Toa Solaric: I don't own Kamen Rider Wizard, Strike Witches, or Digimon Season 1-2. I am only writing this for fun and not for any kind of profit. So no one get it in their heads to sue me. To anyone who is interested, drop a line and let me know what you think.
Now then…Saa Showtime daa!
Kamen Rider Wizard: Sky of Infinity
Spell 5: Trial of Dragon! A Rider's response! Witches on Broomsticks…?
Before Tai could respond, he suddenly felt his head starts hurting and he puts his hand on his head.
"Tai!" Minna startled as she and the girls trying to get closed to Tai but they were shocked by his body started to glows. What caught their attention was that he had two demonic silver wings on his back. Tai groaned in pain as the wings disappeared soon and he fell to his knees, panting.
"What's going on?! What happened to him?!" Mio asks when all of the Witches heard a familiar sound.
"TELEPORT, NOW!"
"So it has come this far..." The girls and Tai turned around to see White Wizard appeared out of nowhere.
"Shisho…" Koyomi whispered.
"What are you doing here?" Minna asked.
"Taichi needs help…the magic inside him has gone berserk, if it goes on…his life is at risk." The White Wizard said grimly.
"But why?" Yoshika asks, "I thought Koyomi-chan managed to slow it down…"
"Even if it seems that Koyomi managed to calm him, Tai is still in mortal danger, if leave unattended…he will fall rapidly into despair." White Wizard stated as he saw the girls looked at him with their eyes wide in surprise but he ignores them while he approaches his apprentice as he reset his driver twice.
"Hey! Where are you taking him!?" Gertrude asked serious.
"Don't worry about me…h-he knows what he's doing." Tai muttered weakly to the girls.
"TELEPORT, NOW!"
In a bright flash of light, Tai and the White Wizard suddenly disappeared from them. Who knows when Tai will return and answer the girls' question?
"Phantoms, mysterious creatures exist long time have resurface to this world once again when the Neuroi came to invade Earth." The announcement said.
"The only one who can stop this mess with the abilities to use the Wizard rings…and turning despair into Hope for the future." Announce said.
(Taichi Sohma who was hovers right in front the magic circle and makes a glance towards the viewers as a quick flash of Kamen Rider Wizard can be seen in his place)
Itsuka itsuka
Tai is alone; sitting in a meadow in the middle of the night, his hair is softly moving his hair. But his face is hidden by his angle, since he is looking to the sky.
The full moon is illuminating the area.
And scattered around Tai… are all of his Rings.
Yakusoku no Sora
But Tai wasn't totally alone.
In a river only a few steps from him… is Kamen Rider Wizard Water Dragon, who is seeing his refection in the water.
In the top of a tree… there is Hurricane Dragon enjoying the night breeze.
Over a rock… is Land Dragon, who with just one hand crushes a small boulder.
And finally, sitting alongside Tai… is Flame Dragon.
Kimi to nara mata toberu yo
Tai takes his Digivice from his pocket, and immediately he looked younger… like the first time he visited the Digital World.
Flame Dragon looks at his belt, and then at his hands, and with determination he start walking away from his past self.
The others form of Wizard decided to do the same. Also the scattered rings disappeared.
Taichi has moved on in his life, he is now a Wizard.
But… his younger self and Agumon are saying goodbye with their hands and smile in their faces.
Kuyashikute tsurakute nemurenai yoru
The Sabbath is happening, the land is covering with purple creaks, and people fall in despair.
Dare ni demo aru yo
Wizard is walking alone, but quickly all of his forms are walking alongside him.
The White Wizard is watching from afar, and surprisingly Koyomi is with him.
The two of them look at each other in the eyes before they grasp each other's hand.
Sonna toki wa yonde kaketsukeru kara
The sky darkens, signaling the Neuroi attacking.
Yoshika is running to prepare herself for the fight.
Wizard meanwhile is fighting Ghouls as he knows he don't have to worry about Yoshika, since he trust her power.
Michiko meanwhile was watching the fight of Wizard, and was cheering for him behind a tree.
Oto no hayasa de ne
The Strike Witches are flying thought the Sky.
Wizard Hurricane Dragon appears and joins them.
Sore ga sadame demo ne aragau yo
Tai becomes Wizard Flame Dragon and start a fight with Phoenix.
But, in the refection of Phoenix in a mirror… there is a man crying, a man named Yuugo.
Tai becomes Wizard Land Dragon and Fights Medusa.
In the refection of Medusa… there is a woman crying.
Tai becomes Hurricane Dragon and fight Gremlin.
In the reflection of Gremlin… there is a man laughing.
Kimi ga hora waratte ne kureru kara
Wizard is riding is Machine Winger, and then he uses it to ride Dragon.
Kanaetai yume tooi kedo
Tai is walking alone in the city of Romania… but is unaware that certain girls are following him. Tai and Mayu walk past each other but when Tai turns around and his face turned to sorrow.
Issho nara dekiru yo muteki no yuuki de
A huge Neuroi begins his attack.
But the Strike Witches destroy it immediately.
Kirakira hikaru sono namida
The Strike Witches look with smile in their faces to Wizard, who changes back to Tai, who give them a proud look and smile.
