Good Heavens, It's Rider Time! Chapter 10: Reach Out to Your Desires, a Kamen Rider + RWBY Crossover fanfic

(Author's Note)

Happy New Years! Welcome one and all to 2020 v1.1, we hope you enjoy the ride!

I kid of course, but for a good chunk of the year I can't deny at least for me it's gonna feel like that until things start to calm down again.

Anyways, sorry about the delay, this turned out to be a bit more beefy than I was expecting, so it's gonna be a bit of a long one.

Ugh, finally glad to be done with this chapter, now I can get started on the Events of Volume 2, which will be more streamlined in how I do the Zi-O content compared to the earlier chapters.

Alright onto Reviews!

To 23debal01: Well, who's to say?

Without further delay, on with the story!

"Ugh, I hope Ozpin's not calling us up for what I think he is…" I muttered, placing my head in my hands as I leaned against the elevator as it ascended up towards the Headmaster's office.

"What were you expecting to happen when Momotaros came to class today?" Parado asked, looking over at the Imagin who was currently tapping his foot impatiently on the floor. "He's a red demon, I'm surprised how many people didn't immediately draw their weapons on the boss monster."

"Eh, you want to go Brat?" Momotaros asked, turning to face Parado.

"No thanks, there's no challenge there… Though I suppose using a handicap would make it somewhat interesting." Parado said, glaring as the Imagin.

"Kono Yaro…"

"Oi!" I placed my hand out between the two. "Can we not right now? I get it tensions are high, but right now we should be acting like an actual TEAM and not… this."

"A team that's labeled under your own name…" Parado said, smirking at me.

"If you want to point fingers, I didn't pick the name, Ozpin did…" I said with a groan as I looked over at Woz, who was currently reading through that damned advent calendar. "Though I swear you had something to do with this Woz…"

"I have done nothing at all." Woz said, flipping a page on the book before slamming it shut. "We're here."

"Finally!" Momotaros said, leaning his head back. "Gah! It's like this elevator stops at every floor as it goes up!"

The doors quickly slid open, revealing Ozpin sitting at his desk. I breathed a small sigh of relief at the lack of Professor Goodwitch standing next to him, which meant this probably wasn't about earlier today. "Ozpin, you called for us."

"Team Zi-O, yes I have." Ozpin said, motioning to the 4 paper cups before him. "Coffee?"

Momotaros immediately grabbed one of the cups and began drinking it, followed shortly by Woz, leaving Parado and I to stare at Ozpin as the headmaster leaned back in his chair.

"While I'll admit that the incident earlier regarding the latest and final member of your team would normally be the cause of discussion, I believe it was handled poorly by multiple parties." Ozpin said, taking a sip from his mug. He placed it back down and laced his fingers together. "I will rectify the mistakes on Beacon's part in the near future. That said, this is not why I called you four up here today."

"What did you call us up here for then?" Parado asked, idly picking up one of the coffee cups and taking a sip of it, before turning his head to the side as his face scrunched up. "Ugh, that's so bitter…!"

"We are currently nearing the end of the first semester here at Beacon Academy, and while the other professors and myself have had ample time to watch the teams grow and work together during this time, due to your circumstances, the same cannot be said Team ZI-O." Ozpin said, leaning forwards. "In this case, we are unable to score you the same way we would the other teams for their finals, so instead I've elected to propose a different assignment instead."

"Eh?" Momotaros placed the now empty mug on the table, picking up what probably would've been my mug.

"What exactly do you have in mind? I assure you, my lord will be able to best any challenge you send his way." Woz said, taking a sip from the coffee cup as he looked at Ozpin.

"While your belief in your leader is promising, that is not what I'm truly evaluating here." Ozpin continued, pulling up a screen before me detailing reports from a town outside of Vale. "While an assignment like this would be something we have our students take part in during the second semester, I believe it will be fitting to have you four take part in this defensive operation for your finals for this semester."

"Defensive operation?" Parado asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's correct." Ozpin said, sliding through some of the reports, including distress calls from a few civilians. My eyes caught one of the names but the image moved too quickly to fully recognize who had sent that specific report. "Your job will be to assist the Kougami Foundation's Ride Vendor 1st motorcycle brigade in defending the town of 'Alkam' from the Grimm. There has been a sudden and rapid increase in their numbers in that area recently for unknown reasons, and we've received requests to deal with this new threat, which is where you four come in. At the same time, you'll be under the direct watch of the captain of this squad, Shintaro Gotou, who will be the stand in for the Huntsman that you would normally shadow in this sort of mission." He finished, swiping his hand to bring up a picture of the man himself.

"The Kougami foundation?" I asked, eyes widening as I looked at Gotou's picture.

"That's correct. From your tone of voice I take it you know them?" Asked Ozpin.

I nodded slowly, looking at Gotou. "Yeah…"

"There's another reason that we're sending you and not another more trained huntsman team." Ozpin said, shutting the hologram down. "I have received reports of an Another Rider, several reports actually. Most have come from the Kougami Foundation itself, believe it or not."

"So you're sending us to deal with a threat that only we can handle?" Woz asked, tiling his head up slightly.

"Precisely. There's a high chance that the Another Rider has ties with the Kougami Foundation, so be on your guard during this mission. You'll meet with Shintaro Gotou tomorrow at the Coordinates I've sent you just now, where you'll be sent off for the next 3 days to clean up the sudden influx of Grimm." Ozpin said. "I wish you the best of luck. You're dismissed from the rest of your classes today so you may prepare for this outing. That will be all."

I looked down at my feet, my eyes narrowing as I went over the information in my head. "Yeah… Got it…"

"Oi, what's gotten into you?" Momotaros asked as the elevator descended. "He's not normally this quiet, right? It's a plus compared to when he was fanboying, but it's about as creepy as it was-"

"Shintaro Gotou is most likely the Another Rider." I said, looking up at the three in front of me.

"Is this your bluff or your damning evidence?" Parado asked, crossing his arms. "I'm surprised you have enough information to work with to make such an accusation."

"Shintaro Gotou, Captain of the Ride Vendor 1st motorcycle brigade, and a character from Kamen Rider OOO." I said, crossing my arms. "He was also a user of the Kamen Rider Birth system, though that has most likely changed since Ozpin didn't mention that tidbit. Which leads me to believe he's also Another OOO. Since that would explain why he is no longer Birth."

"But why him, my lord?" Woz asked.

"Is that a rhetorical question, because I'm sure you'd know with your future book there." I said, tilting my head at the Advent Calender. "Shintaro Gotou, when he was first introduced, had a… saviour complex, to put it bluntly. He wished to save the world, and when someone else gained the power to do so, he got jealous and believed that person wasn't worthy of said power and that he would be. So far fits all the criteria that most Another Riders fall under. A want for power, to save, to hurt, to be something they aren't. For Jaune, that was to be a hero and stand on his own feet. For Hiro, it was to save his Girlfriend. And for Kuruto, well, he wanted to be a deity, or whatever was closest for him."

"You really are a magnet for Another Rider's, huh?" Momotaros asked, crossing his arms. "Heh, yosh! So we go tomorrow and kick that Captain's backside into the pavement then, yeah?"

"That's a terrible idea." Parado said, crossing his arms. "While the thought process is there, it's not enough to convict him without solid evidence."

"You've been playing my Ace Attorney games on my phone, haven't you?" I asked, glancing at Parado.

"They're an interesting break from puzzle games, and just as enjoyable to figure out." Parado shrugged.

"Either way, he has a point." Woz continued. "I believe it would be best we proceed with the mission normally, and if our theories are confirmed, we should act accordingly to the situation as it presents itself. My lord must ace this exam."

"Me acing the final isn't a priority, what we really need to focus on is protecting the civilians." I said, crossing my arms. "Come on, we should get prepared for later. That and get some lunch, the bell went 5 minutes ago, and this stupid elevator isn't even at the ground floor yet…"

"Wait, you're doing what?" Jaune asked, walking next to me with a tray of food in his hands.

"Going to defend a town outside of vale for my finals for this semester." I repeated, grabbing a can of Dr. Piper before we made our way to our team's conjoined table. "Apparently it's because my team was put together so last minute, they're doing this to get a better feel of everyone."

"Still…" Jaune began, looking to the side. "Isn't that sort of thing something trained huntsmen do? Why are they sending first years out?"

"Okay, what's this I hear about you going out to defend a village for your finals?" Weiss spoke up, cutting the two of us off as she stood up from her spot at the table as we arrived.

"Do I really need to explain this again?" I asked, tilting my head back.

"We got the gist of it from Woz already." Ren said, turning to look at us. "Weiss is-"

"Being Weiss." Nora said, cutting off Ren. "How come you're getting the interesting assignment while we're left with the boring one?"

I sighed, sitting down at the table. "Because I'm late on the team thing and they want a demonstration or something, I don't know…" I placed my tray down and placed a hand against my forehead. "Ugh, today has just been… mentally draining since I'm thinking this over so much right now."

"What I was trying to say was that I'm just surprised they're sending first years out for this." Weiss said, crossing her arms as she sat down.

"That's what I was thinking!" Jaune said, pointing at weiss. "Isn't this something a trained huntsman would be called for?"

