Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 31 – The Power of Kamen Riders
Woz was currently residing in his black void, giving a small smile as he was satisfied, "Once according to this book, average high schooler Tokiwa Sougo embarked on a path that would lead him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O. He has since abandoned this mission and chosen to live as Kamen Rider Zi-O. But as I stated prior, he will still be my Overlord."
Soon enough he opened his book, revealing the Zi-O and Geiz Unit Time Mazine's entering Remnant and making their first move.
"Fighting against one of Atlas' greatest weapons, the Colossus mecha, Miss Rose's group was at a disadvantage despite the Riders at their disposal," Woz explained. "However help has arrived in the form of two old friends from Miss Rose and my Overlord's past adventures. Shall they help turn the tide of battle? We can only hope… especially with those that lurk in the shadows."
Remnant – Argus, Military Control Room
The control room to the Argus Military Base seemed more like a party was going on with mostly all the Atlesian Guards that were supposed to be at their stations, instead watching the fight on the main monitor.
One Guard though scratched his head, "Hey so what's with the weird robots?"
"I was trying to tell you guys, we got them on the radar like not that long ago," A Guard quickly hurried over with a shout. "I tried to warn her but she wasn't responding."
"Not like it matters anyway, it'll just be a few minutes longer," Another Guard replied as she waved it off. "Besides did you see her? She's getting closer and closer to taking them out."
One guard gave a nod as he pumped his fist, "Yeah, just one more decent hit and their toast!"
"Oh how silly you all are…"
All the Guards quickly turned towards the entrance of the control room as the hooded man was now inside, three Anotherwatches in his hands. He then held up his left hand, an almost worn away circular tattoo on the back of it as it began to glow a golden coloration. A wave suddenly shot through the room, three of the Atlesian Guards falling to the floor as the rest remained in shock.
"Hmm," The hooded man turned towards a screen that had a red dot pop up on the radar. He then looked towards the remaining Guards that were conscious.
"…" The remainder of the Guards there said nothing, all holding gold glow in their eyes.
"Your leader will not respond or give you orders anymore. Take charge yourself and defend this land from those filthy creatures you call Grimm."
The Guards that received the order said nothing and did nothing as the man walked over to the trio that were unconscious, holding out the Anotherwatches and grinning madly from behind his hood. "I will not allow those beasts to sully my revenge. And I cannot allow that old hag to keep up her petty games."
Remnant – Argus, Cliffside
Cordovin was irritated at this point, though the machines threw her off in terms of design choices, she felt immediately challenged due to them being robotic in nature.
"You couldn't keep this rivalry between us, could you, Calavera?! You had to rope children to fail with you, and now those who wish to upstage the Atlas Military with their own machines?!"
"You talk too much," Sento's voice called from his cockpit. "Kuuga, let's give them some breathing room."
"Roger," Godai's voice called.
Both the Build and Kuuga enhanced Time Mazine's reverted to their vehicle modes, turning and flying high up into the air.
"Do not think you can escape!" Cordovin called as she began to aim at them, activating the machines missiles before firing out at them.
This didn't seem to be much of a deterrent as the Time Mazine's launched downwards. Soon enough they shifted back into their warrior modes, the two kicking out alongside each other as they approached. Red and blue energy spiraled around them as the missiles impacted and exploded against the energy, neither robot slowing down.
Cordovin's eyes widened as she had soon enough raised the Colossus' left arm, having it take one step back to brace.
Both Godai and Sento's yelling could be heard through the speakers as the Kuuga and Build enhanced Time Mazine's kicked against the Colossus' arm. The two pushed further before stepping off and flipping over.
The second push after the impact had the desired effect. Due to the ankle joints being weakened, the Colossus wasn't stable in its defense, the kick and push sending it tumbling away from the cliffside and onto the water as waves splashed all around it.
The Time Mazine's shifted back to their vehicle modes and began circling around before heading towards the grouping of Huntsmen students and Riders for a landing.
Oscar's voice soon chimed in, "Ruby, can you hear me? Are you guys okay? What's going on?"
"We've got our backup," Ruby answered, "But also, what about you all?!"
"I know, we were supposed to lay low, but listen! I think we've found a weakness!" Oscar answered.
"The Time Mazine's should be enough for us to defeat Cordo," Ruby answered, but while she liked the idea that they had a plan alongside firepower, she also wanted to try and alternative method. "But also with two of them here we could technically just abandon our plan to use the Manta."
"Wait, what?" Weiss asked, "After all that trouble?"
"I want to give her a chance to stand down," Ruby answered. "See if offering the Manta back to her will help her calm down."
"True, this is a giant Grimm weapon we're fighting… I'd rather not wreck it if we have the choice," Sougo agreed, while fighting on the ground didn't do much; he realized the Time Mazine's would likely damage it heavily if they went all out.
"It would be a tight fit but with two we could fit everyone in," Geiz replied. "We also need Blake and Yang, if we can get the heat off us, we can back them up with whatever they're facing."
"That's a nice idea and all, but do you really think she'll cool her jets?" Qrow asked.
"That's why I want us to be ready," Ruby gave a nod. "Sougo and Geiz need to mount their Time Mazine's and if it turns out she won't listen, they attack."
"If it does come to it then we've got an idea to disable her quickly," Oscar spoke up again. "The cylinder on Cordo's cannon rotates and locks in a giant Dust cartridge every time she changes attack styles."
"We noticed," Weiss remarked.
"Right," Tsukuyomi spoke up. "But her missile launcher doesn't lock in, it pops out! With no hard-light shielding, one of the Time Mazine's could easily hit it with an attack to detonate the missiles while they're still in the launcher."
"We could destroy the entire cannon…" Jaune realized. "Guys, that's brilliant!"
"So we have the firepower, we have a plan," Nora held her two hands out before smacking them together, soon cracking her knuckles. "Let's do this!"
"In the meantime…" Ruby looked and noticed that the Colossus was having a decently hard time trying to fully get up, meaning they had just a bit longer.
The Time Mazine's soon landed near the group, the hatches opening up as Sento and Godai in their base Rider forms walked out, but with another surprise in tow as Ryuga was also with them in his base Cross-Z form.
