Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 62 – Jokers of Aces 2019
Woz was currently in his Rider Form at the power plant that he was fighting Diend in. The area was grayscale as time was currently stopped. This was one of the many benefits of his narrative abilities, as he now had a chance to plan out his next move. Before him was Diend who was readying his gun while off to the side was Yang and Blake who were battling Kamen Rider Beast. Geiz meanwhile was nearby watching, having moved closer to the fights after his conversation with Shiro-Woz.
"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 as he opened up his book to read from, "Thanks to our enemies, Kamen Rider Blade has become our next Rider to interact with. But with the converging of three Jokers into one city, I fear that our enemies have started a countdown to the world's destruction. Will we have a chance to grow in strength once more and put an end to these machinations…?"
He closed his book as he then drew out the Shinobi Miridewatch as color began to fade in again, "Oh dear, I believe I don't have time for this."
Earth – Early April 2019
Diend took aim and began firing at Woz, surprised by the Rider already utilizing a form change to counter.
[TOUEI! FUTURE TIME! DARE JA? ORE JA? NINJA! FUTERERING SHINOBI! SHINOBI!]
Woz used his form's ninja speed to launch himself towards and flipping over Diend while bringing out the Zikan Despear in its sickle mode. He turned and swung at Diend who blocked with the NeoDiendriver. Woz however used his forms speed to shift his sickle around, getting behind Diend and forcing him into a hold.
"You're a quick one, aren't you?" Diend asked.
"Now, Geiz! Take the Watches back!" Woz called out.
Geiz simply stood there and crossed his arms.
"Geiz!" Yang called out before yelping as she dodged a stab from Beast, "Now's not the time to be mean to Woz!"
Blake quickly slashed against Beast's back to gather its attention, blocking its swing with one of her sickles before slashing its gut with the other, "Geiz!"
"Huh?" Woz was confused as to why Geiz wasn't taking action and his grip began to slack as a result.
Diend took advantage of this, forcing himself out of the hold before kicking Woz away. He then loaded in two Rider Cards into his gun, "How about you match speed with these two?"
[KAMEN RIDE: ACCEL! BIRTH!]
Both Accel and Birth were formed, Birth loading in a Cell Medal into its Driver before rushing forward.
[CATEPILLAR LEG!]
Accel ran forward, drawing its Engine Blade and swinging at Woz to force the ninja themed future Rider to block. It then pushed down to force Woz's weapon down, Birth sliding in on its Caterpillar Leg attachments before raising its left leg, kicking out and nailing Woz directly in the chest and gut.
Woz gasped out as he was sent staggering back, he then sped forward hoping to overwhelm the two.
Diend however saw this, his gold bands suddenly vibrating as he ran forward. Soon enough he became a blur that matched Woz's own speed and rushed forward gun first while shooting. Woz gasped as he was struck again in the front by the attack, being sent flying backwards.
Accel quickly removed its Accel Driver from its buckle, leaping upwards and transforming itself into a makeshift motorcycle. It used Woz's attempts to recover to ram into him several times, skidding across the grass as it continued to juggle Woz higher and higher.
[CRANE ARM!]
Birth meanwhile brought out its Crane Arm armament, unleashing the wire hook forward and swinging its arm side to side. Woz could only gasp as he was struck in the chest several times by the hook, sparks flying as he dropped downwards.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: D-D-D-DIEND!]
Diend loaded in his finisher card and took aim, a funnel of holographic rider cards forming in front of him as he waited for Woz to drop right in front of him. He then pulled the trigger, the cards retracting into the barrels of the gun before unleashing a massive beam of energy at Woz.
Woz gave a gasp as he landed on his back, his suit sparking heavily.
"Seriously…?" Yang called out, blocking a slash from Beast with her prosthetic before striking it directly in the jaw with her Magma Knuckle.
"No wait," Blake said as she remembered exactly what form Woz was using.
"Pretty ruthless, watching your friend get blown away like that," Diend remarked to Geiz.
"He's no friend of mine," Geiz corrected, before giving a small smirk, "And let me tell you one other thing… he's a hell of a liar."
"Huh?" Diend looked at Woz only to suddenly see a straw doll with Futurering Shinobi's chest and shoulder armor decorating it.
DORON!
Woz suddenly appeared behind Diend in a puff of smoke, striking down with his Despear and landing a clean hit before slashing Diend once more.
Diend could only yell out as the Geiz and Legend Rider Ridewatches began dislodging themselves from Diend's body, all of them forming a small trail as he landed on the ground.
Woz meanwhile held up a hand, various clones of himself appearing in puffs of smoke and grabbing the various Ridewatches before hurrying over and handing them to him so he could pocket them.
"Impressive," Woz said as he soon held out the Geiz Ridewatch, "You figured it out, Geiz. That this was my plan all along."
"Not exactly," Geiz said as he walked over, "You wanted to use me as a distraction."
"Most impressive," Woz gave a hum before tossing the Ridewatch over, "You saw the very root of my plan."
"Uh… mission success?" Yang asked.
"Not yet," Blake narrowed her eyes, "He still has the Power-Up Ridewatches."
"Well we better clean up here then," Yang gestured towards Beast who was readying a ring.
"On it," Blake said as she shifted her Gashacon Sparrow back to its arrow mode and took aim.
[BUFFA! GO: BU-BU-BUBUBU-BUFFA!]
Beast donned its buffalo themed mantle on its right shoulder, holding it forward as it braced against the energy arrows Blake sent out, sparks flying as it kept charging towards Yang. Yang gave a yell as she punched forward with the Blizzard Knuckle to meet Beast's shoulder charge.
Diend meanwhile managed to pick himself up, "Would you look at that, you two are better friends than you admit."
"I already told you, he's no friend of mine, he's just a roommate," Geiz said before readying his transformation, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
Geiz gave a yell as he rushed forward, his transformation completing itself. He brought out his Zikan Zax in its bow mode and launched arrow after arrow at Diend. Getting in close enough he managed to smack Diend away with his weapon before taking aim and firing at Birth to stun it.
Woz meanwhile rushed for Accel, using his sickles range and his ninja speed to fully overwhelm the red speedster Rider. He went for an underhand swing, striking Accel in the chest and sending it flying into Birth. He wasted no time in swiping and swinging his Despear, easily forcing both copied Riders back.
With the two copied Riders being beaten back, Geiz redirected his attention back at Diend. He worked on pulling his bow's handle back fast and hard, using quick burst energy arrows to overwhelm Diend's rapid fire bullets. It wasn't long before he managed to strike the Diendriver and forced it to the side before striking Diend in the chest to force the thieving Rider back.
[FINISH TIME!]
[BEYOND THE TIME!]
As Geiz initiated his finisher, Woz initiated his own. Woz split into two before performing uppercut swings to fill both Accel and Birth clones with green energy, sending them up into the air.
[NINPO! JIKAN SHIBARI NO JUTSU!]
[TIME BURST!]
Geiz leapt up into the air, a trail of his visors and soles hiragana forming out in a trail as he kicked towards the two Rider clones. Woz's finisher had caused both Riders to attract towards each other, clumping up as Geiz kicked straight against them with his right leg.
An explosion occurred as the Accel and Birth fell near Diend, fading away as they had taken too much damage.
[DRAGON! VOLCANIC KNUCKLE!]
