At long last, we can get to some of the fights I've been waiting ages to get to! I'm glad everyone liked the Kisaragi family episode last chapter, and I hope everyone likes this chapter as well!
I don't want to waste any time, so I'll just get right to the action and disclaimers!
Neither me or The Swordslinger own Kill La Kill or Kamen Rider, if we did we'd be a lot richer and be sitting on an island surrounded by gorgeous women with fancy drinks and umbrellas.
Italics for thoughts, flashbacks, and belt voice.
Bold and Italic for Limit Breaks.
Bold for Senketsu and Zodiarts speech.
Recommended music for listening in this chapter.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Zero OST: Pledge of Demon.
Metal Gear Rising OST: The Only thing I know for Real.
Kamen Rider Fourze OST: Shooting Star.
Kill La Kill OST: Don't Lose your Way.
Kill La Kill OST: Kiryūin Ga Kill.
Kill La Kill OST: Kill wa Ill.
Kill La Kill OST: Don't Lose your Way Instrumental/Chorus Mix.
Yakuza 4 OST: Speed Star.
Yakuza 4 OST: Smile Venomously.
Kamen Rider Fourze OST: Bounce Back.
Haijime No Ippo OST: Inner Light.
Haijime No Ippo Rising OST: Weight of My Pride.
Kill La Kill OST: Gamagōri's theme.
X-X-X-X-X
Getting up with a groan, Tsumugu could only gape at what he saw in front of him. Acting as a protective shield for Gentaro behind it, the Rider stood up and sized the gunman in a cocky manner before stepping forward.
It was a Kamen Rider, but one he had no information or preparation for. Said Kamen Rider was a little shorter than Gentaro but had a much more practiced stance that spoke of intense martial arts training.
The Kamen Rider had a black as the night sky body suit, with intricate lines and dots forming the patterns of stars and the gravitational patterns of the planets themselves. Over each knee was a small silver armor plate resembling a gear, two silver rings over each of his feet along with blue striped boots completed his legs. Over his waist was a unique looking belt with a rolling black star covered sphere, said belt looked vastly different to the Fourze belt on all regards.
To continue the Kamen Rider's appearance, he had a blue section of armor that went over the right side of his body, ending in an impressive looking armored shoulder, over its arm was an odd device resembling a series of switches attached to what looked like a case of some kind or more accurately a small container. His gloves bore the same silver disks at on their back, giving him a much swifter appearance than Fourze had, which was completed with the ominous glowing of his dark purple eyes.
The helmet itself bore a resemblance to as stylized blue meteor falling with the fiery spikes forming the tips of the blue helmet, combined with the silver knight armored face plate, and the recurring dot like sections over the helmet, Meteor struck an extremely imposing figure.
"Who are you?" Tsumugu asked, gun aimed right at Ryusei's masked face.
The blue Rider swiped his thumb across his face, hooking it to point at his mask, "Kamen Rider Meteor… Your fate is mine to judge."
From her hiding spot, Maiko couldn't help but shout, "Who the Hell speaks like that but cliché 90s anti-heroes?!"
All tension was broken, but Meteor merely ignored her. After dealing with Gentaro, no quips or jabs to his favorite one-liner could hurt him, "I make it a policy to not fight humans when using this armor, but you're far from being human hunting others. Whatever the cause you may say is just seems like just an excuse."
Shaking his head slowly, Tsumugu fired a barrage of needle shots at the Rider was already running straight at him. In a split second the Rider turned a switch on the device on his arm and activated it with a battle cry!
"SATURN, READY? OK, SATURN!"
With a serious cry the belt created a glowing energy replica of that very same ringed planet over his fist much to everyone but Gentaro's surprise. Meteor swung his arm out, throwing a barrage of energy boomerangs that served to send the needles flying at him scattering, one even landing dangerously close to Maiko who yelped in terror.
"Watch it you disco themed nuisance! I'm weak and fragile dammit!" The neurotic trapper yelled back at Meteor who merely shrugged in response to her.
Growing slightly desperate as the blue Rider continued walking towards him, Tsumugu threw a bunch of spool grenades down fired at them repeatedly, the resulting explosion heading the Rider from view. A dust cloud obscured Meteor, seemingly hiding him from view, but the Nudist still felt something was weirdly off, and he didn't know what was making him remain tense.
Until an energy blade shout of the cloud and nearly cut his head off, had he not ducked down and avoided the ring like boomerang which just barely touched his Mohawk. His eyes widened as Kamen Rider Meteor continued stepping towards him, the ominous purple glow of his visor's eyes staring him down without mercy.
"You wanted the power of a Rider, now you have it. I hope you're ready to suffer the consequences of trying to harm a fellow Kamen Rider." He reached for the device on his arm but was stopped by Gentaro.
"That's enough, we got him." The friendly teen said with a grin before turning to the gunman, "I may not know what brought you here, but I can't stand seeing you fight like this, even less after what you did to Ryuko-chan."
Tsumugu merely aimed his gun at Gentaro, who didn't even blink, angering the Nudist, "Do you even understand what you're trying to protect? It's only a matter of time before you learn what that uniform really is, and then you'll lose your friend."
Despite the way those words were taken, Gentaro smiled, "You really don't know Senketsu at all, then." He shook his head, "Sorry, but I ain't selling my buds like that. Even if what you said were true, I do know what I'm trying to protect. So let me ask, what is it you're trying to fight for?"
"I shall eliminate all Life Fibers from existence." The man said coldly.
"And yet you're fighting without realizing it'll take…" Gentaro raised a single finger up, "…one punch. That's all we need to knock you down."
Tsumugu glared, "What're you even-"
"Yo." Said a voice behind him, and he finally turned to see Omiko and Takaharu ready. Both had sneaked when Meteor appeared, cornering the gunman between two Riders and two former Two-Star captains.
"Greetings." Oh, and a man bigger than him with a stern face and a Three-Star uniform.
Maiko grinned wickedly, 'Good old pincer tactic, how I love you…'
"Sorry, but after you hurt my friends I can't let you walk away without a proper fight." Gentaro said, cracking his knuckles, "So let's go! If you really want to fight like this to hurt us, I'll show you how heavy my fists are!"
With a roar, Tsumugu charged forward, as did the Rider. Both were face to face, the Nudist pulling back a fist as did Gentaro with their eyes locked on the other's. Time seemed to slow down as they threw their punches. The echoing smack of Tsumugu's knuckles on Gentaro's face reached everyone's ears, and the gunman smiled as he saw blood flying… only to freeze. Instead of stopping, Gentaro gave another step forward, fully extending his arm and nailing the sniper right in the face!
With a gasp, Tsumugu landed flat on his back while Gentaro's legs wobbled under his weight. With a heavy breath, the Rider righted himself and wiped the blood off his face while the Mohawk wearing soldier tried to get on his feet.
Despite himself, a drop of sweat rolled down the Mohawk wearing Nudist, there was no real way he could make it out of this situation with ease. His hand slowly inched for a pair of smoke bombs latched to his belt then in a blur of movement he threw down a flash bang he had been hiding in the opposite hand. Maiko cursed loudly as he ran as fast as he could away from the rooftop while everyone had their vision dazed.
'This is bad, I might actually get caught by these ki-'
What his thoughts originally were meant to end with, where he meant to run, when he thought he could get away, all of these were worthless in the end. Because standing directly in front of him in the path he was running towards, her expression as ice cold as a blizzard from hell, was the one Kamui wielder he didn't want to meet at all. Satsuki Kiryūin herself, Junketsu already activated.
"Useless! Pointless! Effortless! You thought you could run amok in my city, in this Honnō! You seem to have made a grave mistake in presuming that I would allow you to cause any more trouble than you've already managed!" Her words were as always ruthless and cold to the point of frost-bite.
Despite what faced him, Tsumugu kept running, pointing his needle gun at her and firing as many times as he possibly could. He needed to escape no matter what, as this day had gone from bad to worse in a single moment.
The barrage of shots was dodged by very slight inclines of Satsuki's body, her expression unchanging from its harsh glare and frown. When he reached her, he tried desperately to fire from point blank range, but it was all for nothing.
She only needed to perform a single swing of her blade Bakuzan, in that motion she had cleaved his raised needle gun into two pieces before his very eyes. Following with a pair of bullet-jabs so fast they made Takaharu jealous, the sheer force of her punches drove into his gut, making him spit out blood then collapse onto his back, with only two moves Satsuki had floored the man in an instant.
Coughing up a storm, his eyes stared into space blankly, it took a huge deal of effort just so he could manage to look up, only to see Satsuki picking him by the neck with one hand, the woman clenching her fist tight enough to choke him out. "You and your m-" and before he could say the word she knew he'd say, she delivered a karate chop to his shoulder so hard he felt the joints crack.
"Who sent you after Matoi and Fourze? Were you alone or are there others attempting to take their lives?" Satsuki was nothing if not an extremely skilled interrogator, she loosened the grip she had on Tsumugu's throat enough to allow him to cough, then attempt to spit on her face.
Her other fist impacted his face long before he could even gather saliva in his mouth. The driving force behind her blow sent him briefly into the kind merciful grasp of unconsciousness. However, Satsuki was not so kind, as she pressed her thumb against a pressure point on his shoulder, jolting him awake again with a vicious surge of pain.
"I will repeat my question. This time you will answer. Who sent you? The Nudists? Did you act alone? Why are you after Fourze and Matoi?" She asked him again with a stern expression, her eyes so cold they resembled chips of frozen granite.
"G…" Tsumugu begin gasping out, his eyes rolling into the back of his head due to the immense pain Satsuki was forcing on him via his pressure point.
"G…. G… go…" He continued gasping out until he at last got out an agonized insult. "Go… to… hell... you… Life-Fiber… monster!" Satsuki merely stared him down for a few pants-wetting seconds, her eyes never once changing from their permanent glare.
"And that's why you guys aren't charging head first against her." Meteor remarked, seeing now why his odd friend needed his help in such hostile territory.
With a brutal motion she sunk her knee into his gut, making him reel in pain until she threw him like a rag doll away from her person. His body bounced off the rooftop painfully several times like a rock skipping across a flat surface, finally after several agonizing rolls it slid to a halt in front of Gamagōri in an unconscious heap.
"Take him to a holding cell until I can spare the time to decide what we'll do with this filth." Her decree issued, Satsuki walked towards Gentaro and Meteor with a click of her heels, the black and blue Kamen Rider standing in front of his best friend protectively.
"She's still brutal." Gentaro said in mixed awe and fear.
"And who might you be, Kamen Rider?" Her eyes glanced over him and to Ryusei's secret annoyance, dismissed him utterly.
Like Gentaro he didn't find anything distracting about the scandalous appearance of Junketsu, although that was more because he knew looking too long would get him a whole lot of pain from Tomoko. And not in the pleasant kind like those weird books she ordered from her creepy occultist cousin in France and used for ideas.
"Kamen Rider Meteor. I see my work here is done, since I have nothing left to do here, I'll make my leave." Passing by the Kamui wielder, Satsuki's eyes briefly glanced at Ira.
The giant placed down a massive arm in front of Meteor's path, the other scooping up Tsumugu's limp form. "Halt! You are in the presence of Satsuki-sama herself! Show proper respect until she dismisses you!" Ira rumbled out dangerously as the woman spun on her heel, her eyes absorbing the form of Meteor intently.
Junketsu didn't shiver or do much more but turn its eyes towards Gentaro as best as it could, and Satsuki herself after looking at him…felt nothing for the new Kamen Rider. Despite his entire being suffused with Cosmic Energy, he wasn't chosen by it. It was like he merely wielded it like a weapon with no true appreciation for its infinite potential, but she could tell that despite that flaw he was like a trained swordsman, and his suit was his sword.
In this respect both Kamui and wielder were for once, fully synchronized in their thoughts, 'He is nothing to me compared to Kisaragi Gentaro.'
It stung the cocky rider's pride to be dismissed so handedly, but thanks to Tomoko cooling much of his admittedly well-deserved arrogance, he merely walked by her when Ira lifted his arm at a silent nod from Satsuki. The woman gave Gentaro a very brief glance-over, ultimately, she gave him a curt nod to let him know he was thus dismissed to return to his business of finding any clues on Uzu's whereabouts.
"So… should we go meet the fortune teller to find Sanageyama-senpai now?" Mako asked.
Instantly, Satsuki had a bad feeling about her trust in the odd group.
X-X-X-X-X
"Welcome young ones… to Aunt Enya's Mystery Shop… May I read the Tarot for you, dearies…?"
Inside a hut made of a purple cloth with stars and moons printed on it, the group walked behind Tomoko. Everyone but the lovely Goth girl felt uneasy about the place.
Gentaro could swear he saw a heart beating in a jar. Mako and Ryūko forced themselves to not shiver when a rat in a cage started eating a snake to break the usual way the food chain worked. Takaharu merely poked a dream catcher and yelped when a spark of electricity zapped his fingers. Omiko clung to her pompadour clad friend when a monkey paw tried to scratch her hair.
Ryusei remained close to Tomoko, already somewhat used to the weirdness she kept around her at the Rabbit Hutch, he didn't feel as nervous… though he did stick closer to her when swearing he heard his aunt Meiling talking about some maid and vampire mistresses.
