Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 17 – Yusuke 2018
Woz hummed as he walked through the forested mountain region of the Chuo Alps. At the moment he was staring towards a particular direction to the side.
"Normally according to this book, average high schooler Tokiwa Sougo embarks on a path which leads him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O," Woz narrated. "Returning from Futo my Overlord and his companions were confronted with the reality that time had been altered. After barely surviving in the present day they head back in time to deal with the source of the disturbance, Tid, Another Kuuga."
He kept staring out into the distance, "However it will prove more difficult than they imagine, and they will likely have to call upon the power of a legend to help them in their time of need." He looked at his book briefly. "I do hope that I have read too far ahead this time."
Earth – Japan's Chuo Alps, January 28th 2000
Tid scoffed as he looked at the Kuuga Anotherwatch before just pocketing it and walking towards the trio of Riders. "Fine then you brats, let me show you what a Time Jacker can really do."
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME!]
[KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
[KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
The Trio of Riders fully transformed, but each of them could feel they weren't back to full strength. Whether it was because they had been beaten down pretty hard or the Ridewatches weren't fully restored was a mystery. But they stood as tall as they could before beginning to approach Tid.
Tid however smirked, holding out his hands and unleashing psychic blasts of energy forward. Sougo and Geiz yelled out as they were hit, Ruby avoided it by using Petal Burst and launching directly towards Tid. The Time Jacker however summoned a yellow barrier, Ruby slamming into it before he released an energy pulse from it, forcing her back.
"Ah!" Ruby winced as she slammed on her back.
"Damn cheap tricks," Geiz growled as he drew out his Zikan Zax in its axe formation, rushing forward and slashing at Tid.
"You're the kids who wanted to fight me," Tid said as he summoned a red energy blade from his hand, blocking against the axe. "I'm honestly surprised we don't fight you all more constantly."
"Shut it!" Geiz growled out as he tried to push forward before suddenly grabbing his arm.
"Here we go!" Sougo yelled as he drew out his Zikan Girade in its gun formation before shooting at Tid.
Tid however used his free hand to fire off telekinetic blasts to cancel out Sougo's attacks. He quickly took aim again and managed to just barely send out a blast to block against Ruby's sniper round from Crescent Rose. "You all are-"
Sougo quickly grabbed onto Tid's free wrist, wrapping his arm around the Time Jacker's and spreading it outwards, Geiz doing the same.
"Tsukuyomi, Ruby, now!" Geiz yelled out.
[FINISH TIME!]
Ruby loaded her rifle with her Ridewatch and aimed in front of Tid before suddenly using Petal Burst to launch herself upwards, revealing Tsukuyomi.
[BURST MODE!]
Tsukuyomi let out a burst of energy shots from her Faizphone X, the two Riders letting go as the shots hit Tid, the stun function of the gun taking full effect. Ruby then landed behind Tid, taking aim quickly before firing.
[ROZE SASU SASU SHOOT!]
"Take this!" Ruby yelled out as she launched a red blast of energy against Tid's back.
An explosion occurred as the shot seemingly hit, smoke covering the area where Tid was.
Ruby panted, her body relaxing a bit as she squinted her eyes, trying to see if Tid had fallen down. "Did we…?"
"Better luck next time," Tid's voice echoed as he unleashed an invisible force, dispersing the smoke in an instant. "But that was too damn close."
"How did you…" Tsukuyomi started before the four of them were suddenly stuck in place, the familiar green tint of the Time Jacker's time stop washing over the area.
"Time Jacker, remember," Tid said as he rubbed his wrists. "I barely managed to activate it in time, but once I was free, it was easy to agitate the blast to make it look like you hit me." The Time Jacker then clasped his hands together, the Riders and Tsukuyomi being freed from the time stop.
Ruby gritted her teeth before switching her weapons formation, brandishing her scythe as she reloaded her Ridewatch. "You're not getting away with this!"
[ROZE KAMA KAMA CUTTING!]
Geiz didn't have a good feeling however, "Ruby, hold on a second!"
Ruby yelled as she jumped upwards, gripping her scythe with both hands and slamming the tip of it down against Tid.
"Such a fiery passion, do I really mess things up that much?" Tid asked as he brought out another barrier to block, giving a yawn as he managed to easily hold Ruby's scythe back. "You know, I was wondering if I was feeling something off… but you all are definitely weaker."
"Wait," Ruby was surprised that Tid seemed to know that they weren't at full strength, this loosened her grip on her weapon, causing her attack to slightly falter.
"Knew it," Tid grinned as he focused all his energy into the barrier and pushed it forward, slamming it into Ruby and sending her backwards.
"Ruby!" Sougo called out as he hurried over.
"Crap!" Geiz called as he ran over.
"N-No…" Ruby coughed out as she was on her back, her transformation ended up disengaging as a result of the heavy hit.
"Honestly… I guess it's time to end this," Tid said as he pulled out his Kuuga Anotherwatch. He gave a grin. "Now to obtain the power that scared you so much you came back to stop me!"
[KUUGA!]
Tid yelled out as he jammed the Ridewatch straight into his body, hunching over as red energy began leaking off of him. His eyes glowed red as dark energy wrapped around him, growing large as his monstrous form of Another Kuuga ripped its way out.
"I have done it," Tid laughed. "I have become Kuuga!" He then looked over at the fallen huntress and the two Riders. He began gathering a fireball in his mouth, "Now die!"
[ZI-O GIRI GIRI SLASH!]
[GEIZ ZAKKURI CUTTING!]
Both Sougo and Geiz loaded their Ridewatches onto their weapons, gathering energy as the slashed forward, sending a cross shaped energy slash towards the Another Rider.
Tid however spit out his fireball, it slamming into the cross slash. The force behind it was so great that it pushed the cross slash back into Sougo and Geiz, the two yelling out as they lost their transformations. The resulting explosive blast had also caused all the Primary Rider Ridewatches to fall away from them.
Tid was ready to move forward when he suddenly noticed the Ridewatches, seeing their weakened states he chuckled. "It seems they are useless to you, but for me." He said using his hands to scoop them all up with ease. He cupped his hands together before slamming the Ridewatches into his mouth, swallowing them before he yelled out from the surge of power occurring within him. "Now that I have all this power I can begin my plan!" He yelled out before his shell-like back shifted, his wings stretching out before he flew off into the sky.
"Did he… did he take the Ridewatches?" Sougo winced.
"The question you should be asking is what is he going to do with them?" Geiz added as he managed to get up.
"Guys," Tsukuyomi called out as she hurried over to them.
"There has to be a way to beat him, we can't give up now," Ruby said as she finally got her bearings and managed to sit up.
"Come on… Woz gave us where he was going to be, so what are we missing?" Sougo asked as he rubbed his head, "Woz!"
"My Overlord," Woz called as he came from behind a tree and hurried over, going to help him up. "Are you alright?"
"Fine enough, but we lost most of the Ridewatches," Sougo admitted.