"ORA!"
Suddenly Beast flew towards the battle of Riders, tumbling across the ground and stopping near Diend before fading away.
Diend could only watch as Blake and Yang closed in, "Still after me? How persistent…"
"Naturally," Woz answered, "Now, we shall be taking the Zi-O II, Silver Roze, and Geiz Revive Watches back."
"Sorry to tell you, but I already handed them all over," Diend lied before slotting in a new card, "Regardless, you all got too careless."
[ATTACK RIDE: BLAST!]
Diend immediately raised his gun upwards, launching out a powerful burst of energy that split into smaller bursts. They curved and snaked around as they all hit their targets, Geiz and Woz gave yells, both being sent to the ground while Yang and Blake were both disarmed, their aura flickering as they were blasted back.
Diend then began tapping his gun in his hand as he walked over to Blake and Yang before aiming his gun at them, "Tell me what I need to access this Relic of Knowledge's power…"
"You think we'll tell you?" Yang gave a glare.
"Perhaps I should get more persuasive," Diend aimed the gun directly at Blake's head, "How about now?"
"F-Fine you can have it!" Yang called out, knowing this was a part of the plan and mostly faking the panic in her voice, "Her name's Jinn!"
"Jinn…?" Diend asked.
"Use it to summon her," Blake spoke up, "But be warned, she only has one question left."
"I'll be very careful then," Diend said as he brought up an Aurora Curtain behind him before walking backwards through it, "Thank you for your cooperation… now I can find him."
Blake and Yang could only stare in confusion at those last words before the dimensional wall faded entirely.
Shiro-Woz was currently pondering his next move. Threatening Geiz with the end of the world wasn't enough. Even though Another Chalice was following his orders, it was still a risk he was taking by trusting that man. He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt the Ridewatches he held start to pulsate. Bringing out the Zi-O II and Geiz Revive Watches, he watched them shine brightly in pink and blue.
"What…?"
Suddenly his chest began to glow a bright green, the three glows reacted to each other and connected via energy lines, forming a triangle. It was a similar process that created Geiz Revive, but now it was reacting to both power-up Watches and himself.
"What is this?!"
Pulsations occurred as a Ridewatch began to take shape within the triangle, forming a bright white glow that obscured it. But before it could fully form, the lights faded in a burst alongside the Ridewatch, it fading away as it couldn't complete itself. Shiro-Woz could only stare at both Watches as he began to breathe heavily.
Chalice gave a yell as he leapt towards Zi-O, the future king ducking to rush past and dodge the attack. Chalice landed and turned to slash only for Roze to quickly get in the way, blocking his weapon with her shield.
"Will you calm down already?!" Roze called out, as she pushed forward managing to make Chalice stumble.
Zi-O gave a yell as he rushed in and slashed at Chalice, trying to disarm him. Chalice was forced on the defensive before leaping back, causing Zi-O's last attack to miss.
"I won't let you harm her any further," Chalice stated as he withdrew three cards from the holster on the side of his belt, scanning them into the Chalice Arrow.
[FLOAT! DRILL! TORNADO!]
[SPINNING DANCE!]
Chalice entered a crouched stance as the cards appeared behind him, entering his body and powering him up. He then rushed forward, leaping into the air and spinning before kicking out with both legs. He began to spin rapidly, being wrapped in a black tornado of energy as he shot towards the two Riders.
[FINISH TIME! ZANGETSU!]
[MELON TIME BLAST!]
"Sougo brace!" Roze raised up the Melon Defender which began to shine.
"R-Right," Zi-O quickly grabbed onto Roze's shoulders and planted his feet firmly.
Chalice's finisher collided with Roze's shield, the two energies clashing against each other before an explosion occurred. Roze and Zi-O yelled out as they were thrown backwards, Zi-O being booted back to base Zi-O while Roze lost her Weapon Time.
"Just who the heck are you?!" Zi-O questioned.
Chalice began to move towards the two fallen Riders, with their transformations still intact he needed to keep up the pressure. That was until Weiss suddenly stepped between them, "Ah, Weiss?"
"Hajime stop," Weiss called out as she spread her arms out, "They're my friends, why are you attacking them?"
"I… they were attacking her," Chalice pointed towards Another Blade.
"She's an Another Rider," Weiss called out, "They're trying to do their jobs so why get in their way?"
"If it means attacking her then I won't let them lay a finger on her," Chalice declared, "I'll save her myself. Now move."
"No," Weiss kept her stance.
"Fine then," Chalice said before giving a light gasp and turning to the side, "Huh?"
"Hajime, you should take that girl's advice and just leave."
Everyone suddenly turned their attention to the man who was currently walking over to the battlefield. It was Kenzaki who had finally made it from where he was to Tokyo.
Chalice began to shake, "Kenzaki, you noticed it too…?!"
"Hajime…" Kenzaki began to breathe heavily, glancing to a building far off and seeing Another Chalice perched and watching the fight. He then turned to his friend, "Get away from this city and go into hiding for just a bit, you shouldn't be here. I'll be the one who deals with this."
"But, Kenzaki… she's…" Chalice looked back at Another Blade, before turning back to his friend, "Why?!"
"You know we can't be near each other… our instincts and urges are going to force us to fight," Kenzaki hissed out as he hunched over, "Especially now… whatever these monsters are they're making things worse… get away from here now!"
"I won't!" Chalice called out stubbornly.
"Then I'll fight those urges and deal with this monster version of Blade as fast as possible," Kenzaki straightened up as he began to sweat, placing his Blay Buckle on his waist as he readied himself, "Henshin!"
[TURN UP!]
Kenzaki gave a yell as he rushed through the blue screen that formed, transforming fully into Kamen Rider Blade. He drew his Blay Rouzer and rushed for Another Blade, raising his blade.
"No, Kenzaki don't!" Chalice yelled out as he went to block the slash with his Chalice Arrow, "You don't understand!"
"Is there really no way to avoid this fate?!" Blade gritted his teeth as he tried to overpower Chalice to toss him away.
"Just what's going on?" Weiss asked.
"Kamen Rider Blade," Roze realized when she saw Kenzaki's transformation, "But why are they fighting?"
"Something seemed wrong with him before he transformed," Zi-O mentioned before realizing something, "Wait, we'll let them fight."
"We will?" Weiss asked.
"Blade looks like he's serious about this, so we'll do some misdirection," Zi-O suggested before subtly gesturing over to Another Blade who was simply staring at the fight before her.
"You're right," Roze said as she looked over, "Blade's powers while not strong enough to destroy Another Blade, it should be enough to break the transformation temporarily."
Another Blade began to get up, watching Chalice and Blade fight… she needed to stop them. She began to rush forward before Roze and Zi-O got in her way, "Out of my way!"
"Sorry but this is for your own good!" Zi-O called out as he rushed for her with Roze.
Another Blade gave a yell as she began to swing at the two, the two began to dodge around her slashes while grabbing onto her. Both Riders attempted to force the Another Rider into a grapple for long enough, they needed Blade to attempt a finisher.
Blade meanwhile was just about to do that, planning on going for something quick and powerful to take Chalice out of the fight for now. He just hoped that the presence of other Riders would deter Another Chalice. He managed to land a few clean hits in before he watched Chalice leap over him, now was his chance.
[KICK! THUNDER! MACH!]
