Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 13 – Flames of Revolution 2018
Woz was sitting back to back to Tsukuyomi, the time traveler frozen in place. The entire area alongside her was frozen in place with a grey tint as Woz looked through his book once more. "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."
All around him the reflective surfaces flashed of the various battles between the Mirror Riders, alongside Sougo, Geiz and Ruby meeting up with Shinji, Ren and Miho respectively.
"After being dragged into the Mirror World by an unknown assailant, my Overlord encounters Kamen Rider Ryuki and swiftly obtains his power. However, before he has the chance to use it… a more disturbing realization has been given. This plot is unlike any I have ever seen and my Overlord shall perform what I consider a dangerous act…" He then closed his book with a loud thud, keeping a somber expression. "Oh, I suppose I've read too far…"
Woz then got up, having been sitting on nothing while narrating, he resumed his position from where he was standing and talking with Tsukuyomi. As he did so color began to return as time began to move again around them.
Earth – Late October 2018 (3 Hours Remain):
"What do you mean we're almost out of time?" Woz asked.
"Woz, you said Ryuki had tons of failed timelines, why?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"It was all because of one grieving man, his want to bring back one dear to him. He reset time as he pleased, eventually giving in and resetting it one last time without the Mirror Riders," Woz explained as he opened his book, viewing several battles between Mirror Riders, even some that hadn't even participated in this most recent fight. "But because it existed at some point it can still be accessed once more. But one would have to be very serious and committed to it."
"I think that's our Another Rider then," Tsukuyomi admitted as she pulled up the information and showed it to Woz. "It looks like it started from an accident that Tatsuya Kano and Sara were both involved in. It also seems to be the catalyst of them starting a relationship too. But…"
"Go on," Woz said, figuring there was more.
"Three days ago Sara had to be readmitted due to lingering complications from the accident. Except her condition was worsening as the hours passed, she'd only have four days to live and surgery would only prolong her pain." Tsukuyomi continued. "But this information tells me that today is the day when it reaches its peak, and she dies three hours from now instead of the end of tomorrow."
"So what you are assuming then, this Tatsuya Kano was given an Anotherwatch to try and save her using the Mirror World, but he has a time limit of when she dies?" Woz asked.
"Right, so if we defeat Another Ryuki then we free everyone," Tsukuyomi replied.
Woz however gripped his book tightly as he parsed the information before him, "I fear that we're dealing with something worse than an Another Rider in that case. This tragic story of someone willing to do whatever it takes to save a loved one… it rings so very, very familiar to the same story I mentioned."
"So beating it won't help?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"It will need to be defeated, but something tells me it won't break them out of the Mirror World," Woz explained. "Though given how little time we have left possibly means how stable that world is, and that random flash could be seen from the outside… perhaps it will be easier to get a hold of my Overlord and Ms. Rose."
"Should I call them then?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"No, there is one thing I'd like to confirm," Woz replied.
Swartz was currently watching over Woz and Tsukuyomi with a smug grin, standing on a building that overlooked where they were.
"Someone seems pleased," Ora noted as she stood beside him.
"Well duh, that's cause ZI-O, Geiz, and Roze are all trapped in the Mirror World," Uhr called out as he skipped behind the two.
"The only issue is we are unable to access and view the Mirror World, but it matters not. Once that dimension collapses they'll all be dead," Swartz gave a grin. "And even if they do manage to survive they'll be trapped in that realm forever."
"SWARTZ!"
Swartz could only roll his eyes as he glanced back, seeing a fuming Tid walk over.
"Hey, what's your-!" Uhr was cut off as he was pushed to the ground.
"What's going on?" Ora asked.
"Is something wrong Tid?" Swartz asked despite already knowing.
"You criticize me on less than constructive measures, yet here you are trying my plan of going for the kill first!" Tid glared, clearly annoyed by Swartz. "I thought you wanted a King?"
"Even great Kingly candidates have the potential for failure," Swartz replied, glancing at Uhr and remembering the failed King OOO. "However with Zi-O's power growing alongside Roze's, we must end this sooner than later. Thus I felt it necessary to go for an Another Ryuki next, even if he fails to become a king."
"Was this what you were planning when you let Uhr get his chance last time instead of stepping up?" Tid questioned.
"There is no doubt that I felt Uhr's plan might not work," Swartz admitted causing the younger member to pout. The Time Jacker leader cleared his throat, "Though that was because I was under the impression of it being little more than an Another Rider running off Desire, and not the original OOO reformed. When that occurred, well, I was honestly hoping it wouldn't come to this plan."
Uhr could only cross his arms and give a smug smile, while he was a bit burned by Swartz' doubt, the Time Jacker leader still admitted that once his plan got rolling it ended up being better than expected.
Tid however gave a sneer as he began to walk off, "Whatever… but don't think that those cockroaches you call Riders are going to die with this."
"Someone's jealous," Ora smiled, she was glad that despite Tid and Finis joining in, Swartz seemed to treat all the members equally. Even if equally meant he had a condescending attitude around all of them.
Mirror World – Late October 2018 (3 Hours Remain):
"We need to get out of here," Shinji said as he began to back up. "These things are bad news, I don't know how I know, but I'm sure of it!"
"I agree with you on that front, but how are we even going to break through?" Ren asked.
"I've got an idea," Geiz said as he picked up Ruby before going over to Miho, "Hold her."
"Of course," Miho said as she took hold of Ruby.
Sougo bit his lip, he wanted to finish Another Ryuki right now, but they were surrounded by potentially dangerous enemies, and Ruby was out cold. "Let's go."
[ARMOR TIME! PLEASE! WIZARD!]
Geiz brought out the Wizard Armor, concentrating as he held a hand towards the floor, "I need everyone to get close!" He called out.
Miho, Ren, Shinji and Sougo quickly huddled near each other, Geiz at the center.
"You're not getting away!" Another Ryuki yelled out as he charged towards them, the Raydragoons gave their own growls as they charged forward as well.
"Now you see us…" Geiz said before summoning a magic circle underneath the group. "Now you don't!"
[TELEPORT!]
The magic circle shot from the ground up, the group sliding into it and vanishing as it dispersed into red particles.
Another Ryuki stopped before yelling out, immediately slashing at a Raydragoon before launching fireballs out to destroy the others that continued to close in.
The brown coated white cloaked man was hidden off to the side and merely watched. His eyes gave a white glow from underneath his hood. "Just a little longer…" He whispered. "Continue to fill yourself on that desperation…"
Watching the man alongside the Another Rider was the woman in a nearby reflection, 'Tatsuya… stop this madness…'
Suddenly at the hideout where Shinji had set up base, Geiz's magic circle formed on the ground. It moved upwards before revealing the six Riders. Geiz gave a light gasp as he hunched over, using a large teleportation spell on multiple people was taxing. So much so that he fell to a knee and lost his transformation.
Ren, Miho and Shinji meanwhile released their transformations, the trio relaxing just a bit as there was thankfully no Mirror Monsters inside.
"Where did you take us?" Ren asked.
"This is…" Shinji looked around. "This is my hideout?"
"Magic is mysterious and vague," Geiz gasped out. "It's likely that I subconsciously called upon each of you to find the safest place in the Mirror World and that lead me here."
"Well two of us have been here so…" Shinji trailed.
"Are you going to be alright?" Sougo asked, dismissing his transformation as he went to help Geiz up only to get shoved back.
