We do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider Gaim. They belong to their respective creators. We just thought this idea would be fun and decided to give it a try. If you like it then that's great. If you don't then we tried. Anyway, come along and let's see what you think.

Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: Legends of the Armored War Gods

Co-Written By: Ten-Faced Paladin and Kamen Rider Chrome

Chapter 8: The Fate of Ryuubi's Sword

After retrieving Ryuubi's sword from Enjutsu and performing their good deed that would help the city prosper, even if it had involved some clever deception, the traveling party was on their way back to Touka Village. It would take several days on foot before they could reach their home but they didn't worry about it so much. Well, there were some concerns. These concerns applied to Nagata and what he had learned recently.

He thought that he would only have to confront members of the RinJyuKen Akugata. However, from Chinkyuu, he had learned of the existence of the Genesis Riders in this world. Could they have been like him and the others, spirited away from their world to this one? Well, they might've been if they possessed the GenesisDrivers and the Energy Lockseeds.

Instead of using their powers for good, they were abusing their powers to destroy entire villages. Nobody knew about them since they were pretty thorough about it by killing every witness. Chinkyuu had been so traumatized that she developed a phobia of Armored War Gods as a result. She was fine near Hideyoshi and Kenshin as long as they weren't in armor, but the way she had looked at him had upset him. Once they had returned to Touka Village, Nagata would send messages to the other Armored War Gods about the existence of the Genesis Riders and what to do about them. The power they had could possibly cause even more damage than the RinJyuKen Akugata.

Ryuubi raised her sword, admiring it, "I still can't believe it! I have my sword back!"

"I'm sure you're happy but maybe you shouldn't raise it up like that," Nagata said.

"Huh?"

Komei pointed to a tree, "See that tree? It got struck by lightning. Lightning is also attracted to metal." Ryuubi swiftly put away her sword and the others pointed their spears downwards so they wouldn't be struck as well.

"Looks like it's going to rain," said Nagata as he looked up. As they were walking, dark clouds rolled by overhead. It looked like there was going to be a storm, which included rain, thunder, and lightning. None of that would be particularly pleasant when traveling outdoors. "We're going to need to find some shelter."

"There's a village over there. Perhaps they'll let us rest there," Kanu suggested, pointing ahead. It was a village surrounded by a wall. Nagata wondered why a village would be way out here but he didn't want to question their good fortune. This was lucky as they managed to find shelter.

"Right, let's go," said Nagata. He didn't want anyone to be caught in the rain and catch a cold. They started to run for the village, crossing the bridge over what appeared to be a very deep, but almost dried up riverbed to get there, but then stopped as the guards crossed their spears in front of the gate barring entry. Of course, when Nagata got a good look at the guards, he saw they were just a couple of kids. He could say they were older than Komei and Chouhi but younger than himself.

"Who are you?" one of the guards demanded.

"We're just a group of travelers who are seeking shelter from the rain," Nagata said as he pointed up to the clouds. "Could we come in?" Of course, the guards glared at them in suspicion.

"Travelers? You're all carrying weapons! You must be bandits! Don't think you can fool us!" the guard shouted, refusing them entry.

"Hey, I'm no bandit!" Chouhi snapped angrily.

"And this is Kanu Unchou, the Black-Haired Bandit Hunter," Chou'un introduced.

"Don't you dare lie! The Bandit Hunter is supposed to be some heavenly beauty!" the guard yelled.

"Hey!" Nagata shouted. "Don't you dare say Aisha isn't beautiful!" He was starting to get offended when people didn't think Kanu lived up to the rumors. Those rumors just exaggerated her beauty. Personally, he thought she was a warrior goddess. He may not say it out loud, but that was his opinion of his first retainer and general.

The guard told his partner, "Go and get Gakushin-san and her gang!"

"Gotcha!" the other guard went into the village.

"Looks like they're spooked about something," observed Ryuubi.

"I think it's because there are only kids and women in this village," said Nagata. Being taller than the two boys, he could see clearly into the village and the only other citizens he could see were women or small children looking worriedly at them.

"What do you mean, Nagata-niichan?" Chouhi asked.

"Gaim-sama's right. The guards are too young. I think this is something we need to look into," said Komei. Suddenly, two people came charging at them. One was a voluptuous young woman with purple hair in pigtails, wearing a tiger-stripe bikini top with denim shorts and brown chaps. Over her arms, she wore flowing purple sleeves. She also had leather belts crisscrossing over her waist. The other had orange hair, tied up in a braided ponytail on the side, wearing a pink blouse, a short green skirt, and glasses. She also wore baggy white socks and black shoes.

"Riten-san! Ukin-san!" the remaining guard shouted.

The purple-haired girl shot some kind of cannon at them that fired a ball into the air. The ball opened up to become a rope net. Nagata wasn't too concerned as he snapped his fingers, "Ladies." Kanu, Chou'un, and Chouhi instantly sliced up the net to ribbons. Nagata smiled at the two women with his arms crossed confidently as he asked, "Now, is that any way to treat guests?"

"Tsk!" the bikini woman, Riten frowned as her brunette friend Ukin loaded up another ball of netting into the cannon. "Just you wait and-!"

"Hold!"

The two stopped as a third woman joined the fray. She wore a sleeveless purple blouse with an upturned collar and shorts. She had silver hair which at first seemed spiked and short but fell down her back at a meticulous braid. She had slightly tanned skin, but she was covered in scars from either battle or some other hazardous profession.

"Gakushin-san?" asked the child guard. "Why-?!"

"These aren't bandits," the third woman, Gakushin spoke. "Can you not see it in their skills? If they were bandits then they would have just overpowered you and stormed the village already."

"That's actually what we've been trying to tell them," Nagata stated. "We're just travelers seeking shelter."

