"According to this book, in September of 2018, the ordinary high schooler Tokiwa Sougo embarks on a path which leads him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O. Upon gaining favor with the woman in red, the team heads off for Rome proper. Only to be ambushed by Caligula, uncle to the woman in red. Revealed to be, Nero Claudius, fifth emperor of Rome."
The Heisei Kamen Riders and the Holy Grail War have continued for decades. And now, they pass on their power and legacy onto the next generation! Rejoice!, for the Birth of a new King!
(Oh, yeah. Ohh…)
(Sougo, Geiz, Tsukyomi, Olga, and Mash look upon all the Previous Riders doing their Rider kicks. Scene changes to the Time portal, the Time Mazine flying through them, as the Katakana word for Rider attaches to Zi-O's helmet)
Isshun de tsukamitoru no sa Are you ready?
(Are you ready?)
(Sougo reaches out to the clocks on the wall, before swinging his arm down. The Background spinning in sync with his arm.)
Atarashī rekishi wa soko ni Feel it! Feel it!
(Crazy baby!)
(Geiz wipes something off his face before throwing aside his torn coat, the background spinning behind him. Changes to Tsukiyomi walking straight before the camera changes to her side, the world spinning again.)
Hikari wo kate ni kasokushite
(Changes to Mash and Olga who stand behind the Chaldea symbol. Olga glitches and Kamen Rider Echo fades onto Olga as she takes out her gun and slashes the camera. Mash looks at the camera, a clock behind her counting down.)
Konomama Shout it out! Shout it out!
(The scene is crushed by Oma Zi-O, as he looks up, his crimson eyes glowing. Scene changes to the Gang standing over the Ride Watches before looking up at the Camera.)
Ima wo susume yō
(Changes to Woz, in a darkened room, with a clock in the background, from the sky flaming scraps of papers fall around him. Woz looks at the screen, flames light his face as he holds the book in his hand.)
Madō hi mo Ikudo tonaku Asu no tobira tatake
(Changes to Heure quickly speeding onto pulling down one of his eyes and sticking out his tongue before moving aside, behind Ora and Swartz keeping their back, hiding their faces. Scene changes to a set of large thrones, each designed differently. Scene changes again to Woz who shows the book, flames coming off a close up shows Oma Zi-O obliterating rebels to dust. Then to the Ride Watche's faces turning then activating.)
Mitsumeta sono saki ni
(The Rider statues, crack and stone cascades off revealing the suits underneath. Quick change to Geiz turning his Ride Watch. Then to more Riders, then to Olga who turns a Ride Watch, more Statues.)
Tobikonde mitara
(Then Sougo who turns the face of the watch, as the statue of Sougo crumbles.)
Believe Yourself!
(Oma Zi-O stands behind the rubble. Camera comes close to Oma Zi-O. The Rubble hides his helmet only letting the Red eyes glow though it.)
Now, Over "Quartzer"
(Sougo exclaims Henshin before spinning his belt, the world spinning behind him.)
Toki no ame Surinukete Tomo ni
(Armor completes as the Words attach to the helmet. Zi-O, Geiz, Echo drive down a road, explosions and lasers blasting as they pass. Scene changes to a downpour of rain, as Jackers walk away from a destroyed clock. Back to the Riders as the three drive though the frozen Rider kicks.)
You, Over "Quartzer"
(Time resumes, as the Riders Kick, causing explosions. Zi-O Jumps through the fire.)
Mirai wo koe yō
(Jeanne Alter has her blade in the ground in front of her, both hands resting on it and turns her head back as the screen is engulfed in flames. As the camera flies back passing through 7 bubbles of different times. Before a shadowy figure brings his hands around the 7 bubbles a devious smile forming on his face. Scene changes to Sougo staring straight at the camera. He puts out his right arm as the world stops spinning. Same for Geiz, Tsukiyomi, Olga, and Mash.)
Kako no ishi wa Uso de wa azamuke nai
(Scene changes to a staircase, Zi-O, Geiz, and Echo rush in, their helmets' words creating a path for them. All around them explosions go off and lasers are blasted at them.)
Kanjiro sō Nexus Future
(Tsukiyomi walks down the stairs, the Jackers shifting and glitching before disappearing, leaving Tsukiyomi by herself. Scene changes to Zi-O who swings his blade attacking. Mash behind Zi-O protects him.)