Maiko for her part scoffed, "Nice decorations."
"Ah, a skeptic." The old lady, a woman covered from head to toes in rags and about half the spectacled trap mistress' size, giggled, "Worry not dear, I do not mind what you believe in or not. After all, the magic of yesterday can be the science of tomorrow. You may need time to accept a few mysteries are beyond understanding, but I think they make life worthwhile."
Tomoko bowed, "I can feel an odd aura around you. It's almost like a mist of justice, finding the truth hidden in this world. May we ask for your assistance?"
Old Lady Enya chuckled softly, "Sure, sure, dearie. My, it's been so long since I've met one of your kind. Not like those girls who dress to rebel, but an actual psychic." She extended her hands; which Tomoko took in hers. Everyone gasped when seeing the old woman had six fingers, "Hmm… Your strength is not this world… but even greater. Your power resides in space, the moon."
Said girl beamed, "Mako-chan, you were right, she is good."
"Wait, how we are sure she won't try to add this to the bill?" Maiko retorted, her red eyes on the old woman.
"Ehehehe, you're quite suspicious, aren't you? This is one is free of charge though, it's been forever since I saw one with the gift. You wish to find that Satsuki girl's comrade, don't you?" Enya cackled at their shocked look, folding her arms then throwing them out, followed by a swift motion of her hands diving into her sleeves, the old woman pulled out a small handhold orb.
It was little more than a glimmering crystal but the obvious power it emitted was noticeable even by Maiko who bite her thumb in anxiety at something she couldn't explain via science.
Rolling her body to and fro, like a dancing cobra it seemed, the old woman chanted in an indecipherable tongue, words flowing from her mouth and manifesting as actual flowing runes above her head. In one hand she made odd seals with her fingers, and in the other her orb glowed a deep majestic purple as the air shifted and begun cooling down.
With a loud cry the old woman waved her hand over her orb, her expression turning serious as it glowed like a miniature sun now. Energy streams wafted around it and her body, and faint mist circled her wrists and neck. If Tomoko squinted her eyes, she could make out a skeleton like figure floating around Enya's body, mist pouring from its mouth and covering the room in a faint fog.
Her eyes rolled up in a disturbing way showing only pure white orbs, then her voice came out in an emotionless tone as the temperature of the room dropped enough to make everyone shiver. "I see it… I see it! The Crow, the Lion, and the Peacock! The Crow and the Lion have broken the Ape's pride and covered it in the finery of the Peacock! His sword is no longer wielded in the name of the Warlord, but in his own interests! The Knight with the Mask challenges them, the Cockroach plays its hand, and the wearer of God's Dress defies the Cockroaches mad ambitions…!"
"Gugh… can it be less creepy?" the Kamui wielder groaned, shivering at the sight.
"Where are they, Granny Enya?" Gentaro asked, his hands on the table.
Soon the woman's eyes returned to normal, and she grinned weakly beneath the rags covering her, "Ehehehe… The sunset is where you'll find them, passing through the crossroads of…" she flipped a Tarot card out of her sleeve, aiming it at Mako, "The Hanged Man!"
The squirrely girl yelped when swearing she saw herself in the card, hanging by a foot with her arms stretched to the sides, "M-Me?!"
Old Lady Enya threw the card at the brunette, who caught it with another yelp, "You will be the one to bring them to those you wish to help. You are the avatar who has to choose between crossroads like you've done before. What path will you take, deary?"
"Uh…" Mako closed her eyes, before snapping them open, "Dina-chan's favorite candy store?"
Maiko put her hands on the table, "Wait, don't just guess! Give it some thought and-"
"Wait, it's been a while since we've heard of her." Omiko commented, "I may no longer be her captain, but I still got the right to worry for those that at least tried something in my club… unlike some."
Mako chuckled sheepishly, "S-Sorry, Omiko-senpai, but getting up on a Saturday to train early is-"
"It's perfectly normal!" the pigtailed blonde said, nearly smacking the brunette on the head.
"Ehehehe… Good, good… Following your gut can mean more than one thing." Old Lady Enya said before moving to the two former Two-Star athletes, "You two… You may not have fought much, but you need to be ready in this battle. Best of luck, dearies."
With a cackle, and a wave of her hand, the woman disappeared in a cloud of smoke while leaving them behind. They spun around, as they were outside again, and the shop they had visited had completely disappeared, like it had never even been there to begin with. The spot it had occupied was an empty lot that had construction equipment and pieces of concrete strewn around haphazardly.
"Yeah, that inspires confidence…" Takaharu commented with a nervous smile, "A gunman, a fortune teller, and now angry animals… Life can't be dull with you, huh, Gentaro-bro?"
Ryusei shrugged, "This is just Mondays with him around."
The pompadour clad Rider scratched his head, "Was that an insult?"
"Just stating the obvious." Ryūko said with a chuckle.
"Let's find Dina-chan! C'mon everyone, Omiko-senpai!" Mako pulled on the blonde's arm, making her give off an annoyed sound vaguely resembling a shark gnashing its teeth.
Racing through Honnō City, they quickly found the candy shop Dina loved the most.
Très Bien Sucre Candi Shoppe, it was a French owned candy shop that enjoyed high popularity amongst those who could actually afford to eat there, i.e. mostly One and Two Stars. It was popular for a wide range of reasons, its extremely intricate chocolate statues of the city itself, the delicious cream filled Goku uniform replicas that one could actually wear then eat, the massive licorice swords that were styled after Bakuzan itself, and even custom-made sweets for an entire range of occasion. It was popular among the REVOCS corporation staff as well, with Ragyō officially endorsing the store herself because she adored the divine strawberry bourbon chocolates that the store specially imported from France.
Gentaro stepped inside the Shoppe, looking around curiously before he noticed Dina far at the back. Just when he walked forward eagerly to meet her, a male foot stuck itself out from a bench just a few steps away from her seat and tripped him! Gentaro caught himself mid-fall, then looked shocked when he saw Sanageyama himself sitting across from Ikki himself.
It wasn't the fact that Uzu was with him, it was the fact that right beside the teenager was sitting a Zodiarts! Worse, it was that Cockroach like one he had fought before!
The Libra Zodiarts was best described as a cross between a cockroach, a pair of scales, a cyclops, and a cyborg. The entity possessed a glowing red eye set within a shadowed pair of scales resembling a dome like helmet, or more accurately a monk's bamboo hat, with a humanoid face directly underneath the bottom plate. It even possessed earring like gold attachments that went down the left and right corners of its head.
Two long antennae hung out over its face and extended to its knees, while over its intricate body were sets of glowing sigils that resembled spots or accurately dots. Said body had an insect like pair of wings that went down its back in a hard shell.
It stood taller than Gentaro did, and possessed a toned if not well-built shape to its arms, and legs. Its feet ended in boot like feet, connected to a glowing blue circle over its chest were a collection of chains that dangled below its body.
Its body also possessed a mantle like all of the Zodiarts Commanders did, said mantle was currently thrown over one shoulder like a jacket, and as the figure rose up to its full height, an air of menace surrounded it like a miasma, making the air hard to breath.
Clutched tightly in its hand was a large staff with rings upon it. It looked like a Buddhist monk staff or Khakkhara, which he banged lightly upon the ground. The staff was called The Decay, a fitting name for a weapon of a Zodiarts Commander.
"How interesting, you actually found us before we were ready to attack you… Was it fate or the stars themselves that led you here? No matter, Corvus, Argos, take this as your official loyalty test to Sagittarius-sama. Annihilate Fourze and his compatriots with prejudice and burn this travesty of a shanty town down after you finish. I will deal with the Kamui wielder."
Libra rose slowly, before he clanged the staff noisily. The ringing in everyone's ears continued until Gentaro noticed that Ryūko had disappeared in a flash, making his friends whirl around rapidly, when he turned around again he was facing against Kazama and a now emotionless looking Uzu.
"Yo, Gentaro-senpai." Ikki said with a slight smile as he turned rather darkly serious, "You've been trying to save my girl, I appreciate the sentiment. But this is above you, so I'm here to tell you to stop interfering with our plan. You going to Inumuta and Satsuki-'sama' really messed it up."
Gentaro stood his ground, "Sorry, well. Not really! You've fallen, and that means I have to help you get back up! The power of the Astro Switch is corrupting you, so to save the Kazama Ikki that Dina Saori-chan loves, we'll fight you together." His words were heralded by Takharu stepping up to bat, the boxer rolling his neck around.
"Sorry, Kazama-kun…" Takaharu came, bumping his gloves together with a grin, "As your former club captain I got to see if you have what it takes to fight Gentaro-bro."
Ikki's smile spread across his face just a little bit more, "Always trying to be high and mighty… Senpai, I really respect that about you, but it's grown just a little wearisome."
He turned his head as did the other two. Dina Saori was tied up right in a corner booth, her eyes squeezed shut. Raising a hand, Ikki walked over to her and gently lifted her up. He took her out and continued walking, setting her down a good few steps away from the candy store, walking back inside he cracked his neck with a grunt. The tension was so thick one could see and cut it with a knife. It was broken only when Kazama Ikki moved without warning, making the first move was a sign of his impatience and aggravation towards their situation.
Kazama dashed at the smaller boxer, throwing a lightning fast jab that Fourze and Takaharu barely dodged. With gritted teeth, the rider spun around to get some distance, but as a boxer Takaharu couldn't just do that. Instead the short pugilist pulled his fists close to his face for defense, stepped in, and swung his arm up for an upper-cut!
A blast of air made both Gentaro and the still unmoving Sanageyama's clothes flap in the wind like capes when Ikki's own clawed fist met the upper-cut to stop it, making Fukuroda grin, "I see you learned. Fine then, I'll fight you like a boxer should!"
Nastily smiling at his former captain, Ikki grabbed his Astro Switch. He flipped the Switch in his hand up, then pressed the red button while laughing wickedly. In a blast of swirling stars and energy, the Corvus Zodiarts stepped forward with an ominous cackle.
It was a tall yet extremely skinny creature, with an emaciated torso wrapped up in bandages. It bore two armor-plates over its pectoral muscles, each one colored a deep grey, and modeled like a pair of crow wings. Its arms were clad in a pair of clawed gauntlets, resembling the talons of the very raven it was based off of.
Extending out from the thumbs were elongated black blades, which gleamed nastily in the sun. Its legs were much the same as its arms, clad in clawed boots with runners tape running along the length of its skinny twig like legs.
Around its body was a piece of clothing, not exactly a mantle as it was a short black feathered cape, to complete its body were a pair of raven beaks attached to the shoulders of its body which opened up briefly to release gouts of steam into the air, its head was where the crow idea took a little bit of a hit.
As the head was a scarecrow like affair, with blank white features and a bandage worn around its eyes along with a beaked mouth guard, ending with a pair of crow-wings that extended from either side of its head. In short the entity resembled a humanoid crow that had learned how to box.
Or that weird horror game with the suit wearing monster he had played, tried to get scared by, and ultimately gave up as it just seemed to rely on jump scares and creepy static. Americans were into weird horror like that, even Ryūko found the game ultimately pointless.
"Ahahaha…this is invigorating." Kazama chuckled softly, cracking his neck by tilting his head from one side to the other, "If you got any words left, say them now you two. Make sure to fight with no regrets since you've brought me to this part."
Gentaro never backed away from a potential battle, and as he pulled out the Fourze Driver, he turned back to give his friends a serious look that showed his utmost trust in them.
"Omiko-chan, Mako-chan, Ryusei, Tomoko-chan, Maiko-chan... I'll leave saving Ryūko-chan to you all! Takaharu and I will deal with these two on our own!" His words, given with a confident grin made his friends nod firmly at him.
Omiko paused for a second, then pumped her fist up furiously, holding Death Racket over her shoulder while she pointed at him, "Beat the crap out of that Tanuki for me! And bring Sanegayama-senpai to his senses too! Just go for it Gentaro!"
Adjusting her glasses rapidly, Maiko bit her lip before she gave him a thumbs up, "You're the only guy next to that boxing maniac who can bring these two morons to their senses, you know what to do!"
Chiming in with a cheer, Mako gave Gentaro a wide smile, "You can do it Gen-chan! You're the man who will befriend everyone in Honnōji! All you need to do is believe in the Fourze who believes in his friends!"
Ryusei was the last to leave, merely giving a nod at Gentaro before saying just as he was about to leave with Tomoko clinging to his back, "Don't worry Gentaro-san, I'll protect them no matter what."
Tomoko gave the Rider of friendship a creepy yet kind smile, "Do your best Gentaro, you'll win as long as you fight for the sake of making others smile…"
With the Fourze Driver in hand, Gentaro held it above his waist, the belt extending around his body in a quick flash!
"Kazama, Uzu, I'll bring you both back to normal! That, is my promise as a man! I'll befriend the two of you, Zodiarts or not!"
He pulled the handle, the belt sounding off loudly as Uzu activated his Switch, transforming into the Argos Zodiarts in a dark swirl of stars.