The traveling party was escorted to a house and seated before the three women: Gakushin, Ukin, and Riten. Gakushin bowed on behalf of her friends, "I apologize for my partners' impulsiveness."

"Heh, it's OK," Nagata dismissed. "Water under the bridge."

"Sawa, why did you say they were bandits?" Riten asked Ukin.

"Well, it was what I was told, Mao," defended Ukin.

"Shut up, both of you!" Gakushin scolded. "You should've checked before you attacked!"

"Like I said, it's OK," Nagata forgave. "Anyway, Gakushin-san, could you explain what the situation is in this village and what you're all doing here?" According to history, Gakushin, Ukin, and Riten were supposed to be Sousou's officers. So, what were they doing in this village? Where were all the men? Walking to the house, the group indeed saw that all the men were gone, leaving only women, children, and the elderly.

"We were actually on our way to see Sousou-sama to ask if we could join her army. We came across this village along the way. As you can see, all the men have gone to join the army, leaving only the women, the elderly, and the children. Also, this village is being targeted by bandits," Gakushin explained.

"What?!" Kanu gasped. Bandits again. Was there no end to their evil?

"We learned that because of this village's location, isolated by the river and surrounded by mountains, it makes for an excellent fortress," Gakushin explained. "The bandits wish to take it so that they can expand and attack more villages."

"It is an excellent strategic location," Komei agreed. The mountains provided good cover and with the bridge being the only way across the bandits could easily defend this place.

"They attacked the first time after we stopped to rest and we managed to drive them off. We've been protecting this village from bandit attacks for three months now. The bandits always attack when they think we're vulnerable." Riten explained. "We can't stay here forever, but we just can't abandon them either."

"And it's been getting worse since that Armored War God joined them," Ukin shivered.

"Wait, what did you say?" Nagata asked. Had Ukin mentioned an Armored War God joining the bandits?.

"During the last attack, the bandits were being organized by what we fear is an Armored War God of Evil," Gakushin sighed. "He had managed to destroy a number of the defensive measures with a long-range attack which let the bandits get closer than ever before. We barely managed to drive them away, but if they attack again before we can get ready then there's a good chance that they will succeed."

"That would explain why after three months of attacks, you only have basic deterrents," Komei frowned, remembering the spiked angled logs which lined the village's side of the river. Surely a village under siege would have had much better defenses than that by now.

"Then you're going to need our help," Nagata said. Bandits were bad enough, but if this Armored War God was one of the Genesis Riders, then these girls were going to need a lot of help. They were just lucky that they managed to survive the encounter.

"Yes, because Gaim-sama is an Armored War God as well. He's the Ultimate Sword of Touka Village," claimed Kanu.

"You're the Ultimate Sword?" Gakushin asked in amazement, looking at Nagata.

"That's right," answered Nagata. "Tell me, did this evil Armored War God wield some kind of bow which fired magic arrows? What did he look like? What color was he? Did he identify himself by name?"

"He did not speak his name, but he did shoot arrows. Riten saw him through one of her inventions," Gakushin answered.

"I did!" Riten nodded. "Through my telescope, I saw him! He wore a blue suit and had yellow armor!"

"Duke," Nagata concluded, rubbing his chin. "One of the Genesis Riders."

"Gaim-sama, how strong is this Duke?" asked Chou'un.

"I don't know myself, but he's said to be able to handle two Sengoku Riders on his own without much effort," Nagata recalled. "I'm just surprised. With all that power himself and the manpower from the bandits, he should've taken over this village by now."

"We should be more concerned about defending this village," Kanu urged. Because of what had happened to her family as a child, she had sworn to protect anyone from bandits. She could not walk away from this.

"You're right," Nagata nodded. "Shuri, I need you to study the area's geography. Aisha, Sei, Rinrin, Ryuubi-san, I'm gonna need your help too on this. Gakushin-san, Riten-san, Ukin-san, I'm going to need to ask you to trust us and share with us your skills and strengths." Ryuubi couldn't help but admire Nagata while he was taking charge like this. He really was a true leader. She just hoped she could be of help.

"This is the only map we have," Ukin brought out a drawing of the area, placing it flat on the floor for everyone to see.

"Is this the map accurate?" Komei asked, receiving nods. She studied it intently. She saw a huge lake with a river that ran under the bridge and started to think.

Nagata and his friends got to know the three women who stayed to defend this village. According to Gakushin, she was more of a hand-to-hand fighter while Ukin fought with a pair of scimitars. Riten was their team's inventor and could build different weapons for them. She also wielded a spear which was tipped by a drill-like spike at the end. As Riten was good at building things, she would aid in the construction of the dam based on Komei's plan. Meanwhile, Ryuubi was getting to know Ukin and found that she was also a fan of the Chou Sisters. The pair spent hours squealing over the things they loved about the Pop group.

As Nagata and his friends were guests, they were given a room and futons to sleep in. Chouhi had once again crawled into Kanu's bed while Nagata was lying in-between Kanu and Ryuubi, deep in thought. He just couldn't sleep. He knew that after hearing about the Genesis Riders that they may have to face them eventually. He never expected it to be this soon. To know that one was nearby, waiting for the chance to attack, made him slightly anxious.

"Can't sleep?" Ryuubi asked and he turned to look at her.

"Just nervous, that's all," he admitted.

"I know. It's scary that an Armored War God would use their power to aid bandits," she told him. "I mean you're supposed to help people."

"Not everyone who gets power uses them for the right reasons," he informed her. "Some of them get drunk on power and don't care who they hurt."

"How cruel."

"Indeed," Kanu agreed, surprising Ryuubi and Nagata as he turned to look at her, "Power can corrupt people or have them show their true colors." She was reminded of the imposter Ryuubi and how he had made her believe Nagata had left her. "It is up to us to punish those who misuse their powers."

