Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 47 – Rozes of Another Zi-O 2019
Woz was currently sitting in his black void, a distressed look on his face as he spoke up with his usual narration to calm himself, "As it is written in this book, average high schooler Tokiwa Sougo embarks on a path which leads him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O."
The Chronicler stood up and began to pace around for a while before finding a direction and walking forward.
"A string of Another Rider's appearing one after another has caused Miss Rose to investigate it alongside my Overlord. However not only is there an Another Rider able to utilize multiple skill sets at once, there is also a copy of Miss Rose running around assisting it. As if that isn't bad enough they've created a new Greeed from a set of three new Medals that were in Kamen Rider OOO possession. With all this and other threats on all sides, I fear as though this battle will be an excruciatingly long endeavor…"
Sougo gave a wince as he began to open his eyes to an odd locale. He was on a rocky beach that held a heavy blue tint over it. It was so dark that one would be fooled into thinking that it was night time but it clearly wasn't the case. Regardless the stars could be seen in the sky as one shined brighter than the rest.
There was a very peaceful feeling to the current location, Sougo looking up in awe, "What a beautiful star…" He trailed before taking notice of what was below him. He was on a ledge that overlooked a shallow shore with several rocks sticking out as two familiar faces were below.
The two figures were none other than Geiz in his base form alongside himself as Zi-O II. He could only watch as the two Riders circled each other before charging forward.
Both Riders punched but Zi-O II was faster, forcing Geiz to falter before laying on more damage to the red colored Rider. Geiz wasn't about to give up however, managing to grab Zi-O II while dragging him towards the water. The two began to splash around but Geiz was quickly being overwhelmed by various kicks, smacks, and dunks.
Geiz staggered back and fell into the water, slowly but surely standing up. He didn't have much of a chance to recover however as Zi-O II launched himself directly at him at high speeds. Geiz gave a yell as he splashed against the water.
Sougo continued to stare onwards before noticing something out of the corner of his eye, he was surprised to see Ruby readying her transformation.
"Henshin…"
As if adhering to the strange atmosphere, Ruby's words and transformation into Kamen Rider Roze was silent. She drew out Crescent Rose in its rifle mode before launching forward via Petal Burst. She landed with a splash between both Geiz and Zi-O II before they could get closer to each other. As she landed she had shifted her rifle into its scythe formation, holding it behind her back as she glanced back and forth between both Riders.
SMACK
Earth – Late February 2019:
Sougo winced as he fell forward, having rolled off the futon in 9-5-DO's dining room and hitting the floor face first in the process. Sougo gave a light groan as that had managed to wake him up.
"I swear," Weiss rolled her eyes slightly as she was sitting at the table with Ruby and Woz.
"Ouch…" Ruby winced as she held her forehead a bit in reaction to Sougo hitting his.
The group had managed to get away from Genm Corp. Unfortunately the hit that Sougo had taken last had been so hard that between being transported from Genm Corp to 9-5-DO he had passed out. Ruby and Weiss made sure he was comfortable before having him placed on the futon to keep an eye on him. They were honestly extremely lucky that Junichiro was out for an errand, Ruby and Weiss wondering just how much longer they could get away with the whole Rider secret.
"You've awakened my overlord?" Woz greeted.
"I was dreaming…" Sougo trailed as all eyes were on him now, "That Geiz and I were fighting, and Ruby too… but I think she was like trying to stop us."
"That sounds like her," Weiss agreed.
"I mean yeah, you two shouldn't be fighting," Ruby added. "So I'd say dream me is on point."
"Another premonition, I'd say," Woz reminded. "It would seem that you three Riders are closely linked together in your struggles. Zi-O and Geiz interlocked in combat while Roze tries to mediate between the two. The same as it ever was."
"But for some reason, it seemed almost… peaceful," Sougo admitted as he sat on the futon. He gave a soft smile, "There was this star shining brighter than any other…"
"Might it have been Regulus of Leo…?" Woz inquired.
Sougo looked towards Woz, Ruby and Weiss doing the same as they all had the same question, "…Regulus?"
Woz stood up and pointed, the imagery of the ceiling changing to a black sky with dozens of stars, one shining brighter than the rest, "It is known as the star of kings." He stated as various lines began to be drawn between the stars to show the constellations. The Leo Constellation soon forming a picture of a lion over it, "It was said to have shined its brightest on the Day of Oma. That is what is written here."
Ruby and Weiss could only stare up in surprise as they watched the starry sky vanish while Woz held up his book.
"More importantly, about Another Build… Another Ex-Aid… Another OOO… jeez he turned into a lot of guys huh?" Sougo mentioned as he went to go pour himself some orange juice from the fridge in the kitchen. "So he's basically going to places and becoming the Another Riders that were born there, right?"
"That is what Miss Rose deduced," Woz agreed. "Though it is strange… there should be no trace of a Rider's power in those locations."
"If there wasn't then how is he getting them?" Ruby pointed out.
"That is fair, I truly cannot say for certain," Woz admitted as he walked forward, meeting at the window that separate the kitchen from the dining room where Sougo was. He gave a sly grin at his Overlord, "After all, even with history rewritten, you've continued to ransack the power of so many Riders."
Sougo rolled his eyes as he downed the rest of his orange juice before glancing off to the side, "I dunno if I'd put it like that…"
"I mean yeah we've been gaining Rider Powers like crazy," Ruby agreed while nodding her head, "But ransacking sounds a bit too harsh doesn't it?"
"Especially given all the trouble you have to go through to get those powers," Weiss added.
"Whatever the case," Woz said as he looked around the room, "It will be hard to guess where exactly this Another Rider will strike next. There are still several locations available for them to utilize."
"So how do we narrow them down?" Sougo asked.
"I'm actually on that right now," Ruby said as she began to text Geiz, "Here's hoping they didn't hit Another Ryuki immediately after Genm Corp since Geiz went there alone."
"That would leave three others left," Weiss pointed out. "Three of which we're unsure of when it comes to when and where they'll strike."
Geiz gave a sigh as he was currently in the lobby of the hospital that Another Ryuki was born in, Saint Central Hospital. He had waited for any sign of the Another Rider collector showing up only for nothing to happen. It wasn't long before he saw someone worriedly glancing at their phone.
Geiz noticed a news report but couldn't get a good read, "Hey, you alright?"
"H-Huh… oh I'm just worried," The man gave a stutter as he stared at the news, "My wife works for Genm Corp and there was just word it got attacked."
"Seriously…" Geiz muttered before shaking his head and putting his hand on the man's shoulder before walking off, "I'm sure everything will be fine but you should call her instead of staring at the news."
To his surprise just as he walked out he saw Blake and Yang walking over. He kept a stoic demeanor as he put his hands in his pockets as he walked over.
"Sounds like your lead didn't work out," Yang remarked.
"We just found out Genm Corp got attacked," Blake mentioned.
"You're both following along too?" Geiz asked.
