God Indicator. It still functions with standard and similar Lockseeds. And the three-level finisher system now uses the terms 'Attack', 'Break' and 'Finish' instead of the usual 'Squash', 'Au Lait' and 'Sparking'. Also, the finishers are based on Kamen Rider Build.
Nagata's LegenDriver had a blank God Indicator, which causes it to only generate his standard Ride Wear suit. Once the God Indicator is fully realized, the Driver now generates the Ryujin Ride Wear suit as its default.
And next, we have the newly featured RWBY Lockseeds which first appeared in Chapter 5 of Armored War Gods Saga Anthology: Spirits of Heroes. Here's a list of them and what they look like in their closed and opened states if you forgot or didn't read the chapter yet.
Red Rose: The cover has a red rose on it. Sliced open, the core image is a silver rose while the cover's backside displays Crescent Rose (scythe). Through this Lockseed, Gaim gains the ability to move at superspeed which scatters rose petals as a side effect. He moves so fast, it looks like he's teleporting. He can also turn himself into rose petals to prevent damage and to dodge attacks.
White Snow: The cover has an image of a snowflake on it. Sliced open, the core image is a snowflake and the cover's backside displays Myrtenaster (rapier). With this Lockseed, Gaim possesses the ability to generate magical circles called 'glyphs' which can generate a variety of effects for combat.
Black Beast: The cover has an image of a wolf on it. Sliced open, the core image is a yellow cat's eye and the cover's backside displays Gambol Shroud (katana and rectangular sharp-edged scabbard). Using this Lockseed, Gaim can create Shadow Clones to confuse and distract opponents. They are also solid enough to attack but are pretty fragile as they disperse after a single blow.
Yellow Sun Dragon: The cover had an image of a golden dragon. Sliced open, the core image was a flaming heart and the cover's backside displays Ember Celica (shotgun gauntlets). With this Lockseed, Gaim gains incredible physical power and can absorb damage to make himself stronger.
PURGATORY BESTIARY
Grimmbeasts, as dubbed by Nagata Oda, are denizens of Purgatory. They are the devolved remnants of Rinshi and Rinrinshi who have fallen in Purgatory after they have completely lost their minds and memories. As a result, they devolve into mindless, inhuman beasts. Grimmbeasts come in a variety of species. Nagata named them Grimmbeasts due to their similarities to the monstrous creatures that exist in the stories written by his birth mother Ruby Oda.
Badwolf: Bipedal wolf-like monsters that resemble werewolves. They are completely savage and hunt in packs. Each pack is normally led by an Alpha. Badwolves are armed with razor-sharp teeth and claws which allow them to easily rip and tear their prey to shreds.
Deathworm: A subterranean species of Grimmbeast that resemble giant earthworms (or like Graboids from the Tremors franchise). They can track their prey via vibrations in the sand. They have strong hides but they are not invincible. They attack by stalking their prey before they ambush them by bursting out of the sand. They also possess prehensile tongues that can catch prey like tentacles to drag them into its jaws. It is a very elusive hunter and just as dangerous.
Murdercrow: Grimmbeasts that resemble crows. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from being as small as a common crow to being gigantic. Like many Grimmbeasts, they are predators. However, they can be tamed. Such examples include Bucky's Murdercrow Pecky and the flock of Murdercrows under Takahime's control. Murdercrows are fast fliers and use their talons to snatch up their prey. They can also fire their feathers like arrows to strike down prey and enemies.
Creeplizard: These Grimmbeasts resemble raptors but are the size of a common house cat. They are the weakest species of Grimmbeast due to their size and individual strength. However, Creeplizards are pack hunters so they make up for their weak strength by working together. A large pack of Creeplizards can easily take down a Badwolf or Okuma by swarming them with their numbers. They are also fast and smart, which increases their danger. They are also precise hunters as they always aim for weak spots.
Ursagryph: Griffin-like Grimmbeasts but instead of being a hybrid of an eagle and a lion, they are a hybrid of an eagle and a bear. They possess the ability to fly and the immense strength of a bear. They are slow on their feet but their ability to fly makes up for that as they can pounce from the sky to tear their prey to shreds.
Okuma: Grimmbeasts that resemble grizzly bears. They are just as fast as Badwolves and five times as strong. They also possess razor-sharp claws and teeth but they normally kill their prey with brute force alone.
Sea Serpent: An aquatic Grimmbeast that lurks in the Abyss Lake. It resembles a plesiosaur but with the head of a crocodile and tentacles. They hunt like the Deathworm as they ambush their prey by bursting out of the water to grab them with its tentacles.
Slenderman: Humanoid Grimmbeasts who live in the Cave of Lost Souls. They don't hunt like normal Grimmbeasts. Instead, they attack by gradually draining the energy from their prey before moving in for the kill. Their victims would then become Slendermen themselves, adding to their numbers. They are not particularly strong or fast but their ability to kill by draining the life out of their prey makes them dangerous nonetheless.
Nanamomo collapsed as she was unable to maintain her Slothdown Field for much longer. Fortunately, by the time the Femme Fatales managed to break free, Nagata had already gone into the gate and was safely sent home.
The Sloth Rinrinshi looked at the Femme Fatales to see that they were upset. Correction, they were seriously pissed off. Seeing as Nanamomo was the reason Nagata was able to escape, they decided to take their anger out on her instead. Too exhausted to put up much of a fight, Nanamomo simply resigned herself to her fate. She would just respawn later. Hopefully, she would not forget her adventure with Bucky and Nagata.
As the Femme Fatales approached, Bucky stood in their way.
"Stand aside, old man," Shirokumahime commanded.
"No, you all stand down," Bucky commanded with a serious expression on his face. Nanamomo blinked at his tone. He never sounded so serious and authoritative before.
"You dare command us?" Shirokumahime threatened as frost coated her hand. She was going to have to teach this feeble old man a lesson.
"Yes, I do," Bucky retorted as pure Dorinki suddenly erupted from his skinny body. It made Shirokumahime and the other Femme Fatales back away as they cowered in fear and shock.
They gawked with mouths agape as he changed right before their eyes. He grew taller and became younger as his rags turned into regal robes. He lost his facial hair and weasel ears as a mask now occupied his face.
Nanamomo could not believe her eyes.
It was Dai Shi. The Great Death himself.
