Kamen Rider Zi-O: Revised RomeZi-O and Tsukiette

by GhostKaiser23

GEKIJOBAN, KAMEN RIDER ZI-O REVISED, AU! Welcome to the Eclipse Kingdom, founded thousands of years ago by two houses. One of the Sun and one of the Moon; the country's ripped apart by war. But the Prince of the Sun and the Moon Princess cause a change in destiny as star-crossed lovers. See the story of Zi-O in a way never before told. IWAE!

1. RomeZi-O And Tsukiette Act 1

Author's Note: Hi guys, this story is going to be massive, so Grey and I have split it into two parts for your convenience. The next half will be published this Saturday to make up for the week we lost when FanFiction was being a pain over updating chapters.

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Kamen Rider Zi-O Revised

Co-Writer GreyKing46

We do not own these characters. All rights belong to Shotaro Ishinomori, Ishimori Productions and Toei Company

---

The Heisei Kamen Riders have passed through this era. Inheriting all the powers, a new legend is approaching its end!

The journey of Sougo Tokiwa is approaching its final battle for his place as King of Time!

However! As well all know... There are many worlds. Many timelines.

While the story of the Sougo Tokiwa you all know nears its Climax, as is another tale of another King!

Rejoice! As today you see the world of the Kingdom of the Sun and the Kingdom of the Moon!

Rejoice! As you witness the end of the War of Eclipse!

Rejoice! As a forbidden love finds happiness!

---

"We meet again Diego." A man in red said as he stood there confidently, surrounded by guards.

"That we do, Satoshi. For the final time." the other man hissed, surrounded by his own guards.

The two stood in the middle of a city square, surrounded by old buildings with an Eastern European look to them. The buildings were all two stories tall with colourful banners hanging from them.

All around this little... Meeting... People were rushing off in random directions. Scared of what was going on, of the confrontation about to take place.

In the side of Satoshi where fifteen men wearing strange grey robe-like outfits and holding up banners with a symbol similar to the sun on them.

Behind Diego were men wearing black and red military-like gear holding banners with a moon-like symbol on them.

As for the men themselves?

Satoshi was a tall man, black-haired with a small chin-beard, almost in his mid-forties, wearing a regal red suit-robe with a golden popped collar with black edging, golden clasps on the front with black lining with black boots and trousers. Over his robe was a golden hawk stitched onto his left chest.

Diego was wearing dark green military-style clothing with golden tassels and black boots. He had slightly curled black hair, a faint and neatly moustache and beard.

Both of them had strange belts attached to their waist. Looking to be based off a strange sort of hourglass, the belts where still sleek. They were covered in white crystal-like armour with a display screen in the middle and two strange slots, one on either side of the belt

They both reached into their clothing and pulled out strange watch-like items.

In Diego's hand was a strange watch-like device, it had a golden base with a pale green button on the top and a dark green faceplate with an arrow pointed upwards, a strange screen on the faceplate as he turned the arrow to the right and revealed a golden mask with green markings and red jagged Katakana letter eyes.

In Satoshi's hand was a similar watch-like device, it also had a golden base, but with a black faceplate and button on top, pure golden markings with red markings on the front before he turned it to showed a mask with large red Katakana lettering.

Both Diego and Satoshi glared at each other and pressed the buttons.

ZONJIS!

BARLCKXS!

The soldiers took a readied step to attack, almost like they were awaiting orders from their leaders.

Both Satoshi and Diego quickly slid the two watch-like objects onto their belts and pressed the top button on said belts, which tilted the watch-holding side downwards as the empty side rose.

Appearing behind Diego was a large holographic clock-like projection. The main clock was white with a light green edge to it with the faint outline of a golden clock on the inside of the face, single lines that indicated the numbers, except for twelve; the twelve had a golden crest like a leaf with a red marking inside. Supporting the outside of the clock were five large green monstrous-like guards, almost like claws with red gemstones embedded inside as if they were eyes. Raising his right hand while keeping his left steady, Diego swiped his hand over his face and make his hand, his ring and pinkie fingers folded in as his middle and forefingers were together he made a glowing red letter 'J' appear. All the while the clock projection behind him was spinning slowly around with a pair of green-striped white and gold edged clock-hands turned.

And behind Satoshi was a grandiose holographic clock projection. The main clock was clasped in gold edges and interior, the middle of the golden ring was a dark blood red. The top of the golden ring surrounding the clock was a gate-like addition, protruding forwards a little as well as upwards, on the left and right rim of the clock were golden clasps with deep etches and bejewelled additions; both sides had gemstones inside though the left side had a glowing red-orange ruby on the bottom it had an amethyst with a black spot with a silvery-white glow to it. On the right-hand side, the opposite was true, the amethyst was on the bottom while the ruby was on top; the clock itself was barren of any numbers, only having black dashes circling its face with lines to indicate the numbers with four little black markings by the numbers ten and eleven, and one and two. The clock's hands were tall and silver, held by a bright ruby with a strange inverted 'S' as its symbol. Outside of the clock, there were two pairs of silvery reflective insect wings with long rectangular panels inside, below a pair of black insect-like feelers or feet with three little protrusions on their tips. As the legs and wings slowly moved, the clock-face, hands the inverted 'S' and its golden railing began to spin around. Satoshi raised his right hand facing forwards to the sky before bringing he quickly turned it around and brought it down in front of his face.

Both Satoshi and Diego glared at each other as they saw their enemies.

"HENSHIN!"

Both grabbed the up-tilted side of their belts and pulled in their dominant hand's direction.

The two holographic clocks stopped spinning randomly before going back to their correct positions, with twelve pointed upwards and their clock-hands pointing towards midnight as well. But Diego's clock-hands separated going to eleven and one while Satoshi's clock hands separated and pointed to ten and two.

Diego began to glow white as his holographic clock dispersed into green light and red Katakana lettering shot outwards. But instead of the light disappearing, it attached to Diego's body and formed bright green armour, almost fully insectoid with a black cloak and golden guards. His green colour looked natural-insect light green, his feet were plain with some black markings on them, golden ankle clasps, his shins had three insect claw protrusions, his upper legs had leaf-like markings along with his waist protection, he had dark green joints and gloves that gave him free movement. On his chest was a short black tabard with a golden bottom with two small rubies on either side, segmented by two golden lines, giving the impression of a watch strap as between his arms to his torso were two draped cloths with similar golden weights and small rubies holding it in place. On his shoulders and chest were golden machine-styled plates, bolted together with rubies and golden gears and wires. His shoulders themselves had two jagged protruding spikes while the golden guards held lengths of the cape, which were segmented by two golden lines. The shoulder cape only went down to Diego's hands while the back-cape dragged on the floor. And finally was his helmet, bright green with a segmented silver-white middle that went from his mouth to the back of his head, four small spikes on the back of his head pointing to the four corners, golden markings for his lower jaw and between his red eyes and silver segmentation, on the front of the silver segmentation were the two clock-hands which pointed to eleven and one, giving the impression of insect antennae as the red eyes were actually Katakana which read a word. 'Rider'

RIDER TIME! KA~MEN! RI~DER~! ZONJIS~!

'Zonjis'. That was the name of what Diego had become.

While Diego transformed into this new armoured form, the same thing was happening to Satoshi as he was awaiting his own transformation.

As the clock-hands of Satoshi's holographic clock projection separated, large red Katakana lettering appeared on the clock face. Which read the word 'Rider'. Satoshi's belt was shining like a star as he stood proud and ready, a steady circle of flames surrounded behind him as a dark black cloud of terrible dark green miasma appeared. The dark cloud swirled around him like a plague of locusts as the red Katakana lettering shot out towards Diego and flew around the battlefield before the flames absorbed the light coming from Satoshi's belt and the cloud and fully collected onto his body forming a new armoured self. The flames erupted leaving only the shining star on the belt as the light dissipated and the Katakana shot back and crashed into Satoshi's visor.

The armour's lower half looked plain, simple black boots, golden clasps on the ankles thick shin and thigh guards to protect his legs, silver clasped arms with only one inverted black spike coming from his bracers, between his belt and his chest, right on his torso was a broken pane of silvery glass or at least, what looked to be glass, it looked like it was pointing inwards into the stomach, though it didn't seem painful, around Satoshi's lower chest was a brown leather watch-strap which was also held on by a second watchstrap with a golden clasp with black holes for the pin to go through. Satoshi's chest had dark-green pectoral plates that seemed to have black cracks coming from the centre and top right of his shoulder. On his shoulders were golden clock-mechanisms with red rubies pinning it in place with two watch-crown protrusions on top. His mask was the most detailed, about two-thirds of his face were just the red Katakana word. His mouth-guard and his forehead were made out of golden gears and superb detail, the back of his helmet was pure black while his face was ornate gold with two silver clock-hands pointing to ten and two and a small golden clock-crown sat upon his head.

RIDER TIME! KA~MEN RI~DER~! BAR~LCK~XS~!

Both men stood there in the stunned silence as their battle was about to go underway. Neither would fail. The shuffle of feet was the only sound as both men were ready to fight.

...

..

.

"CHARGE!" Zonjis roared as he instigated the fight, running at Barlckxs as each side's soldiers fought.

Satoshi remained still, his eyes trained on Diego as a hunter against a wild animal.

"Revolcane!" Satoshi called as he reached down in front of the screen of his belt, where a flash of light formed a sword

Summoned from the belt was a long silver bladed sword, on his 'guard' was clock-like gear protrusions, like the frame of a clock, was used to protect the ruby inside the hilt. The ruby itself was solid and polished but inside the shine, it looked like it was a fan of sorts, slightly segmented and a lighter shade than the primary dark red of the ruby. The handle was a pure gold metal with round grips.

Zonjis lunged at Barlckxs with his razor-sharp claws and aimed to cleave into his body, fighting his hated rival as sword-on-sword clashes surrounded them. Zonjis roared as he got in close, but the 'Revolcane' was keeping him at a distance, though to get in close was the whole goal.

---

We zoom away from the battle, seeing they were fighting in a grand city. A mixture of ancient architecture and future technology. A world where science and magic existed as equals and builds a reliant present.

Either side of this grand kingdom were two castles, sat on opposite ends of the town. To the north was a bright and shining castle made of golden-coloured stone, while in the south was a castle of equal wonder and splendour made of stones the colour of silver.

We zoom back down to the castle of gold, where a lone figure stood atop a spire.

It was a teen, nineteen years old. The Prince of the Kingdom of the Sun, Sougo Tokiwa.

Sougo was a young man, brown eyes and soft-ish features, short brown hair, medium height for his age. He was wearing a black jacket with a popped collar, prominent golden design around the edge of his jacket and even showing a feather design on his front and a pair of coat-tails, a white waistcoat with pink stitching but not so much to overpower the main colour of the waistcoat. Black and silver stitched trousers that were covered by shining black leather boots that went up to his shins. On his shoulders were golden epaulettes which had small depictions of eagles.

Sougo looked out towards the horizon, seeing the kingdom, seeing the shimmering silver of the castle in the distance. His family's enemies, attacking almost on a weekly basis. It had become routine at this point. 'When will it be my turn?' Sougo thought to himself.

His arms crossed as he leaned on them, looking out at the battle once again

"My King?" a voice asked from behind him "It is time for your lesson."

"Ah, right. Thank you, Woz." Sougo turned around and saw his friend and advisor.

There, stood before him, was Woz. A nineteen-year-old man with medium length black hair that was swept to the side and some corn-rows on the side, wearing a silver suit with a light green waistcoat, a black pocket watch tucked into his pocket, silver trousers with polished black shoes. And in his hands was an e-tablet with a gear-motif reinforcement on the back. "Of course, My King. it is what I am here for."

"Care to walk with me?" Sougo offered.

"It would be a great honour." Woz bowed once again.

"You can ease up, Woz. It's just us." Sougo chuckled as he let his friend ease up on the restrictions.

"But I am your humble servant and friend, My Future King. It is only right I treat you with the respect you deserve." Woz bowed

"Alright. Then to my lesson." Sougo nodded as he and Woz walked together.

"I see that you were in the Lone Spire once again." Woz commented

"It's just nice to get away from it, Woz. Seeing the kingdom from above. No-one's different. We're all equal." Sougo explained humbly.

"And keeping your eye on the battle, on your father." Woz responded

"Yes. There...there is that." Sougo sighed and nodded. "He and the royal guard have so much to do to defend us. While my training and lessons are paramount, I feel like I can do so much more. I want to help our people. Help our kingdom grow."

"I fully understand, My Future King. But until you are given permission, it might be until your coronation until you can go into battle." Woz explained

"But I want to help them!" he called "I want to protect them from those Moon savages!"

"I'm sure that your father has his reasons, My Future King. And I know your desire to fight for your kingdom." Woz nodded, knowing how passionate Sougo could be. After all, they had grown up together and Woz knew the stories that his father had told him.

Sougo nodded and raised a hand, looking at the black and white RideWatch in his hand "It's just... He named me after our ancestor. The great Oma Zi-O. I need to live up to that title and I want to try my best!"

"I know, My Future King. It's a lofty name to live up to." Woz nodded as they walked into a large corridor, laden with soft velvet red and gold edged carpet, large decorative tables with expensive vases on top with decorative flowers inside; family pictures of the various kings of the Kingdom of the Sun. Going back generations, almost centuries of history lay before them.

At the end of the portraits was a MASSIVE one, depicting a figure clad in black and gold

It was a proud, tall, imposing figure. The founder of the Kingdom. Oma Zi-O.

From his feet upwards; his boots were black but toes were reinforced with gold, golden and black clasps on his ankles, his shins were protected by golden 'M' lipped shin-guards, golden clock-crown kneecap guards, a full pure black bodysuit, down from his neck to his crotch was a long silver watch-strap, on his hips were golden cloak tabards, on his back, slightly protruding from the sides were two large silver clock-hands, the left one being the minute hand and the right being the hour hand, his hands were bound with golden clasps and black bracers with golden edges, on his upper arms were even more golden clasps like it was plate armour, over his chest was a large golden watch-strap that went from his left shoulder to the right-hand side of his waist; his shoulders and chest were protected by black and golden curved and spiked guards and a slightly popped collar, on the right-hand side of his chest and on his right shoulder, were silver blank RideWatches. Then came his full mask; golden edged with diamonds between each small golden protrusion, a black guarded face with small etchings of the Katakana for the word 'King', golden clock-hand antennae over his burning red visor eyes depicting the Katakana word for 'Rider' but it looked like it was the shape of an eagle, a small white marking on his forehead which looked like the Katakana for 'Kamen' with three small clocks slightly above the white symbol, one pointing to eleven, one pointing to twelve and one pointing to one; the depiction of 'Past, Present, Future'.

