Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 85 – Rose of Remnant (II)
"While on my mission at Kobomugi, I wasn't expecting to run into Tsukasa or Shocker," Summer said as she walked through the white void of the Gaia Library, clutching the Rose Book near her chest, "But after finding and helping Tsukasa out, I ended up fully involved in the conflict. It was just like Narutaki had mentioned, from that point my destiny had been intertwined with Tsukasa's. Of course that was mostly on me, as I had a reckless plan to keep Tsukasa safe and thin out Shocker's forces… even if I put myself in a terrible position."
Remnant – Anima, Forest near Kobomugi
"Damn it Summer!" Decade called out as he punched a tree. He had ended up being suddenly warped to a clearing in the forest between the Mountain Base and Kobomugi, "I knew something felt off about that handshake."
"What? Decade is here instead?!"
Decade turned, soon seeing the small troop of monsters that had been sent to capture Summer.
Starfish Hitler was the one who had shouted, Bearded Lizard Man, Marshal Machine, and Goaster standing alongside him while also staring at Decade in confusion.
"Just lovely…" Decade hissed out as he walked forward to confront the group, "And now I have to deal with you all."
"Where's the Huntress?!" Starfish Hitler questioned.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Decade scoffed as he kicked the ground before gesturing forward, "I'd like to know that as well."
"Wait," Bearded Lizard Man paused, "That's it… this was a trap to thin out our forces!"
"Then she's still at base?!" Goaster asked.
"We should deal with Decade first, our Great Leader can handle the Huntress," Marshal Machine suggested, "What do you say, field leader?"
"Of course," Starfish Hitler called out before aiming his baton forward, "Destroy him!"
"We're ending this now," Decade said as he drew out a card before slotting it in.
[FORM RIDE: FAIZ AXEL!]
Decade transformed into Kamen Rider Faiz, the red lines appearing and the armor forming before it began to shift into the shape of Faiz Axel. He then held up his left wrist and pressed the button on the Axel Watch.
[START UP]
(D)Faiz didn't waste any time, becoming a blur of black and grey that began speeding through and striking the four monsters that were before him. He needed to end this quick and he knew that Faiz Axel only lasted for 10 Seconds. Drawing out his Final Attack Ride Card, he was ready to prepare his finisher.
"Like I'll let you overwhelm us!" Starfish Hitler called out as he threw out several enlarged starfish. The starfish latched to the ground and trees before emitting electrical shocks that connected with each other, creating an electrical net.
Unfortunately despite his speed, (D)Faiz ended up getting struck several times by the wide and entangling electrical net. Sparks flew as he was forced out of Faiz Axel and back into his base form of Decade.
[DEFORMATION]
Decade quickly picked himself up, drawing out another Kamen Ride Card only for it to get shot out of his hand. Decade gave a wince before sparks flew from his suit as he was shot further, sending him down onto his back.
"You won't be changing forms again!" Starfish Hitler called out as he had his cane pointed forward, smoke exiting the tip of it as he had used it to shoot at the Rider.
Decade gasped as he managed to roll onto his stomach, "Damn it…"
"Marshal Machine, use it now!" Starfish Hitler ordered.
"Of course," Marshal Machine called out as beam of energy from the gem on his crown, creating a red pyramid projection to trap Decade inside.
"What?" Decade asked as he punched against the projection only for his punch to bounce off, "Seriously?"
"It's over Decade," Starfish Hitler laughed.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: D-D-D-DIEND!]
"Ah, watch out!" Goaster called out as he got in front of the others, unleashing several magma balls towards a suddenly approaching beam of blue energy. Despite the attacks, the beam of energy pierced through and struck him, "Glory to Shocker!"
Marshal Machine, Bearded Lizard Man and Starfish Hitler could only stare as their ally sparked before exploding, giving gasps of shock at what had happened.
"Hey, who's there?" Bearded Lizard Man asked as he stepped away from his allies, "Who's there?!"
"Hah!"
A red blur suddenly flipped through the air before dropping down. Soon enough the figure was revealed to be Kuuga but with more metallic coloring on his red armor. Kuuga shouted as he kicked through the monster with ease, Bearded Lizard Man falling forward and exploding.
"Kuuga…?!" Marshal Machine called out before a sudden purple flash was seen out of the corner of his eye. He turned only to gasp out as all he saw was a white figure shooting towards him. The next thing he knew he, he could feel an immense pain in his stomach area as he sparked violently, "Im… impossi-!"
BOOM!
Stafish Hitler could only stare in shock as he backed up from the explosion that Marshal Machine had been caught in, seeing who had killed his last ally, "Impossible, Kiva-la as well?"
The one who had attacked Marshal Machine was a white suited female Rider with purple and silver accents alongside a bat motif, Kamen Rider Kiva-la. She turned towards Starfish Hitler, holding a saber styled blade in her hands.
"You all took long enough," Decade sighed as he stood up, the barrier shattering now that Marshal Machine was no more. He glanced to his side, as he watched Diend walk over to him, before looking over at Kuuga and Kiva-la, "Daiki, Yusuke, Natsumi…"
"It seems I'm outmatched…" Starfish Hitler took a step back before turning away, "I shall report to our Great Leader! This is necessary information that he must-"
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: D-D-D-DECADE!]
Starfish Hitler turned when he heard Decade's yell, gasping out as a stack of holographic Final Attack Cards appeared between him and Decade. He didn't have enough time to scramble away before Decade broke through each one, kicking him in the stomach and sending him flying backwards, "GLORY TO SHOCKER!"
Decade landed as he watched Starfish Hitler launch backwards, the monster exploding not long after.
"Good riddance," Decade dusted off his hands before dismissing his transformation and turning towards the others who did the same.
"Now hold up a moment!" A small white bat with red eyes flew out from Natsumi and began to get close Tsukasa's face with a huff, "You name all them but you didn't name me, the great Kiva-la!"
"Shut it, you," Tsukasa reeled back before flicking Kiva-la towards Natsumi.
"Tsukasa, are you alright?" The user of Kuuga asked as he hurried over, having a fairly youthful and different appearance to Godai as he was not the original Kuuga. This was because he was the Kuuga from 2009 who joined Tsukasa in his journey throughout the worlds, Yusuke Onodera.
"Of course he is," Daiki remarked as he walked over, "He is Tsukasa."
"Just what's going on?" Natsumi asked as she walked over, "We just got your message and barely had time to track you down. What's with this world? And why is Shocker here?"
"I'll explain both on the way," Tsukasa said in a more hurried voice as he turned back towards where the mountain was, walking at a fairly fast pace, "But right now we need to raid a Shocker base immediately."
Daiki could only watch as Tsukasa ran off, he raised an eyebrow, "What's got Tsukasa so worried?"
"Sounds like there's something important in that base," Natsumi guessed, "But what?"
"A girlfriend," Onodera called out as he pounded his palm in realization, "That must be it!"
Natsumi and Daiki could only stare at their friend before laughing at the thought, the two shaking their heads before walking off after Tsukasa.
"What?" Onodera asked as he began to follow after them, "What did I say that was funny?"
"As if there's a woman who can put up with Tsukasa being himself," Daiki remarked.
"I can hardly put up with him as is," Natsumi agreed.
"Oh come on, it can't be that unbelievable can it?" Onodera asked as he followed after them.
Remnant – Anima, Shocker Mountain Base
Summer wasn't expecting this situation if she was being honest. It was supposed to be a simple search and find mission. She'd likely find some sort of connection related to Salem, and then report it to Ozpin to figure something out. Finding a secret radical organization from another world that also took an interest in her was not on her list of things to come across. Especially since she was now in a surgery room strapped to a surgery table, her arms and legs clamped down by the wrists and ankles while her weapons were off to the side.
Needless to say, she was surprised to see that Shocker had simply opted to not knock her out. Instead of trying to break her Aura they went to restrain her before making sure she was strapped down with the most heavy duty restraints they could find. She could only shift her head from side to side and lift it slightly to see anything. While this was a bad situation, she was glad that her weapons were still nearby her from what she could see. That meant her backup plan would be able to work in the end, she just needed to find the right chance.
It took ages for someone to enter the empty surgery room, two Shocker Scientists entering the room with a cart of what seemed to be medical supplies. The scientists wore closed lab coats alongside white luchador masks with red lining on the eyes and mouth.
"Struggle all you want, you can't break free," The first scientist smiled, "These restraints are specifically made for Kamen Riders, even with your Aura you can't break out."
"Why exactly leave my Aura intact?" Summer questioned in a venomous tone, "Didn't it interfere with your experiments before?"
"It did," The second scientist confirmed, "However, we realize the problem was to do the remodeling surgery while their Aura was still active. That was what interfered."
"With you however it will be different," The first scientist gave a devilish grin, "Studying how your Aura reacts via the failed subjects, we found it's tied very closely to your willpower."
"We will tear your Aura down first and break your fighting spirit," The second scientist gripped his fist and held it up, "And then you will learn the glory of Shocker and begin your transformation via the Cross System!"
