Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 43 – King and Kamen Rider 2019
"In this book average High Schooler Tokiwa Sougo once embarked on a path that set him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O. For now he chooses to simply call himself a Kamen Rider." Woz narrated as at a distance. "He was faced with a new enemy, one who cannot be defeated… Another Ryuga."
Woz soon walked forward, "Both Miss Rose and Sougo are confronted by darker reflections of themselves. While Miss Rose struggles to come to terms with her full existence, my Overlord begins to head back on his path to Oma Zi-O, striking back against his foes with said power."
Mirror World – Early February 2019
Sougo winced as he tried to best Mirror Zi-O in combat only to get his blade forced out of his hands, yelling as he was slashed across the chest. He stumbled back before falling on his side.
"Not going to use it?" Mirror Zi-O asked before holding out his fingers and rubbing them together, "The ultimate power you received from Woz…"
Sougo could only take the Ridewatch out and stare at it, "This…"
"Now you see that's how you do it…" Mirror Zi-O answered in an almost encouraging voice, "Don't be scared and let it all out. The small darkness you hold, the great desire you try to push down… you could never become just a Kamen Rider."
"That's not true." Sougo shook his head, "On Remnant I said…"
"You can proclaim as loudly as you want, but that doesn't mean it's the truth," Mirror Zi-O pointed out as he moved closer. "The only way to beat Another Ryuga is to accept Oma Zi-O's power, your power. Now show me what you're going to do."
Sougo gave a yelped as he was pushed away by his mirror counterpart, staggering back before he was surrounded by reversed 'kick' katakana.
[fInIsH tImE!]
[TiMe BrEaK!]
Mirror Zi-O had jumped up, the reversed katakana combining before flying over and merging with the sole of his left boot. He kicked out with his left leg, slamming his foot into Sougo's chest and sending his real counterpart flying.
Earth – Early February 2019
After regrouping, everyone had decided to split up in the meantime. Parado was sent to guard Shinji still in case Shiro-Woz tried anything. Weiss and Blake were actively searching for some kind of way to enter the Mirror World, and while Ruby joined them, she kept her distance and made sure to keep her eyes away from any reflective surfaces.
Geiz meanwhile was currently walking through a covered bridge with Tsukuyomi and Yang. Or at least the two girls were. Geiz himself had lagged behind them incredibly.
Yang noticed that Geiz seemed to be taking it slow, "Something on your mind?"
"You've been quiet since the end of the fight," Tsukuyomi noted.
"I've thought about trying to change this world's future for so long… but I never considered what comes after that…" Geiz admitted in a ramble.
"I can relate… especially now," Tsukuyomi gave a nod before staring at her hands. "What future do I want? And should I really get a right to decide that future?"
"I feel disgusted," Geiz continued, "Even if it was for a second, I considered sacrificing an innocent person just to take down our enemy…"
"We'll find a way to beat Another Ryuga," Yang reassured. "We're not resorting to Shiro-Woz's cruel methods."
Geiz gave a nod and crossed his arms, "Anyone that would humor the idea has no right dreaming of a peaceful future."
"Sougo wouldn't even weigh the option…" Tsukuyomi agreed.
"Even my Team, there's no way we'd condone that," Yang replied though her mind drifted back to Sougo, "Hey… I was wondering if I could ask you guys something…"
"What is it?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"I think I know what it is," Geiz glanced towards his ally.
"I want your honest opinion," Yang gave a more serious look, "Do you two think that Sougo still has the potential to become Oma Zi-O?"
"That…" Tsukuyomi trailed as she looked down, "I've thought about it, and I realize that if I'm to judge Sougo, it has to be on who he is as a person, and not the power he wields."
"Well said," Geiz said before turning and taking off, deliberately not answering the question.
Yang could only sigh as she was given the cold shoulder before following after the Rider alongside Tsukuyomi.
Ruby, Weiss and Blake weren't having much luck on their end, the latter two having tried to find just about any kind of clue only for nothing to turn up. After checking the spots Ruby remembered entering and exiting from during the Another Ryuki Incident, they had gone for more secluded areas.
"Are you sure you don't have any idea?" Blake turned towards her leader.
"Sorry but I've really got no clue," Ruby admitted with a shrug as she kept her head facing away from the set of windows they were near.
"You'd think that because you're a Rider you'd be able to enter though," Weiss sighed as she put a hand on her hip, shaking her head.
"Just because you're a Rider doesn't mean you're the right type. The only reason you were able to enter last time was because you were pulled in by Odin."
"Huh, I guess that makes sense," Blake shrugged before her ears twitched when she heard a ringing sound. Turning she ended up seeing Mirror Ruby who was facing her, she looked back to see Ruby who had stopped seconds earlier with her head turned. Blake looked back and forth, "What?"
Weiss rolled her eyes at the Mirror Ruby, "You again?"
"I'm her reflection, you can't get rid of me that easily," Mirror Ruby answered.
"What do you want?" Ruby asked with a sneer as she turned. "We're trying to find my friend."
"You shouldn't be worrying about Sougo and just worry about yourself," Mirror Ruby put her hands behind her head. "He needs to face his own trial, his own less desirable side." She couldn't help but lower her arms with a chuckle, "But that's just like us huh? We don't care about what happens to ourselves, we just want to make sure everyone else is okay. We need to keep moving because the moment we stop to try and think we'll be faced with all the crushing questions we're trying to avoid. Or… the ones you try to avoid."
"What are you even going on about?" Blake narrowed her eyes.
"She's just trying to distract us," Ruby sighed and turned away to start walking.
"You mean you're trying to distract yourself," Mirror Ruby pointed out before she leaned back, "But let's move past that point for now. You're imbalanced because you've realized the power difference between Huntsmen and Riders. Even if they can fight monsters better than the average human, it's a harder effort. You've realized that and that's what's been influencing your decisions so far."
Ruby had taken a few steps forward before pausing, "…"
"You've come to feel your role as a Huntress is diminished now because of the bigger picture going on and simply wish to play the role of a Rider since it's safer, better," Mirror Ruby said before giving a sigh when there was no response, "Either way, the point is I'm here because you're at your breaking point thanks to Blake and Weiss losing their Rider powers."
"Wait, what?" Weiss asked.
Blake blinked a few times before looking at her friend, "Ruby…"
"It's really wrecking her up inside," Mirror Ruby admitted. "This is my personal opinion but I think she would have tried to avoid taking you to Earth if you all didn't become Riders."
"Shut up," Ruby hissed and turned with a glare, "Why would I ever abandon my friends?"
