Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 20 – Return to 2068
Woz was currently yet again in his black void of narration, this time sitting on the giant clock which was on the floor. Though whether that was the case or he was sitting on the clock as it stood up was unclear. Regardless he started his usual narrative.
"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." He said, skipping the usual supposedly and normally additives this time. "Through her appearance and meeting with him one year earlier, Ms. Rose has started a set of turning gears that have thusly and thoroughly altered my Overlord's prior history."
Despite saying this, Oma Zi-O still seemingly remained clear in Woz's book as the static as well began to somewhat clear up from the images. Sougo, Ruby, Geiz and Tsukuyomi were seen next alongside Tsukasa and the newly acquired Decade Armor.
"In order to prevent Oma Zi-O's rise… Geiz and Tsukuyomi travel to the present. But Tokiwa Sougo declares that he will become the greatest, more revered overlord with Ms. Rose's support. And so they continue to gather the power of Riders. However the two's confidence of how the future will turn out will soon be shaken… when they both confront himself, having become Oma Zi-O. Oh dear, I've read too far again…"
Earth – Decmember 22nd 2018
It was a normal morning at 9-5-DO, Geiz and Tsukuyomi having breakfast like usual with Ruby as Junichiro prepared the last plates in the kitchen. That was because Sougo once again had yet to actually wake up early.
"Good morning…" Sougo yawned as he entered the dining room, yet again unaware of the danger he was in. Though danger was putting what would come next in a more intense tone than it actually was.
Geiz glanced back at the greeting before grabbing a loaf of bread and spinning around, holding Sougo's arm back while holding the bread up to his throat like a knife. "Today we're ending this," He said in a hushed voice.
Tsukuyomi and even Ruby didn't seem to react to this, the two just glancing before going back to their breakfast.
Sougo gave a yelp as he was now wide awake at the sudden threat. That was until he saw the loaf of bread, gently pinching it with his free hand a few times. "That sounds dangerous… and didn't you help save me the other day?"
"I came here to prevent the devastated future that you cause," Geiz corrected. "But the situation has changed. The Time Jackers still have one extra member, they've been silent since Another Ghost, and now we've got that weirdo Tsukasa Kadoya to deal with. Before he has the chance to finish you… I have to…"
"Have to what?" Sougo asked, wondering why was Geiz bothered by the idea of Tsukasa finishing him off. Wouldn't that technically be a win?
Geiz removed the loaf before turning Sougo around, "It's not too late. Get rid of the belt!" He pleaded. "Then you won't become Oma Zi-O."
"Progress," Ruby remarked, glad to see that Geiz had gotten all the crazy out of him via the last few attempts. She also wondered if he was finally growing a soft spot for Sougo.
"I can't do that." Sougo affirmed. "I've made up my mind about becoming a good overlord."
"Good morning, Sougo!" Junichiro greeted from the kitchen.
"Good morning, Uncle." Sougo greeted as he sat down and went to grab one of the loaf slices to eat.
Tsukuyomi was still wondering about the motivation behind it all, "Hey Sougo, what made you decide to become a king, anyway?"
"No real reason…" Sougo admitted. "I've always felt like I was born to be one."
"Oh, more king talk?" Junichiro asked and receiving a nod. "Why don't you tell them about the dream?"
Ruby's eyes suddenly widened and she had to keep from smacking herself for forgetting. "That's right," She realized as she remembered what Sougo had told her nearly a year ago. "The dream, maybe they'll understand it better if you told them."
Sougo though gave a nervous smile, "They don't need to hear-"
"Dreams…? Now that does sound fascinating…" Woz admitted from the doorway, holding another broken clock in his hand.
"Hey, isn't that your friend, Sougo?" Junichiro asked as he pointed.
"I've brought another clock for you to repair," Woz stated as he held it out.
Junichiro though did not register it was a clock even with Woz's words. "Well Sougo's friend, I told you already, this is a clock shop!" He said as he got up to give Woz the bad news. "We don't fix clocks here." It was then when he realized his choice of words, "W-Wait, a clock?!" He questioned before hurrying over, "It'd be my pleasure! I'll do it before breakfast, that's how easy it should be!"
That statement was said in full confidence until the state of the clock was actually seen. A cracked screen, missing hands, springs and parts just stuck out alongside bent frames. The clock seemed to be a nightmare to fix.
"Woz… what the hell…?" Ruby trailed in shock at seeing the clock in such a state of disrepair.
"Wow, this is a doozy… Actually, this might take a while." Junichiro backpedaled but still remained joyous as he went to the front to start working on it. "But you came to the right place, I'll have it working!"
"Woz seriously, where did you? How did you?" Ruby asked, still trying to process how a clock ended up in that much disrepair. "What even…?"
"Woz, I wanted to ask you something," Sougo admitted. "Before, you mentioned bringing the other Rider into play…"
"Yes, that is what I told you." Woz replied.
"Why you little…" Geiz spat out.
"Hold up, me getting my butt kicked around was your plot?" Ruby asked with a raised eyebrow.
"That was more his idea than mine," Woz admitted before giving a soft smile. "Needless to say there were no qualms from me when it came to that idea."
"Really…?" Ruby deadpanned.
"What are you after?" Tsukuyomi questioned.
"Can you tell me why, exactly?" Sougo asked.
"I'm afraid there is something far more pressing…" Woz admitted as he glanced at a window. It wasn't long before a soft rumble could be felt. The team of four looked at each other as they wondered just what had caused that rumbling.
"We should…" Ruby trailed.
"Probably get out there, yeah," Sougo gave a nod.
Having Woz direct them outside, alongside the rumbling, everyone was quick to get dressed and grab their gear. Needless to say, rushing outside and seeing clouds and smoke in the distance made them realize they needed a better vantage point. The three all raced up what seemed like dozens of steps to a higher location so they could get a better view of the rest of the city. They were surprised at how far spread the thick clouds and smoke shrouded the city in the distance.
"Behold!" Woz announced once the group was high enough.
Out of the smoke emerged several large sharp machines that were segmented and almost blade-like in certain areas, their main body being silver. Between the gaps of parts shined a bright red coloration. Oddly enough they almost had a sort of watch motif but even that wasn't enough to distract from the sheer size of them, the machines towering over all buildings.
