Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 11 – Time Judged All 2018
Once more in the black void, Woz sat at the center but this time with a smile on his face. Despite the pages being static filled, what he had seen was pleasing.
"As it is usually written in this book, average high schooler Tokiwa Sougo embarks on a path which leads him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O." He yet again narrated. "Previously, three important events occurred."
"First, the original Kamen Rider OOO from all those centuries ago has returned as an Another Rider."
"Second, my Overlord chooses to indulge in this opportunity to better himself and take out this ancient king with the help of the current OOO."
"Lastly, for the current OOO himself, an opportunity to firmly reclaim his lost friend presents itself…"
Woz suddenly closed his book and gave a smile, "Oh dear, perhaps I've read too far again."
Earth – Mid October 2018
"Ankh…" Eiji looked at the watch that had formed, noticing it wasn't of his TaToBa Combo he wondered if this was something else entirely. Deciding to risk it he lunged in, taking Ankh's hand and forcing him to hold the watch. "Ankh, I'm here!"
[TAJADOR COMBO!]
Ankh continued to gasp and moan in pain as the watch sunk into his hand. He suddenly yelled out as he unleashed an invisible wind, forcing Eiji back as two bright spectral bird wings formed behind him, the wings having the same gradient that his body had.
"What sort of farce is this?" King hummed, clearly not liking that his servant was acting like this. "Perhaps a jolt will help you." He said as his eyes glowed green, unleashing blasts of green electricity out from them.
"No!" Eiji quickly pushed himself forward and got between Ankh and King, summoning his honeycomb energy shield to block against the attack before forcing it away.
Ankh meanwhile lost his wings before falling to his knees and then falling flat on his face.
"We need to regroup!" Eiji called to everyone present before swapping out full combo medals.
Sougo gave a nod before going over to help Geiz who immediately shoved him off. "Fine," Sougo sighed before calling for the Time Mazine.
[SAI, GORILLA, ZOU!]
The Rhino, Gorilla and Elephant Medal images formed in front of him before combining into one medal, slamming back and transforming him once more.
[SAGOHZO… SA-GOH-ZO!]
Gunmetal grey elephant armored legs, silver bulky shoulder pads alongside two large glove-like gauntlets resembling a gorilla's fists, and finally a white red eyed head resembling a rhinoceros'. Eiji wasted no time, not wanting to risk the chance of a Time Jacker stopping them again.
[SCANNING CHARGE!]
Pressing his feet together and keeping his legs close he shot up into the air before slamming into the ground, creating a few gravity waves.
King gasped out as the ground shattered around him from the impact, the gravity forming around his legs and keeping him stuck in place.
The reformed ground began to drag King closer and closer to Eiji who gathered energy in the gauntlets and headpiece of his armor.
"Ah…. SEIYA!" Eiji yelled out as he delivered a double handed punch and headbutt together once King was close enough. The strength behind it alongside the gathered energy caused a massive explosion.
King yelled out as his body shattered into dozens upon dozens of Cell Medals, the Core's he had absorbed alongside the Golden Core and OOO Anotherwatch dropping into the pile of Medals.
Thinking quickly Eiji grabbed the green insect Core Medals since they were the closest to grab.
[TIME MAZINE!]
It wasn't long before Sougo's Time Mazine shot through the field, opening up as Tsukuyomi, Ruby, Goto and Geiz went to enter it. Sougo quickly hurried over to Eiji as the Time Mazine moved closer for them.
"Can you help me get him in?" Eiji asked as he looked at the fallen avian Greeed.
"Of course," Sougo said, grabbing hold of Ankh with Eiji before carrying him in. Once everyone was in, despite it being very packed inside, Sougo took the controls and sent the Time Mazine shooting off into the sky.
As they left the Cell Medals and remaining Core Medals began to form around the Golden Core alongside the Anotherwatch, energy erupting from the both as the Another Rider began to reform.
[OOO!]
King gasped out as he managed to reform himself, he gave a growl when he noticed no one turned up before yelling out. "Boy! Reveal yourself!" The fact that the boy had saved him once before but not this time and refused to show himself…
Uhr meanwhile gave a grin as he hid from sight, having inevitably decided at least one loss was needed. After all he needed to see just how much the former OOO wanted to be king.
Earth – December 2010
Finis passed through the empty floor of a building, various colored tarps draped and hanging down as they allowed their long flowing cape to drag along the floor. They walked over to the edge of the room, coming across a window that had a good view of the Kougami Foundation main office eight years prior. They had no business in this time period, simply wanting to just get away from all the action happening in 2018.
"Hmm…"
"Uhr's really picked a good one this time," A voice spoke as Tid came out from behind a pillar. "Of all the damn luck, he managed to get the original OOO."
"It is quite perfect isn't it?" Finis remarked. "Admittedly I'm surprised."
"Surprised?" Tid asked.
"That Uhr was allowed to get the next pick," Finis clarified. "Given Swartz gave Uhr and Ora two chances, one by themselves and one working with us, that he'd have taken matters into his own hands."
"You don't think… he's planning something do you?" Tid asked.
"He's scared," Finis remarked as they stared out the window, glancing at Tid through the reflection. "That's why he chose us. And something tells me when he steps up to the plate; it'll be different than our prior attempts."
"I suppose so," Tid muttered before slamming his hand against a support pillar. "I'm just annoyed, I want the Heisei Era destroyed. And I thought I was given a chance to do so when Swartz approached me. But we've gone through four, now five Riders and nothing is changing!"
"Then perhaps we should initiate the change," Finis replied.
"What do you mean by that?" Tid asked.
Finis however didn't respond, only giving a smirk as they figured it was time to start getting more serious.
Earth – Mid October 2018
The group chose to not head back to the Kougami Foundation. On Eiji's suggestion they had ended up stopping at an abandoned warehouse. Everyone eventually agreed that its nondescript locale would hide them better than any notable location they could think of.
Tsukuyomi had been quiet and a bit despondent, currently using her tablet to heal any of Geiz's more severe wounds that he had sustained. Once she was done she had gone towards a random corner of the warehouse, leaving Geiz by himself. Ruby looked over at the Rider who was merely giving a fierce glare towards Sougo who was with Eiji and Goto.
It took a bit of lifting and work, but eventually the trio had managed to lay Ankh's stiff and unconscious body onto a few pallets that were covered by a tarp.
"Do you really think he'll make it?" Goto asked. "Do you think he'll even stay?"
"I'm… not sure," Eiji admitted as he stared at his unconscious friend. "Last time it happened… he managed to, even briefly. I'd like to believe he'll be on our side when he wakes up." He then looked over at Sougo. "Could I see your Ridewatches?"
"Uh sure," Sougo said as he held out Build and Ex-Aid's watches.
"I see," Eiji then held out his hand. "Could you give me another blank one? The one I created… I'm not sure if you can use it. Especially, since it was absorbed by Ankh."
"Oh, sure," Sougo gave a nod as he gave Eiji another blank watch. "We're going to have to do some talking. See if we can get it to react."