"We lost the Main Rider ones, but even if we still have the Secondary Rider's, they won't do much to help us," Ruby admitted as she pulled out and tried to activate Cross-Z's Watch, but it wouldn't respond.
"Then we must obtain the power of Kuuga," Woz explained before looking straight at the excavation site that Tid emerged from. "However while a Time Jacker needs to only be near the presence or time period of a Rider to form their watch, the new rules prevent you from easily drawing it from the tomb."
"Then we go forward in time and find Kuuga right?" Sougo suggested.
"A very wise decision to make my Overlord," Woz explained. "Though interfering with his battle may not be wise for you all in your weakened conditions. Thus a timeframe of several months after his fight will be your best shot."
"But what if Tid attacks before then?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"He couldn't have," Geiz replied before remembering Tid's words. "He would hide until striking and killing Riders and those associated before making the next jump. But he didn't do that for Kuuga."
"But, from what Ruby explained, wouldn't the whole Singular Power Thingy have saved him?" Sougo asked.
"No…" Ruby shook her head. "Because we haven't met him, everyone who was saved and stayed, we met in some way before the changes. It's why they were the only ones around."
"But that would mean he didn't attack Kuuga," Tsukuyomi realized. "Why?"
"He's playing it safe," Woz answered. "He fears that if he confronts Kuuga, that power will overwhelm him even if it won't permanently destroy the Another Rider powers. Thus he will eradicate as many Riders as he can except for Kuuga."
"Then what should we do?" Tsukuyomi asked.
Sougo thought of it for a bit before nodding and snapping his fingers, "We're not sure what creating a Kuuga Watch will do, so we need insurance. We'll find Kuuga, get the watch and get him to help."
"How do we find Tid though, won't he be hidden?" Ruby asked.
"Then we get him to come to us," Geiz said as he crossed his arms. "Tid being a Time Jacker and an Another Rider alongside having all those Ridewatches is a walking temporal anomaly. We'll track that, lure him out and then bring him to Kuuga."
"So we're splitting up in that case huh?" Ruby realized.
"Unfortunately, we don't have time to waste," Geiz answered. "Tsukuyomi and I will find and draw him out, after that we'll come to you two and Kuuga."
"Be careful you two," Sougo said.
"And good luck with your search," Geiz responded. "We'll try to give you enough time if we can before drawing him out but we can't afford to goof around."
It wasn't long before the Time Mazine's were recalled to the group, both units hovering above before landing. Geiz entered his along with Tsukuyomi while Sougo entered his, with Ruby and even Woz following after him.
"Space-Time Transport System, activate." Sougo and Geiz both announced as both Time Mazines began to hover and float high into the air before taking off into another time gate.
Earth – Mid September 2001
The Time Gate opened above Japan, both of the Time Mazine's flying out. The group had jumped a year and a good several months ahead upon Woz's request. Geiz and Tsukuyomi immediately went to work on trying to track down where Tid might be hiding. It wasn't long before Geiz's Time Mazine flew off on its own as the two attempted their search.
Inside Sougo's, the future King and current Rider was sitting and thinking on their next move. "So we need to track Kuuga right?"
"Woz," Ruby looked over at the retainer. He had joined them for a reason instead of vanishing like usual so she had to make the most out of it. "We're going to need your help tracking him down."
"I should warn you he'll be very hard to track," Woz said as he paced around. "However… I do have an idea."
"Where do we need to go?" Sougo asked.
"That my Overlord is quite simple." Woz gave a smile.
Earth – Nagano Japan, Mid September 2001
Ruby and Sougo had made sure to park the Time Mazine somewhere inconspicuous before heading out deeper into Nagano.
"Okay, we're a bit better cleaned up than we were prior," Ruby said as she patted her clothes down, she figured that they needed to dust themselves off and fix their clothes to make sure people didn't worry via their appearance. "Luckily I don't think fashion's changed that heavily so we won't have people looking at us weirdly."
"That's for sure," Sougo said as he walked with her, the two having asked Woz to stay behind to guard the Time Mazine.
"I will say, was not expecting to end up in Nagano," Ruby admitted. "That's what, two trips in the span of like two days?"
"Yeah, it's pretty crazy," Sougo agreed.
"Still, we can't exactly relax," Ruby reminded as she began looking around. "We need to find him."
"Right, right," Sougo said as he kept pace and also searched.
"Now then…" Ruby looked around, trying to find the man that they looked up. It wasn't long before she saw an older man in a grey suit with a yellow tie, neat brown hair parted two ways. "Ah, I think that's him."
"Perfect," Sougo smiled as he began to make his way over with Ruby. "Hello sir!"
The man noticed the two teens coming over and gave a smile, "Ah hello, is there something I can help you with?"
"I hope we aren't bothering you but…" Ruby started, she was a bit nervous but cleared her throat slightly before speaking. "Are you Kaoru Ichijo by any chance?"
"I am," The man known as Ichijo gave a nod. "What can I do for you?"
"We were wondering, if by any chance you knew where a man named Yusuke Godai was," Sougo asked.
"Godai?" Ichijo asked before giving a small chuckle. "So you know him as well? It's a small world… at least for him anyway."
"Uh, yeah we do," Ruby decided to go for a small half-lie. "We met him a while back when we needed some help, so we wanted to thank him."
"Hmm, I see," Ichijo gave a nod before shaking his head. "I'm sorry to say but I'm not sure where he is. You see he went on an adventure near the start of the year."
"Oh…" Ruby drooped slightly, now wondering why Woz even sent them to Ichijo to begin with.
"But I can tell you one thing," Ichijo admitted. "That guy, he's a popular man when it comes to those who meet him. If there's one thing for certain, you'll certainly know when he shows up again."
"I see," Sougo said in thought before figuring it out. He gave a quick bow of thanks, "Thank you, sir."
"It's no problem," Ichijo said before giving a smile with a thumbs-up.
Ruby was a bit confused by the gesture since normally it was a bow so she simply gave a bow of her own before turning to leave. Sougo merely gave a wave before turning to leave as well.
"Stay safe," Ichijo said before putting a hand to his chin in thought, he looked back up. "Hey wait, you two!"
"Huh?" Ruby turned. "Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing, just… if you do meet him sometime soon," Ichijo said as he looked to the side and rubbed the back of his neck before looking back. "Could you send my regards?"
"I think we can do that," Sougo gave a nod before heading off, the two planning on heading back to the Time Mazine.
Earth – Mid September 2001
Geiz and Tsukuyomi were currently crossing over the ocean to try and figure out where Tid had gone. The two were closing in on his location, though they had yet to see any real landmarks of any kind.
"Is the distortion so big that it's encompassing a larger radius?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Possibly, just the fact that there's three very different things about him," Geiz answered. "But things are finally coming together. We're the reason he's that damn strong."