After what seemed like a few minutes of them idling, several began to float before taking off towards other parts of the world. One however remained, it's head hovering above and viewing the city in a docile manner.
"What are they?!" Sougo asked, panic setting in as he recalled some old memories.
Ruby's eyes widened before glancing at Sougo, "No way… are these…?"
"The Dai Mazine's…" Tsukuyomi explained. "Oma Zi-O used those things to scorch the Earth."
"I've seen them…" Sougo admitted as he thought back, remembering a dream that felt like a blur. A Dai Mazine completely destroying a building before his eyes as a child. "Just like my dream…"
"Guys we should move, there are too many people starting to gather," Ruby said, realizing that they couldn't discuss their next move with all the crowds around them.
Sougo gave a nod, leading the group off to an emptier area away from the crowds. Both he and Ruby turned their phones to the latest news on one of their apps, the group shocked at what they were seeing. The footage showcased breaking world news reports of Dai Mazine's landing in various cities, whether it was Shanghai, London, etc.
"They're all over the world…" Tsukuyomi trailed as she saw footage on Ruby's phone.
"And Oma Zi-O uses these to burn up the planet?" Sougo asked.
"I'm really, really skeptical on that," Ruby stated, especially given Sougo's dream.
"You are correct my Overlord," Woz called out as he was nearby. "You sent forth seven of your Dai Mazines to bring the world within your grasp."
"And you saw them in a dream?" Geiz asked, strating to gian some skepticism of his own, so he needed answers. "Start talking."
"When I was a kid, I had this weird dream…" Sougo started, realizing this might clear things up.
'They were destroying the world'
A young Sougo was running through a crowd of people trying to get away, debris were everywhere and some people were injured. It seemed like the end of the world.
'People were dying…'
All around the Dai Mazines began destroying buildings with little care for what they did.
'All I could do was watch…'
The young Sougo quickly hid between debris, covering his head. He was scared, only to feel something grab hold of his shoulder.
'And then, a strange man appeared.'
The young Sougo turned though the man was a complete mystery. His most notable details were a black coat and hat, the rest were covered in shadow.
"Boy, you are a natural born ruler. You will become a king, and your duty will be saving this world from destruction."
"I kept having that same dream over and over…" Sougo explained. "That's why I decided that I would become a king."
"But why…" Ruby muttered, trying to make sense of this. If Sougo was trying to stop the Dai Mazine's, why would he as Oma Zi-O control them? Something wasn't adding up. "This doesn't make sense."
Her thoughts alongside Geiz's and Sougo's were cut off however as a gold shine appeared.
Tsukuyomi gasped as the shine began to form into clocks, "Geiz!"
Ruby blinked as her eyes widened, seeing the gold clocks clump together before creating a black portal. "No…" She whispered and backed up slightly.
Out of the portal a being came through, a familiar golden armored mechanical being landing on one knee before standing.
"It's him…" Geiz glared as he and Tsukuyomi also knew of him.
Sougo blinked a bit, "A Time Jacker?"
"No… not at all," Ruby shook her head. "He's not with them at all."
Tsukuyomi and Geiz turned towards Ruby in shock, Geiz speaking up. "Wait, you know him?"
"How do you know one of Oma Zi-O's lackeys?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Oma Zi-O?" Ruby asked before her eyes widened. "He's with Oma Zi-O?!"
"Indeed, I am Kasshine, loyal retainer to Lord Oma Zi-O," Kasshine spoke. "By my overlord's decree, Geiz and Tsukuyomi will be terminated."
Before anyone could even react, especially due to Ruby's current shock, Kasshine easily sped in and swung his arms out. Geiz and Tsukuyomi gasped out as they were thrown to the ground. Kasshine then grabbed Geiz, planning on taking him out first.
Sougo began to run over, "Stop!"
"Oma Zi-O… he sent Kasshine?" Ruby questioned as she didn't want to believe that Sougo would become Oma Zi-O. But the idea that he would become that, and then send that retainer to rip her from her world… it was unsettling to say the least.
"Please stay back, my overlord. This was by your command," Kasshine called out. "Be happy I have been ordered to leave Ms. Rose unharmed."
"My command…?" Sougo trailed.
Tsukuyomi used this as her chance, sliding over and kicking Kasshine in the shin. She had managed to topple and force him to the ground. She then took aim only for Kasshine to spin himself to back up.
The retainer rushed only to be intercepted by Geiz who grabbed him by the arm and tossed him away. "Tsukuyomi!" He helped her up before quickly running off with her.
"Tsukuyomi! Geiz!" Sougo called.
Kasshine gave a growl as he leapt forward, planning on chasing after the duo of time travelers.
"The time has come," Woz called in delight. "The hands of the clock can no longer be turned back. My overlord, this is the point of no return!"
Sougo chose to ignore Woz however and looked over at Ruby, "Ruby?"
Ruby shook her head, "Sorry, thinking way too much, I really shouldn't. But…"
"Ruby what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," Sougo said as he put a hand on her shoulder. "What happened?"
"I only ever told you I got sent away by some mysterious force… but…" Ruby trailed as she stared down. "Kasshine was the guy who took me first before I met someone, and then I ended up here."
"But… if Kasshine works for Oma Zi-O…" Sougo started to realize what this meant, "Then I…"
"Yeah…" Ruby gave a nod.
Woz's eyes widened at this revelation before turning and holding his book tightly as he looked down, "My Overlord… you sent her here?" He whispered.
"Well this is amusing," Finis admitted as they paced around on a rooftop overlooking the Dai Mazine that stayed in Tokyo alongside Ora and Swartz, "Is Oma Zi-O ready to destroy this world?"
"This is happening sooner than in previous history…" Swartz admitted.
"So does that mean Oma Zi-O sent these back to start early?" Ora asked.
"Normally I'd say he's aware of our involvement…" Swartz started. "But given Roze herself, she might be the catalyst in all of this. Is he hastening the arrival of the Day of Oma because of her?"
"Zi-O's still young in 2018…" Ora started before turning. "But if he rises to power, we won't be able to stop him."
"There is something more to things than they appear…" Finis stared out towards the Dai Mazine. They then glanced back. "Where's Uhr?"
"Apparently trying to see if he can convince that other individual who stepped in during our Another Ghost plan, to become King," Swartz mentioned. "I doubt it though."
