Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 57 – The Heart of a Bugster 2019
"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." Woz narrated, sitting on a stool in front of his clock in the narrative void he frequented, "The first of three revolutionary games has reached its climax, Miss Xiao Long was able to be saved but because of her involvement Miss Belladonna has gotten more involved in the fight against Kuroto Dan. And thus we enter the second of the three revolutionary games..."
Earth – Mid March 2019
"Ugh I'm so bored…" Ruby gave a groan as she walked along the sidewalk.
"I'm honestly surprised," Blake admitted as she walked alongside her friend, "Normally you have plenty of Rider friends to hang out with."
"Well Sento's busy with stuff involving Gentoku, I don't need dry cleaning yet, and Parad sort of just got busy without telling me so we can't game like usual," Ruby listed before looking to her side, "Why'd you come with me anyway if I have no idea where to go?"
"Well Yang wanted to work out, Weiss is visiting 9-5-DO, and Geiz is working on making sure Oscar is getting in some good training," Blake replied, "Plus we haven't hung out as much, I figured we could."
"True," Ruby said.
"So what's this about Parad getting busy?" Blake asked, "I didn't think someone like him could."
"Oh that's because he's apparently part of a new study," Ruby replied, "I couldn't contact him so I contacted Emu. He said they're performing tests at Genm Corp on a simulation game to raise a Bugster to become more human."
"Become more human?" Blake asked.
"It's an experiment that they said will hopefully lead towards reviving those erased by the Bugster Virus," Ruby explained.
"Interesting," Blake said as she put a hand to her chin in thought.
Ruby looked over to her friend, "Something wrong?"
"I can't help but feel worried," Blake admitted, "The Rider Chronicle Gashat was never recovered, and there are still Proto Gashats missing alongside Kuroto."
"Yeah, I can't blame you," Ruby sighed before stretching, "Just means we have to be vigilant."
"Right," Blake gave a nod.
"You really are a genius at gaming."
Ruby perked up when she heard a familiar voice, soon looking around, "Parad?"
"Huh?" Blake looked around before spotting Emu and Parad, Emu was in casual wear while Parad was rocking an all black look to his usual outfit, "Hey look over there, it seems like they're done."
"You think?" Ruby asked before shaking her head and giving a smile, "Well let's say hi then!"
The two were making their way towards them when they suddenly began to slow at what was happening.
"I've acquired the skills of the genius gamer M," Parad said as he held up a Bugvisor Zwei, walking past Emu, "There's nothing else I can gain from having you raise me."
"You… are you really Parad?" Emu turned as he was now suspicious.
"Yeah," 'Parad' gave a laugh before turning stone faced and taking aim, "I'm me."
"Hrgh!" Emu winced as he was suddenly shot in the shoulder by Parad, he gave a gasp as he held his shoulder and clutched his body, soon falling back and losing consciousness.
'Parad' gave a smirk as he put the Bugvsior away, turning to take off.
"EMU!"
'Parad' soon turned only to see Ruby and Blake rushing over to Emu, "Well, well…"
While Blake went to check Emu and quickly pulled out her cell to make a call, Ruby turned towards Parad.
"Parad…" Ruby turned towards the Bugster, her eyes narrowed however as she could near instantly tell something was wrong, "Who are you?"
Blake turned in surprise, "That's not Parad?"
"Having spent enough time with him, yeah that isn't," Ruby kept her eyes on the Bugster before her.
"Ruby, I'm totally Parad, you should know that," 'Parad' gave a fake smile before he turned around, "Let's play a game, catch me if you can!"
Ruby could only watch as 'Parad' shifted into his data-like state, becoming a mass of orange pixels that shot upwards and into the air before flying off. Ruby quickly brought out the Rose Attacker and mounted it, "Blake, take care of Emu, I'm going after that faker!"
"Leave him to me," Blake gave a nod, "Good luck."
"Right," Ruby gave a nod before revving her bike and taking off after the fake Parad.
It had taken a short while but Blake's call had allowed an ambulance to arrive not long after Ruby had left. Blake had mentioned she was a friend of Emu's and was taken along with him in the ambulance to Seito University Hospital. She also texted Kiriya about it in the meantime to get him up to speed while also texting the others about what was going on.
While Blake had to wait in the lobby due to Emu needing an emergency procedure she was allowed to wait in the hallway once he had been situated in a room. She waited outside as the doctor and nurse worked on making sure everything was set up.
Her ears perked up however when she heard the smacking of footsteps getting closer and closer, she turned to see Kiriya coming at full speed.
"Is he in there?!" Kiriya asked.
"Yeah, but-" Blake started but was interrupted by Kiriya rushing past her and entering the room.
"Emu!" Kiriya called as he entered.
Blake peaked through the door before entering afterwards and couldn't help but pinch her nose slightly at Kiriya's sudden entrance.
"He's undergone emergency treatment, and his life isn't in any immediate danger, but…" The doctor trailed as he tried to explain the situation to him.
"What happened to him?" Kiriya asked.
"We're unsure," The nurse admitted before gesturing to Blake, "This young lady called us after finding him, she said she arrived after she heard a bang and saw her friend like this."
"We'll give you some room but we'll be back soon," The doctor said as he and the nurse excused themselves before walking past Blake and exiting the room.
Kiriya sighed before crossing his arms, looking at Blake, "What happened?"
"Well…" Blake was trying to figure out how to say this.
The two were interrupted when they heard struggled breathing, Emu regaining consciousness briefly, "Parad…" He managed to speak up.
"What is it? What about Parad?" Kiriya asked as he leaned over near Emu.
"…He did this to me," Emu replied.
"There's no way he'd do this…" Kiriya said, trying to deny the accusation.
"You're right," Blake replied as she walked over and put a hand on Kiriya's shoulder to help calm him, "Ruby was with me and we arrived just as Emu was shot. Ruby said the Parad that was there was a fake though and chased after him while I helped Emu."
Kiriya turned towards Blake, "A fake Parad?"
"The Bugster-raising…" Emu gave a gasp, as he faded in and out of consciousness, "Game…"
Kiriya raised an eyebrow, "Bugster Raising Game?"
"No way…" Blake's eyes widened when she heard that, "That was something Ruby talked about, Emu had mentioned it to her after she couldn't get a hold of Parad."
"Where was this game?" Kiriya asked Emu though frowned when he saw that the young doctor had fallen unconscious again.
"If I recall correctly, Ruby said Genm Corp," Blake replied.
Kiriya narrowed his eyes at that and looked at Blake, giving a more serious expression, "You said you wanted to help me do some investigating right?"
"Of course," Blake gave a nod, "I take it you plan on getting to the bottom of this?"
"I do," Kiriya said as he went to take his leave, Blake following after him.
