Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 42 – Return to Mirror World F:2002
"In this book average High Schooler Tokiwa Sougo once embarked on a path that set him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O. For now he chooses to simply call himself a Kamen Rider." Woz narrated in his usual black void, sitting near the clock that blended into it. He stared at the book he held open.
Images inside his book depicted Weiss losing her Quiz Rider powers alongside Shiro-Woz utilizing Futurering Quiz were seen. The future Rider easily dispatched of Another Quiz without much effort.
"Shiro-Woz, an iteration of me from an alternate future, has stolen the power of Kamen Rider Quiz from Miss Schnee. All to ensure Kamen Rider Geiz become the future's savior. And I, now known as Kuro-Woz, begin my counter strike."
Standing up he closed his book and began to walk off, "I have been quite patient my Overlord, but it is time for you to realize your true nature."
Earth – Early February 2019
Uhr was currently at a building being renovated, several works carrying supplies in alongside two in particular trying to handle la rather large mirror. He had frozen time, a large stone in his hand before he threw it at the mirror, it shattering. He snapped his fingers and reversed time briefly, the stone coming back to his hand as the mirror fixed itself. He continued to do this constantly for seemingly no reason whatsoever, even continuing to do so when Swartz arrived to talk to him about the situation.
"These events have been most troubling. The other Woz has taken the lead in gaining an advantage over everyone," Swartz admitted as he walked over. "Not only does he grow stronger but his goal grows closer. I figured that Roze and her friends would keep him at bay long enough for us to obtain a stronger Another Rider but I was mistaken. At this rate, ZI-O and Geiz will be fighting over the throne on the Day of Oma."
Uhr kept throwing the stone, shattering the glass, and rewinding time, repeating this action over and over. He had kept doing this as Swartz gave the small monologue, paying attention to his leader but keeping his focus still on the mirror.
"Are you listening?" Swartz questioned.
"I've got a prime candidate for king," Uhr answered before throwing the stone and shattering the mirror. As it shattered a loud and familiar ringing sound could be heard as the two Time Jackers winced from it.
"That sound…" Swartz winced before realizing what Uhr was doing. "Don't tell me?"
From the ringing mirror a figure appeared in the reflection. A man in grey pants with a red sweater, a blue and white line checkered coat over his body as his face was kept out of view.
"A pathway that opens up once every thousand or so times a mirror breaks…" Uhr spoke up. "It opens to a lost world that exists inside them. Or so Tsukasa Kadoya told me…"
"Holding onto this information all this time?" Swartz asked.
"I figured now could be beneficial," Uhr admitted. "I mean, Another Kikai hasn't shown up yet right?"
"No it hasn't," Swartz shook his head. "I expected it by now but it seems like it's taking longer than the others…"
"Regardless, that destroyer told me that you would be waiting there," Uhr directed his attention to the man within the mirror, walking over and holding out a Blank Ridewatch. A blackened and modified version of Another Ryuki's face appeared on the Anotherwatch as it fully formed, "Form a contract with me. Do that and you'll be connected to this world."
The man reached out from the mirror, grasping the Anotherwatch before the hand sunk back in.
[RYUGA!]
In a tunnel made of glass a black version of Another Ryuki walked forward, it having gold lining as the dravisor-like gauntlet was now on its right hand, it holding its sword with its left. The date was now on the right breastplate, it being a mirrored 2002, the name was on the left breastplate and read Ryuga while also mirrored.
As it walked forward in order to fulfill its mission it was unaware of two presences behind it. In fact both presences while being in the same area as Another Ryuga, were undetected by even the Time Jackers. Through the glass reflective world two teens began to walk towards each other. One was a boy with brown hair while the other was a girl with choppy black hair that held a red gradient at her tips.
"Connecting this lost world to the present allows many dark aspects to come to the surface," The boy remarked as he walked forward.
The girl could only chuckle as she walked past the boy, "Aspects such as us, we're needed to make sure that things can truly move forward."
Both figures walked away from each other before vanishing completely.
3 Days Later…
[RIDER TIME!]
[KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
[KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
"Take this!" Sougo called, slashing with his sword.
"You're going down!" Geiz called as he slashed with his axe.
Both Sougo and Geiz slashed against Another Ryuga who had been caught attacking a utility worker. Despite their attacks all they did were make small scratches against the surfaces of the armor, sparks barely emerging instead of flying like usual.
Taking advantage of their ineffective attacks the Another Rider slashed against Sougo once he came close before unleashing a flurry of black flames against Geiz.
Both Riders gasped as they were sent staggering back and away from the Another Rider. The two split away from each other as Tsukuyomi moved in holding out her hand.
Another Ryuga gasped as it was suddenly frozen in place, static and glitch filling its body.
Tsukuyomi gave a nod, "Try to attack no-"
Suddenly a twisted and pointed mirror of cobbled together shards formed in front of the Another Rider, showing a reflection of Tsukuyomi activating her powers. The time traveler could only give a gasp as she was frozen in place, having succumbed to her own time stop.
"Even her powers?" Sougo asked.
Another Ryuga quickly broke free of the time stop that it had been placed under, yelling and slashing forward.
[KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
"Not happening," the slash was suddenly blocked by Silver Crescent as Ruby had leapt into the battle via a flurry of silver petals. She then kicked the Another Rider away before switching her weapon's firing function.
[RYOSHI SASU!]
Taking aim she began firing blasts of light at the darkened Another Rider, the blasts of light causing sparks to fly as the Another Rider stumbled to its knees. Ruby was ready to cheer before giving a yelp when another twisted mirror appeared in front of Another Ryuga.
Blasts of light were launched back out towards Ruby from the mirror, a series of Glyphs suddenly forming between her as the blasts impacted and shattered the Glyphs instead.
"You dolt, mirrors can easily reflect light!" Weiss called out as she stepped forward, holding Myrtenaster out.
"Okay but how did it affect Tsukuyomi's abilities?" Sougo asked.
"Who knows, we need to take that thing out now," Geiz called out. "Try stronger non-light based attacks!"
"Then it's Decade time!" Sougo initiated the form change for his strongest available form.
[ARMOR TIME! KAMEN RIDE! WOW DE~CADE!]
Sougo quickly rushed in and brought out the Heisaber, stabbing forward and striking against Another Ryuga's chest. To his surprise the Another Rider had barely felt it before countering with black flames. Sougo yelped as he staggered back before turning the dial of his Heisaber.
[HEY! FOURZE!]