"Because you're scared for their safety," Mirror Ruby answered in a more serious expression. "You remember how they were against Kasshine when he took you. Their fights against the Another Riders, while exceptional, were cutting it close before they got the ability to transform. It's a touching and understandable reason but you honestly need to trust them more, they can easily handle themselves."
"Ruby, you know we don't blame you for not being able to help us," Blake sighed as she took a step forward.
"Oh you may not but that doesn't mean she doesn't blame herself," Mirror Ruby answered again. "Ever since her loss to Kaito she's been going about all the ways to try and prove she isn't weak. And her failing you two are probably some of the biggest hits she's been given."
Weiss looked at Ruby who had completely turned away at this point before giving a glare at the mirror counterpart, "Will you just shut up and buzz off already? She's not in the mood to talk."
"Because she thinks she can just ignore my words," Mirror Ruby sighed. "It doesn't matter what she tries to believe because she knows deep down I'm right. Because I'm her, she's me… that's all there is to it. She's trying to seek the wrong kind of strength, and if she keeps walking the path she's on she'll end up ab-"
"Shut up!" Ruby yelled out before quickly using Petal Burst to launch herself away from the area, hoping that it would drag Mirror Ruby along.
Mirror Ruby could only give a chuckle and crossed her arms, "Honestly…" Her expression softened as she began to fade. "She's lucky to have friends like you all. But for her sake you all really need to try and pry more…"
Weiss and Blake could only stare at the reflective surface as the mirror copy faded. The two looked at each other, hints of confusion and concern adorning their faces.
"Blake, I need you to check in at 9-5-DO, if they haven't had any luck with Sougo they'll likely regroup there," Weiss replied before taking a deep breath, "If it's anyone other than Yang, do not tell them what we saw."
"Are you sure?" Blake asked.
Weiss gave a nod, "Yes, this is a Team RWBY issue. I'd like it if we could try and solve it together."
"Right," Blake turned to head off, she looked back however. "Are you sure about heading off on your own?"
"I told her I'd be the best partner she's ever had and that especially means right now when she's starting to get assaulted by all this stuff," Weiss answered. "I'll make sure we catch up sooner rather than later."
Blake paused however, "Wait, how are you going to find her?"
"I've got an idea," Weiss admitted as she reached in her pockets.
Geiz had the idea to check back at 9-5-DO, thinking that maybe Sougo had come back by now and was waiting for everyone else. Tsukuyomi and Yang could only follow in agreement since they had no lead on where he was.
"Is Sougo here?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"He's still not back yet…" Junichiro admitted as he worked on a customer's order while glancing back at a package. "And I really needed him to run some errands, without Ruby I've been busier than usual…" He grabbed the package before giving a sly smile, "What about you guys?"
Yang gave a chuckle at Junichiro's tactics to try and get free help. She was tempted to accept though, figuring a short break from the case might be good for some thinking.
Everyone was interrupted however by a sudden ringing, Geiz and Tsukuyomi recognizing it immediately as everyone glanced around. Various glass cases began to warp before Sougo suddenly dropped out of one suddenly.
Sougo yelled as he slammed into the ground, "Ow…" He trailed before realizing where he was, "Oh…"
"Welcome back, Sougo!" Junichiro called out before having to ask the obvious question. "Um, where did you come from…?"
"Um…" Sougo gave a sheepish smile, "…the Mirror World?"
Junichiro could only give a nod, "Yeah? You really are something else… I mean a mirror w-" He cut himself off when he noticed how everyone else was barely reacting. "You three aren't even surprised. I guess that's just kids these days."
Yang sighed as she walked around and went to massage Junichiro's shoulders, "Nah, maybe all that work's just getting to you?"
"You know what, I think I am overworked," Junichiro agreed as he felt himself relax a bit before holding up the package, "I'll take a walk to stretch and drop this off."
"Good idea," Yang smiled as she gently nudged the uncle towards the door.
Not long after Junichiro exited, Blake came in, surprised to see everyone including Sougo at the shop.
"I… huh, that was easier than I thought," Blake noted.
"Not for me," Sougo groaned as he was helped up by Tsukuyomi. "Where are Ruby and Weiss?"
"They're following a lead," Blake answered, respecting Weiss' wishes to cover up the Mirror Ruby issue. "So I came here to see if you all had found anything."
"So what's our situation?" Yang asked. "Did you find Another Ryuga?"
"No, I ran into trouble," Sougo half-lied as he went to the dining room, going to sit on the couch to relax. "And I ended up getting booted out."
The others began to file into the dining room, Yang leaning against the countertop that separated the dining room from the kitchen while Blake sat in one of the chairs by the table. Tsukuyomi joined Sougo on the couch to check for injuries while Geiz paced around.
"A Kamen Rider from a lost world of mirrors," Geiz paced around.
"One of the failed timelines from Ryuki's battles," Sougo added. "Woz confirmed it this morning for me."
"So he really can't be defeated?" Blake asked.
"Not unless we do something drastically cruel," Yang admitted. "But we're not stooping to that level."
"Not to mention he's an Another Rider of the Rider he used to be," Geiz replied. "So we can't even get a Ryuga Watch from him."
"And, he reflects all of our attacks. Like a mirror," Sougo pointed out as he was lost in thought, "Geiz, how were you trying to beat him?"
"Unlike Time Break and Blast, my Time Burst finisher has a slight lag before the effects are felt," Geiz explained. "If I used that, I'd be able to beat him before the attack is reflected."
"So that's how it'd work," Sougo realized, a bit surprised at how ingenious of an idea it was.
"But it would still get reflected after, and you'd be hit with it too, right?" Tsukuyomi asked.
Yang slammed her left hand onto the counter as she turned with a glare, her eyes red, "I thought I said you weren't doing anything stupid."
"If there's no other way, then I'll do what I have to," Geiz answered as he kept his back to everyone, without another word he began to walk for the exit.
"Get back here!" Yang growled out as she rushed after Geiz.
"Yang, wait!" Blake quickly rushed off after the two.
Tsukuyomi could only give a sigh as she watched everyone leave, walking over to the front, "I swear…"
"Tsukuyomi," Sougo slowly followed, "Why is Geiz willing to risk his life to beat Another Ryuga?"
"I think he's angry at himself," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"Geiz? But why…?" Sougo asked.
"Shiro-Woz suggested that he kill Shinji to stop Another Ryuga," Tsukuyomi replied. "And it seems like Geiz considered it, even for just a second…"
Sougo scratched his head, "Why would he be upset just for thinking about it?"
"Probably because of you, Sougo," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"Me…?" Sougo turned and pointed, a bit surprised.
Tsukuyomi gave a smile as she nodded, "The old Geiz would've accepted that sacrifices are necessary in battle. But you always try to save everyone, right? I mean that's what being a Kamen Rider is about, protecting others till the bitter end. You two and Ruby have had so many good role models thanks to the Riders still existing. I think he's been changing because of you and the others and he doesn't even realize it."