"It would be nice…" Ora admitted. "But he's not going to get anywhere."
"He may not get that Rider on our side… but he might just pick up some new tricks," Finis mentioned.
The sound of a camera shutter occurred as Tsukasa was watching the Dai Mazine from his watchtower. "So, this is all because of the little overlord? It looks like he's more trouble than I anticipated. So if those things go into motion, the world ends up in ruins?"
"In the blink of an eye apparently," Uhr replied, also with Tsukasa.
"And if I defeat Sougo Tokiwa?" Tsukasa asked.
"That will prevent the worst case scenario from happening," Uhr confirmed.
Tsukasa meanwhile went to get comfy and sat in his chair, "I see…" He drew out his Driver and looked it over. "Then the answer is obvious."
"I'll leave it to you then," Uhr said as he began to head off. "By the way thanks for the info, I'll be sure to put it to good use."
"If you can put it to good use," Tsukasa corrected. "It might not work out, so don't bank everything on it."
"Right, right," Uhr waved off the correction before walking away and vanishing.
Tsukasa rested his Driver against his forehead, "You can come out now."
"I was wondering when he'd leave," The mysterious woman he was acquainted with soon walked up the stairs. "Are you really going to stop Zi-O?"
"More so enlighten him," Tsukasa replied. "I need you to be ready just in case, it sounds like whoever started this whole game is making their move."
"Very well then," The woman gave a nod.
Geiz and Tsukuyomi had mostly managed to get away, hiding out in a warehouse and storage building district that had been abandoned and stripped down. Most areas were just empty rooms at the moment.
"Looks like we lost him for now," Tsukuyomi explained as she walked over from keeping lookout.
"I need to face what I've become…" Geiz said as he had his eyes closed, much to Tsukuyomi's confusion. He opened his eyes and looked over, "I'm a soldier. Before I came to this time, I was prepared to prevent the cataclysmic future by any means necessary."
"And now you're not…?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"There's no way he could become a despicable overlord…" Geiz replied, recalling all the good that Sougo had done as Zi-O. "At least, that's what I told myself… not to mention Ruby herself and her friendship with Zi-O. That's why I was being so soft. I need to go back to being a soldier." He said, removing his Geiz Watch from his holster and staring at it.
[SEARCH HAWK!]
The Taka Watchroid flew by before flying over to an entrance, Sougo and Ruby coming into view.
"Thank goodness, you guys are alright!" Sougo called out.
"Okay, I think I'm out of shock enough to where we need to make a plan," Ruby admitted.
"Both of you stay back!" Geiz snapped, confusing the two as they slowed to a stop. Geiz gritted his teeth, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
"What are you doing?" Ruby asked.
"I went back in time to put an end to him," Geiz called as he drew out his axe.
"Geiz…" Sougo trailed.
"Geiz, don't do this!" Ruby called out.
"I'm not listening to you anymore!" Geiz yelled as he rushed forward.
"Sougo, Aura!" Ruby called as she pushed Sougo away and dodged, the two barely missing the swing of the axe.
"R-Right," Sougo gave a nod as both he and Ruby activated their Aura.
"That will only just make it take a bit longer, without a semblance like hers your no threat," Geiz called as he went to rush at Sougo. "I'm done hesitating!"
"Geiz, stop it!" Tsukuyomi called out starting to approach with Ruby. "That's enough!"
Geiz continued on his path before a blast of energy struck near him and the others, sending him to the floor. Tsukuyomi and Ruby meanwhile tumbled back into each other and onto the ground.
"My apologies Ms. Rose," Kasshine called out as he walked into view holding his trident. "My Overlord, are you hurt?"
"You…" Sougo sneered in slight disgust.
"I will dispose of the enemy at once," Kasshine replied, ignoring the dirty look. He then began swinging his trident at Geiz, and despite the latter being a Rider, Kasshine still had the upper hand as he pinned Geiz down.
"Tsuki, you okay?" Ruby asked as she went to check if her friend was injured.
"I'll be fine, just help Geiz," Tsukuyomi replied.
"That's the plan," Ruby softly smiled before getting up.
"Stop, Geiz isn't my enemy!" Sougo yelled.
"I'm afraid I cannot comply," Kasshine rebutted as he began to drag Geiz deeper into the warehouse. "This is all for your sake!"
Ruby used Petal Burst to follow, sliding into the warehouse and initiating her transformation, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Ruby immediately drew out Crescent Rose, "Please work." She whispered before aiming and shooting Kasshine in the shoulder.
Sparks flew as Kasshine hissed out, the shot managing to do something to him. Geiz used this to kick Kasshine away from him and get distance.
"Ms. Rose you are making a mistake, if you cannot restrain yourself I will disable you," Kasshine warned as he pointed his trident towards her.
"Oh I am fully aware of my decisions, you're going down!" Ruby called out as she began to shoot at Kasshine with her rifle.
Kasshine responded by holding out his trident, blocking against the shots only to get struck in the back by Geiz's axe. Kasshine turned and swung, managing to smack Geiz away.
Sougo meanwhile entered the doorway to see the fight going on, gritting his teeth. "Listen to me damn it!" He called out to Kasshine as he initiated his transformation, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIER ZI-O!]
He began to rush forward when Tsukasa suddenly got in his way.
Sougo stopped and could only stare at the sudden interruption, "The guy who ate my dinner…"
"How about we go for round two," Tsukasa explained as he put his Driver on his waist, forming a silver strap before he opened the main buckle up. Taking out a card that held a Rider with a similar theme to the Decade Armor he slotted it in. "Henshin!"
[KAMEN RIDE: DECADE!]
Grey holograms formed around him before gathering together, forming a grey bodied Rider with black and white accents. Red holographic cards shot out as the armor formed before moving back. They then slotted into the empty green eyed helmet on his face, forming black bars as the grey portions of the armor turning a magenta coloration.
He then grabbed his bulk card holder, unfolding it to reveal a hilt before the top unfolded and extended to reveal it was a sword. Wasting no time he began assaulting Sougo, managing to get some clean hits in despite his opponent dodging back.
Sougo gasped out as he was forced back, the each hit feeling like multiple hits as Tsukasa's sword shimmered and split a few times during the slashes.
Ruby heard the sounds of fighting behind her before giving a gasp, "Sougo!" She said before turning and barely blocking Kasshine's trident with her weapon. She gritted her teeth as she twisted it before shooting the vassal directly in the face.
