Dr. Exposition: So sorry for the late update but I have been so busy with real life, plus procrastinating on this to work on SideRide Chronicles: Oscura's Encore (check that out). Anyway, for you readers, here's the latest chapter for your reading pleasure. Happy Holidays.
"I went to check on him, and he was gone," Layna explained, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. When she found the cell's occupant gone, she hastily got dressed and called her siblings. Kaguya and Raheem shared the confined space, their expressions a mix of worry and contemplation.
"Someone must have opened a portal here," Kaguya concluded, squatting down to examine a scorch mark etched into the cold, metallic floor.
"But this room has a power-dampening field," Layna argued, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"The power dampeners would only work on this side, not on the side that opened the portal," Raheem rebutted logically, his keen eyes noting every detail.
Just as the weight of the situation settled in, a familiar voice crackled through their comlinks, cutting through the tense silence.
"Hello, this is Jiro. Is anyone there?" Jiro's voice echoed, bringing a glimmer of hope.
"We can hear you, Jiro. What is it?" Raheem inquired, anticipation evident in his voice.
"Not good. Kyofu and all his espers have escaped," Jiro informed them, his words hanging heavily in the air.
"Our prisoner has escaped as well," Raheem replied, the gravity of the news sinking in.
"So then the professor has his full force once again," Layna muttered, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and concern. An anxious habit manifested as she nervously gnawed on the nail of her thumb. "I had hoped that if we whittled down his unit, it would slowly make things easier for everyone. But it appears he had a backup plan for that."
"Everyone here is planning on going after Kyofu and his forces."
"Jiro, you need to stay with them, do you understand?" Kaguya ordered, her tone firm and decisive. "And when you learn Kyofu's location, let us know."
"Right. On it," Jiro affirmed before ending the call.
"Kyofu must be moving onto his endgame now," Raheem concluded, his mind already strategizing their next steps.
"I believe we should also get the others," Layna suggested, her gaze flickering with determination. "If the Professor is indeed moving towards his endgame, we should gather as much help as we possibly can."
"I'll grab Hiro, providing that he isn't having another sex marathon with the Monkey King and the bunny girl," Raheem declared before vanishing in a haze of red shadows, leaving behind an air of urgency and uncertainty in the confined space.
Showa Chronicles: Road to Annihilation
Act XXI: Eye of the Storm
New Orleans, USA
The NEO-NUMBERS, accompanied by Jiro, Ryuji, Kotonoha, and Lucy, emerged from the Teleportal with a synchronised leap. Rain cascaded down upon their arrival, drenching the group instantly. As they landed, their eyes fixated on the distant plantation house, partially obscured by the relentless downpour, and the imposing Spirit Tower that loomed tall against the grey sky. A pulsing red light emanated from its peak, casting an eerie glow in the midst of the storm.
"Couldn't you have gotten us in, Sheila?" Michiru grumbled, her frustration evident in her tone as raindrops played a rhythmic beat against her hood.
"Or at least closer?" Lucy chimed in, her expression mirroring her dissatisfaction with their waterlogged surroundings.
"Negative. There appears to be some interference," Sheila responded.
"I'm guessing that's the source of the interference." Yokoshima gestured emphatically toward the towering structure, the Spirit Tower, where the pulsing red peak radiated a palpable energy disturbance.
"You are correct," Sheila confirmed, her digital voice cutting through the sound of raindrops hitting the ground. "The energy from the tower is the source of the interference."
"Yeah, even Scarab agrees," Yokoshima remarked, a nod of acknowledgement directed to his alien symbiote.
"Then let's bring it down," Daichi growled, his smile taking on a fierce edge as he flexed his fingers, the audible crack of his knuckles punctuating his declaration.
The rain intensified, casting an almost cinematic backdrop to their determination as they geared up for the impending confrontation with the ominous Spirit Tower.
Meanwhile, within the dimly lit chamber, Professor Kyofu stood before a sprawling control console adorned with a multitude of screens, each displaying real-time data on the bizarre weather phenomena occurring outside. Yet, these atmospheric disturbances seemed to register as nothing more than a minor inconvenience to him. Instead, his unwavering attention fixated on the unfolding events tied to the arrival of the formidable group of cyborgs and their eclectic allies.
"So, B FAILED to destroy them," Kyofu remarked with a scowl, his voice resonating through the chamber's cold air.
Beside him, Stratos, an ominous figure with an insatiable appetite, observed the screens intently. He licked his lips with anticipation as the images of their adversaries played out before him.
"They all look soooo delicious."
"Contain your HUNGER, G," Kyofu ordered, his stern tone cutting through the air. "Once the Spirit Tower is fully CHARGED, there's nothing that can STOP it. However, IF we wish for things to go SMOOTHLY, we need to make sure they don't interfere."
A sinister grin spread across Stratos's face, his enthusiasm barely contained.
"Oh, so do I have permission to feast, Professor?"
"You have my permission to RAMPAGE," Kyofu confirmed, his eyes glinting with a calculated malevolence. With those words, Stratos morphed into a swirling swarm of glowing insects, buzzing with unrestrained energy, before taking off with an unsettling fervour.
Kyofu's attention shifted toward the large screen, focusing on BLACK 13, the ominous figure standing prominently among the opposition. A twisted laughter escaped Kyofu's lips as he addressed his adversary directly, his voice echoing with dark amusement.
"Today, BLACK 13, you will SEE what an utter FAILURE you TRULY are! HihihihiHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
As the team pressed forward toward the plantation house, a sudden distortion in the air halted their advance. The atmosphere rippled around them, and with an otherworldly display, Weapon A (Abby), Weapon C (Tamayo), Weapon H (Daytona), Weapon J (Miwa), Weapon K (Tamae), Weapon R (Kirihara), Weapon T (Sado), Weapon Q, Weapon Y, and Weapon G (Stratos) materialised before them along with a small army of BTS grunts.
"Looks like the welcoming committee is here," Ryuji quipped, his tone laced with a mixture of sarcasm and determination.
"Kihihihihi, look at all the fresh meat!" Stratos greeted, stepping forward with an unsettling hunger in his eyes. "It's like I'm looking at a buffet!"
"You're making a little kid fight with you too?" Ryuji challenged, eyeing Abby, who remained silent and expressionless.
"The kid is more than she seems," Kirihara retorted, dismissing any concern. "Yeah, she hasn't exactly graduated kindergarten yet, but she's got her uses."
"Using a kid to do your dirty work. Guess Kyofu is still used to old habits, huh?" Shinichi snapped, his patience waning in the face of their adversaries.
"Oh, did I hit a nerve?" Kirihara smirked, tauntingly covering her mouth. "Was it too personal? Oh, that's right, you were all turned into weapons when you were kids too, weren't you? Does it really bug you that much to see another brat in your old position?"
"Tou-chan, don't let her goad you," Jiro advised, though even he struggled to contain his anger.
"Too late," Shinichi responded as he and NEO-NUMBERS summoned their Spark Cores. "Henshin!"
"Henshin!" the NEO-NUMBERS chorused, their Spark Cores glowing and enveloping them in their Rider Armours.
"Henshin!" Ryuji and Kotonoha called out simultaneously, scanning their Rider Passes across their belts.
[SABER FORM!]
[VALKYRIE FORM!]
Energy shards manifested, forming their Aura Skins, and their respective Aura Armours materialised, ready for battle.