"I…" Sougo started but was unsure of what to say.
"The same goes for me," Tsukuyomi admitted as she turned to face Sougo, "I don't think you could ever be an evil overlord. It doesn't matter what powers you gain, so long as you keep true to who you really are." She then went to head back outside, "I'm not worried about the Day of Oma. The day where you become Oma Zi-O will never happen."
Sougo could only watch as his friend left before giving a wince once he heard ringing.
"You little hypocrite, always trying to save everyone…" Mirror Sougo smiled as he walked through the reflections of the various clocks and cases of 9-5-DO.
"That's how I feel! I want to protect all of my-everyone!" Sougo caught himself as he went to glance at his reflective self.
Mirror Sougo gave a wicked smile, "But Geiz isn't one of them right? You had him explain how to beat the Another Rider, to coax him into doing it-"
"No! I want to save Geiz!" Sougo called out defiantly as he went over to where his mirror self had settled, one of the display cases.
"And so you'll accept the power of Oma Zi-O via the Watch, won't you?" Mirror Sougo asked. "Deny it all you want, you know that you need that power to beat Another Ryuga! Saving Geiz is just an excuse!"
"No…" Sougo hissed out.
"You have a bad habit of saying the opposite of what you think deep down inside," Mirror Sougo called out. "Just realize that your dreams are rooted in darker tendencies, the lies and tricks, the plans, the lust for more power. You are fitting of the title of an evil Overlord. Sure living with Ruby for a year has helped you in that regard, but if she wasn't here you'd be so much worse off. We both know this!"
"You're wrong… You're wrong!" Sougo yelled out as he pulled away from the case and went over to a table near the wall of clocks. "You're wrong!"
"No, I'm not!" Mirror Sougo yelled out as his presence multiplied, staring down at Sougo from the multitude of clocks. "Keep denying your true self and it doesn't matter what choice you make, you'll become the most despicable being of all time."
Sougo could only shakily breath in and out as he turned, staring at the Ridewatch in his hand. His eyes widened when he saw a projection over it. It was similar to the other half of Silver Roze, except this one held a black base with gold lining, an unfamiliar Zi-O face adorning it as it briefly moved to the side before fading.
"Don't think of asking Ruby for help, she has her own issues to get past first before she can truly help you," Mirror Sougo explained as he looked down on his real counterpart. "And she'll be stuck for such a long time. This is something you need to decide on for yourself. I'll await your decision and be there when you make it, because I am you."
Sougo glanced back before feeling lightheaded, dropping down to sit on the floor as he tried to compose himself. He needed something or someone to point him in the right direction, as he panicked due to the sight of all the reflective surfaces there was one man he remembered was similar to him…
Ruby was currently sitting at the edge of a fountain, and thankfully there was no one else around at the moment. She was lost in thought at the words her mirror self had told her, and she hated that she was stewing on this subject.
"No… I can't worry about myself," Ruby shook her head. "She isn't the issue right now, it's just Another Ryuga. She's tied to this Mirror World so if I get rid of Another Ryuga she'll vanish automatically."
[SEARCH HAWK!]
Ruby looked up in surprise to see the Taka Watchroid flying nearby, "Birdie?"
"There you are," Weiss remarked as she held her hand out, catching the Rider Gadget before pocketing it, "You had me worried."
Ruby saw her partner before glancing down, "Sorry."
"Listen…" Weiss went to sit down next to her partner, "I'm not sure on how to really… approach all this. Your privacy is important, but I also hate seeing you like this."
"I'm fine," Ruby rubbed her head as she hunched over. "We just need to focus on Another Ryuga, if he's defeated then I won't have to worry about a nagging reflection."
"Ruby that's not what I mean," Weiss sighed. "If there's something bothering you then you should let us know. We're a team right?"
"Weiss, sometimes there are just things you need to focus on alone," Ruby gave a groan as she stood up, "I've made it this far right?"
"You won't be going any farther if you keep being stubborn," Mirror Ruby spoke up as Ruby's reflection shifted to where Mirror Ruby was now facing them in full view.
Ruby turned with a glare as she hovered above the fountain, "You just can't give it a break can you?"
Weiss turned and sighed, "You know you're just making her more agitated."
"I'd ease up if she wasn't trying to force everything down," Mirror Ruby gave a bored look, "If she keeps denying her issues and going on this self destructive path of what she thinks is real strength because she won't open herself up, then I have to keep being more forceful."
"Will you just shut up already and stop lying," Ruby growled out as she found a set of rocks near the ground, throwing one into the fountain to disrupt the reflection, "I'm not ignoring my Remnant half!" she threw another rock, "I'm strong and I'll prove it!" She threw another, "And I'm completely fine and have nothing to hide or keep to myself!"
Weiss could only back up in surprise, glancing to the side as she realized that Ruby's mirror self was starting to make a good few points.
Ruby began to pant as she ran out of rocks, giving a glare as she waited for some smart remark to counter her words.
"I'm giving you one last warning," Mirror Ruby crossed her arms as the water calmed, her presence being fully visible. She had a more serious and almost deadly presence, "Calm down and accept that I'm right. Then things can finally get easier."
Ruby stared at the reflection long and hard, gripping her fists tightly, "No."
"No?" Mirror Ruby asked in a calm manner. "Is that your final answer?"
"Ruby wait," Weiss felt a chill as she watched this interaction, "Please try and calm down."
"I am calm," Ruby stared at her mirror self, "Because you're not me!"
"Of course it comes to this," Mirror Ruby could only sigh before turning away. She glanced back, her silver eyes flashing a yellow coloration, "Fine then, but you're absolutely going to regret your words girl."
Ruby could only watch as her reflection faded away, not noticing the change in eye color as she relaxed slightly.
Weiss couldn't help but wonder what had just happened, slowly walking over to her partner, "Ruby, if you need to-"
"I'm fine Weiss," Ruby took a deep breath before giving a smile, though she was clearly straining herself to do it, "She's finally gone."
"R-Right…" Weiss hesitantly nodded before suddenly receiving a text, "Oh no."
"Is it Another Ryuga?" Ruby asked.
"Geiz is fighting him right now," Weiss gave a nod.
"Oh no…" Ruby's eyes widened, as she realized that Geiz was likely going to try the risky plan he had kept mentioning, "We need to get over there now."
Geiz gritted his teeth as he blocked against a slash from Another Ryuga, he had transformed into his base form to make sure he could do a perfect Time Burst.