"Ryuga!" Ruby cheered.
"Hey!" Ryuga called out as he ran over with a wave. "We made it!"
"Whoa, so these are the other Riders of your world right?" Jaune asked as he saw Ryuga's armor.
"Yep," Sougo said. "Sento and Ryuga here are the Riders that were around in 2017… well not our 2017 but…"
"It's terribly confusing alongside being a heartwarming and breathtaking story," Sento called out as he walked over. "So this is Remnant huh?" He asked, his voice bubbling with excitement now. "This is terrific, amazing even!"
"Knock it out man," Ryuga playfully pushed his partner by the shoulder and cleared his throat. "I'm Ryuga Banjo, that's Sento Kiryu."
"You were the first two they met if I recall," Ren answered. "Kamen Rider Build and Cross-Z."
"Eh? You know about us?" Sento asked.
"We sort of had to recap our whole story up until now," Sougo admitted.
"How the heck did you even get here?" Geiz asked.
"Genius Physicist," Sento held up his left hand before raising his right, "Time Machine…" He trailed before clasping his hands together. "It's a Best Match!"
"I take it your research helped a bit?" Ruby asked, already figuring that was why Sento was even in one of the Time Mazine's to begin with.
"Yep," Sento gave a nod. "Ryuga insisted he come along despite us already having our secondary pilot."
"Speaking of," Sougo turned and waved at Godai who came closer in the armor of Kuuga Mighty, "Godai!"
"He looks so… old," Weiss looked Godai's armor over.
"He is the first Heisei Rider, Kuuga." Geiz reminded. "But also his power comes from an ancient civilization."
"I'm Yusuke Godai," Godai said before giving a bow, "It's a pleasure to meet Ruby's friends."
"I'm honestly shocked," Ruby admitted as she walked over to the older Rider. "I didn't think I'd see you again."
"Well I got a bit worried when those giant silver machines showed up," Godai admitted as he rubbed the back of his helmet. "Even when they had left I had booked it to Tokyo, managed to get there several hours later but I found that announcer guy for Sougo walking around. So I followed him and found him with Sento and Ryuga."
"Huh, so it's only been several hours when it comes to how long we've been gone…" Sougo trailed.
"This whole time business is weird," Qrow groaned out slightly.
"But convenient," Geiz admitted, especially glad to hear that the Dai Mazines were gone for the moment. One thing was bothering him, "Build's a genius physicist, but what about you? How did you even pilot one?"
"Me?" Godai pointed at himself, "Well, I had to learn from the start but I managed to pick it up pretty fast. So I guess you could say that makes Skill #2019 in my arsenal, just in time for the New Year!"
"Wait this guy's mastered 2019 Skills?!" Nora shouted.
"That's Godai for you," Ruby gave a chuckle, relief filling her at the moment. "I'm just glad you all are here."
"We're Riders through and through, so we'll always help each other out," Godai said as he raised his hand for a thumbs-up, "Even if we are worlds apart."
"Not to mention this is a once in a lifetime learning experience," Sento admitted as he was currently glancing around rapidly as he rubbed his head. "Just all these engineering marvels, the weapons, the machinery, the vehicles, it's just so great! I have so many questions!"
Sougo couldn't help but give a chuckle, "Well-"
"HOW DARE YOU!"
"And we're out of time," Ruby realized as she turned, soon seeing the Colossus slowly rise out of the water. "Sento, Ryuga, Godai, you'll stay here on the ground and provide support for us if necessary. Sougo, Geiz, get in those Time Mazine's and do what you do best."
"On it," Sento gave a nod before slapping Ryuga on the back. "Let's impress some otherworldly friends, Musclebrain!"
"Right," Ryuga pounded his fists as he gave a nod.
"You can count on us," Godai gave a nod.
Sougo and Geiz though said nothing as they rushed towards the Time Mazine's to prep and get them ready.
"Oscar, Tsuki, get that Manta back to the cliffside and away from our group, I'm going to try our first plan," Ruby said as she began to head off.
"Hey," Qrow noticed Ruby's choice of words alongside her not asking anyone else to follow, "Ruby, hey!"
Ruby said nothing as she took a deep breath, ready to use her Semblance when her hand was grabbed. She looked back in surprise to see Qrow grabbing it.
"You don't need to do this alone," Qrow kept a firm grip.
"I need you to trust me," Ruby said as she stared at her uncle. "It just needs to be me and the airship."
Qrow gave a conflicted look before closing his eyes and giving a sigh, feeling Ruby pull her hand away and not opening his eyes as he could feel the force from her Petal Burst. He was surprised when he felt a hand on his shoulder, turning to see Godai who had walked over.
"She's a strong kid," Godai spoke up before looking forward.
Qrow couldn't help but give a small smile despite his worry, "She sure is."
Ruby soon managed to get far enough away as the Manta touched down and floated over the ground behind her. She readied Crescent Rose in its scythe mode just in case things got too messy. Of course she saw her plan had worked.
Cordovin had noticed that Ruby had separated herself from the group and was now with the Manta which was now floating and still instead of flying about. Deciding to humor the huntress rider, she marched the Colossus over to where they were.
"What is this I see, finally calmed down," Cordovin called out as she stopped right next to the cliffside, towering over Ruby and the Manta. The Colossus soon pointed at Ruby, "Surrender for your crimes, and accept your punishment."
Ruby couldn't help but scoff before stabbing her weapon into the ground, "No! I'm going to give you one chance!"
"What?"
"We'll abandon the Manta and get out of your hair. We'll even find another way and go around Argus' airspace if we have to. But now that we have other vehicles, we are definitely going to Atlas!" Ruby called out in defiance as she started on her rant/speech. "Bigger people than you have tried to stop us and failed, but we're supposed to be on the same side! We're supposed to use our power to protect people, but you just use yours to look down on everyone!"
Silence fell as Cordovin simply pondered Ruby's words.
"We didn't want to steal from you. We did it because you gave us no other choice! But now we have alternate transports so we can give you the airship back and we'll leave to never be seen again!" Ruby shouted as she kept staring up at the machine, glad that her mask hid her eyes which glanced to the side every now and again. "Now I'm giving you one last chance to stand down and fully hear us out."