NEO KAMEN RIDER CLUB FOUNDER
KAMEN RIDER FOURZE
GENTARO KISARAGI
AND
NEO KAMEN RIDER CLUB MEMBER
EX BOXING CLUB CAPTAIN
TAKAHARU FUKURODA
VS
BOXING CLUB CAPTAIN
CORVUS ZODIARTS
KAZAMA IKKI
AND
ELITE FOUR MEMBER
ARGOS ZODIARTS
SANAGEYAMA UZU
SPIRITS ARE ABLAZE!
"THREE!"
The Corvos Zodiarts nearly flew across the ground, rushing right towards his opponents. The Argos Zodiarts was already running forward ahead of him, his massive stone blade scraping against the ground with a screech of metal.
"TWO!"
Takaharu shot forward, Sunday Two punching the mighty swing away with the destructive power of a bomb going off, this meeting of force resulted in a massive explosion detonating around them and sending the shop chairs and seats flying out of the windows, glass tinkling down to the streets outside in a rain of sharp fragments, containers full of candy fell down with loud clatters while the air rumbled dramatically like a storm itself had gathered in the shop.
"ONE!"
Leaping into the air, the Corvus Zodiarts fists were met in an epic clash from Takaharu, the two pushing against each other with all their strength! The Argos Zodiarts swung his sword back after getting knocked off course just as Gentaro threw his hand in the air!
"HENSHIN!"
Both Rider and belt shouted to the very skies above, a blast of blue smoke erupting from the belt before Kamen Rider Fourze had arrived! Crouching down, then leaping up as his voice came out in a loud scream that echoed across the entire city, and around the world.
"UCHU… KITAAA!" Slicking back his helmet, then pointing at the two Zodiarts with his fists along with Takaharu, Fourze declared proudly, "Kamen Rider Fourze is here! Let's do this man-to-man!"
X-X-X-X-X
While the four hot-blooded males were ready to fight, the club's hot-blooded girl found herself almost alone. She at least always had her trusty partner with her, as it should be. However, the situation she was in was not to her liking. Looking down gave the poor red-locked girl a bad sense of vertigo when her stomach and heart threatened to sink below her intestines.
"I see you have an odd affinity to space. Could it be your uniform, or something in you?" Libra asked, walking to her with his cloak on.
"Ryūko, listen carefully…" Senketsu started, "This man, just being near him… It's like space embraces him, yet he uses space itself like an animal uses its claws. I know it's obvious, but this man is dangerous for a reason! He is one to force space to his will!"
Surprisingly, Ryūko kept her cool, "Space, Cosmic Energy, Life-Fibers… I guess it doesn't matter what it is, all of you clowns are just itching for a fight." She said with a grin before narrowing her eyes, "Piece of advice, chump, fighting me and keeping me away from my friends is a lost battle. I'm never alone."
"I see your bravado is comparable only to your short sight." The man said before producing a Switch, "I have a proposition for you, Matoi Ryūko. Make a wish upon a star… and find your father's killer."
The girl's eyes widened in anger, "Don't screw with me, you oversized bug! You think just because you spout that kind of nonsense I'll ignore what you did to Dina's boyfriend and Eyebrows' green monkey, or that you declared war on my friends?!"
Libra kept his composure, "Hold it, Matoi. Remember, this is a power the likes Fourze uses. It's a gate to one's dreams. Do you even understand what you're ignoring? Sure, Kazama Ikki and Sanageyama Uzu have become mere puppets of their desires, but it is by their own foolishness that happened. You, however, with that much determination could find the answers you seek, answers this school's empress hasn't given you… answers your friends haven't tried to find despite their claims of being loyal to y-"
Libra's monologue was halted when he had to stop the girl's punch from reaching his one-eyed face, "Here's my rebuttal." Ryūko growled before turning around her fist and showing him a single proud finger.
"Then it'll be by force." The man said before shoving her back with little effort, throwing off his cloak in doing so while the red locked girl rolled near the edge and now registered she was at the top of the wall surrounding the school, "I've already said my piece. I shall now see how that tenacity breaks when you show your true colors. After all, everyone has a wish, and yours couldn't be more obvious. Will you fight me and lose, letting your friends fall down, or will you use this Switch to try to fight me?"
As he said that, he nonchalantly threw the Switch between the two of them. Ryūko growled, "Cocky son of a…"
"Focus, Ryūko! Do not let your blood boil! If he keeps taunting you like this it's because he must have some plan!" Senketsu warned her.
She nodded, "Alright, and here's mine!" she bit the pin on her glove, "Let's shove that stick of his down his throat!"
NEO KAMEN RIDER CLUB VICE CAPTAIN
KAMUI WIELDER
RYŪKO MATOI
VS
SIXTH HOROSCOPE
LIBRA
KOUHEI HAYAMI
CAN YOU FEEL YOUR PULSE RAISING!?
In a blast of Life-Fibers, Ryūko stepped forward, scissor blade held up to her face. Her eyes were closed in utmost concentration, without warning red light erupted around her body, forming a visible aura that took the shape of glowing flames. She snapped open her eyes, revealing that they were now glowing bright blue.
"Like a Dragon, Scarlet Spirit!" Swinging her scissor blade to the side, a massive furrow was left in the ground before she shot forward faster than Libra could track her.
The Zodiarts whirled around when his instincts screamed at him. He got a good look at the red locked girl shooting her fist right into his mouth, an explosive wave detonating around her and sending the monster flying backwards.
Libra got up slowly, his body hardly scoffed from the strike which in turn made the Kamui wielder spit to the side in frustration, "Pathetic, you think you can harm a Zodiarts Commander with such weak strength? You will need the power of that switch sooner or lat-!"
"SHUT IT! I don't need anyone's power… But that of my friends! They trust me, and I trust them, Senketsu is my partner, Gentaro and everyone else my comrades! You're the weak one here not me!" shutting up his monologue with a jump kick so perfect even the legendary Riders would call it exemplary, Ryūko drove both feet into Libra's stomach.
Her heels spiked out and whirled like drills as she launched herself into a helicopter sword strike that sent sparks flying from Libra's extra hard body. He stumbled back in irritation when she had to break away after he swung his staff at her, an air wave rippling out and sending a building crumbling to dust behind her.
"I guess I shall take this seriously for once." He said before disappearing from sight, shocking the girl.
"Did he-" she started, before he reappeared by her side, launching his fist to her gut. She reacted quickly and placed her blade between his knuckles and her exposed gut, making Libra growl before he thrust his staff like a spear at her. Once again, she reacted quickly and stepped aside from the strike.
"Nice reflexes. However, will that be enough?" he said before disappearing again with a dark chuckle.
Ryūko spat on the ground, "Just what I needed, a friggin' magician…"
"He must be using an optical illusion. I can still feel him around here. Do not let your gu- your right!"
Acting almost on instinct and synchronization with her suit, both uniform and wielder spun around as one to stop a strike from the bug-like Zodiarts to her side, "Sneaky asshole, stop hiding if you're that afraid of a girl!"
"Girl? All I see is a rabid dog barking without properly biting." Libra mocked her, "Besides, at least that school president acts more like a girl than y-"
If there was one thing Ryūko didn't stand was being compared to girls with bigger assets or more feminine attributes. Satsuki had both. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise to those close to the red locked drifter when her body basically acted on instinct at such taunts. Her heel met Libra's face, sending him stumbling back.
"I'm still the one kicking you ass, cockroach bastard." She spat out venomously.
Libra got up fully, holding his staff in both hands, "This is why I don't usually deal with women, you're always so emotional."
X-X-X-X-X
"Quickly everyone! Who knows what those two monsters may be doing to Ryu-chan! They may be brainwashing her to become Dark Magical Girl Edge! A bad parody of edgy stereotypes to try to-"
"You should stop imagining things and keep running!" Omiko growled as everyone made their way to the school, guided thanks to Kengo's monitors.
Said boy was talking to Ryusei, "Listen everyone, there's two Zodiarts Commanders there. One is the Libra Horoscope, he seems to be fighting your friend, and the other is the unidentified one! Be careful and let Meteor fight the unknown one, he's far more dangerous than Libra! That guy is no longer human, he's a beast! Just get Matoi to safety and do your best to avoid battle!"
"Finally, a plan I can agree on!" Maiko nearly cheered but kept running with gritted teeth behind her friends.
A boom sounded off in the distance, making everyone sweat-drop as they also saw flashes of crimson light, Omiko looked disgruntled while muttering, "Well we now know where the flasher is…."
Ryusei suddenly skidded to a halt behind them, then ran off suddenly, everyone looking at him in confusion as he had seemingly left their company. He even let Tomoko off his back so he could disappear.
The reason for his departure was sitting right in front of them, his back turned while he sat on a park bench. Everyone when noticing the newcomer as he stepped back slowly as he gave off an aura of pure danger and beast like power. They could feel the air distorting and rippling slowly, if one was to pay attention, they could even see the word menacing flow around him.
Getting up, the man turned slowly, revealing his harsh features and extremely muscular appearance, the sound of walnuts being rolled in his palms suddenly stopped, and with that he took a single step forward, "You kids are…"
"UNDER THIS IRA GAMAGŌRI'S PROTECTION!"
In an explosion of force, a man even bigger than the one facing them landed protectively in front of the group. They couldn't be happier of seeing his gigantic form towering over the fighter in front of them who merely asked him in a confused tone. Though Mako was perhaps the happiest of them.
"…Yakuza? What family do you belong to?" the Leo Horoscope asked while crushing his walnuts, putting the crushed dried fruit into his mouth as he waited for an answer which the disciplinary committee president didn't give.
"I should ask what your business is here, but seeing you stepping forward after reports of your attacks on our students means that I, Ira Gamagōri, have to take you down." As always, the human giant was all business.
Meanwhile, Ryusei hid behind a building far off from the action that no one could see him, even Satsuki's cameras. With a soft exhale, he held out the Meteor Driver then placed it over his waist. Putting on his game face when hearing the belt connecting itself with a snap.
"M-Bus. Henshin Confirmation." He pushed down a mechanical lever and yanked it all the way to the other side of the belt, before it chimed out clearly, "Meteor Ready?"
Far above him, drifting in the atmosphere, was a massive blue satellite that locked onto his position, rotating his arms around in a martial arts kata. Ryusei held them both in front of his body saying with a calm expression on his face, "Henshin."
With a funky disco blare of music, he threw his arms to the side, the spinning sphere on his belt whirling until a blue whirling aura overtook his entire body. In a flash of blue light that was fired down from the heavens above by the satellite, his entire body was enveloped, shooting out like a meteor itself, he shot forward and rammed into the massive man who flew back painfully from where he just was, and getting him to spit his mouthful of walnuts.
Kou snapped his eyes wide open before jumping to his feet with a glare, "I wish you hadn't done that." He said with a monotone that reminded Mako of an evil cartoon cat with a British accent.
"We meet again, Kamen Rider Meteor." Ira said as he stood by Meteor's side, "Since you are here to aid the students of this academy, let me give you my most sincere gratitude… once we deal with this man."
Meteor smiled behind his helmet as he swiped his thumb over his face, "Glad to be on the same page. Now, let's judge this man's fate."
"Everyone, we need to get to that Libra cockroach now!" Maiko shouted to the others, "Let them fight, we need to get to him before things really get out of hand!"
Mako just looked to her friends and Ira's back, "B-But Gamagōri-senpai hasn't fought guys like this cat man. We can't just-"
"Mankanshoku, worry not for me, but your friends first!" the giant called to her, "I am this school's living shield, if I were to fall into Hell itself, I'd crawl my way out of it! Mankanshoku, believe I'll find my way out to take any pain those who think of harming you or everyone under my protection want to dish out!"
"Y-Yes, sir!" Mako said before she and the others ran off.
Kou merely cracked his neck, "They can run all they want, Antenna Boy can take care of the girl before they do anything. You two, though… I guess I shall see if you're proper warm-up."
With a press of a button, he transformed into the fearsome Leo Horoscope. When the stars and Cosmic Energy settled on his body, both Meteor and Ira saw the monster behind the man.
The Leo Zodiarts was massive, even for a Zodiarts he stood tall and beyond muscle bound. His body was covered in unique white armor, two armor plates went down the sides of his grey colored legs, with a third hanging below his crotch as a sort of loin-cloth. Each of these armor-plates extended all the way down to his clawed feet.
Much like Libra he bore golden ornate jewelry over his body, namely anklets, kneepads, a belt, and a chest piece that all bore similar blue gems. His broad chest was covered in white armor intersected by blue lines that traced the course of his body. Down his back extended a black jagged tail ending in an arrow point, which was waving about threateningly as the beast stepped forward.
Over each of his shoulders were vicious looking pauldrons that resembled a fanged maw snarling. These armor plates extended down in the shape of white gauntlets, which naturally exposed his viciously sharp looking claws.
To complete the imagery of a lion, his head was beastlike, a horrible snarling maw that possessed savage looking fangs, a gold patterned head with small yet dangerous red eyes, and a wild mane that resembled sheer rock face. Leo for all intents and purposes was a monster even for a Zodiarts, and looked the part with how massive he was.
Then he talked, and all parties shivered in utmost terror, the ancient primordial fear of a defenseless animal in the face of a ravenous beast, "Who shall I face off first? Which of you is to be my prey? If you have any pride as warriors, then stand forward, or I'll cut you down no matter where you flee."