"I was looking through the news when I saw a lot of strange reports regarding monsters," Blake mentioned, "And getting glimpses of what little footage there was I noticed they were all Another Riders we've previously faced."
"Yeah, someone's going around gathering Another Riders powers," Geiz confirmed before feeling his pockets buzz. He took out his phone and glanced at it, seeing Ruby's text messages as he texted back silently. "We guessed it might attack either Genm Corp or this hospital since they could gather the other remaining ones at any time without us knowing. So we picked two areas where they'd make the most noise."
"So we've got no idea as to who's doing this yet, huh?" Yang asked.
"Unfortunately no," Geiz admitted before realizing something, "How did you all know to come here?"
"We were sort of running on the same logic as you," Blake admitted before showing her phone with the Genm Corp attack news. "But only after Genm Corp was reported as attacked. We narrowed it down and remembered that Ruby mentioned a hospital with Another Ryuki."
Yang shrugged, "I wasn't sure on the name or directions but suddenly everything made sense and here we are."
"Wait…" Geiz trailed before turning to the side.
Shiro-Woz soon came into view with a smile as he walked forward, "My Savior it is time for us to join forces."
"Ugh…" Yang gave a groan when she saw Shiro-Woz. "What do you want? We're kind of busy."
Blake simply crossed her arms, "Why gather us?"
"Is now not the right time to stop the ambitions of the overlord?" Shiro-Woz questioned. "The only reason Another Riders continue to exist is because his existence forces the hands of the Time Jackers."
"They'd still be trying their tricks," Geiz replied. "I want some clarity on what their next move is though, because if we don't know what they're planning we'll get blindsided."
"Yeah, you want your precious savior to end up falling into a Time Jacker trap?" Yang questioned.
"I'm surprised Miss Xiao Long, you were so ready to denounce the overlord," Shiro-Woz remarked. "I assumed we had reached an understanding."
"There's a reason we broke off from you after Another Kikai and getting Geiz Revive," Yang pointed out. "I don't want Oma Zi-O as much as the next person but that doesn't mean we're going to be all friendly."
"So what exactly is our next move?" Blake asked.
"Simple…" Geiz said before looking at Shiro-Woz, "You're going to help us force our mystery Another Rider to make the next move we want them to make."
Shiro-Woz could only hold his hands up and feign fear, "Oh how ruthless… though I suppose it is annoying that this is all you wish to utilize me for…"
"You said it yourself, I should be ruthless in my approach," Geiz nearly spat out as he walked towards Shiro-Woz, sending a quick text to Ruby before pocketing his phone. "Blame yourself for having an extremely useful ability that we can use to push things in our favor."
"Not sure why she was so worried," The young man remarked as he made his way forward into the empty building, "I was right to come here next."
The former main headquarters and facility of Smart Brain, once used for over a decade in hiding the Orphnoch King. With it no longer being used to hide newly formed Orphnoch as well as their king it was merely a relic of the past now. It had been stripped down completely and dust coated most of the area as no one had dared to really enter the building, most labeling it as a bad omen.
The young man who masqueraded as the various Another Riders could only give a smirk as he walked through the empty facility. Eventually he made it to the lower levels, making his way to the end of the hall before kicking through the doors that lead to the chamber where the Arch Orphnoch was held to recover. All that was left was the tank it sat in, various stains on and around it as it was cracked on different ends and had let the orange liquid out bit by bit till there was no more left inside.
"So this was where Another Faiz was born," The young man smirked before pressing down on the Anotherwatch.
[EX-AID!]
He took the form of Another Ex-Aid before holding a Blank Watch next to the tank, it gaining a purple glow as it transformed into the Faiz Anotherwatch.
[FAIZ!]
Another Ex-Aid chuckled before turning and walking away, taking his time as he made his way up the stairs before reaching the former main lobby. As he was getting ready to leave he was surprised to see Geiz, Blake and Yang all waiting for him.
"So you're the new popular guy around town," Yang remarked.
"Popular is an understatement I feel," Blake admitted.
"We've got you right where we want you," Geiz said as he readied his Ridewatch and Driver, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
Yang readied her prosthetics weapon while loading her gauntlet while Blake prepared her own weapon, wielding both sword and cleaver sheath.
Another Ex-Aid could only scoff at them before taking a step forward before leaping towards the three. Yang and Blake dashed towards the sides while Geiz charged forward, Another Ex-Aid grabbing and grappling with him. The Another Rider could only chuckle as he managed to grab and toss Geiz away. He gasped slightly as small sets of sparks flew from his back.
Yang had managed to get out of the Another Riders line of site and was currently laying into him as much as possible. She smirked when the Another Rider had turned, soon seeing him feel that something had hit behind him as he turned.
Blake was behind the Another Rider, slashing against his back to grab his attention. She took a step back when he turned before bracing as he grabbed her. Only he didn't grab her but a Shadow copy of her as she dodged back, however this copy was infused with Lightning Dust, creating an electrical clone that caused the Another Rider to be stunned from the electricity coursing through him.
"Annoying…" Another Ex-Aid hissed out as he broke out of his stunned state, quickly turning and catching a punch from Yang. He chuckled when he saw Yang's surprise reaction, "She was right when she said you all would try to play smart." He threw Yang's arm to the side before punching forward.
Yang gave a wince as she managed to just barely brace, skidding back and giving a glare, "She?"
Geiz quickly drew his Zikan Zax, taking aim with its bow formation and firing several arrows out at Another Ex-Aid. While they hit and caused a few sparks they barely seemed effective at all.
"What?" Geiz questioned before switching his weapon to its axe mode, moving in and swinging at the Another Rider.
Another Ex-Aid ducked underneath the swing before getting a clean punch at Geiz's chest to pile on some damage. He continued to duck and weave against the time traveler's axe swings. Slowly but surely he lulled Geiz into a more open position before ending the dodges with a kick against Geiz's gut.
Geiz gasped out as he was sent rolling towards the entrance, the duo of Sougo and Ruby rushing in as they saw Geiz land near them.
"Uh…" Ruby trailed.
"You've got the Ex-Aid Watch?" Geiz asked.
Sougo pulled out said Ridewatch to show it off, "Yeah, but with this guy-"
"Just give it to me!" Geiz grabbed it before standing up and rushing forward, "If it's Ex-Aid against Ex-Aid I'll come on top!"
[ARMOR TIME! LEVEL UP! EX-AID!]
Ruby gave a groan as she tried to move towards her friend to stop him, "Geiz wait I don't think that's-"
"Here we go!" Geiz leapt away from Ruby and into battle using the Ex-Aid's armor incredible jumping power. He lunged downwards and slammed his hammer fist into Another Ex-Aid, knocking him away from Blake and Yang who were trying to keep the Another Rider busy.
"Okay, we got a counter now!" Yang called out, glancing to the side and seeing her sister with Sougo before quickly turning back towards the battle.
"Huh?" Blake was a bit confused since she wasn't sure how Ruby and Sougo figured out how to come to the defunct Smart Brain facility.