"I don't need your help," Geiz called after he caught his breath. "Just because we need to get out of here doesn't make us friends, alright?"
"What an unruly kid," Miho mentioned as she looked around, soon spotting a mattress to lay Ruby on, noting that there were two other mattresses as well.
"He reminds me a lot of myself," Ren muttered as he saw Geiz's attitude. He then noticed Shinji was moving around nonstop. "Hey, are you alright?"
"I uh… yeah, sorry, it's just there were two others here and I was expecting them to be here and be mad when I came back," Shinji admitted. "I sort of followed after Sougo and I got into a fight with them before him and I arrived with you guys."
"So just who are you two anyway?" Sougo asked Ren and Miho.
"Ah, that's Ren Akiyama and she's Miho Kirishima," Shinji immediately spoke up before suddenly pausing. "Eh?"
"You knew our names?" Miho asked. "I thought you seemed familiar but… have we met?"
"Probably not," Ren answered. "He's Shinji Kido, I don't know how I know his name… but I do."
"Ah there's a funny story about that…" Sougo admitted.
"They don't need to hear any of our issues," Geiz called out as he stood up, grabbing Sougo by the arm and reeling him in close. He spoke in a low hushed tone, "I want you to tell me everything you know."
"Uh, sure…" Sougo trailed as he looked at his ally. For not wanting to be friends, Geiz sure was in a talkative mood with him.
Earth – Late October 2018 (3 Hours Remain):
"You know we could have done this normally," Tsukuyomi called out to Woz as the retainer to Oma Zi-O walked down the hospital hallways.
"Young Tsukuyomi that would have taken too long," Woz argued as he kept his pace.
After entering the hospital his presence had essentially caused everyone in the vicinity to pass out and fall asleep. Workers, patients, and even visitors were knocked out cold. Tsukuyomi was a tad freaked out by the strange powers of her former friend, but still pressed on.
It wasn't long before Woz arrived at a room labeled 'Intensive Care', Sara was currently lying unconscious with a breathing mask attached. Though from her vitals on the various machines, she didn't seem to have long to live.
"So why bring us here?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Sara… was it?" Woz asked. "Can you hear us?"
It wasn't long before the woman in white's image suddenly appeared on the reflection, revealing that she was indeed the same Sara that Tsukuyomi had looked up.
Tsukuyomi gave a light gasp as she backed up, Woz stood where he was as he remained unfazed by this.
"Time is running short… this iteration of the Mirror World is weakening," Sara said, showing a bit of relief that she could communicate with someone else. "Tatsuya Kano is being tricked into trying to save me by gathering the lives of 12 others to save my own."
"Is the bond between you really that strong, to where he'd resort to killing in desperation?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"It all started with an accident," Sara explained. "I was the victim… And the assailant was Tatsuya. I was heavily injured and Tatsuya came to see me every day. Eventually, his visits became more like dates. After getting discharged from the hospital, Tatsuya and I went on an official date to truly start our relationship. But my healthy condition wouldn't last for long."
"That's when the wound from the accident reopened right? Three days ago?" Tsukuyomi asked, receiving a nod.
Sara's image on the reflection was soon replaced by a reflection of Tatsuya who seemed to be near his breaking point. The man had likely beaten himself up mentally once he heard the news. Despite the accident bringing them together it was him who was ultimately responsible for this.
'Sara… I won't let you die… I'll save you, no matter what…'
It was at this point, the same hooded man who had orchestrated the Rider Battle appeared near Tatsuya in the reflection.
'I too know this painful hardship you are going through. You are unable to do anything as the one you love dies… I have a solution.'
The image on the reflection soon changed to one of Tatsuya accepting the Ryuki Anotherwatch. Surprisingly it wasn't from a Time Jacker but from the hooded man. Tatsuya began growling out as he transformed into Another Ryuki for the first time.
"Because of our ties together, I'm a witness to Tatsuya's killing game," Sara explained in a heartbroken manner. "But I only exist as a specter. I call out as much as I can but I can't be heard. It's only been recently that I've been able to make contact."
"One last question Sara," Woz insisted. "Do you know the identity of the man who gave Tatsuya the ability to transform?"
"I don't," Sara looked down. "He shrouds himself in mystery…"
Tsukuyomi knew there had to be some kind of hint and tried again, "But you've been lurking as a specter, there has to be something you've heard…"
"Well…" Sara trailed. "I've heard him repeat a certain name multiple times… he keeps calling for someone. He keeps calling for a… 'Yui' I believe."
Woz's eyes widened as he quickly turned to leave, "Thank you for your cooperation, we will see to it that this ends."
Tsukuyomi yelped as she began to follow after the loyal retainer, "W-Woz?! What's going on?"
"I was worried about this outcome, especially because of who we might be dealing with," Woz admitted. "Even if Another Ryuki is defeated we may just suffer another loss here today."
"Woz what does that even mean?" Tsukuyomi questioned as she followed.
Mirror World – Late October 2018 (2 Hours Remain):
Kimura was currently wandering around trying to find some other competitor in the Rider Battle. Either one of the people he was dumped with, or even a Special Rider. He tried looking all over but could find no one. It was as if the number of Riders was decreasing and he did not like that.
"Come on… the Cat the Crab even the Shark!" Kimura hissed out in frustration as he wandered around while also making sure to watch every corner. "Where are they?!"
He came to a stop when a trashcan was toppled in front of him nearby, to his surprise it was just Ishida in his Imperer armor.
"Kimura," Ishida said in a more tired voice.
"A-Ah Ishida, don't scare me like that," Kimura called out. "I'm surprised you're even in your armor."
"Y-You… you and Shinji left me… I was all alone," Ishida began dragging his body forward, revealing he was dragging his arm-mounted pair of drills, sparks beginning to fly. "That's why…"
"Oh crap," Kimura quickly held out his deck and summoned his belt. "Henshin!"
"That's why you'll die!" Ishida yelled out as he raised his arm and swung at Kimura.
Kimura dodged, the images forming over him and giving him his Verde armor. He then rushed and grabbed Ishida's arm to stop him from attacking. "Ishida, listen to me, I know I said some things but I'm starting to realize I was wrong!"
"Just trying to get me to lower my guard," Ishida called as he kicked Kimura in the leg to force him back. "You know, being alone and having to fend for yourself… you suddenly realize how much potential you have." He admitted as he began to rush towards Kimura before gasping out, a fireball hitting his back and sending him stumbling.
Kimura turned and gasped when he saw Tatsuya transformed as Another Ryuki walking towards them. Giving a yell he began to turn and fumble with his Advent Deck, he needed to get out quickly. He yelped as he was blasted in his feet by a fireball, sending him slamming face first into the pavement.
"The shark, the cat, the crab, and now gazelle and chameleon," Tatsuya hissed out as he dragged his sword along the ground. "That makes five with 2 hours to go…" He gave a bit of a dry chuckle as he approached the two downed Riders.
The hooded man once more watched Tatsuya with a smile, "Soon…"
It wasn't long before that section of the city became filled with pain filled screams that eventually died out.
Mirror World – Late October 2018 (1 Hour, 30 Minutes Remain):
Sougo was currently sitting on one of the mattresses next to Ruby, a bit worried since it had been a while since she had passed out. He wondered if she'd keep sleeping alongside what was going on with her, that light still in the back of his mind. He really wanted to take out Another Ryuki but felt everyone had enough of fighting and deserved a rest, especially since he wanted Ruby so they could be at full strength.