Ruby soon skidded to a stop, watching the mess of orange pixels stop at a heavily forested area before landing, forming the fake Parad she was chasing.
"So you followed me all the way here, congrats," the fake Parad smiled and gave a few claps.
"Enough games," Ruby gave a glare as she pulled out her Ziku Driver, "Who are you?"
The fake Parad gave a laugh, "I guess you could call me Black Parad if you want, or maybe Another Parad?"
"Another Parad…?" Ruby gave a glare, "Time Jackers…"
"Don't jump to conclusions that quickly," Another Parad said as he wagged his finger, "Like we'd need their help to do this."
"What did you do with Parad?" Ruby asked.
"Why do you even care about that weak fool to begin with?" Another Parad asked, "He's let himself become so complacent by being so close to humans. He was raised incorrectly and I'll prove that he's a failure soon enough, but for now you'll do well as a test run."
"You're really trying to tick me off aren't you?" Ruby glared as she immediately brought out the Silver Roze Watch and split it, "I'll take you out in a flash."
"We'll see if you can," Another Parad said as he drew out a Gamer Driver and placed it on his waist, he then took out a pure black Gashat Dual Gear, grey scaled images of Perfect Puzzle and Knock Out Fighter on the sides and dial.
"That's…" Ruby trailed before shaking her head and slotting her split Ridewatch into her Driver, "Henshin!"
[SILVER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
"Good, you're going all out…" Another Parad grinned as he slotted the Gashat into the Driver, "Let's make this the most thrilling game of life or death there ever was… Henshin!"
[GACHAN! MAZARU UP!]
[AKU NO KOBUSHI TSUYOSA! YAMI NO PUZZLE RENSA! ASHIKI YAMI NO OUZA! PERFECT KNOCK OUT!]
A flash of grey occurred as the screen that shot out once the Gamer Driver was open slid back to transform Another Parad fully. His body was primarily black with multiple shades of grey for his armor, his bodysuit was more plain, simply having grey digital lines running down alongside having a black tattered coattail. The only piece of color on him was the chest plate with his Rider Gauge and his heterochromatic eyes. This was Another Parad's transformation, Another Para-DX.
"How…?" Roze muttered, recalling what Parad had told her about his Level 99 form. She didn't have time to ask questions however and raised her arms.
[SILVER CRESCENT!]
[CHU DON!]
Another Para-DX had drawn out the Bugvisor Zwei in its beam mode, taking aim and firing at Roze just as she fired off her powered up blasts. The blasts collided in the air, creating a small explosion. The two began running to the side, aiming and firing, either barely missing the shots or their shots colliding in mid-air.
[ROZE SILVER! RYOSHI SASU!]
Roze quickly used Petal Burst to launch herself into the air, taking aim and launching a blast of silver energy at Another Para-DX.
[GYU IN!]
Another Para-DX switched his weapon to its chainsaw mode, gathering energy and giving a yell as he sliced forward, clashing against the blast of silver energy before splitting it.
Roze gave a light gasp as she landed, watching her attack get split and explode off to the sides.
"Come on, are you really his rival in that you're just as pathetic?!" Another Para-DX called out as he patted himself in his chest, "Don't tell me he's as weak as you!"
"You're really trying to make me angry huh?" Roze gave a low growl before stopping and taking a deep breath, "Not going to work…" She muttered as she went to transform her weapon.
[SILVER HENKEI!]
Switching Silver Crescent to its spear formation, Roze held the tip forward before rushing towards Another Para-DX, "Just how are you even here? How can there be an Another Para-DX?" She worked on jabbing quickly to try and force her opponent into a defensive state.
Another Para-DX chose to play along, switching to the defensive, dodging and batting away jabs as he moved backwards, "You know Emu wasn't the first to be infected by the Bugster Virus, it was also Masamune Dan."
"Oh just great," Roze gritted her teeth as she jabbed forward, managing to strike Another Para-DX in the shoulder to force him to step back further, "But Parad wasn't originally able to transform with a Gamer Driver, you should be the same."
"You're right," Another Para-DX said before charging forward, the chainsaw he wielded glowing with a bright energy. He began jabbing and swinging it forward, slowly but surely managing to force Roze back, "The point of the Bugster-raising game was to create human genes within my body. I've got the genes of my host, Masamune Dan, after all."
Roze gave a gasp as she was staggered by the sudden offensive assault and quickly spun back to avoid any further attacks, "He suddenly got stronger?"
"I've just been toying with you this entire time!" Another Para-DX called out as he readied his finisher.
[URAWAZA!]
Roze's eyes widened as she quickly initiated her weapons special attack once more, gathering bright energy within the tip of her spear.
[RYOSHI SASU!]
[PERFECT KNOCK OUT CRITICAL BOMBER!]
Another Para-DX gave a chuckle as he jumped into the air, spinning and performing a roundhouse kick, unleashing a wave of violet and black energy.
Roze gave a yell as she lunged forward, her spear unleashing a piercing arrow of light that struck against the wave. Both attacks clashed against each other before exploding in a violent fashion, Roze bracing as she skidded backwards from the force of it. As the explosion began to clear, Roze managed to catch sight of Another Para-DX who didn't seem to want to follow up with an attack.
"I'm not sure why you're concerned with the weakling," Another Para-DX admitted as he put a hand on his hip, "What's so special about him?"
"He has a heart for one thing," Roze pointed out.
"A heart," Another Para-DX scoffed, "That's why he's weak, your kill or are killed, defeat or be defeated. Having a heart only makes you weak."
"Oh you are completely off base but please keep talking…" Roze said as she began to approach.
"I can't waste my time with you," Another Para-DX admitted, "But you were a good test run, so I'll let you have some fun with a friend."
"A friend…?" Roze stopped and raised her guard.
Another Para-DX switched his Bugvisor into its beam mode and threw up a Proto Gashat, unleashing the Bugster Virus upon it. The Bugster Virus began to grow before summoning a Bugster, most of its body was fairly dull, being a patchwork of grey, black, yellow and bronze armor pieces alongside a simplistic silver domed head with a grey jaw surrounding it. Its biggest feature was it held red upper body armor on its shoulders and chest, its right arm being red and mechanical with a giant clawed fist.
[GEKITOTSU ROBOTS!]
"What's that supposed to be?" Roze asked.
"The Robol Bugster, have fun," Another Para-DX gave a wave before he dismissed his transformation, turning into a flurry of pixilated particles before flying off.
"Not so fast," Roze quickly withdrew the Taka Watchroid and threw it into the air, "Track him."
[SEARCH HAWK!]
The Taka Watchroid gave a screech, scanning the fleeing data particles before taking off high into the air and moving to follow.