And finally his belt, the radiant golden belt. The symbol of his power. The one all lesser Drivers were modelled on. It was pure gold, etched and crafted by the most powerful Golden Quartz that had ever existed. It had a black screen in the middle, on either side of its body were two push grips, both with a single small ruby in the centre of each one.

This was the King of Ages Past. Sougo's ancestor. The first 'Sougo'. Sougo's namesake. Though he was called 'The Demon King' it only meant that his power was so great there were no others that felt befitting him. A Demon King who ruled for prosperity, kindness and greatness.

The man Sougo wanted to honour. The man he strived to become.

A Great King.

A Kind King.

An All-Loving King.

The man Sougo strived to be!

"My Future King, we don't want to be late." Woz informed Sougo, trying to get him to his lessons on time.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, Woz. I was lost in my awe." Sougo apologised as they continued to walk.

"You've spent many a long hour in this corridor. Particularly your great ancestor." Woz smiled gently.

"I know, you've told me so many times." Sougo chuckled as he patted his old friend's back.

They hurried off, soon arriving in a classroom.

"Ah, you've finally arrived, Your Highness. A whole two minutes late." A man spoke up, looking at a pocket watch.

The teacher had short cut black hair and dark eyes, wearing a red and purple cloak with purple boots, black trousers with small red stitching and a black suit shirt. He had an air of age and wisdom about him with an aura that demanded respect and determination.

"I apologise, profusely. I tried to bring His Highness here on time as per your instructions." Woz explained

"It wasn't Woz's fault, Mr Adachi. I was distracted by my family's history again." Sougo apologised and bowed, explaining the situation.

"Well. Knowing your love of history, Prince Sougo; I knew something had to keep your attention for long enough." Mr Adachi answered. "We'll make up those two minutes at the end of the day after the rest of your lessons."

"Yes sir." Sougo bowed.

---

We zoom through the city once again, rushing over to the silver castle on the other side of the kingdom.

There we see a beautiful young woman, about nineteen years old, wearing a silver and white dress, a tiara of silver and diamonds in her shining long black hair. Her dress started from her shoulders, exposing her shoulders but covered her arms, flower petal-styled cuffs, an hourglass bodice that covered her chest and her C-Cup bosom. Her dress came down all the way to her ankles which covered her slender legs and only showed the tips of her silvery-white shoes. She was currently sitting in the gardens of her castle taking part in a lesson.

She looked bored, not paying much attention.

"...and the large foundation was made for the Kingdom." The teacher spoke as they read from a book. The Man was wearing a blue suit with a red pocket watch a red waistcoat and white shirt and blue trousers. "...Enjoying your nap, Princess?" The man asked

"Huh? Oh. Sorry, Mr Douan." The Princess jerked a little and looked up at him.

"Perhaps we should stop the lesson for today, seeing as you are deep in thought." Mr Douan answered, closing his book.

"Yes, yes, of course."

Mr Douan rubbed his face and sighed gently. "Your Highness, is something the matter? You seem to be...at odds with something. Or you're just lost in thought."

"It is just... The war." She said suspiciously

"Ah, I understand." Mr Douan sighed and nodded. "Yes, this pointless war has been going on for generations. As far back as any can remember."

"I just...when will it end? Why does it persist?" The princess asked

"Princess Alpina, I do not know. I may know many things, but from what I learned from my mentors is this: war like this needs a reason to stop. And for something like this to persist, is because of an ongoing feud." Mr Douan answered. "Perhaps we should pick this up at another time, it's time for your recess."

"Thank you." she nodded

Princess Alpina got up and began to walk off, leaving the gardens to head back inside, where she was met by her friend and lady-in-waiting. She was a beautiful medium-length braided black-haired woman, wearing a blue dress that had a small ruffled neck, travelling down and covered her feet, Her chest had a silvery-white chest with white hand ruffles, blue puffy sleeves and flat black shoes. "Your highness." The woman curtsied before her.

"Hello, Aura. Thank goodness you're here." Alpina sighed in relief.

"How are you, my friend?" She smiled

"Honestly? I'm tired. This whole day felt like it was dragging on." Alpina answered

"Well, My Father does tend to go on, considering his vast knowledge." Aura chuckled gently

"I feel sorry for you at times when you mention that." Alpina responded

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I've gotten used to it." Aura responded. "How about some lunch?"

"Please. I really need it." She laughed

The two friends walked through the corridor, showing the various paintings, soft velvet carpet and decorative mirrors and statues of depictions of time and the moon.

"Hmm~" Alpina hummed

"Princess!" a male voice called

"Huh? Oh, Wol. What're you doing here? Don't you have training to do today?" Alpina asked as she saw him.

Wol was a young wavy black-haired young man, about seventeen years old; he was wearing a silver-edged tabard with a blue background and a silver crescent moon on the front, a leather cuirass underneath, metal shin-guards over leather boots and around his waist was a plain silver long-sword. "Yeah, but Geiz wants to see you."

"Really? I wonder why." Alpina pondered. "Thank you, Wol. Will you accompany us?"

"I-I want to, Your Highness. But I've been called up for guard duty." Wol answered nervously.

"Congratulations, you're going up in the world, Wol." Aura smiled.

"Thank you. I better get going; Geiz is in the barracks." He explained.

He gave a small salute before rushing away.

Alpina nodded gently and left with Aura. The two of them almost gliding over the carpet. "I wonder what Geiz wants?" Aura asked

"It must be important. After all, he's like my brother." Alpina answered

"True." Aura giggled

The two passed through the castle, seeing the various maids and butlers who worked there to keep their home clean and prepared. "Hmm~, smells like the cook is making something delicious." Alpina sniffed the air gently as they walked.

"Hmm~, I hope it's something sweet for dessert." Aura added

"Your sweet tooth." the princess shook her head

"... Still thinking about it?"

"My father trying to 'find me a King'? Yes." Alpina frowned

"Well, perhaps it can lead to a happy future. I've heard that some arranged marriages can be very harmonic." Aura tried to reassure her.

"Only in fairytales," Alpina responded. "Thank you for trying."

"Thank you, I'm sorry if I talked out of turn." Aura apologised.

"You never do, Aura. You are my friend." Alpina smiled as they arrived at their destination.

They arrived at the training barracks, where several young soldiers were getting drilled in combat training with weapons and also physical training by one of their senior knights. A young man about nineteen years old, spiked black hair, brown eyes, wearing a red leather jerkin, black trousers and tough leather and iron shoes, standing with an axe resting on the floor in his hands. "Ah, Your Highness. Thank you for coming." He bowed respectfully.

"Not at all, Geiz. It's good to see you." Alpina lowered her head in kind. "I was told you wanted to see me?"

"That's right." Geiz nodded before he turned to his soldiers. "Take five everyone." He called out before turning to Alpina. "This way, it's important and not everyone need to hear this."

"I see." she nodded

As the three were now tucked into a quiet corner where they could talk, Geiz sighed heavily as he looked at his 'little sister' figure. "Your father has talked about having a ball this evening."

"A ball?" she asked

Geiz sighed and slowly nodded. "Yes. For your birthday. A 'celebration' of sorts." He answered, trying not to reveal too much, though he wanted to tell her everything.

"Geiz, what's wrong?" Alpina asked. "You know you can tell me."

"Under pain of death and risk of banishment, I wish I could tell you...But I can't." Geiz frowned.

"Oh... of course. I am sorry." she sighed.

"It's not your fault. Your father, The King, makes it very clear on an almost daily basis. If I were to leave you would appear 'weaker'." Geiz added

"You're my brother. And my bodyguard. I don't feel weak." She answered. "After all." She looked around, hoping they were alone still. "You've been teaching me how to wield a blade." She smirked.

"Of course. I don't want My Princess coming to odds with some uppity baron who thinks he can try and accost you." Geiz chuckled.

Alpina gave a few whooshing noises as to indicate a blade. "Whoever got too close would lose their hand." She joked.

"It is a masquerade ball, by the way, Princess." Geiz added calmly.

"Masquerade? Seriously? Everyone will be wearing masks and costumes. How am I to-?" Alpina groaned as she heard this.

"It's possible you could slip away unseen," Aura added as she heard this, pondering an idea.

"How do you mean?" Alpina asked

"Masks cover the face. If you wear one that was plain enough or could blend into the crowd without them noticing; wine, food, music, atmosphere. No-one would take note." Aura answered

...

"Aura. You are brilliant!" Alpina grinned.

"Well, I do have my moments." Aura answered, leaning back her head in a comedic fashion and laughed an '"Oh-ha-ha!" and gained a slightly pointy nose...it was kind of like what one would see in an anime.

"Great. Don't tell me." Geiz answered as he began to leave.

"Wh-why?" Alpina asked

"If you told me, I would have to tell the King. And for my sister's idea to fall apart because of me, it would be very bad for you to go." Geiz answered.

"... Thank you, Geiz."

Geiz just smiled and waved as he headed back to the training grounds. Keeping his 'plausible deniability' to their plans.

"He's the best, isn't he?" Aura asked

"He truly is." She nodded. "Come on, we have to go figure out what I'll wear at this masquerade."

---

*with Sougo*

The Prince of the Sun smiled as he left the castle, seeing his father's forces approaching the castle.

"Father's coming back." Sougo smiled as he saw the forces arriving, albeit a little less than who had left. "Father!" he cheered

"Sougo. Come to see this old man, come back from the fields of victory?" Satoshi asked as he walked up and saw his son.

"Of course. Did you defeat them?" Sougo asked with anticipation.

"...A damnable draw." He answered. "Diego and his soldiers are almost equal to our army and me, but...It's still a war that we'll win."

"Why do you not bring the other Riders with you?" Sougo asked

"Sougo. I will not risk more people to fight my battles. You know how strong Fighter Godai is alone." He answered. "Imagine if Diego retaliated with a Rider of his own, the people in the middle will be caught in the crossfire."

"I guess." Sougo commented "But surely if you defeat him then the moons will be gone!"

"It's possible. But then again, it could easily happen to us as well." Satoshi answered. "...Enough of this, let's head inside. These men deserve a hero's welcome home."

"Actually father, I was just heading into the market." Sougo flinched.

"Oh, really?" Satoshi asked with a raised eyebrow. "Leaving to greet the people about our exploits against the Moons?"

"Something like that, father." He nodded, trying to keep his motives close to his chest.

"Well enjoy yourself."

Sougo bowed gently and nodded, heading for the marketplace. Pulling over a commoner's hooded cloak to cover his clothes and face, seeing as he was the prince regent, he would be very famous among the people. So, being incognito would be a wise move right now.

And so he hurried off.

As Satoshi saw his son run off to the marketplace, his smile slowly soured. The soldiers were already gone and he was on his own; he strode inside of his castle and looked at his RideWatch.

Sougo continued to hurry to the marketplace, having a small amount of money on his person as he looked around at the slowly winding streets and the buildings that adorn them.

He grinned, seeing a few people waiting for him at a fountain.

"You made it." One of the men spoke in joy.

"What kept you?" Another added.

"My father had to make sure I was home first. Otherwise, I would've had the royal guard chasing after me." Sougo explained. "It's good to see you all." He looked around with a grin "So what's up Gentaro, Takeru, Eiji, Kouta?"

Gentaro was a young man, slowly approaching his thirties, but definitely looked young, he had a strange hairstyle among the group; sporting a pompadour of his black hair, brown eyes, wearing dark coloured clothing with faded beige trousers, wearing a traveller's cloak around his neck to cover his person.

Takeru was strawberry-blonde young man, slightly older than Sougo by a couple of years, dark brown eyes with a floral patterned robe, as he was a novice member of 'The Order', he was allowed to wear such robes as it didn't seem unorthodox.

Eiji had dark brown, slightly wavy hair, one of the richest members of the kingdom that weren't aristocracy. He was wearing a commoner's dark-red vest with pale trousers and tough boots and a cloak around his neck like a peddler. Although his family was well off, he himself chose a more simple life, following the words of his grandfather. His physical age let him look younger than he was, being possibly the oldest of the group.

And lastly Kouta, a black-haired man with slightly long hair, wearing a dark blue dyed cuirass with the patch of an orange on his left breast, his family's store's logo. Kouta was definitely the middle age of the group, but always up for a laugh.

"Nothing much... outside a rumour for the Mooneys." Kouta commented

"Always kicking off the 'weekly wars'; it's a shame they don't try and kill each other due to all the times they lose," Takeru answered.

"Wait, what rumour?" Sougo inquired.

"They are having a little party tonight. And it's one of those mask balls." Genatro explained

"Meaning we could crash it tonight and deal a blow to the Moon Kingdom's reputation." Takeru added

"Definitely...We'd need to get some masks ourselves." Sougo agreed.

"Hey guys, I've got drinks!" Eiji said to his friends

"Yes!" The group pointed to Eiji and smiled, taking the drinks from him.

"I'll pay you back, Eiji." Sougo responded

"Don't worry about it." Eiji answered "My Prince." he added as a joke.

"Well well, if it isn't the Sun stained weaklings." a rough voice said as several figures walked towards them.

The leader among the group was a handsome light-brown-haired man wearing a dark blue suit with a white buttoned slightly padded shirt, dark-red nearly black trousers with black boots, golden cuffs and crest pin on his lapel. He was portraying himself like a strutting peacock.

Among him were a black and white banged-ponytailed man wearing a monocle, a light blue jacket and black trousers, with a silvery shirt. He seemed to be older than the leader but relegated himself to be his ally.

A young man wearing a white top hat, white suit and gloves, white shoes and black cape with red interior. He had the air of a rich man with such flamboyancy as he pocketed a red rose into his shirt pocket.

Next was a wavy brown-haired man with a stern look to his face, wearing riveted armour over his chest and boots; looking more like a personal bodyguard than a personal friend, bearing the colours red and blue on a golden edged shield on his breastplate.

"Ian Jogan." Kouta frowned "Of the Moon Kingdom's elite guard."

"Looks like we have a hunt." 'Ian' smirked as he raised his arm, revealing the same white belt used by the two king's

"He has a Driver? I didn't know that." Gentaro frowned

ZIKUDRIVER!

Ian had a mad smirked as he raised his hand, revealing a RideWatch. It was a yellow one with a dark blue dial and button. He used his thumb to flick the dial straight up, revealing the mask and the yellow katakana that shaped its eyes. The Elite Guard pressed the button on top, making it come to life

ZAMONAS!

