Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 60 – Return of Zangetsu 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 leaned against the clock that sat in his black void, "Receiving a call for help from Mitsuzane Kureshima, Miss Rose and Miss Schnee alongside Geiz and Tsukuyomi rush over to the Torkia Republic to search for Takatora. Upon landing they discover the hellish situation the locals are in thanks to the nobles of the country. They ended up splitting up the further they dig, but gained more clarity on the situation as the true perpetrator makes their move…"
Earth – The Torkia Republic, Late March 2019
In the slums of Torkia the former leader of Team Green Dolls, Foras, was wandering around. He was still mutated by the use of the Sengoku Driver, but he had seemingly gotten over his panic and succumbed to his monstrous instincts. "Kill… I'll kill everyone and survive…"
"My, my…" Sylphi soon walked out of the shadows, "This isn't good, I want strong mindless beast's not sentient killers…"
"Kill!" Foras yelled out as he rushed at Sylphi only to gasp out before he could just barely reach her, a blade piercing his stomach.
"Overlord's are too much trouble, especially when they might overthrow my position," Sylphi remarked with a giggle as she held a staff in her hands, it having a blade at the end wrapped in Helheim fruit. She stabbed further before pinning Foras against the wall and slamming him through it, releasing energy and sending him flying back.
"Kill… Survive…" Foras gave a gasp as he tried to get up only to fall on his back, going limp.
"Now then Takatora… will you be the one who deals with dear Masahito for me?" Sylphi asked before turning, glancing to the side and soon seeing the Jester that had visited Masamune during Zombie Chronicle, "Don't worry, with what's going to happen I'm sure at least one of them will become a vicious beast to be feared."
The Jester could only stare before walking off into the shadows.
"I must admit, it feels weird to be prepping our next move now," Sylphi trailed as she began to walk off, "But I suppose that just means all those fools trying to crown a king won't be aware of our true plans till it's too late."
Yelling caught her attention as she then saw various soldiers employed by the Torkia Nobles all marching in a specific direction.
"So I see the father is getting restless… meaning the eldest son is going to act soon as well," Sylphi spoke to herself before changing directions and heading to where the Shizumiya manor was located, "I might as well make sure I support the fool, lest I draw suspicion."
"We've gotten pretty far," Berith remarked as he stopped to catch his breath with Ose, the two still holding onto Kagemasa. Geiz, Ruby and Takatora soon stopped right behind them.
"Will he be alright?" Takatora asked.
"What do you take Glasya for?" Berith questioned.
"It's best not to look down on Masahito," Takatora answered, "Especially now that he's returned from the dead as an Overlord."
"Let go of me!" Kagemasa pushed himself off of Berith and Ose, trying to walk away only to stumble flat on his stomach.
"Dumbass, what are you doing?" Berith hissed out as he managed to keep himself and Ose from falling because of the push.
"You look like crap," Geiz said bluntly, "You could use our help."
"Exactly," Takatora said as he walked over.
"What the hell? Where did I go wrong?" Kagemasa questioned as he picked himself up, he reeled away from Takatora's touch before staggering off, "Don't touch me!"
"Where are you going?" Takatora questioned.
"Leave the spoiled brat alone," Berith scoffed, "I have no sympathy for him. He's the reason we're fighting for our lives."
"More importantly, is Glasya really going to escape? Shouldn't we go help him?" Ose asked.
"We should wait a little longer," Geiz suggested, "Let's catch our breath before we worry."
Takatora meanwhile went to sit down as he needed a break from all the walking and running.
"Hey," Ruby walked over and sat next to him before handing the Sengoku Driver and Melon Lockseed to him, "You're going to need these."
"Thanks," Takatora said as he took back his equipment, "Sorry that I caused you all this trouble."
"Come on, you know that me and my team are always happy to help," Ruby gave a smile, "Besides even if we helped you last time you helped Sougo big time by getting us involved in the Another Gaim case. So consider us even with us coming here."
"I suppose I will," Takatora gave a nod before pocketing the equipment and clasping his hands, "Still, I would have rather done this myself."
"And where did that get you exactly?" Geiz asked as he walked over, "A case of amnesia and wandering around instead of fixing the problem. It was to the point that your brother called us in to help."
"Mitsuzane, huh…" Takatora sighed, "I suppose I do have a bad habit of doing things myself. I just thought since this was my personal battle and it wasn't a life ending situation like with Kugai, that I could handle it."
"There's nothing bad with being wrong," Geiz replied, "But you've been at this for longer than us, you should have had a backup."
"Oh my, we meet again!"
"Oh no…" Geiz, Ruby and Takatora all muttered as they recognized the voice as Belial soon walked into view.
"Who is this guy?" Berith asked.
"He's after my life," Takatora replied.
"That was before," Belial admitted.
"What do you mean?" Takatora asked.
"Giving me that dangerous thing… I'm really miffed!" Belial clasped his hands behind his back, "Naturally I would terminate my contract! That's why I'm not after your life anymore." He gave a bit of an embarrassed smile as he turned away, "Well, not in that way anymore…"
Ruby had to gag slightly while Geiz slapped his forehead. Takatora meanwhile gave a shudder now that his memories were back. It was bad enough he had to deal with the real deal outside of this hellhole, but now there was another one… so he pretended to not hear that last part and simply walked further away from where he was before sitting down while facing away.
"Hey, don't ignore me!" Belial whined.
"Something dangerous…?" Berith questioned, "What does that mean?"
"It seems you have no clue either," Belial said before clasping the Sengoku Driver around his waist, "If you use this belt enough times, you'll turn into a monster. Don't you feel it too?"
"So Glasya's chest pains…!" Ose realized.
"We've got to help him out now!" Berith became panicked and went to rush off.
"Stop!" Taktora called out.
Berith turned, "But!"
"He's a smart guy," Geiz admitted as he walked over and put a hand on Berith's shoulder, "I'm sure he knows, that's why he said he'd run."
"Old man!"
"Geiz, Ruby!"
Paimon, Gusion, Weiss and Tsukuyomi soon rushed over, the four had been searching for any sign of their allies after getting done with the Byakko Inves.
"Where's Aym?" Takatora asked, already noticing the absence, "Did something happen?"
"It was what we talked about before, our leader that disappeared… he became an Inves," Paimon explained.
"Tsukuyomi and I ended up having to tag team to deal with it," Weiss explained.
"There is no known way to save someone who becomes an Inves so we couldn't save him," Tsukuyomi added, "And Aym's chest pains were already worsening before the fight. He can't transform again, it's too risky."
"I see…" Takatora realized.
"I can only imagine he's taking it hard," Geiz mused as he paced around, "So I take it he's trying to sort out his feelings?"
"Jeez, that definitely sounds rough for him," Ruby shook her head as she looked down.
"Pathetic, isn't he?" Belial remarked.
"Of course he would feel that way!" Paimon called out, "It was one of our own, our friends!"
"You guys kill each other every day right?" Belial pointed out, "Taking lives is nothing new to you. Saying something like 'I can't kill my friend…'"
"Even if you say that," Gusion started.
"Stop, he's right," Takatora called out.
"Old man, not you too," Gusion turned in surprise.
"Taking lives sometimes is unavoidable," Geiz interrupted as he looked around, "However only narrow minded people think that one should not weep for their comrades. Someone who was not their enemy but forced to be one. Regardless, the entire show you've been putting on has been distracting you all."
"You all should know this. The enemy you should be fighting… are the nobles," Takatora explained, "I came here to investigate those nobles."
"Did you regain your memories?" Paimon asked.
"That's right," Takatora replied, "They're my enemy too."
As if on cue, the various Torkia Guards suddenly crawled out of the woodwork, all brandishing knives as they surrounded everyone. It wasn't long before everyone adopted a fighting stance after the initial surprise wore off.
"These guys are new," Geiz got in a fighting stance.
"They're the Nobles goons," Berith explained.
"Oh my, it seems like now they're after me too…" Belial realized, "I hate men who don't have balls!"
"You intend to kill us all, right?" Takatora asked.
