Chapter 21: Wasteland

Everyone else is gone, huh?

Yes

Well, nothing we can do about it now.

Even if we lament the past, the present will not change. Hope is not yet lost.

I know. With just the two of us, no conclusion can be reached. Even the Moon Cell has thrown in the towel, yet the System still runs. Which means…

We must start a new battle. No matter the cost.

Then, a truce for a while?

Yes. At least as far as "the two of us" are concerned.

Let us both give this nigh-impossible mission of ours our all. To find a surviving Master and to drag them up here.

Yes. For the sake of our survival, they will be…

A crucial sacrifice.

(The opening begins here)

Song used: Bright Burning Shout.

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

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

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

"Yakusha wa inakunatta once more?"

Koriru koto naku who am i? Ga nibuku

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

Izanau jihi naki endless

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

Na mo naki kodoku wa dōshi da tte

Umaranai to tsukitsukerareteru

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

Hakanai landscape

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

Dare mo ga imi o sagashite wa

Dō shiyō mo nai mama

Aragau sube mo nai

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

bad trip.

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

Saa ima, yuuretsu naku umareochita

Negai ni kachi wa aru ka?

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

Mezamero! Bright Burning Shout

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

Mujou sugiru sekai demo

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

Koe ni dashita sono kibou o

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

Shinjitsu ni kaeyou ka

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

Michibike! Bright Burning Shout

Hora ikitai to sakenderu kara

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

Hatenaki sora o nirame

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

It's you tomo ni arukeru nara

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

unmei no hi wa kitto

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

tomoru

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

"I just realised, I wonder where Rin and Rani have gone?" Nero asked.

Emu, who was sitting on a couch in the middle of the room they were in, turned to her.

"Honestly, I don't know. It kind of slipped my mind given everything that happened in the last Floor. Hasn't this happened a few times already?"

Nero plopped down on the couch next to Emu.

"Regardless, I'm glad that you've been much happier lately, after looking glum for so long."

"I mean, I have you by my side. How can I be sad?" Emu responded.

Nero smiled smugly.

"Heh. Your words please me, nonetheless. Seeing you like that makes me want to deploy the Golden Theatre. It's a pity that some of that darn Berserker's Noble Phantasm's effects still linger."

"Now that you mention it, what is that Noble Phantasm?"

"The Domus Aurea, also known as the Golden Theatre." Takeru walked into the room, holding a large book that bore the title Stories of the World's Greatest People. "It was a large theatre built during Nero's reign where Nero would show off his, or I guess her in this case, artistic prowess to the people of Rome. Of course, due to her lack of actual talent, spectators left halfway through, causing her to barricade the doors during the second half so no one could leave until she was done."

Nero was slightly annoyed by the description.

"Those fools were too dull to appreciate my brilliance, that of which rivals Apollo! Besides, do you know how much it cost?"

"I'm just reading what the book says."

"Anyways, Takeru, what's that book you're holding?" Emu asked.

"Oh this? It's a book that was given to me by my father before he died. I found this copy on a bookshelf in one of the rooms. I've been doing some research on Nero ever since we got here so that I could understand her better. Although there really has been a lot of stuff you've done, Nero…"

"Slander. The Senate always hated me and my policies, all because they catered to the people. Of course they'd tarnish my legacy after I died. I've seen what they did to my uncle. Anyways…"

Nero spun around with a flourish.

"The Aestus Domus Aurea is my Noble Phantasm! Once it is deployed, the tide of battle shall assuredly turn in my favour!"

Emu nodded. "It really is impressive. I could feel your authority from where I was fighting."

"Splended, Maestro! Praise me more!" Nero's eyes sparkled as she leant forward eagerly.

"Alright. I also must thank you for assisting me in my mind, and for helping Takeru."

Nero turned to Takeru.

"You might have spoken ill of the Theatre, but nonetheless, I must commend you for your skill. You used it almost as well as I could have!"

"Well, regardless of the history behind it, I also think it was very impressive." Takeru added. "I definitely felt our bond growing stronger inside it, and I could feel your true power."

Nero, satisfied, returned to Emu.

"Speaking of which, you look like you had something on your mind. Go on, say it."

And so, Emu began to speak.

"The fact that I had the Dead Face inside me… that I almost lost my way. I'm sorry for not explaining it sooner to you both. If I did, maybe I wouldn't have fallen so low."

Nero tilted her head.

"However, I met your former Master inside me, Nero. She showed me how you lived, and how you died. Then she gave me a new mission. The Dead Face was the malice of past Masters who died, but it was also their experiences. All of it from this Gashat."

He pulled out his Master Creator VRX Gashat and showed it to them.

"In theory, I should be able to draw out any number of them."

Nero nodded.

"Fascinating. That means you should have hundreds of Code Casts at your disposal."