"Yeah, that's true," Nagata nodded. Who else was more capable than them right now? Tomorrow, Komei would have a plan of attack for them and Nagata just hoped they stood a chance against the enemy. "Well..." he yawned, "Goodnight, girls."

"Goodnight, Gaim-sama," Ryuubi and Kanu said before returning to sleep.

The following morning, Komei called everyone to have a strategy meeting. After studying the map last night, she had come up with a strategy to take care of the bandit menace for good. Komei pointed at the map, "So, this is the village and the bandits are all hiding out here in the mountains."

"They normally attack in the cover of night," Gakushin added.

"What's this large body of water called?" Komei asked, pointing to a picture of a large lake.

"That's called the Dragon God's Lake. The locals believe that a dragon god sleeps in it," Gakushin explained. "It used to be quite large, the river carving out the crevice in front of the village but it has since dwindled."

"Then, I think we should recruit the dragon's aid," Komei told her. Already, Nagata could see the gears in Komei's mind turning. "There's going to be a storm which means a heavy downpour. I suggest we build a dam here and wait for the water level to rise. Gaim-sama and the others will attack the bandits and lure them out into the dried-up riverbed."

"But what if they go for the bridge instead?" Gakushin asked.

"We cut the bridge once our forces cross," Nagata answered. "That's what you're thinking of, isn't it, Shuri?"

Komei nodded, "The bandits, angered by the attack, won't be stopped by something as little as a missing bridge since they know that the river is practically dry anyway. They will attempt to cross by climbing into the riverbed and climbing up the other side. Once we've gathered them all up, we'll open the dam and wash the bandits away."

"But what about their Armored War God?" Ukin asked.

"That is where Gaim-sama comes in. He will be the one to fight him," Komei said.

"I'll do my best," Nagata nodded.

"And I will help you," Kanu volunteered.

"No," Nagata objected. She looked at him in surprise.

"What? What do you mean, Gaim-sama?" Kanu asked.

"I'm fighting him, alone," he told her. He remembered the nightmare he had when he saw everyone dead and that he was somehow responsible for it. It may have been a dream but he didn't want it to come true.

"But I-!"

"You're strong, Aisha. Don't think I don't realize that. But this fight, between me and Duke, must be fought by me alone."

"Gaim-sama is right, Aisha-san. Only he has the power and versatility to fight with another Armored War God on equal footing," agreed Komei. Kanu didn't like it. She was supposed to be watching his back. To simply let him go off alone and risk his life was something she felt she could not do, both as his retainer and as his lover.

"Very well," Kanu bowed her head, accepting Nagata's decision. She didn't like it but this was his decision.

"Alright, let's start gathering materials. We don't have much time," Komei told everyone.

As preparations were being made, Nagata was planning on his own strategy. His SengokuDriver and collection of Lockseeds were laid out in front of him as he sat down and crossed his arms. He picked up his Orange Lockseed.

"Deep in thought, Gaim-sama?" Chou'un asked as she sat down next to him.

"Oh, Sei," he replied. "Just thinking about how I'm going to fight Duke."

"I'm sure you'll defeat him," she reassured him, confident in his strength.

"Energy Lockseeds are S-Class for a reason. They're at a level above the ones I have and the GenesisDrivers can utilize their powers fully. My SengokuDriver is just the predecessor to the GenesisDriver," he told her.

"It doesn't matter how much better or newer a weapon is, but the skill and resolve of the wielder," Chou'un told him. "This Duke uses his powers for the wrong reasons. While you could've done the same, you decided to do use your powers for good."

"Thanks, but I'm still a little scared," Nagata admitted.

"And so is Aisha. She didn't like the idea of you facing this Duke on your own," she replied. "Then again, as your lover, she does have the right to be worried."

"Grk!" Nagata gulped. He then sighed. No use denying it now, "So, you managed to put all the pieces together."

"It wasn't hard to see. Your hand would brush up against hers slightly, and sometimes, when you think nobody notices, you rub your foot against hers when we're sitting down for a meal," she answered. "Oh, and she sneaks out to be with you when we're asleep."

"She worries about me, I know, but I can't let her help me when I face Duke. She's more important in the grand scheme of things," he said.

"The so-called prophecies which you heard in Heaven?" asked Chou'un. "The ones which state Aisha, Rinrin, Shuri, Shion, Sui, and myself are destined to become powerful figures that raise the third kingdom to match Gi and Go?"

"And you will be serving Ryuubi-san," he added. "She will be your leader and you will be there to aid her."

"A most glorious future if I may say so," Chou'un nodded. "Although it sounds rather bland if you are not a part of it. So I have no wish to see you perish in the upcoming battle."

"I won't perish. I still have things to do here," Nagata assured her.

"I'm a bit jealous of Aisha since she's your lover," quipped Chou'un. "Oh, I should have taken a chance sooner."

"Well, that's life," Nagata shrugged. "Not that you aren't beautiful or I wouldn't be averse to a relationship, but that apparently isn't in the cards for us right now."

"Oh?' Chou'un grinned. Shuffling behind Nagata while he was concentrating, she leaned in so her breasts pressed against the back of his neck. Since she often exposed her cleavage, Nagata could feel a lot of her skin and...softness. "Well, if you are not adverse to me, I am not opposed to being a mistress. Lords of course are permitted to have them you know as a wife is not always available to do her duties. I can ensure that your honeymoon with Kanu is most enjoyable."

"URK!" Nagata sputtered...and was his nose bleeding?

The village became alive as those who were able to work set to constructing what was needed for Komei's plan to succeed. A signal tower was built so when the water was to be released, people stationed at the lake would see the torches ignited telling them to begin the plan. A similar tower was being constructed at the lake since it would allow them to see over the rocks and view the village proper

"Wow! Riten-san this is amazing!" Komei gasped as she saw the completed dam, made with rock and wood but able to be opened at a moment's notice. "You were able to have all this built in only a few days?"