"Hey ugly," Yang quickly came in from the side already transformed into Kikai, slamming her fist into Another Ryuga. Thanks to not using any projectile of sorts, and the force behind her attack, she was able to get the monstrous Rider to stagger.
Another Ryuga hissed before unleashing black flames from its dragon head.
Yang braced with her arms and staggered back.
Geiz rolled to the side and took aim at Another Ryuga. He began firing arrow after arrow from his Zikan Zax in its bow formation. Though it didn't work as the arrows were reflected right back at him, sending him sprawling against a wall.
"Geiz!" Yang called out before raising her arm to block against a slash from Another Ryuga. She gritted her teeth before kicking it in the stomach to force it back.
"He is troublesome, isn't he?" Shiro-Woz asked as he walked onto the scene of the battle. "I'm beginning to think you are as well, my Savior."
~Geiz and Yang come upon Another Ryuga in a location Shinji Kido would never visit~
He had decided to play nice, especially since Parad was acting as a guard, and chose to set up a suitable location to fight Another Ryuga.
"How about you shut up and fight?" Yang asked.
"We will have a truce for now, but I do expect that our Savior will defeat this abomination with his own hands," Shiro-Woz gave a nod before readying his transformation, taking out the Shinboi Miridewatch. "I'll skip the pleasantries, Henshin!"
[TOUEI! FUTURE TIME! DARE JA? ORE JA? NINJA! FUTERERING SHINOBI! SHINOBI!]
Deciding to skip his standard form and not bother with the troublesome abilities of Futurering Quiz, Shiro-Woz leapt into action via his ninja based form. He performed a leaping spin kick, slamming his foot into Another Ryuga's chest to force it back. He rushed in for a feint before backing off, flipping backwards before slowly falling in mid-air. He summoned shuriken projectiles from his hands and launched them out.
Another Ryuga hissed as it was struck by the projectiles. That was until another mirror to formed in front of him and reflect them all back at Shiro-Woz.
Shiro-Woz yelled out as he slammed into the ground after being hit by his own attacks. "What a troublesome foe."
Blake was currently watching from the side, having gotten a good distance away since she didn't feel like testing her luck against Another Ryuga specifically. She glanced back before seeing Tsukuyomi run up, "Thank goodness you're here, I already texted the others but I only got confirmation from Weiss and Ruby."
"I'll call Sougo then," Tsukuyomi gave a nod as she dialed Sougo's number. She was relieved when she heard him pick up, "Sougo, you need to come quick! Geiz is fighting Another Ryuga!"
"No, I'm going to see Shinji," Sougo answered.
Tsukuyomi was confused, "Why Shinji?"
"Because he might have the answers I'm looking for," Sougo admitted. "He may not remember he's Kamen Rider Ryuki, but I still think he can help."
"Sougo I'm not sure-" Tsukuyomi cut herself off when she heard Sougo hanging up on her, "Sougo!"
Parad was pacing around the hallway that Shinji's room was in, that was until he noticed Sougo approaching, "Zi-O?"
"Thanks for your help Parad," Sougo clasped his hands together, "But I can take it from here."
"Are you sure?" Parad asked.
Sougo gave a nod, "Yeah, I think he'll be fine."
"Alright then," Parad gave a nod before disappearing into an orange trail of pixels.
Sougo then entered carefully, soon seeing that the doctors had seemed to allow Shinji to cover up his rooms windows and mirror with paper that wouldn't cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
"Shinji…" Sougo trailed.
"Oh, hey," Shinji gave a nod, he was sitting on his bed at the moment lost in thought, "You are?"
"Sougo Tokiwa," Sougo introduced. "We met briefly before."
"We have?" Shinji asked.
"Yeah, it was real quick, you probably wouldn't remember," Sougo replied as he put his hands behind his back, "But I remember you mentioning you liked to write during our brief meeting. Was it because of Ore Journal?"
"Huh, oh, well a bit yeah…" Shinji admitted. "I tried doing my own blog but things didn't work out… inspiration wasn't hitting." He scratched his chin, something was nagging at him, as if he had met the young male before, "Are you sure it was a brief meeting?"
"Sort of," Sougo admitted. "It's a bit complicated though, but I'm here for well…"
"I haven't done anything," Shinji answered before shaking his head, "No… I suppose that isn't true," He walked over to the covered mirror before ripping the paper off. To Sougo's surprise but to Shinji's expectation, the reflection of Shinji was gone. "My mirror self became that monster and caused all of this chaos."
"And the people he's been attacking were all readers of Ore Journal," Sougo gave a nod, "Buy why attack the readers…?"
"Resentment, maybe," Shinji admitted, taking out his phone and going to the defunct Ore Journal page, "If they kept supporting the site, Ore Journal wouldn't have shut down."
"But it's not their fault…" Sougo gave a nervous stammer.
"You're right," Shinji agreed. "I don't have any stupid animosity over that. Not on the surface, anyway. But deep down, I must have felt it at one point or another… I think… the one in the mirror is the real me." He shook his head, "I don't want to admit it. But I have to, or this will never end! And then… I won't be able to move on. If I don't finish this, I won't even have a reflection of myself… I'll just be empty inside."
Sougo could only give a nod, staring at the reflection and noticing his mirror self smirking at him. He knew what had to be done, and it started with himself.
[BEYOND THE TIME!]
Shiro-Woz took a few steps back, "If it can reflect any attack, then what about this?!" He readied himself, "Body Division Technique!"
[NINPO! JIKAN SHIBARI NO JUTSU!]
Five copies of Shiro-Woz all appeared at various heights and angles, the full six wielding the Zikan Despear in its sickle mode. They all launched out green waves of energy to strike Another Ryuga all at once.
Six mirrors formed before launching out the same attack, all of them homing in on the real Shiro-Woz and sending him flying back. The resulting attack forced the clones to disperse into smoke after he was sent reeling.
Another Ryuga was ready to move forward when its body was suddenly caught by Crescent Rose's blade.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Ruby managed to reel the Another Rider back, pulling her weapon back before kicking at it. She winced however when it used its dragon mouth to grab her leg before managing to lift her and throw her to the side. She quickly used Petal Burst to make a quick landing, skidding back on one knee.
Another Ryuga brought out black fire and launched it out only for a glyph to form and bring out a fireball to cancel it out. Weiss was off to the side, Myrtenaster at the ready as she carefully eyed the Another Rider.
"No Silver Roze?" Yang asked as she hurried over.
"Too risky," Ruby shook her head, "We just need it to get bored to force it to retreat."
"You took the words right out of my mouth," Yang agreed.
"Looks like there's no other way," Geiz threw his weapon away as he charged forward.
"No, my Savior, you can't…!" Shiro-Woz gasped out, he tried to get up only to fall over from the damage he was inflicted.
