Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 101 – 2019: Return of the Galaxy King
Woz walked through his black void, flipping through his pages in slight annoyance before stopping on a page that had Sougo in the Fourze Armor.
"As you can see, Tokiwa Sougo has collected yet another Ridewatch," Woz stated as he calmed himself, "Thus he only has four more Watches that he must collect. However due to the current nature of the situation, we'll be waiting a short while before we can move onto our next Rider."
He then flipped the pages to show the meteorite embedded in the rock at the quarry, Another Fourze, alongside the self-proclaimed Rider Hunter, Boot.
"There is the mysterious meteorite that I doubt will be left alone, Another Fourze who is still around, and this strange and annoying Rider Hunter named Boot," Woz said, his words becoming more strained as he ended the sentence. He then took a deep breath to calm himself once more, "Still, we must continue to press on I suppose."
Earth – Early May 2019
Another Fourze had brought everyone to a seemingly abandoned building. It hadn't been used in a couple of years but the power still worked, though there were some oddities like faded X's on the walls and it was stripped down pretty cleanly. Another Fourze was currently in one of the back rooms with the bodies of the defeated Switchers, Capricorn and Libra.
"I couldn't find Aries," Finis said as they appeared in the room suddenly.
"Unfortunate but I'll have to simply use the two that have outlived their standard usefulness," Another Fourze said as he drew out the strange Switch again, pressing down on it as he converted their bodies into cosmic energy before absorbing the energy into himself, "Still not that well produced but I can feel myself getting stronger."
"Is this truly the extent of your power?" Finis asked as they leaned against a nearby wall, "I assumed because of your origins you'd be stronger than this."
"I'm just getting started," Another Fourze reassured as he walked over to a wall before pressing against it and giving a chuckle. He pushed in a piece of the wall, revealing it to be a switch of sorts. This had caused another portion to open up and reveal a touch monitor that he began typing on.
"Oh?" Finis raised an eyebrow.
"I have preparations to make," Another Fourze said, "While getting the tools for the first phase was easy, I'll need some old help for the remainder of this."
"Do what you must," Finis said before turning and vanishing, deciding to leave it to Another Fourze for now.
"Now then," Another Fourze tugged at his collar a bit as he got a response from what he was typing before turning and heading for the door, "It's time to cause a large enough distraction."
The users of both Aquarius and Taurus were both anxiously pacing around as they were trying to figure out what they were going to do next. The two immediately turned when they saw Another Fourze enter the room.
"Aquarius," Another Fourze addressed the woman before turning towards the man, "Taurus."
"How are they?" The man asked.
"This is getting bad," The woman admitted, "We're losing too many of our own and Aries went MIA."
"Our fallen allies are no longer fit for combat," Another Fourze explained, feigning a somber tone before holding out his hand and gripping it tightly, "So we must cause the revolution on our own!"
"What about Aries?" The man asked.
"It's clear he's abandoned our cause," Another Fourze said, not willing to wait for Aries or figure out what happened due to how silently he disappeared, "He'll be dealt with in due time, but it's time we destroy that school and the people who have caused us all so much pain!"
Upon returning to Amanogawa High, and more specifically the Kamen Rider Club, the group was greeted by not only Gentaro but Ryusei as well.
"And you are…?" Sougo spoke up as he stared at Ryusei.
"Ryusei Sakuta, Kamen Rider Meteor," Ryusei said, "I talked to Ruby on the Hotline."
"Yep," Ruby said, "Thanks for coming to us with this case."
"I appreciate you all for assisting," Ryusei said before watching Ruby walk over with a Blank Ridewatch, "What's that?"
"Just something that'll help boost my arsenal a bit," Ruby said, putting it simply, "Hold onto it for now."
"Alright then," Ryusei said as he pocked the Blank Watch.
"So how'd it go?" Gentaro asked.
"We tried to finish it quickly but the Another Fourze we were fighting was actually a Zodiarts," Ruby explained.
"Sounds like Libra," Ryusei noted, "So you weren't able to defeat the Another Rider?"
"No, he escaped with the Zodiarts as well," Sougo admitted, "But also there was this weird silver and red guy."
"It said its name was Boot," Geiz recalled.
"Must we make note of it?" Woz sighed, "It is clearly not of importance."
"I am not certain about that…" Penny trailed as everyone looked towards her, "It appears to be an alien life form that is comprised of Cosmic Energy, similar to Another Fourze."
"Wait, you were able to get a read on it?" Blake asked.
"Even more so than Another Fourze," Penny nodded, "It seems as though being pure without the influence of an Antoherwatch allowed me to get an easy scan in. Though I am still unsure what to call this new organism…"
"SOLU…" Ryusei spoke up.
"You mean like Nadeshiko?" Gentaro asked.
"That's the only explanation," Ryusei said as he crossed his arms before noticing the stares he was getting, "SOLU, Seeds Of Life from the Universe if I'm remembering the terminology correctly. We've encountered a being like that before. They're comprised of Cosmic Energy and mostly run on instinct and reflexes but can evolve if given the right catalyst."
"So you're saying we're dealing with SOLU Organisms?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"If Boot is going on reflexes and instinct… then it must've landed somewhere that hated Kamen Riders," Geiz mused to himself as he heard the explanation.
"So what exactly is our plan now?" Weiss asked, "Search for them again?"
"I doubt they'll be so easy to find this time," Blake said, "After all they seemed to want us to find them."
"Yeah but they clearly underestimated how many of us there were," Yang said.
"I think for now we should focus on the remaining meteorite," Ryusei spoke up as he decided to take charge, "Two of the three meteorites vanished, and now we have Another Fourze and this Boot running around."
"What are you thinking?" Gentaro asked.
"While those two aren't active we need to try and figure out a way to deal with the third meteor before that becomes active too," Ryusei explained, "Luckily I got in touch with an expert and he asked me to drag you along."
"Me…?" Gentaro asked as he pointed at himself.
"Yes, you," Ryusei smirked as he slapped his friend's shoulder, "Come on, who else do we know that's an expert in Cosmic Energy?"
"Well I suppose I can dip if it's this important…" Gentaro rubbed the back of his head with a smile, "So are we heading to the crash site?"
"No, we need to head for a research center," Ryusei admitted.
"Guess it's time for a field trip," Sougo mused.
Cinder continued to stare at the meteorite she was supposed to watch. Nothing had happened for a good while so it was mostly her trying to not get bored while staring at the crash site. That was until a strange humming noise was heard by everyone. She perked up and noticed that the meteorite was starting to shine brighter. She stared down at the perimeter set up as various armed forces began readying themselves when they saw the current display.
"Looks like its time…" Cinder said before noticing something from her vantage point. She narrowed her eyes when she saw four individuals in white uniforms in the distance. The four also seemed to be heading straight towards the crash site, "Oh great… trouble."
Despite being all the way in the city and far away from where the meteorite was, Boot immediately shivered and turned towards the direction of the crash site. Once the energy had spiked, it had managed to sense it near immediately.
It began to walk forward until it heard a sudden shriek, soon turning towards a young girl who had ended up letting go of her balloon. As if on instinct the Rider-like entity quickly rushed forward and leapt at the balloon, grabbing it by the string before landing in a kneeling stance.
"Whoa, that was so cool Mister," The girl said as she hurried over, "Are you those masked heroes I keep hearing about?"
"No," Boot said as it shook its head before holding out the string towards the girl who happily took it, "Here you go."
"Thanks Mister," the girl smiled before hurrying off.
"I should not get distracted so easily," Boot shook its head as it turned back in the direction of the crash site before walking in a hurried pace, "There is a dangerous energy gathering…"
It didn't take long for Ryusei to lead everyone to a science facility in the city, this one in particular being a branch of a major one that studied Cosmic Energy. Gentaro and Ryusei took the lead with everyone following behind, the head scientist coming out to great them.
"Gentaro," The scientist said as he flashed a smile, "I see you're making all kinds of friends still."
"What else would you expect?" Gentaro asked with a smile as he walked over, the two performing Gentaro's signature handshake, "How are you doing, Kengo?"
"Hard at work as always," Kengo said, "Though I must admit that trouble follows you routinely huh? We had a good break, but first Enigma, then Kageto Banba, and now these meteors?"
"Yeah, kind of strange how it's all piled up," Gentaro admitted, "Not to mention that Another Fourze creep."
"Another Fourze…?" Kengo asked.
"That would be why we're here," Ruby spoke up as the rest of the group walked forward.
"Another Riders are corrupted versions of Kamen Riders," Geiz said, "They're created by this group known as the Time Jackers who want those Another Riders to become King."
"We've been good at stopping them," Sougo added, "It's just this one got a bit tricky on us."
