Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 63 – 2019: Trinity Has Begun!
Woz was currently walking through the forest near Hajime's cabin. Everything was grayscale signifying that time was once again frozen. He was currently making his way past the battle between Roze, Weiss, Glaive and the recently arrived Daiki.
"The two Jokers, Kamen Rider Chalice and Kamen Rider Blade," Woz started as he skipped his usual intro for his narration, making his way towards the clearing that the other battle was taking place in, "They have lost the powers of Joker to Another Blade which has resulted in the start of the destruction of the world."
He soon arrived at a rock that was overlooking the battle where Zi-O, Kenzaki and Hajime were present, the two Rouse Card Riders having looks of horror as behind Another Blade stood the herald of the world's destruction, the Monolith.
"And yet, this will be the decisive battle that leads Tokiwa Sougo along the path to Zi-O Trinity…" Woz read in his book, "At long last… the Day of Oma has arrived."
Earth – Early April 2019
Roze and Weiss were unsure of what to do at the moment, the two simply staring at the sudden brotherly standoff before them.
"You two should go to your friends," Daiki suggested as he brought out his Rider Card and loaded it into his NeoDiendriver while still keeping it pointed at Junichi, "I'll tie up this loose end for you."
Weiss looked between the two, "Wait, but-"
"This is my fight," Daiki called out as he then pulled the trigger of his weapon, "Henshin!"
[KAMEN RIDE: DIEND!]
Diend gave a yell as he charged forward, firing at Junichi who brought out a black and gold version of the Blay Rouzer, the Glaive Rouzer, to block against the shots before slashing once Diend was close.
"Weiss come on," Roze called out as she began to notice some dark clouds gathering from what little she could see beyond the trees. She then rushed forward to make her way through the forest, "We need to back the others up!"
"R-Right," Weiss said before hurrying after Roze, glancing at the two brothers briefly before picking up her speed to catch up to her partner.
Diend gave a yell as he slammed his NeoDiendriver down, clashing with Junichi's Glaive Rouzer as he managed to push forward. Junichi was forced to walk backwards before he was slammed against a tree.
"Well now, you've sure grown strong," Junichi hissed out.
"I've told you once before so I'll repeat it now," Diend said as he kept Junichi pinned against the tree, "My power doesn't exist for fighting you brother, it exists for saving you!"
"Save me from whom exactly?" Junichi questioned as he kicked Diend away before charging forward. He yelled out as he slashed down at his younger brother, "That was a cute line before but it means nothing!"
[ATTACK RIDE: BARRIER!]
Diend loaded his card in before aiming forward and unleashing a blue barrier against Junichi. The Rouse Card Rider gave a yell as he was thrown backwards by the barrier, losing his weapon.
[ATTACK RIDE: BLAST!]
Junichi got up and rushed towards his weapon, only for curving energy shots to blast it further away while the rest began striking and pelting him. He gave a yell as he was thrown backwards, his suit sparking as his Glaive Buckle was dislodged from his suit. He landed on the ground, losing his transformation as a result.
"You never change, do you brother?" Diend asked as he walked over casually before swiping the Glaive Buckle.
"Say's the thief and hasn't learned his lesson yet," Junichi remarked.
"I became a thief because of what I thought I did to you," Diend answered simply before pointing his weapon at his brother, "So I did change, and in my travels I changed even further even if I still do have my usual habits."
"What's your point?" Junichi asked.
"It's time for you to put an end to this," Diend replied as he lowered his gun.
"I told you that you'd regret not killing me," Junichi gave a glare as he began to stand up.
"Stubbornness runs in the family I see," Diend remarked as he stared at his older brother, "I don't regret sparing you that day and I'm not regretting sparing you right now."
Junichi looked to the side before walking to a tree and slamming his fist into it, "Once I obtain the power that Another Blade wields… I will-"
"You won't be doing anything because Swartz is playing both you and Shiro-Woz," Diend answered as he dismissed his transformation, "Like I said it's time to put an end to this, to let go of the past. The one who hasn't changed is you. You keep chasing some stupid dream to rule our world and what do you have to show for it? Nothing..."
"You…" Junichi turned with a glare and marched over before looking down and falling to his hands and knees, "How?! How is it that you were able to grow stronger and change, yet me, who sought power at every turn could find nothing for nearly a decade?!"
"Because I ended up getting the best treasure of all," Daiki replied with a small smirk, "Friends."
"Friends…?" Junichi asked.
"You had some good friends too who cared about you," Daiki added before kneeling down to his brother, "They'll be pissed at you but it's been a good while, so how about it?"
"There's no point in going back…" Junichi trailed.
"There is," Daiki said as he stood up and turned away, "Bringing you back home is my world's greatest treasure."
Junichi could only stare up in surprise at his brother, "Daiki… after everything…"
"Now let's go, and hope that everyone else here can move beyond their past," Daiki said as he opened up an Auroro Curtain, walking through.
Junichi stared at the Aurora Curtain for a while before standing up and walking through it, the curtain vanishing afterwards.
"What is that thing?" Zi-O asked.
"The Master," Hajime replied, trying to hear what the Monolith was speaking only to hear nothing, "So then… we really aren't Undead?"
"Seems like it," Kenzaki said with a wince.
Another Blade gave a yell as her body was overflowing with power, the Monolith beginning to pulsate behind her only for something unexpected to suddenly occur. Swartz appeared from behind out of nowhere, sticking his hand in her back before removing the Blade Anotherwatch. He pressed down on the button as the Another Rider transformation was sucked into the Anotherwatch.
"Wait, what?" Zi-O asked, "What's he doing?"
"I'll be taking the powers you harvested for me," Swartz smiled, "And I won't take no for an answer."
"Kenzaki… Hajime…" Another Blade gave a gasp as she lost her transformation, reverting back to her original state of Amane before dropping flat on her stomach, falling unconscious.
"Now… awaken, the true Another Blade!" Swartz yelled out as he shoved the Anotherwatch into the Monolith near him.
[BLADE!]
The Monolith suddenly shattered, the broken pieces soon coming back together to take Another Blades shape before gaining the coloration of Another Blade. The Another Rider also still held the images of both Blade and Chalice's Joker Powers on its chest.