"Henshin!" Lucy proclaimed, slotting her Orga Phone into her Orga Driver, resulting in a dazzling transformation that revealed her full Orga suit, complete with the Orga Stylanzer.
"Henshin!" Jiro shouted, unleashing the power of the T-Rex Amber Core, transforming into Kamen Rider Jura Tyranno Max with a resonating roar.
[TYRANNOSAURUS! RAMPAGE! STALKING THE JUNGLES! RULING FROM THE TREES! TYRANNO MAX! GAAAOO~!]
"Henshin!" the Alpha Force members echoed, activating their Dragon Eye buttons, and the Philosopher's Stones in the centre of their Alter Rings bathed them in a transformative light, reshaping their appearances.
In her Agito Form, Agito Sombra, Sado exuded an air of mystique with black body-hugging armour adorned with violet accents. Spikes adorned her forearms, and a rose emblem marked her left breast. Her helmet, with a segmented mouthplate, boasted violet crest horns that were fanned out, and an additional horn jutting from her forehead.
Weapon Q, adopting the Agito form known as Agito Quark, showcased a green bodysuit with orange-speckled armour, beetle shell wings hanging from his back, and a distinctive Y-shaped crest horn.
Abby's Agito form, Agito Reaper, aged her into an adult, featuring a black bodysuit with a skull-shaped breastplate, white gloves, boots, and a helmet resembling a skull with jet-black eyes and angelic wing-shaped horns.
As Agito Mare, Miwa's celestial-patterned black armoured bodysuit was complemented by an ethereal midnight blue scarf, antler-like horns on her helmet, and an overall mystical aesthetic.
Kirihara's Agito form, Agito Siryn, was a mermaid-like creature, with sea green armour, bird-like wings, and a shark's fin crest on her head.
Weapon Y dazzled with an eye-catching Agito form featuring a shifting pattern of prismatic colours, silver armour, and crystal plating, aptly named Agito Prism.
Stratos, now Agito Beelz, materialised in an Agito form crafted from yellow energy. With golden flame-like hair and enormous gauntlets, he exuded an aura of formidable power. Hovering around him was a black and grey shell composed of three parts that vaguely resembled an insect head, with the two parts on the side each possessing one massive yellow 'eye'.
"RIDERS, GO!" Showa commanded, leading the charge alongside his allies.
"Dinner time~! Kihihihihihih!" Beelz laughed, urging the Agitos and their forces to engage in the clash against the heroic Kamen Riders.
The battlefield erupted with explosive collisions, marking the commencement of the arduous battle to decide the fate of the world.
In a dimly lit room adorned with an air of magical mystique, both Lambdadelta and Bernkastel sat across from each other with a meticulously arranged chessboard separating them. The pieces on the board were emblematic of the intricate dance between two opposing forces—the NEO-NUMBERS and their allies versus the Agitos.
The atmosphere resonated with an ageless quality, for these witches were immortal, capable of enduring through eternity. Lambdadelta, the Witch of Certainty with her signature shock of blonde hair, had taken it upon herself to dispel the heavy clouds of depression that had enveloped her best frenemy, Bernkastel. The prospect of eternal boredom, an affliction dreaded by all witches, spurred Lambdadelta to intervene and bring back the spark of mischief and excitement into Bernkastel's immortal existence.
Seated across the chessboard, Lambdadelta couldn't help but grin mischievously.
"So, who do you think will win?" she inquired, revelling in the prospect of the unfolding game.
"Is that even a question?" Bernkastel replied, her fingers deftly picking up the Showa piece and strategically advancing it on the board.
"Oh, so you've returned to supporting him? What happened to trying to kill him?" Lambdadelta quizzed, arching an eyebrow in mock curiosity.
"An ending like that would be boring," Bernkastel explained, her gaze fixed on the intricate movements on the board. "Besides, I've come to realise that it's more fun to watch him defy fate rather than trying to orchestrate it."
Lambdadelta couldn't resist a teasing tone.
"Are you sure you're not being influenced by your other self's feelings?" Lambdadelta teased. Bernkastel responded by flicking the Showa piece, throwing it against Lambdadelta's forehead. "Ow!"
"Zip it, you," Bernkastel scowled, her expression briefly betraying a semblance of irritation. "Don't make me turn you into cat food."
The banter between these immortal witches continued, an eternal dance of whimsy and caprice that echoed through the ages.
Beelz soared straight at Showa Chronicle, aiming to intercept the Rider in the air. Showa swung his Chrono Saber, ready to fend off the incoming Agito, but just as the blade was about to connect, Beelz dispersed into a swarm of insects, leaving only his armoured shells behind.
The back shell lunged, attempting to ensnare Showa, who swiftly teleported away, avoiding the imminent threat. The remaining two shells closed in from opposite sides, ready to crush him. In a display of quick thinking, he spread his arms, opening portals that absorbed the shells before ejecting them out of a third portal, now crumpled and rendered harmless.
"Kihihihihihihi!" Beelz reconstituted himself, a burst of mad laughter accompanying his resurgence. Engaging Showa once more, he unleashed a swarm of glowing insects. While Showa dodged the initial onslaught, the second wave struck, causing sparks to explode from his chest.
"Aaaarrrggghh!" Showa cried out in pain, feeling the impact of Beelz's relentless assault. Beelz closed in with a powerful punch, but Showa countered, only for Beelz to dissolve once more into a swarm. The back shell swooped in, attempting to converge on Showa, who skillfully deflected it with a mid-air kick, sending it back toward Beelz.
"Kihihihihihihi! No wonder the Professor thinks you're so tasty, BLACK 13! You're not easy prey!" Beelz taunted between bouts of laughter.
"I'm no one's prey, you gluttonous loon!" Showa snapped back, with defiance evident in his voice.
"We'll see about that!" Beelz's eyes flashed as his burning hair intensified, signalling the unleashing of his special attack. "Nemesis Fang!"
A swarm of wasp-shaped entities erupted from Beelz, converging on Showa with explosive force. The ensuing onslaught overwhelmed Showa, causing him to cry out in pain as explosions engulfed him. As the smoke cleared, Showa emerged visibly damaged, his body smoking from the aftermath of Beelz's Nemesis Fang attack.
"You know what, I take it back. You're a lot easier to deal with. Guess the Professor overestimated you," Beelz commented.
"And you underestimated me!" Showa retorted as his eyes flashed and the damage to his body miraculously vanished. He then delivered a swift right hook, followed by a left, and a powerful kick to Beelz's stomach, sending the insectoid Agito flying backwards. Beelz tumbled through the air before righting himself, a hungry and savage look in his eyes as he leered at Showa.
"Get in my belly!" Beelz snapped, buzzing angrily. "Nemesis Fang!"
"Zennin," Showa whispered, and in a flash of power, he assumed his ninja-like Kage Form. Creating multiple Shadow Clones, they dispersed in different directions, evading the incoming swarm of wasp-like entities all while the real Showa seamlessly blended in amongst his clones.
"Gokuaku!"
Transforming into his Oni Form, Showa unleashed a torrent of flames, burning away the swarm that pursued him. Beelz sent his back shell to attack, hoping to crush Showa, but he caught the shell and then crushed it in his bare hands, crumpling it up before tossing it away.
"Yabuki!"
Showa then shifted into his samurai-like Higurashi Form, flying straight at Beelz with his sword coated in green energy. Showa's clones joined the assault, overwhelming Beelz. Attempting to disperse into a swarm once more, Beelz left himself vulnerable for what came next.
"THOUSAND CRANE SLASH!"