Egao no mahou de ne tsubasa ni kaetara
In front of Wizard where various figures hidden by the shadows.
Unknown to him these were also Kamen Riders, who show him their Rings.
But one of them showed a switch instead.
Kitto kitto habatakeru kara
Koyomi banishes in the air.
Tai lets a huge scream, and Dragon's Wings appear in his back.
Niji o koe sono saki made
The scene ends with Tai and the girls walking together through a meadow.
They are smiling.
As his last act, Tai takes the Philosopher Stone from his pocket.
Behind him is the image of Koyomi, who is smiling at the persona Tai has become in the end.
Tai turns to his back, but there is no one here.
And the Strike Witches hug him.
"What do you mean we can't follow him?!" Mio asked.
"I'm afraid I don't know where Shisho took him. But I have to trust him to help Tai with his problem," Koyomi said.
The first thing after returning to the base with Koyomi was asking her to follow the White Wizard but they learn there is a limited to her ability of keeping eye on Tai.
"Damn it…" Mio said, clenching her fist tighten.
"Koyomi-chan, is he will be ok?" Yoshika asked.
"Our mentor isn't a threat. Even though we know he could be as secretive but he helps us in unusual ways." Koyomi said.
"But why can't we know if Tai-niichan is alright?" Yoshika asked worried.
"It doesn't work that way, Yoshika. There are some places I can't access unless I have seen them for myself." Koyomi continued. She really wished Tai being the one who deals with this situation.
"Eila, do you find anything?" Mio asked.
While girls were talking with Koyomi, Eila was shuffling her tarot cards before drawing them out. She tries her best in locating Tai's whereabouts with her magic.
"I'm afraid that I can't see where they're… the cards can't give me any answers." Eila said. But she turns to look at Sanya who seem quiet than her and her face seems to be saddened.
"Koyomi," Sanya asked. "Will Tai comes back to us?"
"I'm sorry Sanya, but I cannot guarantee if he will ever come back." Koyomi said. She knows what Sanya want and that is Tai to return to them unharmed. "This is his own decision that he has to make on his own. If he chooses to leave, then he will when he isn't part of the military."
"But he still haven't apology for what he did to Sanya!" Eila retorted angrily. The only time they saw Eila this angry if someone making Sanya cried which is rare case.
"But why exactly your mentor's goal by having another mage?" Mio asked.
"We have been trying to figure it but we have no lead, he only said that this is to prevent the rising numbers of the Phantom's rank." Koyomi said. But there is a possible of creating an army of Kamen Riders in their mentor's mind. She also knows Tai might be against the idea of taking leadership. "But there are times when our mentor leaving us in the shadow without an explanation which is why Tai get angry at him." Koyomi continued.
"I'm not asking you to forgive him, Eila-san." Koyomi said.
"Is he really worried about Mayu-san?" Yoshika asked. Koyomi nodded.
"But when it comes to Mayu-san…it really personal for us because she had always been on Tai's thought after what happened on the day…but the one who should shoulder the guilty is me." Koyomi said.
"What do you mean?" Yoshika asked.
"I was supposed to watched her in the store yet I wasn't expected this happening in the first place." Koyomi explained sadly.
Eila look at Koyomi before turn her glance down to the ground.
"But I thought he isn't the type hang over the past…" Eila said.
"But there are something people refused to let's go especially their own mistake." Koyomi explained. "After all, those who make the mistakes must be the one to fix them."
"We don't know how long the Neuroi war and Phantom affair will go on… but we know people will get killed in crossfire. Tai want to see Mayu-san before it too late." Koyomi said.
"But why…?" Lynette asked.
"Because it's the only way Tai could forgive himself. Tai is willing to bear the burden of Kamen Rider for her sake even at the cost of his personal happiness." Koyomi explained.
Her words shake the girls but Gertrude the most. "Then who will be there to protect him…?" Gertrude asked. Koyomi shake her head.
"Tai knows there is no going back after what happened and doesn't want the same thing happened again to anyone else. This is why he won't stay in one place while Phantoms are roaming across the world to bring fear and despair to people." Koyomi explained.
Is this why he won't let Michiko become a mage? He doesn't want her to end up… Yoshika thought. She thinks back to when Tai turned cold after Michiko want to become a mage. He doesn't want Michiko to lose a family member…
"But why does it have to be cruel for him to live like this…" Yoshika sobs. Lynne tries to console her. But Koyomi approached Yoshika and slaps her face.
*SLAP!*
"K-Koyomi?" Yoshika was surprised by Koyomi's sudden action as she rubbed her cheek. This caused others' eyes turned wide at Koyomi's behavior.
"That is enough!" Koyomi scolded Yoshika.
"Why did you do that!?" Gertrude also surprised with Koyomi's sudden burst of emotion.
"Baka! Do you think this is the face that you should be doing right now? You won't able to face him if you are like that. I don't understand what he seeing in you as a friend but Yoshika, you're pathetic. You of all people here supposed to know how to take care of them, but you still need to learn how to take care yourself. If I caught you become a crying baby in front of Tai again, I swore that I won't let you near him ever again!" Koyomi said in a threating tone which only makes Yoshika nodded. "But I'm sure he will come back sooner than anyone expected…" Koyomi said in her calm tone.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" Koyomi look at the rest of the girls when she hears Mio chuckled.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I just want Yoshika to stop crying so that I can think properly." Koyomi retorted.
