Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 59 – Zangetsu Lost 2019
"As it is 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 as he was standing in his black void, perched atop the clock that sat in the background, "Blake Belladonna of Team RWBY becomes the second member of the team to obtain a new weapon after assisting Kamen Rider Lazer in his battle with Kamen Rider Genm. As the month of March closes alongside our peace from the Time Jackers, we return to familiar territory as Miss Rose answers a request from an old client."
Earth – The Torkia Republic, Late March 2019
Geiz's Time Mazine was currently flying at moderate speeds in the skies above Central Asia. Inside was a small crew compared to the usual large group. Geiz was in the pilot seat with Tsukuyomi nearby who was navigating with her tablet. Ruby and Weiss were at their sides as they waited to arrive at their destination.
"I can't believe it," Weiss said with crossed arms.
"It's worrying yeah," Ruby gave a nod, "The fact that Mitchy called us personally to figure out what's going on definitely makes this serious."
"So let me get this straight," Geiz said as he continued his flight path, "Takatora Kureshima decided to head to the Torkia Republic for a solo mission only to lose contact completely."
"That's the gist of it," Ruby said.
"I've been researching this Torkia Republic," Tsukuyomi admitted as she held up her tablet, "It was apparently a country declaring independence from greater powers, but due to the lack of resources and economical support, the citizens were struck with poverty. This as a result turned it into a desolate wasteland where 90% of the population ended up living underground. But that ended up catching the eyes of a company we're all aware of as a result."
"It was Yggdrasil wasn't it?" Geiz guessed.
"Yep," Tsukuyomi gave a nod, "From what I've managed to dig up, the Torkia Republic was used as a massive experiment ground for Yggdrasil. It ended up the birth place of Project Ark, Yggdrasil's idea of humanity's final bastion of hope had Helheim fully taken over."
"So that's his stake in all of this," Weiss mused.
"He must have gone back to take care of some unfinished business," Ruby realized.
"But if he lost contact then that means someone likely was waiting for him," Geiz pointed out, "Our first order of business is pretty simple then, find Takatora and figure out what's going on. Once we have that, we'll be able to come up with a solid plan."
"Speaking of finding him, are we almost there?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, make sure you have your Driver and Ridewatches ready," Geiz said as he already placed his Ziku Driver on his waist, "Because we may end up with a rough entrance."
"Aura up too," Ruby said as she put on her Ziku Driver, activating her Aura alongside Geiz and Weiss.
The Geiz Unit began to lower itself as it steadily approached the Torkia Republic, engaging its temporal cloaking as it made its way to land.
Despite the Time Mazine's temporal cloaking, their cover had gone up in smoke once the four stepped out far enough into the slums. This was because the Nobles had eyes and ears everywhere, and this was how one of a particular set of Nobles knew that Takatora had arrived earlier.
Within the halls and rooms of the Shizumiya Manor were two individuals, an older man in a black suit and a cane that he supported himself with, Kagiomi. Arriving in the room was his son who was also dressed in black with slicked back hair, Kagemasa.
"Where did you go?" Kagiomi asked as he walked towards his son.
"I was tracking their movements," Kagemasa explained as he got on one knee.
"How long will you learn to finally act like one of us… act like a proper nobleman!" Kagiomi called out as he smacked his son in the arm with his cane, "Kagemasa… One day you will be head of the Shizumiya family and lead this country along with that title. The fate of Torkia, no, the Shizumiya, lies on your shoulders! So I'll start beating it into you!"
Kagemasa quickly grabbed the cane as it was swung at him again.
"Are you opposing me now?!" Kagiomi asked as he tried to pull away only for his son to let go, causing him to fall to the ground due to the momentum.
"I will… walk the path that Masahito walked," Kagemasa declared as he fully stood.
"Forget about him. It's a bad omen to cling onto the deceased like that," Kagiomi warned as he picked himself up, "Kagemasa. You have much to live for. That's your duty to carry out!"
"Masahito often said this…" Kagemasa said, "Noblesse Oblige. That the noble have a burden they must carry on their shoulders."
"Learning from those damned Kureshima's…" Kagiomi scoffed, "Enough of that feeble mindset! There are only two types of people in this world, those that rule and those that are ruled over. Will you rule or be ruled-"
"I'll be leaving now," Kagemasa interrupted before turning.
"I'm not done talking!" Kagiomi yelled out.
"The mysterious white Armored Rider has appeared," Kagemasa explained.
"A mysterious white Armored Rider?" Kagiomi asked.
"Armored Rider Zangetsu," Kagemasa replied.
"Is it Takatora Kureshima?" Kagiomi asked.
"No. Zangetsu was going after Takatora Kureshima," Kagemasa said.
"What does that mean?" Kagiomi asked.
"I wouldn't know," Kagemasa admitted, soon taking out a picture that was from one of the cameras and handing it to his father. The picture showcased the team of Geiz, Ruby, Weiss and Tsukuyomi, "However, from one of the entrances we spotted four new individuals who clearly do not live here entering deeper into the slums."
"Leave them be," Kagiomi replied as he took the photo, "They'll be torn apart by the Teams if they're strangers."
"Then I'll take my leave," Kagemasa said before walking for the exit, crossing paths with a man with a ponytail dressed in camouflage military grade gear.
The military man gave a serious look before suddenly smiling after Kagemasa left, hurrying over to Kagiomi and holding out his hand "Did you hire me? Pleased to meet you!" He kept his hand out, waiting to have it shook only to grit his teeth as he watched Kagiomi walk past him, he could only mutter an insult before getting back to business, "My forte is disciplining naughty children and I'll whip them into shape real good, though I don't come cheap."
"There's a change in plans," Kagiomi answered, "I want to call for an assassination."
A soldier in a long grey coat walked over with a briefcase before holding out a picture of Takatora.
"My, what a lovely man," The soldier exclaimed as he was enamored by the man in the photo, "It's such a waste to kill him!"
"Find him and get rid of him! As soon as possible," Kagiomi ordered.
"What's this, a present?" The soldier soon peaked into the briefcase that was presented to him, a Sengoku Driver and Durian Lockseed within it, "A Rider System?" He then took the case after closing it before walking over to Kagiomi, "How dare you give a professional something like this!? Aren't you generous! Much thanks!" He then couldn't help but notice the photo that his supplier was holding, "And what's that?"
"Just a bunch of brats who wandered into the wrong place," Kagiomi said before holding the photo out for the soldier to take, "They're trouble, so if you see them then make sure and scare them off. If you make sure they don't cause any trouble then I'll double your pay."
"Well then that's an offer I can't refuse, until then, just sit tight!" The soldier declared before skipping off.
"The Kureshima regime is done for," Kagiomi mused before turning to walk off deeper into the manor, "This country… no, this world, it'll be dominated by the Shizumiyas!"
"It seems dad has no idea either…" Kagemasa walked back into the room, having been hiding near the exit and spying on the conversation, "Who's behind Zangetsu? Is there someone else out there who hates Takatora Kureshima as much as I do? And what do those four kids have to do with any of this? Is it them who are in league with this Zangetsu? Whatever it is, I won't let anyone else kill him. Be it that mercenary or Zangetsu… Takatora Kureshima will die by my hand."
In the corner of the room, out of view was a figure clad in a silver bodysuit, purple armor adorning their upper body as they held a staff. They gave a distorted giggle before walking backwards and vanishing.
Within the Torkia Republic's slums there were many teams who fought for survival. One of those teams being Baroque Red who were led by Glasya, they had currently gotten done dealing with team Orange Ride and Green Dolls who were being pushy in wanting an alliance.
"Those idiots are fools in thinking that getting together will change anything," Glasya remarked as he was flanked by his two top men, Berith and Ose. He gave a scoff as he thought on the situation further, "I'll deal with that Zangetsu in my own way."
"Hey, wait, who are they?"
"No clue, never seen them before."
"They look new around here."
Glasya turned to see several of his posse gossiping, "And just what are you all mumbling about?"
The various group members all turned and pointed towards the side, Glasya soon catching sight of Geiz, Ruby, Weiss and Tsukuyomi.
"I say we're lost," Ruby gave a groan.
"Unfortunately there's not much we can do but wander around till we find him," Geiz replied.
"Unfortunately his Driver doesn't have a tracker but even then I doubt we'd get a good signal this far underground," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"So what do we do then?" Weiss asked.
"Well we haven't been here long," Ruby said, "Let's try and find a landmark or something."
"Hey, you four… just what do you think you're doing?"
The four looked to the side, Geiz and Ruby warily adopting more defensive stances while Tsukuyomi and Weiss carefully brought out their weapons.
