Fictions Mentioned:
Episode 22
OP Song:
Aoi Kaze No HOPE [HISTORY OF TRUNKS ENDING]
Insert Song: Start
Medieval Music - Sir Gawain
Somewhere in one open doorway that reminded one of a blast door, white in color which appeared to be likened to a mirror reflecting from one side to the other. From both sides, there were white neon lights and there were several neon lights glowing with white colors. There were two 14th Legion Clone Troopers on stand-by from the door, guarding it in a professional manner. Multiple individuals would enter and pass through the door, revealing one adult individual, many young girls, and a couple of fairy types.
"Girls, allow me to present to all of you one of the most classified locations in our universe, Sakura Base," Prime Minister Fuyuki Kaguya raised his right hand, his expression solemn and professional.
"Fuwa," Nodoka Hanadera muttered softly, looking in awe from all directions, carrying a puppy-like fairy - Latte - within her arms while her fairy partner - Rabirin was sitting right next to her right shoulder. The same expression of awe and other mixture of positive emotions were present in the rest of the young women and their mascots from both the Star Twinkle Precure and Healin Good Precure.
"Kirayaba," Hikaru Hoshina's eyes were shining in admiration, looking in all directions, with both hands joined together. "What is with this gigantic hallway?!" But then, Hikaru noticed something. "But wait, why are many of these people wearing outfits straight out of Star Wars?!"
They look to see multiple clone troopers and other personnel, humans and non-humans, walking back and forth from multiple directions across the hallway. Some of the non-humans were heavily noticeable such as the giant 9 ft. tall ant-like creatures wearing construction attire.
"That is a rather long complicated explanation. Hoshina-kun," Fuyuki replied professionally. From the inside, however, he was exasperated at the question that hits close to home about the major issue regarding the mind-boggling fact that actual fictional characters, events, etc. happened in reality and vice versa. "Suffice it to say that they are the genuine article."
"Hm?!" all of the Precure and the mascots turn towards Fuyuki, curious.
"Genuine article? What do you mean by this, otou-sama?" Madoka Kaguya looked at her father with curiosity.
"I mean that these men wearing armor straight out of those science fiction films that most of everyone is familiar with in our world are genuine clones of the infamous bounty hunter, Jango Fett. To further prove my point," Fuyuki looks at the two clone troopers stationed from the door. "Gentlemen, may I ask that you two remove your helmets in order to help with my demonstration?"
"Of course, sir," one of the clones from the left side nodded at the Prime Minister as he and the other clone remove their helmets, revealing their actual faces for the girls to see for themselves.
First, there was silence. And then, after a few moments.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" almost all of them exclaim.
Insert Song: End
Insert Song: Start
Dies irae - Animation OST: Amantes amantes
"Sir, I just want to inform you that our official guests have arrived earlier just as scheduled under the directive of the Japan Foundation Branch Site Director in accordance with Protocol: Blue Shade. The Star Twinkle Precure and the Healin Good Precure are all present and accounted for. The Paratroopers are now escorting them towards the medical room where the General and the HUGtto! Precure are currently just a few meters short of your own location. As for the Paratroopers themselves, they are currently being hounded with questions along the way, much to the amusement of the tech-boys."
"What kind of questions?" there was a hint of amusement in his voice, almost like he knew the questions already through multiple experiences.
"Oh, the usual, sir. Are we the actual clones from that Star Wars gig that everyone's inevitably going to bring up every single damn time? Where are all of the Jedi, alive or dead? Is Chancellor Palpatine still in charge? Is Order 66 still a thing? Are the other 150 Contingency Plans still a thing? Are Legends Canon or Disney Canon or probably both or none at all the true canon? All of the good stuff."
"I'm willing to take a guess that most of those questions are coming from one of the Precure who is no doubt a well-knowledgeable fan," he said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, sir. Hikaru Hoshina, otherwise known as Cure Star. As the boys can already tell by now, she's quite the Star Wars fan. And not just even that. She also knows things like Star Trek, Halo, Mass Effect, and other sci-fi genres. As expected from the Precure lead associated with the stars. You know how the rest would go for the vod in charge of bringing them in. Those poor bastards," the last part was said with a shake of the head with amusement and soft laughter.