Slotting the watch into place, Ian gripped the belt tightly while a clock formed behind him

The clock behind him was a perfect seethrough circle with no numbers but lines to indicate the hours. The edge of the circle was vertically split with the right-hand side was a dark red with the left-hand side was dark blue. The circle was encased in golden axe-head-like curves, chin-like golden protrusions on the bottom of the clock; behind the large middle, axe-curves were two small golden 'horns', with a curved triangle horn on top of the clock. As for every other clock that appeared before, there were two clock hands, but both were firmly fixed to midnight.

"Zamonas." Ian calmly smiled and pulled the Driver to spin it quickly.

RIDER TIME!

Yellow Katakana lettering appeared before the hollow hologram of the clock before shooting out...and Ian became ignited in flames, causing Sougo and his friends to defend while they were pushed back by the burning orange flames.

KA~MEN! RI~DER~! ZA~MO~NAS~!

The flames disappeared and showed Ian in his Kamen Rider form. On his right-hand side, his leg and arm were dark red with silver-scale-like armour, a silver glove with red bracer a golden clock-gear styled guard on his shoulder; his left-hand side was dark blue with a silver plate on his thigh while the silver scaled armour remained the same, on his left shoulder a tattered flowing half-robe and the same golden clock-gear styled guard on his shoulder. On his chest and torso was silver scaled armour, though his left-hand side looked slightly armoured. On his chest were blue and red veins crawling over his chest to show his pulsing strength; binding his chest over the silver scale armour were two brown leather straps with a golden pin-clasp with black holes. Finally his helmet, his visor had the yellow Katakana which read 'Rider', a plain silver mouth-guard; golden axe-like, gear motif etched into the middle with small line notches; the top of the helmet was purple with thin red veins that pointed like fins and finally his clock-hands both pointed upwards to midnight.

He gave a roar, his body flexing almost like an animal.

"Damn it." Eiji frowned as he and the others attached their belts

SENGOKUDRIVER!

GHOSTDRIVER!

Eiji pulled out three coins. He slotted the red and green ones into the far ended slots of his belt, before slotting the yellow one into the middle slot before he tilted the belt and scanned it.

Gentaro flicked down the red switches on his belt as he posed.

ORANGE!

"Hiya!" Kouta called, slotting his Orange Lockseed onto his belt.

LOCK ON!

Takeru hit the button on his EyeCon and slotted it into his belt.

EYE! BACHAMINA! BACHAMINA!

3! 2! 1!

"HENSHIN!" The four called.

TAKA! TORA! BATTA! TATOBA! TA-TO-BA! TATOBA!

SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMACHI ON STAGE!

KAIGAN! ORE! LET'S GO! KAKUGO! GO-GO-GHOST!

A combination of various lights and sounds emerged from Sougo's friends' respective belts and devices.

Gentaro postured as he raised his right hand into the sky as a pair of white circles surrounded him before he was armoured up in a strange full white bodysuit, but on his shins and forearms were thick and rounded guards. On his right leg guard was a blue 'X' on his left leg was a yellow triangle, on his left arm was a black square and on his right arm was an orange circle. His kneecaps were protected by black shinguards, he had thin silver line markings on his waist and his chest, on his torso sides were orange markings. Finally, Gentaro's helmet was made like a white rocket ship with solid red eyes a featureless black face.

Eiji was surrounded by various coins with golden edges as three coins shot out forwards and shouted out the three different animal names. First a red hawk medal, then a yellow tiger medal and finally a green grasshopper medal. Eiji's body had gained a mostly black body-suit with green boots and shinguards with green lines going up to his chest, his gloves were black with yellow armour and folded back three yellow claws with yellow lined shoulder-guards that went to his chest and a black helmet with a red hawk-like helmet with green eyes. On his chest, there was a golden edged large coin depicting his three animals; a hawk on top, a tiger in the middle and a grasshopper on the bottom.

Kouta summoned a full blue, padded armoured bodysuit with yellow marked shin-guards, lower legs that looked like scales, yellow-lined arm bracers and golden wrist-cuffs, pointed small shoulders; a blue helmet with grey visor and a curved sword-like crest on his head. Opened up above him was a large zipped open gate that summoned a large mechanical orange that landed down onto his head and opened up, folding over onto his chest and shoulders which looked like studded plate armour with silver edging. And in the grey visor was filled with an orange-slice styled glass.

And lastly was Takeru, he was covered in faded grey nearly black full bodysuit with a featureless face, faint orange lines all over his body, grey kneecaps, ankle and wrist cuffs, and a faint grey eye outline on his chest. But shooting out of his Driver, a black ghost-like parka with orange edges and little glowing eyes flew around him and landed on his shoulders, as it equipped itself onto him, the featureless mask gained a full orange mask with large black eyes and a sinle curved horn on the centre of his forehead.

Sougo was on his own as he didn't have his own Driver. His father forbade it, but now he wished he had one. Just for this sort of occasion.

GENESISDRIVER!

LEMON ENERGY!

ETERNAL

"Henshin!" The three with Ian called

Lupin~

ETERNAL!

LEMON ENERGY ARMS! FIGHT THE POWER! FIGHT THE POWER! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FI-FI-FI-FIGHT!

Ryoma, the monocle-wearing ally of Ian had a large mechanical lemon lowered down onto his head which splashed out clear light that looked like juice. His bodysuit was separated into light blue legs and arms, bound with silver shin and thigh guards, silver bracers and a black bodysuit torso, a short yellow cape and the silver-edged lemon became his chest armour and his right shoulder guard. In his hand was a blue edged red bow with a black grip. And finally his helmet, it looked like a silver knight's slotted helmet, lemon halves on the side of his head and a blue crown.

Zoruku, the white-suit wearing ally, pulled out a golden gun with a silver blade that looked like a cinema reel pulled back and a black grip, all encrusted with jewels; he pressed the button on the front before shooting out a barrage of jewels, before they all separated into dozens of jewels before forming over his body. Zoruko's body was covered in a crimson red bodysuit, black boots edged with gold, amethyst encrusted kneecap-guards, a thigh pouch on his left thigh, a tilted black belt with a regal/artistic golden buckle around his waist; a black belt that went over his right shoulder to his left side that had golden clasps, with the main buckle having four different coloured gemstones, he had large black and golden cuffs on his wrists with black gloves with golden tips. On his shoulders were a flowing cape with a white film-reel styled edge and a slightly popped collar. And finally his helmet, part top-hat, part helmet, all show-off and gaudy. Golden edged with large gold 'eyebrows' for antennae, a black golden edged top-hat, red eyes and a moustache facsimile on his electrum coloured mouth-guard.

Katsumi, the bodyguard who was with Ian, attached a strange red Driver, it only had one slot with an open screen and a black belt around his waist. He inserted a white and yellow coloured UBS stick into the belt and tilted it with his right arm so it pointed to the top-right. A continuous pulse of yellow energy came from the best as data polygons appeared and attached around him, forming a solid white bodysuit, his ankles had small blue flames, his gloves were blue as well, with bright blue flames crawling up his arms to his shoulders. His shoulder-guards had black edges going around them. A white crown with yellow eyes with black markings that made it look like he was crying and three points on his head like a crown. Almost immediately appearing before him was a black utility thigh belt, a black long cloak and military-like chest belts with dozens of empty slots.

Sougo saw this and saw the people panicking, running away as they didn't want to get between this fight between the warring houses. Today was just supposed to be a day out with friends. They started this! And all Sougo could do was hide. He wanted to fight. He wanted to help!

"Get them." Ian ordered simply.

The three riders behind him rushed forwards with a roar

Kouta, Gentaro, Eiji and Takeru rushed forward, slamming their fists into their rival house; the impacts caused each one to throw the others into buildings, the street and even the market stalls.

The perfect distraction as Ian glared right at Sougo...right at the Crown Prince. "Come here, little Prince. I see you're itching for a fight!" And he ran forward to attack Sougo.

Sougo gulped as he took a step, gripping his watch.

Zamonas was smiling under his mask, the Prince was going to die by his hands.

'I-I can do this.' Sougo thought nervously while being slightly worried about not having a driver.

Zamonas smiled as he reached back a punch, only to be grabbed by a clawed hand. "Huh? WHA-!"

And throwing him away was Eiji forcing him from Sougo's area. "My Prince! Run!" he called

"Eiji... R... Right!" Sougo nodded as he turned around

"Are you really going to run?!"

"Hu-Huh? Who said that?" he blinked

He turned around, trying to find the source of that voice only to see nothing.

"Does a King run and abandon his servants?! His warriors?! His loyal subjects?!"

"That voice. Who are you?" Sougo called out in worry.

He looked and saw a golden mist where he saw a faint dark figure within. One that had clock like wings.

"Will you abandon them like a coward?! Or will be a King?!"

"O-Oma?" Sougo's eyes widened in shock, haven seen the figure a thousand times before. "... No! I will be a King!"

"Prove it. Prove it to yourself, that you can do this!" The voice answered as a ZikuDriver suddenly appeared around Sougo's waist, the golden mist fading away.

Sougo's eyes looked down and gripped the Driver in shock. He had a Driver! One like his father! He looked at his RideWatch and turned it, pressing the button with growing confidence.

ZI-O!

The last letter of the RideWatch echoed throughout the marketplace, grabbing the attention of not only his own friends...but also Ian as well.

"N-Not possible." Zamonas whispered in fear, forcing the fight to get through the Sun Prince, only to be stopped by Sougo's friends.

Sougo inserted the RideWatch into his Driver and pressed the top of his driver. The sound of ticking could be heard as a holographic analogue clock with smaller clock gears and clocks on the outside and on the bottom of the clock. The clock turned and rotated as the silver clock-hands appeared and spun around as Sougo's left hand approached over his right shoulder facing the right as his right hand tucked towards his hip. With a quick swish of his left hand to have his palm face his body, he proclaimed. "HENSHIN!" And swatted downwards to spin his Driver which made the world spin around along with the holographic clock, where the clock-hands connected at midnight before separating to point at ten and two. And then Sougo's hands lowered themselves back to his hips where he stood proud.

RIDER TIME!

Pink Katakana lettering appeared in the clock-face before they shot out and flew around the fight, attacking Eternal, Lupin, Duke and Zamonas. Silver watchbands with pink auras appear and circle around Sougo, giving faint visions of a white-faced mask, silver hands and black bodysuit.

KAMEN RIDER~! ZI-O~!

There. Standing where Sougo stood, a black body-suited Kamen Rider with pink accents and silvery-blue boots, silver clock-crown kneecaps, a silver torso length watch-strap down from his neck to his waist, pink gloves, a silvery-blue and pink accented chest and shoulder-guard pieces, a slightly raised collar, a silver mask with a white clock-face, an empty visor until the pink Katakana slammed into his head reading 'Rider' with the silver clock-hands becoming his antennae.

Finally, he had transformed.

"Amazing. This power." He whispered in awe, feeling something well inside of him. "I think I can do this!"

As soon as he said that, Sougo ran into the fight. He leapt between some of the other Rider and, using his long training with his mentors, began to fight off their enemies. He got between Lupin and Duke, trying to fight the knight and top-hat wearing Riders along with Gentaro and Takeru. Though his mind and experience were unused to the sudden change, his body seemed to know what it was doing. He had been trained to fight all his life, and his body just... instinctively knew how these powers worked.

"What the-?" Ryoma gasped as he saw this.

"I thought you said-!" Zoruku double-took in shock as he saw this, followed by a punch in the face and a kick in Ryoma's stomach.

"Haha!" Sougo laughed, standing side by side with his Rider's

"When did you get a Driver?" Takeru asked in shock.

"Just now?" Sougo responded with an awkward laugh.

"Fantastic!" Gentaro smiled as he saw this. "ZI-O KIIIIIIIIIITTTTAAAAAAAAAA!"

...

"How long have you been waiting to use that one?" Eiji asked

"Too frigging long." Gentaro laughed.

Zamonas glared at Sougo and his group. 'Damn it. He shouldn't-.'

"Lord Ian. What do we do?" Kamen Rider Duke asked as they were grouped together.

"I won't give up." Zamonas responded before he suddenly rushed forwards and showed his strength.

"Understood." Eternal followed suit and ran alongside them.

"Watch out, here they come!" Takeru pointed as he saw them.

"Get ready!" Sougo spoke with a brimming confidence.

He summoned his blade, slashing at Zamonas

ZIKANGIRADE!

Appearing in his hand, a dark grey grip with a watch-shaped indent protrusion, a white circle with the with pink Katakna that read 'Kyu' meaning 'sword', a black middle with a light grey edge and an etching of a white clock-hand with a teal line running through it.

"Hragh!" Sougo proclaimed as he slashed at Zamonas, catching his claws and parrying his fists away.

Zamonas snarled and grinned, throwing the blade aside and slashing Zi-O across the side.

Sougo grunted in pain as Zamonas clawed into his newly acquired armour, thankful for it right now. "Not in your training halls now, Prince!" And he slashed once again, forcing Sougo to go onto the defensive.

Sougo yelled as he was thrown back, rolling across the ground...

JYU!

And he opened fire, shooting at Ian.

The shots hit true on Ian's body, causing sparks to fly off his armour and forced back inch by inch as Sougo peppered him with shots.

He growled, glaring at the young prince.

"I'm not giving up. You won't win." Sougo stood up, glaring at him, his hand shaking gently.

"Please. You're a newbie weakling." Zamonas laughed

"I may be that...But I'm going to protect the people. I'm going to protect my Kingdom!" Sougo answered

"And you'll die for them." Ian glared and summoned a strange golden bow and aimed it at him.

"Whoa!" Sougo yelled, the two shooting at each other

Both Zamonas and Zi-O were thrown into the air and landed hard on the ground, sparking in pain as they were the only two fighting now. Sougo's and Ian's friends and bodyguard were surrounding the others to not get people involved...as this was now a fight between two Kingdoms 'honour'. Sougo stripped his RideWatche out of his belt and inserted it into his sword, feeling a natural flow to it while Zamonas pressed the top of his Driver and his own RideWatch.

FINISH TIME!

"HA!" Sougo yelled as he jumped into the air.

ZI-O GIRI GIRI SLASH!

"HA!" Sougo yelled, bringing the blade down to try and cut Zamonas in half... But he missed "W-What?!"

Ian jumped up, running along the blade, before jumping and kicking Sougo in the chest.

TIME VIOLENCE!

