Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 14 – Cyclone Effect 2009
"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." Woz narrated like usual in his black void.
On the book showed the final confrontation between Sougo and the remnant of Shiro Kanzaki, transformed into Another Ryuki.
"Despite a dangerous trap set by the Time Jackers, my Overlord proved his mettle and yet again emerged triumphant," Woz smiled. "So much so that the Ryuki Ridewatch remained intact, however…"
The book suddenly became static filled, two sets of red eyes peering out from underneath, the glow revealing vague shapes. One was humanoid while the other towered above it like a monster.
"The flow of time is beginning to change drastically as I feared with Miss Rose's arrival," Woz bit his lip. "While she has done nothing but support my young Overlord, I cannot help but feel that these next few encounters will be our most perilous yet. With the challenges from October said and done, just what is awaiting my Overlord in November?"
Earth – Early November 2018
At 9-5-DO Junichiro was currently reading the Newspaper at his front desk, a bit of a puzzled look on his face. Ruby had just gotten back from errands and was currently wandering around while drinking some milk.
It wasn't long before Sougo and Tsukuyomi returned, Tsukuyomi deciding to still accompany Sougo to school just so she could keep watch for Geiz.
"Huh, Kamen Rider's what now?!" Junichiro exclaimed.
Ruby's eyes widened and to avoid spitting her drink out she swallowed quickly, starting to choke. She quickly ran back into the dining room before Junichiro could see her. Inwardly panicking at the thought of them slipping up.
Tsukuyomi immediately rushed into the dining room to help Ruby while Sougo went over to his uncle.
"What's going on Uncle?" Sougo asked.
"O-Oh, well you know Futo, the neighboring city right?" Junichiro asked to which his nephew gave a nod so he continued, "Well they're apparently home to their own Kamen Rider. I've never seen him before though. But it's so well known there he's essentially a mascot while he's more like a myth to other cities."
Ruby meanwhile had to take a deep breath after managing to swallow, Tsukuyomi giving her a glass of water to sooth her throat. She had calmed down a bit more when she heard Junichiro's explanation. "Okay… for a second I thought…"
"He found you two out?" Tsukuyomi whispered, being given a nod in response.
"Huh, that's kind of cool," Sougo admitted.
"Yep, but apparently recently the Kamen Rider's been on a stealing spree, while the residents of Futo don't believe it, all the other cities are thinking he's gone rogue," Junichiro explained before giving a smile. "Well it's a good thing this city's mostly peaceful right? I'd be even more worried for Geiz if he ended up running into trouble like that on a constant basis."
"Uh… yeah," Sougo nodded as he mentally counted all the incidents in the past two months. He was glad Tokyo was a large place, since his Uncle didn't seem to get caught up in any of their fights. "I think he'll be fine, he's a pretty strong guy."
"Yes, leave him be," Woz answered as he entered into the shop.
"Woz?" Ruby and Tsukuyomi poked their heads out from behind the dining room door.
Junichiro stared at Woz before looking back at his nephew and friends. "…Another friend of yours?"
"Sure, something kind of like that…" Sougo trailed, not wanting to go fully into detail about the whole Overlord deal.
Woz soon came up to the front desk and held his hand out, "May I ask you to repair this for me?" He then set the object on the desk.
"I'm so sorry, we're actually a clock shop," Junichiro protested as he went over to take a look at what he was given. It was an old fashioned analog alarm clock but despite this he didn't realize it at first. He was so used to absurd objects he'd usually repair that he was stuck in his usual pattern. "I only repair timekeeping pieces, like this one…" He trailed as he took it before handing it back to Woz.
Woz took hold of the alarm clock before suddenly noticing that Junichiro had not let go, a bit startled by the noise of surprise the uncle had made.
"Wait a clock?!" Junichiro asked. "That is a clock! I sure as heck can fix that!" He smiled before noticing that Woz was trying to pull the clock away from him with a blank expression. "Um, I'll do it… Please, just let me!" He called in desperation as he managed to yank the clock out of Woz's hands. "It's been so long…" He set it down before turning to the dining room. "I'll get you a drink, make yourself at home!" He smiled before heading to the dining room, Ruby and Tsukuyomi slipping out of the way. "…A real customer!"
"My Overlord… it appears an Another Rider has shown its face once more," Woz announced.
"You came all the way here to tell us that?" Tsukuyomi asked, a bit bugged by this since Woz would normally keep to himself.
"Hmm," Ruby quickly went over to the news article about the Kamen Rider, soon scanning through it. "Futo, Whirlwind Robberies…" She gave a nod before giving a smile. "It's definitely Kamen Rider W, meaning we're dealing with Another W."
"So fast…" Tsukuyomi turned in surprise.
"That's our Ruby for you," Sougo smiled.
"She catches on fast," Woz remarked. "Yes, it appears our Another Rider this time is W."
"Well W is a pretty well known sort of mascot/myth like your Uncle had mentioned," Ruby admitted. "He's one of the one's who was easier to look for information on. But given he's a city away… he's not exactly easy to get a hold of."
"But we have bikes now, so just one quick trip right?" Sougo asked before his face paled a bit. "Oh… I have school still…" He said realizing it'd be a while before his next free day.
"Just leave it to me," Tsukuyomi said as she pulled out her tablet, accessing various files and documents, editing and forging them before digitally printing them out. "Alright," She then went over to Sougo and whispered to him her plan.
"Ooh, oh, yes, I like it," Sougo smiled as he was soon handed the paper by Tsukuyomi.
"Ah Ruby, the tea," Junichiro called as he came over to hand Ruby the tea plate for her to hold while he served the tea. Ruby took the plate and held it steady as Junichiro went to serve it.
"Uncle, I was actually wondering if you could sign this," Sougo said as he soon held out a slip of paper to his uncle who paused and went to look at it.
"Oh, a Field Trip form to Futo for two days and you get to take one guest?" Junichiro asked.
"I had put it off but they said if I got the signature and everything filled today and brought it in the next few hours they'd accept it," Sougo admitted. "I was also wondering if I could take Ruby, get her to see more of the sights you know?"
"Ah that sounds like a wonderful idea, just be careful," Junichiro said, completely buying the story. "Just gives me more quiet time to work on that clock."
"Don't worry, they've got plenty of chaperones for us," Sougo lied with a smile.
"Well then," Junichiro took the tea plate out of Ruby's hands before setting it down, signing it before having her put her signature as well. "There we go."
"Thanks Uncle," Sougo smiled.
Junichiro then looked towards the tea, "Now then…"
"As much as I'd love to stay, I must take my leave for now," Woz turned. "I entrust the device to you." He said before taking off.
"Oh, take care!" Junichiro smiled and waved. "I really like that fellow, how do you know him?"
Sougo had a thoughtful look to him, "Well, he's like… He's someone who believes that I'll be a king someday."
"Someone who's rooting for you and your dream," Junichiro gave a nod. "He's a nice boy." He then noticed the time on one of the many clocks. "Ah Sougo you should really hurry with that slip."
"Ah yeah, you're right," Sougo gave a nod before heading out.
Ruby couldn't help but cross her arms and gave a small smile, while Tokyo in and of itself was nice, being able to visit Futo was going to be fun.
Later That Evening…
At a storage facility two guards were giving yawns as they walked around, various boxes and crates stacked up and lining the large warehouse like hallways. Various labels were on the boxes, some being marked with a stylized X of sorts.
