Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 109 – 2007: DenLiner has Arrived!
Earth – July 21st 2008
It was a bright sunny day, with great weather for a picnic that could be had.
At least for anyone ordinary as four individuals were staring down a singular foe. The first was the second to last Another Rider that could be formed. A monstrous black body covered by white forearm and leg armor alongside a red armored upper body and two horns jutting out of his face and acting like eyes, Another Den-O. The next was a Ganma Ultima but in black, it being Ultima Ebony, and nearby it was a Kaiser System user from Build's world, the combined red and blue gears giving them away as Bikaiser. Lastly Hi-Roze was among them, shaking in near anger at the power she was feeling resonate off the individual they were facing.
Standing before them was the future King and Kamen Rider of Time, Zi-O. There was one difference with him however as he was in a form that no one had seen before. The base of it was a black bodysuit, gold watch strap padding lining his chest, arms and legs with bulky golden armor decorating his form. The armor was made more detailed by Zi-O having statuettes all over them, the statuettes being those of past Kamen Riders.
Unbeknownst to the five, there were two people watching them. The first was a man with caramel colored hair that resembled Kyosuke Kiriya, Kamen Rider Kyoki. The next was a strange being in a suit that was all black with silver arms and a gold mask over a silver jaw.
"That's it…" the suited being said, "The power that ends worlds…"
"We have to stop him before he gets a hold of it," the Kyosuke doppelganger said.
Zi-O didn't seem to be paying much attention to them as he was focused on the fight at hand, staring down his opponents as a gold and pink aura radiated from him.
"REJOICE!" Woz walked into view and held out his hand, "Tokiwa Sougo has obtained the power of every Heisei Rider, and has become unstoppable! He is now Kamen Rider Grand Zi-O!"
[GRAND ZI-O~!]
SLAM!
"Oh my," Woz said as he was currently in his narrative void, the black clock behind him as he had shut his book tightly, "I am afraid I've shown you too far into the story… ignore it for now for it comes soon enough. That said there are two mysterious individuals stalking Tokiwa Sougo. There is also the fact that Tsukuyomi will make an important discovery soon… but in order to start properly we must return to a time… which is much farther out than you may think."
Earth – Wasteland 2068
A young man in tattered clothes was currently trying to craft some makeshift tools for survivors and Resistance members to use. He was occupying a cave that was lit by a weak fire, as it was currently night.
"Hey, Gestern," a voice called out as another man in tattered clothes walked over, he had a gun strapped to his back that he adjusted every now and again, "You hear about those weird things happening as of late?"
"What weird things?" Gestern sighed as he slowed in his work, finishing up before looking through a nearby box, "You know I make it a point to barely go out."
"Right, sorry," The man said, "Apparently Oma Zi-O's been fighting someone, as in singular, someone."
"Who could he be fighting that's actually managing to survive?" Gestern asked.
"Not sure, but apparently people call her a witch since she can just revive from whatever injuries he dishes out," the man replied, "Sounds crazy right?"
"Sounds like people want to just play make believe to stop the crushing weight of reality from dropping down on us," Gestern admitted.
"Wow you're such a bummer," the man sighed, "I mean, Geiz and Tsukuyomi have to be doing something by now, right?"
"We can't keep in contact with them and there haven't been any notable changes," Gestern reminded.
"Do you think they're…?" the man trailed off.
"They'll be fine, they can handle themselves and know what to do," Gestern waved it off before gesturing towards the box, "Now you going to grab the supplies I made or what?"
"Fine, fine," The man said as he walked over and grabbed it, "Thanks for the usual supply drop man."
"No problem, those two are fighting their hardest so I might as well in my own way," Gestern said as his ally walked off with the box. He could only sigh however once he was sure his ally had left, "Seriously, sometimes I wonder if those two are still even alive."
"Oh they are but you won't be happy about it."
"Huh?" Gestern turned and gave a gasp as he backed away, Finis having appeared leaning against the wall near him, "Who are you?"
"Someone who can show you what exactly your little "saviors" have been up to," Finis said with a smile as they drew out a tablet and began showing whatever video footage she could of 2018 and 2019.
Most of it was of Geiz and Tsukuyomi slowly but surely becoming friends with Sougo, alongside the group working together and helping Sougo slowly but surely claim the power of all Riders.
"This is…" Gestern let his arms drop as he fell to his hands and knees, "They just… they just befriended him and they're helping him grow in power?!"
"Sad, isn't it?" Finis asked, "Don't worry however because I have a proposition for you…"
"What's the point even?" Gestern questioned, "They were our best shot at changing everything…"
"Not if you go back in time and stop Zi-O before 2009," Finis said, "There's an odd shift in history at that point, so say sometime like 2008 might work well."
"But how can I do that?" Gestern asked, "We only had two functional Time Mazines left in this era."
"Luckily a Time Mazine isn't the only way to get around," Finis said before holding out the last Anotherwatch available, activating it and shoving it into Gestern.
[DEN-O!]
Gestern yelled out as he transformed into Another Den-O, the Another Rider hunched over while breathing heavily before he calmed down enough to look himself over.
"What… what is this?" Another Den-O asked.
"Your new power," Finis smiled before walking over, "Hold out your hand towards the exit and think of traveling through time."
Another Den-O nodded and held out his hand towards the cave entrance, and soon enough a distorted whistle was heard. A red train with demonic red horns jutting out of it similar to Another Den-O's could be seen sliding into view, it having numerous white cars attached to the main red one.
"Another DenLiner," Finis smiled, soon walking forward, "With this we'll be able to go wherever we wish."
"Wherever huh…" Another Den-O chuckled before walking forward to catch up with Finis.
Temporal Stream
The Another DenLiner was currently making its own tracks as it sped forward, Another Den-O at the helm while Finis was with him. The two were currently traveling through the Temporal Stream which was an endless dry desert with some rock formations and a rainbow colored sky.
"Got a handle on it?" Finis asked.
"Yes, this is pretty easy," Another Den-O admitted, "Now while my mission is important, it would be rude for me to not give you first dibs on where you want to go."
"How kind of you," Finis smiled.
"So where will it be?" Another Den-O asked before chuckling, "Or rather, when?"
"For me it's where," Finis said as they pulled up a map in the cockpit they were in before marking the point, "Just steer to this location. We'll make a stop there so I can make the necessary preparations."
"Aye, aye," Another Den-O said before the sound of a whistle echoed all around them, "Huh? Sounds like a cleaner version of this thing's whistle."
"Oh no…" Finis muttered, "I was hoping we'd have more time."
"More time?" Another Den-O asked, "What exactly is going on?"
"Your true counterpart has caught onto us," Finis' eyes narrowed, "We'll need to fight our way out of this…"
As the Another DenLiner was speeding through the Temporal Stream, another set of tracks began forming next to it. The same whistle and horn was heard as the true counterpart of the Another DenLiner, the DenLiner, sped forward and easily caught up with it. Both trains began to get dangerously close towards each other as neither was about to back off without a fight…
Earth – Late June 2019
Tsukuyomi was currently wandering around, having decided to take a walk to clear her head. She was still thinking on how she was knocked out but managed to survive the warehouse crashing down. She was currently passing through an empty bike parking lot as she mulled on her thoughts.
"Did Geiz save me?" she asked before shaking her head, "No… he said he got their later… but then, was I just lucky?"
"Very lucky considering I somehow managed to use what remained of our connection to possess you and get you to move," a voice said from behind, Tsukuyomi soon feeling a pulse as something entered her.
"Huh, oh that makes sense," Tsukuyomi nodded though shook her head upon feeling something off due to the strange pulse that shot through her, "What?"
Upon turning she was greeted with the monster composed of sand, its upper body in the ground with its legs hanging in mid-air. Tsukuyomi shrieked as she backed away before bringing out her Faizphone X.
"No, no, no!" The creature of sand called out as he held out his hands before placing a hand near his chest, "Princess it's me! It's me!"
"I'm not exactly sure who you are," Tsukuyomi stressed as she narrowed her eyes before recognizing the voice and nickname, "Wait… that nickname… you're that red and white eye monster from my memories?"
"It's Imagin, but yeah," the Imagin said as he gave a nod before giving a gasp, "No wait! So you really did lose your memories?!"
"I did," Tsukuyomi nodded before realizing something, "Wait, do you know about my past?"
"I do yeah," The Imagin said, "I can explain everything but I need you to make a contract with me."
"A contract…?" Tsukuyomi asked, "You can't just explain it right now?"