Showa swung his blade, releasing a flock of paper cranes into the swarm, detonating them with explosive force. Bursting through the smoke, Showa Chronicle aimed directly at the Spirit Tower. He flipped his body forward, assumed a flying kick pose, and propelled himself like a missile to deliver his signature finisher.
"RIDEEERRR KIIIICCCCKKKK!"
The rest of his Kage Form Shadow Clones also joined in the assault. However, instead of hitting the peak, they crashed into an invisible barrier that surrounded the pulsing red sphere on top. Despite the obstacle, Showa tried to power through, determined to break through the barrier.
"AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!"
Unfortunately, he failed to penetrate the barrier as he was violently repulsed and sent crashing back to the ground while his Shadow Clones were dispelled.
"Well, that didn't work," he remarked as he lay there, gazing up at the Spirit Tower when an idea dawned on him. "Maybe I just need to hit it with something bigger. Let's Ride: J!"
As he stood back up, Showa's body glowed, and a green pillar of light arose around him. Several Psycho Soldiers came charging at him, only to stop and gawk as they witnessed him growing right before their eyes. The glow faded from Showa's body to reveal he had assumed the colossal form of Kamen Rider J in his Jumbo Formation.
"JUMBO RIDER PUNCH!"
Crimson energy flared from his fist as he pulled back his arm before he threw a punch at the Spirit Tower. An explosion went off on impact but the barrier remained. Undeterred, he began throwing punches at the barrier, pouring more power into each blow. Unfortunately, this attempt also failed as the barrier violently repulsed him, causing him to topple backwards.
The Psycho Soldiers who had been standing behind Showa J tried to flee but they ended up being flattened underneath his massive body. Moments after he collapsed, he shrunk back and reverted to his default form.
"OK, so physical attacks won't work," Showa concluded as he got back on his feet again. "Then let's try this!"
He conjured three overlapping portals and angled them to point at the peak of the Spirit Tower. He spread his Void Wings which glowed along with his Spark Core and eyes, his energy erupting from his body like a blazing inferno.
"CHRONICLE CRUSADE!"
He shot a blast through the three portals, creating a spiralling beam of power which struck the Spirit Tower's barrier. Showa's aura flared as he intensified the attack, attempting to penetrate the barrier. All of a sudden, the barrier expanded and released a pulse that knocked Showa off his feet, ceasing his attack.
Showa scowled. Direct attacks did not work and neither did his Chronicle Crusade.
'Use my power!' Dreigon urged as El Drago Cero might just do the trick.
"No," Showa protested as he picked himself up. "I might need your power for later."
'Then how are we going to destroy that tower, huh?' Dreigon challenged.
Showa watched as another group of Psycho Soldiers came running towards him. In a sudden burst of speed, he ran past them and stopped to tuck his wings back. A moment later, the Psycho Soldiers collapsed and fell apart before turning into goo.
'Perhaps, instead of aiming for the top you focus your attention on the bottom,' Kuro Juusan suggested, causing Showa to eye the plantation house.
"Ooh, that was so close!" Lambdadelta remarked with a sly grin, leaning forward as she watched the ongoing spectacle. The atmosphere in the room buzzed with the excitement of the unfolding events. "Guess he's gonna need to try harder if he wants to break that tower."
"Or find another avenue," Bernkastel observed coolly, her eyes fixed on the flat screen that floated before them. The pair had moved from the table to the couch, and now they lounged comfortably while sharing a bowl of candy. The screen displayed the unfolding drama like a captivating TV show. "Shinichi is not known for giving up. He always manages to find a way to win."
"Sounds like you admire him," Lambdadelta teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes, as she popped a piece of candy into her mouth.
"I misjudged him, a mistake I don't intend to make ever again," Bernkastel confessed with a thoughtful expression. Her demeanour hinted at a newfound respect for the protagonist. "Now, let us see how the rest are doing." With a snap of her fingers, she changed the 'channel'.
Musician twirled around his Cricket Fork before firing a sound blast at a group of charging Psycho Soldiers, sending them flying. A group of Bio-Breakers came at him, firing at him with psionic blasts but he countered their attacks with his Cricket Fork, deflecting the beams with sound waves. He then unleashed a deafening sonic energy blast from his Cricket Fork, the beam travelling through the air to slam into them, causing them to explode.
Siryn unleashed a sonic scream at Musician, who countered with a soundwave of his own. The air resonated with their clashing powers, resulting in a deafening battle between the two. Siryn's usual method of manipulating minds was proving less effective against Musician, but the winged, mermaid-like Agito wasn't one to back down easily.
Breaking the stalemate, Siryn executed a nimble backflip, seamlessly diving into the ground as if it were made of water. Musician, caught off guard by her sudden disappearance, scanned his surroundings for any sign of his elusive opponent.
Suddenly, Siryn burst forth from behind him, her tail's blade fin aimed at Musician. With swift reflexes, he turned to face her, blocking the impending strike with his Cricket Fork. Despite the defensive move, Siryn managed to thrust the blade fin into Musician's chest, only to face retaliation as he fired a sonic blast, sending her hurtling across the battlefield.
"Time to seal the win!" Musician proclaimed, readying himself to deliver the final blow. He spread his legs, bent his knees, and propelled himself towards Siryn like a high-speed projectile, aiming to end this clash between them.
Siryn harnessed the Mark of Agito's power. Her crest expanded, collecting energy as the ethereal glow enveloped her. Eyes flashing with determination, she unleashed a sonic attack, its invisible force swirling through the air.
Undeterred, Musician showcased his prowess, skillfully deflecting each of Siryn's sonic blasts with his Cricket Fork. With a cocky count, he taunted her, mocking the fish-like Agito.
"That's two, three, four, five, six!" Musician counted. "C'mon, is that all you've got, you fucking fish!? I can read anything you throw at me! That filthy score of yours!"
"He turned my attack into a song?" Siryn seethed with anger, realising the extent of Musician's strategy. "Like I'm some kind of mic?! This punk is mocking me! He thinks he's better than me because he's got metal in him!?" Fuelled by rage, Siryn propelled herself at Musician with unparalleled speed. "DON'T FUCKING SCREW WITH ME!"
The two collided with a deafening impact, triggering a barrage of sparks and explosions. The battlefield bore witness to their relentless clash, each exchange marked by determined fury. Musician demonstrated his experience and combat prowess as he struck Siryn across the face, threw her to the ground, and tossed her skyward before executing a series of powerful attacks. Despite Siryn's valiant effort, the accumulated years of Musician's training proved too formidable. A punch to the face, a jab to the stomach with his Cricket Fork, and a relentless barrage of sonic bursts sent her crashing violently to the ground.
As she lay on the ground, her body flashed as she reverted to human form, defeated with Musician standing victoriously over her.
Blue Beetle found himself surrounded by a horde of Psycho Soldiers and Bio-Breakers. The relentless enemies closed in on him, ready to overwhelm the lone hero. However, a sudden transformation unfolded as six sharp insect-like legs sprouted from Blue Beetle's back, swiftly impaling and neutralising the approaching threats.
"Thanks, partner," Blue Beetle expressed his gratitude to the Scarab, acknowledging its crucial assistance. The remaining Psycho Soldiers, and Bio-Breakers, unleashed a barrage of attacks, but Blue Beetle seamlessly summoned a protective shield from his forearms, blocking the onslaught.