"Actually, a few of our upperclassmen have done something similar before as well." Pyrrha spoke up, turning to look at Jaune. "They're normally shadowing a huntsman during such missions though…"

"At least with that we'd know we have a professional on our backs, here we have some NPC…" Parado said, crossing his arms.

"Please don't refer to him like that when we actually see him…" I sighed, poking my food with my fork as I looked over at Parado. "We're most likely being graded for how we act as well." My eyes turned towards Momotaros, who was sitting with a fist against his chin.

"Oi, oi! What's with that look!" Momotaros asked, leaning forwards as he slammed his fist onto the table.

Weiss glared at the Imagin. "Hey!"

"Guys, please…!" I moaned, placing a hand on my face. "Ugh, and here I thought finals would've been more straightforward this time around compared to normal…"

"That would be your first mistake…" Blake said idly, flipping a page.

"Who ARE you guys shadowing anyways while you're out there?" Ruby asked.

"Shintaro Gotou, captain of the Kougami Foundation's Ride Vendor 1st motorcycle brigade." Woz said, placing the advent calendar on the table. "We'll be following his orders and assisting him and his men defend the town of Alkam from a large quantity of grimm."

"The Kougami Foundation?" Weiss asked. "I didn't know they had something like that."

"For the confused, what's the Kougami Foundation?" Jaune asked, raising a hand up.

"They're a company, a large one at that." Weiss began. "I know they have their hands in multiple fields and that my father and their CEO, Kousei Kougami, are business partners, but aside from that there's not much else to really say. What I don't understand is why they're sending a squad instead of letting a huntsman or a team of huntsmen handle this."

"Well, that's not shady at all." Yang said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"Either way, there are now multiple reasons to stay on our toes." I said, looking down at my food. "Already not looking forward to tomorrow…"

"This IS the place, right?" I asked, looking up at the parking building in front of us. "Like, I know the bullhead dropped us off here, but we've been standing here for 5 minutes."

"This is the place." Woz said, looking down at the Advent Calender. "It is more than likely that this might be a test."

"Of what, our patience, or Momotaros' ability to blend in?" Parado asked, turning to look at the visibly shaking Oni who was standing in a large beige trenchcoat, the kind you'd see in a cartoon where 3 kids would stack to try and get into an adult movie. I looked back at the hat that his horns were poking through, stifling a laugh.

"I'll kill him… I'll kill that Coffee-Yaro for this…!"

"Actually, it's hot chocolate, apparently." I said, turning around.

"I don't care what the hell it is! Why am I the only one wearing this stupid getup!?"

"It's harder to hide an Imagin compared to the rest of us. At the very least with this a passerby will write you off as a Faunus instead of a monster like earlier." Woz said, flipping through a page of the Advent Calender before closing it with a smile. "I believe our waiting has come to an end."

As Woz spoke, the sound of Motorcycle engines revving echoed from the building ahead of us, before a line of Ride Vendors drove out to a stop before us, followed by an armoured van stationed at the back. The door on the driver's side opened, and out stepped Shintaro Gotou, his eyes scanning over us before he closed the door and walked towards us. "You must be Team ZI-O?" He asked.

"That's correct." I said, nodding as Gotou's eyes looked over us, trailing over me for a moment before landing on Momotaros.

"And I assume this is who President Kougami mentioned?" Gotou asked. "Can't believe he's alright with working with a monster…"

I looked over at Momotaros, before stopping as I looked at the glare Parado was giving Gotou. "What was that!?" Momotaros snapped, taking a step forward before Woz placed a hand in front of the Imagin. "Let me have a piece of him! He'll regret shit talking me!"

"Oi, don't go talking to my teammates like that." I said, stepping in front of Gotou. I pushed my index finger onto his chest. "We're here to help you protect the civilians from the Grimm, if you can't put aside your prejudices to save others like now, this isn't going to work out."

Gotou's eyes narrowed at me, before taking a step back. "My apologies. I'll refrain from making any such comments in the future."

I looked back at Momotaros as the Imagin shrugged Woz off, before crossing his arms as he glared at Gotou. "Gah, fine!"

"And like that, problem solved. Can we get moving now?" I asked, looking back at Gotou.

Gotou nodded, turning around as he started walking back towards the van. "You four are with me. We'll debrief in the back."

I turned to look at the other 3 members of my team and shrugged, before turning to follow Gotou.

"Here's what we're dealing with." Gotou said, leaning forward as he pulled out a scroll. He extended it and began pulling up different reports, some of them were familiar, mainly due to the fact that they were also in the earlier debrief with Ozpin. "As of last week, the town of Alkam has been sending out requests for help due to an unnaturally large amount of Grimm compared to the usual numbers they've had to deal with in the past. Luckily, they've had a huntsman come by just when things were getting bad, but that hasn't stopped the Grimm, or their seemingly endless numbers. We're going in to secure the town, and wipe out as many Grimm as we can."

"They have a huntsman there already?" Asked Parado, looking at Gotou.

"That's correct." Gotou said, pulling up a photo of a familiar face, a cylindrical disc like weapon of some sorts strapped to his left arm that reminded me of the taja spinner. "Eiji Hino, huntsmen and traveller. He sent a report recently stating that while he's been able to defend the civilians, his supplies have run out and he's on his last legs. He'll be expecting us to lend him a hand in defending the civilians."

I stared at the picture of Eiji. 'A huntsmen, huh? Not the most surprising change out of all the ones I have seen so far… Kinda necessary if he still travels the world and all that.'

"Our ETA is in 2 hours. If you have any questions check your scrolls, I'm sending you the report now." Gotou said, shrinking his scroll back down. "Otherwise, our mission starts now."

I pulled out my scroll, before looking back up at Gotou. "So… why's the Kougami Foundation sending you guys to deal with this instead of a Huntsman?"

Gotou looked up at me. "Huntsmen have been called, that's what you guys are here for."

"Just answer the question." Momotaros said, no longer wearing the trenchcoat, though the hat had stuck around. He had tried prying it off once in the van, but it was practically glued on his horns.

Gotou glared at Momotaros before he turned to look at me. "The Foundation believes the recent influx of Grimm is due to the events of last week's mission."

"Last week's mission?" I asked.

Gotou sighed. "That information is on a need to know basis."

"Yeah, well I feel like I need to know it." I said, leaning forwards.

Gotou glared at me. "Stop asking." He said, before he stood up and moved to the front seat of the van.

"Asshole…" Momotaros said.

"The only problem with him… is that he's so blunt it's hard to get anything out of him." I said, leaning back. "Let's just get ready. We have a bit of a trip waiting for us."

"As much as the cake is delicious Kousei, I would like to know the true purpose behind this meeting."

Kougami smiled, standing up as he walked towards the large window encircling Ozpin's office. "Oz… What is it you desire?" He asked, turning to look at Ozpin. "That's a question I ask my employees when I first meet them. For as bad as greed can be, for as rampant desire can become, it is a necessary factoid of life, one that I embrace wholeheartedly."

"I wish to defend the world from the Grimm." Ozpin said, a calm look on his face.

"A fine desire!" Kougami said, pointing at Ozpin. "And you are indulging in it right now, just by being who you are, being in your position, and doing what you do."

Kougami turned around, looking out the window. "Desires are a necessity, without them, how would we function as a species? So I say we should embrace our desires, live them to our hearts content!"

"...Unfortunately, there are some desires worth crushing down. That is why I asked to meet with you today. The creation of Team ZI-O, while splendid indeed, is not the main reason I came here." Kougami said, turning back to face Ozpin. "About a week ago I had a squad of men search some ruins we found on the outskirts of Alkam, unfortunately those ruins did not show us anything of note while we were there. That said, we've since received reports of heightened Grimm activity in the area as of yesterday."

"Yes, I have received the reports as well. We were looking for a team to send in to deal with the situation." Ozpin said, nodding.

"I have reason to believe that someone from that squad is responsible for the sudden rise of Grimm Activity." Kougami said, crossing his arms. "And that they are one of these Another Riders you warned us about."

"Sir, we've spotted a hoard of grimm enclosing on Alkam!"

I turned my head to the front of the van, looking at the radio. Gotou pressed a button on the radio and spoke. "You are free to engage. I'm sending the Huntsmen in training to assist." He said, before looking over his shoulder at us. "You four, get moving!"

"Yosh! Finally, some action!" Momotaros said, standing up as he forcefully ripped the hat off his head.

"We're gonna need to get another of those…" I muttered to myself as I placed my Driver against my waist.

[ZIKU DRIVER!]

I opened up the back doors of the van, letting the doors swing open as I pulled the Ridestriker off the holder on my arm. "Oi, what are you doing?" Gotou asked, turning back to look at me.

"Don't stop for me, I'm going on ahead." I said, dropping the Ride Watch on the floor of the van before it folded out into its Bike form. I sat down and put on the helmet that spawned with it before turning to Momotaros. "I'll call you guys when I get there. Be ready!" I said, slapping the visor down before driving out the back of the van, landing on the ground behind it before spinning around in a 180 as I sped past the vehicle.

I passed by the other Ride Vendors as I closed in on the hoard of grimm moving ahead. Small group, maybe a pack of 15 from the looks of it. I pulled the Zi-O Watch off the holder and twisted the dial, pressing down on the activation button as I slotted it into my driver.