"Man, ever since December last year this place grew big," One guard admitted. "To think it's nearly been a year since that crap happened."
"I know right? I can hardly believe it," The second guard admitted before shivering. "H-hey what's with this draft?"
The first guard shivered with a nod, "You're right… it's cold! Is the door open?!"
When the two went to turn they suddenly yelled out, a glowing compound eye staring at them as a green whirlwind kicked up from where they were. The two guards yelled out in fear as the green winds shot forward, tearing through and sending some boxes tumbling as it reached the two.
Some time passed, the two guards bound and gagged off to the side as various black suited individuals entered the warehouse. They're hands were gloved and they had a black masks with a spine and rib cage design. They said nothing as they began grabbing various human sized and large crates and boxes. Picking them up with ease they began taking them to the back of the warehouse, slowly but surely loading them up into a large unassuming truck.
The masqueraded individuals all gave sighs and nods to each other, several getting inside with the boxes while the others began to close up the back to the truck.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
A flash of yellow and red occurred, Geiz running in from the side in his Rider Form. "You're not getting away!" He called out as he grabbed one of the grunts before spinning and punching it in the face.
The grunts that were still outside quickly began to rush at Geiz while the one at the front of the truck began to start the engine.
"You aren't getting away," Geiz said as he tapped a special button on his axe as he summoned it.
[TIME CHARGE!]
Geiz began slashing against the masked grunts as they tried to overwhelm him, the Rider waiting as the timer counted down.
[5… 4… 3… 2… 1…]
Geiz let out a yell as he spun around, the blade of his axe glowing a bright red as he began cutting through the grunts.
[ZERO TIME!]
[ZAKURI WARI!]
The masked grunts all yelled out as they were struck by the slashes, the cuts on their body glowing as they fell to the ground exploding.
Geiz then switched his weapon to its bow mode, noticing the truck was starting to take off. "You aren't getting-!" He was cut off as he was blown backwards into a wall by a powerful whirlwind. He gasped out as he hit his back, wincing before looking towards the source.
In the distance he saw the right half of a twisted green figure sticking out of the shadows, its glowing eye staring directly at him. Geiz switched his weapon before aiming and firing in a hurry, only injuring its hand before it vanished like the wind itself.
Geiz quickly turned to try and get back to trying to follow the truck when he saw that it was gone. The screeching of tires covered up by his brief encounter, the roar of an engine barely being heard in the distance. He had missed his chance to attempt to follow it with ease, and he didn't know much about the city's routes either.
"Damn it, I'll get you, Another Rider…" Geiz winced as he got up, ready to follow regardless before holding his stomach. He soon lost his transformation as he fell to his knees, falling flat on his face as his vision blurred.
He then heard footsteps, barely able to lift his head as he saw the bright shine of a blue visor fronted helmet, the light revealing a red armored figure. Geiz said nothing as he stared at the figure before passing out.
The Next Day
Earth – Futo City, Early November 2018:
"Whoa…" Ruby trailed as she, Sougo and Tsukuyomi had finally entered the city proper, the trio being captivated by the giant windmill-like tower that was the cities pride and joy, Futo Tower.
"Incredible," Tsukuyomi said, having been looking up information on her tablet. "It's a very ecologically friendly city, windmills being the main source of power due to how often the wind blows in particular here."
"Ah that explains all the pinwheel stuff," Sougo admitted as he looked around slowly but surely falling behind the two girls. Pinwheels could be seen just about everywhere blowing though something seemed off. "Huh?" He looked over, noticing a few pamphlets and signs over some advertisements for what seemed to be a new security firm popping up named Lovely Corp.
"Like what you see?" A man with slicked back black hair asked, he was wearing a white suit with a pink apron over it, he had a pair of oven mitts on having a tray of heart shaped cookies.
"Lovely Corp?" Sougo asked as he took a cookie, he was curious as to why he had the mitts on since the tray wasn't hot, "Do they only work in Futo?"
"Yep, just a humble little spot that's serious about protecting Futo," The man smiled. "We're hoping to expand to other cities including Tokyo soon. So keep an eye out for us."
"Sure," Sougo said as he took a bite of the cookie, humming a bit at how good it tasted. He then realized that Ruby and Tsukuyomi were getting ahead of him. "Ah, wait up!" He called as he took off.
The man simply smiled at him as he ran before noticing someone else nearby, giving a frown. A woman with brown puffy hair in a similar outfit including the oven mitts hurried over.
"What's wrong dear?" She asked.
"Nothing," The man said with a smile before holding the tray to his partner. "Let me take care of something really quickly."
"This is really cool," Ruby said as she looked around, unsure of where to even begin in this city. "Should we go to that hotel you set us up at?"
"I would but we're still pretty early," Tsukuyomi admitted. "Check In isn't until noon and we already left pretty early. We've still got a couple of hours."
"We did get here pretty quickly huh?" Sougo said as he managed to catch up.
Ruby gave a smug grin as she crossed her arms, "Told you the bikes would come in handy, but someone said they were too expensive."
"Hey that was before this whole Rider thing happened," Sougo reminded. "I still don't get how you got yours."
"I've got no clue either, it's a bit annoying with how it has a limiter on its speed though," Ruby admitted. "Even going to Sento, he's still trying to figure out how to unlock its full power."
"Weird," Sougo admitted before looking around. "So how do we find the Kamen Rider?"
"When the city cries… the Kamen Rider will arrive." A voice trailed as a man with brown hair curling up at the ends walked over. He wore a dark blue shirt with a blue and white striped tie, black fashionable vest, pants and shoes tying the outfit together with a black fedora and a white stripe. Tsukuyomi noted the branding on the man's clothing was a company named Windscale. The man gave a hum, "Tourists huh, actually aren't you a bit young to be out today?"
"Oh, us, nah," Ruby waved it off, not really wanting Sougo to get in trouble even if Tsukuyomi had managed to effectively fool both Junichiro and Hikarigamori High School. Junichiro through a fake field trip form and the School via fake sick and doctor notes. "We're plenty old enough."
"So what was that about the city crying?" Sougo asked.
"While this city is relatively peaceful, there are those who wish to take advantage of it," The man explained in a cool tone, or at least he tried. While Sougo was buying it, Ruby and Tsukuyomi couldn't help but feel the man's voice was a bit forced. "But worry not, for the Kamen Rider is always on the case."
"Okay, that's really cool," Sougo smiled.
"I know right?" The man gave a smirk as he tilted his hat to cover his eyes.
"Oh my god," Ruby suddenly called out before rushing over to a street corner. "Sougo, Tsuki!"
"Huh? What is it Ruby!" Tsukuyomi called out as she followed after.
"Hey Ruby wait up!" Sougo called out as he began to run after her.
The man though couldn't help but give a smile when he saw what Ruby was after, "She's got good taste."
Ruby had in fact rushed to the street corner because of who was there. It was a mascot wearing a large green robe with white stripes that covered its body, the robe having a yellow circle with an F on it. It had yellow hands, big yellow feet and a yellow scarf. Its face was a red pinwheel the inside having a beige coloration. It had two big white dots on its face with two smaller red eyes with black pupils.
"Can one of you please take a picture of me with him?" Ruby asked.
"Ruby…" Tsukuyomi sighed, while she was amazed at the city itself, she realized they'd need to get a move on to try and find some sort of clue.