"Gah!" Sougo yelled as his chest was hit hard, making him fall to the ground.

Sougo's body sparked as his armour disappeared and he was left exposed while Zamonas stood tall. He had bested Sougo. Taken the Prince down a few pegs and was smirking darkly under his helmet. "I told you...You're just a newbie."

Suddenly everyone froze, finding their bodies... frozen, heavy.

"Okay! Okay! Break it up!" A police officer called.

Emerging before them, wearing clothes that seemed more futuristic than the rest of the clothing of people around here, more modern, more armoured. A Detective and officers appear, the detective was wearing a full black bodysuit, red armoured boots and red bracers, silver kneecap guards, a red chest with a black tire going from his left shoulder to his right side; a red helmet with large headlight like visors, with a silver mouth-plate. On his left wrist was a small silver brace with a small toy-like car inserted into it and around his waist was a silver belt that looked like a safety belt buckle and red belt strap with a red toggle on the top right-hand side and a black circle screen.

"That's enough." The officer ordered, stripping off the group with his immense speed and took their items.

The group were able to move again, all of them stumbling/falling.

"I would've expected better from the Lord and Prince between the Two Kingdoms!" The red armoured Kamen Rider snapped.

"You DARE-!" Ian snapped before he realised he hadn't got anything on him.

"You approached the Prince! And instigated a fight! Right in the middle of the market place!" The red Rider snapped, pointing at him. "Your King will hear of this." He informed.

"They-!" Ian tried to respond

"Reports and witnesses have said that 'Lord Zamonas has started fighting against the Sun Prince!'." The Rider answered.

"You are lucky I don't skin you!" Ian hissed and stormed away

"Is that a threat?" A second red Kamen Rider appeared within seconds. His main bodysuit was black with some silver-streaked boots, silver kneecaps, silver gloves and a red slightly dinged and blackened chest-plate with silver-edged shoulders; his helmet had a silver mouth-guard, blue eyes and a kabuto horn between his eyes and coming from his forehead. Around his waist was an opened red kabuto beetle with a yellow and silver markings.

"Leave him, Tendou." The first Rider sighed heavily and walked to Sougo's group. "My Prince, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." He nodded, sitting with his friends. He stood up and sighed, feeling embarrassed... and determined "We are crashing that party." he said to the others.

Gentaro smirked putting his fist into his open hand excitedly. "Perfect. We'll go get some costumes."

"What party?" The red Rider asked

"Um. Nothing, Detective Tomari. Thank you." Sougo answered, thanking the officer as the two detransformed.

From Kamen Rider Kabuto, was a wavy-haired man wearing an officer's uniform, with black shoes. He looked to be a few years older the detective, about his late twenties, heading to his thirties.

And from the second Kamen Rider, Kamen Rider Drive, was a black-haired, clean-cut, wearing a black suit and grey trousers, a white button shirt with a red tie that was tied right to the top. "So, what were you doing before all this happened?"

"We just got together for a drink." Eiji explained, showing the take out cups off the floor and from the cafe.

"Well, I'll have to check this out." Tendou commented, taking it as evidence.

"Yeah, of course." Eiji nodded.

"Do you need an escort, your highness?" Shinnosuke, Detective Tomari, asked.

"I'll be fine, Detective." He nodded

"Thank you." he smiled

---

*at the Moon Palace*

King Diego was tending to his wounds, King Satoshi had dealt a strong blow against them. Some soldier wounds and a few scratches on his own person...but it ended with a draw. "Damn that Satoshi. He's got a damn good right hook." He commented.

"Your Highness, please. You need to rest." A nurse spoke.

"I've got a party to plan. My daughter's ball is happening tonight." He answered. "I have that announcement to make as well. This is the most important night of her life."

"But, your highness, with all due respect you have to rest." The nurse answered. "You can make the announcement when your treatment has been finished." making him growl angrily.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Alpina was getting dressed.

"Are you sure this is my sort of thing?" Alpina asked as she looked over dresses...while having a corset tightened on his hips.

"Your highness, it's one of the rites of womanhood." The royal dresser spoke

"But I can barely breathe." she admitted

"It's the height of fashion among high-court." The dresser answered

"Then women must be losing the sense to breathe!" Alpina wheezed as the woman finished tightening the corset.

"Perfect!" she smiled proudly.

Alpina gasped between breaths, feeling her head almost float as she losing full gasps of oxygen. She stomach felt crushed inwards and her bosom being pushed upwards almost to her throat...or at least that was the feeling. "F-Finally. Oh god." She gasped and almost fell over and held the wall to get used to this new feeling.

"Now for the rest of the outfit!" the dresser clapped.

"'The rest'?" Alpina gasped and almost fainted.

"Whoa, easy, Princess." Aura helped her, sitting her down on a chair. "Perhaps we need to take five minutes?"

"But the princess is half-naked. It's improper for her to wait like this." The dresser answered

Aura frowned and huffed.

"A-Aura. It's. I'm alright. Just need to catch my breath." Alpina panted, getting used to it, albeit slowly. "What's next?"

"It's this dress, Your Highness." She smiled as she showed a large silver ball-gown. "Alongside some lovely stockings, some high heels perfect for a woman of your station, a headband, some jewellery and your mask. As well as a scarf."

"...Oh my god." She whispered as she saw all that mess...the stockings were definitely a positive though. "Alright. I'll put them on."

"Excellent." The dresser smiled as she brought the stockings.

"Sit down, princess." She added, rolling them down.

"I don't get your obsession with those." Aura joked.

"Because I've got legs that need showing off." Alpina teased and laughed, only to struggle due to the corset. "Also they feel nice." she added as she recovered, letting the dresser slide the stockings up her legs.

"Here you go, Your Highness." The dresser spoke as she peeled up the stockings. They were white, feather motif with almost see-through stitching. If you didn't focus, you could imagine her only wearing nothing.

"Thank you." she nodded, as the dressed then slipped the shoes into place and buckled them up. "You look very regal in this dress, you'll just amaze everyone at the ball this evening."

"I've got to admit...That's a big 'yes'." Aura agreed.

"Thank you." Alpina smiled, the two gently sliding elbow-length gloves onto the princess.

The Dresser continued as she continued putting on the dress for Alpina, seeing her become more and more beautiful with each stage.

'Something... Something is tonight.' she thought. Alpina looked in the mirror at herself, seeing her dress being put on and saw her ensemble...she looked like a dream. A moonlit angel. "Wow."

"You look amazing, Princess." Both Aura and the dresser smiled.

But unfortunately, the door knocked on loudly. "Alpina, are you in there?" Diego's voice proclaimed through the door.

"It's your father." Aura panicked.

"Yes, I'm here." She answered as the door opened. "Hello father." She nodded

"Oh. You're in your dress, fantastic." Diego looked at her. "All ready for tonight."

"Yes, Father. Though...the corset-." Alpina began to speak

"Do you have your mask ready?" He asked

"Oh, yes. I just haven't put it on yet." She nodded

"Good." He nodded. "Be ready, this is an important party for you. It's your birthday after all." He continued. "You need to look fabulous for the people." Before thought to himself. 'And for your engagement.'

"Of course father."

"Excellent. You can enjoy yourself until tonight." Diego informed.

"You as well father." she bowed

With that, Diego sighed in relief heavily and left, seeing his daughter there and fully dressed. It was going to be an eventful night and all would be as planned. 'All's going to plan.' He thought as he walked through the corridors and back to the hospital...where he saw Ian and his friends. "What the hell is this?" He glared as he saw them. "What happened?!" he hissed

"My King!" Ian's three friends tried to get up, but they were still on the beds, bandaged up.

"It was the Prince. He did this." Ian hissed.

...

"Get here." Diego pulled up Ian, dragging him into a quiet corner to chew his ear off. "Why're you following me?" He ordered his servant to leave them. "...The hell do you mean 'It was the prince'?"

"It was him. Somehow. Somehow, he got a Driver." Ian answered, speaking more commonly to the King. "And he transformed."

Diego's eyes widened in shock. "No. No, no, no. It can't. Not after this long. That should've been impossible."

"I know, I thought so too. But it happened. He hasn't given one to him, we made sure of it. All of us." Ian nodded.

"It wasn't-; no, it couldn't have been. We met before and he said that he didn't. In our midnight meetings, he reassured both of us. You know that I haven't-" Diego began to panic a little.

"Of course, we're here almost every day and she hasn't gotten a Driver yet." Ian answered. "This shouldn't have happened."

"The plan hasn't changed. The ball is still happening." Diego answered

"Well, that hasn't changed. This is our world. We won't let it go this easy." Ian agreed and sighed in relief.

"I know." Diego nodded and pushed him aside, storming away

Ian sighed heavily and leaned against the stone wall. "...Onore...Zi-O." Both growled angrily, though Diego was walking off.

---

*With Sougo*

Sougo was grinning, getting dressed in a fancy suit

"My Future King. This is a surprise; why're you getting dressed up like this?" Woz asked in shock as he saw his friend and Prince getting dressed.

"Huh? Oh, hey, Woz. I'm just planning something." he said simply

"Is it to do with the fight from earlier today?" Woz asked.

"...You heard about that?" Sougo asked as he turned around.

"Yes, I did. I am sorry I was not there for the fight. Perhaps I could've-" Woz frowned, feeling guilty.

"Woz, it was a fight you couldn't have joined. You don't have a Driver or a RideWatch." Sougo answered, turning around and felt guilty. "I didn't mean it like that."

"I know what you mean, My Future King. You are looking out for my safety...though that coward of the Moon Kingdom was wrong to fight you when you were just having revelries with your friends." Woz responded in understanding.

"Yeah, my day out was cut short." He nodded and sat down, rubbing the back of his neck. "Anyway, the papers tomorrow should be good." he added

"What do you-?" Woz asked "Oh~!"

"Yeah, I may have lost that match...But the Moon Kingdom will lose a lot more reputation." Sougo smiled as Woz understood the connotations. "We can get more support and the Moon's will get more careless in anger."

"A bold plan. Is this being made right now? What exactly will you do?" Woz asked

"The less you know the better, Woz. It's not that I don't trust you, you're my best friend. But I don't want you to get into trouble." Sougo answered, "But trust me, buddy, you'll love it."

"I hope so and thank you for your concern on my behalf, my Future King." Woz answered

SLAM!

"Sougo!" Satoshi slammed the door open as he saw his son sitting down in his fine clothing.

"Father!" Sougo stood tall out of respect

"Your highness!" Woz bowed at him.

"What's wrong?" Sougo asked

"You lost? Against that Lord Ian whelp?" Satoshi glared.

"I am sorry father. It was my first time transforming, I wasn't prepared." Sougo flinched

Satoshi sighed heavily and walked to his son, put his hands on his shoulders and looked deep into his eyes. "Your first time transforming. And I missed it. That loss will stand forever in the Kingdom of the Sun...But your friends. Your good, good friends, saved the people around the market. You protected and fought with honour. For that, I am proud of you."

"Thank you, father." Sougo smiled up at him "And don't worry. I am going to make up for the dishonour of losing to him."

"I hope you do, son. I'm counting on it." Satoshi answered. "That just leaves...one question." And removed his hands.

"What is it?" Sougo asked.

"Where did you get the Driver to transform?" He inquired with a fatherly tone...but with a stern glare at his son.

"From Oma Zi-O." Sougo said "He gave it to me!"

Satoshi leaned only just a half an inch as he heard that. His face lowered just a small millimetre. And the colour of his face left just a little. "'Oma Zi-O'? Is that right?" He asked nervously.

"Yes, father." He nodded.

His lip had turned into a small awkward smile before he steeled himself. "Hmm. Okay." And he turned to leave, heading through the corridor.

"...I think your father took that well." Woz whispered.

"Yeah." Sougo nodded before he chuckled "I'll see you later Woz." he waved, slipping out of the castle window

"Good luck." Woz frowned in worry.

---

*time skip*

It was the time of the party, music was playing as everyone at the party was wearing either ball-gowns or suits; all wearing masks that varied to fit the contours of their faces, some had domino masks to cover their eyes, some wearing full-face masks, some full masks had their mouths removed for ease some more bombastic designs. Like someone was wearing a peacock plumed mask, another was wearing a dragon-styled mask, others were based on robots, animals of all kinds.

Alpina however, was carefully sneaking away.

She and Aura were holding back their laughter as they slipped away.

They were careful as they took to the quiet rooms and corridors, the music and revelry used as their cover to the gardens and away from the lights and people. "Thank you for doing this with me, Aura." Alpina whispered

"Hey, anything for you." Aura smiled back until they bumped into someone.

"Oof. Oh, so sorry." Alpina apologised as they bumped into a small group of friends all wearing masks.

And then she froze, seeing the man she bumped into. In her vision was a handsome young man about her age, short brown hair and eyes, wearing a suit and a pink pocket-handkerchief.

Looking back at her, the young man saw a radiant black-haired girl with shining eyes that most of her face was covered.

They were both silent and staring, entranced.

"Hey, who're you?" Aura asked as she saw the man's friends who were wearing masks.

"Hey, what're you doing here?" One of them, wearing a hawk mask, asked.

"We're sneaking out-I don't have to explain to you." Aura responded

"We're sneaking in." A man retorted, wearing an orange horned mask with black eyes.

"Why're you sneaking in?" Aura snapped as she saw them.

"Hey, we've gotta go." A man wearing a plain white mask smattered with stars shook his friend.

"Would... You like to dance?" The brown-haired man asked Alpina.

"S-Sure." She nodded.

"What?" Aura and the man's friends asked in shock.

The man smiled, gently taking her hand...and began to dance in the garden.

...

"I. This..." The hawk-masked man looked at the two dance. "What is going on?"

"I have no idea." The star-masked man responded

"They're dancing." Aura answered as she saw her friend the Princess and this stranger. "...C'mon, you got to get out of here!" She pushed the other three.

"Ah, yeah. How about 'no'." The orange masked crasher responded, pointing to the doors and ran with his friends.

"Hey!" She gasped and called out.

As the group ran inside, Alpina and the stranger continued to dance, almost poetically.

Inside the dance hall, Diego was looking around with a forced smile under his mask. The ball was going according to plan. Merriment and dancing, people enjoying the food and royalty among them. He didn't even notice Aura's or Alpina's absence just yet.

"Perfect." He said seriously.

"Your highness, the party seems to be going well." A member of the aristocracy spoke to King Diego.

"It does. Perfectly. How are the festivities for you?" He responded.