"I could but it's been so long since I had a proper body," the Imagin explained before clasping his hands as he went to beg, "I know this sounds super sketchy and you can't exactly trust me. But please, you just gotta take my word!"
"I'd say go for it."
"Huh?" Tsukuyomi turned, the Imagin peeking out from behind to see Tsukasa leaning on a nearby pole, "Tsukasa Kadoya."
"The one and only," Tsukasa smiled as he held two fingers out for a short wave, "My partner is here as well."
"Hello there Tsukuyomi," Summer said as she walked over, "How have you been?"
"Rather well," Tsukuyomi smiled before realizing something, "Actually, you two have been mostly quiet lately… did things get busy?"
"You could say that," Tsukasa replied, "I've been doing an investigation with Summer's occasional help and I think we're reaching the end."
"It also involves both of you," Summer added.
"Both of us, huh…" Tsukuyomi looked down at the Imagin, "So how does this contract thing work?"
"What do you want the most?" The Imagin asked.
"I want to know about my past," Tsukuyomi said.
"Very well," the Imagin called out as both halves began to slide up and down before forming a full body, the sand bursting off of him to reveal his true colors. He was primarily red with checkered and striped patterning on his body, having gold trimming as well with pure white beady eyes, "The names Futaros, and I'm at your service."
"Futaros…" Tsukuyomi nodded as the Imagin gave a courteous bow.
"Now I suppose it's time we get the gist of this situation," Tsukasa said as he and Summer walked over.
Sougo, Geiz, and Weiss were currently visiting with Ruby at her apartment, the other residents being around alongside Kagami. Everyone was gathered around the main dining room table, the mirror that Kagami could use being moved closer as well. The main point of interest was a small object covered by a cloth.
"Okay, so it's time to get what to do with Cinder out of the way," Ruby said, "As was said earlier, apparently the last battle with Roze RWBY messed her up."
"But she's managed to stabilize herself thanks to some form of some equipment Kuroto had," Sougo added, "So now she has Legend Rider related attacks in addition to her own."
"Which is a pain in the ass," Geiz sighed as he crossed his arms.
"She's just prolonging her defeat," Kagami spoke up as Ruby nodded in agreement.
"We'd need to hit her with an Ex-Aid related finisher," Sougo agreed, "I could see some signs of some kind of Bugster Virus. Clearly it's not hurting her, but if we remove that we likely remove the stabilizer."
"Then we go in with Roze RWBY and finish the job," Weiss said, "Though given how she acted prior to being stabilized, we might just need any form of Roze."
"But once we defeat her and destroy Another Roze, we still have the issue of the Fall Maiden Powers," Blake added.
"Luckily, that's what our trip to Remnant was about," Ruby said, "Alright… could I get a drum roll?"
"Sure thing," Yang said, ready to start knocking her fists against the table only for Penny to hold a hand out, "Huh?"
"Allow me," Penny said before an audible drumming could be heard from her internal speakers, "Please go ahead!"
"Not the drum roll I expected, but sure," Ruby chuckled a bit before removing the cloth to reveal a Fullbottle that was a bit wider than normal and had strange markings on it, "Ta-da!"
"Ooh…" Sougo trailed off before looking around, "Why was this about a Fullbottle?"
"Clearly it's the key to her whole plan," Geiz replied, "Especially given its different design."
"I swear Sougo…" Weiss sighed as she smacked her face before lowering her hand and looking over at Ruby, "So this is how you're going to keep the Maiden Powers in one spot?"
"Yeah," Ruby nodded, "The Empty Fullbottle is infused with Genius' essence and made out of a stronger material than the other ones. It should be able to hold the Fall Maiden powers for however long we need."
"It would be pretty dangerous if someone random on Earth got them," Yang said.
"Or if Ruby was in her last thoughts," Blake said.
"Yeah, as exciting at the prospect of having magic is, I'd rather not add that onto my Rider and Huntress abilities," Ruby admitted.
"Wait, Ruby," Sougo spoke up, "If you all are worried about her last thoughts…"
"The decision was made once Woz gave us the necessary information," Kagami said, "Cinder needs to die so that the Fall Maiden powers can be freed from her."
"Are you going to be able to do it?" Sougo asked.
"It's a heavy load," Geiz agreed.
"I'm going to need to if we don't want Cinder still being a threat after we destroy Another Roze," Ruby said, "If you're worried about if I'll be able to do it well… I've got a plan. It's not exactly as straight forward as you think."
"I have run over the plan numerous times after Ruby asked me to," Penny said, "It has a high success rate."
"So what exactly is the full plan?" Sougo raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, please don't keep all of us in suspense," Kagami said sarcastically.
"Well…" Ruby took a deep breath, "I'm going to use A-"
Two specific train horns and whistles sounded off loudly near the door, one sounding heavily distorted as they interrupted Ruby. Everyone quickly rushed out to the front of the apartment to see what exactly was going on. The entire group there was soon treated to watching a multicolored portal open up in the sky, two sets of train tracks launching out of it as the DenLiner and Another DenLiner were currently ramming into each other, clashing several times.
It wasn't long before the two exchanged a heavy strike, the DenLiner spiraling downwards as the Another DenLiner spiraled into the air, the monstrous set of trains suddenly exploding. The DenLiner meanwhile was currently trying to regain control, before just barely managing to do so and performing a crash landing in a fairly empty district of the city.
"Whoa," Sougo's eyes widened, "A flying train battle?!"
"Something tells me this has something to do with our last Rider…" Ruby trailed a bit as she spoke before clasping her hands, "Alright, time to grab that bottle just in case Cinder's also around. We'll try and knock out two birds with one stone."
"I suppose ending this all today would be good," Weiss nodded.
"Definitely," Geiz agreed.
Finis and Another Den-O were currently on the helipad of a building, Finis having whisked them away to safety before the Another DenLiner was destroyed.
"I suppose I could have planned that better…" Finis admitted.
"Sorry for messing things up," Another Den-O apologized, "If I was just a bit better then…"
"There's no use crying over spilled milk," Finis replied, "I'll need to make some new preparations but for now we'll specifically focus on your goal."
"Wait, really?" Another Den-O asked in surprise, "But wait, how do we do that if we can't travel anymore?"
"We still have the real DenLiner to take advantage of," Finis smiled, "So I believe that is just what we should do. But be warned, I've heard while odd, the DenLiner's passengers are quite formidable. And among them is Den-O."
"I should be fine," Another Den-O reassured, "I'll just strike when they least expect it."
Despite Sougo and Ruby's intention to make it towards the crashed DenLiner as soon as possible… they ended up getting interrupted. The interruption was from Junichiro of all people, having called Sougo to let him know his 'Oni Friends' were over. Everyone was confused by this, especially when Junichiro mentioned how colorful they were.
They decided to make a detour from their trip towards the crashed train of time, heading back to 9-5-DO out of worry for Junichiro's safety. Arriving at the clock shop things seemed rather normal… except for the four suited humanoid creatures taking up room at the dining room table.
An assortment of dishes were all laid out, each of them having a different coloration as if to match the guests, red, blue, yellow, and purple. The first was red and Oni-like, the next was blue and turtle-like with hexagonal patterning, after that was the bulky almost axe and bear-like one, and the last of their group was purple and dragon-like in appearance.
The four were currently bickering and chatting amongst themselves, bringing a surprisingly lively feeling to the dining room despite their already colorful appearance. Needless to say, everyone slowly filed in and could only stare in confusion at what was going on.
"Welcome home, Sougo, everyone," Junichiro smiled, "Your friends are here!"
"Uh…" Ruby trailed before gesturing at the scene, "Who?!"
"Oh, well…" Junichiro began to point at each suited being in turn, "The red one's name is Momotaros, the blue one is Urataros, Kintaros is the yellow bulky one, and last but not least in purple is Ryuutaros."
Ruby could only give a nervous deadpan stare at Junichiro who was smiling as if he had properly answered Ruby's question.
"Um… I'm not sure if these are my friends," Sougo admitted.
"Wait, really?" Junichiro asked in surprise, "But remember that important Oni fella that dropped by? Well these guys are Oni, right?"
"I don't think they're the same kind of Riders uncle…" Sougo trailed in disbelief.
"To be fair… he doesn't know all the stuff we do," Blake pointed out.
"Hold up," Momotaros turned "Who you callin' an oni, pal?!"
"You look like a real ogre!" Ryuutaros called out.
"I'm reeling in a delicious meal," Urataros admitted as he wasn't paying attention to the other two trying to fight each other, "Though I'd like to point out that despite his anger, our Senpai is right… we are technically Imagin."