Blade raised his Blay Rouzer before stabbing it into the ground, the selected cards appearing behind him via projections and powering him up. His body began to charge with blue electricity before he leapt into the air. He then kicked out with his right leg.
Zi-O and Roze saw this, the two forcing Another Blade's back towards Chalice before they kicked her in the stomach at the same time, sending her stumbling towards Chalice.
[LIGHTNING SONIC!]
Chalice quickly grabbed onto her and pushed her back, raising his weapon and bracing himself to shield her. Blade meanwhile kicked out, electricity gathering at his foot as he suddenly kicked against Chalice at high speeds, an electrical burst occurring before an explosion happened.
Both Chalice and Another Blade were both sent rolling away as Blade landed, Chalice had managed to keep his transformation. While Another Blade wasn't directly hit, the power and feedback of the finisher still got to her, trying to get up only to fail as her transformation dismissed itself.
"A-Amane…!" Chalice gasped out as he managed to stand, concerned for his friends safety.
Blade took a step forward in shock, "Amane?!"
"Hajime…" Amane took notice of Hajime as she began to pick herself up.
Chalice said nothing before turning and suddenly leaping away, Amane calling out to him as she ran after him.
"W-Wait, Hajime hold on!" Weiss called out as she gripped the camera in her hands.
"Weiss, how did you know him?" Roze asked.
"We just met this morning," Weiss admitted before holding up the camera, "He wanted a model so I obliged."
"Wait, you do model work?" Zi-O asked.
"I mean, I sort of-that's not the point right now!" Weiss caught herself before she could ramble, "Listen, you guys talk to Blade, I'll find Hajime and see what the whole deal is on his side. Sound good?"
"Sure," Roze gave a nod, "Just call me if you need anything."
"I will," Weiss said before hurrying off.
Blade meanwhile was looking around, trying to spot Another Chalice but not finding anyone on the rooftops. He then walked over towards Roze and Zi-O as Oscar and Tsukuyomi began to approach.
"You guys know what's going on, right?" Blade asked.
"Kind of…" Oscar spoke up.
"We're going to need your side of the story," Zi-O explained, "After we regroup with the others."
"That'll be best," Roze agreed as she dismissed her transformation alongside Zi-O and Blade.
Kenzaki however glanced to the side, catching something in his peripheral vision. He noticed a man that was watching from afar, half hiding behind the corner of a building. He gave a small smirk before turning towards the group, "Very well, I'll tell you what you need to know."
World of Diend, Early April 2019
Daiki began to breathe heavily as he rushed through the halls of one of his safe houses. Normally he'd stop and quip about the irony that his best safe house was on his home world. Especially given that world had it out for his head for a while. Needless to say he had found it, Knowledge, alongside the password to attain said knowledge. He quickly reached a door which he opened up, walking into an empty room with a safe at the end.
"Finally…" Daiki said as he began to work on unlocking the safe, eventually getting the final lock undone before stepping back as the door began to automatically open.
"This is pretty clever of you to do."
Daiki quickly turned, drawing out the NeoDiendriver and aiming only to wince as it was shot out of his hand. He went to try and grab it when he was suddenly tackled to the ground, getting landed on top of. He was ready to try and move only for a blade to be at his neck.
The culprits were both Tsukasa and Summer who had been watching from afar, the two springing into action the minute he fled the battle. Tsukasa had his Ride Booker out in its gun mode, the barrel smoking while Summer was kneeling on top of Daiki, her sword being the one aimed at his neck.
"You two…" Daiki hissed as he tried to move only for the blade to be held closer towards his neck, "Why are you here?"
"Wow you're mad. What's the matter, aren't we friends?" Summer asked in a sarcastic tone as she rephrased Daiki's previous words to her.
"I was also the one who told them to tell you, idiot," Tsukasa called out as he lowered his gun before walking past Summer and Daiki.
Inside the vault was fairly plain but it was lined with various treasures Daiki had successfully stolen in prior years, some were gear like the Orga Belt, his personal K-Touch he hadn't touched in a while, but others were odd like a vial of pepper spice, a coffee cup and a golden gun. At the end of the vault was the Relic of Knowledge, floating carefully on a pedestal.
Tsukasa walked over and took the Lamp, it shrinking to traveling size as he hooked it on his pant's belt loop, soon walking back over to the entrance, "We're done here."
Summer gave a nod and got off of Daiki, hooking her blade back on the loop holster she had, "Sorry about this, but they need to return to Remnant and won't be able to do so without the Lamp."
As the two turned to leave they soon heard a frustrated yell as Daiki cried out, punching the ground several times.
"Why are you taking this from me?" He asked as he glared at the two before dropping his head, "I can finally find out where he is! Where that damn Shiro-Woz is hiding him! So why are you taking this from me?!"
"Daiki…?" Summer turned in surprise to see this reaction.
"Come on," Tsukasa sighed as he stopped and glanced back, "You should know that this Relic of Knowledge is only for Remnant. This isn't going to give you the knowledge of where he is on our worlds."
"Daiki," Summer walked over and knelt down to talk to her friend, "Trust in my daughters."
"Your daughters…?" Daiki asked as he looked up, "What about them?"
"She and her friends are working on an Another Rider case at the moment," Summer explained, "One that Shiro-Woz is clearly involved with."
"If you allow her and the others to help Blade uninterrupted, you'll be able to find him," Tsukasa added, "Because there isn't just Another Blade roaming about."
"There isn't?" Daiki asked.
"I know you want to find him so you can bring him back home," Summer said before placing a hand on his shoulder and giving a smile, "We know you've been looking for him for years. And we'd never get in the way of that."
"Fine," Daiki said as he hung his head before giving a chuckle, "I still hate that you got the drop on me though."
"Well we're all filled with surprises," Summer smirked before standing up and turning around, "For now just let my daughters and their friends do the heavy lifting, alright? Then swoop in like the thief you are to claim your treasure."
"Wait," Daiki quickly stood up before holding out the Silver Roze Ridewatch, the only Ridewatch he had left, "Here, it's an important treasure that they'll need to have."
Summer turned and gently took the Ridewatch, "Thank you."
"Don't worry too much Daiki, things will work out," Tsukasa said before he summoned an Aurora Curtain. Not missing a beat he stepped forward, walking through with Summer.
Daiki didn't say anything after that, simply walking over to his NeoDiendriver and gently picking it up. He stared at it for a long while before properly holding it and gripping it tightly.
Earth – Early April 2019
Both teams had returned to 9-5-DO, everyone relaying the information they had found out via their prior missions while also reassigning the Ridewatches to their usual Riders. Kenzaki meanwhile was sitting at the table in the front of the shop, having been served some coffee. Everyone was gathered around and began to settle down after a while.
"The man right here is Kamen Rider Blade," Woz explained, "The one you met before him was Kamen Rider Chalice."
"Uh… I don't want to be rude but..." Sougo noticed that Kenzaki had taken some damage during the fight, his cheek being scratched but his blood was neon green. Sougo could only point at his cheek as he looked at everyone.
"That would be because the two of them are entities known as Jokers," Woz added.
"Jokers are drawn to one another… and should they happen to cross paths, they have an incredible urge to fight," Kenzaki explained, "Even though my will is strong it's hard to keep control of those instincts. So once Hajime got in the way I just lost it. Ever since the end of my time as Blade I've been trying to avoid seeing Hajime again."