"Let's try this on for size!" Sougo gathered energy in his blade before stabbed forward.
[FOURZE! DUAL TIME BREAK!]
Suddenly an orange rocket made of energy formed and slammed into Another Ryuga, pinning it against the wall before exploding. Despite this, yet another mirror showed up before launching the same rocket right back at Sougo.
Everyone gave a yell as the rocket slammed into Sougo before exploding and sending him backwards into them all.
Another Ryuga began to walk forward before several bullets and explosive shots passed in front of it. It turned to see Blake and Yang off to the side, and wielding their weapons.
"Hey ugly," Yang called out as she readied her transformation, drawing out her Screwder and Spannerder, "Try taking me on for size."
Another Ryuga said nothing and only hissed out as it quickly bolted away, turning a corner as it tried to lose the Riders and Huntresses.
Blake and Yang immediately bolted after him while everyone else managed to stumble back to their feet before following. To everyone's surprised however they saw Yang and Blake standing at a dead end near where the victim was, with no sign of the Another Rider in sight.
"Where did he go?" Sougo asked before seeing the victim on the ground, "Hey are you alright?!"
Everyone else looked around, trying to find the Another Rider but after a while simply gave up, dismissing their transformations and walking over to help Sougo with the victim.
After making sure the victim was alright and didn't need to go to the hospital, everyone chose to regroup at 9-5-DO since Junichiro wasn't around at the moment. The group of seven was all over the front of the store as they discussed what happened.
"But seriously, you all didn't see anything when you chased it?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"No clue," Yang shrugged. "We ran after him and he's just not there after we turned the corner."
"This Another Rider is getting ridiculous because that was a clear dead end too." Ruby gave a groan before counting her fingers. "This is what?"
"The fourth time it's gotten away from us," Tsukuyomi noted, "And that's because we had all members on board today."
"Sorry about our late arrival," Blake apologized.
"Its fine," Weiss reassured. "These appearances are so sudden unless all of us are together then we won't all make it at the same time."
"Yeah, Weiss and I only just showed up in the middle of the fight," Ruby admitted.
"So what exactly is the deal with this guy?" Yang asked. "You all said he was familiar but different?"
"Yeah, he looked like Another Ryuki," Sougo replied. "But his name is different and backwards, plus he's not silver and red."
"He has new abilities too," Geiz pointed out as he went to sit at the front table. "Showing up out of nowhere and vanishing… having extremely sturdy armor to where special attacks are needed… and then having the ability to reflect those attacks."
"The fact that Silver Roze also doesn't seem effective on him," Ruby sighed and crossed her arms, "How do we even beat him?"
"We might have to risk our lives in the process," Geiz warned in a grim fashion.
"I'd rather us not have to do anything drastic, thank you," Weiss huffed.
"Is it just me or are the Another Riders getting harder and harder to beat?" Sougo asked as he leaned on one of the display cases in exasperation.
"The Time Jackers are probably targeting the Day of Oma, too," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"So what exactly is the Day of Oma again?" Yang asked.
"According to our history, it's the day that Sougo would obtain the power of Oma Zi-O, bringing about the end of the world," Geiz looked over to a chess set that was out, taking a brown king piece and looked it over before slamming it in the center of the board, his action sending all the other pieces tumbling off. "That's the day of Oma."
"Which is weird that it's still a thing," Ruby admitted. "Given Sougo doesn't want that power."
"Even if I did, Shiro-Woz said that Geiz would be able to beat me, right?" Sougo asked, going over to the table before taking a white knight piece, tipping over the placed brown king before setting the new piece down. "And then he becomes the Savior."
"Shiro-Woz is from a different future than ours," Tsukuyomi answered. "Either way, whether or not it's in its original form, the Day of Oma or something similar will decide which future will be ours."
"But the Time Jackers want a future different from either of those," Geiz pointed out as he held up a brown bishop before placing it down while knocking the white knight piece over, "Which is why they want an Another Rider that none of us can beat."
"Okay, so basically this Day of Oma is what everyone is working towards…" Yang crossed her arms, "Sounds simple enough to remember."
"Despite it being pretty low stakes right now… it makes me anxious about how massive this could end up being," Blake admitted.
"Geiz, Tsukuyomi," Sougo looked towards his two friends. "What future do you two want?"
"I…" Tsukuyomi stared for a bit before looking at her own hand. She was sure she wanted a future with no Oma Zi-O, that's why she came to this time. But she was hesitant to really think past that, especially due to her powers that only the Time Jackers held.
"What about you Geiz?" Sougo asked as he noticed Tsukuyomi's uncomfortable look, he turned towards the male Rider. "Are you gonna listen to Shiro-Woz?"
Geiz looked down to the side, "There's no way I'd trust him. Even though Blake and Weiss are alright I still dislike his underhand methods."
"But you and Shiro-Woz both want to keep me from becoming an overlord, right?" Sougo asked. "What future is that?"
"I can't say…" Geiz admitted. "You still walk the path of a Rider, even if you did want to become a King again… I'd only take you out if you showed signs of becoming Oma Zi-O."
"First things first," Tsukuyomi spoke up as she noticed the silent tension that was growing between Ruby and Yang as the talk progressed further. She drew out her tablet and began pulling up information she found , "We need to find a way to beat the Another Rider."
"How exactly are we going to find someone who's impossible to track?" Weiss asked.
"Well this was technically a prior case for you guys right?" Blake spoke up. "Couldn't we ask one of the Riders from there?"
"There's a slight issue with that…" Ruby trailed when she heard the topic of Ryuki come up. "Ryuki doesn't exist right now."
"I thought that the Riders don't get erased though?" Weiss asked.
"In our new normal way, no they don't," Geiz admitted. "Because of Ryuki's nature his endpoint when he was active resulted in his erasure from the timeline."
"So unless any of them are directly involved, we won't find anything out because no one remembers what happened in 2002," Ruby added in an almost bittersweet tone.
"And even when they were Riders again they only had feelings of déjà vu," Sougo added.
"Ugh, so how do we get a lead?" Yang groaned.
"I've looked for similarities in the victims…" Tsukuyomi spoke up as she held her tablet forward, "Ore Journal."
Geiz raised an eyebrow, "Ore Journal?"
"If you search the victims' social media, they all used to follow a news site called Ore Journal," Tsukuyomi explained as she pulled up profiles of the victims, using the tablets data scan feature to show a common website between all three.