"Heh! I told you, just give me the parts and I can build anything!" Riten grinned proudly.

"Now we'll be able to get the dragon's aid!" Komei beamed.

"Speaking of that," Riten pointed over to a large oval-shaped rock, "The locals were telling me about this thing while we were building the dam. They didn't want to move it even though there's a risk it might fall over if the ground gets too wet. They called it the Dragon's Egg. If it gets broken open, then a dragon will come out. Some of the kids are wary about even touching the thing."

"A dragon's egg…" Komei murmured. The gears were rolling in her head again.

Construction was completed quickly and the rain followed. It was generally a month-long rain according to some of the locals. With that in mind, the rain-filled up the lake very quickly. Once the lake was filled, the group prepared to make their attack. As the final details were prepared, the group stood outside the village in the rain to finalize things.

"OK, here's the plan. We're going to attack the bandit's base and draw them out like Shuri said. When Duke comes out, I'll engage him alone while you all lead the bandits into the trap," Nagata instructed.

"I still think it is foolish to abandon you," Kanu grumbled.

"You're not abandoning me, Aisha," Nagata said as he put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "Now, let's get ready to move out." He strapped on his SengokuDriver and then unlocked his Orange Lockseed, activating it. "Henshin!"

[ORANGE!]

The portal above him zipped open and released the Orange Arms before Nagata clipped the Lockseed to his SengokuDriver and brought the Cutting Blade down over the front.

[LOCK ON! SOIYA!]

The Orange Arms dropped, energy rippling over Nagata's body to form the pre-Arms suit.

[ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!]

The Orange Arms opened and folded to form Gaim's Orange Arms.

And then, all of a sudden, he was assaulted by Riten who could not keep her hands to herself.

"Wow! How did you do that!?" Her hands went to his SengokuDriver. "How does this belt work? What does this thing do?" she asked as she examined him. He was feeling uncomfortable and Gakushin knew that. She grabbed her friend's arm and dragged her back. "Wait! I need to know more!"

"OK, what was that about?" Gaim wondered out loud.

"Mao just loves to tinker with machines and try to figure out how they work," Ukin explained, sweat-dropping. She had changed her outfit too, adorning a vest with a white tube tio, detached sleeves and a dark skirt, wielding a pair of swords. "She's been dying to see how you activate your powers and hoping there was a machine for her to tinker with."

"Ah," Gaim gulped. He was definitely not letting Riten get her hands on his SengokuDriver or Lockseeds.

"Everyone, please pay attention!" Komei announced. "Now, I will be in the tower near the village and once the bandits arrive I'll send the signal to Ryuubi-san who is in the second tower in the forest. She will send the signal up to Riten-san who will open the damn and unleash the water. Once I see the water coming, I will sound a gong to have you all come back before you get washed away. Remember, we will be cutting the bridge after you return so no one gets left behind."

"Right!" the group nodded.

"Alright, let's move out!" Gaim ordered.

The bandit's base was at the foot of the mountains, consisting of simple camping huts. Obviously the bandits didn't intend to stay too long when there was a whole village of warm and sturdy homes waiting for them to pluck. Greed was a pretty powerful motivator if it allowed them to stick out their campaign on one village for so long.

Now it was in chaos though. The group of protectors had charged in and began kicking ass and taking names. Chouhi was the most aggressive as she attacked the bandits furiously like the little tiger she was.

Gaim was also fighting against the bandits that attacked him. However, he was wondering one thing. Where was Duke...?

*BOOM!*

"AAAAHHHHHHH!" Gaim screamed as an energy bolt struck his shoulder and sent him tumbling.

"Nagata-sama!" Kanu cried as she saw this.

"Nagata-nii-chan!" yelled Chouhi.

"I'm...fine..." Gaim groaned as he picked himself up, smoke rising from his right shoulder. He then looked up to see where the attack had come from and his eyes narrowed behind his visor at the figure walking towards them. "Duke..."

The bandits parted for the Genesis Rider. He wore a blue bodysuit with a black chest. Strapped on his waist was the red GenesisDriver with a Lemon Energy Lockseed set in the centre, the covering split open in the centre horizontally while the cup at the bottom of the Driver was filled with sparkling, yellow Lockseed juice. His chest armor was a citrus yellow with his emblem marking the panel on his left side. His right shoulder was covered in armor, looking like a top of a lemon. On his back were yellow armor panels with yellow cape-like protrusions lowering from those panels. His helmet sported a triangular grille over a yellow visor. His helmet attachment sported lemon tops on either side of his head and silver tubes running along the bottom of the attachment. Gripped in his hand was a Sonic Arrow, still glowing from the shot it had fired.

"Stick to the plan!" Gaim ordered, reminding them of what they were supposed to do. Kanu screwed her eyes shut and forced herself to obey as she withdrew with the others, grabbing Chouhi and dragging her away.

"Get those girls!" Duke ordered the bandits. "We can have fun with them later! I'll take care of this punk!" All the bandits chased after the warrior girls as instructed. "So, you're Gaim."

"And you're Duke," Gaim replied. "Before we fight, can I ask if Tokyo means anything to you?"

"Eh? What's that?" the Genesis Rider asked with a snort. "Some kind of city in Heaven? Sorry pal, I'm a mortal who was born here on Earth and blessed with some good luck and power!"

"So, just a poser then," Gaim relaxed. So this was why Duke didn't press his advantage. He barely knew how to use the suit and likely didn't know how powerful it was. Still, that didn't answer the question how someone like him got a GenesisDriver.

"So what? When I beat you, I'm gonna be famous!" Duke charged at Gaim.