As if responding the Torkia Guards all rushed forward only to suddenly stop as they were frozen in time. Everyone looked around in surprise while Tsukuyomi had both hands spread out. Despite this she was starting to sweat from how many people she had used it on, "Transform, now!"
"Come on you two," Ruby said as she readied her Ridewatch, Geiz readying his own while Takatora readied his Driver and Lockseed.
[RIDER TIME!]
[SOIYA!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
[KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[MELON ARMS: TENKA GOMEN!]
The three Riders transformed, Zangetsu simply readying his shield while Roze and Geiz readied their fists, figuring they shouldn't go too hard on the untransformed guards.
Tsukuyomi gave a light gasp as she suddenly held her head, falling to her knees and slumping forward as her time stop faded. Her eyes began to race around as she suddenly began seeing strange blurs. She felt as if she was suddenly transported into a warm brown room, two large figures and one smaller one in black, with an even smaller one in white.
"Hey, are you alright?" Weiss asked.
"Y-Yeah… I just overextended I think," Tsukuyomi replied.
Meanwhile the Riders alongside the Team Members and Belial all fought off the Torkia Guards that charged at them.
"Want to hire me?" Belial asked as he flipped over a guard and landed near Zangetsu.
"Sure. The payment comes after," Zangetsu said as he smacked a Torkia Guard away with his shield.
"I need no payment! All I need is a hot kiss and your burning love!" Belial exclaimed.
"I'll pay you extra if you never do that again," Zangetsu pushed a guard over to Belial before moving further away, "One was bad enough…" he muttered.
Geiz gave a yell as he punched a Torkia Guard in the mouth before kicking one that tried to stab Berith in the back.
Zangetsu soon hurried over and took hold of Berith, "Gather your friends, all those left alive. A revolution is starting." He then turned towards Geiz, "Think you can help them?"
"Toppling regimes is my side hobby," Geiz remarked before giving a nod and hurrying over to Tsukuyomi, "You sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," Tsukuyomi admitted as she stood up.
"Good because we've got a resistance to lead," Geiz replied.
"Just like old times huh?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Exactly," Geiz said as he rushed forward and punched a Torkia Guard away, "I've got a path, let's move!"
"Ruby, Weiss you're with me," Zangetsu ordered before hurrying over to Paimon, "Take me to Aym."
"Roger," Roze gave a salute before looking at Weiss, "Weiss!"
"On it," Weiss called out as she used Air Dust to create a small gust of wind to blow a few Torkia Guard's away.
"Understood," Paimon gave a nod before hurrying off, with Gusion, Zangetsu, Weiss and Roze following after him.
Berith, Ose, Geiz and Tsukuyomi meanwhile went their own way, leaving Belial behind to deal with those that didn't attempt to give chase to the two groups.
Inside the Shizumiya Manor, Masahito led Glasya inwards and into the main hall. Glasya couldn't help but feel how weird this was. Masahito was acting casual while holding a monstrous weapon in one hand.
"What's this place?" Glasya asked.
"The noble's house," Masahito explained, "And I've called the mastermind down himself."
"Masahito…" Kagiomi limped forward as he used his cane to support himself.
"Long time no see, father," Masahito gave a smile.
"Father…? This man is your father?" Glasya asked.
"Kagiomi Shizumiya, the most elite of the nobles and the one who rules this country," Masahito answered.
"Masahito… what have you been doing all this time?" Kagiomi asked, "Why did you wait until now to show your face?"
"I've been waiting," Masahito explained, "Waiting for the day Takatora returned to Torkia, all to kill him. Only then, will everything fall into place."
"Fall into place? What are you planning?" Kagiomi questioned.
"Why do you care?" Masahito asked his father, "It has nothing to do with you."
"Answer me!" Kagiomi yelled.
"Why don't you listen to this guy then? He's your problem," Masahito replied.
"It's you… the bastard responsible for this death game…" Glasya gave a glare.
"All I did was give you sewer rats a second chance," Kagiomi answered as he stayed where he was.
"At what, becoming Inves?" Glasya questioned.
"That's right, you guys serve as the basis to surpass both humanity and Inves… precious lab rats," Kagiomi confirmed before laughing.
"Was it the same then too?" Masahito asked as he walked past his father but decided to answer regardless, "8 years ago… this country was burned down by the Scalar System… and this is the man behind it all."
"What did he do?!" Glasya growled out.
"He tried to create Overlords," Masahito explained, "Once, they ruled over the Helheim Forest, a newly evolved species. When this man lost to the Kureshima family, he weaseled his way into Yggdrasil, hoping to cement his position once more… he begged Ryoma Sengoku for help… to force humans to evolve into Overlords. Am I wrong?"
"So you knew?" Kagiomi asked.
"And yet you repeat the same mistakes again," Masahito chided.
"How would you know it was a mistake?" Kagiomi asked, "It was the Kureshima's that messed up with the naiveté. They let the chance to rule the world slip past their fingers! In the end, Yggdrasill dissolved, so foolish."
"But your experiments still failed," Masahito reminded.
"I have no intention of stopping until I succeed, that's why…" Kagiomi pointed towards Glasya, "We have so many guinea pigs to spare."
Glasya was ready to charge forward when several armed Torkia Guards rushed out of hiding, all aiming their guns at him, "You bastard!"
Masahito meanwhile watched as Kagiomi backed out of the Guards' firing range. He slowly but surely went to get back to back with Glasya as they were surrounded.
"Get rid of this defective guinea pig," Kagiomi ordered.
"And do you plan to kill me too?" Masahito asked.
"You were already dead before," Kagiomi said, "Even if you die now, you're nothing more than an obstacle in my way!"
Masahito glanced at his father, "Even though I'm your son?"
"You're already dead!" Kagiomi called out, "All I need is Kagemasa now!"
"You haven't changed at all," Masahito replied.
"I don't need a Kureshima lapdog nor a rebellious son," Kagiomi explained, "That's all there is to it."
"Kureshima's lapdog…?" Masahito asked before giving a laugh, "You seem to be mistaken. I'm your son. I will inherit your will and rule over the world as its king."
"Get him already!" Kagiomi ordered.
"Down you go-!" Masahito shoved Glasya down to the ground before gasping as he was shot multiple times by the armed Torkia Guards. He fell to his knees only to suddenly stand up, lifting his arm up as vines began to launch out from the various cracks in the walls and floor, ensnaring the guards and pinning them to the walls and floor.
Kagiomi backed up in fear before bumping into something, he turned and gave a yelp as Sylphi had appeared behind him, "What?!"
"Thanks to you, I've obtained the strength I've yearned for all along," Masahito smiled, he grew a more fierce look as his shadow began to warp into a more monstrous form, "I've surpassed humanity… surpassed Inves… I've become an Overlord. I found allies who can help me further than you ever could with your foolish failed experiments…"
Kagiomi could only give short screams of fear as he began to back up only for Sylphi to grab onto him and push him towards Masahito.
"Now, now, shouldn't you be proud of him?" Sylphi asked in a taunting voice, "He made your dream a reality after all, well it is your dream, but this time it's not for you."
"I have no use for you," Masahito soon used the remaining vines to grab onto Kagiomi, lifting him up before stabbing his father in the chest with the bladed tip of his halberd.
"You… would kill your own father…" Kagiomi rasped out before going limp.
"I'm no longer human, I've become a being that surpasses all there is," Masahito explained before removing the blade, having the vines toss Kagiomi into a nearby wall. With a flick of his wrist he dismissed the vines in an instant before walking to the center of the room.
"What a wonderful partner you are," Sylphi complimented as she walked over, "Shall I deal with the others?"
"The other nobles are not needed yes, we can't have them getting any funny ideas," Masahito agreed before looking around, "From now on, I'm in charge, if you don't want to die here, then pledge your loyalty to me."
All the Torkia Guards looked around before getting on one knee and bowing their heads.
"And for choosing to follow my lovely partner, you all will be getting upgrades," Sylphi said as she began to pace around, "All Guards are to be equipped with a Sengoku Driver and Lockseed."