"There's also that Boot guy that's a SOLU," Yang added.
"Must we continue to bring it up?" Woz asked, "It's inconsequential."
"Maybe to you," Geiz scoffed before looking over at Woz, "What's with the attitude right now?"
"I just feel no need to care about the current situation," Woz admitted as he held his book close, "We've obtained the Fourze Ridewatch, thus there's not much of a need to care. My Overlord will win the day like he always has."
"You say that like you haven't been helping us outside of Sougo's mission all this time," Blake pointed out, "What about all those times in Atlas?"
"Merely because my Overlord requested it and we needed the Time Jackers away from Remnant," Woz said before turning and walking off, "If you need me I'll simply wander around until we need to claim our victory."
"That guy's seriously ticking me off…" Geiz's eye twitched a bit before walking after Woz, "I'll be right back."
"Woz is acting strange right now," Weiss raised an eyebrow, "Is it because of what that Boot thing said?"
"I'll make sure they don't do anything hasty," Ryusei said, "Kengo, mind taking the lead?"
"Of course," Kengo gave a nod.
"Good," Ryusei said before walking after Geiz and Woz.
"So what was that about?" Kengo asked to which Gentaro gave a shrug. The scientist then gestured to follow him as he brought out a tablet, "Alright then, so what do you all know so far?"
"We know that three meteors struck," Ruby said, "And that two of them vanished entirely, and we've got two Cosmic Powered entities in Another Fourze and Boot as a result."
"If those meteors are the same composition as the one I've been studying then you're on the right track," Kengo said as he pulled up data, "I scanned the meteor that struck the quarry, turns out it has a mass of Cosmic Energy stored in it that's slowly activating. It also has a life signature similar if not the same as a SOLU."
"Okay, so that's bad, right?" Yang asked.
"We'll have a third extraterrestrial being to contend with," Tsukuyomi nodded.
"I've been using whatever data we get to scan it," Kengo said, "It's growing considerably in power and it likely has more power than what the other two extraterrestrials you've come in contact with have."
"Just great," Yang groaned.
"And while I don't doubt your skills, this is likely going to be an overwhelming fight given this third entity might also have its own agenda," Kengo said as he led them towards a lab, "You'd need Fourze again at full power to likely push back and win."
"But Kengo, I can't transform," Gentaro said, "The Fourze Driver was destroyed."
"Yes," Kengo nodded as he scrolled through his tablet, "If this was a couple of months later then this would be a non-issue."
"What do you mean?" Sougo asked.
"I've been trying to recreate the Fourze Drive and lost Astro Switches but it's been too slow of a process," Kengo answered.
"Kengo…" Gentaro muttered in surprise as his eyes widened.
"Come on, did you really think I was going to let you melt all that hard work?" Kengo flashed a smirk as he began going through information on his tablet, "Even rushing it would take me a few days."
"Hmm, what if I did what I did that one time?" Gentaro asked.
"You mean borrow it from your past self?" Kengo raised an eyebrow, "How would you do that again?"
"I mean we have Time Machines," Yang spoke up causing the two to stare at her, "What?"
"It is very much true," Penny spoke up.
"I don't think we'll need to go that far admittedly," Sougo laughed a bit at Gentaro and Kengo's disbelief as he brought out the Fourze Ridewatch, "If Gentaro needs to transform again then this should give him his powers back so long as he holds onto it."
Gentaro pointed at the Watch, "That thing?"
"Yep," Ruby said, "We've tested it with at least one other Rider. So it should work on you."
"Shinji was also amnesiac, correct?" Penny asked, "So there is a higher chance of this working better on someone who remembers, right?"
"More like he didn't remember his time as a Rider," Blake corrected, "But you're on the right track, there should be no issues."
"What odd technology," Kengo admitted with a skeptical glance.
"So if that's what we're going to do, let's try it out," Yang suggested.
"Right here, right now?" Weiss asked.
"I mean it should be fine right?" Sougo asked.
"While I'm not familiar with that technology, Fourze's powers come from Cosmic Energy," Kengo spoke up as he cleared his throat, "Right here, right now, won't cut it for this facility. We need to go to the proper testing area."
"Knew it," Weiss said.
"Do you have an area we can test it in then?" Blake asked.
"Just keep following me," Kengo said as he led them all to a lab that was fairly simplistic though one end had a window that led into a testing chamber with a heavy duty metal door as the entrance, "It'll be that room."
"Always prepared huh?" Gentaro asked.
"Who do you think you're talking to?" Kengo asked before looking over at Gentaro, "Try it."
"Alright then," Gentaro said as he saw Sougo hold out the Fourze Ridewatch. He took hold of it before entering the testing chamber and staring at it for a bit. At first it seemed like he was sentimental about potentially regaining his powers briefly, but it soon became clear that Gentaro had no idea how to actually use the Ridewatch, "Uh… how do I use this?"
Everyone nearly fell over at that, mostly because they assumed Gentaro would get curious and turn the dial before pressing the button.
Kengo pressed a speaker button near the glass window, "You never cease to amaze me you know that?"
"Oh come on, this whole thing is new to me," Gentaro admitted with a light whine, "Plus I never saw them fight either!"
"Turn the dial and click the button," Sougo said through the speaker, "That's all you have to do."
"Oh, like this?" Gentaro turned the dial, fully forming Fourze's face before pressing down on the button. The Ridewatch disappeared in a flash of light before a burst of light appeared at his waist, summoning the Fourze Driver, "Whoa…"
"Incredible…" Kengo muttered before shaking his head before looking back through the window, "Alright, it fabricated the belt and switches, now for the real test. You need to transform once more."
"On it," Gentaro said as he flipped the four front levers on the Driver downwards before readying himself, the Driver initiating a countdown.
[3]
[2]
[1]
Boot was currently walking at a brisk pace through the city streets, trying to make its way to the quarry where the last meteor had hit. It knew it had the means to easily get there in record times, but for some reason it just felt like taking the plain walking path.
"Hey!"
"Wait a minute!"
Boot paused and looked around before noticing two young men running over to him before stopping to catch their breaths.
"I can't believe it," The first guy said.
"We actually managed to find one," The second added, "And here I thought people were joking."
"Find what?" Boot asked as it stared at the men.
"A Kamen Rider, duh," The first guy spoke up before holding up a phone and getting on Boot's left while his friend got on Boot's right. The two males flashed peace signs before taking the photo, "You look pretty new too. Are you?"
"I suppose I am new," Boot nodded in response only to suddenly shake its head, "But I am not a Rider."
"Well you look like one," The second guy said before gesturing towards Boot's replica Driver, "Plus you have the belt too."
"I see," Boot replied.
"Either way, thanks for the photo," The first guy replied, "It's always cool getting to meet heroes who are out and about."
"Heroes…" Boot muttered.
"Keep up the good work," The second guy said as he and his friend hurried off.
"Kamen Rider…" Boot trailed off before looking off to the side and seeing its reflection in one of the windows. While it wasn't an exact match to the Kamen Riders it had seen via the data it had accessed, it was close enough. It stared at the window for a few more moments, "Kamen Rider…"
It had declared Kamen Riders as dangerous when it saw the level of power they exuded. In some cases it was just a side effect of them growing stronger, in other cases it was them simply gaining more power to cause harm to others. Either way their power was a threat to those around them and it figured that it couldn't discriminate in who it fought. At least, that's how it thought at first…
But then there was it itself, similar in appearance to Kamen Rider as even its belt was replicated from the Fourze Driver. It recalled how Kamen Riders were respected by various members of the public. It thought on these ideas and without another word it began walking at a faster pace towards its objective.
Woz was currently was leaning against a wall at the science institute, gripping his book tightly as he thought back to Boot's words.
"Alright, what's the matter?" Geiz asked as he walked over.
"Do I really need to explain myself?" Woz asked back.
"It's not about the Fourze Ridewatch," Geiz already guessed, "If Sougo leapt into hell you'd follow him instantly. No, this is about that Boot guy."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Woz turned his head with a huff.
"You're letting what it said get to you, huh?" Geiz asked before leaning against the wall near Woz, "Well good, because it has a point. You're a hypocrite."
"Excuse me?" Woz asked.
"You talk about it being bound to his purpose," Geiz said, "Like you aren't?"
"Those are not comparable," Woz called out in annoyance, "I am doing a service to this world by serving my Overlord. It simply has mindless conquest it won't get far in on its mind."
"So you do agree then that at their base it's the same, just wildly different," Geiz said and smirked as he watched Woz gain a look of realization, "It's honestly fine if you've devoted yourself to Sougo. At this point I just think it's a quirk you have."
"What is the point to this?" Woz asked.