"What was it, just some old website?" Sougo asked. "I've never heard of it…"
Ruby gave a thoughtful look, "I think I came across that name a few times during my research, but…"
"Right now the sites not active anymore," Tsukuyomi said, going to the website only to receive a closure notice.
"There has to be a correlation," Geiz replied.
"We should see if anyone knows about it," Sougo suggested. "I doubt we'll be able to find much on the web."
"So wait, what are we supposed to do?" Blake asked, "Just run around town and ask?"
"Well there's seven of us right?" Ruby looked around, "We'll split into three groups, two groups of two and one group of three."
The search had turned out to be extensive and somewhat of an issue due to the lack of leads when it came to Ore Journal. Geiz had paired up with Tsukuyomi, Blake with Yang, which left Sougo working with Ruby and Weiss. While the first two groups didn't seem to have much in the way of leads, Sougo's group had managed to get a somewhat lead.
Their lead had led them to a fishing pond of all places, various short benches scattered about as everyone minded their own business. Weiss decided to keep her distance while Sougo and Ruby approached their target.
It was an older man wearing all black with slicked back hair. He had an unconcerned look as he simply stared wistfully into the spot he had cast his line into, waiting for a bite.
"Excuse us…" Ruby politely called to the man as she and Sougo approached.
"You're the editor-in-chief of Ore Journal, Mr. Ookubo, right?" Sougo asked.
The man, Daisuke Ookubo lazily looked over to the two with a questioning noise, "Well, former editor-in-chief…" He turned back to looking at his fishing line.
Ruby stayed where she was while Sougo hurried to the other side, "Why did you close the site?"
"Ore Journal's whole focus was investigating tips sent in by readers," Daisuke admitted in a deflated tone. "These days' people just post everything on their own feeds. I guess you could say we couldn't see eye to eye with the times…"
"That's a shame," Ruby admitted, having a tip website at her disposal might have been easier than scrolling through dozens of social media accounts back when she started researching Riders, "I know that I could have used something like that since Social Media while useful, is a bit of a mess."
"Wait when you say "we", you mean the people you worked with?" Sougo asked.
Daisuke couldn't help but give a soft smile at Ruby's words, his smile growing as he reminisced of his team from before, "Oh yeah, they were a rowdy bunch… Especially him…"
Sougo was curious, "Him?"
"There was this reporter, Shinji Kido…" Daisuke explained. "Very hot-blooded and naïve, would stick his nose in places it shouldn't be. He was quite a guy, but I haven't seen him in forever."
The former editor-in-chief was unaware of the looks shared by Ruby and Sougo when they heard Daisuke bring up Shinji's name. The two had to keep from yelling in surprise at the coincidence that had occurred.
"Um, do you have any idea where he is now?" Ruby asked.
"I don't know if he changed his address but I can give it to you," Daisuke answered as he relayed the information to Ruby who jotted it down on her phone.
"Thank you for your time," Sougo said before heading off, Ruby following after him.
The two were seemingly unaware of their reflections in the water not following after them and simply looking in their direction before following.
Weiss crossed her arms as she looked at her approaching friends, "So how did it go? Was he the right guy?"
"Yeah he was," Sougo nodded.
"But we've opened up a whole new layer to this case," Ruby admitted as she began sending messages to the full team. "Everyone needs to hear this so let's regroup at the address I just got."
After getting everyone's attention the groups had managed to converge outside of Shinji Kido's apartment complex. Of course without a name or reason as to why the complex was chosen, everyone including Geiz was confused by the location.
"Okay so why are we grouped in front of an apartment again?" Geiz asked.
"Yeah, seemed like an odd meeting place," Yang remarked.
"Right at first glance," Sougo replied. "But it's who lives here that's important."
"So you guys did find a lead?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"We managed to get a lead which was the former editor-in-chief of the Ore Journal," Weiss explained. "And apparently he had just the information we needed."
"Ore Journal wasn't able to keep up with the times so that's why it closed," Ruby explained. "But our lead isn't the site closing… it's who worked for it."
"Who was it?" Blake asked.
"Only two of you actually remember him," Sougo replied. "But we talked about him briefly during our stories of the Riders we met. It's Shinji Kido, Kamen Rider Ryuki."
"Of all our luck…" Tsukuyomi trailed in shock.
Geiz' eyes widened, "Kamen Rider Ryuki?"
"But didn't you say they don't remember what happened?" Weiss questioned. "How is he a good lead?"
"He may not have his memories anymore, but if he's connected to Ore Journal then he has a stake in this case," Ruby answered.
"Not to mention that dark Ryuki…" Sougo added as he put a hand to his chin, "There has to be a connection between the two."
"Well if he's our best lead I suggest we get started," Yang said.
"Right," Sougo gave a nod and led everyone up the steps to the apartment before starting to knock on the room number they were given, 401. Thankfully they seemed to have the right information too as the name labeled the apartment under a Kido.
Though surprisingly there was no answer from the apartment, despite all the knocks there was no answer for several minutes.
"Mr. Kido?" Ruby called out, hoping that there would be an answer.
Tsukuyomi and Blake however began to notice something off with the apartment, the fact that the windows didn't seem to be covered up normally. The two began to check separate windows as they noticed that they were covered by newspaper of all things.
"I guess he's out…" Sougo sighed.
"Hang on, something's not right…" Tsukuyomi mentioned.
"Why are newspapers covering the windows?" Blake questioned.
"That's it," Geiz grabbed the door and managed to pull it open only to get stopped by the chain lock. Pulling it forward enough he peaked in with Sougo and Ruby the three's eyes widening.
While they were unsure if it was Shinji, the trio had seen a man face down on the floor and unmoving in the back of the apartment.
"Oh no," Geiz immediately used his strength to tear open the door by breaking the chain, rushing in alongside the others.
Moving in deeper, everyone further in as well as at the entrance would see something extremely wrong with the apartment. Several areas, but especially windows had been covered up by newspaper.
Geiz immediately held his high collar close to his nose, "Careful, it could be carbon monoxide poisoning!"
Everyone immediately used their clothing or hands to cover their mouths at those words.
"Open the windows!" Tsukuyomi called out as she rushed to check on Shinji with Geiz.
Sougo meanwhile began ripping as much newspaper off the windows as possible with Weiss opening them up shortly afterwards. Ruby, Blake and Yang went back towards the front and ripped the newspaper off the windows there before opening them up.
The light shining through had managed to just barely giving Shinji enough of a reaction as he tried to reach out, "Don't… Don't take those down… he'll come back…" He gave a gasp before falling unconscious.