"…"
"I've heard enough…"
Cordovin soon pulled on the controls to her Colossus, the cannon of the machine aiming straight at Ruby as Lightning Dust was slotted in and began to charge.
Ruby gave an annoyed look underneath her helmet as she saw the cannon aimed straight at her, while everyone was worried and began to move towards her, the Riders remained still.
"We need to move now!" Maria called out as she began to pull up on the controls, the Manta starting to take off.
"No wait, don't just leave Ruby!" Oscar pleaded.
"Come on, come on!" Tsukuyomi yelled as she held her hands out, as soon as the cannon was aimed she was trying to call on the Time Jacker powers she had used against the Apathy, but to no avail.
"Sougo, Geiz," Ruby called calmly. "She's all yours."
"What are you-?" Cordovin had managed to hear Ruby's voice when suddenly the Colossus itself rocked, the arm cannon suddenly being pushed upwards as it launched an electrical blast into the sky. The Colosus began to rise up as the culprits were soon revealed.
The culprits had ended up being the Zi-O and Geiz Unit Time Mazines, the two having entered their robot modes and punched the cannon from below to shift it.
"Let's get to work," Geiz cracked his knuckles inside the Time Mazine as the Geiz Unit crossed its arms.
"Right, let's go Geiz!" Sougo called as the Zi-O Unit raised its fist forward.
Remnant – Argus, Waterfall
Despite Yang's new transformation, Adam had yet to truly realize he was out of his depth. But he figured he'd go for the weaker of the two, "You knew you couldn't win two-on-one at Haven. What makes you so sure you can win now?"
"I don't have a choice," Blake argued as she kept her hold on Yang's hand. "I have people who actually care about me, and I promised I'd never leave them again. So I'm not dying now."
"You know, she made a promise to me once," Adam said, this time trying to dig at Yang, "That she'd always be at my side." He gave a soft chuckle. "And look at how well she's kept it."
Yang however saw this as intentional and chose to shut him down, "Did she make that promise to you? Or to the person you were pretending to be?"
Adam sighed, realizing his tactic wouldn't work and looked back to Blake, "So I wasn't just good enough for you?"
"You know it's so much more than that," Blake answered.
"I know you've made your choice… and I've made mine," Adam said as he readied himself.
Yang and Blake launched forward, Yang raising her armored arms and blocking against a kick from Adam, pushing him back to force him off balance. Blake meanwhile had jumped over Adam, turning and jumping at him.
Adam barely had a chance to react, soon feeling a boot strike his back and send him stumbling forward. It had ended up being Blake who had kicked at him, using her Shadow to jump over him near Yang.
The Faunus tyrant had used his momentum despite the stumble and swung at Yang who easily blocked his blade with one arm before punching him in the gut. He quickly raised his sword after the hit, just barely blocking a swing from Blake who had hopped over Yang and swung down with her cleaver sheathe.
Blake then used Shadow to evade a blast from Blush via Adam's desperation, the bullets passing through the clone as she dodged to the side.
Metal clanging could be heard as the bullets had hit Yang and had no real effect on her, the newly formed Rider rushing in with a powered up punch. Despite Adam blocking with both Wilt and Blush, Yang's attack had forced him to stagger back further.
"How the hell are you even that tough?!" Adam growled out. "I managed to get clean hits on Blake when she was transformed!"
"No fancy tricks like Weiss or Blake," Yang answered with an oddly satisfied tone. "Just full machine armoring that packs a hell of a punch, my kind of upgrade."
Adam yelled and began slashing against Yang who held her arms up, crossing them as she took the slashes. He then gave a yelp as he was forced to stagger back after Yang had thrown her arms outwards. He barely had time to try and counter as Blake slid in and clashed blades with him, trying to trip him up.
Yang meanwhile pressed both of her hands against the Kikai Factory before holding out both arms, soon folding them back close to her as electrified ice based energy began forming around her chest.
Blake backed up after she realized Adam had enough strength to break the clash. She rushed in again to goad Adam into attack, quickly using Shadow to have a clone take the hit of a downward swing. The swing had been enough for Adam to embed Wilt into the ground briefly. Rushing in she jumped, using Wilt has a brief foothold before jumping over Adam.
Adam had turned towards Blake only to suddenly see her dash to the side, wondering where she was going he quickly turned when he heard loud machine whirring.
[FULLMETAL THE END!]
Yang had used Blake's scuffle to charge up and jump high into the air, she kicked downward with her right food, the electrified ice energy transferring to her right foot. As if that wasn't enough the energy formed into a large icicle as she kicked straight at Adam.
Adam didn't have a choice, hastily releasing a burst of energy via his Semblance to try and counter the ice via a slash. The attack had managed to break the icicle but Yang's leg was still charged with energy, the newly formed Rider shifting and managing to slip past the blade and kick straight past Adam.
Yang soon landed in a kneeling position, quickly raising and turning as she saw Adam stagger and dig his weapon into his ground.
"Not yet," Adam breathed heavily as he stabbed his sword into the ground to keep himself from falling.
Blake had decided to take advantage of Yang's finisher as a distraction, and given how Adam barely managed to slip by, she needed to take a risk to end it. Opening up her gourd she brought out her Shinobi Driver, placing the Shuriken Starter on but not activating her transformation just yet. She performed a back flip before landing near Gambol Shroud. Picking it up from where it had fallen she threw the kusarigama towards Adam, keeping a hold of the ribbon to recall it.
Adam had done the predictable thing just barely recovered, swinging his blade and deflecting the weapon back towards Blake.
Yang realized what was going on and quickly jumped forward, just barely managing to catch it due to her armor's slower nature. Gripping it tightly she pulled on the ribbon, and start turning for a swing. Blake began to run to the side, kicking off and allowing Yang to swing her, spinning the Shuriken Starter as she let go of the ribbon.
[DARE JA? ORE JA? NINJA! SHINOBI KENZAN!]
Blake's transformation formed around her as she drew out her ninjato. Using the momentum from Yang's swing she slashed at Adam with it, clashing with his blade.
Adam growled out using the force he had absorbed from the attack to create another hasty burst of energy. Both combatants yelled out as they were flung away from each other as a result.