"Don't try and downplay its purpose," Geiz replied, "Especially when it's on the fence about it as well and only just starting out."
"Why not…?" Woz asked.
"What if someone did that to you?" Geiz asked.
"I…" Woz muttered as he looked away.
"Sometimes people need something to keep them going."
Geiz and Woz turned to see Ryusei walking over.
"What do you mean?" Woz asked.
"Sometimes people need a reason to keep fighting, to keep living," Ryusei replied, "Sometimes it can be unhealthy to do so, for both yourself and those around you."
"Yeah…" Geiz said, recalling his mindset when he first came to the present day from 2068, and how he had a bit of a wakeup call thanks to the other Riders.
"I was the same in a way," Ryusei admitted, "I forced myself to do awful things to try and reach my goal, and in the end I wasn't satisfied. Thankfully I found help soon after, but some people aren't that lucky."
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Woz asked.
"This Boot guy," Ryusei said, "If you think its purpose is pointless and it's not sure of itself, then why antagonize it? Why not help it? Especially since you two are pretty similar."
"You heard all that huh?" Geiz asked with a chuckle.
"But what if it doesn't want help?" Woz asked, "It is going under a simple minded notion that all Riders should be destroyed. Is there any help for that kind of redundancy?"
"Then be stubborn about it," Ryusei smirked before crossing his arms, "Fight its beliefs, make it realize there's a more constructive use of its talents."
"I see…" Woz said before sighing as he thought it over, "I suppose I can at least try."
"That's the spirit," Ryusei said as he walked over to Woz, "Just remember what I said applies to you as well. You may be satisfied with the path to your goal now, but that may change when it gets completed but even if it feels too late to change, it isn't."
"I doubt it," Woz said with an indifferent expression but thought differently, especially when it came to his true goal which he doubted on occasion these days. Those were mostly as to why Boot's words stung. He was simply going along with the Quartzers goals despite everything he had experienced so far. But that was because it didn't matter in the end, there was only one ending and he would see that everything was set up for it. He shook his head free of his thoughts as he finally spoke up, "But I appreciate the advice."
"I figure I can offer some kind of solace," Ryusei said before a light began to shine from within his jacket pocket, he quickly drew out the Blank Ridewatch before showing that he had a deep blue base with a black dial and button, it having his Rider Forms face on it, "So is this what was supposed to happen?"
"Yep," Geiz said as he held out his hand, receiving the Ridewatch, "This should come in handy for Ruby."
"I do not know why you all insist upon these particular Ridewatches," Woz said as he looked over, "Though I suppose they have their uses."
Ryusei was ready to speak up when he heard his phone ring. He quickly answered it and turned away from the two Riders. Both Geiz and Woz perked up when they heard yelling and loud noises from the phone before Ryusei immediately hung up.
"Bad news," he turned towards the two Riders, "We need to get to the others now!"
The test had been successful, and Gentaro was currently celebrating his chance at fighting, for the time being anyway, with Team RWBY. Kengo meanwhile was assisting Penny by getting her scanners updated with the proper data and working on some other minor projects at the same time.
"So what exactly are you doing?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"One of Gentaro's Rider friends asked me to look into the space around Earth," Kengo admitted, "Given the sudden appearance of three meteors that weren't detected until they were too close to Earth, I figured I'd take him up on the offer."
"So you know other Riders too?" Sougo asked.
"When Gentarou brings them by," Kengo said.
"Were you able to find anything yet?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Not yet, since Ryusei's favor has sort of drawn me away from this for the most part," Kengo admitted as he typed away before a confirmation noise was heard and turned to Penny, "That being said, the scanners you have should have the proper firmware and data now."
"Thank you," Penny said as her eyes flashed blue briefly, soon raising her right arm to salute, "Wireless connections are definitely useful for this sort of thing."
"Still, I'm surprised to be meeting someone like you," Kengo said before chuckling, "A bit odd, but not like I could talk. I wasn't exactly the most normal either while Fourze was active."
"What do you mean by that?" Penny asked.
"So like did you have super powers?" Sougo asked.
"Nothing like that," Kengo scoffed, "I just wasn't exactly your standard human until Fourze's fight finished, that's all."
Gentaro meanwhile was staring at the Fourze Driver, a small smile on his face as he held it again. It was a bit selfish, but he did miss it and did somewhat regret his rash actions prior. But despite the regrets he knew that he had made the right choice in the end.
"So how did it feel?" Blake asked.
"Felt like an old friend returning, even if it's going to be brief," Gentaro admitted, "Thanks for your help so far by the way."
"Oh I mean we haven't done that much," Ruby waved off the compliment.
"You say that but I've heard the stories Tsukasa talks about involving you four," Gentaro mentioned, "It's pretty impressive hearing what you've done."
"What, he actually tells stories about anyone other than himself?" Weiss asked in disbelief.
"Well let's just say you all have impressed him a fair bit," Gentaro admitted before giving a grin, "And considering this is Tsukasa we're talking about, that's tough!"
"Tell me about it," Ruby said as she slumped forward before straightening up, "Still, it honestly feels like we haven't grown that much."
"What do you mean?" Gentaro asked.
"Well it's just, when we went to Remnant we ended up getting our Huntress Licenses and while my Uncle reassured me, it just feels like we're still missing something," Ruby explained, "Even though we're getting stronger, something feels missing."
"We did skip a lot of academic courses," Weiss admitted.
"Well the start of a worldwide panic will do that," Yang said, "I'd say we learned on the fly pretty well though."
"Even then I'd still say we're undercooked," Blake said before giving a smirk, "Or half-boiled at least."
"Please don't compare us to Shotaro," Weiss sighed.
"It's just… did we really earn it?" Ruby asked though mostly to herself, "I know we were able to keep them even after everything but it still feels like we haven't done enough."
"Don't put yourselves too down," Gentaro said, "You're still young so I can imagine that's a thought that pops up often. But you all have likely done far more than you've been expected to do. Academics are important, but experience is just as important. Even then, we're always growing even if we're close to the end of our journey. You just need to learn that constantly growing isn't a bad thing."
"It isn't?" Ruby asked in surprise.
"I mean even when I became a teacher there was a lot I had to learn," Gentaro admitted, "Not just about academics but how to be a teacher to my students."
"I see…" Ruby gave a nod before giving a smile, "Then I guess we'll just keep on growing."
"Growing can be a nice change of pace and a pleasant surprise," Weiss admitted as she held out her hand, bringing out a small version of the Bossroach Summon before dismissing it.
"Might as well, especially when it comes to Rider stuff," Yang said.
"You say that like we don't have our strongest form," Blake remarked.
"True, but who knows, I feel like Ruby and Sougo still have plenty of tricks we haven't seen," Yang said with a shrug, "After all, getting all those Ridewatches has to do something in the end."
"That's the spirit," Gentaro said, "Just keep going on your path, keep growing, and keep breaking those limits. The only one who decides whose done growing is your own self."
"That's pretty inspiring to hear," Weiss admitted.
"Definitely," Blake agreed.
"You've got quite the way with words," Yang added.
"I'll say," Ruby chuckled, "I can see why you're a pretty good teacher now."
"Thanks, I do try," Gentaro said before hearing his phone ring and seeing the Caller ID, "I need to take this."
"Now to figure out where our Another Rider is going to strike," Ruby said before hearing some crashing from outside.
"Bad news," Geiz said as he rushed in with Ryusei and Woz.
"The meteorite is under attack," Ryusei said.
Gentaro loudly shouted before anyone could properly react, "What?! Amanogawa High is under attack?!"
"EH?!"
Everyone could only shout in shock at the sudden announcement that two attacks were happening simultaneously.
"Don't worry," Gentaro said to who he was speaking to, "We'll get there as soon as possible."
"Two attacks?" Ruby asked as she saw Gentaro hang up before looking around, "What's going on?"
"Four men in white suits transformed into Horoscope level Zodiarts," Ryusei said, "They're attacking my men to try and retrieve the meteorite."
"Another Fourze showed up with two Zodiarts to attack the school," Gentaro said.
"We'll need to split up then," Sougo said before looking at Ruby, the two exchanging a nod.
"We'll want both of our powerhouses in each area and a good balance, so Team RWBY and Gentaro will back up Inazuman at AGHS," Ruby said, "While Team Zi-O, Penny and Ryusei will go to defend the meteorite."
"Sounds good to me," Gentaro agreed as the others nodded.
"Hold up," Ryusei stepped forward before pointing at Gentaro, "You can't fight, remember?"
"I can put out at least one last performance," Gentaro said as he drew out the Fourze Driver, "Ta-da!"
Ryusei's eyes widened at this, "But how?"
"Those Watch thingies," Gentaro said.