Stepping forward, the ground was slowly being crushed due to the sheer strength that inhabited every square inch of Leo's muscle-bound body. Gamagōri unflinchingly walked towards the monster, Meteor somehow keeping in perfect step with the giant.
"I am the shield of all students that inhabit both this city and Honnō itself! I am Ira Gamagōri, I will not run away from a foe!" He knocked his fists together roughly, before throwing them to the side as red light gathered around his body, "I will never walk away from my duties!" He declared as his uniform begun to glow in prismatic sparkling light, "I will always protect those close to me or in need! So come forth monster and I will personally put you down! Let me show you the power Lady Satsuki bestowed upon me, the Three-Star Goku Uniform: Shackle Regalia!"
In a flash of light similar to that of other Kamui wielders, Ira's clothes changed and soon he showed his true power. To say his uniform was bizarre was selling it short. To both Leo and Meteor, it looked like the man had been wrapped in gray bandages with his two-tree trunk for legs covered in gray skin-tight pants. Over his shoulders rested a large orange ring, similar to that some deities carried in Japanese lore. However, his arms and other features seemed to be inside the thick layers upon layers of bandages, making the name shackle truly fitting for the uniform.
NEO KAMEN RIDER CLUB MEMBER
KAMEN RIDER METEOR
RYUSEI SAKUTA
AND
ELITE FOUR MEMBER
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE CHIEF
IRA GAMAGŌRI
VS
FOURTH HOROSCOPES
LEO
KOU TETSUGAMI
FEEL THE HEAT!
And yet, Leo merely extended an arm to the giant, sharp wrist blades aimed at him, "That form won't fool me easily. The instant I attack you, you will trigger a trap of sorts… That is why…" Meteor and Ira gasped when the towering Horoscope disappeared from view in a flash of movement, before standing right in front of them the next second, "I shall go all out from the start!"
Ira's body was thrown to the sky by a brutal swipe, but before he could boast of his suit's power, he saw in horror a deep gash on his bandages, "What?! My Shackle Regalia's defenses have been broken?! What kind of pow-" and then it hit him, "I see, so this is Cosmic Energy! I've been a fool for underestimating you!"
Meteor, who had been stunned by the Horoscope's strength had but a fraction of a second to block the incoming backhand. He managed to keep Leo's claws away from his head while grunting, feeling his feet sliding back. Leo merely raised his other hand and went for a brutal strike to the Rider's gut, which Meteor kicked… only to get himself kicked on the side by the more experienced martial artist!
"Guh… This guy's been in too many battles…" the Rider groaned while taking his distance and also his stance, "But it's not like I took martial arts to be idle."
"Well said!" Ira's voice boomed from above as both Cosmic Energy reliant fighters watched spiked whips sprout from his suit and start hitting his own body, "Meteor, get ready, I'm about to burst with this pain I have inflicted on myself for my mistake!"
Rather than comment on how the way the blond man worded that sounded too wrong, the Rider stepped back and reached to his belt. Leo gave two steps back and watched Ira fall down on him. With a roar, the disciplinary school committee president's uniform really did burst, showing its true form as countless spiked vines shot from all sides towards Leo. His body was now covered in a skin-tight Life Fiber armor with orange highlights, his head protected by a medieval kind of helmet, and his arms were free of the binds.
Leo merely chuckled as he readied his claws for wild swipes, "You two are too wet behind the ears when it comes to fighting! Naïve! Naïve! Naïve!" he chanted as he sliced every single of the veins that tried to strike him down.
"The only naïve one is you!" Meteor said, dashing in from Leo's hand. The Horoscope gasped when seeing a certain large red planet on the Rider's fist, "Wah-tah!"
Feeling the full strength of Mars on his ribs made the Horoscope step back… and then step forward to try to strike the now surprised Rider. Before that could happen, three vines wrapped around the beastly Zodiarts' arm to keep him from harming the black and blue Rider. Seeing his opening and mentally thanking Ira, Meteor jumped up and with another battle cry delivered a solid roundhouse kick to Leo's face, getting him to stagger back even further, but he still didn't fall.
"Naïve… oh so naïve…" Kou said while cracking his neck by tilting his head from one side to the other, "If you think your little tricks can harm me, you're really too wet behind your ears!"
"What a monster…" Ira growled while he and Meteor stood side to side before Leo, "Meteor, you have more experience with these enemies. I'd like your advice."
The Rider got into his stance yet again, "It's simple, we keep hitting him until we make sure he doesn't stand up. If that doesn't work, keep getting back up as many times as you need to."
Ira grinned, "Simple and to the point. I like you, Kamen Rider Meteor."
X-X-X-X-X
While the three simultaneous brawls took their place, a certain CEO watched with a not very happy expression, "Rei, I'd like to have a talk with that mad space man… Immediately."
"As you wish, Lady Ragyō." The petite purple haired woman said before leaving, not without a polite bow, though.
Biting her thumb with the most pissed off expression she had in a while, Ragyō's blood pressure was frantically rising. Not even the allure of seeing Fourze fight could change the fact that she was beyond furious with Gamou.
Rei immediately returned with a cell phone that the beautiful and terrifying CEO grabbed in her hand. Holding it to her hands, she was treated to an even bigger insult than before. She had gotten Gamou's answering machine, and it was playing a cheery theme he had liked from Pokémon.
Her expression turned sour, before the phone was actually answered by Gamou. The principal was relaxing in his office, reading a book on ancient aliens and chuckling at the logic presented.
"Ah, Ragyō, pleasure to hear from you. I take you've seen the show that is brewing?" he asked while putting down his book next to his favorite cooking magazine.
"How dare you use my city and my test subjects for your experiments! This means war!" she roared into the phone with such force that Rei felt her hair getting flung behind her.
Gamou merely chuckled, "Did I? Why my dear friend, it's as if you think so little of me. You and I need proper test subjects for our plans. Life-Fibers, Astro Switches, they both feed off Cosmic Energy. Surely you have been curious, haven't you, of what'd happen if both were combined? Or wished to know what is stronger? A Life-Fiber uniform or a Zodiarts?"
Inhaling sharply through her nose, Ragyō felt her pulse calm down and her aching headache fade away. As much as she loathed Gamou, she hated to admit it, but her scientific curiosity was piqued by his words.
"…I have entertained such thoughts before." She finally said aloud, glancing at a set of photos she had framed around her desk. Each of them was of Fourze's States, from left to right, Elek, Fire, Magnet, Rocket, and Cosmic.
She had purposefully left space in between each States, feeling that there was more untapped potential left unseen for the Kamen Rider who so thoroughly occupied her interest and desire.
Gamou chuckled softly, his hands playing a game of Pokémon while he talked to the woman, he was doing his best catch a Feebas, patient as always to get what he wanted, "You see? It is only nature to wish to study the results of what would happen when Cosmic Energy and Life Fibers, two entities stemming from the infinite cosmos around us, fused together as one. I admit, as an astronaut the concept is intriguing… Don't you agree?"
"The next time you try this kind of stunt, the only thing we shall agree on is that you'll make a fine meal for the original Life-Fibers." She nearly hissed at him.
The man just gave another soft chuckle, "I'd actually look forward to it. Could those threads really take full control over me or is my Astro Switch more than enough to deal with them?"
Without another word, both maniacs put down their phones and observed how results unfolded. The CEO had her petite secretary worrying at the way she clenched her hands together.
X-X-X-X-X
"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon…This isn't nearly enough to get my blood pumping senpai…ahahaha! Take this! Corvid Cooler! Ahaha…" The two pugilists danced across the tile floor, one human, the other monster, their fists blazing around each other with loud pummeling noises, making the air vibrate with force as their fists kept on moving.
Stepping back with a wild laugh, the Zodiarts let loose a driving jab so fast it made the air freeze as all heat was sucked out and into his fist, making said gauntlet glow a burning red, Takaharu merely threw his entire left arm forward, Monday One turning a static electrical color as sparks shot from its surface.
"Thunderbird Blow!" A clap of lightning emitted from a punch that broke the sonic barrier, their fists clashing in a wild storm of heat and lightning! As a tornado formed from their attacks meeting and refusing to give, the Zodiarts towered threateningly over the much smaller boxer who just rose up to face the monster.
"It's not just me I'm fighting for to beat you Kazama-kun! I'm fighting for the pride of my club, my friend's pride, and for the sake of everyone who believes in me! Your fists are heavy with your anger, but they lack the weight mine carry! Can you really say you're fighting for Dina-san anymore!? When you're letting your desire to fight Satsuki-sama override your desire to protect your girlfriend!" The tornado shattered into blasts of wind when their fists were finally knocked apart, their bodies swiveled to the side before Takaharu clenched his teeth tightly and rose up both fists, heat pouring across their surface!
Flames wrapped around both of his fists as he exhaled sharply, burning orange fire rippled over his body, forming an aura that reflected his opponents pitch black fire, their steps made the ground rumble before Takaharu shot forward, his fists erupting into a burning barrage of blows!
"COMET COMEBACK!" Weaving a fire storm of punches that fell upon the monster like falling stars, every strike pummeled the Zodiarts relentlessly, making Corvus actually cough in pain, if it had eyes this was where they'd widen as the punches actually kicked up a notch, appearing to fill the air like meteors falling endlessly from the skies above!
Stumbling back after the barrage ended and he regained his bearings, the Corvus Zodiarts rushed back himself, his fists flying together before he shot off a simple combo, a simple combo that was meant to completely destroy his opponent, "Crow Claw Right! Crow Claw Left! Crow Beak Straight! And to finish it…! CROW DIVE HOOK!"
Sinking his right fist into Takaharu's face, a murder of crows erupted out of his fist in a black stream of energy, pounding his left fist into the smaller boxer's stomach. A black beam shot out and hit the wall behind them, burning a hole through it. Ramming his entire arm through the Boxer's chest, a blast of black energy knocked him back with his hair covering his eyes, and as he launched a final hook that took the form of a crow in flight Fukuroda smiled.
It was a small grin, like he knew something that his opponent didn't, and in that moment the Corvus Zodiarts knew he done goofed. Despite his astonishingly strong blows, Takaharu had been guarding every single one, his fists moving unconsciously and faster than his eyes could see, the perfect block was something the boxing world had long dreamed of. Takaharu in his dream to become as great as the heroes he idealized, had found it.
His gloved hands, through a life time of training and pounding bags under the power of his own will to surpass every limit he had, had unlocked a feat so amazing it would be heralded as legendary in the boxing world were he to share it. His hands moved faster than sound itself, opened wide to block punches aimed at the areas targeted. If he were conscious at that moment, he would be more than happy to use it further. As it was, the first blow and its recoil, even though his block had knocked him unconscious for a brief second.
"Genji Guard…" His words were murmured before his eyes snapped wide open, his consciousness returning to see the face of the monster standing above him, with an uppercut counter, the boxer sent his opponent stumbling back with a curse.
"Whoa!" Gentaro gasped as he ducked under a swing from Uzu's sword before parrying with Billy the Rod, the Rider being thankful of Elek States' versatility when he twisted the rod so the tip delivered quite the strong jolt to the proud swordsman.
He was surprised that Uzu didn't seem to mind grabbing the rod with one hand like he was just getting tickled, "Surpass… Fourze… Surpass Lady Satsuki!" he said before trying to behead the Rider, who quickly spun around and brought his leg to the peacock man's side.
He immediately stepped back with a wince, "Ow! Dammit, I hate dealing with this kind of Zodiarts with heavy armor!" he didn't have fond memories of the Cancer Horoscope.
"Such a simple-minded but strong conviction, gotta hand it to you, senpai. You've gotten stronger…" the crow Zodiarts said as he side-stepped one of Takaharu's punches, getting close to the shorter boxer and using his slim body to lean away from another to try to deliver a hook.
Not daring to step back as he was fighting besides the man he respected, Takaharu shouted, "Don't lose your rhythm, Gentaro-bro!" the boxer said as his fist clashed against Ikki's to stop his punch, gritting his teeth at the might behind the crazed pugilist's hand, "In any boxing match, letting your opponent decide the rhythm is already a loss! Make them fight on yours no matter what!"
As he said that, he crouched in for an upper-cut that Ikki parried with his elbow, "Idiot, you're wide o-" what he was expecting was for Fukuroda to step back with a broken hand, not to see his fist propel his forward, hitting Ikki's own fist right into his face.
Now cornered against a wall, Gentaro ground his teeth, "I can't just gawk when my buds are giving it their all or hoping with their heart for the best!" he pulled out Elek's switch, and pulled out his phone, "Our bonds will pull us together, pushing us closer to our dreams! Uzu, after this fight, let's start from zero! I want to befriend you knowing you as who you really are!"
Pulling the phone apart, and holding two switches, one red and the other blue, the Rider put both switches down into his Driver, after switching out Rocket and Drill.
"N MAGNET ON~! S MAGNET ON~!"
The belt chimed out a low-toned dynamic theme as Cosmic Energy surged towards the Rider, enveloping his entire body in a glowing aura, transforming his entire form! The Rider stepped forward slowly, the ground rumbling as the café was filled to bursting with his raw energy.