{ZI-O!}

"Henshin!" I shouted, pressing down on the release button before spinning the driver around, leaning forward as I picked up speed as the armour began to form around me.

[RIDER TIME!]

{KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!}

I narrowed my eyes before turning to the right, pulling the bike into a slideslid as the tiresd smacked into the legs of the first 3 Beowolves that were at the front of the pack as I passed. I completed my turn, coming to a stop as the attention of the pack landed on me. "Well, thate certainly got their attention." I said, stepping off the bike as the Ride Vendor Brigade pulled up to a stop, pulling out rifles as they began to unload into the grimm. "Let's get the support out first."

I pulled the Ex-Aid Ride Watch out before twisting the Dial and activating it.

{EX-AID!}

I let out a sigh as I felt Parado merge with me before he swiftly left to appear beside me. "Parado, support the Ride Vendor Brigade, supply buffs and debuff any Grimm that get too close." I said, patting him on the shoulder as I put away the Ex-Aid Watch before getting out the Den-O Watch.

"Got it." He said, snapping his fingers as a game field generated as he ran towards the Ride Vendors.

"And while he's busy with that..." I began, looking over at the Beowolf and Ursa that were slowly stalking towards me. "We can deal with these two." I finished, twisting the dial on the Den-O Watch and activating it.

{DEN-O!}

"Ore, Sanjou!" I felt a shiver go up my spine once more as Momotaros' voice echoed out of my helmet as he took control. "Heh, not bad! Could've let me out first before Puzzle Brat over there!"

"We needed the support out first to lower casualties. Besides, now you can run wild without worrying as much about protecting the others." I supplied.

Momotaros chuckled, jumping out of my body as rolled his neck. "Eh, fair enough! I'll take these guys down easily!"

[ZIKAN GIRADE!]

[KEN!]

"You might need this." I said, tossing the sword over to the Imagin.

"Thank you! Ikuze, Ikuze, Ikuze!" I shook my head as I looked back at the group ahead of us.

"Then that leaves these guys to me and you, Woz." I said, putting the Den-O Watch back as the Prophet stepped up next to me.

"It would appear so." Woz said, closing his book.

I smirked, before pulling the Build Ride Watch off the holder. "Then let's not keep them waiting!"

{BUILD!}

I charged ahead, slotting the Ride Watch and activating the transformation as the armour formed in front of me, slotting into place with every step.

[RIDER TIME!]

{KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!}

[ARMOUR TIME!]

{BEST MATCH! BUILD!}

I stabbed one of the approaching Beowolves with the Drill Crusher Crusher, spinning the drill as the Grimm let out a howl as I tore it's insides apart before it evaporated into black smoke as I pulled my arm back. "Alright, this shouldn't be too bad."

"Agh! Stop moving, Kuma-Yaro!" I turned around to look at Momotaros who was currently holding onto the top of the Ursa with the Zikan Girade stabbed into it's shoulder. "Why won't you die!"

"He certainly has that handled." Parado said, stepping up next to me.

"Yeah… That's… a way to look at it." I said, raising an eyebrow at the sight before finally momotaros ended it by pulling the sword out and cleaving the head off the bear. "Okay, that's 2 down from me and him…"

"And the Brigade has the rest of them covered." Said Woz, walking over with a Beowolf held firmly in the grasp of his scarf. He squeezed down on his scarf as the grimm was suddenly and quickly crushed, scattering it's ashes into the air as it disintegrated.

"10 out of 10." Parado said, clapping as Momotaros walked over.

"Okay! Now what's left?" The Imagin asked as we turned to see the fading corpses of grimm littering the nearby area. "Oh come on! You could at least leave something for me to fight!"

Gotou moved up to us, his uniform a tad scuffed as he lowered his shotgun. "Good work. It seems we cleared them out before they reached town."

"You okay there, sir?" I asked, tilting my head as I looked at Gotou.

"Fine, just a few scratches. They hoarded around me a bit more than the others. Nothing I couldn't handle." He answered, looking over us before looking at Parado. "Thank you for the support."

"Someone needed to fill the role." Parado said, shrugging before the ground shook lightly. "...I don't think this level's done yet."

"Well, you're getting your wish Momotaros." I said, looking at the Imagin before turning back to face the forest ahead of us as suddenly a Deathstalker slammed through the trees, it's pincers snapping in what I assumed was anger as it charged towards us.

"MOVE!" Gotou shouted as we jumped to the side, avoiding the giant scorpion as it turned around to face us. I looked behind us, noticing the incoming hoard of Beowolves, another 10 or so, that had followed after the Deathstalker.

"We have company!" I shouted, looking at Gotou. He turned around before grabbing the radio strapped to his chest.

"Men, keep the incoming Grimm off our backs. I will assist Team ZI-O in taking out the Deathstalker." Gotou said, pulling up his shotgun as he unloaded a shell into the scorpion's arm.

"Parado, debuffs now!" I shouted, jumping back as I pulled the Build Ride Watch off my belt. "Woz, restrain it! Momotaros, Double Action!"

"Yosha! Ikuze!" Momotaros shouted, before tossing the Zikan Girade towards me. I caught it and stabbed it into the ground, quickly pulling out the Den-O Watch as I looked up towards the Deathstalker that Woz was quickly restraining. I twisted the dial of the watch and pushed down on the activation button, slotting it into the Ziku Driver.

{DEN-O!}

I slammed my fist down on the top of the driver as I threw my arms to the side, smirking behind my helmet as I felt Momotaros take control. "Henshin!" My arm shot forward, knocking the driver into a full rotation as Momotaros pulled the Zikan Girade out of the ground and ran forward as the Den-O Armour began to form around us.

[RIDER TIME!]

{KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!}

[ARMOUR TIME!]

{SWORD FORM! DEN-O~!}

"Alright you overgrown scorpion, get over here!" Momotaros shouted, bringing his sword up as he slammed it against one of the pincers that the Deathstalker swung towards us. The sword shook behind the impact as Momotaros slid back a bit. "Oi, what the hell's with that strength!?"

Gotou unloaded another shell into the Deathstalker's chest, before grunting as he clutched his chest, falling to one knee as he looked up at the grimm.

"Oi, you alright?" Momotaros asked, turning to look at Gotou before the Deathstalker's pincer slammed into the Den-O Armour, knocking us onto our front. "Hey! Cheap shot!"

"Parado, I think it's time for buffs…!" I said.

"Oi Puzzle Brat, buff us already!" Momotaros shouted, standing up.

"Don't say it like that!"

"One moment! I almost have the chain finished." Parado said, before lining up a few more lines as he sent the energy items out, one combo slamming into the Deathstalker's chest as the grimm stumbled backwards.

{Confusion!}

I felt a few medals fly into the Armour as Momotaros flexed his arms.

{Muscular!}

"Now that's more like it!" Momotaros shouted, looking over to see Gotou Standing up slowly, as another Energy Item flew into him.

{Recover!}

"He looks better now." I noted as Momotaros looked back at the Grimm.

"Ore no Hissatsu Waza…" Momotaros began, pulling the Den-O Watch off the belt and slotting it into the ZIkan Girade as energy began to form over the blade.

[FINISH TIME!]

"Zi-O Version, Part 3!" He shouted, pulling the trigger as he swung the sword out in front of him.

{DEN-O!}

[GIRI GIRI SLASH!]

The energy shot off in a wave, slicing the pincer clean off the Deathstalker's tail as it fell, slamming down on the head of the grimm as Momotaros spun the sword around in his hand. "Hehe, how do you like that!?"

The Deathstalker finally wormed its way out of Woz's Grip, charging at us as the Pincer slid off to the side as Momotaros brought his sword back up. "Not at all, apparently!" I shouted mentally as the Grimm closed in before 5 fireballs suddenly blew through the Deathstalker, leaving 5 burning holes through its body as It crashed down and began to disintegrate.

Momotaros jumped out of me at this point, canceling the Den-O transformation as I looked at the source of the attack, snapping my gaze onto a man with brown hair as he fired more fireballs from the disc like weapon attached to his left arm.

The shots flew out, slamming into the remaining stragglers that the Ride Vendor Squadron was cleaning up. I surveyed the area once more before pulling the Zi-O Ride Watch off the belt once I confirmed the area was clear. "Thanks for the assist!" I shouted, waving a hand towards the man who appeared a moment earlier.

The man quickly ran over to us, coming to a stop next to Gotou as he nodded. "It's no problem. Are you guys the backup we requested?"

"That's correct." Gotou said, slinging his shotgun behind his back. "You must be Eiji Hino."

I blinked, staring blankly at the former Kamen Rider OOO before me. Eiji nodded. "Yeah, that's me." He said, looking out at the Ride Vendors. "There's a lot more than I was expecting to show up."

"They're here to finish up some work we left unfinished last week. I'm here to oversee these four, they'll be mainly in charge of the defence efforts." Gotou said, motioning to the four of us.

"Ah, so you four are…?" Eiji turned to me as he looked at the rest of my team.

"Bryce Bridged." I said, before turning to look at my team. "That's Woz, Parado and Momotaros. We're Huntsmen from Beacon."

"Beacon?" Eiji asked, his eyes widening before he shook his head and smiled. "Well, it's good to have you guys. Their numbers have been increasing as of late. That should be all of them for today though. Let me lead you all back to town."