"We are?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"While it's understandable that his power would grow, the fact that he could command hordes of henchmen was still what was bugging me," Geiz replied. "But now it makes sense, do you remember anything in particular about the grouping of enemies we kept running from?"
"It honestly felt like déjà vu but more worrying," Tsukuyomi recounted. "Like it was bad enough we had to deal with them prior, but with you all so weak…"
"You're somewhat on course," Geiz replied. "Think about it, every single monster or machine that was there, they were only the ones we had faced down before."
"Wait…" Tsukuyomi suddenly got what Geiz was implying. "Are you saying the reason they were only those monsters, was because of the Ridewatches he took?"
"That's exactly what I'm getting at," Geiz replied. "The watches were restored only slightly, meaning he can barely access their power. So much so that I bet that's why he could only call upon the grunts that each Rider had faced."
"I see," Tsukuyomi gave a nod. "That would explain things."
"I'm going to try and reconfigure the sensors," Geiz said as he opened up the digital dashboard and began loading in new data before taking out his Geiz Watch and getting it scanned. "See if I can locate it via the Ridewatch signals specifically."
"Geiz, do you really think we'll be able to draw him to the others?" Tsukuyomi asked. "Given how big he is…"
"We have to, otherwise the future is lost," Geiz answered. "I'm still not fond of Zi-O, but I've come to realize that the Time Jacker's are just as bad as he will become. Except while he still hasn't made that leap yet, they continue to try and make that with these Another Riders. So I'll continue protecting this Era, and when Oma Zi-O's rise starts… I'll eliminate him."
Tsukuyomi could only stare at her friend, wondering just what had happened while they were away from each other. While she noted he still wasn't that trusting of Sougo, at the very least he had his priorities straight when it came to the situation presented to them.
Earth – Indonesia, Mid September 2001
To Ruby's surprise, Ichijo's remark was enough for Sougo to pick up on it so they could start a search on Godai. Woz had helped them navigate through the Time Mazine's database, the group having found that searching up Yusuke Godai was enough to give them near hundreds of results. It turned out that word of mouth with Godai wasn't just an over exaggeration, it was a fact. So much so that they were able to find reports of people talking about him after he had visited. Ichijo's remark of an adventure wasn't wrong either as the various countries and areas listed were blowing their minds with how much he traveled.
Their trail had lead them to Indonesia of all places, the two having found reports that around Mid September he was spotted at a beach of all places. The sky was bright, there were barely any clouds in the sky, it seemed like the perfect chance to just take a stroll on the beach and mess around.
Woz had chosen to stay behind, mentioning how he was ill suited for constant combat. Not to mention him staying with the Time Mazine would allow a quick escape if necessary.
The two had managed to find a good spot for the Time Mazine before rushing out, the two surprised at their new locale.
"This is crazy, two cities and a new country?" Ruby asked. "We're really going places."
"Yeah," Sougo agreed before putting a hand above his eyes and trying to find something. "Who do you think it is?"
"Well it won't be hard, from what we read he apparently spent the day just wandering the empty beach after meeting with the locals before leaving," Ruby said as she scanned the area.
"So… that guy?" Sougo asked as he pointed towards the side.
It was a young man with bushy black hair, wearing a white t-shirt and a red checkered button up over it, having light colored jeans and white running shoes as he walked. He was currently carrying a black bag, likely his essentials and other stuff he had packed.
"Maybe," Ruby mused. "Let's see if we don't freak him out since we're sort of at the mercy of Geiz's timing."
"Right, we have to do this fast," Sougo said as he began to make his way down towards the beach, giving a wave. "Hey! Hello!"
"Huh?" The man turned with a curious stare. "You know Japanese?"
"Ah, yeah we're from Japan!" Ruby called out as she began following Sougo, the two running over to the man.
"It's nice to meet you!" Sougo called as he slowed down to a walk once he was close enough.
"Are you travelers too?" The man asked before tilting his head. "You're so young."
"Something like that," Ruby rubbed the back of her head. "Listen… we're kind of in a rush, but… you're Yusuke Godai right?"
"Oh yeah," The man gave a smile. "I take it you heard I was here from the locals?"
"Not exactly," Sougo admitted before figuring this would be the fastest way. He took out his Ziku Driver before placing it on his waist. "We really need your help, Kamen Rider Kuuga."
Ruby had to plant her palm against her face, giving a slight sigh as she looked towards her friend, "Sougo… really?"
"It's the fastest way!" Sougo whined. "We don't have time to be subtle!"
Godai's eyes widened in surprise as he saw Sougo's put the belt on, but he grew a confused look when he heard the title. "I'm sorry, Kamen Rider?"
"Wait, you don't know?" Ruby asked. "I thought that was what you called yourself?"
"Well I only ever was known as Unidentified Lifeform #04 or Kuuga," Godai admitted as he rubbed the back of his head before snapping his fingers. "You know, that name does remind me a lot of the stories I'd hear about in the Showa Era."
"Wait, the Showa Era?" Sougo asked.
"Hold up, Showa Era was…" Ruby tried to remember but her Japanese History was nearly non-existent even with Sougo's assistance.
"The period of 1926 to 1989," Sougo explained as he tried to keep it as simple and concise as possible for Ruby in particular. "The dates correspond to the reign of Hirohito the 124th emperor of Japan. He was known after his death as Emperor Showa."
"Huh, you know your stuff," Godai complimented.
"I try my best to listen as much as I can in my classes about history," Sougo explained. "You see, I want to be King one day."
Godai could only stare a bit. "…King?"
"Okay, let's not get too on that tangent Sougo," Ruby reminded, while she was fine with Sougo's talks about his dream, they didn't exactly have the luxury to talk about it at the moment. She looked towards Godai. "What do you mean by stories about Riders in the Showa Era?"
"Oh right," Sougo quickly realized that while he loved talking about his dream, they were sort of on a time limit. "I thought only Heisei Riders existed."
"Oh, while a lot of people consider them as urban legends, there are plenty of people who believe them," Godai explained. "Humans remodeled to fight against terroristic forces that plague the earth, protecting human lives and fighting for everyone." He then gave a thoughtful look. "I suppose… when I put it like that, I really was a Kamen Rider huh?"
"Okay so getting the whole Kamen Rider title out of the way," Ruby put on her own Ziku Driver. "It's going to be hard to believe, and I really don't like doing this but we're a bit desperate… we're Kamen Rider's too, but from the future."
"Wait, you are?" Godai asked in surprise.
"We're from 2018," Sougo explained before looking down a bit. "But well, history's in danger, and I know it might be hard to believe but…" He quickly took out a Blank Ridewatch and held it out as he bowed his head, "We need Kuuga's-your power to help save the future!"
"Please!" Ruby quickly bowed as well, while they were only just getting to know him, she was hoping some kind of reaction would happen.
"I believe you," Godai answered as he put both hands on their heads and ruffled their hair a bit much to their surprise. He then took the Blank Ridewatch before looking at it. "You two are really good kids, I don't see any reason for you to lie to me about this."