"Sure whatever you say, Koyomi…" Shirley said.
Koyomi huffed and turned away from the girls. (Did Tai really rubbing me off? I guess it make sense he is my adoptive father.)
"Where are you going, Koyomi-chan?" Yoshika asked.
"I have a personal business to attend before I returned to the shop to helped Wajima-san." Koyomi answered before she left the room.
"So what now…?" Erica asked.
"She is right. We should focus on getting some rest right now instead of moping around. Besides, we still have the Neuroi to worry about." Mio said. Even though she hates to admit but Koyomi is right about one thing, moping won't do anything to get Tai back.
"Sakamoto-san is correct." Perrine agreed with her beloved major for once.
Meanwhile Koyomi was talking with the three plastic familiars about something. She has an important task for them to looking into when Tai is gone.
"I want you guys help to search for the information about Mayu's whereabouts." Koyomi explains before going to the details. Tai wasn't the only one who concerned about Mayu, Koyomi have some questions she wanted answers from her especially about what happened.
(In different coast of the world)
Phoenix was talking with another Phantom in their human forms as they were gathered in a deep part of the forest. The reason why they were here because of a rumor Neuroi nest here and their task is to remove it permanently.
"So this is where their secret nest supposed to be located?" Phoenix asked.
"Yes, Phoenix-sama," the Phantom said. "We should be careful since the Neuroi has been acting strange lately."
"I got that. Leave it to Medusa having an errand from Wiseman himself," Phoenix said in annoyed tone. He can't believe she forced him to looking after a newbie or working with Gremlin.
Just then there were movements within the forest as they heard a feral machine like noises in the area.
"There is no doubt about it…" the Phantom said. But Phoenix stepped forward and wearing a murderous grin on his face.
"It looks like we're going to have a blast here!" Phoenix said as they transformed into their Phantom forms.
"Phoenix-sama…"
"Just don't get in my way, newbie…" Phoenix said.
Suddenly a large Neuroi appeared before them and they started the assault.
(With Tai)
Tai felt like he was continued fallen into an endless abyss,
'Is this the end?' Tai wondered.
"Tai…" a familiar voice caused Tai's eyes to open.
"Agumon? Where are you?" Tai asked looking around the abyss. "Agumon?"
"Tai…" Tai turned and see his partner before him as the green eyes looked sad.
"Agumon…?" What is wrong with his partner?
But Agumon didn't response as he slowly moving away from him.
"Agumon! Where are you going?!" Tai asked.
However, Tai can't reach for Agumon as everything slowly disappeared.
Tai's eyes opened as he got himself up from the ground and look at his surroundings. He wasn't in the forest anymore.
The former Chosen of Courage looks down to see the ground was glowing red with his magic circle. There four pedestals with each of his Dragon Style Rings surrounding an empty pedestals.
"Where am I?" Tai asked.
"You're safe here now," White Wizard said as he comes out from the shadow.
"I guess you saved me again, thanks sensei." Tai said slight amused.
"Hmph, you have grown considerably as Wizard." White Wizard said. "But what you did is quite reckless; you could harm the people around you if you grow careless of your own ability."
"But I don't have a choice…" Tai admits. "The Phantom was stronger than I was and it was my own decision to protect the girls from harm… even though I put them in danger. I… I need to be tougher…stronger."
"If you want to be stronger than you already was, there is a way…but it is also possibly the most risky." White Wizard said as he comes toward him. This caught Tai's attention to his mentor's idea and willing to hear him out.
"What do you mean Sensei?" Tai asked.
"The Dragon is the source of your mana…" White Wizard paused before he continued his explanation, "You must learn to harness every drop of its magic without entering the berserk state."
Tai thought about his mentor's words before put his hand to feel his chest. If he is going to be strong then he need a different method to draw out Dragon's mana than his reckless tactic.
"I'll do it Sensei…even if it's risky as you said…I will do it." Tai stare at his mentor with his eyes brimmed with determination.
The White Wizard could only stare back at the former chosen of Courage before he replied, "Very well…there is no turning back now. Prepare yourself."
(Digital world)
The second generation of Digidestineds has defeated another Digimons threat appeared in the Digital world. They were discussing about the situations keep happening lately.
"So tell us the real reason why are you late, Davis?" Yolie asked.
Davis laughed nervously at Yolie's question before he replied, "Well… it because this guy… I think his name is Kazuya something. I think he was looking for Tai."
"Why is he looking for Tai?" Ken asked curious.
"I'm thinking he the new rookie recruit to the Soccer team, but I heard they have been losing a lot lately…" Davis said.
"Then he assumed you as Tai's apprentice know where he could be?" Ken asked.
"But he won't allow me to leave even though I outrun, Ken." Davis said. "Anyway, Veemon and I are trying to figure out why the Digi-egg of Courage isn't working lately." Davis continued. This caught the group's attention to their friend.
"What do you mean, not working?" Cody asked.
