Fictions Mentioned:
Episode 16
OP Song:
Aoi Kaze No HOPE [HISTORY OF TRUNKS ENDING]
Insert Song: Start
Nobody's perfect (Kamen Rider W)
In the past...
An eleven-year-old George Kurai was visiting his parent's grave. The beautiful old tree, whose leaves were large enough to become a shade for the heat of the sun, was still there, sturdy and upright. The green leaves of the tree were waving at the soft breezes that were turning eastward.
George was holding the classic pocket watch that his alternate future self had given him most recently, opening it to find the ticking clock working. His expression was one of worry and shame.
"Otou-san...Okaa-san..." he muttered softly, speaking in a very sad tone. "What am I supposed to do...?"
His fear of the future was coming to the forefront and runs very deeply. A sense of shame for all of the wrongs that he had yet to do. His fear of the future is not that of expectations from others in day-to-day life. His fears were more of the temporal side of things, having bared witness to things that he may have taken had he not turned to a different path.
His eyes were depressed and downcast, unable to accept what he would become. His parents would never approve of such a thing as they raised him better than that.
And then...
"...!"
George felt something touch his right shoulder in a gentle manner. He looked up to his right to find an older woman with wrinkles around her face and long, wavy brown hair with gentle red eyes. She wore a dark green turtleneck dress beneath a light red, long-sleeved top and a white lab coat. George recognized the woman from anywhere.
Kaoruko Hanasaki. Also known as Cure Flower.
"Obaa-chan," he muttered in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Kaoruko smiled, saying. "Doctor Traum called for me."
"Oh..." George said, understanding immediately. His face was downcast and a sense of shame was found in his face.
Kaoruko only touched George's cheeks, showing him an accommodating smile in order to reassure the young man. "Oh, George, you are far too young to worry about such things, you know."
"I can't help it, obaa-chan," George spoke sadly as he turn towards his parent's grave. His eyes were not crying tears yet but they might as well be despite the liquid not flowing down. He was already crying inwardly. "I made a promise to my parents that I would be the best son that they could be proud of ever since they passed away."
"And you already did," Kaoruko smiled, very sure that it is truly the case. For was not George Kurai a Kamen Rider, a hero that may be fictional in the world that they lived in but whose impact was nevertheless real?
"But..." George doubted that it was the case as he had already seen and had some idea of the possible future where he walked a much different path, one that was darker as a result of losing one more person.
Kaoruko only responded by giving a warm embrace to the young man who truly needed it at this very moment. The strong breeze was waving their clothes. It almost signified that George's late parents were still present in a way, giving comfort to their son even when they had long since passed away. The memories that George had with his parents were his precious treasure of flowers that he would not give up to anyone. They were his and they belonged only to his parents who are no longer here.
A burning resolve was found in the heart of the young man who was forced to grow up so fast. And it was a resolve that he constantly tries to renew every single day.
If he is to be burdened with the future... If he is to be burdened with sins... Then... He would face them, counting them all.
He will fight as Kamen Rider Zi-O, the one Kamen Rider that fights against his own destiny and fate.
And as for Kaoruko, she worries greatly for the young man who was already burdened with so many things laden with heavy responsibilities. It reminded her in a certain approximate sense of her own younger days when she was still able to transform as a Precure, having fought the Desert Apostles as part of her daily fare. But then, even she wasn't burdened with the shocking revelation that in the not too distant future, one would become an enemy of the Precures and would accomplish seemingly selfless goals coated in mere selfishness and grief for the loss of a loved one.
Kaoruko can relate to this in a way, for she too experienced loss as her husband had passed away long ago.
"By the mere fact that you are clearly thinking and reflecting on the future for the sake of everyone else just goes to show how far you have come as the future changes for you little by little," Kaoruko consoled the young man as she embraced him. "Don't you know? Life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see and be. Try to focus on the here and now. The future will take care of itself in due time. If you fear the future so much, you must know as well that there are people in the present moment who love and care for you, myself included. So whenever you are in a tight spot, there is always a place to come back to whenever you lost your way."
George's mouth trembled, his eyes already leaking tears. He turns around and embraces Kaoruko. And now, he was crying softly, showing a type of suffering that shouldn't be found in a very young boy of his age.
"I'm...I'm scared...obaa-chan..." he muttered softly, his tears flowing down his cheeks.
"I know," Kaoruko smiled as she pats George on the head. "And I and many others will be here when you need us. So don't worry about the future for now and let everything out."
And as this special conversation takes place, the morning sunrise shines on the east, signifying the light of hope.
Insert Song: End
Insert Song: Start
Medieval Music - Sir Gawain
In the present...