"This food brings a tear to my eye!" Kintaros shouted in joy.
"This stinks! I wanted a kid's meal!" Ryuutaros whined in a child-like fashion.
"What mess have we walked into this time?" Weiss asked.
"Did we really walk into this?" Geiz asked, "It's more like they were invited in."
"To be fair… they were already in while we walked in," Penny corrected, "Thus Weiss' words would be correct."
"At this point I'm not even going to argue," Geiz pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Why are they here…?" Sougo asked.
"Ah crap, I forgot!" Momotaros immediately sat up, "Owner sent us here for a reason and it wasn't to eat!"
"We're not supposed to?" Ryuutaros asked.
"We need to repair the DenLiner," Kintaros spoke up.
"DenLiner…?" Geiz asked.
"It's a really cool train!" Ryuutaros shouted.
"A train…?" Junichiro asked in shock as he stepped out from behind the kitchen, "Look, hold on… this is just a clock shop. I like to tinker… but a train?"
"It will be fine," Urataros reassured, "Technically it's a train, but it's really more like a clock."
"Plus Owner told us the finest clockmaker of this era was you," Kintaros agreed.
Junichiro couldn't help but smile, "Really? This era…? Me…?"
The four Imagin were all in agreement, getting close and huddling up near Junichiro to butter him up.
"Wow, well how can I refuse after that?" Junichiro asked, "A train… I've fixed appliances before but well… if I'm the best of the era then I can absolutely do it!"
"Oh you're getting me pumped up pal!" Momotaros called out as he pumped his fists before suddenly turning into a transparent projection that entered Junichiro.
Junichiro gasped as he slumped over before suddenly jolting upright, his eyes a bright red as his hair was now pointed upwards and spiked with red stripes, "For an old guy he definitely feels like he's at the climax from start to finish! Let's go, go, go!"
"Uncle…?" Sougo asked in near horror, "What's going on?"
"Sorry kid, but we need your uncle," Momo-Junichiro called out, "So I'm taking control briefly."
"Aw man, why'd you have to ruin the fun? I wanted to do it," Ryutaros pouted while crossing his arms. That was before slowly but surely realizing how many people were in the room, "Wait…"
Everyone didn't like that they could see a glint in Ryutaros' eye before the Imagin turned incorporeal as well, suddenly entering Blake.
Ryu-Blake chuckled as she now had a cap covering her ears, various purple streaks in her hair with her eyes now being a bright purple. She also now had the pair of headphones Ryutaros wore around her neck, "DenLiner, let's go! Go! Go!"
"Oh crap, crap, crap!" Ruby shouted as she held her hands up, realizing what was going on, "Stop!"
"I suppose we should reel in some other so we don't feel left out," Urataros remarked as he turned incorporeal, Kintaros doing the same. It wasn't long before Urataros entered Weiss while Kintaros entered Yang.
"Oh my, how refined," Ura-Weiss said, her eyes being a bright blue alongside blue streaks in her white hair. She now also had glasses on as well for some reason.
"Not bad, I can dig it," Kin-Yang said with bright yellow eyes, her hair tied up into a ponytail. She also was wearing a furred sleeveless coat over her usual one.
The four Imagin possessed people now began to conga line their way out of the dining room. This was an easy task given the remaining group of Sougo, Geiz, Ruby, and Penny were a mix of highly confused or horrified by what was happening.
"My Overlord," Woz said as he appeared from around the corner, "I fear they are your lead to the final Watch."
"That's all nice and good Woz, but right now I need to go after them!" Sougo shouted in near despair as he began to hurry out, "They have my girlfriend and my uncle!"
"Yeah, yeah we should follow them," Ruby said as she quickly hurried off with Woz following after.
Geiz and Penny just stared at each other, the two mostly confused on the entirety of the situation and not following immediately.
It was a busy day as most of those who saw the sudden train fight decided to go about their day since it wasn't really a bother to them. Of course it wasn't long before all the people either crossing the street or driving were stopped in place, a time stop being activated.
Uhr and Ora walked towards each other, both on a walkway overpass.
"It's only a matter of time until Zi-O gets his final Watch," Ora said, "And it looks like Finis has finally made her move."
"It seems a little too easy," Uhr admitted, "Like, I know Rider history is rich but it feels like Zi-O's been getting real lucky with what Riders come to him."
"It doesn't matter," Ora said, "We need to stop him… before he's out of our reach."
"It is in Zi-O's nature to draw Riders to him, his existence is that powerful," a voice said as the Jester walked over to the two, "It's been a while."
"Ah yes, the useless clown," Ora remarked, "Why are you here?"
"Ouch, I'm so hurt," The Jester held his chest, "What? Can't an old friend say hi?"
"You make it sound like we're buddies but you literally had us go on a wild goose chase," Uhr reminded.
"You say that yet you have a powerful Queen waiting in the wings," The Jester chuckled before giving a mock gasp, "Don't tell me you're not satisfied?"
"What do you want?" Ora asked with a light glare, "If you're here to mock us-"
"I'll give you one final bit of help," the Jester said as he held out a box, uncovering it to reveal a Nebulasteam Gun and two gold bottles that had blue and red gears respectively alongside an enhanced Ganma Eyecon.
"More of the same toys…?" Uhr raised an eyebrow.
"The strongest of their kind," The Jester said, "Clearly you cannot win as you are now. Perhaps a desperate final stand is what you need?"
"You know what, sure," Ora said as she grabbed the Nebulasteam Gun and Bottles while Uhr hesitantly grabbed the Ganma Eyecon.
"What's your game?" Uhr finally asked.
"I am simply someone who wishes to help," The Jester held his chest and bowed before turning and skipping away.
The two young Time Jackers could only watch as he did before looking back at their new trinkets.
It wasn't long before Ruby, Sougo and Woz followed their Imagin possessed friends to the DenLiner. While Woz wasn't surprised by the appearance of the DenLiner, Sougo and Ruby couldn't help but be amazed as they went to enter. To their surprise, there was already someone on the train.
It was an older man who sat in the corner, currently focusing on a bed of fried rice that had a flag at the center. He couldn't help but give a smile as the Imagin possessed people walked in before it grew wider as the sight of Sougo and Ruby.
"Ah, if it isn't the King of Time and Huntress who Connects Worlds," The man said.
"Uh… hi," Ruby greeted with an awkward wave.
"And you are…?" Sougo asked as he held forward a hand.
"Owner," Woz introduced as he stared at the man before them, "I see the stewardess isn't here today."
"We were in quite a rush so she didn't make it on in time, but it is interesting to see you here chronicler," Owner said with a smile as he took a scoop of rice carefully before going to eat it, "Please make yourselves at home, I've already informed the proper channels and it shouldn't be long before the King of Time gets his final Ridewatch."
"I see you are just as resourceful as ever," Woz smiled before gesturing towards the cockpit of the DenLiner, Sougo and Ruby slowly nodding before heading to the front.
The three entered to see the remaining members of Team RWBY still possessed by the Imagin. Momotaros was currently out on his own as he had let go of Junichiro. This was mostly because the uncle was currently working on fixing the DenLiner. The most interesting part of the cockpit was that the main steering source, which was a sleek dirt bike-like Rider Machine known as the DenBird.
Junichiro had slid open a panel and was currently taking a look at the inner mechanisms, having also been provided a toolbox by the Imagin possessed Huntresses.
"How about it, pops?" Momotaros asked, "Think you can handle it?"
"Now I see…" Junichiro went to stand up, "You were right, it is like a giant clock."
"Uh, I don't really think that's the case…" Sougo trailed off.
"Hey don't worry," Junichiro reassured, "Your old uncle's got this under control, leave it to me! I am the best clockmaker of this era after all."
Ruby held a deadpan stare, "Are we sure that wasn't just to butter you-"
CRASH!
Everyone yelped as the DenLiner was rocked, something crashing against it. Ruby and Sougo looked at each other before nodding.
"Mr. Junichiro, we need to go make sure everything's alright," Ruby said before holding out her Faizphone X, "Keep this on you just in case you need anything."
"Sure thing," Junichiro said as he took the device, "Stay safe out there."
"We will," Sougo reassured before hurrying out with Ruby, Woz following after them while Momotaros let out a low growl, quickly hurrying off to grab something.
Outside of the DenLiner, Another Den-O was currently striking at it. He held two daggers that he used to launch out energy projections of, sending the spinning blades out to strike at the time train. Of course he didn't strike too hard because he just needed all the fighters to rush out. If he played his cards right, he'd be able to slip past them all.