Glasya soon began to approach with his group, all of them looking raring to go as he kept an bored look on his face. The leader of Team Red Baroque couldn't help but also notice the Ziku Drivers on Geiz and Ruby that piqued his interest.
"I take it these are the locals," Weiss guessed.
"Who else would they be," Geiz remarked before walking over to Glasya, "We have a few questions we need answered."
"Hey now," Berith quickly raised a pipe towards Geiz alongside Ose.
"Do you have any idea who you're talking to?" Ose asked.
"I don't know," Geiz replied as he looked at the two members, "Two idiots?"
Berith and Ose were about to move forward when Glasya quickly pushed them back with his hands.
"That's a funny request," Glasya admitted, "Because I have questions I want to ask you all too."
"Yes we're not from here," Geiz answered immediately, "We're just looking for someone."
"I could care less about who you're looking for," Glasya replied.
"If we're quite done here, I say we just keep moving," Weiss said.
"And who said I was going to let you go along your merry way?" Glasya asked as he then drew out a Sengoku Driver and Banana Lockseed, "You all are going to tell me why you're really here. No one comes to this hellhole just to find someone."
Geiz immediately backed up towards the group, keeping a defensive stance.
[COME ON! BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPE~AR!]
Glasya transformed into a familiar Rider, donning an all black version of Baron's bodysuit, the Banana Arms unfolding fully as he gained his Banaspear. He had transformed into Kamen Rider Proto Baron.
"Baron…?" Geiz asked.
"Okay yeah, something is definitely going on here," Ruby said as she took a few steps forward, "I'll handle this."
"Ruby, are you sure?" Weiss asked, recalling her friend's prior match against the real Baron.
"Let her," Geiz said as he put a hand on Weiss' shoulder, shifting his head as he moved away from the two Riders to allow Ruby more room to act.
Weiss could only look at Geiz before stepping back alongside Tsukuyomi, the two however kept their weapons drawn as they didn't know if Team Baroque Red would try anything.
"Think of it like practice," Ruby turned back and gave a reassuring smile, she then turned back and gave a stern look towards Proto Baron, readying her Roze and Gaim Ridewatches, "I hope you aren't parading around in that just for show, Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
[GAIM! WEAPON TIME! DAIDAMARU! MUSOU SABER!]
Roze immediately brought out both of Gaim's main weapons, sliding the blades along each other to form small sparks as she prepared herself for battle.
All of Team Baroque Red could only murmur in surprise as they had no idea the kind of Rider that Roze was supposed to be.
"You…" Proto Baron trailed as he began to move forward, "Why do you have those weapons?"
"I could ask you the same thing about that armor," Roze replied, "I only know one Baron, and you're not him."
"You dare mock me?!" Proto Baron called out as he rushed forward, swinging downwards only to get his weapon blocked by Roze who crossed her swords. He gave a yell as he pushed further downwards, Roze stepping back as his weapon slammed against the ground. He rushed forward, thrusting as he tried to strike at Roze with several stabs.
Roze thought quickly, backpedaling and using her two bladed weapons to bat the Banaspear away when it got too close. She noticed that despite wearing the armor, Proto Baron's moves were sloppier compared to Kaito's. She could only assume that meant he wasn't as experienced. Ducking forward she raised her Daidamaru and slid it along the Banaspear as it came her way to push it up and away from her. She then stabbed with the Musou Saber, striking Proto Baron in the gut.
Proto Baron gasped out, sparks flying as he was sent staggering back, "I'm not done yet!"
[COME ON! BANANA SQUASH!]
He gave a yell and slashed forward, a yellow wave of energy being unleashed towards Roze. The Huntress Rider responded by using Petal Burst, a flurry of red roses launching upwards as a new announcement was heard.
[LOCK ON! 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10000: ORANGE CHARGE!]
From the petals Roze emerged, having combined the Daidamaru and Musou Saber into its Naginata Mode while loading in an Orange Lockseed. She swung downwards while in the air, unleashing fiery orange slashes that crashed around Proto Baron, trapping him inside an orange shaped construct.
"We're done here!" Roze called out before landing and spinning around, unleashing another fiery slash that struck the orange and caused it to explode.
Proto Baron could only yell out as he was thrown backwards, gritting his teeth as he lost his weapon but barely managed to keep himself transformed.
"He's tough," Geiz crossed his arms.
"This isn't over…" Proto Baron gasped out as he managed to shakily stand, that was until he felt a sharp pain in his chest, gripping it as he fell to one knee. While normally defeating him would risk his whole group rushing forward like mad dogs, this sudden pain caused everyone to huddle around him.
"Hey…" Geiz trailed when he saw this, wondering what was wrong.
"Glasya, are you alright?" Ose asked.
"Is it the chest pains again?" Berith asked.
"Shut up…" Proto Baron gasped out.
Roze narrowed her eyes beneath her helmet, "Hey are you-"
"Ruby," Geiz interrupted as he gestured for her to follow, Weiss and Tsukuyomi already heading off, "We're getting out of here."
"Huh?" Roze turned to see that Geiz had found a pathway for them to slip through and escape. She looked back towards Proto Baron and his team. Staring at them for a bit she used Petal Burst to turn and follow after the rest of her team.
"Okay there's definitely something more going on here," Roze said as she dismissed her transformation once she and her group were far enough, "One, there shouldn't be duplicates of Riders. Two, those chest pains he got at the end didn't seem like they were from my attack."
"Which is why I wanted us to retreat," Geiz explained, "If you kept fighting he would have gotten worse."
"So what exactly do we do now?" Weiss asked.
"Keep up our search," Geiz replied, "Even if we don't know where he is, a Sengoku Driver and copied Rider can only mean that Takatora was for sure investigating something here."
"This isn't good," Tsukuyomi grimaced as she looked at her tablet, "We'll need to try moving discreetly too, I've been looking more into the situation here. The Nobles are definitely the root of the problem given they have cameras in most places."
"So we're dealing with heavy surveillance?" Ruby asked.
"Worse," Tsukuyomi said before showing everyone her tablet, "A blood sport."
Everyone could only witness the footage in shock, seeing various different teams, including Baroque Red fighting to the death in most cases. There were plenty of draws though now that they saw blackened prototype versions of Gaim and Gridon among the fighters.
"This is insane…" Weiss managed to speak up.
"So there's a high chance that we've been seen even if we landed discreetly, huh?" Geiz remarked before giving a scoff, "Fine then, I could stand to topple a few rich pricks today."
"Do you think that's why Takatora came here?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"I wouldn't be surprised," Ruby said as she paced around, "From what little talking I did do with him it sounds like these guys are utilizing old Yggdrasil technology and he wants to put a stop to them."
"Then let's try and meet up with him already," Geiz said as he picked up the pace, the three other members noticing Geiz's mood rising in response to these latest events.
As they walked further however they noticed several members of what seemed to be a team, all of them primarily wearing green or beige jackets. They were all unconscious on the ground, Tsukuyomi hurrying over to check, fearing the worst. Thankfully they didn't seem to be too roughed up.
Deciding to take a different path in order to avoid whatever had caused that scene, they began to hear what seemed like several people talking.
"Are there no adults in this country?" A voice asked, everyone pausing as it sounded just like Takatora's voice.
"There aren't any. I've told you before," A younger unfamiliar voice called out, "The only adults left are the nobles."
"Did everyone die?"
"I'll tell you what happened. It all began 8 years ago. Some big shot company moved in, and used this country as lab rats!"
"Lab rats? What kind of experiments?"
"I don't know exactly what they did. But they messed up, and then they… they burned everything to the ground!"
"Burned it all…?"
Geiz, quickly gestured for everyone to follow him as he ducked and put a finger to his lips. Ruby, Weiss and Tsukuyomi followed after, all of them ducking behind some debris and rubble. They had managed to make their way to what seemed like a team hideout, finding three team members in rough looking jean styled clothes. Those three made up Team Orange Ride, Paimon, Gusion, and their leader Aym. With them was who appeared to be Takatora in black tattered clothes. Ruby noticed that Takatora seemed to be spacing out though.
"Old man, after all the trouble I went through, did you listen to any of it at all!?" Aym asked, Geiz quickly figuring that he was the leader given that he held a Sengoku Driver on his waist.
"I told you to stop calling me that," Takatora replied.
"I mean, compared to us…" Aym started.
"It's Takatora," Takatora interrupted.
"You finally remembered?" Aym asked.
"Yeah, that guy always called me by that," Takatora confirmed.