"Since the two Precure Teams are present and accounted for, what about the First Gen?"
"Oh, they have yet to arrive at the moment. Exceptions however would have to be the Futari wa Precure, Smile Precure, and the KiraKira Precure A La Mode. They're all converging in one common position which is somewhere in the hangar bay. The KiraKira Precure in fact had managed to transport their KIRAKIRA Patisserie at the hangar bay after some of the vod managed to lower the shields to let them in and provided directions on where to land specifically. Now, many of the vod and the other personnel are gathered in the hangar bay as the KiraKira Precure are now handing out the free cakes."
"Oh really now? Tell those rascals at the hangar bay to save some for me. And yes, that's an official order from your superior officer."
"Of course, sir," the operator responded with amusement.
"What about the other two Precure Teams?"
"General Irizawa is currently touring Cure White, Cure Black, Shiny Luminous, and their respective mascots throughout the base. On the Smile Precure's side, General Kaname and Mr. Taylor are currently dealing with them as we speak, with mixed results."
"Copy that, private. Appreciate the report. Keep me posted on anything new. If any Precure Teams are to come by, one would need to direct them to the hangar bay. That is where everyone is to be gathered for the time being."
"Will do, sir. I'll request in the Paratroopers for the official escort."
Commander Ares Mars hangs up from the comm link, lowering his right arm. He was carrying his helmet from his left side. His face was showing a sense of amusement. Then he shakes his head and sighs as he glances at the doorway where two Clone Paratroopers were guarding the entrance that leads to the medical room. In that same room, he knew that George Kurai and the HUGtto! Precure are there discussing something private.
As much as he didn't want to interrupt this private discussion, he would need to notify George about the incoming visitors. Better to be aware than to be surprised, the commander thought.
And so, he walks toward the front door and steps inside. Inside were George Kurai, currently being embraced by Hana Nono and Hagumi Kurai, their expressions were one of horror and distraught. The same horrified expressions were present at the rest of the HUGtto! Precure. Doctor Traum and Private Coda were simply silent, grim in their expression.
The commander grimaced as he intimately knew the topic that was being brought up for this hour. The topic regarding the incident surrounding the origin of George Kurai as Kamen Rider Zi-O. The young man had unfortunately bared witness to the devil's work, in this case, Ultron. He of all people knew about this as he was one of the officers in charge of locating any survivors, as much as it was futile as far as Ultron is concerned.
The Great Purge began everywhere and without prior warning on one specific Earth. The heroes of this world who fought as they did valiantly were squashed without remorse or mercy. But for Ultron, it wasn't enough to defeat the heroes. He wanted to make an example out of them in order to crush any resistance by hanging the corpses of the heroes as trophies to be displayed for the increased emotional turmoil and trauma, thereby further drawing out any survivor who would be unlucky enough to get shot by a concussion blast.
George Kurai, as a young man, had seen horrors that would drive most broken. When Commanders Ares Mars first found the young man, all he saw was that haunted thousand-yard expression that was not fitting for someone his age. What was alarming was that after much verification, the young man wasn't even native to that Earth and was ceremoniously sent there against his will by an anomalous force. It wasn't verified as to who or what had sent him. The only known factor, after much investigation, was that the origin behind becoming chosen as Kamen Rider Zi-O was the indirect intervention of Madoka Kaname, a well-known multiversal goddess with incredible power.
While Madoka herself could not intervene directly as much as she wants due to the complexity of her nature which shatters universes upon direct contact, she could only offer the power to George Kurai so that he may use it to finally put an end to the horror.
Of course, George put an end to the genocide.
But there was something else. A dark foreboding. Rage was unleashed and it was quite telling from all of the Ultron Sentinel corpses scattered throughout the city streets. There were slashes. There were scrunches. There were the remains of a brutal execution from a child who said enough in the most terrifying way. As much as it can be seen from the remains of the Ultron Sentinels, looking at the archives and scouring through one kill after another, there was George Kurai silently walking as he slashed multiple Ultron Sentinels with ease.
From what Commander Ares Mars and the clones who watched saw, it was something concerning.