Shinji meanwhile was trying to keep Miho from pestering and trying to mooch all the supplies he had worked hard for. The female Rider however decided to continue to accost Shinji, even taking his Advent Deck from him briefly to taunt him with. But the more the two interacted the two wondered if they had met before since they felt natural around each other.
"And you're certain we haven't met?" Miho asked.
"I would have remembered a hard to handle woman like you," Shinji admitted offhandedly. "Seriously do you act like this all the time?"
"Like I'm going to listen to the stereotypical Mr. Nice Guy," Miho scoffed.
Off to the side though was Geiz who was leaning against one of the walls. He had his arms crossed as his head drooped down a bit. Between being on the streets constantly, sleeping in his Time Mazine, and many other things, he hadn't gotten a lot of rest.
"You're a stubborn guy you know that," Ren remarked as he held out a coffee, having found a vending machine nearby after sneaking out. "Here, it's on me."
"Don't expect me to owe you," Geiz said as he took it.
"If there's anyone who would insist on owing me it's that guy probably," Ren pointed towards Shinji.
"So do you know him?" Geiz asked.
"Can't remember unfortunately, he seems really familiar though," Ren admitted. "Maybe I did know him but my memories are all fuzzy. We probably didn't get along well though. Kind of like you and your rival."
"Rival…? You mean Zi-O?" Geiz asked as he glanced at the high school student he was trying to stop. "He's not my rival, he's my enemy."
"You say that but it doesn't look like it," Ren commented. "Listen and I'm not sure where this is coming from. But well, you're going to have issues with people you meet, a lot of them. But maybe in the end there's going to be that mutual goal you want to achieve. It doesn't mean you can't achieve it in a variety of ways though."
"This sounds less like a speech and more like a ramble," Geiz remarked.
"Maybe, I just felt like imparting some wisdom," Ren replied. "I know I accused you of a strange identity, but even then you still remind me of myself when I was younger." He gave a soft smile, he winced as he recalled a few memories he didn't remember. At the same time though a soft blue glow formed in his pocket. "Huh?" He took out the Ridewatch, now holding Knights face with a grey base and a dark blue dial and button.
"That insurance I was talking about," Geiz said as he took the Ridewatch.
"Ah, guys!" Sougo called out when he suddenly saw Ruby wince and stir. "She's waking up!"
"Oh thank goodness," Shinji sighed in relief but didn't immediately head over, Ren choosing to stay where he was as well.
Geiz and Miho all but rushed over to where Ruby and Sougo was, though Geiz kept his distance from Sougo.
"Ugh…" Ruby winced as she held her head, slowly sitting up. "What happened?"
"I uh…" Sougo started.
"First I want to know what happened to you after seeing those Riders bite the dust," Miho stated firmly. "I understand death is a thing that you all aren't used to but-"
"No," Ruby interrupted. "I… I've seen people die before." She admitted as she glanced down, her hands curling up. "It's just well… the fire, the dissolving…" She shook her head as she closed her eyes. "It just reminded me of when a friend of mine…" She winced and put a hand to her face as a few tears began to form.
"That's why…" Geiz trailed softly, realizing that Ruby likely had a post traumatic stress episode regarding the Riders getting killed, it relating scarily close to a moment from her past.
Sougo quickly put his arm around Ruby, "It will be okay," He said, trying to be as comforting as he could even if he was awkward at it. "We're here for you."
Miho stayed silent, suddenly realizing what was going on, "I'm sorry if I've been a bit rude about the subject. I just wanted to know…"
"Its fine, it's just… even though it's been a while I thought, I thought I had…" Ruby trailed as she opened her eyes, breathing a bit heavily. Normally she wouldn't break down like this, but it was already getting to a year away from home, and reliving a similar event from that one life changing moment, the stress was starting to creep up on her. "I'm sorry if you guys aren't used to seeing me like this." She admitted as she rubbed her eyes a bit.
"Ruby, there are some things that we can't get over easily," Geiz replied in a soft but audible voice. "And sometimes they just pop up when something similar happens. It's not your fault. The fact that you've kept moving forward after said event is what makes you strong."
"You don't have to feel like you need to tell us anything," Sougo replied before puckering his lips slightly when he realized he did have something to ask her. "But uh… um, can I ask about your eyes?"
"O-Oh… what exactly happened?" Ruby asked, suddenly realizing what Sougo was getting at.
"I couldn't see your eyes, but right before you screamed your visor's lettering changed from red to silver," Geiz explained.
"Wait…" Ruby trailed as she gently touched her face. "…Seriously?"
"Do you mean you don't know about that blinding flash of light that you did?" Miho asked.
"No… I know, sort of, kind of, not much," Ruby sighed in defeat. "All I know is that I have some kind of special eyes that can do special things."
"It burned the Another Rider slightly," Ren noted from afar.
"Wait it did?!" Ruby asked in shock.
"Uh…" Sougo trailed.
"Okay, so one, I don't know how it did," Ruby admitted as she scratched her head. "I thought it only worked against a specific enemy I've faced. And two, I had no idea they were able to change my visor like that."
"This is the first time I've ever heard of something like that happening," Sougo admitted. "And I've known her for a year."
"I uh… yeah, it hasn't appeared in the best circumstances on my side," Ruby admitted. "I also assumed it wouldn't pop up here of all places."
"All of that aside, how are you feeling?" Miho asked.
"Better… just got a bit of a headache," Ruby admitted. "What exactly is going on anyway?"
"Well first I wanted to wait till you were awake," Sougo admitted before holding out Ryuki's Watch. "We have a way to beat Another Ryuki."
"But we're on a time limit," Shinji decided to speak up. "About an hour and a half ago we were told we had three hours left in this Rider Battle."
"Wait just three?" Ruby inquired. "I thought there was still another day left?"
"Apparently the rules were amended," Miho crossed her arms. "We need a way to escape and we need it now."
"Which is why we go fight Another Ryuki," Sougo answered. "There's something I noticed, so while you all keep any other potential threats distracted, Shinji and I will fight him. If it all works out we'll bust out of this Mirror World with no issue."
"And how exactly do you know that?" Geiz asked.
"Just intuition," Sougo lied, having kept quiet about the way the world reacted when Ryuki and his Another Rider were close together.
"Just give me at least thirty minutes to wake up," Ruby said. "At most I'll perform support for everyone. But we need to have enough time before we get prematurely cut off."
"Think we can do it in less than an hour?" Miho asked.
"Well there's six of us right?" Ruby asked. "I think we'll be good." She admitted before she heard her phone suddenly ring. "Wait, seriously?" She asked as she held up her Faizphone X putting it on speaker.
Geiz decided to move away at this point, figuring that his presence wasn't really needed. He also didn't need Tsukuyomi getting distracted in trying to talk to him.
"Hello, Tsuki?" Ruby asked.
"Oh thank goodness I got through," Tsukuyomi called through the phone. "We're running out of time Ruby."
"Well good news is I've got Sougo here alongside some other Riders," Ruby said, deciding to keep with what Geiz was doing. "So what's going on?"
"Okay, so I'll try to explain it as quickly as I can," Tsukuyomi answered before repeating Sara's story about Tatsuya alongside the information she had looked up. "It's likely that Sara's condition is the catalyst to the Mirror World, you need to escape in less than an hour and a half or else I'm not sure what might happen."
"I think I've got an idea for that," Sougo admitted. "Another Ryuki's our way out."