"So it really is you," Geiz called out as he lifted himself up from where he was hiding, unfazed by the three team members getting in fighting stances. He ignored them, "Just what the heck do you think you're doing by yourself here? This place needs a team to handle it."
"You…" Takatora started, "Who are you?"
"You don't remember me?" Geiz asked.
"Wait," Ruby soon popped out of hiding confused, "Takatora do you not remember Geiz?"
"What's with all these guys coming out of hiding?" Gusion asked before giving a yelp when Tsukuyomi and Weiss soon emerged, "Seriously where did they come from?!"
"We're not from around here," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"Takatora…" Ruby trailed as she stepped closer despite Team Orange Ride getting in defensive positions. They seemed to relax when Takatora didn't seem to consider her a threat. Ruby moved closer, "Do you not remember me? I'm Ruby Rose and you called on my team to help you previously."
"He's got amnesia," Aym spoke up, "He only just now remembered his name."
Weiss could only turn towards the leader, "Seriously?"
Takatora held his head a bit as he tried to call on the memories only to shake his head, "Sorry, I don't remember… but…"
Geiz raised an eyebrow, "But?"
"You all don't feel dangerous," Takatora admitted as he kept his relaxed stance, he then looked at the others, "We can trust them, don't worry."
"Aym…" Paimon started.
"It's fine Paimon, Gusion," Aym raised his hands to calm his two team members, figuring this was a good chance regardless, especially when he saw the Ziku Drivers on Geiz and Ruby, "I don't think they're here to hurt us. If they were they would have attacked by now."
"If you're sure…" Gusion trailed.
"So you all know Takatora?" Aym asked.
"We do, we were sent to help him," Geiz replied, "We weren't expecting to find him like this though."
"I suppose introductions are in order then, welcome to Team Orange Ride," Aym said as he introduced his team before himself, Paimon and then Gusion. It wasn't long before Ruby and company responded in kind with Geiz recounting what happened when they arrived alongside Aym explaining what had just recently occurred.
Ruby though was currently mulling on the fact that Zangetsu was roaming around attacking at random. And since Takatora was around while this happened and had amnesia, that meant someone else was parading around as Zangetsu.
"That's unnerving… sounds like you ran into Team Green Dolls before just now," Gusion shivered a bit, wondering what happened to them.
"And yeah before you ask, Glasya's just like that," Aym remarked before getting an idea, "Hey, how about we make an alliance?
"You want our help to stop Zangetsu, right?" Ruby asked.
"We also need to expose his identity," Takatora replied, "I believe he's the key to everything."
"He sure sounds like a good start," Geiz agreed before giving a nod, "We'll do it since you're the most reasonable team we've run into so far."
"Thanks, it really means a lot to-" Aym paused before gripping his chest in pain, Ruby's eyes going wide as she watched Gusion and Paimon hurry over to their leaders side.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Gusion asked, "Are you alright?"
"I'm alright, it'll get better…" Aym gasped as he tried to fight through the pain.
"Is it the chest pains again?" Paimon asked.
"I said I'll be fine!" Aym called out in frustration.
"It's the same as the previous leader…" Gusion trailed.
"Your leader…?" Takatora asked.
"He had those pains as well?" Ruby asked, trying to figure out a cause or relation to why the Team Leaders all had chest pains occurring.
"Before he disappeared, he had the same symptoms…" Paimon said before suddenly gasping as he saw something green lurking in the distance, coming closer and closer, "It's them, they're here! They're coming!"
"They're coming?" Takatora asked.
"Who's coming, is it those Noble guys?" Geiz asked as he looked around.
It wasn't long before a humanoid jade tiger monster with an enlarged right claw suddenly leapt from its hiding spot and into the area. This was a Byakko Inves, it growling out as it approached the group.
"That's…" Tsukuyomi trailed as took a step back.
"No way, those things are here?" Weiss asked.
"Inves…!" Aym gasped out.
"Inves…?" Takatora asked.
"That's what the nobles call them," Paimon explained, "These guys have been popping up more lately, attacking us for no reason!"
Weiss quickly brought out a glyph, using it to block a swipe from the Byakko Inves before she launched a fireball at the Inves to force it back. The Byakko Inves rolled across the ground before growling as it got in a defensive stance.
"Take Aym and get out of here!" Geiz called out as he readied his Ridewatch.
"Weiss, Tsuki, go with them and make sure they stay safe, we'll catch up," Ruby said as she readied her Ridewatch.
"You two stay safe," Weiss said as she and Tsukuyomi hurried over to Team Orange Ride.
"I will fight!" Aym drew out an Orange Lockseed, desperate to fight despite the fact that Gusion was just barely holding him up.
"What can you do in that state?!" Takatora argued.
"But…!" Aym tried to protest.
"I'll show you that not all adults are rotten to the core, go now." Takatora said as he joined Ruby and Geiz while Team Orange Ride, Weiss and Tsukuyomi all began to head off.
"You sure you should be doing this?" Geiz asked.
"We can handle it," Ruby replied.
"Thank you, but if I do know you then getting involved might help speed up my recovery," Takatora admitted as he took a fighting stance, "So please, allow me to fight alongside you."
"Fine then, we'll make sure you aren't too roughed up," Geiz gave a nod.
"Just don't overdo it," Ruby said before looking forward, "Alright…"
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME!]
[KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Roze brought out Crescent Rose and took aim with its rifle formation, firing and causing sparks to fly from the Byakko Inves. Geiz quickly drew out his Zikan Zax and leapt in, slashing downwards and striking against the creatures head, forcing it back.
Takatora had been moving around the fight once it began, keeping to the background before getting in the path of the stumbling Inves. He gave a yell and kicked it in the side, sending it stumbling back into Geiz who smacked it away with his axe.
"Not bad," Geiz remarked.
"I could say the same for you two," Takatora pointed towards them.
"Hello everyone~"
Roze and Geiz gave a gasp as sparks flew from their backs, both of them getting hit by bullets as they were forced to roll away. The bullets had also struck the Inves, impacting against its body and sending it to its knees.
"I've been looking for you," The mercenary from before walked over with an automatic rifle. With him seemed to be the likely leader of Team Green Dolls, Foras, as he dressed in a similar manner to the fallen members and held a Sengoku Driver.
"Who are you?" Takatora asked.
"Call me Belial, please," Belial gave a smile, "My, you truly are a fine man… this is love at first sight! However I am a professional! I've been hired to kill you alongside scaring some brats off!"
"Brats…?" Roze asked in a hushed voice, "Really?"
"Those Nobles work quick if they were able to hire a mercenary in that short time," Geiz muttered back.
Takatora raised an eyebrow, "To kill me? Who hired you?"
"That's a secret~" Belial sung out, "A professional never reveals his secrets! But now I have a question!"
"What is it?" Geiz asked.
Belial instead turned towards Foras, "You there…" He then pointed at Geiz and Roze, "Do you recognize these armored fellows?"
"I don't think I've ever seen those Armored Riders before," Foras shook his head.
"Then they must be the brats I was told about…" Belial gave a hum as he put a hand to his chin, "I was told to scare them off, but given they have armor and the ugly monster… guess we'll have to play rough. Boy, prepare yourself for we go to war!"
"R-Right…!" Foras stammered out as he fumbled but managed to ready his Donguri Lockseed as Belial prepared the Durian Lockseed.
"Henshin!"
[COME ON! DONGURI ARMS! NEVER GIVE UP!]
[DURIAN ARMS! MR. DANGEROUS!]
Soon enough, Foras had transformed into the black proto version of Gridon, while Belial himself transformed into the black proto version of Bravo. Both Proto Riders readied their respective weapons before charging forward.
"That isn't good," Roze muttered, "Looks like despite being a Team Leader he's working under that Mercenary."
"Hopefully he's as good at fighting as he is at transforming," Geiz muttered back as he noticed Foras nearly fumbling his own transformation.
"Prepare yourselves!" Proto Bravo declared as he leapt towards Takatora, bringing his Durinoko blades downwards.
Geiz had quickly gotten in the way, blocking with his ZIkan Zax before swiping to the side and backing up, "Stay back!"
Takatora could only give a nod as he kept his arms raised for defensive purposes.
The Inves watched as Proto Bravo and Geiz clashed with each other again, leaping towards them and forcing both to step back. Proto Bravo however blocked the next swing from the Byakko Inves with one blade, kicking it away.
"You're in the way!" Proto Bravo called out before blocking a slash from Geiz.