"Oh my, can we afford to spare that many?" Masahito asked.
"Of course, all for the sake of enforcing your rule," Sylphi responded, "That is if they survive the initial bonding process since I plan on personally powering them up."
"Interesting, that'll make things easier. Now guards, clean up his body," Masahito ordered the Guards before walking towards a stunned Glasya, "If you so wish, I can grant you that power too."
"I refuse," Glasya gave a firm stare.
"Then you'll die here," Masahito turned away.
"So that's how it is?" Glasya asked before giving a scoff, "I still refuse, and I have no intention of dying either! I'll fight both of you if I have to."
"I see then you leave me no choice," Masahito was ready to rush forward and swing at Glasya only for Sylphi to block him with her spear, "What?"
"You two are pretty similar," Sylphi admitted, "You both wish to rule the world with your own might."
"Oh?" Masahito looked at Sylphi before chuckling and moving away from the brief clash, "Very well, I suppose you do make a good point," he then looked towards Glasya, "If you grow stronger and challenge me again… there won't be someone to protect you."
Glasya could only watch Masahito leave before looking over at Sylphi, "Why step in for me?"
"Simple… you have potential, something that was wasted on that poor copy of Gridon," Sylphi chuckled as she walked forward, "I want to see you become a real beast of a man."
"A beast of a man," Glasya repeated before turning and walking off.
"You may bear the title but you are not like your predecessor," Sylphi said before opening up a Crack and stepping through it, "You can't become an Overlord."
Aym was wandering around, staring at the Orange Lockseed in his hand and gripping it tightly, wondering what he should even do now. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by four Torkia Guards rushing out of hiding places with knives.
"No… if I use this…" Aym was tempted to use his Rider form to deal with these guards easily only to hesitate, quickly being forced to dodge against the guards. He kicked and shoved them away, attempting to disarm them and trying to keep them from overwhelming him. He wasn't fairing well though without a weapon and was forced into a corner.
"Aym!"
"Move it!"
Zangetsu and Roze rushed in, leading the charge with their Rider forms as Gusion, Paimon and Weiss backed them up. The five managed to slowly but surely overwhelm the guards with their numbers and equipment, the guards all fleeing after realizing they couldn't win.
"You…" Aym stared at Zangetsu and got in a wary stance, gripping his Lockseed.
"Hey wait, hold up," Roze dismissed her transformation and held her hands up as she got in front of Aym, "It's Takatora!"
"Takatora…?" Aym asked.
"Yes," Zangetsu said as he dismissed his transformation, "The nobles sent their men to get rid of you guys. They used you for experiments by handing out those incomplete Sengoku Drivers. Just like the experiments that destroyed this country."
"You regained your memories?" Aym asked.
"Yes, 8 years ago, Masahito Shizumiya and I were leading the experiments, the experiment failed terribly and this country was burned down." Takatora answered, Ruby and Weiss looking in surprise when they saw how open Takatora was about this. Especially given the people he was telling this to.
"Then…" Aym had a heartbroken look in his eyes before his face twisted to one of anger before rushing over and grabbing Takatora by his jacket, "It's your fault that this country is-!"
"It'd be natural to resent me," Takatora understood Aym's feelings, "Let me atone for my sins. But there are still villains around in here. And you guys are victims of that."
"Takatora…" Ruby trailed as she looked over.
"You could have said nothing but you still did," Weiss muttered as she saw the confidence of the man before her, a man who could state the sins of his past and family freely while still moving forward to repair the damage from those sins.
"Damn it," Aym pushed away from Takatora, "Doing as they please, disposing of us when they don't need us anymore… what do they take us for?" he paused for a while before speaking up again, "Say, Takatora… What are we to you? Being used and thrown aside… is there even any reason to continue living?"
"There is," Takatora insisted, "Don't you want to protect your friends?"
"Of course I want to!" Aym called out, "But… I couldn't even protect my Leader… he turned into that monster and I couldn't do anything about it! All I could do was try and fight him… but even then… do you know how it feels to be useless?!"
Everyone could only watch Aym cry out in frustration as he fell to his arms and knees. Takatora simply walked over and put a comforting hand on Aym's back, "Don't cry, you still have something you have to do. Unite all the teams… and take down the nobles!"
Aym quickly got up and pulled away from Takatora before starting to walk away, "You think I want to keep fighting? After what I learned about being a Rider… the fact that I can't push forward like usual… I'm done."
"Even if you can't fight as a Rider, you can still fight," Ruby called out, "It may be harder, but giving up would be worse, especially now."
"What makes a Rider isn't the suit, it's the person inside of it," Weiss added.
"I came to this country to atone for my sins," Takatora continued, "That's why I'll fight… other than that, there's no way to atone for my sins."
"Then just do as you please!" Aym called out.
"You said there's no reason to continue living?" Takatora asked, "To live on… that's how you can honor your fallen comrades."
[MATSUBOKKURI ARMS: ICHIGEKI IN THE SHADOW!]
Everyone gave a gasp as suddenly three Kurokage Troopers landed among the group, all of them lashing out with their spears as they tried to take everyone by surprise. Ruby quickly summoned Crescent Rose, blocking a spear before the Kurokage Trooper she was fighting was pushed away by a Glyph.
Weiss raised an eyebrow, "Kurokage's?"
"They must be getting serious," Ruby realized before noticing something wrong, "Wait…"
The Kurokage Troopers while still holding the standard pinecone armor and weapon had strange green vines over their black bodysuits.
"They aren't normal Kurokage's," Takatora realized and attempted to transform only for his Lockseed to get struck out of his hand by the second Kurokage Trooper before it closed in.
Gusion and Paimon meanwhile were using their pipes to try and hold back the third Kurokage Trooper, the two getting beaten back with ease due to their lack of armor and abilities.
Aym could only watch as this all unfolded before giving a yell, the words of the others slowly but surely filled his mind. They replaced his thoughts of doubt and despite the risks and the warnings, he knew what needed to be done, "I don't care if this thing turns me into a monster! I will protect everyone… Henshin!"
[SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!]
Soon enough Aym transformed into a black suited version of Gaim, the Orange Arms remained the same as he drew out his Daidamaru and charged forward, clashing with the Kurokage Trooper attacking his team before kicking it back. He then gave a yell as he rushed in, slashing at the Kurokage several times in the chest before spinning and kicking it to the ground.
Ruby gave a light yelp as she felt something hot in her pocket, quickly grabbing it and giving a gasp when she saw it was the Gaim Ridewatch, "What?"
"Why is it shining?" Weiss asked.
"I don't know why but I think it's reacting to Aym?" Ruby asked as she wondered if that reasoning was the case. She then took aim and fired at the Kurokage Trooper going after her and Weiss.
Proto Gaim meanwhile rushed over and grabbed the Kurokage Trooper attacking Takatora, shoving it away before slashing at its chest to force it back, "Takatora… you're right. We have no choice but to live on!" He blocked a strike from the Trooper before forcing the spear back, "We've fought all along to stay alive, that has never changed, not now, and not ever!"
"Aym, round them up, we'll finish them off with one attack!" Ruby called out as she took aim at the Kurokage she was fighting. She fired at its legs to send it stumbling back towards the first one that Proto Gaim had beat down before loading the Gaim Ridewatch into Crescent Rose for her finisher.
"Right," Proto Gaim said as he began to slash and punch the Kurokage he was fighting, forcing it to trip over its fallen comrades.
[GAIM SASU SASU SHOOT!]
[ORANGE SPARKLING!]
Ruby unleashed a burst of orange energy from Crescent Rose while Proto Gaim slashed forward with his Daidamaru, unleashing an orange wave of energy. Both attacks struck the Kurokage Troopers, an explosion occurring. To everyone's surprise, there were no bodies left, only a mound of plants and vines where the Troopers once were.
"So that's why…" Ruby stared at what could only be considered remains.
"Are they really just sending their soldiers on a suicide mission now?" Weiss asked.
"They're going that far…" Takatora muttered.