"Sounds good to me." I said, before looking over at Momotaros. "Uh… should we be worried about… how people might react to Momotaros or…?"

Eiji waved me off. "They should be fine once they know he helped deal with the Grimm." He said, before he paused momentarily. "Right, let's get moving." He continued, turning around as he began walking ahead.

"Let's see…" I muttered, looking down at the notebook in my hands. "We have Multiplayer, Double Action, Time Lord…"

"What are you reading about?"

"Gah!" I jumped, turning around to see Eiji standing behind me at the entrance to the inn balcony. "Oh, it's you… Scared me for a second."

"My bad…" Eiji said, smiling as he stepped up next to me as he looked out at the town. "Been here longer than I meant to be, but I can't ignore these people either."

"Yeah, I feel that." I said, leaning up against the railing. "What I wouldn't do to be everywhere at once though."

"If only, but thinking that way will just tire you out." Eiji said, taking a step back. "A lesson then, from a Huntsman who's been in your shoes before."

"Hm?" I turned to look at Eiji.

"I learned a long time ago that I couldn't save everyone." He said, looking up at the sky. "I've been here and there but... having to save people's lives… No matter where you go it's always difficult."

"...Yeah, that's true." I said, nodding as I leaned forwards, looking out. "I know that feeling pretty well."

There was a comfortable silence between the two of us before I spoke up again, turning to face my senior in multiple categories. "So… Eiji, why did you become a Huntsman?"

"Well… I want to help everyone I can." Eiji said, turning to face me. "But… I've made mistakes… Mistakes that have cost people their lives…"

"It was through those mistakes that I realized that the only people you can really help… are the ones you can reach." Eiji said, taking a step back as he extended his arms to the side. "So I can help people in this range. It may not always reach everyone, but it's enough to protect what I can reach."

I chuckled lightly as I looked at Eiji. "...That's a good way of looking at it."

"I became a Huntsman because I wanted to protect people." Eiji said, reaching into his pocket as he pulled out a red Ride Watch and looked at it. "And I knew that there were so many people I could help, that as long as I could reach them, I'd be able to help them."

I locked eyes with Eiji. "...I've had this for a while now." Eiji said, motioning to the Ride Watch in his hand. "You use these to make your armour, right?"

"Yeah, something like that." I said, nodding.

Eiji smiled, before passing over the Watch in his hands. "Here."

I blinked, looking at the watch. It didn't take me a minute to figure out what the Ride Watch was based off of, only a few seconds. I looked back up at Eiji, before pushing the Tajador Ride Watch back towards him. "I can't accept this." I said. "I could… barely accept some of the other ones I have. But I can't accept this one."

'Ankh's medal must have turned into that… but how did it even do such a thing?' I thought, before taking out a blank Ride Watch. "That said, you can hold onto this for me." I said, passing him a blank Ride Watch.

"Hm? What's this?" He asked.

"Insurance… Maybe. A just in case thing for the possibility I'll need it later." I said, shrugging. "Hopefully, I won't, but my track record says otherwise. For now, I need you to hold onto it for me."

"...Alright." He said, pocketing the Two Ride Watches. "Now come on, we need to be ready for tomorrow in case the Grimm Come early."

"Got it." I said, motioning to the door. "Lead the way."

Weave left, duck and swing up to the right. Jump back, block the swing coming at your shoulder and spin to the left and advance at once. Turn that momentum into a strike and SWING!

I let out a grunt as Momotaros jumped back, spinning his 'Momotarosword' around in his hand as I readied the Zikan Girade. It was morning, and I had asked Momotaros to help me train my sword skills.

That was one of the mistakes I made today, apparently.

"Come on, stop trying to hit me and HIT ME!"

"Where did you even learn that reference!?"

"What reference!?"

I let out a grunt as I ducked to the side as Momotaros' sword passed over my shoulder. I leveled my sword flat and swung, slamming the edge into Momotaros' stomach as I pushed him back, almost like I was swinging a baseball bat. I brought my sword back up in front of me as Momotaros steadied himself. "Sorry, what was that?"

"Cocky Brat!"

"That's enough!" Gotou said, stepping up as the two of us let our swords disappear as we turned to face him.

"Can we help you?" I asked, looking at Gotou.

Gotou narrowed his eyes at me, before returning to a neutral expression as he spoke. "Lunch is being served. That's all." He said, turning around.

"Eh? What's his deal?" Momotaros asked once Gotou was out of ear shot.

"I have no idea…" I said, sighing.

That, apparently, was the second mistake I had made that day. Getting onto Gotou's shit list. I don't even know what I did, but apparently it was enough to have him glaring at me whenever he felt like it.

"Oh, you two done finally?" Parado asked, walking towards us.

"Yeah, come on, let's get some food." I said, walking ahead before a bell began to ring loudly. "Isn't that the…"

"Shit! Come on!" Momotaros shouted, leading our charge as we ran towards the emergency rendezvous point.

"We heard the bell, what's the situation?" I asked, stepping towards Gotou. Woz had already arrived before us, standing next to Eiji as Gotou turned around to face us.

"Another large group of Grimm. They're coming at us from the North." Gotou said, glaring at the floor. He looked up, looking at Woz and Momotaros. "You two, help the civilians evacuate into the shelter. We shouldn't have to worry about the Grimm overrunning us but it should be done anyways. Bryce, you and Parado are with Eiji and I. Help us clear out their numbers."

"Sir! They're breaking through our line, they're getting into the town!" One of Gotou's men said, running up to us.

"Woz, Momotaros, help the civilians. Parado, let's move!" I said, running out of the tent towards the North side of the village, slapping my Driver against my waist as I ran.

[ZIKU DRIVER!]

I slowed to a stop as a large Ursa walked into town, pelted under the fire of a few soldiers as it's bone plating dented ever so slightly. "That's an Ursa Major…" Parado said, his eyes narrowing at the Grimm. "Looks like we've had a difficulty tweak…"

"And here I thought the Grimm were gonna be nerfed next patch…!" I said, taking out the Zi-O Ride Watch and activating it, quickly slotting it into my driver.

{ZI-O!}

"Parado, buff the soldiers, and debuff that Ursa when you can." I said, running ahead. "I'll keep it distracted! Henshin!"

[RIDER TIME!]

{KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!}

I jumped up, slamming my fist into the Ursa's face as it stumbled back. I hit the ground, looking up just in time to see it swinging one of its clawed paws at me. I jump back, flipping in the air before hand springing back up to a stand. "You know, before the suit, no way would I have been able to do that!"

"Buffs coming your way!" Parado said, flinging an Energy Item at me as the Ursa swung once more.

{REFLECT!}

I stood still as the Ursa's paw bounced off me, and watched as it recoiled from the reflected attack. I smirked behind the helmet, pressing my thumb down on the activation button on the Zi-O Ride Watch.

{FINISH TIME!}

I slammed my fist on the release button on the driver before I ran forwards towards the Ursa, jumping up into the air before spinning the driver around as I flipped and threw my leg out into a kick.

{TIME BREAK!}

"Hya!" I tensed my leg as pink characters for 'Kick' attached to my foot as I slammed into the Ursa Major's chest, pushing through it as I slid on the ground as the Grimm disintegrated behind me. "Well, that was easier than I was expecting…"

I stood up, before looking to the side to see a few beowolves run into town a few blocks to my left. "Parado, keep this area under control, we have a few stragglers I'm going to take care of!" I said, running down the street towards the Grimm.

"Got it!" Parado said, bringing the Energy Items up in front of him as he smirked. "What's the next stage?"

"Eiji!" I shouted, summoning the Zikan Girade as I cleaved through a Beowolf as Eiji and Gotou fended off the small pack of Beowolves. "Gotou, how are things!?"

[ZIKAN GIRADE!]

[KEN!]

"Take a guess!" Gotou said, jumping back as he fired another slug into a Beowolf, sending the beast reeling back, but not destroying it. "We've already taken out a few, but there's a lot of them!"

"I'm running out of dust as well!" Eiji said, before he spin kicked one of the Beowolves, sending it crashing into some of it's friends.

"Then allow me…" I said, pressing down on the Activation button on the Zikan Girade.

[TIME CHARGE!]

[5...4...3...2...1… ZERO TIME!]

I ran forward, pushing down on the trigger as I cleaved the head off another Beowolf.

[GIRI GIRI GIRI!]

"Okay, that's another down!" I said, before a clawed hand slammed into my chest, knocking me back into a nearby house. "...Okay." I coughed. "Ow."

"Bryce!" Eiji shouted, before ducking to the side as he fired another fireball at a Beowolf.

I pushed myself off the wall, looking up to see about 5 more Beowolves left. I blinked, noticing a short figure standing in a nearby alleyway, a small child upon further inspection. I also noticed I wasn't the only one to notice, as both Gotou and a Beowolf nearby also took notice as the Grimm suddenly charged the kid.

"Oh no!" Gotou shouted, running ahead, slowing to a stop as he shielded the girl with his body as the Beowolf's claw came down.

"SHIT!" I shouted, running ahead before purple energy suddenly exploded outwards, as the Beowolf that had just tried to strike Gotou was suddenly blown back by a figure in red, yellow and green. "...Shit."