"How about the three of you get in there and I'll take a picture," The fedora wearing man from earlier offered.
"Really…?" Ruby asked.
"Really," The man gave a smile as Ruby handed him her normal phone, Ruby, Tsukuyomi and Sougo quickly huddling against the mascot as they all smiled. The man then took a picture of them and the mascot before giving a salute towards it, the mascot giving a wave back.
Ruby couldn't help but grin a bit as she saw the picture. She then looked at the man. "Thanks Mister… uh…"
"Shotaro Hidari," The man introduced before handing Sougo a card. "…Narumi Detective Agency."
"Ah, thank you," Ruby replied, though since they were with a detective that did give her an idea.
"The pleasure's all mine, I love Futo," Shotaro admitted with a smile. "So to share that love, it's what I enjoy doing. Especially when it comes to guys here like Futo-kun."
It wasn't long before the four of them heard noise from the other street corner. A man in a white suit with white gloves was dancing around while handing out flyers to those curious. He was wearing a pink rabbits head with a heart on it and a pink sash that held the logo for Lovely Corp on it.
"Lovely Corp?" Tsukuyomi asked.
Shotaro gritted his teeth, "Some upstart security firm, thinks that they can provide good security for the citizens here."
"I mean, security is a good thing right?" Ruby asked.
"They make good cookies," Sougo remarked.
"Ooh they do?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah but their deals are too insanely priced," Shotaro admitted. "They're also rather pushy with their advertising. A lot of it gets in the way of the local businesses sometimes."
As the four talked, from far away someone seemed to be watching, looking through a targeting reticule as they suddenly aimed at Shotaro's head before switching over to the mascots head.
Shotaro had seen a glint from far away before quickly tackling Futo-kun to the ground, a bullet just hitting past where the mascot was originally standing. The shot rang through the area as citizens began to panic, suddenly running off.
"Is the Another Rider here?" Tsukuyomi asked as she looked around.
"But where is it?" Sougo questioned.
Shotaro quickly picked Futo-kun before rushing him off, and it wasn't long before the same grunts that Geiz had faced in the evening began to pop out. "Masquerade Dopants…?" He questioned before giving a glare, taking out a bare black buckle-like Driver with a red piece on the front, a red rectangular slot on one side. "You kids get out of here!"
"Huh? What are you going to do?" Ruby asked.
"Just trust me, you don't want to be around here," Shotaro said as he took out a black USB with a gold tip and purple sticker that held a J.
[JOKER!]
Shotaro slotted the device into the slot, purple circular waves of energy radiating from the Driver before slanting it, "Henshin."
[JOKER!]
Purple electricity crackled as black pieces began to form together, creating a simplistic black armored bodysuit. The only real accents on it were dark purple stripes along the shoulders, chest, wrist and ankles. He had bright red eyes and a silver W-shaped v-fin crest on his head.
"Kamen Rider Joker," Shotaro introduced before pointing his finger forward. "Now count up your sins…" He rushed forward, the Masquerade Dopants running to meet him.
"Whoa, I didn't know Futo had two of them," Sougo said, realizing that Joker was separate from W likely.
"I think I heard of this too, for a while after W there was a black Kamen Rider who would still protect the peace," Ruby explained.
Despite their numbers, and despite his very simplistic nature as a Rider, he was tearing into the grunts with ease. Whether it was punches, kicks, jumping over a few, or even going for a few leaping kicks and punches. There were even points where he was easily blocking or dodging before countering his assailants. Shotaro was in complete control of the situation, at least until a blue speck of energy struck him in the shoulder.
Shotaro yelled out as he was flung to the ground, holding his shoulder with a wince, "What?" He then began dodging against several more blasts of energy. Though he was only just barely managing to hang on as the Masquerade Dopants tried to slow him down or hit him while he was distracted.
"Where did that come from?" Sougo asked.
"We need to get in there now," Ruby suggested as she drew out her Driver and activated her Ridewatch.
"Right," Sougo said as he did the same.
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME!]
[KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
"Draw their attention," Ruby said as she used Petal Burst to launch herself higher. She was glad that whoever the sniper was, they were focused on Shotaro.
Sougo meanwhile drew out his personal weapon, switching it to gun mode as he began shooting at the Masquerade Dopants to keep the pressure off of his senior Rider.
"Huh?" Shotaro turned and did a double take, somehow recognizing Sougo's armor. "You're…" He quickly ducked as he dodged against another blast. He quickly smacked two approaching Masquerade Dopant's in the stomachs to force them to stumble.
"I'm Zi-O, it's nice to meet you," Sougo introduced as he tapped the special button on his weapon.
[TIME CHARGE!]
[5… 4… 3… 2… 1… ZERO TIME!]
"Eat this!" Sougo called as he began firing out charged blasts at the remaining Dopants.
[SURE SURE UCHI!]
The Masquerade Dopants yelled out as they were blown backwards before exploding, Shotaro raising his arms up to block a few stray sparks from the explosions. But the two couldn't relax as they were suddenly fired upon again by the mysterious shooter.
"W-Where is it coming from?!" Sougo yelped.
"Keep your cool," Shotaro called out as he continued to dodge before getting shot near his feet and sent tumbling.
Ruby meanwhile had managed to land on a building near the street corner they were fighting on, using Crescent Rose in its rifle formation to try and find the culprit. It wasn't long before she found a tall building with an empty floor that was facing the area she was in. It was hard to tell but she saw what looked to be like a blue figure shooting at Shotaro and Sougo.
"Got you," Ruby drew out her Ridewatch from her Driver and slotted it into place on her weapon before quickly taking aim. "Please do not hear this."
[FINISH TIME! ROZE! SASU SASU SHOOT!]
Rose petals gathered around the barrel of her weapon before she unleashed a powerful burst of energy, the energy hurtling out and managing to strike at the assailant, creating a small explosion. "Nice!"
The victory was short lived however as the assailant had recovered since the shot wasn't a direct one. Aiming they fired out a blast straight back at Ruby.
Ruby yelped as she dropped to the ground to dodge, quickly recovering she went to check on the sniper only to see they had fled. Realizing that the battle was done for now, she jumped down, using Petal Burst to land near the two male Riders, "You guys alright?"
"Ah, the other one," Shotaro said, recognizing Ruby's rider form as well.
This reaction caused Ruby to pause, "Wait, you know us?"
"Sort of, it's a bit of a story," Shotaro said as he dismissed his transformation. "We can talk on the way back at my office."
"Sounds good to me," Sougo agreed as he dismissed his transformation, Ruby doing the same as Tsukuyomi walked over.
"But first things first," Shotaro held his hand out. "I need that watch thing."
"Oh… quick on the uptake," Sougo grinned as he took out a blank Ridewatch and handed it to Shotaro.
"Poke…"
Geiz scrunched his face a bit as he felt something touch it. He began to stir but shifted as he got a bit more comfortable.
"Poke…"
"Haruna, what are you doing?" A woman's voice asked.
"Poking the sleepy funny man," A child's voice answered innocently.
"Haruna, don't poke the napping man," A males voice spoke up.
"Okay daddy," The child's said.