Somewhere in another part of the military base, Souji Tendou, Tatsuya Kaname, Kiriya Irizawa, Misaki Ayuzawa, Doctor Traum, and Commander Ares Mars were currently in an advanced medical room where many Clone Paratroopers were guarding and surveying the area from all sides as Medical Personnel were analyzing thoroughly the dead body of Another Cure Amour, one of many of her kind, the one that not too long ago was taken over by Ultron before Souji put an end to that with ease. Woz was no longer here, having gone to another unknown location in order to attend to an important manner and letting Souji handle the rest.
"So, how is the investigation holding up, Brender-kun," Souji asked the Bearpenter wearing a medical doctor's outfit.
The Bearpenter sighed heavily, his mouth grim as he took his glasses off for a moment, wiping them with his eyeglass wipers. "Well, Tendou-kun, we've analyzed the body and managed to take out any trace of possible thermonuclear and other explosive devices, and trip wires. We're in the clear of that for now. The girl herself however is another story, confirmed to be deceased. Not unexpected as Ultron did take over her systems and her artificial mind."
When one is to allow true possession, it needs to be rid of the host body for the sake of avoiding risk factors of fighting back. The trouble with Ultron is that despite being a very powerful opponent, he is also very prepared for the days when he would see defeat as a part of practicality's sake. No wonder Ultron grew so powerful and so dangerous because of these methods. And of course, one does not forget the multiple numbers of individuals and races that Ultron had brutally and systematically exterminated throughout the years.
"As expected," Souji narrowed his eyes, unimpressed with this revelation.
"You know...Tendou-sensei," Tatsuya said, worried. "I'm honestly surprised that no one actually died when Ultron showed up. Not that I mean it in a bad way, but..."
"I know what you mean, Tatsuya-kun," Souji spoke coolly, understanding what Tatsuya had meant.
They all knew what Ultron was more than capable of doing. In fact, their victory in the present timeline is already a dead giveaway for the fact that Ultron is simply playing with them for the moment. There have been many worst invasions in the past where it was not unheard of those numerous casualties range from a minimum of hundreds to thousands. And there was also that infamous reputation of being a Hero Killer, a killer of superheroes in any shape or form, and many heroes never stood a chance as they fell to the hands of the dreaded artificial intelligence.
"We all know what you mean," Kiriya spoke grimly, arms crossed. "Ultron was someone entirely unexpected. To think that he would strike now while we were busy fighting the Another HUGtto! Precure Team. To think that he would just show up right out of the blue without any prior warning."
"As far as I recall, Ultron doesn't do anything randomly. It's all calculated for him. All part of his plans. Even random circumstances that don't exactly relate to another. He's planning something and it relates somewhat to my nephew in a way," Doctor Traum said grimly, thinking about George Kurai, his adopted nephew. He was also assisting in the operation that is conducted for the dead body, wearing a pair of medical gloves.
"And your nephew, my student, is just one specific target," Souji continued the line of thought. "I and a few others are official targets for Ultron, considered by him as a grave threat to his plans. Obaa-chan once said this: ("Coincidences are just another word for applied intelligence."). I have no doubt that Ultron has a purpose for barging in unexpectedly on the battlefield. He knew that the plans of changing the past directly or indirectly would fail tremendously. So he must have some other purpose in mind. Can you guess what that is, my students?" he asked Tatsuya, Kiriya, and Misaki who were glancing at each other in a serious manner.
"A test," Kiriya answered grimly after a moment to think things through. "This was all just a test run, one of many."
"That's correct," Souji nodded. He looks back at Commander Ares Mars who was sporting a grim expression. "Commander, I believe that it's about time that I would need to leave this world and report this to our other mutual friends on this matter. For now, you and the rest of the 14th Legion are to be on high alert for the next few months just to be sure."
"Yes, sir," Commander Ares Mars nodded respectfully.
"Heeh, you're leaving already, sensei?" Tatsuya smiled sadly.
"Unfortunately so, Tatsuya-kun," Souji said with a nod. "Everyone, give my regards to George-kun when he asked about me."
"Will do, sensei," Kiriya nodded.
Souji nodded as he begins to walk away from the operating table. While he was walking, he stopped for a moment. He turned around, saying.
"Since the Precure are directly involved now, perhaps it is time that their enrollment in that school is a given, don't you all think?" he said, giving them a knowing, cool expression.
Everyone knew what he meant as they smiled knowingly. Tendou was referring to TARDIS School, a very special school. True, they all thought to themselves with a smile. The Precure would definitely love that place and be amazed.
"Of course, that would be rather awesome, to say the least, Tendou-sensei," Tatsuya said with a smile.
Tendou smiled softly. Then he turned around and continued his walk. A few steps later, he was stepping at a conjured shifting portal that was whisking him away to parts unknown, leaving the room.