The ninja Rider gasped out as she was flung and slammed against the rock wall. Thankfully her transformation had held though purple sparks began to leak through her suit as her Aura had broken underneath. Blake soon fell and landed onto a rock sticking out that was lower than the bridge. She began to slip before stabbing her ninjato's blade to keep from falling any further, getting her bearings straight as she kept ducked and lower to stay out of sight.
"Blake!" Yang called, dropping Gambol Shroud before suddenly seeing her suits heads up display, it giving various data as it showed her a heat signature reading just a bit below the bridge they were on. She was a bit relieved and was ready to go when she heard laughing.
Adam had gotten thrown back, tumbling along the ground as his Aura had taken a beating. But he had landed near the split in half Anotherwatch of Ryuki, grasping it in his hand. "Honestly… if you get to cheat and use those powers, I should get to use them too."
"That won't work, it's broken," Yang called out as she got in a ready stance.
"Are you sure about that?" Adam asked as he began to grip it tightly, "Because I can feel its power."
Yang was ready to argue when her suits systems began to give warning signs, a faint but dangerous energy coming from the Anotherwatch.
"Don't do this," Yang called out.
"Just try and make me," Adam said as he gripped it tightly, raising his hand with both pieces. He had seen that she had basically become a tank, and both were far enough away from each other, that he didn't need to worry about her being too fast.
Yang closed her eyes taking a deep breath, remembering what Blake had told Weiss when they had first gotten their Rider powers. Soon enough a pair of fully active Ember Celica formed around her armors arms, integrating nearly seamlessly despite the bulk.
"This ends now," Yang said as she placed both hands on her Driver before loading her gauntlets. Blue electricity traveled down from the Driver to her right foot.
Adam gave a grin as he threw his arm out to the side and readied Wilt, soon reeling his arm back in as if he was going to try and shove the Anotherwatch back into him.
[KIKAI DE HAKAI DA!]
Jumping forward Yang used both of her gauntlets to launch herself further, shooting from both gauntlets again to spin her around. Giving a yell she performed a spinning roundhouse kick against Adam with her right leg.
Adam was surprised at how fast Yang had approached, not expecting the added gauntlets to give her the necessary boost in speed she needed. He had swung only to yell out as he was struck in the chest, the electricity coursing through and shattering his Aura as he was sent tumbling back, dropping one half of the Anotherwatch.
"There," Yang said, she was ready to stomp on the Anotherwatch half when Adam gave a laugh. Her head shot over to where he landed, "What?"
"I figured Aura might make it too hard… so," Adam stabbed Wilt into the ground, loosening the top of his coat as he soon jabbed the first half of the Anotherwatch into his chest. Dark energy began to engulf him as he gasped out, the Anotherwatch sinking in. There was no announcement or transformation, he had simply gained a dark aura around him as his good eye turned from blue to a dark purple.
"What the hell?" Yang asked before wincing as the half of the Anotherwatch she was near reacted, releasing a burst of dark energy and forcing her away from it, "Seriously?"
Blake had heard the commotion, "Yang," She whispered as her eyes widened. She went to stand only to gasp out lightly, wincing as she felt a sharp pain run through her back. Realizing that she'd likely only get in the way she needed her next entrance to count, she could only trust in her partner to hold out until the opportunity presented itself.
"Now then, shall we continue?" Adam asked with a wicked grin.
"You'd really go that far…" Yang trailed before readying up her stance.
"If you're afraid of hurting me without my Aura… you'll die," Adam said in a more serious manner. "I can feel it now. This power is giving me more than I ever had with my Aura or my Semblance!"
"You're just a monster now…" Yang narrowed her eyes.
"The moment of truth Yang, you weren't fast enough to stop half of my plan," Adam taunted as he sheathed his sword, getting ready. "But, do you think you're faster than you were at Beacon?"
Yang couldn't help but let out a light gasp, the dangerous aura, his stance, and now the mention of that night. While most of his words couldn't get under her skin, this was definitely one of those times where they could, even with her new power. She gripped her shaking fists however, giving a light glare from underneath her helmet as she tried to steady herself.
Adam couldn't help but chuckle, seeing Yang tremble even just a bit in the armor had made him happy, "Me neither." He rushed in, going for a high swing with Wilt before swinging out with Blush. He gave a light growl when Yang dodged, shifting his sword to a reverse grip and stabbing down only to get even more frustrated when she dodged again. He spun upwards, the dark aura flaring up as he performed a double spin kick.
The huntress turned Rider gave a gasp as she was kicked back despite her attempt to dodge, she just barely ducked underneath another two slashes and spun to try and get around her opponent. She gave a yell however and sparks flew as Adam unleashed a wave of dark energy from his aura.
"I don't care if you have armor," Adam glared as he began to circle around Yang. "Your Aura is bound to be running low, and I was able to slice Blake's transformation clean off without any of this power."
"Get a bit of power, and you get cocky huh?" Yang remarked.
"Like you're any different," Adam growled out as he moved in. "Hit me already!"
Yang quickly ducked out of the way of a spinning slash, using her gauntlets to launch her away from a follow up.
"What does she even see in you?!" Adam was growing more frustrated before rushing and jumping forward, throwing Wilt with a heavy throw, the sword spinning rapidly like a saw. It clashed against Yang's forearms and sparks flew as heavier damage was dealt before it was forced back by momentum towards the bull Faunus. He grabbed it, gathering dark energy into the blade, slashing down and releasing it.
The freshly born Rider was in no position to dodge or block, having gotten staggered from the previous attack. She yelled out as she was thrown backward, tumbling along the ground. She just barely managed to pick herself up, not liking that she was being pushed like this.
"You're just a coward like her!" Adam gathered more dark energy into his blade, swinging it and launching it straight at Yang.
Yang's eyes widened a bit as it was coming towards her, the visor of her armor soon glowing a bright red as her eyes underneath did the same. She placed both hands on her Kikaidriver before she braced as the attack hit her, exploding against her and kicking up a ton of dirt.
Adam yelled out as he charged forward, gripping Wilt with both hands as he swung downwards, planning on striking Yang now that she got hit. To his surprise his swing was suddenly stopped, the dust settling to reveal Yang had stopped it with her right hand, a few sparks falling from her palm.