Tsukuyomi eyes widened in fear, "Geiz, stop!"
"Hey, what are you doing?!" Weiss called out as she saw Geiz rush forward.
"Crap," Ruby realized that Geiz was getting ready with his plan, "We need to stop him!"
"Agreed," Yang gave a nod as she used her gauntlets to launch herself back towards the battle.
Sougo had gone to a non busy corner of the hospital, purposely walking over to a window that showed his reflection. Mirror Sougo currently had his back turned to his real counterpart, but slowly turned when he sensed his approach.
Sougo soon slowly but surely held up the Ridewatch he had, remaining silent.
Mirror Sougo gave an amused look, "You've finally accepted it. That you're going to accept that power to become a despicable Overlord."
"I don't intend on ever becoming that," Sougo rebutted as he lowered his hand. "If I'm going to become an overlord, a king, it will be a great and beloved one."
"So you accept that you can never be just a Rider…" Mirror Sougo trailed before scoffing, "But only because you cover the issue with delusions instead…"
"Not at all," Sougo shook his head with a small smile, "I never said anything about giving up being a Kamen Rider. I still want to be a Kamen Rider, just as much as I want to be King. They're just both two different sides of the same coin. Just like how there are good and bad aspects that are a part of me too. The idealistic stuff I say… All the dark thoughts I sometimes harbor, deep down… Both of those are the true me."
Now it was Mirror Sougo's turn to be silent, intrigued by his counterparts answer.
"You are me, and I'm you," Sougo answered before turning away with a smile. "We can't move forward unless I admit that."
Mirror Sougo soon managed to warp the space around him to enter the real world, "You're not scared of the future?" He asked, his curiosity growing at Sougo's new resolve, "Or the day of Oma?"
"I am" Sougo admitted as he stared at the ground, he then looked over towards his mirror self, "But that's exactly why… I want to believe in my future self."
"Then you'll need this," Mirror Sougo reached into his pocket before holding out the Ridewatch that Sougo had seen briefly, the missing half to the one he had received from Woz.
"This is just like…" Sougo trailed as he took it from his mirror counterpart.
"Silver Roze," Mirror Sougo confirmed with a near proud smile. "Just like how Ruby went through a trial by fire with her eyes to obtain it, you had to go through your own challenge to receive this power. I'm satisfied with your answer."
"I figured you couldn't be all bad," Sougo gave a chuckle as he held the two pieces of his new Ridewatch near each other. "So then…"
"Darkness and Light, Future and Past…" Mirror Sougo explained. "If you really want to be a King and a Kamen Rider… then you'll do well to rule over both aspects at equally."
The two pieces reacted, a yellow energy forming between and binding them together as they fully formed the new Ridewatch. As light began to emanate from it, Mirror Sougo began to turn a bright white, walking into Sougo as light engulfed the area in light.
Geiz was currently being beaten back by Another Ryuga, but he had to end this quickly before Ruby and Yang got too closely involved. Tsukuyomi meanwhile was keeping watch with Blake and Weiss, she wanted to use her powers but was afraid she'd hurt Geiz on the off chance that Another Ryuga took advantage of her using them.
"Ruby, you need to get ready, we've got one shot at this," Yang called out.
"Just leave it to me," Ruby took aim as she readied her weapon in its rifle mode.
[FINISH TIME!]
"Get ready!" Ruby called out.
Yang readied her gauntlets as she crossed them against her belt, charging up for her finisher.
Geiz jumped into the air, a trail of Hiragana projections coming out from the sole of his foot and visor, all angled down towards Another Ryuga.
[TIME BURST!]
A projection of an already defeated Another Ryuga formed in front of the Another Rider. The Another Rider charged forward as the projection began to rewind, both of them lining up. The two moved right into position as they lined up, getting struck by the kick and sparking violently before exploding.
[ROZE SASUSASU SHOOT!]
[ULTIMETAL FINISH!]
Both Ruby and Yang launched their attacks out towards where Geiz was, a sphere of red energy and several ice projectiles shooting past him.
Just as the finishers passed Geiz, a mirror formed from the slowly dying Another Rider. It created its own projection of Geiz that shot outwards. It clashed against both attacks but in a surprising display easily broke through them and struck Geiz regardless.
"No way…" Yang trailed as her arms dropped.
Ruby's eyes widened as she lowered her weapon, "Geiz no!"
Geiz gasped out as his transformation shattered, the only thing remaining being the Geiz Ridewatch that fell to the ground before shattering itself. Geiz's eyes glazed over as he fell onto his back.
Blake and Weiss could only cover their mouths in horror as they saw this.
"Geiz!" Tsukuyomi yelled out as she hurried over.
Shiro-Woz limped forward, trying to make his way over, "My Savior!"
"No, no, no, no…" Ruby hurried over as she dismissed her transformation. "Geiz, Geiz come on!"
Yang gritted her teeth as she gripped her fists tightly, dismissing her transformation and looking away, "You idiot!"
"Geiz, Geiz!" Tsukuyomi lifted her friend up, seeing him try to react only for him to fall limp in her arms as his eyes rolled back, "Geiz!"
To make matters worse, Another Ryuga had managed to come out of the attack just fine. Since Geiz' finisher wasn't from a high tier Ridewatch or a Ryuga Ridewatch, it stayed intact.
Shiro-Woz could only stare in shock at this before perking up as he soon realized Sougo had passed in front of him.
Ruby blinked and closed her eyes tightly before opening them with a glare. Her eyes began to grow brighter as she brought out the Silver Roze Ridewatch, "You… you're going to pay for this…" She was ready to split the Ridewatch before her wrist was grabbed. She looked back to see Sougo, "Sougo…?"
"Sougo, Geiz is…" Tsukuyomi trailed in heartbreak as she looked up with a pained expression.
"I knew this might happen," Sougo admitted with a solemn tone and saddened expression before shaking his head. "But I've already seen this future." He walked forward before holding up the completed Ridewatch.
CRACK
Reality seemed to shatter around everyone, as everything faded to black.
[FINISH TIME!]
"Get ready!" Ruby called out.
Yang readied her gauntlets as she crossed them against her belt, charging up for her finisher.
Geiz jumped into the air, a trail of Hiragana projections coming out from the sole of his foot and visor, all angled down towards Another Ryuga.
[TIME BURST!]
[!TSRUB EMIT]
The announcement suddenly rewound as Geiz began to rewind himself, being forced back to the ground where he was about to ready his finisher. He looked around in surprise as he felt a sudden sense of déjà vu, "Wait… didn't…? No wait… it couldn't be…"
Ruby stood up in confusion, having some awareness of what had happened, "Wait what?"
Yang lowered her arms, "Huh? What just…"
"Did time just… rewind?" Shiro-Woz questioned.