"Just be ready for after the Another Rider's defeat," Tsukuyomi warned. "Woz is worried about the person who gave Tatsuya his powers since it wasn't a Time Jacker."
"He's worried that someone else might act up once we escape?" Ruby asked.
"He was being very vague but he's fully accepting that we aren't coming out of this with a full win," Tsukuyomi explained.
"We'll see about that," Sougo narrowed his eyes. "For now though, we'll rest up a bit longer and then confront Another Ryuki."
"Good luck you all," Tsukuyomi said before hanging up.
Mirror World – Late October 2018 (45 Minutes Remain):
Tatsuya was currently in human form, sitting in the plaza where everyone had been gathered at the start of the whole event. The only Riders left were the six that had gotten away alongside the mysterious final Rider that had yet to show themselves. Of course he wasn't alone in his waiting as the remaining Raydragoon's all lurked around in a docile-like state.
"Come on," Tatsuya tapped his foot. "Don't tell me you all are content to die… will you really deprive me of my Sara?"
From the distance the hooded figure watched, he was on edge but he was being as patient as possible.
[TAKA WATCHROID!]
The silver and red watch shaped hawk shot through the air, managing to fly around Tatsuya enough to get him to shoo it away. The Taka Watchroid soon flew off, eventually perching in a hidden corner where it got a good view of the hooded man, it's eyes glowing as it began running a scan.
Tatsuya turned when he saw Geiz, Ruby and Sougo with their Drivers and Ridewatche's prepared. The trio walking alongside Miho, Ren and Shinji, who had their V-Buckles on and their Decks out and ready.
"Perfect, perfect," Tatsuya said with a grin. "If I take you all out then that brings my total to Eleven Riders!"
"Eleven…" Shinji trailed before gripping his fists, soon giving a glare. "Kimura… Ishida…"
"You won't get away with this!" Sougo called out.
"Like they would have joined your merry band of dying Riders anyway," Tatsuya scoffed. "The two were at each other's throats when I decided to relieve them of their stress."
"This isn't what Sara would want you know!" Ruby called out. "All this senseless killing… can't you hear her trying to call out to you? You're hurting her!"
Tatsuya gave a glare, "Don't you dare use her name to try and stop me!" He crossed his arms and spread them out. The shadowy wisps of the Another Rider transformation formed before transforming him fully.
[RYUKI!]
"Let's go," Sougo said as he, Geiz and Ruby slotted their watches in before rotating their Drivers.
"Henshin!"
Shinji, Ren and Miho slotted their Advent Decks in, the images overlaying and transforming them into Ryuki, Knight, and Femme respectively.
[RIDER TIME!]
[KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
[KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
The six Riders stood side by side as the Raydragoon's began to act up once the six had transformed.
"Alright," Shinji called out while pumping his fist.
"I think we can do this!" Sougo called out, the two rushing towards Tatsuya as the Raydragoon's began to rush forward to fight against the other Riders.
[SWORD VENT!]
Ren and Miho had both brought out their bladed weapons, the two rushing forward to slice and cut through the Raydragoon's while Geiz and Ruby hung back, the two attacking with their bow and rifle respectively.
"You know we're worried about you," Ruby spoke up as she shot a Raydragoon in the face, allowing Ren to run it through with his lance.
"I still stand by what I said, he's too dangerous," Geiz answered as he managed to hit a Raydragoon in the knee, allowing Miho to slice through it.
"Geiz come on, it has to be lonely breaking off on your own," Ruby replied. "Can't you just continue keeping an eye on Sougo?"
"I can't let bias affect me," Geiz answered. "The more I live with him the more I'll want to assume he'll turn out alright." He sighed, "I'm just… I'm afraid that I'll let myself be blinded and you and Tsukuyomi will suffer because I wasn't forceful enough."
"Geiz… just please at least call or let us know you're alright. Even Mr. Junichiro is worried." Ruby responded before taking out the Cross-Z Ridewatch, tossing it over to him. "I'll freeze them, take them out."
"I'll consider it," Geiz said as he took the Cross-Z Ridewatch before loading it onto his bow.
[FINISH TIME!]
Ruby meanwhile took out Kaixa's Ridewatch and loaded it in, "Ren, Miho, back off!"
[KAIXA SASU SASU SHOOT!]
Ren and Miho glanced back, the two quickly jumping out of the way as yellow burst of energy were launched out towards the various Raydragoon's. Each shot didn't kill however, merely wrapping the Mirror Monsters in a glowing yellow crossed net.
[CROSS-Z GIWA GIWA SHOOT!]
Geiz pulled the hammer of his bow back before releasing it, an eastern dragon of blue energy snaking along and striking at the caught Raydragoon's, creating a large explosion.
It wasn't long before more Raydragoon's began rushing forward to make up for the loss in numbers.
"Think Sougo can really get us out of here?" Ruby asked.
"He's planning something," Geiz admitted. "I think he knows more than he lets on."
Shinji had also used his sword vent, drawing his sword and clashing with Tatsuya. Once more the space around them began to warp and distort.
"Stop this!" Shinji called out as he managed to get a clean slice against his corrupted counterpart. "Sara… Sara doesn't want this!"
"Quiet!" Tatsuya snapped. "Sara is everything to me… I'd even go to hell …so long as it's for Sara's sake!"
[STRIKE VENT!]
Shinji summoned a gauntlet shaped like Drageder's head to his right hand, fire gathering as he unleashed a fireball towards the Another Rider.
Tatsuya gave a yell and unleashed his own fireball, the fires colliding and warping the space around them before exploding. Tatsuya was ready to go for the next attack, yelling out before he paused.
"Stop it! Tatsuya…!" Sara called, the more the Mirror World weakened the better chance she had to try and stop him. "I can't stand to see you like this… Please, I don't want to live if it means you'd stain yourself in human lives like this."
Tatsuya gasped out as he heard her words, holding his head. "S-Sara… I…"
"Please," Shinji walked over and held out his hand. "Let us help."
"I… I… will save Sara!" Tatsuya yelled out as he slammed his dragon shaped gauntlet into Shinji's chest, forcing the Rider back as space warped once more.
"I was right… the Mirror World can't handle two Ryuki's," Sougo muttered, having stayed back while Shinji was fighting. He then watched as the Taka Watchroid returned to his hand, he gave a nod. "Then can it handle three?" He said before activating the Ryuki Ridewatch.
[RYUKI!]
"Armor Time…" Sougo trailed.
[ARMOR TIME!]
Several grey flat images suddenly spun into view, coming together to reveal the Ryuki Armor. It ended up being one of the simpler Armor Times to date, having the standard chest, leg and arm armor that simpler armors had. The front of the thigh armor had red strips with patterning similar to Ryuki's, the breast plate resembling Ryuki's while the shoulder pads were larger Dragvisors.
[ADVENT! RYUKI!]
The Armor then broke apart before attaching onto Sougo, the helmet latching on last. The helmet resembled Ryuki's, even having the same vents on the front, the Katakana for Ryuki flashing and appearing underneath them.
Tatsuya perked up as the hooded figure took a step forward in shock at Sougo's transformation.
Sougo was ready to move forward before yelping, Woz's image was suddenly projected on every single reflective surface in the area.
Ruby shouted as she staggered in surprise, "Woz?!"