"…Really?" Ruby asked as she raised her head.
"That… was easier than I thought," Sougo admitted.
"But… well," Godai started as he rubbed the back of his head, pocketing the Ridewatch before holding his hands to his waist, bringing out the same belt that Kuuga wore, the Arcle. But something was wrong with it, as a few cracks littered some parts on the front.
"…does that mean?" Ruby asked.
"You don't have Kuuga's power anymore?" Sougo asked with a light grimace.
Ruby gave a small frown as any hope they might have had was seemingly slipping away by the minute. Their one chance at insurance to beat Another Kuuga was gone. Even if they got the Kuuga watch, which was doubtful due to Kuuga's power being damaged, would Sougo be strong enough to even beat Tid?
"…Ruby?" Sougo asked as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm worried…" Ruby whispered. "Can we even do this still?"
"I… I'm not sure," Sougo admitted.
"Kuuga is a part of me," Godai spoke up after he saw their reactions, dismissing the Arcle from his stomach. "It was a lot worse off at the beginning of the year, so I think it will take some more time to heal. I'm not sure if I can help you by fighting but…" He looked at the two young adults in front of him before hurrying over and pulling them into a hug.
"What?"
"Huh?"
Both Ruby and Sougo were caught off guard by the hug, but despite the surprise it felt right to the two. It felt warm and comforting, and they could just feel their worries slowly slip away.
"I can see all the stress on you, your clothes, posture, bodies, expressions," Godai said as he kept a firm grip on the two, giving a soft smile when they hugged back briefly. "Kids like you shouldn't be put through stuff like this. But I can't ask you two to put everything down and try to live normally. Because you two are fighting for everyone's smiles as well right?"
Sougo stared a bit. "Everyone's…"
"…Smiles?" Ruby asked.
Earth – Australia, Mid September 2001
"Of all the places he chose to hide out," Tsukuyomi stared at the beach they were on from inside the cockpit. "He chose a sea cave on a beach in Australia?"
"I won't lie, it's kind of perfect," Geiz admitted as he had kept the machine in its vehicle mode. He readied his Ziku Driver before stepping out of the Time Mazine. "Keep it running Tsukuyomi, I'm about to do something stupid."
"Is this really the only idea you've got?" Tsukuyomi asked.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
Geiz took his rider form and brought out his bow, initiating its special attack mode. He had to aim this right, there was no guarantee that Tid was in shooting distance so he had to go for the next best thing.
[ZERO TIME!]
[GIWA GIWA UCHI!]
"Wake up you damn monster!" Geiz yelled out as he unleashed a powerful yellow arrow against the entrance of the cave. The arrow was volatile enough to cause an explosion and send rocks flying everywhere, even inside the cave.
"Geiz, back up," Tsukuyomi said as she found vital signs spiking not long after the explosion against the rock.
"Right," Geiz began to back onto the platform of the Time Mazine.
It wasn't long before Tid eventually emerged from the cave, giving a low growl when he saw Geiz, "I thought you all had given up after I defeated you but it looks like you just don't know when to. You really think a year difference will even help you?"
"How about you find out?" Geiz asked as he backed up into the cockpit, the platform closing as the Time Mazine quickly turned and took off.
[KUUGA!]
"I'm not about to let you all go again," Tid hissed as his eyes glowed red, the Kuuga Anotherwatch taking hold of him and transforming him into Another Kuuga. "I'll kill you all!" He yelled as he launched off after the Time Mazine.
"Okay, Tsukuyomi, switch!" Geiz called out as he managed to seamlessly switch controls with his friend, outputting the Time Mazine to maximum power to have it try and keep distance from the Another Rider. "I need the coordinates to where they are this instant. The trip back to Japan's going to be rough but I think I can out speed him."
Tsukuyomi quickly brought up her tablet, linking it up to the Zi-O Unit before her eyes widened, quickly putting in the coordinates. "Geiz, you're not going to believe this."
"What?" Geiz asked as he had the rear camera active, not liking how Tid was starting to catch up.
"They're in Indonesia," Tsukuyomi replied. "It's not that far to them either!"
"Indonesia?" Geiz wasn't expecting this, "What the hell is Kuuga doing in Indonesia?!"
Earth – Indonesia, Mid September 2001
"The sky is so blue today," Godai smiled as he was laying down with his hands acting as a pillow cushion as he laid his head on his backpack.
Godai had suggested as a way to get to know him better, and to just help the two Riders relax that they should get off the beach briefly. He had taken them to the field near it, the trio laying on the grass and staring up at the sky. And to his joy, it was working out well.
"It is…" Sougo said with a soft smile as he had his hands acting like a pillow too.
"It's honestly really pretty," Ruby smiled as well, lifting her body up a bit to stretch before putting her hands back behind her head and laying back down. "We haven't really had the chance to do this since before we cracked that case with Shotaro…"
"You're right, it was sort of from point A to point B constantly," Sougo admitted before giving a satisfied sigh. "It feels really nice."
"When you see the vast blue sky, you just start to forget about the small problems," Godai explained, glad to see the two relaxing. "It'll make just about anyone smile."
"You were mentioning something about smiles though, why is that?" Sougo asked.
"My dad wanted one day, for everyone to smile. I'd like to think that people's smiles, their joy and happiness, are what can make our future bright," Godai admitted. "So I want to make everyone smile whenever I can. I mastered 2000 skills in order to do so."
"Wait, 2000?!" Sougo asked as he sat up in shock.
"That's a lot!" Ruby called out as she sat up a bit. "So you went out of your way to do all of that, just to make people smile?"
"Yep," Godai replied before gaining a more thoughtful but somber look. "I even fought as Kuuga to protect everyone's smiles."
Ruby though could tell something was wrong, "Mr. Godai, what about your smile?"
Godai had a bit of a confused face, more in how he wanted to talk about that particular point Ruby brought up. "Well…" He winced as he noticed a glint in the sky. "Huh?" He sat up as two red glints could be seen. "What is that?"
Ruby and Sougo stood up fully before their eyes widened at the realization. "…Another Kuuga!"
Right on the beach in front of them they would see Geiz's Time Mazine transform into its robotic Geiz Unit form, landing as several fireballs impacted against it and the ground around it.
"Whoa, is that a robot?" Godai's mouth was wide open as he stood up as well.
Sougo's eyes widened, "Geiz!"
"Oh jeez, how close was Another Kuuga to us?!" Ruby questioned in near shock.
It wasn't long before Tid yelled out before landing in the shallow water, "You will die Kamen Rider Geiz!"
Godai could only stare in shock at Tid's monstrous Another Kuuga form. He glanced down and stared at his hands, his vision shifting to a snowy field, his forearms being black armored with gold lines running through them alongside sharp pointed spikes near the end of them. He blinked and his vision returned to the field near the beach before he stared at the scene before him.
"Please tell me you two have the Ridewatch!"Geiz called out from the cockpit.