Before he could get any further he gave a gasp as lightning suddenly struck behind him, sending him tumbling forward.
"It appears we have our next Another Rider," Penny called out as she landed, Geiz running up beside her, "Geiz."
"I know," Geiz said as he rushed forward while initiating his transformation, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
"Geiz?" Another Den-O looked over before giving a gasp, "Hey, wait!"
"You're not doing anything!" Geiz called out as he swung his Zikan Zax forward, giving a low growl as Another Den-O ducked underneath his strike.
"Geiz you idiot, stand down!" Another Den-O shouted.
"Huh?" Geiz tilted his head, the voice sounded familiar but he couldn't place it, "The hell are you on about?"
"I need that train to change the future," Another Den-O pointed towards the time train, "So let me through."
"Like hell I'm letting you near that," Geiz pointed his axe forward.
"We will not let you pass," Penny said as she brought out Floating Array while stepping forward to stand beside Geiz.
[KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
[KAMEN RIDER WOZ! WOZ!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Another Den-O gasped as he was shot in the side and back, sparks flying as Zi-O and Woz leapt in with their weapons. Zi-O slashed with his sword while Woz stabbed with his spear. Sparks flew as Another Den-O was sent stumbling away.
The Another Rider quickly straightened up only to get shot by Roze, Penny rushing in and spinning while lashing out with her blades. It wasn't long before Geiz, Woz and Zi-O rushed in soon after, the group slowly but surely whittling Another Den-O down.
"ENOUGH!"Another Den-O yelled out as the spread out his arms, the blades on his skirt and in his hands glowing brightly as he unleashed numerous energy knives all around him, striking the Riders and Penny and forcing them back, "NOW GO DOWN!"
"Hey, you aren't getting all the fun!" Momotaros called out as he drew out a simple Rider belt with the strap already attached, four colored buttons on it, the center being circular with two crossing lanes on it. He held it up to wrap it around his waist in one go only for one of the energy knives to strike it, "What?!"
The Den-O Belt sparked as it was sent out of Momotaros' hand and to the ground, the entire front portion torn up.
"NO!" Momotaros shouted as he quickly hurried over and grabbed the belt, "Come on! You'll be alright belt-san! You'll be alright!"
"What's going on over there?" Roze asked.
"Something annoying," Geiz sighed before giving a gasp as he quickly blocked against two slashes from Another Den-O, "Speaking of annoying!"
"Huh…" Zi-O managed to get a good glimpse of the Another Riders back, 2007 and Den-O being written on it, "Alright if we're going to wrap this up quickly, its Trinity time!"
"I'll back you up," Roze said as she brought out the Rose Ridewatch, "Chou-Henshin!"
[TRINITY TIME! MITTSU NO CHIKARA! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ! T-RIN-I-TY~! TRINITY!]
[ARMOR TIME! KAMEN RIDE! YEAH! ROSE! ROSE! ROSE~!]
Both Geiz and Woz yelped as they were transformed into their Watch Armor states, their weapons flying alongside them and over to Zi-O who caught them as the transformation into Trinity completed.
Roze meanwhile drew out the Kiva Ridewatch, loading it in instead of bringing out her forms standard weapon.
[FINAL WEAPON TIME! K-K-K-KIVA!]
[ZANVAT SWORD!]
Penny meanwhile covered the two, leaping in and slashing with Floating Array before stabbing forward, managing to force Another Den-O back. Before he could retaliate she held out her hands and launched fireballs out at him to force him to defend.
"Alright," Zi-O raised both his spear and axe, "Let's go!"
"Right," Roze held her weapon, brandishing it before charging forward alongside Zi-O.
A loud horn and whistle was heard as train tracks suddenly materialized in front of them, the two yelping and backing away before falling on their backs. A green bull themed locomotive soon slid past on the tracks, it being shorter in length than the DenLiner, only one car attached to the main train.
Standing before Zi-O and Roze were the same duo that had been watching Zi-O back in 2007.
"Huh?" Momotaros looked over in surprise, staring at the man of the duo, "Yuto…?"
"Sougo Tokiwa, you're the Overlord, right?" Yuto asked.
"I thought we were done with the labeling," Roze sighed, "Who are you?"
"Wait, hold on a minute," Zi-O patted his friend's shoulder before pointing, "Isn't that Kyosuke Kiriya?!"
"Well now that you mention it…" Roze muttered as she tilted her head.
"Who the heck is that?" Yuto asked.
"Well, I mean you look like…" Zi-O paused as he got up, "Did you forget…?"
"Uh Sougo I don't think this is him," Roze said as she stood up as well.
"Wait, so is it a doppelganger situation like with Otoya and Kazumin?" Zi-O looked over.
"I'm sorry, Kazumin and who?" Roze tilted her head.
"Oh right you weren't there," Zi-O realized, "Well you see, Wataru's father-"
"Hey pay attention and stop acting like you know me," Yuto interrupted with an annoyed expression, "I'm here to stop a terrible future, one that you're responsible for."
"I am getting déjà vu and not the good kind either," Roze groaned before aiming her sword forward, "Hey buddy, back off this instant!"
"As if," Yuto scoffed before wrapping a belt around his waist, an intercrossing set of lines that were green and yellow as the buckle that had a card slot attached to it. He then drew out a black card with green lines before slotting it in on his right, the card sliding in perfectly.
[ALTAIR FORM!]
Mooing could be heard as Yuto gained a black bodysuit with green and grey accents, chest and back armor clamping on that was green and silver with yellow tracks that split upwards. He had two track lines on his helmet, two green headed bulls coming down them before forming his visor's eyes.
"Let me warn you right off the bat," The Rider pointed forward before raising his arm and patting his bicep, "I'm pretty strong!"
"Kamen Rider Zeronos," Woz spoke up, "A guardian of time."
Zi-O looked at his left shoulder, "Wait, time guardian?"
"Okay, where has he been all this time and why is he being annoying only now?" Roze questioned as she kept pointing her sword at Zeronos.
"Listen girl, I'm just trying to protect this era we live in now that I'm aware, alright?" Zeronos replied before looking over at his Imagin partner, "Deneb, you know what to do."
"Copy that," Deneb nodded, watching as Zeronos ran for the two.
Roze rushed in first, slashing at Zeronos who ducked underneath her swing and ran past. Before she could turn she gasped as sparks flew from her chest, Deneb having used his fingers as guns. Zi-O was ready to move in when he was shot as well, sparks flying as he staggered back.
"I'm afraid fighting fair won't get us far…" Deneb admitted.
"You heard him!" Zeronos shouted as he charged from behind, grabbing the holstered parts on his sides and combining them into a triangular cleaver-like blade, the ZeroGasher. He began swinging it towards the two Riders, both going to block against the strikes only to gasp out as sparks flew from their backs.
"That's it!" Deneb cheered, "Way to go Yuto!"
"Sougo, Geiz, Woz, you're dealing with the Rider!" Roze shouted as she immediately turned towards Deneb and replaced Kiva's Ridewatch for Drive's.
[FINAL WEAPON TIME! D-D-D-DRIVE!]
[TRAILER-HOU!]
Roze brought out the Trailer-Hou, setting it to cannon mode before aiming and firing heavy blasts at Deneb who yelped and rolled out of the way.
"Deneb!" Zeronos shouted before charging at Roze.
"No you don't!" Zi-O spun between his friend and the enemy Rider, bringing out the Saikyo Zikan Girade and clashing blades with Zeronos.
"Damn, he really is strong!" Geiz gasped out in disbelief as he could feel the pressure as Zi-O's right arm.
A shriek was suddenly heard, everyone immediately turning as they watched Penny roll backwards from an attack by Another Den-O. She had attempted to fight the Another Rider on her own while the others were distracted but he had ended up using his energy weapons to overwhelm her before sending her to the ground.
"Alright, now I can…" Another Den-O slowed down as all eyes were on him now, "Uh…"
"Okay jerk," Roze looked over to Zeronos before taking aim and firing at Another Den-O who yelped as he was blasted back, "We need to finish this guy off first!"
"Fair enough," Zeronos said.
Another Den-O gave a gasp as he barely rolled out of the way of second shot from Roze.
[FULL CHARGE!]
Zeronos had pressed a button on his belt to charge up the card within it, drawing it out and pressing it against a slot in his Zero Gasher. He tossed the card away before gathering green electric energy.