Geiz used his longer reaching arms to best Another Ex-Aid in punches, easily having the range when it came to close range. Hit Markers continued to appear before Another Ex-Aid got smart, kicking out as Geiz punched forward. The Rider and Another Rider both struck against each other's chests as a result.
HIT!
Both combatants were thrown away from each other but managed to land just fine, with Geiz initiating his finisher mid-air before he landed.
[FINISH TIME! EX-AID!]
"I'll finish this quickly!" Geiz called out as he jumped up and lunged down towards Another Ex-Aid.
[CRITICAL TIME BURST!]
HIT!
Geiz's first hit had managed to land, though Another Ex-Aid had braced against the damage from it. The Another Rider began dodging out of the way of the various leaping and jumping hits that Geiz attempted as well. That was before Geiz leapt forward from the ground to strike at Another Ex-Aid after the monstrous Rider had done a fancier dodge maneuver.
MISS!
To Geiz's surprise the Another Rider had grabbed his gauntlet, electrical feedback forming from the grab before he was thrown back towards Sougo and Ruby. Geiz could only gasp as he lost his transformation, surprised that the Another Rider was even that strong.
Geiz gave a wince, "Why?!"
"We tried to tell you it wouldn't work," Sougo answered as he rolled his eyes.
"You should've said it sooner!" Geiz turned with a slight glare.
Ruby huffed and crossed her arms, "Well you tried to be a Macho Man and just bum rush this guy when you thought you had his weakness, it's not our fault you-"
"This farce is over," Another Ex-Aid spoke up, surprising everyone since they had only heard grunts from the Another Riders prior to this.
[ZIKAN DESPEAR! YARISUGI!]
Shiro-Woz soon came from the side, transformed into his base form of Kamen Rider Woz as he stabbed with his spear. He figured that the Another Rider would dodge before swinging his spear to strike at the monstrous Rider.
Another Ex-Aid managed to step back to avoid the swing, "And you are?"
"Someone who will not allow you to call my Savior a farce," Shiro-Woz explained before lunging and swinging forward. He used his weapons long reach to easily work his way around Another Ex-Aid, striking with his spear before tossing it away and going for a kick to force the Another Rider back.
[KIKAI! ACTION!]
Shiro-Woz wasted no time in his offense, rushing forward as the transformation protected him before turning once he saw Another Ex-Aid dodge.
[DEKAI! HAKAI! GOKAI! FUTURERING KIKAI! KIKAI!]
[BEYOND THE TIME! FULLMETAL BREAK!]
Continuing his onslaught Shiro-Woz slammed his forearms together, his antenna in his robotic based form sending out signals to what little electronics were available in this facility. In this case all that was available to him were the various lights above him that hadn't been used and had been removed. But that was all he needed as his transformation allowed him to hack into the nearby power grid via this facility. By tapping in he diverted all power to the empty lights above them which began to suddenly rain down bolts of electricity.
Another Ex-Aid gave a light gasp as he began to dodge away after getting singed a few times only for the bolts of electricity to gain a mind of their own, slowly but surely entrapping him in a cage.
[FINISH TIME! BAKURETSU DELANCE!]
Initiating his weapons finisher next, Shiro-Woz slid across the ground as yellow electrical energy formed at the tip of his spear. He struck against the electrified cage causing it to explode inwards.
Another Ex-Aid was thrown out as he rolled across the empty lobby as his body was littered with flames.
[FAIZ!]
Managing to stop his roll he slowly began to rise up as his transformation shifted from Another Ex-Aid to Another Faiz. He gave a flick of his wrist as the red lines and yellow visor glowed in the darkened facility.
"He turned into Another Faiz…" Sougo trailed.
"So he hit here before we all got to him," Ruby sighed.
Shiro-Woz was confused by this admittedly, "What are you, exactly?"
Another Faiz didn't seem to mind this question as he dismissed his transformation, turning back into the young man from earlier. He gave a light smirk, "I'm Hiryu Kakogawa." He then looked over towards where Sougo was, "Sougo Tokiwa, you and I are fated to cross paths over and over. We'll meet again soon." He turned to make his way out the back doors of the facility.
"Don't think you can just run away," Yang quickly launched herself forward despite everyone's warnings. Using Ember Celica she closed the distance between her and Hiryu in no time, spinning and sending a punch with her left fist at the young man who kept her back turned at towards her. "Take this!"
CLANG
That was until a red blur rushed between the two. Instead of hitting Hiryu, Yang's fist and gauntlet being forced back by a pole, the pole however belonged to that of the bident that Kagami used. Kagami gave a smirk as the force from Yang's attack had blown her cloak back, revealing her outfit and face to Yang who's eyes widened.
"Always the one to rush in when a battle is clearly done," Kagami remarked.
Yang quickly backed up before turning towards where Sougo was, her shock growing more as she saw Ruby standing right nearby. She quickly looked back towards Kagami, "I… what?"
"The name's Kagami Rose," Kagami answered as she rested her weapon against her shoulder, "I'd tell you who I am but Ruby knows all about that. I'm just here to make sure you don't spoil the fun too early."
"I don't need your help," Hiryu remarked.
"Says you," Kagami scoffed as she began to walk towards her partner, "Shiro-Woz is here, meaning your sudden decision to go after Another Faiz was a trap. I was right to come along even if you had most of it handled."
"Hey, wait a minute!" Yang called out as she took a step forward.
Kagami turned and gave a small grin, "I'll settle things with Ruby later… but if you want the best seat in the house, you should go to where it all began. Because starting today a new era begins."
Before anyone could think of following them black rose petals spewed out from underneath Kagami's cloak, the petals covering up both her and Hiryu as they soon vanished.
Geiz could only give a light groan when he realized that Kagami was likely the person that stole the Mukachiri Medals. But more importantly he needed to know who Hiryu was, he turned towards Sougo, "You know him?"
Sougo gave a nervous smile, "Uh, who?"
Geiz looked over at Ruby, "You have any idea?"
"In my year of living with Sougo I've never seen him around at all," Ruby shook her head.
"Shall we go, my Savior?" Shiro-Woz asked.
"Do what you wish," Geiz huffed before heading off on his own.
Yang watched as Shiro-Woz and Geiz went in their own directions before looking over towards Ruby, "Hey sis, you got a minute?"
Ruby heard her sister's request and gave a nod before looking at her friend, "Sougo, you go ahead and meet up with Kuro-Woz. See if you all can figure his next move."
"Right," Sougo gave a nod, he glanced at Blake and Yang, giving a small smile before he hurried off.
"So…" Yang started as she walked over to her sister with Blake.
"If this is about Sougo then you know my answer," Ruby answered as she crossed her arms.
Yang ruffled her hair up a bit, frustrated, "No it's not about…" She paused before taking a deep breath, "Listen I just want to know what that whole Kagami Rose thing was about."