"Gotcha…" Yang called as her armor was burning a bright yellow now, electrical ice energy forming on her left arm despite the fire present. Cocking her gauntlet all of the fire gathered and surrounded her left arm, mixing with the electricity and ice to enhance it further.
[ULTIMETAL FINISH!]
Keeping a firm grip of Wilt and with a great yell, Yang pulled Adam towards her and reeled her left arm back. Throwing her arm forward, she planted her fist into Adam while firing her Ember Celica.
The force from the Semblance and Finisher combined attack had sent Adam sliding across the ground, the impact and momentum causing him to dig into the rock bridge as rocks were kicked up all around him. Adam gasped out as he laid down, his eyes wide though thankfully the dark aura from just half an Anotherwatch had protected him from being seriously injured. Once the shock had worn off, he quickly managed to stand, reaching for Wilt to keep fighting only to realize he no longer had it.
"I don't have to be faster…" Yang gasped out, even with the Kikai Armor still holding together, using her Semblance to absorb a blast like that was taxing on her Aura. She slumped forward as yellow sparks dropped from between her suits armor as it had broken from the usage of Burn. Of course the one key item she held was Wilt, it still in her hand from when she had caught it, "All I need to be, is smarter."
"No," Adam began to move towards Yang.
Yang gave a yell and gripped Wilt with both hands and slammed it against her knee, snapping it in half. She gripped both halves with one hand before throwing them towards the waterfall, "Shinobi!"
"What? No!" Adam yelled as he rushed for his broken weapon as it fell over the edge. He reached out and grabbed, giving a gasp as he wasn't able to reach them as they fell over, barely stopping at the edge of the bridge.
[MEGATON NINPO!]
Blake had heard her Rider name called out and had managed to recover enough in the time Yang was fighting Adam. She then jumped from where she was, unleashing a purple whirlwind as she landed back on the bridge, the whirlwind launching Adam backwards.
Adam barely managed to land on his feet, staggering back before kicking against something. His eyes widened as he realized that he had gotten near the other half of his Anotherwatch. Giving a grin he reached down.
Blake and Yang's eyes both widened, fear filling them as they watched Adam grab the Anotherwatch half. They yelled out and rushed to try and reach and restrain him in time as he lifted up the missing piece.
[RYUKI!]
Adam had given a yell and stabbed the Anotherwatch into him as soon as he could, the dark aura covering him fully before it broke off, transforming him back into Another Ryuki. He yelled and unleashed a dark wave of energy, forcing both huntresses turned Riders backwards as a result.
"Now then," Adam chuckled darkly, purple electricity coursing through him as his body didn't seem to be entirely stable, "Let's finish this."
Remnant – Argus, Cliffside
"WILL YOU STAY STILL YOU INGRATES!"
The plan to use the Time Mazine's to counterattack was working well, Maria had chosen, with Ruby's approval, to move the Manta back into the air and make sure fire wasn't drawn towards everyone on the cliffside.
Cordovin's plan was to try and get the most out of the Colossus' Wind Dust cartridge to try and knock them out of the air. She also alternated with Lightning Dust, trying to short circuit the Time Mazine's as well. Needless to say, both Time Mazine's were fairly nimble and Maria trying to goad her into attacking wasn't helping.
While using both Time Mazine's to attack simultaneously worked at first, Geiz had another proposition.
"Can't you keep it steadier?" Sougo asked.
"Just keep your grip and fire with one arm. We're too nimble for her to even think of hitting us!" Geiz called back.
Sougo was currently having the Zi-O Unit in its robot mode ride the Geiz Unit in its time machine mode. This had allowed for easier hit and run tactics, all Sougo had to do was shoot via the Time Mazine's wrist mounted blasters. Geiz meanwhile steered all around the Colossus, making sure to try and direct Sougo in hitting points they had already managed to damage.
That wasn't to say the entire process was flawless. While the Time Mazine's weaponry and maneuverability were great on their own, against the Colossus it would take quite a bit of hit and run tactics. This had its own set of complaints in regards to those watching.
"Okay what gives?!" Ryuga called out. "I thought we'd be busting our butts to fight stuff and help you all!"
"Woz had only said that we were supposed to deliver the Time Mazine's," Sento reminded as he leaned on his partners shoulder. Giving a light yelp when Ryuga removed his shoulder, Sento managed to find his bearings, "Either way you should have expected this."
"Sorry Ryuga," Ruby gave a nervous chuckle. "But I think this will be good for all of us."
"If anything we should really try and see who should go and find Blake and Yang," Jaune suggested.
"Right, one of us and a rider might work, keep it minimum," Ruby said before looking at Ryuga, "So how about a bit of a rescue mission?"
"You can count on me!" Ryuga called out as he punched his palm. He then held out his hand, "Sento, Machine Builder!"
"…can't Ruby lend you hers?" Sento asked.
"Sento!" Ruby and Ryuga both called out.
"Fine, fine," Sento said as he went to fumble to find his Build Phone.
"If only because I'd rather stay here, Weiss should go with you," Ruby suggested.
"If I must," Weiss replied. "Good thing I've gotten a break at least."
"And you've got the armor too," Ruby reminded.
"Huh, armor?" Sento asked.
"AND WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ALL ARE DOING?!"
Everyone suddenly turned to see the Colossus changing targets for some reason, all of them unaware that Cordovin was planning on using everyone's hero complexes against them.
The Colossus aimed and loaded in a set of Ice Dust this time, the target being a bit below everyone at the cliffside. The plan was to freeze the ledge they were on to destabilize and shatter the ground they had.
"Oh no," Sougo realized what was going on and quickly had the Zi-O Unit hop off of Geiz's. "No you don't!"
Geiz though realized it was a trap, "Zi-O wait!"
The Zi-O Unit shifted to its vehicle mode as it sped off towards the cliff just as the blast of Ice Dust was fired off. It soon got in front of it and changed to its robot mode, Sougo loading a Ridewatch in. However in an instant the Zi-O Unit was struck by the blast, being frozen solid in large chunk of ice. Despite getting hit this stunt had managed to be successful in protecting everyone on the cliff.
Ruby's eyes widened, "Sougo!"