"REJOICE!" Woz's voice echoed throughout the area as he smiled. "He is heir to the power of all Riders! The ruler of time, traveling beyond time and space to reign over past and future… His name is Kamen Rider Zi-O: Ryuki Armor! And in this moment, he has once again received the power of another Rider!"
Earth – Late October 2018 (35 Minutes Remain):
"Woz, what are you doing?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"My Overlord is using the power of a new Rider, I must rejoice him," Woz explained as he was staring directly at a reflective surface.
"Okay but you realize people are staring at you right?" Tsukuyomi asked.
It was soon revealed the reflective surface that Woz was staring at was also the window to a clothing shop, with various people just staring at him from within. And that wasn't mentioning the people outside who were staring at him too.
"It matters not, they now know the glory of my Overlord," Woz explained before walking off.
"I swear…" Tsukuyomi covered her face with her hands as she followed after him.
Mirror World – Late October 2018 (35 Minutes Remain):
"Alright, let's go!" Sougo called out as he held his shoulders by crossing his arms, sliding the tops of the Dragvisors out before sliding them back in.
[GUARD VENT]
Sougo summoned two shields that resembled Dragreder's body, holding them up as he ran forward.
Tatsuya yelled out as he began shooting at Sougo only to gasp in surprise as not only did the shields withstand his attacks, they were now engulfed in flames.
"Alright," Sougo yelled out as he slammed his flaming shields into Tatsuya. As he did this he could feel and see the space warping around the impact. Despite this his attack was strong enough to send the Another Rider tumbling. "Shinji, let's finish this!"
"Sounds good to me," Shinji drew out a card before scanning it in his Dragvisor.
[FINAL VENT!]
Sougo jumped back to join Shinji, tapping the buttons to his Ridewatches to initiate his finisher.
[FINISH TIME! RYUKI!]
The two crouched and spread their arms out in opposite directions, Dragreder snaking around the two as they got ready. The two began to run forward as Dragreder followed after them. It wasn't long before they jumped forward, Shinji kicking out while Sougo punched forward.
[FINAL TIME BREAK!]
Dragreder soon spit out a slew of flames that coated the two from head to toe. The two yelled out as Tatsuya had barely managed to get back up.
Tatsuya yelled out however, gathering fire in his dragon fist before sending a fire filled punch. Sougo yelled out as he came in first, his fist colliding with Tatsuya's. Shinji came next with a yell, the sole of his boot striking Tatsuya's chest. As flames began to spew, the entire area around them began to warp and destabilize heavily. It wasn't long before cracks suddenly shot out from the trio's location, encompassing the entire Mirror World before shattering.
Ruby and Geiz held their arms up as the entire world shattered around them, Miho and Ren doing the same.
Earth – Late October 2018:
Sudden yelling could be heard as Shinji and Sougo tumbled to the ground out of an explosion of fire. Sougo landing on his stomach while Shinji landed on his knee. However the yelling wasn't from them but everyone around them. They were in the same plaza as before, but now there were tons of people alongside the lettering no longer being mirrored.
It wasn't just them either, as Tatsuya stumbled out and fell to his knees, his body sparking from the hits. Ruby, Geiz, Ren and Miho were also with them, while thankfully no Mirror Monsters had managed to escape. Oddly enough though, Shinji, Ren and Miho were all able to keep hold of their Rider forms.
Of course the sudden appearance of Kamen Riders and an Another Rider was enough to send the crowd running.
"Sara…" Tatsuya gasped out as he lost his transformation, falling face first onto the ground as the Ryuki Anotherwatch rolled away before shattering.
"Tatsuya…" Sara stared at her boyfriend from a nearby reflection, closing her eyes as her image faded away.
Ruby meanwhile started to look around as Tsukuyomi's warning was what had her on edge.
"Why do you interfere?" The hooded man called out as he suddenly appeared nearby causing all the Riders to turn towards him. "Why?"
"Your game is over!" Shinji called out. "Now cut the act, who are you?"
The man said nothing as he held out a brown Advent Deck with a gold phoenix on it, forming a gold V-Buckle. He let go of it as a gold aura surrounded it, the Deck floating around before slotting into place on its own.
"Henshin."
Flat grey images began to spiral inwards, forming together before creating the man's Rider form. It held the same black bodysuit as the majority of the Mirror Riders, having bronze armoring with gold detailing alongside a phoenix motif, gold wings spreading out briefly during his transformation. Of course the helmet was what shocked both Ruby and Miho.
"He's…" Ruby trailed.
"I knew I was worried for a reason…" Miho hissed out.
"The 13th Rider is I, Odin," The man introduced as he crossed his arms.
"So this was a setup," Ren realized as he took a step forward. "You were never going to appear, were you? You weren't going to show even if Another Ryuki finished us all off. This is all part of some insane scheme isn't it?"
Geiz glanced between Ren and Odin a few times. "…Seriously?"
"Another Ryuki was merely a pawn in my scheme," Odin answered. "All of you were, the Rider Battle is only meant to grant the Wish of one, and that one is I. However…" He suddenly disappeared in a flurry of gold feathers.
Due to Shinji and Sougo being far enough away, Ruby gave a gasp when she saw what was going on, "Behind you two!"
Shinji and Sougo both turned only to get backhanded by Odin, the two spinning and hitting the floor.
Ruby quickly turned and tried to aim, Odin suddenly appearing in front of her and batting away her weapon. The huntress rider was ready to use Petal Burst when her arm was suddenly grabbed and her legs were swept from underneath her. She winced as she tumbled to the ground, Odin having teleported once more.
Odin soon appeared between Ren, Miho and Geiz, startling the three.
[SWORD VENT!]
He soon drew two gold feather-like swords, before disappearing in another flurry of feathers. Try as they might the three of them were unable to land any hits. Odin would simply teleport before striking them from their blind spots.
Even Shinji, Sougo and Ruby all hit the pavement hard for a second time from his attacks despite only just starting to stand.
"Even if you have two Ryuki's you cannot defeat me," Odin declared as he let his arms drop. "I am not one that can easily be beaten. Therefore, the game will continue. For as many times as it takes… forever."
"Like I'll let that happen…" Sougo gritted his teeth.
"Now then… I know what went wrong, a correction needs to be made," Odin held out his hand, summoning his Gold Visor, a brown staff with a phoenix perched and wings closed, it having a card reader near it. He drew out a card, revealing it as a clock that held the word 'Time Vent' on it.
He then moved the card towards the open slot on his Gold Visor, ready to slot it in when suddenly something caught his hand. He gave a light gasp as his arm began to be forced away.
"I think not, Shiro Kanzaki, or rather his remnant…" Woz hissed out as he had extended his scarf to keep Odin from playing the card. He then gave a grunt as he yanked the card away, it flying in mid-air, "Young Tsukuyomi!"
[BURST MODE!]
Tsukuyomi quickly rushed in, firing several powered up burst shots at the card. The shots hit their mark and burnt it to a crisp while tearing it apart. "Sougo, Ruby!" She called out as she ran over before her eyes widened. "Wait …Geiz too?"
"Can't stay out of trouble can you?" Woz asked snidely as he walked over.
"Shut it," Geiz hissed out as he picked himself up.
"Do not interfere!" Odin called out.
"Guys I have a plan, we can't beat him now," Sougo said as he managed to pick himself up. "We need to stop him before he becomes a threat."