Proto Gaim dismissed his transformation, "I'll fight… and save everyone!"
"You remind me of him," Takatora spoke up, "This man I knew, the man who changed my life."
[GAIM!]
Ruby gave a yelp as the Gaim Ridewatch suddenly shined brightly in her hand as she attempted to put it away. It unleashed a beam of light upwards before dispersing as the members of Team Orange Ride suddenly fell unconscious. Orange sparks began to slowly but surely fly around as Ruby, Takatora, and Weiss could only look in confusion.
Aym suddenly stood up, a strange gold glow around him, "Takatora…" He spoke but his voice was different, "Looks like you've managed to change."
"No way…" Takatora trailed as he saw this.
"Kouta?" Ruby asked.
"Yep," 'Aym' turned around and gave a smile, Kouta's godly appearance being projected over him as he took control briefly, "Just because I can't be here all the time doesn't mean I'm not watching. So I've borrowed this young man's body for a bit."
"I don't think I've changed at all," Takatora admitted.
"You're seriously going on with what Masahito said?" Ruby asked as she walked over, "You told me yourself when we talked that one time. You said it was thanks to Kouta that you were here today, and I don't think you just meant that in the literal sense either."
"The fact of the matter is Yggdrasill has done some messed up things," Weiss walked over as well, "You were probably involved in a lot of those decisions directly or indirectly too. But what matters is that now you want to make sure no one abuses that power like Yggdrasill did. That's why you're here, the fact that you can proudly bear what you call sins while wanting to make amends. You're a strong person and I respect that side of you."
"You two…" Takatora turned towards the two members of Team RWBY.
"Sounds like you've got some good allies you can trust," Kouta chuckled, "That's a major change."
"I'm still the same man I was 8 years ago," Takatora argued, "I've said all those things to him but… If I meet Masahito again, can I really fight him?
"It's alright. You've changed for sure," Kouta reassured before holding out his hand, two glows moving from the palm of his hand and hitting Ruby and Takatora, "You've made invaluable connections, fought to make amends, and fight to keep this world free from those who would abuse Helheim's power."
Ruby and Takatora both looked in their pockets as they felt they were heavier. Ruby held a lime green based Ridewatch with a white dial and button that held Zangetsu's helmet in the center. Takatora meanwhile had a Kachidoki Lockseed that was green in coloration, the label being S.K.L.S., a Shin Kachidoki Lockseed.
Weiss raised an eyebrow, "A Zangetsu Ridewatch?"
"Well now," Ruby gave a smile before looking over at Kouta, "Still giving gifts, huh?"
"Only because you've changed too Ruby," Kouta admitted, "Even this far apart I can sense it, I'm sure if you challenged Kaito now you'd be able to win."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Ruby smiled.
"This is…" Takatora trailed.
"If you're ever in a pinch… use that," Kouta said before remembering something, "Oh right, Ruby, if you could let this young man borrow the Gaim Ridewatch, I think he could use it well," he said before his image faded away, leaving Aym in his place who fell to the floor unconscious.
"Use it well, huh?" Ruby looked at the Gaim Ridewatch and noticed it still pulsated.
"I've changed… huh?" Takatora mused.
"Well you haven't really changed out of that stubborn attitude yet," Ruby said as she walked over, "Since you came all the way out here by yourself and you kept refusing to think you've changed."
"True, but I guess you could say it's hard to truly get rid of being stubborn," Weiss said as she walked over.
The orange sparks faded as Team Orange Ride began to wake up.
"Ugh, what happened?" Aym asked.
"Thank you," Takatora said out loud before noticing he was getting stared at, "Never mind, it's nothing."
"…Takatora!" Belial yelled as he gasped for air, falling to his hands and knees as he arrived.
"What is it?" Takatora asked, wondering if there was more trouble, he went to help the mercenary up only to be trapped by a hug. Gritting his teeth at the awkward hug he managed to slowly but surely break out and throw Belial to the side.
"Oh, love hurts so much…" Belial whined.
"I swear to…" Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Yep," Ruby said with a bored stare.
Takatora meanwhile gently shoved Gusion over to Belial who immediately pulled the Orange Ride member into a hug thinking he was Takatora, "Takatora! I knew you'd come for me! Quick, give me a hug!" He called out as Gusion awkwardly gave a hug, "Oh, yes! Tighter, harder! Oh, yes, just like that!"
"I'm standing over here," Takatora spoke up.
"What? Who are you…?!" Belial quickly shoved Gusion away .
"I'm Gusion…" Gusion groaned out.
"Oh Gusion darling, I'm sorry…" Belial realized his mistake and went to help the team member up.
"What did you come here for?" Takatora asked.
"Ah Masahito Shizumiya has a message for you," Belial explained as he soon held out his phone, showing a video of Masahito that was being broadcasted through whatever monitors were left in the slums, "He's broadcasting it throughout the Underground City now."
Masahito could be seen walking towards the camera, "Kagiomi Shizumiya is dead. I killed him. And now I rule this country. If you truly want to atone for your sins, you know where to find me. It's time we settled this. Let's see which of us is fit… to rule over this world. I'll be waiting."
"Masahito…" Takatora muttered before turning to walk off.
"Takatora, are you really going?" Aym asked.
"Yes, I have to face my sins," Takatora replied, "But I won't be alone, Ruby, Weiss, you're coming with me. Aym, you have your own war to fight, to fight for your future."
"I got it. I wish you all the best," Aym gave a nod.
"Look at you actually asking for help," Ruby said as she walked over to Takatora.
"Guess you did change," Weiss gave a soft smile as she followed after Ruby.
Ruby then held out the Gaim Ridewatch to Aym, "Here, it might come in handy."
"What even is this?" Aym asked as he walked over to take it.
"Don't worry about it too much," Ruby reassured, putting her trust in Kouta's suggestion.
"Leave the kids to me!" Belial gave a thumbs-up.
"We'll leave it to you," Takatora said before heading off with Ruby and Weiss.
"Berith, Ose, and the gang are waiting for you," Belial looked at the Orange Ride members, "That Geiz guy sure is something, he's managed to whip everyone into good shape in such short time!"
"Paimon, Gusion, let's go," Aym said before noticing that Belial was pointing towards himself, he gave a smile, "Old man, you too."
"I'm no old man!" Belial called out.
"Then granny?" Aym asked.
"I'm no granny either!" Belial yelled out.
"Then let's go with pretty lady!" Aym said before heading off, Belial couldn't help but agree as he followed after Aym and his team.
Kagemasa gasped as he stumbled forward, making his way over to where Masahito was, a glare in his eyes, "Big brother… so you killed father?"
"I did, the weak will drown in their own blood," Masahito explained, "Did you come for revenge?"
"Like I'd love that fool enough to want revenge," Kagemasa scoffed before activating his Budou Lockseed and readying his Driver, "No… I'll kill you because I want to."
"Why the sudden change?" Masahito asked.
"Because you aren't the Masahito I knew!" Kagemasa yelled out, "I'll kill you so you can stop besmirching his memory… Henshin!"
[HAI! BUDOU ARMS! RYU, HOU! HA-HA-HA!]
"I shouldn't be surprised given you pointed a gun at me earlier," Masahito admitted.
Proto Ryugen gave a yell as his transformation completed. He aimed his gun with both arms, shooting at Masahito while moving forward.
"Is that all?" Masahito asked as he spun around his halberd, easily deflecting the blasts as he gave a yawn, "Honestly…"
"Now," Proto Ryugen sliced down on his belt several times while getting closer, "It's over!"
[HAI! BUDOU SPARKING!]
Pulling back the hammer of his weapon, Proto Ryugen managed to grab hold of the halberd and aim the Budou Ryuhou at Masahito's gut. With a final yell Proto Ryugen unleashed a point blank blast of energy that caused an explosion.
Masahito was thrown backwards, flames engulfing him while Proto Ryugen's suit sparked, being flung backwards and rolling across the ground.