"Now then, I'll leave you to destroying the world," Swartz smiled before vanishing once more.
Another Blade gave a groan as it began to lumber forward, soon noticing Amane lying on the ground. It raised its blade, ready to strike.
Kenzaki and Hajime's eyes widened at this as they tried to fully stand, "Amane!"
"Henshin!"
[TURN UP!]
A green holographic card screen shot past them as an older man with long brown hair who wore an olive colored jacket ran forward and into the card. Breaking through it he gained a maroon bodysuit with silver armoring, having bright green bug eyes alongside a diamond and stag beetle them.
Kenzaki suddenly gave a smile, "Tachibana!"
Zi-O tilted his head, "Um… Tachibana?"
"Sakuya Tachibana, Kamen Rider Garren," Hajime explained.
Garren drew out his Garren Rouzer which was a massive magnum, his way of utilizing Rouse Cards. Pulling back the top of it, revealing slots similar to the Blay Rouzer, he drew out two cards before scanning them.
[BULLET! FIRE!]
Garren took aim and began to shoot at Another Blade, enhanced fire blasts launching out and striking it in the chest. Thankfully it was enough to force it to stagger back and lower its weapon. He kept firing to force it to step back further before he slid near Amane. Quickly holstering his weapon he grabbed her bridal style before kicking back and leaping backwards towards the other Riders.
"Looks like I couldn't make it in time," Garren clicked his tongue.
"Uh wait… should it be doing that?" Zi-O asked and pointed, catching the three Riders attention.
Another Blade could only give a roar as it began to leak a black liquid from its body, the drops hitting the ground and summoning black undead-like creatures that held a roach theme to them. One by one, a new creature began to form slowly but surely.
"Darkroachi…?" Garren asked before he hurried back to the others.
"Uh, what are those?" Zi-O asked.
"Bad news," Hajime replied, "The end of the world is nigh and that Another Rider is making the army to start it."
"Hey!" Roze called out as she hurried over with Weiss before giving a gasp at the situation, "Just what happened here?"
"Wait, Another Blade is over there… but why is she here?" Weiss asked once she saw Amane in Garren's arms.
"No time, need to regroup," Zi-O said as he managed to stand, "Woz!"
"No need to tell me twice my Overlord," Woz quickly jumped down from the rock he was perched on, announcing his presence. He landed before quickly unfurling his scarf, wrapping it around the large group before constricting it, the scarf retracting before revealing they had fled.
Another Blade said nothing as it continued to work on creating Darkroachi, however the latest one began to change shape as it began to form. It became more beetle-like in appearance alongside having a different design. This was the Bossroach, Another Blades personal commander for the Darkroachi army.
Needless to say with the apocalypse on the horizon and Blade Armor having failed, a new plan of attack was needed. Not to mention that a short breather was required for those who had just been fighting. The group had chosen to regroup at Team RWBY's apartment, figuring that was the best place to go. Amane had been set up in Ruby and Weiss' room on the lower bunk while both Kenzaki and Hajime were watching over her as she was still unconscious from earlier.
"These are real good," Kenzaki said.
"You think so?" Hajime asked.
The two were currently looking over some photos that Hajime had on him, Hajime holding them out for Kenzaki to view. Without the two being Jokers anymore, they had ended up being able relax further in each other's presence.
It wasn't long though before Amane began to wake up, giving a wince and a low groan. But it quickly caught both Riders' attention, the two quickly rushing over once they confirmed.
"Amane," Both Riders said in tandem as they knelt by the bed.
"Hajime… Kenzaki…" Amane began to sit up, "Where…?"
"We're at a friend's place," Kenzaki explained, "We figured it would be safe for the time being."
"How are you feeling?" Hajime asked.
"I'm… I'm alright," Amane gave a soft nod before glancing at Kenzaki, the two sharing a look before Kenzaki stepped away and over to the corner of the room. Kenzaki gave a whistle before he turned to face the corner.
Amane took a deep breath as this was her chance now that things had calmed down for a bit, "Hajime, why did you leave Jacaranda? Why didn't you…"
"I…" Hajime wasn't sure what to say, simply placing his arms on the bed.
Amane though noticed the photos still in his hand, gently taking them from him she looked them over and smiled, "These are beautiful…" She looked them over one by one, "These pictures capture the world as you really see it, don't they?"
"This is who I really am…" Hajime explained, "I'm able to express myself through these photos. And I realized after a while, if I stayed with you, I'd keep you from being the person you really are. That's why I left…"
"I see," Amane trailed and looked down, "I feel so stupid, attacking all those studios just to find you… I must really look like a kid right now, huh?"
"You may have been manipulated but those final moments we were fighting…" Hajime recalled when Amane's goal had shifted, "You wanted to help the two of us by removing the burden of being Jokers…"
"Hajime, I'm so sorry…" Amane looked over to her former guardian, "I was drifting in and out after I got turned back to normal… and I heard what that man said…"
"We'll deal with it, don't worry," Kenzaki spoke up as he glanced back.
"If anything happens, if you ever need me… I'll be there," Hajime reassured.
"I know," Amane gave a nod, "But… I'm starting to realize that I need to discover a world for myself too. But, what will you two do now?"
"Well, even if we've lost the power of Jokers we'll still need to fight," Kenzaki replied before smiling, "To protect the future you want to discover."
Hajime gave a nod as he stood up, "Right."
Meanwhile in the main room were Team RWBY and Oscar alongside Team Zi-O, the group of nine meeting with Tachibana who decided to answer any necessary questions. After introducing each other briefly and giving a rundown of the Another Riders and current situation, it was time to get some answers.
"So um, why did you just show up now?" Sougo asked.
"I've been watching the situation develop," Tachibana explained, "An old friend contacted me that two more Jokers suddenly became active around the same time."
"That would line up with what we heard," Weiss said as she tapped her chin in thought, "Both Another Riders being counted as Jokers."
"Wait," Ruby paused before looking over, "How would your friend know about the Jokers?"