The Robol Bugster gave a yell, as it lumbered forward, rushing and swinging its massive arm at Roze.
Roze gave a yelp as she ducked underneath it, attempting to parry with her weapon only for it to get smacked away. She then hopped backwards to avoid a downward slam from the Robol Bugsters robotic fist.
The Robol Bugster yelled out again and launched its fist outwards to punch at Roze from a distance.
Roze gave a yell, "A rocket punch?!"
The fist impacted right in front of her, an explosive blast occurring as she was blown backwards from the attack. Thinking quickly she used Petal Burst mid-air before landing and reforming while sliding in a crouched state.
After heading to Genm Corp with Blake, Kiriya had an easy time of deducing what exactly was going on, or at least enough to get the two suspicious. The current President Tsukuru had taken Dr. Saiko's request to work on a Bugster Raising Game project. Needless to say, it was easy to see that Saiko was able to wrap her fingers around Tsukuru easily to get that game developed with ease. And without much else they could get from him they knew their next target.
It was a bit of luck on their side but they had managed to find out where Saiko was, the doctor in question speeding down the hallway as fast as she could. She took a turn before giving a light gasp, holding her chest when she saw Kiriya right around the corner alone.
"Dr. Kujo!" Saiko gave a light gasp, "How is Dr. Hojo doing?"
"No need to worry," Kiriya gave a smile, but dropped it as he walked past her, "But I have a question… Why didn't you tell us that you had already developed a Bugster-raising game?"
"Ah, sorry about that," Saiko apologized, "I wanted to surprise everyone."
Kiriya gave a laugh as he walked around her and passed her again, "It's not a matter of anyone being surprised, now. There's no way Parad would leave Emu half-dead like that… as long as there was nothing wrong with that Bugster-raising game, anyway."
Saiko seemed fairly relaxed especially when she saw that Kiriya had yet to look at her after passing her, so she feigned surprise, "Parad did that?!" She quickly began rushing forward, "I'll look into the cause right away. Worst case, scenario, we may need to put the project on hold."
Kiriya simply leaned against the wall, "Hey, Doc… I just remembered something you told me. You said your decision to pursue genetics was influenced by your father, right?"
"That's right," Saiko answered a she stopped right in her tracks, "What of it?"
"You wouldn't do anything to go against him…" Kiriya trailed, "Would you?"
"Of course not," Saiko turned as she kept an indifferent expression, "Do I look like the kind to lie?"
Kiriya gave a smile, "No."
"Then I'll be off," Saiko began to walk away at a fast pace.
Kiriya waited till she walked around the corner, walking forward towards a door and waiting a minute or two, "Let's say she's telling the truth. If that's the case then…"
"Then that dad of hers isn't exactly the noblest of doctor's," Blake said as she walked out from the door and into the hallway, "You're pretty good at this."
"Hey you had a job too," Kiriya pointed out, "So?"
"Well she's thankfully not very aware of her surroundings," Blake admitted, "So she didn't notice me peaking through the door, she didn't seem all that shocked before asking if Parad had done that or not. She's trying to hide her involvement for sure."
"I suppose now we need a motive," Kiriya soon turned, "Let's do some research."
Roze gave a groan as she picked herself up, bringing out Crescent Rose since Silver Crescent was on the other side of the field and the Robol Bugster was between them. She took aim and began firing at the Robol Bugster, but was unable to pierce through its robotic arm it used to shield itself.
She loaded in Genm's Watch onto her weapon and took aim, "Let's see how you like this!"
[GENM SASU SASU SHOOT!]
Firing purple wheel-like projectiles she tried to aim at the more exposed portions of the Robol Bugster. The Robol Bugster however retaliated, smacking away the wheel projectiles easily with its mechanical arm.
"Okay… fine we'll do this," Roze quickly loaded in Brave's Ridewatch before taking aim, "Fire-er, ice!"
[BRAVE SASUS SASU SHOOT!]
Taking aim once again she launched a blast of energy at the Robol Bugster, giving a grin behind her helmet when she saw it brace. She gave a laugh once she saw her plan work, the blast striking and instantly freezing over the mechanical fist. Shifting Crescent Rose to its scythe formation, she launched herself forward with the recoil.
[BRAVE KAMA KAMA CUTTING!]
Roze gave a yell as she lit her weapon ablaze, flames consuming the blade as she slammed it down, shattering the fist as a result.
The Robol Bugster gave a gasp as it staggered backwards before giving a yell, it's body glowing as it managed to just barely reform its mechanical fist.
"No fair!" Roze called out as she backed up, soon readying herself, "Fine, I can do this all day!"
[THE SUIKA BOWLING!]
Suddenly an energy watermelon slammed into the Robol Bugsters back, causing it to stagger, it turned and raised its arm before gasping, its body becoming glitch filled as it was frozen in place.
"Huh?" Roze turned only to see Tsukuyomi running towards the fight.
"Ruby, finish it now!" Tsukuyomi called out.
"Right, thanks Tsuki!" Roze leapt into the air and initiated Silver Roze's finisher.
[SILVER FINISH TIME! SHINING TIME BLAST!]
Roze gave a yell as she kicked forward with her right leg, light energy gathering at the sole of her boot before she kicked against the Bugsters back. Giving a yell she pushed forward and kicked through the Robol Bugster, an explosion of light occurring.
The Gekitotsu Robot's Proto Gashat flew out of the explosion before falling down, Roze catching it as she emerged from the explosion, "Take that you stupid robot."
"I made it in time," Tsukuyomi gave a sigh of relief as she walked over, "Blake texted us and I told everyone I'd handle helping out, but we'd call if we needed anything."
The Kodama Suika Arms soon hopped onto Tsukuyomi's shoulder and raised its arms in victory.
"Looks like the little guy is getting some good use too," Roze gave a smile as she dismissed her transformation.
"So what exactly is going on?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"As far as I know, an evil Parad is going around calling himself Another Parad," Ruby explained, "He left that Bugster to distract me."
"…Another Para-DX?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"No not an Another Rider," Ruby shook her head, "He took the title of Another but he's basically a dark version of Parad."
"I see," Tsukuyomi said, "So that's all you know?"
"Unfortunately," Ruby said before she began to walk off, "Let's get back into the city, I think he was trying to draw me away. But I have the Taka Watchroid following after him."
"Sounds good to me," Tsukuyomi gave a nod.
"While we head back I should also text Blake about this," Ruby said as she pulled out her cell phone.
"I'm going to do it," Kiriya said as he entered Emu's hospital room.
"Please don't," Blake replied, "He's injured."
"Well he's not waking up from us talking," Kiriya pointed out, before looking at the unconscious patient, "Emu, Emu hey? Are you dead?"