"Yes. I've been able to use some of them to defeat the other Deadface, but I still haven't had the time to explore its full potential."

"Umu! If Takeru has the power of previous Servants, it's only fitting that you have the power of previous Masters!" Nero proclaimed. "If you focus on one of them at a time, you could even use skills befitting a specialist!"

Just then, the elevator shook, then dinged. The door opened.

"Well, shall we get going, Maestro?" Nero asked.

"What… is this?"

What awaited the trio outside the door was a white, foggy landscape, with spears strewn around impaled into the floor. It was impossible to see far, but in front of them was a large pillar leaning over.

"I can't sense any people here. No buildings either." Nero noted as they walked through the fog. "Ruins would be preferable to this. How are people supposed to live in a place as empty as this?"

As they advanced, they encountered more pillars, some with spears stuck into them.

"The Ladder probably hasn't descended yet. There must be a Master somewhere about." Takeru said. "Still, there's little sense to be made of the situation. If only Rin were here…"

"Well, no point relying on the absent." Nero replied.

"This fog is in the way. How long has it been here?" Emu asked.

"Who knows. Perhaps a day, perhaps five hundred years. Perhaps a millennium, even. The first hundred years were no doubt plagued with fear and doubt. The second were marked by relief and ecstasy. Then simply the stupor and languor of continued existence. Of course, the living are not without hardship. The sixth floor's Master is surely no stranger to that."

Suddenly, Takeru sensed something.

"Watch out!"

A red spear flew out of the fog, aimed directly at Nero. Takeru jumped forward and, drawing his Gan Gan Saber, deflected it. The spear flew back into the fog, where a hand was raised into the air, catching it. Then, the one who caught the spear stepped out of the fog. It was a black monster, with blue flame-like eyes and silver markings on his chest that resembled a skeleton. On its waist was a belt that resembled an eye and it was wearing a blue and red Parka, which resembled that of the one used by-

"Rin?" Emu shouted.

The figure ignored Emu, rushing forward while brandishing the spear at them.

Emu quickly took out his Gamer Driver and Mighty Action X Gashat while Takeru materialised his Ghost Driver, taking out his Ore Eyecon.

"Henshin!"

"Dai Henshin!"

In a flash, both transformed into Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Mighty Action X and Kamen Rider Ghost Ore Damashii. Nero drew her sword as well, just in time to deflect the spear as it was thrust by the monster. Takeru immediately recognised it.

"That's not Rin! That's a Gamma!" Ghost shouted. "They're monsters that also use the power of Eyecons! It's using Cu Chulainn, which is Rin's!"

"That means she must be here somewhere!" Nero responded, continuing to clash blades with the Gamma Assault. "Maestro, behind you!"

Ex-Aid barely had time to jump away before a massive metal fist pummelled the ground. He landed and turned, back to back with Ghost, facing the new enemy who had appeared.

As the fist retracted, the full figure of the one who attacked him came to light. It was another Gamma Assault, similar to the one that attacked them first, but it was wearing a red and gold Parka Ghost. It has massive metal fists attached to its hands, one of which was holding a spear.

That was… the one who saved us in the bottom floor. That means… Rani?

The Gamma jumped forward, readying its fists. Ex-Aid braced for impact, but it flew right past him, targeting the first Gamma. It opened its fist and grabbed the Cu Chulainn Gamma, crushing it, leaving broken parts of a Gamma Eyecon, which were similar to Ghost's, but had no faceplace and had a tail that resembled an optic nerve.

Then, more spears flew out of the fog, impaling the red and gold Ganma, causing it to dissipate. Another Gamma Eyecon fell to the floor. More Cu Chulainn Gamma appeared, one crushing the Gamma Eyecon on the floor. Then, they turned to the 2 Riders and Nero.

Ex-Aid grabbed Nero's hand and ran. Ghost followed as well. The Cu Chulainn Gamma ran forwards in pursuit, but a giant golden spear knocked them all backwards, shattering them into broken Gamma Eyecons. The Gamma which swung the spear then turned to face more Cu Chulainn Gamma, who were all charging at it. It roared, then ran to meet them.

The 2 Riders and Nero continued to evade the attacking Gamma as ran between the pillars.

"Up ahead, more incoming!" Nero yelled, pointing forwards. Sure enough, a large mob of Gamma of both types were fighting amongst each other. "We need to find another way through!"

"Don't worry, leave it to me!" Ghost responded. He took out the Li Shuwen Eyecon he obtained from the previous floor and activated it. Opening his Ghost Driver, he placed the Eyecon inside and closed it, dissipating his Ore Parka Ghost.

EYE

BATCHIRIMIRO! BATCHIRIMIRO!

A Parka Ghost styled after traditional Chinese clothing appeared from the Driver. It flew around the three, knocking Gamma back.