"With this," Tachbana held up a laptop that he was carrying on him. He then set it down on the dining room table and showed it to everyone. Clicking a few keystrokes he pinpointed the location of Another Blade via its Joker Factor. Of course it was also showing a mass of other targets around it as well.
"Whoa…" Everyone could only look in awe and surprise.
"Now if only we could have one of those for Another Riders," Sougo mused.
"Unfortunately that's likely to be impossible," Woz admitted, "We're lucky that these particular ones contain the power of Joker. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to keep track of those movements."
"So what exactly are those multiple dots that keep growing?" Oscar asked as he pointed to the screen.
"Darkroachi..."
Everyone turned to see Hajime and Kenzaki walking out of the room Amane was in, the two having decided to let her rest a bit.
"It's been a while," Hajime remarked.
"Tachibana, you sure took your time showing up huh?" Kenzaki remarked with a slight smile, "I saw you spying on us earlier. I see you're still up to your old habits."
"Sh-shut up," Tachibana stammered out as he looked over towards Kenzaki, "As soon as we found out about the signals I needed to confirm for myself. Especially once both of you appeared in close proximity. After that I went to retrieve my gear since I don't carry it around all the time like you two."
"Hey now, I'm just pulling your leg," Kenzaki smiled as he walked over and wrapped his arm around Tachibana, "So is it just you? What about Mutsuki?"
"It was too short notice to call him up, especially now," Tachibana admitted, "I'm your only backup."
"Um…" Sougo raised his hand, "So what exactly are Darkroachi?"
"When the original Battle Fight ended, I was the victor," Hajime explained, "As a Joker that meant that the slate had to be wiped clean which meant the destruction of humanity, so as part of that I was forced to spawn the Darkroachi in order to do so."
"I became an Undead in order to stop him, another Joker," Kenzaki explained, "Then kept away so that the Battle Fight could never conclude."
"Then the Time Jackers took advantage of that while creating Another Blade and Chalice," Geiz then narrated.
"Once all the powers of Joker were gathered into one person, Swartz took that power after that Monolith thing appeared and turned it into Another Blade," Sougo finished.
"Just what is their aim?" Geiz asked.
"Given Swartz is able to control the Another Rider transformation he might be using Another Blade as a means to an end," Tsukuyomi guessed, "Give it enough power to fully defeat us before getting rid of the Watch to stop the end of the world."
"You really think he's planned that far ahead?" Blake asked.
"It's the only thing that makes sense," Yang replied, "Why would he want to destroy the world?"
"He doesn't but Shiro-Woz does," Geiz said as he tapped his fingers on the dining room table, "Something tells me that Swartz doesn't like that idea and is trying to push us to defeat it as quickly as possible."
"The point is, we need to band together and beat Another Blade," Ruby said before looking over to her friends, "Oscar, Tsuki, the two of you will stay here and watch over Amane. The rest of us will deal with this situation."
"That would be for the best," Tachibana spoke up, "If we somehow fail to contain those Darkroachi they'll swarm the city and nowhere will be safe."
"You can leave it to us," Oscar replied, "Besides we've got another object here we just got back that I'd rather not immediately let into the wrong hands."
"We'll keep this place safe," Tsukuyomi agreed.
"We'll need a plan of attack then," Tachibana mentioned, "And also…" He turned towards Kenzaki and Hajime, "There's no telling what beating this Another Blade will do, are you two prepared for that?"
"We'll get to fight together again at least once," Kenzaki gave a smile, "Plus I got to at least meet with you all for a short bit and that means a lot to me."
"I'll just keep on living my life," Hajime gave a nod.
"Then I suppose we should figure out how to do this," Tachibana replied before the laptop began to beep again, more Darkroachi signals popping up.
"We get Ruby over to Another Blade, if Blade Armor didn't work we'll go for a power up form," Sougo suggested, "Her combined weapon finisher would be enough to eradicate that Another Rider."
"The three of us will make sure the perimeter is secure," Kenzaki said as he placed his hands on Hajime's and Tachibana's shoulders, "We're used to fighting these impossible odds and we'll clear a path for you all."
"Then the rest of us will ferry Miss Rose over to Another Blade," Woz gave a nod.
"We've got our plan," Geiz said as he looked around, "Let's get going."
Shiro-Woz stared up at the dark clouds, being perched at the steps that lead towards the area where Another Blade had kept itself. He felt presences behind and soon saw his foes gathering before him, Team RWBY, Sougo, Geiz, Woz and the three Rouse Card Riders.
"My savior…" Shiro-Woz remarked before shaking his head, "No, I suppose that name no longer suits you. There is no saving this world, now. The powers of Joker have been unified, the Battle Fight has ended. Let the destruction begin."
"We've fought fate before, we can do it again," Kenzaki called out.
"You only stalled fate," Shiro-Woz reminded.
"All of you go on ahead," Sougo spoke up, "I want to talk to Shiro-Woz."
"Why would you…?" Woz was confused by this.
"Just go, okay?" Sougo said, "We don't have much time to waste."
"Understood," Geiz said before he and the others began heading up the steps, all of them passing Shiro-Woz who didn't even attempt to stop them. The grouping of fighters made their way forward, leaving Shiro-Woz and Sougo behind as they began to approach the perimeter of the area.
Just like they had predicted, the Darkroachi had begun making their way forward.
(Insert: Take It a Try by Ryoji Morimoto)
"You guys stay back," Kenzaki said as he readied his Blay Buckle, Tachibana readying his Garren Buckle while Hajime summoned his Chalice Rouzer.
"Henshin!"
[TURN UP!]
[CHANGE!]
The three transformed into Kamen Rider's Blade, Garren and Chalice, Garren quickly taking the lead and scanning a card.
[RAPID!]
"Get ready you two because I'm counting on you to blow a path forward!" Garren called out as he began firing rapid bursts of bullets out at the Darkroachi army.
Blade readied his Rouse Absorber while Chalice drew out a card, the two sliding their cards and summoning their strongest forms. The Rouse Cards of both Riders shot out of their respective holsters, flying up before rushing towards them.
[ABSORB QUEEN! EVOLUTION KING!]
[EVOLUTION!]