[TAKA! KUJAKU! CONDOR! TAJADOR~!]
Before the ice could even drop, six red wings shattered the ice by spreading out, fire emanating from them as the Ridewatch was now the Tajador Ridewatches, fully activating the Zi-O Units, Tajador Combo Mode.
Cordovin was stunned to say the least, the head change out of nowhere alongside the wings that weren't on it prior were what kept her from acting immediately, "What?!"
"You guys alright?" Sougo asked as the Zi-O Units head tilted back to look at them.
"Just peachy," Ruby held her chest and had to do a few deep breaths, she was ready to yell at Sougo when she saw Weiss put a hand on her shoulder.
Weiss gave a smile before giving a glare at the Zi-O Unit, "Don't do something stupid like that again!"
"Ye…Yes ma'am!" Sougo stammered out in fear before having it fly off back towards the Colossus.
"Damn it Zi-O, what if you didn't have that Ridewatch?" Geiz questioned.
"But I did, so it all worked out!" Sougo called out with a hint of pride. "But we can't have her keep doing this."
"Then let's not hold back any further," Geiz said as he activated the Genm Ridewatch and initiated his Time Mazine's Mode Change.
[LEVEL UP! GENM!]
Geiz shifted his machine to its robot mode, the Genm Watch replacing the Geiz Units head as the machine dropped to the ocean below. Suddenly a purple pipe formed right where it was falling towards, the machine entering the pipe before it vanished in pixels.
Suddenly a purple pipe formed in mid-air to the Colossus' side, the Geiz Unit flipping out of it and kicking against the Colossus' left shoulder. Cordovin growled out and went to swat it away only for the Geiz Unit to land and run along the arm, jumping into another purple pipe that vanished in pixels.
Before Cordovin could think of trying to search for Geiz, the Colossus was struck by multiple fiery projectiles. The Zi-O Unit closed in and continued to shoot fireballs against the massive machine.
"You might be able to dodge the Dust but can you deal with my missiles?" Cordovin challenged as she readied her last batch of missiles, launching them out at the Zi-O Unit.
"I think I can!" Sougo called out, the wings of the Tajador Mode allowing the Zi-O Unit to easily dodged against the missiles, it firing off blasts of fire to detonate them if it couldn't dodge.
[FINISH TIME! GENM!]
"What where is that noise coming from?!" Cordovin called out before getting assaulted by fireballs.
Sougo was trying to keep the attention on him, "Pay no attention to the loud belt noises."
[CRITICAL TIME BURST!]
From behind the Geiz Unit emerged from another purple warp pipe, purple energy surrounding its foot. With a powerful and fully charged kick the Geiz Unit had hit the back body of the Colossus. It then kicked off of the massive machine before floating in the air.
"No, no!" Cordovin quickly loaded in an Air Dust Cartridge.
The Colossus aimed at the floor as it stumbled forward, its lack of stability in its hips and ankles making for an easy to topple target. Despite this it managed to fire off a batch of Air Dust, water kicking up all around it and spraying everywhere while it had managed to force it to stumble back. Cordovin handled the controls with her life, just barely managing to keep the machine from stumbling onto its back.
"Okay, they're about ready to wrap this up," Ruby said before she looked at Sento, "Come on, Machine Builder, now."
"No need to be so bossy," Sento huffed.
'Gravity'
"Huh?" Qrow turned before his eyes widened, "Scatter now!"
Everyone soon turned and backed up slightly before dodging or running to the sides, scattering as various uprooted trees began slamming against the ground where they were.
Ruby quickly turned and aimed, firing off several rounds from Crescent Rose as she caught a glimpse of what had attacked.
'Defend'
A stone wall suddenly shot up from the earth and blocked the shots. It then shattered to suddenly reveal Another Wizard as the assailant.
Ruby lowered her weapon, "Another Wizard?"
Suddenly from behind a tree was the hand of another monstrous rider, it tearing a piece of it off as Another Faiz stepped into view.
"Wait, another one?" Weiss asked.
"Another Faiz," Ruby once again announced before taking aim.
"Eh?" Sento saw some ruffling in the tree's before a shadow launched upwards before lunging down at Ruby, "Ruby watch out!"
"Not on my watch," Godai was quick on the draw and jumped up, flipping before punching out at the incoming figure.
The figure was struck in the gut, sparks flying as it was forced back and slammed into a tree.
Sento tilted his head, "Another Ex-Aid?"
Ruby was a bit surprised, she was focused on keeping Another Faiz from attacking that she had missed Another Ex-Aid, "Thanks Godai."
"No problem," Godai gave a nod.
"What the hell is going on, where did these guys come from?" Ryuga questioned as he got on guard. "Is that crazy lady using them?!"
"No she isn't," Ruby answered firmly, she knew Cordovin was radical in her approach but she assumed that the special operative wouldn't stoop to having Time Jacker backup. "But it's definitely a Time Jacker."
"Yeah, as crazy as Cordovin is she can't be that crazy," Nora agreed, "Right?"
"I'd hope so," Qrow sighed. "Things just got complicated."
"And I am currently missing all the Ridewatches needed to deal with them," Ruby sighed. "Weiss, we need you here."
Weiss looked at her friend, "But what about Blake and Yang?"
Ruby bit her lip, realizing that she'd need to separate the team but everything was happening so fast that she wasn't sure who should go where.
Sougo and Geiz were currently readying themselves for Cordovin's next assault only to have their cockpits sensors pick up on the Another Riders.
"What the hell is going on over there?" Geiz asked.
"I think we've got company," Sougo realized.
"A distraction, perfect," Cordovin gave a chuckle as she decided to start taking aim when a sudden chill went down her spine, hands being placed on her shoulders. She glanced back to see the hooded man grinning at her.
"No wait, what in the name of Atlas are you even doing?! LET GO OF ME!"
All the attention was on the Colossus now, both Time Mazines, the Manta, and the combatants on the cliffside.
"You've had your fun specialist… it's time for my revenge." An eerily familiar voice sent chills up the spines of Ruby, Sougo, Geiz and Tsukuyomi.
Godai gripped his hands tightly when he heard the voice, "Impossible…"
[BUILD!]