Proto Gridon meanwhile had attempted to fight Roze, the Huntress Rider keeping him at long range as she fired at him before he could even get close. While a few of her shots were deflected by him swinging his Donkachi hammer, she still kept him forced on the defensive.
"Come on!" Proto Gridon gave a light whine as he rolled away from another shot.
"Really…? Whining…" Roze lowered her weapon in disappointment.
"There we go!" Proto Gridon suddenly laughed as he leapt up high, ready to bring his hammer down. That was until sparks flew, Roze immediately aiming and firing at him while he was open in mid-air. Proto Gridon could only gasp as he held his chest and fell on his back.
"Figured you'd try something like that," Roze sighed.
"Getting in the way of true love…" Proto Bravo remarked as he kicked the Byakko Inves away before slashing at Geiz, "You've got guts, I'll tell you that!"
"I could care less about your stupid love rambling," Geiz dodged out of the way of the, quickly swinging and batting away the next incoming set of slashes. He then backed up, "Why are you messing around?"
"You need to learn to savor the finer things in life, boy!" Proto Bravo exclaimed as he slashed the Byakko Inves away.
The Byakko Inves slid near Takatora before it perked up, quickly getting to its feet and swiping at him. Takatora thought quickly, dodging around the swipes before kicking it in the knee. He then spun and kicked it in the head to send it to the ground before he backed away.
"Got you now," Proto Bravo quickly leapt towards Takatora now that he was closer to the fights, slashing downwards.
Takatora gasped and dodged out of the way, wincing as he had gotten a shallow cut on his left bicep.
"There we go… I want this to last a bit longer but I suppose I'll need to go all out," Proto Bravo declared as he began to move towards Takatora.
"Like hell you will!" Geiz rushed towards Proto Bravo.
That was until the Riders and Inves gasped out, sparks flying from their bodies as they all staggered back. The culprit was none other than a black and silver suited version of Kamen Rider Ryugen in Budou Arms, holding the Budou Ryuhou.
"What in the…" Proto Bravo trailed.
"Ryugen…?" Roze muttered.
"The hell…?" Geiz asked.
The Byakko Inves howled at the newcomer and leapt towards Proto Ryugen. The Armored Rider dodged the swipe and spun, performing a roundhouse kick against the creatures back and sending it to the ground.
Proto Ryugen quickly took aim, firing at all the Riders and aiming at their hands. Roze, Geiz, Proto Gridon and Proto Bravo all gasped out as they were disarmed in an instant.
"Are you okay? Big bro," Proto Ryugen walked over towards Takatora who had kept his arms raised.
"Big bro…?" Geiz asked as he began to inch his way over to Roze.
"That isn't…" Roze knew that the Armored Rider before them wasn't Mitsuzane. She could tell voices apart and had just recently gotten off the phone with him. This Ryugen did not match Mitsuzane's voice in the slightest.
"Big Brother…?" Takatora asked.
Proto Ryugen was unable to notice Geiz meeting up with Roze as Proto Bravo had tried to leap at him to attack. Despite Proto Bravo being a professional, Proto Ryugen was smarter, countering the mercenary's moves and shooting him with the Budou Ryuhou to force him back.
"Mitsuzane… is that you, Mitsuzane?" Takatora asked.
"No wait-" Roze was about to protest when Geiz grabbed her by the shoulder and shook his head, she lowered her voice, "Geiz?"
"He's going to try and lead Takatora away," Geiz whispered his guess, "I'll make sure Aym and the others are alright, follow after them and figure out what's going on."
Roze stared at her friend before giving a nod.
"Don't worry, I'm here to save you," Proto Ryugen reassured Takatora, "Let's run!"
"But what about the others…?" Takatora asked as he was a bit suspicious at Proto Ryugen's words and actions.
"They'll catch up with us later," Proto Ryugen said before hurrying Takatora off before running after him, "Now go!"
"Good luck," Roze said as she used Petal Burst to follow after the two from above.
"D-Did she just turn into roses?!" Proto Gridon gasped out.
"Well she has some unique techniques," Proto Bravo remarked before giving a growl as the Byakko Inves grabbed him from behind, "Get off! Foras, some assistance would be nice about now!"
"B-But I'm disarmed!" Proto Gridon held up his hands, "You want me to just punch it?!"
"That would be helpful yes!" Proto Bravo called out.
Geiz meanwhile stepped back before turning and running in the direction he remembered Team Orange Ride rushing off in.
Proto Bravo gave a click of his tongue when he soon saw that they were now alone, managing to toss the Inves off of him. He then dismissed his transformation and ran in the direction Takatora, Proto Ryugen and Roze had rushed through, "We're giving chase!"
"Yes sir!" Proto Gridon called as he followed after the mercenary, dismissing his transformation.
After a while of running, Takatora and Proto Ryugen managed to find a good spot to stop. Roze had managed to follow after them but chose to stay hidden, knowing that this Ryugen wouldn't give much up with her around. While this was usually Blake's forte she figured she'd try something new, glad that the area they had stopped at was a covered area with holes in it, landing on the roof without a sound and she peaked through one of the holes.
"Looks like we lost them," Proto Ryugen said as he lowered his weapon, "What's wrong, are you injured?"
"You… are you really Mitsuzane?" Takatora asked.
"What do you mean?" Proto Ryugen asked as he walked past Takatora.
"Apparently, I've suffered memory loss," Takatora explained.
"Memory loss…?" Proto Ryugen turned, "So that's why I couldn't get a hold of you."
"I take it you were behind Ruby and the others looking for me," Takatora added.
"Y-Yes… I was," Proto Ryugen confirmed, gritting his teeth as he realized that Ruby and her friends were going to make things needlessly difficult. He dismissed his transformation which revealed he was Kagemasa and was inwardly glad that no one else was seemingly in the area, "I wanted them to confirm what was going on before I came in to assist."
Roze narrowed her eyes, she knew that the Ryugen wasn't Mitsuzane but this confirmed her suspicions.
"I see. There's something I want to ask you," Takatora replied as he went to sit down, "Masahito Shizumiya… does that name ring a bell?"
"He was your close friend," Kagemasa replied while trying to keep his poker face, taking a seat as well, "Both you and him were working on something important here in Torkia."
"Where is he now? Is he here too?" Takatora asked.
"He's dead," Kagemasa explained, "He's been dead for 8 years now."
"So he's dead now…" Takatora said as he soon held his head.
"Yes. As a result of the failed experiment conducted on this country," Kagemasa replied.
"That's right…" Takatora realized as he stood up, "The infected population…"
"Exactly, he got infected too…" Kagemasa explained, "Before he lost his sense of will, he activated the Scalar System, and burned the whole country down." He then noticed that Takatora was spacing out, "Big bro?"
"I see…" Takatora said.
Roze could only guess at what was going on. She wondered if this new guy was related to Masahito given the man's facial expressions when Takatora wasn't looking. She wasn't one for reading faces but Kagemasa left himself very obvious in his expressions.
"Do you… want to know more?" Kagemasa asked.
"Yeah," Takatora replied.
"There are some things better left forgotten," Kagemasa warned as he stood up.
"That would be insulting his memory," Takatora explained, "I must remember my own sins."
"I see. Then follow me," Kagemasa said, "There's a better place to discuss these matters."
"What about the others?" Takatora asked.
"We'll be heading in the same general direction," Kagemasa reassured, "If they keep trying to follow where we left from they'll find us eventually."
"Understood," Takatora said, he was still a bit suspicious but said nothing, "Zangetsu. Have you heard of this name before?"
"That title belongs to Takatora Kureshima," Kagemasa answered, "Isn't that the name of the Armored Rider you transform into?"
'I would rather choose to go by the title of Kamen Rider'
"Is that so?" Takatora asked, a brief flash of memory returning to him as he narrowed his eyes, "So I transform and fight as Zangetsu?"
"Yeah, you transformed and fought as Zangetsu all along," Kagemasa explained before turning, "Let's get going."
Roze quickly brought out the Taka Watchroid, gently whispering her orders to follow the two before having it fly off discreetly.
As the two walked off, they were also unaware that they were being watched by two others alongside Roze. The two individuals were Berith and Ose from Team Baroque Red, having gone off the scout on the situation on Glasya's orders.
"We need to report this to Glasya," Berith said.
"Okay," Ose gave a nod.
"Actually," Roze spoke up as she landed before the two, picking herself up and dismissing her transformation, "I'd like to meet with him too."
"You…" Berith trailed.
"Why should we take you to him?" Ose questioned.
"Simple, I'm sure it would be in our best interests if we worked together," Ruby replied.
"You really think he wants to work with you?" Berith scoffed.