{OOO!}

Another OOO let out a breath, before turning to look at Eiji. "Eiji, get her out of here. I'll hold them off!"

I blinked, before moving next to Eiji. "It's fine, we got this." I said, looking at Eiji.

The Huntsman nodded, running over to the girl as he picked her up and carried her off, leaving me, Another OOO and the Grimm alone.

"...So just to be sure… You're in control right now, right Gotou?" I asked, turning my head a tad to look at him.

"...yeah, I think so." He said, clenching his hands.

I gave another look at Another OOO, noting the fur lining his neck and wrists alongside the eagle inspired face and the mishmashed OOO logo displayed on the chest. "Alright then, let's take care of these guys and secure the town!"

I pulled out the Fourze Ride Watch, twisting the dial and activating the watch before slotting it into the driver.

{FOURZE!}

"Show me what you got, Gotou!" I shouted, spinning my driver as the Fourze armour began to form.

[RIDER TIME!]

{KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!}

[ARMOUR TIME!]

{3! 2! 1! FOURZE!}

I threw my arm to the side, letting go of the Zikan Girade as the Fourze Armour connected onto me. "Uchu… KITA!" I shouted, before throwing my arms to the side as I charged ahead. "Hey Beowolf, ever heard of the Rocket Punch?" I asked, slamming the rocket that covered my fist into its face repeatedly. "I. Guess. Not!"

I looked over at Another OOO, who was quickly slashing and cleaving his way through the two Beowolves in front of him. "Damn… He's picking this up quick…" I muttered, before pressing the activation buttons on both Ride Watches.

{FINISH TIME!}

{FOURZE!}

I spun the driver around, jumping into the air as I turned into the armour's rocket form as I surged towards one of the nearby Beowolves.

{LIMIT!}

{TIME BREAK!}

I tore through one of the Beowolves, before turning around as I swiftly dealt with two others before Another OOO finished off the last Beowolf with a swift swing of his arm, cleaving it in three as I transformed back into a more humanoid appearance.

"I think that's all of them." I said, looking over at Another OOO as the bell slowly stopped ringing. "...Yeah, that was all of them then."

Another OOO suddenly stumbled, before his transformation deactivated, leaving Gotou kneeling on the ground, clearly exhausted. "Hey, hey!" I said, pulling the Ride Watches off my belt, deactivating my transformation as I ran to his side. "Easy, a transformation like that can't be easy on you after the fact…"

"I'm fine…" Gotou said, attempting to stand on his own before he stumbled back to a knee.

"Here." I said, holding out a hand towards him. "Come on, we should meet back at the rendezvous for the report." Gotou looked at my hand before slowly grabbing it as I pulled him up. "But seriously, are you alright?"

"I'll be fine…" Gotou said, nodding.

"...When did you become an Another Rider?" I asked, looking at Gotou.

"Last… last week." He said, as I lent him a shoulder as we walked. "It was while we were here for Kougami. The ruins didn't contain anything of note, but I was contacted by a woman and… she said she could…"

"Give you power to fulfill your desire?" I asked, looking at Gotou. He looked away from me, but nodded. "Honestly, if there was ever a desire to be jealous of, it would be yours."

Gotou turned his head to look at me as I looked ahead. "Saving the world, huh? Even I can't say that's my desire. I… I don't know what my desire is, but I can only hope it's something as noble as that." I said, before turning and nodding at Gotou. "But that power you have, it can come at a price. I've known good men that have been corrupted by it. Friends that have gone berserk under its power…"

"...I know what I'm doing." Gotou said, shrugging off me as he began walking on his own.

"Gotou…!" I began, grabbing his attention. "I'm just… I've seen the bad that Another Riders can do to someone. I just don't want to see it happen to you."

"...Let's get moving." He said, turning forward as he kept walking.

"...I'm gonna need to confirm this with the others…" I muttered, following after him.

"So, how are we doing this then?" Parado asked, looking up from his scroll as I tossed the Zi-O Ride Watch up into the air. "You said he was able to control himself. If we tried to destroy the Another Watch now we'd be shot."

"We just have to wait and see how this goes." I said, looking up at Parado. "The Another Riders have never been in full control of themselves, with the exception of Kuruto though. He synchronized too well with the watch. I know at some point things are gonna blow up in our face, so for now our best course of action is to do our job and wait to see it go wrong."

"Be that as it may," Woz began, flipping a page of the Advent Calender. "It would be in our best interest to defeat Another OOO before we leave Alkam."

"Did you not hear what I just said?" I asked, looking at Woz. "He's in control. With power like that he could-"

"Succumb to the same greed that felled the first OOO all those years ago." Woz finished, closing the book as he turned to look at me. "My lord, as much as you think this is for the best, the power of OOO is not to be trifled with, no matter if it's a corrupted version like this."

Woz turned around, looking to the group as a whole. "Shintaro Gotou is also the reason why the Town of Alkam has been under siege for this long."

"Eh? What the hell are you talking about?" Momotaros asked.

"Another Riders have another caveat, one that you learned from Jaune, My lord." Woz said.

"...Grimm are drawn to Another Riders…" I said, realization dawning on my face.

"More accurately, When an Another Rider Transforms, it leaves a field of Negative Energy that attracts Grimm to that location. Of course, it's not as notable when they transform in, say, Vale, but outside of Vale where the Grimm wander, such as the Forever Falls, or Alkam…" Woz trailed off. "However, due to the nature of OOO's power, I can only assume upon his first transformation a week ago, he left a large surplus of negative energy here that slowly began attracting the Grimm here. The only way for us to dissipate that energy is to destroy the Another OOO watch, otherwise Grimm will keep coming at an alarming rate."

"...You know, for once I wish you would just START with that…" I said, sighing as I sat down on my bed. "So, what are we doing? We just going to charge in and demand he let us destroy the Another Watch?"

"Heh, so my suggestion was right all along!" Momotaros said, crossing his arms as he laughed.

"Unfortunately, doing as such would only lead to more harm than good." Parado said. "Ignoring the situation we'd cause attacking one of our 'Allies', Gotou is also in charge of our grading for this assignment. We can't deny the chance he fails us for doing this."

"I believe we won't need to worry about that." Woz said. "Ozpin will no doubt understand the situation once we explain it to him. And since we have Eiji Hino here as well, we could ask him to vouch for our claims."

"...if that's the case, then we should talk with Eiji about this." I said, standing up. "Then, we confront Gotou. If we can explain the situation to him, then I'm sure Eiji will understand what's going on."

"So, what do the rest of us do while you're explaining things?" Asked Momotaros.

"Keep an eye out, we still need to be careful in case Grimm suddenly appear, and we need to make sure Gotou doesn't suddenly go berserk." I said, moving towards the door.

"Eiji, wait up!" I shouted, running after the Huntsman. Eiji slowed to a stop, turning around as I caught up with him, leaning forward as I took in deep breaths. "One… second… Catching my breath…"

"Bryce, how can I help you?" He asked, looking at me.

I stood up straight, dusting myself down as I looked at Eiji. "I know why the Grimm are so numerous around Arkam, and why so many keep attacking."

Eiji's eyes widened. "Really? Why then?"

I looked over my shoulder before looking back at Eiji. "Remember how Gotou transformed earlier today, into that… monstrous appearance?" I asked, to which Eiji nodded. "Okay, so… He's what we call an 'Another Rider', someone who's transformed into a monstrous version of a Kamen Rider. There's also a bunch of caveats to using that power."

"Most of the time people go berserk when using that power, but Gotou hasn't yet. Which is both good and bad." I began.

"Wait, why is him not going berserk a bad thing?" Eiji asked. "That sounds like a good thing."

"It is, until you also realize that the Another Rider Transformation leaves a massive field of negative energy that attracts Grimm to the location they transformed." I said, rubbing my hands together. "And the only way to make that field disappear, is to destroy the Another Watch that's inside Gotou, which means defeating Another OOO."

"So why tell me this?" Eiji asked. "It sounds like you're used to these guys."

"Well, he's kind of my surrogate huntsman I'm shadowing for my finals at Beacon, and… well, he's also the captain of the Ride Vendor brigade, which wouldn't exactly end in my favour if I suddenly busted in and… well, did my thing."

Eiji rubbed the back of his head, chuckling lightly. "Yeah… that sounds accurate… So you came to me to explain the situation so you could…?"

"I came to explain the situation so that you would understand and would be a voice of reason." I said. "Personally, I'd love to not fight Gotou, with that power he might be a great help, but he's actively causing harm to people even though he doesn't know it. And I don't want to be seen as a traitor so I needed someone else with authority to understand the situation so I could actually… fight him."

Eiji nodded, before turning to the side. "...If things are as you say… then let's go. Sooner we get rid of that field, the sooner things will calm down here."

"Yes!" I muttered under my breath, clenching my fist as I followed after Eiji.

"Gotou, we need to talk for a moment." Eiji began, walking over to Gotou. I looked to the right, seeing Woz standing to the side. I gave him a subtle thumbs up as I walked up behind Eiji. I took notice of the area Gotou was stationed at, one of the main gates to the town, a few of Kougami's men stationed nearby.

"Hino, what can I help you with?" Gotou asked, turning around to look at Eiji.

"It's about that transformation from earlier." Eiji began.

"I have it under control, don't worry." Gotou said, turning around.

