Chapter 18: Clash

(The Opening begins here. Song used: Bright Burning Shout.)

As song begins, we see a rose, then an Ore Eyecon, then finally a Mighty Action X Gashat sinking downwards through a black sea.

Then, as the song picks up, the scene changes through a whirlwind of rose petals to a Black Background. The Kamen Rider Ghost logo then approaches us, going past our view through the screen, and then the Kamen Rider Ex-Aid logo does the same, then they reappear by moving backwards into view as the Fate Extra/Last Encore logo appears below them. An "x" appears between the two Kamen Rider logos.

Then, bubbles appear from the right obscuring the logos and changing the scene.

"Yakusha wa inakunatta once more?"

Koriru koto naku who am i? Ga nibuku

Emu opens his eyes. He is swimming in an endless sea of blue. He looks around, trying to figure out why he is there. Then, suddenly, a shadow coalesces behind Emu.

Izanau jihi naki endless

Before Emu could react, he grips his head in pain with both hands, clutching his eyes tight closed as a purple aura surrounds him. Then, the camera zooms into Emu's eyes as he opens them. They are glowing purple. The camera enters the eye.

Na mo naki kodoku wa dōshi da tte

Umaranai to tsukitsukerareteru

The scene changes. We see Tenkuji Takeru in a black void holding his Stories of the World's Greatest People. Pages are flying out of the book and whirling around him in a storm. Takeru looks around at the pages, as if looking for one.

Hakanai landscape

He reaches out and grabs a page. There is a blinding flash of light.

Dare mo ga imi o sagashite wa

Dō shiyō mo nai mama

Aragau sube mo nai

The pages turn into rose petals as Red Saber appears, kneeling in front of Takeru as if he was her lord. The void becomes her Golden Theatre where Emu first found her. Then, she gets up and, turning around surprise, runs forward, as if she is preparing to jump.

bad trip.

She jumps, and the scene suddenly changes to the ocean that Emu was in. Saber had jumped into the ocean.

Saa ima, yuuretsu naku umareochita

Negai ni kachi wa aru ka?

Emu looks up. Saber holds out her hand for Emu. He takes hold of it, and both of them swim upwards into the light.

Mezamero! Bright Burning Shout

The scene is now inside the Coliseum where the original Opening took place. We see Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Action Gamer Level 1, who then jumps and transforms into Level 2, slashing some shadowy figures. After Chapter 14, this sequence changes to Ex-Aid transforming into Double Action Gamer Level XX after transforming into Level 2, both of them slashing shadowy figues.

Mujou sugiru sekai demo

Then, the camera shifts to Kamen Rider Ghost Ore Damashii, and he slashes some figures as well, before posing as more Ghosts posing appear, each of them representing the Eyecons that Ghost had collected and can use as a Damashii, except for Red Saber's. Chapter 5 onwards introduces Drake Damashii, Chapter 9 onwards adds Robin Hood Damashii and Chapter 14 onwards adds Tamamo no Mae Damashii.

Koe ni dashita sono kibou o

Then, Red Saber appears and slashes a figure, ending up back to back with Ghost. Then, they turn around and fuse together in a red flash, creating Kamen Rider Ghost Red Saber Damashii. They slash the screen in half, opening a dark void which the camera goes into.

Shinjitsu ni kaeyou ka

In the darkness, we see the silhouette of Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Zombie Action Gamer Level X-2 surrounded in a purple aura. Then, we zoom into his helmet, which has eyes that glow purple.

Michibike! Bright Burning Shout

Hora ikitai to sakenderu kara

Then, the enemy Master and Servant pairs are shown, each on their floor. First, there is Shinji and Drake on the Golden Hind. Then, there is Blackmore and Robin Hood in the Forest. Then, there is Alice by herself at a table, turning to face the camera. Then, there is Julius Harwey and the corrupted Berserker in some ruins. Then, Rin and Rani back to back in a white icy wasteland. Then, a knight holding a sword and a blond man in a trenchcoat in a Garden. Finally, we see Twice H Pieceman beneath a giant black sphere surrounded by a golden circle.

Hatenaki sora o nirame

The scene cuts back to Ghost, Ex-Aid and Saber running through the Coliseum towards the exit. They exit the Coliseum.

It's you tomo ni arukeru nara

The three look upwards at the Golden circle in the sky. A shot of the three individually then flashes past to the beat of the final three words, each of them readying themselves for more fighting.

unmei no hi wa kitto

The camera then moves upwards into the sky, passing through the centre of the golden circle.

tomoru

The final shot as the last words are sung is of the Mighty Action X Gashat, the Ore Eyecon and the Rose lying on sand at the bottom of an ocean.

"You were born from hatred. Driven by jealousy toward the living and cursing humanity."

Emu heard voices floating around his head. They were words that he had spoken throughout his journey. He remembered each and every one of them.

"I hate everything about this moon."

"I came here to kill you."

"This is for Rani."

"I will end this… with my own hands."

"But you already know that. It was only a matter of time before you accepted."

"You had a convenient dream."

'"Perhaps I could be Saber's Master. How pleasant that would be."

"But that's not the truth."