"Kamen Rider Gaim...Arriving on Stage!" Gaim charged as well, closing the gap between them before their weapons connected, sparks flying as the Musou Saber and Daidaimaru clashed with the blades of the Sonic Arrow. Duke grunted then pushed Gaim back before slashing him across the chest. Seeing Gaim staggering, Duke pulled the shaft of the Sonic Arrow and fired a bolt. Fortunately, Gaim saw the shot coming and leapt out of the way before he retaliated with several shots from his Musou Saber. He then charged at Duke and began swinging furiously, sparks flying violently as they clashed.

Midway to the village, Kanu put Chouhi down, "Rinrin, go with the others back to the village. I'm going back to help Gaim-sama."

"But he said-!"

"I know what he said! That doesn't mean I will leave him to fight alone!" Kanu told her sworn sister.

Duke managed to break away from Gaim and gain some distance before firing several bolts at Gaim. The Ultimate Sword deflected a bolt with his Daidaimaru but his sword was shot out of his hand as a result. He then performed a dodge-roll, taking cover behind one of the huts.

"Damn," Gaim cursed. He then switched Lockseeds. He hoped he could do it with Orange Arms, but it seemed Duke was too good even while being used by a bandit. Fortunately, he did know that Duke's suit had the slowest speed out of all of the Genesis Riders. So a lighter form would be needed. Fortunately, he had a Lockseed for that.

[ICHIGO!]

He inserted the Lockseed into his belt.

[LOCK ON!]

He hit the Cutting Blade.

[SOIYA! ICHIGO ARMS! SHUSHUTTO SPARK!]

The Arms came down, configuring into the armor he needed before a splash of strawberry juice armed him with the Ichigo Kunai. Leaping out from his cover, he threw the Ichigo Kunai at Duke, causing them to explode when they struck him. The Genesis Rider cursed and stumbled back as Gaim got to his feet.

"It will take more than a few firecrackers to take me down!" Duke bragged, drawing back to fire more arrows.

Gaim leaped and dove out of the way of the strikes, his enhanced agility in Ichigo Arms allowing him to move. He kept throwing more kunai at Duke, but the movement made it hard to directly hit Duke instead of missing him or just getting grazing blows. He then threw a couple of kunai to the ground, creating a smokescreen before finding a place to hide. Duke swept the smoke aside and stalked his prey.

"Come on out, Ultimate Sword!" Duke called out as he went looking for his prey. This fight was getting fun. Who knew the belt he was wearing could make him into such a powerful fighter? Why stop at just taking over a village? He could storm the gates of the imperial palace and take over if he wanted to. Nobody would be able to stop him. Even an Armored War God was running from him.

Gaim frowned as he hid up in a tree. Drawing his Musou Saber, he removed his Ichigo Lockseed before locking it onto his weapon. He was going to need a stronger attack.

[LOCK ON! 1, 10, 100!]

"There you are!" Duke shouted, hearing the announcement and turning to shoot up at Gaim.

[ICHIGO CHARGE!]

Gaim leapt out of his hiding place and swung the Musou Saber, forming an energy strawberry which exploded and sent hundreds of copies of the Ichigo Kunai flying in Duke's direction. Duke hadn't expected this and was pelted by the barrage of Ichigo Kunai which exploded when they hit. Gaim quickly crossed the gap and swung the Musou Saber to slash him across the chest. Duke screamed as he was hit. Gaim then followed up with another downward slash before continuing with a diagonal slash. Duke staggered from the hits and grunted.

"You..." Duke growled in anger. "You...!"

"Nagata-sama!" A blur came through the forest before striking Duke across the back, causing him to stumble in surprise.

"Gah!" Duke grunted in shock.

"Huh, Aisha? I thought I told you to retreat!" Gaim shouted as Kanu ran to his side. "This fight is beyond you!"

"I cannot, on my honor or my love, abandon you, Nagata-sama!" she declared as she brandished her weapon.

"How sweet," sneered Duke. "Now you both get to die together!" He pulled back on his Sonic Arrow and fired several more bolts, forcing both Kanu and Gaim to move lest they get hit with the explosive bolts. Kanu rolled across the grass and spotted the smoking craters with a grimace. Indeed their opponent truly was one of the Armored War Gods.

"We need to disarm him, Nagata-sama," Kanu stated.

"Easier said than done," Gaim grunted. "The arms of the bow have bladed edges so he can fight short range too so getting in close is also a bad idea."

"Ha! I'm dangerous at any distance!" Duke replied as he grabbed his Energy Lockseed and removed it. Bringing it up to his Sonic Arrow, he locked it in.

[LOCK ON!]

"Oh crap! AISHA, RUN!" Gaim bellowed.

Duke drew back on the Sonic Arrow, causing it to shine with bright yellow energy. Once it was fully charged, he released the shot as the Sonic Arrow spoke again.

[LEMON ENERGY!]

The arrow flew and Gaim dove, pushing Kanu to the ground as the arrow flew overhead. Gaim screamed as he felt a searing pain in the small of his back as the arrow flew past. The projectile kept going before it struck in the distance, causing a splash of yellow energy shaped like a lemon which swelled before exploding. Trees were obliterated and some were even burning in the rain while the ground cratered from the explosion.

"Nagata-sama!" Kanu cried, seeing Gaim writing hin pain. He clutched the small of his back where his suit was smoking, red hot from the heat that the attack gave off. Fortunately the rain did its part to cool it quickly, but hearing it sizzle made Kanu wince in sympathy.

"It's fine. Just a flesh wound. Ugh," Gaim rolled off Kanu as he tried to get up.

"Looks like I get to be the guy who kills an Armored War God and his slut!" Duke laughed as he aimed at them again, charging up for another shot. "Guess that makes me the new Armored War God of the Ultimate Arrow!"