"Oh, sorry," Ruby soon realized what her sister was getting at, shaking her head with a sigh, "You remember how we had to deal with Another Ryuga right?"
"Yeah, I think Blake told me that your reflection was back talking you or something," Yang admitted.
"That's one way of putting it," Blake remarked.
"Well I wasn't the only one, Sougo had his other half talking to him too," Ruby explained. "That's how he was able to become Zi-O II because he was able to come to an understanding… but me… I still haven't yet. So she's still able to exist despite us beating Another Ryuga."
"Ruby… if there's anything you want to let us know," Blake spoke up, hoping for something, "We'll be willing to listen."
"Right now we just need to focus on making sure Kagami's defeated," Ruby said, "The fact that she's working with that Hiryu guy isn't good. Not to mention she was also able to somehow help give life to a Greeed."
"Wait, you mean the ones that fought OOO?" Yang asked. "But I thought the bird guy was the only one left."
"It's a new one," Ruby said. "One that uses the Core Medals that Eiji recently got last year. Kagami stole them when they went to get the power of Another OOO."
"This isn't good," Yang sighed. "How do we even begin to approach this?"
"We've got three spots left for them to hit right?" Blake asked. "Which one's the most likely one that will get hit?"
"What I want to know is what she meant by that best seat in the house," Yang scratched the back of her head.
"Wait…" Ruby trailed as she started to figure out the possible next location based on Kagami's words. "That's it… where it all began… there's one Rider out of the three that fits that!"
Blake's eyes widened as she realized what Ruby was getting at, "Kuuga?"
"That's right," Yang snapped her metal fingers, "Kuuga was the first one right?"
"The first Heisei Rider yeah," Ruby confirmed as she began to pace around, "I'm surprised they hadn't been to that area yet… but out of him, Ryuki and Wizard, it's the only location that makes the most sense in context."
"So what's the plan?" Blake asked.
"I'll get Sougo, you guys get Geiz. Despite everyone's differences we need to stop this before it gets worse," " Ruby replied before quickly rushing out the door to catch up with Sougo.
Yang gave a sigh, "Something about this feels off…"
"As much as I'd hate to agree… you're right," Blake admitted hesitantly. "And as worrying as Sougo is, we've still got Geiz Revive waiting… I think we can afford to work together for now."
Geiz had made it back to the Daitenku Temple to confirm what was going on to Tsukuyomi. He was currently meeting with her and Takeru in the dining room. Needless to say worry was in the air as Onari brought some tea to help Geiz relax after the battle.
"So this Another Rider is an acquaintance of Sougo's?" Takeru asked as he sat with the two Time Travelers.
"That should be impossible," Tsukuyomi admitted, remembering the story that Junichiro had mentioned back during the Another Kikai incident.
"Seems like it's not," Geiz answered. "But still, contracting with someone Zi-O knows… That's the new trick to creating an Another Rider. And then there's that Kagami Rose…"
"Just what is her deal?" Tsukuyomi questioned.
"It matters not."
The three at the table quickly turned to see Shiro-Woz walk in rather casually before he let himself lean against the wall.
"You…" Geiz gave a glare. "Why are you here?"
"I must admit you were clever to come here for a while but just moving locations will not make me rest my Savior," Shiro-Woz answered. "But still, I do find it troubling that matching Ridewatches are ineffective on this Hiryu. But that would be no matter with the power of Geiz Revive."
As if reacting to those words Geiz drew out the blank Ridewatch that was to be used for Geiz Revive. He held it up, "This?"
"With that power you will be able to defeat any Another Rider," Shiro-Woz explained.
"Just like Silver Roze and Zi-O II," Tsukuyomi noted.
"But I warn you, it was originally devised as a means to defeat the overlord," Shiro-Woz added before making his way to the door. "Unless you display the will to do that, it will not awaken. I shall leave it to you my Savior."
Onari could only stare as he set a cup of tea down near Geiz, "What an odd presence that man has…" He admitted with a shiver.
Takeru though stared at Geiz in a bit of worry, remembering how the time traveling Rider had been staring at that particular watch for days on end as he meditated.
"Geiz, what's bothering you?" Tsukuyomi asked, though she knew he likely wasn't going to talk, especially when he kept silent and just fidgeted with the Blank Watch. So she changed subjects, "Is it Hiryu Kakogawa? Do you want me to look into it?"
"Sure," Geiz absentmindedly said as he went to sip some of his tea.
Hiryu and Kagami both stood on top of a building, the two just loitering about after Hiryu's acquiring of the Another Faiz powers.
"So what's your deal anyway?" Hiryu asked.
"I just want Ruby Rose to suffer," Kagami answered as she paced around. "Either she figures out her issues and becomes stronger, or drowns in them as I watch her sink deeper and deeper."
"Become stronger, you're fine with that?" Hiryu questioned as he looked towards his partner.
"I'm a bit of a unique existence, one who can be pleased in different ways," Kagami admitted as she put her hands behind her head, staring up at the sky. "Of course you'd do well to see Ruby suffer or be defeated as well. After all she is one of Sougo's closest friends… she goes down then that's sure to hit him hard."
"Hmm," Hiryu gave a thoughtful look about it before giving a smirk, "Well that's what you and Muchiri are here for right? You'll help me bring Sougo Tokiwa down in every single way imaginable, right?"
"Of course," Kagami answered as she turned, her back facing Hiryu. She gave a chuckle, "I mean we were chosen as partners after all."
"So what's our next move?" Hiryu asked, deciding to take his partners lead for now. "We've still got a few left."
"It's as I said," Kagami glanced back at Hiryu with a smirk, "We're going to go to where it all began."
"Don't you think they'll figure it out if we go there?" Hiryu asked.
"Look at you making it seem like you don't want a confrontation with Sougo," Kagami gave a light laugh as she began to walk off. "I'm just setting the stage for our full reveal."
"Fine then…" Hiryu said as he stood up and began to follow after his partner.
Watching the two were both Uhr and Ora who were both extremely confused by these new events taking place.
Ora raised an eyebrow, "A copy of Roze?"
"And some random kid who can transform into multiple Another Riders," Uhr remarked as he ruffled his hair, "Just what are Swartz and Finis up to?"
"We should check out where they're going," Ora suggested as she flicked her feather earring.
"Given neither are telling us anything, that's all we can do," Uhr sighed as he straightened up, putting both hands in his pockets as he began to walk off.
Tsukuyomi was currently sitting at the front of 9-5-DO, having decided to check with Junichiro for information. She was surprised admittedly to see that Weiss sitting nearby as well, having chosen to stay behind for the meantime. Arriving Tsukuyomi had inquired about Hiryu Kakogawa, while the name didn't ring any bells the uncle decided to make some drinks while thinking on it. When they were alone however Tsukuyomi gave Weiss the rundown.
"Do you really think he'll know anything?" Weiss asked.
"I can only hope he might," Tsukuyomi admitted before quieting down when she saw the uncle coming from the dining room.