"Did I…" Proto Ryugen began to pick himself up before gasping out, an energy slash striking through his armor and cutting deep into his chest. He soon fell to the ground as he lost his transformation, his belt dropping from his body as the Budou Lockseed began to clatter away.
Masahito gave a low growl as he emerged from the flames unscathed, his halberd glowing with energy as he used it to pick himself up, "Such a fool…"
"Kagemasa!"
Takatora soon ran into view alongside Ruby and Weiss, along the way he had fixed himself up, returning to his usual black suit. Takatora could only stare at the younger brothers now limp body.
"What did he…" Weiss trailed.
"He tried to take matters into his own hands," Ruby guessed, a solemn look on her face, "He wanted to stop his older brother from becoming a monster on his own."
"You came," Masahito spoke up before noticing Ruby and Weiss, "And you brought an audience."
"More like friends, besides you know I couldn't possibly turn you down," Takatora added, "We should be working towards the same goal. Born with the privilege of having power, we were supposed to carry out our mission together."
"That's true. I used to think like that too," Masahito admitted but clicked his tongue, "But no matter what we do, humans are fated to go extinct."
"What makes you think so?" Takatora asked.
"No matter what kind of iron will you hold, humans will always act foolishly," Masahito explained, "It is so foolish! Humans are steeped in foolishness and malice. All to stand on top, Kagiomi Shizumiya repeated his foolish mistakes. Humans will repeat this cycle over and over again."
"Then we'll break this vicious cycle, as many times as we need to!" Takatora argued.
"Humanity isn't the best yeah," Ruby agreed, recalling her own world and all of those problems just waiting for them when they would return, "But that's why people like us exist, to make the world a better place."
"We may act foolish but there are those of us who learn from their mistakes," Weiss added as she pointed Myrtenaster forward, "So it's up to us to push forward and leave those mistakes behind."
"You girls can speak so freely but what about Takatora?" Masahito asked, "We sacrificed other people for the sake of humanity! The strong live and the weak die out, that's how it should be. But amidst the flames of the Scalar System, I saw the truth, the future of humanity. The chosen ones will stray from their path. They have the right to choose their own as the strong! Eventually, the weak being prey becomes second nature to them. That's the future I saw."
Ruby couldn't help but grimace at that, the wording was vague enough but she couldn't help but be reminded of Oma Zi-O and 2068.
"And is that your philosophy now?" Takatora asked.
"With this power, I'll control everything!" Masahito exclaimed as he pointed his weapon forward, "Stand above humanity! The strong will blaze the trail for the people! And that is my noblesse oblige. That is my mission. I will recreate the world in my image. To that end, I'll kill all who oppose me, even you Takatora, to bid farewell to my old self!"
The three combatants watched as Masahito yelled out, being wrapped in Helheim vines that soon shined gold before wilting away as his body warped. Takatora recognized the form instantly, it reminding him of a prior Overlord, Redyue. Masahito's Overlord Form was pure white, matching his Halberd as he took a fighting stance.
"Behold, my true form," Masahito declared, "Takatora… let us begin!"
"So this is your power?" Takatora asked.
"That's right. I have surpassed humanity as an Overlord," Masahito exclaimed, "I will guide mankind with my power!"
Takatora simply looked down and walked over to pick up the discarded Budou Lockseed, pocketing it before drawing out his Melon Lockseed, "Henshin."
"Henshin," Ruby called out as she readied her personal and Zangetsu Ridewatches before initiating the transformation.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
[SOIYA! MELON ARMS: TENKA GOMEN!]
[ZANGETSU! WEAPON TIME! MELON DEFENDER! MUSOU SABER!]
As the transformations completed, Roze gained both of Zangetsu's signature weapons before holding the Melon Defender out to Weiss. Weiss gave a nod before taking it and raising it in front of her body, holding Myrtenaster above her head while aiming it forward.
Zangetsu meanwhile kept his shield at his side while drawing out his Musou Saber, brandishing it alongside Roze.
Masahito rushed forward, stabbing only for Weiss to get in the way, raising her Melon Defender up and bracing against the stab. She then took aim and sent a fireball out to strike at Masahito, the Overlord staggering back from the force of the point blank shot.
Roze leapt forward, slashing at Masahito with her Musou Saber only for the Overlord to go on the defensive, her attacks being deflected. She quickly jumped back and took aim, firing with her weapons gun function.
Masahito allowed the bullets to impact against him, sparks flying but otherwise not doing much to him. He raised his weapon with both hands and ran forward, swinging downwards.
Zangetsu blocked the attack with both his shield and sword, managing to just hold it at bay, "Now I understand… you haven't changed at all!"
"No, I've changed!" Masahito called out.
"You haven't!" Zangetsu yelled out before managing to push Masahito out of his attack, before tossing his shield, "I'm the only one of us who changed!"
Masahito took a step back before quickly batting away the shield and embedding it into a wall. He gave a chuckle before he gathered green energy in the blade of his halberd, soon unleashing several waves of energy against the ground in front of his opponents.
Roze, Weiss and Zangetsu all yelled out as they were sent tumbling backwards.
"Jeez, even with the shield he still hurts," Weiss muttered as she got up, her aura flickering from the heavy hit.
"Try to stay back and support," Roze suggested as she picked herself up.
"We need more room," Zangetsu said before seeing an exit, "Let's go."
Masahito could only laugh as he watched his three opponents retreat. But he wasn't about to be merciful like before and quickly gave chase.
Belial was currently leading Aym over to where everyone was gathered, Geiz and Tsukuyomi at the front as they had managed to gather what was left of Team's Baroque Red and Green Dolls with Paimon and Gusion joining shortly before Aym arrived.
"The floors yours," Geiz said as he stepped to the side once Aym stepped forward.
"Everyone, listen!" Aym called out to all the team members, "All this while, we've been played by those nobles! But no more! We have to stop this! They can't control us because our fate is ours to decide! Tonight, we rise up! We'll grab a hold of our own future!"
Everyone was staring intently before giving cheers as they were rallied by Aym's words. Cheers began to echo throughout the area.
"Enough!" Glasya yelled out as he pushed through the crowd.
"Glasya!" Berith called out.
"Are you okay?" Ose asked.
"I need to know, what happened to Foras?" Glasya questioned.
"He…" Aym trailed.
"He overused his Sengoku Driver," Geiz spoke up, "And began to transform into an Inves, he's likely become an Inves by now. That is if he isn't dead already because of the nobles sending in Kurokage Troopers."
"You expect me to believe that?" Glasya asked while the members of Team Green Dolls all began to stare in shock before they began to grieve for their leader in their own ways.
"We don't have time for your stupid games," Geiz glared as he walked forward, "But everyone here knows that the Sengoku Drivers turn you into Inves. So if he isn't here or hasn't attempted to meet up with anyone, then that's your proof."
"There were multiple eyewitnesses too," Tsukuyomi added as Belial, Gusion and Paimon all gave nods.
"Regardless of what happened to him, that makes things clear if he's out of this game," Glasya said as he drew out his Banana Lockseed, "I have no intention of allying with you."
"We don't have a reason to fight each other!" Aym called out.
"Oh but there is. To prove my might," Glasya explained, "And then I'll create my ideal world."
"We can change this country with our combined strength!" Aym pleaded, "Even so, you wish to fight?!"
"Even If you change this country if we're not strong, we'll be oppressed again!" Glasya yelled out, "An unparalleled strength. I'll conquer the world and show you."
[SINGLE MODE!]
In an instant, two shots were fired at Glasya, striking his hand and his waist. Geiz was the culprit was he had drawn out and aimed his Faizphone X. He lowered it as he watched Glasya stagger back, the Banana Lockseed and Sengoku Driver falling to the ground, both broken.
"I could care less for conquerors," Geiz replied, "We don't need some wannabe Rider trying to cause trouble for us while we've got enemies after our throats. So shut up and follow our lead or I'll knock you out and come for you later."