"Stop, I need to help Geiz and Ruby!" Sougo called out as he was pinned against a wall by Tsukasa.
"I don't think so, there are two of them." Tsukasa replied before going in for another swing.
Sougo was quick to dodge, "Why are you doing this?!"
"Good question," Tsukasa got into a grab with Sougo, keeping him in one spot. "I'm still trying to figure that out, myself." He then pushed Sougo away before slashing against his back.
"Gah," Sougo winced as he held his back, rolling on the floor.
[KAMEN RIDE: BUILD! HAGANE NO MOONSAULT! RABBITTANK! YEAHHH!]
Tsukasa stayed still as the familiar transformation of Kamen Rider Build happened, the rabbit and tank halves being slammed into him as he took that form.
"Sento's form…" Sougo stared before taking out the Decade Watch, "Then in that case!"
Tsukasa was not about to let Sougo get the upper hand, moving in and slashing. He had succeeded in forcing Sougo back before charging again.
[ARMOR TIME! KAMEN RIDE! WOW! DE~CADE!]
Sougo shot his arm up, blocking the slash by holding it against the card book portion of Tsukasa's weapon. The holographic cards then shot out, slamming into and forcing Tsukasa to stagger back. Once the full holograms with the armor pieces formed they all came together to fully form the Decade Armor.
"That Watch I gave you?" Tsukasa asked.
"And now for this…" Sougo declared as he activated Build's Watch before inserting it to initiate his forms ability.
[FINAL FORM TIME! B-B-B-BUILD!]
The shoulder lettering and barcode on the armor changed to 'Build' and 'Sparkling' as Sougo assumed Sento's RabbitTank Sparkling form, his arms, body and legs becoming that with Sparkling's face sliding into view on the main screen.
"Oh, so I get to use Sparkling now too," Sougo gripped his fists as he gave a nod. "This will work!"
"Don't get cocky," Tsukasa rushed in.
The two RabbitTank themed Riders began circling around each other, swinging and backing away. But Sougo's form had enough of an edge in speed and agility stats to outpace Tsukasa. Sougo then performed a punch, fizz bursting off of Tsukasa's chest as he was thrown back.
Tsukasa drew out a Final Attack card to try and end things early. Unfortunately for him, Sougo recognized this from his previous encounter, immediately tapping the Decade Watch's main button.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: B-B-B-BUILD!]
[B-B-B-BUILD! FINAL ATTACK TIME BREAK!]
Tsukasa jumped up, forming Build's equation chart for his finisher and sliding down on it.
Sougo jumped up as well, drawing on RabbitTank Sparkling's secondary finisher. A spiraling hourglass-shaped vortex formed that resembled a wormhole. He dove through the wormhole while kicking out, unleashing a burst of bubbles out to strike at Tsukasa as he kicked.
Tsukasa yelled out as he was thrown back from Sougo managing to win through on the finisher. He then landed on his back before swiftly lifting himself up. "Well, now I see. In that case…" He got up before reverting back into his base Decade Form. "I'm better off with this form, huh?"
Sougo was a bit surprised to see Tsukasa just ditch the fancy tricks. As a result he wasn't prepared for the rapid and powerful series of punches from the senior Rider. Even blocking the hits felt painful as he was grabbed.
"He's so strong…!" He gasped out.
Ruby was finally a bit free as Kasshine was trying to ignore her to get to Geiz. Her eyes widened when she saw Sougo being beaten down, "Sougo!"
Kasshine noticed as well, shoving Geiz away, "My Overlord!"
Tsukasa drew out his sword again, ready to swing only to get blocked by a trident. He then grunted as he was forced back by Kasshine. He tilted his head, "What's this, another friend of yours?"
"He's not!" Sougo insisted.
"It sure looks that way," Tsukasa said, Geiz going over to stand near him.
Ruby could only stare in slight horror as she saw Geiz's decision as well as how determined Kasshine was. There was Sougo and Kasshine on one side, while Tsukasa and Geiz were on the other, with her in the middle.
"Tsukasa Kadoya, I need your help." Geiz stated. "We're going to finish Zi-O, right here."
"Geiz!" Tsukuyomi called out as she rushed in. "Can you really trust him when he was sent by Woz to disrupt us last time?!"
"I'll gladly join forces with whomever," Geiz started and looked over at Ruby. "And fight whoever I have to as long as it helps stop Zi-O. Let's go."
Despite his words however there did seem to be some hesitation as he immediately turned towards Kasshine and went to fight him.
"I was trying to help you, Geiz!" Sougo called out.
"Geiz you know Sougo didn't order this!" Ruby called out.
Geiz turned towards the future king and raised his weapon, "I don't need his help, and you don't get it, he doesn't order it now, but in the future he does!" He gasped as he was struck by Kasshine's Trident and dragged away.
"Stop it," Sougo rushed over only to get sucker punched by Tsukasa and slashed back.
"Dang it, he's making this too complicated," Ruby hissed as she fired at Tsukasa's back, managing to get him to stagger. "Just stop already!"
Tsukasa turned, barely dodging out of the way of another rifle blast from Ruby. A shriek was heard though as Tsukuyomi had been nearby Tsukasa and Sougo fighting, having barely dodged Ruby's blast due to being in the way.
"Ah, Tsuki I'm sorry!" Ruby called.
That distraction was all that was needed as Tsukasa moved in, grabbing and twisting her weapon around, forcing her to move and turn. He then stabbed his sword against her chest, sending her tumbling backwards near Sougo.
"You two seem upset," Tsukasa remarked.
"Upset…?" Sougo asked.
"Don't you get it? That Geiz kid isn't on your side," Tsukasa pointed out. "But that lackey certainly is your lordship. Even little red here is on his low priority list."
"He's not my lackey!" Sougo called out.
"Listen… just because he doesn't want to target me… it doesn't make him my friend," Ruby managed to get out.
"My Overlord… Ms. Rose…" Woz called as he entered the area from a staircase. "Perhaps it is time to accept reality. None who impede his path to conquer shall receive any mercy! That is how I remember him."
"But that isn't Sougo!" Ruby called out.
"She's right," Sougo argued. "I would never want to get rid of Geiz and Tsukuyomi, or ruin the world!"