"Seriously…?" Blake asked.
"Nope no response," Kiriya said as Emu was sleeping soundly, he then took the remote for the bed, having the upper half lift up to tilt Emu forward. Needless to say this worked, the movement agitating Emu's shoulder and waking him up, "Oh, Emu! You're alive!"
"I told him not to do that," Blake sighed.
"Kiriya?" Emu asked before looking over, "Blake?"
"We looked into Saiko Yaotome," Blake said as she crossed her arms and went to stand near Kiriya.
"She's definitely bad news," Kiriya admitted as he used the remote to push the bed back down so Emu could be in a more relaxed position.
"Huh?" Emu stared in confusion.
"Her parents separated when she was a kid, and she went with her mother," Blake started.
"Her father's now deceased, but he was an authority in genetics… Michihiko Zaizen," Kiriya gave a knowing smile.
"Zaizen…" Emu trailed.
"Don't worry about her though," Kiriya pointed at Blake, "I filled her in on stuff she didn't know. But to give you a refresher, he operated on you to separate Parad, the man who was once Dr. Pac-Man."
"Needless to say, her being involved in these recent events and her father being who he is… that can only mean she's been the one causing trouble since the Lovelica incident," Blake said as she went to pace around the room.
"Try and call Poppy," Emu suggested, "She was involved in the game too and went personally with Dr. Saiko."
Kiriya walked over to a stool and sat down while attempting to contact Poppy on his Gamescope, "Hello? Poppy? Poppy! Poppy…?" He gave a sigh as all he heard was static, "No good… I can't get through at all."
"We just have to believe in her," Emu said, "We need to believe in Parad and Poppy…"
"Right now there's not much we can do," Blake admitted before she heard a buzz, "Huh? Oh it's Ruby." She said as she saw that she had a few texts, "Looks like she's got a lead, I'm going to head out and see if we can get to the bottom of this."
"I'll hold down the fort around here then," Kiriya gave a thumbs-up.
"Right," Blake said before heading out of the room and reading the texts, she realized they'd need to compare notes.
Thankfully Ruby was already ahead of the game with having found Parad's location and had the Taka Watchroid transmit the location to Tsukuyomi's tablet. All that was left to do was have it track the perpetrators again to find Poppy so that they could get a confirmed location for her as well.
In a secluded room, Kuroto was visiting someone he had important business with. It was his father, Masamune Dan. His father was currently tied to a pillar using special multi-colored special that held lights within it. Any attempt Masamune of trying to force his way through it caused a small shock to him.
"Why… am I alive?" Masamune asked.
"Because I brought you back," Kuroto said before holding up the Kamen Rider Chronicle Gashat, "I used the data that was stored in Rider Chronicle."
"You restored the Master Gashat?" Masamune asked, "Impossible…"
"With my godly talents… nothing is impossible," Kuroto countered as he walked closer.
"What are you after?" Masamune asked before recalling something, "It was the thing inside me you call 'Parad', is that it?"
"I am not like you. You are just the mere CEO of a game company, managing the lives of those around you," Kuroto said as he kept his hands behind his back, he began to pace around before revealing a blank silver dual Gashat, "I am a Game Master, who creates games… A god, from whose imagination life springs forth. You could never hold candle to me."
"Don't mess with me, Kuroto!" Masamune was growing impatient, "Get me out of these things! You pathetic…! Unchain me, Kuroto!"
Kuroto simply walked away before stopping, gathering his thoughts before turning with a maddening expression, "Confess to your sins! You repeatedly took advantage of my talents! Repent for your grave sins!"
Masamune reeled back before hanging his head, "I was… a fool," He kept his head down, "I have… committed a sin that can never be undone."
"So, you're finally confessing your sins?" Kuroto asked, he walked forward, hands on his hips, "You never had what it took to use my talents," he then began to laugh as he got uncomfortably close to his father.
"That's not it," Masamune protested, "My sin was…" He soon looked his son directly in the eyes, "…was bringing you… into this world. Listen closely, Kuroto. You should never have been born into this world."
Kuroto could only stare at his father in stunned silence, trying to keep a poker face as he wasn't expecting this kind of revelation. He turned and kept quiet before walking off, needing to remind himself that his plan was nearing fruition.
It wouldn't take long for Ruby and Tsukuyomi to meet up with Blake. The trio exchanging information and getting caught up on the situation alongside tracking down Parad. Ruby had hurried over to the Next Genome Institute to help Parad, while Blake and Tsukuyomi followed the Taka Watchroid to rescue Poppy.
Needless to say Ruby wasn't impressed by the secret base since she assumed that Saiko and Kuroto would have some sort of defenses. But there were none to speak of so she wondered if they were really underestimating her and her teams meddling. She also wondered how they were able to detain Parad as well given he was a Bugster and a Rider.
"Just what…" She whispered before pausing, hearing pained yells further in. She quickly hurried while sneaking along wherever she could. Peaking around she saw that no one was around, well no one except for Parad.
Parad was looking like he had seen better days, being fairly scuffed and beaten up. He was tied up by the same strange ropes that Masamune was held with. He gave a yell and a few grunts as he tried to break free only to be unable to muster up the strength.
Ruby quickly stood up from her hiding spot, "Parad!"
Parad turned in surprise, "R-Ruby?"
"Thank goodness," Ruby sighed in relief, "Listen I'm kind of aware of what's been going on so you don't need to explain anything. I'm just relieved you're okay."
"Okay isn't the best way to put it," Parad sighed.
"Don't worry, I'll get you out of there," Ruby said as she focused her Aura and gripped the wires only to yelp and wince as she was shocked, quickly reeling back, "What was that?"
"These wires are made with Level 0 Data, it's basically weakened me to keep me from breaking free," Parad explained, "But I'm not sure how you aren't able to touch them."
Ruby shook her hands and thought a bit before sighing, "Of course, Kuroto must have found a way to get my data from when I was hooked up to the machines at CR. He must have been able to analyze my Aura enough to make it anti-Aura too."
"Then we can't break this," Parad sighed before giving a slight shudder, gripping his heart, "Even my heart… feels like it's shaking…"
"Don't worry I'll find a tool or something to cut those," Ruby said as she went to look around.
"Ruby, am I weak because I have a heart?" Parad asked, "Is valuing life really meaningless?"
"That Another Parad has been filling your head with doubts, huh?" Ruby gave a light bored stare as she heard this but didn't wait for an answer, "Well he's wrong, it's because we have hearts that we can value life. Valuing life allows us to make important decisions, so that we don't become monsters with the power we wield. Because we can control the power we wield, it makes us even stronger."
"I see…" Parad began to calm down a bit though his breathing was still shaky, remembering the words of his other self calling him a failure, "I… I'm not a failure!"