"You can no longer go back. Alive or dead, you can never wash us away.

You can never escape."

Emu opened his eyes. He was standing in a white void.

In front of him stood his double.

"You still resist." The double spoke, his voice layered with others that were not Emu's. "Even after we showed you there was no other way. Even after your hands were stained in blood."

Emu felt dizzy as he struggled to remain standing.

"You are the last remnants of your weakness left. All we need to do is kill you."

The doppelganger brought out the Gamer Driver and put it on his waist. Taking out the Dangerous Zombie Gashat, he placed it into the Gamer Driver's first slot, then opened it.

GASHATTO!

GACHAN!

LEVEL UP!

DANGEROUS ZOMBIE! DANGEROUS ZOMBIE!

The doppelganger became shrouded in purple mist as a white screen emerged from the Gamer Driver. It moved backwards towards the mist, before it was slashed in half by a single swipe of the doppelganger's Gashacon Breaker.

The doppelganger had transformed into Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Zombie Gamer Level X.

Emu, panting heavily, brought out his own Gamer Driver. It felt heavy in his hands as he placed it on his waist. He took out his Mighty Action X Gashat and placed it into his driver as well, opening the lever on the driver at the same time.

GASHATTO!

GACHAN!

LEVEL UP!

MIGHTY ACTION X!

Although Emu had transformed into Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Action Gamer Level 2, he still felt as weak as he was untransformed. Lifting his Gashacon Breaker in hammer mode, he urged himself to face his double.

The other Ex-Aid rushed forwards, lifting his sword as he prepared to strike the original. Emu met the sword with his hammer, then they locked their weapons, each vying for supremacy.

"You see? You can barely fight! Why bother trying?"

The other Ex-Aid pushed with his sword, breaking the deadlock and causing Emu to lose balance. He then kicked Emu in the chest, pushing Emu backwards. Emu caught himself and managed to maintain footing, only for the other Ex-Aid to continue to attack. As Emu desperately tried to block the flurry of attacks, the health bar on his chest started to decrease rapidly. He could hear other voices around him taunting him.

Saber is dead because of you. Her life is in your hands.

You cannot keep up with him. You hold yourself back.

We are one and the same. There is no hope in resisting.

Don't you want revenge on the Moon Cell for everything?

After you stole Alice's chance of living again?

The Deadface Ex-Aid ended the flurry with a large slash down Emu's chest. Emu was thrown backwards onto the floor, knocking him out of the transformation. As Emu writhed on the floor in agony, the Deadface Ex-Aid walked slowly up to him.

"There is no other way."

Emu wondered if he should just give up. After all, to fight Julius, he needed their power. Saber was already dead, and thus the only hope laid in him.

But if he couldn't beat him like this, then if he let them in, he could win.

Win and destroy the Moon Cell once and for all.

He could almost imagine Saber's response if she found him in this situation.

"Maestro… Maestro… open your eyes.

After all this time, we can walk forward hand in hand.

That is plenty for me.

Do what you can do. No man is without a desire to better themselves."

But what is the point? What can I do? All I can do is destroy.

I'm sorry, Saber, but you don't understand.

All I have left is hatred.

You can't understand, do you?

You're always so bright and cheerful, even when we're in dire straits.

How I envy you.

I'm sorry, Saber. Takeru.

For failing you both.

The Deadface swung the sword upwards to finish. Emu closed his eyes, ready to be embraced by the darkness.

"Emu!"

Emu heard a loud clang and opened his eyes.

In front of him stood Takeru, transformed into Ghost, blocking the sword of the Deadface with his own. He pushed his sword upwards, then kicked the Deadface back. He turned to Emu.

"Takeru…" Emu could only mumble.

"This isn't you! You can't let him win! If you do, then think about who will die! You're a doctor, aren't you? Why would you embrace death so easily?"

"I've gone too far, Takeru. I've been killing all this time. It's the only thing I can do."

The Deadface Emu laughed.

"You see? Your friend here's given up hope. There's no turning back now."

Takeru was distraught.

"Emu! Please! Think about what Saber would want!"

"What does it matter? She's dead now. And it's all my fault."

"What about Alice? Would she want her Onii-chan-"

"Don't say that name!" Emu yelled. "I killed her with my hands. I don't deserve to be a doctor. To take the life of a patient that I could have saved."

Takeru's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to wake up Emu. Part of him cursed himself for not noticing it sooner. Or maybe he did, but he didn't know what to do about it. However, he was the only one able to save Emu.

But Nursery Rhyme…

As he heard the Deadface Emu's footsteps approach him, he knew he was running out of time. He had no other choice.

"Emu. I'm sorry… for not telling you this earlier… but… ALICE IS ALIVE!"

Emu and the Deadface Emu stopped in their tracks.

"What?" The Deadface Emu shouted incredulously. "That's not possible! Shut up!"

He ran towards Takeru and swung his sword downwards, but before he could realise, Takeru swung around and caught the blade with his bare hands. He then pulled and pushed the lever on his Ghost Driver.

DAI KAIGAN!

ORE OMEGA DRIVE!

With a roundhouse kick, he sent the Deadface flying a second time. Takeru turned around.