Ghost opened and closed the lever of the Ghost Driver.

KAIGAN! LI SHUWEN!

ONE STRIKE, ONE KILL! FIGHTER OF UNBROKEN WILL!

The Parka Ghost landed on Ghost's body, and a mask of a fist appeared on Ghost's face, completing his transformation to Kamen Rider Ghost Li Shuwen Damashii. He charged forward towards the pack of Gamma, smashing through the ranks with strike after strike, each punch immediately destroying whatever it hit. Meanwhile, Ex-Aid and Nero were taking out Gamma that approached from the sides and behind. However, no matter how many they defeated, more would always come their way. Eventually, the three were surrounded, standing back-to-back against each other.

"Why are there so many of them?" Ex-Aid yelled, knocking away a spear with his Gashacon Breaker. "Aren't they supposed to be Rin and Rani's Eyecons?"

"One of them must be the Floor Master!" Nero replied. "Still, why would they send these inferior clones instead of facing us themselves with their Servants?"

"I'm not sure, but they must be somewhere on the floor." Ghost shouted. "We need a vantage point!" He took out the Nursery Rhyme Eyecon and activated it. Once again, he opened his Ghost Driver and placed the Eyecon inside, dissipated his current Damashii. He closed the Driver.

EYE

BATCHIRMINA! BATCHIRIMINA!

A black Parka Ghost, the lower half of which had a design similar to a Victorian dress and with a hat attached to the hood, flew out of the Driver and around the trio, warding off the attacking enemies.

Meanwhile, Ex-Aid pulled out his trump card.

MASTER CREATOR VRX!

He closed the lever on his Gamer Driver and removed his Mighty Action X Gashat, then he slammed down the new Gashat into it.

GASHATTO!

Ghost pushed and pulled the lever on his Driver while Ex-Aid opened his.

KAIGAN! NURSERY RHYME!/GACHAN! LEVEL UP!

STORIES WHERE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE! WRITTEN JUST FOR YOU!

THE POWER OF ALL THE FALLEN!

(GET MAKE!)

THE MASTER OF THE FUTURE!

MASTER CREATOR VRX!

The Parka Ghost landed on Ghost's body, and a mask with the outline of two dolls standing back to back holding open books appeared on Ghost's face. Ghost had now become Kamen Rider Ghost Nursery Rhyme Damashii.

Meanwhile, the Action Gamer suit turned white with blue accents as armour appeared around him. A trenchcoat appeared around Ex-Aid's waist. As the armour attached itself to Ex-Aid, a VR headset-like device materialised around Emu's face, which then lit up with Ex-Aid's eyes, completing the transformation into Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Master Creator Gamer.

Ghost quickly pulled and pushed the lever on his Driver once again.

DAI KAIGAN!

As Ghost made a triangle with his two hands, an eye emblem similar to the emblem on Ghost's chest appeared, before flying to the floor in front of him, completing a larger eye emblem that had appeared on it.

NURSERY RHYME! OMEGA DRIVE!

"Come out! Jabberwocky!"

From the emblem on the floor, a large red humanoid monster with wings flew out and landed on the ground, sending shockwaves across the area that knocked all the surrounding Gamma off their feet. As the monster rose, it raised its head and arms, before roaring as it threw his arms down. All the Gamma immediately turned their attention to it as it began rushing forwards, tearing through the ranks of Gamma. As the Gamma chased after the Jabberwocky, the three quietly slipped away.

After the three climbed one of the pillars, Ex-Aid quickly set up a Bounded Field around the three to hide their presence before the Invisibility Code Casts wore off, before finally collapsing on the ground exhausted, de-transforming. Ghost also cancelled his transformation before looking around, surveying the area.

"Finally. I thought we'd never see the end of them." Emu sighed.

"At least the last Master fought us one on one." Nero said. "They're not even brave enough to face us directly! Hmph! I wonder if they're intimidated by my overwhelming strength?"

"Still, we can't keep fighting them endlessly. We need to find them."

"I think I found something! Come take a look at this!" Ghost interrupted. Emu and Nero got up, rushing to Ghost's side.

Sure enough, the fog had cleared up enough for more of the Floor to be visible, making the scale of the fighting clearer. Everywhere they looked, there were Gamma clashing blades, with multiple Gamma of both sides dying. However, there was a large white dome in the distance, around which there was no fighting at all.

"That must be where the two of them are." Nero noted. "But I'm worried that it might be a trap. Besides, how are we going to get through the hoard of Gamma?"

"I can help you with that."

Suddenly, something hit the Bounded Field, causing it to shatter. The three turned around, Nero instinctively moving in front of Emu with her sword. Standing across them, with her left arm outstretched, supported by her right hand, pointing a finger gun at the three with her left hand, was Rin.

"You really need to work on your Bounded Field. I didn't even need Gae Bolg to break it."