"No choice," Gaim grunted as he activated the Suika Lockseed.

[SUIKA!]

Duke released the shot just as the Suika Arms dropped down in front of it. The bolt hit the Suika Arms but instead of piercing the giant metal watermelon, it was deflected.

"Huh!?" Duke gaped.

Gaim leapt up and entered the Suika Arms from the top.

[SOIYA! SUIKA ARMS! ODAMA BIG BANG!]

[YOROI MODE!]

Duke took an involuntary step back as the Suika Arms changed into a giant suit of armor with Gaim piloting it. Gaim then glared at Duke, brandishing the Suika Sojinto. Duke gulped but then put on a brave face, "Hah! Just because you're bigger doesn't make you stronger!" Gaim's response was to punch Duke hard and send him flying, crashing into one of the huts.

"You did it Nagata-sama!" Kanu cheered.

"He's not beaten yet," said Gaim as he watched Duke come stumbling out of the wreck.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Duke relocked the Energy Lockseed in his Sonic Arrow and drew the shaft back, aiming it at Gaim. "TAKE THIS!"

[LEMON ENERGY!]

The energy pooled at the tip before Duke released it. Inside his Suika Arms, Gaim was unable to move fast enough to avoid the attack this time. The bolt that flew at Suika did the unthinkable and shattered the giant armor to pieces, sending Gaim falling to the ground. Hitting hard, he tumbled several times before coming to a stop, unmoving. He had no Arms, leaving him in his bodysuit alone, his bare helmet, and only a red watermelon visor to show which Arms he had been in.

"NAGATA-SAMA!" Kanu screamed, running to his side, Helping him up, she felt her hands protest with the heat coming off the suit but she ignored it. "Nagata-sama, are you alright?"

"Damn...it hurts..." grunted Gaim. He had not expected that. The inner mechanics of the Suika Arms must have been less durable than the outer shell.

"We must flee, Nagata-sama," she urged.

"No, he'll just follow us back to the village. We have to end it here," he objected. If the bandits got Duke backing them up, he'd bulldoze through any defence and let the bandits pour in like roaches. He had to be stopped before he could get anywhere near the village. Pulling himself up out of Kanu's arms, Gaim stumbled slightly, but shook the stars from his head. He looked a wreck with no Arms, a muddy suit, and smoking from the explosion but he wasn't down and out.

"HA! What are you going to do now, Gaim?" Duke laughed. "Try to poke me into submission or something? You got nothing left!"

"I still got this!" Gaim drew out another Lockseed and unlocked it.

[BLUEBERRY!]

He had never tried it before and honestly he had almost forgotten that he had it. However, if there was ever a time to give it a try then it was now. Above him, a perfectly round blue sphere with a crown-like protrusion on the top lowered out of a portal to Helheim. Clenching the Lockseed in his hand, he removed his Suika Lockseed before putting the Blueberry Lockseed inside.

[LOCK ON!]

"Here goes!" Gaim called, hitting the Cutting Blade. The Lockseed split open, revealing the inner flesh of a blueberry on the top half, but a rapier & main gauche crossing blades on the bottom.

[SOIYA! BLUEBERRY ARMS! ALLONS-Y, EN GARDE!]

The Arms dropped, landing on Gaim's shoulders and head. The front folded in half and attached to his chest, making a blue chestplate with white lines on the sides and a dark blue ring around the collar. The back split open and shifted to his shoulders, revealing long streams of fabric before the sides of the Blueberry Arms folded together, forming curved shoulder plates. The top folded back, landing on Gaim's back. His helmet gained a new attachment as well, the bulk of the helmet being lined sections of blue and dark blue, but around the neck was silver panels which had images of ivory stamped onto the metal like a classical knight. At the top was the crown-like decoration, like a plucked blueberry would have. A splash of blue juice summoned a pair of blades to Gaim's hands. One was a long silver rapier with a blueberry-shaped handguard with green tassels tied to the hilt. In his other hand was a short dagger, a main-gauche which was styled the same save for being shorter. Finally his visor was a deep blue, matching his helmet.

"Alright, let's finish this!" Gaim challenged, sliding his Blue Gauche against the Berrapier.

Gaim surged at Duke, moving at a speed comparable or possibly exceeding Ichigo Arms. Duke only fired off a few arrows, but Gaim was able to dodge before he got in close and thrust with his Berrapier. Duke blocked with the Sonic Arrow, but Gaim stabbed at his side with his Blue Gauche, grazing Duke's side as he tried to move and caught a blast of sparks. With the distance being given, Gaim slashed wide before following up with another stab with his dagger. The dagger caught on his chestplate, causing another blast of sparks which caused Duke to stumble back.

"Gah! What the hell!?" screamed Duke as he tried to land a strike, only for Gaim to parry before slashing him across the chest. Gaim then disarmed Duke and performed a series of roundhouse kicks, nailing Duke in the face several times before thrusting his longer sword into Duke's chest, sending him staggering. Gaim crossed his blades and decided to finish this. He spread his arms to the side, his right arm hitting the Cutting Blade so it would slash over the Blueberry Lockseed.

[SOIYA! BLUEBERRY SQUASH!]

Energy surrounded both blades as Gaum surged forward. His arms shot forwards, becoming a blur as he struck Duke rapidly and repeatedly with both weapons. The points that he struck turned blue and glowed before a projection of blueberry encased Duke. Gaim crossed his blades into a T-shape and then he swung them apart, slicing through the blueberry with Duke inside. The fruit exploded, taking Duke with it as he screamed out loud.