Geiz scrunched his face again his eyes fluttering open, his vision blurred but he could tell there was some sort of girl in front of him with long brown hair but he couldn't make out her features. He then noticed the male that spoke was leading her away. What caught his attention was him being dressed in all red, just like the figure last night…
Geiz gave a sudden gasp as he shot up, wondering where he was as his fighting instincts suddenly kicked in. He heard a light shriek and a yell as he soon noticed he was in a cozy house. Near him was a woman with brown hair done in a ponytail and fairly casual clothes. There was also a young girl, likely only 9 or 10 years old, both having moved behind a man who he assumed was the father/husband. He had dark brown hair that was neatly combed, a bang falling over his right eyebrow. His outfit was interesting, wearing red leather pants and a jacket, a black shirt with a red flaming marking on it. He seemed to have a more concerned look though despite his hardened face.
"Hey, calm down," The man spoke up. "Are you alright?"
"Am I alright? Where the heck am I?" Geiz questioned as he looked around, noticing that he had been asleep on a couch.
"Do not question me," The man said firmly. "Are you alright?"
"Uh… yeah, I guess," Geiz said before his stomach growled. "I uh…"
"Sounds like you're hungry," The man replied before giving a soft smile. "I'm Ryu Terui." He then gestured to the woman, "My wife Akiko," He then squatted down and held the shoulders of the girl. "This is my daughter Haruna," He looked at her. "Say hi to the nice man."
"Hi mister," The girl smiled. "Would you like to join us for breakfast?"
"Don't worry sweetie he will," Akiko gave a smile. "Let's come along now."
"We'll catch up," Ryu smiled before standing up and watching as his wife and daughter hurried off to another part of the house. He then looked over at Geiz, "We can talk about what's going on after you get filled up. You look like you could use it." He said as he flashed a Blank Ridewatch, having taken it from Geiz's possession and tossed it up and down.
Geiz stared in surprise before noticing that on the coffee table was his Ziku Driver alongside all of his Ridewatches laid out.
"Come on now, I make a pretty good blend if you need to wake up some more," Ryu mentioned casually before heading deeper into the house.
Geiz blinked a few times since he had constantly asked this question to himself, but this took the cake. Because now he was really wondering how he even got into this situation to begin with.
"I must admit Finis, this is a clever ruse," Swartz said as he and the other Time Jackers minus Tid were wandering around the outer scaffolding of Futo Tower. "Draw Zi-O away from Tokyo and into a new city, even if our Another Rider fails here, it'll give us a good chance to pick on other candidates without interruption."
"I live to simply push our mission forward," Finis gave a smile as they bowed. "I figured a new locale might help in that."
"Kind of pathetic that Tid's hiding now though," Uhr remarked. "He's more of a kid than I am."
"And that's saying something," Ora admitted.
"Oh worry not, he'll simmer down soon enough," Swartz answered, unaware of the plot by Tid and Finis. "For now, Uhr, you and I should look into future candidates. Ora, stay with Finis and apply backup when needed."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Finis agreed, clearly not put off by the way the other Time Jackers were moving. Tid would soon start his end of the plan now that the distraction was in place. "I'm very much curious just how far this one will go though."
"I suppose it'll be my turn to have fun with Zi-O then," Ora grinned, already having an idea in mind.
"Man, I didn't think you Riders were connected that well," Sougo remarked as he followed after Shotaro with the girls.
"I'm not connected to every Heisei Rider, but I am connected where it counts," Shotaro answered as he adjusted his hat. "Eiji had decided to warn me when the new case was starting up. He figured it might be a part of what he got roped up into."
"We're thinking it likely is," Ruby replied.
"So he told me everything I needed to know, and I took the liberty of informing an ally of mine as well," Shotaro replied as he took out the Blank Ridewatch. "I suppose I'll just have to impart some of my Hard-Boiled wisdom upon you young upstarts."
"Hard-Boiled?" Tsukuyomi muttered.
"So if Eiji told you specifically… then you're Kamen Rider W, right?" Sougo asked.
"That is half true," Shotaro called as he and his three guests arrived at what looked to be a Billiards Hall. "Welcome to my humble abode."
"Your office is a pool place?" Ruby asked.
Shotaro soon pointed towards a sign off to the side, a brown wooded sign with a bright blue, white polka-dotted sign was nailed right near the edge. The name on the main sign confirmed it as the Narumi Detective Agency.
Tsukuyomi could only tilt her head at what seemed to be a random green slipper with katakana literally stuck to the side of the more colorful sign that held the motto.
"Just follow me," Shotaro said as he lead the trio deeper inside, opening the door and leading them inside a quaint little office that almost felt like it was straight out of a noir film. At least in most regards, some items and objects stuck out like sore thumbs.
"This is really cool," Sougo admitted.
"You my junior Rider have good taste," Shotaro said, having to hide a smile as he was glad he had impressed someone.
"Oh, someone actually is fooled by Shotaro's 'Hard-Boiled' display," A voice asked as someone peaked in from behind the curtains of a bed that was at the very back. "How very compelling, to be fooled by a half-boiled man such as Shotaro, I must admit."
It was a young man with black hair swept to his left, having various clips to hold the right side back; he was wearing a baggy long sleeved striped shirt and a hooded sleeveless open jacket with black tight pants and bright yellow boots. He took an immediate interest in Ruby though, there was something about the air around her that felt… different.
"So it is just an act," Tsukuyomi and Ruby stared blankly at Shotaro.
"It's Hard-Boiled Philip, Hard-Boiled!" Shotaro nearly shouted.
Philip shook his head, dropping whatever interest he had temporarily to respond to his partner with a wry grin. "Whatever you say, partner."
"So um… about the new case..." Sougo started.
"Ah right," Shotaro turned towards his partner. "These kids are here, the ones I talked with Eiji about the other day. I think they'll be able to help us."
"Ah yes, the mysterious situation of the apparent Another Rider," Philip spoke up before standing. "But I'm afraid that in this case, it isn't that."
"What do you mean it isn't?" Ruby asked.
"It is clearly the case of a Dopant," Philip replied. "There are plenty of Dopants who hold weather-like abilities. It could even be one like Weather itself."
"Dopant…?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Humans who use devices known as Gaia Memories to attain superhuman forms," Philip explained. "They become monsters known as Dopants. It is very much our field of expertise."
"Yeah but I doubt that a Dopant is behind this, I assume this Another Rider that attacked us has access to all of W's abilities, including Trigger," Shotaro spoke up. "Thus, it is the only one that could shoot at us from afar."
"Uh, is Trigger blue?" Ruby asked.
"Yep, did you see something?" Shotaro asked.
"Only part of it, it was covered in shadow but it was definitely blue," Ruby confirmed.
"Ha, score one!" Shotaro called out.
"There is no concrete proof," Philip reminded. "So if it is an Another Rider as you say, who do you suppose is behind these attacks?"
"Clearly it's Foundation X," Shotaro reminded. "They've dabbled in our equipment before and have been trying to further their own gains. It's clear that they're using this Another Rider to restore their former glory and shame the name of Kamen Rider in Futo."
"Okay… Foundation X, Us, can you please back up and explain?" Ruby asked.
"Foundation X, black market dealers who also research various Rider gear," Philip explained. "They were dealt a heavy blow towards the end of 2011, and didn't resurface and go on a full frontal attack until 2016 and 2017. That didn't work out for them as they were once more scattered to the wind. However I doubt it's them… they're methods are not this petty."
"As for us," Shotaro took out his Joker Gaia Memory.