"Hey, no wait!" Zi-O shouted, "You need to let me-"
"Take this!" Zeronos shouted as he swung his sword over his head before stabbing forward, unleashing a projectile in the shape of an A and striking Another Den-O.
The Another Rider yelled out as he was thrown backwards, crashing against some nearby barrels as he lost his transformation. Gestern could only gasp as he went to stumble out of the debris, revealing his identity to everyone.
"He was a human?" Deneb asked as he hurried over to the others, rubbing his eyes briefly.
"Huh?" Ruby tilted her head before running over to help Penny up, "That raggedy fashion seems familiar…"
"Hey, wait a minute," Geiz called out as his shoulder moved, "That's…"
"Gestern, high level craftsman of the resistance," Woz finished.
"What's he doing here in this era?" Geiz questioned.
"I'm trying to do what you failed to do Geiz!" Gestern called out with a glare as he managed to stand up, "You were supposed to stop Oma Zi-O, not join him!"
"Gestern, it's more complicated than it seems," Geiz said as he took control of Zi-O Trinity, "You need to listen-"
"Why should he?" Finis asked as they walked out from behind a corner, soon smirking as they neared Gestern, "I mean after all… a form in which you combine with Zi-O and Woz? That feels like all the proof necessary."
"I thought you and Tsukuyomi were trying to help us," Gestern glared, "But now you're just helping him become that damn Overlord!"
"Gestern…" Geiz muttered.
"Sorry to say but we can't stay and play reunion all day, we have a schedule to keep," Finis snapped their fingers, glitches occurring around her and Gestern before they warped out of the area.
Deneb aimed his fingers forward as soon as Finis snapped but was quickly shoved aside by Zeronos. The Rider had rushed forward only to stop when the Time Jacker and Another Rider had vanished.
"They got away…" Zeronos trailed.
"Are you going to be alright?" Roze asked as she hurried over to Penny and helped her up.
"Do not worry, I was simply caught off guard" Penny nodded as she was helped up, "Thank you."
"No problem," Roze said before looking over at the new Rider, "You owe us an explanation… now."
"This… is a lot to take in," Tsukuyomi admitted.
She was currently with Futaros, sitting in an open field with Tsukasa and Summer nearby. The two were on a lookout as they had wanted to make sure they were alone while this was being said. Summer knew their enemies had a knack for hiding around the corner, so she figured an open area would allow them to figure out if they were being watched and compromised. Thankfully it seemed as though all the Time Jackers were all busy in their own ways.
Futaros had just finished explaining the basic situation to the three. Needless to say Tsukasa was happy due to the heft revelation that occurred. Summer and Tsukuyomi meanwhile were both trying to take everything in.
"I know it is, Lady Alpina," Futaros replied.
"Please, don't call me that or princess either, just call me Tsukuyomi," Tsukuyomi insisted, despite the name she was called being her true name, it felt foreign to her, "I've gone by that name for so long that…"
"I understand, if it makes you comfortable then I'll do it," Futaros gave a nod.
"Still… I was just blind guessing when I thought I was a part of a royal family," Tsukuyomi said, "And you're saying that I used to be a part of a royal family that controlled time? That we're part of another world not timeline… and that… that…"
"Swartz is your brother, yes," Futaros nodded.
"I suppose that means the other Time Jackers aren't extended family," Tsukasa lightly joked, trying to lighten the mood though he soon frowned, "Given the fact that it seems as though Swartz can gift that power…"
"Just like he did to Sougo…" Tsukuyomi muttered, "So it wasn't that I was a Time Jacker… but that he and I are siblings and that he's been gifting his power to others for his own ends…"
"Yes," Futaros nodded.
"Do we know his end goal?" Summer asked.
"Unfortunately not," Futaros admitted, "He just suddenly attacked us out of nowhere and I was out of the picture before I saw what happened to Alp-I mean Tsukuyomi."
Tsukuyomi gave a light smile at that, glad to see that Futaros was at least trying.
"What happened to you after that?" Summer asked.
"Well despite being heavily injured he thought a fitting punishment would be throwing me into the time stream," Futaros admitted, "Sort of wandered after losing my form until arriving a month back or so when all those crazy meteors were happening…"
"What I'm curious about is how an Imagin arrived at where Tsukuyomi originally was to begin with," Tsukasa admitted as he crossed his arms.
"Well uh… would it be weird to say that I'm not technically from these worlds' timelines?" Futaros asked with a nervous chuckle as everyone stared at him, "Oh boy, so long story short… I actually helped Tsukuyomi and her friends in another iteration of this timeline. It was pretty cool, a lot of past Riders, complicated wishes… brothers reunited. All's well that ends well."
"Uh-huh…" Tsukuyomi nodded slowly.
"Sort of just wandered around for a while before stumbling across the DenLiner again and hitched a ride… and I might have fallen out at a bad time…" Futaros admitted with a sheepish chuckle before clearing his throat, "Ended up in what looked like a crazy future and eventually met Tsukuyomi's folks. They offered me a place to stay and I entered a contract with their youngest kid. While she was Alpina, she reminded me a lot of Tsukuyomi even if we hadn't really interacted much in the prior iteration… needless to say I'm just as surprised as you are that she's the same technically."
"So split timelines or…?" Summer trailed.
"Multiverse theory is hell," Tsukasa called out in annoyance, "We're probably looking more along the lines of parallel timelines or universes. Regardless, I think we've got a good basis."
"I'm still trying to process this all," Tsukuyomi admitted.
"How about a trip to when it all went down then?" Tsukasa suggested as he brought out his Aurora Curtain, "After all, Summer and I were looking into things while you all were busy with Another Riders."
"You found her world?" Futaros asked as he stood up with Tsukuyomi.
"Do not underestimate the passing through Kamen Rider," Summer stated in a smug manner as she crossed her arms.
"There are two things to keep in mind," Tsukasa said before holding up one finger, "First, there's no guarantee we'll get anything out of this," he then held up two fingers, "Second, a banana doesn't count as a snack on a trip."
"…really?" Tsukuyomi asked, "Again?"
"You learn to get used to the recurring bits," Summer pinched her nose before walking towards the Aurora Curtain with Tsukuyomi and Futaros.
Back at 9-5-DO, the four Riders and Penny had led Yuto and Deneb there to try and defuse the current situation. Deneb had a basked full of lollipops that had his face on it as he did his introductions.
"I am Deneb, and this is Yuto Sakurai," Deneb stated as he gestured between him and his partner before handing out the lollipops to everyone, "I hope you all get along! These are some of my Deneb Candies."
"Here," Ruby said as she placed a Blank Ridewatch on the table, "Could you hold onto this?"
"Will it help him?" Yuto gestured over to Sougo with his head.
"No, it's just so I can get a cool weapon," Ruby replied dryly as she pushed the Blank Ridewatch forward.
"Fine then," Yuto took the Blank Ridewatch and pocketed it.
"So you're a time guardian…" Sougo said as he looked over at Yuto while Deneb was passing out candy.
"Given the train theme and Deneb, I'm guessing you're partners with Den-O?" Ruby asked.
"Something like that," Yuto answered both questions at once.
"So you're from the future, like Geiz and Tsukuyomi?" Sougo asked.
"Not really," Yuto replied, "We've only witnessed the future."
"And you claim my Overlord was responsible for bringing about a cataclysm?" Woz asked.
"That's exactly what I said," Yuto nodded, "Once he becomes Oma Zi-O, the entire world is destroyed."
"This Zi-O isn't going to do that," Geiz replied as he walked forward, "And even if he tries, I'll put a stop to him."
"And thankfully it hasn't even come close to Geiz needing to do that," Ruby nodded and crossed her arms, "Listen, I'm a bit sick of you know-it-alls thinking you know what's going to happen with Sougo. He will not become Oma, and that's final."
"Can you be so sure?" Yuto asked, "Even if he attained supreme power?"
"Supreme power…" Geiz muttered.
"Um," Penny spoke up as she stepped forward, "I have not known Sougo for as long as the others, but while he may gain great power… I do not think that alone will make him a bad person."
"Listen, I didn't come here for people vouching for him," Yuto sighed as he stood up and walked towards the entrance, "Your overlord is on a path to obtaining power that puts him beyond reach, power that lets him reign over time itself. Once that happens, no one will be able to stop him."
"I don't want to bring about a terrible future," Sougo firmly stated as he stood up, "I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'll be a Kamen Rider just like the ones before me, but also rule as a King."
"Whatever, talk is cheap" Yuto scoffed as he walked out, "I'm going to stop you, no matter what."
"I don't like him…" Ruby muttered with a low growl.