"What is this Cross System?" Summer frowned, not liking the fact that what part of this procedure boiled down to was pure torture, "All I keep hearing is Cross System this, Cross System that, what exactly is it to begin with?"
"Ah… that is very simple," The second scientist walked over to a case that was on one of the counters at the edge of the room. He brought it closer and opened it up, steam exiting the case as the contents inside were revealed.
It was a sword with a shield-like shaped guard, it having a medium sized dull blade with a fairly plain grip. Of course the center was the most important as it had a black cross shape window that gave a view of a blank inside. Next to it was a deck of cards similar to the ones that Tsukasa would normally use, the one on the top of the stack being a blank card.
"A sword… and cards…?" Summer asked.
"They will be great assets to you once we complete our operation," The first scientist said as he went to go prepare the tools for the first phase, "Once you're our obedient servant, we will collect the proper data and tune them to your body."
"It is our greatest work," The second scientist nodded, closing the case that held the sword and cards while placing it near where Argent Venator was, "I must admit though, your kind has fine taste."
"Why thank you," Summer said in a near sarcastic manner, "I personally crafted them myself."
"To think you people are able of creating such intricate and versatile weapons," The second scientist said as he began to look over Argent Venator, "We definitely picked the right world. If we can I'd like to keep your mechanical knowledge intact, it could prove a great use to us."
"Indeed," The first scientist gave a nod before walking over to the second one with two handheld saws, "Now come, so we can get to work."
"Of course," The second scientist took the handheld saw and powered it up, chuckling as he walked around the table where Summer was strapped to, "Now then…"
"It's time to begin Phase 1," The first scientist said as he took his place on the other side of his fellow scientist, "We will proceed to break down your Aura and will. Please do struggle as this does help us greatly."
"Well… if you insist," Summer said as she gave a smirk before her Aura became active, soon snapping her fingers.
SNAP!
Both scientists gasped out as a flurry of white petals exploded out from where Summer was, blinding them briefly. They backed up and only gave gasps as the petals began to die down, seeing Argent Venator in place of Summer on the operating table.
The first scientist's eyes widened as he stared down at the weapons, "Where did she go?!"
"Right here you sick monsters!"
The first scientist up only to get his face slammed in by two boots, Summer having performed a dropkick against the scientists face. The attack had worked, sending the first scientist into the second and causing both to crash into the ground.
"H-How did you do that?!" The second scientist gasped out.
"For all this talk about Aura, you forgot that we have these handy things called Semblances," Summer remarked as she grabbed Argent Venator, "And I used mine to get out because you only restrained me."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" The first scientist yelled out in anger, rushing at her with his handheld saw. The second scientist gave a yell and rushed towards her as well, the two planning on striking at her due to the small space of the surgery room they were in.
Summer however deflected their attacks, their saws simply bouncing off of Argent Venator's blades. She spun before slashing through the two scientists. Both Shocker Scientists could only gasp out before falling over and disappearing in puffs of smoke.
"Alright… time to get out and hope that Tsukasa's mad enough to come back," Summer told herself before holstering one of her weapons and looking over to the case that contained the Cross System. She quickly grabbed it by the handle before bolting out the door, planning on making her way to the nearest exit.
Summer's escape wasn't unnoticed, as while no alarm was sounded, hidden cameras were in place and were able to track her movements.
"It appears as though she has escaped," IkaDevil said as he looked at the holographic monitors in the throne room.
"That Semblance as she calls it is annoying…" Hilchameleon remarked.
"Huh?" IkaDevil soon brought up another screen, showing the status of the various monsters and soldiers they had under their command, "This is…"
The four that they had sent out to deal with Summer first before she reappeared had been confirmed as KIA due to their vitals completely dropping.
"Decade works quick…" Hilchameleon hissed out, already knowing what likely happened given what they saw of Summer's abilities.
"Shall we deal with the Huntress before Decade arrives?" Garagaranda looked back towards the cloaked Great Leader.
"IkaDevil, defeat her and drag her back for experimentation," The Great Leader hissed out as he tried to compose himself, "Break her Aura, get rid of her weapons, and do not hold back on any precautions. I want the Cross System ready before Decade arrives."
"Yes sir," IkaDevil nodded before walking down the steps of the throne room towards their sole remaining monster, a gold plated insect-like creature with a glaive. The scientist monster turned towards it, "Gynagiskhan, you will accompany me for this."
"It would be my honor," Gynagiskhan gave a nod before following after IkaDevil.
Summer looked around as she tried to figure out where she was, having ended up in a fairly large and wide empty room.
"Just where did I…?" Summer looked around before the wind suddenly picked up. She perked up when she realized it shouldn't be windy in this room. She quickly turned only to give a shriek as she was thrown backwards by a heavy gust of wind, sending her slamming against a wall. The attack was so strong it managed to force the case that held the Cross System away from her.
"You won't be escaping this time," IkaDevil called out as he approached from another entrance with Gynagiskhan who held his glaive out.
"You will be dealing with us, Huntress," Gynagiskhan declared.
"Damn it, a cheap shot," Summer hissed out as she managed to pick herself up. She reached towards Argent Venator in her holsters before grabbing it and drawing them out, working to transform them into its rifle state.
"No you don't!" Gynagiskhan declared as he threw his Glaive towards the side, a sudden burst of wind blowing against Summer's side.
"W-What's with this wind?!" Summer called out as she was blown off her feet, being caught off guard enough to where her weapons were thrown out of her hands. After managing to roll on the ground she saw her weapons away from her and made a mad dash for them.
"Not so fast, Squid Bomber!" IkaDevil yelled out and unleashed several squid shaped projectiles, causing multiple explosions between Summer and her weapons.
Summer screamed out as she was thrown backwards, rolling across the ground before stopping near the Cross System briefcase. She gasped out as she grabbed the case out of instinct.
"Go ahead and try and use it," IkaDevil laughed, "It's not complete yet. Not until you submit to us so that we can tune it to your body."
"Like hell I'll do that," Summer hissed out as she grasped the case further, opening it up and turning it towards her. She grasped the weapon and top card, drawing it out and noticing there was no image on the card, simply a faded white silhouette of a rounded helmet, "If I can't use it as it is… I'll make it something new!"
"And just how do you expect to do that?" IkaDevil questioned.
"Because you've so graciously given me enough information to do so," Summer smirked, recalling IkaDevil's and the Shocker Scientists earlier words. She then concentrated, as if she was performing an Aura unlocking ceremony, except pouring her Aura into the objects themselves to get a reaction.
IkaDevil could only stare in shock and awe as he watched Summer visibly pour her Aura into the card and sword. It wasn't long before a white flash occurred as a small shockwave was unleashed. IkaDevil and Gynagiskhan were forced to step backwards from the shockwave.
[ROSEIBER!]
The sword that Summer was holding had transformed in a flash, it the blade growing longer and brighter as it fully changed coloration. It was a silver blade with red edges, having a duller grey portion towards the base with various rose sigils adorning it. It was attached to a stretched red shield-like shaped guard with pointed downward edges. The guard was thick and had visible compartments folded into the side, the center having a silver rimmed circle window that gave a view of a blank inside. The hilt itself was black with silver lining, a red point at the end.
Summer smiled as the card flashed as well, a fully realized headshot of her Rider Form now staring at her with the words, Kamen Rider Rose on various points of the card. The back of it also had a white sigil that was exactly like the rose emblem she wore.
"Impossible…" IkaDevil managed to squeak out, "This is impossible!"
"Now then…" Summer pressed a button on the side of the sword, allowing two card slots to slide open from the guard of the blade. She then slotted in her card facing downwards on the upper most portion before pressing down and closing the Driver's slots, "Henshin!"
Summer swung her sword and switched to a standard grip, holding it at her side. As she swung, several white cards were launched out of her blade and flew forward in front of her. In a burst of grey petals, grayed out holographic projections of her Rider Form appeared, around her at four points. It wasn't long before the projections slide back to form her armor, it staying grayscale before the cards flew back, forming an X shape and slamming into her helmet, color fully forming and completing her transformation.
[KAMEN RIDE: ROSE!]
Summer's Rider Form was almost identical to Decade in how it looked and was structured in terms of armoring. This was likely due to Shocker borrowing from their past assets. Her bodysuit and chest armor had a white center with black sides, the outsides of her arms being white in coloration while the insides of the arms were red, with the upper forearm armor being white as well. The inner leg armor was also red, separated by white armoring, with black outer leg armor. Her gloves and boots were also white with her ankle armor taking on a red coloration.
Her shoulder armor was fairly lightweight and more rounded than Decade's as well as being symmetrical. They held a black coloration with her rose emblem imprinted on each of the shoulders in white. Her chest was also another departure from the Decade suit, having a wide X across her chest in the center, a thick red outlined outside with a white center. Her collar was also white like the center of her suit and her helmet's base was similar in shape to Decade's. The top half was white with a gunmetal grey bottom portion, the main center of the helmet being black. Her visor was the most interesting, having a purple compound singular visor instead of separate eyes, it taking the shape of layered rose. Underneath and sticking out from the eyes were six white cards in an X shape, finishing off the look.