"Shinji… Shinji," Sougo called out as he tried to shake the former Rider awake only for no luck to occur.
"We need to get him out of here," Geiz replied. "He needs to go to a hospital."
"We should go for Seito University like we did before," Blake suggested. "Especially if he used to be a Rider, we need to keep an eye on him."
"Right," Ruby gave a nod before heading outside to call an ambulance.
At Seito University Hospital, the group had managed to get Shinji admitted with little to no issues thanks to Emu. Geiz and Tsukuyomi had chosen to wait in the lobby while Sougo alongside Team RWBY were outside of Shinji's current room to talk to Emu about everything going on.
"Thankfully it's nothing life threatening, he just need some rest and clean air," Emu explained as he discussed the current situation. "I'm glad you managed to show up when you did, if he had been left in a room like that for much longer there might have been more severe complications."
"That's a relief to hear," Weiss admitted.
"Just make sure that those newspapers are taken down and that apartment is aerated," Emu suggested. "The last thing he needs is to go back there and be sent back."
"That's what we were doing while we were waiting," Yang replied.
"So he just needs rest?" Sougo asked.
"Yes," Emu gave a nod. "I'm surprised though that you all specifically chose this hospital again, is something going on?"
"It might be a bit hard to believe but well… Shinji used to be a Rider," Ruby explained before trying to figure out how to explain this, "Ryuki's this weird thing with mirrors and alternate timelines… but well, we think things are resurfacing and…"
"Wait did you say something about mirrors?" Emu stopped her as he recalled a few memories, "How did these Riders transform?"
"Uh yeah, there was this place called the Mirror World," Sougo gave a nod. "And they used this like colored card case to transform."
"I never actually met Ryuki… but I did run into two other Riders on separate occasions that were connected to Mirror's like he was," Emu explained, "Kamen Rider Ouja and Kamen Rider Zolda."
"You know who he's talking about?" Yang asked her sister.
"We never ran into those two," Ruby shook her head.
"Be glad you didn't with the first at least," Emu admitted in a more serious expression. "But yes I've dealt with them before."
"That's impossible though," Sougo replied.
"Why?" Emu asked.
"They never happened," Ruby replied. "That's what I was trying to get to. Ryuki existed but as of right now it's like his battles never happened."
"…What?" Emu asked before shaking his head, "Maybe it was a different iteration or something involving those two then."
"Mr. Kido mentioned someone was after him," Blake spoke up to change topics. "Will he be okay here?"
"He'll be safe at this hospital," Emu reassured. "I've got just the bodyguard to make sure no one tries to hurt him."
"We'll leave him to you," Ruby said before turning and leaving with her team.
Emu gave a nod before noticing Sougo staring at the room Shinji was in. He gave a smile before walking over to Sougo, wanting to catch up briefly.
"Emu?" Sougo asked, noticing his senior Rider walk over.
"How have you been?" Emu asked. "It's been a while right?"
"Yeah," Sougo gave a nod. "And I've been fine."
"That's good," Emu smiled. "What about your dream to be King? How's that working out since I'm sure you've met a lot more Riders since we last met."
"I uh…" Sougo hesitated to answer before shaking his head, "I don't want to be king anymore… I'm just going to be a Kamen Rider."
"I see… well that's a shame," Emu admitted as he noticed Sougo spoke in a more doubtful tone, "Despite how weird it sounded at first, it felt endearing when you mentioned why you wanted to become one."
Sougo stared at the senior rider, "Really?"
"Your heart is in the right place, no matter how odd or big that dream is," Emu admitted as he patted the younger rider on the shoulder, "Just keep working hard, alright?"
"R-Right…" Sougo said before taking off back to the lobby to join the others.
"There you are," Geiz was patiently tapping his foot, "Did Emu have anything else to say?"
"He just wanted to catch up a bit," Sougo admitted.
"Oh that's nice," Ruby replied. "We were just telling Geiz and Tsukuyomi about Shinji's situation."
"It's honestly a relief," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"I still wonder why his room was like that." Sougo questioned.
"I've actually been curious about how quickly it got away," Tsukuyomi said as she began swiping through her tablet. "And I did come up with something."
Soon enough her tablet showed off various cameras that showed the most recent incident of a utility worker. Nearby were a set of standing mirrors that Another Ryuga walked out of, the glass around them shimmering and warping like water.
"Oh come on, he can go into and out of mirrors?" Weiss asked.
"Okay yeah we've not seen any Mirror Rider do that before," Ruby admitted.
"Maybe not what we've seen," Geiz pointed out. "But Ryuki was dozens of failed timelines remember? It could have happened in one of the earlier iterations that wasn't a time trap."
"It isn't just mirrors by the way," Blake called to grab everyone's attention.
The footage showed Another Ryuga retreating and going through the reflective surface of a nearby van that was around the corner.
"So any reflective surface will do, that explains the windows," Weiss noted as she crossed her arms, "The issue here is how do we track or predict it?"
"I mean, Shinji might know?" Sougo realized. "Maybe this incident is awakening some déjà vu?"
"He couldn't predict it either though and risked his life by covering everything up," Geiz pointed out.
"At most he might be connected to this black Ryuki," Blake added.
Weiss gave a nod, "Which is why we should try and visit to keep an eye on him regardless of the security Emu has."
"Even then there's still the other issue of it being able to reflect any attack," Tsukuyomi pointed out, "Silver Roze was our ticket for destroying any kind of Another Rider, but its light based attacks aren't useful in the slightest against something that can bounce that light back."
"There's only one thing I can think of…" Geiz admitted as he began to walk away to distance himself from the group.
"What is it?" Sougo asked.
"Make sure he's defeated before the attack is reflected," Geiz replied. "But the attack will still come back towards whoever did it, so they'll go down in the process."
"Hey now let's not get too reckless," Yang spoke up.
"That's rich coming from the girl who needs to get hit to activate her Semblance," Geiz remarked before waving it off, "Regardless it's a high risk that I'd only use if necessary."
"This is probably another way they want to try and cut down our numbers," Blake added as she shot Yang a quickly look. "This time it's through more brutal means than losing access to our Rider powers."
"That whole idea sounds impossible anyway…" Sougo sighed as he ruffled his hair, "Besides, how do you beat him before the attack comes back?"
"For now let's get some rest," Ruby suggested. "It's getting pretty late."
The Next Day
At 9-5-DO Sougo woke up earlier than usual which his uncle had noticed.