"That's not our concern, Gotou." I said, stepping up next to Eiji. "The Another Watch inside you is the reason all the Grimm are swarming this place."

Gotou turned around to look at me, his eyes narrowed. "The Grimm have been attacking before I arrived here with you four, I don't see how my power has anything to do with that."

"But you first transformed here, a week ago, before the attacks started." I said. "Look, you need to understand that you've left a massive field of negative energy that's attracting Grimm here on mass that won't disappear until that Ride Watch is destroyed."

"Are you still listening to him?" A female voice spoke out, before the two other soldiers stationed to the side were suddenly frozen as Gotou, Eiji, Woz and I turned to see Hora walk out from a nearby alleyway.

"Who are you?" Eiji asked, readying his weapon.

"I'm Hora, a time jacker." She said, before she looked at me. "Zi-O, here to mess with our plans again?"

"Not my intention this time, I'd be fine leaving it where it stands, but his powers putting others at risk." I said, grabbing my Ziku Driver as I glared at the Time Jacker.

"What? Afraid of competition?" Hora asked, before she suddenly sped up, appearing beside Gotou. "You know he's the one I warned you about Gotou, the one who'll scorch the earth and rule over Humanity as the most reviled overlord-"

"I am none of those things!" I shouted, glaring at Hora.

"You wanted to be a hero right? To save the world, then use your power here and now to kill Zi-O." Hora said, as Gotou looked down at his feet.

"Gotou, think about this-" Eiji began before Gotou cut him off.

"I understand enough." Gotou said, looking up at me with a glare. "For the sake of the world, I will do what I must."

Hora smirked, before she stepped to the side as Purple energy began to waft over Gotou, before it exploded outwards, engulfing him before Another OOO emerged where he once stood. Hora snapped her fingers, letting time resume as the two soldiers quickly pulled out their guns and began to shoot at Another OOO.

"Shit!" I shouted, slapped my driver against my waist as Another OOO quickly batted aside the shots from the two soldiers.

[ZIKU DRIVER!]

I reached for my Zi-O Ride Watch before I was suddenly grabbed my Another OOO by the neck. I let out a garbled choking sound as I was slammed into one of the village walls. I looked up at the dead gaze of Another OOO, before three fire blasts slammed into the back of Another OOO, causing the Another Rider to turn it's head towards Eiji before tossing me aside, sending me rolling across the ground.

"Gotou, snap out of it!" Eiji shouted as Another OOO slowly began to walk towards the Huntsman.

"My lord," Woz began, running towards me. "Are you alright?"

I stumbled to a stand, some blood leaking from my lip. "What I wouldn't give for Aura right now…" I muttered before looking at Woz. "Woz, get Parado and Momotaros. We need everyone here to hold him down."

"I understand." Woz said, running down the street as I looked back towards Eiji and Another OOO. I pulled the Zi-O Ride Watch out of the holder and activated it, slotting it into my driver as Eiji rolled out of the way of one of Another OOO's claws.

{ZI-O!}

Another OOO turned back to look at me as I slammed my fist onto the top of my driver and spun my arms around. I flicked my left hand around, glaring at Another OOO as I got into position. "Henshin!" I shouted, throwing my left arm down and to the left, knocking the driver into a spin as the transformation activated.

[RIDER TIME!]

I clenched my fists as I brought my arms up in front of me as Another OOO surged towards me, barely blocking his attack as the watch rings formed around me, deflecting his claws as the Armour formed around me.

{KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!}

"Eiji, get back!" I shouted, throwing my arms to the side to knock Another OOO off balance before I threw my right leg up with the whole weight of my body. I pushed off the ground and swung, slamming my armoured foot into the side of Another OOO's face as I pushed him to the side.

My back landed flat on the ground as my momentum from the kick carried me downwards. I pulled myself up to a stand as I looked at Another OOO. "Eiji, that Ride Watch I gave you, has it changed colour yet?" I asked, looking over at the Huntsman who blinked before he pulled out the Blank Ride Watch I had given him earlier. "Still nothing? That's concern-ING!"

I let out a gasp as I felt Another OOO's claws scrape against the front of my suit, sending sparks into the air as I stumbled back before another strike followed soon after. I grit my teeth as I tried righting myself before a pair of red feet slammed into Another OOO's face as Momotaros suddenly drop kicked the Another Rider, sending it crashing into a nearby building as Momotaros landed on the ground.

"Momotaros you beautiful bastard!" I said, pulling him up to a stand.

"Hehe! How do you like that!" Momotaros asked, pointing his fist at Another OOO, who simply pulled itself out of the wall in response. "Eh, the bastard's barely winded!"

"Another Riders, can only be harmed by their own power, remember?" I asked, patting the Imagin on the shoulder. "Where's Parado?"

"Right behind you." The Bugster said, running to my left. "Had to start the boss fight without us, huh?"

"I was hoping to AVOID the boss honestly…" I muttered, scratching the back of my helmet.

"Well, whatever! We'll handle this guy for now!" Momotaros said, pulling out his sword from… somewhere. "You need that Eiji guy to give you his power, yeah? Then get on it already!"

"Between the two of us, this'll be like playing on easy." Parado said, snapping his fingers as a game field generated, summoning power up items around him.

There was a sudden growling, as I turned to the left to see a few Beowolves stalk in from the gate. "Shit, we have company!" Another OOO growled, before his body began to spark as four silver coins launched out of his body and pierced the Grimm. I blinked. "Weren't those…" I began, only to take a step back as the 4 Beowolves suddenly convulged and transformed into Pseudo Yummies. "Cell medals…"

"Oi! Get a hold of yourself? If these guys want to party as well, then let's show 'em a party!" Momotaros said, taking a step towards the Yummies. "Bryce, get moving!"

"Right!" I said, running towards Eiji. "Come on!"

"But what about them?" Eiji asked as I grabbed his arm.

"They're fine. But we won't be if we don't get that Ride Watch to activate!" I said, dragging him into a nearby building.

Another OOO growled, taking a step forward before it felt someone tap it's shoulder. It turned around to see Woz standing behind it before he suddenly spun, jumping up as he spin kicked Another OOO away from him. "Momotaros, Parado, I believe we have our lord's orders."

"Heh, Let me say this to start! I don't do things like holding back or-" Momotaros began, pointing at one of the Pseudo Yummies before it suddenly charged at him. "Gah-! Neither do these creeps apparently!"

"Momotaros, this'll feel weird." Parado said, flicking his wrist as an energy item launched into Momotaros' back.

{Muscular!}

"RHAGH!" Momotaros yelled out, swinging his left arm to the side, knocking the Pseudo Yummies into the others. "Heh, this isn't half bad! Hey Puzzle-Gaki! Gimme another!"

"I call this a… difficulty tweak." Parado said, sending another Energy Item Momotaros' way before he punched one of the Pseudo Yummies that had passed Momotaros.

{Muscular!}

"I'll clear this with no continues…" Parado said, flicking his wrist before he charged into battle alongside Momotaros.

"Why didn't the watch activate yet?" I asked myself, crossing my arms. "Normally they'd be activated by now…"

I let out a sigh as I held the Blank Ride Watch Eiji was holding a moment ago. I handed it back to the Huntsman as he looked out the window. "We should be out there helping." Eiji said, turning to look at me.

"We won't be able to do anything until that activates though." I said, motioning at the Ride Watch. I groaned, sitting down. "I get it, I get why you want to go help. But we're no match for Another OOO without a proper way to destroy that power."

"Still, if I can do something to delay him, then I should be out there fighting!" Eiji said, looking at me. "Bryce, I know you asked me earlier why I wanted to be a Huntsman, but excuse me for asking… but why do you want to be one?"

"Is this really important right now?" I asked, looking up at Eiji. The Huntsman nodded, crossing his arms as he sat across from me. I let out a sigh, shaking my head as I thought about it.

"Well that's because…" I paused, staring blankly at my hud as I looked at the ground. "Because I…"

"What is it you want?" Eiji asked.

"...I never really wanted to be a Huntsman…" I said, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. "I joined Beacon because Ozpin offered me a spot. While I was there I gained this power, the ability to be Kamen Rider Zi-O… and it was the best I've felt about anything in a long time."

I sighed. "I became a Huntsman, because it meant continuing to be a Kamen Rider." I said, looking down at my suit through my helmet. "Because I wanted to be like the heroes that had inspired me in the past and had helped me out."

"...That's a fine desire." Eiji said, smiling as I looked up at him. "You're in your first year, right? I remember Ozpin asking me this same question during my first year too. Being a Huntsman… is a lot of things, but it's not always our desire, it's just a means of achieving our desire. As a Huntsman, I'm able to reach so many more people than I was able to as who I was before."

"So I don't think there's anything wrong with your desire." Eiji said, holding out the Blank Ride Watch. "All I think, is that you first need to acknowledge it so you can grow into that Rider you want to be. Because how else are you going to be able to save people?"

As he said that, the Ride Watch began to glow, as the familiar holographic clock hands appeared overtop, slowly turning until the OOO Ride Watch appeared in his hands. "You could've done that this whole time, couldn't you?" I muttered to myself, taking the Ride Watch from Eiji as I looked down on the dial. "...Thanks, Eiji. I don't know if now was exactly the best time for this, but I probably needed that at some point."