"Of course you aren't," Ruby reassured, "You're my friend, and your Emu's friend too, well… even more than that, the bond you share is special."
"Emu…" Parad gripped his heart, soon giving a light jolt as he could feel Emu despite the distance between them.
'Parad…'
'Emu… That's right… I'm you… and you're me!'
Ruby felt a chill and turned towards Parad, seeing her friends eyes turn red, "Parad?"
Parad managed to get up, electricity being unleashed from the cables before a red and blue aura began to surround him. He gave a yell as he completely shattered the cables, the cables disintegrating as a result.
"Whoa…" Ruby backed up in surprise, "How did you…?"
"It was thanks to Emu," Parad gave a smile.
"Well what do you know," Ruby smiled and walked over and gently pressed her fist against Parads chest. She pulled away before tapping her fist against her chest, "Sounds like having a heart comes with perks after all. Let's get going, we still need to help Poppy."
"Right," Parad gave a nod.
Masamune was currently alone, giving several grunts as he tried to break free, "I must… I need to stop him, at all costs! My son…" He looked upwards with a pained expression. He heard footsteps and looked forward only to raise an eyebrow at what he was seeing at the moment.
It was a strange sight as a mysterious man wearing a white and blue jester mask walked in, his body covered in a shiny blue robe, his hands covered by thick white gloves. The only thing that resembled something normal was that he was wearing standard black slacks and shoes.
"Who are you?" Masamune asked.
"Your savior," The Masked Man explained in a distorted voice, he soon held out his hand, an invisible pulse breaking the binds that held Masamune, "But you must do something for me."
"What is it?" Masamune asked.
"This," The Masked Man took out a Bugvisor and jammed it into Masamune, giving a light laugh as it copied and extracted the Bugster data from him, specifically the remnants of data that held Gamedeus, the ultimate Bugster.
"What did you do?" Masamune asked as he gripped his stomach.
"I just needed the Bugster data from you. I'm a collector valuable items needed for my plan," The Masked Man admitted as he shook the Bugvisor before walking off, "You're free now, I'd suggest you hide until you can regain your power. If you manage to defeat your son then I'll consider taking the next step with you."
Masamune could only stare in befuddlement as he watched the Masked Man walk off.
Blake and Tsukuyomi had managed to find the base of operations thanks to the Taka Watchroid. The two had managed to find the mansion that Kuroto was being holed up in, and once there the two decided to split up in order to search for Poppy.
Blake began to head for the back of the mansion that held a garden, glad that there was enough coverage via bushes to allow her to move without making much noise. She paused when she heard a loud smack before yelling was heard. It wasn't long before she heard Poppy.
"Why are you doing this? Weren't you helping us find a way to revive those who were erased?"
Blake narrowed her eyes at Poppy's words before she heard Saiko speak up.
"Of course! This is all for the research into regenerative medicine for the game illness. I'm trying to help you be reborn."
Blake soon managed to get a good vantage point, finding Poppy tied up to a chair in similar bindings to Parad. Nearby was Saiko who had seemed to be attempting to force Poppy to eat cherries? Blake wasn't sure what to think of the current situation but it seemed like Saiko was finally explaining her plan so she needed to keep quiet for this.
"Reborn…?" Poppy asked.
"This game that raises Bugsters to be more human-like…" Saiko trailed before turning away from Poppy and walking back towards the table, "…is actually a game for raising the disintegrated genes of the host that dwell in their Bugster, which means the genes of your host, Sakurako Dan, are slowly taking shape inside you now."
"Why are you doing this?" Poppy asked.
"A human's life comes to be when the genes of its father and mother come together," Saiko explained as she paced around the area, "This is a very important experiment that restores the lives lost to the Bugsters back to their human forms." She looked upwards, Another Parad sitting on the back balcony of the mansion that overlooked the back garden, "He, who holds the genes of Masamune Dan…" She then turned back to Poppy, "And you, who hold those of Sakurako Dan… Being the son of the both of you, Kuroto Dan's body should be resurrected… if we combine your viruses within him."
"Resurrect… Kuroto…?" Poppy asked.
"If this experiment succeeds…" Saiko trailed, while her goal seemed noble it was clear her reasoning for doing this along with her expressions painted her more like a mad scientist, "…the future of regenerative medicine and the entire history of the world will change!"
Blake could only narrow her eyes further, quickly checking her phone and seeing a text from Ruby about certain details that had arisen and that she and Parad were on their way. She grimaced when she realized she wouldn't be able to free Poppy immediately but she could at least stall.
"You want to save those who were erased, too, right?" Saiko asked as she walked back towards the table that held the plate of cherries.
"Well…" Poppy trailed.
"So, here. You must eat these cherries," Saiko held it up.
"Sorry but I don't think you should be forcing other people to eat, that's pretty unhealthy," Blake called out as she leapt out of her hiding place, drawing Gambol Shroud in its cleaver form and readying herself.
"Ah, you're Blake right?!" Poppy called out in surprise.
Saiko narrowed her eyes, "What are you doing here?"
"You know I always had a bad feeling about you since we first met," Blake admitted as she noticed Another Parad leap down from where he was, she readied herself for a fight, "But to think you were this rotten."
"What's rotten about advancing medicine?!" Saiko snapped with a glare.
"You may claim you care about that but I can see the crazed look in your eyes," Blake said as she took a step forward.
"You won't be surviving I'm afraid," Another Parad readied the Bugvisor Zwei and shot at Blake.
Blake gave a gasp as she was shot in her stomach, right below where her weapon was raised, that was until she vanished completely.
Another Parad's eyes quickly shot up as he saw Blake high in the air, bringing down her weapon at him. He raised his hand and unleashed a blast of energy from his free palm just as she swung forward.
Blake winced as her weapon clashed with the blast, giving a light yell as she was forced back by the attack. She used Shadow to land nearby Poppy once more, keeping a defensive stance.
"You may be able to fight but you won't survive long like that," Saiko gave a cold stare, "So give up."
"How about no," Parad called out as he walked into view with Ruby, the two stopping behind Poppy's chair.
"We're taking Poppy back," Ruby said.
Saiko could only let her arms drop as she saw this, "How did you-"
She was shut up instantly as she saw Parad grip onto the wiring, the same blue and red mixed aura appearing as he easily shattered the cables that binded Poppy.
"It's alright now," Parad smiled.
"Thanks," Poppy said as she managed to stand up, a bit surprised that Parad was able to break Level 0 based cables.
"Those cables should've suppressed all of your powers…!" Saiko called out in annoyance, "Even Roze couldn't have broken them with that Aura thing she has!"