Her belt was similar to Diend's, having a silver strap with a buckle in the center, a black metal buckle with a stylized version of her helmet being in the center. Her right waist had a silver loop at a slant, it being wide enough for the Roseiber to fit. She wasted no time in holding the Roseiber up, the blade shrinking as she slotted it into the loop, it locking in place as the card slots were still free and in the open.
The cards that were left in the briefcase vanished, with a flash occurring on her left waist. A black card box formed with the cards inside, allowing her ease of access to her new arsenal.
"Incredible…" She let out a light gasp as she looked over her armored form, gripping her hands a bit. She was surprised to feel the boosts in power just from her transformation. The fact that she could feel her Aura recovering faster and faster as a result was also surprising to her.
"You… just who do you think you are?!" IkaDevil questioned as he backed up with Gynagiskhan.
(Insert: The Next Decade by Gackt)
"Well if you insist, I'm Remnant's Kamen Rider," The Huntress turned Rider said as she held a hand forward before swiping her arm to the side, "Kamen Rider Rose… remember that!"
"Take this, Squid Bomber!" IkaDevil yelled out as it launched more squid based projectiles at Rose.
Rose quickly leapt into the air to avoid the explosive projectiles. She curled up and spun a few times before kicking out and landing a hit against IkaDevil's head. The attack had managed to send the Shocker scientist tumbling back with a yell.
"I will be your opponent, Kamen Rider Rose!" Gynagiskhan called out as it rushed towards her with its glaive, jabbing at her several times.
Rose quickly backed away, shifting her body to avoid the jabs as she kicked backwards and gained more distance.
"Like that'll work!" Gynagiskhan swiped its hand towards it, and soon enough a gust of wind was forcing Rose towards the monster.
"Crap," Rose hissed out as she tried to back away and fight against the wind. She needed something to keep her from getting skewered. As if acting on instinct she opened up her card box before drawing out a card and glancing at it. It was a faded image of the bat-like Kamen Rider, Kiva, with the image of a purple hand themed hammer over the image, "This'll do!"
Pressing the button on her Roseiber, she opened up the card slots again, this time sliding the card into the bottom slot before closing the weapon up.
[WEAPON RIDE: KIVA, DOGGA HAMMER!]
"You can't defeat the Knight of the Wind!" Gynagiskhan declared as it jabbed forward with its glaive.
A purple statuette of a Franken appeared in a white burst of holographic images. It soon unfolded, becoming a fist themed war hammer. Rose quickly gripped it before thrusting forward as she closed in on Gynagiskhan. Her hammer smashed against the glaive, breaking it and striking directly against Gynagiskhan's chest.
Gynagiskhan gasped as it was sent staggering back, sparks spewing from the attack.
"Let's keep it up!" Rose called out as she gripped the weapon with both of her hands, rushing forward and swinging the weapon at the weaponless Gynagikhan. Her attacks were successful, performing heavy swings with sparks flying out upon contact. She then went for a thrust, striking her hammer against its stomach and sending the monster reeling back.
"Such strength…" Gynagiskhan gasped further as it held its stomach.
"Trust me you're not the only one surprised," Rose said as she slammed the pole of her weapon into the ground while pulling at a tab on the back of the hand. This caused the hand to open up with a pulse as electricity began gathering around it rapidly. The palm of the hand contained an eye that stared directly at Gynagiskhan, keeping it in place.
Rose let out a shout as she held up the Dogga Hammer with both hands. Electricity shot out of it and forming a purple energy projection of the fist hammer. She then swung her weapon down with a louder yell as the fist crashed down upon Gynagiskhan, the monster screaming out before exploding.
"Why you… you'll pay for this!" IkaDevil called out as he finally got up before breathing in, "Squid Bomber!"
Rose turned and gave a gasp, bracing with her weapon as explosive squid projectiles struck the ground in front of her. Small explosions occurred as she staggered back, losing her weapon in the process.
"I'm the one who should be saying that line!" Rose called out as she began running to the side, drawing out another card. This one was of Gaim, with the Musou Saber front and center.
[WEAPON RIDE: GAIM, MUSOU SABER!]
Rose pulled back on the tab of the Musou Saber, aiming and firing bullets at IkaDevil. The squid monster was ready to aim another Squid Bomber when he was shot several times, wincing and being forced to stagger.
Rose then used this chance to close in, dashing towards IkaDevil before leaping up, slashing down and striking the squid monster. She let out a light grunt as she slashed several more times against the staggered IkaDevil.
IkaDevil could only gasp out as sparks spewed out from his body, staggering back further.
"I'm not through yet," Rose said as she drew another card out of instinct, deciding to swap weapons once more. This time it was a picture of W's LunaTrigger form in the background with the Trigger Magnum at the forefront.
[WEAPON RIDE: W, TRIGGER MAGNUM!]
"I won't let you!" IkaDevil yelled out as he rushed towards Rose to grab her.
Rose quickly leapt backwards, flipping as she soon righted herself. She then aimed and began firing, curving yellow energy bullets launching out of the Trigger Magnum. The bullets curved and hit IkaDevil at multiple angles.
"Sorry to say but you aren't winning this," Rose said as she instinctively closed the Trigger Magnum, a blue flash occurring in it as the Trigger Gaia Memory was formed automatically within it.
[TRIGGER MAXIMUM DRIVE!]
Rose then held the Trigger Magnum with both hands, gold energy gathering in it before she pulled the trigger. Soon enough numerous gold energy bursts shot out at the same time, all of them homing in and striking IkaDevil at the same time.
"Ah…" IkaDevil gasped out as his body sparked heavily, he staggered back before holding up his hand. He gave a small wave as a projection of Dr. Shinigami appeared over his form briefly, "See you… IKAAAA!"
(Insert End)
Rose watched as IkaDevil suddenly exploded, but to her shock the missing scientist Maru Asagao fell out of the explosion. Though he was unharmed, he was currently unconscious. Next to him however was a Dopant Gaia Memory…
[SHINIGAMI HAKASE]
The Dopant Memory sparked before breaking and shattering.
"That's… odd," Rose said as she went to retrieve her weapons, deciding to keep her armor on for the time being. She then hurried over to Dr. Asagao and picked him up with ease, "Let's get out of here."
The outside door of the Mountain Base had been closed up shortly after Summer had been captured. While there were no guards, the front seemed to be reinforced and sealed pretty tightly. Tsukasa stared at the door before him alongside his allies. He had informed them of what had happened prior on the way and as a result they had all rushed as fast as they could.
"Do you think she's going to be alright?" Natsumi asked.
"She's a feisty one," Tsukasa admitted, "But I don't trust Shocker to go easy on her. Especially since they made her a component of what is likely a new Rider System."
"Don't worry," Daiki said as he placed a hand on Tsukasa's shoulder in a reassuring manner, "If she ends up becoming our enemy I'll be the one to put her down."
"Hey," Tsukasa turned and pushed Daiki off of him, "Don't joke about that."
"Hey, hey," Onodera quickly got between the two, "This is no time to be fighting."
"Yusuke's right," Natsumi said, "We should be breaking in already."
THUMP
The four turned towards the door when they heard a metal thud against it.
THUMP
THUMP
"Is… is something trying to break out?" Onodera asked.
"That wouldn't make sense," Daiki replied.
"Unless…" Tsukasa trailed, ready to transform and bust down the door.
SLAM!
The door was suddenly busted open, part of it breaking off its hinges and falling to the ground as dust kicked up.
"Whoa…" Summer's voice could be heard with a bit of a cough, "Okay, this armor is really cool."
"Summer…?" Tsukasa questioned as the dust began to clear.
Before the four was Kamen Rider Rose, holding Dr. Asagao over her shoulder. The four could only stare at her for the longest time in a mixture of surprise, slight awe, and confusion.
"Oh Tsukasa, thank goodness," Rose slumped slightly as she looked behind her before setting Dr. Asagao down. She then dismissed her transformation and went to holster her weapons she was still carrying before noticing the others of the group, "And you all must be his weird friends he talked about."
"You called us what?" Natsumi asked as her eye twitched slightly, holding out her thumb.
Tsukasa reflexively moved back while covering his neck and holding a hand out, "Now wait a moment, I meant weird as in not from this world!"
"I figured it was a compliment," Summer shrugged, "Tsukasa is weird."
"Why do you sound so used to him already…" Natsumi trailed off as she turned towards the Huntress in shock.
"I mean… we are kind of weird, at least for a team, right?" Onodera asked before getting elbowed by Natsumi.
"I suppose this woman just gets more and more interesting," Daiki said as he crossed his arms.
"The name's Summer Rose," Summer introduced at Daiki's remark, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"I suppose I should introduce you properly," Tsukasa said as he gestured towards Natsumi, "This is-"
"I am the great Kiva-la!" Kiva-la flew forward with a proud expression only to yelp as she was flicked away by an annoyed Tsukasa, "Why?!"
"Wait your turn," Tsukasa sighed before gesturing to his friends in turn, "Natsumi, Yusuke, Daiki… and Kiva-la."