With a swift motion, Blue Beetle extended a cannon from his chest, unleashing a devastating blast that obliterated his adversaries with a single powerful blast. Confidence radiated from the hero as he assessed the defeated enemies around him.
"And that takes care of them," Blue Beetle confidently declared, but a sense of urgency echoed through the Scarab. Perplexed, Blue Beetle turned just in time to witness Agito Quark charging towards him.
Bracing himself, Blue Beetle prepared for the impact as Quark collided with him, sending the hero tumbling. Quickly regaining his footing, Blue Beetle propelled himself into the air using the thrusters on his feet, attempting to create some distance. However, Quark followed suit, executing a mid-air kick that forcefully drove Blue Beetle back to the ground.
"OK, got a plan?" Blue Beetle groaned, seeking guidance from the Scarab. The advice, rather straightforward, was to 'try not to die.' The sarcastic response from the Scarab left Blue Beetle bemused.
Quark, hovering in the air, fired beams from his hands, creating explosions that consumed Blue Beetle in a cloud of smoke. As the smoke cleared, a crater revealed the aftermath of the attack, but Blue Beetle was mysteriously absent. Perplexed, Quark scanned the area for his elusive opponent.
Suddenly, the ground behind Quark shifted, and Blue Beetle burst forth, deploying insect-like legs from his back. The tips of these appendages transformed into individual beam cannons, ready for a counterattack.
"Light 'em up, Scarab!" Blue Beetle commanded as the cannons unleashed a relentless barrage of energy at Quark. Each blast hit its mark, pushing Quark further away as Blue Beetle advanced. The Agito attempted to shield himself, but Blue Beetle's relentless onslaught chipped away at his armour.
"Take that! And that! And that! And some of this!" Blue Beetle shouted triumphantly as he closed in on Quark. The relentless assault continued until Quark retaliated, seizing Blue Beetle by the head. Despite Blue Beetle's attempts to break free, Quark's strength prevailed.
Responding to the dire situation, the Scarab initiated a countermeasure: Blue Beetle's chestplate opened, revealing a cannon barrel with a glowing blue light. Quark, realising the imminent danger, was unable to react as he took a point-blank blast that sent him tumbling roughly across the ground.
Blue Beetle, free from Quark's grip, groaned and clutched his head. Despite the toll on his own well-being, he expressed gratitude to his partner.
"Ow... Thanks, buddy," Blue Beetle acknowledged, with the Scarab responding positively to his gratitude.
Arachnea and Carmen fought back to back, taking down the Psycho Soldiers and Bio-Breakers that came at them. The Mantis Rider shifted her hands into energy scythe form and cut through their bodies like a hot knife through butter. Using her Mantis Style Martial Arts, she easily took them on with grace and lethality.
Arachnea's hands were coated in a venomous miasma which she used to take down the grunts. Their armour did practically nothing as she pierced them with her claws. Her venom was fast-acting as well. As soon as they collapsed, the grunts convulsed in agony before they melted into puddles of goo. They tried to fire at her with their psychic blasts but a wall of flower petals rose up and absorbed the blasts before returning them to their senders. Arachnea smiled, glad to have her wife watching her back.
They both heard a roar and saw Reaper come charging at them, riding atop Atanti. The beast took a swipe at them, and while Carmen was able to dodge, Arachnea was sent tumbling by the claw swipe. As the Tarantula Rider got back on her feet, she received a kick to the face. As Arachnea recovered from the blow, she looked up to see who had struck her: Agito Mare.
"So you're my opponent," Arachnea acknowledged as she took out her Spider Kamas and then she engaged in fierce combat with Agito Mare. Her weapons, in their unextended form, resembled knuckle dusters with elongated, blade-like claws. Despite Arachnea's remarkable speed and agility, Mare proved to be an elusive adversary, skillfully dodging each strike from the tarantula cyborg.
Mare's fighting style bore traces of her past as an exotic dancer, blending grace and agility into her combat manoeuvres. Her evasive dance moves left Arachnea frustrated, unable to land a significant blow on her nimble opponent.
In an attempt to gain the upper hand, Arachnea shot a webline at Mare, aiming to restrict her movements. However, the agile Agito effortlessly twirled away, evading the entangling web. Fueled by frustration, Arachnea lunged at Mare, extending her Spider Kamas in a slashing motion. Unexpectedly, Mare leapt over Arachnea, executing a skilful flip to plant her feet on the Tarantula Rider's back before rebounding off, sending Arachnea crashing to the ground in an undignified faceplant.
Quickly recovering, Arachnea spun around just in time to witness Mare striking her forehead with her fingers. A sudden freeze overcame Arachnea; her body went rigid, and her arms hung limply, causing her to drop her weapons.
Hana found herself imprisoned in a cage, clad in tattered rags. A bizarre sensation revealed additional limbs on her back, and as she reached out to grasp the bars, four extra arms extended, becoming apparent. A blinding flash of light filled the space, and shadowy figures emerged, devoid of features except for malicious eyes and cruel smiles.
"Look at that thing! What a freak!"
"It's a monster!"
"Disgusting!"
Insults and jeers rained upon Hana as the figures mocked her appearance. Rotten fruit was thrown at the cage, splattering her as she tried to shield herself with her multiple arms. Desperate to escape the torment, she closed her eyes and covered her ears, pleading for the cruel words to cease.
"No...! I'm not a monster! I'm not! Please! Someone help me!" Hana's cries echoed within the cage as the relentless mockery continued. As she began to fall into despair, a warm pink glow appeared beside her, providing a sense of solace within the darkness. "...Michiru."
"You're so smart, Hana-chan!"
"Hana-chan, you're my best friend."
"I'll never leave you, Hana-chan!"
"Hana-chan, I love you."
Back in the real world, Arachnea's eyes flashed just before Mare could deliver the fatal blow. With a swift movement, Arachnea buried her venomous claws in Mare's stomach, causing the Agito to stagger back in pain.
"Making me live my worst nightmare...you really are the worst," Arachnea spat, bitterness evident in her glare. Launching into a brutal onslaught, she slashed Mare across the chest, delivering a flurry of strikes that sent sparks flying. The relentless assault concluded with Arachnea grabbing Mare's head and driving her knee into the Agito's face, leaving her sprawled on the ground, dazed.
Mare groaned, attempting to rise, but found herself paralyzed, unable to move. Struggling to articulate her words, she demanded an explanation from Arachnea.
"What...did you...do to me...?" Mare questioned, struggling with each syllable. Arachnea showed off her fingertips, which dripped with venom.
"I hit you with some of my neurotoxin. Don't worry, it's nonlethal. At least, the way I made it," Arachnea responded coldly, advancing towards Mare, who strained to raise her head, glaring defiantly at her captor.
"Whoa!" Carmen yelped, narrowly avoiding Atanti's snapping jaws. The beast roared, attempting another pounce, but Carmen leapt backwards, skillfully dodging its razor-sharp claws.
As Carmen distanced herself from the beast, her focus shifted to Reaper, who rode on Atanti's back.
"She's just a kid," Carmen reminded herself. Reaper, once an innocent young girl, had been manipulated and transformed into one of Kyofu's Agitos. While not as perverse as Carmen's late handler, the act of turning a child into a weapon was still deplorable.
Growing impatient with Atanti's inability to catch its prey, Reaper decided to take matters into her own hands. Standing on the beast's back, she leapt off, delivering a kick into Carmen's face, sending her tumbling. Reaper landed gracefully on her feet, conjuring razor-sharp sickles with crescent-shaped blades.