Woz soon came into view out of nowhere, "Magnificent, my Overlord! This is the power of Oma Zi-O!"
"Were you behind this, Kuro-Woz?!" Shiro-Woz was quick to rush over and grab onto his darker counterpart.
"No."
Everyone soon turned to see Sougo approaching from behind a pillar.
"It was my decision," He announced as he walked into the battlefield, Ziku Driver at the ready before holding up his new Ridewatch.
"That is…" Woz gave a smile.
[ZI-O II!]
Sougo held the Zi-O II Ridewatch closely as he stared at it, slowly separating the two components, "On the surface, and within…" He trailed before holding it forward to split it apart.
[ZI-O!]
"The past and the future…" Sougo glanced at the two pieces before he stared forward, "These Watches rule over both!"
Yang and Blake's eyes could only widen as they heard this declaration, combined with Woz's more confident presence, they couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines.
Ruby could only give a soft smile behind her helmet, as she could feel a stronger more confident presence from her friend. "Sougo…"
Geiz and Tsukuyomi could only stare at their ally, the two glancing at each other as they fully realized just what had happened.
Sougo slotted in both Ridewatch pieces into the slots just like Ruby would normally do for Silver Roze. The similar techno sounding standby that Silver Roze would initiate took over as Sougo's standby. Soon enough two clocks with gold tinges to them were projected behind Sougo, both spinning in opposite directions but at the same pace. Sougo readied himself as he unlocked his Driver and raised an arm near his chest.
"Henshin!"
With a single swipe he rotated his Ziku Driver, the activation chime of the Driver kicking in as it fully circled before locking into place.
[RIDER TIME!]
Both clock projections stopped and formed the usual katakana for 'Rider' that Zi-O would use. As they did the background behind Sougo spun in two opposite directions before going back in place. The katakana shot out from each clock, combining together as they shot out further.
[KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) ZI-O! (ZI-O!) ZI-O~! II!]
Two watch strap styled rings appeared in vertical states as they surrounded Sougo, various other rings forming around as the clocks merged before the rings closed in and shattered as the Katakana shot back and slammed into place.
It was not an exaggeration to say that Zi-O II was a proper evolution to Zi-O himself. The base body of the armor was exactly the same. The pink colored stripes that were on his lower body and forearms were popped out further and doubled, those and the finger armoring having a more metallic sheen to it. His chest and shoulders stayed similar with a few new additions. The pink strips shared between his chest and shoulders were now doubled with the same metallic sheen, the shoulders having two gold pointed edges. Likewise his collar now wrapped fully around his neck and was gold, and instead of one watch strap at the front there were now two, one running down each breast and dangling down to the middle of his thighs.
Just like in the prior form, the watch straps were also present on Zi-O's back, mirroring the ones on the front. The faceplate still held the clock motif but was now silver. It the same gap for the Rider Katakana but also now had two watch straps run along both sides of the face and to the back of the helmet. The clock hands head crest itself was now split, each one forming on the black base between all the Katakana, the long hands pointing upwards while the short hands angled in an upwards horizontal angle.
Shiro-Woz took could only give a hiss as he quickly ran off, clearly concerned by Sougo's new transformation.
"Good and evil, darkness and light, King and Kamen Rider…" Sougo stated as he walked forward, slowly but surely passing everyone, "I accept it all! And with that power… I'll carve a path to the future!"
"Huh," Weiss muttered as she could feel the change within her friend. There was always something off about Sougo ever since she first met him. That he had doubts of some kind, which became especially apparent when Oma Zi-O was revealed to her and the others. But now here he was, full of confidence and ready to take on the future, "King and Kamen Rider… I like it."
Another Ryuga gave a growl and was ready to charge forward.
"Behold the rejuvenation of the king!"
Everyone, even Another Ryuga had paused as they turned towards where Woz had called out from.
(Insert: Zi-O, Toki no Oja by So Okuno)
"REJOICE!" Woz called out with a smile as he walked over towards Sougo, "He who will surpass all Riders! The ruler of time, traveling beyond time and space to reign over past and future… His name is Kamen Rider Zi-O II! And we bear witness to the advent of a new age!"
Sougo couldn't help but shiver a bit in excitement, putting his hand close to his mouth as he leaned in with a chuckle, "Hey, it's been a while, hasn't it?"
Woz could only keep in good spirits, soon spreading his arm out to gesture towards Another Ryuga, "By all means, my overlord, fight to your heart's content."
"I will!" Sougo called out as he stepped forward to meet with the Another Rider. He began dodging against swings while raising his arms to block. He had managed to directly block a slash with his forearms, barely any damage occurring. His head perked up as he realized this before retaliating with a counter punch, his hand filling with energy as he did.
Another Ryuga yelled out as it was launched backwards from the strong punch, rolling into a more open area as it recovered.
Sougo shook and lowered his arm before jogging forward with a spring in his step. He planted a kick before dodging against a swipe and countering with a punch. He then gathered energy in his right fist before slamming it into Ryuga's left cheek. Sougo saw a retaliating slash from that attack and raised his right arm, easily blocking the sword before punching Ryuga in the face with his free hand.
Another Ryuga gasped as it staggered back, reeling from the punches before it was sent staggering further. Pink Katakana projections slammed into it before retracting towards Sougo.
The Katakana spelled out 'Rider' as a Zi-O face formed around it, a handle with a trigger jutting out of the chin while a clock hand styled blade jutted out from the top of the head. This was Sougo's new weapon for Zi-O II, the Saikyo Girade.
Elegant swing after elegant swing, he transitioned into a jab, managing to keep Another Ryuga in a stunned and staggered state. His last attack managed to stab directly against the Another Rider's shoulder to do heavy damage. Sougo pressed down on his swords trigger, charging energy for its first special attack.
[RIDER! RIDER GIRI!]
Sougo swung horizontally dealing a heavy blow against Another Ryuga. A mirror formed to try and bounce the attack back only for the mirror to crack and stay stationary. Sougo immediately followed up with a vertical slash, smashing the mirror and slashing against the Another Rider.
Another Ryuga had attempted to block with its sword only for it to snap apart from the force of the swing, it dropping to the ground in smoking pieces.
By this point everyone had managed to come out of their shock and stupor to hurry over and view the rest of the fight. Everyone couldn't help but be wide-eyed at how Sougo had managed to completely shatter Ryuga's counter.
"Sougo's attacks aren't being reflected!" Tsukuyomi called out.
"No way," Weiss asked in disbelief, "He got that strong?"
"It's the only explanation," Geiz answered. "His attacks are too powerful to be reflected."