"And if you fight?" Geiz asked.
"When the battle is over, and there's only one Joker left… the world will end," Kenzaki explained.
'I suppose I'll have to destroy this world.'
Shiro-Woz's words rang through Geiz's mind, his eyes widening when he realized that this was what Shiro-Woz had meant after all.
"Jeez, no pressure with this case, huh?" Yang remarked.
"Okay but how does Another Blade fit into this?" Oscar asked.
"Who was that lady?" Sougo asked.
"Amane Kurihara," Kenzaki replied, "Hajime… Kamen Rider Chalice looked after her when she was young."
"So if anything happens to Amane, Kamen Rider Chalice will appear," Tsukuyomi deduced, "Which draws you to him, leading to your final battle."
"That is their plan," Woz figured.
"There's something you all are missing, but I need to know first," Kenzaki replied, "What's with that monstrous version of me that Amane turned into?"
"That would be an Another Rider," Geiz spoke up, "They're corrupted versions of Riders being used by a group known as the Time Jackers to crown a king. The rider they parallel is able to deal heavy damage to them, but can't fully destroy them. You just pushed the powers into a dormant state. The only way to beat them would be by creating a Ridewatch."
"And with that said, here you go," Sougo said as he handed Kenzaki a Blank Watch.
"So I really can't do this on my own huh?" Kenzaki asked before shaking his head, "Regardless, thanks for telling me what that thing was because there's an issue."
"What kind of issue?" Ruby asked.
"The reason I'm here is because of an Another Rider," Kenzaki explained, "Another Chalice, it showed up to me the previous night and declared it was a new Joker and that it wanted both mine and Hajime's 'Joker Factors'."
"There's an Another Chalice?" Geiz asked.
"This is unlike any other Another Rider plot then," Woz suddenly realized.
"Uh oh, first time they tried this it was Another Cross-Z," Ruby remembered, "But this time it sounds worse given the whole… Joker issue."
"Okay but, Joker Factor…?" Sougo asked.
"I see, then that explains their plan," Woz realized, "Gather both Blade and Chalice together by utilizing both Another Blade and Another Chalice. Steal their powers of Joker via Another Chalice and then use the combined powers to create the end of the world."
"We need to stop Another Chalice first then," Ruby realized.
"But we don't have a Chalice Ridewatch," Blake reminded.
"Weiss is following after him though, so we'll have the chance to make one," Ruby pointed out, "We just need to find her and get that Watch before luring Another Chalice in to beat him."
"Well luckily for you, you won't have to worry about needing the proper Watch," Tsukasa soon entered in a sudden manner, "Coming in."
"We were wondering how long you'd take," Yang admitted.
"I did promise I'd help you all," Tsukasa said as he unhooked the Relic of Knowledge and presented it to the group, "Your Lamp, no questions asked."
"Thank you," Oscar said as he went to take the Lamp before buckling it to his belt.
"What was that about us not needing the proper Watch though?" Sougo asked, "Did you get those back too?"
"Diend didn't have them," Geiz reminded, "They were already handed off."
"Turns out Daiki held onto this one," Tsukasa held up the Silver Roze Ridewatch before tossing it over to Ruby, "Catch."
"Whoa," Ruby yelped as she quickly leaned over to catch it, fumbling a bit before gripping it tightly.
"Now then, my work here is…" Tsukasa trailed before looking over to see Kenzaki, "Kazuma…"
"Decade…" Kenzaki said in a bitter tone.
"Do you two know each other?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"I've met all the Heisei Riders before, but the ones that came before me are rather unruly except for Godai," Tsukasa remarked.
"Says the Destroyer of Worlds," Kenzaki remarked back.
"Says the person who tried to kill me," Tsukasa shot back.
"And yet you needed to die, or don't you remember?" Kenzaki asked in a harsher tone, "I only did what I had to in order to force you to fulfill your role as a destroyer."
"Jeez…" Ruby muttered as she looked between the two.
"I'll leave Another Chalice to you all, I'll work on keeping Amane away from Hajime," Kenzaki said as he stood up and pushed past Tsukasa to exit the shop.
"Um…" Sougo finally spoke up, "How do we find Another Chalice?"
"Living as a Joker hasn't done Kazuma a lot favors," Tsukasa remarked, "He tries to isolate himself from his feelings, because he really wants to see him again but knows he can't."
"He seemed mostly alright until Hajime got in the way to start fighting," Ruby mused, "So if they didn't meet while in battle they'd be mostly fine, right?"
"Probably… why do you ask?" Tsukasa looked over to Ruby.
"I think I have an idea on how to get both Ridewatches we need alongside luring out this elusive Another Chalice," Ruby admitted, "But I need your help and I need it now."
"Does it involve putting Kazuma in an annoying situation?" Tsukasa asked.
"Uh… kind of, I'm hoping to tone down that annoying aspect but he'll probably be peeved at first," Ruby admitted.
"Then let's get going," Tsukasa grabbed Ruby by the wrist before pointing forward and dragging her out of the shop.
Of course it wasn't long before Junichiro stepped out of the back room behind the counter, holding an antique camera in his hands.
"Oh, mostly everyone is here," Junichiro gave a smile as he walked over before noticing the Relic of Knowledge, "Whoa, that's a fantastic looking antique you've got there Oscar!"
"Huh? Oh," Oscar realized the Lamp was still in full view and he gave a nervous chuckle, "Erm, uh… yeah, I saw it for a good price and I thought it was really nice."
"Well if you ever need it maintained just let me know," Junichiro smiled, unaware of what the Lamp actually was. He then looked over to Sougo, "Sougo, you know it's about to be the dawn of a new era, right?"
"Yep," Sougo gave a nod, recalling the news and realizing the changing of eras was coming up soon.
"So, do you have any big plans?" Junichiro asked, "Like maybe getting a job while you're waiting to apply for-"
"Probably not," Sougo smiled before holding up his finger, "But in the meantime I'll be doing the most important job of all, helping people."
"Ah, is that a thing kids these days do?" Junichiro asked, still trying to catch up with the current slang.
"May I ask… what is that you have?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Oh, this…? It's an old fashioned camera," Junichiro explained, "Never seen anything like it, right? I was asked to repair it. Even though this is a clock shop…"
"We're really in a photography theme today aren't we?" Yang asked as she gave a stretch, the studios, Tsukasa, and now this.
"Oh, are you kids also getting into photography?" Junichiro asked.
"Something like that," Geiz remarked.
"Hey uncle," Sougo gave a hum, "You wouldn't happen to have some playing cards lying around would you?"
"I think I have an old deck in the drawer, why?" Junichiro replied.
Hajime had made his way towards the edge of the city, entering a forested area with a wood cabin nestled between the many trees. He felt his cheek stinging slightly and went to wipe it, giving a grimace when he was treated with the sight of neon green blood. He was ready to enter when he felt a presence nearby, pausing before turning around to soon see Weiss walk out of the forest.
"Weiss…?" Hajime asked, "How did you even find me?"
"Normally you'd be impossible to find given your insane leaping skills," Weiss admitted as she kept her hands behind her back, "But luckily that isn't an issue for me."
"Why are you here?" Hajime asked.
"To return this," Weiss said as she walked over and held out the camera.