"Are you sure you don't want anything Weiss?" Junichiro asked as he came over with a tray of tea and cake for himself and Tsukuyomi.
"I'm fine, but thank you." Weiss politely declined. "I'm going to be leaving soon anyway. Something came up."
"Ah I see, but it's still great of you all to drop by from time to time," Junichiro smiled as he served Tsukuyomi and himself before setting the tray down, "Especially you Tsukuyomi since you used to live here."
"Sorry if I came by unannounced," Tsukuyomi apologized.
"Oh, it's fine! You know we don't have that many customers." Junichiro reassured before sitting down, "Oh, so you wanted to know about Hiryu Kakogawa?"
"Yes, have you ever heard that name before?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Well, I'm not sure…" Junichiro trailed with a hum. "Sougo never really brought many friends over, before. But I can't say if it was the same before he came to live with me."
Those words suddenly struck a chord with Weiss before she looked towards Tsukuyomi. Her heart began to ache when she suddenly came to realize why Sougo was living with his uncle in the first place.
Tsukuyomi didn't connect anything yet, "Before he came here?"
"Ten years ago, Sougo still lived with his parents," Junichiro explained.
"Come to think of it, I never thought to ask about his parents…" Tsukuyomi realized, but was still processing information as she asked, "Where are they now?"
"Tsukuyomi…" Weiss managed to speak up as she glanced down at the table.
"Well, they're no longer with us…" Junichiro skated around the details as he took a sip of his drink. Though he was sure both girls would be smart enough to realize what he meant.
"I…" Tsukuyomi trailed before wanting to choose her words carefully, "Is it alright if I ask…"
Junichiro gave a nod, "You both are close friends of his, so you deserve to know."
Sougo was currently wandering along the city streets. Admittedly he had used Ruby's excuse to find Woz to just be alone with his thoughts for a bit. He gave a soft smile at the recent events that had occurred despite the grievances they brought.
"You seem rather pleased, my Overlord," Woz announced as he walked out from an alleyway to walk alongside Sougo.
"Well, it's just that not even a year after Ruby came by, Geiz and Tsukuyomi showed up," Sougo explained. "And then after being together for just a few months we suddenly went to Remnant and we got to meet tons of new people. Ruby got to reunite with her team and they came back with us."
"You sound quite pleased despite the splintering of everyone," Woz noted.
"It's not like that…" Sougo protested though his thoughts said otherwise. "But if an Another Rider showed up right now, Geiz, Tsukuyomi, Ruby and her team would all come charging through to be here too, right? I guess it's kinda messed up to think like that over an Another Rider causing trouble…"
Woz however smiled, "It's perfectly fine! It is that devilish tendency within you that I wish to encourage."
Sougo rolled his eyes a bit with a small smirk, "Of course you'd be fine with it."
"There you two are!"
Both Sougo and Woz turned to see Ruby rushing over to them before stopping for a breather.
"Miss Rose," Woz gave a bow.
"Oh hey Ruby, I found Woz," Sougo smiled before giving a nervous chuckle, "Um… so we haven't' exactly…"
"I know Hiryu's next target," Ruby answered after catching her breath. "It's the power of Another Kuuga."
"Impressive," Woz smiled. "Truly you are a reliable ally Miss Rose."
"How did you find out?" Sougo asked.
"Because it's a challenge," Ruby answered more seriously. "Kagami said that if anyone wanted to watch me settle things with her that the best place to go to would be the place where it all began."
"Wait… where it all began…" Sougo trailed as his eyes widened at the realization. "You don't mean?"
"Kamen Rider Kuuga," Woz answered as he looked between the two, "Then that leaves the place where Another Kuuga was born. We must make haste."
"One second," Ruby said as she heard her phone buzzing before answering it, "Weiss? Yeah sorry to spring this on you but we've got a lead on our next target. Can you meet up with us?"
Once Tsukuyomi was done with Junichiro and his explanation she had gone back to the Daitenku Temple to inform Geiz of what she had learned. She also needed to research certain things on her tablet in order to figure out what was going on.
The two were sitting at the edge of the altar room that led to the outdoor courtyard.
"According to Junichiro, there was a bus accident ten years ago…" Tsukuyomi explained as she ran through the information, "Sougo and his parents were there."
"So that's when Zi-O's parents died…" Geiz mused.
"Here we go, look!" Tsukuyomi pulled up a newspaper article on her tablet. "The accident occurred on April 24th 2009. The survivors were…"
'Tour Bus Burns Down – What we know So far'
'Unknown number of families missing'
Tokiwa Sougo (8 Years)/Hiryu Kakogawa (8 Years)
In the article were pictures of an 8 year old Sougo and Hiryu with their names underneath. Geiz's eyes widening as he read along while Tsukuyomi narrated.
"Sougo Tokiwa 8 years old, and Hiryu Kakogawa, same age…" Tsukuyomi trailed before giving a light gasp. "There's a connection!"
"So they both survived the same accident…" Geiz stared intently at the article.
"I better look into it some more," Tsukuyomi realized.
"I'll leave it to you," Geiz said as he decided head to the front of the temple to go on patrol, see what he could find out about the next possible location that would be targeted. As he began to head down the steps he rolled his eyes when he saw Shiro-Woz waiting for him. "You again…"
"Now now, I just was in the neighborhood when two young ladies needed some directions," Shiro-Woz answered before stepping away to reveal Blake and Yang approaching.
"Did something happen?" Geiz asked.
"Yeah, Ruby might have figured out the next target," Yang gave a nod. "The next target is Kuuga."
Geiz raised an eyebrow, "Why him?"
"Because Kagami mentioned the place where it all began," Blake replied. "Ruby figured she was talking about Another Kuuga."
"The only issue is it's likely a trap," Geiz pointed out as he crossed his arms. "Why go out of the way to make sure we confronted them?"
"I'm not sure but we're planning on meeting up with Ruby and the others there," Yang replied.
"Then let's get going, Another Kuuga's resting place is far, we'll need the Time Mazine," Geiz said as he began to walk off.
Earth – Japan's Chuo Alps, Late February 2019
Nearly two decades was a long time, and yet despite growing older, the Mt. Kurogatake Ruins still held the feeling of being freshly visited. With the removal of the coffin, sudden thunder strikes and attacks on the excavation site had caused damaged, that damage slowly began to grow more natural as time passed.
"What a boring place…" Hiryu said as he walked towards the barely standing entrance. He walked as far in as he could before holding out the Blank Watch he had. Pressing it against the floor he watched as ruby red energy flooded into the Watch before transforming it.
[KUUGA!]
"That's one more down," Hiryu said.
With the Anotherwatch formed he pocketed it before putting his hands in his pockets and walking out of the tomb. He didn't seem to be surprised when he saw that Ruby, Sougo and Weiss were waiting for him, the trio arriving near immediately thanks to Woz's trusty travel scarf.
Sougo and Ruby had their drivers and Ridewatches at the ready while Weiss readied Myrtenaster.