"It was thanks to the power of the human genes I have within…" Parad said, "It was all thanks to Emu's Genes!"
"You don't know when to give up, do you?" Saiko asked.
"Stop this," Parad replied, "You're a doctor who saves lives, aren't you?"
"I'm changing the future of regenerative medicine because I'm a Doctor," Saiko said, taking out the Bugvisor and aiming towards the four.
"Enough, we don't want to hurt you," Parad said, trying to take the reasonable approach.
Saiko couldn't help but laugh as she lowered the Bugvisor, "As one would expect from the Bugster born from Dr. Hojo, Parad! Is it because of your hearts? Your desire to save lives, perhaps?"
"That's not all," Parad clutched his chest, "Dr. Yaotome, you've lost your family. You are… someone dealing with the loss of her father."
Saiko could only stare in surprise as she heard those words.
"We looked into you," Blake replied, "We know why you're doing this."
"What you really want…" Parad trailed, "…is to bring back Michihiko Zaizen, the father you lost, right?"
"Huh?" Poppy turned in surprise.
"Yep, that's a twist," Ruby said.
"If that's true, then… I want to help you, so you can smile again," Parad stated firmly.
Saiko was at a loss for words, "Smile…"
"However… Hurting someone… hurting Emu… to save another isn't the way to do it," Parad explained, "That's not what treatment is about."
"Parad…" Ruby trailed.
"Who the hell cares?" Saiko questioned as she gained a slightly more crazed look, "What's the life of one little pediatrician? The lives of geniuses are far more important! Geniuses like my father who had the power to change history!"
"No one life takes priority over another!" Parad called out.
"I don't want to hear that from you!" Saiko gave a glare, "All of this happened because of you! My father died because you infected him, you disgusting little germ!" She took a breath to calm herself, "I won't let you interfere with my experiment."
"I'll take him and the other two on," Another Parad took a few steps forward. "You just focus on capturing Poppy Pipopapo."
Saiko aimed the Bugvisor and unleashed the Bugster Virus towards the side, summoning a red and orange armor plated Bugster with green eyes known as Genomes.
"Perish at the hands of the ultimate life form my dear father left behind," Saiko smiled as she handed Genomes the Bugvisor, the Bugster equipping it in its chainsaw mode.
"Maybe this time the two of you will actually pose a challenge," Another Parad mocked as he readied his Driver and Gashat, "Henshin."
[GACHAN! MAZARU UP!]
[AKU NO KOBUSHI TSUYOSA! YAMI NO PUZZLE RENSA! ASHIKI YAMI NO OUZA! PERFECT KNOCK OUT!]
Soon enough he took the form of Another Para-DX, readying the Bugvisor in its chainsaw mode as well.
"Parad, Ruby," Poppy drew out her own Bugvisor and Gashat.
"Right, time for us to find out… whether I, the one with a heart, or you, the one without a heart… are the strongest!" Parad readied his Gamer Driver and Gashat.
"Blake, I'm counting on you backing up Poppy," Ruby said as she readied her Ziku Driver and Roze Ridewatch.
"You can count on me," Blake simply readied herself to fight, figuring Ruby was going base Roze to utilize her Weapon Time ability.
"Max Dai…"
"Henshin!"
[GACHAN! MAZARU/BUGGLE UP!]
[RIDER TIME!]
[PERFECT KNOCK OUT!]
[OTEME WA ITSUMO TOKI MEKI CRISIS!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Blake stood alongside Kamen Rider's Roze, Para-DX and Poppy, the four readying themselves as the area began to turn into pixels around them.
[STAGE SELECT!]
The combatants were brought to a two layer rock quarry, everyone starting off on a higher layer as both groups readied themselves. Para-DX drew out his Parabragun in its axe formation while Poppy simply raised her fist, Roze drawing out Crescent Rose in its rifle configuration.
"Let's go!" Roze called out as she rushed forward with Para-DX.
Blake meanwhile slipped past the two and rushed alongside Poppy.
Another Para-DX gave a yell as he charged towards Para-DX, clashing weapons with him before spinning out of the way from a rifle blast that Roze had fired.
Poppy had leapt and went for a high kick only for Genomes to slide underneath it. It turned and raised its chainsaw, slashing down only for Blake to slide in and block the attempt with Gambol Shroud. Poppy used this chance to aim a kick at the Genomes' gut, forcing it back.
Tsukuyomi was currently looking around the mansion, trying to find any hint or clue of Poppy. She was completely unaware of what was going on in the back, though that was also because she found the flight of stairs that led down towards the basement Kuroto used. She kept her Faizphone X at the ready as she carefully walked down. She looked around and took aim only to give a light gasp at the sight before her. The computer equipment that Kuroto had used was completely smashed to hell and back, there didn't seem to be anything salvageable in the slightest.
"Just what happened here?" Tsukuyomi asked as she looked around, "Did he try to cover his tracks?"
"It seems like he's throwing a temper tantrum."
Tsukuyomi quickly spun and took aim, seeing Masamune at the entrance of the steps, "Who are you?"
"Masamune Dan, his father," Masamune said as he had his hands in his pockets, "I'm terribly sorry you have to deal with my son."
Tsukuyomi narrowed her eyes however, remembering the research she had done on Genm Corp, "You're the one who escalated Kamen Rider Chronicle."
"So that's how I'm remembered, huh?" Masamune asked before giving a laugh, "I suppose that's my punishment…"
"Just what is Kuroto up to?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"As if I know, the kid is insane, believing he's a god," Masamune scoffed, "Now if you'll excuse me I need to wait for my chance… then I'll make sure he isn't a threat."
"And just how-" Tsukuyomi cut herself off when she saw Masamune disappear in a burst of orange pixels, "Of course he's a Bugster now…" She turned to try and see if there was anything salvageable.
[PARA-DX! WEAPON TIME! GASHACON PARABRAGUN!]
"Blake!" Roze brought out the weapon in its axe mode and quickly threw it towards her friend. She then gave a yelp as she used Crescent Rose to block against a chainsaw slash from Another Para-DX.
Para-DX quickly rushed in, swinging his weapon only for his dark copy to duck underneath. He gave a gasp as Another Para-DX slashed past him with the chainsaw, sparks flying as he was sent staggering towards Roze.
"Come on, even together you two can't beat me?" Another Para-DX scoffed as he gathered energy in his weapon before sending out a slash, having it impact against the ground to blow both Roze and Para-DX down to the lower layer of the quarry, "You all preach about hearts but that's what makes you failures as Riders!"
"Oh just shut up," Roze gave a glare as she picked herself, helping Para-DX stand.
Blake meanwhile was forced to defend against various chainsaw attacks from Genomes, the Bugster not wanting the Huntress to grab the Parabragun. As a result the weapon had embedded itself in a nearby chunk of stone.