"Is that so?" Tsukasa asked while raising an arm. "Then go see for yourself."
Another aurora curtain formed behind Sougo and Ruby, the former turning to look as Ruby bolted up. Tsukasa had shifted his card case into a gun formation, tapping it gently. Tsukasa then spoke to Sougo. "Take a good long look at yourself. And see just who he truly becomes." He added to Ruby before aiming and firing.
"Watch out!" Ruby quickly grabbed onto Sougo's to shield him, crying out alongside Sougo as they were thrown into the aurora curtain.
"Sougo! Ruby!" Tsukuyomi called out as she rushed through the curtain as well before it vanished.
With the three of them gone Tsukasa turned towards where Geiz was. He then moved in, switching his gun back into its sword mode and slashing at Kasshine's back. His bladed shimmered with magenta colored energy as he managed to force the machine back.
"Let's get going," Tsukasa grabbed Geiz by the collar and ran off, dragging him along.
Woz smiled with delight, as he was excited by the possibility of his Overlord and his Younger Incarnation finally meeting. This wasn't at all in the plan but maybe this would show them what they were looking for. "Magnificent! My Overlord will cross paths with himself! What effect will this have on history?" He wondered. His smile dropped to a smirk. "And if it is he who had beckoned her…"
Earth – Wasteland, 2068
Sougo winced as he began to wake up, having blacked out briefly during the trip. "Where are we…?" He immediately sat up however once he saw he was near the Sougo Tokiwa Transformation Memorial that held the Heisei Riders all around. "Me…? The first transformation of Tokiwa Sougo… Then this is…"
"Correct, this is the year 2068," Tsukuyomi said as she walked over from the side, her appearance had slightly changed, instead of the normal white dresses she'd wear with her cape; she had a long sleeve version of her 2068 dress. "Fifty years in the future from your time."
"Wait," Sougo looked around as he stopped her explanation. "Where's Ruby?"
"Oh jeez," Ruby gasped as she popped out of some nearby dry bushes, dusting herself off. "Talk about a rough landing." She then noticed that Sougo and Tsukuyomi were staring at her. "What?"
"Ruby… your clothes," Sougo said.
"Huh?" Ruby looked down and gasped before spinning around, her huntress gear from before she had been kidnapped was back, even her red cloak. It was to the point where even Crescent Rose was holstered onto her back belt like usual. "My Huntress gear is back!" She called out before quickly looking over Crescent Rose. "And Crescent Rose still has the Rider Modifications?"
"So that's what you looked like back on your world?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Uh, yep…" Ruby admitted with a chuckle. "Guess we're cape buddies!"
"I suppose…" Tsukuyomi gave a sheepish chuckle.
"But why am I…" Ruby soon stepped back when she saw the statue. "Tsuki…"
"Yes, this is the world under Sougo's rule, as overlord." Tsukuyomi answered.
"No way…" Sougo and Ruby both muttered out at the same time.
Sougo though began making his way off toward the side, Ruby noticing and starting to follow him.
"Where are you two going?" Tsukuyomi questioned tensely, she did not need them wandering around willy-nilly in this time period.
"I want to see what this era is like," Sougo answered.
"And you know I'm not about to just split up the team," Ruby added.
Tsukuyomi could only give a sigh as she followed after the two. While she didn't want Sougo wandering around, Ruby was right in that they shouldn't split up.
Elsewhere in 2068, in the wastelands of dirt sat a stone throne raised on a platform with pillars on all four sides, a frame at the top with cloth draping down, obscuring who was sitting inside of it. This era was a lonely era, one he had accepted. Well that was until recently, and so he decided to slowly start to push things forward. Now with two presences entering the era which he recognized… he figured it was time.
"So, you wish to see me?" The man asked himself. "You, borne of my youthful days…"
Earth – Decmember 22nd 2018
Geiz was currently with Tsukasa, the two having dismissed their transformations after escaping from Kasshine. Tsukasa meanwhile explained his intentions, figuring it wouldn't hurt to let Geiz know.
"Zi-O's in 2068?" Geiz asked.
"Well, I'd feel bad if he was killed for a crime he was convinced he's innocent of," Tsukasa pointed out as he adjusted his camera. He looked over to Geiz before taking a close up shot of his face. "I figured it was time for a reality check."
"I am ever so grateful for your consideration," Woz walked out from seemingly nowhere, joining the two. "He simply refused to recognize his position as overlord."
"What the hell are you after, Woz?" Geiz questioned.
"I am simply acting as I see fit," Woz admitted, more relaxed and composed than usual.
"So I see. Well, then I'm doing the same." Geiz answered in a matter of fact tone before heading off and leaving the two to lounge about.
After Geiz left and a few more minutes had passed, Tsukasa began to straighten up and stretch.
"Now if you'll excuse me… I think it's time I start on my own ambitions," He remarked as he began to take off.
Woz glanced at Tsukasa as he left before taking a few steps forward, staring at the Dai Mazine in the distance, "I do hope that this is what you're looking for."
Earth – Wasteland, 2068
Sougo and Ruby were in shock as they entered a more built area, though built would be generous given the sight before them. It was a mess of pieces of buildings, debris scattered around, people just barely getting by with what scraps they had.
Ruby visibly winced a few times at seeing the situation. It had reminded her of what little news reports she had seen after the Fall of Beacon.
"These people… Is this all because of Oma Zi-O?" Sougo asked.
"They're still alive…" Tsukuyomi replied. "They're the luckier ones. The total world population is half of what it was in your time."
"This can't be…" Sougo trailed in shock.
"I can't…" Ruby looked around. They had briefly seen glimpses of 2068 through Tsukuyomi's recording, but she didn't think it would get as bad as this. "This is…" Her eyes widened when they had caught something coming their way, "…Ryuki?!"
Sure enough Ryuki's contract monster Dragreder was flying towards the group, though Sougo hadn't been in his Ryuki Armor to summon it.
"Huh?" Sougo turned and gave a gasp.
"Both of you look out!" Tsukuyomi quickly got in front of them, figuring that it was targeting her because of her time travel stunt with Geiz.
Screaming could be heard from all around the trio as Dragreder grew in size, circling around them and forcing anyone nearby back.