"We are Kamen Rider W," Philip took out his Cyclone Gaia Memory.
"Going back to the subject," Shotaro decided to speak up, giving a light glare towards his partner. "If you're so smart then have you found the culprit yet?"
"Not exactly," Philip admitted. "However I believe they are definitely ones who wish to take advantage of Foundation X's weakened state by using their equipment."
Sougo, Ruby and Tsukuyomi could only stare at the two in one Rider/detective duo as they began squabbling with each other on the facts and details.
"Either way, W's power is important so letting them have it now will help us out," Shotaro said as he stared at the Blank Ridewatch.
"You don't know how it works do you?" Philip asked.
"Well we've sort of just been running on getting to know the other Riders better, sharing a bit about ourselves," Sougo admitted.
"Then perhaps I must share some knowledge with them," Philip said as he took the Blank Ridewatch to look at it. "I've tried countless times trying to research Another Rider's in general after hearing about them, but to no avail. Perhaps sharing my vast knowledge will help discover the secrets to these."
"These kids do not need to learn about all the different forms of Takoyaki and all of its origins," Shotaro said as he took the watch back. "They must become Hard-Boiled detectives."
"If they follow your lead, they'll only be Half-Boiled as well," Philip chuckled as he received a shout from Shotaro.
"It might not work if we try to force it," Ruby said as she thought a bit though she was starting to figure out a way to possible get the Ridewatch to react given the situation and what little she knew of the two. "Hey, would splitting you two up be bad? Can you guys not transform without being nearby?"
"No we can transform even while apart," Shotaro replied. "Each of us doing our own thing and collaborating is sort of our whole deal."
"Why do you ask?" Philip questioned.
Ruby soon pointed upwards, "Then I say we split up gang!"
"Eh? Split up?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Yeah, we divide ourselves between Philip and Shotaro and search the city to find clues, I think our first order of business is trying to find their next targeted spot," Ruby explained. "We just need to find Foundation X related locations in the city, old or new and see if we get a hit!"
"Ooh, I think we can work with this," Sougo admitted.
"Hey now, I'm the detective here, we should follow my lead," Shotaro argued.
"She's just like the chief in a way, how very compelling," Philip admitted with a smile as he walked over to Ruby. "I'd like to partner up with you," He then looked towards Shotaro. "You can partner up with the other two."
"Eh? You're really going along with her Philip?" Shotaro questioned.
"Consider it like this," Philip answered. "It will be a race for us to prove who is right."
Shotaro fixed his tie before clearing his throat, grabbing Sougo and Tsukuyomi by their wrists before dragging them with him, "Let's go!"
"This is going to be interesting," Ruby admitted with a chuckle.
To say things were awkward was a bit of an understatement. Geiz was sort of inwardly panicking at the idea of just interacting with a normal family, so much so that he was mostly silent during breakfast as he met with the Terui family.
Ryu had let both his wife and daughter know that Geiz was part of work and once he and Geiz had the house to themselves he resumed a more serious demeanor.
"So, I was told by one of my allies that something like this would happen soon, your Geiz right?" Ryu asked as the two sat alone in the dining room table. Geiz' Rider equipment was now between the two. "I was also told you might be on your own."
"Just who gave you all this information?" Geiz asked before suddenly biting his lip.
Ryu only chuckled, seeing that his warning had managed to stick with Geiz. "You met with Eiji right? His backer Kousei Kougami is a powerful man. And since we have a close relationship with OOO and Birth, they figured that W and I would be better off knowing the situation."
"That Kougami guy sure is nosy isn't he?" Geiz asked.
"A bit, but he makes delicious and cheap cake," Ryu admitted. "So I'm curious, I heard there were three others on your team. What happened?"
"I'm trying to stop the rise of an Overlord, Oma Zi-O. He's hurt too many people, so I traveled here to put a stop to him before he could rise to power," Geiz explained, figuring that Ryu was given enough on the situation to allow him to speak freely. Even then he wasn't sure why he was letting all this out, but it felt good in a way. "I've been keeping an eye on him since his friend and my ally insists they can change him for the better. But they're blind and can't see he's just using them. So I left once I reached my breaking point to distance myself."
"Hmm…" Ryu gave a nod. "It's about revenge then?"
"I suppose so…" Geiz admitted. "He's hurt so many friends, and too many people. Even if he isn't that Overlord yet, he's too dangerous to keep around."
"I see, a half-hearted revenge then," Ryu added.
"Half-hearted…?" Geiz asked as his eye twitched.
"You're having doubts," Ryu pointed out. "So much so that you've separated yourself from him and haven't even once tried to take him out since then. Am I Right?"
"Like hell I'm having doubts," Geiz stood up with a glare. "I'll take him out right here and now."
"I'd believe that if you had already done so," Ryu met Geiz's glare with a simple stare. "The fact is you've grown attached to him to where you can't do it as immediately as you say."
"That's…" Geiz looked to the side.
"If you still really want to go about your revenge, do so, but that isn't why you should continue being a Kamen Rider. Not to mention, there's a more immediate threat," Ryu replied.
"Another lesson huh…?" Geiz sighed as he sat down.
"I was a bit like you, the reason I sought power," Ryu admitted. "It was revenge out of hatred. At first, anyway, but… some friends changed me, for the better. Now I'm an officer who fights to protect this city, plus a loving husband and father."
"If you think I'm going to become friends with-" Geiz stopped his rant when he saw Ryu hold up a finger.
"I don't know the whole deal with this Overlord and who he is right now," Ryu answered. "I'm not asking you to make friends with him. But I am asking you rearrange priorities, a Rider shouldn't exist for revenge… but to protect."
"To protect…?" Geiz asked.
"Like those who are harmed by the Another Riders," Ryu answered. "Those seem to be your big impending threat at the moment. And you are one of the three people who can stop that."
"So I should refocus my priorities then," Geiz glanced to the side.
"I'd suggest doing so, maybe then you'll get some clarity on what it truly means to be a Rider," Ryu answered. "While you're sure of what you need to do, what's important is to think of what you can do, for others. What do you want to do, and for who?"
Geiz wasn't sure what to say, simply mulling on the words he was given.
"Just something to think on," Ryu admitted before his phone began ringing.
Geiz raised an eyebrow, "Who's that?"
Ryu held up a finger before answering the phone, "Ryu Terui speaking... Eh? I'll be there right away."
"Something happen?" Geiz asked.
"I'm not sure if it's related to your Another Rider case, but another storage facility has been hit," Ryu explained as he got up. "Mind helping me?"
"Not like I have a choice," Geiz answered, feeling he'd need to repay the food and hospitality somehow.
Philip was currently directing Ruby through the streets of Futo, with the two catching up on who they each were while getting to know each other.
"I must say Ruby you contain a fascinating aura around you," Philip admitted. "It is also why I agreed to this, I wanted to get to know you better."
"Huh, I didn't think I was that special." Ruby said, wondering if he meant her actual Aura or what other people normally meant as aura.
"Mr. Kougami did mention something in particular to me personally after OOO contacted us," Philip admitted. "He told me about your possible origins."
"A-ah he did, did he…" Ruby trailed, while she did like Kougami she wasn't sure about the fact that he knew she was from somewhere else and shared it with others.
"I know it must feel a bit uncomfortable, given I'm sure you don't want many people to know who you are," Philip replied. "But I think it's fascinating… and also, relatable."