Reaper darted toward Carmen, and the cyborg rolled to evade her swinging sickles. As Reaper swung at her again, Carmen conjured a scythe and parried her attack. Sparks flew as the two clashed violently, locked in a fast-paced exchange.
"She's just a kid," Carmen reiterated, sidestepping a strike from Reaper. She glanced over Reaper's shoulder at Atanti, watching its master engage in combat, ready to intervene.
Seizing the moment of distraction, Reaper buried her sickle into Carmen's shoulder and she cried out in pain. As Reaper aimed to take off Carmen's head, a webline caught onto her back, pulling her away. Carmen, healing from her injuries, witnessed Arachnea dragging Reaper towards her. She then panicked when she saw Atanti was about to pounce on her wife.
"Hana-chan, watch out!" Carmen shouted, teleporting in Atanti's path to intercept the beast. She delivered a powerful heel kick to its jaw, knocking it back and sending it flipping through the air before it crashed to the ground.
Reaper, freed from the webline, ran straight at Arachnea, who swiftly brought out her twin Spider Kamas. The two clashed violently, with Arachnea gaining the upper hand, slashing and sending Reaper tumbling. Atanti quickly reunited with its master and Reaper climbed onto its back.
"Why haven't you beaten her yet?" Arachnea asked her spouse.
"I don't wanna hurt her. She's just a kid," Carmen explained.
"So, how are we supposed to beat her then?" Arachnea questioned.
Carmen pondered the dilemma, unable to find a solution that spared Reaper from harm.
"Hana-chan, target her ride. I'll take care of her," Carmen instructed. Arachnea nodded, and they prepared for the impending clash.
Atanti roared and lunged, but Carmen leapt over the beast while Arachnea slid underneath its belly, striking the beast with her venomous claws. At the same time, Carmen grabbed Reaper and threw themselves off the beast's back.
Atanti fell and slid across the ground, letting out a pained whine as it was injured.
"Atanti!" Reaper yelled as she tried to wriggle out of Carmen's grasp, but the Witch of Chaos decided that enough was enough.
"Go to sleep!" Carmen ordered, touching the side of Reaper's helmer. Reaper's eyes flashed as she stopped struggling and turned back to normal, becoming a young girl again.
"Atan...ti..." the name of Abby's best friend and stuffed toy passed through her lips before she succumbed to sleep. Once Abby was fast asleep, Atanti returned to normal as well, becoming a stuffed toy once again.
Carmen stood over Abby, feeling the sombre weight of her supposed victory.
"That sucked," Carmen said, as Arachnea rejoined her and handed her the stuffed toy that was Atanti. She gently placed the stuffed toy in Abby's arms. "That sucked so hard."
"I know," Arachnea agreed, capturing Abby with her C3. "Want to kill some grunts? That should make you feel better, right?"
"Sure."
Zero hung in the air, dodging psychic blasts from the Psycho Soldiers and Bio-Breakers before retaliating with stinger needles. The needles hit their mark before exploding, taking out his targets instantly. Suddenly, he was alerted of an oncoming attack and dodged in the nick of time before a beam could strike him. As the beam flew past him, he zeroed in on the source and found Agito Prism also flying in the air with him. The two then flew straight at each other and clashed explosively.
Zero and Agito Prism engaged in an electrifying aerial duel, exchanging destructive beams that painted the sky with a kaleidoscope of colours. The prismatic Agito unleashed torrents of multicoloured energy at Zero, who danced nimbly through the onslaught. Having meticulously studied Prism's abilities, Zero understood the peril of being struck by her beams, knowing she could manipulate his emotions and incapacitate him.
Despite her dazzling display of power, Prism clenched her jaw in frustration. She despised fighting for Kyofu, a man who held her family hostage and forced her into servitude. His promises of safety for her loved ones and a place in his envisioned utopia were hollow assurances, yet she saw no alternative but to comply. She held onto the hope that, once this ordeal concluded, she could break free from Kyofu's grip and return to her family, leaving his sinister plans behind.
A beam from Prism finally found its mark, overwhelming Zero with waves of sorrow and guilt. Tears streamed down his face as he grappled with memories of the atrocities committed under GIN-SHOCKER's command. Unleashing an explosive beam, Prism sent Zero hurtling towards the ground, his guilt-ridden state momentarily obscuring the impending pain.
As he plummeted, Zero contemplated the futility of his existence. Lucifer's face, an unexpected beacon of hope, flashed in his mind. The Stake of Pride recognized his virtues beyond the confines of a mere soldier – justice, honour, and loyalty. Although GIN-SHOCKER had exploited these virtues, Zero now found himself unshackled and free to embrace the righteous path.
Moments before impact, Zero's wings buzzed with renewed determination. His body arched upward, defying the fate Prism's attack sought to impose. Recognizing the ineffectiveness of her Sadness Beam, Prism fired an indigo beam in an attempt to make him loyal to her. Yet, Zero countered with a precise stinger beam, thwarting her attempt to manipulate his emotions again.
Undeterred, Prism unleashed a Happiness Beam, hoping to distract Zero with euphoria. However, he executed a flawless barrel roll, evading the beam's influence. In retaliation, Zero unleashed stinger needles that found their mark across Prism's armoured form. A grunt escaped her lips as the needles embedded themselves in her crystalline protection.
"Shit," Prism cursed.
Suddenly, the needles erupted into a series of explosive blasts, shattering her crystal armour. She cried out in pain as Zero, swift as a comet, zoomed towards her. A flying kick struck her in the stomach, the impact driving her downward. Zero continued his assault, delivering another powerful kick that sent Prism crashing into the ground, leaving a distinctive impression of her body etched into the earth.
Zero descended, his wings fluttering softly as he landed gracefully in front of Prism, who lay paralyzed on the ground, ensnared by the lingering effect of his stinger needles.
"I...I never wanted to do this," Prism swore, her voice reflecting a mix of regret and pain. "I...I had no choice."
"There's always a choice, Busaba Cherinsuk," Zero responded with a firm yet compassionate voice, using her real name.
"Not for me, not when I could lose everything," Prism retorted.
Zero met her gaze, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"There's always a risk when doing the right thing, but you'll need to think of what you'll gain instead, like your freedom."
"Right. Freedom at the cost of my family? Sounds like a great choice," Prism responded sarcastically. "You clearly don't know me and my situation, so you can't tell me what to do."
"I may not know your situation, but I have been subjugated before. It's noble that you want to protect your family, but is a life under someone else's heel truly a life they want for you?"
"At least they live. That's all that matters to me," Prism coughed, her pain evident.
"Yes, until Kyofu's plan is accomplished." Zero pointed towards the imposing Spirit Tower. "That thing is designed to awaken all the dormant Seeds of Agito in every human on the planet that may have them and kill all the rest. I'm sure Kyofu considered them as part of the chosen few, right?"
Prism's eyes widened in horrifying realisation, grappling with the unintended consequences of her allegiance.
"I..I..." Y was left speechless.
"You fought for Kyofu to protect them, but now his plan risks killing them all. So, what will you do?"
"What can I do? I'm badly hurt and I can't move. I'm no help in my current state."
"You just need a chance to reset," Zero offered as he retrieved his C3. "Like me."
The Psycho Soldiers and Bio-Breakers were no match for Slasher who countered their mental power with brute strength alone. His huge stature, coupled with his chainsaws, also seemed to cause them great fear; great, paralysing fear. He struck them down, the teeth of his chainsaws cutting through their armour and flesh. Limbs and blood went flying before they all melted into the synthetic goo that gave them physical form.