"Hm, speaking of which," Tatsuya begins to smile with good humor. "Now I wonder what our dear old Georgey-boy is doing right now with all of those pretty and mature young women all fondling over him."
"Tatsuya," Kiriya became irritated and annoyed if only because he didn't like the fact that his friend included Honoka Yukishiro on that list unintentionally.
"I meant most of the pretty and mature young women fondling over him, plus the mascots are there so it's not like he's really alone," Tatsuya corrected himself as he raises his right arm to his hair and lightly scratch it. "I mean, there's gonna be a time when that inevitable joke would eventually be brought up by somebody."
"Oh, you mean the "harem king" joke? The one that I've been forced to hear and listen to for years now in or out of TARDIS School?" Misaki smiled with amusement, recalling just how popular George was with the ladies due to his loner-type, serious, and mature nature that almost triggers a sense of motherly instincts among the opposite sex.
Of course, there was also that sense of concern coming from her as well because of the fact that George is quite the loner in nature, usually buried in all of his work and studying. Granted, this made him into one of the most smartest and intelligent persons that she had ever known, but still, he was growing up too fast for her and everyone else's liking. Whenever George Kurai is in TARDIS School, he'd usually be the most industrious among the members of the TARDIS School Student Council, of which he and Misaki herself a part of the said student council.
"Yeah, that's the one, Ayuzawa-senpai," Tatsuya smiled knowingly with humor, with his right finger raised.
"("Somehow, I've got the feeling that the brown-haired idiot is talking about my love life again and he's enjoying it. That probably explains why he took the lead and went along with Tendou-sensei's plan for me to be alone with the girls. At least the mascots are here to alleviate the situation.")," George thought to himself in exasperation, getting used to his best friend's antics whenever the latter thinks he isn't looking.
It was one grueling moment for him. Even more when he was looking at a stuttering Hana Nono who was being bombarded with multiple questions by her fellow Precure. And he hears every one of them, much to his embarrassment.
"Heeh, are you sure that nothing happened between you two at that time," Miyuki Hoshizora was very curious, her smile shining with excitement along with the rest of her fellow team members and mascots from Smile.
"No, no, no, for the last time, nothing happened at all, Miyuki-senpai," Hana was already reaching her limit, blushing heavily like a tomato while waving both of her hands in denial. "Like I said, we only just met so it hasn't gotten that far yet."
"Yet?" Yukari Kotozume smiled amusement. An excited smile can be said to be found with the rest of her fellow team members and mascots from KiraKira⭐Precure a la Mode.
"Haaauuuuuuuuuu!" Hana realizes that she messed up her wording. Now, she was looking at George with teary eyes, asking for help at this point. George in the meantime didn't know how to help Hana, and by extension himself, out of this situation without making things worse for the both of them. The only comfort that he has right now was Hagumi Kurai who was simply giving him a warm, comforting smile while patting his back gently. "George, please do something," Hana said, with comedic teary eyes. The way that Hana touches him by the sleeve of his shirt was making the latter uncomfortable, with some part of him thinking of the word "cute". Naturally, he couldn't help but blush slightly as turn in the other direction.
"Ummm, sorry, Hana, but I don't even know how to respond to this situation without making things worse for the both of us," George spoke apologetically.
"Mecchoku..." Hana lay her head on his right shoulder and rubbed her soft hair on it which further added to the cute factor for George to see which made him turn in the other direction.
"Oooooooooooooooooooh!" many of the Precure and their mascots spoke with a very amused and curious expression.
"Alright everyone, I think they both have had enough questions for now so I think it's time to lay off and give them some needed space," Yuri Tsukikage said with a smile, raising both of her hands and clapping gently.
"Heeeh, but I want to know more about them and their current relationship," Kotori Nono was disappointed, sighing in resignation.
"Sorry, Kotori-chan, but I would have to agree with Yuri-senpai," Ruru Amour spoke with a smile. "I don't think Hana-chan can take much more prodding at this point since she may be on the verge of collapsing from unneeded stress."
"Come on everyone, questions are over, just accept it," Honoka Yukishiro spoke in a mature manner.
"(Sigh). I suppose that's true," Nao Midorikawa spoke sadly.
"Oh, I just remembered something," Emiru Aisaki puts her right hand to the left palm of her hand before pointing her right index finger at Hagumi. "Just who is this person? Because I've never really seen her before?"
"Now that you mention it..." Homare Kagayaki looks at Hagumi, curious as well. And the same can be said for most of the Precure and their respective mascots except for some such as the Futari wa Precure Team who knows who she is.
"Um...everyone," Nagisa Misumi slowly raised her right index finger, sporting an exasperated expression. "We've...already met her before, believe it or not."
"We did? When?" Ayumi Sakagami said, titling her head.