"Maybe in a bit," Eiji said as he noticed Ruby nearby. "You should check up on your friends."
"Ah, right," Sougo gave a nod as he walked over to Ruby, while Eiji and Goto went to discuss their next move.
"Okay Sougo… Geiz is pretty steamed but like, what happened?" Ruby asked. "It's not like you to attack him out of the blue."
"Geiz was about to attack Ankh," Sougo shifted his head towards the fallen bird Greeed. "I tried to talk him out of it but he still went through with it anyway. Eiji wasn't exactly in the best mindset when Ankh showed up, I couldn't even imagine what would have happened if Geiz destroyed him."
"O-Oh…" Ruby said before looking over at Ankh, figuring he was in the same boat as Poppy, Parad and even Takumi, a monster who would help others. She gave a sigh, "Even then, I think an apology might be in order for Geiz, just explain yourself and-"
"You can cut the act," Geiz interrupted as he walked over. "You can't see that he has you in the palm of his hand, manipulating you as the two of you continue to manipulate me into furthering your agenda."
"I stand by what I did," Sougo said firmly. "I'm sorry but you were acting too brashly Geiz. Ever since we got to Kougami's you've been on edge. My words got ignored so all I had left to do was to act."
"Sougo, come on," Ruby said, while there was a semi-apology in there it wasn't exactly the best.
"Yeah, that clinches it," Geiz clicked his tongue when he heard this. "You are becoming an Evil Overlord, no better than that damn King OOO who tried to become a God. Hell I'd say you're even worse than him!"
"Geiz, come on now, I know Oma Zi-O is the reason you're here but Sougo isn't like that." Ruby sighed as she put a hand to her head. "He hasn't done anything evil."
"You're too deep into his web of manipulation that you can't even see it," Geiz gave a glare towards Ruby. "I've been too soft, and I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. But after Another Wizard I see clearly, I'd continue to help him gather the Riders Powers and help him grow further. And then once he has no more use for me or Tsukuyomi, he'll get rid of us. But this is getting pointless, if you or Tsukuyomi can't see what's going on then I won't bother wasting my breath." He said before turning to take his leave.
"Geiz, wait!" Ruby called out only to sigh when she saw him speed up.
"Maybe some fresh air will help…" Sougo admitted. "At least getting away from the situation for a bit, he's been pretty put off by everything."
"I suppose…" Ruby then looked at the ground.
Sougo tilted his head, "Is something wrong?"
"It's Tsuki," Ruby admitted. "I think she's starting to feel useless around us and the other Riders. She admitted that she didn't feel as important, and I think a few things I said by accident recently are just piling up."
"Well, we've got some time," Sougo said as he listened to his surroundings, not hearing anything dangerous nearby. "Maybe now you can have an uninterrupted talk."
"Sounds good to me," Ruby gave a bit of a smile. "So you'll talk to Eiji and see if we can get that OOO Watch?"
"That's the plan," Sougo gave a smile.
King gasped out as he leaned against an alleyway, slowly but surely recovering from the Cell Medals he lost. Thankfully due to him originally being human, but now having the body of a Greeed he was able to self-regenerate with his own desire. But even then he had lost three sets of Core Medals and was weaker as a result. "I need more Cells…"
"I've got bad news, and good news," A woman's voice called to King who turned, seeing Ora standing at the end of the alleyway. "Which would you like to hear first?"
"You… who are you?" King questioned.
"A retainer just like Uhr," Ora gave a coy smile. "Now then, which news would you like to hear?"
"Good or bad, it matters not, just tell me where I can gain more Medals," King called as he pointed his claws at her.
"The bad news is that Kougami's Cell Medal supplies are limited nowadays," Ora replied as she drew out a tablet just like Tsukuyomi's. It seemed like the Time Jacker's had their own and was likely how decided their targets. "The good news though is that we're near one of the locations that have those medals."
"Then take me to it, as king I order you to do so," King called out.
"How about you show me how much you want it then?" Ora gave a smirk. "After all I want to see how serious you are about becoming king."
"Then allow me too," King grabbed the Cell Medals from within him and pulled out, holding a handful of them, the medals pulsating with a gold glow just like his gold core. "These Medals are tightly tied to desire itself; I am a living entity of desire, so much so that I've crossed through time to reclaim the power of OOO."
"Well now," Ora's kept her smirk, either way this was a win for her. If this Another OOO did manage to be their ticket to replacing Oma Zi-O she'd have some satisfaction. But if the man's ego was too much and he was done in then she'd be able to mock Uhr. "Given you hurt yourself just to prove it, I'll humor you." She then looked through her tablet before walking past the Another Rider. "Follow me."
"Tsuki come on," Ruby pouted as she crossed her arms, her friend was currently sitting behind a stack of boxes. Ruby tried to get closer only for the time traveler to turn her head and stay in silence. "Tsuki, please, I know what I said sounded rude but at least let me try to talk you through this."
"Please, just leave me alone," Tsukuyomi sighed. "Just let me sit here, you can deal with Another OOO without me. I'm no help to you all."
"Tsuki…" Ruby trailed.
"You don't really believe that do you?"
"Huh?" Ruby turned and Tsukuyomi peeked out of her hiding spot to see Goto approaching them.
"I understand how it feels, you want to save the world, but are frustrated by your current power," Goto replied. "You feel like you can't make a difference."
Tsukuyomi stared in shock, "How did you-"
"I wasn't always a Kamen Rider, my predecessor Date was Birth and I wasn't cut out for it at first," Goto admitted. "Despite that and my own unruly attitude, I tried my best to support Eiji in his battle against the Greeed. When Date ended up stepping down, I took up the mantle. I'm not saying that you need to strive to become a Kamen Rider though."
"Then what should I do?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Do what you can do to support the other Riders, be it as someone in battle, gathering information, or even just being there to listen to them," Goto answered. "What you're capable of doing doesn't matter… it's what you want to do that's important."
"I know you've been feeling down since Another Wizard, but you've been a big help regarding information gathering," Ruby explained. "Like I said, I just got lucky with my connections. If I was knocked out like you were, I know you'd try just as hard to help me however you could."
"Ruby…" Tsukuyomi started.
"And also don't let it get you too down about Yummy's or even Greeed, they're insanely tough regardless," Goto admitted. "I've had to bring out a rocket launcher against them prior to getting the Birth Buster to train with."
"Wait you used a rocket launcher?!" Ruby gasped out.
"Isn't that overkill?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Nothing is overkill when you're dealing with creatures of desire," Goto admitted before jerking slightly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the watch he was given. It was grey with a dark green dial and button, having his Rider Forms face on it. "Huh."
"Perfect, another one to add to the collection," Ruby smiled as she took it from Goto. "And given we're dealing with Yummy's, this should prove useful during the next encounter. Thanks Goto."
"Actually before we get out there," Tsukuyomi fully stood before going over to Goto. "You seem to be proficient with firearms; I was hoping you could give me some tips."