Cordovin's screams could be heard as the sound of an Anotherwatch was heard activating, of course it wasn't just her as the man's yelling could also be heard.
[KUUGA!]
It wasn't long before a red glow began to appear on the main body area of the Colossus, suddenly the metal began to bend and creak before breaking apart and exploding off, the Colossus now having its full cockpit exposed.
Another Build growled out as it stood up from the chair that Cordovin sat on while towering above it was Another Kuuga.
"I was wondering when I'd have the chance to kill you all, and now is the time!" Tid yelled out in glee.
Ruby gave a light glare underneath her helmet as she and Godai stared out at the monstrous version of him.
Godai gripped his fists tightly, "Another Kuuga…"
"Time Jacker Tid," Ruby gripped her Crescent Rose tightly. "Blake, Yang… just hold on, I don't think we're going to get a chance to do anything."
"That's the guy you were talking about?" Jaune asked as he took a step back in surprise at the gigantic Another Rider, "The one that almost changed Earth's timeline?"
"Yep," Ruby said as she glanced back. "And we've not only got him to deal with but four other Another Riders."
"Luckily, we're here to help," Sento said as he straightened up, running his hand along his visors antenna, "We Riders are the Winning Formula!"
Remnant – Argus, Waterfall
Both Blake and Yang yelled out as they were forced backwards, the two skidding near each other as their attempt at double teaming Adam had failed.
Despite his shoddy and likely to not work transformation, Adam was stronger in his Another Ryuki form than when Blake had faced him.
"Maybe it was a good thing that watch broke," Adam laughed out. "I now have the power to kill you two!"
"We can't keep this up," Blake said as she held her arms up in defense. "Our Aura's are recovering and we've both taken a beating in this armor."
"This isn't good, what's taking everyone?" Yang growled out.
"They have more pressing matters," A familiar but almost different voice called as everyone turned towards the forest. Soon enough the silver clad Woz could be seen waltzing out of the forest almost casually. "Those pressing matters also concern you so we best not keep them waiting."
Yang blinked a few times underneath her helmet, "W-Woz?"
Blake narrowed her eyes underneath hers, "No… he's not Woz."
"I'm afraid that's wrong," The silver Woz answered before walking closer, "A Woz is always a Woz."
"And just who the hell are you?" Adam snarled out.
"Come now, if I have to repeat my name you'll just make more needless padding," The silver Woz remarked before taking out the Driver he had brought out earlier, soon placing it on his waist as the belt strap formed to hold it.
[BEYONDRIVER!]
"That… that's different," Yang managed to get out.
"So you're one too," Adam said as he put his complete attention on Woz. "Butt out, or you'll be slaughtered like these two are about to be."
"I'm afraid I cannot do that," The silver Woz responded as he held his hand up in a condescending manner. "For you see those two are the key to my Savior's victory."
"Savior…?" Blake muttered.
The silver Woz soon held out a new style of Ridewatch, it having a black back and button but a silver casing over the front that seemed to split vertically, the face of a Rider with a black visor, bright green rimming, and a blue Katakana visor being plastered on the front.
[WOZ!]
Pressing the button announced the name of the Ridewatch before the silver Woz placed it on the Ridewatch slot of the Beyondriver, crossing his arms before he lowered and spread them out, flicking the casing and revealing the inside, a black screen with the helmet of this Woz's Rider form on it.
[ACTION!]
A green rimmed holographic smartwatch-like device formed behind him, a blue screen with various digital shaped numbers flashing. Not only that but the driver projected various green and blue lines that almost made a spider web around this Woz.
Techno music began playing as the standby theme while the silver clad Woz spread his arms out, giving a smirk, "Henshin."
Lowering his left arm he slammed his right hand into the back of the Ridewatch slot, the handle that held it being pushed into the Beyondriver's side, the image on the transmitting itself onto the main screen of the driver, the Woz image now being seen on the center screen.
[TOUEI! FUTURE TIME!]
The blue katakana for 'rider' appeared on the smart watch screen, soon flying out as various strap-like rings were digitally formed around him.
A silver bodysuit had formed with black patches on the sides of the body, there also being ones going down the sides of his arms and covering his shins and feet with bright green rimming. He had a few blue accents on his thighs, with blue armoring covering his hands, two green Ridewatch holsters on both forearms.
[SUGOI! JIDAI! MIRAI! KAMEN RIDER WOZ! WOZ!]
Soon enough the chest strap and shoulder armor formed, two large rectangular shoulders with green rimming and blue screens, holding katakana for 'Kamen' on them. The strap was a standard digital/smart watch, it mostly being black with green lining on the sides and around the holes.
His helmet fully formed, this one having a silver base on the back, with a green jaw piece that held black markings to form a jaw-like appearance compared to the other Ziku Driver users. The visor was a dull silver frame with a circular black indentions running from the forehead, a green circle with 'Kamen' in Katakana alongside two black and green rimmed watch hands acting as the head crest.
It wasn't long before the Katakana for Rider flew back in, but didn't slam in like Sougo and Geiz's did. Instead it was a more subtle digital flashing effect like Ruby's. The digital smartwatch-like display from behind shrunk and vanished once this Woz was fully suited up.
"My name is Kamen Rider Woz," The silver Woz explained, "The visionary of the future!"
"Did Woz just…" Yang managed to get out.
"That transformation sound…" Blake trailed with a mutter. She knew something was odd when she first heard Yang's transformation after hearing her own and Weiss'. And now it was especially apparent with the phrases for this Woz's transformation. "Just what's going on?"
"You think you're so hot don't you?" Adam asked before yelling out, launching a fireball at the newly transformed Woz.
[ZIKAN DESPEAR!]
Soon enough a long black staff with a circular end, the closer towards the tip, the more green-like patterning and designs there were. Close to it the tip was a silver panel with various app-like images. From the rounded end a black point with a green blade formed, fully creating a spear.
[YARISUGI!]
The silver Woz simply jabbed forward, easily splitting the fireball into two as they harmlessly fell to the sides behind him, causing an explosion.
Adam yelled out and began running forward, launching fireball after fireball from his Another Rider forms dragvisor-like appendage.