Junichiro was cleaning some mugs as he took note, "Mornin' Sougo, up early?"
"I had some trouble sleeping," Sougo admitted but spoke no further. Ever since he had gotten back to Earth he always had this nagging feeling. He proudly denounced wanting to be an King or Overlord on Remnant, and yet little by little, he sort of missed the usual interactions he used to do. The more the overlord stuff was brought up, the more he thought about his dream which wasn't entirely forgotten.
"Here you go," Junichiro smiled at his nephew and handed him a tray of his breakfast.
Sougo though noticed something off, "Huh, where are Geiz and Tsukuyomi?"
"Oh, they were having trouble sleeping too," Junichiro was currently wiping the empty table that would normally be filled by now, "They left early. Something happen?"
"They did…?" Sougo questioned, wondering what was going on with them.
"Oh, by the way, are you going to see your friend today?" Junichiro asked, when he saw his nephew look at him oddly he began to make gestures towards his hair, imitating the bang that Woz had alongside mimicking putting on a scarf, "The one who kinda has, like…" He said before seeing that Sougo understood. He gave a slight distressed expression, "I've fixed my share of things in my life, but nothing like this! The most I could do was clean it up a bit."
Sougo had nearly managed to forget the strange Armor Time Ridewatch that Woz had presented a while back after the Another Quiz incident. Though as soon as he was handed it his eyes widened as he remembered being shocked that Woz had something like this.
"This is…" Sougo trailed.
"I don't need to be paid, but could you ask him what it is?" Junichiro asked.
"Why is there a Zi-O version…?" Sougo muttered as he recognized it resembling the structure of the Silver Roze Ridewatch.
Needless to say he pocketed it before going to eat his breakfast. After finishing up he went to get dressed up and head out, deciding to see if Team RWBY might have any ideas.
"The victims are all connected to Ore Journal…" Sougo trailed as he walked alone through the city, "Shinji Kido used to work at Ore Journal and was Kamen Rider Ryuki… A black Another Ryuki who can travel through reflective surfaces. Need to beat him before the attack comes back…"
"Greetings, my Overlord. What a splendid day," Woz called out as he walked out from behind a tree and began following Sougo.
"Sorry Kuro-Woz, I'm kind of busy here," Sougo sighed, as much as he loved his friends help, he knew that Woz was going to be odd about this Another Rider purely because it wasn't like the last two.
"Such a cold shoulder," Woz called out. "But nevertheless you continue to show your wit, trying to figure things out given all the clues present."
"Well there has to be something right?" Sougo asked as he turned and began walking backwards. "I mean after all, the Another Rider seems to be based on Ryuki."
"No, I'm afraid it is not that simple," Woz shook his head as he followed. He then held up his book with a smile, "As it is written, the Another Rider's existence is tied to a lost world of mirrors."
"So one of the failed timelines then," Sougo realized.
"Exactly," Woz answered. "It is no hyperbole to say that he cannot be beaten."
"So even with Silver Roze we can't huh?" Sougo asked to which he received a nod. He gave a sigh before turning and continuing on.
"I'm afraid even with her power, because mirrors reflect light, she cannot best this Another Rider," Woz explained as he continued to follow. "But…"
"You want me to use this Watch, don't you?" Sougo asked as he held up the new Ridewatch that Woz had left at 9-5-DO.
"Keenly observed, I worried that my approach was too subtle," Woz admitted.
"That's your idea of subtle?" Sougo asked skeptically before looking the Ridewatch over, "So is this how you figured out Silver Roze could beat any Another Rider? Also where's the other piece?"
"That is the only necessary part my Overlord," Woz answered as he kept his stride, "I am not sure how Ms. Rose obtained hers, but when I got a better look at the shape I knew that hers could best any Another Rider because of the similarities. Regardless, if you wish to solve this dilemma you will use it."
"This is part of becoming Oma Zi-O… isn't it?" Sougo asked carefully as he slowed to stare at the Watch.
"Indeed," Woz explained as he soon loomed over Sougo's shoulder. "Originally you would have used this on the Day of Oma. When you become Oma Zi-O, no foe can hope to stand against you. So why not hasten its usefulness?"
"Woz… you know I don't want to be an overlord anymore, that I want to live as a Kamen Rider," Sougo answered as he stepped away from Woz to glance at him.
"Is that lie for me, or for you?" Woz asked in a more serious manner. "While your declarations are loud, your true feelings are still stronger. No matter how hard you push it down, you cannot deny what you truly want to be."
Sougo could only stare at Woz before looking back at the new Ridewatch, pocketing it before hurrying off.
"Your silence speaks volumes," Woz answered as he stopped following, a content smile on his face. "Let us put an end to the machinations of my other self and Geiz! My Overlord, let this moment be known as the launch of our counterattack!"
Geiz and Tsukuyomi were surprised to hear from Yang so early in the morning, the two deciding to head out on their own as a result. After eating breakfast they had gone to a set of bridges to meet with both Yang and Blake.
"So what's this about?" Geiz asked.
"It is odd that you called us here this early," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"Trying to stop you before you do anything stupid," Yang spoke up as she walked over. "Because you're still thinking about your plan aren't you?"
"It's something that only I can do," Geiz answered, "Even if it might kill me."
"Geiz you know you can't do that," Tsukuyomi called out in concern.
"We're not risking anyone's life in this," Blake replied as she crossed her arms, "Even yours."
"Do you or Yang actually care about my life?" Geiz asked before going to lean on the ledge of the bridge. "Or do you care because losing my life means no Geiz Revive."
Yang's blinked a few times, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I can already tell you two still aren't comfortable with Zi-O," Geiz replied. "Especially when it came to the end of that argument you and Ruby had, so you're banking on Geiz Revive."
"We just want you to take your life seriously," Blake called out as her ears flicked in annoyance, "Besides we can't trust Shiro-Woz."
"Yeah, he's been a bit too shady," Yang added.
"I am hurt," Shiro-Woz called out as he was leaning nearby suddenly which startled everyone. "And here I thought we could all get along, as all of us have the common goal of not wanting Oma Zi-O in power."
"You don't speak for all of us," Tsukuyomi narrowed her eyes.
"Such bite," Shiro-Woz remarked as he waltzed around. "But I can tell the fear is building in a few of you. So an alliance would do us good."
"After what you did with Blake and Weiss, fat chance," Yang answered, while it was true she wanted some insurance against Oma Zi-O, she was still suspicious of Shiro-Woz. Not to mention Sougo was at least relatively harmless at the moment.