Blade had gained a primarily black bodysuit with gold lining, hefty and thick gold armor lining his body with silver accents. All parts of the gold armor were decorated in various symbols of the animals in the Spade Rouse Cards he held.
A burst of yellow slid off of Chalice's body as his form had changed. He now had a primarily red bodysuit with gold lines running down. It was covered in black armor, his upper body having heavy gold accents. A large green heart shaped jewel was now emblazoned on his chest while his visor had turned from red to green.
The duo had transformed into Blade King Form and Wild Chalice respectively, drawing out their weapons, the King Rouzer and Wild Slasher respectively. While Blade's was an entirely new weapon, a large sword with a card slot in it, Chalice attached the Wild Slasher to his Chalice Arrow to create a bladed attachment for the bow mode.
Chalice formed all his Rouse Cards together into a singular one before sliding it across his weapons scanner. Blade meanwhile brought out five cards from various points in his armor, catching them and loading them into his King Rouzer.
[WILD!]
[SPADE 10! JACK! QUEEN! KING! ACE! ROYAL STRAIGHT FLUSH!]
Both Blade and Chalice pushed their weapons forward, energy gathering before beams of gold and green respectively tore through the middle portion of the Darkroachi. Garren quickly leapt over them, aiming his gun and shooting at the Darkroachi to keep the path clear.
"Get going!" Blade called out as he rushed forward to slash at a Darkroachi.
"We'll handle them!" Chalice added as he separated his weapons, drawing his Wild Slasher and slashing through the crowd.
Ruby gave a nod, leading her team forward with Geiz and Woz as they rushed deeper into the area and further towards Another Blade. However just at the final stretch they'd soon find a new foe waiting for them, the Bossroach that had formed.
The Bossroach gave a growl as it stepped forward and raised a blade and arm mounted shield.
"Whoa, what's this beetle looking guy?" Yang asked.
"Looks like he's here to keep us from going further," Weiss noted.
"We don't have time for this," Geiz hissed out.
"Geiz, Kuro-Woz," Blake spoke up as she stepped forward, bringing out her Gashacon Sparrow in its dual sickle form, "Take Ruby to beat Another Blade, we'll handle this."
"Are you sure?" Geiz asked.
"We don't have time for this argument," Woz sighed.
As if responding, Yang brought out her Magma and Blizzard Knuckles while Weiss brought out her Chalice Arrow. The two walked forward without any words to stand next to Blake.
"Looks like that's your answer," Ruby smirked.
The Bossroach growled further as it began to walk towards the group at a fast pace.
[BIO!]
Weiss had immediately scanned a card, unleashing two thorny whips that lashed out at the Bossroach and ensnared its arms, "Now!"
"Thanks Weiss!" Ruby called out as she rushed forward, Geiz and Woz running after her.
The Bossroach yelled as it managed to use its shields sharp points to cut through the vines, breaking free. It turned to pursue after Ruby and the others only for Blake and Yang to rush in. Blake slashed across its back while Yang slammed her Knuckles into its head and lower back respectively. Their attacks had ended up making it stumble forward, it quickly turning to slash at the two only for them to jump back.
"You girls ready to do this?" Yang asked.
"We were given these weapons for a reason," Blake replied.
"And we'll use them to help our Team Leader as much as we can," Weiss gave a nod as she readied her next card.
"Then let's go!" Yang called out.
(Insert End)
"Overlord, I have nothing to say to you," Shiro-Woz spoke up after the two stared at each other in silence.
"I'm confused though, I thought you were creating the future you wanted?" Sougo asked as he walked up the steps to get close, "But now you're trying to end the world. Why?"
"The future I desire can no longer come to pass," Shiro-Woz explained as he fidgeted with his outfit's collar, "So now… I would rather see no future."
"Don't give up," Sougo said before he raised his voice, "Don't assume you know how the future turns out! The future is never set in stone! There is no future but the one the present makes."
"Are you sure you understand, overlord?" Shiro-Woz asked in near confusion, "I am your enemy."
"Yeah, I know," Sougo replied, "Which is why… you should keep holding on, keep trying to make life hard for us! I will…" He paused before smiling, "All of us I mean, we'll all keep foiling your plans."
Shiro-Woz could only stare at Sougo and the words he was given. Despite their meaning, he couldn't help but detect a genuine kindness behind it. He wondered if that was what drew people to the overlord in the first place.
Ruby, Geiz and Woz soon arrived at where Another Blade was waiting for them, the entire area darkened as the clouds that had started to form had blotted out the sun. The Another Riders eyes lit up before it gave a yell. It threw its hand forward, a spiral tornado of red, blue and green energy launching out and knocking the three backwards before they could transform. Another Blade then stood where it was, seemingly satisfied with just throwing them back.
"Jeez…" Ruby gave a wince.
"Geiz…" Woz called out as he went to pick himself up, "I understand why you can never forgive me. However…"
"You picked a hell of a time for a heart to heart…" Geiz admitted as he picked himself up as well.
"Given it just went docile again you might have time," Ruby mentioned as she picked herself up.
"True, as this may be the end of the world…" Woz agreed.
"Then I'll just speak my mind," Geiz replied, "I don't like you."
"I can imagine," Woz said.
"But I don't like being hung up on the past, either," Geiz said, "So that's why I want to forge a new future with Zi-O, one we've never known. You included. Doesn't that pique your interest?"
Woz could only look in surprise as he recalled the words that Sougo had said to him, "Indeed it does…" He finally spoke as he fully stood, "It is quite the intriguing possibility."
"But we have to stop this slab of rock first if we want to see any future at all," Geiz stood up and readied himself.
"Then let us support Miss Rose," Woz said as he readied himself as well.
"Not the heart to heart I expected, but progress," Ruby mused before smiling and taking out the Silver Roze Ridewatch, "Ready…"
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME!]
[FUTURE TIME!]
[SILVER TIME!]
Another Blade raised its sword into the air, charging up energy before launching it up at the clouds above it. The clouds responded in kind, striking down bolts of thunder against the trio of Riders. Ruby, Geiz and Woz all gave yells as they charged forward, their transformations activating and protecting them from any strikes that actually hit.
[KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[SUGOI! JIDAI! MIRAI! KAMEN RIDER WOZ! WOZ!]
[SILVER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
Their transformations completed into Kamen Rider's Geiz, Woz and Silver Roze respectively. The trio ran forward as explosions occurred all around them. Roze brought out Silver Crescent and fired at Another Blade who blocked with its sword. Geiz and Woz drew their Zikan Zax and Despear respectively, the two charging and performing a deadlock with Another Blade. The weapons gnawed at each other before the two used their strength to force it down.
[ROZE SILVER! RYOSHI SASU!]
Roze used Petal Burst to launch up into the air, firing blasts of light concentrated light energy against Another Blade. The attacks hit dead on, sparks flying as the Another Rider was forced to take a few steps back.
"Let's keep it up!" Roze called out.
Both Geiz and Woz readied their weapons, "Right!"
"I'm heading back, okay?" Sougo went to walk past Shiro-Woz and patted him on the shoulder.
"Wait, overlord…" Shiro-Woz turned, he then held out the Zi-O II and Geiz Revive Ridewatches. Holding them forward the same phenomena from earlier reoccurred. A triangle of energy lines formed as the two Watches reacted to his body. Soon enough the glowing white spot formed in the center before shooting out to Sougo.
Sougo gave a yelp and held up his hands as a new Ridewatch formed within them. This one was wholly different from prior ones, it having a pink base with a white button and a white dial that meant it could only be used on the Armor Time side. But it had three layers to it, a gold layer, with black placed above it, and a cover hiding both layers. It held a black Rider Helmet with a watch strap running down, Zi-O's Visor was on top while being done in multiple colors. The right eye was yellow, the center that held the clock hand crest was now pink and the left eye was blue.
[TRINITY!]
"That was nuts!" Sougo called out as he stared at the new Ridewatch.
"If you use this… I will accept it," Shiro-Woz replied.
"Accept what…?" Sougo asked.
"Go on, overlord," Shiro-Woz then held out both remaining power-up Ridewatches.
Sougo gave a nod as he took them before rushing off to meet with the others.
The Bossroach rushed towards Weiss, slashing down as she scanned a card while summoning a Glyph.
[REFLECT!]
Her Glyph became metallic, the slash bouncing off of it as the Bossroach was forced to stagger back. It was then struck by a fireball from Weiss bringing out a fire Glyph, it being sent staggering back.
Yang rushed forward and performed double punch with her Blizzard and Magma Knuckles, the Bossroach easily blocking with its shield. Yang however kept the pressure as Blake rushed in, jumping and kicking off of her. Bossroach saw this and stabbed at Blake only for its sword to pass through her as she faded away.
Blake had used Shadow to launch herself over and behind Bossroach, charging up her Gashacon Sparrow by tapping the B Button rapidly. Energy gathered in her sickles blades as she struck at Bossroach's back with a cross slash, sparks flying as it was sent stumbling forward.
"Nice one Blake!" Yang cheered as she stepped back.
The Bossroach stabbed its sword into the ground, an explosive force occurring all around it and sending both Blake and Yang flying back. They both gave groans as their aura flickered from getting hit.
"Jeez he still packs a punch," Yang gave a groan as she stood up she then noticed that off to the side Weiss was preparing something, "Blake, fire at that thing!"
"Are you sure?" Blake asked as she combined her sickles back into their arrow mode. She saw Yang give a nod before giving her own. She took aim and began firing arrows at the Bossroach, just like she expected the Bossroach went to block with its shield.
"Now let's go," Yang loaded her Magma Knuckle before charging for the Bossroach and slamming the fist on the ground.
[ROSE! VOLCANIC KNUCKLE!]
Yang's punch against the ground had caused a pool of Magma to form beneath the Bossroach's feet, the magma launching out like vines before wrapping around and burning the Bossroach as they ensnared it. The lava vines soon hardened, trapping the Bossroach as a result.
"Blake!" Weiss called out as she went to scan two cards, "Let's end this!"
"Right," Blake split her weapon into its sickle forms once more and drew out the Giri Giri Chambara Gashat to load it in.
Weiss held up Myrtenaster as blue wind began to spiral around it, it becoming a drill as she readied herself for a lunge. Blake meanwhile reeled her arms back as her sickles began pulsing with bright purple energy.
[DRILL! TORNADO! SPINNING ATTACK!]
[GIRI GIRI CRITICAL FINISH!]
Blake acted first, spinning and sending several energy slashes towards the Bossroach, all striking it and shattering the rock vine prison that held it. The Bossroach's body began to spark before it gasped out, suddenly being struck in the back. Weiss had stabbed forward and launched the tornado drill to strike at its back before it pierced through the Bossroach completely.
Weiss withdrew her sword and turned around, the Bossroach falling to its knees before falling on its face and exploding.
"Hell yeah we did it!" Yang cheered.
"Looks like this will definitely come in handy," Weiss smirked as she looked over her Chalice Rouser.
"They're not Rider Form's, but I think these will do just fine," Blake admitted.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
Everyone was caught off guard by the sudden transformation noises, Sougo running past them as he fully transformed into base form Zi-O with a yell. He didn't pay the three any mind as he charged towards where Another Blade was being fought.
"Whoa, he's in a hurry," Yang remarked.
"Well since we're done we should go after him," Blake suggested.
"Right," Weiss said before hurrying off with her teammates.
Another Blade gave an inhuman yell, unleashing a powerful slash of energy that struck a rock wall behind Roze, Geiz and Woz. The three yelled out as explosions occurred along the wall and the ground behind them, being thrown to the ground as a result.
"This thing's power is too insane!" Roze gasped out.
"We need to keep fighting, there has to be an opening!" Geiz called out.
"Indeed," Woz gave a nod as he readied himself.
Another Blade raised its sword, gathering electricity in it until suddenly Zi-O leapt past everyone, grabbing onto Another Blade and tackling it to the ground as he rolled past it. Zi-O then turned and rushed forward, giving a few punches against Another Blade, though those didn't do much. He was then turned around before being slashed back by the Another Rider.