"You're too late," Hiryu answered. "I have Another Kuuga's power now."
"Why are you doing this?" Sougo asked. "What's the purpose of collecting these Another Rider powers?"
"The reason I want the Another Rider powers?" Hiryu asked before giving a smirk, "To beat you."
"Beat me…? Why?" Sougo questioned.
"I guess you wouldn't know…" Hiryu admitted in an almost frustrated tone. "Yeah…" He trailed as he gave a hardened look, "There's no way that you'd understand!"
"And you don't understand," Sougo nearly hissed in response as he readied his Zi-O II Ridewatch, "The powers of Kamen Riders… they aren't things for you to just play with."
"Especially those Another Rider powers," Ruby added as she readied her Silver Roze Ridewatch, "You do not want to be using those in any kind of circumstance."
"If you wanna start this, then fine. That works out better for me," Hiryu answered as he drew out the Gaim Anotherwatch.
"Henshin!"
[GAIM!]
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) ZI-O! (ZI-O!) ZI-O~! II!]
[SILVER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
"Weiss, Iceflower!" Ruby called out as she drew out Silver Crescent and took aim as Glyphs began to form in front of it.
"On it," Weiss said, infusing the glyphs with her ice dust, "Fire!"
Powerful blasts that caused plumes of ice to burst upward were launched out, the blasts impacting in front of Hiryu. The Another Rider user simply used his current forms massive sword to break through them as he ran forward. Ice blasts hurtling past him and creating plumes of ice behind him.
Sougo gave a yell as he drew out the Saikyo Girade and rushed in, slashing and clashing blades with Hiryu.
Before Ruby and Weiss could continue to support Sougo, the two gasped and were forced to move out of the way as Muchiri landed between them. Kagami soon jumped out from where she was hiding, stabbing at Weiss to keep her back while Muchiri turned and stabbed at Ruby.
Ruby winced as she used her rifle to brace against the stinger the Greeed used. She quickly turned and initiated her weapons Silver Face, launching silver blasts of light at the Greeed. To her surprise the blasts were fairly effective, sparks flying as medals began to fly out from its wounds.
"Wait… what?" Ruby stared in surprise at her weapon before yelping as she used Petal Burst to avoid a set of energy stingers from the Greeed. "Silver Roze is effective on the Greeed?"
"Hurt… hurt!" Muchiri yelled out as it rolled into its ball-like formation before spinning towards Ruby, when it missed the first time because she had dodged it steered and turned to strike at her again.
Ruby quickly used Petal Burst to back away into the air, flipping over the rolling Greeed as she began firing at it with Silver Crescent. The shots had managed to hit it just as it stopped rolling, more Cell Medals flying out as it stumbled against the ground. Ruby then glanced between her friends, noting that both were caught up in their own battles.
"Die!" Muchiri's voice suddenly sounded as it leapt towards Ruby, arms out as it planned on catching her in its grip.
[SILVER HENKEI!]
Spinning her rifle in her hands, Ruby shifted Silver Crescent to its spear mode. Once the bright energy tip formed she stabbed it into Muchiri's stomach. "Take this!" She called out as she released a burst of light, Cell Medals spewing forward as Muchiri staggered backwards.
Kagami could only give a smirk as she saw this occurrence, having chosen to glance back and see how Ruby was handling Muchiri. She then turned to address Weiss, "Now then… think you can hit me?"
Weiss scoffed before utilizing hard-light Dust to send several beams of light curving towards the mirror copy.
"Not bad," Kagami swiped forward before spinning her bident and swiping again in quick succession to destroy the beams. What she wasn't expecting was Weiss speeding towards her while jabbing rapidly. She tried shifting her pole-arm to defend against the jabs while dodging back but kept getting minor tears in her outfit and cloak as Weiss continued to rush. "Tch…" She gripped her weapon with both hands and swung forward.
Weiss quickly backed away, jumping back to avoid any further counters, she had a soft yellow glow around her before it faded. She had decided to use Time Dilation after a distraction to catch Kagami off guard and it seemed like it had ended up working partially.
"You really thought you could get me with that huh?" Kagami asked.
Weiss gave a smirk, "I did."
Kagami's eyes widened in realization as she felt a sting on her cheek, she gingerly touched it before looking to see that Weiss had managed to cut her cheek with one of her last attacks. "You…"
"Just because you are her, doesn't mean I'll hold back," Weiss answered as she kept a firm stance.
Kagami gave a soft chuckle, "Funny how you accept it and yet she can't still."
"She'd have an easier time doing that if you weren't trying to attack her," Weiss answered. "Just what's your aim?"
Ruby quickly jumped in, stabbing at her mirrored self from behind with her spear as she jumped towards the battle.
Kagami however tilted her head to avoid the stab, twirling away as she raised her bident to block the next stab by Silver Crescent. "Well now, we were just talking about you."
"Leave her alone," Ruby gritted out as she tried to push forward.
"She can take care of herself," Kagami spat back, "Do you not trust her?"
"No I don't trust you," Ruby called out as she unleashed a burst of light energy to force Kagami back, she spun her weapon, holding it behind her with the point aiming downwards as she held her free hand forward. "You said you'd make my life a living hell… so I'm not counting out anything you might do."
"Well now," Kagami smirked. "But you really should have dealt with Muchiri first…"
Weiss' eyes widened as she saw Muchiri recover from the attacks that had hit it, but it wasn't making its way over to them, it was making its way over to Sougo.
"Sougo watch out!" Weiss called out.
Sougo was currently utilizing Zi-O II's abilities to best Hiryu's Another Gaim form in a sword fight, finding the best ways to counter. He had backed up when he saw in his vision's that Muchiri had joined in, but it wasn't until Weiss shouted that he knew the exact timing.
Muchiri leapt towards Sougo, landing as Sougo spun out of the way. It charged forward as it used its stinger as a blade, clashing it with the Saikyo Girade as it worked on pushing Sougo backwards.
"How strong is this thing?" Sougo gritted his teeth, surprised that Muchiri was able to push him back.
"He's fueled by my desire to defeat you," Hiryu answered as he slung his sword over his shoulder, starting to approach.
[TIME MAZINE!]
The Geiz Unit quickly flew overhead in its vehicle mode as it soon landed, Geiz rushing out with Blake and Yang.
"Whoa okay, everyone's here," Yang remarked.
"Kagami, Hiryu, and the Greeed," Blake counted, "Just what do we even do?"
"Leave that Hiryu to me, it looks like Zi-O's working on the Greeed," Geiz answered. "You two help Ruby and Weiss."
"Sounds like a plan to me," Yang agreed as she rushed for where Ruby and Weiss were fighting.
"Stay safe," Blake added as she hurried off as well.
Geiz meanwhile readied himself, rolling his eyes slightly when he saw Shiro-Woz walk near him, "What do you want?"
"This is becoming more of a nuisance than I feel I'm up for," Shiro-Woz answered, "We'll end this together."