"Don't mention it. Now, come on!" Eiji shouted, running out the door. I gave another look down at the OOO Watch, before running after him.

"Guys!" I shouted, running up next to Eiji as I looked at my Team. Momotaros was busy punching a Pseudo Yummy off to the side, while Parado was busy dodging attacks from Another OOO. "Wait, where's Woz?"

"You called for me, My lord?" Woz asked, stepping up beside me.

"Gah, stop doing that!" I said, jumping back as I raised my armoured fists. I lowered them to my sides as I looked up at Another OOO. "I'm switching in!"

I ran forward, jumping over Parado as I drop kicked Another OOO in the face. I hit the ground, letting out a groan as I slowly stood up. "Why… why is that so painful to do?"

"You probably landed wrong." Parado noted, flicking an Energy Item my way. "I'll help Momotaros deal with the stragglers. You have this under control?"

{Recover!}

"As best I can. Go help Momotaros, I'll handle this guy." I said, rolling my shoulder as I pulled out the OOO Ride Watch. "Gotou, don't suppose we can talk about this?"

Another OOO pulled itself off the ground, growling at me as it stood up. "Yeah, figured that wasn't gonna be the case." I said, twisting the dial on the OOO Watch and pressing down on the activation button.

{OOO!}

I slid the Ride Watch onto the driver before quickly pressing down on the release button. I brought my right arm to the side before throwing it to the left, pushing the driver into a full rotation as I assumed OOO's henshin pose.

[RIDER TIME!]

"Henshin!"

{KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!}

[ARMOUR TIME!]

I let my arms relax to my sides before the sound of running to my left caught my attention. I turned my head to the side, my eyes widened behind my visor as I watched three brightly colored robotic animals run towards me. A red Hawk, a Yellow Tiger and a large green grasshopper flew towards me, suddenly stopping directly in front of me as they flashed their respective colours and transformed and attached onto my suit.

{TAKA!/TORA!/BATTA! OOO~!}

(Play OOO Combo Change Medley)

I winced slightly at the sound of the music blaring over the warning sirens. I looked over at Woz, who spread his arms out wide without a care that he had just hijacked emergency frequencies for this. "Happy Birthday!"

TaToBa, GataKiriBa, RaToraTa, SaGoZo, TaJaDoru, Sha-Sha-ShaUa, Pu-To-Ty-ra!

I paused and turned to look at Woz with a dumbfounded expression hidden under the helmet. Woz coughed into his hand, before throwing his arm up once more. "Rejoice! The one to inherit all Rider powers, the time king who will rule over the past and the future! His name is Kamen Rider Zi-O, OOOArmour! And in this moment he has once again received the power of another rider!"

I shook my head, turning back to face Another OOO as I raised my right arm. "Let's do this… Gotou!"

Ta-To-Ba, TaToBa! Ta-To-Ba, TaToBa!

I charged forwards, brandishing the claws that were now attached to my arm as I swung, clawing through the front of Another OOO, sending cell medals out to clatter against the ground as my attacks sliced through the Another Rider. I spun around, jamming one of my legs into the Another Rider's stomach and pushed, kicking him back as I looked down at the ground. "Cell metals?" I muttered, before ducking to the side as Another OOO's claws scraped against the side of the Taka Head on my suit.

Ano toki aa shite nakereba, Are wo yaretetara...

I grit my teeth and jumped back, my legs tensing as power filled them before I shot back, back flipping as I landed on my feet, skidding back a bit as I looked back up at Another OOO. "Okay, I can see why OOO normally corrupts people, this is a decent base form power set…"

Moshimo wa katei no hanashi, Miugoki sae mo torenaku naru

I stood up, tensing my legs before I shot forward, sailing towards Another OOO as I flipped and kicked the Another Rider in the face. I crouched and pushed off, flipping to right myself before I hit the ground.

Honmono no tsuyosa to wa Jibun no tame ni dake ja naku, Dare ni demo sashidaseru sono te (Don't stop, You don't stop...)

My feet connected with the road just in time for me to bring up my arm to block the sudden return strike from Another OOO. I let out a grunt as he threw my arm to the side, leaving me wide open to a few strikes from his claws. "Gah!" I stumbled back, smoke rising from the area of impact before small disks of fire slammed into Another OOO, as Eiji on the other side of the street with his weapon raised.

Yobisamase Yeah! (Always to be brave, brave Misete mina The power you have Just fight... Fight it out)

"Bryce, use this!" He shouted, pulling out the red Tajador Ride Watch as he threw it towards me. I extended my right hand to grab it before both the Ride Watch and myself froze as Time slowed to a halt.

"Well, this certainly seems interesting…" Hora said, stepping back out into the open as she plucked the Tajador Ride Watch out of the air. She walked over to Another OOO, twisting the dial on the Ride Watch as she stepped behind the Another Rider. "Here, a power boost. Now go destroy Zi-O."

{TAJADOR COMBO!}

Me no mae de keshisarare sou na hikari ga, Aru no nara tatakau beki Regret nothing!

Time suddenly resumed, causing me to stumble as Another OOO began to spasm, fire erupting off him as Hora walked away. I brought my arms up in front of me as the Another Rider exploded in flames, the fire licking my arms before it slowly died down, revealing Kamen Rider OOO in his Tajador form.

"They can do that…?" I asked in a mix of horror and amazement, before throwing myself to the side as OOO launched several fireballs from the Tajaspinner attached to his wrist. "Oh god!"

(Gata-Gatakiriba, Gata-Gatakiriba)

(Gata-Gatakiriba, Gata-Gata-Gatakiriba)

I spun around on my foot, pressing into the ground as I shot myself towards OOO, slamming my claws against his Tajaspinner. "Okay, that's getting real annoying!" I shouted, pushing off OOO as I flipped over him, landing behind him as I spun around once more to try to stab him. It turned out that 'The Blazing Combo' was really freaking nimble, as OOO easily side stepped my attack and retaliated with a kick, tripping me up as I fell to the ground.

Gata-Gatakiriba, Gata-Gatakiriba

Gata-Gatakiriba, Gata-Gata-Gatakiriba

I rolled to the side, slowly standing up as OOO stalked towards me. "Gotou, come on man, let's talk about this!" I said, running towards the Another Rider. I swung my claws, sending sparks flying as I struck OOO's chest, my claw slicing through the rider as if it were a mass of medals. I stared at the unmoving Rider before throwing my arm in a backhand, completely missing OOO as the Another Rider leaned back and slammed it's fist into my chest, sending me flying as a burst of fire erupted from it's hand.

Jouhou kiri ga naku Update, Utsushidasu Display

Kangaeru koto wasure Never ends (Game that never ends)

I grit my teeth, pulling myself up to a stand as OOO raised it's left arm up before thrusting it forwards, firing off cell medals at me from the Tajaspinner. "Woah!" I ducked to the side, narrowly avoiding the first few medals before the second barrage struck me in the chest, sending sparks up into the air as I raised my right arm in a feeble attempt to block the oncoming attack.

Mou yame ni dekiru nara... (Back in your life)

Hear my voice (Kikoeru nara) Right now

I swung my arm to the right, deflecting another round of medals as OOO pulled the scanner off the belt. "What now?" I asked, stumbling slightly as OOO placed the OOO Scanner on the Tajaspinner. "Oh you are not-!"

[Gi-Gi-Gi-Gi-Gi-Gi-GIGA SCAN!]

Minai furi atozusari toorisugi That's too bad

Hito to shite? Ore to shite sore wa shitakunai

I raised my arms in front of me in an x to block as OOO launched a cyclone of cell medals at me, pelting me as I was blasted backwards, landing onto my back as the ground cracked underneath me. "...Ow…"

Hitotsu dake yaburenai yakusoku

"Bryce!" I blinked open my eyes to see Eiji crouching next to me. I groaned as I used him to help me to a stand, looking over at Another OOO. "I'm sorry, I didn't know this would happen…"

Shinji tsuzukereba Got to keep... Got to keep it real

"Neither did I…" I said, narrowing my eyes before my hud lit up. "...He's tough, that's not considered one of OOO final forms for nothing… But I think I know how to change the situation for the better… I hope."

Jibun de aru koto ni Hokori wo motte Go ahead

Got to keep it real

"How?" Eiji asked, looking at me.

"Well, I'm gonna try a thing I saw once…" I said, looking over at Eiji. "It's fine, you pulled it off before, so it should work the same way."

Ratorata! Ratorata! Rata Rata Ratorata!

"Wait, what?" Eiji asked, before I charged once again at OOO. I narrowed my eyes, the lenses on the Taka Head lighting up as my vision narrowed in on my target. I let out a yell as I crouched and swung my claw forwards, burying the claw inside the Another Rider.

Sono chikara wa Ima wa chiisaku tatte

"Heh… Gotcha!" I said, before a blast of fire suddenly slammed into me, shooting me backwards as I crashed into the ground once more, bouncing along the pavement as OOO stumbled back slightly.

Kasanareba Tomerarenai kurai... Okose Explosion

"Bryce!" Eiji shouted, looking over at me before he turned to look back at OOO. He pulled up his weapon, aiming it at the rider before OOO suddenly began to spark furiously. "Eh?"