"Oh that's right," Hajime realized before taking the camera and opening the door before looking back, "Would you like to come inside? It was probably quite the walk trying to keep up with me."
"That'd be appreciative," Weiss admitted as she followed after Hajime, surprised to see that the photographer was living in a rather cozy wooden house. It even having a log themed set of steps that led up to a little nook-like attic. The most eye-catching part of it was the various photographs all lining the walls of various architecture, nature, and animals. Of course there were tons on various tables, some on the floor, alongside just the tons of photography equipment on various shelves and such.
"Sorry if it's a bit of a mess," Hajime apologized as he pulled out a chair for Weiss to sit on.
"Its fine," Weiss waved it off before sitting down, "So you live all the way out here?"
"I do, I only ever go to the city whenever I feel like photographing or shopping in it," Hajime admitted as he went to sit down.
"I suppose immersing yourself in nature makes sense," Weiss said before glancing around and seeing the only picture in a frame being of him, a woman and a girl, "So what exactly was that all about?"
"You shouldn't really get involved," Hajime admitted as he looked to the side.
"Me and my team are best at meddling in the affairs of Kamen Riders," Weiss replied, "Especially when they involve Another Riders. So you aren't getting me or the others to budge on wanting to help."
"Sorry if I attacked your friends," Hajime suddenly apologized, "But I couldn't let Amane get hurt, at first I had picked up her transformation, it having a similar feel to Kenzak-Blade. But then when I arrived I could tell it was her despite her monstrous form."
"Well it looks like whatever the plot this time is, it involves you since you know her," Weiss replied,
"What exactly did she get turned into?" Hajime asked.
"Another Rider," Weiss replied, "Corrupt Rider powers given shape by forming a contract with the Time Jackers. They basically want to create a new King… in this case, Queen."
"Create a Queen?" Hajime asked.
"So about Blade," Weiss said as she looked around before looking back at Hajime, "He made it sound like he didn't want you around."
"Well that's because we're…" Hajime suddenly perked up, "Someone's here."
"Huh?" Weiss turned towards the door.
Outside the wooden house an Aurora Curtain formed, Kenzaki suddenly stumbling out while Ruby walked forward with Tsukasa taking a few steps forward out of it but remaining close.
"Decade, what's the meaning of this?" Kenzaki gave a glare.
"Thanks for this Tsukasa," Ruby gave a wave.
"Not my idea, this is all hers," Tsukasa pointed towards Ruby before giving a bow as he walked back into the Aurora Curtain, "Send Hajime my regards."
"Hey, Decade wait!" Kenzaki called out as he rushed forward only to grasp at nothing as the Aurora Curtain vanished. He then turned towards Ruby, "What's going on?"
"If we're going to beat both Another Riders, this needs to happen," Ruby answered before looking over towards the house.
Hajime and Weiss had both gone outside to check what was wrong. Silence fell as soon as Hajime and Kenzaki locked eyes with each other.
Shiro-Woz was currently pondering his next move on top of a water tank, leaning against the railing before noticing an interesting sight. He couldn't help but smile as he watched a frowning Geiz walk over to the base of the tank.
"I see your game," Geiz called up to Shiro-Woz, "Setting it up so that the two Jokers will face each other… with your near absent Another Chalice swooping in and taking their powers to become the only Joker. And when that happens, he'll end up leading the world to destruction."
"How astute of you," Shiro-Woz smiled as he began to walk down the steps of the water tank, "The apocalypse draws ever closer. Are you willing to become my savior, once again? I will grant you the power of Geiz Revive once more to best this threat, but in turn you must destroy the Overlord and his friends."
"I asked you, once…" Geiz trailed as he chose to ask his own question, "What is the future you're looking for?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Shiro-Woz asked.
"Because I'm excited to see the kind of future that Zi-O creates," Geiz answered, "Not only him but I also want to see what future Ruby creates for Remnant now that she's come this far. I'm a part of both of their futures now."
Shiro-Woz could only give a frustrated look as he watched Geiz walk off.
Waiting nearby but out of view were Sougo, Tsukuyomi and Woz. The three had gone with Geiz while Oscar was escorted by Blake and Yang back to their apartment to hide the Relic of Knowledge for the time being. Woz was watching both Sougo and Tsukuyomi crouching on the sidewalk, Sougo shuffling through playing cards as he placed the Ace cards of the Heart and Spade suits down.
"So what is this about?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Well, they're clearly based on trading cards right?" Sougo asked, "Cause of the whole Joker thing and they look like a heart and a spade."
"That would be correct," Woz replied.
"So what about the other two suits then?" Sougo asked as he drew out the Ace cards of the Diamond and Club suits, "There are Diamond and a Club Rider's, right?"
"Kamen Rider's Garren and Leangle, unlike Blade and Chalice, are normal humans," Woz said as he opened his book, "Unless both are unusually attentive of the happenings, they've been retired for quite some time."
"Huh, okay," Sougo gave a nod.
"Looks like Shiro-Woz really is trying to destroy the world," Geiz said as he walked over, "We have to keep that Another Chalice from taking both of their Joker Factors."
"Ruby's already on that though, isn't she?" Sougo asked before he heard his Faizphone X ring, answering it, "Hello?"
"Hey Sougo, I'm starting my part, use my Faizphone X's location to track me and gather the others," Ruby replied, "If all goes well I'm going to need you here to take on Another Blade while I distract Another Chalice."
"Right," Sougo replied, "Good luck."
"Thanks, I'll see you here soon," Ruby said before hanging up.
"Ruby's getting set up," Sougo told the others as he went to collect cards he placed down, shuffling them before putting them back in the deck box, "So we should too."
"So what's the plan then?" Geiz asked.
"Woz and I will go meet with Ruby," Sougo said before looking over at his friends, "Geiz, you and Tsukuyomi will meet up with the others and lead them to our location."
"Right, we're off then," Geiz said as he activated his Ride Striker, mounting it with Tsukuyomi before the two rode off.
"Alright, it might take a bit to get the Blade Ridewatch so let's take our time," Sougo said as he brought out the Taka Watchroid, tossing it up in the air, "Track Ruby's Faizphone X."
[SEARCH HAWK!]
Sougo gave a smile as he began to follow after the mechanical bird, Woz following at a steady pace but keeping behind Sougo.
"Amane Kurihara was never able to forget her old guardian, Chalice," Woz remarked as he pondered the situation, "A weak point our enemy has exploited. How troublesome it can be when we let ourselves be tethered to the past…"
Sougo paused however, "You mean like you and Geiz?"
Woz could only look at his Overlord in surprise when he heard this.
"Tsukuyomi told me about what happened," Sougo added before giving a smile, "The thing is, it might be the past for you guys… but it's my future. And we can always change the future!"
"Change the future… huh," Woz repeated.
Ruby was currently sitting on the other end of the small house Hajime lived in, in her hands were both Riders decks of Rouse Cards to keep them from trying to transform and fight. Weiss meanwhile was standing between Kenzaki and Hajime who both sat in chairs on the opposite ends of the room. Of course Ruby made sure to explain the full situation to both Riders.
"That plan won't work for too long," Hajime admitted, since he knew there were other ways for them to fight, "But we've suppressed our instincts for so long then this should be easy, right?"