Genomes gave a yell as it raised its arm up, gathering energy in the chainsaw blade of the Bugvisor only to gasp as it was kicked in the side.
"Grab it!" Poppy called out as she rushed forward, ducking underneath a swing from Genomes and spinning, kicking it in the back. Despite this her attack wasn't that effective, she gave a gasp as Genomes turned and slammed the chainsaw against her chest, sending her flying backwards.
Genomes began to charge forward only to quickly turn and block against a slash from Blake who had retrieved the Parabragun. Genomes grabbed at Blake only to pass through her as it had grabbed a clone, Blake using Shadow to leap up and slam the weapon down on Genomes.
"I'm not making this easy for you," Blake gave a glare before hurrying over to Poppy, "Hey, you alright?"
"He hits hard," Poppy admitted as she was helped up.
Genomes gave a yell, switching its Bugvisor to its gun mode and taking aim, firing powered up blasts of energy towards the Rider and Huntress. Poppy and Blake both yelled out as the blasts impacted near them, the two stumbling and rolling back as a result.
"You can stop all this pain and suffering if you all were smart," Saiko called out as she looked towards Poppy, "The puny viruses just have to shut up and become slaves for us humans!"
"Will you stop talking down on them," Blake trailed as she picked herself up, "It's always your type isn't it? Thinking just because you're human you're superior to everyone, huh?"
"At least I haven't lost my mind and am sympathizing with mere viruses," Saiko remarked.
"You…" Blake gave a glare, "Fine, we'll show you just how wrong you are."
Poppy gritted her teeth as she began to pick herself up, "I believe in doing whatever I can to bring back those who were erased. But, I won't submit to someone like you who discriminates between lives." She quickly withdrew her Bugvisor her waist and switched it to its beam mode, firing at Genomes, "We may just be a couple of viruses… but we have hearts of our own, too!"
"Huh?" Saiko raised an eyebrow.
Genomes meanwhile braced against the blasts before making its way towards Poppy and Blake, switching its Bugvisor back to its chainsaw mode.
Para-DX and Roze both spun into view nearby, their fight moving closer to the others now as they used their weapons to brace and block against Another Para-DX's assault together.
"True strength isn't the ability to be cruel for the sake of victory, or the lack of a heart, or kindness!" Para-DX called out as he and Roze kicked forward, forcing the Dark Rider backwards, "It's using your heart for the sake of someone's smile, no matter what!"
"That's what makes us Kamen Rider's," Roze called out as she crouched down and took aim, "That's what lets us win!"
Another Para-DX gave a glare and raised his arm with his Bugvisor, moving forward only to get shot in the stomach by Roze. He then gave a gasp as he was struck by Para-DX's axe, sparks flying as he staggered back.
"That's why I'll change my fate with my own heart!" Para-DX switched his weapon to its gun mode, firing several shots at Another Para-DX to force him backwards. He then switched his weapon to its axe mode, throwing the Parabragun at his dark counterpart as he rushed forward.
Another Para-DX gave a gasp as he was struck by the weapon but tossed it away. He was ready to swing forward only to get shot several times by Roze. By the time he recovered he received a punch straight to the face via Para-DX.
Genomes gave a yell as it swung its chainsaw downwards, both Poppy and Blake splitting from each other and dodging to the sides.
"Poppy let's finish this," Blake switched the Parabragun to its gun mode and began to fire at Genomes.
"Right," Poppy returned the Bugvisor Zwei to its Buggle Driver state, rushing forward while Genomes was distracted. She grabbed it by the arm and proceeded to slam her leg into it to stagger it.
Genomes gave a yell and tried to grab at Poppy only for her to jump over it, using it as a springboard as she hopped over and got behind it. It turned only to receive a spinning kick from Poppy.
"Take this!" Poppy yelled as she spun around rapidly, becoming a multicolored tornado that slammed into Genomes several times before sending it flying back. She then readied her finisher, crossing her arms.
[KIMEWAZA!]
[SIX! SIX RENDA!]
Blake had already readied herself for her part of the finisher, charging up the Gashacon Parabragun in its axe formation before charging towards Genomes.
Genomes turned and tried to strike at her only for Blake to strike first, sending a powerful red coated slash against the Bugster, it staggering back as a result. It tried to grab at Blake only for the Huntress to leap backwards.
[CRITICAL CREWS-AID!]
Genomes turned when it heard the announcement, gasping out as it was struck by Poppy who had kicked out with her right leg.
Poppy proceeded to kick off of Genomes, landing in a crouch as she watched the Bugster overload before exploding.
Another Para-DX gave a yell as he initiated the finisher on the Bugvsior Zwei he held, bright purple energy becoming a saw before he slammed it into the ground, the massive saw of energy digging towards Roze and Para-DX.
[FINISH TIME! CRITICAL TIME BLAST!]
Roze took aim and fired a blue blast of energy, it forming a wall of puzzle pieces that defended against the saw and stopped it briefly. She then fired again, a fireball being unleashed and slamming into the wall, the attacks soon mixed before becoming an orange and blue colored fireball that completely shattered the energy saw attack.
Another Para-DX gave a gasp, "What?!"
"It's over… do it now Parad!" Roze called out.
"Right," Para-DX readied his finisher as he watched his copy hastily do the same, the dark copy tossing his Bugvisor Zwei to the side.
[URAWAZA!]
Both Para-DX's gathered their energy and crouched forward before running and leaping towards each other, performing a dropkick.
[PERFECT KNOCKOUT CRITICAL BOMBER!]
An explosion occurred as they collided, both Para-DX's being flung out. While Para-DX managed to leap out backwards and land without issue, Another Para-DX gave a yell as he was thrown against the ground.
[GASHUN!]
With that sound Another Para-DX lost his transformation, the dark copy trying to stand only to fall flat on his stomach.
It wasn't long before Parad-DX, Poppy and Roze dismissed their transformations. The game area disappearing as they were brought back to the back garden of the mansion. Another Parad laid on the ground in defeat while Saiko was simply stunned into silence, too in shock at the loss of both Genomes and Another Para-DX to say anything.
"Dr. Saiko… if you have a heart too, please don't discriminate between lives anymore," Poppy pleaded.
Saiko said nothing and simply looked over towards Another Parad.
Another Parad gave a gasp as he managed to stand with a hunch, "How could I… have lost?!"
"You really don't get it, huh?" Ruby asked as she crossed her arms.
"The time where Bugsters and humans fought is already over," Parad stated firmly, holding out his hand before closing his fist, "That's why you should just get lost."
Another Parad could only suddenly give a yell as he broke apart into his virus state, at first everyone assumed it was a delayed reaction of his defeat. That was until everyone saw the virus being sucked somewhere else.