"They can do that?" Ryusei asked.
"In certain circumstances, yes," Woz gave a nod.
"Even if it is Another Fourze and you've got Roze RWBY you could still use this," Geiz said as he tossed the Meteor Ridewatch over, "It could come in handy."
"Thanks," Ruby said as she caught the Ridewatch, "Though I'm not sure how much help it'll be against that one that can regenerate."
"A regenerating Zodiarts…" Kengo muttered before looking at Ruby, "Did it use water?"
"Yeah," Ruby nodded, "Why?"
"If I'm recall correctly then I might have an idea on how to beat it," Kengo admitted.
"Perfect," Weiss sighed in relief, "That regenerating ability was annoying."
"Then I think we can do this," Sougo said as he looked around.
Several Interpol agents yelled and screamed as they were sent crashing into barriers, the culprits being four more Horoscope Zodiarts, those being Cancer, Leo, Scorpion, and Virgo.
"This should give him the Cosmic Energy he needs," Cancer said as he pointed at the meteorite embedded in the rock.
"Then let's get it already," Scorpion suggested.
"Allow me," Virgo said as he took aim with his halberd.
[HI-ROZE!]
The four Zodiarts all heard the announcement before suddenly an explosion occurred between all of them, fire lashing out and sending them all backwards.
Leo gasped as he stood, "What was that?!"
Hi-Roze emerged from the flames before a burst of wind was unleashed from her, blowing the fire, smoke and dirt away and clearing everyone's field of vision.
"Sorry to say… but the power of that meteorite is mine," Hi-Roze said as she brought out twin glass scimitars.
"What?" Virgo questioned as he used his halberd to rise, "Don't you know who we are?"
Hi-Roze titled her head, "Pests?"
"What was that?" Leo growled out.
"You can't take all four of us!" Cancer called out as he managed to lift himself up, "Just save yourself the trouble and run!"
"It's clear you're underestimating me…" Hi-Roze chuckled as she glanced around, "Very well… I'll show you what happens when you deal with someone who has true power."
Back at Amanogawa High, Miyoko was currently ushering any students to get inside alongside the other Youth League members and Ohsugi. Another Fourze had attacked in full force, bringing out the Stardust Ninja Dustards as ground troops to help Aquarius and Taurus overwhelm the school.
Saburo had transformed into Sanagiman to start off, going for brute force tactics to plow through the Dustards and make his way to the Another Rider and Zodiarts. Once enough time had passed however he was able to complete his transformation into Inazuman.
"I won't let you destroy this school," Inazuman called out as he dodged the whip strikes from Aquarius before charging his hands with psychic energy, "Psycho Chop!"
Aquarius gasped as she was struck by the attacks, it cutting deep into her monster form as she gasped. Staggering back she soon began to chuckle as the water from her shoulder pads flowed out and healed her.
"What?" Inazuman asked.
"You won't get in the way of our revenge!" Taurus yelled out as he slammed his staff into the ground, creating quakes to force Inazuman to stagger.
Inazuman leapt up into the air while summoning his wings to give him added height, "What do you have against this school?!"
Net On!
Another Fourze gave a yell as he spun and swung his right leg forward, a pink net erupting from it and wrapping around Inazuman and binding him in the energy net.
"Inazuman!" Miyoko called out in concern before shrieking as a few Dustards closed in.
Daita shouted as he used his massive size to his advantage, charging forward and launching a few Dustards back. Chikao meanwhile let out a shout, unleashing a barrage of rapid punches against a few more approaching Dustards.
"Caught like the insect you are," Another Fourze laughed before pointing forward and moving closer to Inazuman with his allies, "This school has brought about nothing but pain for many of us! For all sorts of reasons! Be they minor, small, or incredibly complex! And I will see it torn down!"
"So you're just attacking the school for petty reasons?" Ruby's voice could be heard as a few energy blasts hurtled past Another Fourze and struck the edges of the energy net.
Inazuman gasped as the net loosened before yelling out, "Inazuma Typhoon!"
Another Fourze and his Horoscope companions all gasped as they backed away, Inazuman tearing through the energy net with a whirlwind attack. The three then looked back towards the entrance of the school, stepping back in surprise.
"Come on, were you really not expecting some of us?" Ruby asked with a smirk as she dismissed Crescent Rose, the rest of Team RWBY beside her, "You're attacking the last meteorite so we have to split our forces."
"What's she talking about?" Aquarius asked.
"Pay her no mind," Another Fourze spoke in a sudden manner, "We're so close to our goal!"
"There are only four of them this time and three of them can't transform," Taurus said as he gripped his club staff tightly, "We can do this!"
"What's all that about?" Yang raised an eyebrow, noticing Aquarius' confusion.
"Something more is going on," Blake said.
"Unfortunately," Weiss frowned, "Let's just deal with them."
"Sorry to say but there's nothing you can do to spin this in your favor," Another Fourze taunted.
Inazuman however perked up as he watched someone walking over to Team RWBY, "Huh, teacher?"
"Sorry to say but I don't appreciate people who try to mess with my students," Gentaro said as he was the one that was walking over.
"You…" Another Fourze hissed out.
"I'm not sure who exactly you all are, but you've got to get through us to destroy AGHS," Gentaro said as he slicked back his hair.
"And just what can you do?" Another Fourze asked, "I may have not been back long but I know you can't transform anymore."
"That would be an issue," Yang smirked, "But…"
"My buddy is visiting again for a brief time," Gentaro brought out the Fourze Driver before placing it on his waist.
Another Fourze gasped, "Impossible!"
"Alright Team RWBY, let's show this punk what we can do!" Gentaro called out as he began flipping the main four levers down before striking his pose.
"Right," Ruby called out as she brought out her Driver and Silver Roze Ridewatch, prepping her transformation as the countdown started.
[3]
[2]
[1]
"Henshin!"
[SILVER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
Gentaro pushed the lever once before raising his right hand upwards. Smoke erupted from his belt and covered him as a ring of energy formed at his waist and spun upwards before shining down on him. Once the light and smoke died down he threw his hand down as he was now transformed into white astronaut themed Rider, Fourze.
Roze meanwhile took her stance while her Team summoned their Rider Weapons.
"IT'S…" Fourze crouched down and held his arms close before leaping up and spreading his arms out, "SPACE TIME!"
"So that's how it's said…" Blake muttered.
"Of course Sougo got it wrong," Weiss nearly fell over at this realization.
"Whoa, what was that?" Roze asked as she turned in surprise.
"Space," Fourze held up a fist.
"Space Time it is then!" Yang agreed with a raised fist of her own.
"It's good to have you back, teacher," Inazuman said as he began walking around before joining the two Riders and their allies.
"Good to be back, for now anyway," Fourze nodded as he patted his students shoulder before sliding his hands against his helmet as if slicking his hair back, "Kamen Rider Fourze… we'll settle this Rider to Another Rider!"
"That's it," Another Fourze raised his hand and flicked his wrist, recalling the Dustards that were causing trouble around them over to him and his Zodiarts followers, "No more games."
"Let's go, everyone!" Roze called out before running forward alongside her teammates.
"Of course," Inazuman nodded before charging alongside Fourze.
"Attack, show them no mercy!" Another Fourze pointed forward. Aquarius and Taurus charged alongside the Dustards while the Another Rider hung back.
"Weiss, we need these grunts cleared," Roze ordered.
"Already on it," Weiss said as she brought out a large summoning circle, soon enough two massive arms reached out and slammed against the Dustards, the Evolved Shika Inves Summon lifting itself out of the circle and charging against the opposing forces.
"Yang, back her up," Roze added.
"You can count on me," Yang said as she began punching with her Magma and Blizzard Knuckles, dealing with any stragglers alongside a few that attempted to go around and sneak attack Weiss.
"What the hell?" Taurus asked.
"She can do that?" Aquarius questioned as she stopped in her attacks.
"Blake you're with me, let's try Kengo's plan," Roze said as she brought out Silver Crescent, unleashing blasts of light against the distracted Zodiarts. Aquarius was hit and forced to reel back while Taurus managed to tank through the shots, trying to ram into Roze who dodged to the side.
Blake used Shadow to strike at Taurus' back but only managed to cause minor sparks to fly as Taurus still had his sturdy nature.
"That's not going to work!" Taurus called out.
"You may have gotten lucky with Capricorn and Libra but we're tougher than them," Aquarius said as she used her water to heal herself.
"Saburo help them out with the Zodiarts," Fourze said as he began to rush past all the fighting, "I'll deal with my faker!"
"Roger," Inazuman said as he leapt forward, forming butterfly wings and kicking out at Taurus who attempted to charge at Blake, managing to send him stumbling mid-charge, "You alright?"