"We're not sure but the Digi-egg doesn't seem to be working when I tried to digivolved into Flamedramon." Veemon said.
"You don't think it might do something with my brother?" Kari asked.
"Digi-Egg won't work. Maybe we should talk with Gennai about it…if he knows anything," Cody said.
While others were talking with each other, Ken watched TK talking with Patamon from the group. He heard from Joe that they have a fight about something before things going back to normal. But Ken can't help feeling TK seems to distant from the group, especially his own brother and Kari.
"What do you think?" Wormmon asked. He has the similar thought about their friends.
"We should try." Ken said.
He and Wormmon approached them.
"Hey TK," Ken said.
"What is it?" TK asked.
"We were wonder if everything okay?" Ken asked.
"We're alright," TK replied.
"But lately… we noticed you're distancing yourself from the group." Wormmon said in. TK remain quiet as he listened to them talking.
"I know you may be depressed about Kari choosing-" Ken said before TK snapped.
"It isn't about them…!" TK interrupted him as this caused Ken to look shocked. But their friends were still talking with each other as they were unaware of what going on.
TK realized his mistakes before immediately apologized to his friend.
"I'm so sorry, Ken. I-I didn't know what got over me…" TK said, putting a hand over his mouth.
"But if there is something troubling you, you can talk about it…" Ken replied.
"Hey guys! Coming on, we need to go now!" Davis said.
"We're coming, Davis!" Ken called out.
"TK, do you think this is alright?" Patamon asked slowly.
"I'm… not ready to show them yet, Patamon." TK said quietly.
Not until I can prove to her… I'm still can protect her, TK thought to himself. Not only her, but his older brother who is distant in his relationship to noticed him. I have to prove them that I can surpass Davis!
TK giving a dark look at Davis who walking beside Kari before he and Patamon followed them. They're unaware that they're being watched by eyes hidden from the entire Digital world. Their presence hid beyond the eyes of the Digimon Sovereigns themselves.
Two figures in knight like armors are watching the events going on before the first one looked at his comrade.
"What do you make of this, old friend?" the first voice asked.
"The Digidestineds are getting wary each time as they fight against the rampaging Digimons, their skills are starting to slip more, Dukemon." the second voice said.
"At this rate… the problem will be too big for them to handle alone." A new voice interrupted.
"All because they neglected one of their own for the sake of victory," a darker voice said in response.
"We don't have to time to play the blame game, Dynasmon!" Another voice replied.
"Make me, furball!" Dynasmon retorted. "Why should we entrust the responsible of our world to the human, if they abandoned their own numbers?"
"Enough bickering you two, we're supposed to watch over the Digital world since ancient time, we're not some in-trainings fighting over bottles!" another voice said. "What the heck are others doing at time like this?"
Yoshika, Lynette, and Perrine have arrived on what looks like a farm land.
"Are you sure this is the training ground?" Lynette asked.
"This is definitely the place, according to the major's map." Perrine said, holding onto the map.
"But there's no one here." Yoshika said.
Lynette caught sight of something fall from the sky, "Yoshika-chan, look up there!"
This caused the three witches to fly away as Perrine pulled out her rifle, "A Neuroi!"
"Who are you callin' a Neuroi?!" an elderly female voice demanded. This caused Perrine's eyes turned widen now at large bucket.
"It talked!" Perrine exclaimed.
Just then an elderly woman with grayish hair and cat like ears descends down on a broom stick.
"Barging into people's yards without even said hello! Kids these days…" the elder woman said.
"H-Hello!" Yoshika said before bowing.
"Say, are you Anna Ferrara?" Lynette asked.
"That's right." The elderly woman said.
"Umm, Major Sakamoto gave us orders to train here!" Yoshika explained. "She told us not to return until we passed a grade here!"
Anna sighed before looking at the girls, "For now, take those things off."
After leaving their Strikers in the barn, they were each given a buckle as the elderly woman started to explain their assignment to them.
"All right, you'll start by gathering water for tonight's supper and bath." Anna said.
Lynette looked curious, "We're gathering water?"
"Let's see…" Yoshika looked around for water source.
"If you're looking for the well, it's over there." Anna said.
"Huh?! That far away?!" Perrine exclaimed in shocked.
"Whoa…"
"We're in the middle of the sea here. That's the only place to get water. "The veteran witch explained.
"Oh! But if we wear our Strikers…!" Lynette said.
"Oh, right!" Yoshika said.
"Yes! We can fly there in the blink of an eye with our Strikers!" Perrine said.
"Who said you're allowed to use them?!" Anna said, standing in front of the barn.
"Then how do we get the water?" Yoshika asked.
Anna handed them broom sticks, "Here. Use these."
"Wait, aren't those…" the girls studied the objects in front of them.
"…brooms?" the girls asked at the same time.
The girls are unaware of this. But who knows their training is going to be this difficult?
(With Tai)
The White Wizard began to chanting ancient language Tai never heard until Tai felt something different in the air around him. The magic circle beneath them is starting to glow bright than before.
His Dragon Style Rings started to glow as his mentor continued his magic chanting. Each of his Dragon Rings sends out a beam of light and they came at Tai.
"RAAAAH….!" Tai screamed in pain.