"That's up for him to decide," Ruby replied, "But it sounds like you two have more information than I do concerning that guy that was with Takatora. And I need to know everything."
Berith was ready to move forward only for Ose to grab him, shaking his head.
"Fine, but don't get mad if he tries to keep you out of this," Ose replied before turning to lead the way with Berith, Ruby following after the two.
"Damn it, where did they go?" Geiz said as he looked around, having dismissed his transformation and having lost track of Team Orange Ride.
"So you're a strange Armored Rider too?" Glasya soon came out of hiding.
"How long were you watching?" Geiz asked.
"Long enough… now answer the question," Glasya said.
"Well first the term is Kamen Rider," Geiz replied, "And second, why exactly are you here without your crew?"
"Let's just say my fight with that girl got me interested," Glasya replied, "You could be just what I need."
"I won't be your tool if that's what you're thinking," Geiz crossed his arms.
"Glasya!"
The two Riders turned to see Berith and Ose both walking over with Ruby trailing behind.
"I asked for a report, not a person," Glasya remarked.
"Well too bad, I chose to come along," Ruby crossed her arms before seeing Geiz, "Geiz? I thought you followed after the others."
"They covered more ground than I could," Geiz sighed, "I couldn't catch up to them."
"Here's our report," Berith interrupted, "Kagemasa Shizumiya came into contact with that amnesiac."
"He's also an Armored Rider," Ruby interrupted, "Ryugen to be specific. He's pretending to be Takatora's younger brother who is the real Ryugen."
"Anyway," Ose coughed loudly to get back on track, he held up a tablet and showed the data to everyone involved, Kagemasa's portrait being shown on the screen, "Kagemasa Shizumiya, one of the nobles that rule this country, and the heir to the Shizumiya name."
"So he's stringing that amnesiac along by pretending to be his younger brother…" Glasya trailed, "Just what are his intentions?"
"Shizumiya…" Ruby trailed as she soon realized why Kagemasa was doing this given the context clues.
"We heard Kagemasa Shizumiya say this," Ose said, "That amnesiac was involved in the experiments that tore this country apart."
"Could he be out for revenge?" Berith suddenly realized.
Glasya looked over, "Revenge?"
"Kagemasa Shizumiya's elder brother, Masahito Shizumiya died 8 years ago," Ose explained as he pulled up a profile shot of Masahito.
"So why hasn't he just killed Takatora for it?" Glasya questioned.
"He had him all alone too," Ruby added, "He didn't know me or your guys were nearby. He could have done it while Takatora was defenseless."
"Maybe he wants Takatora to regain his memory first?" Berith pondered, "He probably wants Takatora to relive all the regret and agony before ending it all."
"That has to be his goal," Geiz realized.
"I see," Glasya said.
"He was pretty bold to show himself to us," Ruby replied, "He's probably going to get sloppier the closer he gets to his goal."
"I know you probably want to check up on the others, but we should probably make sure Takatora comes out unscathed," Geiz suggested, "As he is now, he won't last long against Kagemasa."
"Agreed," Ruby gave a nod.
"We also heard something intriguing about Zangetsu," Ose added, "Kagemasa Shizumiya clearly said this, 'You transformed and fought as Zangetsu'."
"That would be correct," Ruby decided to confirm, "He's Kamen Rider Zangetsu. Whoever this other Zangetsu is, he's a fake."
"Kagemasa Shizumiya… that amnesiac… Zangetsu, that Armored Rider… and then you two and the other pair that's with you," Glasya said as he paced around before looking back at Geiz and Ruby, "This is becoming interesting. To fight for sport under the Nobles watch forever… that goes against my philosophy. We're going with you to go and get Takatora Kureshima and turn this to our favor."
"I'm going to go on ahead," Ruby said as she began walk forward, "If anyone can reach those two before Kagemasa does something drastic, it's me."
Glasya, Berith and Ose could only stare as Ruby outside of her transformation used Petal Burst to launch herself forward.
"Just what are you people?" Ose turned to Geiz.
"We're Kamen Riders," Geiz said simply as he walked forward.
Aym gave a gasp as he stumbled out of Gusion and Paimon's grip, falling to the ground. The three alongside Tsukuyomi and Weiss had managed to make it to a more secluded area.
"You need to stop pushing yourself," Tsukuyomi hurried over.
"Just let them help you," Weiss sighed.
"We can't just leave them by themselves…" Aym gasped out.
"Just leave them be, they made their choice!" Paimon called out.
"I can't just do that!" Aym yelled out, "They're risking their lives just to help us, especially Takatora who doesn't even transform…" He tried to move forward only to stumble and fall, Paimon and Gusion hurrying over to him, "That Takatora guy… he's different from the other adults we know… that much I know."
"I've only met him for a short while… but he's a good man," Weiss admitted as she walked over, "At least compared to these Nobles that we keep hearing about."
"Here we go!"
"Yes sir!"
Everyone immediately turned, Tsukuyomi and Weiss drawing their weapons out since the voices were unfamiliar to them. What came out from around the corner… was not what was expected. It was Belial and Foras, the two doing an odd side walk and exercise routine as they arrived, with Belial taking the lead.
"In order to be good looking?"
"Place your heart before all else!"
"In order to be stronger?"
"Place your heart before all else!"
"In order to grow taller?"
"Place your heart before all else!"
"And the prettiest of all in the world is?"
"Belial!" Foras got to his knees and held his hands out as Belial gave the peace sign.
"See, you can do it if you try!" Belial called out in a proud voice.
"…why?" Weiss was the first to ask.
"This is an extremely odd location…" Tsukuyomi could only stare with a deadpan expression.
"Huh?" Foras turned to see the group just staring at him and Belial, "Aym?"
"The hell do you want?" Paimon asked.
"So you're Aym?" Belial asked, "Quite the looker, aren't you? But what do you even plan to do, with your body in that state?"
"Huh? Who are you two?" Foras asked as he saw Weiss and Tsukuyomi.
"I could ask the same thing," Aym slowly picked himself up as the pain subsided for the time being, "Foras, who is this weirdo?"
"Good, and here I thought I was being mean," Weiss replied as she kept Myrtenaster raised.
"Oh this guy is…" Foras started.
"Master, call me Master," Belial ordered.
"Yes master," Foras immediately fell in line.
"That handsome amnesiac that was with you… I'm looking for him," Belial spoke up, "Surely you know where he is."
"You mean Takatora?" Aym asked.
"Takatora? What a cool name! I'm definitely falling for him!" Belial called out in excitement.
"Why are you looking for him?" Aym asked.
"I've been hired to assassinate him! That's-" Belial gave a yelp as he ducked, dodging against a fireball that Weiss had launched at him.
"Well then, you're an enemy as far as I'm concerned," Weiss gave a glare.
"Eh? How'd you do that?" Foras asked as he looked back and forth, "What?"
"Shut it!" Tsukuyomi called out as she shot at Foras' feet to send him stumbling back.
"As much as you all keep saying I should, I can't just sit around!" Aym called out as he drew out an Orange Lockseed, "We'll defeat you!"
"Oh my, I don't hate kids with some spunk either!" Belial admitted as he pranced around before bringing out his Lockseed.
"A Lockseed, and he has a Sengoku Driver too!" Gusion called out.
"This means he's an Armored Rider too?" Paimon asked.
"Foras, back me up," Belial ordered.
"Understood, lending master a hand is also within my interests," Foras gave a nod as he brought out his Lockseed, "Taking down you Orange punks and your new friends will be like killing two birds with one stone. Brace yourselves, Hensh-"
There was a pause before Foras' eyes suddenly widened. He could feel a sharp pain in his chest as he fell over. Everyone couldn't help but pause and slowly approach.
"Hang on, what's going on?" Paimon asked.
"Getting cold feet from this? You're a pathetic man!" Belial remarked as he felt the need to berate his subordinate.
"Will you shut up," Weiss hissed out as she aimed her weapon at the mercenary, "Can't you see something's wrong with him?!"
"Foras… could it be that you're also having sudden chest pains?" Aym asked as he saw what the other leader was going through.
"What's up with that?" Belial asked.
"Baroque's Glasya too…!" Foras gasped out, "Why do I feel it too?!"
"Oh no…" Tsukuyomi said, the chest pains, all of them being leaders who all wielded Sengoku Drivers and transformed into clearly prototype versions of existing Riders…
Foras could only give an inhuman yell as he suddenly stood up, his eyes growing larger as he seemed more like a beast now. He ignored all the calls and questions everyone had before leaping at great speeds and punching at Belial.