This State made his usually white body turn a shiny chrome metal, appearing to be encased in a harder shell than before, with a much bulkier upper body that expanded in muscle mass under the suit, Magnet States appeared to be similar to a tank. Over each silver colored arm was a massive magnet, red for the right, blue for the left. Extending down his chest and to his thighs were similar colored lines, glowing brightly in the room.
His chest armor appeared so heavily fortified, even his head was sunken into a powerful looking collar. Three yellow lights shone like spotlights around his helmet, which had changed into a pure black color, with a long pair of antennae sticking above the deep black of his helmet, furthering the insect like appearance he had. Over each shoulder menaced a pair of cannons, their black barrels emitting steam as the room itself heat up due to his power.
"Uzu, I hope you're ready, because things are about to go crazy!" Thrusters fired up from behind him, blasting him forward like a rocket! His fist shot forward and nailed the Zodiarts in front of him, causing a clap of thunder in the room that shot his opponent back as if fired from a cannon ball!
Stomping forward, the Rider placed his hands onto the joystick like switches on his belt, and begun squeezing the triggers, making each barrel glow as a barrage of magnetic energy begun striking the monster that tried to get up. Despite the Argos Zodiarts best attempts, the constant barrage hammering it prevented it from even making a single step forward!
"Surpass Four-! S-Surp-" Its words begun getting lost in the storm of firepower being lobbed its way, massive energy spheres pummeling it repeatedly until the ground below them exploded into chunks, broken tiles falling everywhere and making the room rumble as if in an earth quake.
"Surpass this Uzu!" Finishing his barrage with a duo of explosive spheres that detonated into a glowing red and blue dome, Fourze stepped back to admire his handiwork, that step back saved him as through the dust cloud that had formed, a blast of red energy shot forward and speared where his feet would've been!
Fire erupted over the surface of the floor, melting the tile in front of him into slag and making the Rider look up in worry as the Argos Zodiarts continued stepping forward. Its head was whirling around like an owl's, showing that the closed eyes it had over its body were ripped open, revealing hundreds of burning red pupils that locked the Rider in place briefly.
Twirling his sword in his hands, Uzu attacked while Gentaro took aim and kept firing to keep him at bay. As this happened, Takaharu was realizing the advantage his fellow pugilist had, being taller and thus having a longer reach Ikki was pushing the bald boxer back. It was when his back hit a wall that the chip-toothed fighter forced him to reconsider what he was doing.
"Ngh… Ahahaha…Ahahaha! This is what I live for. I finally realized it, fighting is my life. Fighting to protect what I love, fighting to teach fools a lesson, fighting to beat down worthless scum. It's all the same to me. I'll fight to my dying breath to tell this rotten world, I'm here. I'm right here and I'm alive! Senpai, thank you for reminding me why I do what I do! Ahaha!" The Corvus Zodiarts was being corrupted steadily by the power of his Switch, the addictive properties of having so much power consuming him entirely.
His own laughter seemed to just pump him up more, his fists becoming a blur while Takaharu tried to keep up, "Dammit, you were always too narrow-minded when it comes to fighting, Kazama-kun!" the boxer said as he watched a faster than lighting punch come right to his face… before dashing straight at it, "You're not even putting your fists up to guard your face!"
Ikki's face was smashed in by a powerful cross-counter, Takaharu's arm thrown over his punch. The crow Zodiarts' fist flew past his former captain's shoulder while said small fighter leaned his head to the side to avoid the punch. Using the momentum and weight, shifting his feet to swing his body forward, the once Two-Star captain knocked down the skinny boxer, but not out.
"The hell…? When did you get this strong?" He couldn't believe it, refused to even consider it, but Takaharu's body was working itself into its pace, the inner workings of his muscles were already moving into the KO pattern he had long mastered.
Holding his fists up in front of his face then jabbing his right fist forward faster than the eye could follow, Sunday Two shot forward like a freight train, spinning at the same time to drill into the Zodiarts stomach! Inch by inch, the floor was ripped up by his feet skidding back and ripping into the floor desperately to slow down his movements.
"Rocket Drill Jab!" The smaller boxer declared loudly as flames erupted inside of his eyes.
Propelling his fist down onto Takaharu's arm to break off the punch, the Corvus Zodiarts stepped back, clutching his chest painfully. Takaharu danced back and let loose a noise through his nose and mouth, a quick exhale that increased his already rising spirit.
"Not bad… BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH SENPAI! CORAX CRUSH!" His normally cool personality was becoming wrapped up in the madness of his switch, driving him wild with violent urges and making him lose his calm.
Throwing out a hook that rammed into Takaharu's side with the force of a cannon ball, the Boxer spat out a bit of blood as he realized his kohai was no longer aiming anywhere but his vitals. He was a boxer who preferred precise and brutal KO's.
Taking out his opponent's vital areas one by one, even as a Zodiarts he hadn't lost that quality of his. In that manner he could be considered similar to Takamura Mamoru himself, using brute strength and reach along with extremely well-trained precise punches to literally beat an opponent into submission.
But… Takaharu smiled through his bloody teeth. The small pugilist could see his underclassman lacked experience and the sheer force that the Beast had held within his body. He was fighting with vastly enhanced abilities as a Zodiarts, but if Kazama Ikki thought that was enough to beat him, he was dead wrong.
"Rising Eagle Upper!" Rushing forward and ducking over the Corvus Zodiarts' straight punch, a rush of air echoing above Takaharu's head and sent the tables that were still standing, only because they were bolted into the floor, flying along with the rivets.
A murder of crows left his fist while he tried to recoil it with a hastily uttered, "NO!"
He was too late, Takaharu firmly planted Monday One underneath his chin, the golden glove gaining a burning energy field that rocketed up with the boxer who leapt with his punch. Instead of leaping straight up, he moved forward along with his punch. The resulting force blew the Zodiarts back like a ballistic missile, and sending him crashing down painfully onto the remaining bits of tile floor in a massive explosion that sent tables flying, weakly, he turned his head outside to see where Dina Saori was just starting to come to..
Cosmic Energy distorted around the crow Zodiarts, revealing his real human form, "Tch… Pathetic… If I can't even beat this guy, how am I supposed to beat those elitists atop this shitty academy?"
She woke up, seeing her boyfriend struggle to get up weakly.
"Ikki-kun! Please! Enough!" she begged him.
The lanky boxer snapped his head to her, "Stop? Why…? I'm so close winning, I'm right near the end of this dark tunnel!" He tried to convince her of his path. Only for her to shake her head.
"Please…no. Just…stop." She told him softly, Ikki struggling to get up and put his fists up again.
"Stop…?" he seemed confused by her request, weakly punching his knees to try and get himself psyched up. The Switch in his hands being clutched tightly. "No. Not when I'm this close! Just stay there Dina-chan. I'll deal with senpai, Gentaro, and then everyone else who insulted us!" The human stomped forward, snarling under his breath.
Throwing some jabs into the air, Takaharu tried to see if his opponent had any more fighting spirit in him, "Come on! If you believe that Switch will truly help you win your battles, you're still too naïve! Instead of taking its power, be like a boxer and learn to use it like a good pair of gloves!"
Grinding his teeth, Ikki threw down his Astro Switch, with Takaharu taking off his gloves. Both boxers stood before each other barehanded and with their fists up. The younger but taller pugilist glared at his former captain while said short but passionate fighter stared right back without flinching.
"I'll change this school, senpai." Ikki said as he took his own stance, "No matter what, I'll make Lady Satsuki herself regret treating others like they're underneath her. Just because I wasn't born like them doesn't mean I can't leave my own mark in history on my own. I won't be ignored anymore, just because I'm weaker. I'm alive, and I'm right here. Nobody will deny that any longer!"
"You were always really simple-minded, Kazama-kun." He reared back a fist, "Don't cry on me if this road isn't an easy one for you!"
"Then don't hold back, Fukuroda-senpai!" Kazama exclaimed, pulling back his own fist before simultaneously linking it on his former captain's face as said smaller pugilist nailed his underclassman's jaw.
The air was still, hushed even, before both boxers stumbled back, blood pouring from their faces. Breathing heavily, Kazama found himself stepping back to get a better pace going for himself. As for Takaharu, he found himself doing opposite, stepping forward with a determined expression. Another exchange, and the same result, making Kazama move back while Takaharu gave chase.
"Why are you running, Kazama?!" Fukuroda shouted after taking a hook to his right temple, "If you really want to do what you say, keep moving forward!"
"D-Dammit…." the skinny boxer gasped, trying to punch his former captain yet again, only to double over by a liver blow, "Shi-" his curse was cut short when Takaharu delivered another straight punch to his face, sending the raccoon like fighter rolling back.
Groaning, Kazama tried to get up, and noticed his hand grabbing something, something that talked to him, "LAST ONE!" the Switch declared darkly as it morphed into a darker, spikier version of itself with a top that looked almost like an eye ball. Takaharu clenched his jaw when he saw it, feeling in his bones that it was bad news.
But just as his thumb hovered over the button, Kazama spun his head around, gaping as he saw what was going on outside.
Dina was struggling to crawl to him, tears running down her face as she cried out, "Ikki-kun! PLEASE!"
That Switch was tempting him, he could throw it all away, gain power enough to beat Takaharu, and possibly even surpass Leo and Libra. With all that strength, there was nothing anyone could do to stop him.
Wasn't that what he wanted in the first place? Strength enough to avenge and fix the broken system that Satsuki had set up. A world of might makes right, where strength of conviction led to those without falling into the cracks.
A Darwinist setting where the have-nots were outweighed by the haves. He wanted this entire thing to topple down, seeing it as a microcosm of what was wrong with society.
He attempted to talk, his thumb nearly touching the button. His hesitation was made clear to Takaharu who stayed, still, letting him come to his own conclusion. He put down his fists, indicating that he no longer had any desire to fight Ikki.
"Is that Switch worth your life?!" the girl said, tears in her eyes, "Is fighting people worth throwing away your youth?! Is it worth… leaving me alone?! I always liked to see you fight, I always cheered for you, but… but I don't want to see you win or lose like this! I want to see you win as someone who used only what he had to change the world!"
Her questions hit him down to the core, biting his lip fervently, he stared twice as hard as before at the switch. "Dina-chan…I don't…" he tried to tell her, wanting to explain his reasoning to her, but finding it increasingly harder to get vocalizations out. "I just wanted to fight, show them that they can't look down on us…" he tried to explain to her, but the words coming from him were weaker than normal.
"Do you really want to fight like this? Why can't we just ignore what they say and enjoy our youth?" she implored him to stop.
After hearing her and looking at the tempting red button, the lanky boxer gave his answer, "Tch… I lose, fair and square…" Kazama said as he threw the Switch at the bald pugilist's feet before throwing his head down on his girlfriend's lap, "What's the point of winning with a cheap toy after getting so pumped up using only my bare hands? Besides…" he chuckled weakly "…being with the one I loved, that was always more important to me anyway."
Crushing the Switch under his foot, Takaharu sighed, "Dammit, now I feel self-conscious about being single."
Collapsing to her knees, Dina felt her heart fall until she saw Kazama was grinning despite himself, his eyes looking much calmer and pleasant, "You're still the champ senpai, now let's watch Fourze win too."
All three turned around as they bore witness to the battle between the Argos Zodiarts and Fourze was kicking up like a burning fire!
What they were witnessing was the peacock being pushed back as the Rider, using his magnetic cannons, was pulling metallic objects closer and throwing them at the Zodiarts. Uzu growled in anger as his sword slashed through old dumpsters, broken bicycles, and far too many empty cans. Truly the city could use a Cleaning Club, something Satsuki would make note of later.
"Come on, Uzu, this shouldn't be how you spend your youth!" the passionate friendly Rider shouted, "If you want to fight me, do it on your own accord, not because someone forced you to!"
X-X-X-X-X
X-X-X-X-X
"Surpass… Surpass you!" the peacock roared while Fourze groaned.
He could hear Kengo's voice in his head, almost like he had the Radar Switch on. It seemed like he spent enough time around the guy to know what he'd say in such a situation, something along the lines of, "That sword must have some special ability to nullify your powers! Kisaragi, you must get it out of his hands!"
To which the Rider replied, "Alright, Kengo in my head!" Holding out both arms, a magnetic storm was unleashed entirely as a diversion. Through the falling rubble and debris, the Rider rocketed around, the thrusters on his tank like body actually lifting him up off the ground very briefly.
Head spinning like a top, the Argos Zodiarts tried keeping up with his movements. Every time his burning red eyes tried to lock him down, the Rider threw a piece of rubble at him and sent his body stumbling back.
Throwing out one arm, he used magnetism to yank him forward like on a bungie cord, his body snapping forward to appear right in front of the Peacock like monster. Its eyes glowed a bright red before Fourze drove his fist deep into the monster's stomach, keeping so close he couldn't swing the sword properly.
With one hand holding the monster by its head, the other was launched into a mighty hook that impacted his shoulder. The loud clang made the Zodiarts step back in agony, as his arm rang down to the bone, making him drop his sword.