"Yeah," Blake said, "Thanks for that."
"Think you can distract Mr. Bull for a bit?" Roze asked as she moved towards Inazuman before nodding towards Aquarius, "We need to deal with her healing first."
"I'll see what I can do," Inazuman gave a nod.
Another Fourze chuckled at the fighting, crossing his arms before giving a grunt as he watched Fourze close in on him.
[ROCKET ON!]
Fourze brought out the Rocket Module on his right forearm, a large orange rocket with boosters that allowed him to boost his punch as he closed in on his Another Rider counterpart, "Rider Rocket Punch!"
Shield On!
Another Fourze held out his left arm, forming a spectral shuttle-themed shield that blocked against the rocket punch, "It won't be that easy! We have the same powers and I recall your arsenal very clearly!"
"You might know everything I'm going to do, but that's not going to help you," Fourze said as he pointed his free hand at the Another Rider, "Because you're me it means I know everything you're going to do!"
Chain Array On!
"Silence," Another Fourze growled out as he brought out a spectral ball and chain, lashing out and striking at Fourze who used the Rocket Module to dash out of the way.
"I'm surprised to see you so relaxed," Finis said as they walked over to a bench.
On the bench was Swartz who was currently enjoying a vanilla ice cream cone.
"Well you all are handling the situation well enough," Swartz said before taking a big lick of his ice cream, giving a grin, "Our Queen needs more experience after all."
"Not to mention our true King still needs to prepare, correct?" Finis asked as they stared at Swartz who remained unflinching.
"After all the trouble I went through to grow Another Zi-O, did you really think I could care about most of these Another Riders we have left?" Swartz asked.
"Our younger members certainly think so," Finis said.
"They always did have such short-sighted goals," Swartz replied, "I am glad that at least one of us can see the bigger picture here and isn't as rash as other prior members."
"Tid while exceptionally above Ora and Uhr was an impatient fool," Finis replied, "I don't plan on making the same mistakes he did."
"Let's hope not," Swartz replied, "Still… I can only hope our Queen is up to the task."
"You're having doubts?" Finis asked with a raised brow.
"I'd simply just suggest not hedging all of our bets on her," Swartz answered.
"I see," Finis said, sorely tempted to bring that question back on Swartz when it came to Another Zi-O. However it would be unwise to provoke the Time Jacker leader at this point in time, so they went for a positive comment, "Well I wish you good luck on your plans."
"Everything is falling in place," Swartz answered as he stood up and walked off, "Just make sure you all continue to provide a serviceable distraction."
(Insert: Switch On! By Anna Tsuchiya)
Claw On!
Scissors On!
A purple tri-pronged energy claw alongside yellow energy scissors formed on Another Fourze's right and left forearms respectively. The Another Rider ran to close the gap as he tried to cut into Fourze with his scissors while swiping with his claw.
"I have your entire arsenal," Another Fourze boasted once more, "You can't beat my superior strategy!"
Fourze meanwhile began dodging back, having dismissed his Rocket Module before replacing the Rocket Switch with a new one, "Superior strategy this!"
[FLASH ON!]
Fourze formed a yellow gauntlet with a large bulb at the end. Once his corrupted counterpart got close he aimed forward and unleashed a blinding white light against Another Fourze.
"Gah!" Another Fourze yelled as he went to shield his eyes.
"Sorry to say but I'm pretty sure I know how to use my Switches better than you," Fourze admitted as he swapped three of them now while dismissing the Flash Module.
[GIANT FOOT ON! AERO ON! GYRO ON!]
Fourze leapt up into the air, forming the propeller-like Gyro Module on his left arm to lift him up. He then gained the Aero Module on his left shin, using the canisters on it to suck up the air while also creating a vacuum that began to force Another Fourze towards him.
Another Fourze could only grunt as he struggled against the vacuum, "W-What?!"
"Take this!" Fourze then summoned the enlarged boot module, Giant Foot, over his right shin and foot. Once his corrupted counterpart was close enough he slammed the foot directly into the Another Rider, sending it crashing against the floor. Fourze then used the Gyro Module to touch down while dismissing the Modules, "How's that for strategy?!"
"What?" Taurus gave a gasp, "Just how is he losing?"
"You should really pay more attention to me," Inazuman declared as he used his psychic powers to levitate the remaining Dustards around him before launching them all at Taurus.
"Don't make cheap jokes!" Taurus called out as he swung his club staff, tearing through the Dustards with ease.
"Actually on second thought, you shouldn't pay more attention to me," Inazuman admitted.
"What?" Taurus asked before the area became shadowed around him. He only had the chance to look up and watch as the Evolved Shika Summon slammed its fists into him, creating cracks against the ground as he was smashed onto his back.
Roze was currently on the defensive alongside Blake. While Blake dodged to slowly get in position, Roze switched Silver Crescent to its spear form. She stabbed and batted away the multiple whips that Aquarius sent out.
Aquarius however paused fully when she saw Taurus go down, "Taurus!"
"Blake!" Roze called out.
[TADDLE CRITICAL FINISH!]
"Huh?" Aquarius perked up and turned only for it to be too late. Two arrows of ice struck her shoulders and completely froze them over, "What?"
Roze immediately used Petal Burst, splitting into multiple chunks of petals around Aquarius to get around her. Upon reforming she stabbed against Aquarius' back, sparks flying as the Horoscope was sent staggering away.
Aquarius hissed as she felt her wound sting. She looked around and tried to see why she wasn't being healed only to suddenly realize that her healing water wasn't able to escape her frozen shoulders.
Taurus yelled as he was thrown near Aquarius, landing at his ally's feet. He began to pick himself up shakily, "What's with these guys?"
"Looks like that Summon helped close the power gap," Yang noted.
"Good thing I had it too," Weiss admitted as she dismissed the Evolved Shika Summon, "Now then…"
"Team RWBY, time to form up," Roze declared as she switched Silver Crescent back to its rifle mode alongside summoning Crescent Rose.
[SILVER FINISH TIME!]
The two Zodiarts watched as Roze combined her weapons, as the other members of Team RWBY got in position. Yang holding the rifle steady while Weiss and Blake braced Roze from her back. The two then began to back away when they saw the energy charging in the attack.
Before the two could even attempt to run however they suddenly felt their bodies freeze as they struggled against this new force.
"Sorry but you aren't leaving," Inazuman said as he had his hands out, utilizing his psychic powers to hold the two monsters in place, "They're all yours!"
"Roger," Roze said as Weiss summoned a glyph to keep them steady, "Silver Crescent Rose… Fire!"
[RYOSHI SASU SASU SHOOT!]
The two Zodiarts could only watch as massive beam of silver energy erupted from the barrel of Roze's combined weapon. The two could only yell out as soon as they were hit, the world going white for them. Both exploded and fell forward as the beam died down, their monster forms fading as they were fully defeated.
(Insert End)
Another Fourze gave a grunt as it was forced back by a kick from Fourze. He then turned after he heard the attacks, "Oh?"
"Looks like you're the only one left," Fourze said and pointed at his corrupted counterpart.
"Perfect…" Another Fourze chuckled as he looked around at everyone suddenly staring at him, "I was wondering when those two would finally fall. Not sufficient enough for my plans but still good enough!"
"What are you talking about?" Roze questioned.
"This!" Another Fourze brought out the Switch he was using and pressed down on it before turning towards his fallen allies. He then let out a booming yell as he converted them into Cosmic Energy before absorbing them.
"Huh?" Fourze tilted his head, a bit as he could have sworn he had heard that kind of yell before. Not to mention despite the filter his Another Rider's voice definitely sounded familiar, "What did you just do?"
"Converted them into Cosmic Energy to fuel my body," Another Fourze answered, "I will reclaim my title as King! And you can't stop me!"
"What?" Fourze asked.
"We'll defeat you all the same," Inazuman called out.
"Sorry to say but you can't win," Another Fourze said as fire began erupting from his right arm.
Fire On!
Another Fourze spun while shouting and launching a multitude of fireballs outwards that struck near the combatants. Everyone was forced to stagger back due to how explosive the fireballs ended up being.
"Not good, he's powered up," Blake said.
"How much do you want to bet that the other Zodiarts ended up like that?" Yang asked.
"It's looking very likely," Weiss nodded.
"You all get somewhere safe," Roze said as she glanced at her team, "It's Roze RWBY time."
Hi-Roze blocked Scorpion and Leo's claws with her blades, allowing them to push inwards before she slipped underneath them, crouching while stabbing her scimitar into the ground. A bright red spot shined underneath their feet before pillar of fire erupted from the ground and engulfed the three.