Ruby couldn't help but grow curious, "What do you mean?"
"Well… while we're not exactly the same, I know what it's like to lose a piece of yourself, to lose family," Philip admitted before continuing. "But I found my own family with Shotaro and the rest. I just wanted to let you know, that it will get better, that you aren't alone."
"Philip…" Ruby looked at her current partner and thought back a bit. She remembered her time with Junichiro and Sougo, even Tsukuyomi and Geiz. Thinking back to her birthday party not that long ago either. Even if she was separated from her friends and family alongside being in an entirely new world, she still had a family and friends in Sougo and all the other Riders.
"Though it seems to me you might have already found a family here to call your own," Philip mused as he saw the young Riders expression.
"I guess you could say that," Ruby smiled before keeping pace. "So do you and Shotaro get in arguments like this often?"
"Not often," Philip admitted. "I just refuse to truly believe that it's an Another Rider as you call them just yet. I've yet to truly be able to fully look them up."
"Well I mean they aren't going to a quick web search away," Ruby replied.
"Oh, no, I can actually access the Earth's Memory via what we call the Gaia Library," Philip explained only to see Ruby tilting her head. "Here, allow me. Let me see if I can look you up."
Ruby couldn't help but look down, "I'm not sure if the Earth has much to say about me."
"I still feel like it could be worth it," Philip admitted. "Just give me whatever Keywords you can think about. Let's start with your name first."
"Alright, Ruby Rose, Kamen Rider Roze."
Philip soon moved off to the side and away from view before holding out his hand, and closing his eyes. Surprisingly a light shined on him from underneath despite there being no light source. Ruby could only look up and down as Philip seemed to enter a deep trance.
Philip soon opened his eyes in a white void, "Starting lookup." He said as hundreds of bookshelves containing dozens of books began moving back and forth all around him before coming to a halt. "The name is, Ruby Rose."
Though of course while the name Ruby Rose in particular wasn't common, which meant bookshelves began moving out of the way and vanishing, there were still quite a lot left. "Hmm… there's still a lot here with just a name. Granted it is a person's name, though I'm surprised to see there's so much relating to just it."
'How about… Japan?' Ruby asked.
"Ah, wonderful, cut down on any English speaking countries," Philip agreed. "Keyword: Japan." It wasn't long before the bookshelves were cut down by a tremendous number, though a few shelves still remained. "Hmm… what are we missing…?"
'…' Ruby was silent for a while but recalled her Silver Eyes working on Another Ryuki somehow, even if just barely. 'Try Silver Eyes'
"Silver Eyes…?" Philip questioned before giving a nod. Though it only seemed to remove a few books on each of the shelves this time. "It's not quite paring down… is there something special about Silver Eyes?"
'…hmm… try Grimm… with two m's.' Ruby suggested, it was a vague hint and even she wasn't quite sure herself, but the only two things her eyes had an effect on were Grimm and Another Riders.
"Ah like the Brothers Grimm," Philip realized before nodding. "Final Keyword: Grimm."
It wasn't long before the bookshelves all began to move away, leaving only books that began to move away except for one. It was white with red thorn-like patterning on the edges, holding a fancy cursive printed 'Rose' on it. Philip smiled as he took the book by the spine and turned it only for his eyes to widen. There was a padlock on the book. "Eh?"
'Is something wrong Philip?' Ruby asked.
Philip tried to open the book but to no avail, "This is…" The only thought was that this particular book was restricted from him, but he was sure his knowledge wasn't restricted anymore. So who came in and did such a thing?
"It seems even with all of that I couldn't narrow it down," Philip lied, figuring it was best to not let Ruby get her hopes up.
"Oh…" Ruby sighed even though she figured even Philip couldn't really look up much on her.
Philip smiled however, "That being said it was an interesting look up, I enjoy a good mystery so I think we'll be good friends Ruby. Perhaps when we perform a standard lookup on this case, you'll get to see my true capabilities."
"I certainly hope so," Ruby remarked, she couldn't help but be surprised by what occurred to Philip from just an attempt, so seeing a successful one would be something to look out for.
"Now then… do we have any idea what we're looking for?" Philip asked.
"I uh… honestly no clue, I was hoping maybe you'd have someone you'd go to for info," Ruby admitted.
Philip couldn't help but give a bit a laugh however.
"Hey, what's so funny?" Ruby pouted.
"Sorry, sorry, but you're just as Half-Boiled as he is," Philip gave a light laugh.
Ruby couldn't help but laugh a bit at that, "What kind of term is Half-Boiled?"
"Only a term that Shotaro could manifest with his existence," Philip admitted as he kept laughing.
Their laughing would suddenly turn into a yell as a massive explosion occurred nearby followed by a large green tornado.
"Whoa, green wind?!" Ruby questioned.
"That wind… impossible…!" Philip's eyes widened before he began running towards it, Ruby did a double take before following after him.
Both Shotaro and Sougo were on their motorcycles, Sougo stopping with a light yelp when they managed to catch a glimpse of the explosion. Shotaro stopped as well, clicking his tongue.
"Not good," The detective said as he began to rev up the Hardboilder before suddenly people began screaming and pointing in the air. He looked up before yelling out, "D-D-Dragon?!"
"Wait, that looks like a castle!" Sougo called out.
"It's both! Now drive!" Tsukuyomi yelled out.
A purple dragon flew through the sky, its body being a large medieval styled castle with green roofing. Its feet, neck, head, wings and tail all stuck out of the castle itself.
"Sorry Zi-O, but your vacation is over!" Ora's voice called out as the dragon began spitting fireballs at the two.
The two were just barely able to swerve and avoid the fireballs as Shotaro began leading them to a more open area. Tsukuyomi meanwhile was working on calling the Time Mazine while Sougo drove through the streets. However with the Time Mazine not in Futo it would take a bit of time to arrive.
The two skidded to a stop, Tsukuyomi and Shotaro heading for cover with Sougo quickly readying his Belt and Ridewatches.
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
Sougo had chosen his base form while also going for Ryuki's Armor time, the armor attaching immediately after his transformation.
[ARMOR TIME! ADVENT! RYUKI!]
"Let's go, dragon versus dragon!" Sougo called out as he activated his shoulder Dragvisor's, summoning Dragreder to fight with him. The two staring down the large castle dragon as it began to hover overhead.
"That little dragon can't hope to hurt my Castle Doran Unit," Ora gave a laugh as she quickly reconfigured its shape. Just like with Uhr's the body was the same as the standard Time Mazine's though the arms now were two smaller renditions of the large castle with a wing attached each, the dragon head replacing the normal head.
"Oh…" Sougo stared up at the Time Mazine, he yelled out defiantly regardless, "Fire!"
Dragreder roared before unleashing several fireballs against Ora's Time Mazine. Of course despite hitting their marks and doing some damage, the fireballs weren't that effective on it.
"…Really?" Ora asked.
"I don't think I can do this…" Sougo whimpered.
"Come on, hurry…" Tsukuyomi looked around, waiting for Sougo's Time Mazine to arrive.
"The kids going to get toasted at this rate," Shotaro quickly drew out a variant of the Driver he had used but this time it had two slots, this being the W Driver. He was ready to put it on when he heard his phone ringing, soon taking it out and answering it. "Hello?"
"Shotaro!" Philip called out. "You were right! I need W now!"