Belial cupped both hands together and blocked the punch, gritting his teeth as he was forced to take a step back, "What's with this strength? It's totally different from before…" He gave a yell as he grabbed onto Foras' arm before tossing the Team Leader away.
Foras could only howl out as green vines began wrapping around his right arm, it glowing brightly before it transformed into a hulking green monstrous arm, sharp claws at the tip of its fingers. Foras gave a growl as he began to leap around, more beast than man. Despite Paimon and Gusion's attempts to stave it off they were knocked away.
Belial rushed in and attempted to kick at his former comrade only to get grabbed by the clawed hand and get thrown away.
Tsukuyomi quickly took aim, activating the stun function of her Faizphone X and firing at Foras. The human monster raised his arm to block against the shots. Weiss attempted to use a Gravity Glyph to hold him from below only for Foras to leap forward and out of its range.
Aym quickly took matters into his own hands, getting in front of Weiss and in Foras' path, quickly holding out his arms and just barely keeping the Team Leader at bay, "Foras!"
Foras seemed to react to that, gasping as he staggered back before suddenly seeing his right side. He gave a scared yell as he fell on his butt, "What happened to my arm!? My arm…" He began to hyperventilate before running off in fear.
"We need to go after him!" Aym called out.
"Hold it!" Belial spoke up, "That monstrous strength isn't natural."
"But we can't just leave him be!" Aym protested.
"Aym, as much as I hate to agree with that weirdo, that Foras guy's not human anymore," Weiss shook her head.
Tsukuyomi meanwhile quickly began sifting through the information in the Rider Database about Gaim, she needed to know more about the Inves.
"Besides isn't this a good thing?" Paimon added, "If he's out then that's one less problem for us."
"It's not that simple!" Aym protested, he then pointed towards Belial, "It's not just my problem… Old Man! You're responsible for it too!" He then hurried off.
"Hey, wait up!" Gusion called out as he and Paimon ran after their leader.
"H-Hey, wait up you idiot!" Weiss yelled out as she began to run off after the three, "Tsuki we need to go!"
"On it," Tsukuyomi gave a slightly distracted nod before running off after them.
Belial meanwhile was starting to put a few things together as he looked down at his Sengoku Driver, "That may be true…" He admitted as he realized he had pushed Foras to transform previously, "Huh?" He then suddenly realized something, "Old man?" he asked through gritted teeth before running off, "Get back here, brat!"
Kagemasa led Takatora deeper and deeper into the ruins of Torkia's Yggdrasil base. Soon enough they entered a ruined control room. Takatora still couldn't help but be a bit suspicious given Kagemasa's insistence that they keep ahead of Ruby and the others. While Geiz, Ruby, Weiss and Tsukuyomi gave off a welcoming feeling, his instincts weren't as warm towards Kagemasa's presence.
"What's this place?" Takatora asked.
"The Scalar System Control Room," Kagemasa answered, "This is where Masahito Shizumiya died."
Takatora looked down, "Right here?"
"The Kureshima and Shizumiya families formed the core of Yggdrasil," Kagemasa explained, "The patriarch of the Kureshima family, Amagi Kureshima. Alongside the man who led the Shizumiya family to where it is today, the one who currently rules over this country with an iron fist, Kagiomi Shizumiya."
"Currently…?" Takatora asked, "So Kagiomi Shizumiya is the noble responsible for giving Aym and the kids the Sengoku Drivers and have them kill for sport?"
"That's right," Kagemasa replied, "You came here to investigate what was going on in the country. Kagiomi Shizumiya is using this country to scheme something. He probably attacked you, thinking you discovered something, causing your amnesia. I'm sure you have much to ask but… One at a time, okay?"
Takatora simply walked over, his suspicions growing further, "Are you hiding something from me?"
"What makes you think so?" Kagemasa asked back, sweating a bit as he wondered if Takatora was figuring out his deception, "Asking something like that…"
"Answer me already," Takatora said sternly, staring Kagemasa directly in the eyes. He could only watch as Kagemasa walked further and further away, "Who are you?!"
Kagemasa turned and could only smile when he saw Takatora suddenly spacing out and starting to talk to himself. This was his chance since there were no outsiders, no teams, nothing in his way now. He could end it all right here and he readied himself to do so. He drew out a magnum and took aim, giving a more serious look as he wanted to make this slow and painful.
"So he's Kagemasa… he's Masahito's younger brother!" Takatora soon realized.
Kagemasa heard this revelation and immediately pulled the trigger.
[BLIZZARD HAWK! KOOT-TAKA! TAKA!]
The Taka Watchroid immediately circled around Takatora, forming a miniature barrier of ice that caught the bullet before crumbling.
"What?" Kagemasa questioned before yelping, sparks flying near his feet as he was forced to back away.
"That's enough, Kagemasa Shizumiya!" Ruby yelled out as she slid into view, she wasn't transformed but she had Crescent Rose out and ready in its rifle mode. She kept her aim steady as she stared at the younger Shizumiya, "Why do you want to kill him?"
Takatora stepped back in surprise, "Ruby?"
"For revenge," Kagemasa hissed out as he glared at Ruby, he took aim but didn't fire as he saw the Taka Watchroid flying around near her and Takatora, "Masahito gave up his own life to protect Takatora's."
"To protect me…?" Takatora asked.
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked.
"Big brother became Zangetsu in his place in order to develop the Rider System, using the incomplete Sengoku Driver," Kagemasa replied.
"Masahito was Zangetsu?" Takatora asked.
"The one that was supposed to take on the mantle of Zangetsu was Takatora Kureshima," Kagemasa said, "He was supposed to use the incomplete Sengoku Driver and turn into an Inves! Despite that, he pushed that onto Masahito."
"Turn into an Inves…?" Ruby asked before the realization began to dawn on her once she remembered the Proto Riders alongside Aym and Glasya's chest pains, "No…"
"Because of you," Kagemasa glared at Takatora, "He…"
"He became an Inves…" Takatora trailed before remembering when that had occurred, his friend Masahito insisting that he take Takatora's place after the first failed transformation into Zangetsu, "Masahito… I see… That's how it was."
'Takatora… I leave the future of humanity in your hands!'
"Takatora…?" Ruby asked as she glanced towards her ally.
"I don't mind if you hold a grudge," Takatora spoke, a bit more confidence in his voice than his initial confusion, "It's true that I gave him that Sengoku Driver."
"Looks like you finally remembered," Kagemasa hissed out.
"But I'll say this, it was of Masahito's own will," Takatora answered firmly.
This made Kagemasa angry as he took aim at Takatora only for Ruby to fire near his feet, he gave a hiss as he stepped back, "Don't go twisting the truth as you like! Masahito is…! Big brother is…"
"If you wish to kill me then do it," Takatora answered.
"Wait, what?" Ruby asked as she turned towards the Rider in shock, "Takatora!"
"However," Takatora continued, "I can't die just yet, not until I carry out my promise to Masahito."
Sparks suddenly flew across the ground, bullets impacting near everyone and forcing Kagemasa towards both Ruby and Takatora.
"Who's there?" Kagemasa took aim only for his weapon to shake, "Armored Rider Zangetsu…"
Zangetsu walked into view, holding the Melon Defender and Musou Saber in his hands. Zangetsu immediately leapt towards them slashing and forcing Ruby and Takatora to roll out of the way. The Taka Watchroid attempted to ram into Zangetsu only to get smacked away by his shield. He then raised it high to block a series of bullets that Kagemasa had shot at him.
"Die!" Kagemasa yelled out as he tried to rush in only to get slashed in the arm, staggering back.
"Kagemasa!" Takatora quickly grabbed Kagemasa to help him stand.
Ruby retrieved the Taka Watchroid before she took aim and fired at Zangetsu's back, sparks flying as the Armored Rider took a few steps forward from the impact. He then turned and blocked a few shots before taking aim with his Musou Saber and firing at Ruby who was forced to dodge.
"We need to run!" Takatora called out, realizing they were at a disadvantage.
"On it, I'll cover you!" Ruby called out as she continued to fire at Zangetsu who began to brace and block her shots with his shield.
Takatora quickly rushed off with Kagemasa in hand, Ruby using Petal Burst to launch after them.
Zangetsu took a few steps before turning to the side, watching as the same silver bodied and purple armored Rider from earlier stepped out from the debris.
"Sylphi…" Zangetsu spoke, "Do you know who that girl is?"
"She's part of a large group of people who assist Kamen Riders," Sylphi explained, "My employer has said that they're all very dangerous. So be careful around her."