"Fine, fine. I don't think I've seen your daughter around." The aristocrat answered.

"She's around. I'm sure she's dancing to her heart's content. But wait until ten. That's when the real celebrations will happen." He smiled

Coming through the side of the corridor, the hawk, horned and star-covered masked party crashers appeared and blended with the crowd.

"Let's do this." The star-themed guy grinned.

"Not yet." The Hawk masked one frowned.

"Okay, but when?" The star-themed guy asked.

"...Is that Takoyaki?" The horned masked one asked, pointing at the buffet table.

---

"You are beautiful." Sougo said outside as he danced with the masked woman

"How can you tell? I'm wearing a mask." Alpina tittered gently as she looked into Sougo's eyes.

"I can tell." He smiled. "What brings you here?"

"The party." Alpina answered. "Yourself?"

"Same reason, though...I. I didn't realise you'd be here." He responded

"Charmer." She chuckled, patting his chest. "Where did you learn to dance?"

"I have had good teachers. Your dress looks amazing." He continued

"Thanks. It's apparently the latest fashion, though the corset is killing me." She responded. "Walk with me?"

"Of course, My Lady." The man nodded, bowing a little and kissed her hand. "I really like the feather-themed stockings." he added, catching glimpses of her legs from the knees down as they danced.

"Oh, my goodness. I thought this dress was long enough." She blushed and tucked it down a little.

"No. Don't hide them. I think they're lovely." He answered

"W-What?" she gasped and blushed

"I'm sorry; was that too forward? I was rude." He apologised.

"N-No, it's fine." she assured

The man nodded as he took her hand. "Can we walk through this garden?"

"Yes, let's." Alpina nodded with a smile and walked with him.

---

Inside the castle, the masked trio that had split from their friend, they were currently spinning around the dance hall and sampling some of the fine foods. "Considering where we are...these aren't bad." The horned masked friend commented.

"True." the Hawk masked man nodded

"It seems a bit...more grandiose than I thought it'd be." The star-masked man commented.

"I know what you mean. It's more like a celebration for something. I've been to quite a few of-crap!" The hawk-masked man realised and pushed his friends to the side.

"Whoa, what's wrong?" The horned man asked

"My family is here." He pointed. "We've got to be careful."

---

Meanwhile, outside, Alpina and the guy where sat down... And having a conversation about stockings/pantyhose.

Like a pair of enthusiasts.

"Personally, I prefer having white stockings. It's like my own personal colour." Alpina smiled, showing off her legs.

"True." He nodded and looked over her "It does suit you."

"Thank you." she blushed.

"Personally I enjoy the look of semi-see-through ones. They make legs have a special... Sheen to them." he added.

"Right, I can see that." She nodded "And it sounds weird but I prefer nylons over silk. I know silk is softer but they just don't look as good."

"Huh. Maybe I can get some nice ones for you." The man smiled as he looked at Alpina.

"Are you just trying to get into my good books?" Alpina raised an eyebrow.

"Um." The man gulped nervously

"Because it's working." She teased, poking his arm

"Heh-heh." he laughed softly and smiled "It's nice finding someone who... gets this stuff, you know? Understands my like of it."

"I agree. It's like, many women like dresses and shoes. All the bells and baubles, that goes into them. I like some things that are a bit simpler." Alpina nodded, touching his hand gently.

"Well, there's talent into making them...and, you have beautiful legs." He answered.

"You think?" she blushed brightly

"Of course." He responded, having confessed his feelings towards them. "I'm being forward and rude again."

"No, it's fine. I'm flattered." She answered "I really like it."

The man smiled as he looked at Alpina. "I guess these parties aren't your sort of thing?"

"No. Not really. I mean, I enjoy them, but sometimes...Sometimes they can be a little bit much." She answered as she held onto his hand.

Their heads slowly neared each others.

Almost immediately, Aura rushed out of the building, panting in worry and fear; which, unfortunately, caught Alpina's and the man's attention. "Aura? What's wrong?"

---

*Moments ago*

As the party continued on, King Diego called for silence, the music ceased and people began to quieten. "My friends. Royalty and aristocrats. Today, we have cause for celebration. Today, we held back the tide of the Kingdom of the Sun."

Polite claps and small 'here, here's, though it was basically propaganda at this point.

"But not only that. I have received word that also our Lord Ian has fought and defeated the cowardly Prince of the Sun." Diego continued

"That son of a-!" The horned masked man glared before he was held back by the hawk-masked man.

"Don't. He's just blowing hot air." The hawk-masked man responded, though the crowd were 'cheering' since this had been new news to them.

"But now, the true purpose of this party." King Diego smiled, raising a toast. People began to murmur and looked at each other in wonder.

'What's he talking about?' Aura wondered as she heard this.

"My daughter, Princess Alpina, will marry!" King Diego answered, making the whole room gasp in shock. "Yes. She will marry the brave man who fought against the Kingdom of the Sun, Lord Ian!"

Aura's whole body almost dropped in fear...before she turned to the corridor and ran off.

---

*Present time*

"What?" Alpina asked, wanting to hear what Aura had to say.

"Y-You're-" Aura panicked

"We gotta go!" The three friends ran out of the side door.

"Wait, what's happening?" The man asked

Sougo and Alpina turned and looked at each other, subconsciously reaching for the others hand.

"C'mon!" The two were pulled away from each other, still reaching out to the other as their friends separated them.

"What's your name?" Both asked the others before they were out of ear and eye-shot.

Sougo was dragged away, he tried to pull away but they didn't let go.

"I'm Sougo!" He called out.

"Tsukuyomi!" She called back

"What?!" The group asked before they bolted away.

---

*time skip*

Sougo was back in the Sun Kingdom; sitting around a table with his friends, Woz and a few glasses of wine between them. "Tsukuyomi?! As in the Moon Goddess who battled Oma Zi-O?! As in, she is the Princess of the Moon's! As in 'The Princess Alpina'! God!" Takeru asked haven ripped off the horned mask off his face.

"You were dancing with the princess of the moonies?!" Gentaro added

Sougo began to answer, before stopping himself. Mulling over the words so he didn't want to mess up. "I didn't know. Who she was. Under the mask."

"How could you not-? No...no, she's known for not leaving the castle." Eiji sighed, putting the hawk-mask down.

"Really? Your parents are there all the time." Gentaro followed up.

"My parents are a neutral party, publically." Eiji explained. "They go between the two Kingdoms."

"What about the coins? There are probably a few coins circulating around with her face on them." Takeru asked

"No, all coins are minted with the current head of state, meaning the two kings." Woz explained, before turning to Sougo...who looked like he was staring deep into a thousand-yard stare. "My King?" he gently shook him.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking." Sougo explained as his mind flashed lightly, thinking about her again.

---

*With Alpina*

"Oh, she's got it bad." Aura frowned as she, Wol and Geiz were there in her room.

"I should've been there." Geiz spoke and rubbed his nose.

"He wasn't going to hurt me." Alpina answered gently. "We just talked and danced." She was looking out the window and smiling happily "He was the sweetest guy. So kind and he understood me as no one else did. He had such a gentle laugh and his eyes-"

"... Yeah, she's got it bad." Wol blinked

"...Wol. Aura. A word, please." Geiz asked, taking the two outside but kept an ear on her. "We cannot tell the King."

"Of course not!" Wol and Aura agreed almost immediately as they were alone.

"Everything that's happened tonight, we can never repeat. Her father's arranged her to marry!" Aura answered.

"What?" Geiz and Wol responded.

"But that's crazy!" Wol snapped.

"Who's the 'groom'?" Geiz asked.

"...Lord Ian." Aura swallowed nervously.

Both Wol and Geiz looked at her and then thought. "He's a lord. A knight, he's a friend of the King but it can't just be a political marriage."

"What do you mean?"

"Lord Ian...has reputation. He's somewhat popular with people, that's one thing. He's a Rider. He's a 'protector'." Geiz answered. "But aside from that, he's just a lord in title only. No money, no large tracks of land...This is a power move or something. And if we let The King know about this. It will be our heads."

"Then we won't tell The King." Wol answered, rubbing his neck in fear as they realised the implications of telling him.

"But we need to warn Alpina. We can't not let her know about this." Aura added. "We can. We can plan-"

"I can't listen to this plan. I'll do all I can to help is try and divert Lord Ian away from her and hopefully get him to call it off." Geiz answered

"That's actually a good idea." Wol nodded. "What about the King? He's probably deadset on this."

"We'll figure something out. Geiz, you've got your plan. We'll get onto ours." Aura nodded.

He nodded, looking at Alpina in worry.

Said princess was looking out the window and humming.

'Sougo. The prince of the Sun Kingdom.' She thought as she looked through the window and saw the faint glow of the castle's lights. 'What a kind man.' She was enamoured by him, the two of them meeting in such a place away from all the rich and powerful...being themselves. Just talking.

---

*with Sougo*

Sougo was looking out of his bedroom window, dressed in his pyjamas and thinking about Alpina. A lot had happened in this one day more than his whole life. He met someone who understood him on a level. She was beautiful like the moon. Too bad he only saw her eyes and not her full face. But he didn't care.

It felt good. It felt...right. His heart felt light and happy. He wanted to meet her again. He wanted to talk again.

"Tomorrow." He mumbled. "Tomorrow's another day." He whispered and headed to bed. As he began to drift off to sleep, the moonlight shone through his window and lulled him to sleep.

---

Outside of the castle, a figure was walking through the shadows. Keeping secret and silent. Going to a quiet place. A secret place. Going to a tavern.

The chairs were put up, the windows were locked, the sign read 'closed'. But inside was a single small candle flickering on a table in the corner.

The door opened as the cloaked figure opened the door and walked to the table, closing the door shut. "We're together again, my friends." The figure that just walked in spoke up.

Inside the tavern, was the tall cloaked figure who just walked in, a shorter cloaked figure and finally a medium built figure. "Yes. And we've gotten results." The shorter member spoke as they sat down.

"I heard. Congratulations." The tall one spoke. "I take it the announcement got results."

"It definitely did. Though she wasn't there at the party." The wider built figure answered, the flickering of the candlelight showing the beard under the cloak.

"What? Why?" The tall one asked

"She was in her dress, in her mask. But I couldn't find her all night until after the announcement." The medium built figure answered.

"You didn't see her reactions?" The tall one asked.

"No. It doesn't matter since I'll be marrying her." The shorter figure commented and leaned back, revealing his face to be Ian.

"What about Sougo? How did he get that Driver?" The medium-built man asked. "It should've been impossible."

The tall man sighed heavily and looked at Ian and the second cloaked man. "Oma Zi-O." Was all he answered with.

The medium-built man slumped down into his chair...and a look of terror appeared on his face. It was Diego. "How?"

"I don't know, that was all Sougo told me." The tall cloaked man answered

"But he's a myth, right? A tale made up by the house of the Sun to display their power! Just like the MaJo Tsukuyomi!"

"I don't know. Because I never gave Sougo a Driver." The cloaked man answered revealing his face as he rubbed his head. King Satoshi.

The three sat down there.

King Satoshi.

King Diego.

And Lord Ian.

The greatest controversy that the public did not know was happening. All behind the scenes.

"The plan is still going, correct?" Ian asked, looking at the flame.

"Of course it is. You'll still marry my daughter." Diego answered

---

*time skip*

Alpina was currently in her fencing attire, in her lesson to learn how to fight. Since last night, she had found a new drive; new confidence into trying different things. After all, there was only so much you could learn from needlepoint.

And she was working hard

"Centre yourself, Princess. You're not tickling, you're thrusting!" The teacher instructed, sounding stern but actually, he was driven.

"Yes, Sir." She answered, getting her footing correct and did thrust harder, imagining the dummy was an enemy.

And with a powerful thrust, she fully pierced the body of the dummy.

"Better. Much better." The instructor answered. "Stop for now." He ordered. "Now, let's review."

"Yes, sir." Alpina nodded

She released her sword and turned to her teacher, relaxing and calm.

"First, your stance. You'll need to improve, your feet are too close together. Next, you're emphasizing slashing as well as thrusting." The teacher spoke.

"I understand." Alpina nodded

"However. This was your first lesson after a long while. You have room to improve." He answered.

"Thank you, Sir." She answered.

"Now. That's for today's lesson, go to the showers and to your next lesson." The teacher answered

"Of course sir." she nodded and left, smiling and humming as she remembered that wonderful smile

She entered her private changing room and disrobed, turning the shower on as she continued to hum. The window was open slightly to let out the steam... which is when she heard the voice

"Tsukuyomi!" a voice called

"Huh?" She turned as she heard that voice. "Sougo? Is that you?" She asked and went to the balcony

She had a towel wrapped around herself as she approached the window. She opened it wide, seeing the prince of their enemy sneaking around her backyard... and she grinned.

He appeared lost, trying to call out to her

And so... she decided to tease him.

She rested her elbow on the windowsill, resting her chin in the pal of that hand, and called out dramatically "Sougo. Oh Sougo. Where are you my sweet Sun Prince. What I wouldn't do to see you again." she said with an over the top dreamy sigh which caught his attention

Down below, Sougo began to smile and chuckle, before he walked out and looked up towards her. "Alpina!" he smiled gently

"Sougo, Sougo, where for art thou, Sougo." She called down.

"I'm down here." He laughed.

"Oh~! There you are! She gasped/ giggled.

"I wanted to see you again." He responded. "What light, through yonder window breaks. It is Princess Tsuki and her smile is the moon."

"Sougo." she giggled softly, blushing brightly

"Would... you like to hang out?" he asked nervously

"Of course." she smiled softly "Just let me get dressed and I will sneak down."

"I'll wait for you." He smiled and hid away, continuing to hide in the Lion's Den.

But he felt safe. She was there.

It took longer than he expected, honestly, but soon she was slipping out of the window and carefully making her way down the wall.

"Sorry I took so long." She spoke, wearing a completely different wardrobe of clothes than normal. She was wearing a man's shorts, long black leggings, wearing a white shirt with a small ruffle and a blue waistcoat with a silvery belt and a blue cape with a dark-blue edge and a cavalier hat. "I'm not used to wearing men's clothes for a disguise."

"Whoa." Sougo blinked as he saw her.

"What?" she asked in embarrassment.

"Nothing you just. You look amazing. You pull off this look very well." Sougo answered

"Thank you. I thought this would be...less obvious." She responded as she nervously reached out and held his hand.

Sougo blushed gently as he held her hand and smiled. "L-Let's go into town." He offered.

"I'd like that." She responded as the two walked away towards the town between the two castles.