"He doesn't mean to be so abrasive! Please, forgive us!" Deneb apologized as he shoved the basket of candy into Sougo's arms to take while hurrying out but bowing profusely along the way, "He didn't mean it so I still hope you can be friends! See you again, bye!"
"What was that all about?" Geiz asked.
"Deneb seems nice at least," Penny smiled.
As Deneb had left, a red orb of light had flown into the clock shop via the front entrance, it forming into an incorporeal version of Momotaros before he entered Geiz.
Geiz hunched over before standing up straight, his eyes a bright red, hair sticking up and spiked, with a small red streak to complete the look, "Yo!"
"Oh no…" Ruby muttered as she saw this.
"Uh… Geiz?" Penny tilted her head.
"No way, it's me!" Momo-Geiz pointed at himself, "The DenLiner's almost up and running. So I'm here to help bail you guys out."
"Did you really need to possess our friend?" Ruby asked.
"Well if you want me to fight then of course," Momo-Geiz said as he put his hands on his hips, "My poor belt got trashed… I'll miss it… it was the last spare too…"
"Bail us out…?" Woz questioned.
"I'm gonna take care of that lame imposter Den-O for ya!" Momotaros replied as he playfully punched at Woz before snatching away the lollipop the chronicler had been given, "Candy? Nice, don't mind if I do," he grabbed another that had been placed on the counter behind Woz and quickly rushed out of the storefront, "Alright, let's go, go, go!"
"Oh my gods," Ruby had to resist the urge to scream as she watched her friends be paraded around by Imagin, soon running out after Momo-Geiz, "Penny we're going after him!"
"Affirmative," Penny saluted before running after Ruby.
Sougo meanwhile didn't immediately leave, sitting back down and thinking on the current situation. Woz noticed this, choosing to stay as well.
"Well, I gotta say, I've never done such a satisfying repair," Junichiro admitted as he began to remove a giant gear from the inner workings of the DenLiner.
Watching him of course were the Imagin possessed Huntresses.
"You've got this," Ura-Weiss reassured.
"You can do it!" Ryu-Blake cheered.
Kin-Yang meanwhile was dozing off, giving a light yawn.
"Are you sure this is a clock, though?" Junichiro asked as he was just barely able to move the gear to a free spot in the cockpit.
"I wouldn't think about it too hard," Ura-Weiss said.
"Oh, well of course," Junichiro nodded before he continued his work.
"Keep it up! You can do it!" Ryu-Blake cheered before looking curiously at Ura-Weiss, "So can he really fix it?"
"It'll be fine," Ura-Weiss reassured.
"Damn it Geiz… to think he…" Gestern muttered as he was currently sitting on a box, "I can't… I can't allow this!"
"Allow me to assist you," Finis said, removing the Ridewatch before activating it again and shoving it back inside, the Another Rider transformation overtaking Gestern.
[DEN-O!]
"There we go," Another Den-O said with a shaky breath as he could feel the power flowing through him once more, "But I need a new plan."
"You're going to need help," Finis said before noticing a gold orb flying around, flicking their hand and unleashing a pulse that sent the gold orb towards the Another Rider, "And I think you can get it now."
"Huh?" Another Den-O asked before gasping as the gold orb entered his body.
Soon enough an incomplete Imagin, just like Futaros before his contract, formed in front of Another Den-O. It seemed to be mole in appearance, having a heavy coat and weapons instead of hands.
"You look like that disgusting Den-O but you could be an interesting guy," The Mole Imagin remarked, "Tell me your wish! I can make any desire yours! With only one thing in exchange…"
"You wish to travel back to the past, right?" Finis asked.
"Hey, no spoiling my treachery!" The Mole Imagin called out.
"If you help us then we can give you a direct line to go wherever you want," Finis replied, "After all we are wishing to take the DenLiner."
"Really…?" The Mole Imagin asked.
"Yeah, pull your weight and help me stop Zi-O before he can grow stronger," Another Den-O said, "And we'll let you do whatever you want with that train."
The Mole Imagin soon formed into a complete being, having a blue bandaged body with a red coat, his animal name and a large number on it as he had silver armoring all over, including his face, "The contract is signed!"
"Well you all are looking lively."
The three turned and watched as Cinder began to approach.
"It's been a while Cinder," Finis smiled before that smile faltered as they raised an eyebrow, "You seem, different."
"I've had to improvise," Cinder admitted, "But if things are getting this hectic then I guess I'll have a chance to do what I need."
"We could always use the help," Finis nodded.
Sougo had moved into 9-5-DO's dining room, mulling on the situation as he stared at the Ridewatch Daizer, nearly all the Main Rider Watches on it aside from one, Den-O. Woz looked over, curious as to what his Overlord was thinking.
"If what he said is true…" Sougo finally spoke up, "Then getting all the Watches will give me supreme power, right?"
"If what Yuto Sakurai claims is true, no one will be able to defeat you, my Overlord," Woz stated.
"So I can face whatever enemies are waiting for us beyond the Time Jackers, even someone like Salem, right?" Sougo asked as he thought back to Oma Zi-O's usage of the Rider Powers and Oma Zi-O's words to him at the end of the battle of Atlas, "I would have never done what he told me, otherwise."
"Naturally, to wield power like that is akin to wielding Oma Zi-O's power," Woz nodded, "A feat only you are capable of, my Overlord."
"So there's nothing to doubt, I'm going to get my hands on that power," Sougo said before hearing his phone ring and answering it, "Penny? You all found Another Den-O? Okay, I'm heading there immediately."
Another Den-O was currently terrorizing a plaza, shouting and swinging in the air wildly to force everyone to run away. Normally this seemingly random attack would catch a few questionable looks from those in the know, though that didn't exactly matter to the one currently hunting for him.
"Not so fast, jerk!" Momo-Geiz called out, running up with both Ruby and Penny.
"Geiz," Another Den-O turned before tilting his head, "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I'm not Geiz, the names Momotaros!" Momo-Geiz shouted, "And I don't need lip from a damn bootleg!"
"I mean, that's the point," Ruby said, "It's an Another Rider."
"I don't care about what it is, all I know is its going down like all the other bootlegs," Momo-Geiz said as he brought out both the Geiz and Geiz Revive Ridewatches, striking a ready pose, "Let's do this jerk!"
…
…
…
Momo-Geiz turned towards Ruby and Penny, "How do I use all this, anyway…?"
"Penny, come on," Ruby sighed as she snatched away the Geiz Ridewatch before loading it in.
"Next comes this," Penny took the Geiz Revive Ridewatch and slotted it in, "Now for the rotation."
Ruby watched as Penny unlocked the Ziku Driver before spinning it, the huntress in red soon shoving Momo-Geiz forward, "Now you're ready to transform!"
"Alright, uh… Henshin!" Momo-Geiz called out as the transformation into Kamen Rider Geiz, Revive Goretsu, took place.
[RE-VI-I-VE GORETSU~! GORETSU!]
"Now I get it," Geiz(M) said as he struck a pose, "I… have arrived!"
"You certainly have…" Ruby deadpanned as she watched Geiz playfully pat his Jaclaw's saw and get cut by it as a result due to the saw being active.
"Alright, let's go, go, go!" Geiz(M) shouted as he charged forward, and despite Another Den-O striking at him, his high defense allowed him to tank through, throwing a punch with his Jaclaw.
Another Den-O gasped as he was sent stumbling back, spinning away to try and keep his distance. He tried countering only for Geiz(M) to force him back again with Goretsu's enhanced strength.
Geiz(M) could only strut forward in confidence as he kicked Another Den-O back. He was ready to move forward when the Mole Imagin suddenly rushed out of hiding, shoving him out of the way.
"Take that!" The Mole Imagin shouted.
Geiz(M) gasped, "What the heck, an Imagin?!"
"I may hate who this guy looks like but he's going to help me do some real fun stuff," The Mole Imagin explained, "So let's get going!"
"Oh no, this isn't going to go well," Ruby said as she readied her transformation into Silver Roze only for a large explosion to suddenly happen several feet behind her. She quickly turned to watch Cinder walk out of the explosion, "Oh joy…"
"Sounds like I caught you at a bad time," Cinder smirked before initiating her transformation, "We're ending this today."
[HI-ROZE!]
"Penny, on guard now," Ruby said as she brought out Roze and Roze RWBY, "I'm not sure what's going to happen but… Henshin!"
[RWBY TIME! DANKETSU YOTTSU NO TAMASHI! KAMEN RIDER ROZE RW~BY~! RWBY!]