"Emu, Nursery Rhyme saved her! When you finished off the Bugster Union, she was able to enter it and extract Alice's data! She's safe! And Saber is also holding on! She needs you, Emu!"

Emu's eyes widened, and for the first time in a long while, Takeru could see a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

He knelt down to Emu and took out the Saber Eyecon from his pocket, giving it to Emu.

"Emu, you are not only a doctor who saves lives, you are also Genius Gamer M! Any game that you face, you will be able to beat! So please, Emu. Come back to us!"

Takeru suddenly lurched upwards with a yelp of pain, then his form vanished. The Deadface Ex-Aid had managed to return and stab Takeru in the back.

"His words mean nothing. Your fate is still the same."

He lifted his sword once again. Emu closed his eyes and clutched the Eyecon in his hand.

A red and gold aura started to manifest around Emu, and as the Deadface Ex-Aid brought his sword down, the aura reacted, violently pushing back the Deadface. Emu rose to his feet.

Saber. Thank you for sending Takeru to help me.

And also, thank you for being a ray of light in my darkest days.

I know I can be critical of your arrogance and showy nature, but in truth, I love that about you.

You have the courage to smile even in such a horrible place.

He began to concentrate, drawing power from the Eyecon using his connection as Saber's Master. He felt reinvigorated by the aura surrounding him.

It's my turn. I will come back to save you and make you smile. As myself. I promise. And now…

He opened his eyes.

"I will change my fate… with my own hands!"

He brought out the Mighty Action X gashat once more and slammed it into the Gamer Driver, opening the lever.

GASHATTO!

GACHAN!

LEVEL UP!

MIGHTY JUMP! MIGHTY KICK! MIGHTY MIGHTY ACTION X!

He transformed into Ex-Aid Action Gamer Level 2 again, but this time, the red and gold aura empowered him. He rushed forwards once again, this time opening the Gashacon Breaker into Sword mode to counter his foe's.

Skill: Imperial Privilege, activate! Target: the Deadface!

The two of them clashed their blades furiously. The Deadface once again tried to attack with a flurry of slashes, but he found that Emu was able to counter each one with ease. He tried to rush away to use his speed advantage, but Emu kept up with the Deadface's movements, giving him no time to prepare a long-distance attack. As Emu began to wreath his sword in fire, the Deadface wreathed his with darkness, and as their two blades stuck each other, the shockwave blasted each one backwards onto the floor.

"Enough is enough. It's time to end this." The Deadface declared.

The Deadface threw his sword away and took out his Dangerous Zombie Gashat, slamming it into the Finisher holder on the side of his belt.

KIMEWAZA!

Emu did the same with his Mighty Action X gashat.

KIMEWAZA!

As well as that, he took out the Saber Eyecon and activated it. The red and gold aura around Emu intensified.

DANGEROUS CRITICAL STRIKE!

MIGHTY CRITICAL STRIKE!

Both Ex-Aids jumped towards each other, striking a kicking pose. They collided in mid-air, causing waves of red, gold and purple auras to radiate from their point of contact. As they clashed, it seemed that they were equal in strength, until a red illusion of Saber appeared behind Emu, empowering his kick enough to blast through his foe's. As Emu landed on the ground, the Deadface exploded in mid-air, falling to the ground and losing the armour.

Emu turned around and walked towards him, his aura dissipating.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Finish me off." The Deadface said.

Emu closed the Driver's lever and took out the Gashat, de-transforming.

"I'm not going to finish you off."

"Why not?" The Deadface sneered.

"I know about you as much as you know about me. The Deadface may be the grudges of Masters dead, but they are still a fundamental part of them. They may be dead, but their legacy lives on. So I'll ask you the same question you've been asking me. Is destruction truly your desire? Destroying the Moon Cell may be an easy thing to do, but will it truly satisfy them? It would be easy for him to kill you now and solve this problem once and for all, but, even though you are evil, a life is a life, even if fake, and thus worth saving."

He approached the doppelganger.

"However, I can still fulfil your desire. I know that the Moon Cell is corrupted, but if you stop interfering with my mind and driving me to madness, then I'll continue fighting to reach the top. Then, I'll win. I'll satisfy the dying wishes of the Masters inside the Deadface and avenge their deaths. We can fix the Moon Cell together."

The doppelganger paused for a moment. Emu could see that he was considering it. As he thought, the ghosts of the other Masters started appearing around Emu, staring deep into his soul. Emu stood his ground, unafraid.

Finally, the doppelganger spoke.

"Very well. I accept your terms. Besides, if you die again, then we'll be able to take over. After all, without us, you can't progress to the next floor. What can you do on your own?"

"I'll find a way. You'll see."

The doppelganger chuckled. Then, the doppelganger's form disappeared. The ghosts started vanishing around Emu, until one remained. A girl, with a brown school uniform stained in red.

Wait… that's…

She turned around and walked forwards.

The Saber Eyecon flew out of Emu's pocket and followed her. Emu did so too.

As the ghost walked, a door materialised in front of her. She opened the door and, looking back momentarily at Emu, entered through. The Eyecon fell onto the floor in front of the door. Emu picked it up, then went through the door as well.