"Then I'll proceed with caution," Zangetsu said before walking off.
Sylphi could only giggle a bit before turning and walking in the opposite direction, "The Torkia Republic, a hellish testing ground that I will exploit for the sake of my employer."
Despite their protests, Aym continued to lead the group forward in an attempt to find Foras. Needless to say, it took a bit of convincing but Belial was allowed to tag along as he genuinely wanted to figure the situation out.
"Where did Foras go?" Aym asked.
"We've lost him," Paimon said.
"What was that all about?" Gusion questioned.
Tsukuyomi meanwhile stayed silent as she found what she was looking for, grimacing as she realized what was going on.
"Boy. You said you had chest pains too, correct?" Belial asked.
"Yeah, but…" Aym started.
"Not to mention that Glasya boy too, right?" Belial interrupted with another question.
"Yeah, Foras mentioned it too," Aym gave a nod.
"I can confirm, he fought one of my friends earlier," Weiss walked over, "During the middle of the fight he had strange pains. It wasn't like my friend struck him directly there either."
"So he's an Armored Rider then?" Belial asked as he received a nod from both Aym and Weiss, "The common factor is being an Armored Rider…"
"What are you trying to say?" Aym asked.
"That everyone who transforms into an Armored Rider will become like Foras," Belial guessed, "Isn't that a logical conclusion."
"Does that mean Aym will eventually…?" Gusion trailed.
"If that's true… Then could it be that our leader…" Aym trailed as the realization hit him, "Our leader was also an Armored Rider. But he suddenly had these chest pains… and disappeared."
"Does that mean our leader became a monster?" Paimon asked.
"Yes," Tsukuyomi answered as she brought out a holographic screen from her tablet, showing the group various footage of humans eating Helheim Fruit and becoming Inves, "If you all are using Prototype Drivers and Lockseed's, which is likely… then they haven't fully filtered out the effects of the Helheim Fruit their using. Meaning while it's not instant like in the footage, slowly over time you will become an Inves by using that Driver. There is no way to reverse this process once it happens. Once you visibly start to mutate, you become a monster."
Team Orange Ride's faces dropped at this, Belial simply looking away while Weiss simply clicked her tongue as she realized she was right.
"You and I, the nobles sure have taken us on quite the ride…" Belial trailed, realizing that he was considered expendable if he was given a Prototype Sengoku Driver.
The Byakko Inves gave a roar as it suddenly leapt into the area, growling as it charged towards everyone only to receive a Glyph to its face for it to smack into. Weiss quickly followed up with Hard Light Glyphs, launching out arcing beams of energy that struck the Inves in its joints to force it back.
"Not today," Weiss glared.
"Wait, hold it!" Aym called out, "When our leader disappeared, this species of Inves appeared too!"
"Now that you mention it," Gusion realized.
"Hang on a second here…" Paimon trailed, "Then is he our leader!?"
"Category H, Byakko Inves," Tsukuyomi read out as she stared at the data on her tablet. "It's one of the common Inves for a human to turn into."
"Leader, is that you?!" Aym asked as he quickly grabbed onto the Byakko Inves, "Can you hear me? Please, get it together!"
"Aym get away from it!" Tsukuyomi called out, "He won't recognize you anymore!"
"Looks like I'll have to do this myself," Weiss stabbed the ground and began concentrating on a Summon Glyph. Soon enough an unfamiliar Glyph appeared, it having a floral pattern to it as a large bulky monstrous arm emerged from it. Weiss began to sweat a bit as she concentrated, the arm grabbing the Byakko Inves before tossing it to the side, "Still too much…" She gasped as she slumped forward, the arm dismissing itself.
The Byakko Inves growled out, ready to leap towards Weiss when it was suddenly frozen in mid-air. Tsukuyomi held her hand out before taking aim with the Faizphone X.
[BURST MODE!]
She sent a powerful blast of red energy at the Byakko Inves, it striking it and forcing it out of the time stop as it fell to the ground, its body smoking.
"I'm going in!" Aym called out.
"No, you're not doing anything," Weiss called out as she managed to stand, "Didn't you hear what we said?!"
"I can't just ignore all the danger around me!" Aym yelled.
"Take care of yourself first!" Weiss snapped as she held a free hand out, using a Gravity Glyph to force Aym to his knees, "If you end up falling then what becomes of everyone else? Yes there's danger but you can't help them if you don't take care of your body!" She then turned towards the Inves and brought out a Hard Light Glyph via Myrtenaster, "Tsuki!"
"On it," Tsukuyomi took aim at the Glyph before looking at Aym, "I'm sorry about this."
[BURST MODE!]
Tsukuyomi fired off a powered up blast of energy, it striking the glyph and entering it before Weiss redirected the energy, three powerful hard light blasts spiraling out and piercing the Byakko Inves just as it stood up. The Inves could only gasp out as it held its claw forward before falling onto its back and exploding.
"Leader…" Aym trailed as he fell to his knees before screaming out in agony, a scream that likely echoed through the entirety of the slums of Torkia.
Kagemasa gave a yell as he pulled away from Takatora, holding his arm. The two had just managed to escape to a more secluded area with Ruby landing nearby shortly after. Takatora meanwhile had torn some of his clothes off to tie up the cut that Kagemasa received, it wasn't a perfect fix, but it would do.
"What's his problem? That asshole!" Kagemasa yelled out as he was at his wits end, first Ruby interrupting his chance at getting revenge, and now Zangetsu joining in and forcing him to work with both Takatora and Ruby.
"Stop talking, Kagemasa. Your wounds will reopen," Takatora warned.
"Don't act all friendly with me now!" Kagemasa screamed out before holding his arm in pain, he gritted his teeth before raising his gun up before aiming it at his arm. Ruby thought quickly, tossing out the Taka Watchroid as it smacked itself into Kagemasa's hand and sending the gun clattering to the floor.
"What is even your problem?!" Ruby questioned.
"Having to be saved by you two… especially him… there's no greater disgrace!" Kagemasa called out, "He killed Masahito!"
"He was very proud of you," Takatora said, "An outstanding little brother."
"Outstanding…?" Kagemasa asked, "I could never match up to Masahito. He was always thinking of everyone! Even this country! For humanity too…" He tried to rush for the gun only for it to get shot away by Ruby, he turned with a glare, "and he was an amazing person!"
"Hey, hey," Ruby held up a hand, "Just calm down alright?"
"He really was an amazing guy," Takatora admitted as he walked over.
"Stop acting like you know him!" Kagemasa yelled out, "You… what could you possibly know about Masahito?!"
"A mutual understanding," Takatora answered, "That's why… I'll fulfill my promise to him."
"I've been keeping tabs on you," Kagemasa said as he began to tear up as he grabbed Takatora by his collar, "You led Yggdrasil… and saved the world… if that's true then… that should have been big brothers duty!"
"I saved the world?" Takatora asked before forcing Kagemasa's hands off of him.
"You're a bit off there," Ruby replied.
"You're right, I wasn't the hero," Takatora said as he began to pace around, "The man who saved the world was…" He trailed as memories flooded back to him, all of them relating to the Rider who fought his hardest back in 2013, Kouta Kazuraba.
"Takatora…"
Ruby couldn't help but look around as she could have sworn she had just heard Kouta's voice call out for Takatora.
"The man who saved the world was…" Takatora repeated, "Kouta Kazuraba. I haven't changed at all."
"You really need to stop-" Ruby paused when she suddenly saw something out of the corner of her eye, taking aim, "You…"
Takatora and Kagemasa turned as they watched Zangetsu slowly but surely walk towards them.
"Run away, now!" Takatora called out as he took a defensive stance.
"Quit spouting nonsense!" Kagemasa noticed his gun was unguarded and quickly rolled, wincing as he rolled on his bad arm. But it was enough to grab the gun and aim it at Zangetsu, he wasn't about to rely on the Prototype Sengoku Driver he had stolen, lest he turn into a monster, "Right now, I can't back down."
"Will you just listen to him," Ruby called out, "He only wants-"
"Shut up!" Kagemasa screamed before turning towards Zangetsu, "You… pretending to be Masahito, why are you getting in my way?!" He gritted his teeth as he saw Zangetsu laugh, "Undo your transformation, reveal yourself!"
"Me? You want to know who I am?" Zangetsu asked, his voice immediately stunning both Kagemasa and Takatora due to its familiarity.
"That voice…" Takatora started.
"Gladly," Zangetsu said before dismissing his transformation, revealing himself as a man in a white suit with mess brown hair and a red handkerchief tucked in his pocket. This man was the subject of the two's conversation, Masahito Shizumiya. He gave a fond smile, "It's been such a long time."