Kuroto soon stepped out from behind a bush, holding the Bugvisor Zwei and walking over confidently.
"Kuroto…" Ruby narrowed her eyes.
"I must thank you all for raising him into the strongest genius gamer," Kuroto held up the Bugvisor Zwei, "With this, I can surpass even my own godly talents."
There was a pause, and needless to say, everyone soon noticed Saiko didn't seem to be aware of this, "…What do you mean?" She asked as she took a step towards her partner.
"You are of no use to me anymore," Kuroto stated plainly.
"This isn't what we agreed on!" Saiko shouted as she rushed over and grabbed his shoulder, "You said we were doing this to resurrect your-"
"Not interested!" Kuroto called out as he shoved Saiko away before rolling his neck around to crack it, "Making myself human again doesn't interest me in the slightest. The only thing I am interested in… is my own talent!"
What happened next was something no one was expecting, Kuroto had grabbed the Bugvisor Zwei with both hands, unleashing the virus inside it straight into his mouth. Purple flashes occurred as he was enveloped by a deep violet aura. He gave maddening screams as he shoved as much of the virus he could down his own throat until he was finally done, the flashes and aura fading as he hunched over. His head shot up as his eyes flashed, dark purple veins creeping all over his face before both faded.
Blake could only stare, "What… what did he… do?"
"I've finally got it…" Kuroto gave a smile, "I finally have both the powers of the genius game creator and the genius gamer!"
Parad and Poppy looked at each other, suddenly remembering the Another Ex-Aid incident.
"That was what you were really after, Genm?" Parad asked.
"I must extend my thanks to Ruby Rose and her friends," Kuroto said with a grin, "If Another Ex-Aid never happened alongside Another Emu, I wouldn't have figured out that this would be what I needed until much later."
"Yeah I'd rather not have your thanks," Ruby narrowed her eyes as she brought out the Silver Roze Ridewatch.
"But why…?" Poppy asked, "I thought you had learned how precious life was by spending time with Emu and everyone! You'd finally atoned for your sins, hadn't you?!"
"You've misunderstood," Kuroto shook his head, "I only sided with you to make Masamune Dan surrender, and nothing more."
"So… just what are you aiming for?" Poppy asked.
"My goal has always been the same," Kuroto answered before turning away before he disappeared in a flash of purple pixels, "I am me. I am simply… God…"
Everyone could only stare at where Kuroto once stood as a chill went down their spines, all of them realizing that his plot was now entering its final act.
"No…" Saiko managed to speak up, "This wasn't how it was meant to…"
Blake looked over to Saiko, and despite her anger at her from earlier she couldn't help but pity the woman.
"I'm sorry… about your father," Parad said as he walked over.
"You think your apology would fix all this?" Saiko questioned as she stood up with a glare.
"I wasn't expecting you to forgive me," Parad admitted, knowing what he did was something that anyone would have a hard time forgiving, "But… we need your strength to bring back those who were erased, your father included."
Poppy hurried over, "Won't you stay and work with us? We could save all of those lives."
"Unbelievable," Saiko managed to get out, her face showing confusion as the loss of her business partner had seemingly broken her resolve to go on, "I can't believe you viruses are here worrying over human lives. Bugsters… have hearts? That's ridiculous…" She turned before walking off in a hurry.
"I pity her…" Blake admitted as she looked at Saiko walking off, "But given what just happened, her being like this makes sense."
"Given Kuroto's reputation… she must've been really desperate to work with him," Ruby sighed as she crossed her arms.
"Still… it sounds like we're going to need to be prepared," Blake looked over at her team leader.
"Given that he just did what we were trying to prevent with Another Ex-Aid…" Ruby trailed before giving a nod, "Yeah we do."
It wasn't long before Tsukuyomi began to walk out towards the back, just catching the tail end of everything, "Ruby, Blake, what happened?"
"It's a long story," Ruby admitted with a sigh, "Where were you?"
"Trying to see what I could find since you all found Poppy first," Tsukuyomi replied, "He's completely smashed up all the equipment here."
"That's not good," Blake said.
"I also ran into Masamune Dan, seems he's on the loose too," Tsukuyomi added.
"That isn't good," Parad narrowed his eyes, "Now we've got two dangerous individuals running around."
"He did say something odd though," Tsukuyomi replied, "He's waiting for his chance to make sure Kuroto isn't a threat anymore."
"That's… odd," Ruby admitted.
At a secluded waterfall, Kuroto stood on top of a rock overlooking it, completely naked. He seemed to be in a zen-like state before opening his eyes. He shouted out in weird yells as he attached his Gamer Driver to his stomach before slotting in the blank dual Gashat.
[GASHAT!]
"It's time… Finally, I will become the god amongst all gods!" Kuroto exclaimed before his eyes turned a bright purple. Dark energy began to erupt from his body before pouring itself into the blank Gashat in the Driver.
Suddenly the Gashat gained color, being primarily purple and black with red accents. At the top formed a red button that was Genm's upper body sticking out. The sticker soon formed, revealing Proto Mighty in a Mech Suit, the label, God Maximum Mighty X.
"Now this is the ultimate power, worthy of the supreme god!" Kuroto yelled out as he pressed down on the button.
[GOD MAXIMUM MIGHTY X!]
A bright light began to emanate from the Gashat as Kuroto's maddening yells drowned out the sounds of the nature all around him.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"This is, Zombie Chronicle!"
"He's using the remaining Proto Gashats to act as enforcers."
"That doesn't mean I'm going to let you go alone!"
"Oh, so there is someone playing this game!"
"Do it, kill Kuroto Dan."
Chapter 58 – Genm vs. Lazer 2019
Author's Note: I'll admit that integrating Ruby and the others into Parad and Poppy's movie from the start was hard. This is especially the case since both Parad and Poppy need to be isolated for most of it. I figured we'd started deeper into the movie, which resulted in this chapter being shorter and being the only one that was originally one chapter. But hey, this weird jester man showed up, and he was never in Another Ending, curious as to what his deal is…
Too bad I can't say, yet, so let me distract you by addressing some comments. Ruby vs. Kaito is absolutely still on the table, rest assured. Baron is one of the Ridewatches I want fully collected before the 3rd Main Arc concludes after all. As for certain events happening faster than normal… that's the point. Ruby unlocking Sougo's Aura has caused massive ripples as we've seen. That includes various things that have been alluded to as well as moving up certain people's timetables and even allowing some outsiders to partake in the fun. If I had to describe this short break from Time Jacker shenanigans, it's that there's more to this battle than just our Riders, the Time Jackers and the Quartzer's.
With that said, thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time when we finish off Another Ending.