"You know, with how you act I didn't think you had a team," Summer admitted in an innocent tone.
"W-What's that supposed to mean?!" Tsukasa turned in surprise, "I can work just fine with others!"
"Team is such a generous term for us," Daiki smirked, "We're very dysfunctional."
"Too dysfunctional if you ask me," Natsumi sighed.
"But it's kind of nice, right?" Onodera asked.
"I feel like we need to get back on track before I lose my mind," Tsukasa groaned before pointing at the unconscious doctor, "Who is that?"
"One of the people who went missing," Summer explained before growing a confused look, "But he was that old doctor guy in a cape except he turned into a squid monster…?"
"Wait, what?" Natsumi asked in surprise, "You mean Dr. Shinigami and IkaDevil?"
"That was his name yeah," Summer gave a nod, "I defeated him and another monster, but when I defeated him in particular Dr. Asagao fell out of the explosion and this weird box dropped out, said a name, then exploded."
"Gaia Memory…" Tsukasa trailed before looking at Natsumi, "Right?"
"That was the same thing that happened to Grandpa," Natsumi gave a nod.
"Gaia Memory…?" Summer asked.
"Not important at the moment, but it explains how they were able to get Dr. Shinigami back so easily," Tsukasa said as he put a hand to his chin in thought, "What's odd is that no one else was sent after you. Even now no one's attacking us."
"You're right," Summer turned back towards the entrance as her eyes widened, "Why?"
"They must be abandoning this base and their world if that's the case," Daiki said as he put his hands in his pockets, "We should get going."
"But first I'll take this Dr. Asagao back to your hotel room," Tsukasa told Summer before going to pick up the unconscious doctor, "I'll be right back."
The throne room of Shocker's Base was empty for the most part, no one had bothered to clean up the debris that had fallen and the throne was now thrown towards the ground, its debris littering the steps as it had crumbled apart.
The Great Leader was still in his cloaked form, staring at the closed gateway alongside Garagaranda and Hilchameleon. The three turned when they heard footsteps rapidly approaching, the three staring down as the five Riders entered the throne room.
"So you brought allies, Decade," The Great Leader remarked
"Of course I did," Tsukasa replied, "They were very slow but they're finally here."
"No matter how many allies you bring you cannot stop Shockers ambition!" Garagaranda called out.
"Indeed, preparations on the other side are now complete," Hilchameleon gave a nod, "Shocker will begin its invasion of Earth before moving onto Remnant to further harvest its resources!"
"Just how many Grimm modified soldiers did you make?" Tsukasa asked.
"Plenty before you two arrived," The Great Leader chuckled, "In fact the batch of CombatGrimm and the four you saw before they left were what last essence we could squeeze out of our captive Grimm."
"Do you have any idea what forces you're playing with here?" Summer asked as she stepped forward, "The Grimm are pure destruction, why would you ever think attempting to control that is a good idea?"
"You're right, destruction is fickle… it can sometimes turn on you when you least expect it…" The Great Leader nodded as his cloak began to shift, "However… if you become one with destruction, you can control it to its fullest!"
"You…" Summer narrowed her eyes as she stepped forward, "You've become part Grimm as well, haven't you?"
"Wait, what?" Tsukasa turned towards Summer in surprise.
"Indeed!" The Great Leader threw his arms outwards, the cloak blowing off of his body as his true form was unveiled. He had a pure black scale filled body, various white armoring covering his arms, legs, chest and back. The white armoring had red marking similar to those of the Grimm. He had a rounded white mask-like helmet acting as his head, a singular eye hole in the center with a black sclera and red iris piercing through. The back of his head had a hole as well, various black and white marked snakes spilling out and acting as hair.
"W-What is this?" Onodera's eyes widened.
"A Rider-like entity…?" Daiki questioned.
"No, I don't think it is," Natsumi shook her head.
"I am… the Great Grimm!" The newly titled Grimm Leader yelled out as he spread his arms to the sides, "And I will lead Shocker into a new age of glory!"
"Great Grimm…" Summer trailed before giving a scoff, knowing that the self appointed title was way off.
"How did you know?" Tsukasa looked over at his most recent ally.
"I knew because he was affected by my Silver Eyes," Summer said, though given she hadn't fully revealed the nature of her eyes, the other Riders could only stare at her in confusion. She then stepped forward to address Grimm Leader, "I'm not going to let you get away with this."
"I invite you to attempt that technique again," Great Grimm answered before chuckling as he lowered his arms, "However… it seems it takes a toll on you, correct?"
"I wouldn't say that…" Summer gave a smirk, though while incorrect, she knew she couldn't use her Silver Eyes too many times in a row. It took a lot out of her mentally and while she could recover quickly, she needed to use it at a better time, "However making sure you go down the old fashioned way is probably the most surefire bet right now."
"You are welcome to try," Great Grimm replied.
"Everyone… let's go," Summer looked back to the others as she drew out the Roseiber and her Rose Kamen Ride Card.
"Since when did you give orders," Tsukasa asked as he got his Decadriver ready.
"Like you'd ignore them given the situation," Natsumi said as Kiva-la landed in her palm.
"There's no use in arguing with her," Daiki said as he drew out his Diendriver.
"Yeah, we can't exactly let this guy keep going," Onodera nodded as he summoned his Arcle, preparing his transformation with the others.
"HENSHIN!"
[KAMEN RIDE: DECADE/DIEND/ROSE!]
The five Riders transformed before standing alongside each other, all of them staring down Great Grimm and his two highest Generals.
Rose yelled and rushed forward, keeping her Roseiber drawn in its sword state and rushing forward.
"Hey, hey wait!" Decade called out before quickly holding up his arms in defense, Garagaranda lashing his tail arm like a whip out at the other Riders while charging towards them alongside Hilchameleon. Garagaranda got close and began striking at Decade while HilChameleon rushed in only to get shot by Diend before being kicked away by Kiva-la.
"I'll go help her!" Kuuga called out as he stepped forward and slipped out of the fights, "You worry about these guys, Tsukasa!"
"I'm counting on you!" Decade called out as he tried to get out of the grapple Garagaranda had forced him into.
Kuuga rushed up the steps to meet with Rose who was currently fighting against Great Grimm.
Rose slashed several times at Great Grimm who backed and shifted away from the slashes. Rose began to pick up the pace in her swings while pushing further forward.
Great Grimm then raised his arm and blocked one of the slashes, sparks flying from the hit but his arm not budging in the slightest. He then gave a grunt, forcing Rose's blade away before swinging his leg to kick at her.
"Not a chance," Rose backed away before quickly launching forward while ducking, slashing past and causing some sparks to fly. She turned and held her blade forward, not surprised to see the damage done was only minimal.
"You cannot defeat me," Great Grimm declared before turning and holding his hand out, catching a punch from Kuuga who had leapt at him. He then threw the fist to the side before giving a yell and punching at Kuuga who blocked against his punch.
Kuuga gave a yell as sparks flew, falling back from the powerful punch as smoke exited from his forearms, "W-What the…"
"I am the ultimate life-form!" Great Grimm declared, "You cannot defeat me with your pathetic attempts."
"We'll see about that, we just need to switch things up," Rose said as she slotted her Roseiber onto its holster before drawing out a card and loading it in, "Yusuke, let's go!"
"R-Right, let's go!" Kuuga gave a nod as he stood up, a gold aura gathering around him as he went through several motions and poses, "Chou-Henshin!"
In a flash of gold, Kuuga's suit had changed, the bodysuit gaining a more muscular and vein-like appearance with gold bulky armor covering his body. Despite being an A.R. variant of the original Kuuga he had transformed into a form that was very much his own, Rising Ultimate.
[WEAPON RIDE: OOO, TAJASPINER!]
Rose struck a fighting stance as flames gathered along her left arm, forming the Tajaspiner for her to use. She then rushed forward, running at Great Grimm from one side while Kuuga approached from the other.
Great Grimm gave a yell, the snake-like hair coming out from his head suddenly lashing outwards and striking at the ground near the two Riders. It had managed to force the two to come to a halt, Great Grimm chuckling as he retracted his snake hair. He rushed towards Rose before performing a leaping punch at her.
Rose however blocked with the Tajaspiner, soon unleashing a burst of fire from the shield to force Great Grimm back. She then raised her arm, blocking a counter swing from Great Grimm before unleashing another burst of fire against his chest.
"How dare you!" Great Grimm gasped out as he staggered back. He was ready to move forward when he heard a yell, quickly turning around. He quickly leapt back to avoid a punch from Kuuga, the ground breaking underneath the Rider's punch.
Kuuga then gave a yell as he gathered gold fire within the palms of his hands, closing them as the fire enveloped his fists. He then leapt forward, striking at Great Grimm who braced against the attack with crossed arms.
Great Grimm gave a gasp as Kuuga's punch unleashed a burst of gold fire, sparks flying from his arms as he staggered back. The Leader of Shocker then yelled out as he unleashed his snake hair all towards Kuuga, planning on ensnaring and throwing the Rider around.