Stomp kicking the monster in the chest, Uzu could only grunt in pain as he was knocked cleanly away from his sword, preventing him from picking it up again, and thus removing his ability to use his weapon or nullify the Riders follow up cannon barrage! Balls of magnetic energy launched into the monster's chest, making it stumble back with growing fury at being denied its ability to fight the Kamen Rider evenly with its weapon.
"Surpass… Fourze… Surpass…YOU! KISARAGI GENTARO!" His head and body whirled around rapidly, before red blasts of light were shot out wildly, virtually like a disco ball. Explosions all around him, heat rising and setting things on fire, and his suit being engulfed in flame Fourze was still able to blast the Zodiarts!
"Do so with your own strength, Uzu!" The Kamen Rider roared.
Magnetic spheres sent a wall of metal colliding into Uzu's body, every respective metal object clumping together into massive balls of iron that hit the Argos Zodiarts like being pelted by Gatling gun fire.
"I'LL BEAT YOU! KISARAGI!"
Breaking through his mind control piece by piece, Uzu roared his fury to the Rider, who just upped the ante, gigantic beams of magnetic energy colliding with the red energy fired from Uzu's eyes, creating a glowing aurora of pure cosmic energy that wrapped around the room like a colorless band. Life Fibers flowed around the café, sticking to the walls, floor, and tables, and energetically wiggling towards Fourze as the Rider continued blasting his opponent!
"Not until you fight me as your true self!" Stomping forward, the Rider issued his challenge to the Zodiarts, their beam struggle turning a bright white as Uzu stomped forward with him, their attacks causing the entire building to shake, rubble falling down around them as the roof above shattered due to the sheer pressure both were releasing!
"KISARAGI! I WON'T LOSE TO YOU! I'LL NEVER LOSE AGAIN! NOT EVEN TO LADY SATSUKI!" Standing literally a foot away from the Rider, the Zodiarts howled his fury before both were engulfed in a gigantic dome of energy, as the buildings walls were destroyed due to the sheer might of Cosmic Energy, an explosion and pillar of fire shot up into the air, creating a wave of force that went off like a small-yield nuke.
Long before the place was leveled, Takaharu had dashed out of the radius with Ikki behind him, Dina in his arms.
Takaharu thanked every day he had went off for road work, while Ikki was extremely relieved himself that he never skipped his own road work. Dina was just blushing as she hugged her boyfriend's chest.
All three spun around to see the two fighters were still going at it in the rubble of the café. Ramming his fist against the Rider's helmet, the Argos Zodiarts was covered in a huge amount of burn marks, while the Rider was mostly unscratched save for a fire that he hastily put out over his arm.
"It's time I finish this Uzu… Don't want Sat-chan madder at me than she will be!" he said as he pulled the lever on his belt.
"LIMIT BREAK!" His belt declared in a deep masculine voice, alarm klaxons blaring loudly before the twin cannons embedded into his armor shot forward and floated in front of him like a pair of guns.
They were originally going to attach themselves to form a magnet themselves, but in a bout of inspiration that he never had before. Fourze extended his arms, the magnets on them glowing before both guns attached themselves to his arms, Cosmic Energy hyper charging his body as the Zodiarts grabbed his sword.
The eyes that covered its surface ripped wide open and begun glowing bright red, turning it into a scorching hot blade coated in pure fire, resembling a blazing inferno the Argos Zodiarts swung the blade a few times, testing it before running into a full sprint. With a single leap, the Zodiarts flew into the air, its blade falling to create a massive crescent wave of burning white flame!
This attack rushed forward until Fourze put his arms together, the cannons charging finished up completely, before the Rider declared his Limit Break, "SUPER RIDER ELECTROMAGNETIC… BLASTER!"
A glow of white was visible from space, a massive line drilled straight through the atmosphere and clouds surrounding Honnō City. The sea that went down all the way to the main-land was parted, steam rushing forward before water collapsed around the parted section.
Back on Earth, a beam as tall as the building they had fought in, was surrounded by flowing Life-Fibers, their movements going in a spiral pattern caused the beam to take on a shape similar to a drill made out of energy! Piercing through the fire wave like it had never even existed to begin with, the Argos Zodiarts never had a chance to survive, as its body rapidly shattered in the path of the beam facing it, then exploded in a gigantic explosion that shook the very foundations of the city itself.
As the smoke cleared, steam poured from Fourze's body in white clouds, before he pushed the switches up, stumbling forward briefly. He kept his legs going by sheer will power, stepping forward to see Uzu laying in a crater, the Samurai looking blankly up at the sky until he saw his opponent approach.
Grinning weakly, the Kanto monkey reached up towards the sun above his head, his eyes watering as this wasn't how he had wanted to fight the Rider he respected. His hand was grabbed silently by Gentaro, who helped him up with a grin of his own, this one more determined and confident.
"I… really made a mess of things, huh…?" Unable to say anything with a tight throat, Sanageyama finally spoke until the banchou clapped his hand on the samurai's shoulder warmly.
"What're you talking about Uzu?! That was an amazing fight! If you're that strong as a Zodiarts, then I can't wait to fight you as a human being! You didn't show me your true feelings, but that doesn't mean you can't do it later!"
Uzu closed his eyes, chuckling, "Dammit, don't make me want to fight you like that… it'll just make it that much harder to contain myself."
Gentaro beamed, "That's what I want. I want to see your spirit before being your friend!"
X-X-X-X-X
With our female Kamui user, things didn't look too good. She hit Libra once, but he vanished in a blur to prove he was an illusion. Taking the defensive or offensive approach would mean she'd have to try and figure out which way the bug-like Zodiarts would attack or trying to guess where to attack him. Not to mention that, despite being weaker than Leo, the guy was very skilled.
"I am growing bored of you!" he said, spinning his staff in his hands before trying to spear the girl, who jumped over it and tried to slash his head, only to have her sword blocked by the staff, "The more we're fighting, the easier it is to read someone like you."
Baring her teeth in a feral smirk, Ryūko quipped, "Then I just have to…" here she pulled up her skirt, "…do something you won't be able to see coming!"
Libra was about to make a snide remark on how foolish his opponent was, until seeing her cut a bit of Senketsu. The uniform didn't even wince, he just took the pain like a champ while letting the girl throw pieces of her skirt to Libra's face. The Zodiarts growled when they latched to his eye, blinding him and leaving him open to feel the girl's heel in his gut.
After rolling to a stop and tearing off the cloth on his eye, which returned to the living uniform, Libra snapped, "Enough!" he shouted before slamming down his staff with such strength, the ground beneath them broke.
"What the Hell?!" she yelled, falling down along the Zodiarts. Upon an unceremonious landing, she found the furious Horoscope about to stomp down on her head had she not rolled away. Gripping her sword, she tried to attack his knees to get him to fall, but watched him jump over with his staff held in both hands with the intention to nail the girl down on the ground with it.
Finally jumping to her feet, Ryūko and her partner needed to exchange some words, "Don't get ahead of yourself, Ryūko! This man forces space to follow his will, he is violent by nature! Even if he tries to keep a calm demeanor you and I can tell, this is someone who doesn't hold back to destroy an enemy!"
"Sounds a lot like me, Senketsu." She said while holding her sword with both hands.
"We've played enough, Matoi." Libra said coldly, "I shall make you taste despair in its purest form before turning you into a proper Horoscope!"
"I'll go out on a limb and say you're still single." The girl quipped.
"I'd suggest you save your jokes for later, Transfer Student." Said a voice none of the fighters expected to see, "After all, Satsuki-chan shouldn't deal with your bad attempts at comedy while we take out this bug."
"You're… Nonon Jakuzure!" the red-locked girl couldn't mistake the petite pinkette.
Nonon smiled, "I'll be thankful that you put effort into remembering my name with such a small mind." Then her smile and all pretense of being a cheerful, playful girl in a throne vanished, "For now, I just don't like it when people try to play in Satsuki-chan's playground and get away with things I promised myself I'd never let happen. Forcing someone to do what they don't want… People like this guy really sicken me."
Ryūko stared at the girl, feeling like that anger had someone in particular that it was aimed at, so she smirked, "What're you saying? People like this guy are just overconfident pretty boy wannabes."
"Ah, was that a quip? Don't quit your day job, sweetie." Nonon said, before she and her current and temporary ally narrowed their eyes at Libra, "But it's good to see we agree on something, even if it's just one thing."
"I wonder how long that will last." Libra said, getting ready for what the fight would bring.
"About as long as it takes for us to rip off those antennae!" Ryūko shot back.
Stepping forward slowly, Nonon just gave off a snide laugh with her hand held in front of her face, her smug voice coming out in a manner that pissed off both the Kamui wielder and the Horoscope, "Well, I guess it's time I really cut loose myself, you all ready? Because this is going to blow your minds."
With the grace of a ballerina and some magical girl special effects that'd make a certain club jealous, Nonon's uniform transformed. Soon the petite girl's body was covered in a pink and very, very kinky version of her outfit. It consisted of a pink overcoat, a matching leotard underneath that showed her bare legs, and her hat turning into a mixture of what should be a hat and a speaker.
Libra was unimpressed, "So you've decided to go all out. Intriguing, I thought your uniform had two forms."
Nonon glared at him, her body tensing, "How do you know that, you overgrown cockroach?!"
"I've done my research as a man of science, but you seem to understand one thing at leat." The staff wielder said nonchalantly, before walking to the girls, "We're all done holding back."
"He's got a point there." Ryūko said with a grin.
Nonon gave a snarky grin, "Let's see what else he can say, after he joins that Mohawk punk at the detention cell."
Spirit ablaze, Ryūko shot forward faster than the eye could see, afterimages of her body being left in the air and disappearing as fast as they appeared, leaving it next to impossible to see where she went or where she was going. Libra shot his head from side to side, struggling to find just where the Kamui wielder had disappeared to. He whirled around when he felt her behind him, then cursed as he realized what she had really done.
With a screech of metal clashing, his staff barely held off her Scissor-blade, the red locked girl grinning at him confidently as she pushed him back with sheer force, "Like a Dragon, Scarlet Shrike!" Moving around him again, she struck him with enough force to bring him to his knees, her body moving at the turn of a dime to continue wailing at him without remorse, every strike seeming to come from all sides.
She could only push Libra so far sadly, when he finally had enough he hammered down the butt of his staff onto the ground. It ended up creating a concussive shockwave that blew her back, making her flip back, landing on her heels and steadying herself if barely.
Her eyes widened when she saw him rocket towards her, his staff already swinging in an arc to clonk her. Despite her best effort to block it, his staff seemed to pass through her scissor blade like a ghost, smashing into her head with enough force to stagger her back, blood pouring from her head due to the sheer force of the strike.
Her vision could only see tiny Fourze helmets circling her head, and if she hadn't had Nonon on her side, if reluctantly, then she wouldn't have been able to stop Libra's follow up golf-club like swing that was meant to knock her sky-high. Even though she regenerated fast and her head wound was already sealing shut, she couldn't stop Libra from ramming his staff into the ground and sending it flying up in a wild swing that sent rubble flying into the air with its force.
A sonic wave was shot forward, knocking the Zodiarts off kilter while Nonon had an annoyed expression on her face, the massive speakers on her body glowing briefly before another wave of sound, accompanied by loud orchestral music knocked him clean on his ass.
"Hey. You guys ignoring me? I hate being ignored worse than my cousin Tatsu-oneesan. Don't do that, seriously dammit!" Her annoyed expression turned positively enraged as she saw Ryūko and Libra prepare to go at it again.
After getting that out of her chest, the small girl's hat began humming before Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture erupted quite literally out of the speaker. The music itself turned into a blast of musical power unlike anything Beethoven related that Nonon usually worked with. Akin to a shotgun, the energy infused soundwaves spread around though they remained focused on Libra.
"Most impressive… I can't believe you actually can change your abilities like this…" Nonon managed to surprise Libra, who found himself blindsided by the shotgun like wave. Stumbling back due to the sheer force impacting him, he found himself blindsided by Ryūko who cut with the entirety of her scissor-blade into his back.
Putting all her considerable strength into her arms to cut him in half, she felt his tough skin give way very briefly until he whirled around like a martial artist with his staff swinging. Libra's attempt to club her again stopped when her hand shot forward and shoved his staff aside.
Ramming her fist into his chest faster than the eye could see in a bullet jab she stole right from Satsuki's playbook; she launched a glowing red fist into his face before pounding away at his chest with a flurry of jabs so fast they actually appeared to be glowing bright. The attack ended up trapping him in a rapid-fire combo that seemed to be unending, using her own fists rather than her scissor blade to beat the ever-loving hell out of him.
Ending her combo with a full-on jump kick that sent him reeling back, she swung the curve of her scissor-blade out like a hook. Libra tried to smash her with his staff being used against him entirely to assist her in a dodge.
"Not this time you cockroach freak! Hey snake-face, wail on him!" She blasted back using his own momentum and force to aid in her dodge, Nonon rolled her eyes in irritation at the delinquent's demand but complied regardless.
"Let's try something with a little more force…!" With an elegant flick of her conductor's baton, the Three-Star club captain grinned as Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor begun playing.