"Tell me something," Geiz spoke up, reminded of Sougo's question from the prior day, "Hypothetically… Let's say I defeat Zi-O on the Day of Oma, like you're hoping. What kind of future does that bring? What reality do you hope for?"
"One not so different than this period of time," Shiro-Woz smiled before looking over to see various people enjoying themselves, "A world at peace, like time itself has stopped… what more could one ask for?"
"Is that so?" Yang couldn't help but look at where Shiro-Woz was looking, putting a hand on her hip.
"Peace like time itself has stopped, huh?" Geiz remarked though he was unsure by this prospect, he knew what it was like for when time stopped for people. More specifically for his friends that sacrificed themselves against Oma Zi-O.
"Is that all, or was there something you needed?" Shiro-Woz asked.
"I want to beat the Another Rider with that notebook of yours," Geiz immediately answered.
Blake gave a concerned look, "Geiz?"
"Shiro-Woz hasn't been the most trustful but you don't want me risking my life," Geiz answered. "So I'll just use him like before."
"How ruthless of you," Shiro-Woz remarked before slamming his Future Note shut. "But using the Future Note won't be necessary."
At Seito University Hospital, Shinji was currently lying in his room before wincing slightly. He began to stir before realizing he wasn't home, jumping out of his bed he quickly covered the windows. That was until he saw a mirror and jumped at the sight, quickly going to change out of the hospital gown he was put in and back into his clothes which were lying nearby. After getting dressed he rushed out only to get greeted by Emu.
"Mr. Kido, I'm glad to see you're up," Emu smiled but noticed that there was something wrong, "Are you okay?"
"I can't stay here," Shinji said as he managed to push Emu out of the way before rushing off. "I can't!"
Emu winced as he braced against a wall, he pulled out a phone and began to dial Ruby's number before looking around, "Parad!"
Shinji managed to find the stairwell before suddenly running into a smiling Shiro-Woz.
"You are Shinji Kido, are you not?" Shiro-Woz asked as he approached from downstairs. Not waiting for an answer he held his hand in front of Shinji's face before swiping. The action had caused an invisible force to send Shinji tumbling down the stairs.
Shinji gave a gasp before quickly running off, "Leave me alone!"
Shiro-Woz was ready to pursue when his arm was grabbed, he gave a glare and turned to see Parad gripping it.
"Sorry but as his nurse I can't have you touching him," Parad remarked before quickly kicking Shiro-Woz away and against the wall of the stairwell.
Shiro-Woz however smirked a bit before holding out his Future Note.
~Parad was bold, but not aware of the door ready to slam on him~
Parad was ready to charge forward when a nearby door opened up at full force on its own and slammed into him, sending him back. The Bugster pushed it away only for his eyes to widen when he saw that Shiro-Woz had vanished.
Shinji was currently trying to make his way away from the hospital, finding some patio chairs he might be able to use to cause a roadblock. What he didn't expect was them blocking him. Two chairs suddenly shifted positions and moved forward, causing him to tumble and slam into the ground.
Shiro-Woz began to approach with Geiz and Yang rushing over.
"Wait!" Yang called out.
"What is this, Shiro-Woz?" Geiz asked. "Why are you targeting Ryuki?"
"You're the one who said he wanted to defeat the Another Rider," Shiro-Woz pointed out.
"Wait, he's the one contracted?" Geiz asked.
"No, not quite," Shiro-Woz answered as he readied his transformation. "That Another Rider cannot be defeated. However, if you end this man's life, the Another Rider will cease to exist. And isn't that good enough?"
[TOUEI! FUTURE TIME! JIDAI! MIRAI! KAMEN RIDER WOZ! WOZ!]
Transforming into his Kamen Rider state, Shiro-Woz moved forward to grab Shinji when orange pixels formed in front of him. Parad soon appeared and kicked him away, forcing him to stagger back.
"Sorry but I take my job quite seriously," Parad called out as he readied his Gamer Driver. He gave a more serious glare, "And you're really making my blood boil."
"Yang we're getting in there," Geiz called out.
"Right," Yang gave a nod.
"Max Dai…"
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[DEKAI! HAKAI! GOKAI! KAMEN RIDER KIKAI!]
[GACHAN! MAZARU UP! PERFECT KNOCK OUT!]
Shiro-Woz soon found himself surrounded on all sides by Geiz, Kikai and Para-DX Level 99. He was surprised when his arms were grabbed and spread by both Geiz and Yang, "What are you doing, my Savior?"
"This!" Yang called out as she kicked at Shiro-Woz's leg.
Parad gave a yell as he slammed his axe down against Shiro-Woz' chest, both Yang and Geiz letting go which allowed the game Rider to slam Shiro-Woz down against the ground.
"No matter why, I won't let you kill an innocent person!" Geiz called out as he ran to stomp on Shiro-Woz who rolled out of the way.
"You are so naïve…" Shiro-Woz glared behind his helmet. He rose before punching forward, surprised to see his punch caught by Yang, "Surely you must understand that this is our only course of action." He quickly kicked her to force her back.
"Geiz is right," Yang brought out Ember Celica, readying her gauntlets. "Because I'm also not about to let you play with someone's life like that."
"Parad, get going with Shinji, keep him safe!" Geiz called out.
Parad gave a nod and rushed over to Shinji to help him up, "Let's go!"
Shinji gave a nod as he began to take off, "R-Right!"
"I'll keep him safe!" Parad called as he took off after Shinji.
"Could you please stop disappointing me," Shiro-Woz chided both time traveler and huntress.
"We could say the same," Geiz said as he rushed forward alongside Yang.
Parad and Shinji were currently slowing down in their run, Parad doing so because Shinji was starting to run out of breath. That was until they felt an odd presence, both turning as Parad backed up, the only reflection in the window near them being Shinji's.
"You're thinking about how badly you want to attack the person that came after you…" The mirrored Shinji spoke in a dark manner. "I can help you make it happen. Because… I am you." He smiled before turning and walking away, leaving the reflective surface blank.
"What was that?" Parad questioned.
Shinji shook his head before grasping at it, "It's him…"
"Parad!"
Ruby and Weiss quickly came running over to the two.
Shinji stared at Ruby as if she gave him déjà vu before shaking his head, "I need to get going. I need to go home…" He looked around frantically.
"Listen, my partner will make sure you're safe," Parad put a hand on Shinji's shoulder to keep him from running, "Go back to your room."
"If you ask Dr. Hojo nicely he might even allow you to cover up the windows and mirrors," Weiss added.