"Girls...um..." Hariham Harry, just nearby Hagumi, was sporting a hesitant expression, raising both of his hands. "Meet Hagumi-chan, although you would know her as Hugtan."
"..." most of everyone remained silent for a brief moment in order to digest what has been said. And then... "EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"What! She's Hugtan!" Saaya Yakushiji exclaims in shock.
"Wha..." Homare looks at Hagumi closely. Now that she looks at her, Homare knew somehow that she had seen this young woman before. ("Then that means that she's...")," she thought as she glances sideways at Harry who was right behind her, complicated feelings settling in.
"Um..." Hagumi gave a shy smile, putting both of her index fingers together, with her eyes closed. "Hello everyone."
"Oh," Yukari smiled in amusement as she looks closely at Hagumi. "That's quite surprising. The last time we saw you, you were just a very cute baby that we can carry."
"Ye-Yes, Yukari-senpai," Hagumi nodded with a smile. "Since then, I've finally managed to return to normal with a little help...so..." she glances at both George and Hana who were looking at her.
"Hugtan," Hana muttered softly as she felt both happy and sad for some strange reason. The fact that it relates to the countless memories that Hana had made with Hagumi as Hugtan all spring to mind. She would definitely miss those times now that Hugtan has returned back to her grown-up self who Hana had met already in a way in the past. And of course, she was rather curious about this young woman, feeling something strange. Hana smiled as she begins to raise her right hand towards Hagumi, much to the surprise of the latter. "Please to meet you, my name is Nono Hana, let's get along, okay?" she said, flashing a bright and cheerful smile.
Hagumi slightly widens her eyes as she looks at the right hand of her alternate younger mother that was raised towards her. How does one probe her thoughts when she was being acknowledged by her mother in a way? There was that deep sense of joy and sorrow budding within her heart that came with the fact that in her time, her mother had long since passed away. Could she tell the truth to Hana as much as she told George? She didn't know.
She smiled as she slowly raises her right hand to reach Hana's right hand, shaking it as she relishes her mother's touch of acknowledgment. "Please to meet you as well, um..." she didn't know how to call her, hesitating to even use her mother's first name as it didn't seem to feel right. She can't exactly call her mama unfortunately like George was as she has yet to tell the full truth about herself. But there was this urge to call her mama, if only for at least a moment's worth. "Hana..." nevertheless, she steeled herself mentally to pronounce her mother's first name while being reminded of the fact that her mother back in her time had already passed away.
George in the meantime was looking at Hagumi with a subtle concern, knowing the truth of who she really was when it relates to himself and Hana. How would he explain this one, he wondered? Nevertheless, the issue might need to wait for now as he would need to continue his explanations about what had just happened in the past few hours.
"Hana, everyone," he called out to them, drawing everyone's attention. "I believe it's about time that I further explain to all of you about the current situation."
"The current situation? You mean what had happened a few hours ago, George-kun?" Hikari Kujou asked, concerned. The same can be said for everyone else who was paying close attention.
"Yes, Hikari-san," George confirmed as he continued explaining. "The recent invasion of Hagukumi City and the attempt of altering the past of our world, one simultaneous attack conducted by two separate parties."
"I noticed that," Yukari said, narrowing her eyes in concern. "If it weren't for your timely intervention, George-kun, no doubt would history change and make things worse for all of us."
"And there's also one thing that bothers me. That person who looks just like Amour-san, she said something about letting some people change it as part of her plans," Yuri looks at Ruru. Both of them were sporting the same concerned expressions.
"Ultron, you mean, Yuri-san," George spoke grimly, his tone carrying a darker and more serious edge which was noted by everyone. Hagumi and Harry have some idea as to why and it was related to Ultron. "As for the person who looks like Ruru-san, then I can say that you're not far off because she is Ruru Amour, just from another timeline."
"What?" many Precure and mascots muttered in shock.
"What do you mean?" Ruru asked.
"In another world, Another Cure Amour, instead of just one single person, are a series of advanced androids specifically designed to be soldiers bred for war. They don't care about anything except fulfilling their mission objectives as part of their programming and directive. Unlike you, Ruru-san, they were never given a heart, that one essential component that separates a good person from an unfeeling, efficient killer," George explained. "The one who designed them was not Doctor Traum, rather it is the work of a diabolical mad scientist by the name of Doctor Eggman."
"Doctor Eggman?" Yayoi Kise asked.
"His real name is Doctor Ivo Robotnik, a dangerous individual with an IQ of over 300. A self-proclaimed evil scientist and a genuine genius megalomaniac who dreams of dominating the world, and by extension, several worlds, just as his ambition had grown over the years, using his scientific expertise along with being accompanied by his own Eggman Empire. For all his brilliance and ambition though, he's usually stopped by his archnemesis, Sonic the Hedgehog, a very old friend of mine from another universe. However, with every defeat, Eggman only grew smarter and more experienced. Eventually, somewhere down the line, he was recruited into an alliance with several dangerous villains throughout the Multiverse with common goals of domination and conquest, united as one. This same alliance is where the Another HUGtto! Precure Team has sworn their allegiances too."