"My Overlord, while I have been patient with you in regards to your decisions… this plan bodes poorly," Woz interrupted. "Going back to 2002 and erasing Shiro Kanzaki's remnant before he can even start this will mean that none of this will happen. This isn't just erasing Another Rider Powers like prior attempts, this will likely result in you losing access to Ryuki's powers."
"But if we don't then how can we beat him?" Ruby asked.
"Zi-O," Geiz spoke up, he was very much for this plan since it was a win/win situation for him. Odin would be easier to defeat and Sougo would lose Ryuki's powers. "Do it, take your Time Mazine and stop this before it happens."
"That's the plan," Sougo admitted, realizing that this was likely the loss that Woz had mentioned. But given their situation, he'd figure out how to get back Ryuki's power some other time. "Now-"
"Do not dare!" Odin called out as he warped right next to Sougo, reaching out towards him.
Woz however turned and grabbed Odin's hand, squeezing it tightly, "Unworthy filth, do not think you can harm my Overlord so easily. Your petty desires to continue things despite everything holding a resolution… does your insolence know no limit?" He then threw Odin's hand to the side before unleashing a small shockwave, forcing the Rider to teleport.
Sougo blinked a bit behind his helmet, "Woz…"
"While I suggest you find another way… I shall be still and allow you to do as you wish," Woz relented.
"Thank you," Sougo said before quickly running from the battle, reverting to his base form before summoning the Time Mazine and entering it. The Time Mazine started up before taking off into a time portal.
"Now then… to stall," Geiz said as he readied his weapon.
"I'm not sure what's going on," Shinji admitted, he and the other Mirror Riders were completely lost on the Time Riders agendas. "But we'll do whatever we can!"
"It's the least I can do for you three getting me out of there," Miho admitted.
"I can't let you all die," Ren answered simply.
Ruby rolled towards the side, grabbing Crescent Rose before taking aim, "Let's go then."
Earth – February 2002:
The Time Mazine exited it's time portal as Sougo contemplated his next move. He loaded the Taka Watchroid onto the free slot of his Driver.
[RIDE GADGET!]
It wasn't long before the information the Taka Watchroid had scanned of the Shiro Kanzaki Remnant began to fill the Time Mazine's screen. Various data and coordinates began to display before narrowing down, Sougo finding a specific location before heading straight for it. It wasn't long before he found the sight of an abandoned chapel, realizing that this was likely where the remnant was hiding.
"It's time to put an end to this." Sougo said, dismissing his transformation before gripping his Ryuki Watch tightly.
Mirror World Fragment – February 2002:
"Yui…" A hooded man called out as he lied on the steps to the alter in a rundown church, though the stained glass at the altar was enough to show that this was in the Mirror World as it was reversed. "Yui…"
"I thought I'd find you here," A voice called as Swartz soon entered, giving a sly grin. "All traces of Mirror Monsters and Riders, gone. The Mirror World itself had shrunk into such a pitiful and sterile state, as if nothing ever happened despite a long strenuous battle running the course of a year…"
"Yui…" The hooded man muttered.
"The fact that despite everything returning to normal, there's still a piece of you left that wishes to carry out your original mission," Swartz remarked as he stopped near the hooded man who just barely glanced up. "I can help you in your mission, but must help me when the time is right by dealing with some pests. I won't take no for an answer."
"Help… help me," The hooded man began to reach out towards Swartz. "Help me save Yui…"
"This will not be for you, but for a champion of your choosing," Swartz said as he held out a Blank Ridewatch, the hands turning on it as it became the Ryuki Anotherwatch. He then held it out, allowing the hooded man to grab it. "16 years will be enough time for you to recover and plan."
The hooded man felt the latent energy from it pulse through his body, giving a groan as he began to pick himself up. He then looked at the Ridewatch, gripping it tightly. "I shall not waste this chance."
"I do hope you don't," Swartz admitted. "There will be three Riders in particular I want you to grab when you decide to restart the Rider Battle, Zi-O, Geiz, and Roze."
"Zi-O… Geiz… Roze…" The hooded man trailed.
"There we go, I've even given you four competitors already," Swartz smiled before walking past him and towards the light that shined down from the stained glass.
The hooded man turned and watched Swartz vanish into the wind, "I must begin preparing…" He said, turning before stopping at the sound of a loud crash at the front.
It wasn't long before he was confronted face to face by Sougo who had walked in, "There you are."
"Who are you… how did you enter here?" The hooded man questioned.
"That's not important, but I did have a little birdies help," Sougo smiled as the Taka Watchroid flew around him before dropping into his palm. He pocketed it before readying his Driver alongside his Zi-O and Ryuki Ridewatches.
"The watch…" The hooded man trailed as he suddenly realized how Sougo was able to even enter this fragment of the Mirror World.
"In order to make sure those innocent people don't suffer…" Sougo trailed as he realized what destroying the remnant here would do. He slotted in both Watches before rotating his Driver. "I can't let you go a minute further, Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
Sougo stayed still when his armor formed around him before pumping his fist forward, "Alright!"
[ARMOR TIME! ADVENT! RYUKI!]
The Ryuki Armor formed beside him before breaking apart and latching onto his body, Sougo getting in a ready stance as he activated the Dragvisor's on his shoulders.
[SWORD VENT!]
He armed himself with two Dragsabers before charging forward.
"I cannot die here…" The remnant gritted his teeth before activating the Ryuki Anotherwatch, shoving it into his body.
[RYUKI!]
Another Ryuki soon formed from the remnant, drawing his sword and blocking against Sougo's cross slash. The two gave a grunt as they tried to overpower each other, the entire arena starting to warp and crack from their strikes.
Earth – Late October 2018:
[GUARD VENT]
[STRIKE VENT]
Odin brought out his Gold Shield, a tail-feather bronze and gold shield that he used to block against Ruby and Geiz who were trying to attack at long range with their weapons alongside Shinji and his Dragclaw.
Miho and Ren rushed forward with their Wing Slasher and Winglancer respectively. The two came in from both sides, slashing but only clashed with each other as Odin had teleported yet again.
Shinji had been at focusing at long range but suddenly turned on instinct, punching toward Odin who had warped behind him. He had ended up striking Odin directly in the chest with his Dragclaw.
"How…?" Odin asked.
"Déjà vu…" Shinji gave a soft chuckle.
"Humph," Odin grabbed the fist weapon before reeling Shinji in and then kicking him away.
Shinji couldn't help but chuckle a bit, "That's one point for me!"
"You're really keeping count?" Ren asked in disbelief.
"Well I'm the only Rider who got a hit on him!" Shinji called out. "I deserve to act proud!"
"Boys I'd hate to ruin the moment but we've done nothing to him!" Miho called out.
"Once I am done with you here I will return to the origin point and crush that worm," Odin declared, teleporting away from a few blasts when Tsukuyomi had tried shooting at him.
Odin then teleported in front of her as he held his shield back, ready to smack her. He gave a gasp however, staggering back. "No… what…?" He called out as his V-Buckle and Advent Deck suddenly shattered. His body convulsed as dark wisps surrounded him. "NOOO!"
[RYUKI!]
Odin soon took the form of Another Ryuki, snarling out as he swung wildly with his sword before stumbling over.
Tsukuyomi blinked as she stepped back in surprise at the sudden transformation, "What?"
"Whoa okay, I thought we beat him," Shinji called out before feeling an odd sensation. He looked at his armor and it began to become static filled, slightly vanishing at parts as if it were unstable.
Ruby and Geiz noticed this before looking at Ren and Miho, their armor's destabilizing as well but keeping hold.