Zi-O shouted as he was sent tumbling backwards, landing on his back.
"Hey, you okay there?" Roze asked.
Woz stepped forward, "My Overlord!"
"I expected that…" Zi-O admitted as he picked himself up before drawing out the new Ridewatch and pressing down on the button, "Then that means…"
[ZI-O TRINITY!]
As soon as the Ridewatch was pressed the dark clouds were suddenly torn through and dispersed by a bright light. But it wasn't the sun as that could be seen off to the side, it was instead a bright star. Another Blade was ready to step forward when it suddenly paused, taking a step back as if it sensed the power emanating from Zi-O.
"That's…" Geiz trailed.
"…Regulus," Woz gave a nod.
[ZI-O!]
Zi-O loaded in the Ridewatch, the front cover overlapping over the screen on his Ziku Driver and covering it up. The cover being opened showed a black layer covered everything except the top, revealing Zi-O's face at the very back of the Watch. Turning the dial the bottom right corner was uncovered by the black layer being removed again, this time showing Geiz's Rider face.
[GEIZ!]
It wasn't long before Regulus acted in response the announcement, launching a yellow ray of light down that shined directly on Geiz. Another addition was that not only was Zi-O's standby playing, but Geiz's was now playing over it.
"W-What…?" Geiz asked as he looked around.
Turning the dial a final time fully revealed the true face of the Ridewatch, the final layer flipping over to the center and creating a multi-layered clock of gold, white and pink. Right next to Geiz on the bottom was Woz's Rider face.
[WOZ!]
Woz's standby theme began to overlap of Zi-O's and Geiz's as a blue light shined down from Regulus, bathing Woz in it.
"It's guiding us…" Woz looked up in awe.
"Why is it targeting them too?" Roze asked as she watched in awe, before seeing Zi-O unlock and rotate his Ziku Driver to initiate the form change.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
The initial Rider Time announcement was the same to be expected, but suddenly Geiz and Woz gave yelps as they were each raised into the air. Their bodies began to convulse before shrinking into their helmets, watch straps based on their style exiting the bottom and top of their heads.
Roze gave a yelp as she backed away in surprise, "W-Why did they become strap watches?!"
[TRINITY TIME!]
"W-W-Wha…?!" Zi-O stuttered as he began spinning around in confusion as three gold rings surrounded him and spiraled around, Geiz and Woz flying over to him. He gave a yelp as Geiz's head attached to his right shoulder, before yelping even further when he turned and felt Woz's head attach to his left shoulder. Suddenly his front mask slid downwards, leaving only his watch strap as the face of his helmet, "My face!"
Katakana began spiraling around and soon enough latched onto his face, creating the word Rider in Katakana like usual. The difference being the left eye was blue like Woz's while the right was yellow like Geiz's. Between the two was a pink line that tilted towards the upper left and looked like a clock hand, a gold clock hand sticking out somewhat behind it.
[MITTSU NO CHIKARA! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ! T-RIN-I-TY~! TRINITY!]
The gold rings split into more of them before they began to overlap certain parts of the body, all of them closing in and latching on just as the Rider watch straps did as well. Zi-O's base body was essentially his base form like usual, but he now had extra armor and decorations in gold. Even the watch strap that lined his body, head, and back had gold lining and was a bit longer from the front too. The sides were the most striking, the outer portion of the right arm having a similar styling to Geiz's strap, but with red rimming and gold lining. Likewise the outer portion of the left arm held similar styling to Woz's strap, but with green rimming and gold lining. Both straps even reaching the helmet and decorating it on their respective sides.
"Whoa…" Roze couldn't help but stare in awe at the form that was based off the three Riders.
"Ruby, you okay!" Yang called out as she hurried over with Weiss and Blake before catching sight of Zi-O, "Whoa, what the heck?"
"Is that… Sougo?" Weiss asked.
"Why are there Geiz and Woz faces?" Blake pointed out before looking around, "Where are Geiz and Kuro-Woz?"
"Dang, this is pretty wild!" Zi-O called out as he suddenly held his face in surprise. Suddenly his right arm was jerked away as the Geiz head began to shift at the movements.
Geiz's voice could now be heard, "W-What the hell?!"
"We seem to have combined…" Woz declared as Zi-O's left arm was suddenly jerked away as well as the head began to shift to mimic talking.
"Uh… does that answer your question?" Roze asked as she pointed towards Zi-O Trinity, everyone else just staring in shock. It didn't take long before Ruby began to gently hold her forearm and stomach with her arms as she inwardly gave a sigh, thanking whoever granted power-ups that she wasn't involved in this hodgepodge of a form.
"Geiz and Woz, you're in here too?!" Zi-O asked as he looked between his shoulders.
Within Zi-O Trinity was a black void, not unlike Woz's void of narration. But while the clock from that void was present it held a gold clock hand protruding from the center. It was also lying flat on the ground. It was surrounded by the three symbols that made up Zi-O Trinity's visor. Sougo, Geiz and Woz all gave yelps as they were dropped in. Sougo looked around mystified while Geiz was questioning what was even going on, Woz though… he knew he had a duty to perform. The clock hand began to move, it being pointed at Sougo originally before shifting to Geiz and then to him.
"REJOICE!" Woz declared as Zi-O Trinity's body mimicked his movements, raising his left arm upwards, "The power of the three Riders appears to have been united. You likely bear witness to the ruler of time and architect of the future… the name is Kamen Rider Zi-O Trinity! Truly this is the moment when a new record of history will be scribed."
Zi-O Trinity suddenly tilted his body as the Zi-O face moved in response to Zi-O speaking, "Hey, that was a little more subdued than usual…"
"What nightmare have we walked into?" Weiss asked in a near horrified expression.
"I don't know, I think it's kind of cool," Yang admitted.
"Um… Ruby you okay?" Blake asked, noticing her team leader had her arms shifting as if she was attempting to hug herself.
"Uh-uh yeah I'm fine," Roze said before shivering slightly, "Just kind of glad I wasn't included for once."