"I… fine," Shinji relented as he began to back up, "But I'm taking the long way, I'm not getting involved in that fight."
"That's fine by us," Ruby agreed.
"Thank you," Shinji said before taking off to circle around the hospital.
"He's really shaky all of a sudden," Ruby gave a concerned look, "He wasn't like that when I first met him."
"This silver Rider that looked like that Woz guy was attacking him," Parad explained. "Your friends are stalling him, when we arrived here for a short breather though it was weird. That man's reflection talked on its own and left."
"Wait what?" Ruby asked.
"Can… can reflections do that?" Weiss asked.
"They can if the inside of your heart is filled with doubt and issues…"
"Very funny," Weiss huffed as she looked at Ruby, "You just questioned what Parad just said and now you're suddenly an expert?"
Ruby stared at Weiss a bit, "That… wasn't me."
Weiss could only stare back, "What do you mean?"
"No that was her alright."
Parad, Ruby and Weiss soon turned towards the reflection to see only Ruby's, having a smug look on her face as she put a hand on her hip. This Mirror Ruby could only smile in delight as she saw Ruby and Weiss' expressions of shock.
"W-What is going on…?" Parad questioned.
"Parad… go back up my friends," Ruby trailed as she began to move closer to the reflection.
Parad was going to say something before shaking his head, "Alright, I'll leave her to you." He quickly rushed back towards the scene of the battle.
"Just who are you supposed to be?" Weiss asked.
"Isn't that obvious?" Mirror Ruby asked as she pointed towards Ruby herself.
"But…" Ruby shook her head. "You're just my reflection."
"Exactly," Mirror Ruby smiled and clasped her hands together. "Your reflection is a part of you, especially the one that's not afraid to call out all the problems festering inside. I am you, you are me. It's pretty simple to understand."
"Reflections aren't supposed to be like this," Weiss pointed out.
"Well you could say I'm a special case alongside two others…" Mirror Ruby admitted as she clasped her hands behind her head. "The Mirror World was reactivated late last year, which allowed it to be tampered with by the Time Jackers. The result being a Mirror World where one's more negative side can manifest in various forms."
"What do you want?" Ruby narrowed her eyes.
"I want you to understand how self-destructive the path you're going on is," Mirror Ruby answered as she crossed her arms, "You're going to hurt yourself and everyone else if you don't stop Ms. Huntress, no, that's not your title anymore. I should really be saying Ms. Kamen Rider."
Ruby's eyes widened and she took a step back, "What?"
Weiss could only glance at her friend while the mirrored version of Ruby only gave a smirk.
Shiro-Woz had brought out his Despear in its spear formation to block the punches from both Geiz and Yang. He gritted his teeth as he managed to force them back before swiping, sending the two stumbling back. He was ready to make a break for it when he was suddenly sucker punched from the left.
Another Ryuga was the culprit as it gave a low growl, slashing forward and forcing Shiro-Woz back. Near the Another Rider a spectral version of the Ryuki Armor appeared, but in all black with gold accents. Behind the vented visor were two piercing red eyes. The specter simply vanished afterwards.
"What was that?" Geiz asked.
"You can't beat me, because I am Kamen Rider Ryuga," Another Ryuga answered.
"There's a Ryuga?" Yang asked as she got on guard.
"That's right," Uhr skipped into view before sitting on one of the nearby patio chairs, he leaned and glanced back to address the three. "He's the version of Shinji Kido that once existed in the Mirror World, a Rider from an alternate timeline long gone. Search through time all you like, there's no way you can go into a broken mirror, is there? So there is no way to create a Watch. Even your other backup can't beat him because of his nature. So you'll never beat him."
"I question that," Shiro-Woz answered. "He is only a reflection, after all…"
"That's what you meant…" Geiz suddenly realized now why Shiro-Woz was so insistent on killing Shinji. He hated to admit it, especially because it disgusted him to no end, but that was currently one of their few only options…
"Indeed, if we erase Shinji Kido, his reflection goes with him," Shiro-Woz answered.
"Like hell we're erasing anyone," Yang growled out.
"I don't think it's gonna be that easy," Uhr laughed as he went to kneel on the chair to face the Riders. "I mean, we're talking about different timelines, which are essentially different worlds. Well, now I'm looking forward to the Day of Oma."
The three watched as Uhr vanished, the Time Jacker having decided his presence wasn't needed due to Another Ryuga's invincible status.
"Fine then," Shiro-Woz decided to load in his latest acquisition, the Quiz Miridewatch.
[TOUEI! FUTURE TIME! FASHION! PASSION! QUESTION! FUTERERING QUIZ! QUIZ!]
"Question: You might be an unbeatable foe, but I will defeat you…" Shiro-Woz called out as he rushed forward, "True or False?" He switched his weapon to its cane mode and began striking. Before he could push further his left shoulder opened up, revealing the blue X and confirming his question as false.
Another Ryuga gave a yell and slashed against Shiro-Woz to force him backwards, "Fat chance!"
"It was false…" Shiro-Woz gasped out.
"Yeah I figured that would happen," Yang shook her head. "It's true and false, not changing probability and facts."
"Yang, let's go, don't let up!" Geiz called out as he ran forward.
Another Ryuga saw both Geiz and Yang charging towards it, the two combining their punches and trying to break through its tough armor. To their surprise they were barely making any dents, even with Yang firing her gauntlets as she punched. Another Ryuga slipped past the two before spinning and slashing, striking both as they turned and sending them rolling back.
"It's come to this…" Geiz hissed out as he got ready.
"Geiz, don't do this!" Yang quickly went over to grab him by the arm.
"I'm the only one who can," Geiz shoved Yang back before initiating his finisher.
[FINISH TIME! TIME BURST!]
Geiz jumped into the air, but before he could even get in a kicking position he was grabbed. He yelped as he was dragged to the ground, his finisher canceling out. The culprit was Sougo who had already been transformed into Zi-O.
Yang had tensed up and was ready to shoot Geiz out of his finisher before giving a sigh of relief, "Safe…"
"You can't do this, Geiz! You'd lose your life if you beat him, right?" Sougo called out before standing up, "I won't let you do that. If there's no other way…"
To Geiz and Yang's surprise, they saw Sougo draw out the new Ridewatch that Woz had presented him earlier.
"What is that Watch…?" Geiz questioned.
"That looks like half of Silver Roze… but Zi-O styled?" Yang tilted her head, wondering how Sougo even got something like that.