"Hmm, I'll see what I can do, come on," Goto said as he went to lead Tsukuyomi off towards the back of the warehouse.
Kougami was staring at the footage of the previous fight in his office, hands clasped together as he realized what was needed to be done. "It's so unfair!" He called out, arms raised with a whine. "They do this on purpose, and it annoys me so greatly!"
"It kind of sucks how they can just stop time like that," Satonaka admitted as she casually lounged about.
"I've been thinking about it all this time!" Kougami admitted. "And our new Riders have no way of stopping it… but…" He soon saw an email pop up as he clicked on it, his eyes glistening as he read its contents. "Satonaka, I need you to take one of the spare cases of Cell Medals to Goto and Eiji."
"On it," Satonaka said as she began to get up. "What about you, sir?"
"I need to go retrieve a special package, with my ancestor hurt like that he'll need time to recover," Kougami stood up. "And that's just enough time for me to get our edge."
"Roger," Satonaka gave a salute before grabbing her things and heading out.
"The Time Jacker's abilities may be powerful to contend with, but there's still one last option that may be able to get past that," Kougami told himself before heading off as well. He just hoped that he was fast enough in regards to this acquisition and delivery.
"You know it's funny, I can feel a powerful aura around you," Sougo admitted as he and Eiji sat on some barrels near Ankh's unconscious body. "That Another OOO was a king, so do you want to be a king too?"
"A king… honestly no," Eiji admitted with a small laugh. "So long as I have a little money and some underwear for tomorrow, I'm satisfied."
"…Underwear?" Sougo asked with a light chuckle.
Before Eiji could answer Woz emerged from behind Ankh, "While he has no wish to become King, his power is very real and strong. After all, the base of OOO power is desire."
"Oh there you are Woz," Sougo smiled.
"I see you have some odd friends too," Eiji remarked. "But he's right, the power of OOO, the Greeed, it's all based on desire. I am curious though, what was that about you wanting to be a king? I noticed you seemed pretty talkative with the King OOO."
"Well, it's more like…" Sougo started. "I've known I was one since I was born. I want to become the greatest and kindest overlord of all time."
Eiji gave a big smile, "That's a pretty big and interesting desire if I've ever seen one." He admitted, the overlord part was a bit off but he felt like he could still impart some advice. "Well, if you want to be a king, there's something you should learn. There are some things you can't do alone."
"I mean I know that, I team up a lot with the others. But for being a king, there are?" Sougo asked.
"Even in general," Eiji added. "No matter how much you want to help, you can't save everyone by yourself. That's why even if I can't help everyone at once, if there are people I can reach out to and help, I'll do it."
Sougo smiled, "Even though you both are OOO, I think I like you a lot more than the original. I started on this path because I wanted to help others. That's the kind of king I want to be."
"If you believe that then I think you'll do fine, but always remember you have others supporting and helping," Eiji reminded. "Even if you can't reach, if you let them help your reach can extend further than you thought possible."
"Right," Sougo gave a nod. "I think I can do that."
"Anyway about the-" Eiji was cut off when a multicolored shine came from his pocket, taking it out to reveal a green backed watch with a yellow dial and button, the TaToBa Combo's face on it. "Ah, this is it!"
"Now I really think we can do this," Sougo grinned as he was handed the Ridewatch.
"Wonderful my Overlord, you've properly gained yet another power from a Rider," Woz smiled, glad to see that Sougo claimed and was most likely to use OOO power this time.
"Perfect," Eiji smiled, he was a bit worried about the Time Jacker's stopping them but he had one idea of what could work. He just hoped that Kougami was on the same wavelength as him. He decided to speak up though, "Before we go I called someone to meet us here. I want to wait for her first because there are a few things I'm worried about, and I'd rather get one out of the way."
"Oh sure," Sougo said before tires screeching could be heard, Satonaka's white sports car arriving at the open entrance to the warehouse and catching everyone's attention. Ruby began to make her way to the front, Tsukuyomi and Goto coming over as even they had heard the screeching of the tires from back where they were practicing.
Eiji was relieved to see that who he called had arrived also with Satonaka. It was a woman wearing a white dress with a brown belt, brown boots, and a jean jacket, having long brown hair. Oddly enough she was holding a white bag that held something.
"Ah, Hina, you made it," Eiji called out in relief as he hurried over. "I'm sorry to call you on such short notice."
"Eiji its fine, but you said there was someone you wanted me to see?" Hina asked.
"Yeah, and I was wondering if you could watch them too," Eiji said as he began to lead her over to where Ankh was, quickly bracing her when she gave a gasp and stumbled back. "Sorry to spring it on you."
"Is… is he…" Hina trailed.
"I don't know," Eiji admitted. "But he's been out cold for a while. I was hoping if you could watch him while we stop the trouble that's going on."
"I'll do it," Hina said before handing him the bag. "But you'll need this."
"Ah there it is… tomorrow's underwear!" Eiji gave a smile and oddly enough pulled out multicolored boxers, severely confusing Sougo, Ruby and Tsukuyomi. "Thanks for bringing it on such short notice Hina, I definitely feel like we're going to win now!"
"…Underwear?" Ruby raised an eyebrow.
"The past is still a mysterious place…" Tsukuyomi trailed, wondering what exactly Hina was doing and if this was a custom of the past.
"Ah right, what was that about Underwear?" Sougo asked suddenly.
"It was my grandfather's last request. Since a man never knows when he'll die… he should always wear a good pair of underwear."
"I still don't get it…" Tsukuyomi admitted.
"That sounds pretty deep for that kind of item…" Ruby remarked.
"That's not what I mean. What's important is the tomorrow part," Eiji explained. "It's the determination to properly live today and face tomorrow."
"Face tomorrow…" Ruby trailed before giving a nod, it was a bit weird with its relation to underwear but she did get the meaning. "I think I understand."
"Yeah, I really like you," Sougo admitted, really enjoying the brief time he was spending with Eiji.
It wasn't long before a Gorilla Candroid hopped on Satonaka's shoulder, swinging its arms and making noises.
"Uh oh," Satonaka quickly checked her phone. "Not good, a facility where we store some of the few remaining Cell Medals got hit by King OOO."
"We need to get going then," Goto realized.
"Do you think you four can go ahead without me?" Eiji asked, causing a few surprised reactions. "There's something else I'm waiting for."
"Sounds good to me," Sougo said before looking at Ruby. "Let's go."
"Right," Ruby said as she and Sougo summoned the Rose Attacker and Ride Striker bikes. The two mounted them as Tsukuyomi went to get on the Rose Attacker.
"Here you go Goto, a refill from the boss," Satonaka walked over to her partner and handed him a few clips of Cell Medals for him to go in prepared with.
"Thank you," Goto gave a nod before hurrying out of the warehouse, looking around as Ruby and Sougo rode over to him.
"Need a lift like last time?" Sougo asked.