In an instant they were suddenly taken to a dead field with only dirt as far as the eyes could see. Ruby quickly drew out Crescent Rose in its rifle mode, trying to see if they were about to be attacked.
Sougo though noticed the draped throne that sat in the middle of the dead field. "Someone's there…"
"Let us speak of dreams." The man behind the curtains called.
Ruby suddenly froze in her tracks, her arms dropping as she recognized the man's voice now that they were close. "No…"
Sougo was just confused. "Dreams…?"
"This is what I once dreamt, when the world was still young to me." The man started. "Peculiar machines began laying waste to life as we knew it. All perished. I merely stood by and watched. But then a man made his presence known to me. And he spoke thus to my young ears…"
Sougo slowly started to breathe heavily, suddenly realizing who this man could be.
Tsukuyomi slowly put it together, that despite worded differently the story sounded exactly like Sougo's.
Ruby was having a grim realization at the moment, also noticing that the story was the same despite being worded differently. She tensed up and gripped her weapon tightly.
"You are a natural born ruler. You will become a king, and your duty will be saving this world from destruction."
"The same dream…" Sougo spoke up as he could hear his heartbeat. "Then this is…"
The man stood as the curtains began to rise, and as it slowly reached the top, the world around the four shattered and turned to a black void with a spotlight shining down light from above on both the throne and the trio.
Ruby looked around, recognizing this void as having a similar presence to the one she first ended up in.
Two spotlights shined from behind the man's head as the curtain fully rose, illuminating the area. Despite the lights seemingly blinding the man's facial features, everyone could make them out.
Sougo could only stare straight forward. "Me?"
"Oma Zi-O…" Tsukuyomi trailed before looking at Sougo, and then glancing at Ruby.
Ruby had to keep from dropping her weapon as she saw the man's face. Before her was very much an older Sougo. The man held all of his identifiable features… and now she only had one question plaguing her mind. Why?
Oma Zi-O began to laugh a bit at Sougo's reaction. "Why are you surprised, boy of my youth? I can understand the Young Warrior's surprise for sure. But you…?"
"Then I really am Oma Zi-O…" Sougo trailed in light shock, everything that Geiz and Tsukuyomi had said, the acts the Time Jackers had mentioned, the stuff that he had seen. He had done all of that, or rather he would do all of that in the years to come.
"You mean to say…" Oma Zi-O started. "You have refused to believe, all this time? You would deny that you become Oma Zi-O?"
"It can't be…" Sougo began to chuckle, trying to deny what was in front of him, he couldn't believe it, he didn't want to believe it. "This can't be true! It can't be!"
"It can, and it is." Oma Zi-O shook his head.
"But why…" Ruby muttered before clearing her throat, gripping her weapon tightly. She spoke clearly, "But why then? The Sougo I know, that I lived with… he wouldn't have caused all of this! And then… there's me… why would he?"
"Then you do not know me as well as you think," Oma Zi-O answered as he held a hand out towards Sougo. "I wished to become king, and bring about salvation. I am his future."
"You'd use the Rider Powers… the powers used to protect… to do all of this?" Ruby asked, only receiving a nod in response.
"I would never do any of this!" Sougo called out, agreeing with Ruby's statement. "The powers of the Heisei Riders… I'd really use them… even one's like Kuuga and Ex-Aid… to do all of this? No, I was going to become a good overlord!"
Oma Zi-O simply laughed, "And you shall! I am he, the most glorious, supreme overlord of all time."
"If that's how it is, then I'm stopping you now!" Sougo called out.
Tsukuyomi's eyes widened as she rushed and grabbed onto him, she did not need him doing something stupid, "Sougo, wait-!"
Sougo quickly pushed her away, "Move!"
"Wait…" Ruby suddenly registered what Sougo had said. "Sougo, wait!"
Sougo prepped his Watch and Driver, soon rotating it, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
The black void shattered as they were now returned to the dead field. Not missing a beat Sougo drew out his weapon in its gun mode and slotted W's watch onto it.
[FINISH TIME!]
"I'll put an end to you, and save the future!" Sougo called out before pulling the trigger.
[DOUBLE! SURE SURE SHOOTING!]
From out of the barrel of his gun came a dozen blasts of energy, half were coated in purple flames while the other half had green wind surrounding them. They snaked around before slamming straight against and all around Oma Zi-O. The blasts had ended up causing large explosions upon connecting.
As the fires faded the throne was no longer there, and in its place was Oma Zi-O fully transformed in all of his glory.
Sougo could only stare at his weapon in shock, "…Why?"
"How nostalgic," Oma Zi-O admitted. "I suppose I truly was this weak at one time…" He then held out his hand, a golden wave erupting and sending Sougo skidding backwards. It wasn't long before the young Rider crashed against the ground. "Rest assured…" Oma spoke up as he stepped forward. "In the near future, you will obtain even greater power."
"Shut up!" Sougo yelled out as he drew out his Decade Watch, naively figuring its power would be enough to close the astronomical gap between the two.
[ARMOR TIME! KAMEN RIDE! WOW! DE~CADE!]
Sougo stood ready as he took his currently strongest form, drawing out the Heisaber. Oddly enough this action had caused Oma to stop in his tracks.
"He's going to get himself killed," Ruby shook her head, breaking her shock as the safety of her friend currently came to the forefront. She was ready to move when she felt her arm grabbed before looking back.
Tsukuyomi gave a more firm look towards her friend. "You saw what he did by just holding out his hand, you really believe you can do anything?"
[HEY! KUUGA!]
[KUUGA!]
[KUUGA! DUAL TIME BREAK!]
The two quickly turned when they heard the announcements, Sougo having spun his dial all the way to Kuuga while Oma drew out the Kuuga Watch, turning the dial and activating it.
Sougo summoned Kuuga's finisher crest in front of his blade before he thrust forward, launching it towards Oma. Oma responded by side kicking it, stopping it in place. A large version of the finisher crest appeared beneath Oma before being sucked into his right boot. He then kicked the crest that he stopped back towards Sougo, it growing large and with more power.
Sougo yelled out as the crest exploded upon impact, sending him flying and slamming into the ground.
"You refuse to cease this endeavor?" Oma asked. "That is a testament to your sovereignty!"
"Shut up!" Sougo yelled out as he went for his next move.
"I can't just let Sougo get trounced like this!" Ruby called out as she gestured at the scene while pulling her arm away from her friend.