Now, Over "Quartzer"
(Changes to Geiz, readying his bow before letting an arrow off. At the same time behind him, Echo shoots a few shots before kicking at the screen.)
Mabayui sekai
(Scene flashes title cards from the past before leaving Zi-O and Geiz back to back before they attack each other. The two clash their battle sparks and light up the screen.)
Misete
(The rest of the Title cards flash before leaving.)
ZI-O Grand Order
Rayshift 11: Eternal City…
We are Sougo… Rome…
Passing under the city gates we step out into an open and large city. The architecture of the buildings lining the streets is a sight to behold. Nero guides us as we pass through the open streets, stalls and people passing by as they go about their day without batting an eye. "Take a good look and be struck with awe! This is my city, a glorious regime that even young girls extol!" Nero proclaims.
"It is incredibly vibrant! This is amazing!" I exclaim.
"Yes, yes, didn't I tell you? After all, this is the greatest city in the world!" Nero shouted as we walked down the street. "First, there was Septem Monte - such words existed like so." Nero points towards the river that the city is built around. "And that's where it all started. Our glorious history began with our divine ancestors and those hills." Nero walks over to a fruit stand and picks up a fruit. "And… Hey, shopkeeper, I'm taking one of these apples."
"Welcome to my…" The shopkeeper sees who stands before him. "O-Oh! Your Majesty! Please take as many as you wish." The shopkeeper gestured to the variety of fruits laid out before Nero. "Glory to the Emperor and Rome!"
"Shopkeeper, you don't have to be so stiff." Nero said, she bites into the apple. "Yes, yes, this is a delicious apple." Nero takes another apple and hands one to Olga and Geiz. "Why don't you all take some too?" Nero gestured to the others to take some."We're returning from war, so no need to worry about bad manners. My wounds won't be healed, but my motivation will!" Nero exclaims.
"Thanks." Olga said, as she stepped up and took the apple. "Thank you." Olga said to the shopkeeper. Geiz also takes the apple and nods to Nero.
"Oh, no thank you. But I appreciate the gesture.." Mash declines.
"Then how about you?" Nero said, handing an apple to me. "They're delicious, don't be shy." She said with a smile. I reach out and pick up the apple, then I pocket it.
"Thank you, but I'll eat it later." I said.
"Really? That's pretty modest of you." Nero notes.
'Is it?' "Well, what about you my Emperor?" I ask.
"For me? I'm usually humble about things too, you know?" Nero said, her face blushes a warm pink. "But I want to show off a little- Ahem. A-Anyway." Confused, I held out the apple. "Oh! The apple, th-thank you." Nero takes the apple and turns away trying to compose herself.
"She's cute…" Mash mutters to me. I smile and nod back.
"Umu." Nero turns back around. "Once again, I like you." Nero gives a quick look over. "Honestly, I'm unclear about what you're speaking of… But I can tell that all of you are honest people."
"It's a relief to hear you say that, Emperor Nero. It would be best to think of us simply as Mages with our pupils." Olga said.
"Is that so? Then let us forget this confusing talk of Masters and Servants. You are the mage's pupils," Nero said looking at Me, Geiz, Mash, and the others. "And you along with the voice from the distant land are the mages." Nero clarifies to herself. "And? You also said your goal- is to aid me?"
"Yes. As well we are on the search for something called the Holy Grail, a magical item with incredible power." Olga explains, showing Nero a holographic image of the Grail we acquired previously. "It's causing disturbances because of its very existence here."
"The odds are that the Grail is the cause of our current War eating at Rome right now." Geiz said as he bit into an apple. "If we removbe it boblem solved."
"Geiz don't eat with your mouth full." Charlotte said. "Finish eating first then speak. It would be rude to accidentally spit apple crumbs over others." Geiz rolls his eyes, only for Charlotte to cross her arms and give a disappointed look. Which seems to get Geiz to finish eating.
"Okay, sorry." Geiz apologies.
"... I see. This Holy Grail is damaging my Rome." Nero turns away and looks up at the colosseum in the distance. "This Holy Grail. It strangely… Worries me…" Nero turns back to us. "Never mind, a needless concern of mine. It's just a nightmare I had once. Right. Come with me, let's talk freely in my home."
"Of course, lead the way."