"You…" Glasya trailed, "You dare get in the way of my-"
"I know your type, I know your philosophy," Geiz answered as he walked over to Glasya and grabbed him by the collar, "And while I can understand your feelings, look around! We don't have time for them!" He called out as he shoved Glasya to the ground. He then looked around at all the stunned team members, "If we don't unite right now, we're done for, so forget any personal baggage you have and fight!"
"Geiz…" Aym trailed.
"He does have a way with words," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"What have you done?!"
Everyone suddenly turned as a Crack opened up, Sylphi walking out and slamming her spear against the ground. Soon enough Kurokage Troopers began to emerge from all around, surrounding everyone.
"You…" Glasya gave a light gasp as Sylphi's appearance.
Geiz looked at Glasya before looking back at Sylphi, "I haven't seen you before, but I can only guess that you're the one really pulling the strings."
"You ruined everything…" Sylphi hissed out, "The only one that could force those brats to transform was him! That's why I didn't have Masahito kill him! And you took away his power!"
"Now I get it," Geiz realized as he looked around, "You wanted to create powerful Inves didn't you?"
"And now that you know my plan, I can't allow any of you to live," Sylphi answered, "Which is why I used what was left of Masahito's gullible nature to take control of his remaining army. Once they're done with you all, I'll march over and kill him and those other Riders myself."
"We're not about to let you do that!" Aym called out as he brought out his Orange Lockseed, "We'll take you on!"
"Aym, hold on!" Paimon called out.
"If you aren't careful you'll become a monster if you transform again," Belial warned.
"Even then, I need to put an end to this!" Aym called out before the Gaim Ridewatch suddenly floated out of his pocket, "Huh?"
[GAIM!]
[FRESH ORANGE!]
The Ridewatch began to resonate with the Orange Lockseed, it falling as Aym caught it. Suddenly Aym's Lockseed shined a bright orange, the Lockseed now having an orange base as the orange styled cover became transparent.
"Whoa, what is it?" Aym asked.
"What is that?" Glasya questioned.
"I think the incomplete Sengoku Driver won't be a problem," Tsukuyomi realized.
"Shut up and watch," Geiz told Glasya as he readied his Geiz and Geiz Revive Ridewatches, "Aym will show you how true power is used."
Sylphi could tap her spear on the ground before twirling it and pointing it forward, "A new Lockseed won't help you!"
"I think it will," Geiz said before readying up, "You ready?"
"Right," Aym gave a nod.
"Henshin!"
[SOIYA! FRESH ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!]
[RE-VI-I-VE GORETSU~! GORETSU!]
The usual transformation happened for Aym as a shinier Orange Arms dropped onto him, the bodysuit formed was black until it suddenly flashed into the dark blue of Gaim's, the usual silver accents on the forearms and shins being a metallic orange. The armor unfolded and revealed itself as a brighter version of the usual Orange Arms, the helmet changing as well as the center of the mouth was now orange.
"Whoa," Fresh Gaim said as he could feel the power filling him, drawing out two Daidamaru's, he pointed his blades forward, "We'll put an end to this! For all our fallen comrades too! We'll overcome our losses and move forward! What's right, what's wrong, we'll overcome everything in order to reaffirm our beliefs!"
"Exactly," Geiz raised his Zikan Jaclaw before charging forward with Fresh Gaim.
"Kill them all!" Sylphi yelled out as she charged forward.
With those words the battle began as the Kurokage Troopers charged in at all the gathered combatants. The only one not fighting was Glasya who could only stare at what had transpired before looking down as his presence was lost within the crowd of freedom fighters.
"You've changed, you say?" Masahito asked with a laugh as he swung his halberd, unleashing energy towards his opponents.
Roze and Weiss braced behind their Melon Defender, Weiss enhancing it with an ice glyph to create a shield of ice that shattered against the waves but kept them unscathed. Zangetsu meanwhile spun out of the way, landing as he avoided the slashes as they impacted around him.
"Yes, I've changed!" Zangetsu called out as he loaded the Budou Lockseed into his Musou Saber, its blade shining with purple energy.
[LOCK ON! 1, 10, 100: BUDOU CHARGE!]
Zangetsu rushed forward, exchanging blows as he and Masahito clashed their weapons against each other. Even with the charged up blade, Zangetsu was having trouble trying to break through. This was especially the case when Masahito simply began using his own arms to block the slashes.
"And how, exactly," Masahito said as he went on the offensive, swinging his halberd fast and hard to break through Zangetsu's slashes, stabbing at the Musou Saber and breaking the Budou Lockseed on it.
Zangetsu gave a gasp as he staggered back, shaking his blade as he watched the broken Lockseed fall to the floor, "Throughout all the battles… I've met all kinds of people! It was then that I realized my own weakness!"
"Your weakness…" Masahito mused.
"Yes, my weakness," Zangetsu admitted, "Noblesse Oblige. Up until now, I was desperately bearing the burden all by myself! That's why I failed to realize my own weakness."
"You're not fit to lead humanity!" Masahito called out, "I'm the one who holds true power!"
[FINISH TIME! MELON TIME BLAST!]
Masahito looked up to quickly deflect the Melon Defender shield which was thrown at him. But that was just a distraction as Roze slid forward, using Weiss' glyphs to rocket towards Masahito. She held her Musou Saber with both hands before giving a yell, unleashing a green slash of energy right as she slid past him.
Masahito gasped out as sparks flew, staggering to the side as he held his stomach, "Impossible…"
"Takatora," Roze called out as she brought out the Silver Roze Ridewatch, "Let's finish things up!"
"Right," Zangetsu gave a nod as he drew out the Shin Kachidoki Lockseed and activated it, loading it in and then slicing down on it with his Sengoku Driver's knife.
[KACHIDOKI! LOCK ON!]
[SOIYA! KACHIDOKI ARMS! IZA SHUTSUJIN! EI! EI! OH!]
[SILVER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
The bulky green variant of the Kachidoki Arms floated downwards before unfolding and latching onto the Zangetsu bodysuit. Soon enough it unfolded fully, as Zangetsu was now in his own variation of Kachidoki Arms, gaining extra green layered armor on his forearms with a personalized logo on his chest. His head crest was also changed alongside some minor side editions to his helmet.
"Let's go, Masahito!" Zangetsu called out as he drew the flags from his back that were emblazoned with his emblem, holding them forward, "This ends today!"
Masahito gave a yell and unleashed a high powered blast of energy towards Zangetsu. To his surprise, the Kachidoki armed Rider was able to block with the flags, swiping them forward and unleashing energy to disperse the blast that he had sent out.
Roze quickly took aim with Silver Crescent, firing powered up blasts at Masahito and forcing him to dodge. She quickly ducked when he launched a blast of energy her way.
Zangetsu quickly spun out of the way of an energy slash before spinning and swiping his flags forward, unleashing two energy slashes towards Masahito.
Masahito braced against the slashes before dispersing them and raising his halberd high, forming an orb of energy in the air.
"Get near me, now!" Zangetsu called out.
Roze and Weiss wasted no time, rushing over to Zangetsu as the orb of energy began raining down lightning bolts upon the battlefield. Sparks flew all around as Roze and Weiss got near their ally, Zangetsu raising his flags and forming a barrier that blocked against the rain of lightning. Zangetsu then swung upwards, unleashing a burst of energy that broke through the lightning and struck the energy orb to destroy it.
[ROZE SILVER! RYOSHI SASU!]
Roze shifted her weapon into its powered up form, unleashing light blast after light blast against Masahito who tried to counter with his own slashes of energy. To his surprise the blasts while destroyed in the clash, were able to split his slashes and send them flying off to the sides.
Masahito was ready to move before giving a groan, a Gravity Glyph appearing underneath him and forcing him to kneel. Weiss gritted her teeth, the Overlord's resistance to her gravity was strong but she just needed to stall him.
Zangetsu moved forward and spun, slashing with both of his flags and unleashing a cross slash of energy at Masahito. The blast struck the Overlord, sending him flying backwards.
Masahito managed to just barely land on one knee, quickly picking himself up and raising his guard before backing away at a steady pace.
"We're pushing him," Zangetsu realized before giving chase with Roze and Weiss.