"What's going on?" Ren asked.
Miho held her head, feeling parts of her memory fading in and out. "We're winning that's what."
"The final stretch then," Geiz gripped the Knight Ridewatch before getting it ready. "Let's go."
Mirror World Fragment – February 2002:
[STRIKE VENT]
Sougo tossed one of his Dragsabers to the side before forming a Dragclaw on his left hand, releasing the flames from the dragon's mouth onto his sword and lighting it on fire.
"Take this!" Sougo called out as he clashed again with Another Ryuki and his twisted saber, pushing forward before breaking the sword the Another Rider was using.
Another Ryuki staggered back, holding out his hand and gathering a large amount of fire in it.
"Not so fast," Sougo quickly stabbed his Dragsaber into the open mouth on Another Ryuki's twisted Dragclaw, sparks flying as the fire began to grow out of control, damaging the Another Rider's arm further.
"Yui, Yui!" Another Ryuki yelled out.
"I'm sorry, but this is how it's supposed to be, so I can't let you drag these innocent people into your schemes!" Sougo yelled as he slammed his Dragclaw into the pommel of his sword, digging it deeper and creating an explosion of fire that sent Another Ryuki rolling back.
Another Ryuki gasped as he broke through the old altar, slamming his back against the base of the stained glass window.
[FINISH TIME! RYUKI!]
Sougo gave a yell as Dragreder was summoned for him, instead of kicking however he ran forward as Dragreder spit fire on him, turning him into a running fireball. The Mirror Monster soon began spiraling around Sougo as he ran, catching on fire and becoming a flaming dragon.
[ADVENT TIME BREAK!]
Sougo closed in with a flaming punch, Dragreder snaking in and striking with its fiery mouth at the same time. The two slammed against Another Ryuki, slamming him into the stained glass as it shattered.
Earth – Late October 2018:
"Let's go Dragreder!" Shinji called out as he drew out a card.
[ADVENT!]
Shinji summoned his contract monster, the dragon snaking around him. The two then unleashed a stream of flames towards Another Ryuki, Shinji from his Dragclaw while Dragreder's was from its mouth. The two's attacks managed to burn and strike at Another Ryuki who stumbled back as sparks flew.
"Let's test this out," Geiz slotted in the Knight Ridewatch.
Ren gave a nod before slotting a card into his Darkvisor, "Right."
[FINISH TIME!]
[FINAL VENT!]
Darkwing descended and latched onto Ren's back as he ran its wings turning into a cape. Ren held his Winglancer in a reverse grip as he jumped up, the cape from Darkwing spiraling around him as he became a living drill.
[KNIGHT GIWA GIWA SHOOT!]
Geiz held back the hammer of his weapon's bow mode, a blue wind spiraling around the tip of his arrow.
He then unleashed it against Knight and Darkwing's finisher. The blue wind wrapped around and created a bright blue whirlwind drill that struck Another Ryuki in the stomach, curving upwards and sending the Another Rider flying into the air.
"Our turn kid," Miho told Ruby who gave a nod.
[FINAL VENT!]
A white blur shot past the two, the white mechanical swan Mirror Monster, Blancwing, revealing itself. It flew high into the sky, passing Another Ryuki before flapping its wings to send the Another Rider hurtling downwards. Miho stabbed out with her bladed staff, piercing Another Ryuki in the stomach.
[FINISH TIME! TIME BLAST!]
Ruby used Petal Burst to launch herself up high, kicking down towards Another Ryuki's as rose petals surrounded her foot, entering the sole of her boot as the katakana for kick shined a bright red. Ruby gave a yell as she kicked against Another Ryuki's back.
Miho quickly dislodged her weapon and spun, Ruby kicking through Another Ryuki. The Another Rider gave one last gasp before exploding. Nothing remained of the Another Rider as a result of Sougo finishing the job in 2002.
"Thank goodness," Tsukuyomi sighed in relief.
Ruby and Geiz both took a deep breath, dismissing their transformations. The duo however looked over at the Mirror Riders.
It wasn't long before Shinji, Ren and Miho's transformations vanished entirely, the Contract Monsters vanishing as well. The trio of now former Riders soon began looking around in confusion.
"Huh?" Ren stared. "Why am I… here?" He looked at his watch before his eyes widened. "I've got to get going!" He called out in a panic as he began to rush off. "It's almost the end of her shift."
"And that's that…." Geiz sighed, he still remembered but it was likely that the Mirror Riders were once again lost to time. He then looked down at the Knight Watch in his hand, waiting for it to fade.
Shinji meanwhile rubbed his head a bit, "Hmm? What was I… oh that's right, shopping!" He realized before heading off.
Miho blinked a bit, looking around in surprise, "Am I lost?" She asked before noticing Ruby.
Ruby couldn't help but look away slightly, while she and Geiz seemed to remember the entire event she hated that the relationships they had built up were just gone. However she put on a smile and turned towards Miho, "Actually you were helping me out. I was looking for a really good barbecue place but haven't really found it."
"Ah, I think I know which one you're talking about," Miho realized before pointing down a street. "Head through there and take a left at the first intersection, it shouldn't be too far from there."
"Thanks," Ruby said before heading off to regroup with the others.
"Hey," Miho spoke up causing the young Rider to pause. "Do… I know you from somewhere?"
"Probably not," Ruby lied. "Maybe we'll see each other again."
"…hmm, that'd be nice," Miho admitted before taking off.
Geiz walked over to Ruby, "Hey, sorry about that. Given well…"
"No it's fine," Ruby admitted. "It was just a bit sudden. It's hard to think that they don't remember all of that…"
"Even if they don't those feelings will still remain," Geiz confirmed, remembering what he had seen from Ren and Shinji. "But more importantly…"
Ruby's eyes widened as she saw the Knight Ridewatch in Geiz's palm, "It still exists?"
"Impossible," Woz said as he walked over. "How can this be? It and Ryuki's Ridewatch should have vanished. If Kanzaki's remnant was defeated before he started the new battle, then Ryuki would be back in his state of non-existence."
"Yet it's still here," Geiz pointed out. "I mean you should be happy right? Your Overlord gets to keep his Ryuki Powers."
"I uh… yes," Woz said before clearing his throat, a bit flustered by this sudden situation.
"Geiz…" Tsukuyomi began to approach only to stop when her friend held up his hand.
"I'm not going back," Geiz replied before looking over to Ruby. "But there's something I've been meaning to do."
"Huh?" Ruby tilted her head.
Unbeknownst to the four of them however they were being watched, it wasn't by a Mirror Monster, or by a Time Jacker. It was a man in suit of all black components with a silky magenta button up underneath. He had bright brown bushy hair that was curled and curved. But his most peculiar feature was an old pink Blackbird Fly 135 Twin-lens Reflex Camera.
CLICK
"Now this is interesting… things are getting curious around here," The man mused as he stared from the corner he was hidden in. He then glanced at Ruby. "Especially with you…"
"Okay seriously Geiz, what's going on?" Ruby asked, having told Tsukuyomi and Woz to let Sougo know she'd be gone for a bit. "Why did I have to come all the way over here?"
"Sorry, give me a second." Geiz said as he walked to an alleyway that lead to another street before entering.
"Fine," Ruby pouted as she leaned against the wall, tapping her foot. It took several minutes before she smelled something. She started sniffing the air and turned only to see a clear bag of Chocolate Chip Cookies right in her face. It was tied up neatly with a nice red ribbon and a small tag that read 'Happy Birthday'.