"No, I think I'm good," Goto admitted as he walked over to a strange vending machine. It was strange in that it was oddly placed near an abandoned warehouse. Taking out a Cell Medal he pushed it into the main slot before pressing the main button, backing up as the vending machine reconfigured itself into a Rider Machine, the Ride Vendor. Goto mounted it before revving the engine and taking off.
"Wow, these Riders really make their bikes super interesting," Ruby admitted, Sougo's, Sento's, hers, the Auto Vajin and now the Rider Vendor. Without another word, she and Sougo took off after Goto, figuring he'd have an idea of where Another OOO currently was.
Uhr and Ora were currently observing King from the top of a building.
"I have to admit, you picked a real good one this time," Ora conceded.
"That's right, this Another Rider is nothing like the others, he may be a bit of a pain on the ego side but he's willing to go along with us so he's alright," Uhr admitted. "I bet the others are jealous right now."
"I'm sure Tid is," Ora replied. "His dumb plan to kill Zi-O got in the way of our true goal."
As they spoke, the Another Rider had made his way out of the facility and pumped with more Cell Medals. So much so that he even created more Yummy's, but these were different than before.
They were knights with metal chainmail and armor holding swords, orange cloth draped from their shoulders to their shins, a blue strap tying it up at the waist with a blue sash that held golden triangles. These were foot soldiers more fitting of a king, Knights who would do whatever it took to protect him. While they weren't as plentiful as the Waste Yummy's, the Knights had durability to make up for it.
It wasn't long before Sougo, Ruby and Goto rode up, the trio stopping and dismounting their bikes with Tsukuyomi.
"Ah, you lot have come back…" King remarked as he didn't notice immediately that Eiji wasn't present. "Run now and I may temporarily spare your lives!"
"Someone got an upgrade… and still has an ego." Ruby sighed before holding out her hand. "Sougo, I need to borrow Build."
"Sounds good to me, I was going to go Ex-Aid for some heavy hits first," Sougo admitted as he handed Ruby the Build Ridewatch before he prepped his and Ex-Aid's watches.
"I've got a plan to take them out but we need to gather them up in one spot," Goto said.
"Quit your mumbling and assume your positions," King called out as he pointed his claws forward. The Knights responded in turn by marching towards the group.
"Let's go," Sougo said as he slotted both of his watches in.
"Right," Ruby said as she did the same, wanting her Weapon Time immediately. "Let's kick some medal monster butt!"
Goto said nothing as he prepped his Birth Driver, getting his Cell Medal ready.
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O! ARMOR TIME! LEVEL UP EX-AID!]
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE! BUILD! WEAPON TIME! DRILL CRUSHER!]
*POP*
The trio of Riders stood side by side, Sougo gaining his Ex-Aid Armor while Ruby held her hand out and grasped Build's Drill Crusher weapon, pressing the trigger and causing it to spin. Goto meanwhile took out a Cell Medal as he braced himself.
Sougo quickly took off with a running leap, jumping high as he threw himself gauntlets first into the crowd of Knights. He had managed to strike at two before quickly raising his gauntlets to block two slashes. He ducked underneath before performing a combination punch to force back the two that attacked him. Ruby meanwhile sped forward with Petal Burst, the drill spinning rapidly as she slashed and jabbed with the Drill Crusher.
From the attacks, the Knights seemed to be made out of more Cell Medals than the Waste Yummies as their wounds began to spew out several when they were struck.
"We need to get on the outside and start pushing them together," Sougo said as he jumped away.
"Right," Ruby used Petal Burst to dash to the other side. The two beginning to force their opponents back.
[BREAST CANNON]
Goto's front capsule on the birth armor opened up, armoring with a cylindrical cannon with a red rim and two handles forming as he gripped both and readied his feet. "Tsukuyomi I need your help. Try and trip up the Knights and force them to topple over the others."
"Right," Tsukuyomi aimed and began firing more precise shots at the Knights, namely their feet. Despite being made of Medals they were able to flinch as their supporting limbs were struck, stumbling and tumbling into each other.
Ruby and Sougo meanwhile used this to their advantage, slowly but surely pushing the Knights together.
[CELL BURST!]
"Perfect," Goto said, figuring that Sougo and Ruby had done enough damage, loading in more Cell Medals into his Driver. "Breast Cannon, Shoot!" He called as he unleashed a red beam of energy against the Knights. He had managed to strike enough of them to cause an explosion that engulfed all of them, medals clattering and falling everywhere.
King growled out, "Enough!" He yelled, the tassels on his head growing and shifting into makeshift tendrils, the two tassels shooting out and wrapping around Sougo and Ruby's necks. Both Riders gasped out as the tendrils lifted them up and slammed them together.
The two fell to the ground, trying to get up but unable to, Goto quickly rushing over to them with the Breast Cannon still active.
King gathered electricity in his claws, the electricity shining brightly as he sent several electrified slashes forward.
[CELL BURST!]
"Breast Cannon Shoot," Goto quickly loaded in a few more Cell Medals before launching a quick blast against the assault. Despite this they had gotten too close, the attacks colliding and sending the Riders tumbling back. Ruby and Goto losing their weapons while Sougo ended up in base form.
Tsukuyomi took a few steps forward, "Guys!"
"Don't get closer!" Goto warned as his armor smoked from the explosion.
Tsukuyomi paused when she realized she'd need to be careful about this, "But…"
That was when a screech could be heard, a car door opening and closing before footsteps began to come closer and closer. It wasn't long before Eiji began to make his way into view.
"Eiji…" Sougo coughed, wondering if this was their chance.
Uhr and Ora stared at Eiji, they knew that the true Rider was effective against their Another Rider counterpart. But they both figured that they'd be able to just stop time with ease. Of course they were unaware that the building they were standing on had a video screen. The screen turned on before showing Kougami approaching them.
"Time Jackers," He called grabbing their attention. "It's a pleasure to meet ones with such desire as yourselves." He said as he walked over with a white and red present box.
"Who are you?" Uhr asked.
"And what do you even have?" Ora raised an eyebrow, curious at the box.
"Kosei Kougami, Another OOO's descendant, and the True OOO benefactor," Kougami introduced before holding up the box. "As for this, this is the future."
"True or false, past or future, it doesn't matter." Ora replied. "You can't stop this one."
"Ah, I see," Kougami gave a light chuckle. "You underestimate me and barely know anything about history. For those that do… they know that getting in the way of my desires is not a good idea. But those who don't get in my way, I help them in various ways. I help them so much that I'm running this business still in about 30 years."
"Get to the point old man," Uhr growled.
"Let me show you," Kougami soon stood at the edge of the building with them. Opening the box to reveal enhanced TaToBa Core Medals, these in addition to having the gold edges, feature golden designs of the animals represented. "A Combo that was gifted to young Eiji 7 years ago, Enhanced Core Medals, the Super TaToBa Combo!"