Nero's throne room…
We enter an open room with an open seating area with a large couch covered in fine silks of purple and gold, with baskets of fresh fruits and the finest wines sitting just next to the couch. To the left of the room is an open area with a fountain at its center. Nero lays herself down on the couch as servants set down chairs for us to sit on.
"Hey, Zi-O?" Geiz whispers to me. "What's with the couch? She's an Emperor right? Shouldn't she have… You know, a throne?" Geiz asks me.
"Romans are more laid back." I said, as servants bring in a table with a large map laid down on it."Plus this is her home, she can relax however she wants." I answer. "Wait, does future me have a throne I sit on?" I ask, Geiz nods.
"Yeah, I don't know how, but you sit on a throne hidden behind a veil. You manage to bring it everywhere you go." Geiz answers.
"-Now then." Nero speaks up to get our attention. "My Rome is currently endangered." Geiz and I quickly take a seat as Nero sits up. "My great empire's territories are now, vexingly enough, ripped apart and scattered all over." Nero stands up and walks up to the table with the map. "On the one hand, there is the true Roman Empire that I rule over. The area centered around this capital, Rome." Nero points to the western end of the Empire. "On the other hand, there is an alliance controlled by multiple "emperors," that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The United Roman Empire. That's what they called themselves when they stole half of my empire."
"I wonder how they maintain a united front?" I note looking across at the multiple factions within the URE. "With multiple Emperors it must mean they must not all agree with each other." I look up at Nero. "My Emperor, do we know anything about their political system? Is it a council ruled by representatives or do each Emperor represent their faction of the Empire?" Nero shrugs.
"We have no idea. The United Empire is still a mystery to us. No matter how many scouts we send out, none ever return." Nero said, returning to her couch. "Even the location of the capital where these fake emperors gather is unknown to us." Nero sprawls herself out across her couch. "In my eyes, they're just a group of treacherous bandits. If they take Rome, all of Rome's territory will collapse into chaos."
"What does he mean?" Geiz whispers looking at me.
"Basically, while the Emperors are "United." it's likely in name only." I explain.
"The Chaos she is talking about is each one of these "Emperors" fighting amongst themselves to claim the entire territory." Olga adds on.
"So the only reason why they are working together is because…" Geiz looks at Nero. "They have a common enemy…" Geiz looks at me. "And you want to be like them?" Geiz asks.
"N-No… Well… This kind of stuff comes with being a ruler…" I said, Nero glances over at us. "But I don't want to have to fight people to rule." I adjust myself in my seat. "*Ahem* Is something bothering you, my Emperor?" I ask Nero.
"... Senpai." Mash said, looking at me.
"No, it's fine." Nero said. "You saw one of them before. Caligula, the enemy general. The man who single handedly slaughtered my forces before you arrived." Nero sits up and looks at a statue head of Caligula on the right side of the room. "He's one of the traitors who calls himself "emperor." As well as being… My uncle." Nero's head droops as she puts her face in her hands.
"And he's supposed to be dead." Olga said, she crosses her arms and looks over the map in the room. "Caligula was a Servant himself…" Olga mutters.
"Master, have you made a connection?" D'Eon asks Olga.
"Not yet. But at least a theory of what we might face with the other Emperors." Olga said, she looked at the Caligula statue head. "But at least we can be sure that one of these "emperors" got a hold of the Grail. It would explain the masses of troops."
"As well as the cause of this Era's singularity." Tsukuyomi notes.
"Honestly, the United Empire is very strong. Violent battles are occurring all over and the people suffer. I've dispatched all my serving viceroys and generals, and thrown nearly every army at them. Yet the United Empire's power is undiminished." Nero turns to the map and places a wooden figure on Rome. "Recently, an expeditionary force of theirs pressed in on the capital. They even managed to get inside. I only had a few of my troops to defend us. I hate to say it… But it showed me that this situation is beyond my ability to break by myself." Nero stands up and looks at all of us. "Therefore. I order you, no, I implore you! Become my generals! Then Rome and I shall assist you in obtaining this Holy Grail!" Olga stands up and walks up to Nero.
"We have a common cause. You want to defeat the United Empire. While we want the Holy Grail. And likely both will be found by taking the United Empire down." Olga kneels down, I follow, along with Mash, D'Eon, and Charlotte. Geiz takes a second to read the room and follow along. "The Riders of Chaldea will be your newest Generals." Olga said.