"Another HUGtto! Precure?" Hana asked. "Are they the same Precure just like us?"
"Yes and no," George looks at Hana, explaining in an accommodating manner. "Yes, they are Precure in form and power, but they do not have the heart and soul that makes up what a true Precure actually is. The first of them, Another Cure Yell, I've fought against since I was ten years old."
"Speaking of her, George-kun," Nagisa Misumi said, concerned. "I noticed the way she looked at Hana-chan. I didn't like it one bit because I felt something off. She hated Hana-chan and I can feel some kind of darkness from within her."
"Dark Side Energy," George explained grimly. "That was what you felt around her, Misumi-san."
"Dark Side Energy?" Mana Aida asked, curious.
"Basically the negative power source of all Another Precure, not just the Another HUGtto! Precure," George answered. He heard sounds of shock and concern from many of the Precures and their mascots. Their faces and expressions said it all for him. "Yeah, the Another HUGtto! Precure aren't the only Another Precures out there, unfortunately. Each team from Futari wa Precure up to HUGtto! Precure, all of them who are different from each one of you. They are their opposite, the extreme end of the shtick where everything that you think can go wrong will go wrong. When it comes to Dark Energy, you can take a pick on every single negative emotion turned up to eleven. Anger, greed, lust, despair, and all of that, powered them up and you get the Another Precure."
"Then...are you saying that our counterparts are from worlds where every wrong decision can happen," Saaya asked, concerned.
"More or less that's the general summary," George nodded.
"Hold a minute, I just noticed something when I was watching my counterpart," Homare became concerned as she raises her right hand. Then her expression turns into a feeling of uncomfortableness when she recalls her counterpart being a bit too flirtatious with George. Then, she grew flustered as she slowly realizes something, a blush appeared on her cheeks. "Ugghhh...I'm afraid to ask this but..."
"For what is worth, I'm truly about this," George said apologetically, bowing his head.
"No, no, it's not your fault, George-san, it's just..." Homare reassured while still appearing a bit flustered, pinching her eyes out.
As of that moment, Saaya also realized something as she recalls her counterpart doing when she was talking with George. Because of this, she too was flustered, with blush rose colors heating up her face; both of her hands raised to her face in shock. "HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHH!"
"Acha," Nagisa said as she, Honoka, and Hikari were looking at both Homare and Saaya with a sympathetic expression.
"Wait," Reika Aoi muttered in concern before becoming embarrassed as soon as she realizes the sudden gravity of the topic. She was looking at Saaya and Homare. "Does that mean...?"
"Does that mean that Another Cure Ange and Another Cure Étoile have feelings for George?" Karen Minazuki muttered in shock.
"I...No...I...I just..." Saaya was blushing heavily as if she were in a state of denial. But now that she thought about it, George was a young man who was the same age as her. And she can't deny that he does look rather...strong and handsome, especially when he was fighting for her and the rest of the HUGtto Precure's sake as a Kamen Rider. However... "("Noooooooooooooo!")," she thought rather overacting, denying it when made aware of such complicated things. her cheeks blushing further.
"Welp, I suppose that we have a love rectangle in the making," Erika Kurumi spoke with excitement.
"NO!" both Homare and Saaya objected at the exact same time.
"What are you thinking right now, Erika-senpai?!" Homare exclaims as she blushes in embarrassment, flustered beyond belief.
"That's right, we don't have that kind of relationship with George-kun at all!" Saaya exclaims as she blushes in embarrassment, flustered beyond belief.
While the rest of the Precure and their mascots were murmuring among themselves, some of them in fact were blushing at the realization that was common to everyone, there was...
"..."
Hana Nono's face, even if it were subtle and not apparent, spoke volumes of how she felt on the matter, sporting a subtle, sad expression. For whatever reason, there was this ugly feeling in her heart that she'd rather not entertain or be comfortable with. She also recalled not just Another Cure Ange and Another Cure Étoile, but also her own counterpart - Another Cure Yell. She had feelings for George, no matter how apparently twisted they were. It disturbed her inwardly. It made her unconsciously grab onto the right sleeve of George's shirt as he noticed the unconscious action immediately.
She...
She...
She didn't like that.
Not at all.
She recalled the recent conversation that she had with Another Cure Yell just a few moments before Ultron decided to make his official appearance.
"Why?'' Cure Yell asked, concerned.
''What?'' Another Cure Yell was sporting an amused expression.