His smoking body flew from the fire before landing hard. He groaned before his body flashed yellow and his armor vanished, revealing a cleft-chin bandit who was out cold with a GenesisDriver on his waist. The Lemon Energy Lockseed was lying next to him, smoking but still open. Kanu was astounded but she always knew her beloved master would be able to obtain victory. Gaim who was panting as he closed his Lockseed. With the armor gone, she could now see the injuries he had sustained in the fight. He was bleeding from the mouth, his shirt was lifted slightly, revealing a burn on his back. One of his eyes looked like it was swelling shut from a blow to the face he took.

Kanu was immediately at his side as he started to stumble. She gently put her arm around his back, careful to avoid his injury as she supported him.

"I...did it..." he uttered.

"Yes, you did," she agreed.

"Come on, we better grab the Driver and Energy Lockseed," Nagata told her. However, before either of them could move, a dark glow surrounded the GenesisDriver and Lemon Energy Lockseed before they vanished into thin air.

"Where did they go!?" Kanu asked.

"Very good Gaim-dono, but not enough to impress me," a deep voice echoed through the woods. "After all, you nearly lost just by fighting a bandit. You likely won't survive when I use this power to fight you myself."

"Who are you?" Nagata demanded but he received no answer. He gritted his teeth and cursed, "Dammit!"

"Come on, we should regroup with the others," said Kanu, gently tugging Nagata along towards the village. He needed medical treatment immediately.

When Kanu and Nagata returned to the village, they learnt that everything had gone according to plan. However, in order for the plan to work, Ryuubi had to make a sacrifice. During the rain, the boulder which the locals called the Dragon's Egg had shifted on the loose soil and fell on top of the dam, destroying it and blocking the lake. Riten was unable to move the boulder and Ryuubi, in a flash of a crazy idea, stabbed her sword into the boulder. Then lightning struck the sword, almost frying her. However, it did manage to crack the boulder and the water did the rest, breaking the rock and causing the lake to flood the river and flush the bandits down the river and likely halfway towards the largest body of water. There was one or two bandits that tried to get away by grabbing onto one of the girls to pull themselves up, but everyone managed to get away clean and all the bandits had been taken out.

Nagata couldn't be more proud of Ryuubi when he learnt what she had to give up to save everyone. Maybe, maybe it was time to tell her about her role and destiny. Still, there were some other concerns. He looked at his Suika Lockseed. It was now colorless with a crack across its surface. Duke's attack had not only broken the Suika Arms but damaged the Suika Lockseed as well. It was anyone's guess if it would be able to be used again or he'd have to do the Helheim roulette to try and find another one.

It wasn't a flawless victory though. Ryuubi's sword had been lost entirely and there was no sign of it afterwards. It left the rosette quite depressed even if the villagers were in the mood to celebrate like never before. Nagata wasn't in much of a celebrating mood himself since he was the only one who was really injured and the fact that the Genesis Riders seemed to have a magician on their side. They could hand out the GenesisDrivers to any of their rubes and if they lost, they could use magic to take them back.

Daylight broke out, ending the rain. The river dwindled back to normal, flowing gently once again. Ryuubi had been up bright and early, hoping to dig through the mud near the lake in hopes of finding the sword. After several hours and soaking her boots and sleeves with mud, she was no closer to finding the sword than when she started.

Nagata and Kanu found her all dirty. He could understand how she must feel. She had spent months looking for her sword and after she had only regained it, she had lost it again. Clearly, he needed to say something.

"Hey, Ryuubi-san," Nagata greeted.

"Ah, Gaim-sama! Kanu-san!" she gasped. He noted some moisture around her eyes. "Shouldn't you be resting?" He had bandages covering his injuries.

"It doesn't hurt to move anymore, though I doubt I'll be doing much fighting until I'm properly healed," he told her. He still felt a bit sore, but nothing a bit of TLC couldn't cure.

"As long as Gaim-sama doesn't do anything strenuous, he should be healed," agreed Kanu.

"So, how are you holding up?" Nagata asked.

"My ancestor's sword...it's gone," Ryuubi wept. It really meant a lot to her. He sighed in sympathy.

"Ryuubi-san, you know what would've happened if you hadn't done what you did. The sacrifice you made to save everyone, the price you had to pay, I think your ancestor would agree that what you did was noble indeed. Your ancestor would be proud of you," he told her.

"R-really?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "You know, "I'm not just an Armored War God. Aisha believes I'm the Messenger of Heaven. So, I'm going to share something with you. A third kingdom, one which will be a match to Go and Gi will rise. The ruler of that kingdom will be you." Ryuubi's eyes widened as she gasped in shock. "Ryuubi Gentoku, you are destined to become a great ruler."

Ryuubi was speechless. Nagata had just informed her of her destiny. "Is this true...?" Nagata smiled at her. That was when Kanu walked up and spoke.

Kanu said, "The sacrifice you made for the people of this village shows what kind of person you are. I've been watching you as well. Your kindness and compassion as well as fervor are just what this country needs. As Gaim-sama has pointed out, this is only the beginning and you will do great things in the future."

Ryuubi, quite suddenly, ran up and hugged Nagata tightly. However, this was uncomfortable for him as she was touching him in the spots that were still stinging, "Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!"

With the village safe from the threat of bandits, Gakushin, Riten and Ukin left for Gi's capital. Nagata's own travelling party had to leave as well. They had to go back to Touka Village. Thanks to Nagata's words, Ryuubi wasn't as upset about the loss of her sword. He had revealed her destiny to her and that she would need the support of everyone to unite the country in the name of peace.

As the group headed back to Touka Village, Ryuubi made her decision, "Aisha, I've decided something important."

"What is it, Ryuubi?" asked Kanu.

"We all want to change the world for the better, right? We want this land to be peaceful, isn't that right?" Ryuubi asked.

"That is right," Kanu nodded. They had all come together for the same goal.

"Then, would you allow me to become your sister?" Ryuubi requested.

"Huh?" Aisha responded.