"Thank you. Thank you all!" Nero exclaims looking at all of us. "I will be sure to compensate you for your work. Rest well tonight. I shall have the staff prepare quarters suitable for a viceroy for you." Nero said, she looks at her servants, they bow and quickly leave the room to prepare. "Oh, yes. Will the invisible mage and his assistant require them as well?" Nero asks.
"Don't worry about us. Supplying a room for those guys will be enough." Roman said. "By the way, I hate to ask this but… You're Majesty, have you ever heard the name Lev Lainur?" Roman asks, Olga's eyes widen and she turns away as she returns to her seat.
"...Lev?" Nero wonders before shaking her head. "No I haven't, who is he?"
"A mage of our era. He betrayed Chaldea and all of humanity." Mash explains. "There's a chance he's in this era. Although, I don't know if he's revealed himself or taken any action."
"A mage from a foreign land? Hmm…" Nero crosses her arms"I've heard there is a powerful mage in the United Empire. It's only a rumor, but someone saw that mage on the frontlines."
"... It's possible. Your Majesty, I have a request."
"Speak."
"I'd like it if you could deploy our team as close to the frontlines as possible."
"I don't mind, but…" Nero looks at Olga. "Will Lady Olga be alright? You seem perturbed." Olga looks up to see everyone looking at her.
"... Yes… Yes. Lev Lainur is our enemy…" Olga takes a deep breath. "He must be defeated. No matter what." Olga said. Mash and I exchange a worried look to each other.
"Very well. Nero Claudius will honor your request. I shall pray to the gods and divine ancestors of Rome that your enemy be defeated." Nero said, she walked towards the exit. "But first, how about a feast before you rest!" Nero places a hand on her chest. "Not as grand as usual due to the war, but it will still be a feast where I spare no efforts. Come, come!" Nero declared, we all follow her out.
Later that night… We are Observers…
A silence falls over the estate as Olga walks out into the central garden of the estate. The only sound being the sound of flowing water from the Fountain. Olga stands next to the fountain, staring into the moving water, gazing at her own reflection while holding the Echo Ride Watch.
"Master?" Olga glances over her shoulder to see D'Eon stepping over to her side. "Is everything alright? You seemed distracted when the name Lev came up." Olga sighs as she sits on the edge of the fountain.
"It's… It's nothing Saber." Olga responds, she clutches the watch in her hand and tightens her grip. "... May I ask you something?" D'Eon gets on one knee and places his hand on Olga's left hand.
"Of course, Master."
"When you were a spy for France how did you manage all that Pressure you were put under?" Olga looks up at D'Eon. "How did you handle all of the terrible things that happened during the Revolution?"
"I can't say I didn't crush me from time to time." D'Eon stands up and draws his blade. "My country, my home, I had to lie and fake to protect it." D'Eon begins to duel in the air. "I attempted to prevent the enemies of the country from destroying it. Yet, I was unable to protect it from itself…" D'Eon thrusts his blade then sheaths it before turning to Olga. "It… Definitely kept me up at night… Especially when people I knew were hurt as a result… You feel the same, do you not?"
"... Yes." Olga said, putting her face in her hands. "Lev… He… He was my friend." Olga said, looking at D'Eon. "My father… Died mysteriously… I was forced to take over Chaldea in his place." Olga puts away the Echo Ride watch as she begins to rub her hands together nervously. "When I learned what my Father did… To Mash… as well as… Other experiments. I was horrified. But it was Lev and Roman who kept me together… Barely. But when the Grand Order began, the control I had was… Was lost." Clasping her hands together she lowers her head. "The man I knew… My friend, Lev… Killed me… If it weren't for Geiz and Sougo's hard work… I wouldn't be here."
"But now… You're questioning if you can face him again… Am I wrong?" D'Eon asks. Olga looks at D'Eon.
"What do I do?" Olga asks, on the verge of tears.
"I don't know." D'Eon said, kneeling down to Olga. "But I can at least assure you that this "Lev" will pay for his betrayal." D'Eon takes Olga's left hand and clasps his own hands around hers. "I'm sure the others agree too. You will not face him alone." D'Eon smiles at Olga, she simply pulls her hand away and stands up.