The three medals were grasped and thrown down to Eiji who caught them in one fell swoop. Slowly but surely he inserted them, grasshopper, tiger, then hawk. "I was honestly glad that Kougami came through, this is what we can use to win." He admitted as he gripped gripped the OOO Scanner before sliding it across his Driver.
"Henshin!"
[SUPER, SUPER, SUPER!]
The medals cycled around like usual, the three lining up in front of him.
[SUPER TAKA, SUPER TORA, SUPER BATTA!]
The three medals combined before shooting onto his chest, forming his new transformation.
[SU~PER TATOBA, TA-TO-BA! SUPER!]
In a surprising display, the colors of the TaToBa combo were now inverted with the armor gaining a sharper appearance. This resulted in him having green legs and stomach with black grasshopper armoring, a yellow chest and shoulders with black tiger styled armoring, and a primarily red enhanced version of his hawk helmet with piercing red eyes underneath a red visor.
"Whoa… Super?" Ruby asked.
"That's pretty cool," Sougo admitted.
"We can win," Goto managed to slowly get up.
"You all will lose," Ora flicked her feather charm, the green tinted reality of time stop washing over the entire area. Uhr though couldn't help but shiver a bit at Kougami who had been frozen too, the man wearing a large smile.
King gave a chuckle already realizing his successor was doomed, rushing over he jumped and sent a flying kick at Eiji.
Eiji however did the surprising thing and moved, shifting his body and spinning behind the Another Rider, extending his claws and swiping against Another OOO's back, sending the corrupted Rider tumbling to the ground.
Ora's eyes widened in shock as the time stop ended, "What?"
Uhr snapped his fingers, stopping time yet again, "How?"
Eiji however chuckled as he rushed towards the fallen King, the Another Rider getting up to swipe at him only for Eiji to jump over with ease. Eiji then spun and slashed with his claws, sparks flying as Cell Medals flew out from the Another Rider.
"Impossible…" Uhr said as he retracted the time stop.
"Explain old man, now!" Ora glared at Kougami, seeing that he was laughing. "Why is our time stop not working on OOO when it did before?!"
"Because those aren't your average Core Medals," Kougami started.
"I knew these would come in handy, time displaced Core Medals from the future," Eiji explained as he held his belt. "Meaning no matter how much you stop time, I'll still be able to move in it."
"Incredible!" Sougo grinned behind his helmet.
"You can't let him show you up now can you?" Ruby asked as she got up.
"Right, we'll finish this together," Sougo said as he took out the OOO Watch, activating it before slotting it into his empty watch slot and rotating the Driver.
[OOO!]
A stiff red metal hawk flew in from the sky, a yellow tiger and green grasshopper in a similar design jumping out of the bushes as they leapt towards Sougo.
[ARMOR TIME! TAKA! TORA! BATTA! OOO!]
The metal animals unfolded and shifted into armor, the hawk acting as the helmet creating a similar visor to OOO's Taka head but with a gap in the center and added Zi-O clock hands. The tiger formed into large bulky shoulder pads with a singular extended yellow claw, while the grasshopper formed outer armoring.
The three armors latched together before sliding back into Sougo, the Katakana for OOO locking in place as a similar quirk was applied to the chest. The katakana for hawk, tiger and grasshopper was on the chest instead of the animal symbols.
Woz casually strolled into view, giving a satisfied reaction. "Happy Birthday," He announced. "REJOICE! He is the heir to the power of all Riders. The ruler of time, traveling beyond time and space to reign over past and future… his name is Kamen Rider Zi-O: OOO Armor! And in this moment, he has once again received the power of another Rider!"
"Oh right he does that," Ruby realized that because Geiz had taken the last two armor's Woz hadn't rejoiced for a while.
Sougo immediately rushed forward, ducking underneath an overhead swing from King before striking at the Another Rider's gut with his claw. Sparks flew as Cell Medals spilled out and the Another Rider staggered back.
Kougami could only grin, "Happy Birthday… ZI-O!"
"Damn it," Uhr hissed, realizing that their plan was up in smoke.
"Better luck next time," Ora gave a bored tone as she began to walk off, she was not about to keep pausing time even if Eiji was the only one unaffected. Even one person unaffected meant that there was no chance at trying to make this into a better situation.
Uhr gave a childish glare towards Kougami before hurrying off after Ora, the two disappearing.
"You curs, how dare you pathetic excuses of retainers abandon me!" King called out before quickly raising his claw to stop Eiji from slicing at him. "Just because they're gone doesn't mean I'm done!" His eyes glowed blue as he unleashed a torrent of water against Eiji to force him back.
Sougo noticed how jumpy Eiji had been and so concentrated, despite his bulky armor he leapt easily with his grasshopper legs. He then kicked out, striking at King several times with enhanced kicks before landing.
"The world doesn't need two kings!" Sougo called out.
"Forget being a king," King had called out. "I will continue to obtain the prize I seek alone like I always have, becoming a God!"
"Either way, I can't let you go," Sougo called out as he rushed in, clawing at King only to get caught in a grab. Despite this he forced himself out of King's grasp before performing an uppercut with his claw, striking at King and sending him flying backwards. "Your era is over, your desire may be great but your ways are wrong!"
"And yet I can sense a more malicious presence from you boy," King hissed out as he slowly picked himself up. "I sense much bloodshed in your future… you are no better… no you are worse than me!"
"You're wrong about that," Sougo called out. "I'll become the greatest, most beloved overlord."
"Such drivel!" King called out. "It makes me sick!"
"Let's finish this, Sougo," Eiji called out as he ran over to Sougo's side, the two ready to initiate their finishers when suddenly a bright red flame slammed into the ground between them. The heat radiating off of it was so intense that the Rider's had to move back.
The flame slowly but surely dismissing itself as Ankh stood between King and the Riders, his right side facing the Riders while his left faced King. Eiji gave a light gasp gripping his hands tightly as he saw Ankh. Oddly enough Ankh's belt and buckle were now colored in gold, having a gold orb at the center of the buckle.
"No way…" Ruby trailed as she saw Ankh.
"King," Ankh spoke as he held his left arm out towards King, the TaJaDor Watch in his hand.
"Ah, the watch my successor created in a fit of desire," King chuckled as he began to walk towards Ankh. "If I use that then I will be able to surpass those two easily."
"Yes," Ankh replied.
King gave a chuckle before suddenly gasping out, his head shaking as he looked down. Ankh had turned and shoved his right hand into the Another Rider's chest.
"Yes, "if" being the keyword," Ankh added, his visor glowing as King's body pulsated.
King looked up, giving a light gasp as he saw Ankh's face, it being fully restored. Before he could even grab at the Bird Greeed, the hand was ripped out of his chest and he was shoved back.
Ankh scoffed as he held out his right hand, having taken the sea animal medals alongside having destabilized the golden core briefly, taking the silver edged hawk, peacock and condor medals. But in a surprising turn of events, the silver edges faded into gold.
"I'm not sure what all this watch and time business is about, but this is my chance," Ankh said as he flicked the three new bird Core Medals into him, giving a sigh of satisfaction as he spread his wings out.