"Fine by me, at least you'll be useful," Geiz added.
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
[TOUEI! FUTURE TIME! SUGOI! JIDAI! MIRAI! KAMEN RIDER WOZ! WOZ!]
Both Riders closed in with their own punches, Hiryu raising his sword and using the wide blade to block against their attempts. He tilted it before slashing at the two to force them backwards with it.
Geiz rushed in as he grabbed the blade, trying to yank it away only to get thrown by Hiryu swinging it.
Shiro-Woz moved in, ducking against a swing before punching Hiryu in the chest. He went for a kick only for it to get caught by the Another Riders free hand. He tried to pull away only to get struck in the chest by the large and heavy blade.
"It seems I'll have to fight smarter," Shiro-Woz answered as he quickly drew out Quiz before swapping forms.
[TOUEI! FUTURE TIME! FASHION! PASSION! QUESTION! FUTURERING QUIZ! QUIZ!]
Geiz had used Shiro-Woz's flashy form change to draw his Zikan Zax, sending out arrows of energy to strike at Hiryu. He was glad that his plan was working, Hiryu blocking them but that's exactly what he wanted.
Shiro-Woz brought out his Zikan Despear in its cane formation, jabbing forward and using the question mark symbol at the end as a hook to grab onto the massive blade Hiryu had. Utilizing his makeshift hook Shiro-Woz began twisting around and pulling before getting close and kicking Hiryu back, forcing the Another Rider's sword out of his grasp.
"Question: Tomatoes may be vegetables, but Japanese sweet tomatoes are fruits, true or false?" Shiro-Woz asked.
Hiryu gave a hum as he heard this, wondering what kind of person the Rider took him for when it came to a clearly loaded question like that. He didn't give an answer however as he already an idea on how to easily best this.
[FINISH TIME! FUKASHIGI MAGIC!]
Shiro-Woz summoned multiple question mark projections that launched towards Hiryu, the symbols hooking and restraining the Another Rider. The symbols began to spin around rapidly as an O and X were projected nearby, the two flashing on and off, back and forth, faster and faster.
[GHOST!]
In a burst of black smoke the finisher was entirely canceled out as multiple black and twisted Ore Parka's began launching out. They swarmed Shiro-Woz, slowly but surely hitting him back before they full formed into Another Ghost.
"Oh, no… I asked him a question with no solid answer, the infinite potential for a debate!" Shiro-Woz called out in shock.
"There's no other way…" Geiz called out as he took out the blank Geiz Revive Ridewatch, clicking the top only for nothing to happen. It was a blank after all, but Geiz was hoping the desperate situation would allow him to activate its power. When it didn't he clasped it with both hands, "Why?!"
Shiro-Woz looked over and gave a disappointed sigh, "My Savior…"
"What's wrong?" Hiryu questioned as he turned towards Geiz and began to approach. He quickly dodged a jab from Shiro-Woz, grabbing onto the future Riders cane. He then shifted it to where he used the weapon to block an incoming punch from Geiz, "You people are so annoying…"
Hiryu took out a new Anotherwatch, clicking the button as he pressed this one against his belt, dark wisps form a black Ziku Driver with a bright red screen that read 2019, the Anotherwatch attaching itself to the Rider Time port. Silver rings and a bright pink glow began to shine as Another Ghost's form shifted and shattered.
[ZI-O!]
Standing before both Riders was a shocking Another Rider transformation. It had stark white armored appearance alongside dull silver and dark pink detailing on its arms and legs. There was the dull silver chest armor alongside shoulder pads, maintaining a rough semblance of a watch strap. On the center chest was a pink screen on a circular port that held the label 2019. His arms even held silver variants of the Ridewatch forearm straps. The face was a rather monstrous version of Zi-O, the helmet keeping the clock styling though with an almost muscle tendon face with blank white eyes covered by a clear dome, two clock hands mimicking Zi-O's own head crest alongside s constantly gritting gum showing mouth.
The labels were on the cheeks of the dome, Zi-O, and 2019. The monster before them and Hiryu's true Another Rider form was none other than that of Another ZI-O. With his true form he easily pushed both Riders away.
Geiz could only stare in shock, "…Zi-O?!"
Hiryu gave a chuckle as he drew out a pair of swords based on clock hands. He pressed both together, gathering energy in them before slashing forward. The enhanced slices cut through both Geiz' and Shiro-Woz' defenses, the two being thrown backwards and losing their transformations.
Sougo had just thrown Muchiri off of him, charging up his enhanced weapons first finisher.
[RIDER GIRI!]
Sougo gave a yell as he sent an enhanced slash to send Muchiri tumbling back. He then turned when he heard Geiz yelling out, nearly staggering back in shock when he saw Another Zi-O, "No way…"
Hiryu scoffed as he lowered his arms, slowly but surely walking towards the downed Riders, "Now then…"
"Hold it," Sougo spoke up as he began to approach his Another Rider counterpart.
It was a sight to behold, Another Zi-O and Zi-O II both staring each other down as they waited for the first person to make the next move. Sougo brought out his Zikan Girade, brandishing its bladed mode as he rushed forward dual wielding both his signature weapons. Hiryu rushed forward as he raised both of his blades, the two clashing past each other as they spun and began swinging their weapons at each other.
"And so it's time for the end of the first act," Kagami gave a chuckle as she twirled her bident in front of her, blocking Yang's shots before she gripped her weapon tightly with both hands. She shifted her weapon and braced against a dual slash from Blake.
Blake quickly backed up, jumping back further using Shadow as she landed. She was ready to charge in with Yang when she noticed that Kagami's attention was elsewhere. The two followed their opponents gaze before staring in near shock.
Ruby readied her spear, noticing how her mirror self was distracted, "Alright, now we can…"
"Ruby," Weiss interrupted, having noticed that something was wrong when it came to the fight with Hiryu. "We've got a big issue."
Ruby was ready to argue when she let her gaze wander, nearly dropping her weapon as she took a few steps forward, "No way…"
Yang could only now just find her voice, "They can do that?!"
"So they were saving Another Zi-O until now?" Blake asked.
"Not just Another Zi-O," Kagami spoke up loud enough, and she could only smirk when she noticed she had gotten the entirety of Team RWBY's attention on her.
In the distance both Uhr and Ora were watching from the shadows, the two noting how strong Hiryu and Kagami were. They weren't sure what exactly was going on but they weren't going to question it. At least until Hiryu transformed into Another Zi-O.
"Another… Zi-O?" Uhr questioned before quickly hurrying off, vanishing after reaching a certain distance.
Ora though noticed how Kagami was acting and stayed despite her shock.
"What are you talking about?" Ruby questioned as she began to approach her mirror counterpart.
"Did you really think I could maintain my existence here without a proxy?" Kagami questioned before taking out an Anotherwatch, holding it above her head. "Henshin…"
[ROZE!]