As the two walked off, inside the moon castle's training grounds, Geiz was on patrol with some guards. "Geiz!" Ian's voice called out as he strode towards the trainer of the guards.

"Yes, Lord Ian?" Geiz asked, turning around and saw him.

"I need a word." He responded.

"Of course." He nodded, before giving a gesture to his men and let them continue on. "What is it?"

"I know that you've been good friends with the Princess for some years now." Ian spoke

"Since we were children. Yes." Geiz nodded

"Good, good. I need your advice on something...What would the princess enjoy for a wedding gift?" He asked. "I mean, she is my fiancée and I want to surprise her."

'Pulling out the big guns.' Geiz thought to himself, seeing Ian's plan. "That depends on your interest in her." Geiz answered politically.

"Well. My interest in her is pure love." Ian responded suavely.

"Is that right?" Geiz inquired with a slightly raised tone.

"What else is there?" Ian asked with a slight glare.

Geiz knew this was bad...but he had to answer. He didn't have a Driver and Ian was famous for carrying his own around everywhere. "She likes...Dancing." He knew Ian was lying. The way he said 'pure love' was just... slimy.

"Dancing. Really?" Ian smiled. "Good to know." He answered. "You might be getting a promotion because of this, Geiz." And he patted Geiz's cheek out of cheekiness and left the opposite direction.

Geiz waited until Ian was out of sight and earshot...and he recoiled in disgust at that gesture. "Urgh! Vile." He punched the wall slightly, shaking. 'Alpina...I won't let him marry you.' He thought angrily.

---

*In the Sun Kingdom*

"Wow! This is great!" Alpina smiled as they walked down the road.

It was a small festival. Some stalls, street magicians and so on.

"I've never been here before. This is wonderful." Alpina whispered in awe.

"It's part of a tradition." Sougo explained, going over to a market stall.

"My Prince." a man said suddenly, holding out flowers

...

"Oh, hey Haruto." Sougo smiled.

Haruto was a brown-haired man wearing a black jacket and a floral shirt, a long red scarf, red trousers and black boots, wearing a large silver ring with a black hand with a golden edge to it and a similar-looking belt buckle around his waist. He was older than Sougo and one of the other Riders that he was friends with. "It's been a while, My Prince. How've you been?" Haruto asked

"I've been well. What about you?" Sougo responded

"Still being me." He smiled and took a sugar doughnut and took a bite out of it. "Who's your friend?"

"Err..."

"I'm his date." she nodded

"Is that right? Finally got the courage to ask someone, Sougo?" Haruto chuckled, patting his shoulder.

"Ah, come on now." Sougo rolled his eyes.

"Enjoy yourself." he winked

"We'll try." Alpina answered

"It's our first date." Sougo added, muttering to himself...then he realised what he said. He turned into a blushing mess and laughed softly.

"What's wrong?" Alpina asked as she could barely hear him.

"I. Um. Just realised what I said." He blushed nervously. "How about some games?"

"Sounds nice." She nodded

"Hello everyone!" A man suddenly called up on stage.

"Wataru?" Sougo blinked as he noticed it, alongside a few others "Kouta? Mr Adachi?"

"You know these people?" Alpina asked in shock and awe, seeing how many people her date knew.

"Um, yeah." He nodded

"They are more Kamen Riders. And they are my teachers for different subjects."

"You have Kamen Riders as your teachers?" Alpina asked in shock.

"Yes, my father was insistent that I learn from them." Sougo nodded. "And they are really great people."

"What are they doing?" Alpina asked

"Looks like it's a form of entertainment. Let's watch." He smiled

"This is for everyone to enjoy! A little song that can be summoned up simply... Now is time to party!"

Sougo and Alpina got in closer to the crowd who were getting excited by the music that the three Riders began to play and begin. The crowd starting to bounce by the rhythm. "May I have this dance?" he smiled

"Of course, Sougo." She nodded as she took his hand, thinking this was going to be a ballroom dance.

"PARTY!" The band sang "PARTY! P! A! R! T! Y!"

Alpina turned her head to the band, shocked by the music, this was all new to her. "Wh-what is -?"

"Just enjoy it." He smiled as they began to dance along with the crowd.

"Kimi wa SUTAA Mabayuku shine, (O-O-O-O-O, O-O-O-O-O)" Haruto sung with his partners backing him up. "Jibun ja Kizukenai, (O-O-O-O-O, O-O-O-O-O)."

Sougo grabbed her hand and span her around, the two swaying together making her laugh.

"Kokoro Relax shite Asu wo IMEEJI! Yukue, Jiyuujizai (jizai). Akirame kake chatta Yume ni REBENJI. Rounayaku nannyuo no pride."

The people began to spin, dance and enjoy themselves, feeling the flow and rhythm of the song being sung to them by this Rider Band.

"Every Body shuffle shiyou, Sedai, rensa suru smiles. Let's Party ENJOI shinakya mottainai datte, jinsei wa ikkai. Rainbows wa sora dake janai. Mune ni mo kakaru ze (Party P.A.R.T.Y). Donna MIRAKURU mo oki houdai!"

Alpina began to step in time with the dance, feeling it flow through her...and being with Sougo made it much better than doing it on her own. She laughed as he span her again, dipping her a bit.

Her eyes looked up into his eyes, seeing the smile within them.

"Universe Festival (Party P.A.R.T.Y). Rashisa ga (tsumari jizentai) soudai (O-O-O-O-O, O-O-O-O-O). Shourai wa kimi ni naritai (O-O-O-O-O, O-O-O-O-O) Sude ni dare mo ga motteru yasashisa idenshi. Toki ni miushinai (shinai). Kizutsukeba ttemo Kizuna ni change. Jinrui mina kyoudai!"

Sougo smiled back, lifting her up and spun her on the spot.

"Haha!" she laughed happily

"Every Body Zettai teki sonzai. Zenin nanka no tensai. Let's Party Senpai kouhai to kanpai. RAIBARU mo issai! Tsuzukeru koto ga daijisa suki koso jouzu nare. Tsumazuita tte kamawanai. Nanakorobi yaoki style."

Sougo bounced around the party with Alpina close by him, almost acting less like a prince and just more like a young man.

"Meguriai zutto tsuzuku sekai. Guuzen nanka janai. Let's Party Ten ga tsunagari ai, sen ni naru issai. Everybody shuffle shiyou, Sedai rensa suru smiles. Let's Party ENJOI shinakya mottainai datte, jinsei wa ikkai."

Alpina spun in place before she fell into Sougo's arms. Alpina grinned and gave Sougo a small kiss to the cheek before they continued to dance.

Sougo smiled as he felt that...And he felt a spark coming from her, some connection between the two. Something right from the pair. And he hugged her gently.

"Rainbows wa sora dake janai. Mune ni mo kakaru ze (Party P.A.R.T.Y). Donna miracle mo okihoudai. Universe Festival (Party P.A.R.T.Y)"

The music stopped to the cheering crowd, as the three Riders on the stage stood in unison as poses.

Sougo smiled and kissed Alpina right on the lips.

Alpina's eyes widened in shock, sure she instigated the kiss...but this was a surprise. Sougo was being so forward. But it was just a kiss on the lips, feeling the tenderness of it as his hands were still holding her own. "W-Wow~." She whispered as she looked up at him.

"... Yeah." he gulped

The two remained looking at each other, seeing into their eyes, while the music and the crowd began to quieten. "I. Um. D-Do you want to-?"

"Yeah." She nodded, wanting to leave with him.

Sougo nodded and left, leaving with her as the crowd were going to the Rider trio on stage. "Guess it's too much excitement for you?"

"Something like that." She nodded.

"Do you want anything to drink or eat? My treat." Sougo offered.

"I'd like a meal, yes." She nodded

"Anything." he nodded and smiled "Oh! I think I know the perfect restaurant!"

"Wait, you do?" She asked as her interest was piqued.

"Yes, it's this way." Sougo pointed and lead the way. "Oh. It might be best if we hold hands. Don't want to lose each other."

"Of course." She blushed

As the two walked together, Sougo was shocked to realise how brave he had become in such short a time. 'Oh god, what's happening to me?' He thought to himself as he realised that he was taking a girl on a date.

'This. This is amazing. I feel free!' She thought happily, following him to a nice restaurant cafe. "Wow!"

"Yeah, I have an 'open table' here." He smiled jokingly.

"Do you really?" She smirked

"...Err...Kinda." Sougo chuckled with an awkward rub of the back of his neck. "Oh, my lady." He opened the door for her.

"Thank you." she nodded

The two walked inside, seeing the cafe's decor and the number of people inside. It was moderate and modest, round wood and metal framed tables with barrel-shaped seats and chandeliers above their heads. "Ah, welcome, welcome." The waiter spoke as he saw both Sougo and Alpina. "Your highness. A pleasure once again. And who is this? A friend of yours?"

"Um, yes." Sougo nodded. "Off the record, please." He asked

"Of course. We have a booth prepared." The waiter spoke respectfully and lead the two away

"A pre-prepared booth?" Alpina asked. "And 'off the record'?"

"My father doesn't like it if I 'go into commoner places'. But this place is great." He answered "It serves the best food. Shouichi and Tendo are awesome cooks."

"Really? I can't wait to try it." Alpina double-took as she heard that.

"Now, would you like some drinks while you select your meals?" The waiter asked

"That'd be great, thank you." Sougo nodded as they were given menus.

"Thank you Shinji."

The two of them sat there in the cafe restaurant and looked in their menus. "I'm a little jealous, Sougo."

"What? Why?" Sougo asked in shock, feeling like he had done something wrong.

"Your connections to people. I've never." Alpina spoke up before whispering. "I've never left the castle. I only know a small handful of people."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know." Sougo apologised.

"It was my father's wishes. I've only been to the gardens." She answered. "Hmm. This... 'chef's special' sounds nice."

"Which one?" Sougo smiled

"Hmm...I think this tofu dish." Alpina answered, pointing to the shared top billing.

"Good choice." He nodded and made his own choice. "That's Tendou's." he added with a chuckle

"Really?" She responded. "Then what about the other one?"

"I'll get Shouichi's. We can share." He answered

"Really? You share meals?" Alpina asked

"Well...Y-Y'know." He blushed nervously.

"So one tofu special and one vegetation special." Shinji nodded as he wrote down the order "Any drinks?"

"Um, I think a pitcher of water please?" Alpina asked

"Pitcher of water. Anything else specific?" The waiter asked

"Breadsticks?"

The waiter laughed and nodded. "Breadsticks on tap." And left.

"'Breadsticks on tap'?" Alpina asked, thinking that was a foreign term.

"Free breadsticks." Sougo shrugged gently as they sat in the restaurant.

---

*In the Moon Kingdom*

In the training arena, Geiz and Wol were sparring, practising with dulled blades. And Geiz was overpowering him. As always, because Geiz had the strength and height advantage.

CLASH!
CLASH!
WHOOSH!

"Gah!" Wol grunted and fell to the floor in pain, being knocked down by Geiz. "I yield, I yield!"

Geiz halted his attack and pulled Wol up. "You're getting better, Wol." He helped him up.

"Really? It doesn't feel it." He took Geiz's hand and was pulled up.

"I'm being honest. You're improving." He responded.

"Thank you."

"Done beating up Wol, Captain Geiz?" King Diego asked as he saw them.

"Ah, your highness." The two bowed to him.

"Don't stop on my account." He joked. "I see you've been keeping busy."

"Yes, Sire." The two answered though Wol was feeling a little inadequate.

"Have you seen my daughter?" He asked

"She's probably in her lessons." Geiz answered. "She's been getting into her fencing again."

"Has she?"

"Yes, I've talked to her teacher." Geiz nodded.

"Ah, okay." He nodded with a small inquired look at him. "Wol, come here. Just for a moment."

Wol pointed at himself before obeying the order and gulped nervously. "Y-Yes, Your Highness?"

"How do you feel? Being Captain Geiz's squire." King Diego asked, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"It's an honour. He's a great teacher and friend." He answered

"Good. Good. And what about your dream of becoming a knight? Is that still your goal?" He continued

"Yes, yes Your Highness." Wol nodded

"Then, could you do me a little favour?" He inquired

"Wh-what favour?" Wol gulped

"I need you to spy on Geiz. I think he's not loyal to the crown." Diego answered. "Word has it that he's been sneaking out of the castle."

"What?"

"I want you to follow him. If it's nothing big, he has nothing to worry about. But if he's meeting with enemies of the crown...He must be tried for treason." King Diego commented.

Wol was frozen, he... he didn't know what to say!

"I understand, Wol. But it's just a little thing...After all, we did take you in. And I can send you away just as quickly." Diego threatened.

"I-I-I-"

"Take your time. Oh, if you tell Geiz about this little chat...You'll be silenced. Understand?" Diego responded, showing his Zonjis RideWatch briefly and out of Geiz's sight.

"Y-yes, Sire." He nodded in fear. "Of course."

"Off you go." He smiled genuinely and walked off.

Wol's legs ghostly walked before he collapsed onto the floor. 'Oh god. Oh god!' He thought, feeling the metaphorical noose around his neck.

"Wol, are you alright?" Geiz went over and helped him up.

"I-I'm fine." he nodded

---

*with Alpina and Sougo*

"So, how was your meal?" a new male voice commented

"Oh, Tsukasa! It was great!" Sougo smiled as he and his date finished their food

The man was wearing a magenta shirt under a black jacket and trousers and had a small symbol of a camera.

"Another friend of yours?" Alpina asked in shock.

"Correct." He responded.

"This is Tsukasa, he's a...wanderer. For lack of a better term." Sougo spoke apologetically but also with a smile.

"Your Highness, you flatter me." Tsukasa chuckled, knowing Sougo wasn't being mean. "I'm also the manager of this place. I'm not needed much so I just walk around the kingdom a lot."

"Ah, I see." Alpina nodded

"Usually, you're here on your own or with your friends, Your Highness," Tsukasa commented. "It's good to see you with someone new."

"Yeah, thanks." he laughed

"Well, will you be staying for dessert or will you settle the bill now?" Tsukasa asked

"Dessert?" Sougo asked Alpina.

"Yeah, that sounds nice." She nodded

"Dessert it is." He nodded and showed the menus to them

"Of course. What would you like?"

"Ooh, this 'white chocolate ganache cake' sounds nice," Alpina commented

"A good choice." He nodded "It should be about ten minutes."

"I understand." She nodded

"And you, Sougo?" Tsukasa asked

"I'd like the fruit tart." He answered, passing the menu back.