"Alright, while they've got her distracted…" Virgo quickly flew up into the air, aiming his staff only to gasp out as he felt a burning sensation in his wings before a sudden explosion occurred.
Hi-Roze had combined her scimitar into a bow and unleashed delayed explosive arrows against Virgo's back and wings.
"You bitch!" Scorpio yelled out as he extended the tail on his head, unleashing it out like a whip to strike at Hi-Roze.
Hi-Roze used her bow to smack the tail away before she held out a palm, unleashing a fireball out at Scorpio who braced. The Zodiarts gasped out however as he was sent staggering back.
"Sorry to say but that power isn't ready yet," Hi-Roze called out, "So hands off!"
As the fight continued it wasn't long before Team Zi-O, Penny and Ryusei all arrived.
"What's going on?" Ryusei questioned.
"That Another Rider…" Sougo said as he saw Hi-Roze.
"Cinder…" Penny narrowed her eyes.
"Why is she here?" Tsukuyomi asked.
"Likely the same reason the Zodiarts are," Woz said, "To take whatever power is in that meteorite."
"That doesn't make sense," Geiz pointed out, "If Another Fourze is using Zodiarts then he has to be aligned with the Time Jackers. So why is there infighting?"
"We can answer that question later," Ryusei said as he drew out the Meteor Driver, the Meteor Switch already inserted into it. He pushed a silver dial to the far end as he moved his arms forward, a disco-like standby being heard.
[METEOR, READY?]
Above the earth and in orbit was Ryusei's personal satellite, the M-BUS. It was currently configuring itself for the transformation.
Ryusei swung his arm to the side, hitting the lever on his right side and causing the center of it to spin, "Henshin!"
Ryusei was bathed in a bright blue light that shined down from the M-BUS. The light shined brighter and formed an orb of energy around him. He crouched down before that energy became a bright comet, flying forward and striking against all the current combatants to force them away from each other. The comet crashed and dispersed, revealing that Ryusei had transformed into his rider form.
His suit was primarily black with white spots and lines, resembling a starry sky. He had silver accents and stylized blue pieces on his right shoulder and front of his helmet that replicated a shooting star. This was Kamen Rider Meteor.
"A Kamen Rider…?" Hi-Roze lightly gasped as she got on her knees, before letting out a low growl. She had ended up getting too into the fight and ended up completely blindsided. She then turned to see Team Zi-O and Penny, "Of course you all are here…"
"Kamen Ride Meteor," Meteor introduced himself as he slid a thumb across his face, "I will decide your fate!"
"Like hell you will!" Scorpion yelled as he and Leo immediately rushed for Meteor, the Rider entering a martial arts styled stance before charging for them.
"He can handle the small fry," Hi-Roze said as she began to move towards Sougo and the others, "It looks like I'll have to deal with you before I get what I want out of that meteor."
"Like hell you're doing whatever you want!" Cancer yelled as he ran forward and grabbed onto Hi-Roze, "You're going down!"
"Get off of me!" Hi-Roze called out as she tried to shove Cancer away, "That cosmic power is mine!"
"We need to get in there," Sougo said as he drew out his Ziku Driver, "Penny can you back us up?"
"I will try my best," Penny held her fists up with a determined expression.
Sougo gave a nod, "Good, let's-!"
[GIN-GIN GIRA-GIRA GALAXY!]
Everyone suddenly paused when they heard a new announcement alongside loud cracks being heard nearby.
[UCHU NO KANATA NO FANTASY!]
Everyone heard more cracking and soon managed to find the source, the meteorite. Glowing cracks formed at the front before shattering and revealing that something was inside of it.
It was an armored being that had a suit styled similarly to Meteor's, this one being mostly purple with a galactic color theme while also having some parts like the legs being black just like Meteor's. Silver plates adorned the body, each having a picture of a planet on his wrists, knees, sides of his chest armor, or in the case of the central chest piece, the sun. The suit had a long flowing cape with a deep blue inside and a colorful galaxy-like outside.
The helmet was silver all around except for the front, it being a black rock-like texture with wide yellow eyes, the helmet having a saucer sticking out of the forehead and acting as a hat of sorts.
[KAMEN RIDER GINGA!]
Sougo's eyes widened, "That Driver…!"
On Ginga's waist, though it was hard to tell, was a blank grey Ziku Driver, on top of it was a flat orb-like attachment that held what looked to be earth, a gold and silver ring around it. The rest of Team Zi-O could only stare as they realized this Rider was likely a newly created one due to it sharing a base belt with Shinobi, Hattari, Quiz, and Kikai.
Elec On!
Another Fourze brought out a kendo stick with yellow wiring wrapped around it, slamming it into the ground and unleashing bursts of electric shocks outwards.
Fourze gasped as he quickly used his backs booster to leap backwards, wincing as he felt a few bolts hit him.
Inazuman meanwhile gathered psychic energy in his hands before slashing out with them "Psycho Chop!"
Another Fourze backed away from the first few slashes before blocking with his stick, soon yelling out and unleashing a burst of electricity to force Inazuman back. He could only gasp however as several blasts impacted against him, a burning sensation being felt as he turned.
"Hey ugly," Roze held up Silver Crescent, "Over here!"
"Why you," Another Fourze gathered electricity in his kendo stick before swinging forward and sending several electric slashes at Roze.
Roze quickly used Petal Burst to dodge against the electric slashes, reforming and sliding while sending silver blasts of energy from Silver Crescent. She let out a small smirk as she managed to force Another Fourze on the defensive before hearing a squawk, the Taka Watchroid flying over to and around her a few times.
"They're good?" Roze asked as the Taka Watchroid chirped in confirmation. She then removed her Ridewatches before preparing her Base Form and Roze RWBY Watches, "Perfect!"
"Huh?" Another Fourze watched as Roze prepared a new transformation. He gathered electrical energy in his weapon before lashing outwards, sending more electrical slashes the Riders way.
(Insert: ENDLESS PLAY by Astronauts feat SHIINA)
Roze finished preparing her transformation as she watched the slashes close in, "Chou-Henshin!"
[RWBY TIME!]
In an instant the four emblems of Team RWBY shot out and blocked the slashes and sent them to the sides, kicking up dust. It wasn't long before the dust settled to show Roze in her base form, the symbols sliding onto and over her to fully form Roze RWBY.
[DANKETSU YOTTSU NO TAMASHI! KAMEN RIDER ROZE RW~BY~! RWBY!]
"What?" Another Fourze growled out as a blue aura appeared around his body. He stepped forward and formed spectral versions of the Radar and Launcher Modules on his left arm and right leg respectively, "Take this!"
Radar On!
Launcher On!
Another Fourze got a lock on Roze before unleashing a multitude of missiles at her, the missiles shimmering and splitting into numerous ones.
"Uh oh," Roze quickly crouched down while bringing out a Glyph underneath her, soon jumping and launching upwards as a few missiles impacted against the ground she was standing on while the rest followed after her.
"Not good, we've still got plenty following us," Blake called out.
"Then let's use Ryusei's watch!" Roze brought out Crescent Rose in its scythe mode and the Meteor Ridewatch while summoning another Glyph to step on, soon launching further up with Petal Burst.
[FINISH TIME!]
Roze gripped Crescent Rose with both hands as she reformed, energy gathering within its blade before she spun and slashed downwards.
[METEOR KAMA KAMA CUTTING!]
As soon as she slashed downwards she sent dozens of projections of Saturn's rings downwards, the rings spinning rapidly and slicing through the missiles, causing a large smokescreen to cover the sky.
Roze quickly formed another Glyph at a diagonal angle, landing on it and using it to keep her in place.
"Okay Weiss, I'll need your help for this," Roze said as she brought out a Time Dilation Glyph behind the one she was sticking to, "Blake I'll be borrowing your weapon."
"Fine by me," Blake said.
"Already on it," Weiss said.
"What, no love for me?" Yang asked in a teasing manner.
"Sorry sis, but I need something to slice and dice," Roze apologized, summoning the Gashacon Sparrow in its sickle formation before slotting in Giri Giri Chambara into the finisher slot as her body began to gain a gold outline.
[GASHAT!]
Another Fourze scoffed as the smokescreen was still thick and there was no sign of Roze. He turned towards Fourze and Inazuman, "It seems she didn't make it after all."
"You really think that lowly of her?" Fourze asked.
"All of you Riders are trash and should bow beneath me," Another Fourze answered, "And that goes for anyone foolish to ally with you."
"You…" Inazuman spoke up before hearing something, "Huh?"
"What?" Another Fourze heard it as well.
[KIMEWAZA!]
A gold burst of energy suddenly shot through the smoke, tearing through and splitting the smokescreen apart as it hurtled towards Another Fourze. Upon closer inspection however the gold burst of energy was actually Roze who had launched herself downwards at high speeds while spinning with the Gashacon Sparrow.