"Wait, what?" Shotaro asked. "I'm kind of in a pinch, I need W too!"
"I'm not sure what's going on with your end of things, but I really need W more at this moment!" Philip called out.
"Fine…" Shotaro said before hanging up, figuring his partners tone meant something bad was happening. He then looked at Tsukuyomi. "Get ready to catch me."
"Wait, what?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Just get ready," Shotaro said as he put his W Driver to his waist, forming the strap before taking out his Joker Gaia Memory and activating it.
[JOKER!]
He slotted it in before it vanished, soon closing his eyes as he awaited the next step. Tsukuyomi could only stare in confusion at the man as she kept close.
Ruby and Philip weren't having the best time, which was why Philip's request was so urgent. Trying to investigate further had them arrive at the source of the green wind, Another W. The Another Rider was a monstrous half and half Rider.
Its body was leathery, the left half being black with purple strips on the left breast, shoulder, wrist and ankle, each strip having spikes from it with a few spikes sticking out of its arm and hand. The right half was more tattered and scale-like, various cloths draping down, the strips on its right breast, shoulder, wrist and ankle being gold with Egyptian-like symbols on them.
Its belt was almost Egyptian in motif, holding the theme of a bird. Its head was the most absurd, it seeming like a standard but more monstrous head at first with teeth. But looking on each side, the head was made of two twisted helmets, black and green Rider-like helmets just like Shotaro's slammed together and stitched together. Its left thigh held the word, Double, while the right held the date as 2009.
Ruby had attempted to transform but the Another Rider used it's manipulation of the wind to blow her items into a nearby bush, forcing the two to dodge as Philip made his call.
Another W slapped the left side of its belt, the coloration of its left half shifting from black and purple to blue and light blue.
[TRIGGER!]
"Take this!" Another W yelled out, it's voice heavily distorted. It aimed its spiked hand, unleashing blue energy spikes towards the two.
Philip however already had his W Driver on, the Joker Memory fading into view inside it as suddenly a silver blur moved into the way of the spikes, sending them away with a few smacks.
"What?" Ruby asked.
"If you thought I was defenseless, think again," Philip smiled.
A silver limbed and grey-blue bodied small machine that resembled a Dromaesauridae soon hopped onto Philip's shoulder.
"Whoa… you have a Rider Gadget too?" Ruby asked.
"This is Fang," Philip explained as it hopped into his hand, he then began folding it up before revealing the upper half of a dinosaur head, sticking out of its snout was a blue-grey memory with an F on it. "And he's much more than a gadget. Shall we Ruby?"
Ruby had just managed to grab her Ziku Driver and Watch out of the bushes before giving a nod, "Yeah!"
[FANG!]
[ROZE!]
"Henshin!"
Philip slotted the Fang Memory into the W Driver, spreading both vertical slots out into a W shape before folding the Fang Memory down, resting it on top of the center of the Drive, the mouth coming down.
[FANG, JOKER!]
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
"Yeah, like I'll let you do that!" Another W kept its Cyclone, Trigger state before shooting at the two as they transformed. To its surprise the transformations protected them by deflecting the spikes. "What?"
Black and white metal pieces swirled around before coming together as a small whirlwind surrounded Philip. Soon enough Philip had transformed into Kamen Rider W, Fang Joker. His body was in general a tad bulkier and sharper than the standard base body the suits used. The left half was black and purple accented just like Joker but with a more edge to it. The right side was white with silver markings, having the same edge to it.
"Okay so what is… ha, I knew it!" Shotaro's voice called as the suits left eye lit up when he talked, having immediately spotted Another W.
"Wait, Shotaro's here too?!" Ruby questioned after he transformation completed.
"Oh, hey Ruby," Shotaro said, Philip's left arm rising as if it was Shotaro waving at her.
Philip however grabbed his left arm and pushed it down before pointing forward with his right.
"Now, count up your sins!" Both Philip and Shotaro spoke out.
"So this is… W," Ruby stared a bit.
"Philip's W," Shotaro replied.
"Either way, we stand a better chance now," Philip answered. "Let's go!"
"Right," Ruby crouched and took aim, firing at Another W who fired back, their shots managing to cancel each other out.
Another W was not prepared for Philip to rush forward and pounce onto it, sending both tumbling to the ground. Philip rolled however, tapping the horn to the Fang Memory once. A sharp white fang formed on his wrist as he ran forward.
[ARM FANG!]
Another W continued to use its trigger half to shoot at Philip only for the Rider to easily slice through the shots with the Arm Fang. The Another Rider yelled out as the bladed arm dug into its chest, sending it flying backwards.
"Fine then, classics it is!" Another W called out as it reverted its left side to its Joker Formation before unleashing a powerful whirlwind around its body, blocking and deflecting the shots that Ruby had sent at its back.
Ruby groaned before quickly standing up, taking out Knight's Watch and activating it.
[KNIGHT!]
"Let's see if he can get past its wind." Ruby said as she prepped her Weapon Time.
"Tsukuyomi what's taking so long and why is Shotaro passed out?!" Sougo yelled out as he began running around to avoid the fireballs from Ora's Time Mazine. He had taken to summoning the Dragshields to help mitigate some of the damage.
"One, we're one city away please be patient!" Tsukuyomi shouted as she was dragging Shotaro's unconscious body to a safer location. "Second, he just said he wanted me to catch him and then he passed out!"
"Well it needs to hurry!" Sougo called before giving a yell, being blown backwards by a fireball and losing his Ryuki Armor. "Ow…"
"Bye, bye Zi-O," Ora chuckled as her Time Mazine began to approach.
Suddenly from the sky Zi-O's Time Mazine shot into view, slamming straight into Ora's and forcing it back.
"Perfect!" Sougo cheered as he immediately went inside and got onto the controls, shifting it to robot mode. "Let's do this!" He called from the speaker as he went to grab at Ora's Unit, only for it to fly into the air.
"Try to make this fun at least," Ora called as her robot began launching out fireballs from high up, managing to strike and hit the Zi-O Unit a few times.
"At this rate even with the Time Mazine…" Tsukuyomi stared at the battle before her. Ora's Unit had the advantage in height and firepower.
"Come on there has to be…" Sougo yelped as he got jostled a few times in the cockpit, dropping his OOO Watch. "Wait…" He stared at the watch and remembered how the Time Mazine's looked head wise. "Will it?" He asked as he grabbed the watch and activated it.
[TAKA! TORA! BATTA! OOO!]
Suddenly the Zi-O Ridewatch on the Zi-O Unit's head was replaced by OOO, the forearm armor of the Unit gaining the Tora Claws that OOO would wield.
"The face changed…" Tsukuyomi blinked a few times, she was unaware of this particular feature.
Ora's Unit began floating downwards, launching out fireballs from closer and closer ranges to make it hard to dodge.
The Zi-O Unit used its OOO attachments to easily bat away the fireballs with its claws, stabbing its claw straight into Ora's Units stomach before slamming it to the ground. Sougo then began using the claws to his advantage, the weapons providing enough defense and range for the Zi-O Unit to easily block and claw its way through Ora's Castle Doran Unit.
"Not good!" Ora called as her unit was flung upwards, but she used this to her advantage. He unit's wings spread as she tried to get away.
"The air… the air…" Sougo looked on him before seeing the Tajador Watch and remembering how Ankh flew with ease. "Let's go!" He said as he took it out.