Tsukuyomi was stunned, "…you're not scared of his power?"
"I'm absolutely terrified," Ruby admitted as she readied her Driver and Ridewatch, "But I'd be a terrible friend if I let Sougo do this himself. So let me go."
"I… fine." Tsukuyomi relented, hoping that Ruby was right about this.
'Thank you Tsuki," Ruby smiled before turning and growing a more defiant face. "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Tsukuyomi began to back up, "Good luck."
"I'm going to need it," Ruby admitted as she drew Crescent Rose.
[HEY! KIVA!]
[KIVA!]
[KIVA! DUAL TIME BREAK!]
Sougo and Oma went through the same motions, Heisaber and Ridewatch respectively.
Sougo slid his hand across the blade, summoning gold energy bats that tried to swarm Oma Zi-O. Oma Zi-O however pulled out a perfectly crafted violin, playing it briefly as the gold bats tried to swarm him. A red pulse and a horn-like whistle sounded, red energy coating the bat projections and turning them to Oma's side.
The corrupted bats soon shot back towards Sougo, swarming him and littering his body with damage, sparks flying as he fell to his knees.
Oma dismissed the violin and was ready to counteract Sougo's next attack only to raise his hand and block an energy blast that was shot at him. He turned his head, seeing Ruby standing from afar. "Young Warrior, do you really believe that you can beat me?"
"I'm not sure what I can do," Ruby admitted before aiming. "But you aren't hurting Sougo!" She called out before firing again and again.
Oma simply held hand out, the shots bouncing off of an invisible field around him. He then swept his hand to the side. With his sweep a gold wave suddenly pushed against Ruby's left side.
Ruby shrieked as she was dragged across the dirt floor, tumbling a bit afterwards.
"Ruby…!" Sougo called out as he tried to go for another attack.
[HEY! RYUKI!]
[RYUKI!]
[RYUKI! DUAL TIME BREAK!]
Oma was just as fast on the draw as Sougo was despite having turned his attention to Ruby.
Sougo coated the Heisaber on fire, giving a yell and running forward. He figured Oma would have a hard time countering a close ranged attack. What he wasn't expecting was Oma's action to summon Dragreder, the contract monster spitting fire at Sougo before ramming into him several times.
"Gah!" Sougo crashed against the ground, lying on his back. "This can't be…"
Before Oma could get the next word in, Ruby used Petal Burst to launch past him and land near Sougo.
"Sougo," Ruby whispered as she held her hand near his. "I need Ghost… he keeps using the Watches you'll get, but remember…"
"Geiz stole Drive and Ghost," Sougo realized in a hushed voice. "And Tsukasa just tossed them away somewhere else."
"I think we can do this," Ruby whispered as Sougo gave a nod, discreetly handing her the Ghost Watch.
"Try whatever you think will work," Oma called out. "But I can assure you it will not."
"We'll see about that," Sougo said with a chuckle as he stood.
"Let's see you try this on for size." Ruby used Petal Burst to launch towards far off towards the side as the two prepared their attacks.
[HEY! DRIVE!]
[FINISH TIME!]
[DRIVE! DUAL TIME BREAK!]
[GHOST! SASU SASU SHOOT!]
Sougo yelled out as he slashed forward three times, sending out the same three tires as last time, the Max Flare, Funky Spike, and Midnight Shadow tires. Ruby meanwhile aimed and sent an orange blast of spiritual energy towards Oma.
[DRIVE!]
[GHOST!]
To everyone's shock, Oma had both the Drive and Ghost Ridewatch's in his hands, having pressed down on both. Suddenly Drive's main vehicle the Tridoron came into view out of seemingly nowhere, catching the tires on its three passenger side wheels.
An Ore Parka was summoned from the Ghost Watch, launching forward and catching the blast of spiritual energy before absorbing it. Soon enough its colors became swapped, becoming orange with black rimming and turning into a Special Parka.
The enhanced and modified car soon lit itself on fire, assaulting Sougo with flaming spikes and shuriken before ramming straight into him.
The Special Ore Parka launched forward, easily dodging around all of Ruby's counter blasts before spinning into an orange tornado of spiritual energy, sending her backwards and tumbling across the ground.
Tsukuyomi's eyes widened, "Ruby! Sougo!"
Oma Zi-O looked between both fallen warriors. "Will you now cease this fruitless endeavor?"
Ruby gritted her teeth as she used Crescent Rose to push herself up, "How? Geiz stole them, and then they were sent who knows where, so how do you have them?"
"She's right… you shouldn't have been able to counter us!" Sougo called out as he began to pick himself up, getting on both knees.
Oma Zi-O could only scoff before giving a small laugh, "I had honestly thought I misplaced these, and yet when I stared up at my youthful stone appearance, they clattered near me."
"You're kidding…" Sougo trailed as his body relaxed and grew limp.
"Damn it Tsukasa…" Ruby hissed out before taking aim.
Oma Zi-O could tell his younger self was at his limit, but he was surprised by Ruby's persistence, "Young Warrior, you truly wish to continue?"
"Of course I do, the minute you beat us you'll just send us away," Ruby said as she began to approach. "So I'll keep fighting, and instead of asking how… I'll ask why."
"Why?" Oma asked back.
"Why…" Ruby trailed before launching high up into air with Petal Burst she then loaded Birth's Ridewatch in before aiming Crescent Rose, "Why did you take me from my home?!"
[FINISH TIME!]
"That is your question?" Oma asked as he looked up.
[BIRTH! SASU SASU SHOOT!]
"Yes!" Ruby shouted as she began pulling the trigger, descending and spiraling as she fell but continuing to shoot at Oma. Every shot unleashed a spinning gold medal similar to the Cell Burst finisher, several crashing all around Oma before several began hitting their mark. Explosions occurred all around Oma and on top of him as Ruby continued to fire.
Sougo and Tsukuyomi could only stare at their friend, surprised to see that she'd keep fighting such a hopeless battle. The two were also were trying to see through the thick cloud of smoke the explosions had released.
Ruby then landed, falling to one knee as she began to pant. "Did I…?"
[OOO!]
Fiery wings broke through the smoke, creating a gust that blew it away as Oma stood unharmed, holding the OOO Watch in his hand.