The usual transformation occurred though Penny glanced to the side as she was readying Floating Array, noticing distinct humanoid shapes of blue, yellow, and purple forming alongside the usual sigils and entering Roze.
"Alright," Roze said as she looked herself over, "Sorry if things have been really weird for you all, but-"
"Ah, where the heck are we?!" Ryutaros' voice shouted.
"It would appear as though we've been summoned by accident," Urataros' voice remarked.
"Huh… this feels like old times," Kintaros' voice added, "It makes me want to cry!"
'Ruby we have the wrong team…' Kagami trailed in near horror.
As they spoke, each part that was normally taken by Blake, Weiss, and Yang moved a bit. Roze quickly wrested control back as she looked over herself before realizing that her team wasn't in her mental space like they should've been.
"Oh this is the worst possible situation!" Roze shouted in horror.
"What am I even watching?" Hi-Roze asked as she stifled a laugh, "Bad comedy?"
'Oh shut up!' Kagami shouted before realizing she couldn't be heard, 'Ruby, tell her to shut up.'
"Kagami, not now…" Roze muttered as she began to shake.
"Now, now, it could be worse," Urataros reassured.
"How could it be worse?" Roze asked as her voice filled with dread.
"You could have had the red ogre inside you!" Ryutaros pointed out.
"…that only makes this about 1/4th less worse," Roze muttered before holding out her hand, summoning a blue staff with hexagonal bladed ends, "Whoa…"
"Hey, isn't that yours, Ura?" Kintaros asked.
"It appears you have access to our weapons," Urataros replied, "That would be mine, the Uratarod."
"You know what, as a weapons nut, I can accept the weirdness temporarily for this kind of tradeoff," Roze said as she twirled the weapon before charging forward, "Let's go!"
"Right," Penny quickly launched forward as well, deciding to help Roze since the Rider was technically handicapped. She quickly swung out with Floating Array, flying past Hi-Roze who had brought out glass shields to block.
Hi-Roze soon shattered her glass shields, the shards flying around as she formed them into a glass war hammer resembling Dogga's weapon form from Kiva. She then lunged forward while her true counterpart swung at her.
Roze gritted her teeth as she clashed weapons with her Another Rider, only to gasp out as electricity was sent outwards. The Rider quickly leapt back before rolling away as electricity struck and lashed out.
"Ooh, ooh, you need long range so use my weapon!" Ryutaros shouted as a large purple shotgun was formed in front of Roze, it was the Ryuvolver.
"Okay, this is also my speed," Roze said as she tossed the Uratarod away before grabbing the Ryuvolver. She dashed to the side and took aim, firing at her Another Rider.
Hi-Roze blocked the first few strikes before gasping out as she was struck by Roze managing to quickly outpace her blocks.
Sougo quickly ran over, looking around in confusion, "What is even going on here…?"
"It appears as though Roze RWBY has a glitch, and an Imagin has teamed up with Another Den-O," Woz said as he observed the situation, "This is concerning as it's an entity that grants wishes but uses contracts to travel back into the past."
"Okay well it looks like Geiz is having trouble for some reason," Sougo said, noticing that despite using Goretsu, both Another Den-O and the Mole Imagin were starting to overwhelm the powerhouse Rider. He decided to bring out Zi-O Trinity, "Trinity Time since Roze RWBY's busy."
"An excellent idea," Woz nodded as he prepared himself.
[ALTAIR FORM!]
Zeronos quickly ran into view, stepping in front of Sougo and blocking his path alongside Deneb.
"I warned you," Zeronos said, "I am going to stop you."
"Sorry… but I'm not stopping now," Sougo apologized as he kept his stance firm, "Not until I become a King and Kamen Rider, alongside fighting against everyone out to ruin Earth and Remnant."
[ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ!]
Sougo steeled himself as he prepared his Ridewatches, "Henshin!"
[TRINITY TIME! MITTSU NO CHIKARA! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ! T-RIN-I-TY~! TRINITY!]
The usual transformation effects happened, Sougo and Woz transforming into their base forms while Woz entered his Watch armor mode, Geiz being forced into this as well with a yelp of confusion. It wasn't long before the transformation into Trinity finished as Zi-O stood tall.
"Huh?" Momotaros asked as Zi-O's right arm began to shift and move, "Crap, just when it was getting good! The heck is all this?!"
Within Zi-O Trinity's inner space, the usual set up was in place… except Geiz was asleep in a chair and leaning on Momotaros who was standing next to him.
"Why are you here…?" Sougo asked in surprise.
"I got a name, kid! It's Momotaros!" Momotaros called out as he shoved Geiz into a sitting position before getting behind the unconscious Rider, "And what's up with all this? Is this another dogpile form?!"
"I believe you are here because you possessed Geiz, hence his unconscious state," Woz guessed, "I suppose Roze RWBY isn't the only one having issues right now."
"Yeah, whatever," Momotaros gave a quick stretch before pumping his fist up several times, "Let's just go, go, go!"
"Hang on, don't just-!" Zi-O yelped as Momotaros was using too much force, causing him to be dragged along by his right arm as he charged at Zeronos and Deneb, the latter of which was confused.
Both the Mole Imagin and Another Rider tilted their heads at this before quickly huddling up and whispering to each other. Another Den-O began to move closer towards the fight while the Mole Imagin quickly went to hide in some bushes.
"Wait, wait!" Deneb got between Zi-O and Zeronos, "There's something-"
"Deneb," Zeronos shoved his Imagin partner out of the way, "Move it!"
"Yuto, will you just get outta the way!" Momotaros shouted at Zeronos, taking brief control of Zi-O Trinity and shoving Zeronos to the side before kicking him back.
"Wait, Nogami's Imagin?!" Zeronos questioned before shaking his head, "Whatever, Deneb, let's go!"
"Jerk, he's been ignoring our presence, huh?" Momotaros questioned as he was forced out of control, "I'll smack him for that!"
"Is that really what you're getting angry at?" Zi-O asked.
"Very well," Deneb nodded.
Zeronos had slipped his card out before switching it to its yellow side, sliding it back in as Deneb got behind him.
[VEGA FORM!]
Deneb crossed his arms and held his hands over Zeronos' shoulders. His body unraveled becoming a black cloth and armor, the cloth acting as a multi-layered cape while the armor attached to Zeronos' chest, Deneb's face appearing as the center opened up. Deneb's hands were also now mounted shoulder cannons while the eyes changed, drill halves running down the line and spinning before forming a three star-pointed visor, having bright red eyes with a green and yellow horn.
"Before we begin, let me say…" Zeronos held up a finger as Deneb was now in control before he bowed forward, "I hope you can make friends with Yuuto."
"I don't hang out with Overlords!" Yuto shouted.
"Oh, sorry," Zeronos apologized before charging forward.
"You're mine!" Another Den-O shouted as he rushed forward.
"Oh great," Zi-O groaned as he ducked underneath Another Den-O's swings, getting up and getting ready to counter when Zeronos grabbed onto his arm and dragged him away, "Hey! Stop it!"
"I'm sorry, but we need to do this!" Zeronos apologized yet again.
The Mole Imagin was quietly humming to itself as it watched all the fights take place, having to keep from laughing out loud due to how they were going. That was until it heard a loud horn and whistle, soon looking up, "Bingo…"
The DenLiner suddenly flew into view, landing in the open space of the plaza. Everyone backed away in surprise at the sudden appearance of the time train.
"The DenLiner's all fixed up!" Ryutaros cheered.
"That old fellow's got a real knack," Kintaros remarked, "No wonder Owner recommended him."
"Flattery gets you everywhere with some people," Urataros added.
"You know as great as that is, we need to focus!" Roze quickly rolled out of the way of a fireball that impacted against the ground where she was.
"We're going to need to cut this short," Hi-Roze said as Drive's image began to glitch over her, the monstrous Rider rushing forward at high speeds to strike at her real counterpart.
As the fights began to get back on track, the main door to the train of time opened up with Weiss, Blake and Yang quickly hopping out while summoning their Rider Weapons.
"Alright that was weird," Yang said as she got in a fighting stance, "Never want to get possessed like that again."
"Agreed," Blake nodded before noticing something, "Is… is that Roze RWBY?"
Weiss and Yang looked over, the two's eyes widening as they saw Roze RWBY fighting against Hi-Roze with Penny assisting. By this point Roze had brought out the Kintaros Axe to try and deal some heavy damage, though it was clear the Imagins inhabiting her form were making things more obtuse than necessary.