The former Digidestined thoughts he was going to face a hard training. But he wasn't expecting to endure this much pain from this training.
His Inner Phantom Dragon was screaming in pain after sensing what going on with his host and feeling the same jolt as well.
"RAAAHHH!"
Tai opened his eyes as he sees nothing but a dark void around him. Just then his attention focused on the beating wings above him and looked up.
Dragon… Tai thought as he stared at his Inner Phantom.
Wizardragon stared at him with furious sinister red eyes before preparing for an all-out assault. The former Chosen of Courage shared the similar thought to what going on.
Give me everything you got! Tai thought.
Yoshika was looking out at the stars as she and the girls were bathing together. This is the second day of their training that improved in their broom training and filled up the bath.
"Yoshika-chan, what's wrong?" Lynette asked.
Yoshika didn't response.
"Hey! Miyafuji!" Perrine said.
Yoshika snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her friends.
"Is something wrong?" Lynette asked.
"It's nothing… Lynne-chan," Yoshika said.
"You're that worried about him?" Perrine asked.
Yoshika have a sad look.
"She seems to be right about you relied on him for support…" Perrine said.
"Yoshika-chan, you can rely on us…" Lynette said.
"But just seeing him sad is unbearable," Yoshika said.
"That guy is really stubborn…" Perrine muttered. (But I can see how she got some of her naïve from him…)
She originally thought him as an enemy for her beloved Sakamoto's affection until she realized she doesn't knows a lot about him and still remembered her painful lesson from him. He kept his true personality behind the friendly personality to prevent anyone get too closed to him.
"But seeing him stays strong and endures everything that is unbelievable." Lynette admitted quietly.
Anna was listened in on the girls from afar.
This generation is trouble enough especially a boy with magical power running around the countries… Anna thought before giving them peace.
(The next morning)
The girls got up early in the morning as they tried a new tactic off carrying the water.
"I guess we should've carried it this way from the start." Yoshika said.
"Y-Yeah…" Lynette agreed.
"Let's fill the bath all the way up today." Yoshika said.
"Yeah! Up to our shoulders! Okay, Perrine?" Lynette asked.
Perrine looked at her friends, "Huh? P-Personally, either way is fine with me…"
Just then Perrine noticed something from afar of the shore.
"What is that? No way… can't it be…" Perrine said.
"You don't think it could be…" Lynette said. "A Neuroi?!"
"We have to warn Anna-san!" Yoshika said immediately.
Soon the three witches tried to return soon enough.
Tai emerged from a bright light and landed in a forest.
"Hmm… I don't think this Fuso…" Tai wondered as he notices his surroundings, "Where exactly am I?"
Where his mentor did dropped him off?
I'm not sure if this is near the base… Tai thought. He doesn't want to thinking about being near the base after the incident.
"Hey there, Ring-bearer Wizard!" a familiar voice said from behind him.
Tai turned around and see a familiar Phantom with a black hat on the tree.
"Gremlin!" Tai recognized.
"It's has been a while, isn't it?" Sora asked. "But I would remind you to call me Sora."
He jumped down from the tree and walking toward Tai.
Tai got out his ring in ready and a caution look, "What do you want?"
"You really need to chill, kid. I'm not in a mood for a fight. What happened between you and those lovely girls? Did you guys break up?" Sora teasing asked.
Tai's eyebrows twitched at his words.
"Hey take it easy! Sheesh, I'm joking! But I think you should check on them." Sora said.
"What are you talking about?" Tai asked, becoming serious.
This make Sora smiled devious.
"Oh… I assured you will find it interesting," Sora said.
"Anna-san!" Yoshika said as she, Lynette, and Perrine ran into the house.
"I heard from your base about the Neuroi." The veteran witch said.
"Are they going to sends someone?!" Lynette asked. She hopping someone will come to helped them against the Neuroi.
"They said anyone they send won't make it in time." Anna said after putting down the phone, "Looks like our only choice is to abandon this house."
"You can't be serious!" Yoshika said.
Soon, we are seeing the girls watching the large Neuroi flying closer to Anna's house.
"At this rate… the Neuroi will destroy the bridge and Anna's house…" Lynette said.
"The Neuroi is doing something!" Yoshika said.
The air borne Neuroi is dropping black orbs into the water and emerged from out of the water were land Neuroi creatures they saw before.
"It's creating more Neuroi!" Perrine said.
They heard footsteps and turned around to see Anna with a serious look on her face.
"What are you girls doing?! We need to flee this instant!" Anna said.
If only Tai-niichan was here, what would he do? Yoshika thought before remembering one of his words.
"As a magic-user, I won't give up without a fight!" Tai's words ranging in her head.
"We can't just abandon this place!" Yoshika said.
"Your family is coming back, right?" Lynette said.
"Plus, without this bridge, your family and grandchildren won't have a landmark to enjoy anymore when they arrive." Perrine said.
The girls' words surprised Anna.
"Girls…" Anna said.
"We won't allow you to abandon your hope to see your family again!" Yoshika said. "Witches aren't allowed to give up on their family!"
I better not be too late! Tai thought as he continued running through the forest.