"A valiant effort…" Oma congratulated before his tone turned more serious, "However it was ultimately and once again… futile."
"No matter what happens, I'll keep fighting until you answer my question!" Ruby shifted Crescent Rose into its scythe formation.
[BEAST! KAMA KAMA CUTTING!]
Ruby reeled her scythe back before jumping and spinning forward, swinging as golden energy arched off of it. The golden energy soon turned into an energy lion, claws and mouth outstretched and ready to bite into Oma.
[WIZARD!]
Oma had drawn out the Wizard Ridewatch to counter yet again, dozens of chains launching out and catching the golden lion despite its energy filled appearance. The chains began to constrict further and further until the energy broke apart. The chains did not stop at that however suddenly launching out and latching onto the huntress rider.
"Ghh," Ruby tried to struggle against the chains but sparks flew as they constricted further, slowly but surely forcing her up into the air.
"Don't!" Sougo called out.
Oma spoke up, but to Ruby. "Young Warrior, why do you continue to struggle?"
"I'm…" Ruby gritted her teeth as sparks flew. "I'm a Kamen Rider! I can't lose to someone like you!"
"You make it sound as if I'm not a Rider. Do not forget that I hold the power of all Riders!" Oma Zi-O spread his arms out.
"No…" Sougo managed to get out. "No," He shook his head. "You may have their powers, but you don't have their will, their spirit!" He called out, remembering Riders like Takeru, Emu, Shinji and Godai, alongside all the others he had met. "You're just parading around with their powers!"
"You insult yourself boy, you and I are the same," Oma declared.
"No…" Sougo managed to stand, using the Heisaber to lift himself up. "Unlike you I respect the Kamen Riders!"
"Hmph," Oma said nothing as he lowered a hand though the chains had yet to let up on their grip of Ruby. Suddenly the clock hands on his back glowed before rotating, forming a full circle that shot out towards Ruby, it soon engulfed her, trapping her in a sphere.
Ruby yelled out as the sphere damaged her so long as she was inside of it, being brought closer to the ground before an explosion occurred inside. Ruby gasped out as she fell to the floor, losing her transformation. Thankfully despite the damage, her Aura managed to barely remain intact, merely flickering but not breaking.
Despite being forced out of her transformation, Ruby gave a defiant stare as she lifted her head up enough to look at Oma Zi-O. She grabbed Crescent Rose and used to barely lift herself into a kneeling position. She repeated her question, "Why?"
"Do you really wish to go home that badly?" Oma asked before giving a scoff, holding out his hand towards Ruby. Gold clocks began forming underneath her before spreading out, creating a wide ring around her, a rippling black pool beneath her.
Ruby gave a gasp once she realized what happened, yelling out as she lost her footing and fell through the portal.
Sougo and Tsukuyomi took a few steps forward, "Ruby!"
The portal began to shrink down to a more human sized shape, it being lifted off the ground before being put near Oma himself. He held his left hand toward it, as if beckoning the two to follow.
Oma cleared his throat. "If you still refuse to become Overlord, then I will tell you the best course of action..."
Sougo however wasn't listening to Oma at the moment as he ran for the portal, "RUBY!" He yelled, needing more speed as he dismissed his transformation, the bulky armor lifting as he began closing in on it.
"Sougo wait!" Tsukuyomi called out as she hurried off after Sougo, she had heard Oma's sentence but now was too caught up in not leaving Sougo alone. "Wait a minute!"
"I can't just wait!" Sougo called as he quickly ran through the portal, Tsukuyomi not far behind as she entered it shortly after. The portal then closed up, vanishing and leaving the Overlord alone once more.
"…Follow your friend without hesitation and start a new chapter in your life," Oma said, despite no one being there anymore. "And in this new chapter you will attain new clarity to aid you in changing the fate of two worlds."
Oma could only stare out at the desolate landscape before him, giving a chuckle to himself as he looked back towards where the portal once was.
"My young self… I look forward to witnessing the future that you've chosen."
Off to the side, the sky shimmered and revealed a golden rimmed wavy projection. It showed the inside of an empty factory, Kasshine walking through the entrance to meet with Geiz.
Earth – Decmember 22nd 2018
Kasshine gave a hum as he saw Geiz approaching from the entrance of the factory, "So you had yet to learn your lesson. I figured you would run like the coward you are but I guess I was wrong."
"If I keep running I'll never be able to beat Oma Zi-O," Geiz answered as he came to a stop, his Driver on and two Ridewatches in his hands.
"You cannot defeat my Overlord regardless," Kasshine replied before pointing forward. "You had so many chances to defeat him yet you could not."
"Once I defeat you I'm heading back to 2068, then I'll settle the score," Geiz glared as he locked both Ridewatch's into place.
[GEIZ! FAIZ!]
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[ARMOR TIME! COMPLETE! FAIZ!]
Geiz summoned his base suit before allowing the Faiz Armor to latch on, bringing out both the Faiz Shot but also his Faizphone X in gun mode.
"En Garde," Kasshine called as he pointed his trident forward before moving closer.
Geiz charged forward, yelling and shooting constantly. "I won't lose!"
The machine was predictable and held its trident in a defensive manner, stopping as it blocked against the energy blasts.
Geiz continued to pelt Kasshine with the energy blasts as he closed in. Once close enough he reeled back his arm with the Faiz Shot before punching forward. "Take this!"
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"What the hell were those?"
"Another armored freak showed up?"
"If you truly wish to change the future, you must go elsewhere."
"Ah, sorry about jumping in, but I'm here to help!"
"I'm home…"
Chapter 21: Roze to Remnant
Author's Note: Oh you have no idea how long I've been waiting for this chapter. If you thought we'd be running through Zi-O without any breaks in between well… here's a shocker. Now here's a fun fact about the title for the next chapter, no I did not name the story Roze from Remnant just to make that title. I had only come up with it as I was approaching writing the chapter. Also now that we're not on Earth for the moment it's time for a minor change in chapter names since well, Remnant has no like official date that I can find. So say goodbye to the 20XX dates for now in titles.
I should mention since I was asked, I do plan on utilizing Barlckxs the suit for sure. That has not left the table, it's just that SOUGO the character is off the table.
Now of course my previous statement from the last Author Note still stands, if you have any questions involving Arc 1 of Roze from Remnant, feel free to ask, the deadline is the 24th of July.