"Alright," Zi-O called out as he was back in control of his body, the combined Rider rushing forward towards Another Blade. The Another Rider had brought down its blade early in fear, whiffing the first slash before bringing it up again and slashing. Zi-O however moved quickly, blocking the sword before batting it down and punching Another Blade in its chest, pink, yellow and blue energy bursting out.
Another Blade stepped from the power behind the punch. It moved forward to rush at Zi-O only for him to sidestep, the combined Rider kicking it to force it to stumble. The Another Rider turned only to receive a combination of punches from Zi-O before the Rider finished with a side kick, forcing it back.
Zi-O kept himself ready as he watched Another Blade approach. Suddenly yellow Hiragana shot out of the Driver, launching out and smacking Another Blade backwards. The Hiragana clumped together before Zi-O grasped at it.
[ZIKAN ZAX! OH! NO!]
Much to everyone's shock Zi-O was able to form the Zikan Zax. He rushed forward, slashing to force Another Blade back even further. He then stood still, watching the Another Rider close in with a slash. Zi-O blocked with his axe before slashing twice, energy erupting from his slashes and striking Another Blade despite the distance.
Another Blade gave an inhuman growl as it staggered back, before raising its sword and swinging down.
[ZIKAN DESPEAR! YARISUGI!]
Zi-O wasted no time in discarding the Zikan Zax before summoning the Despear in its spear formation. He raised it and blocked the attack with ease. He forced the sword away before stabbing forward, striking Another Blade in the stomach. He then ducked as Another Blade countered by running and swinging high. He dodged past the Another Rider before spinning and stabbing again.
The Another Rider had turned only to get sent staggering back by the stab, falling to its hands and knees.
"So he can summon both Woz and Geiz's weapons," Blake mused.
"Yeah but are you seeing how easily he's blocking and beating that thing back?" Yang asked, "Given you all didn't beat it before we got here I can only imagine that means this new form's a real beast."
"Oh yeah," Roze gave a nod, "We did damage but we were running into some trouble."
Zi-O meanwhile discarded the Zikan Despear before a gold flash formed in front of him, the Saikyo Zikan Girade formed in its completed state without needing to be put together. Zi-O gripped it with both hands as it shined with a bright gold energy.
Another Blade managed to pick itself up, rushing forward only to receive a horizontal slash to the face. It spun back before smacking its chest. It then went for a spinning slash only for its attack to be blocked by Zi-O who forced its blade back before slashing again, cutting through and breaking the blade in half. Zi-O wasn't done there however, performing a horizontal upper slash to deal a heavy blow. An explosive burst occurred as Another Blade was sent stumbling backwards.
"Geiz, Woz! Let's do this!" Zi-O addressed the two shoulders on his armor, both Geiz and Woz giving their own confirmations to go ahead. Zi-O then pressed down on his personal Ridewatch before pressing down on Trinity's Ridewatch three times and rotating his Driver.
[FINISH TIME! ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ!]
Zi-O then put his feet together before kicking upward and launching himself into the air. Exiting his body were three spectral projections of Zi-O, Geiz and Woz, the trio glowing brightly as they all got in kicking positions. Trinity soon joined them, jumping high enough to be right below and in front of them.
As if the threat of four Rider Kicks wasn't enough, all of their Time Finisher gimmicks activated at once. The Geiz face and boot hiragana projections began to stretch outwards into a line that targeted Another Blade. Zi-O's Katakana for 'kick' all surrounded Another Blade while behind it was the cube that Woz would utilize in his finishers.
Zi-O kicked out with his right leg, one by one, Geiz, Zi-O, and Woz merging with his body and filling him with energy. He took aim as he dropped along the path of Hiragana that Geiz had laid out. The pink katakana meanwhile began to line up with each other before lining up directly with Zi-O's kick.
[TRINITY TIME BREAK BURST EXPLOSION!]
With the two different kicks filling his right leg he kicked against Another Blade, sending it into the projected cube that was spinning rapidly behind it. The cube was launched backwards before it slammed into a rock wall, exploding seconds after impacting against the rock.
Zi-O landed in a kneeling position before looking over towards the smoke that remained from the explosion. Roze and her team meanwhile watched intently, awaiting the outcome of the finisher.
Another Blade could be seen standing once the smoke cleared. However, its body suddenly turned black before white cracks filled it. It didn't take long for it to shatter like glass, the Blade Anotherwatch shattering at the same time as green smoke exited the Anotherwatch. The smoke formed into two monstrous silhouettes that screamed out in pain before exploding into small particles that dissolved away completely.
"Battle Fight… Ended," Zi-O said as he slowly stood up, "Forever."
Zi-O Trinity's transformation began to glow before disengaging. Sougo a surprised expression as both Geiz and Woz appeared next to him while stumbling out of the transformation. Geiz could only dust himself off while the three looked at each other. Despite them being able to defeat Another Blade with no issue, it was certainly an experience sharing one body.
Roze dismissed her transformation and hurried over with her team.
"Well would you look at that shiny new toy that you've got," Yang remarked.
"I can't even imagine what that feels like," Weiss admitted.
"And hopefully you never will," Geiz replied.
"Oh come on, it wasn't that bad," Sougo waved off Geiz's complaints.
"You were pretty cool out there," Ruby admitted, "And given what just happened I guess we have another new form to add to the list of Watches that work on any Another Rider."
"Yep," Sougo gave a nod before looking around, "So we stopped the end of the world right?"
"You all did."
The group would see Blade, Garren and Chalice all running towards them. The three dismissed their transformations, and everyone could see that Kenzaki and Hajime's blood was still red instead of green like it had been.
"You two…" Tachibana stared at his two friends.
"I still can't feel it anymore," Hajime admitted as he held his chest, "The Joker's influence, it's gone for good."
"Whatever you did to that Another Rider, it looks like it permanently destroyed the Joker Undead that resided within us," Kenzaki guessed.
"But Hajime's a natural born Joker," Tachibana argued, "How-"
"His Spirit Card," Kenzaki interrupted as he held up a finger, "He's lived as a human while suppressing his powers for so long that the Spirit Card became his new type after his main type was lost. In essence it was like how I became a Joker, just in reverse, I think."