"Gaim-sama's words as well as your own have moved me," smiled Ryuubi. "So, I want to become your sworn little sister, Onee-san!"

"No way! I'm Aisha-neechan's little sister!" protested Chouhi.

"So, I can't?" Ryuubi looked ready to cry again.

"You could become Aisha-neechan's older sister," Chouhi suggested.

"Really?" Ryuubi's eyes brightened.

"Rinrin, I think that only works if Ryuubi-san is older," Nagata remarked.

"Then, if that's the case, I will become Aisha's older sister!" declared Ryuubi. "So, from now on, please call me Touka!"

"Wait a minute!" Aisha wanted to protest. Ryuubi was younger than her, how could she call someone younger than her an older sister.

"Give it up, Aisha. Ryuubi-san's not gonna give up," Nagata chuckled.

"Yay, I get another big sister!" Chouhi cheered. Nagata smiled. Chouhi, Kanu and Ryuubi had now become sworn sisters. It was following history as far as he knew.

Days later, Ukin, Gakushin and Riten finally arrived in Gi to present themselves to Sousou. The ruler of Gi accepted them into her army. However, while they would still serve her they would be working under someone else.

"I thought we would be working for you?" Ukin asked in confusion.

"I am the highest authority here, but you will be working under one of my generals as his subordinates," Sousou said. "Baron, you may come in." That was his cue as Kamen Rider Baron entered the throne room from the left, clad in his Banana Arms.

"It's the Ultimate Spear..." Riten exhaled in awe. They had heard stories about him. He was a mighty and ferocious warrior on the battlefield. He was someone to be feared and respected almost as much and Sousou. As they got a good look at him, he closed his Banana Lockseed and his armor vanished to reveal the man underneath. He was rather handsome in their eyes.

"Baron here is my Enforcer General," Sousou introduced as he stood next to Sousou. "You will become part of his own personal unit, the Crimson Guard. He was most insistent in getting his hands on all of you when he was told about your specialties."

"Oh wow…" Ukin blushed, her hands on her cheeks. "I...I don't know if I'm prepared…"

"What do you think I want you for?" Mitsuki asked curtly. "I want you all on my team because I heard about your skills. Gakushin, you're an expert at hand-to-hand combat. Ukin, you're good at coming up with strategies. Finally, Riten, you're good at engineering. The Crimson Guard could use people with your skills and I've been looking for some talented lieutenants of my own."

"We get to be lieutenants off the bat?!" Ukin gasped. They had hoped to become officers in Sousou's army but now they were being considered positions as lieutenants next to an Armored War God! That was such an honor!

"YES!" Riten cheered, her chest bouncing. She looked up to Mitsuki, "Hey, if we're your officers does that mean we get to sleep with you? I heard Sousou-sama does that with her generals."

Mitsuki blushed and sputtered, then looked at Sousou who grinned, before looking back at Riten, "Why would you even think I'd sleep with my lieutenants!?"

"Well, I'd consider it," Riten shrugged. "It's a heck of a perk. If you'd let me take apart your belt so I can learn how it works, I'd be ready to offer you a child!"

"Mao!" Gakushin hissed.

"Ara ara," Sousou chuckled, as Mitsuki sputtered. "You lucky dog."

"This is karma, isn't it?" Mitsuki rubbed his head as he mumbled. "It's because I make fun of Karin's habits, isn't it?" He recomposed himself and said to Riten clearly, "First of all, nobody touches my SengokuDriver but me. You're not taking it apart. I don't want to risk you breaking it and rendering it useless. The same goes for my Lockseeds. And second, I don't sleep with every pretty face that throws themselves at me like a certain loli!"

"Awwww!" Riten pouted.

"And besides, you need to get my other generals' permission first," Sousou grinned. "Kakoton and Kakoen are rather possessive of him. I'm sure you could persuade them to share though. They need good women to keep him in line while they're busy with me after all." Mitsuki couldn't help but glower at Sousou.

Mitsuki continued, "Anyway, I'm only considering you girls as my lieutenants on a trial basis. I've heard about you so far and I'm pretty impressed. Prove yourself to me and maybe I'll make it permanent."

"We won't fail you, Baron-sama!" Gakushin swore as she bowed while clasping her hands together, Riten and Ukin doing the same.

"Good, now come with me. We need to get you your uniforms and start your orientation," Mitsuki ordered his new probationary lieutenants. Sousou just watched in amusement. Just how long could Mitsuki resist the temptation of sleeping with his own lieutenants?

She would give him a week.

KRC: Gaim VS Duke. Even if the guy was just a bandit, he pushed Gaim to his limits. Oh, and Ryuubi becomes sworn sisters with Kanu and Chouhi. Seems like she's about to fulfil her destiny too if Nagata's words are true. It would be a perilous road ahead, though. Oh, and Riten, Gakushin and Ukin become Baron's lieutenants. That's got to be something.

TFP: Well we see another step taken on the journey. Ryuubi becomes sworn sisters to Kanu and Chouhi. We also see confirmation of another Genesis Rider, although the bad guys in charge seem able to hand out the GenesisDrivers and take them back at a moment's notice regardless of where they are. Who are the Genesis Riders? What are their plans? Where will they strike next?

Fruits of the Tree, Yggdrasil

Blueberry Arms: Produced by the Blueberry Lockseed (L.S.-15), this Arms focuses primarily on speed, agility and precision. Based on a French swordsman, the Berrapier and Blue Gauche fit this form perfectly and make Gaim even more formidable.

Lemon Energy Arms: The basic Arms of Kamen Rider Duke. Out of the other Energy Lockseeds, this one boasts more of a tougher defense since the Duke armor was specifically created for someone who was...less than militarily inclined. However, on a skilled fighter, they can become a juggernaut if they can use the Lockseed properly. In this particular case with the bandit, it was not the case.