"Uh…" Ruby trailed and looked at Godai before noticing his expression. "Mr. Godai!"
Godai drew out the pocketed Ridewatch only to grimace slightly when he saw it was blank.
"Not quite!" Sougo called out.
"Seriously…?! We had a plan!" Geiz called back before gasping as the Geiz Unit was stabbed in the shoulder by Tid's extended clawed hand.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be of much help," Godai admitted.
Ruby's expression softened a bit before she hugged Godai much to his surprise, "You did more than enough for us."
"Godai… we'll protect your smile," Sougo said as he readied himself. "So you don't have to worry about fighting."
Ruby gave a nod and prepared her gear, "This is our fight first and foremost, and even if it looks like the worst odds we've ever faced… we can't give up. Because that's what Kamen Riders do best."
Despite their tired and anxious natures before, spending just a bit of time with Godai was enough for them to relax, recharge, and refocus. The two held newfound determination and confidence as they readied themselves for a heavy battle.
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME!]
[KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Godai could only stare in shock at the two's transformation before him. He was mostly surprised by how advanced and differently detailed they were from Kuuga. He wondered just how many heroes of different shapes and sizes would take on the mantle he supposedly restarted in the Heisei Era. Despite this he had a worried look, both of the armor's having small glitches and shimmers as if they weren't stable.
The two gave determined yells, Sougo drawing his weapon in its sword mode while Ruby brought out Crescent Rose in its rifle formation.
Ruby quickly used Petal Burst to launch herself to the side, aiming and firing at the Another Rider to distract him.
Sougo quickly went after Ruby, just barely reaching her and managing to bat away one of Tid's extended claws.
"Now," Geiz called out as he had his Geiz Unit move in with a punch, decking Tid's monstrous form straight in the face. "Take this, and this!" He called out as he began to continue with punches to the stomach and shoulders.
"Get lost you brat!" Tid yelled as he kneed the Geiz Unit in the stomach, sparks flying before he grabbed the head and slammed it into the sand, pressing it down further with his foot.
"Geiz!" Sougo called out, switching his weapon to its gun mode and firing alongside Ruby at the Another Rider.
"You two can die too!" Tid called out as he gathered fire in his mouth before launching it at them.
Ruby and Sougo yelled out as the fireball impacted against the ground in front of them, sand flying as they were sent tumbling back.
Godai could only stare at the scene before him as he gripped his fists, looking away briefly before looking back. These young adults just starting their lives were risking them to defeat a corrupted version of his powers. He took a deep breath before walking forward, pocketing the Ridewatch as he was unaware of the red glow that it was currently pulsating with.
He had wanted to put the fighting behind him, he wanted to try and forget about it. He was honestly glad when the Arcle had yet to fully restore itself. But thinking that was great for him would be wrong, that would be denying a part of him. He never fought for his own sake because he fought for others, their smiles, and their future.
Tid continued to laugh as he slammed the Geiz Unit backwards, yelling out in victory as he saw Ruby and Sougo struggling to stand. The Geiz Unit meanwhile had taken some decent damage, parts of it sparking as it struggled to get up.
"You all cannot win for I am the one who will create and shape the Correct World." Tid declared before perking up when he felt something approach, he then turned towards Godai. "You…"
Ruby trembled a bit, "Godai… wait no!"
"Your belt is damaged, get out of here!" Sougo called out.
"Wait that's…" Geiz's voice trailed from the Geiz Unit.
"Kuuga…" Tsukuyomi answered.
Godai summoned his damaged Arcle once more, but this time the visible cracks on it shined red before suddenly sealing themselves up. He stared up towards Tid's monstrous form and couldn't help but feel an inner disgust. This monster was for all intents and purposes a mockery for what he stood for, for what he fought for. But he wouldn't try to push that feeling of anger down and he wouldn't fight out of hate because he was fighting for something else. He was going to fight for the young Riders that were the future.
"I'm going to fight," Godai declared. "For you young Rider's sake, I want you all to smile. I want everyone in your time to smile. So please take a good look…" He trailed as he stared up at the Another Rider. "At my… Henshin!"
(Insert: Kamen Rider Kuuga! By Masayuki Tanaka)
Striking his pose he readied himself, slowly wiping his right arm from left to right before pressing it against the hand next to his Arcle. There were no fancy or extended transformation effects or sounds, just the sound of the Arcle powering up as energy surrounded Godai.
He then spread both arms out as a black bodysuit covered his body while ruby red armor formed on his upper body, shoulders, forearms, and the backs of his hands. His upper chest, forearms, wrists, and ankles held gold trimming, various red jewels on spots like his gold kneepads and anklets. His helmet was simplistic in shape with two giant red bug eyes, a golden crest that gave the impression of a stag beetle, and a crusher mouth that emulated it as well.
Godai was now gripping the Blank Ridewatch in his hand, a red glow forming over it as it transformed at the same time. It held a red base with a gold dial and button, Kuuga's mask on the front. Both transformations sent out a red wave through the area that nearly shook everyone.
Tid could only stand back in fear as he could feel the power radiating from Godai. Geiz, Sougo and Ruby on the other hand…
"Whoa!" Sougo called out as he suddenly stood, his transformation fully stabilizing as he felt incredible. "I suddenly feel a lot better!"
"What… happened?" Ruby asked as she stood, her transformation had stabilized as well.
"Was it when he transformed?" Geiz questioned as he began to help Tsukuyomi out of the Geiz Unit.
"No wait… look at his hand!" Tsukuyomi took notice immediately.
Tid gasped further when he noticed the Ridewatch in his hand, "No it's impossible, that watch! Just who do you think you are?!"
Godai stared at the Ridewatch that held his power and gave a nod, "I am Kamen Rider… Kuuga!"
Ruby however noticed something other than the power boost, reaching on instinct she grabbed Accel's Ridewatch, it flashed revealing that it was restored, "The Ridewatches!"
"We're back in business," Geiz said as he hurried over to the two.
Tsukuyomi meanwhile went to duck behind the fallen Time Mazine.
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Tid yelled out as he launched out a fireball towards Godai to distract him.
"Hah!" Godai called out as he punched forward, the force from his fist splitting the fireball in two and sending it behind him, two explosions occurring behind him. Godai quickly ran forward before jumping up, flipping and performing a leaping punch at Tid, his strike connecting with the Another Rider's chest.
Tid could only yell out as sparks flew, stumbling back as he tripped and fell into the shallow water with a splash.
Godai landed and stood up before turning back towards the trio of Riders, soon hurrying over.
"So this is Kuuga?" Geiz asked.
Godai gave a nod before looking over at Ruby and Sougo before holding out his Ridewatch, "I'm sorry I'm late."
"You're not late at all," Ruby shook her head. "You're just on time."
"Thank you, Godai." Sougo said as he took the Ridewatch before stepping forward.
[KUUGA!]