As Slasher continued to slice apart the grunts, Sombra came running towards him and struck him in the chest with a kick, sending him reeling. She then took out her pistols and fired at him, causing sparks to fly off his armour. However, instead of falling, he advanced on her, letting the bullets bounce off his body. Sombra, realising her pistols did nothing, could only watch as Slasher swung his right chainsaw at her. However, his blade just passed through her body like a spectre.
"Sorry, gigante, but you can't hit me," she taunted, moving with an eerie grace before delivering a roundhouse kick into Slasher's head. "But I can still hit you."
Undeterred, Slasher swung at her again, the deadly chainsaw descending, but Sombra made herself intangible once more. The blade passed through her shadowy form, momentarily splitting her body before she solidified again.
"That almost got me," she mocked, seizing the opportunity to deliver a barrage of punches into Slasher's chest, each blow knocking him back.
For Slasher, facing Sombra posed a unique challenge. Her intangibility rendered her impervious to his attacks, and her quick strikes tested his durability. Meanwhile, Sombra grappled with the formidable Slasher, knowing she needed to be cautious to avoid the lethal threat his chainsaws posed.
Sombra leapt, executing a series of kicks that Slasher blocked with his forearms. Undeterred, she aimed a heel kick at his head, nearly toppling him. Quick to recover, Slasher swung his chainsaw, catching Sombra off guard. The blade connected and sparks flew as she was flung to the ground.
"Gah! Bastardo!" Sombra cried out as Slasher raised his foot to stomp on her. In a swift move, she transmuted into shadow matter, sinking into the ground to evade his attack. "You would hit a lady!?"
Unable to see her, Slasher remembered Sombra's ability to turn invisible. Suddenly struck from behind, he retaliated, only to hit empty air. Another blow came from the left, nearly toppling him, but he stood firm and struck back, hitting nothing.
"You can't hit me, you can't see me, how are you going to defeat me, gigante bastardo?"
In a moment of inspiration, Slasher unleashed a barrage of glue from his helmet, firing globs in all directions like a machine gun. The glue splattered all over an invisible figure until he finally found his target.
Sombra turned visible, trapped in the adhesive mess. Attempting to go intangible to remove the glue, she found that it clung to her, turning intangible as well.
"Ew! Ew! Ew! Disgusting! Get this stuff off me!" she cried out, struggling to free herself. As she focused on removing the glue, Slasher charged up his chainsaws, coating the blades in blue energy. He swung his chainsaws, releasing energy slashes that sawed through the trapped Agito. Sombra screamed as she exploded from the force of the powerful attack.
While the NEO-NUMBERS clashed with the Agitos, Tenshi, Ifrit, Jura, and Orga took on the responsibility of dealing with the rest of the enemy foot soldiers.
"I thought he couldn't make these things anymore!" Tenshi shouted as she sliced through a Psycho Soldier with her A-Gasher, watching as it dissolved into goo.
"Maybe he has a backup lab!" Ifrit reasoned, delivering a powerful kick to knock down a Psycho Soldier before delivering a punch to another's face.
"Or maybe he had these in storage," Jura added, hacking and slashing at them with his axe. "For emergencies, maybe?"
"Doesn't matter how he's got them, we're going to wipe them out!" Orga shouted, throwing energy slashes with her weapon while using her vectors to take them out.
The Psycho Soldiers and Bio-Breakers regrouped, forming a circle. The Bio-Breakers opened their chestplates to fire their chest-mounted cannons, while the Psycho Soldiers prepared to unleash a concentrated telekinetic blast at the four fighters.
Suddenly, an orange blur darted through the crowd of grunts, moving in a zigzag pattern and tossing several of them into the air. A wolf's howl echoed nearby, followed by a sonic blast that crashed into the remaining enemy foot soldiers, propelling them skyward. Subsequently, fireballs rained down, specifically targeting the BTS grunts and causing them to explode.
Agito Match came to a halt in front of Tenshi. Moments later, she was joined by her sister, Agito Mix.
"What are you two doing?" Tenshi asked, surprised to see them.
"We've had a lot of time while in lockup to reflect on what we want to be," Mix replied.
"Yeah, totally," her sister agreed.
"And what do you want to be?" Ifrit asked suspiciously. While he appreciated their assistance, he couldn't help but wonder if this was a ruse to catch them off guard. Agito Blaze descended from the sky, landing between Mix and Match.
"The Professor had us train so we could pretend to be heroes. Today, we'll be true heroes," Blaze declared.
"What do you think?" Orga questioned her aunt and uncle.
"They sound genuine," Tenshi answered. "I think we can trust them."
"You want to be true heroes?" Ifrit challenged the three defected Agitos, who nodded. "Then welcome to the team, Kamen Riders. Don't make me regret this."
"GODDAMMIT! DAMMIT, DAMMIT, DAMMIT! MOTHERFUCKERS! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!"
Kyofu threw a full-blown tantrum, his fury echoing through the control room. Cursing up a storm, he stomped his feet and slammed his fists against the console, unable to believe the unfolding events. His Alpha Force, the pinnacle of his creation, was losing to the NUMBERS and their allies, again! Even more inconceivable was that Weapon C, Weapon K, and Weapon H had betrayed him and joined forces with the enemy!
How could they betray him!? Why would they betray him!? After everything he had done for them, given them, how could they turn on him like this!?
"No..." Kyofu forced himself to calm down, the flames of rage flickering but not extinguishing. "The plan isn't RUINED yet. The Spirit Tower still STANDS! They won't be able to stop it before it's too LATE!"
Taking a deep breath, Kyofu's mind raced with strategies. The defeat was a setback, but not the end. The Spirit Tower, a looming beacon of his eventual victory, remained operational, gathering power for Kyofu's ultimate vision.
Summoning his resolve, Kyofu's eyes glinted with a sinister determination.
"They think they've won, but they have no idea what's coming. This is only the beginning of their end. The real game begins now."
The rain subsided.
After securing their defeated opponents in their C3's, the NEO-NUMBERS regrouped with their allies and were surprised to see Mix, Match, and Blaze with them.
"OK, why the hell are you here?" Musician demanded, pointing at the trio with his Cricket Fork.
"Wow, rude much?" Match retorted.
"We wish to help you," Mix claimed.
"And why should we trust you?" Musician questioned with hostility. "You attacked our home, killed innocent people, and tried to kill us."
"I mean, that sounds kinda like the things we used to do," Blue Beetle pointed out.
"It's not the same," Musician argued. "We were forced to."
"And we were tricked," Blaze shot back.
"We were fools," Mix admitted.
"And tools," Match added. "Total tools and we wanna make things right."
"It's your call, Shinichi, but I think they're on the level," Ifrit said to Showa, who looked at the three Agitos silently.
"You realise we can't afford to trust you three just like that, right? Not with everything on the line," Showa said sternly.
"You'd be foolish to trust us on our word alone," Mix concurred.
"But a long time ago, I took a leap of faith and now I have a team," Showa said and he looked at his team with a warm smile. "And not just a team, a family."
"...He's talking about us," Blue Beetle whispered happily to Musician, who scowled in annoyance.
"Yeah, I get it," Musician hissed back but his lips quirked slightly into a smile.
"We may not always get along, and piss each other off on occasion, but I know I can always count on them to have my back," Showa finished.
"Yeah, sounds like my old gang," Blaze sympathised.