"And they're neutral based," Ruby added. "Meaning it's not like Silver Roze where it will get bounced back no matter the power."
Sougo stared forward, the Ridewatch on his Rider Time slot glowing as projections of his clock hands began rotating around his face.
Another Ryuga growled out, fire forming around its dragon headed gauntlet as it charged forward. It formed a ring of fireballs that launched forward as it followed. As it moved in it went to punch at Sougo at the same time.
"I can see your future!" Sougo called out as he raised his blade to ready himself.
Another Ryuga growled out, fire forming around its dragon headed gauntlet as it charged forward. It formed a ring of fireballs that launched forward as it followed.
In a reverse clock hand motion, Sougo swung his sword, energy being released as he reflected all the fireballs back towards the Another Rider. Once the fireballs had all slammed against it in rapid succession, Sougo finished with another slash to force it backwards.
"Wait…" Blake started. "He countered that flawlessly…"
"Did he…?" Yang trailed.
Another Ryuga formed fire in its dragon head, launching out a fireball towards Sougo.
Sougo had seen this future as well, immediately releasing energy from his sword as he slashed.
Another Ryuga began to form fire in its dragon head, only for its attack to be smacked away as it was damaged. It stared in shock as it wasn't able to fully perform the move it was going to do.
"His reflexes are incredible, it's like he's predicting its attacks," Yang managed to get out.
"No, I think he's seeing those attacks and countering," Blake replied, there was too much preparation and awareness for them to be simple counters.
[ZI-O SAIKYOU!]
Sougo had pushed down on the lever that was on his sword, just like Ruby's Silver Crescent, the Saikyo Girade had an alternate face, the Best Face.
Another Ryuga held its chest and realized that it needed to cut its losses and retreat. While it boasted about its invincibility the truth was it couldn't take much more punishment. Turning its back to Sougo it began limping towards a set of windows behind it.
[HAOU GIRI!]
Sougo reeled his arm back before performing a wide arcing horizontal slice forward. A chain of multi-colored rainbow clock projectiles launched out in a crescent formation. The energy projections rushed forward and slammed against Another Ryuga causing a massive explosion that not only sent the Another Rider to the ground, but shattered all the nearby windows.
[ZIKAN GIRADE!]
Sougo stabbed the Saiko Girade into the ground, removing its Best Face while drawing out his base weapon in its sword form. Slotting the Best Face onto the Ridewatch slot he grabbed the remaining blade of the Saiko Girade and slid it on the inner blade of the Zikan Girade.
[SAIKYO FINISH TIME!]
With this combination he fully formed the Saikyo Zikan Girade, gripping it with both hands as gold energy covered the combined and elongated blade.
"It's over!" Sougo called out as he raised the blade high, the energy expanding into a giant blade of gold energy. Along the energy blade were pink katakana characters spelling out 'Zi-O Saikyo' as well.
[KING GIRI GIRI SLASH!]
Swinging downwards with a tight grip he slammed the blade of energy down against Another Ryuga. The attack sliced clean through and engulfed it, the Another Rider exploding. The energy blade retracted and began to die down as Sougo entered a relaxed stance.
(Insert End)
The Ryuga Anotherwatch clattered away from the explosion before shattering, Dark Shinji giving a grunt as he landed on his stomach. The dark half of Ryuki could only slowly but steadily get up with a glare.
"Shinji Kido has accepted you," Sougo broke apart his combined weapon and let his arms drop, his blades resting, "And I've accepted it all, my dark feelings, and my pushed down dream. Now, you need to accept him."
Dark Shinji could only give a sneer as his body began to dissolve, looking down with an expression of acceptance. Realizing that he couldn't go any further he simply followed Sougo's advice and faded away, accepting Shinji Kido.
In a nearby window that wasn't shattered, Mirror Sougo stared and couldn't help but give a smile. He looked beyond the group however, finding another set of windows that had yet to be broken. He gave a nod before fading away.
In the window that Mirror Sougo had stared at was Mirror Ruby who could only give a nod at her partner. She gave a sigh and glanced towards Ruby, 'This isn't over… not by a long shot.'
Daisuke was currently staring at the water in front of him. He was still at his usual spot at the fishing pond he'd frequent, having a bored look on his face as he waited for something to bite.
"Well, are they biting?"
Daisuke turned in surprise at the familiar voice, seeing Shinji come over and sit down. He stared at his former employee, "Shinji…?"
"It's been a while, Chief," Shinji smiled.
"I'm not the editor-in-chief anymore, kid…" Daisuke sighed. "We lost, fell behind the times…"
"We did lose…" Shinji admitted before standing up, "But if we accept that, we can move on, right?"
Daisuke looked up in surprise, "Shinji…" He stood up but looked downwards trying to find the words, "Would you still… want to work for me?"
Shinji could only give a smile before holding out his hand, "Yes, Chief!"
Daisuke gave a smile before clasping his friends hand, "Kid, do you realize…" He trailed before pointing at Shinji, "You look like a real winner right now!"
"I do?" Shinji asked.
"Damn right you do, check it out!" Daisuke said as he wrapped his arm around Shinji to lean him over the pond.
Shinji stopped when he saw that his reflection was back, but also because it shifted to his movements now, he gave a smile, "You look like a winner too, chief!"
What ensued was the two goofing around, nearly dunking each other in the pond as they caught up with each other after who knew how long.
Sougo was watching from a distance with Ruby, he had his hands behind his back with a smile, "I'm glad those two are looking happier."
"Yeah," Ruby smiled. "All's well that ends well right?"
Sougo gave a nod, "Yeah… and Ruby…"
"You know I'll never judge you for your dream," Ruby gave a smile. "I'll still support you no matter what."
"Right," Sougo gave a nod before noticing that while he could barely see his reflection in the water, that Ruby's was nowhere near his, "I have to say though… that trial was tough… I heard you had one too?"
"Huh? Oh yeah it was… pretty simple," Ruby lied as she waved it off, "But man, I wasn't expecting you to gain a new form out of this. Now we can match."
"You're right about that," Sougo gave a nod, seeing through Ruby's lie but not wanting to push any buttons. He held out his fist, "I think we can do this."
"Yeah," Ruby agreed and bumped her fist against his.
Weiss, Blake and Yang were currently heading back to their apartment, Weiss and Blake mentioning the issues that Mirror Ruby had brought to the forefront. Yang however felt the need to give her sister some space.
"Listen, if she's not going to budge she's not going to budge," Yang waved it off, "I'm not going to try to force her to do anything, especially given the fact that outside of fighting we're barely seeing each other."
"I swear you two seriously need to sort out your issues soon," Weiss sighed as she crossed her arms, starting to walk ahead. "And as her partner I cannot allow her to keep stewing like that… even if this Mirror World business is done, it doesn't mean anything involving her is done."