"A… Ankh…" Eiji trailed as he began to walk over.
"What are you blabbering about," Ankh turned as his appearance began to shift to a human form.
Bright red pants and black shoes, a white belt and t-shirt, a black leather jacket with the right sleeve somehow being maroon in coloration. He had bright blond hair, it curling and picking up towards the right as it formed a bang of sorts. The biggest feature was that he kept his Greeed forearm, the armored bird-like arm meshing in with the maroon portion of his jacket.
"It's really you… isn't it?" Eiji asked.
"Eiji, I see you're still completely hopeless without me," Ankh called out, lifting his arm up as if he was talking through that as well.
Eiji was glad that he had his suit on right now, as admittedly he was getting very teary eyed. Though one could easily tell from how his voice wavered. "I think I've been doing pretty fine."
Ankh seemed to notice but kept the attitude, "As if I care."
Eiji looked to the sky briefly, "I wonder if this really is the tomorrow that is waiting for you…"
"What are you even on about with that?" Ankh questioned.
"I'm just glad to see that you're still you," Eiji admitted.
This received another scoff from Ankh, "And you're as stupid as ever." He then held out his hand, rubbing his fingers. "I expect my payment when this is over."
"Seriously… fine." Eiji started before smiling behind his helmet. "Welcome home, Ankh."
"Aw, that's kind of sweet," Sougo admitted.
"Huh… birdie's got sass," Ruby noted.
"Hey…" Ankh suddenly grabbed Eiji and moved him out of the way, giving a glare at Ruby. "What did you just call me?"
"Um, nothing, I said nothing!" Ruby called out quickly before bowing. "It's nice to meet you Ankh!"
"Yeah that's right," Ankh dropped his glare before turning back towards King who was still reeling from Ankh's previous attack. "I think it's time we take care of this nutjob."
"Forget the damn Core Medals," King yelled out as he slammed his claw into his body before ripping out the yellow feline Medals. He then yelled and threw them out, the trio of Medals clattering near the pile of medals left from the Knight Yummy's.
"Oh no," Goto quickly rushed over towards the pile only for a golden light to shine out.
The Cell Medals began forming around the three Cores. An armored feline-like Greeed form, holding a goth-like Western/African style of clothing, being mostly black, grey and silver with some brown and gold littered throughout, his head having noticeable dreadlocks hanging down from it.
"So you bring that damn cat Kazari back," Ankh remarked before noticing that Kazari himself was not doing anything. "Oh I see, guess I'm special."
"Good, an obedient servant," King chuckled. "Kazari destroy them!"
[SHOVEL ARM!]
Goto brought out a giant scoop shovel with an orange rim from his left forearm capsule. He then used it to grab Kazari by the waist before slotting in another Medal.
[CATERPILLAR LEG!]
Soon enough the capsules on his legs opened up and formed two heavy shin-length armored boots with treads and purple markings on the shins. Goto yelled out as he began using the treads to push Kazari back despite the Greeed digging its feet into the ground.
"You all defeat that King! I'll beat this copy!" Goto called out.
"You aren't doing it alone!" Ruby called out as she rushed over, using Petal Burst to speed herself up before kicking at Kazari. Her increase in speed and momentum had allowed her to strike the Greeed in the head and send him tumbling out of Goto's grip.
"Don't worry about them, I'll support them," Tsukuyomi called as she began to approach. "You three take care of the Another Rider!"
(Insert Start: Time Judged All ~8 Years Later~ by Shu Watanabe & Ryosuke Miura)
"Then it's us three against the relic that should be dead," Ankh turned and looked at King, he was ready to transform back into his Greeed form when he felt a pulse. He held up the TaJaDor Ridewatch, feeling the urge to activate it. Turning the dial he pressed down on the button.
[TAJADOR COMBO!]
Suddenly it shimmered and disappeared, an OOO Driver with hawk, peacock and condor medals already inside forming at his waist. "Eh?"
"Eh?" Eiji and Sougo turned to face Ankh when they saw this.
"Well now," Ankh gave a light grin. "This is going to be weird but oh so satisfying." He said as he gripped the medal scanner with his Greeed arm before scanning the medals.
["TAKA", "KUJAKU", "CONDOR"!]
Instead of the normal announcer calling out the names, it was Ankh's voice coming from the scanner itself. The three medals appeared though the hawk medal had become a multicolored gradient just like Ankh's Greeed coloration. The three combined before shooting onto him. Six multicolored phoenix wings forming from his back as the transformation completed.
[TA~JA~DOR!]
Ankh wore the familiar black bodysuit of OOO, having a full red consistent color scheme, even the emblem in the center being a complete rendition of a mythical bird alongside a full gold rim just like TaToBa. His head was similar to Eiji's Super Taka helmet but with three gold feathers curving upwards. His shoulders red frill-feather armored, his forearms being his Greeed Arm's overlaid onto the suit, the left arm though held a large red medal disc that was attached to his arm, covering most of it. His legs were sharp and red armored with talons just like condors that were colored gold. Coming down from the back of his waist was a feathered coattail that reached down to his shins, it acting as a multicolored tail.
"Incredible," Eiji trailed. "It's Tajador… but Ankh styled."
"Impossible! A mere Greeed is given my power?!" King yelled out.
"Like I said, oh so satisfying," Ankh called out as he began to confidently strut towards King, his stride managing to rile up the ancient ruler.
King rushed in, jabbing at Ankh with his claws only for the Greed to raise the shielded arm to block. The Another Rider gasped out as his claw was batted away right as he was struck in the stomach by Ankh's fist. King tried to slash at Ankh with both claws this time, the Greed merely grabbing both arms before planting a fire filled foot in his stomach.
"Yeah, I can work with this, the Taja Spinner has its uses," Ankh admitted as he gathered fire in his weapon before unleashing a punch against King that released all of that energy. The fire spewing out as the Another Rider skidded backwards on foot. "Hey you two idiots, I'm not doing all the work myself! Get in here!"
"A-Ah right," Eiji called out, finally out of his shock before looking at Sougo. "Let's go."
"Right," Sougo called out as he got ready, the two rushing towards the battle.
Ankh quickly blocked against a kick with the Taja Spinner, moving back from the force of the kick. At this moment Sougo and Eiji jumped forward and over Ankh, claws extended, the two striking at King and forcing him backwards.
"There can only be one OOO," King growled out as he gathered all of his energy into his claws, slashing outwards and unleashed six slashes of energy from them.
"That's right," Ankh said as he spread his arms, a multicolored away of peacock feathers forming behind him before launching out, the projectiles striking against the slashes in rapid succession. The attacks were so intense that an explosion occurred at the center once all the feathers collided with the slashes. "And the OOO that is walking away today isn't you."
King yelled as he jumped through the explosion, claws extended as he slashed at Ankh.