"Of course. Enjoy."

"It seems you know everyone in the town." Alpina commented.

"Well, it's something." Sougo chuckled.

"They are all Riders, aren't they?"

"Yeah, they are. But it's kind of a 'public secret'." Sougo responded

"'Public secret'?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, the Kindgom knows who they are, but they don't expose it to people of...you know." Sougo explained before falling into his father's ways.

"The Moon Kingdom." She nodded

"Yeah." he said in embarrassment

"Sougo. I understand. We've been at war for generations." She held his hand.

"Maybe it'll change." He looked into her eyes.

---

*Time Skip*

It was weeks later, Sougo smiling as he prepared to sneak out once again

"Are you going out again, My Prince?" Woz asked as he had gotten better at hiding Sougo's antics.

"Yes, I am." He nodded, slipping on some leather boots.

It had been a crazy time.

"You've definitely become stronger and worked much harder in your lessons. You've improved drastically." Woz added, commenting for his friend.

"Woz, you can relax. It's just us." Sougo spoke. "Are you okay?"

"I am just... Worried for you."

As Sougo heard that, he slowed down and looked at his friend. "Woz. I feel great. Tsuki and I have been together for weeks now. We've worked together and got to know each other." He explained. "Or are you worried about my father?"

"Yes."

Sougo nodded and looked at the floor. "It'll work out. We can end this feud and...and maybe...Maybe there will be peace."

"That's a good dream, My Prince." Woz answered. "Though...I'm worried. Word has been spreading about the castle. Not of this, but of something much more pertinent."

"What do you mean?"

"Talk of rebel forces. A growing army. War will be coming." He answered. "And it doesn't know if it's coming from the Moon Kingdom or not."

"What?" he blinked softly

"It's whispers and rumours. But people are worried that there will be a war that no-one in the kingdoms will survive." Woz frowned

"It won't come to that, Woz. I promise." Sougo answered, "I will protect everyone."

Woz looked into Sougo's eyes, hearing the determination and passion in his voice. He knew Sougo would do all he could to protect the people and help the Kingdom. "Of course, My King. I know you will do what is right." He bowed respectfully. "You better go, your father might appear."

"Right." he nodded, rushing out

---

*with Alpina*

Alpina was in her room, getting changed into her more 'casual clothing', ready to head out to go and meet Sougo. It was their one-month anniversary since they met.

Knock
Knock

"Oh, come in. Who is it?" Alpina asked as she covered herself.

"Hey." Ian smirked as he opened the door

"Ian? What're you doing here?" She asked as she saw him, feeling disgusted by his persistent pestering.

"What? Can't I say 'hello' to my fiancée?" He asked, eyeing her body.

...

"What?!"

Ian looked concerned as he saw her reaction. "What's wrong? I thought you knew about this." He responded

"No! No-one told me anything!" She answered, "What are you talking about?!"

"The dance. The one your father threw for you on your birthday." He answered. "How could you not know? You were there weren't you?"

"... I snuck out because I felt like I was going to pass out and die." She half lied "The corset was way too tight."

Ian thought about it and nodded, corsets were too tight for those who weren't used to them. "Of course. And the heat of the room and the revelry, I understand." He responded. "It makes sense. Why're you wearing tights?"

"I always wear tights! I like them!" she glared

"Okay! That's fine." he raised his hands in defence. "I didn't think you liked them."

"I do. If you want me too actually like you, try get to know me!" She glared, as she stepped away from him and left.

She stormed away... and slowly broke into a run.

Alpina ran as fast as she could, she had to leave the castle and quickly. She had to get to Sougo.

---

*With Sougo*

Sougo was sat at a fountain, looking bored and rather upset. He looked up at the clock-tower by the fountain and sighed. "She's not coming." He pulled a gold coin out of his pocket and flipped it into the water. 'I hope she comes.' His hands clenched together in front of him, grumbling.

'What do I-?' He asked himself before he heard someone come towards him.

"Hey, your highness. Are you okay?" A friendly voice asked

Standing behind him, wearing well-worn clothes, longish black hair and brown eyes, a mole on the right side of his chin, a brown cuirass with a black symbol on his chest a pair of dark trousers and black boots. He was a few years older than Sougo, nearing his thirties, maybe mid-thirties, but he still looked youthful enough. "What's the matter? What's going on?"

"I... well..." Sougo said nervously

"Hehe. If it isn't the kids." another voice chuckled

"Takumi, hey." Godai greeted

Takumi was wearing a grey wolf-pelt cloak, over a woollen shirt, dark grey trousers and tough leather boots. He had long wavy brown hair, brown eyes and carrying a cold drink. "When did you get here?" He asked them.

"I've been here a while." Sougo admitted "Waiting for someone."

"Who?"

"My...My Girlfriend." Sougo answered nervously, sitting down back on the fountain's rim.

"Oh? The King has a girlfriend?" a third voice smirked

It was a young man, he was dressed in a scientist's clothes; white lab coat, a pair of goggles around his neck like they were over-ear headphones, blue jeans, a black shirt; mismatched red and white and blue and white sneakers with a small gear on his lapel.

"Sougo... Please stop." he whined

"What? It's been a while since you swung by my lab." Sento responded. "What's wrong?"

"His girlfriend hasn't turned up today." Godai answered. "He's a bit sensitive."

Sougo just grumbled and whined

"Ah, sorry. I didn't know." Sento apologised.

"Do you want anything? A drink or a sandwich?" Godai asked

"... Canned coffee?"

"Canned coffee." He nodded going to a vending machine.

"Thanks."

"So. This girlfriend. Is it serious?" Sento asked kindly as he sat next to him.

"I think so." He nodded. "Can we not talk about it, please?"

"Hehe. Look guys, it's the so called prince." a man not far from them laughed as they attached a belt to their waist.

"No. No, no. Come on. Not now." Sougo asked as he saw Ian's crew arrive. "I'm not having a good day."

Walking towards then where a few more of Ian's 'friends'.

"Kusaka." Takumi frowned.

Kusaka was a short-brown-haired man with dark eyes, wearing a brown jacket, dark-coloured trousers and black shoes, a smug self-righteous grin and holding an 'X' symbol on his chest, wearing a silver belt around his waist.

Next was another older man with Kusaka, brown hair that went down his neck, wearing a black and yellow styled gentleman's jacket and trousers, with flat shoes and a diamond on his lapel. Around his waist was a silver, buckle with a red circle on the front with a black and gold base.

And lastly was a long-light-brown-haired older man with a faded blue and black jacket, dark black trousers and an inverted dragon's head on his chest, around his waist was a silver belt with a rectangular slot at the front.

"What's the matter, Prince? Not up to snuff for a little fight?" Kusaka commented as he attached his dark coloured mechanical belt, holding up a cell phone.

"Why don't you get lost?" Sougo asked as he attached a black belt with a silver gear and a red handle on the side.

"Make us. Unless your Prince is too weak to fight his own battles." Junichi, the second man, commented.

STAND BY!

"Henshin." The three snarled as they got ready to transform

COMPLETE!

OPEN UP!

"Where's Yusuke when we need him?" Sento commented, pulling a black belt and two small bottles out of his coat. One red and one blue and began to shake them after attaching his belt and inserted them into the slots.

Takumi pulled out a cellphone and pressed three numbers, before activating it.

STANDING BY!

RABBIT!

TANK!

BEST MATCH!

COMPLETE!

ARE YOU READY?

"Henshin!" Both Takumi and Sento called out.

HAGANE NO MOONSAULT! RABBITTANK! YEAH~!

"Henshin!" Godai and Kenzaki added as Godai's body transformed in a very organic fashion while a massive energy card flew out form Kenzaki's belt

TURN UP!

In a group of light, the four Riders transformed into their respective forms.

Kusaka gained yellow lights over his body before a dark green armour with silver straps on his shins and arms, a dark green chest armour with a yellow 'X' over the bottom half of his chest, a green helmet with blue visor eyes with a yellow 'X' to split the visor for a mouth and eyes and antennae.

Junichi was now clad in a black body-suit, dark silver plates on his boots and arm bracers, a purple chest-plate and protruding shoulders, a golden 'A' with a red middle and a golden horned helmet with a red visor diamond with a silver mouth-guard.

The final member of Ian's goons were transformed into a murky green body-suit Rider with dark copper bracers, shin-guards and shoulder-guards; his helmet had horizontal slats for his visor with a dragon's head on the helmet and a dragon-head styled fist grip.

Takumi was in a black bodysuit with red lines over his body, silver guards on his arms, legs and chest; his helmet was black with some red lines and large yellow eyes with two small antennae protruding from the top.

Sento transformed into a black bodysuited Rider with a right blue leg, red left leg with a white spring around the shin, a red right arm and left blue arm with two small protrusions over his left shoulder that looked like a rabbit's ear and tank's nozzle. On his mask, it was diagonally split between red and blue, where the left eye was styled like a rabbit's head and his right visor eye was a blue tank.

Yusuke was transformed into a black bodysuit Rider with red bracers, torso and shoulders, golden ankles kneecaps and wrist-guards, a black helmet with a golden crest, red eyes and silver mouth-guard.

And lastly, Kenzaki was now in a dark blue bodysuit, silver boots and shin guards, a silver torso guard with a red outline on the front to make a playing card spade; his helmet was blue with a silver Hercules Beetle horn, red eyes and yellow tear-marks.

Sougo wanted to fight...but he couldn't get himself psyched up to do it.

"RUN AWAY!" a random person called as they rushed away in fear...

Sougo stood tall, he wasn't going to stand for that.

"Get. Away." Sougo glared and attached his Driver.

ZIKU DRIVER!

He twisted his RideWatch faceplate so it showed his Rider's mask and pressed the top button.

ZI-O!

He slotted it into the main clasp of the belt and tilted his driver from the top button. "Henshin!" He proclaimed, spinning his belt and began to transform.

RIDER TIME!
KAMEN RI~DER~! ZI-O~!

Sougo rolled his shoulders and got ready for the fight, glaring right at Kusaka.

His Rider Form quickly took shape, his sword forming as he slashed at the black and yellow Rider

"So that's where your spine went." Kusaka jeered as he fought back, slashing back at him.

CLASH!

"This is between us!" Sento spoke, summoning a yellow gripped grey drill-sword and attacked Ryuga.

Sword Vent!

The black dragon Rider summoned his curved sword, slashing at Sento's blade

Sento backed up and riposted the blade away, kicking the black dragon Rider in the stomach with his blue leg, kicking him harder.

Takumi fought against Kusaka, the two in a deep fist-fight after ripping him away from Sougo. "Thanks, Takumi."

"No problem." He commented

Ready!

Takumi had detached the Mission Memory from his belt and attached it to his sword, turning it into its light-sabre form.

"So we're going like this, Takumi?" Kusaka responded, bringing out his own blade and clashed against Takumi.

"You won't hurt my Prince!" Takumi answered, kicking him away.

Sougo saw the fighting; Takumi Vs Kusaka, Sento Vs Ryuga, Yusuke and Kenzaki Vs Junichi. He had to stop this, before it escalated any further.

The Zi-O Watch sparked softly as he focused

'Stronger. I have to be stronger for them. My friends. For Tsuki.' He thought

ZI-O II

"'Zi-O...II'?" Sougo asked as he looked at his belt and couldn't believe that it had changed. "Okay, let's try this." He whispered and inserted the RideWatch again and span his belt.

"Twice Henshin!" He called

RIDER TIME!

The world turned in two different directions as two holographic clocks appeared behind him and turned into two copies of his visor lettering which shot out as liquid metal surrounded Sougo as two slightly golden aura silver watch straps went over his shoulder, transforming Sougo from his normal self to a new form.

His black bodysuit, pink shinguard protrusions, pink-streaked gloves, golden edged shoulders with silver and pink stripes that go over his shoulders, two silver watchstraps over his shoulders down to his waist, a silver watch-face helmet with four watch-hands for antennae and pink Katakana lettering for 'Rider'.

"Wh-What the?" Kusaka gasped in shock as they saw this new form.

KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) ZI-O! (ZI-O!) ZI-O~! II!

Sougo gasped lightly, feeling like his energy had doubled! It was insane!

"This...power." He whispered in shock and formed fists. "I think...I can do this!" He called out and ran at the enemies.

He rushed forwards and gave a powerful punch, a strike which sent Kusaka flying backwards.

"NANI?!" The group gasped as they saw Sougo punch Kusaka.

"S-Sougo. What the heck?" Yusuke asked in shock

"He powered up?" Sento blinked

"Okay, but how?" Kenzaki asked before he was attacked by Ryuga.

"I'd worry more about yourself than him!" Ryuga growled

Mach! Thunder!

Blade vanished for a moment, turning into a burst of electricity and slashing at Ryuga.

"ARGH!" Ryuga exploded and sparked as he transformed back into his normal self.

Sougo managed to get into the next Rider and saw something within his visor. 'Wh-what the-?' He gasped and dodged a close punch. 'How?!'

"The hell? How did you-?" Junichi gasped

THUD!

Sougo threw a punch right into his face, causing him to roll onto the floor.

Sougo grinned, reaching down to activate his RideWatch

RIDER FINISH TIME!

As he spun his driver and leapt into the air, rocketing down at him.

TWICE! TIME BREAK!

Sougo shot down right at Junichi with a pink energy cone, connecting right on his chest and exploded him.

"HA!" he roared, performing a classic Rider Kick.

Junichi rolled onto the ground and transformed back to normal. All three of Ian's group were beaten, panting in pain as Sougo landed between his friends...and felt his legs wobble in shock.

"I did it!" he smiled proudly for a moment before he stood tall, glaring "Leave you three." he ordered seriously, pointing dramatically at the three "You will not hurt or scare our people. Be gone. This is your only warning. I am Kamen Rider Zi-O, the Prince of the Sun! And your aggression won't stand anymore!"

The three of them got up and ran away, leaving the area and the people alone; the Riders changed back to normal, while Sougo's Zi-O II RideWatch turned back to the normal Zi-O RideWatch.

"Okay...What the heck was that?" Sento asked his Prince.

"I don't know." Sougo smiled "I think I just... channelled more of my power?"

"Yeah, that checks out." Yusuke nodded as they sat down. "Sheesh. A month later and you're changing everything up."

"Um. Sorry." Sougo chuckled awkwardly

"Well, we better head back." Kenzaki encouraged.

"I'll wait here." Sougo responded, feeling better after waiting.