"So, if you three are really serious about riding with us and helping us stop Kyofu, you better commit. This is your only chance. But, if you betray us, I'll bury you in a hole so deep that you won't be climbing out of it for 1,000,000 years," Showa warned the Agito trio. "You got me?"
"Yes, we got you," Blaze nodded.
"Ditto," Match concurred. "Loud and clear."
"It'll be nice to be actual heroes than pretending to be them," Mix stated.
"Good," Showa smiled. "Now, come on. We got a world to save."
As they made their way to the plantation home, they were hit by a sudden wave that stripped the NEO-NUMBERS and Agitos of their armour. At the same time, Ifrit and Tenshi were reduced to their Plat Forms. The only ones seemingly unaffected were Orga and Jura.
"What happened?" Hana asked, looking at her hands in shock.
"Guys, I don't hear my little buddy anymore," Yokoshima said fearfully.
"Was it an EMP?" Shogo asked.
Suddenly, they were all brought to the ground as they cried out, as their body weight dramatically increased.
"I...can't move!" Ifrit grunted as he tried to push himself back up but the increased gravitational force brought him painfully back down again. "Ugh! Koto-chan! Are you OK!?" She did not answer as she lay painfully on the ground beside her husband. "Koto-chan!"
As the NEO-NUMBERS and their allies lay helplessly on the ground, completely incapacitated and immobilised, a new Agito stepped out of the plantation house. He wore black organic armour that covered his lean yet muscular build with spikes jutting from his forearms. A pattern on his chest resembled a big red 'W,' and his green eyes glowed. Around his neck was a metal collar, and his Alter Ring resembled D's newly evolved belt. This was Weapon W, aka Agito Null.
Floating beside him was Agito Graviton. He was using his power to amplify the gravity around the heroes. Moments later, the rest of the Alpha Force emerged: Agito Sasuke, Agito Vulcan, Agito Luminous, Agito Slash, Agito Magic, Agito Gorgon Mu and Nu, Agito Polaris. Agito Cosmic, Agito Thundra, Agito Vega, and Agito Smash.
"Cryska?" Michiru whispered when she saw Vulcan standing with them. "Cryska!" Vulcan did not respond to her.
"Polaris, take their things from them," Graviton commanded.
"Fine, but not because thee hath said so," Polaris huffed. Using his magnetic powers, he took the belts off Tenshi, Ifrit, and Orga, deactivating their suits. Only Jura's belt remained on him until Vega ripped it off with telekinesis.
"These will make wonderful trophies." Vega also took the C3's from the NEO-NUMBERS. "And these contain our comrades."
"Good," Smash took the C3's and smashed them. This freed the prisoners contained in them as they materialised, all of them good as new. "Welcome back."
"Thank you," B said gratefully as he dusted himself off and stretched his limbs. "It was rather cramped in there."
"I like what I'm seeing," Agito Sasuke grinned as he saw the women lying prone on the ground. He imagined all the wonderfully, horrible things he could do to them.
"And you three, how could you betray us?" Vega questioned the three defected Agitos.
"You realise treason won't be tolerated, right?" B asked as he looked at Daytona, Tamayo and Tamae, shaking his head in disappointment. "Looks like you need to be punished."
"Those gents shouldst be crucifi'd f'r treason!" Polaris spat.
B went to activate the nanobomb inside Daytona's head only to feel nothing.
"It appears my powers were exhausted from my last battle," B realised. "I will need time to recover."
"All of you! Listen to us! You are being manipulated by Kyofu! He's just using us!" Tamayo cried out, pleading with them. While most of the Agitos did not seem to care to listen to Tamayo, Sombra appeared to look down in shame while Prism looked conflicted and Quark seemed shocked. As for Abby, the young girl did not seem to be paying attention to anything that was happening around her, focused only on her stuffed toy.
"Kyofu gave us this power, and once the Spirit Tower changes the world, we will all rule it," Vega asserted.
"Yeah, but with Kyofu at the top, right?" Shinichi sneered.
"All of you are just obsolete garbage, relics from the past," Vega insulted them.
"And yet we're still alive to kick your sorry ass," Shinichi retorted snidely.
Vega forcefully stomped on Shinichi's head, pushing his face into the dirt.
"You really should watch your mouth!" Vega snapped.
"Get off him!" Jiro yelled.
"Respect your betters, boy!" Vega yelled back as he focused his gaze into Jiro's eyes. The young Rider from the future screamed as he felt his brain swelling in his skull.
"Stop it! Stop it!" Shinichi yelled. "If you want to torture someone, torture me!"
"Sounds like you're asking for it," Thundra giggled.
"Kyofu wants the cyborgs destroyed, right?" Vega asked. "How about we give the others to Inia? She can help change their minds."
"Inia?" Michiru whispered.
"Yeah, have her turn the women into our slaves!" Sasuke raised his arms, salivating at the prospects. "That'll be fun!"
"I'm gonna kill you, you sick freak!" Lucy growled. She wished she could just end him right there, but she couldn't feel her vectors at all.
"I'm gonna have so much fun breaking you," Sasuka grinned at Lucy.
"If you touch her or my wife, I'll rip out your throat!" Ryuji snapped, growling threateningly.
"Ooooh, give him to me!" Thundra raised her arm eagerly. "He'll make a nice pet."
"Touch him, and I'll slit your throat," Kotonoha threatened, giving her a death glare with soulless eyes.
"Ooo, kinky," Thundra giggled, acting as if the death threat was a casual flirt. "I'll take you too. Let's make it a threesome."
"C'mon, guys. Stop dragging this out. Let's just get this over with. I wanna go back to my nap," Cosmic whined.
"You are such a lazy good-for-nothing," Gorgon Mu grumbled, but Cosmic ignored her as he leaned in his brand-new chair to make himself comfortable.
"Let's kill them already!" Beelz commanded. Somehow, he had survived his battle with Showa and reconstituted himself after his defeat. A malicious grin spread across his face as he leered hungrily at Daytona, Tamayo, and Tamae. "Start with the traitors!" He licked his lips beneath his mask, producing an eerie buzzing noise. "I bet they'll be delicious!"
"Guys, I just wanna say, it was an honour being your teammates, friend, and occasional meat shield/wrecking ball," Yokoshima said emotionally to his team and his family. "I love you guys so much."
"Touching," Vega said insincerely. As the Agitos prepared to destroy their enemies, Null's shadow suddenly turned into a dark pit, and he fell right into it. His sudden disappearance caused the Agitos to stop what they were doing. "Where the hell did he go!?"
Suddenly, laser fire came shooting from out of nowhere, sending the BTS grunts into a panic. The attack was coming from a white and silver hexagonal-shaped vessel, with a bow resembling a rabbit's head. It bombarded the Brain Trust Society's forces with lasers and many of the grunts succumbed to its relentless onslaught
"Z, stop that thing! Take it down!" Siryn urgently shouted, pointing at the spacecraft.
Graviton attempted to halt the ship with his powers, aiming to bring it down and crush it. However, he soon found his attempt countered by a familiar force. He poured more power into the attempt, but the opposing force proved to be much stronger. The ship began gaining speed but not because of his influence as it was on a crash course towards them.
"SHIT! GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE WAY!" Smash screamed, prompting the Agitos to scatter. The ship crash-landed, crushing several grunts unfortunate enough to stand in its path and running over Beelz, who dispersed into a swarm of bugs, before coming to a stop. Its awkward angle and the force of its impact had carved a trench in the ground.