The elaborate classical music sent out machine gun like sonic bullets, every shot pelting the monster relentlessly. Spinning his staff around rapidly in a circle, the Zodiarts deflected the bullets, his free hand glowing with the force of stars, before multiple illusionary clones appeared and begun attacking the Kamui wielder and her current companion!
Their strikes seemed to come at all angles, and every last blow that came from them multiplied itself by a factor of a thousand, causing strikes to erupt an endless amount of times. Nonon had to fly back, cursing as the attacks came too fast for her to properly dodge or counter. Her jaw dropped as she that her comrade, not by choice, was actually moving through the blows, refusing to show her back to an enemy.
Dodging through golden staffs that appeared as infinite as the stars in the sky, Ryūko felt never more alive than at this moment as she dodged pin-point blows that would easily send her flying back if she got caught. Flipping through a barrage of strikes and then rolling smoothly through another, the red locked girl shot forward like an arrow, a sonic boom popping and sending a huge amount of dust in her wake.
"Like a Dragon, Scarlet Spear!" Holding her blade in her hands, she burst through the clone's attacks, sending Libra skidding back in shock at what he saw in front of him, the Kamui wielder was glowing a bright red, hotter than the surface of the sun itself as her synchronization with Senketsu reached an all-time high.
Nonon landed down next to her, shrugging and shaking her head in mild amusement, "You're really something else, you know that, right, delinquent?" Ryūko just rose her right arm, and clapped her bicep mockingly at Libra, the rude gesture making the Zodiarts stumble angrily.
"Trust me snake-face, we haven't even begun to kick this cockroach creep's sorry ass!" Nonon let loose a bark of laughter, her teeth bearing themselves into a smug grin at the Kamui wielders confidence.
Libra on the other hand was shaking silently at being looked down upon, "Tch… I've wasted enough time." He said, before waving his hand forward, "Dustards, help me bring those two down!"
From the Horoscope's hands, a special dust appeared, leaving a trail with sparks of Cosmic Energy in it. As it took form, several humanoid creatures clad in black robes in a manner similar to samurais and ninjas appeared, all of them carrying steel weapons that reminded the girls of Uzu's bamboo sword. Each one bounced, dashed, and even flipped around the girls to surround them.
Nonon was ready, "Taste Wagner, you ninja-wannabes!" she cried, Ride of the Valkyries coming out of her hat in the form of large, egg-shaped projectiles. They missed their mark, but upon hitting the ground the dark humanoids stepped back when seeing that the sound projectiles were grenades! The floor cracked with powerful sonic booms that blasted any Dustard in its vicinity.
Libra twisted his hands over his staff like he were trying to squeeze water out of a towel, "Who designed that hat?!"
"Don't take your eye off either of us, cockroach bastard!" Ryūko shouted once moving behind him, holding her scissor blade up and slashing at the Horoscope. Libra managed to parry the strike and pushed her off by hitting her side, but before he could strike her again, the girl jumped over him with a grin, her sword up. It was then that he saw Nonon shot a sound grenade over his head, and Ryūko had her sword up to strike it down.
Both the Horoscope and the Kamui user were flung on opposite sides with Ryūko landing beside Nonon and Libra rolling to an abrupt stop with his Dustards' help, "Pretty ballsy move, Transfer Student." The pinkette said.
Libra snapped, "Can't you even keep me safe from two girls?!" he shouted to the Dustards, growling as he forced himself up, "This has been nothing but a waste of time as much as I hate to admit it. At least the data will suffice. Retreat!"
Ryūko yelled at him, "Be original and stand your ground, you cliché Saturday morning cartoon villain!"
"Anyone knows that's the stupidest choice a villain could make when outnumbered and losing the battle." Libra said before sending the Dustards at the girls.
Nonon blasted them with more Mozart while Ryūko cut through them to get at Libra, but it was too late. By the time the red-locked girl got near the Horoscope, he had disappeared in a portal of Cosmic Energy, leaving her to curse and to deal with the Dustards alongside her pink haired companion.
When they finally finished with the monsters, Ryūko could only stomp her foot down angrily, gritting her teeth furiously as she crushed the head of one of the Zodiarts' lackeys underneath her heeled foot. Nonon looked blandly around herself, a little annoyed that the Horoscopes commander had skittered away like a literal cockroach.
"Well now what the hell are we supposed to do?" The odd eyed girl asked aloud with a grimace.
Nonon looked mildly surprised at her before smirking, "We? There is no we, transfer student. I just helped you because Satsuki-chan told me to, this was a onetime deal so I hope you appreciated having a little class around you for once. Next time we meet on the battlefield, I'll be the one beating you down and presenting you to your better."
Shrugging to her, Ryūko had a nonplused look as she walked away, shouldering her scissor blade without a care, "Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that you'll win. Gentaro, Senketsu, myself and all our friends will bring you and the eye-browed bitch down when it comes time for it. You just sit tight until then snakey, see ya."
Her wave made Nonon grind her teeth furiously as she yelled back at the girl walking away, "It's Jakuzure! Nonon Jakuzure, you stupid skank!"
The two young women departed each other's company, their alliance officially ended for the time being. Ryūko headed in the direction where she saw Gentaro finish off with his battle, Senketsu shivering at the sensation of Cosmic Energy washing over them, while his wielder just gave off a toothy grin before blasting forward with the sound of a jet roaring.
"Gentaro, I hope you gave that asshole a good thrashing, same to you Takaharu!" She said aloud, grinning even more when she saw the destruction unleashed by the Rider and the completely leveled candy shop from a distance.
She also saw a large pair of breasts flying at her, "Ryūko-chan!" Mako cried, literally throwing waterfalls out of her eyes, as she jumped and hugged her friend breasts to face.
"Hey, let her go before you kill her!" Omiko shouted at the brunette before looking around, "Okay, so whose ass do we get to kick?"
"What do you mean?! You two are late, I already beat that cockroach and made him run off with Jakuzure's help of all people!" the red-locked girl exclaimed once she got her face out of Mako's ample and very humbling valley.
Maiko groaned, "Well, at least that means no work for us."
Omiko spat on the ground, "Speak for yourself, I wanted to fight already…"
The girls finally went back to the candy shop to assess the situation, but then Mako's brain started working, "Ah, Gamagōri-senpai is still fighting!"
Hearing that, they made their way back as fast as they could…
X-X-X-X-X
Slowly stepping forward, shaking his lion like head to and fro, Leo rammed both fists forward in a double punch, the air pressure alone shoving his opponents back and nearly pushing Meteor over, the Rider was never one to give up and so he kept moving towards the monster in front of him, Ira stomping in unison with him.
"WATAH!" Meteor was the first to charge forward, his fists moving into a perfect and extremely well practiced combo, a vicious punch to the chest that made Leo step back despite himself, followed by a pair of stomach punches that flowed easily into a martial arts chop to the neck, ending with a solid round house kick to the head. Holding his foot in the air briefly, Meteor was shocked when the monster in front of him had raised his arm, blocking his leg completely.
"Impressive form, but this is how you really use that move!" Spinning faster than his huge size and muscular shape would have one assume, Leo rose one leg into the air and rammed his foot, claw first into the side of Meteor's helmet. If the Rider hadn't already been moved back, the blow would've shattered his helmet and more than likely his head as well in one strike.
Backing away warily, Ira's whip like tentacles shot forward in an arc, spikes ripping out of them and flaying Leo's hard flesh, making the monster snarl in actual pain and shock. Shock that he was actually harmed by the attack until he saw tiny Life-fibers poking out of the spikes, sparkles emitting from them.
"I realized that your armor was too thick for me to penetrate normally, so I did a little on the spot modification to Shirō's immaculate design!" Gamagōri declared proudly before he crushed the monster underneath a combined whip that resembled a mace, his face faltered when he realized that Leo was slowly but surely shoving Shackle Regalia off of his body, shockingly looking more pissed off than usual.
"Stop… PLAYING!" Whirling his arms around, actually lifting Ira up by his own whips, Leo hurled him into the air, his legs crouching down before he appeared in front of the man currently airborne.
To call it a mere jump was a lie, even a falsehood, jumping was too slow to describe that instantaneous movement. He simply moved into the air like he was always there to begin with, leaving only his foot prints to indicate he had been grounded in the first place.
With such incredible speed, Leo left Ira unable to react in time, let alone counter this blow, raising his leg up then sending the bulk of it down onto Ira's body, Leo sent it straight on a one-way path straight into the ground with an explosive roar so great it actually rendered Meteor deaf for a brief second.
All of this had happened with the span of a second, maybe two tops, Leo was a monster unlike any other, and it was then that the Rider realized how powerful that a true Horoscopes Commander could be when they were able to fully unleash their might.
"Heh… You okay in that hole big guy? Or do you wanna come out some time soon?" Despite that show of pure strength, Meteor cockily swiped his thumb over his face-plate. Ira leapt out of the crater he had been put in, brushing dirt and rubble off of his massive body without so much as a grimace of pain or anxiety.
"He's strong, I'll grant this monster that! But against the power of Satsuki-sama, a beast is still a beast! Kamen Rider, I hate to agree with this Zodiarts, but it's time we stop playing!" Nodding at each other, the two ran forward in unison, Leo extending his arms wide and howled his challenge at them both.
A wave of concussive sound merely pushed them back for a brief second as they neared him, their fists pulling back then shooting forward! Over Meteor's appeared a symbol of a falling star rushing to strike the planet! Over Gamagōri's a fearsome toad speared its tongue forward!
Both Rider and Goku-Uniform user shot their fists into the chest of the monster facing them, the powerful impact of their blows echoing out and making the ground shake rapidly. Tremors shot from below their feet, making the pavement bubble and churn as the monster stepped back with a grunt.
Twin waves rocketed past the Zodiarts, creating matching canyons in the street behind them, and behind them two buildings became four, massive apartment blocks big enough to house over a thousand no-star students each, completely sliced in half right down the middle.
"OOOFH! Adequate, you need to come at me with the intent to kill me. Bare your fangs with pride, or don't even attempt to fight me!" Leo was unfazed by the attack, and to their frustration the holes they had punched through his chest sealed shut slowly with a wet fizzle and pop.
Chuckling slowly after his speedy recovery, Leo launched both of his fists into their faces as his response to their attack, the sheer force of a punch where he wasn't even giving it his all was enough to knock Meteor on his ass and Gamagōri to one knee. Stepping forward slowly, the lion's tail waved threateningly, before he shot forward like an arrow.
Unleashing a rapid-fire series of punches, each one seeming to hit a multitude of times, the monster easily floored the Rider again when he attempted to defend himself with a feeble swipe. Picking him up by his helmet and holding him in place, Leo gut-punched Meteor again and again, each blow making the Rider stumble back further and further until the monster broke off the chain-combo when a pair of whips lashed the ground where he just was.
A scattering of dust and rubble flew into the air with Meteor stumbling to his feet, breathing heavily as he realized he had been rescued by the Goku-Uniform user at his side, "Now's your chance, Meteor!" Ira shouted before Leo spun around and kicked him in the gut, but the giant didn't fall down and grabbed the Horoscope in a bear-hug, enduring the pain, "It's my duty to protect this school, so don't hold back on your attacks, Kamen Rider!"
"What an insane passion, no wonder Kisaragi speaks so well of you…" Meteor said, reaching for his arm, "Alright, I'm going all out!"
"MARS READY~? OKAY~ MARS!"
Sending his fist into his open palm, he pushed one of the switches on his limb, making the belt chime brightly. Around his fist swirled a representation of the planet itself, but with a new twist. He held his fist high into the air, Cosmic Energy surging towards him and flowed into the ball of red-hot energy, suffusing it until it was compacted into a single glowing red fist.
Steam sprayed out from its surface, molten magma rippling across the gloves surface as Kamen Rider Meteor rose it up slowly, a burst of fire emerging from his body before he shot forward. Dashing in a style similar to a ninja, he appeared in front of the Leo Zodiarts, his fist drawn back before Ira kicked the monster forward, making him snarl until he got a burning fist full of rage crashed into his maw.
Due to the unrelenting power unleashed by the super-charged Astro Switch, cracks appeared over his teeth, while his head slowly twisted to the side, unable to fully withstand the raw might being pounded into him.
An explosion of pure heat illuminated the air past him, causing his massive body to catch fire and appear like a burning statue. Silhouetted against the backdrop of a molten magma eruption, Leo felt his entire body burn down to the last centimeter of fur, and for a brief moment, interspersed between the immense rage he felt tear at his soul and the agonizing pain he felt wreck his body, he felt a strong ember of pride enter his heart.
'I forgot this feeling. The feeling of truly being alive…Gamou-sama, I thank you for allowing me to feel like this again…!' the Horoscope felt ecstasy, true joy in the battle.
Meteor stepped back warily when the monster roared furiously, the force of his voice putting out the fire. Despite his show of force, burns covered his imposing body and were slow to heal, making him appear scorched black in some areas.
"Excellent attempt, Kamen Rider Meteor. You actually meant to kill me with that move. I'll respond in kind, to honor your strength… Fist of the Beast King!" Holding one arm with the entirety of his fist, dark Cosmic Energy wrapped around the massive forelimb, taking the shape of a snarling Lion's head which completely covered his fist down to the bone.