"Regardless of us suppressing our instincts," Kenzaki said before he looked over at Ruby, "I told you about us being Jokers, and yet you still…"
"I know, you'll fight and once the winner is declared the world will end," Ruby replied as she crossed her arms, "Your instincts are hard to suppress too. But you were being mostly reasonable until Hajime got in the way. So I think that was because you two were in the heat of battle earlier too."
"That's also why I'm between you two, so you don't get any funny ideas," Weiss added before she gave a softer look, "Besides this is probably the best chance you both have to talk after how many years?"
"14 I think, give or take 15," Hajime replied.
"There's nothing to really say," Kenzaki replied, "What am I supposed to say? Ask Hajime how life's been?"
"Actually there is something I want to say," Hajime admitted before standing up, Weiss and Ruby eyeing his movements before noticing he was only standing still, "And it's that you're a damn idiot!"
"Wait, what?" Kenzaki looked up in surprise.
"I've had so many years to think about it… and it isn't fair," Hajime hissed out before sitting down and giving a firm stare towards his friend, "You gave up your life… you became a Joker to keep the Battle Fight from concluding and save the world. But what was all of that for?"
Kenzaki bit his lip, "Hajime, it was so you…"
"So I could live my life right?!" Hajime called out, "Well it's a damn joke that I get to live mine while you have to force yourself to becoming a wanderer. Do you even take care of yourself either? How long have you had those clothes?"
"Uh…" Ruby started to trail, realizing that this was turning more into a parent scolding their child than a heart to heart.
"I suppose I have let myself go just a bit…" Kenzaki admitted, "Regardless, we're both targets now and while I gained my Joker Factor, you were always a Joker. I can't risk you getting hurt by Another Chalice."
"He can take care of himself," Weiss interrupted, "Pretty sure he kicked Ruby's butt pretty thoroughly too."
"Hey!" Ruby called out.
"Sorry but it's true," Weiss gave a playful smile before looking between the two, "You two, the way you act around each other makes it so obvious, you care about each other."
"I mean…" Hajime trailed and looked down while Kenzaki simply looked off to the side.
"He was the partner you mentioned, wasn't he Hajime?" Weiss asked, recalling back to their conversation earlier in the day.
Hajime gave a simple nod, "Yeah."
"You know he still thinks of you fondly," Weiss replied as she looked over to Kenzaki, "That's why he blew up at you. You may have to do what you must to keep the end of the world from happening, but don't act like it's something you're okay with. You can be frustrated too."
Kenzaki hung his head as he gave a sigh, "I am frustrated with it all… but I'd never let anyone really know that. Sometimes I wish it could end but I know it can't, for Hajime's sake. So I endure all that and shut up about my pain for him."
"You should really find a way to vent your frustrations," Hajime admitted, "Or at least express yourself while you travel."
"I suppose I do," Kenzaki relented before ruffling his hair slightly as he began to breathe heavily, "But right now, this situation… it's too complicated."
"You're wrong, it's pretty simple what you need to do," Weiss spoke up, "I know you two can't be around each other for long. But please fight alongside each other instead of against each other at least until the Another Riders are taken care of."
"You guys have managed to last this long just being near each other, right?" Ruby asked.
"But…!" Kenzaki lifted his head up only to get his hand grabbed by Weiss, being helped up from his seat and led forward.
Weiss did the same to Hajime, grabbing his hand and forcing both Riders to shake before placing her hands on theirs.
"Weiss…" Hajime trailed as he stared at his and Kenzaki's linked hands.
"You two are irreplaceable partners right?" Weiss asked, "Please, just fight together at least one more time before going your separate ways."
"Partners should always be there for each other," Ruby said as she walked forward, "At least try this once, and be the very best partners you can be."
"Fight together as Partners, not against each other Jokers," Weiss added.
"I…" Hajime trailed before giving a soft smile, "Come on Kenzaki, it'll be just like the good old days."
"Hajime…" Kenzaki said before giving a smile before looking to the side, "I've let it really get to me huh? We've suppressed our instincts this long right?" He looked back towards his friend, "Let's clean this mess up."
Weiss couldn't help but smile between both Riders before giving a yelp, a bright light shining from both Kenzaki and Weiss' pockets. Kenzaki quickly removed his hand from Hajime and withdrew the object, it being a completed Blade Ridewatch, being navy from the base with a grey dial and button. Weiss meanwhile pulled out a completed Ridewatch that had formed from the blank she was holding onto, a black base with a gold dial and button, it holding Chalice's helmet.
"Whoa… we managed to snag both a Blade and Chalice Ridewatch?" Ruby asked in surprise before noticing that the Chalice Ridewatch began to pulsate with a golden aura, "Wait, what?"
Weiss' Aura soon became visible and began growing stronger in response to the Ridewatch pulsations. It wasn't long before Hajime's Chalice Rouzer formed. The Rouzer began to glow before sending out an orb of energy towards Weiss. The orb hit and mixed with her Aura before suddenly a copy of the Chalice Arrow formed in Weiss' free hand.
"What… is this?" Kenzaki asked.
"She has my weapon?" Hajime asked.
"A copy of it," Ruby said as she walked over, "My friends have all been connecting to various Riders and at the peak of it is them earning a copy of their weapon."
"We're not exactly sure how it works," Weiss admitted as she looked the Chalice Arrow over before dismissing it and handing the Chalice Ridewatch over to Ruby.
"Yeah," Ruby said as she took the Ridewatch, "But that means Team RWBY is fully armed and ready!"
"So then, we can beat both Another Riders now, right?" Kenzaki asked.
"For sure," Weiss nodded.
Outside of the wooden house, Another Chalice was slowly but surely approaching it, giving a chuckle as it was time to begin. It was ready to step forward when it felt a presence from behind before turning to see Amane approaching.
"You… who are you?" Amane asked.
"Another Chalice… the one who will rule my world once I obtain the powers of both Jokers," Another Chalice answered as it turned towards Amane, "You must be Another Blade."
"You… how did you…" Amane trailed.
"It doesn't matter what you do," Another Chalice said before turning away and walking towards the Hajime's house, "You can't stop me."
Amane could only stare at where Another Chalice was heading before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked in surprise as Swartz was standing next to her.
"You have the power to stop him, to stop Blade and Chalice from fighting even further," Swartz explained with a smile, "Tap into the power that was given to you, and take their suffering away from them."
"Take their suffering?" Amane asked.
"Yes," Swartz said before shoving his hand into Amane's back, retrieving the Blade Ridewatch before activating it and shoving it back in, "And make sure you don't take no for an answer."
[BLADE!]
Amane gave a gasp before yelling out as she transformed into Another Blade once more. She then screamed out and ran towards Another Chalice, bringing out her sword and slashing down at it.
Another Chalice quickly dodged out of the way, "What's this?"
"You won't touch them! I'll free them of their suffering!" Another Blade screamed as she continued to swing wildly, forcing Another Chalice to dodge before it blocked with its arm blade.
Swartz could only smile before turning and walking off, planning on hiding nearby since he knew that his plan was starting to come to fruition. He just needed to give the proper pieces a small shove in the right direction.
The yelling and fighting had caught everyone's attention, Ruby, Weiss, Kenzaki and Hajime all rushing out of the house before seeing the sight before them.