The bird Greeed easily shifted his body to avoid the slashes. He then blocked a swing with his Taja Spinner, grabbing onto King's arm. With several swift kicks, he began striking the Another Rider in the stomach, sparks flying as he let go.
Sougo dashed in from the side, clawing at Another OOO only to get his claw caught by both if King's.
"Don't think it'll be that easy!" King growled out.
Eiji however came from behind Sougo, hopping over the tiger shoulder before landing behind King, spinning and kicking the Another Rider in the stomach to force him back.
King was ready to retaliate only to get struck by several fiery blasts of energy courtesy of Ankh's Taja Spinner.
(Insert End)
(Insert Start: Reverse/Re:birth by Hiroaki Iwanaga & Asaya Kimijima)
Kazari gave a chuckle as it began unleashing its dreadlocks as tendrils against the two Riders. Goto was at a disadvantage due to having his bulky armor, while Ruby was just barely speeding away with Petal Burst.
[BURST MODE!]
Tsukuyomi quickly shot at Kazari's tendrils, her multiple shots managing to strike and force several of them back and into each other. The Greeed retracted them to keep from tangling them up before turning towards Tsukuyomi. To its surprise Tsukuyomi shot it directly in the face, managing to force it back as it covered its face.
"Nice aim!" Goto congratulated with a thumbs-up.
"Given all the flash over there we can't be shown up just yet," Ruby said as she activated Birth's Ridewatch before slotting it in. "Weapon Time!"
[BIRTH!]
[WEAPON TIME! BIRTH BUSTER!]
Ruby grinned as she gained the Birth Buster, loading it up before locking the clip into place and taking aim. Thanks to her usage of Crescent Rose the recoil was no issue for her, easily firing and striking against Kazari.
The medal creature gasped out as it was struck, the shots managing to break apart its body enough for Cell Medals to fly.
Goto used this chance to charge forward on his caterpillar leg armaments. He slid across the ground and kicking out, the treads spinning and striking Kazari harder. Kazari however batted the leg down before clawing at Goto, the Rider grabbing its claw with his shovel arm only to get struck in the chest by the other claw.
"Yeah, not today," Goto gritted his teeth before kicking at Kazari with his heavier legs, managing to force the Greeed backwards. The monster was ready to move forward when it was shot several more times by Ruby who had reloaded.
"Thank you Ziku Driver," Ruby muttered, glad that her Weapon Time provided her with what she needed and didn't just leave her ammo-less.
Kazari growled out, swiping its arms out and unleashing small bursts of wind from his arms, managing to force the two Riders and Tsukuyomi back when they got closer. The Greeed then began speeding around, striking at Goto and Ruby, forcing them both to the ground.
It stopped before unleashing its tendrils from its dreadlocks once more, this time wrapping and constricting them around both Riders. Tsukuyomi was ready to try and free them only for Kazari to unleash another burst of air to force her back.
"Not good," Goto hissed out, trying to strike at the tendrils only to get his Shovel Arm and Caterpillar legs ripped off, sparks flying.
[FINISH TIME!]
"Huh?" Ruby glanced around when she heard the announcement.
[WIZARD! GIWA GIWA SHOOT!]
Suddenly an ice arrow shot into the center of the tendrils, exploding and fully freezing them in place. A fiery arrow soon came into view and exploded, shattering the tendrils and forcing Ruby and Goto back to the ground. Kazari hissed as it was thrown onto the ground from the explosion, its head smoking as a result of its dreadlocks
Ruby quickly looked around, spotting Geiz on a nearby building holding his bow weapon in his Rider Form. Needless to say she was surprised, "Geiz…"
Geiz said nothing though as he turned to walk away.
"Well it's better than nothing," Ruby sighed before shaking her head. "Goto let's finish this guy off."
"On it," Goto said as he took out his Birth Buster before taking off the ammo cap. "Slot it on the barrel."
"The barrel," Ruby gave a nod as she did the same.
The two then slotted the ammo clip horizontally on the front of the barrel of the gun.
[CELL BURST!]
The announcement rung out as Birth's visor glowed; Ruby's lettering glowing as the two gained precise aiming instructions on the screens of their helmets. Energy began to gather in the multiple barrels, a giant glowing medal of energy forming and spinning as red, green and yellow rings formed in front of the gun.
Kazari tried to run, getting up only to get shot in the legs, falling back down to the ground due to staggering. Tsukuyomi gave a smile as she managed to keep the Greeed from running. The Greeed only just barely got up as the charging sequence completed.
The two gave a yell and fired at the same time, unleashing both golden blasts that struck against Kazari. The attacks were too much for it as it destabilized, exploding into Cell Medals.
(Insert End)
"This is not the end!" King called out as he jumped high into the air, forming fiery energy wings as he began to fly higher.
"No you don't," Ankh said as he gave a grunt, releasing all six Core Medals from his body, thankfully the transformation acted as a stabilizer and kept him from falling apart into a pile of medals. He then opened up the Taja Spinner revealing seven medal slots, the medals slotting in.
"Ankh," Eiji spoke up when he saw the hawk medals, both were fully intact without any cracks but one now had a red, green and yellow gradient to it. "That Medal…"
Ankh gave a light chuckle before closing the Taja Spinner, scanning the six Medals inside of it. He then spread out six wings from his armor before taking off into the sky.
[TAKA, KUJAKU, CONDER, TAKA, KUJAKU, CONDOR! GIGA SCAN!]
Ankh began swiftly dodging around any slashes the Another Rider unleashed from his claws, getting closer and closer.
"Stay still!" King called out as he continued to slash.
"Fat chance," Ankh shot back as his body erupted into flames, a phoenix-like aura surrounding him as he shot upward, striking through King. He then stopped mid-air as the aura dispersed, aiming the Taja Spinner and unleashing a powerful fireball.
King gasped out as he tried to compose himself, turning only to yell out as the fireball struck him. He continued to yell as Cell Medals rained from his body, hurtling towards the ground.
"Let's go Sougo, we'll finish him for good." Eiji turned towards his junior Rider.
"Right, let's do it!" Sougo called out, the two initiating their finishers.
[FINISH TIME! OOO!]
[SCANNING CHARGE!]
Eiji and Sougo crouched down, Eiji's legs morphing into a more natural grasshopper before they reverted right as both he and Sougo jumped up into the air. The two flew high into the air thanks to their enhanced jumping before kicking downwards.
[SCANNING TIME BREAK!]
Suddenly giant glowing medals formed and spread apart between the two Riders and King, each having the katakana for hawk, tiger and grasshopper. At the same time, rings of red, yellow and green light formed around each respective medal.
The two Riders kicked against the medals, slowly but surely stacking them against each other before they slammed the medals straight into King. The medals began to merge into each other, creating one large medal similar to the OOO Armor chest plate.
"SEIYA!"
Sougo and Eiji yelled out as they kicked further, three interconnected O's forming as an explosion occurred. The two jumped out of the explosion, landing in crouched states before standing. Ankh slowly floated down, landing behind them as his back faced theirs.