The Anotherwatch dropped to the right side of her waist, it staying in place as it formed a black Ziku Driver with a bright red screen that read 2019 on it. Soon enough black flower petals began flowing out of her clothes before wrapping around her. They launched outwards as they soon revealed Kagami's new form.
She held a slender white furred body with various black thorn filled vines wrapping around her arms, legs and even her stomach. Her chest and back were covered by maroon bone-like armoring, having white thorn patterns running through them. Her shoulders were protected by maroon shoulder pads that were in the shape of blooming roses. The backs of her hands and fingers were covered in black bone-like plating as well.
She had a red two-tailed coattail with black rimming that came from underneath her blackened Ziku Driver. A maroon hood covered up most of her helmet, the hood wrapping around her neck and flowing into a tattered scarf. Her helmets appearance was that of a cracked maroon colored rosebud, two narrow silver eyes peaking through the cracks as the mouth was similar to Another Zi-O's, having gritted teeth with visible gums.
Her shoulder armor held the date and name, 2019 on her left shoulder while Roze written on her right.
Ora's eyes widened as she saw this, backing away before turning and running, vanishing as well.
Weiss, Blake and Yang all stared in various states of shock as they witnessed this transformation, the trio letting their guards down slightly.
Shiro-Woz clicked his tongue in annoyance, clearly not liking the appearance of Another Roze. Geiz meanwhile could only stare in shock as not only was now a second Another Rider on the loose, and another based on one of them.
"Another Roze…" Ruby trailed as she gripped her weapon, she then raised her spear forward before rushing towards her Another Rider counterpart, "Fine then!"
"Hey, wait a minute!" Yang called out as she ran forward.
Weiss and Blake locked eyes and nodded, the two rushing forward to help make sure their partners didn't get themselves killed.
"I could care less about you three…" Kagami brought out her weapon and stabbed it into the ground. Soon enough black thick thorn filled vines erupted from the ground, twisting and growing before turning grey and stone-like.
Weiss, Blake and Yang all gasped out as the vines had erupted right in front of them, throwing them backwards and away from the fight. None ended up popping up near Ruby who was making a mad dash towards her mirror counterpart.
"Take this!" Ruby stabbed forward.
Kagami meanwhile held her weapon close to its blades, the pole portion retracting into it as the base of the blades began to shift. Soon enough the pole had retracted enough to reveal that the two points of the bident were actually curved swords, Kagami splitting them as she used one to bat down Ruby's weapon as it approached. She then stabbed forward and struck her real self directly in the front of the helmet.
Ruby cried out as her vision became heavily blurred, staggering back as she dropped Silver Crescent while grabbing her front visor.
"If you thought that my weapon was merely a bident then you really should remember the world we come from," Kagami answered as she twirled her swords in her hands before gripping them tightly and entering a dual sword stance. "After all, where we come from a weapon usually transforms."
Ruby winced as she shook her head, her vision slowly refocusing, "I figured it would be a gun."
Kagami gave a laugh, "A gun would be good but I'll only need these blades to deal with you."
Sougo had been distracted by the sudden appearance of Another Roze, his eyes widening when he saw what happened, "Ruby!"
"Pay attention!" Hiryu called out as rushed in for two high swipes.
Sougo quickly blocked with one of his swords before spinning away when Hiryu pushed further. Sougo began to back away before finding a good spot to view every fighter on the field. He then utilized his future vision.
Hiryu held both ends of his weapons, attaching the hilts to each other to turn his two swords into a naginata. He then began to spin and twirl it around as energy gathered, brief flashes of clock projections occurring.
"I can see your future!" Sougo called out.
Hiryu scoffed however, the clock hands on his face glowing as they began to spin around, activating his own future vision.
Sougo worked quickly to combine both his Zikan Girade and Saikyo Girade into their combined state. Energy began to build within the enlarged sword as he charged forward.
"And I see yours…" Hiryu countered as he slammed the ends of his weapons together. He attached the hilts to each other and creating his swords' naginata configuration. He began spinning his longer reaching weapon around, energy gathering as he readied himself.
[SAIKYO! FINISH TIME!]
Sougo combined both of his weapons together into the Saikyo Zikan Girade, it gathering gold energy before he charged forward.
Both Rider and Another Rider rushed at each other, their energy coated weapons clashing as they spun and danced around each other. Their continued clashing had ended up causing both energies of their weapons to die out, the two continuing to attack each other before getting each other's weapons in a lock.
Uhr quickly rushed over to the inside of the rooftop patio they had commandeered, concern evident on his face as he saw that Swartz and Finis were both relaxing with a cup of tea.
"Swartz, Finis, what did you do?!" Uhr questioned as he entered. "Did you two create that Another Zi-O?!"
"Oh… finally looking at our work?" Finis mused as they took a sip of tea.
Swartz could only give a chuckle at the younger Time Jacker's panic.
Ora soon rushed in not long after Uhr, "Alright start talking Swartz, first Another Zi-O and now Another Roze?"
"There's an Another Roze?!" Uhr questioned as he turned in shock.
"Ah that would be my side of the plan," Finis noted as they set the cup of tea down near them.
"He who will unite all Another Riders," Swartz gave a smirk, "The king of dark Riders."
Finis gave a chuckle and proceeded to explain their side as Swartz began to take a sip of his tea. They soon looked over at the younger Time Jackers, "A reflection born from the dark thoughts of Roze, an Another Rider who will go beyond Another Ryuga and force her to drown in her own faults. I must thank you Uhr, you definitely had the right idea when you connected that lost world to ours…"
Uhr and Ora could only backup in surprise as they stared at the two elder Time Jackers who seemed to be completely satisfied with what was going on.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"I'm the opposite of you, especially as Another Roze."
"Apparently you're gonna become an overlord, or something."
"So you are learning…"
"I don't want any kind of future with either of them gone!"
"The one true Savior has made his advent!"
Chapter 48: GeizRevive 2019
Author's Note: So just in case people are curious, yes I've seen the first three episodes of RWBY Ice Queendom already and I have to say I'm really digging it. I won't spoil anything, but I like the ideas they're implementing and it'll be interesting to see the rest of it when it starts officially airing.
But here we have it, the unveiling of Another Roze. While I knew I needed to have Ruby/Roze be the base of it, I figured also basing it off of a Grimm/Wolf would work wonders. And what a dramatic place to reveal it at as well, I figured it would be fitting for both Another Riders to debut at the Kuuga excavation site.
Also people were curious about why I gave Kagami a bident, it was because it also transforms into dual swords. Originally I was just going to have her use curved blades, but I wanted to spice up the weapon a bit so I tried to see what would be good and then I found out bidents were things that exist. I figured since Hiryu has a combined weapon as Another Zi-O, that Kagami would as well.
That being said we're only 1/3rd into the Another Zi-O/Roze Story and Geiz is looking to be getting Revive next chapter. Things are heating up and it doesn't look to be like it's going to go well for anyone involved. With that said, I'll see you all next time.