Ride on! Right time! Ride on! Right time! (Hashiri makure Like a Cheetah)

Hikari hanachi nagara (Unmei notte Acting tough Ooh-Huh...)

Yume wa hora Bureta totan Yokubou ni naru (You watch out!)

"Can't exactly keep that form up when you don't have this, right?" I asked, standing up as I raised my right arm, the Tajador Ride Watch held firmly in the claws on my arm. I waved my arm mockingly, tired after having cleaved it out of the Another Rider's medal based body. The Another Rider continued to spark, before the Tajador Transformation deactivated, returning it back to it's Another Rider form. "Figured as much."

Sagozo! Sagozo!

I pulled the Tajador Ride Watch off my claw and held it in my left hand. I walked towards Another OOO, who stumbled back slightly as I approached.

Ichi ka bachi ka Saigo no shudan Tamesu toki darou Kiken wo okashi

"Now, let's not do that again." I said. Another OOO growled, before he suddenly sprang towards me at high speeds, catching me off guard as I was knocked to the ground. The Tajador Ride Watch was knocked out of my hand to the left, as I pushed back against the Another Rider that was trying to stab it's claws into my chest. "Okay, point taken!"

Rise up Takamari wo

Don't Don't Osaeru na

Fuan na yoru kara Asahi sukuidasu Made

As Another OOO raised it's other arm to strike, time suddenly froze once more. It was a tense silence, before a fireball exploded against Another OOO, time resuming as the Another Rider was thrown off me. "Huh?" I blinked, turning to look to my left, watching as Eiji lowered his weapon, the Tajador Ride Watch in his right hand. "Eiji!" I shouted, looking at the Huntsman.

"I understand." Eiji said, looking down at the Ride Watch, much to my confusion. He twisted the dial of the Ride Watch, held it up and pressed down on the activation button.

Time Judged All!

{TAJADOR COMBO!}

Der Schnittpunkt von zwei Wünschen

Eine Leistung von zwei... (Tajadoru... Tajadoru!)

A bright red light shone from the Ride Watch, as the OOO Driver suddenly materialized on Eiji's waist. Then, the Ride Watch broke apart and transformed into 3 red Core Medals that quickly flew into the OOO Driver.

"...What?" I asked, staring at Eiji as he pulled off the OOO Scanner and tilted the Driver.

"Then I just…" He began, swiping the scanner over the three medals. He slowly raised the scanner to his chest before narrowing his eyes at Another OOO. "Henshin!"

[TAKA!]

[KUJAKU!]
[CONDOR!]

Sono kokoro Wakiagaru Wave ni

Nokkatte Nagare wo tomezu ni Susumou Easy and Free

I watched as three rotating rings of medals began to spin around Eiji, before three red ones stopped in front of him before merging into one and slamming into his chest, transforming him as red wings erupted from the suit's back.

[TA~JA~DOR!]

Kamen Rider OOO walked up next to me, before he held out a hand to me. "Let me help." OOO said. I let out a sigh of relief, grabbing onto his hand as he helped me to a stand as we looked at Another OOO. "Ready?"

"Yeah." I said, looking at Another OOO. "Let's finish this."

Time Judged All Unmei

{FINISH TIME!}

{OOO!}

Cross suru "ima"

Time Judged All Sora e

I charged energy in my legs as OOO inserted the Taka, Kujaku and Condor metals into the Taja spinner, before running the OOO Scanner overtop as the medals spun around, scanning repeatedly as he rose up into the air.

Takaku maiagaru

Mune no honoo ga

Yami wo yaki tsukusu

I jumped into the air, pressing down on the release button before spinning the driver around as three medals, one red, one yellow and one green appeared between Another OOO and me. At the same time, OOO slid the Scanner overtop the Tajaspinner, activating the finisher as his body was suddenly engulfed in flames.

[TAKA!/KUJAKU!/CONDOR!]

[Gi-Gi-Gi-GIGA SCAN!]

{SCANNING!}

{TIME BREAK!}

I threw my leg out, sending my body flying down towards Another OOO as I flew through each medal, pushing each one into the next before finally both me and OOO collided with the Another Rider.

Kiseki no chikara koko ni kourin

"Seiya!" Our battle cry sounded out, as we pushed through Another OOO, sliding to a halt as the Another Rider exploded behind us. I stood up, turning around to see the unconscious body of Gotou lying in the epicentre with the broken remains of the Another OOO watch lying next to him. I let out a sigh as the music stopped playing over the speakers, allowing myself to sit down for a moment and process what had just happened during the last couple of minutes.

"Wait, the Kougami Foundation's already pulling out?"

"Yeah." Eiji nodded, crossing his arms. "Apparently now that Gotou turned out to be that monster we fought, they're calling back the Ride Vendor Brigade. They said that since he was defeated, the Grimm should stop swarming the town now."

"Well they aren't wrong there…" I muttered, rolling my neck as we walked down the street.

"So, what about you four?" Eiji asked.

"Hm?"

"What are you four doing now?" Eiji asked. "You heading back to Beacon now?"

"...We were told we'd be out for three days. And there's no telling if there aren't still some heightened numbers around, so I'll probably ask Ozpin to stay an extra day to help out…" I said, looking at Eiji with a nod before realization suddenly struck me as I looked back down at the road. "Though since Gotou is now… gone… We're out someone who we'd of been shadowing during this excursion…"

"I wouldn't say that. I'm still here." Eiji said, patting me on the shoulder. "I'll give Ozpin a call and explain what's going on. He should understand."

"Thanks, Eiji." I said, smiling at him.

"Don't mention it." Eiji said, taking out the OOO driver. "Still, it's strange…"

"What is?" I asked.

"How was I able to use the Ride Watch to make this?" Eiji asked, putting the driver away.

"That's…" I paused. "Why did you even think to activate that Ride Watch?"

"Well… you were fighting Gotou, and then the Ride Watch rolled up to me and that sensation from earlier happened again." Eiji said, placing a hand on his chin. "But unlike before, I could move. Then… Well, he showed up."

"He?"

"Uh yeah, guy in a mask, around your height. He told me that I could help defeat Another… OOO, was it?" Eiji asked, to which I nodded. "Yeah, he said I could help defeat him if I activated the watch."

"Sougo…" I muttered, coming to a halt as I narrowed my eyes. "Why would he…?"

"Hm? Bryce?"

"It's nothing. Still, if there was anyone who'd make good use of that power… it'd be you, Eiji." I said, smiling. "It's good to see Kamen Rider OOO again."

Eiji blinked, before chuckling. "Come on, we need to make that call, right?"

"So that's what's happening. Anyone disagree?" I asked, standing in front of Parado, Momotaros and Woz in our room in the town's inn. At the silence I received, I nodded. "Alright, for now we'll be keeping watch of the town tomorrow and then we head back to Beacon. Eiji will be standing in for Gotou, so we'll be shadowing him for the remainder of this trip."

"There is one more thing I want to bring up." I began, before looking at Woz. "Privately with Woz, that is. Can the two of you patrol outside real quick. The two of us will join you soon."

Parado raised an eyebrow. "Sure…" He shook his head. "Nevermind. Come on, let's get a head start."

I watched as the two left the room as a silence fell. "...My lord-"

"Woz." I said, narrowing my eyes as I stared ahead of me, not looking at my retainer. "Explain this to me."

"Very well." Woz said.

I turned to look at the Prophet, glaring at him. "Please, explain to me why you didn't tell me Riders could get their powers back if I gave them their Ride Watches?"

"...I did not believe it was necessary for you to know that information." Woz said, putting the Advent Calender down.

"Oh, did you?" I spat. "Why wasn't it necessary? What possible reason could you have to keep that information from me?"

"Your ascension, my lord." Woz said.

"...Let me make myself clear here, Woz." I said, stepping up to him. "Do NOT conceal this kind of information from me again, just because it might suit your goals better. Do you understand?"

Woz let out a sigh as he picked up the Advent Calender. "Yes." He said, looking back at me.

I huffed, turning around as I headed for the door. "My lord, one thing however." Woz spoke up, stopping me in my tracks. "You must realize that Sento Kiryu must have known about this as well, since you let him study his own Ride Watch earlier. So why was it he let you keep it?"

I didn't answer him as I left the room, too busy thinking of a reason that didn't make me feel worse about taking Build's power.

"Well, this is certainly an interesting meeting we're having." Sougo said, placing a hand on his mask as he looked at the man before him. "I take it you've gotten a feel for Zi-O?"

"Yeah." The man said, standing up as he walked over to the balcony overlooking Vale. "...He's nothing like the would-be king I met before. Nothing at all like what I might've expected when I arrived in this world."

"And he's nothing like his future self either." Sougo said, stepping over to the balcony.

"I could say something similar about you, 'Sougo'." The man said, moving away from the balcony. "You're nothing like who you say you are either."

"...Maybe, but who's to say for sure?"

"Hm, so that's how you want to play this then." The man asked, as he turned around and began walking to the stairs.

"And what about you? How do you intend on playing this game?" Sougo asked, turning around. "Are you planning on doing as your namesake says, or will you play the game as you do best?"

"That all depends on him." The man said, looking over his shoulder before he kept walking. "After all, I'm just a passing through Kamen Rider…"

"Remember that." Tsukasa Kadoya finished, putting his magenta camera back around his neck as he walked out of the room.