The OOO Anotherwatch clattered to the ground alongside the Golden Core Medal, which was now riddled with cracks. A golden specter formed gasping out as he reached towards the sky, "How…? My desire was so great…"
"But incomparable to the desire of my Overlord," Woz walked over. "My felicitations, King OOO, you have become excellent fertilizer to help bring forth a great king."
"Such a foul victory…" The golden specter gasped out as both the OOO Another Watch and the Golden Core shattered. The specter soon fell forward before dispersing into golden particles.
Woz could only give a soft smile as he saw the King OOO finally fade from this plane of reality. Truly a real king of history as his opponent allowed Sougo to rise to the challenge and firm up his grasp on his rule.
As the scene of battle calmed down, Kougami took off to his office, the Riders all dismissing their transformations as they met after the battle. Eiji though had asked the others to watch Ankh briefly as he rushed off in a hurry.
"I see you're just as reckless as ever," Ankh noted the injuries on Goto.
"Nice to see you again too Ankh," Goto remarked with an eyeroll.
Ankh then looked in his hand, after battle the Driver and Medals had reverted back to the Ridewatch. Looking over at Ruby he swiftly tossed it towards her.
Ruby gave a yelp as she caught it, "Ah, wait, don't you want it?"
"I could care less," Ankh called out. "The only reason I took on that mantle briefly was to take a potshot at the King OOO ego. That's all." He then turned towards Sougo. "Kid, I hope you use that power you got from OOO properly. Understood?"
"Uh, yes sir," Sougo said giving a nod.
"Alright I'm back!" Eiji called out as he walked over with a white bag, soon handing over a light blue Popsicle in a wrapper over to Ankh. "As promised, the popsicle you wanted."
Ankh stared at the frozen treat for a bit before suddenly grabbing the white bag out of Eiji's hand, giving a smirk as he saw more popsicles inside.
"H-Hey wait those are for everyone else!" Eiji called out as he tried to get the bag back only for Ankh to lift it over Eiji as he ran past.
"No, I think I'll have them all," Ankh said as he reached in and grabbed three different popsicles, giving a grin.
"Ankh," Eiji whined before his expression softened a bit before he began to approach, "So…"
"So?" Ankh questioned, ready to take the popsicles out of their wrappers only get his cheek pinched. He immediately dropped the popsicles back into the bag before grabbing at Eiji by the face with his Greeed hand, squeezing his cheeks. "What's the big idea?"
"You're really back this time… huh?" Eiji asked.
Ankh simply let go of Eiji's face before giving a scoff, "I suppose that proves how strong your desires really are." He said as he looked off to the side.
"Right," Eiji gave a nod before realizing something, "Wait, what happened to Hina?!"
"Huh? Oh right, I was in a rush so I left while she wasn't looking," Ankh replied in a casual manner.
"We need to find her then to let her in on the good news!" Eiji grabbed his friends hand before rushing off.
"Hey Eiji let go!" Ankh called out as he was dragged off.
"Nope, we've got places to be!" Eiji called out before turning back to everyone. "Sorry to leave in such a rush but thanks for your help!"
"It's fine!" Ruby called with a wave. "Have fun!"
"So, all's well that ends well?" Sougo asked.
"I suppose," Tsukuyomi gave a nod.
"Thank you for your assistance, I'm sure Kougami will repay the favor at a later date," Goto gave a nod to the trio before taking off.
As the day grew later and dinnertime grew closer, Ruby, Sougo and Tsukuyomi had ended up returning to 9-5-DO.
"We're back," Sougo called out, as he went to place the OOO Watch on the Daizer in the dining room.
Ruby placed her Ridewatches nearby but she couldn't help but feel something was off with the Daizer.
"Welcome home!" Junichiro called as he entered the dining room while drying his hands. "I've been waiting, did you get the chicken?"
"Oh," Sougo suddenly realized due to the excitement of everything happening he had forgotten to grab the chicken his uncle wanted. This was a bit more embarrassing given all the bird related stuff he had seen today. "I uh… forgot, I could have sworn I mentioned it to Ruby or Tsukuyomi."
"You actually didn't," Tsukuyomi corrected as Ruby gave a nod.
"Oh…" Sougo trailed.
Junichiro was a bit surprised since he hadn't really prepared anything otherwise, but this gave him an opportunity to pick the chicken so he didn't mind. "Oh well, I'll go buy it now." He was ready to head out when something else hit him, stopping and turning. "By the way, what happened with Geiz?"
"Huh, what do you mean?" Sougo asked.
"He grabbed all of his stuff and left," Junichiro explained.
"He did?!" Sougo asked in shock, Tsukuyomi going wide eyed.
"Geiz…" Ruby said softly as she looked back to the Daizer, she was right when she realized it felt off. Faiz, Wizard, Drive, Ghost and Genm were missing.
"Don't forget…" Geiz spoke to himself, trying to hammer it home. "He's not my friend or anything else… I came to this time to defeat Oma Zi-O."
As he wandered aimlessly through the city, he was unaware he was being watched. Finis was watching him with great interest.
"And so they're split," Finis mused to themselves. "Now what is your next move, Swartz?" They asked before glancing over in a certain direction.
A squirrel had managed to grab a stray strawberry and was currently taking it up a tree. As it reached the top it stopped, staring at some teenagers playing baseball in an empty lot.
Nearby the lot was an old building with dirty glass, though despite its age it still held reflections. A blue humanoid creature lurked within the reflection, it having an almost dragonfly-like design to it. Multiple red eyes pierced through as it began to take a step forward.
Suddenly from behind an eastern styled red dragon with silver markings appeared and bit down on it. At that instant a stray baseball from the kids hit the window, shattering it. Through the shimmering broken glass, multiple armored warriors could be seen as gold feathers swept the glass away.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"Where am I?"
"Sometimes I feel like I've done this before…"
"Fight to your heart's content as Kamen Riders."
"No…. no, no…"
"Now someone's started the Rider Battle again."
"Ruby what's wrong?"
Chapter 12: Advent of Silver 2002
Author's Note: This was a cathartic chapter to write, if only because well, I've decided to take matters into my own hands. We know that Ankh comes back at some point, but Toei always just teases and we never get that proper full reunion. But Ankh also helps confirm a thing I hinted at via the Faiz Arc, which is that I've given the Ridewatches temporal restorative properties. We'll see this in actions a few more times later on.
Of course though, how did you enjoy that tease? I figured I'd sort of lull you all into a false sense of security. While Faiz still helped somewhat follow the First Quarter pattern, I've thrown that out the window with this next tribute. We've got Kamen Rider Ryuki up next as the replacement to the Gaim Tribute. Gaim itself won't be coming until way later, this being that I want to help spread out the more unique Armor Times and also because Ryuki just fits nicely into this next spot.
There's another actual reason as to why I've chosen to do Ryuki sooner than normal, but I won't say why immediately. Either I'll see you guys next month for the final stretch of the October 2018 Arc in Zi-O via Ryuki.