"Now take a look at…" Sougo trailed as he activated the watch before slotting it in, holding his right hand out towards the left side of his waist before swiping it across, dropping it to rotate his Driver, "My Armor Time!"
[ARMOR TIME! KUUGA!]
Sougo stood as the Kuuga Armor flashed into existence in front of him before latching onto his body. It was yet another simplistic Rider Armor like Ryuki's was. The base body and legs were still the same as the standard Armor Times, the thigh pieces having a black strip while the breast plate had a red section resembling Kuuga's chest. His shoulders held red rounded shoulder pads alongside his forearm armor being modeled after Kuuga's as well. He gained the usual Armor Time helmet, having Kuuga's head crest and mouth, with 'Kuuga' written in Katakana in the center.
"REJOICE!"
Everyone except for Sougo turned towards the grassy field, Woz walking down it with his book open.
"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: Kuuga Armor! And in this moment, he has obtained the most revered power of Kuuga!"
(Insert End)
"Huh, different…" Ruby tilted her head.
"Uh, so is this that King thing he talked about?" Godai tilted his head with Ruby.
"That's not really important right now," Geiz replied. "Let Woz spout whatever he wants to, we've got a timeline to save."
"Yep," Sougo called out as he began to walk forward. "Godai…"
"I'm with you all the way," Godai said as he hurried forward to walk with Sougo.
"Geiz," Ruby said as she handed him Knight's and Cross-Z's watches. "Not exactly the best equipment but…"
"We can make due," Geiz gave a nod as he took the watches.
Ruby gave a nod as she slotted in Accel's Watch, "Let's break through!"
[ACCEL!]
[WEAPON TIME! ENGINE BLADE!]
Ruby summoned Accel's weapon, it dropping and slamming straight into the ground. Ruby gripped it before lifting it up with ease. "I can work with this."
"Damn you, damn you, damn you!" Tid yelled out as he splashed against the water angrily while standing up. "Damn you Kamen Riders!"
The Another Rider/Time Jacker Hybrid rushed forward and launched both of his hands out, planning on crushing both Sougo and Godai.
The two Riders held up the palms of their hands in sync, each blocking against the Another Rider's punch. They then reeled back their free arms and punched forward, a red aura bursting off as Tid was forced to stagger back. Tid then unleashed several fireballs against the two, the Kuuga duo spinning out of the way to dodge.
"Stand still!" Tid hissed out.
[CROSS-Z! GIWA GIWA SHOOT!]
"How about you stand still," Geiz called out as he unleashed a projection of an eastern dragon made of blue energy. The Dragon snaked forward before it wrapped around and constricted Tid, soon biting down.
Ruby jumped forward, using Petal Burst to launch herself further while slotting in the Engine Gaia Memory.
[ENGINE MAXIMUM DRIVE!]
Ruby raised her blade high, slashing downwards and unleashing a red electrical slash that crashed down against Tid. The Another Rider gasped out and staggered from the attack, stumbling back.
Tid yelled out as he gathered flames in his mouth before launching them out in retaliation as he tried to regain his balance.
Ruby pumped her fist up into the air before yelping, barely jumping back in time against a fireball that struck in front of her.
Tid's eyes glowed as he managed to stand growling out, "I'll just tap into the powers I stole as much as I can and destroy you all!"
"Uh oh," Sougo backed up before looking back at where they parked the Time Mazine, getting an idea.
[TIME MAZINE!]
Sougo summoned the time traveling vehicle, it landing near him as he quickly entered inside of it. He activated the Zi-O Units robot formation. The Time Mazine unfolded and took its robot mode like usual before the Ridewatch face flashed, becoming the Kuuga Watch.
The Zi-O Unit ran before jumping forward, sending a flying kick at Tid. The Another Rider responded by sending fireballs at it, but the Zi-O Unit broke through them and slammed its foot into his stomach.
Tid gasped out as he was sent stumbling back before howling out, pouncing forward only for the Zi-O Unit to duck underneath. It then spun around and slammed its foot into his side as he turned, sending him to the ground.
"Let's keep this up!" Sougo called out as he had the Zi-O Unit rush forward only for Tid to extend his arms, digging into the machines shoulder joints and launching fireballs against it while it was still.
"Enough of these damn games," Tid hissed out as he threw the Zi-O Unit to the side.
[KNIGHT GIWA GIWA SHOOT!]
A powerful blue damaging whirlwind slammed into Tid before he could even think of doing anything else. Within that whirlwind was Ruby, using her Petal Burst to ride along the current. As she approached she had slotted in a Cyclone Memory into the Engine Blade.
[CYCLONE MAXIMUM DRIVE!]
Using the blue wind to help her spin she began sending several green and wind filled slashes against Tid, the force from both wind attacks enough to send him staggering back.
Tid gasped as he looked around, his eyes glowing gold as he realized he was being pushed back, "I know it's out there, Gouram! Answer to me, the true heir of Kuuga's power!"
Godai meanwhile ran over to the Zi-O Unit, getting an idea once he heard Tid's shouting. He quickly hopped onto it before finding a way to enter and walking over to Sougo, "Sougo, you alright?"
"As good as I can be, he's tough," Sougo admitted.
"He is, but I've got an idea." Godai mentioned. "I saw that this had a vehicle mode, we'll channel our power through it and hit him with it to get him open for one last attack."
"That's crazy…" Sougo trailed before giving a nod. "But I think it can work!"
The Zi-O Unit shifted to its vehicle mode and soon lifted into the air, taking off and getting a good distance away before stopping. It then turned, aiming itself at the currently preoccupied Tid.
"Let's go!" Sougo and Godai called out as Sougo pushed the levers forward, Godai crouching in front of him and pushing his hands against the metal cockpit.
The Zi-O Unit launched forward, the Kuuga Symbol appearing in front of it. It began to close in before a warning popped up in the cockpit. The cameras began showing a glint of gold coming straight towards them.
"What is that?!" Sougo asked.
Godai however chuckled, "A friend, keep going!"
A black mechanical stag beetle with golden armoring and a singular green jewel on its back began to approach the Zi-O Unit. This was the Gouram that Tid had tried to call, and it had chosen its true partner, Godai. It made several noises before suddenly splitting apart, latching onto various portions of the Time Mazine create armor.
Various strange symbols began popping up in all the monitors with the Kuuga Symbol being the most prominent. The armor began charging the Zi-O Unit further, the Kuuga Symbol in front of it glowing brighter and brighter before the enhanced Time Mazine slammed straight against Tid's Another Rider body.
Tid yelled out as various explosions began to occur all over his body, the explosions releasing the Ridewatches he had absorbed and sent them all across the sandy beach.
"How dare you!" Tid gasped out as he turned to face the two.
The Zi-O Unit and Gouram separated, Sougo and Godai jumping out before grabbing onto Gouram's legs, the support machine launching towards Tid. The Time Mazine flew below them, acting on autopilot mode.
The two let go of Gouram and landed on the Time Mazine, clicking their heels as Sougo initiated his finisher, Godai charging his.