Kuuga gave a yell as his body became coated in gold flames just as the snakes tried to ensnare him. He then threw his arms forward, unleashing a burst that sent the snakes reeling back while burning. The screams of the snakes and yells from Great Grimm could be heard as Kuuga launched a golden fireball against the Leader of Shocker.
Great Grimm yelled out as the fireball struck his chest, sparks flying as he was forced to stagger back further.
[WEAPON RIDE: DEN-O, DENGASHER AXE FORM!]
Rose rushed in with her new weapon, it looked to be a modular weapon made out of miniature trains, put together to form an axe weapon. She rushed past Great Grimm, striking him in the right arm before spinning and swinging down with both hands, sparks flying as she dug the head of her axe into his chest.
"You…" Great Grimm gasped out.
"It's over, Great Grimm," Rose hissed out before leaping backwards to avoid a grab. She had to admit the two of them were keeping pace decently well, she could only hope the others would finish quickly so they could help out.
Garagaranda yelled as he unleashed his tail arm whip against Decade, Diend and Kiva-la, the three being forced back while Hilchameleon turned invisible to strike at their blind spots and make it easier for Garagaranda to attack them.
"That's it," Diend said as he loaded a card in before shooting upwards.
[ATTACK RIDE: BLAST!]
He shot several blasts into the air that split off and curved all around them, raining down projectile fire. Hilchameleon gasped out as several managed to hit him, sparks flying as he became visible again while falling on his back.
"You two deal with our reptilian friend," Diend said as he loaded in a new card and took aim at Hilchameleon, "I'll take out this sneaky devil."
Decade and Kiva-la both nodded, the former drawing out his Ride Booker in its sword mode while loading in a card. Kiva-la meanwhile drew out her saber and held it forward, it shining with a bright purple energy.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: D-D-D-DIEND!]
Diend aimed forward, a funnel of cards appearing between him and Hilchameleon before he pulled the trigger. A beam of bright blue energy shot forward, striking and overwhelming the lead Shocker Monster.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: D-D-D-DECADE!]
Decade leaned forward alongside Kiva-la, Final Attack Ride Card projections forming between them and Garagaranda. The two rushed forward through the cards, powering themselves up as Garagaranda tried to strike at them before they reached him. The card projections however protected them as his tail whip was deflected away, the backlash stunning him briefly. Both Riders yelled out as they rushed through the final card, performing a cross-slash against Gargaranda as they past him.
"SHOCKER… FOREVER…!"
Those were both of their last words before they fell to the ground and exploded. The three Riders looked at the smoking remains, nothing left of them. The three then turned towards the current fight occurring.
[WEAPON RIDE: FAIZ, FAIZ EDGE!]
[WEAPON RIDE: RYUKI, DRAGSABER!]
Rose brought out both of the bladed weapons from Kamen Rider's Faiz and Ryuki, slashing in tandem and in a rapid pace as she managed to slowly but surely beat back Great Grimm. She gave a yell and performed a cross-slash, breaking through Great Grimm's guard. Kuuga then flipped over her before kicking out, slamming his foot against Great Grimm's chest.
Great Grimm yelled out as he was sent skidding backwards, digging his heels into the floor before he managed to stop. The attacks against him had resulted in him ending up right next to Shocker's dimensional gate.
"It's over Great Grimm," Rose said as she approached carefully.
"No… it's far from over!" Great Grimm called out as the Gateway began to activate, soon opening up as the portal began to form. To Rose's and Kuuga's surprise, Great Grimm unleashed his tendril hair against the Gateway, the snakeheads biting down and causing sparks to fly as some parts began to light on fire, "I will still reign over both worlds, mark my words!"
"Like I'm letting you do anything close to that!" Rose yelled out as she rushed forward.
"You cannot stop me!" Great Grimm laughed as he kicked backwards, flinging himself into the portal.
"You aren't getting away!" Rose continued to run forward despite the portal growing more unstable.
"Hey, hey wait a minute!" Kuuga called out as he tried to follow after Rose.
Decade, Kiva-la and Diend had all managed to just fully run up the steps in time to see Rose rushing recklessly.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?!" Decade called out as he saw Rose continuing to dash forward despite his words. He could only run forward with the others, hoping they'd reach her in time.
"I'm not giving up!" Rose answered without missing a beat, leaping into the portal just as the Gateway began to spark heavily while more fires began to burn brightly. Small explosions occurred as the Gateway began to fall apart, the portal closing in an instant as it was damaged beyond repair. The four Riders slowed to a stop as they saw the destroyed portal.
"Damn it," Decade hissed out as he looked at the broken portal, "You always have to throw yourself into danger, don't you?"
Earth – Tokyo, March 2015
Rose leapt into a darkened area, the only visible area being a large spotlight in which Great Grimm was standing in. She landed before slowly rising, drawing her Roseiber out in its sword form before holding it towards GreatGrimm.
"You're not getting away," Rose said.
"My dear Huntress… you're right where I want you," Great Grimm chuckled as more spotlights began to turn on one by one, slowly but surely illuminating the room they were in.
It turned out they were in a large storage warehouse, with various machinery and equipment all around. All around the two were Shocker Combatmen and CombatGrimm with some of the latter even having grown wings as they glided around the two. Of course among them were the four Grimm/Monster Hybrids and the Dust Enhanced Monsters.
The back of the large warehouse began to illuminate to reveal a large amount of tubes and equipment, most of them of a tar black substance that were being fed to a central location. That central location was a large giant that Shocker would normally employ in their most recent efforts. It was King Dark who was currently sitting down in a dormant state, its chest opened up as its core power source was missing. However due to the infusion of the black substance, the giants body had grown blackened with white patches forming.
"What… what is that?" Rose questioned.
"That… is the key to our victory," Great Grimm explained before starting to laugh, "You should be honored Huntress… honored to witness Shocker's future glory before you die!"
Rose glared behind her helmet, realizing that she was alone and surrounded by modified Shocker Grunts and Monsters. Not to mention Great Grimm was still around which meant a tough fight without any allies.
"I'm sorry to say but this game is over," Great Grimm said.
"I wouldn't count on it yet," Rose chuckled as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her movements beginning to slow.
Great Grimm's eye widened as he realized what she was doing, "Stop her before she ruins everything!"
'If I don't stop these monstrous abominations… not only will one world… but my world… and everyone I cherish will be destroyed…' Rose thought as she called upon her thoughts in concentration, 'I cannot let that happen…'
The forces of Shockers began to approach carefully, most of them feeling uneasiness at Rose's calmed demeanor.
"I will… protect both worlds!" Rose called out as she opened her eyes, her compound visor flashing a silver coloration briefly though nothing else happened. There were a few seconds of silence before Rose registered that nothing had happened, "Huh?"
"What?" Great Grimm questioned, backing up at the flash only to tilt his head curiously, "What happened?"
"It… didn't work?" Rose asked, but she could feel the power that would normally release welling up. And it did release, so why didn't end up working in the end?
"Oh well…" Great Grimm chuckled before holding his hand forward, "My forces, slaughter her!"
All Shockers remaining Grunts and Monsters were ready to close in, planning on attacking her relentlessly. That was until the deck box on Rose's waist began to release a bright silver shine, a burst of light releasing itself causing most of the CombatGrimm and Grimm modified monsters to step back with a wince.
Rose noticed this and quickly opened her deck box, her eyes widening behind her mask as she saw this occurring. Quickly grasping at the cards inside she drew out several blank cards that were with the deck. To her surprise she had gained a few Attack Ride Cards and a Final Attack Ride Card as well.
"What's going on?" Great Grimm questioned.
The CombatGrimm rushed in, those with wings swooping down while those on the ground leapt or rushed forward.
"My counter attack," Rose said as she slid all but one of the cards back into the deck box before holding out her Roseiber in its sword form. She then loaded the card in before stabbing against the ground.
[ATTACK RIDE: BARRIER!]
Rose stabbed into the ground, a white net-like domed barrier forming over her. The resulting defensive structure shined brightly as any CombatGrimm that touched it instantly began to burn away. It didn't take long before the barrier grew brighter before flashing and unleashing a wide burst outwards, killing any CombatGrimm nearby.
"You… you've turned those damn eyes into weapons?" Great Grimm questioned with a wince.
"I suppose I can't use them like I normally do in this form," Rose admitted as she drew her sword out of the ground while the barrier faded, "Oh well. I suppose I'll just play by Rider rules."
"We cannot let her mock us any longer!" Siomaneking yelled out as it charged with the several other CombatGrimm.
"No you fool, wait!" Great Grimm called out.
[ATTACK RIDE: SHINE!]
Several CombatGrimm charged forward as Rose activated her next card, sliding her hand along the blade, silver energy forming over it after her swipe. She then rushed forward, slicing through the CombatGrimm while dodging past their clawed strikes. The attacks were instantaneous in their effect, the CombatGrimm gaining a glowing gash before it spread and turned them to black dust.
The silver energy faded before Rose slid her hand across the blade of the Roseiber again. She spun and slashed at a few CombatGrimm trying to strike her from behind. She sliced through them with ease, the Grimm soldiers exploding in bursts of light.