The young George Kurai at that time was someone with a hidden dark side. It wasn't obvious. From what the footage could tell, he was just emulating a foreboding silence as the Ultron Sentinels were the only ones speaking in chattering termite-like voices. It was one solemn walk. But there was that pragmatic ruthlessness wherein he did not hesitate to slaughter all of the Ultron Sentinels within his line of sight no matter what they look like.
It was silent. It was efficient. It was deadly.
It disturbed the commander and the clones who watched the footage tremendously. A young man subtly unleashing his dark side controlled to a fault. His first transformation was less of a triumphant crowning of a king. No, if anything, it was more of a Dark Lord type of presence that was born on that very day.
Due to the horrible traumatic experiences, George had to undergo counseling and therapy. Much to the relief of everyone, he was accepting of such aid. Much to the relief of Commander Ares Mars, the young man, while having an apparent dark side, held a light within his own soul that even he may not acknowledge or be aware of. And it was that light that kept him going in spite of everything that he had seen.
To summarize the situation of George Kurai, he has a bundle of personal issues.
"(Cough). General Kurai," the commander said. George was looking at him and so was everyone else. "I just want to inform you that two Precure Teams would be coming here, escorted by the Paratroopers."
"...Eh?" Emiru Aisaki muttered softly, shaking out of her stupor somewhat. She was still reeling in from the story that George and Private Coda revealed to them.
"Oh...they're here already," George muttered softly, concerned.
"Yes, sir," Commander Ares Mars nodded. "Star Twinkle and Healin Good."
"Oh? Hikaru-chan and Nodoka-chan's teams?" Hana noted, surprised.
"Nodoka..." George muttered softly, concerned. All of the HUGtto! Precure, especially Hana, noticed the way George spoke familiarly of Nodoka's name.
"Eh? George, do you know Nodoka-chan?" Hana asked, curious about the potential history between the two.
"...A long time ago," George answered after a few moments of silence. "Although, I doubt she remembers me now since her memories of me were erased as part of standard procedure. I had to keep the timeline intact as usual as part of my duty."
"Wait, what type of incident did Hanadera-san got involved in for you to step in?" Saaya Yakushiji asked, concerned for her fellow Precure.
"Well, there was the part where she died when she wasn't supposed to be," George explained in a grim tone.
"WHAT?! DIED?!" Hana and the rest of the HUGtto! Precure exclaimed, shocked and horrified.
"And there's the part where I had to save her from an A.R. Kaixa. No scratch that, make that multiple A.R. Kaixas, acting as her stalkers to put things mildly. And at this particular moment of my life, as I recalled, lasted for a literal year, but from the outside world, not a pinch of time had passed. I managed to find a way to break out of this artificial prison and I had a little help from Yurusen-sensei at that time."
"Yurusen-sensei? As in Kamen Rider Ghost's assistant?" Ruru Amour asked, curious as she automatically brought up the files from her database, mentally researching references and key terms in relation to Kamen Rider and other tokusatsu genres.
"Yes," George confirmed with a nod. "Someone at that time was messing with Precure History as usual and tried to drag the soul of Hanadera Nodoka through an isolated dream pocket realm. Through that convoluted plan, it was all regarding the manner of trying to finish her off there through the use of a few distractions and subtly cutting out one part of history without the need to go public."
"Was Joker involved in this?" Homare Kagayaki narrowed her eyes, arms crossed, not forgetting the damn clown as the memory of him tormenting George psychologically was still fresh in her mind.
"Of course, he was involved in this issue. But there were others as well. One of them in fact is a personal type of archenemy that had brought much unnecessary suffering upon her, her family, and everyone else," George said, his eyes narrowed downwards which was noticed by everyone, including Hana and Hagumi.
"Um, who do you mean, pa-, I mean, George?" Hagumi Kurai asked while correcting herself, feeling that it was not the time to reveal her true identity. Although, Hana noticed the cut-off sentence quicker than most plus the hesitant expression from Hagumi made Hana put this at the back of her mind for now.
"Tell me, everyone, ever heard of an individual named Daruizen?" George asked.
"...?!" all of the HUGtto! Precure were in shock, recognizing the name that was sometimes brought up whenever all of the Precure are to gather together.
"Daruizen?! Are you sure?!" Harry asked, concerned and alarmed for Nodoka's safety even more.