Tai arrived near the coast as he watched the girls fighting against the Neuroi, but some of the Neuroi went passed them and their targeting the house.
There is definitely something going on… Tai thought as he remembered his conversation with Sora before the mystery Phantom left him.
(Few hours ago)
Tai looked at the Phantom as he explained about the Neuroi coming toward a house where Yoshika, Lynette, and Perrine are training.
"Why are you telling me this?" Tai asked, remained stoic.
"But I wonder if you noticed anything odd about the Neurois' shape shifting ability?" Sora asked amused. "This ability is very strange indeed… as if they're not from this world."
Tai knows what the Phantom was talking about. When he was living with different witches divisions, he gets more suspicious about the Neuroi's ability to turn into Digimons.
"What are you getting out of this, Gremlin?" Tai asked.
Sora walked passed him with a smiled, "Who knows? After all… you're the same as them."
"Who the hell are you?!" Tai demanded as he tried to punch Sora.
But the Phantom dodged his attack and laughed, "You do confirm my theory!"
Tai tried to catch the Phantom, but Sora dodged him before waving him off.
"Until next time!" Sora said before disappeared in a flash.
'Who the hell is he?!' Tai wondered. There is more about this Phantom seemed confused for him.
(Present)
He will figure out Gremlin another time. The next time, they meet in battle; he will give him a good kick in the ball before extracting information from the green Phantom.
"Not on my watch!" Tai said, before bring out his Connect Ring.
"CONNECT, PLEASE!"
Tai pulled out his WizarSwordGun from his magic pocket and starting to fire several shots at them.
"Over here!" Tai said.
Just the Neuroi caught a glance of him and they began to charge after him as if he was their new target. Tai turns around in time and making a run through the forest.
Good… they're following me, Tai thought.
"Poison Thread!"
Tai dodged in time from the poison like webs and they hit the trees behind him as webs caught in them. He puts on his Driver On ring and placed against his belt.
"DRIVER ON, PLEASE!"
Tai got out his Flame Ring and puts against his aura reader of his Driver.
"FLAME, PLEASE!"
Tai jump into the red magic circle before him and transformed into Wizard Flame Style.
"Saa… Showtime daa!" Wizard said.
He soon charged at the Neuroi before attacking them with his sword. Two Neuroi tried to attack him from both side, but Wizard jumped away as both of them hits each other on purposed. Wizard slashed another Neuroi in the chest before using it to block an incoming attack from another Neuroi.
"Time to starts the cooking…" Wizard said, opening the hand on his sword.
"FLAME! SLASH STRIKE!"
His sword glowing with bright flame before unleashed a powerful energy wave of fire at the Neuroi before they exploded.
"Tai-niichan…" a familiar voice caused Wizard to turn around and seeing the girls from above. But his eyes are focused only on Yoshika.
"Yoshika…" Wizard muttered before looking away from her.
Just then he heard more movement coming from the woods. Wizard gripped his sword hard as he begins to move forward.
"Where are you going?!" Yoshika asked. She wanted to know where he went…
"Get going."
This caused her and the girls to look confused.
"You girls have a big Neuroi to deal with," Wizard said. "I will handle the ones on the land while you finished the airborne Neuroi."
"Wait! Why should we trust anything you says?!" Perrine demanded with a caution look.
Wizard just jump ahead as he facing with incoming Neuroi coming in on land before the magician rider began to fight.
"Tai-niichan…" Yoshika said.
"We have no choice but leave the ones on the ground to him, Miyafuji." Perrine said.
Yoshika remembered the airborne Neuroi still coming closer to Anna's house and vowed to protect the place where Anna's family will be together.
But I won't let you go either, Tai-niichan… Yoshika thought as the three witches head off after the Neuroi right now.
"Hmm… what are you going to do after this is over?" His Inner Phantom asked, began to awaken in his head.
"Who knows?" Wizard replied.
"Dark Shot!" A dark voice shouts.
Wizard turned around in time to see a familiar shaped missile coming directly at him. He quickly pulled out his Defend Ring.
"DEFEND, PLEASE!"
His shield appeared and protected him from the furious attack that wiped out other Neuroi closed by him.
"There is only one with that attack…" Wizardragon said.
A Neuroi with SkullGreymon abilities… Wizard thought as he saw one emerged from the forest.
Unlike the original SkullGreymon, the Neuroi SkullGreymon's body is entirely pitch black and looking slight more machines than organic.
"That is almost scary as the real deal…" Wizard muttered, looking at the damages around him.
"Let's do this, Dragon!" Wizard said. He replaced his Flame ring with his Flame Dragon Style Ring and puts in front of his Wizardriver.
"FLAME DRAGON!"
The red magic circled passed over Wizard's body with a flame like dragon circled around him. His coat turned bright red.
Wizard move forward and delivered a powerful slash against the Neuroi's leg. This caused the Neuroi to scream in pain before trying firing a laser beam at him.
Wizard dodged the attack before he realized more Neuroi like Digimons are coming around him.
"It looks like I'm in time!" a new voice said.
Huh? Wizard thought as he looks around but saw nobody.
"Hennnnnnnn~ shin!" the new voice shout.
"SET!"
"OPEN! L-I-O-N: LION!"