Siomaneking yelled, using its Grimm enhanced claw to grab Rose from behind, managing to get a tight grip of her stomach.
Rose gave a gasp as she was lifted up before being tossed towards a flying CombatGrimm. She gritted her teeth as she managed to spin in mid-air, finding her footing and planting her feet on the stomach of the Grimm soldier. She then pushed off almost instantly, striking hard enough against it to send it back a bit as she flipped again and landed on the ground.
"You won't win against us!" Siomaneking yelled as it charged with several more CombatGrimm.
Rose gave a grunt as she lifted herself up, rushing forward and slashing past them with her sword without its enhancement. She managed to slice through and damage the Grimm soldiers, but aimed for Siomaneking, clashing with its claw before taking a step back. She ducked against a few overhead swipes from passing by CombatGrimm before watching as Siomaneking leapt up to smash its claw into her. She rolled out of the attack before turning and spinning, slicing through its back.
"I'll back you up!" Zanjioh called out as it rushed forward, kicking and punching at Rose who quickly dodged out of the way. The Grimm modified monster gave a gasp as it was stabbed at rapidly by Rose, being forced to leap back towards Siomaneking and the CombatGrimm.
"It's over," Rose quickly drew out another card before slotting it in and pointing her sword forward, drawing a circle in front of her.
[ATTACK RIDE: BURST!]
Soon enough a silver rose projection was formed in front of the Rider and with a single slash she broke the rose apart. The rose petals shined brightly before shooting towards Siomaneking, Zanjioh and their troop of CombatGrimm. Streaks of white pierced through them in an instant, the Grimmified Monsters giving a surprised gasp before they fell onto their backs and exploded in a white burst of light alongside the other Grimm soldiers.
"Not bad, but not good enough!" Tiger-Roid called out as it unleashed lightning and fire blasts from its modified cannons.
Rose looked to the side in surprise before quickly leaping back, an explosion of fire and lightning occurring where she was just standing.
"That's right," Rose gritted her teeth as she blocked a slash from a CombatGrimm before kicking it away. She then turned and blocked a strike from KomaThunder. She winced however as it had hit with its hammer hand, its stronger weapon forcing her to move back a bit, "Not all of you are Grimm…"
"And while you've defeated a few of us, you can't defeat us all on your own!" Great Grimm laughed out.
"Who said she was alone."
Great Grimm and all of the remaining monsters and grunts of Shocker all turned towards the entrance of the warehouse, an Aurora Curtain opening up as Decade, Diend, Kuuga, and Kiva-la all walked forward while in their base forms.
"She's just trying to hog my spotlight is all," Decade pointed forward.
"I knew you wouldn't be far behind," Rose muttered as she stood up straight to keep herself from looking tired, she then spoke up in a louder voice, "Well I was hoping you wouldn't be lazy!"
"Please, as if I could laze about watching a newbie flop around like a fish out of water," Decade shot back, "You're lucky we were so generous to come for you."
"You say that but you were really worried about her," Kuuga remarked only to get elbowed in the chest, "Jeez!"
"Of course he would never admit it," Diend replied, "That's just how Tsukasa is."
"Even if it's annoying from time to time," Kiva-la sighed.
"Damn you, Decade!" Great Grimm yelled out, "Must you be persistent in our affairs like you usually are?!"
"Of course," Decade called out as he stepped forward, "But even if I didn't interfere, it wouldn't have stopped Rose from getting involved. Sure she was out of her depth, but she possessed the true qualities of a Kamen Rider. Exactly what was needed to break a new Rider away from your clutches and bloom them into something more magnificent."
"You…" Rose trailed in surprise before giving a soft chuckle, soon scoffing, "Just who do you think you are, saying all of that?"
"I'm a passing through Kamen Rider… remember that!" Decade called out before charging forward with the other four Riders, all of them splitting up to fight their way through the crowd.
"Let's even up the numbers shall we?" Diend asked as he dodged out of the way before holding out a hand towards Decade, "Tsukasa, let me borrow a card or two!"
"Fine but don't complain to me about which one's they are!" Decade drew out two cards before tossing it at Diend.
"Huh, interesting," Diend said as he looked over the cards before slotting it in and shooting forward with his Diendriver.
[KAMEN RIDE: FAIZ! OOO!]
Soon enough holographic projections were shot out, all cycling around before coming together to form Kamen Rider Faiz and OOO. The Faiz copy flicked his wrist before charging straight towards the CombatGrimm and sending a punch ones way. The OOO copy gave a yell and extended his Tora Claws, leaping towards the CombatGrimm to join Faiz in his assault.
"Wait, he can just do that?" Rose asked as she sliced through a CombatGrimm, it dissolving away.
"Summon Riders, yes," Decade said as he kicked away a CombatGrimm before turning and punching another in the face. He then ducked underneath a swing before drawing out his Ride Booker in its gun form and shooting at a CombatGrimm that tried getting in his face, "Show off, also yes."
Kuuga gave a yell as he kicked a CombatGrimm into a several supplies, letting loose a few broken pipes. Kicking the pipe up into the air he grabbed it by the end, "Chou-Henshin!" he called as he shifted into Titan Form, the Titan Sword forming from the pole he held. He then jabbed and swung at the various CombatGrimm before raising his arm to block a punch from Sabotegron. He gritted his teeth as he realized the Earth Dust had enhanced the monster's normal strength. Despite this he pushed Sabotegron away before stabbing forward.
Sabotegron formed a chunk of rock-like armor on its chest to block the stab. Surprisingly the stab shattered the rock armoring. It looked down in surprise before forming another piece of rock-like armor.
Kuuga saw this and stepped forward while slashing, transitioning into another slash and then another before stabbing forward. His attacks had been met by the rock-like armor, it being destroyed before reforming. But his last stab was in quick enough succession that he stabbed through the monster. Kuuga then yelled out as he sliced downwards, cleaving the monster down from its chest.
Sabotegron stayed silent before taking a step back, soon exploding as a result of the fatal blow.
Kiva-la meanwhile was slashing through CombatGrimm as fast as she could before turning blocking a swipe from the Grimm modified Isoguin Jaguar. She then backed away, watching as it unleashed the tentacles on its right arm forward. She quickly began slashing while backing away, trying to keep from getting caught by the tentacles.
"Kiva-la… let's go," Kiva-la said as her buckle's eyes shined a bright red. Soon enough energy wings sprouted from her back, covering her and blocking the incoming tentacles. She then spread the wings out before kicking off the ground and launching forward. Stabbing forward she became a bright flash of purple that pierced through Isoguin Jaguar and any CombatGrimm that attempted to stop her.
"Not bad," Diend glanced back at both fights ending before turning back and shooting, managing to match Tiger-Roids normal fire before dodging out of the way once the Dust infused Shocker soldier began launching out multiple elemental blasts of energy.
"You want to play?" Diend asked as he loaded in a new card, "We'll play alright."
[ATTACK RIDE: ILLUSION!]
Diend sped forward before suddenly splitting into multiple copies, all of them circling around Tiger-Roid while kicking or slamming their weapons at it.
"Why you… all armaments fire," Tiger-Roid declared as he unleashed several elemental bursts all around him, blowing away the Diend's only for all of them to vanish, "What?"
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: D-D-D-DIEND!]
"Bang…" Diend was off to the side, charging up his finisher just as Tiger-Roid turned to face him. As soon as the dust enhanced monster turned he pulled the trigger, unleashing a devastating beam of energy against the modified monster. Tiger-Roid could only gasp out as it felt backwards before exploding.
Rose meanwhile holstered her Roseiber before drawing out a card. She noticed that Gillizames was running towards her. The Fire Dust modified shark monster began launching out molten fireballs at the Huntress Rider, Rose quickly backing away and slotting the card in.
"We'll fight fire with fire," Rose said as she held her hand out.
[WEAPON RIDE: FOURZE, HEE-HACKGUN!]
Rose brought out the fire-extinguisher themed gun and took aim before launching her own fireballs at Gillizames to counter them. While they weren't able to destroy the molten fireballs, the fireballs of the Hee-Hackgun had deflected them to where they ended up hitting the rest of Shocker's forces.
"Stand still!" Gillizames called out as it rushed towards Rose, its hands lighting on fire as it tried to grab at her.
"How about no," Rose dodged out of the way before a klaxon alarm began to sound off, the Fire Switch formed in a burst inside the Hee-Hackgun's finisher slot. Rose then gave a yell as she rushed in, pushing the barrel of her gun against Gillizames and managing to pin it to the ground, "Take this!"
Gillizames could only yell out as Rose unleashed a torrent of flames against it, sparks flying as it was engulfed in fire so hot, even its Fire Dust couldn't help keep it stable. Rose quickly leapt back as Gillizames exploded in a fiery display, a few stray fireballs striking any CombatGrimm nearby.
"Not bad," Rose said before giving a yelp as the Hee-Hackgun was knocked out of her hand. She turned and braced, getting struck by an electrified hammer swing.