The silver Woz gave a condescending laugh as he easily began to pierce through and bat each and every fireball away. He waited for Adam to get closer before immediately thrusting forward and striking the Another Rider in the gut, sparks flying.
Adam gasped out before quickly lunging forward, managing to catch the tip of the Despear in his left hands dragon mouth.
"Didn't your mother teach you manners?" Woz asked as a green glow formed at the tip of the blade, he then gripped the Despear with both hands before slashing.
Sparks flew as Adam staggered back, "Impossible…" He growled out before gathering fire in his left hands dragvisor-like appendage, planning on going all in on one attack.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that," The silver Woz soon tapped the spear image on his Despear before pressing the Kamen symbol and swiping across the panel rapidly.
[FINISH TIME! BAKURETSU DELANCE!]
Green energy began to gather in the tip of the Despear before the silver Woz lunged forward and released the energy.
Adam yelled out as he launched the fireball, planning on delaying it just a bit to gather more energy. It wasn't long before the energy from the silver Woz's attack formed into a spear, it piercing through and detonating the fireball prematurely. Adam could only yell out as the spear struck him, sending him skidding backwards as it exploded.
The silver Woz could only give a chuckle as he saw Adam tumbled onto the ground. Though the Another Rider's transformation wasn't broken, only more strings of electricity forming along the body.
"I suppose I should finish this," The Woz before them all replied before tossing his weapon away, instead taking out his signature book and opening it up. "No matter how hard you struggle, you cannot defy the Future Note."
~Adam Taurus struggles, but cannot resist being kicked to death by Woz~
Blake's eyes widened as she heard this Woz narrate the events happening, "No…" She stayed near silent before finding her voice, "Hold on!"
Adam barely managed to get up, gasping out as he held his arms up in defiance. But due to his damage, even being an Another Rider, he could barely move, or at least he thought.
The silver Woz could only pull out the lever of his Driver before pushing it back in.
[BEYOND THE TIME!]
From the Beyondriver's center screen came a holographic green rimmed cube with Woz's face on it, it passing Adam as it spun behind him rapidly.
The silver Woz rushed forward, a green whirlwind surrounding him as green 'kick' katakana formed and swirled around him as he jumped up and performed a corkscrew kick. Just as he reached Adam the kick and katakana lined up perfectly as he slammed his foot into Adam's chest.
[TIME EXPLOSION!]
Adam yelled out as he was thrown into the cube, the cube solidifying and capturing him inside. Suddenly the front of it became a clock, the hands rotating until both hit midnight. An explosion of energy occurred, sending Adam backwards.
Adam yelled out as he lost his Another Rider transformation, the two pieces of the Ridewatch shattering while within him and bursting out of his body. Burn marks were on his clothes alongside his chest and back. His eyes went wide from the pain as he was thrown against the rock wall near the waterfall.
A loud and sickening snap was heard, as Adam no longer had an Aura to protect him, the force from the kick sending him into the rock had snapped his neck. The bull Faunus was now silent alongside blank eyes… simply slamming into more rocks as his body fell, soon falling into the cold river below.
The two huntresses turned Riders could only stare in shock and horror as they saw the silver Woz land, the two huddling close together with fists raised as they saw him turn.
"Be grateful for me choosing to grace you with my presence," The silver Woz held a hand up to address him as he walked to the side, "For if I had not done so, you would have been forced to kill him yourselves. Think of me as a monster if you must but I am necessity if you wish to see a new conclusion."
"It didn't have to come to that!" Yang called out.
"Just who are you, deciding who lives and who dies?!" Blake questioned, already picking up on what the Future Note did.
"Of course you're still on that, perhaps I should have left this encounter to its original conclusion, though you all would likely regret it. Even then it would still end differently," The silver Woz said to himself before he made it over to the discarded Gambol Shroud, kicking it over to Blake's feet. "You're going to need that."
"If you think you're going to take us out too," Yang growled out.
"Oh I could hardly care about that," The silver Woz answered. "Why do you think I interfered? It's because the two of you are hope."
"Hope?" Blake asked.
"Simply put, I need you two and another alive and well," The silver Woz explained as he dismissed his transformation, but turned away from them. "However that may not happen unless you reunite with your friends."
"What do you mean?" Yang asked.
"Why… they're currently facing a small force of Another Riders and one Time Jacker who was thought to be dead," The silver Woz explained, "The same one who's been manipulating those of Remnant to become previously formed Another Riders."
Blake's eyes widened, suddenly remembering part of Ruby's story, "Then… that means."
"Wait," Yang looked at her partner, "I thought…"
"No he survived," The silver Woz answered almost immediately, "The Time Jacker Tid. Now hurry along, I made sure you two survived for a reason."
"This isn't over," Yang growled out.
"You're right," Blake agreed but picked up her weapon, her transformation being dismissed. "But we don't have time to deal with him right now." She then looked over to Yang with a smile, "I promised I wouldn't leave and that also includes Ruby, Weiss, and the others. I'm not about to break that."
Yang's transformation dismissed as well, she gave a smile, "Right."
The silver Woz could only give a smirk, turning as he saw them run off, "And so the pieces are secured… let's see if you can make this finale of any interest, Tid."
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"What's your plan?"
"That sounded like a giant Grimm…"
"It radiates such power…"
"This is getting out of control."
"The shining light of a Silver Eyed Warrior… these watches contain that!"
Chapter 32: A Blooming Silver Roze
Author's Note: I will say, when I was first penning this arc I absolutely wanted a battle between the Time Mazine's and Colossus Mech. The idea of the two smaller machines outpacing the giant Colossus was a fun thought. And of course things are rearranged, with the Manta still intact and Ruby giving her speech earlier than usual to Cordovin. Of course though, all fun must come to an end as Tid finally reveals himself and we diverge further. That's right folks, it's Another Kuuga 2: Electric Boogaloo!
Not to mention Kamen Rider Woz finally makes his debut in this chapter too. Though while active he knows how to read a situation and won't be causing a lot of trouble just yet. Regardless, it's a good thing that the group has quite a few Kamen Riders to fight alongside now. Things are about to get rough, and next chapter well… I'm sure you can infer as to what might be happening based on the Next Time Preview. I'll see you guys next time.