[GIRI GIRI CRITICAL FINISH!]
Another Fourze stabbed forward with his kendo stick, unleashing electricity outwards only for Roze to cut through that. The Another Rider could only gasp as he was struck by the slash, Roze spinning and sliding across the ground as an explosion occurred against Another Fourze not long afterwards. The Another Rider could only yell out as he was blown backwards by the explosive attack.
"Got you," Roze said as she stood a bit shakily, Fourze and Inazuman running over.
"Whoa, that was awesome," Fourze called out.
"Not bad," Inazuman gave a nod.
"So what's say we finish this?" Roze asked.
"Sounds good to me," Fourze said as he readied his two signature switches and made sure he was on Roze's right side, "Saburo, back us up alright?"
"Of course teacher," Inazuman nodded.
[ROCKET ON! DRILL ON!]
[FINISH TIME! RUBY! WEISS! BLAKE! YANG!]
Fourze switched both of the Rocket and Drills Switches on while Roze tapped the RWBY Ridewatch four times, unlocking the Driver before rotating it.
Fourze gained the Rocket Module while his left leg began to glow a bright yellow while Roze summoned the symbols of her and her teammates around her on the floor, the symbols sliding underneath her leg before sliding over her boot and shin, causing red, blue, purple, and yellow energy to erupt from it.
Fourze leapt upwards alongside Roze, the Drill Module fully forming as he used his free hand to pump the lever of his Fourze Driver.
Shield On!
"I'll take on whatever you dish out," Another Fourze said as he picked himself up before forming the Shield Module to defend against the kick.
"No you don't," Inazuman raised his hand up, "Great Power Thunder Takedown!"
A bolt of lightning was formed above Another Fourze, striking the Another Rider and shattering the shield he had. The Another Rider could only gasp as the electric based attack had managed to stun him as well.
[ROCKET, DRILL: LIMIT BREAK!]
"Double Rider RWBY Rocket Drill Kick!"Fourze shouted out as he kicked forward with his left leg while Roze kicked forward with her right. With their opponent stunned, Fourze and Roze were able to strike him in the chest and stomach respectively.
"No, no this isn't the end!" Another Fourze yelled out as he spread his arms out.
Fourze shouted, "Sorry to say…!"
"…But it is!" Team RWBY all yelled out as Roze kicked further.
[RWBY TIME BLAST!]
The two Riders yelled and kicked further before they completely pierced through Another Fourze. Fourze slammed into the ground drill first, his body spinning rapidly due to the drill still going. It slowed down as he put his foot down to stop himself before he dismissed his modules.
Roze meanwhile skidded across the ground in a kneeling stance, slowly standing up as she looked over at Fourze who soon held out his hand. Roze reached out her hand, the two performing the Rider's signature handshake as Another Fourze exploded.
(Insert End)
Five orbs of light launched out of the explosion, landing on the ground to reveal the unconscious users of Pisces, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius and Taurus.
"Looks like they were alright in the end," Roze said as she turned to see the unconscious users, "Just what-"
"Hahaha…"
Everyone paused as the smoke from Another Fourze's destruction began to clear. The Another Fourze Ridewatch rolled out of the smoke before shattering, however in the Another Rider's place was a familiar face to Fourze himself.
He was a middle-aged man with glasses that wore a white long coat with silver lining, alongside white pants and shoes.
"You…" Fourze trailed off.
"That's right it is I, Lem Kannagi!" The man shouted out as he gripped his fists and spread his arms out, "I have returned to claim my place as the Galaxy King!"
"Uh… he seems pretty happy despite losing his Another Rider powers…" Yang pointed out.
"You… how did you survive?" Fourze questioned.
"What's going on?" Roze asked.
"I'm not exactly sure how but I've evolved into a SOLU, which is perfect for housing Cosmic Energy," Kannagi answered as he looked over his body before scoffing and pressing a hand against his chest, "Those foolish people… the Time Jackers? They thought they could control me but I knew that Another Rider form wouldn't last long. That's why I knew I needed a backup. You may have freed those idiots who followed me but I still have what I needed from them, and that's the cosmic energy they were able to output."
"What makes you think you have any chance against us?" Inazuman asked.
"I don't, not now," Kannagi admitted as his body began to glow brightly, "However my other subordinates will be acquiring a great source of Cosmic Energy soon!"
"A great source…" Roze muttered before realizing what Kannagi meant, "The meteorite!"
"Exactly, all I need to do is lay low until they're done," Kannagi chuckled before his body shined a bright blue. He crouched down before leaping high into the air, his body turning into blue energy that shot off into the distance, "Farewell foolish heroes!"
Fourze, Roze and Inazuman could only stare upwards as they watched Kannagi escape, the three soon looking at each other as they realized this situation wasn't solved just yet.
Inazuman soon gave a gasp, hunching over and falling to one knee.
"Ah, are you alright?" Roze hurried over.
"You overdid it Saburo," Fourze said as he walked over to his student and put a hand on his back.
"I… I can keep going…" Inazuman said in a strained tone.
"Just rest for now," Fourze patted his students back, "Who will protect the school if you're completely out of it?"
"T-Teacher…" Inazuman looked over at his mentor.
"Just leave it to us Kamen Riders and Huntresses," Roze held up a fist as her teammates backed up her with various confirmations, "We'll handle anything thrown our way."
Everyone could only stare at Kamen Rider Ginga who began to finally move after staying still and silent, "Kamen Rider Ginga…"
"What?" Geiz asked, "Kamen Rider Ginga…?"
Ginga began gathering energy within its palms at a rapid pace before launching it out at the center of the battlefield. Everyone could only yell out as explosions occurred all over from the singular shot, Team Zi-O and Penny gasped as they were sent flying back alongside Meteor, the Zodiarts and Hi-Roze.
"T-That's no way to treat your allies," Cancer coughed out as he stood up and pointed towards Ginga, "You are to come with us and meet with our leader, the Galaxy King! When he implements you into his plan, he will rule this world!"
"No, now that he's fully active I will be taking its power," Hi-Roze stood up as she walked over to Cancer, pushing past him. She then took out the Blank Ridewatch she was given, "And I'll use its power to rule!"
"Galaxy King…?" Sougo winced while he heard this.
"I am of the cosmos, the rules of your world do not apply to me," Ginga answered the Zodiart and Another Rider as it stepped out of the meteorite shell, floating down before landing. It then began gathering cosmic energy all around it before condensing it into an orb, "There is but a single, everlasting law that applies to all throughout the universe…"
Hi-Roze's eyes widened as she quickly backed away behind Cancer and unleashed a constant whirlwind around her body as Ginga launched the orb of cosmic energy outwards. Cancer gasped as he was struck by it, yelling out and causing a large explosion that was enough to engulf Hi-Roze as well, sending her tumbling backwards as a result.
"We need to go," Leo growled out as he sped forward to grab Cancer out of the fire while both Virgo and Scorpio nodded, the two rushing off to help with the retreat.
"What's with this power?" Meteor questioned, normally he would be concerned with the escaping Zodiarts but he realized that the situation had just turned dire.
"He's scarily strong," Geiz noted.
"Then we need to give it all we got," Sougo said as he prepared his Zi-O and Trinity Ridewatches while everyone else picked themselves up, Tsukuyomi getting her Ridewatch out and ready.
[ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ!]
Geiz and Woz gasped out as the beams from Regulus shot down, forcing them to stagger into position behind Sougo.
"Will you please give us a heads up!?" Geiz groaned out.
"Yes, a warning would be nice!" Woz admitted.
Sougo ignored the complaints as he and Tsukuyomi got ready.
"Henshin!"
[TRINITY TIME! MITTSU NO CHIKARA! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ! T-RIN-I-TY~! TRINITY!]
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN~ RI~DER~ TSUKU~YOMI! TSU-KU-YO-MI!]
Zi-O Trinity and Tsukuyomi stood together, the two getting in fighting stances as they stared down Ginga.
"Decay is the fate of all things," Ginga finished from where it left off as it held a hand in front of its face, its body radiating with cosmic energy.
"Penny, stay back for now," Zi-O held an arm out before charging forward with a yell. He then punched forward only for Ginga to gather energy around its hands. The result was Zi-O punching against energy bubbles that stopped his attacks entirely. Despite the force behind them, the energy would absorb the shock and render their force null.
Ginga soon threw its hand to the side to force Zi-O to stagger before thrusting its palm against the combined Rider, unleashing an energy burst that sent the Rider skidding backwards. It began to step forward when it saw energy shots being fired towards it by Tsukuyomi who had brought out her Zikan Girade Tsu.