"You won't be getting away with that," KomaThunder called out.
"Sorry to say but you're luck is going to be just as bad as the other one," Rose said as she was ready to swap cards when Decade bumped into her, "Hey!"
"Huh?" Decade looked back before grabbing her and pulling her out of the way. The two stepping back in a fast pace as they avoided a swooping attack from Ganikoumoru. Decade then gave a scoff, "You should watch where you're going."
"I could say the same," Rose said before glancing and noticing that both KomaThunder and Ganikoumoru were starting to be joined by the remaining CombatGrimm in approaching them.
"Let's finish this up," Decade said as he held out a card for Rose to take.
"What's this?" Rose said, recognizing the yellow rimming as a Final Attack Ride Card. However the text read Final Form Ride with Faiz being on it alongside a strange gun.
"Just use it," Decade said as he drew out a similar one for OOO before taking out another card and handing it to Rose, "Then use this."
"Alright then," Rose said as she took a Final Attack Ride Card that was meant for Faiz before loading in the first card while Decade loaded one of his own.
[FINAL FORM RIDE: F-F-F-FAIZ!]
[FINAL FORM RIDE: O-O-O-OOO!]
Faiz and OOO had just finished off dealing with a batch of CombatGrimm before gasping out as they suddenly became stiff and floated upwards. Rose looked in surprise as OOO split apart into three sections with each beginning to form into a more armor-like shape. Faiz meanwhile began to stiffen up further as metallic parts began to form over him. OOO was soon transformed into the OOO Armor, latching on Decade and giving him an OOO styled aesthetic over his base form.
Faiz meanwhile was transformed into the massive Faiz Blaster, flying over to Rose who caught him with a stammer.
"W-What did we just do to them?!" Rose questioned.
"Don't worry they were just clones, no pain or tickling needed!" Decade called out as fiery wings erupted from his back. He then launched upwards to meet Ganikoumoru in the skies, the two clashing past each other with their claws, "Just fire!"
"I guess I have no choice!" Rose quickly aimed, surprised by how easily she was lifting this weapon. She then began firing and unleashing cannon-like blasts against KomaThunder and the horde of CombatGrimm.
Decade eventually managed to get into a grapple with Ganikoumoru, the Grimm enhanced monster trying to overpower Decade. Decade however used the grasshopper legs of the OOO armor to enhance his legs, slamming his knee into the Grimm modified monster and sending it flying backwards.
"Let's end this!" Decade called out as he readied his finisher.
"Right," Rose gave a nod as she did the same.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: O-O-O-OOO!]
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: F-F-F-FAIZ!]
Rose gave a yell as she aimed towards the side of the crowd of incoming Shocker soldiers. She unleashed a powerful beam of energy from the Faiz Blaster before swinging it sideways, releasing a sweeping beam of energy that struck the remaining Shocker forces.
Decade meanwhile kicked forward with both legs, flying through rings of red, yellow and green before kicking against Ganikoumoru. Decade then gave a yell as he kicked further, sending the modified Shocker monster falling into the grouping that Rose just shot through.
Rose lowered the Faiz Blaster while Decade lowered himself near her, the two watching as the Shocker forces in front of them exploded completely. The two let their postures drop slightly as the Faiz Blaster and OOO Armor shimmered and faded away.
"Not bad you two," Diend said as he walked over with Kiva-la and Kuuga who had reverted to his base form.
"Now then," Rose turned to where she remembered Great Grimm was only to step forward in surprise when he wasn't there, "What?"
"I must thank you!" Great Grimm called out as he was now on Kingdark, or rather inside as he was standing in its open core. He gave a chuckle as he watched his five adversaries turn in surprise, the chuckle soon turning into laughter.
"What's so funny?" Decade asked.
"Yeah, we just destroyed your army!" Kuuga pointed out.
"Admittedly it felt smaller than it usually does," Kiva-la admitted.
"While I was hoping I could keep my army intact I unfortunately realize that wasn't an option with you all chasing after me," Great Grimm admitted, "However… their sacrifices won't be in vain as their deaths shall fully complete Kingdark's modifications!"
"Their deaths…?" Rose trailed before her eyes widened as she began to look around, noticing that despite the CombatGrimm's destruction alongside the monsters modified into Grimm, there were still specks of black floating all around. She then looked back towards the leader of Shocker, "You can't mean!"
"Yes! Their remains will be used to great effect as I take the place of Kingdark's Core!" Great Grimm yelled out as his body began to gain red glowing cracks.
Soon enough the cracks spread further and further before his body exploded into a black goop-like substance. The goop-like substance soon formed a sphere as a slit formed, unveiling a red iris on a white sclera. The sphere let loose a roar as the tubes that were transferring the black substances to Kingdark shattered, the substance being drawn towards the new entity as all the black specks from the remains of Shocker's forces were sucked into it as well. The entity soon exploded outwards, covering and overtaking the dormant Kingdark.
It wasn't long before Kingdark began to rumble and shake, slowly but surely rising as the black substance fully overtook its body while transforming it. It didn't take long for it to break through the roof of the warehouse, breaking free of where it was sitting, causing sparks to fly from all the equipment in the area.
"Please tell me you all have something to deal with this…" Rose trailed as she took a step back.
"Given it's just the five of us…" Diend paused in a rather dramatic fashion only for his next response to be a simple but blunt, "No."
"I think we can take him," Decade said.
"Uh Tsukasa, I don't think this is an easy fight anymore," Kuuga admitted.
"I think there should be less talking and more running!" Kiva-la called out as she began to run for the exit.
"She's right," Rose said as she ran off after Kiva-la with the other Riders doing the same.
The five Riders soon made it outside and stared upwards as the warehouse began to collapse. The group themselves were in a warehouse district in the middle of the night. While there didn't seem to be much in the way of people or collateral around, they were still relatively close to a few busy city blocks. Kingdark crashed through the warehouse, rising as its transformation fully completed. Its body was now a dark red with the armor over it being an ink-black coloration. On the armor were white tribal-like markings. The face of King Dark was now colored white and more animalistic, having exposed fangs as its mouth was able to move now. Red tribal-like markings ran along the cheeks and forehead of the face with black sclera and red iris' for the eyes. The helmet was the same ink-black coloration as the armor, though the horns were larger and twisted, pointing upwards.
"Behold Shocker's true form," The giant bellowed as it spread its hands, "I am GrimmKing!"
"What a poor name…" Rose scoffed at the announcement, though that was because she was, again, already aware that the name was only just a name.
"Huh, she got over the shock quickly," Decade pointed at Rose while looking at Kiva-la, "I mean, that was pretty snarky, right?"
"I don't think we have time for this Tsukasa!" Kiva-la shouted.
"Now, I will subjugate this world as my own," GrimmKing declared as it spread its arms forward, its ink-like armor starting to leak and drip down. It wasn't long before the drops from the black armor landed and suddenly formed into Grimm. Beowolves, Ursa, while some even brought out Nevermores and Razorwings which formed in mid-air.
"Crap…" Rose stared in shock as she stepped back, "It can summon Grimm?!"
"Those are coming from its body, right?" Diend asked, "So we kill its body and they'll go with it, right?"
"That's the hope," Decade said as he placed a hand on Rose's shoulder, "Ready for one last fight?"
"Given I'd rather wherever we are not end up with the same fate as Remnant…" Rose trailed before giving a nod, "Yeah."
"So what's the plan?" Decade asked.
"I…" Rose looked around as she realized they didn't have time for anything extensive, "I need one of you to get me up high. The rest deal with the Grimm and make sure they don't escape further into the city."
"Then I think I'll be able to get you there," Decade said as he held out two cards towards Diend, "If you could."
"Very well," Diend sighed as he slotted the two cards into the Diendriver, he then aimed to the side and shot twice.
[KAMEN RIDE: AGITO!]
[FINAL FORM RIDE: A-A-A-AGITO!]
Kamen Rider Agito was summoned before giving a groan as he was shot in the back, his body shifting and morphing into the alternate hoverboard mode of his bike, the Machine Tornador in its Slider Mode. This was the Agito Tornador.
"Let's go," Decade said as he hurried over and hopped onto the Agito Tornador.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," Rose shook her head before following after Decade. She just managed to barely keep her balance before Decade took off, the Agito Tornador floating along the ground before lifting upwards into the air and towards GrimmKing.
"Now then," Diend turned towards a small pack of Beowolves and Ursa that were running towards him and the remaining two Riders.
"All we need to do is buy time," Kiva-la brandished her sword.
"Then that's what we'll do," Kuuga called out before rushing forward.
"So what's the plan?" Decade asked as he flew himself and Rose through the air, trying to get high enough to avoid any Nevermore's and Razorwing's that were being spawned, "Because I don't see a weak point."
"I do," Rose said before patting Decade on the shoulder, "Thanks for the lift."
"Wait, what-hey!" Decade cut himself off when he watched Rose leap off of the Agito Tornador, "Summer!"