"No way…" Ruby muttered as she saw Masahito, she was sure that he was the same guy in the report Ose gave, but she had been told that he had died. This kept her more wary however, wondering how he even survived. She lowered her weapon slightly, wondering just what was going on.
"Big brother… how…?" Kagemasa managed to ask despite his stunned state, "Aren't you dead?"
"Dead… that's right, I died. But I'm right here," Masahito confirmed before walking over towards his brother, "Kagemasa, let go of that dangerous thing. Bloodstains don't suit you."
"I… just wanted to take revenge for you!" Kagemasa cried out as tears began to fall at seeing his brother again.
"It's okay, Kagemasa," Masahito hurried over and took his brother by his wrists to calm him down, moving his hands close together as he took the gun, "Even if you don't take revenge for me. Look, I'm right here."
"Big bro…" Kagemasa continued to cry as he lowered his head.
"You asked why I got in your way earlier." Masahito reminded, he then gripped the gun before shooting his little brother in the side of his stomach.
"You…" Ruby quickly took aim towards Masahito.
"Big bro… why…?" Kagemasa gasped out as he soon fell on his side.
"Kagemasa!" Takatora went to rush towards the younger brother's side only to stop when Masahito pointed the gun at him.
"Because I'll kill Takatora myself," Masahito continued.
"Masahito…" Takatora started.
"Takatora, so you finally remember who I am?" Masahito asked.
"Yeah," Takatora replied.
"Well aren't you a spoil sport," Masahito lowered his gun when he noticed Ruby's weapon still trained on him, "But it's not like that weapon can do anything to me."
"I wouldn't bet for sure on that," Ruby warned.
Masahito could only laugh, "I used an incomplete Sengoku Driver and became an Inves. Time stood still and then the experiments on Torkia? Thanks to someone's malice, it all ended in failure. The citizens ate the forbidden fruit out of desperation, infecting themselves. They lost their sense of self, turning into monsters."
"That's why you used the Scalar System to burn the whole country down," Takatora continued, "You sacrificed yourself."
"I was exposed to the massive radiation from the Scalar System, and amidst that hellscape, I found my answer," Masahito explained.
"Your answer…?" Takatora asked.
"Those with power form the keystone of this world, they'll have to lead the path," Masahito said as he continued to pace around, "And I've obtained a power worthy of that position."
"Power, you say?" Takatora asked.
"What kind of power?" Ruby asked as she warily kept her aim on Masahito.
"That's right, power," Masahito smiled before holding out his right hand, gun held in it, vines suddenly formed from underneath his sleeve, wrapping around his arm and constricting the gun. Soon enough he created a pure white weapon resembling a Chinese style halberd. He brandished it as he held it like a staff, "I'll surpass humans… surpass Inves… And become the king of a new world."
"Sorry but that position's already taken," Ruby took aim and fired at Masahito, she was shocked to see the man simply grab his halberd with both hands, swinging it to deflect her blasts away.
"Taken? Sorry to say but I've yet to see a King of the World," Masahito smiled, "You must be mistaken."
Ruby couldn't help but laugh, "Sorry, but trust me when I say if you try to go up against him, you'd get demolished. So be glad I'm one of the ones you have to deal with today."
Takatora meanwhile ducked and rolled as Masahito had leapt and slashed at him, "Why a king?"
"Because they hold great power, absolute power," Masahito explained before dodging and batting away more blasts of energy from Ruby.
"What about our promise?" Takatora asked.
"Noblesse Oblige?" Masahito asked.
"That's right. Didn't we pride ourselves on that!?" Takatora asked.
"I was drunk off my ego," Masahito argued, "I was wrong all along. I've come to realize that! To have the weak be ruled by the strong, only then can you decide your own path! You'll know what it means to truly live! You should know that too."
"You've changed, Masahito," Takatora gave a solemn stare towards his old friend.
"Yet you haven't at all!" Masahito shook his head before stabbing at Takatora, going for a close range fight to keep Ruby from firing hastily at him. He managed to use his staff to smack Takatora to the ground, "If you don't change, you have no future! This will be your grave!"
"Stop!" Kegamasa yelled out from where he was lying, holding his bleeding gut, "You're not the Masahito I know!"
"Still kicking? I'll make this quick for you," Masahito said as he began to walk towards Kagemasa, deciding to halt his crusade against Takatora for the meantime.
Ruby meanwhile was trying to find a good spot to aim, wanting to detach the Sengoku Driver from Masahito so that Takatora could transform. That was until she saw two shadows approaching the fight at high speeds. Knowing this was her chance she brought out the Kodama Suika Ridewatch out and began to step forward.
Suddenly Glasya got in Masahito's way, punching the older brother in the face several times. Before Masahito could even react, Geiz suddenly leapt in and kicked at him, he gave a light gasp as he was staggered by the kick.
"Your opponent is me!" Glasya called out.
"Good thing you went ahead, Ruby," Geiz said as raised his arms, ready to fight.
"Took you all long enough," Ruby smiled as she began to make her way over to Takatora before giving a grin. She tossed the Kodama Suika Arms forward, it transforming into its robot mode before drawing out a miniature double bladed sword as it launched itself at Masahito.
"Huh?" Masahito turned only for the Kodama Suika Arms to slice the Sengoku Driver right at its connection point, forcing it to detach itself from Masahito, the revived man looked down in surprise, "What?"
The Kodama Suika Arms caught the Sengoku Driver with the Melon Lockseed still in it, scurrying over to Ruby who grabbed both.
"We'll be taking this back," Ruby smiled as she held up her prize.
"You…" Masahito turned with a glare.
Ose and Berith arrived shortly after, the two shocked at this turn of events, "Masahito Shizumiya, then that means Zangetsu is!"
"Takatora Kureshima, I'm grateful that you and your allies showed up!" Glasya called out as he rushed in, managing to grapple and hold Masahito back, "You're the key to our revolution! I won't let any of you die here!" He called out as he was pushed back, ducking underneath a swing from the halberd before tackling Masahito, "Berith, Ose! Get them all out of here!"
"Hey, wait a minute!" Ruby called out.
"Just run! I'm not stupid, I'll catch up shortly!" Glasya called out, "Consider this a favor for you beating me!"
"You heard the man," Geiz quickly grabbed Ruby and Takatora's arms to drag the two away while Berith and Ose picked up Kagemasa to carry him away.
"What a gallant fellow," Masahito admitted as he approached Glasya, "I've underestimated you."
"Shut it!" Glasya yelled as he ran towards Masahito, managing to get a punch in before he was hit by the elder brother's halberd. Masahito continued to smack Glasya around, the leader of Baroque Red falling to the ground.
"Looks like you won't talk," Masahito remarked as he slammed the end of his halberd into Glasya's gut, "Why don't you transform? Maybe you'll actually have a fighting chance then. At least you'd be able to run like you promised."
"I'll turn into a Inves…" Glasya replied.
"Smart man, so you've noticed?" Masahito asked.
"I know my body well enough," Glasya answered as he gripped the halberd and lifted it up to stop pressure from being applied on him, "Aren't you nobles planning something by using us as guinea pigs?"
"You rats…" Masahito began to laugh.
"What's so funny?!" Glasya questioned, "I have no intention of dying as a guinea pig! I'll kill all you nobles for sure. And then I'll rule over this country!"
"You're an interesting one," Masahito admitted as he withdrew his halberd, "But let me leave you with this. I'm not interested with trifle like that."
"What?" Glasya asked as he sat up.
"Come with me, I'll show you who your real enemy is," Masahito replied.
"What did you just say?" Glasya asked.
"Follow me," Masahito repeated before walking off with a hesitant but curious Glasya following after him.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"Believing in someone and walking the same path…"
"We do have a potential recruit."
"What have you done?!"
"I want to see you become a real beast of a man."
"That was my transformation."
Chapter 60: Return of Zangetsu 2019
Author's Note: Out of all four things I was choosing to adapt, this might've been the hardest purely because of its stage play nature. There's a lot of stuff that was hard to translate well so it was tough trying to figure out certain things. Not to mention when trying to figure out how to divide this I had to basically make a scene by scene summary while watching it once before figuring out a good cutting point. It was very hard to work with but I really wanted to do this and I'm satisfied with my work so far.
To those of you who've watched the Stage Play though there are a number of differences, such as there being no sudden dancing, Sylphi appearing here when she didn't at all, and Takatora immediately getting his Driver and Lockseed's back as well as a few changes in who does what in a fight scene.