"You sure? You're not going to be down again?" Yusuke asked

"Yeah. I've waited here for long enough." Sougo nodded, putting his RideWatch away.

"Good idea." Kenzaki nodded.

"I'll also pay for the damage." Sougo added

He looked behind himself sadly as the group walked away, hoping Alpina was okay. She obviously couldn't make it for a reason, and he hoped she was okay

---

*time skip*

Sougo was in his bed, humming. Honestly, it was a weird day. His RideWatch evolved with this new power, fighting against Ian's goons. It was all crazy.

Knock.
Knock.

"Huh? Oh, come in." Sougo asked as he got up and opened the door only for no one to come in.

Knock
Knock

"Huh?" Sougo blinked

Knock
Knock

Sougo blinked and looked around... and saw Alpina outside his window.

"Al-Tsuki? What're you doing here? I missed you all day." Sougo asked as he opened the window and let her in.

"I had to sneak out. It took me ages to leave the castle." She explained as she rushed in and hugged him

"I'm sorry...Can you sit down? I've got some news to tell you." Alpina asked nervously.

"Of course, you can. What is it?" Sougo asked as they sat down.

"Okay. Please...don't get mad." She hoped. "Do you remember the ball my father threw for me?"

"Yeah, it was the day we met." Sougo nodded

"Well...it was more than just a random party. My father...announced my engagement." Alpina took a deep breath and bit the bullet.

"What?"

"My father has thrust this engagement onto me. I didn't have a choice. He chose Ian as my future husband." She admitted. "He's been pursuing me for the past month. But I've never let him get close."

"... Oh..."

Sougo sighed in relief but also slightly in worry. "What're we going to do?"

"We get married." She said seriously, unflinching.

Sougo's heart skilled a beat as he heard that. "Married? Us?"

"Yes. Immediately." She nodded. "It's the only way we can be together and put a stop to my father's plans."

"Well." Sougo gulped as he heard that and got up. "Only one thing left to do."

"I'm glad you understand." Alpina nodded as she was about to get up...before Sougo knelt down.

"Princess Alpina of the House of the Moon." Sougo asked genuinely and took her hand softly into his own. "Will you marry me?" He looked into her eyes with passion.

Alpina's eyes widened at this gesture, seeing Sougo give such an honest attempt of making this seem... 'normal'? Or as normal as things were going to be. "Prince Sougo of the House of the Sun. I accept." She smiled and felt tears well up from her eyes.

"Really?" he smiled hopefully

"Yes. I will." She nodded and hugged him, almost losing her nerve from happiness.

Sougo laughed together with her, going back to their feet. "We've got to get to a church.

"A small. A quick wedding... this can save our kingdoms."

"We better get going then." He smiled and nodded. "Should I get rings?"

"S-Sougo." She blushed as she heard that.

"Right, yes. Later." He nodded, realising that it would give them away all too early.

"Tomorrow." she nodded, kissing him deeply.

"Tomorrow?" Sougo wondered, looking at the clock, seeing it almost strike midnight.

Plus it made sense to do it the next day. So they could sneak away properly.

"Could you stay-? No. That would just bring you in danger." Sougo asked before he halted himself. He held her hips softly, resting his head against hers.

"Tomorrow. And we can be married. Promise." She whispered.

"Tomorrow." He repeated

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

"Midnight." Sougo whispered as the bells began to chime for the new day.

"I'll see you tonight." She answered, stroking his cheek. "I'll see you soon."

"I'll try and get the priest." Sougo answered.

"I know just the people to be the witness." Alpina smiled

"Really? Who?" Sougo asked. "...Do you mind if I bring someone as well?"

"Sure." She smiled

"We'll meet tomorrow at the church. And then...we'll be married." He admitted, realising what this entailed.

"Definitely." She smiled and began to leave.

"Want me to help you?"

"No, I've got this." She chuckled as she kissed him again before heading out.

"I love you!" He called to her, before she left, making her heart thump in her chest.

She smiled, rushing away from his castle... however she was suddenly cornered

'Oh no!' She thought in fear as she saw shadows appear before her.

It was a series of guards approach her.

"You there! Halt!" The guards proclaimed and chased her.

Alpina's eyes widened before she took off running.

She daren't look back, trying to find the exit. Somewhere. Anywhere to get out. She had been here before, but her layout of the Sun' Kingdom was not like her own. She was zigging when she should zag. 'I have to leave. I have to run.' She thought. "Ah! Dead end!" She panicked

She felt fear fill her very soul.

But soon the clouds parted revealing the full moon, the shine of the celestial object shining like a spotlight on Alpina...as a face with the mask of a crescent moon appeared in view to her.

"Hu-Huh?" she blinked

"Are you just going to stand there, child?" The figure asked as it looked right at Alpina. "Will you fight for your freedom? Or will you be bound in chains set by another?"

"W-What? Who are you?"

"Have you forgotten my face already? My portrait should be in the castle." The voice answered, dropping a Ziku Driver to Alpina. "Take up arms and fight. Protect yourself and fight with the strength of the moon!"

Alpina had a moment of silence but seeing those guards running around the corner... she acted on instinct. She drew out her rapier and was ready to fight. Granted it was more of a jabbing weapon than a slashing one, but she had to try something.

But she had also grabbed the Driver and attached it to her waist.

"You're going to need something...a little more than just a belt." The voice spoke, sending down a single drop of moonlight to Alpina, landing right into her hands which formed into a pure white RideWatch with a yellow mask.

Alpina's eyes widened as she saw the mask...and recalled a painting in her home castle. On instinct, she turned the faceplate and pressed the top button.

TSUKUYOMI!

"This way, I heard something!" A guard called out.

Alpina slotted the RideWatch into her newly acquired Driver and pressed the button. Appearing behind her was a golden edged clock with decorative swirls on either side and three diamonds on the smaller curl. The main face of the clock was blue depicting a starry night as a moon appeared through it, which ended as a crescent moon with the small gears showing the starry night still.

"There you-!" The guards saw her but were shocked by the depiction behind her.

"Henshin!" Alpina called out.

RIDER TIME!

KAMEN RI~DER~! TSUKUYOMI! TSU-KU-YO-MI!

Around Alpina were golden watchstraps that clashed onto her body, creating a brand new armour. A black body-suit, covered by white robes with gold edges and golden clasps, a small silver watch-strap over her chest, golden watch-crown kneecaps, white and gold thigh guards and a white mask helmet with a golden frame with silver notches and silver clock hands pointing a twelve and two and a yellow Katakana that read 'Rider' on her crescent-moon styled visor.

The guards came to a stop, slight fear in their eyes.

Alpina looked at her hands and saw the armour she was wearing...it was reminiscent of the painting in her home castle. Not the same, but similar.

She looked up at the guards and took a step forwards.

"S-stay back. We're warning you!" The guards panicked as they shook in fear. Seeing the Queen of the Moon approaching them.

And she rushed forwards.

Raising her rapier, she lashed out and jabbed through the guards. Unbeknownst to her, her rapier had changed into a different style, showing her own personal weapon.

A Rider weapon, shining brightly.

"A-Amazing." She whispered as she saw it before she glared at the guards and slashed at them, carving through their weapons and armour but not actually hurting them to get her way through the Kingdom. She just had to rush away. "Sorry. But I can't stay." She apologised and left, leaping over them and ran off, almost feeling like the wind to get back to her home. She took off like the wind itself, hurrying towards her home. Alpina couldn't believe it. She had gained power. The power of a Kamen Rider. The power to transform and protect. The power her father said 'she wasn't ready' for. And now, here she was. Running full speed to her home. She couldn't wait to tell Aura and Geiz.

---

*time skip*

"You're what?!" the two yelled

"I'm getting married." She smiled. "And I want you both to be there." She answered

"You're marrying that-that-?" Aura asked

"I thought you were smarter than this, Alpina!" Geiz followed

"Wait, are you talking about Ian?" She responded

"...Who else would we be talking about?" Both responded

"It's not Ian. It's someone else." Alpina clarified. "I'm marrying my boyfriend!"

The two's jaws dropped as they heard that. "'Boyfriend'?" They asked together.

"That's right." She nodded. "Tomorrow. Or, today. This evening." She rubbed her hands together and laughed lightly "I've been up for a bit."

"You mean to tell us. You've been seeing someone...without us knowing?" Geiz asked seriously.

"Yes." She nodded with a nervous chuckle.

...

Geiz immediately hugged her, relieved to hear that. "Thank goodness. You've been learning."

"What?"

"Keeping secrets. Keeping your skills close to your chest. And finding someone you actually like." Geiz answered

"Who is he?" Aura asked

"I don't want to spoil the surprise. As you always say: keep secrets." Alpina winked. "But I'll say this..." She began to whisper. "He shines like the sun."

...

"Wait... No..." Aura blinked as her eyes widened

Alpina just smiled and nodded.

"I think this is between you two girls. I'm going on my rounds." Geiz realised. "See you two in the morning."

"You are coming tonight!" Alpina said clearly

"Me as well?" Geiz asked

"Of course you are." She nodded "And no telling, that is an order!"

Geiz nodded and bowed out of respect. "Of course, your highness."

---

*Time Skip*

It was a few hours later, morning to mid-day. And Alpina was hurrying through the town. She was too excited about what was going to happen that evening. She was going to be married to the person she loved.

She was almost dancing in it.

She was wearing a silvery-white and speckled with pearls, moon designs and ruffled shoulders.

She arrived at the church and snuck in quietly.

She looked up at the stained glass, the marble and stone columns, the altar. It was all so quiet and warm. Within a few hours, she would be wed. Prince and Princess together.

And speaking of... She saw him there, waiting for her.

"S-Sougo?" She gasped in awe and shock.

"Sorry, I couldn't wait for this evening." Sougo apologised, wearing a black suit with golden edges, a white button shirt with a red tie, on his shoulders were tassels befitting his royal stature.

"Ah, I see everyone is here?" The priest asked as he walked out.

"My guests are on the way." Alpina nodded

"And you wish this to be a quiet affair. No rings at this time?" The priest asked

"That's correct." Sougo nodded.

"Do you yourself have any guests, Prince Sougo?" The elderly man asked

"I do, he should be here soon." He responded once again.

"I can't believe it." Alpina whispered as they stood there. "We are really doing this!"

"I know." Sougo smiled back.

The doors soon opened only by cracks, so that those people inside couldn't be seen from onlookers. "Sorry, we're late." Geiz apologised.

"We had to sneak around." Aura explained

"These are your witnesses?" Sougo asked

"Yes." She nodded, smiling at them. "And yours?"

"He should be-" Sougo answered

"Right here, My King." Woz's voice answered, appearing before them from the shadows.

"Gah! Woz, you did it again." Sougo laughed softly

Suddenly Woz, Geiz and Aura froze, looking at each other and their royal's fiancé.

"Oh...My god." Each whispered in fear and awe.

"Language." The priest commented

"Sorry." The group apologised.

"Now. If we're all ready?" He asked as the two royals were about to begin the ceremony.

"Alpina! You're marrying him?!" Aura called, panicking.

The priest sighed and sat down, things like this were often troublesome. "Excuse me, would you like some tea?" Woz offered as he held a carrying bottle for the priest.

"Oh, thank you."

"Yes, I am. I told you last night." She answered. "Sougo, please excuse me."

"Of course." He nodded in understanding.

"Alpina, this is Prince Sougo. The heir of the kingdom yours has been fighting against for generations!" Geiz followed up.

"Exactly!" she called as if that was an answer

...

"What?" they blinked

"Look, I love him." she said seriously "With all my heart, I love him. And us getting married makes a union between out Kingdom's, it would end the war."

Aura and Geiz turned to each other and then looked at Sougo. True, it would end the war and bring unity to the two houses...but the bad blood and animosity would be a problem with some, if not all members of the courts. But then again, Alpina declaring her love for Sougo and not marrying Ian was a three-part win.

"If this is who you've chosen...then I'll stand by it." Geiz answered seriously after taking a moment to think.

"Same." Aura sighed

Alpina smiled and gave the two a big hug.

"They seem to have calmed down now, My King." Woz spoke respectfully to his Prince.

"Yes, they have. I just hope I'll be worthy in their eyes for Alpina." He chuckled gently.

"If everything is settled now? Shall we begin?" The priest asked

"Yes, sorry about the wait." Sougo laughed nervously

"Of course." He nodded. "Ahem. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Love has brought them together and their futures are in their hands."

The two stood face to face with each other, looking in each others' eyes as they held his hands.

"Do you have any words to say to each other?" He asked as he held a red binding cloth.

"I love you, Alpina. With all my heart and soul." Sougo explained

"I love you, Sougo. Until the day we die." Alpina followed up.

"Now, with the binding of this sash. I now pronounce you, husband and wife." The priest nodded and 'tied' their hands together. "You may now kiss and seal your promise to one another."

With their hands 'bound' and drew close to each other, Sougo and Alpina kissed, sealing their promise as husband and wife. Together forever. And with some tears being shed for their friends and sibling figure.

Geiz smiled and turned around, leaving silently. "Aren't you going to stay?" Aura asked

"I don't think we're needed her for much longer, Aura." He responded. "Alpina. Sun Pr-...Sougo. Look after each other."

"Of course." Sougo nodded

"I need to go shopping, I'll see you back at the castle." Aura nodded at Geiz

"I need to go as well, My Prince. My Princess. Congratulations." Woz bowed to the newlyweds and left.

"Goodbye." The two waved.

"Thank you." Sougo thanked the priest.

"Of course. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." He responded and left, leaving the two to go out together. "There is a passage in the back. You can leave through there."

"Thank you." They repeated.

Geiz hummed as he walked through the town, heading towards the castle.

'What a day. I can't believe that happened.' He thought, unaware that a figure was looking behind him.

Wol. All he could manage was find him coming out of the church, but couldn't go inside. He looked away, guilty, as another figure emerged from the darkness.

"You did well." the figure smirked, heading towards Geiz.

"I'm sorry?" Geiz asked, looking around him to the source of the voice.

Standing there... was Zamonas...

"Time to die, traitor." he smirked and hit the button on his RideWatch.

FINISH TIME!

Geiz's blood ran cold as he froze.

TIME VIOLENCE!

Zamonas smirked as his arm quivered, glowing with a red/silver light, before he threw his arm forward towards Geiz's chest.

Geiz's eyes shrunk into dots, his screams echoing into the sky.

Unknowing of what was happening, the now-married couple hurried to a hotel. They were ready for a magical night to show their love for one another, and the beginning of the rest of their lives...

---

The End of Act 1

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