[TAKA! KUJAKU! CONDOR! TAJADOL~!]
The head watches soon swapped out, the Zi-O Unit gaining the six red wings of the Tajador Combo. Using the wings Sougo boosted the unit upwards, easily catching up with Ora. The wings were so much of a boost that he was easily slamming into her Unit with his Units fists and feet.
"Now we finish it!"
[FINISH TIME! OOO!]
[GIGA SCAN TIME BREAK!]
Sougo had his Unit back flip while in mid-air, the knees and feet of the unit gaining three pronged talons that caught on fire. The Zi-O unit shot downwards, dropkicking into Ora's Unit as the talons caught the enemy machine in its grip. The machine began to heat up and light on fire before exploding as the Zi-O Unit launched out of the explosion.
From a distance Ora had given a sneer, having used her time stop to escape the unit before it exploded. "I guess you are going to be annoying."
(Insert Start: Over Again by Aya Kamiki and TAKUYA)
[WEAPON TIME! KNIGHT! DARKVISOR!]
Ruby was surprised when her weapon time had actually given her extra holsters on her belt strap, Knight's Advent deck appearing on her right side, while a holster alongside the Darkvisor appeared on her left.
[LUNA!]
Another W chuckled as its right side this time turned yellow with gold, despite its arm getting batted away by Philip's Arm Fang, it managed to ensnare the Rider by coiling its arm around his whole body. "Let's have some fun, Kamen Rider… you won't be this city's protector for much longer."
"Huh?" Shotaro managed to get out.
"A new era is coming Old-Timers, my Era!" Another W laughed.
Shotaro couldn't help but react to this insult, "Who are you calling Old-Timers?!"
"Calm down, Shotaro," Philip said, noticing that Another W had forgotten about Ruby.
"That era, not happening," Ruby drew out a card and opened up the Darkvisor before slotting it in.
[NASTY VENT!]
Darkwing shot out of a nearby reflective surface, soon sending a purple tinted sonic screech at Another W who yelled out.
"Ah that hurts my ears!" Another W gasped as it reeled its arm back, untangling Philip as it tried using both hands to plug its ears but to no avail.
[SHOULDER FANG!]
Philip had tapped the Fang Memory twice, shifting his weapon to his shoulder, removing it before tossing it towards Another W. This fang acted like a homing weapon and boomerang of sorts, causing multiple slashes and returning back to Philip when it was done.
"Gah, no…" Another W whined out as it punched the ground. "Oh well, he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day!" It soon got up and kicked off the ground, a whirlwind shooting it upwards as he went to escape. Its plan was to go as high as it could before it would attempt to fly away.
"What? Come back and face us like a man!" Ruby yelled.
"Shotaro, I suggest we try our new trick," Philip said calmly.
"Ah, now's a perfect chance you're right," Shotaro agreed before he took out a new Memory.
[TRIGGER!]
Philip moved the Fang Memory before folding the Driver up again, removing Joker and inserting Trigger before initiating the form change.
[FANG, TRIGGER!]
The left half of W changed colorations, this one changing to a deep blue in coloration with light blue markings.
[ARM FANG!]
Philip this time summoned two arm fangs onto both sides of his left arm, shifting them to where they were now pointing up and down. He then put his right hand between the two, an energy string forming as he pulled back, revealing a bow.
"I would suggest getting ready Ruby," Philip said as a blue energy arrow formed once enough energy had gathered. He then stood back and aimed upwards.
"Ah, right," Ruby quickly drew out another card before slotting it into the Darkvisor.
[FINAL VENT!]
Darkwing flew by and dropped the Darklancer into her hands, Ruby remembering how Ren used it holding it in a reverse grip. She then began to run forward, Darkwing latching onto her back and forming a cape.
"Fang Sniper Shot!" Philip and Shotaro called at once, unleashing the arrow and striking directly at the Another Rider who had begun to descend and start to move.
Another W gasped out as it was pierced directly in the chest by the arrow, sparks flying as it hurtled back down to the ground.
Ruby rushed in jumping up and holding the Darklancer towards her feet, Darkwing's cape wrapped around her, turning her into a black drill that launched at Another W, slamming into and piercing through it.
Another W could only yell out as he slammed into the ground, exploding.
(Insert End)
"There we go!" Ruby called out.
"Now, who's the culprit?" Shotaro asked.
"Let us see," Philip began to move towards the smoke filled body only for a sudden green whirlwind to blow the smoke away, a thick green tornado being where the Another Rider had fallen. Philip and Shotaro though gave gasps as they saw a twisted green figure in it with a singular yellow compound eye. It was holding something in its arms, likely the body of Another W. "The Cyclone Dopant…"
"There really were Dopants involved too?" Shotaro questioned.
The two-in-one Rider and Ruby however did not get a chance to let any questions out as the tornado shrunk further and further before vanishing, the Cyclone Dopant and person it was carrying having vanished too.
"This complicates things," Philip admitted.
Geiz and Ryu were both at the scene of the crime, a storage warehouse that had been busted into by a large explosion. Various Masquerade Dopants were standing outside as guards as they had dealt with the first barricade and squad that had been sent to deal with them.
Ryu seeing this at a distance had ordered his men to fall back until needed, as the Dopants seemed to only be attacking anyone who got near. Both he and Geiz had driven forward on their motorcycles, shifting and sliding on their side as they skidded into the warehouse, knocking all the Masquerade Dopants away.
Ryu dismounted and looked around, noticing that there was enough cover for how deep they were in.
"Oh…" A voice called from deeper within the warehouse. "Who's messing with our plan?"
"That would be us!" Geiz called out as he dismounted his Ride Striker.
"Well, I hate confronting people… but I drew the short straw so who cares," The voice said as a yellow monstrous figure with large tentacles for hands walked out of the warehouse.
"That's not an Another Rider…" Geiz trailed.
"…The Luna Dopant?" Ryu questioned.
"You know him?" Geiz asked.
"I don't think it's the same guy, but it's concerning that this is Luna," Ryu admitted.
"Just great," Geiz sighed.
"I don't care who you two think you are, you aren't winning!" Luna called out as he waved his arms, summoning another horde of Masquerade Dopants. "Let's go boys!"
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"You have too much hatred."
"So this is where it all begins."
"I feel like we walked into something different here."
"Now, why don't you confess your sins…?"
"Guys, what's happening?"
Chapter 15: Two in One 2018
Author's Note:
So one thing I should mention in regards to the material I use while writing and figuring these tributes out. I usually don't pay much mind to the written and printed side of Kamen Rider, alongside anything purely audio related. This is mostly due to the lack of translations and I can only trust Wiki's so much, you know? That's not to say I won't use aspects of them as ideas however, but as seen with stuff like my utilization of King OOO, the most likely side content I'll grab from in references is the Stage Shows.
Which is why I didn't plan on doing too heavy of Fuuto PI references, but I did want to include some stuff I thought was cool. And that was mostly in wanting to utilize Fang Trigger. This ends up making the announcement last week even funnier in hindsight. Plus this really allowed me to make W one of the more original and out there plots. Especially considering the lack of anything W had in Zi-O.
Of course, Philip and his Gaia Library were definitely fun to use, especially because that means I get to drop some foreshadowing… hehe… ahem, anyway. Thanks again for reading and we'll see each other next time for the second half of the W Arc.