The battle against Sylphi and her Kurokage Troopers was chaos, flames were all around, everyone was caught up in their own fights, and while Tsukuyomi did help out from time to time, there wasn't any organization. Belial had worked to mitigate this by disarming various Kurokage's and gifting their weapons to one of the team members. The extra firepower slowly allowed them to turn it around with the occasional assistance from Geiz and Fresh Gaim who were also fighting Sylphi in the crowd.
Sylphi stabbed at Geiz only for her spear to make an audible clanging sound as it didn't pierce through his defenses. She gave a yelp as her spear was grabbed and she was reeled in, sparks flying from her suit as she was struck by Geiz's Jaclaw, the saw spinning further and further as she was forced to let go of her weapon and stagger back.
"Not so tough are you?" Geiz threw the weapon to the side, "Is that why you need Inves?"
"Shut up," Sylphi said as the cracks in the floor behind Geiz began to grow, vines erupted and wrapped around, quickly ensnaring the Rider.
"Gh, what?!" Geiz gritted his teeth as he tried to move his body but his bulky armor was too restricted. He attempted to use his Jacklaw to saw at the side of him only for the vines to wrap that up and pull it away from his grip.
"Oh no," Fresh Gaim had just cut through a Kurokage Trooper that was starting to overwhelm his allies when he saw this, "Geiz!"
"You're next," Sylphi held out her hand, the vines bringing her weapon back to her before she launched them towards Fresh Gaim.
Fresh Gaim gave a yell as he rushed forward, his movements becoming a blur as he used his twin Daidaimaru to easily slash through the vines. He cut them down to size before speeding and slashing past Sylphi.
Sylphi gave a gasp before turning and stabbing at Fresh Gaim, surprised by the orange themed Rider jumping and using her spear as a stepping point. Fresh Gaim then leapt over her before slashing past Geiz, cutting the vines away with ease.
"Nice work," Geiz remarked as he gently punched Fresh Gaim's arm.
"Thanks," Fresh Gaim said before readying himself.
"You two…" Sylphi was ready to move forward when a familiar sight hiding in the corner caught her eye. With a click of her tongue she pointed her weapon forward, "Come at me with everything you've got!"
"You heard the lady," Geiz remarked as he initiated his finisher alongside Fresh Gaim.
"Right," Fresh Gaim called out.
[FINISH TIME! REVIVE!]
[SOIYA!]
Geiz and Fresh Gaim both leapt into the air, their bodies charging with a bright orange aura before they kicked forward with their right legs.
"Gotcha," Sylphi giggled as she slammed the end of her spear into the ground, Helheim Vines erupting from all around everyone and grabbing the remaining Kurokage Troopers. She then clumped them all together into a large ball bound by vines before launching it at the two.
[ICHIGEKI TIME BURST!]
[FRESH ORANGE SQUASH!]
Geiz and Fresh Gaim were undeterred, clashing against the ball of Kurokage's before giving a yell. Orange energy was unleashed from their kicks as they kicked the ball downwards and into Sylphi seemingly. With one final push an explosion occurred as all the Kurokage's were eradicated in the blast, Geiz and Fresh Gaim landing in crouched positions on the ground.
"We did it?" Fresh Gaim asked.
"Yeah…" Geiz trailed, he couldn't hear Sylphi's cries of pain so he could only assume that she managed to escape. He didn't need to break that news to everyone, "We did it."
Fresh Gaim soon dismissed his transformation, ready to feel the pains of the incomplete Sengoku Driver when he realized something wrong. "Huh?" He felt his body filled with energy before patting his chest slightly, "I feel… better than ever, how?"
"Simple," Geiz said before dismissing his transformation and holding out his hand, "The Gaim Ridewatch must have done something to the Lockseed that healed you instead of harming you."
"Oh," Aym quickly handed the Gaim Ridewatch back, "I guess I should thank Ruby then for that."
"Not sure how she got the idea in the first place," Geiz admitted, "But it worked."
"Yeah," Aym said before noticing Glasya walking over to him, "Glasya…"
"You're pretty strong," Glasya admitted.
"I'm not strong," Aym shook his head, "I just want to protect others."
"It's in your hands then," Glasya said, he glanced at Geiz before he turned and started walking away, "I realize someone with my goals has no place here. Especially after you proved your strength, you truly are… strong."
"Glasya!"
"Boss!"
"Hey!"
Glasya turned to see the members of Baroque Red approaching him before turning away and walking off, "You don't need me anymore. You all are strong enough on your own to make your own decisions."
The members of Team Baroque could only watch as their leader walked off without another word, all of them looking down as they couldn't find the words to get him to stay.
"We won't forget you," Aym spoke up, "Not you, nor all the comrades we've lost. Foras… Leader… we'll bear our sins and live on and we'll show everyone what it means to live."
"We should get going," Geiz suggested, "No doubt Takatora's fights going to end soon, and that means we'll all be leaving soon."
"Right," Tsukuyomi gave a nod as she walked over.
The battle raged on as Masahito was getting forced back slowly but surely. Weiss was using her various glyphs to restrict Masahito's movement while Roze and Zangetsu dealt the damage. Of course Masahito had gotten a few lucky shots in, disarming Zangetsu of his flags in the process.
[HINAWATENGA-DJ-JU!]
Zangetsu brought out his own gold accented, grey and green rimmed version of the DJ Gun. He took aim as he set it to its strongest setting, unleashing a powerful cannon-like blast of green energy that impacted against the ground where Masahito was, sending him flying back.
[SILVER HENKEI!]
Roze shifted Silver Crescent into its spear formation before leaping forward and stabbing. Masahito was able to block and divert her stab just barely, moving away from her. Roze managed to land without much fuss and turned, rushing forward and stabbing at Masahito to force him on the defensive.
Zangetsu quickly closed in, drawing out his Musou Saber and combining it with his DJ Gun, creating the weapons Taiken Mode, turning it into a great sword. He managed to come in from behind, scraping his blade against Masahito's back. He then spun and slashed again, striking Masahito in his left arm.
Roze stabbed forward, managing to strike Masahito in his gut again, sparks flying as the Overlord gave a loud gasp. Roze couldn't help but chuckle a bit as her last finisher attempt against his stomach was enough to make a weak point.
"Do… do you truly intend to save humanity with that measly strength of yours?" Masahito gasped out as he held his stomach, "Know your place…"
"Says the guy who's slowly getting beaten back," Roze reminded.
"No matter what strength we have… we can't lose here," Zangetsu answered before quickly bracing alongside Roze, the two being flung backwards by Masahito unleashing a wave of energy.
Roze and Zangetsu both gave a light yell before they were suddenly caught in mid-air, the two looking back to see two Gravity Glyphs holding them up.
"You're welcome," Weiss smiled as she let them go, the two Riders landing in front of her.
"I appreciate it," Zangetsu said.
"Alright, let's finish this," Roze gripped her spear tightly before she felt a hand on her shoulder, "Huh?"
"Allow me to finish this," Zangetsu requested, "Let me put him to rest."
Roze gave a nod before backing up and lowering her weapon, "Are you sure? He was your friend."
"He's nothing but a shell of the man he once was, twisted by Helheim," Zangetsu answered, "I won't allow him to go any further."
"Then do it," Weiss called out.
Zangetsu gave a nod before giving a yell and charging at Masahito who yelled, the two slashing past each other, their blades clashing. They turned and began swinging their weapons again, brief clashes occurring as sparks flew before they each sent a powerful swing their way, the two hopping back to gain more distance.
"Your love for humanity has betrayed you!" Zangetsu called out.
Masahito tilted his head, "Betrayal?"
"Believe me! Humans aren't as foolish as you think they are!" Zangetsu said as he gripped his free hand tightly, "We may be weak… but it's because of that we can grow stronger! We can place our faith in someone else!"
"It's pointless to have faith!" Masahito growled out as he charged forward, using all of his strength to augment his swings, slowly but surely forcing Zangetsu backwards, "End of the line Takatora, I will lead humanity!"