[FINISH TIME!]
The two leapt forward off of the Time Mazine before kicking out side by side, Godai kicking out with his right leg while Sougo kicked out with his left.
[MIGHTY TIME BREAK!]
The two Riders kicked against Tid's chest, the Time Jacker screaming out in pain as the Kuuga symbol appeared on his chest and back. Explosions began littering his body as it was overloaded from the power that was being forced into it.
"This can't be the… end?" Tid gasped, glancing towards the side and briefly seeing a white robed female figure. He narrowed his eyes as he could feel the smirk penetrating through his monstrous body. "You tricked me… you won't get away with this, I'll just-ah!" He soon gave a blood curdling yell as the Ridewatch shattered inside of his body from the force of the finishers. Despite this he vowed that he wouldn't die just yet, he would defy the betrayal inflicted upon him as he tried to access what little power he had left.
Sougo and Godai both yelled out as they pierced through Tid's Another Rider body. The Another Rider yelled out defiantly one last time before falling and exploding. The two landed on the ground in crouched poses before standing, more explosions littering where Tid had been.
The two turned as the smoke began to clear, revealing that there was no body at all. Geiz had guessed from this that a Time Jacker transforming into an Another Rider was basically a death warrant. He had no way of proving it, but the fact that Tid didn't come out of that explosion meant that he was likely killed alongside the Kuuga Anotherwatch's destruction. Gouram meanwhile flew off into the sky, returning to where it would rest until its next calling.
"So that's why they don't do it themselves…" Ruby trailed in a murmur as she began to make her way over to Sougo and Godai.
"Thank goodness…" Tsukuyomi gave a smile as she sighed in relief before hurrying over to everyone as well.
Sougo, Geiz and Ruby dismissed their transformations. Godai however kept his and held out his right fist, giving a thumbs-up as he nodded towards everyone.
"That gesture…" Sougo trailed before wondering what it meant since Ichijo had used it too. He knew it was a thumbs-up, but he wondered what it meant in regards to Kuuga. "What does it mean?"
"It's an ancient Roman sign to show satisfaction." Godai explained, recalling the words of his teacher but choosing to put his own spin on them. "If I'm giving this to you now, it means you were able to overcome tremendous obstacles to get to this point. It's something you should always aim to be worthy of. You may experience tough times like this battle, but because of that for the sakes of your families, friends, whoever they may be, work hard to be a person worth this sign. Become Riders who will always protect everyone's smiles."
Sougo couldn't help but smile and give a thumbs-up as well, Ruby doing the same.
Godai relaxed as his transformation faded, giving a genuine smile. "I do hope we can meet again."
"I'm sure we will, somehow, someway," Ruby answered before remembering something. "By the way, Mr. Ichijo gives his regards."
"He does huh?" Godai asked. "You know I should write to him sometime soon."
"That would be good, he's not worried but it would probably be nice," Ruby replied.
Sougo gave a nod before he suddenly realized something, "Ah the Ridewatches!" He called out as he began to rush towards the shore. "We need to make sure they don't get swept away!"
"Oh jeez," Ruby quickly rushed over to start picking them up. "Geiz, Tsuki come on!"
"On it," Tsukuyomi called as she rushed to help the two.
"Honestly…" Geiz rolled his eyes and put his hands on his hips before walking forward, figuring he'd help speed up the process.
Godai could only keep smiling as he hurried over to help them out. But as they collected the Ridewatch's it began to turn into them just playing and messing around. Ruby had almost ended up getting Geiz dunked in the water while Sougo was trying to splash anyone who got near him.
The five were unaware that someone was watching them, but Woz had long since vanished due to how assured he was of his Overlord's victory. The one watching however was Finis who had a smile plastered on their face.
"You played your part well Tid," Finis smiled as they turned and walked away, their cloak flowing in the wind. "Kuuga is no longer a viable candidate for King, and you're out of the way." It wasn't long before the Time Jacker vanished without a trace, their presence an unknown to everyone there.
Earth – Tokyo, Early November 2018:
(Insert: Aozora ni Naru by Jin Hashimoto)
A time gateway opened as the Zi-O and Geiz units came through, the group being greeted with a bright and clear sunny sky. There seemed to be no damage at all to Tokyo, the Castle Tower no longer around and the streets bustling with people now that the alterations had been prevented.
The four had decided to check and call around after landing, seeing if anyone would remember what had happened. But after checking, the Heisei Riders they had met during that small taste of the apocalypse had no actual recollection of what had happened. With Another Kuuga destroyed before it could make its move it made sense that no one would. But the four of them were admittedly just glad to see that things had returned to normal.
Sougo, Ruby and Tsukuyomi walked through the streets back to 9-5-DO, Geiz having said he needed to take care of business first before returning back.
"Sougo, Ruby!" A voice called.
"Huh?" Ruby turned before her eyes widened.
"Eh?" Sougo turned before giving a smile. "I figured…"
Before the three of them was a man, the same man that they had just left on the Indonesian beach back in 2001. It was Godai who was giving a smile as he walked over to them, even having the same old but reliable backpack from way back then. He was older though with nearly two decades having passed, but he still had that youthful spark to him.
"It's been 17 years," Godai mentioned. "Well for me anyway."
"How did you even know to find us?" Ruby asked.
"Well, I know most people don't pay attention but I stare up at the sky a lot." Godai admitted as he looked up. "So it's pretty easy to see your vehicles showing up out of the blue."
"Is that so?" Ruby smirked and crossed her arms.
"Perhaps we should figure out a better landing strategy," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"Nah, it's fine," Sougo waved it off. "I think it's great that Godai saw us. I know we only left like a few minutes ago, but well… it's nice seeing you again."
"Yeah and again thank you." Ruby gave a bow.
Godai smiled and simply gave them a thumbs-up, "The reason I went on that adventure in the first place, was to try and find my smile again after my fight had ended. As I met different people, experienced different things, it felt like I was getting back on track but something was missing… then I met you two and I honestly don't regret it."
"Aw, Godai…" Ruby trailed with a smile.
"So I want to say, thank you, to all of you." Godai admitted. "I'm glad that we met. And I'm glad to see the future that you all fight to protect, so much so that I knew I was right by making a new promise."
"What kind of promise?" Sougo asked.
"That before I met you two again, I'd learn 18 extra skills, to make it 2018 skills," Godai explained with a smile.
"Wait is there really that many skills out in the world?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"The world is a vast place," Godai admitted. "Just by traveling you pick up new things."
"That's for sure," Ruby agreed.
As the four began to chat, they were unaware that they were being watched by Tsukasa, the man clicking his camera as he took a picture.
"Looks like they really grew on him," Tsukasa admitted.
"I think that's great."
Tsukasa turned to see the woman he had met with from before. She now had a white scarf wrapped around her neck that was large enough to also cover her head like a hood, thus allowing her to hide her facial features.