The NEO-NUMBERS and their allies gradually recovered from Graviton's power and stood back up, staring awestruck at the crashed ship.
"Did you guys plan that?" Daytona asked Daichi.
"Yeah, we planned for a fucking spaceship to come save us from out of fucking nowhere," Daichi spoke sarcastically.
"...Really?"
"Of course not!"
"Looks like they came," Jiro smiled upon seeing the spaceship.
"Friends of yours?" Shinichi inquired, turning to his son.
"Family."
"Oh, now this is getting good," Lambdadelta grinned, sitting at the edge of her seat with anticipation. Suddenly, Bernkastel snapped her fingers, and the scene on the screen shifted to unveil a dense forest. "Hey, I was watching that! Change it back!"
"I will, but I want to see what happened to Agito Null first," Bernkastel replied, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint.
Null tumbled helplessly through a dark void with no end in sight, surrounded by an eerie silence. The only solace came when he noticed a distant light at the end of the abyss. The light beckoned, drawing him closer until, with a sudden burst, he was expelled from the void, landing amidst soft grass. As he picked himself up, a sense of bewilderment enveloped him, wondering where he had ended up. The surroundings were unfamiliar, a dense forest that seemed to stretch infinitely.
The sound of approaching footsteps prompted Null to prepare for combat. As he maintained his guard, a figure emerged from the foliage, stepping into view.
Adorned in a black bodysuit with red armour accentuating his torso, the figure bore an imposing appearance. The chestplate resembled meticulously sculpted pecs and abs, complemented by red gloves and boots featuring armoured plating. Golden bracelets adorned wrists and ankles, and a wisp of red energy fluttered like a scarf around his neck. His head was encased in a helmet with large red compound eyes, a silver faceplate resembling insect mandibles, and golden antennae extending from a gem between his eyes. Around his waist, the unmistakable Fusion Driver of Shinichi glistened.
[KAMEN RIDER ZWEI: MIGHTY HOPPER!]
Null, unfamiliar with this Rider, instantly recognized him as an enemy. With a mighty roar, Null charged, intending to deliver a devastating punch. Yet, Zwei sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a punch to Null's face. As Null recoiled, Zwei darted away, challenging him with a taunt.
"Catch me if you can!" Zwei goaded, eliciting a furious pursuit from Null.
Through the forest, Zwei skillfully weaved between trees, artfully evading Null's pursuit. Trees crumbled in Null's wake as he ploughed through them. He closed in on Zwei, almost reaching him when, unexpectedly, he disappeared into the ground. Null halted abruptly, perplexed by his opponent's sudden disappearance.
"Looking for me?" Zwei's taunt echoed, causing Null to glance upward. Zwei stood nonchalantly on a tree branch. Enraged, Null roared, smashing the tree to the ground. Unperturbed, Zwei descended into the shadows cast by the forest.
Suddenly, Zwei sprang out of the shadows, catching Null off guard and slashing him across the face with claws. Null, screaming and clutching his face, faced an altered opponent. Clad in a black trenchcoat with a hood, Zwei's chestplate now resembled a lizard's face, and spikes adorned his gauntlets. A scarf of flaming white energy wrapped around his neck with the tails floating behind him. The helmet, a big red jewel with metal frames resembling eyes, now sported a lower half resembling sharp jaws.
[KAMEN RIDER ZWEI: MYSTERY SAVAGE!]
"Now, it's Wild Time!" Zwei declared.
Null, still reeling, threw energy-charged fists, but Zwei showed no intention of avoiding the attack. Instead, a magic circle materialised beneath Null, unleashing multiple chains that bound him tightly, restraining his movements. Null struggled against the unyielding chains, futile in his attempts to break free.
"Now, for my next trick: Hocus Clonus!" Zwei chanted, snapping his fingers. In an instant, three clones materialised, each with a differently coloured helmet: blue, green, and yellow. The four quickly Zweis surrounded Null, initiating their combined magical assault.
"Blizzard Blast!"
"Hurricane Hacking!"
"Sandstorm Stream!"
"Flaming Fury!"
The blue Zwei released a freezing blizzard, the green Zwei unleashed vacuum blades, the yellow Zwei blasted sand, and the red Zwei hurled fire at Null. Together, the elemental onslaught from the Zwei quartet bombarded Null. He should have been able to nullify their attacks, but he could not do so until the hour had passed since his last use of his power.
Null roared, his crest horns shining before they fanned out. Stamping the ground, he released a shockwave that knocked Zwei and his clones to the ground. The clones shattered and reintegrated with the original as Null floated high in the air, the Mark of Agito shining before him.
In a meteoric descent, Null flew through the Mark of Agito, absorbing its power. He threw himself at Zwei in a devastating flying tackle attack. Quick on his feet, Zwei conjured a magic circle, creating a portal that Null flew into. The Agito emerged from another portal only to meet Zwei's foot, sending him tumbling until he crashed against the base of a tree.
As Null prepared to retaliate, a mysterious shadowy figure materialised out of thin air, slashing him across the chest. The figure moved with uncanny speed, delivering a relentless series of strikes that Null struggled to counter. Elusive as a ghost, the figure slipped through Null's defences, disappearing into the shadows at will.
Distracted by the relentless assault, Null failed to notice the hissing sound nearby. The realisation hit him as he felt the heat emanating from numerous paper tags pasted across his body. The writing on the tags lit up, triggering a series of explosions that engulfed Null. Smoke rose from his damaged body, limiting his vision and leaving him staggered.
[FUSION BURST!]
Seizing the opportunity, Zwei descended, his right arm ablaze with magical flames. The magic caused his hand to expand to gigantic proportions before he executed a devastating karate chop, the impact causing an explosive eruption. As the smoke cleared, Zwei withdrew his hand, confident in his victory.
"That was easy, Sho-kun," the shadowy figure said, revealing herself to be a beautiful kunoichi, with tanned skin, blue eyes and short strawberry-blonde hair with spiky bangs. She wore a black mask that concealed the lower half of her face and her voluptuous body was wrapped in a brown leotard with mesh leggings. The suit was sleeveless and she wore mesh gloves that reached her armpits. Her forearms were covered in silver and orange bracers and her hands were in brown gloves. Her slender legs were in tall boots which were orange from her feet up to her metal knee pads before turning brown from the knees up to mid-thigh.
"I couldn't have done it without you, Sakura-chan," Zwei conceded.
"Nice of you to acknowledge that. Now, let's celebrate," she purred seductively, pressing her ample chest against him.
"...Later, Sakura-chan," the Rider politely declined as he resisted her irresistible allure. It took all his willpower not to take her up on her offer right then and there, to throw her to the ground and have his way with her. "We still got a job to do."
"Fine," Sakura relented. "But I'll be waiting, Sho-kun."
"Didn't expect to see some new faces appear this late in the game," Lambdadelta commented casually. "...That ninja girl looks pretty hot, though."
"Hmmm..." Bernkastel looked at Zwei thoughtfully. For some reason, he seemed familiar, and not just by his equipment.
"So, what do you think the rest of them are doing right now?" Lambdadelta wondered.
"Let's find out," Bernkastel replied as she snapped her fingers.
END OF ACT 21
Dr. Exposition: OK, so I used AI to help edit this chapter. I wanted to experiment with it. While it was mostly good and gave my writing a bit more variety, it was also kind of cold and mechanical. So, I still had to edit myself as well. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter and don't forget to review it. Happy Holidays!