Leo rose his beastly visage up, his eyes glowing with the ominous hatred of a Red Dwarf star, before he shot his fist forward, a torrent of energy erupting from it and taking the form of a lion's head! The foul energy made the ground literally disappear below it, erasing it from existence entirely. If Meteor took that head on, he'd be completely destroyed, which was why he was beyond shocked when Ira brought down his fists in front of him, Shackle Regalia blocking his view of the attack rushing towards them.
"HEY! I CAN DODGE IT! DON'T TRY BLOCKING IT! YOU'LL DIE!" Meteor didn't want the man to waste his life recklessly, and the Kamen Rider could barely believe it himself, but Ira stood against the blast without hesitation.
"A shield… NEVER STOPS DEFENDING! I am Ira Gamagōri! I am the shield of Satsuki Kiryūin! The defender of this Academy! The protector of all those who serve under her!" Against the blast, it seemed that even with his great height, the beam seemed to completely consume him. Opening its jaws wide, the lion's head prepared to devour its meal, until the impossible happened.
Two hands gripped its mouth. Two massive palms kept its jaw at bay. Two fists kept the monster from feasting. His armor dissolving in the wake of the monster's fury, soon Ira's torso was left completely bare, but he refused to be moved.
An unstoppable force would never be halted, even by an immovable object. Unless that object had the intent, and desire to protect something. The urge to protect would never falter against the desire to destroy. His teeth grit themselves to the molar, blood pouring from his nose, but Ira refused to back away from this fight.
"If I can't protect even a temporary ally, then I have no right to call myself Satsuki-sama's shield! Kamen Rider Meteor, if you're a hero… Then I am a guardian!" Ira's cry made Meteor grit his teeth.
"Don't go dying on me after saying that!" the Kamen Rider shouted, racing at the beam before pulling what looked like a toy, a spinning top. By swapping the Meteor Storm Switch with the Meteor Switch in the Meteor Driver, then spinning the top on the Switch after activating it, Ryusei transformed even further than before.
"METEOR STORM! METEOR ON, READY?"
As hard rock music played, Meteor's armor changed. With the top creating waves of energy, the Rider's armor turned blue with golden shoulder armor and helmet. Said helmet instead of having one flame-like part on the visor had two over each eye, also golden, while the lenses were turned red.
"Kamen Rider Meteor Storm! My fate will call down a storm!" Throwing out his arm, the golden rider threw out a long blue and silver colored bo-staff that appeared at his side, flying off of his belt went the Meteor Storm Switch and snapped onto the staff itself!
"LIMIT BREAK!" The belt roared loudly, its harsh tone heralding the top being shot forward with enough speed to break the sound barrier, even breaching into light speed itself as it was engulfed in pure Cosmic Energy!
Pulling the hand-rubber puller, Kamen Rider Meteor charged the switch up to an incredible degree, the top whirling around so fast it ascended and became a drill! Pouring into it Cosmic Energy, Life Fibers whirled around the corners of the blast that was slowly engulfing Ira.
Their wiggling forms glowed brightly as the top shot forward, transcending itself again and again with every spin! It spun around the entire Lion's head, every spin slowly shrinking it down as the Dark Cosmic Energy was absorbed and defused into the top itself.
Leo gave off a dark tsk of annoyance, he hated to pull back but even he was wary of being struck by a finisher quite like the one that Meteor had unleashed. Leaping high into the air with a roar, the king of beasts made his exist. The top spun around rapidly, its energy slowly being dissolved until it shot back onto Meteor's belt, the Rider taking it off with a frown of his own.
"What an anti-climax…" He collapsed to his knees, panting heavily through his mask until a blue energy ball engulfed his body, he couldn't deactivate his Henshin out in public, and so before Ira could do anything to stop him he disappeared in a flash of movement. Ira rose slowly, his full height imposing itself dramatically upon the scene until he noticed he was completely naked.
Except for his lucky boxers, the ones that Mako had gifted him when she realized she missed his birthday by a few months. They were cute green boxers with a lily pad design to them.
"…I have a suspicious feeling that Shirō will be upset about this turn of events." He mused aloud, frowning slightly to himself as he slowly walked away from the battle field… or would have had Mako not met him.
"Ah, you liked my gift after all!" the squirrely girl cheered while the other three girls covered their faces.
"M-Mankanshoku, I only wear them because due to my faith in your good intentions, so don't think this means I will let you keep being so informal as to address me without referring to me as your senpai!"
"Yes, senpai!"
"Much better!"
Omiko groaned, "Can we leave now if we don't have anyone to fight?"
Across all Honnō City, the gigantic brawls were already wrapped up, and although the Horoscopes commanders had retreated, none of the combatants for a second thought that things were over just yet.
Inside of a cell Tsumugu was left to plan his eventual escape, near a completely trashed café Gentaro was steadied by Ryūko, Omiko, Maiko, and Mako lending him and Takaharu a shoulder. They were joined by a heavily bruised Ryusei, aided by Tomoko at his side, who explained weakly that he had been caught underneath falling rumble which was why he couldn't join them.
Above it all, Satsuki sipped a cup of tea while looking over the massive amounts of data that Inumuta was softly gibbering to himself over, drool and sweet sake pouring from his mouth in a stupor while his glasses were askew. Ira reported the battle to her with a stalwart and serious expression, even stripped down to his boxers.
Kazama Ikki and Dina Saori rejoiced in being able to lead their own lives again, together as a couple. Leo and Libra both reported to their leader, who merely chuckled to himself, his eyes glowing a piercing ominous red in the dim lighting of his office.
Ragyō smiled when she saw the video of Kamen Rider Fourze's attack, her hand gently caressing the surface of Magnet States helmet, while Rei silently watched on.
The battle of today had ended, but more fights were yet to come, and there was still Hikari Naito herself to deal with…
But for now, Gentaro looked forward to having dinner with his friends and the Mankanshoku family.
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And WOW! What a chapter huh guys!? We had three massive brawls, ominous tidings with Gamou and Ragyō trading barbs, the imprisonment of Tsumugu himself, and the Zodiarts Battle Arc concluded!
Me and The Swordslinger are damn near exhausted with the length of this chapter, so to avoid taking up any more space, we'll save a section I have planned for next chapter! For those of you who wish to know what it is… you'll have to wait and see! Haha!
Without further ado, I'll let my trusty brother in all but blood regal you all with the next installment of Kisaragi Family tales and call it a night for now everyone!
This is The Lord Of Pages, off to record another chapter!
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The Kisaragi Family Pt. 6. Pompadours do not crash
"Okinawa… KITAAAAA!"
Being in the tropical resort the group didn't waste their time and looked for things to do. Even if it wasn't the mainland, the streets of Okinawa promised good entertainment places, markets, and activities. It came as no surprise that the streets also had some troublemakers around, but our group didn't care. So far Gentaro had rushed to the beach with his friends following him, passing by stands on the sand, in a pair of black swimming trunks with flames on them and a red muscle shirt.
"How can he be so hyper with this heat?" Ryūko asked while carrying a small backpack in which Senketsu rested, not wanting to be away from his user. The banchou girl wore a white blouse with a red bikini top inside and a black cloth around her waist as a skirt.
If it wasn't obvious, the gang planned to go to the beach. Takaharu had a white Hawaiian shirt with blue palm trees and matching swimming trunks, as well as a white cap to keep the sun from burning his shaven head.
Mako for her part had a one-piece yellow swimsuit with a yellow skirt and a blue opened hoodie on top, and a large doughnut on her shoulder to float in the waves. Maiko wore only a pair of blue shorts and a white blouse, having no intention of burning herself in the sun she had a summer hat, and a book under one arm since she wasn't a beach party person.
Omiko for her part did attract some eyes from the male population despite her thick glasses by wearing a two-piece blue bikini and a white blouse on top tied over her generous chest. She had pretty much nothing else, only the hairbands to keep her pigtails in place but that didn't cover her long legs.
"Maybe that pompadour of his drains energy from the sun or something like he's Superman." The tennis girl said, fanning herself with a traditional handheld fan.
"I apologize for being unable to show you around." Kiryu said while looking at his watch, "I've got to meet Felicia to talk about the partnership between the Felicity House with the orphanage. Her current concert should be finished soon."
At his side, Mumen Rider couldn't help but sigh, "Why did that Morrigan lady have to be there? Things were awkward enough on the first date already…"
"Please endure it, think of the children at both orphanages." Kiryu said, bowing.
Mumen Rider groaned, "Alright, I'll do my best."
"Don't worry, uncle!" Gentaro called from near the water, waving his arms, "With our youth if we get lost we can always turn around and find different ways to our destination! You can do the same, even in a date!"
"That's one way to see things. Just don't get in trouble." Kiryu told them while the spectacled hero tried to accept his fate, "I'll be back in a couple hours, I am thankful that I can use your help at the orphanage for Felicia's visit."
"It's a pleasure, besides, I always wanted to know what having a cat friend is like, but don't tell Guts!" Mako chirped, already setting down a towel on the sand.
"Sure, that'd be-" Kiryu's line of how fun it'd be to see the interaction ended when hearing an angry scream.
"You punk, what do you think you're doing playing with turtles in the middle of my road!" a biker shouted to a youth, a male teenager with a strong body, chiseled and strong jaw, and a pompadour far larger and perhaps as impressive if not more than Gentaro's.
The young man, wearing only a white t-shirt and black swimming trunks with a golden heart on one leg and a peace sign on the other, bowed respectfully, "S-Sorry, I was just trying to touch the turtle to get over… well, my fear over reptiles in general…"
Ryūko snorted, "What a weakling…"
One of the bikers sneered, "What's to be afraid of this piece of shit?!" he asked and, much to everyone's horror, kicked the turtle, breaking its shell and making blood coat the sand.
"H-How horrible, is he trying to kill the poor animal?!" Takaharu growled, clenching his hands into fists and being ready to give the bikers a trashing, until Kiryu's hand stopped him.
"Don't. They've already lost." The middle-aged man said.
So the group watched as the tall pompadour clad teen's expression changed from apologetic to stoic, "You, why would you hurt an animal that did nothing to you?"
The biker that kicked the reptile sneered, "What's with you, bastard?! Is that stupid hair of yours too thick to listen to what I'm saying, it was in my way! And what's with that shitty hair, it's as manly as that punk girl with the red lock is girly!"
The group immediately stepped away from Ryūko, knowing how she was when someone talked badly of her feminine traits, but they also saw the other teen growled.
It was simultaneous, both black haired teens snapped at the bikers, "What the Hell did you say, you damn punks?!" they shouted, Ryūko storming to them and jumping at them for a drop kick, nailing one of the bikers with both feet on the face.
However, from the large teen's back appeared something… bizarre. Energy materialized and a pink skinned humanoid figure with light blue armor, and a heart-shaped helmet, roared as it punched the other biker in the face. Its punches moved faster than light, crushing the biker's skull.
And it did so with a loud cry of, "Dorarararara!"
Mumen Rider sighed, putting a hand to his face, "Josuke's temper really is like my sister's…" and then he slapped his forehead, "Dammit, the turtle, is it-"
And everyone looked at the turtle, walking without any trouble back into the ocean and looking like nothing happened. Kiryu let out a sigh of relief, "Good, Josuke may lose his temper but he's still sane enough to help others."
After Ryūko and the now identified Josuke returned, Gentaro couldn't help but grin, "Yo, cousin." The Rider said, pulling out a comb and adjusting his pompadour so not a single hair was out of place.
Josuke returned the grin and pulled a comb of his own, also keeping his hairdo perfectly combed, "I see you've made new friends, Gentaro. How're things? I heard you moved to a new school."
"Indeed, meet my new buds!" Gentaro said before both twirled the combs in their fingers to slip them back in their pockets like a cowboy holstering a gun, "Guys, this is Josuke Higashitaka, my uncle Mumen Rider's nephew."
Josuke brought up a hand in a salute with a friendly grin, "Hey, nice to meet you."
Rubbing the back of her head with a grimace, Ryūko held out her hand and shook Josuke's, everyone else crowding around him and looking surprised at the gigantic man floating behind him still.
"So that's a Stand?! What kind of other things can it do?! Mako would love it If there was a Stand that made croquettes endlessly or was able to strip people naked! That way everyone could grow used to being strippers like Ryūko-chan!" Mako's exuberant tone was always over the top with its excitement, and Ryūko groaned at what she said.
"I'm not a stripper, alright!?" She shouted, "And how do you know what that thing is?!"
"Mako went back to Lady Enya's place to get her hand read." The chipmunk girl explained, "She said something about meeting the power of a Stand in my future. Mako wanted to know how to get one, and she mentioned it was dangerous because I'd have to be shot with an arrow."
"I'm not sure whether to be amazed or scared about that information." Josuke said, "Well, I guess this Enya lady can't be that much trouble. Anyway, Gentaro, what're you up to? Are you keeping your pompadour in great shape?"
Everyone looked weirdly at Josuke when he stressed out the word great, which made Gentaro smirk and slick back his hairdo, "I've got to, otherwise it won't be as great as yours."
The two uncles sighed at the boys' enthusiasm for old-fashioned hairdos.