"So we really did draw Another Chalice in," Ruby said before giving a nod, "Kenzaki keep the Ridewatch and give it to Sougo when he gets here. He's your ticket for freeing Amane."
"Right, take care of Another Chalice for us," Kenzaki said.
"Let's go Weiss," Ruby said as she stepped forward while readying Silver Roze.
"Right," Weiss gave a nod as she brought out her Chalice Arrow and Mrytenaster.
Ruby turned towards the fight, "Henshin!"
[SILVER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
[SILVER HENKEI!]
As her transformation completed, Roze immediately brought out Silver Crescent while switching it to its spear transformation. She rushed forward and began twirling her weapon around, getting between both Another Riders and forcing them to take several steps back with her flourishes. She then turned and stabbed her weapon against Another Chalice's chest, watching it grab onto it she gave a yell, digging the tip of her spear deeper. She then began running forward, pushing Another Chalice away from the area with Weiss in pursuit.
Another Blade was surprised by this sudden attack and was ready to follow when she saw her friends out of the corner of her eye, turning, "Kenzaki… Hajime…"
"Amane… just hold on," Kenzaki said as he prepared his transformation.
"We'll save you soon," Hajime said as he did the same.
"Henshin!"
[TURN UP!]
[CHANGE!]
Both of them didn't draw their weapons just yet, giving a yell as they rushed towards Another Blade to hold her in place. The two grabbed onto her arms and began to push her away to fight in a more open area. Their plan had worked, managing to drag Another Blade over to a clearing.
The two however gasped out as Another Blade managed to throw them off of her, making them stumble before she gave a yell and slashed against them to force them backwards.
Chalice and Blade both rushed forward again, drawing their Chalice Arrow and Blay Rouzer respectively. The two tried to slash at Another Blade to force her weapon out of her hands. They weren't prepared for the force behind Another Blade's swings, her slashes slowly but surely overpowering their own while forcing them to stumble backwards.
Another Blade yelled as dark electrical energy surrounded her sword, slashing against Blade to toss him away. She then gathered the same dark energy and slashed against Chalice, her attack managing to send Chalice flying back.
"Amane, stop this…!" Chalice yelled out.
"Amane…" Blade gasped out.
"I won't stop… until you're both saved!" Another Blade yelled out as she gathered a large amount of electrical energy in her blade before launching it at Blade. Blade quickly braced as he wasn't quick enough to draw out a card to help his defense.
Chalice gave a yell as he managed to push himself up, running over and taking the hit for Blade. He yelled out as he was sent flying, his suit sparking as he lost his transformation.
Blade turned in surprise, "Hajime, why?!"
As if responding to Hajime's loss in transformation, Another Blade's body began to glow green, forming a blank Rouze Card that she instinctively threw towards Hajime.
Hajime gave a gasp as the card struck him in the chest, his body glowing green as that glow was suddenly sucked into the Rouse Card.
"No way," Blade quickly stood up, "She can take our Joker abilities too?!"
[SPIRIT!]
Hajime's body gave a pink glow before releasing a pulse as the Rouse Card finished becoming a Joker Card. The card flew back towards Another Blade's belt and entered it. She gave a gasp as a new red heart-like engraving appeared on her right breast armor, it being a symbol representing Hajime's Joker Factor.
Hajime gave a gasp as he suddenly began to breathe heavily, his body feeling different. He went to look at his hands which had a few cuts on them. He was bleeding red blood, "What… what is this?"
"He didn't get absorbed?" Blade asked before remembering the sound he heard, "Did the Spirit card have something to do with that?"
"Kenzaki…" Another Blade turned towards her friend, "I'll release you from your pain next!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
Sougo gave a yell as he ran forward, jumping up as he transformed in mid-air. He kicked out and kicked Another Blade in the shoulder, sending her tumbling as he landed. He then hurried over to Blade, "You alright?"
"I was wrong," Blade shook his head, "She's able to take our Joker abilities too."
"Uh oh," Zi-O said as he looked back at Another Blade who was getting up, "We need to finish this."
"Then let's finish this," Blade said as he held out the Blade Ridewatch, "I'll support you."
"Right," Zi-O gave a nod as he took the Blade Ridewatch before loading it in, "Armor Time!"
Blade meanwhile readied the Rouse Absorber device on his left forearm, slotting a Queen Card into the device before taking out a Jack Card and sliding it along the devices scanner.
[ABSORB QUEEN! FUSION JACK!]
Gold feathers surrounded Blade as he fully transformed into Jack Form, donning a gold chest-plate with an eagle symbol emblazoned on it. The front silver portion of his helmet had turned gold as well, his back being donned with a set of cape-like wings. Of course another addition was a gold extension to his Blay Rouzer.
[ARMOR TIME! TURN UP! BLADE!]
Zi-O meanwhile had rotated his Driver, the screen launching out a large shimmering pink playing card that held the Blade Armor within it. Soon enough it slid backwards, sliding over Zi-O and wrapping him in energy before bursting to fully form it.
The Armor Time was a lot like the simpler ones of Kuuga and Ryuki, having the standard legs and arms. The front of the thighs had the usual thin strip on the front, these having similar patterning to Blades' thighs. The upper chest resembled Blades' chest while the shoulders themselves were styled after the Blay Rouzer, having the symbol from the hilt, but also having a circular line of cards surrounding the sides of the shoulders. The front of the Zi-O helmet was covered by the silver plate present on Blade's, leaving two circular eyes for the katakana for 'Blade' to go within.
"Alright," Zi-O called out as he drew out his own Blay Rouzer, "I think we can do this!"
The two Riders both gave each other a nod before charging towards Another Blade, their blades raised high. Another Blade brought up her weapon and tried to slam it down only for Blade to perform an overhead block with his enhanced blade. Zi-O gave a yell as he spun and slashed past Another Blade's gut.
Another Blade gave a gasp as she moved away from Blade and turned.
Zi-O quickly spun, slashing forward as a card on his shoulder shined brightly.
[SLASH!]
Energy filled the Blay Rouzer that Zi-O held as he swung, the energy extending and slicing through Another Blade before she could even counter.
Another Blade gave a gasp as she staggered back, holding her chest, "What is this?"
"Don't worry, it'll be over soon!" Zi-O called out before rushing forward.
Another Chalice gave a gasp as it rolled away from Roze and Weiss, coming to a stop. It turned towards them and gathered energy before holding out its left hand.
Bio!
Soon enough black tendrils launched out from its palm, striking out at both Weiss and Roze who attempted to approach. The two were forced to dodge and strike at the tendrils to keep them away, Weiss with both her weapons while Roze used her spear.
Roze suddenly gave a yelp as the tendrils had managed to ensnare her. They wrapped around her, forcing her arms against her body and keeping her from making any subtle movements.
"Now then," Another Chalice raised its right arm, its blade beginning to shine brightly.
"Like I'll let you do that," Weiss narrowed her eyes before feeling something at her waist, she checked to see she also had Chalice's deck holster. She dismissed Myrtenaster before drawing out a card, aiming the Chalice Arrow and sliding the card against the scanner.
[TORNADO!]
Weiss pushed her arm forward, unleashing a small blue razor gust of wind. It was launched at an angle and cut through the tendrils before traveling and striking at Another Chalice's hand.
Another Chalice gasped out as it was sent stumbling from the attack, holding its smoking hand. It growled and spun, sending a slash of energy towards Weiss.