''Why are you doing this? Why do you hate me so much?'' Cure Yell asked. And Another Cure Yell knew why her true counterpart had asked the question, smirking.
''Why...? Why...you ask? Hmhmm,'' Another Cure Yell softly giggled. ''You'd think it's quite obvious by now. The fact is that you are quite the second-rated nuisance. Thinking back on it, what exactly do you truly know about George?''
''What do you mean?'' Cure Yell asked.
''I mean, you had just met up with darling and already you're going all buddy-buddy on my hubby~ It's really starting to piss me off,'' Another Cure Yell said, her smile not changing, and yet the malice was undeniable. But there was also the sense of nostalgia for the past that Cure Yell can tell was genuine enough, twisted but genuine. But even then, Cure Yell wasn't certain, not really deeming herself to be a good judge of character as her experiences with the Future George Kurai were a testament to such inexperience. And yet, ''Meanwhile, he and I have known each other for years. I've been with him ever since he was ten, meeting him step by step under GameOver-sama's orders of course,'' Another Cure Yell said.
''You and George...met for that long...?'' Cure Yell was both curious and concerned, a mixture of feelings that made her want to know more about the mysterious past behind the young man who can turn into a once thought fictional hero.
Actually, that's what concerned her greatly. The fact that he had been doing this type of heroics since he was ten by estimation. From what she already knew, when taking into account the main factor that Kamen Riders are actually real and that their entire lives were recorded as television shows and other mediums would of course point out the obvious issues. The fact that there was no amount of doubt that when it came to the life of a Kamen Rider, there are certain issues that they had dealt with alone that may not at all be for the eyes of children to see for themselves unless they want to get a set of nightmares for their dreams.
''...But wait...?'' Cure Yell muttered, her eyebrows scrunching in deep confusion. ''You've already met him back then...''
''That's right,'' Another Cure Yell spoke proudly, having found the satisfaction of one-upping her real counterpart. ''In fact, I was the very first Precure that he had ever met. Oh, how the times fly by~ It was all so perfect...That is until you came along...'' Another Cure Yell said the last part with a blank emotionless stare in her eyes, raising her hands to fire a set of pinkish-black hearts that were hurled right towards Cure Yell and Cure Black.
Hana didn't forget that one specific conversation. She didn't like the implications of it nor did she like the way her counterpart talked about George.
But wait...
What was she thinking right now? Just what was her relationship with George? Why was she even thinking like this?
"Hana."
Hana looks up to find George's concerned expression, his eyes not leaving hers, feeling his hands placed on her shoulders in a gentle and accommodating manner. There was something odd that she felt for him, that much Hana can tell. He truly was a very different person from the George Kurai that she had met in the past. Unlike him, this George wasn't forceful, especially in relation to his own opinion. If anything, he was more gentle and accommodating. He carries that much heavier burden as a Kamen Rider. If the fictional accounts of Kamen Rider are usually accurate in their portrayal, there is a 90% chance that George had seen things that most people would have nightmares about.
"Ehehehe," Hana smiled, sporting a cheerful smile while hiding her misgivings. "I'm alright. Don't worry about me."
While she said this, many of the Precure and the mascots were looking at Hana with concern since they felt something off about the cheerful response that came from the latter.
"("Hana-chan...")," Saaya, Homare, and Ruru thought out of concern.
"("Hana-senpai...")," Emiru thought out of concern.
George sighed heavily as he did not hesitate to pat Hana's hair with his right hand whose wounds were now fully healed as a result of his healing factor. Hana has little red blushes on her cheeks, sporting a surprised expression.
"If you're concerned about those three having feelings for me, let me reassure you and everyone else that I don't feel the same way at all. In fact, I considered it to be more of a nuisance at this point that I simply got used to over time," George explained in an honest tone.
"I see," Hana blushes slightly, feeling a sense of reassurance for some reason.
"Fufufu," Yukari giggled, with the rest of the Precure and the mascots, along with Kotori, either giggling or amused as they see the obvious infatuation that Hana has for George.
"("Nothing happened, she says...")" they all thought.
"George-san," Yuri spoke with concern, drawing the attention of George and many others. "I can assume then that the Another HUGtto! Precure and the alliance that they work for have plans to alter the past just like what happened a few hours ago?"
"That's right, Yuri-san," George nodded. "Actually, this wasn't the first time they tried to alter the past of the Precure for their own ends which is where I usually come in to deal with the threat. This one event just so happened to be the most blatant of them all."
"But why? Why would they do this?" Hagumi asked.
"Many reasons depending on the individual that you're asking about," George explained. And then, his expression suddenly turned dark which was noticed by everyone else. "Also, you should all know that there is someone in their alliance that some of you are quite familiar with," he looks meaningfully at the Smile Precure. "Tell me, everyone. Have any of you heard of a villain by the name of Joker?"