"I know it isn't here yet, but I'm not ready to come back yet," Geiz admitted as he looked to the ground before clearing his throat, "And with that out of the way, Happy Birthday Ruby."
"Aw Geiz you didn't have to," Ruby's face softened as she took the bag.
"There was this bakery on the other side of the alleyway, they make fresh sweets so I figured you might like it because of your unnaturally high sweet tooth," Geiz explained. "I couldn't think of anything else as a present so…"
What Geiz wasn't expecting was a hug courtesy of Ruby, the time traveler giving a light gasp as he sunk his face into his collar, trying to hide his blush.
"Thanks Geiz, that was really sweet of you," Ruby admitted before letting go, giving a light giggle when she managed to catch a bit of Geiz's blush.
"Also," Geiz cleared his throat before holding out the Knight Ridewatch. "Take it."
"You're the one who earned it though," Ruby reminded.
"Yes, but I didn't get it for me, I got it for you," Geiz admitted. "You saw Knights weapons right? They'll come in handy for your Weapon Time ability."
"If you say so," Ruby smiled as she took the Ridewatch. "I'll… see you around?"
"Given how we ran into each other, yeah," Geiz admitted before turning to take off.
"Not the best outcome…" Ruby muttered but gave a smile at her present, turning and skipping off. "But better than before."
Earth – October 31st 2018:
At 9-5-DO everything was quiet and dark as Ruby entered the shop, she had just gotten done with a ridiculous errand that she was unsure how Junichiro was able to even plan. Given Geiz reminded her not that long ago she was already sure of a surprise waiting for her.
"I'm back," Ruby called before looking around, noticing the dining room door was closed she had to keep from grinning. "Is anyone here?" She asked before opening the dining room door, suddenly being assaulted by the lights turning on suddenly. "Ah!"
Sougo, Junichiro and Tsukuyomi all had on party hats alongside party poppers which they pulled the strings of, getting stringed confetti all over Ruby, "Happy Birthday hooray!"
All around garland and little decorations were placed, not to mention the entire table was set and filled to the brim with large servings of food despite it just being the four of them alongside a nice bouquet of red roses to help brighten the table up.
To Ruby's surprise though was the cake, it being a tall and large rounded cake in a similar styling to her rose emblem she'd carry, eighteen candles lining it with a small Happy Birthday sign sticking out on the front. But that wasn't all as there was a platter of specialty chocolate chip donuts with a card that read Donuts Hungry as the source of them alongside more gifts than there were people in the room.
"This is… a lot," Ruby was a bit surprised.
"Ah yeah, I was certainly surprised but this nice baking company run by this Kougami fellow was giving away free Birthday Cakes," Junichiro explained. "So I couldn't just say no."
Sougo quickly leaned in and whispered, "Kougami ended up working his connections to get into contact with a lot of old friends we made during the past two months. A lot of the gifts are from them."
"Oh wow," Ruby's eyes widened, she had seen a few names on the gifts and managed to pick out Sento, Emu and Parad, even Takumi's name among them. "Aw, thanks everyone."
"Alright, now let's make a wish!" Junichiro called out, lighting the candles before turning off the lights.
Ruby stared at the eighteen flames before closing her eyes, a small tear forming as she thought of her friends, family, and just how long it had been. She rubbed it away before smiling and blowing out the candles.
'I'll find a way back you guys… somehow, someday.' She thought as Junichiro turned on the lights, clapping as Tsukuyomi and Sougo joined in.
"Congratulations!" They all called out.
"Now let's eat, let's eat," Junichiro called out in excitement. "I know you've only been living with us for just under a year but I know your favorite's of what I cook Ruby. So I put my all into it for today!"
"Wow, it looks great!" Tsukuyomi admitted as she went to sit down, Sougo agreeing with her as he and Ruby went to take their seats as well. It wasn't long before everyone sat down and was ready to start eating.
"Thanks for the food!"
Woz was outside 9-5-DO, sitting on one of the benches as he heard the cheers and laughs of celebration from inside. He would not partake as it was not time to celebrate just yet, more so he was pondering.
"To think that Ryuki and Knight's Ridewatches were unaffected by the flow of time despite the Mirror Riders vanishing once more," Woz mused. "However, I suppose it speaks to the greatness of my Overlord. He will utilize every opportunity he can to its fullest. I suppose getting Ryuki out of the way now allows us to not have trouble later."
He then opened up his book, giving a light gasp as the pages were almost near static filled. A large silhouette towering over a smaller one could be seen, two sets of malicious red eyes peering through towards Woz. "This is... these are…"
Elsewhere…
Tid growled out as he slammed his fist against a floor mirror, shattering it with one punch as he grabbed it by the edge and threw it to the ground. He was currently in an abandoned house, having come to get his anger out without anyone seeing. "Damn that Swartz… looking down on me and then pulling my tricks while acting smug. And then that damn Zi-O… he actually managed to keep Ryuki's powers intact?!"
"Someone seems displeased," Finis' voice broke through the silence as they walked into view from a darkened hallway. "I can't say I'm pleased by our recent attempts either… something needs to change."
"But what needs to change?" Tid asked as his temper grew. "The amount of plotting, twisting, candidates, nothing seems to work against these damn Heisei Riders! This era is nothing but trash and yet they always come on top!"
"Then perhaps someone must become king of the Heisei Era," Finis suggested. "So they can reshape it into something more pleasant."
"What are you getting on about?" Tid turned with a curious stare.
"Certainly you remember when we were brought on," Finis reminded. "Before we met the others, what was the one Rider we were warned from attempting to mess with?"
"That was…" Tid trailed before his eyes widened. "So we go for him next?"
"Not exactly," Finis replied. "All of them will know if we go after him next, which is why we need a distraction."
"And what did you have in mind?" Tid asked as he began to approach, soon noticing a fully formed Anotherwatch in Finis' hand.
"A bit of an out of city detour," Finis smiled as they saw Tid staring intently at the Anotherwatch, two red piercing eyes coming from the half green and half black Another Rider's face on it.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"Futo, Whirlwind Robberies…"
"When the city cries… the Kamen Rider will arrive."
"I see, a half-hearted revenge then."
"It seems even with all of that I couldn't narrow it down."
"Now, count up your sins!"
Chapter 14: Cyclone Effect 2009
Author's Note: With Ryuki out of the way we've entered the final phase of Quarter 1/Arc 1 of Roze from Remnant! We've actually only got three more Rider Tributes left in this particular arc, with the next two being my take on Heisei Generations Forever with W and Kuuga as our next tributes. These next four chapters were some fun ones to write if only because of the lack of much groundwork like the other tributes have had. So I did my own spin on them and am glad that we're finally getting to this point.
But first we'll be doing a bit of a detour before we get there. We've got another Interlude coming up as a bit of a breather before we hit the tributes in April and May this year. Mostly since I did say I wanted ideas for Ruby's gifts and I actually felt like still keeping the vagueness of what she got in this chapter. So I'll end up showing off what Ruby did get in the interlude. Expect it a week from now too.
But I do need to give a shout out to Cristos though for managing to guess the only gift I had planned out in a review all the way back during the Wizard Arc. Also managed to talk about Ryuki in the same review too so that was funny to read when realizing Ruby would get that gift in the Ryuki Arc.
Either way, thanks for reading and I'll see you guys next time.