"Just don't say I didn't warn you if she shuts you down," Yang called out.
Weiss could only give a scoff as she walked ahead of the two, planning on getting back to the apartment first.
Blake though knew this was her chance and lagged behind with Yang, "Sougo's started to transcend time… those weren't counters, that was him seeing the attacks and shutting them down before they could be a thing. And then that feeling we felt just as Geiz' attack was rewound… this isn't just like the Rider Powers he gains."
"It's an Oma Zi-O power," Yang agreed. "King of Time and Space, if he's predicting stuff and well… I could have sworn I saw Geiz die… but he didn't. So what, he can just play with our lives however he sees fit?"
"I'm glad that Geiz was saved but… you're right," Blake agreed. "He simply decided that death didn't matter. And he can probably do it whenever he wants."
Yang held up her prosthetic as it began to shake, she gripped the joint of her wrist tightly to keep it from shaking, "And my sister still thinks he's alright even after he's chosen to resume that Overlord stuff. I'm worried."
"The Rider stuff was just a phase," Blake gave a nod, "He was just stalling but he really did have it in him to become Oma Zi-O. We need a plan, because if we don't do something then I'm worried… Ruby might…"
"We need Geiz Revive," Yang answered firmly. "I don't care what happens to Kikai's powers now, if it means getting Geiz Revive into play and stopping Sougo then I'll do it."
"That would mean trusting Shiro-Woz," Blake added.
"You really think we should be worrying about his motives right now?" Yang raised an eyebrow, "All we need is that watch made."
Blake gave a sigh, "I guess you're right, because he's the only one with a way to counter Oma Zi-O."
"We'll figure out what to do later, but for now let's just unwind," Yang suggested as she picked up the pace to catch up to Weiss.
Blake could only give a nod before picking up the pace as well.
Unbeknownst to the two, Shiro-Woz was on top of a nearby building watching and smiling to himself as he had heard their conversation, "If my Savior will not so easily nudge, then perhaps they can help do so…"
Sougo had parted ways with Ruby and gone back home, he was surprised to see Geiz and Tsukuyomi were sitting at the front despite it being late enough for dinner.
"Ah Sougo welcome back, dinner will be ready shortly," Junichiro called out as he came to the front, he went over to his work desk and picked up a few papers, "I was thinking, if you didn't know what you want to major in… I might have found some stuff for you to read."
"Oh," Sougo gave a chuckle before smiling, "I've decided that I want to follow my dream again, I want to become a King!"
Junichiro was surprised by this declaration and lowered his papers, "O-Oh I see… it's been a while so I suppose it was just a phase…"
"Oh don't worry," Sougo reassured. "I still plan on going to a university to study, just to get some life experience."
Junichiro stared in surprise, Geiz and Tsukuyomi turning in surprise at Sougo's declaration.
Junichiro could only stammer, "R-Really?"
"Yeah, I plan on going in 2020 just to get a bit of a break, but I will continue my studies," Sougo confirmed.
"Ah, that's good to hear, it really is," Junichiro admitted in a more relaxed tone before giving a nod, he then began to hurry back to the kitchen, "I'll go finish up with the food then."
"I guess he wasn't expecting that," Sougo gave a smile.
"Zi-O," Geiz called out as he gestured to come to the front table.
"So why are you guys here and not in the dining room?" Sougo asked as he went to sit with the two. "Is this about today?"
"It is," Tsukuyomi gave a nod, "Despite you gaining the power to transcend time… I still don't believe you will become Oma Zi-O. I can't base my judgment on powers…"
"Right, right," Sougo gave a nod before looking over at Geiz, "What about you Geiz? You said you'd take me out if I strayed from the path of a Rider right?"
"And you haven't," Geiz answered as he looked to the side, "If you really mean what you said, that you'll become both a King and a Kamen Rider, then we're good."
"I really do mean it," Sougo gave a nod, "After everything that's happened… I can't just give up one or another. Both are parts of who I am now, so I'd feel incomplete if I picked being a King over a Rider and vice versa."
"And thus, Zi-O was reborn," Woz called out as he paced through his black void. "From that day forth, he walked forward with renewed confidence on his path to sovereignty. And just as he moves forward, time does not stop as the Day of Oma draws ever closer!"
Earth – 2068
Oma Zi-O sat on his throne in the middle of the wasteland that was his Earth. He couldn't help but give a small smirk. He had felt Sougo's decision as it had came hurtling through his timeframe as an invisible force. It was unnoticeable to most, but he could feel it with ease.
"My young self… I knew you could never cast aside your dream, because we are one in the same." He smiled at these words but his smile grew wider, "But now you have combined it with a new dream. I look forward to seeing how things play out from here on."
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"You can count on Team RWBY to deal with this Another Rider."
"It feels like something's not right."
"The date seems odd compared to prior ones…"
"I believe that the overlord's dreams are premonitions."
"As for who obtains Kikai's power first… why don't we have a little race?"
Chapter 44: Hijacking Rider 2019
Author's Note: Hey, look at that, Sougo's back on the King Path once more. Like… I know a few people were wary but… did you really think I was going to get rid of his dream so easily? I just decided to extend it instead of dealing with it in less than a full episode. I felt that Zi-O II was the perfect time for Sougo to get back on the path of his dream. But I decided to do so with a twist, having him declare his goals as becoming both a King and Kamen Rider due to the guidance he's received from so many other Riders.
Of course while Sougo ended up passing his trial just fine well… let's just say Ruby's has only just begun. Though for now, we've got one last Mirai Another Rider to deal with since Kikai is up next. Once again, we have another Interlude Chapter coming up this Monday. This one's a bit different than the others before it though, so look forward to it.
Special Announcement: I do have a special announcement to make regarding scheduling. Due to the current backlog of uploads I've decided to say screw it to specific dates. Starting next week, Roze from Remnant will be updated every single week for the rest of the year barring any kind of emergency that comes up. If you're worried about me potentially overworking myself and running out by the end of the year, don't worry. Literally ever chapter for the rest of the year is ready to go aside from any final editing stuff I usually do. So every Saturday whenever I wake up, I will post a new chapter of Roze. Of course for those that follow Song of Swords, this should explain the sudden switch to Sunday scheduling I announced earlier this month. Song of Swords will also still have specific dates marked on my profiles. This also is why I suddenly decided that Interludes would go up on Monday's as well instead of just doing them a week later. All minor changes before this announcement were made in preparation.
Once again, as is the case in many of these author notes, I'm really thankful for all of your support. Writing this series is fun and seeing everyone's reactions is even better. So always feel free to comment or leave a review. And of course, I'll see you all next time.