Sougo's hand shook a bit as he held it forward, trying to activate it only for nothing to occur. He stared at the Ridewatch, trying to figure out a way to get it to work. Woz had said that it was the only piece, so how was he supposed to use it?
"Where's the other half, you need the other half!" Yang called out.
"There is no other half," Sougo called out. "It's just this piece."
Another Ryuga gave a scoff, realizing there wasn't a point in fighting it went to go leave by the reflection of a nearby window. What it wasn't expecting was Sougo to suddenly grab onto it to keep it around.
"Wait!" Sougo called as he tried to keep Another Ryuga from escaping.
Another Ryuga gave a growl before rushing into the reflective surface, dragging Sougo in with it.
"Zi-O!" Geiz yelled out as he rushed forward, his hands slamming against the glass of the window as he was unable to enter, "Zi-O!"
Parad quickly rushed over before looking around, "Huh? What happened?"
"I suppose we're done here," Shiro-Woz sighed before taking off.
Mirror World – Early February 2019
Sougo gave a soft moan as he began to stir, having fallen unconscious while battling Another Ryuga. He soon managed to sit up as he began to glance around. The first thing he noticed was how eerily silent it was before suddenly standing up. Looking around he found himself in an old stage venue. It wasn't long before he started to see that all the lettering was mirrored on the signs around him.
"So the Mirror World still exists?" Sougo asked.
"A world within the mirror's… with a lot of variations," A familiar voice spoke as another Sougo began to walk over, his clothes were entirely mirrored as well. He gave a bored look, "This isn't the same one you've been to."
"Eh?" Sougo walked forward carefully, "You're… me? Wait, does this one have Mirror versions of us running around?"
"Only for a select few people," The Mirrored Sougo admitted. "I'm you. The reflection of you, that is."
"Well whatever. You're me, right?" Sougo asked before grabbing his mirror versions arm to drag along, "In that case, I could use your help! Let's find that Another Rider!"
Mirror Sougo simply stood his ground, keeping himself in place and pulling against Sougo's pull. When Sougo turned around his Mirror Self had sucker punched him in the face.
Mirror Sougo gave a wicked grin, "I might be you… but you're not me."
Confusing Sougo even further, his Mirror Duplicate had drawn out an Armor Time sided Zi-O Ridewatch, turning the dial and showing that even Zi-O's face was reversed.
[zI-o!]
Setting the Ridewatch on the Armor Time slot he rotated the Driver, "Henshin!"
[rIdEr TiMe!]
[kAmEn RiDeR zI-o!]
The usual transformation occurred though with more distorted and odd beeping sounds in the mix. Soon enough before Sougo a Mirrord Zi-O appeared. While the suit was symmetrical the main part that was mirrored was the helmet, head crest, katakana and all.
"Something's not right…" Sougo trailed.
Mirror Zi-O gave a yell as he rushed towards Sougo, grabbing at him only to miss.
"This isn't good…" Sougo had managed to duck and run past before activating his transformation, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
Sougo completed the usual transformation and drew his Zikan Girade, to his surprise the Mirror Zi-O had his own which was also mirrored. The two gave a yell and rushed forward before clashing blades, the two grabbing onto their arms as they got into a lock.
Earth – Early February 2019
"What are you talking about?" Ruby asked. "Why do people keep thinking I prefer being a Kamen Rider?"
"There's nothing to think, after all Another Quiz still had to abide by the truth of the questions he presented," Mirror Ruby answered. "Right now you could give less of a damn about ever becoming a huntress so long as you kept your Rider Powers."
"That's not true," Ruby shook her head. "That's a lie."
"Lie all you want to yourself but I'll keep spitting it out because deep down we both know it's true," Mirror Ruby gave a glare and grabbed her chest, gripping tightly. "It's exactly why you couldn't earn the Baron Ridewatch, you push down your Remnant half while embracing your Rider half! We're imbalanced, and as such we can't become stronger until you decide that you want balance!"
Ruby turned away, closing her eyes and gripping her fists, "Shut up, you don't know me."
"Oh on the contrary," Mirror Ruby hissed out. "I am you, so I know everything. And this imbalance is only the top of the issues we need to deal with. I'm only here to get you off this self-destructive path you've been on…"
"I don't need your help!" Ruby shouted with a glare as she marched towards the window.
"Fine then," Mirror Ruby only crossed her arms, "I'll give you some time to realize what's going on inside of you. But if not then we're changing to more drastic measures."
"I don't need any time, I know who I am!" Ruby yelled and punched against her reflection, her fist simply bumping against the glass as her mirror self held an unimpressed stare.
"Not if you keep lying to yourself," Mirror Ruby gave a sigh before vanishing.
Ruby could only stare as the reflective surface dulled completely. She hung her head and kept her fist against the window for a long while. Weiss could only clasp her hands together as she carefully made her way to Ruby, surprised to see her partner get this angry.
"Ruby…" Weiss trailed as she gently put a hand on her friend shoulder.
"We should go see if Parad and the others are alright," Ruby said as she lowered her arm before standing up straight.
Weiss could only give a nod and glanced towards the window, "Right."
The two were unaware that they were being watched by Finis who was amused enough by Uhr's plan that they wanted to view what unfolded without interrupting. They couldn't help but grin as they had seen the interaction play out between Ruby and her Mirror Self.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"You could never become just a Kamen Rider."
"She's just trying to distract us."
"His name is Kamen Rider Zi-O II!"
"I'm giving you one last warning."
"I'll carve a path to the future!"
Chapter 43: King and Kamen Rider 2019
Author's Note: If you thought things might get better for Ruby after Quiz, yeah no, they aren't. This set of chapters was fun to write due to how I've changed Sougo and his motivations with his extended leave from wanting to be King. But I didn't want to only have him star in the limelight as you can currently see at the end with Mirror Ruby. And while yes, I did do a proper Ryuki tribute, the Another Ryuga episodes are a set of episodes I absolutely couldn't cut out.
Also, this Chapter was updated on May 14th, two days before the official 2nd Anniversary of this story. So I'd just like to say thanks for sticking with me, and I honestly can't believe I've been writing this story for two years. It's an incredible feeling honestly. It's also thanks to everyone's support (reviews, fav's follows, bookmarks, kudos, subscriptions) that I've had the drive to keep writing these two years. And because I'm in a bit of a celebratory mood I've got a special announcement regarding Roze at the end of next chapter, so be excited for that since it's a big one. With that said I'll see you guys next time.