"Yes," George confirmed with a nod. "Joker wasn't the only one that escaped the brush of death. Daruizen was plucked out from the specific moment of his death by Joker, following the orders of someone who you could say is the mastermind behind Joker's survival."
"GameOver you mean?" Hana asked, recalling the dreaded figure that was explained long ago.
The Red-Eyed Demon as some would call him. GameOver had also been discussed by George yesterday among the Precure from Futari wa Precure to HUGtto! Precure. George would always emphasize caution for all of them about this mysterious god-like being capable of tremendous feats and elusive machinations, having gathered many dangerous villains throughout the Multiverse to form a type of alliance in order to be more effective of handling the heroes.
As to what GameOver would promise the villains of his choosing, their own cosmologies under their own rule. GameOver doesn't ask for much in return. He could care less about what happens to the respective cosmologies were the villains all came from. Some considered this callous indifference as one part of the master plan to stir up conflict for the development of both heroes and villains for his own personal benefit as much as their own.
GameOver was a person of ambition with far bigger goals than just the usual villains that the Precure are used to dealing with. He's not out to destroy the world. He's not out to cause chaos. He's not out to cause despair. He simply represents the idea and the concept of a game over. It's all written in the name as a hint to his power set. A game over can occur both in fiction and in real life. Therefore, he has more accessible capabilities and available resources at his disposal. A master strategist par excellence with elusive goals.
"Yes, him," George confirmed.
"But what was Daruizen doing there at that time?" Homare asked.
"Revenge," George answered. His grim expression said it all. "Of course, he takes this specific opportunity to have his revenge on Nodoka. If he can't defeat her in the present, then, of course, he can defeat her in the past, specific points in the past, when she has yet to even become a Precure and sharpen her resolves."
"But wait, wouldn't that risk his existence as well?" Harry asked.
"No thanks to Joker," George shakes his head. "Thanks to a few modifications, like Joker, Daruizen is immune to temporal changes, meaning that in layman terms, he is effectively outside of time. No matter how many changes that occur in the past, Daruizen remains unaffected with none to the wiser. But also like Joker, Daruizen has become far too dangerous as he can now transform into an Another Rider."
"An Another Rider?! Which one?!" Emiru asked, concerned.
"Ex-Aid," George answered. "And over the years when he and I have fought, he's already mastered the powers and abilities of Kamen Rider Ex-Aid. And when I say mastered, I don't mean that he can match the original Kamen Rider Ex-Aid, Hojo Emu-sensei, in a straight-up fight, far from it. But what I meant was that he has learned since our battles through time how to use the power of Ex-Aid rather effectively to his advantage along with a terrifying combination of Bugster and Byogen which makes him a formidable foe on the battlefield."
All of the girls of HUGtto! Precure couldn't help but gulp the more George described the present threat of the villain that made Nodoka Hanadera's life completely miserable. They all heavily empathize with the situation that Nodoka had been through and are more than aware of how delicate and grave it was. They all look to one another, wondering how to break open the ice so to speak when they are to encounter Nodoka and the rest of her teammates once again.
"Sirs," one of the Clone Paratroopers went inside the room. "Just got a message from the boys. They're heading your way right now. ETA: One minute."
Everyone looked toward each other, concerned.
"Well, young ones, it's best if we prepare mentally for the upcoming reunion," Doctor Traum smiled empathetically.
"I suppose so, some more than others," Private Coda looks at George Kurai with a knowing expression.
And thus, they all waited for the two Precure Teams to come to the room. After waiting for a few moments, they all spotted the Prime Minister accompanying the Precures and their mascots. There were also the appearance of at least five Clone Paratroopers who were shaking their heads in mental exhaustion, still numb from the multitude of questions that had been asked a while ago, with Madoka Kaguya and Elena Amamiya apologizing in exasperation for their friend. The clones on their part smiled, saying that they
"Ah! Hana-chan! Everyone!" Hikaru Hoshina smiled excitedly as she sprinted towards Hana, putting both hands to the latter. "It's been quite a while!"
"To you as well, Hikaru-chan! And of course to you, Nodoka-chan..." Hana stopped her cheerful smile for a moment as she noticed the expression on Nodoka's face.