A gold circle burst from the forests before a figure dashed through the circle, covering himself, in a suit of black and gold armor.
He was donned in a black bodysuit which covered him from head to toe. The shins and forearms were donned in gold protective armor with strong abdominal muscles outlines on the front. The chest plate was black on the right side, but gold styled after a lion's mane with the head of said lion existing on his shoulder. The left side of his belt held a chain which was made of gold and adorned with several diamond-shaped metal rings made in an assortment of different colors. Finally the helmet was styled after a lion's head with large compound eyes and a white mouth plate made to look like a beast's mouth. This was Kamen Rider Beast.
"Another Kamen Rider…?" Wizard asked in disbelief.
"I'm Kamen Rider Beast, ancient Wizard," Beast said.
"Ancient Wizard…?" Wizard gawked in disbelief. He never thought there is going to be another Kamen Rider beside him and Mayu.
"Saa Lunchtime Daa!" Beast said. He put his hand in front of his belt and a hilt came out of the lion's mouth, before pulling it out to reveal a lance like weapon.
Beast quickly dispatched the Neuroi mobs with lighting fast speed. But each Neuroi soon disintegrated before they're absorbed into Beast's buckle.
He can absorb Neuroi…! Wizard thought.
Beast soon went charging at the Neuroi SkullGreymon and started to attack the black skeleton dragon. Wizard joined in the battle as he opened the author reader on his sword and scanned a ring.
"COPY, PLEASE!"
With another sword, Wizard hits another section of the Neuroi's large body before forcing the Neuroi back.
"Not bad!" Beast said, impressed.
"Thanks." Wizard said.
The Neuroi got itself up again before gathering energy within it jaw.
"I'm not going to let it happened!" Wizard said, before reaching for his Defend ring.
"DEFEND, PLEASE!"
Wizard conjured his barrier in front of him and Beast to shield them from the attack.
"But I got a better trick," Beast said, removed his Driver On ring before moving to a circle shaped device on his left hip which held many rings as he calmly brought out an orange one with bird like shape on it before putting it into the driver.
"FALCO! GO! FA-FA-FA FALCO!"
Beast was passed over by his own magic circle which was orange, placing a mantle over his shoulder topped with the head of a hawk. Beast then flew towards the giant Neuroi, slashing it with his saber.
"Take that and that!" Beast said, slashing at the giant beast.
This caused the Neuroi to become weaken from the attacks of both Wizards.
"Finale!" Wizard said. He took out his Special Ring and scanned to his driver.
"Time for main dish!" Beast said. He held up his Dice Saber and spun the wheel causing a drum roll to be heard as the die inside the Saber spun round and round. Then, using the Falco Ring, he pressed the ring into a slot and the die stopped at six.
"SIX!"
"FALCO! Saber Strike!"
Beast spun his sword in a circle, forming his seal before he slashed through it. Erupting from the circle were six energy falcons with their heads styled like his mantle. All six shrieked and dove at the Neuroi.
"VERY, NICE! SPECIAL!"
Wizardragon's head emerged from Wizard's chest and fired a fierce flame at the Neuroi.
The Neuroi went down hard from both attacks before slowly scatter into thin air before they all went into Beast's buckle.
"Itadakimasu!" Beast called out with a praying. Wizard looked at him strangely before Beast noticed his stares.
"I bet you want to devour him instead, but it looks like I got it first!" Beast said.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Wizard asked, becoming more confused.
"I have somewhere needs to be, rival! But don't get in my way, next time!" Beast said before flying off into the air with his flying magic.
Wait… What?! Rival…? Who the heck is he? Wizard thought in confused.
"I see you're alright, Tai," Koyomi said.
Tai give a light smile, "Sorry about making you worry, kiddo."
"Who would imagine there is another Rider?" Koyomi wondered about Tai's description of Beast. "Who do you think could be?" she asked.
"There is another mystery we must solve…" Tai said.
Just then Yoshika came outside of the door and saw Tai and Koyomi talking with each other.
"Tai-niichan, I want to thank you." Yoshika said.
"I was only passing through. You girls got the job done." Tai said, before turning away from Yoshika.
"Wait!" Tai felt a pulled on his jacket and look at Yoshika.
"Is everything alright with your condition?!" Yoshika asked worried.
"Well, I got it calm down so it won't happened again." Tai said. But he didn't mention his mentor helped him creating something.
"But aren't you going to come back with us?" Yoshika asked, hopefully.
"Yoshika… I'm sorry but I can't go back on my vow." Tai said.
"Because your promise for Mayu-san?" Yoshika asked.
Tai only give her a stoic look. Koyomi remained quiet as she watched the event going on.
"Koyomi-chan told us how much it hurt you… But it wasn't your fault for what happened! You did your best to help her…" Yoshika said. "Isn't that enough?" she asked.
"How would you tell how I've feel? Because of me… she would have to kill her own sister… I was the one who led her down this path." Tai said.
"Doesn't the time we spending meaning anything?" Yoshika asked.
Then Tai looks at Yoshika before placing his hand on her shoulder.