"You…" Tachibana gave a bored stare, "You made that up right now didn't you?"
"No, no, no," Kenzaki raised his hands and shook them with a smile, "It's just when his powers were being taken I heard the announcement."
"That's right," Hajime realized before taking out his Spirit Card, he gave a smile as he looked at it, "I suppose that's just what we call a blessing."
"Looks like you two won't need to stay away from each other anymore," Weiss crossed her arms but smiled.
"Guess that means that I can finally move on," Kenzaki admitted, "So can Hajime and Amane."
"That's good to hear," Sougo gave a smile alongside the others, glad to see that Kenzaki and Hajime were able to get their happy ending.
As the day passed and dusk began to take hold, Regulus was shining brighter than ever. Of course everyone had left to head for home once the battle was over. Everyone except for Woz, who watched as Shiro-Woz walked over to where the battle had ended, the alternate version of him staring up at Regulus.
"It seems that this moment has marked the new Day of Oma," Woz said as he walked over.
"Indeed," Shiro-Woz gave a nod, "A new record of time, unknown to either of us, has begun."
Woz though gave a sigh, knowing he needed to ask this, he cleared his throat, "Is your existence truly because of my Overlord's decisions?"
"Partially yes," Shiro-Woz replied, "You know how your employers can be, very picky. But they were astonished by the overlord's choice back in late December. So they wanted to know what they could do to potentially create a new timeline. They took some of your spare power when you weren't looking and used the split in time to allow me to take shape."
"And unfortunately you failed," Woz said, "I can only imagine that you cannot exist past the Day of Oma. Only one of us could truly exist past this point. And yet, you chose to ensure my life instead of your own… why?"
"It could be for many reasons," Shiro-Woz admitted as he kept staring up at Regulus, "Perhaps because I knew I was only ever an imitation. Perhaps because I knew that Remnant's presence would benefit from the power you just received… or maybe because I was lonely."
"Lonely…?" Woz asked.
"I was never able to make friends, not like the ones you have," Shiro-Woz replied, "That's another difference between us, a great one even."
"I have made friends…?" Woz asked, a bit confused by this statement.
"I've taken a liking to your overlord," Shiro-Woz admitted, he looked over to his original counterpart, "I suspect he will bear an interesting future, not only for here but for Remnant as well. Take good care of him."
Woz couldn't help but give a fond smile at that, he didn't think much of it at first, but he had grown further and further closer to the group in such short time.
"You should be wary of Sir Swartz… his ambitions are fairly great," Shiro-Woz admitted, "But your overlord and his friends have done enough to where I think that might not matter much. However… there are forces at work behind the scenes not related to our missions."
"What do you mean by that?" Woz asked.
"Someone is making their move now that the truth has been realized," Shiro-Woz replied before he noticed his body began to destabilize, "It seems the time has come. I do hope that your future is devoid of darkness."
Woz could only watch as his alternate counterpart faded away and turned to white dust, the white specks flying up and joining the stars in the night.
"Well I think everything turned out alright in the end," Tsukasa admitted as he took a nightly stroll with Summer.
"World didn't end, they've got another Ridewatch, the Another Riders were stopped," Summer listed off as she held out fingers, "Oh and they've got the Lamp back."
"All thanks to me," Tsukasa gave a stretch alongside a smug grin.
"Not like I had any choice in leaving this to you," Summer muttered in annoyance at Tsukasa's smug nature.
"So when are you going to do it?" Tsukasa asked.
"Do what?" Summer asked back.
"Reveal yourself," Tsukasa replied, "After all we're far enough into the game already that revealing yourself would be beneficial."
"I… I'm…" Summer couldn't find the words as she slowed down and looked at the floor, "I mean what to say… how to explain everything? It's a lot, you know?"
"True, you have been gone for a rather long time," Tsukasa agreed.
"I'm just worried, I left the family for admittedly selfish reasons all of a sudden," Summer gave a sigh, "How would they even react to me being alive?"
"They'd probably be pretty annoyed," Tsukasa said.
"You're not helping Tsukasa," Summer gritted her teeth.
"Things will work out alright if you explain yourself."
Both Tsukasa and Summer looked up to see Daiki walking towards them, Shiro-Woz's Future Note in hand.
"Daiki…" Tsukasa gave a bored stare.
"What do you mean?" Summer asked.
"They're your family right?" Daiki asked, "Despite your original mission you're not exactly here for the most self-centered reasons. If you told them everything I'm sure they'd understand. I'll repeat what you told me today, just trust in your daughters…"
"Daiki…" Summer trailed off before giving a bow, "Thank you… but I still need some time to figure out how I'm going to do this."
"Take your time," Daiki shrugged, "After all it took me a near decade to reconcile with my brother."
"Let's just hope it doesn't take longer," Tsukasa said before noticing the object slung underneath Daiki's arm, "What's that?"
"Thanks to those guys I was able to get this World's Greatest Treasure, the Future Note," Daiki held the Future Note up, "It could come in handy later on. Those Riders didn't make out so bad either."
"So why exactly come to us?" Tsukasa asked.
"Well I just wanted to see how my dear friends were doing," Daiki smiled before growing serious, "And also I wanted to know what your next move was. After all you mentioned that those kids would be returning to Remnant soon if they had that Lamp. So what will you two do once they leave?"
Tsukasa and Summer looked at each other, the two giving a nod before walking over to Daiki. They could probably use the extra help since they knew things on Remnant were only going to get rougher.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"I do want to show people how inferior they are to me."
"Let's find Kamen Rider Agito."
"She's just like you, right?"
"If you need any help please don't hesitate to call."
"This has nothing to do with you."
Chapter 64: 2001: Agito Awakening!
Author's Note: I know people were probably curious how I'd end the Blade chapters, especially since I changed things a bit. But I decided it felt right to keep the happy ending (even if done differently) for both Kenzaki and Hajime. They've suffered more than enough, so might as well push something good their way.
Of course despite our heroes having the Relic of Knowledge back, we've got at least one more Legend Rider to deal with before our inevitable return to Remnant. I mean after all, thanks to the way the Time Mazines operate, they've got all the time in the world as cliché as that is to say.