Actually, everyone in the room, especially the HUGtto! Precure, Star Twinkle Precure, and Healin Good Precure noticed the expression that Nodoka Hanadera was making right now. It was one of shock and recognition.
"Nodoka-chi?" Hinata Hiramitsu uttered softly, concerned.
"Nodoka-san?" Chiyu Sawaizumi and Asumi Fuurin uttered softly, concerned.
"Nodoka?" Rabirin, Pegitan, and Nyatoran uttered softly, concerned.
They all look in the direction where Nodoka was looking. And all eyes landed on George Kurai who was concerned.
"...George," Nodoka muttered softly, her eyes narrowing almost to the point of tears.
"What?!" George was alarmed.
"Eh?!" Hana and Hagumi muttered in shock.
"Eh? George?" Hikaru muttered in confusion.
Nodoka didn't utter another word. The only thing that she did was crouch down and lower Latte - who was just as worried as the rest of the people in this room - to the ground. She stands up slowly and walks slowly towards George's location.
"George...Is that...Is that really you...?" Nodoka asks in a tone that was a mixture of desperation to know the truth, subtle happiness, and a voice full of hurt for making her forget about him.
Hana was looking back and forth between this exchange in concern and curiosity. She and the rest of the HUGtto! Precure were recently aware that George and Nodoka had met before. But they also recalled that Nodoka was not supposed to carry any memories of George. Could there be a mistake?
"Impossible..." George muttered in shock, stepping back for a few steps. "There's no way..."
"Wait!" Nodoka muttered softly, her arms raised and shaking. "Please stay still!"
George complied but was also inwardly thinking of this unprecedented event. He questions himself thoroughly. How? He looks to Doctor Traum, Private Coda, and Commander Ares Mars, but they were just as surprised as he was.
They all knew that Nodoka Hanadera's memories were supposed to be wiped clean. She wasn't even supposed to remember George Kurai much less speak his name. She had been given an amnestic type of device called a spatio-temporal neuralyzer which acted as a way to erase experiences that would prove to be a threat to the stability to the timeline. It should have worked and yet Nodoka can recall him for some reason. But how?
Nevertheless, by the time Nodoka came close to George, she did not hesitate to cry as she embraced the young man who protected her long ago. And she cried.
"Why?! Why?! Why?! Why did you erase my memories of you?! Why?!" Nodoka exclaims, crying as she clenched her fists to softly pound George's chest.
"Nodoka-chan...You know why..." George muttered softly, recalling clearly the proper explanation that he had given her long ago.
"I know! But that makes it even worse, idiot!" Nodoka exclaims, her fists no longer in George's chest, having been lowered. All that was left was one big hug that came from The Flower That Was Left Behind. "...Did you know how much I missed you all this time...?"
George flinched. He felt guilty as he sighed. He looks at Hana who was watching all of this with concern. And the same can be said for the rest who were also watching.
"Nodoka..." Rabirin muttered softly, concerned for her partner.
George breathes in and out deeply, gently patting Nodoka on the back.
"I'm sorry," he muttered softly.
And so, George let Nodoka be, letting her cry as much as she wanted to. It was at the very least that he could do. After all this, Nodoka smiled inwardly as she reunited with an old friend that she had forgotten long ago.
While this was happening, Doctor Traum walks toward Prime Minister Fuyuki Kaguya, expressing his apologies.
"Prime Minister, I apologize for the inconveniences that you may be feeling right now," Doctor Traum spoke humbly.
"Do not worry, Doctor," Fuyuki reassured Doctor Traum. "When it comes to my daughter and her friends most especially, it is the very least that I can do after everything that I have done."
"And I know the feeling all too well," Doctor Traum nodded grimly.
Insert Song: End
ED Song:
Closing Theme Kamen Rider Black RX
New Characters:
Hikaru Hoshina/Cure Star - VA: Eimi Naruse
Elena Amamiya/Cure Soleil - VA: Kiyono Yasuno
Chiyu Sawaizumi/Cure Fontaine - VA: Natsu Yorita
Hinata Hiramitsu/Cure Sparkle - VA: Hiyori Kono
Asumi Fuurin/Cure Earth - VA: Suzuko Mimori
Pegitan - VA: Hana Takeda
Nyatoran - VA: Aki Kanada
Latte - VA: Haruka Shiraishi