"When I meet you, I believed you would need me until much later in your life, but now I can see its different, you can face any danger and enemy in the future, after all... even I was just a scared kid when everything started for me that day, those childhood days and the Digital World... I was scared, but now I am strong! I'm ready to allow you to move on your path and leaving the sky for you and the witches."
After seeing Yoshika capable of handling herself fighting against the Neuroi, Tai believed she is ready to handle the world with her friends than him looking after her like a child. He knows Yoshika starting to become a young woman soon.
Koyomi sighed before approaching Tai with a solemn look, "Tai, I think you should hold off on searching for Mayu-san."
"Koyomi, but I have to do it…" Tai said.
But he noticed something different about Koyomi's eyes.
They take away his will to move.
"I know you have been pushing yourself for Mayu since the day you find out Medusa was her former sister, but you need to stop..." Koyomi continued.
"But Koyomi, I'm can't allowed what happened between us being over. It doesn't feel right for me..." Tai said, before he comes in contact with something cold.
Koyomi came closer to Tai before puts her arms around his waist and pulled him into a hug.
"Koyomi…" Tai is more used to Koyomi's icy cold touch whenever they hug each other.
"That is why I can't see you like this… when you aren't able to smile for yourself, Tai." Koyomi said in soft tone. "All you thought about was battle Phantom and battle alone. Cutting off from everyone around you; you make yourself sick."
"That's not true!" Tai defended.
"Do you think Agumon would approve what you're doing?" Koyomi asked.
Tai thought back to his dream about Agumon's sad look before become shocked. He just wants to follow Agumon's example by protecting Mayu.
"Tai… you aren't you when you thought too much about duty and responsibility… but I can't allow you to throwing away your chance to be happy again…" Koyomi said.
"Koyomi… I-I-I… don't know what to do." Tai replied. Tai wasn't sure why but he let out his emotions again when it's too much for him.
He knows Agumon as a Digimon; he will be able to reborn in the Digital world, but Tai doesn't understand why he hasn't returned to him yet. Then Tai thought if Agumon were a Kamen Rider or human, he would only end up hurting people closed to him.
But Tai makes another self-realization.
These girls… they're also my Hope… Tai thought. Is this what you mean, Agumon?
Tai has finally made his decision.
(Some time later at the base)
After they have returning to the base, Mio approached Tai while Minna remained quiet. Mio looked at Tai.
"So you decided to return?" Mio asked.
"I-I thought about it, but I have some apologies to make amend." Tai said.
Tai soon looked at Minna before walking toward her slowly.
"Minna… I'm sorry that I snapped at you when I shouldn't." Tai said.
"I understand you have your own reasons for what you doing. But your promise with me is something different. You will be there to protect my Division and standing by my side. But if you allowed someone to kill you, I won't ever forgive you." Minna said.
"I understood." Tai said.
Tai soon walks passed Minna.
"Thanks you…" Minna said, quietly.
But Tai heard her word.
Soon Tai find two familiar green eyes stares at him.
"Sanya…" Tai said.
"Taichi-san…" Sanya said quietly.
She wasn't the only one there. Eila was sitting beside her as well.
"Hmph, what do you want, baka?" Eila asked coldly.
"I want to apologize to you two as well." Tai said.
"And?" Eila asked.
"I promised that I would have time for both of you," Tai said. This caught both of their attention at Tai's words.
"You will?" Sanya asked, become a little hopefully.
"How about when evening comes, I will play with you. I'm sure Eila-chan would want to play as well." Tai said with a friendly grin.
This caused Eila's face to blush a storm.
"W-what are you up to?!" Eila demanded, become angrily.
Tai can't help but chuckled at Eila, "I'm sure you want to play with us, Eila-chan."
"Hmph, whatever," Eila said before looking away.
And after seeing that, the Wizard could only have one word in his mind for Eila.
"Tsundere..." Tai muttered, remembering hears that from his classmate who liked anime a lot.
"Hmmm? What is a Tsundere?" Sanya asked, as she heard him muttering that word.
This surprised Tai when he realized the question is toward him. Eila looks curious at Tai as well.
"How should I put it? Tsundere is…"
Tai soon have to explaining the word tsundere to the two girls. This caused Eila to blush and glaring at Tai.
Sanya noticed this and agreed with Tai about Eila being tsundere.
Sometime later, Tai was looking out the sun by himself from fort. He can't believe himself that he going to stay here.
I hoped I would be ready for it… Tai thought to himself.
He took out a strange device with a timer on a Hand author and a small dragon figure on top of it.
"This is a magical item given form from your mana. But use it wisely, Taichi." White Wizard said.
With this… will I be able to harness Dragon's full power? Tai thought to himself.
To be continued…
AN: What do you think of this chapter? It's looks like Tai does notices something odd about the Neuroi and Gremlin seems to notice when mention connection between Tai and the Neuroi. I decided to put Beast's debut here since I got a lot of headaches on figure out how to introduce him and giving him the ability to devour Neuroi. What is his role in the future? What secret TK and Patamon are hiding from the Digidestined? You will have to find out by following this story. Tai is going to be a lot busy especially in regained some of the girls' trust and affection which kept our favorite Wizard kind of busy. Also I would like to thank Fuji92 and Sekishiki for some assistances with the chapter.
Read and Review!