"Please don't do that, Saber…" Olga said. She wipes away the tears from her face."But… Thank you." Olga said walking away. D'Eon stands up and bows.
Elsewhere… We are Sougo…
Laying on the bed provided for me, I stare up at the roof. I reach out my hand towards the roof. My mind wanders as I begin to think about Uncle. '... Uncle…' I sit up and exit my room.
"Oh, Sougo?" I turn to my right to see Nero standing in the middle of the hall, still dressed in her crimson dress. "Can't sleep?" She asks.
"You're Majesty… Yeah. I was just… Thinking about some things." I said, Nero smiles and crosses her arms.
"Excellent, I had a similar feeling. You will join me on a walk. Keep me company." Nero orders, I smile and bow to her.
"Yes, you're majesty." I said. The two of us walk out of the Estate and into the silent Rome streets.
"Sougo, My apologies for overhearing but, I heard Geiz mention that you desire to be an Emperor?" Nero asks, I freeze in place. "Sougo?"
"N-No! I mean… Yes, kinda?" I stutter to explain. Nero turns to look at me, she holds up a hand to stop. I take a deep breath then exhale. Nero then gestures for me to continue. "What I mean to say is… It's my dream to become a King of my own country or my own province." I said, crossing my arms.
"You seem embarrassed saying that you have such Magic power yet you seem almost ashamed of this desire." Nero walks up to me.
"Well… Because I'm not of Royal blood. I'm a commoner." I said looking at the food stall we passed earlier in the day. "Everyone rejected me because of my dream, I didn't really care about them, but…" I turn to Nero. "Remember Geiz and Tsukuyomi? The voice of the girl from a distant land… They brought me a prophecy form an Oracle. That I'd doom the country that I rule. I could stop this from happening if I just give up my dream… But…"
"You do not wish to part with your dream." Nero finishes. I nod. "Hmm… To ignore an Oracle's warning is paramount to death." Nero said, crossing her arms. She begins to ponder deep and for a long time. Eventually I let out a sigh as I gaze up at the night sky.
"I wish I could talk to my uncle." I speak up, catching Nero's attention. "He'd always have something to say to me. A firm push, a word of wisdom, or just something to distract me with…" I simply kneel down and wrap my arms around my legs as I close in on myself. "Now that I'm alone with my thoughts… I'm useless…"
"..." Nero steps next to me and sits down. "I see you and I share that. I too miss my uncle." Nero said as she gazed up at the stars.
"... Oh, right. It has to be much worse for you… Especially since you have to fight him." I said, Nero reluctantly nods. "How are you going to deal with him?" I ask.
"I don't know." Nero answers.
"I guess we have that in common, your Majesty." I said, gazing up at the stars. A gust of wind knocks up leaves into the air. All of a sudden, my body becomes heavy as the leaves suddenly stop mid-air. The leaves slowly move like in slow-motion. 'What is happening? My body… It feels so-'
"Heavy?" A distorted voice said as something steps in front of me, its jagged and misshapen body is backlit by the moon. "I'm surprised I was able to catch you in the open like this… Zi-O." The voice said as it approached me and came into proper view.
"Drive!" The red and white of the Altar stands in front of me. As it lifts it's right car door arm over it's head to bring it down on me.
'I need to… MOVE!' My body feels light as I roll out of the way, the Alter smashes its right arm into the stones. "An Alter!" I pull out my Ride watch only for the Alter to put its right arm up to the back of Nero's head.
"Ah! Don't try anything or her "Majesty" gets it." The Alter said, I clench my fist and grit my teeth as the Alter laughs. Suddenly the Alter's entire body begins to glitch out. As it falls to its feet. "Wha- Now?" I charge right up to the Alter and kick it in the face as I stumble back as the leaves move like normal. Nero quickly stands up and looks around.
"What just- What the?" Nero looks at the Alter and draws her crimson blade. "Where did you come from! And what manner of Magic was that?" Nero demands. The Alter simply stands up and stares at me.
"Hmf… I guess I need to retreat. Perhaps another time… Oma Zi-O." Alter said, as the wheels on Alter's feet rev up as he quickly races away into the night.
"What…" Nero steps out confused. "What manner of monster was that?" Nero exclaims looking at me.
"One that we cannot ignore. Come with me. The others have to know." I said as we head back to the estate.
Rayshift 11 Complete