Tsukuyomi continued to fire to give Zi-O some room to breathe. However she didn't notice that some of her shots had managed to cut through the energy bubbles somewhat, minor sparks kicking being released from Ginga's armor when a few actually hit their mark.
Ginga noticed however, unleashing a burst of energy at Tsukuyomi's feet to blow her backwards. However it wasn't the only one who noticed this as Meteor had picked up on Tsukuyomi's unknowing advantage as he was carefully observing the situation.
Tsukuyomi shrieked as she tumbled against the ground. She began to get up when she saw Ginga starting to move, "Sougo!"
Zi-O gave a grunt as he began to get up only for Geiz to suddenly take control of Zi-O Trinity.
"He's too strong," Geiz said, "We'll have to try it."
"Try what?" Zi-O asked as he took back control of his body only for Geiz to take control again.
"You know," Geiz said as if it was obvious, "The thing!"
Zi-O took back control, "What thing?!"
"You're being too vague," Woz called out in annoyance as he took control.
"Sougo, look out!" Tsukuyomi shouted.
Zi-O retook control as the trio of Riders all stared in front of them, Ginga standing directly next to and staring down at them. They weren't able to get any kind of retort or counter in as they were immediately kicked away by Ginga.
"Oh no…" Penny muttered as she hurried over to Tsukuyomi.
"Sometimes I feel like that form is worse than the others…" Tsukuyomi sighed as she hung her head before noticing movement near her. She soon saw Meteor hurrying over, "Ryusei?"
"I've got an idea but you need to trust me," Meteor said as he hurried over to help Tsukuyomi up, he then looked over at Penny, "I could use your help as well."
"I will do whatever you need," Penny gave a salute.
"Geiz, we've got no plan here!" Zi-O pointed out.
"It doesn't matter!" Geiz yelled out as he forced Zi-O Trinity to move forward.
Zi-O rushed in for several punches, even trying to knee Ginga at points. However the cosmic Rider continued to form energy bubbles that stopped their attacks entirely. It forced down a right hook from Zi-O only for Geiz to suddenly take control, bringing out the Zikan Jaclaw to try and strike Ginga immediately.
Ginga however was quick to form another energy bubble to catch the Jaclaw. It then swung its hand to the side, forcing Zi-O Trinity away from it and against the ground.
"Didn't work…" Geiz growled out.
"Let me try!" Zi-O called out as he brought out the Saikyo Girade.
"Excellent, my Overlord," Woz declared as Zi-O Trinity ran forward.
Zi-O yelled and gripped his weapon with both hands, slashing down only for Ginga to form a massive energy bubble, catching his sword and hands in it. Zi-O gave a gasp as he tried to break free but his hands and sword were stuck in place.
"Wait a sec, hang on," Zi-O stammered out as he saw Ginga gathering energy in its free hand, "D-Don't-!"
Ginga unleashed the blast of energy against Zi-O's chest, sending the Rider flat on his back.
"That didn't work either!" Geiz yelled out.
"Well, neither did yours!" Zi-O pointed out.
"Then allow me…" Woz sighed as he brought out his Zikan Despear in its sickle mode, having Zi-O Trinity rush forward. His first attempted swing was batted back by an energy bubble, but he used that to his advantage. Zi-O Trinity spun and swung down with all its might only for Ginga to sidestep the attack, the Despear getting stuck in the ground.
Ginga then put its foot on the Despear and could only watch as Zi-O Trinity, still under Woz's control, attempted to pull it out and away. It used this to its advantage and gathered energy in its hand, unleashing a quick burst that sent the combined Rider staggering backwards.
Geiz gave an annoyed growl, "Why didn't you pull back?!"
"Forgive me…" Woz apologized, "I thought I could make it work…"
"Okay, this is kind of scary," Zi-O admitted as he fully retook control, "I don't think we've run into someone who could match Trinity's raw power before."
"Leave it to a cosmic monstrosity to be just what was needed," Geiz sighed.
Hi-Roze meanwhile coughed out, staring at the current battle going on. While she thought her chances were good before, that delusion started to drop when she was hit by the back blast of the attack that had hit Cancer. It especially started to sink in when she saw what was supposed to be Zi-O's strongest form struggling against Ginga. She picked herself up and began to back away, realizing that she'd need to come up with a new strategy.
As if continuing where it left off, Ginga spoke up again, "That is the one absolute law!"
"Over here!" Penny yelled out as she had Floating Array already prepared, standing far from Ginga's right. She then gave a yell and unleashed a beam of energy at Ginga, though she didn't seem to use her Maiden Powers to enhance it this time.
Ginga gave a hum before bringing out an energy bubble, deflecting the constant stream of energy off against one of the edges of the quarry.
"We've got you now!" Meteor yelled out as he rushed forward, taking out the Switch from the Driver and slotting it into his Meteor Galaxy.
[LIMIT BREAK, OK!]
Penny immediately dispersed her beam causing Ginga to take a step forward due to its stance. This was because Meteor had closed in on Ginga, his right hand shining bright with energy. Meteor gave yells as he unleashed a rapid series of punches and strikes against Ginga.
Ginga quickly held up its hands, forming energy bubbles to easily block against the strikes. It could only tilt its head in confusion as Meteor finished the attack with a stronger strike. Ginga was still able to block the finishing blow of the finisher, still tilting its head in confusion.
"Why…"
[FINISH TIME!]
It heard the announcement come from behind and used a pulse to force Meteor away. Just as it turned the entire area turned to night and it gave a pained gasp as it suddenly lurched over.
Tsukuyomi had gotten behind Ginga, leaping up into the air and initiating her finisher which had the side effect of turning the area to night briefly as a crescent moon shined down on her as she kicked out. It turned to day again as she kicked down at Ginga.
[TIME JACK!]
Ginga gave a grunt as it just barely threw itself to the side, Tsukuyomi's kick grazing against its left bicep. Sparks flew as it staggered back from the attack and held its chest, shuddering from the side effect of the attack.
"She landed a hit?!" Zi-O asked in shock.
"I grazed him?" Tsukuyomi gasped.
"So I was right," Meteor said as he immediately noticed how Ginga had reacted when it suddenly turned to night.
Ginga growled as it slapped the front of its Driver, pressing against it three times in rapid succession before the emblems that held the planets on his body began to shine brightly.
"No you don't!" Tsukuyomi called out as she unleashed time stop against Ginga to force it to pause mid-attack. She could only grunt however as she felt a pull on her, she could feel Ginga using its raw power to resist her attack only to yell out as she was blasted backwards by the feedback of Ginga breaking free of her time stop.
[STRIKE THE PLANET NINE!]
It unleashed nine planet-like blasts of energy out of its emblems, the energy hurtling towards Tsukuyomi and Meteor. Penny quickly swooped in, using her magic to strengthen her boosters as she grabbed both Riders before launching up and out of the way of the attack.
"It can resist time stop?" Geiz questioned.
"What a fearsome power…" Woz shuddered.
"Yeah…" Zi-O nodded as Penny landed nearby, setting Tsukuyomi and Meteor down.
Tsukuyomi groaned as she used Penny to brace, "I didn't think that was possible."
"What do we do now?" Penny asked.
"We've barely done anything at all to it," Zi-O admitted.
"We can beat it though," Meteor reassured, "We just have to keep trying."
The Riders and Maiden all turned towards Ginga who was walking towards them, gathering energy in its hands as it went to prepare its next attack.
Watching from a distance was Boot who had just managed to arrive after Ginga's last attack. It stared intently at the current situation, as if weighing its options carefully.
"Kamen Rider…"
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"Let's do this man-to-man!"
"That's kind of an out there statement."
"My life was of no consequence…"
"Since when could Ruby do that?"
"Paramount in the universe… Ginga Finaly!"
Chapter 102: 2068: Limit Break, Ginga Finally!
Author's Note: And here's Ginga, finally! Ha, ha, see what I did there? Yeah okay, bad jokes aside, this was a scene I wanted to keep mostly intact. That monstrosity of a Rider has a lot of destructive presence behind its debut that I wanted to keep. Of course I also wanted to keep the "We need to do the thing!" "What is the thing?!" exchange because that is still one of my favorite Rider gags of all time.
We also get a temporary return for Fourze, which was why I had Ryuki show up in the last Saga the way he did. It's basically a showcase that even if their powers aren't physically around anymore, their connections as Riders allow them to access the powers of their respective Ridewatches.
I will say though, glad to see the surprise and excitement I got from bringing Boot into play. Very much an obscure stage-show character I wanted to utilize in my own way that I felt would end up working out well enough. With all that said, we've got one more chapter in this bundle of Fourze related chapters, I'll see you next time for our wrap-up.