"You think so huh?" Tsuksasa could only give a light scoff as he looked away.
"I do." The woman smiled as she walked over.
"It's only going to get tougher from here…" Tsukasa admitted.
"And yet, I believe they can handle it," The woman replied. "Things have changed this much because of them haven't they?"
"I suppose they have…" Tsukasa agreed.
(Insert End)
The Time Jackers had settled themselves into a quaint little dimly lit bar, it's most notable feature being a fish tank. Swartz and Finis were sitting near each other at the booth tucked away in a corner near the fish tank. Ora and Uhr were both at the bar itself, the four of them having not ordered anything as everything was currently frozen at the moment.
"That damn Tid," Uhr sneered as he slammed his hands against the bar counter. "We were warned not to mess with Kuuga for a reason."
"I tried to stop him, but by the time I was about to he had already altered history," Finis replied. "Our best bet was letting Zi-O handle him."
"And handle him he did," Swartz smirked before frowning. "However with two Ridewatches in this short span of time… Oma's rising hastens."
"What should we do?" Ora asked.
"For now… we sit back and relax." Swartz answered. "But also, Uhr once again will get the next pick and I'd like something a bit more low-key. Tampering with the past and that much of a legend was very dangerous, had things not worked out we would have been at jeopardy."
"Whatever you say," Uhr answered.
"That's all well and good but how do we know you're still on our side?" Ora immediately turned towards Finis, narrowing her eyes.
"My goal has remained the same, to show that the true legacy of being a Kamen Rider isn't being a hero. That they are only tools to further evil's own goals." Finis stated in a calm manner. "The Another Riders in that regard compel me. Unlike Tid who wanted everything erased."
"Yeah, lighten up a bit Ora." Uhr remarked. "Otherwise you'll start getting grey hair and no amount of rewinding time will fix it."
"Why you little brat," Ora hissed out as she glared at Uhr.
Swartz could only smirk at his compatriots antics, though inwardly he was worrying. The fact that Zi-O was growing in power so fast, alongside Roze's constant presence, something needed to change soon. He also despised what Tid had done, tampering with time that much and especially risking everything against Kuuga. So much so that while he was glad Tid was gone, they had suffered a heavy blow as they were down one of the two members that he had gotten to help against Roze's presence.
"It's fixed!" Junichiro greeted as Woz entered 9-5-DO, hurrying over and handing him the fixed alarm clock. "It's an older piece so it took a bit longer, here."
"Thank you," Woz took the clock. "How shall I pay?"
"Oh, that's fine!" Junichiro waved it off. "I actually got to fix a clock for once, so I'd almost rather pay you!"
"Very well, and now I can keep proper record of time," Woz smiled before turning to exit soon taking his leave, "Just as it is written."
"Thank you again," Junichiro gave a bow, unaware of Woz suddenly vanishing after his last words. He then stood up and gave a smile when he saw Sougo, Ruby and Tsukuyomi return home. "Ah welcome back, how was Futo?"
Sougo stayed silent, relief filling him as he saw his Uncle again alongside the shop still fully intact.
Ruby stared a bit before suddenly realizing despite all the Kuuga related things, this entire adventure started with a journey to Futo. She shook her head briefly before giving a nod, "Oh yeah, Futo was wonderful. Thanks for letting Sougo take me as his guest."
"Oh it's no problem, getting to view other cities is a once in a lifetime thing," Junichiro said as he went over to the dining room, Sougo, Ruby and Tsukuyomi following him.
"Right," Sougo gave a nod, smirking a bit since they had visited two cities and another country to boot.
"By the way, did you all see Geiz on the way back?" Junichiro asked, still a bit worried that he was still out and about alone.
"Oh, yeah Geiz is fine," Sougo gave a nod.
"That's a relief," Junichiro admitted. "Did he mention possibly coming back?"
"Uh… hmm," Sougo started, while Geiz mentioned he would come back, he was a bit worried since the future rider had split up immediately when they got back to 2018. He was broken out of his thoughts when he felt something tap the back of his head. He turned in shock, "Geiz!"
Geiz was currently holding a bag that had chicken in it, having gone shopping immediately after getting back to 2018. "It's chicken, thighs not breasts. That's what you needed, right?"
Junichiro was flabbergasted as he walked over, "Oh, you remembered the chicken…" He looked at the bag as it was set down. "That was almost a month ago… well I suppose we can have Fried Chicken tonight right?"
"Sounds good to me," Ruby agreed as Tsukuyomi gave a nod, the two moving closer to Geiz.
"Right, well who doesn't love Fried Chicken right?" Junichiro added before grabbing the bag and going back to the kitchen to prepare the chicken.
"Welcome back," Sougo greeted.
"Just because of what happened, don't think I'm here to make friends," Geiz rolled his eyes. "I've made up my mind. I will stop you. But also I will make sure the Time Jacker's don't do as they please. I figured it's better to be close by in both regards."
"I see," Sougo glanced towards the ground before giving a more cheerful expression. "We're glad to have you, Geiz!"
"And finally some normalcy," Ruby gave a sigh as she went to sit down on a chair just to rest.
"And thus my Overlord continues to prove his power by derailing Tid's plan to erase the Heisei Era as an Another Rider," Woz smiled as he walked along the streets. He glanced at his book before shutting it tightly, keeping his expression despite the distortions and static growing worse in his book. Regardless, he still made out the details clearly enough. "The Time Jackers grow more dangerous… so I cannot turn to them…" He then looked over towards a building, or rather a temple.
It was known as the Daitenkuu Temple, near the sign was also one that that labeled the temple as the Supernatural Phenomenon Lab.
"As the next Legend appears… a second is necessary to try and correct the course of history we are on," Woz smiled as he stared up at the temple.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"I'm Takeru Tenkuji, Kamen Rider Ghost."
"I'm just a Kamen Rider who passes through…"
"Our lives are burning bright!"
"I'm… a ghost…?"
"I know you have your own collection of power like they do. Show it to me."
Chapter 18: Go! Go! Ghost! 2015
And now after a very intense fight against Another Kuuga, we wind down a bit with our last Heisei Rider of the first Arc which is Ghost. Well Ghost with a sprinkle of Decade just like the episodes from the television series. Things will be familiar but different at the same time, but don't expect anything too crazy. But it is kind of funny how I reveal we're going to Ghost next given how the Saber and Ghost crossover airs so soon too. Love these random incidental timings.
Onto the Kuuga tribute itself, yet again I decided to implement the Ridewatches temporal restorative properties. Like we've seen with both Takumi and Ankh before, this time it was Godai's Arcle. Also you may have noticed the absence of a certain other form of Another Kuuga. I figured not to use Another Ultimate Kuuga in this case as it didn't feel like the right call to be honest. I was trying to hit a simpler tone after the hectic nature of last chapter, a bit slower but still filled with urgency. Regardless, this was a fun way to take a crack at Heisei Generations Forever, you know, without the Meta and Den-O aspects.