Weiss narrowed her eyes, quickly drawing another card and scanning it, this time forming a Glyph in front of her Chalice Arrow.
[REFLECT!]
The glyph enlarged and became reflective, the slash clashing against the attack only for it to be bounced back at the Another Rider. Another Chalice gasped out as it was struck in the chest by its own attack.
[ROZE SILVER! RYOSHI SASU!]
Roze switched her weapon back to its rifle mode, sending powered up blasts of light to strike against Another Chalice, sparks flying further as it was sent tumbling backwards, "Weiss, open him up and I'll finish him!"
"On it," Weiss said as she drew out another card, smirking as she rushed for Another Chalice, sliding the card on her weapons scanner before bringing out Myrtenaster in her other hand.
[DRILL!]
Blue energy began spiraling around Myrtenaster as Weiss stabbed forward, her weapon becoming a drill of energy. Another Chalice attempted to counter by slashing with its own weapon, trying to clash with Weiss only for its blade to be broken in half.
"Impossible," Another Chalice gasped as it took several steps back.
[SILVER FINISH TIME!]
The announcement caught Another Chalice's attention as it looked up. Roze gave a yell as she leapt up into the air before kicking downwards with her right leg. The sole of her boot shined brightly before she shot towards Another Chalice in an instant, kicking through it.
[SHINING TIME BLAST!]
Another Chalice gasped out as the kick had made an imprint of a foot on its body, cracks growing from the imprint before spreading as its body was engulfed in a bright light. Soon enough an explosion occurred, the Chalice Anotherwatch flying out and shattering.
"You did it!" Weiss called out.
"Wait, I did it?!" Roze called out in surprise before pumping her fist, "So what Woz said was true! We finally confirmed it!"
"You idiots…" Another Chalices voice caught their attention as he began to laugh, the smoke from the explosion clearing to reveal the man behind the Another Rider transformation. Weiss and Roze both raised eyebrows as they couldn't recognize the man before him. He had long bushy hair that didn't seem to be well kept and was wearing a tattered military uniform.
"Huh, what's going on?" Roze asked.
"And why are you laughing?" Weiss asked, "You lost. All Sougo has to do is beat Another Blade and-"
"You were with Blade and Chalice so I assume you knew, they're both considered Jokers," The man said with a smile, "That means both their Another Rider counterparts are considered that. And that means you just took out the necessary Joker to start it…"
"Wait…" Weiss' eyes widened at this, "Then Another Blade can…?"
"Another Blade is able to take in Joker Factors itself," The man gave a laugh before taking out a silver and red buckle, loading a Rouse Card into it before attaching it to his waist, a red belt strap forming around and locking it in place, "Henshin."
"Wait, he's a Rider too?!" Roze asked.
The man pushed the side of his belt open, revealing a large yellow A in the center.
[OPEN UP!]
A gold card spiraled out from the belt before sliding backwards and forming the man's new form. His black bodysuit and gunmetal grey armor held a similar theme to Blade's. His chest and upwards was the the major theming of this which was an Ace theme. He held various A's on different parts of his body in gold, his helmet even having two A's for the side of his heads with a gold plate covering his helmets face, a single red diamond acting as the visor.
"Who are you?" Roze asked as she raised her spear forward.
"Junichi Kaito," A sudden voice was heard as Daiki stepped forward, aiming his NeoDiendriver at the Rider, "Kamen Rider Glaive. My big brother…"
"Daiki, so you managed to find me after all," Glaive remarked.
Roze and Weiss could only glance at each other as they realized that the situation had grown more complicated than they realized. Especially with the added dread of what Junichi said before he transformed.
[GEMINI!]
Zi-O had activated another Rouse Card's ability, splitting into two different Zi-O's and slashing past Another Blade to stagger her. Zi-O's clone then vanished as he activated another card while Blade rushed in.
[MACH!]
Zi-O rushed forward at high speeds, ramming into Another Blade before giving a yelp as he was grabbed and tossed away. Blade raised his sword and slashed at Another Blade only for it to be blocked, he gave a gasp as Another Blade swung further, throwing his weapon away from him.
"I'm only doing this for your own good Kenzaki!" Another Blade yelled out as she gathered a dark aura around her body, it suddenly pouring into her blade before she swung forward, unleashing a massive slash of dark energy.
"Watch out!" Blade was quick to rush towards where Zi-O was, pushing him down to the ground before taking the hit himself. He gave a yell as he was thrown backwards and lost his transformation.
"Kenzaki!" Zi-O yelled out before turning towards Another Blade who brought out another Blank Rouse Card, "I won't let you finish that!"
[FINISH TIME! BLADE!]
Another Blade threw the card towards Kenzaki, it striking the Joker against the chest. Kenzaki gave a yell as his body gave a green glow, the glow transferring into the card and making a new Joker Card. Kenzaki gasped as he suddenly began looking himself over, noticing that for the first time in over a decade, he could see the old color of his blood again, red.
Zi-O tossed his weapon to the side before leaping up into the air, the cards on his shoulders glowing as he flashed blue three times. He then kicked out with his right leg, lightning suddenly striking from above and hitting his foot as he suddenly launched towards Another Blade at high speeds.
The Joker Card flew backwards and entered Another Blade's belt just as it happened, the green symbol for Joker appearing on her left breastplate just as Zi-O's kick struck.
Zi-O gave a yell as he tried to kick against Another Blade to try and destroy the Another Rider transformation. To his shock, the Joker Symbols began to pulsate in tandem before unleashing a shockwave that blasted him backwards. Zi-O yelled out as he was thrown and sent rolling, losing the Blade Armor transformation and reverting to his base form.
"No…" Kenzaki trailed as Hajime finally gained his bearings and staggered over.
"Both of our powers have been gathered…" Hajime managed to speak up.
Another Blade could only hunch over before yelling out as the clouds began to darken above her, the three symbols on the front of her body glowing brightly. Soon enough something pierced through the clouds, floating down at a standard pace. As it lowered its shape became clear, it was a black slab, a monolith that twisted itself towards the top. Both Kenzaki and Hajime's hearts skipped a beat at seeing this again, this was the one who arrived once the Battle Fight ended.
The Monolith…
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"It's time to put an end to this."
"I'll leave you to destroying the world."
"I saw you spying on us earlier."
"I've taken a liking to your overlord."
"The name is Kamen Rider Zi-O Trinity!"
Chapter 63: 2019: Trinity Has Begun!
Author's Note: Yep, just like in Zi-O proper, I'll be initiating the date change mechanic in chapter titles as well. But oh boy, there was a lot this chapter right? We had the Lamp being taken back, Weiss getting her Rider Weapon, to us finally seeing Silver Roze fully defeating an Another Rider, and even Blade Armor getting some time to shine even if it wasn't able to finish the job. And with the reveal of Weiss' Rider weapon you can see why exactly I extended this arc out into three parts, especially with Zi-O Trinity just around the corner.
Also, just a reminder that I do have a community interaction that I started just before October started. Just tell me your favorite minor monster/monster of the week in Heisei and I'll see if I can maybe include them. You can really tell me with whatever feels more convenient, whether it be my twitter, a PM, via comment/review, etc. The community interaction finishes at the end of October 31st so you still have some time, but I thought I'd give a reminder.