Insert Song: End
Insert Song: Start
Smile Precure! Original Soundtrack 2 ~04 Joker no Chousen
"...!" most of the Precure and their mascots were in shocked and concerned. But none were more shocked than everyone from the Smile Precure Team as soon as they heard their dreaded adversary.
"J-J-Joker!" Yayoi Kise muttered in shock.
"Why are you asking about him, George-kun?" Miyuki Hoshizora asked, concerned.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you should all know that he is still alive and kicking," George explained.
"What?!" the Smile Precure all said, shocked beyond words as a sense of dread fell upon them all.
"That's not all, Joker is usually the one that the Another HUGtto! Precure answer to. He and I have fought against each other for years and neither of us couldn't take out the other. He was one of my most dangerous of enemies that I always kept extreme vigil against," George spoke softly, recalling with a grimace the many battles that he and the clownish figure had fought throughout time and other worlds. His hands run cold as he could still see the deaths that follow whenever Joker makes himself known, no longer holding back just like he used to when he was dealing with the Smile Precure.
Actually, his battles against the Smile Precure and his profound devotion to his leader Pierrot were the only reasons that managed to keep Joker back from his destructive nature. When Pierrot was defeated and the Smile Precure gained the victory for the final time, something changed for Joker at that moment. Joker was supposed to have perished alongside Pierrot and the rest of the Bad End Commanders. But that didn't stick as someone from the outside saved him from his predetermined fate in a timely manner. And because Joker was saved from his predetermined fate that he can go around causing destruction and mayhem for his liking.
"It can't be..." Reika Aoki muttered softly, her expression growing cold and terrified, putting both of her hands to her chest. She still recalls the psychological torture that had been given to her by Joker. She could never forget how Joker tore down every wall and defense, twisting and turning her own words against her.
"There's one other thing that you should all be aware of, especially for the Smile Precure. Joker has grown more powerful since the last time the Smile Precure had fought him, having gained Pierrot's Bad Energy thereby gaining immortality. And since that time..." George hesitated for a bit. "Whenever he and I fought, a lot of people would get caught in the crossfire and would get hurt," he said, shaking his head. "No, more than just hurt. Killed on the spot with no remorse."
"...!" all of the Precure, the mascots, and Kotori were sporting shocked and horrified expressions as the revelation sinks in.
"Killed?! Joker had killed people?!" Nao Midorikawa muttered in shock.
George only remained silent. His silence was in fact a very clear answer for everyone. He never wanted to be reminded of it. All of the people that Joker had killed, directly or indirectly. But it was the mark of traumatic experiences and circumstances that remained behind as a trail for the rest to follow. He could still hear the screams of despair, the dead bodies that lay on the cold-hearted floors that reflect the eerie demise of cut-off potential futures.
And there was nothing except silence and slow trembling of the Smile Precue who were horrified that their worst enemy is back for a very long time and they didn't even know it...
After a few moments, George begins to speak once more. "Miyuki-san, Akane-san, Yayoi-san, Nao-san, Reika-san, Candy, everyone."
He looks at each member of the Smile Precure who was looking at him very slowly, still pondering the grave news that their most feared enemy is alive and well. Their expression was one of subtle terror and it drew the attention of their fellow Precure teams. Some of the Precure such as Nozomi Yumehara and Rikka Hishikawa were drawing near the Smile Precure, putting a hand on their shoulder. Nozomi was putting her hand on Miyuki's shoulder while Rikka was putting her hand on Reika's shoulder.
"There's something that you need to see, one of my memories concerning one of the encounters that I have with Joker. With all of your permission, I'd like to share this memory with all of you so that you could at least be aware of what you're all up against now considering Joker is not the same person he once was. He's much more dangerous and you'd know why as soon as I show this memory," George explained gently, with Hana holding on to George's shoulder, no doubt horrified and concerned as she slowly grasped the enemy that he was now discussing.
But the Precure didn't hesitate one bit. Miyuki said with a steeled determined expression. "Yes, please do, George-san."
George nodded.
And then...
The surroundings went dark for everyone. All of the Precure, their respective mascots, and Kotori begin to see something else replacing the background of the hospital. Their experience was likened to one watching in 3D if it made any form of sense. They were there and yet at the same time they were not. This was the "space" if you will were memories come and go.
"George?" Hana noticed that she was floating while standing up, no longer holding the young man. And yet, she could still feel his presence for some reason.
And now, they were all bearing witness to something.
It was one bright afternoon in the morning. From the perspective of everyone else, they were watching just from the rooftops of a middle school.
"Ah, look!" Yayoi pointed toward a few people walking on the ground. She spotted herself and the rest of her friends walking out of the school.
"What the..." Miyuki muttered, bewildered that they were back in their school.