Zangetsu gave a gasp as he was stabbed against his gut by Masahito. Sparks flew as the tipped halberd tried to pierce through his suit. He gave a yell before gripping the weapon, "I'm not done yet…" slowly but surely he forced the weapon upwards before moving forward, holding his large blade against the Overlord's stomach. He pressed down on his belt's cutting blade to charge his weapon with energy, soon gripping his weapon with both hands before slashing through Masahito.
[KACHIDOKI SQUASH!]
An explosion of light occurred as Masahito gasped out, the light fading to reveal that he had lost his Overlord form. Despite this he still held his halberd, fully intending to fight to the end.
Zangetsu turned, gripping his gut but still managing to hold his transformation as he turned towards his former friend.
"What? Where did you get that kind of power from?" Masahito asked as he held his shoulder.
"From our promise," Zangetsu replied as he stepped forward, "In order to fulfill my promise to you, in order to defeat you… to carry out my duty as one of the protectors of this world!"
"That's my mission!" Masahito yelled out as he rushed forward, gripping his halberd with both hands and swinging down.
Zangetsu allowed the Halberd to strike at his shoulder, giving a wince despite his armor protecting him. He gave a yell before stabbing straight through Masahito with his massive blade.
"I lost…" Masahito gasped as his weapon dissolved from his hands.
"I win," Zangetsu whispered before withdrawing his blade and taking a few steps back, his transformation disengaging. He then fell to one knee as he caught his breath, the fight having taken a toll on him.
"Takatora…" Weiss trailed before noticing that the makeshift resistance was starting to make their way into the area.
"Looks like they won," Roze said, dismissing her transformation as she spotted Geiz and Tsukuyomi among the crowd.
Masahito staggered back and sat down, "I… surpassed humanity! Had a taste of true power! Despite that… Why?"
"You are but one man," Takatora answered as he began to rise up, Ruby and Weiss hurrying over to help him stand, "But… I'm not alone. I believed in everyone here, in everyone I've fought alongside so far. And… even now I believe in you."
Masahito could only look in confusion, "In me?"
"I fight with the thoughts of everyone pushing me forward," Takatora explained, "Believing in someone and walking the same path. That is… that is my Noblesse Oblige. That was my transformation."
"Is that so…" Masahito managed to get out as he began to stand up, his body beginning to become transparent, "So I was the one who couldn't change at all. Honor my memory… Takatora."
"Of course, you'll live on in my heart," Takatora answered.
"It's all up to you now," Masahito said.
"Leave it to me," Takatora reassured, "This is farewell, dear friend."
Masahito said nothing as he fully faded away, everyone coming closer as the battle had finally ended.
"Are you going to be alright?" Ruby asked.
"I'm fine," Takatora reassured as he fully stood without the two's help, he then looked around, "With this, the country can begin its own restoration."
"Of course," Aym said as he stepped forward with Geiz and Tsukuyomi.
"Can I leave this country in your hands?" Takatora asked.
"But of course!" Aym called out.
"You shouldn't have to worry about them," Geiz said before patting Aym on the shoulder, "They've got one hell of a leader."
"It may be just me as the last leader… but I have my comrades with me," Aym added, "We'll rebuild it with our own hands! After all, this country is our home!"
"Yeah, I think you all will be alright," Geiz gave a soft smile as he went to join the others with Tsukuyomi.
"Call me if you ever need help," Takatora replied before turning and starting to walk off, "I've got some pretty dependable allies as well if I can't personally make it. Even if we're separated, I'll never forget about our camaraderie."
"You guys stay safe alright," Ruby gave a wave before following after Takatora with Weiss.
"And please try not to use the Belts or Lockseed Technology anymore," Tsukuyomi added as she followed after with Geiz.
"Where are you going now?" Belial asked.
"We all have our own battles to still fight," Takatora replied, "For me I'll fight until this world is set straight. That is my form of atonement."
"Luckily he won't have to worry about everything," Ruby reminded, "Since a lot of those fights belong to our team."
"I suppose you're right," Takatora agreed.
As everyone watched the five walk off, Aym wasn't sure of what to say. He watched them walk further and further before finding his words, quickly taking a few steps forward.
"Thank you, Takatora! Everyone!"
Takatora couldn't help but glance back and give a smile before walking off with his allies.
"Why call me off?" Sylphi asked as she was in a dark room with the Jester, "We didn't need them anymore."
"There's no point in wasting energy on killing them," The Jester answered before holding out his hand, a dimensional wall forming that began to show various images. Soon enough it showed footage of Glasya walking alone, "That being said, we do have a potential recruit."
"That boy…" Sylphi trailed, "What good is he?"
"Everyone has their uses," The Jester reminded, "Everyone."
Earth – Tokyo, Late March 2019
"It's not getting any better…"
Shiro-Woz was currently observing his current state, as March passed his body began to grow weaker as it began to shimmer constantly and grow more glitch and static filled. Needless to say with Day of Oma quickly approaching, he knew that he didn't have much time left. But what he needed wasn't prepared yet. He then looked up at the night sky, Regulus shining brighter than before.
"Regulus…" Shiro-Woz trailed.
"Looks like your envisioned Day of Oma isn't happening after all," Swartz could be heard as he walked over, "Such a shame, did you think he'd change his mind or that something would shift by doing nothing for a month?"
"I'm afraid I must admit my loss, Sir Swartz," Shiro-Woz spoke up as he kept facing away from the Time Jacker Leader. He couldn't help but inwardly grow more giddy as this was his chance, especially if what he heard about Swartz' next target was true, "But to approach me… why?"
"I have a plan that I want you to follow the lead of," Swartz explained with a grin as he paced around, "And I won't take no for an answer."
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"What made you decide to pick up photography?"
"The Watches are gone!"
"I will destroy this world in a second Battle Fight."
"Now that he's actively messing with you we can strike back."
"You aren't laying another finger on that girl."
Chapter 61 – A New Joker 2004
Community Interaction Notice:
So I should mention, like always, I am fairly ahead when it comes to Roze from Remnant. Which is why despite still having not shown the results of the Community Interaction I did previously in the year, there is one final one that will happen. This one is simple and I'll probably get more answers than the prior interaction. There's one major event that happens towards the end of Zi-O that will be happening in Roze from Remnant.
Specifically, it's the final few episodes where basically a bunch of old grunts and monsters return. While I won't confirm whether or not it'll happen in the same way, I do plan on bringing back a bunch of old monsters for a certain part of Zi-O. I have ideas, and I have plans for certain monsters to show up. But I'm still missing a lot of meat to this monster sandwich so to speak.
That's why I'd like to ask a simple question. What is your favorite monster of the week/minor monster in Heisei Kamen Rider? Examples include monsters that don't really take on the role of a villain general, that are mostly just one and done, maybe they'll show up again if they're a newer monster, but they usually aren't the top banana. You can include multiple if you wish but I may only choose one depending on the amount of people who give me a monster. The timeline for this Community Interaction is September 24th to October 31st.
Author's Note: Thank you all for your kind words about my ability to work with a Stage Play, it was tough but I suppose I did manage it in the end. That being said in terms of March 2019, we're finally done with this particular set of episodes in Roze! Thanks for following along since while not the most plot crucial stuff all the time, there is a lot of setup for the future of Roze. Plus I felt like after the intensity of everything with Shiro-Woz and Another Zi-O/Roze, we could just use a chunk of fun adventures involving Team RWBY and some bits of Team Zi-O.
Also what's this? I broke the pattern I seemingly had with Weiss not obtaining a special weapon this time! Figured I'd pull a small ruse cruise with you all since a lot of folks were getting comfortable with it. I wouldn't worry too much since she still has plenty of time to get a new weapon. Speaking of time though, next time we return to familiar territory as we get back to a new Legend Rider set of episodes. Been a while, huh?
I think it's been a hot minute but I do have a twitter account for my writing that posts every now and again via memes or small tidbits and will post updates as soon as I post a new chapter. It's Zero's Workshops (at sign)ZeroEnchiladas on Twitter. Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.