Rose dropped down while hoping that she wouldn't be noticed by GrimmKing. But luck wasn't on her side as the giant warrior noticed her. It raised its right arm, holding a hand forward as it unleashed more Grimm from its body out into the world. Nevermore's and Razorwings launched out towards Rose as the ones already out began to fly upwards towards her.
"Eradicate her, my servants!" GrimmKing bellowed.
"Like I'll let you do that," Rose drew out her Roseiber in its sword mode and drew out a card she had used earlier, slotting it in and holding her blade close to her body.
[ATTACK RIDE: BARRIER!]
The flying Grimm all cawed and screeched out as they flew towards Rose to try and dog pile on her. Instead they clashed against a miniature barrier that Rose formed all around herself. Despite this they continued to pile and pile, making a giant ball of Grimm that began to drop down. That was until screeching was heard from within the ball, bright lights shining through the cracks of the Grimm swarming before an explosion of light occurred. Specks of black dust littered the air as Rose entered a diving pose, falling downwards as she neared GrimmKing's arm.
"Do you truly think you can destroy me with your power?!" GrimmKing called out as it watched Rose land on its right arm. It reached its left hand over to try and squash her only for Rose to leap between its fingers, "You can't win against the might of Shocker!"
Rose landed on the left arm and began to run along it before leaping towards GrimmKing, "You talk too much!"
GrimmKing soon realized what Rose was attempting and was too late to stop her plan. While it was talking she had leapt towards its open mouth. The monstrous giant could only give a slight gagging sound as Rose landed inside its mouth.
Rose wasted no time in running forward, despite how disgusting being inside a strange Grimm/Mechanical Giant Hybrid was. She leapt down its throat before managing to land in what appeared to be its core area, with the same core that GreatGrimm had transformed into at the center of the room.
"So this was your plot," The Core spoke up as it set its eye on Rose, "But you cannot stop me!"
[ATTACK RIDE: BURST!]
Rose quickly drew a circle, summoning a silver rose that broke apart and shot out at The Core, becoming streaks of light that pierced various portions of it.
"That won't work on me!" The Core screeched out despite the pain, forming black tendrils and launching them out towards its opponent.
[ATTACK RIDE: BLAST!]
Suddenly a rain of bullets came in from above, tearing through the tendrils and forcing them to retract. Rose could only stare in surprise as Decade landed before her, having his Ride Booker out in its gun mode.
"Sorry but you aren't stealing the show," Decade said.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Rose chuckled.
"You all are fools if you think you can defeat me!" The Core yelled out, "I am the ultimate combination of Shocker Science and Destruction!"
"Sorry to say but if there's one person here who's the best destroyer it's me," Decade pointed at himself.
"Not to mention my abilities are a direct counter against the Grimm," Rose replied as she holstered her sword once more, drawing out her personal Final Attack Ride Card, "Let's go, Tsukasa."
"Sounds good to me," Decade drew out his personal Final Attack Ride Card and loaded it in place, Rose following suit.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: D-D-D-DECADE!]
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: R-R-R-ROSE!]
A single line of Final Attack Ride Card projections formed between the two Riders and The Core, all of them being yellow in coloration before flashing to silver. Both Decade and Rose leapt upwards before kicking out with their right legs, pink and silver energy gathering in soles of their boots as the cards lined themselves up with their movements. The two continued to pass through the projections, getting closer and closer…
"I won't allow this!" The Core yelled out as it launched more tendrils, trying to clash against their kicks. To its surprise, the tendrils instantly turned to stone and became dust as it touched their combined kicks. Its eye could only widen in surprise before…
SMASH!
Both Riders gave yells as they kicked against The Core's eye, energy spewing from their kicks before The Core erupted into a pillar of white light that spread outwards.
Diend ducked underneath a Beowolf's swing before aiming and shooting it underneath its chin, shooting through its head several times to kill it. Kuuga meanwhile batted away a few strikes from an Ursa before giving a yell and punching against its stomach, sending it tumbling backwards into a few others. Kiva-la meanwhile dodged against a few Razorwings that tried to swoop down at her before slashing at them when they came down a second time and cutting through them.
The three Riders were ready to keep going when they suddenly noticed the Grimm all around them began to fall limp before dissolving.
"Did they do it?" Diend asked before a bright flash of light occurred nearby, he quickly turned only to step back in surprise.
Kiva-la and Kuuga also looked up when they saw the flash of light, the two staring in awe at GrimmKing.
"Is… is it over?" Kuuga asked.
"I think so," Kiva-la replied.
GrimmKing's body had completely turned to stone in the flash, it slowly but surely gaining more cracks on it. It didn't take long for its body to destabilize, breaking apart and falling to the ground as two glints of light leapt out of its crumbling body and landed in the smokescreen it created.
Diend, Kiva-la and Kuuga could only walk forward carefully as they saw two figures approach. It wasn't long before both Rose and Decade walked out, the two dismissing their transformations. The three Riders relaxed, dismissing their transformations as they went to join the two.
A Few Hours Later…
Remnant – Anima, Kobomugi Settlement
It didn't take long for the group to return back to Remnant, even with Summer's insistence of wanting to check out Earth a bit more. Daiki, Onodera and Natsumi were working on cleanup while Tsukasa was with Summer in her hotel room.
"So… we did it…" Summer said as she sat on her bed, staring at the unconscious Maru Asagao, "I still can't believe it… I'm sure no one is going to believe it…"
"And its best we keep it that way," Tsukasa said, "A good cover story will let you deal with fewer complications."
"Yeah I know," Summer gave a sigh, recalling the earlier explanation by her new friend, "It still kind of stinks, you know? Meeting a new friend and then finding out that because of the way the rules are, we can't see each other as easily."
"Huh, you consider me a friend?" Tsukasa asked as he fiddled with his camera, "That's a surprise."
"I mean, despite it all… you're a good guy Tsukasa," Summer answered firmly.
CLICK!
Tsukasa took a photo, "Don't tell that to everyone. Otherwise it'll ruin my image."
"Your image isn't that great you know," Summer teased.
"Ah there's that bite again," Tsukasa chuckled, "Trust me, if there was a way to easily visit this world I would do so from time to time. But the barriers are rather stiff nowadays, it's hard to break through, and the only reason I could was because Shocker forced their way here."
"Yeah," Summer gave a nod before looking over at the Roseiber, it in its bladed form now that it was in its inactive state, "And you're sure about this?"
"Those are your powers now," Tsukasa said, "Whether or not you use them from here on out is up to you."
"I see," Summer gave a nod, "I may not have a use for them anymore… but it'll be a nice reminder that all of this did happen."
"And really that's what's most important when it comes to meeting someone, the memories," Tsukasa said before turning away, "Or so I've been told."
"Memories huh…" Summer trailed.
"Well then… I suppose this is goodbye," Tsukasa said as he gave a wave, an Aurora Curtain appearing in front of him.
"Will we… will we ever see each other again?" Summer asked, still a bit put off by the fact that this was a likely one time deal.
"We'll have to see," Tsukasa said, "But hopefully next time it's in better circumstances."
Summer could only watch as Tsukasa stepped through the Aurora Curtain. As silence entered the room once more, she wasn't sure of what to do next. That was until she heard Maru starting to give a groan, his body stirring as he began to regain consciousness.
"I suppose I should make sure you aren't too confused," Summer said as she stood up, setting her Roseiber away and making a note to buy a case for it later.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"Utilizing my new power I thought anything was possible, it sure seemed like that back when I fought alongside those four. I was foolish however for thinking that using that power alone would be enough to tip the scales on my world…"
Chapter 86 – Rose of Remnant (III)
Author's Note: Introducing our newest original Rider to the story, Kamen Rider Rose! A heavily retooled/styled Decade Rider that is essentially the predecessor to Roze herself due to her abilities. Quick to notes on Rose herself, but Summer only has cards that contain the weapons of Primary Riders (Kuuga to Drive as of this point) and only has access to their base weaponry as well. That means Roze still edges her out in terms of power-set since the Secondary onward Ridewatches exist. Of course that doesn't mean Rose is without her unique abilities, such as being the first of the two to utilize Silver Eyes in an offensive manner via her Attack Ride Cards.
If you're curious about the Roseiber itself, I had introduced it back during the "Chasing the Dimensional Thief" Interlude. And I'll repeat what I said there in that it's a modified/retooled Darkvisorzwei in its sword mode. So if you're having trouble imagining what it is, I hope that helps!
There were also a lot of other fun minor details in this chapter I got to utilize. Like how I had Decade getting to use OOO Armor, which is an SIC Exclusive Final Form Ride that showed up before Zi-O I believe. Alongside me finally showing you all what Summer and Tsukasa were referencing back in 'A Blooming Silver Roze' where they comment on Ruby diving down the Leviathan to do a Rider Kick inside it. Also I figured since Summer's form was heavily inspired off of Decade, that I'd be cheeky and have The Next Decade play as an insert song for her debut.
With those little bits out of the way, we've… still got one more chapter left for the Rose of Remnant arc. Despite the final battle being finished, there's still some story left to tell about Summer herself and what exactly happened to where she was with Tsukasa this entire time. Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.