"Wait, that's us?" Akane Hino muttered, surprised.
Was this perhaps the memory? Many Precure thought to themselves. If it was, then this was the past of George Kurai. He did say that he had been watching the Precure for quite some time now. Perhaps this was one of those moments. But what did it have to do with Joker?
"Hmmmmmmmmm."
That question was unfortunately about to be answered as they all begin to see...
Someone...
It was an individual who was standing on the nearby edges of the rooftop. He appears to be human, wearing a white half masque, hiding his eyes, and a white and violet bodysuit with a small violet cape that was being blown softly by the wind in an ominous fashion. And there was that grin that he carried, cruel and taunting, an expression of his iconic personality.
"No..." Miyuki muttered as she and the rest of the Smile Precure were sporting expressions of dread as they saw their enemy in the flesh, alive and well, smiling very cruelly and with glee as he looks at the past selves of the Smile Precure from afar. The rest of the Precure Teams who noticed the individual were sporting expressions of concern, sweating their brow in trepidation, and narrowing their eyes.
"It can't be..." Yayoi muttered, scared.
"Wha...What's he doing on the rooftop?!" Nao muttered, concerned.
"That's...Joker..." Hana muttered in concern and trepidation, never taking her eyes off of this jester.
"Have fun all you can, for now, Precure," Joker said with a smile on his face, with both hands behind his back, a shiver running down across everyone's spines. "Your days are numbered for a bad end. Hmmmmmmm."
This one made the Smile Precure shudder in dread as they see the cruel smile of their adversary that evokes a type of mysteriousness that hints at a bad end for all of them.
"I don't think so, Joker," someone said, spoiling the villainous monologue.
"Oh?"
Everyone, especially the Smile Precure and the HUGtto! Precure, were looking in another direction from the left. Standing tall was the past George Kurai, wearing his Ziku-Driver and holding his Zi-O Ridewatch steady with his right hand that was still located downwards. His expression was serious, not letting Joker out of his sight.
"George!" Hana muttered in surprise.
"Ah!" Joker smiled as he faced his greatest adversary with a subtle, pleased smile. "Gokigenyou, Toki no Ouja, how nice of you to join me at this hour. Let me guess, you somehow spotted me from afar as you were going about your daily watch."
"You could say that," George said as he raises his Ridewatch to the front and press the button.
Zi-O!
A digital hologram of a clock-based helmet appeared from the watch before it dissipated. He begins to insert the Ridewatch on the right side of the slot and it begins on standby as a sound of a clock ticking comes from the driver itself. He presses the button on top of the driver with his right hand, making the main driver tilt counterclockwise a little as he raises his arms to his right side before he moved over his head as they eventually landed in position. His left hand raised to the upper right side with his left palm outwards while his right was by the hip with his right palm open. It was similar to the movement of the hands of the clock.
As he was doing that, a giant holographic clock formed behind him with several different gears around it turning and the clock hands spinning counterclockwise. He was ready as he flick his hands and was about to say the traditional and iconic word.
All of the Precure Teams, including Kotori Nono, were sporting expressions of intrigue, awe, and wonder.
"Henshin!"
He backhanded the driver as it spins 340° counterclockwise until it went back to its original position while bringing his arms in an X pattern before bringing them back to his sides. The clock hand from the holographic clock spins together at the twelfth before splitting to the sides, the small hand landed on the ten and the big hand landed on the two. The pink katakana word spelled 'Rider' formed under the clock hand. The katakana pulsed outwards, launching them ahead of him as three holographic watch bands circle around him forming his armor. They dissipated a moment later as he was now officially in his armor.
DING! DONG!
RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER! ZI-O!
It consists of a jet-black suit with a silver band in the center with silver ornaments on the sides of his shoulder and chest armor with pink highlights, and pink highlights on the hips and forelegs. On his forearms are the Ridewatch holders carrying two blank watches on his right and one on his left, he had a silver RideWatch that says 'Bike' in Japanese carried on his left holder. His hands are black with pink armor on his fingers and backhand. His helmet looks like a clock with a white clock piece with the symbol that spelled 'Kamen' on the forehead, and a black visor until the Katakana flew back and slammed into his visor as it shines brightly in pink.
Now...
George Kurai has become Kamen Rider Zi-O.
And thus begins a silent epic standoff that lasted for a few moments. And at this time, Joker couldn't help but smile with glee even further.
This was the confrontation between two ends of the opposite spectrum.
Good End vs Bad End.
You decide...
Insert Song: End
ED Song:
Theme of the Week #8 - Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Main Theme
Legend Main Heisei Riders:
Souji Tendou/Kamen Rider Kabuto - A: Hiro Mizushima
New Characters:
Kaoruko Hanasaki/Cure Flower - VA: Chika Sakamoto