"I think I know why we suddenly regained consciousness…" Weiss trailed before noticing the fight between Zeronos and Another Den-O, "We've got a lot of clean up."
"Then let's get to it!" Yang shouted as she charged straight for Another Den-O.
The Another Rider turned and gasped as he began to dodge against punches, slicing forward with his knives only for them to get parried by Yang's Knuckle weapons.
"I'll help Ruby!" Blake shouted as she rushed towards where Roze and her Another Rider counterpart were fighting.
"As for you…" Weiss eyed Zeronos before bringing out a Summoning Circle nearby the fight with Zi-O.
"Huh? Oh…" Zi-O backed away a bit.
"What?" Zeronos tilted his head before he was suddenly grabbed by the leg. He could only yelp as he was smashed into different parts of the concrete several times in rapid succession before being lifted up and slammed down again.
The culprit was the Evolved Shika Inves Summon, it staring down at Zeronos who had yelped at its appearance.
"I'm going to ask you to back off from my boyfriend, now," Weiss narrowed her eyes as she came into Zeronos' field of view, Chalice Arrow aimed at the Rider.
"He's your boyfriend?" Zeronos asked, "I'm sorry!"
"Deneb you dummy…" Yuto sighed.
"Alright," Zi-O quickly turned towards Another Den-O who was getting beaten back by several punches courtesy of Yang, "Woz, Geiz… oh and Momotaros, I can't forget you too. Let's finish this!"
"Understood," Woz replied.
Momotaros cheered, "Hell yeah!"
[FINISH TIME! ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ!]
"SORRY BUT HOW ABOUT NO, YOU IDIOTS!" The Mole Imagin's voice suddenly echoed out.
The familiar sound of the DenLiner's horn rung out as the DenLiner began flying through the air. Another Den-O and Hi-Roze quickly worked to get clear and into cover as the DenLiner began to fly up before diving down, launching a hailstorm of bullets at the Riders and Huntresses.
"BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG!" The Mole Imagin shouted, "TAKE SOME OF THIS AND SOME OF THAT!"
"Cinder, we're leaving!" Another Den-O called out before leaping towards the DenLiner, entering it.
"Looks like we've got a date with the past," Hi-Roze said before launching up after the DenLiner and entering it from one of the back cars before it fully flew off. The DenLiner flew higher and higher until it entered a rainbow portal that opened up in front of it.
"Oh no," Zi-O shouted.
"Crap!" Yang's eyes widened, "Sougo's uncle was still in there!"
"Wait, he was?!" Zi-O turned in surprise.
"Who did you think was driving it?!" Weiss asked.
"I thought Yang since the cockpit had a bike," Zi-O said as he stared to panic, "My Uncle's a time hostage?!"
"My Overlord I believe you're overreacting," Woz sighed.
"Not good," Yuuto hissed out as Zeronos managed to pick himself up, staring up at where the DenLiner had disappeared.
World of 2058
An Aurora curtain opened up in what appeared to be a desolate city with constant dry storms. In the distance the only building that seemed to be in pristine condition was a large manor of sorts, though that was shrouded by the thick dust that had been kicked up by the harsh winds.
Soon enough, Tsukasa, Summer, Tsukuyomi and Futaros exited.
"This place…" Tsukuyomi muttered.
"It's the world of 2058," Tsukasa explained, "Back when you were a child."
"Jeez, this place is just as bad as I remember," Futaros said before giving a confused hum, noticing how the storms and clouds began to clear up slightly in an instant, the harsh winds dying out a bit, "Weird…"
"Let's get going," Tsukasa said before walking forward.
Tsukuyomi meanwhile tilted her head, "Why are you dressed like that?"
"Oh?" Tsukasa looked himself over, and he was wearing a cook's uniform, hat and all, "I made sure to give us some disguises based on what the world wants. It wants me to cook for someone… and for you two to wait on someone."
"Huh?" Summer said before looking down and giving a yelp.
"What?" Tsukuyomi asked before doing the same, "What?!"
Both Tsukuyomi and Summer were both wearing old fashioned maid outfits, the two gingerly picking up their long skirts as they tried to get used to the bulk that was their new outfits.
"Come on, we're wasting daylight," Tsukasa said, snapping a quick picture of the two before turning around and waving for them to follow, smirking a bit.
"I think you look quite lovely Tsukuyomi," Futaros complimented as he gave a bow of approval only to get smacked in the head by Tsukuyomi, "Ow!"
"I'm so glad that the others aren't here to see this," Tsukuyomi said in relief, unaware that Tsukasa had taken her picture.
"Let's get this over with," Summer sighed as she walked forward.
Earth – Late June 2019
As everyone reconvened, all the Riders dismissed their transformations. Geiz was immediately awake and already attempting to strangle Momtaros.
"You think you can hijack my body?!" Geiz questioned.
"Got a problem with it?!" Momotaros asked as he tried to fight back only to end up in a headlock, "Hey, hey!"
Ruby meanwhile was trying to hug her own body as the other Imagin all stepped away from her, the three a bit disoriented from the odd pileup form that was Roze RWBY.
Penny had side stepped near Ruby, holding her arm around her while Ruby hugged back.
"I never want to do that again…" Ruby shivered.
"Don't worry sis," Yang spoke up as she walked over to put a hand on her sister's shoulder, "Hopefully we won't be like whatever that was next time."
"This is not good," Woz said as he tried to get everyone back to the main issue, "They traveled into the past for some purpose…"
"To when would they even travel?" Sougo asked.
"We have no way to know," Woz admitted.
"They want to stop Zi-O's rise to power."
Everyone perked up when they heard an unfamiliar voice, as a man wearing a white t-shirt with a denim vest, jeans and sneakers began walking over. He had fairly long bushy hair and a rather soft face for his age.
"Wait a minute," Yuto stared in surprise, "Nogami?"
"Huh?" Momotaros began tapping Geiz's arm to let him go before managing to break free, "Ryotaro!"
"Long time no see!" Ryutaros shouted as he ran over while waiting.
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Urataros chuckled as he walked over.
"Definitely," Kintaros nodded as he approached as well.
"It's good to see everyone again," Ryotaro smiled before suddenly tripping, despite this, Ryutaros was quick and managed to catch him, Urataros and Kintaros helping him regain his footing, "Thanks…"
"Um… who are you?" Sougo asked, not trying to be rude but also a bit confused.
"Yes, you kind of just suddenly showed up out of nowhere," Blake added.
"Oh, I'm Ryotaro Nogami, Kamen Rider Den-O," Ryotaro introduced with a quick bow, "It's nice to meet you."
"So you're Den-O?" Weiss asked.
"Technically we're all Den-O," Momotaros walked past everyone before gesturing at himself, all the Imagin and Ryotaro, "But Ryotaro's probably the coolest."
"Oh I'm not that great," Ryotaro waved it off with a chuckle, "Den-O is at its best when it's all of us."
"True enough," Urataros agreed.
"As for why I'm here, if we're going to stop them you'll need to be at full power," Ryotaro said as he addressed Sougo before holding out his hand, "Can I see a Blank Ridewatch?"
"Huh, oh sure," Sougo said as he fumbled around his pockets before tossing it at Ryotaro, giving a nervous chuckle when he saw the elder Rider nearly fumble it, "Anyway, now we need to…"
Ryotaro closed his eyes and took a deep breath, the Blank shining a bright red before forming into the Den-O Ridewatch, it holding a red base with a white dial and button.
"Whoa…" Sougo muttered as he blinked a few times, "Just like that?!"
"Um… how did you do that?" Ruby asked.
"I'm a Singularity Point," Ryotaro explained with a smile, "So weird time stuff is sort of my thing."
"Wait a Singularity Point… I remember Tsukasa saying something about that when I first kind of met him," Ruby realized.
"Nogami wait, you can't let him have it!" Yuto shouted, "Don't you realize he's the Overlord that will destroy the world?!"
Deneb nodded, "Yeah!"
"Overlord…?" Momotaros asked before looking at his partner, "Hey, you really going to go through with this now Ryotaro?"
"Of course," Ryotaro said as he walked over calmly to Sougo despite the clear concern on his allies' faces, "Yuto I know you're concerned, but Zi-O needs to collect all the Ridewatches. This is something that even we can't go against."
"What?" Yuto asked, "What do you mean?"
"Zi-O gaining the power of all Riders, it needs to happen," Ryotaro said before smiling and putting the Ridewatch in his junior's hands, clasping them shut around it, "Right?"
"Uh, right," Sougo smiled before noticing that Den-O began to shine a bright white.
[DEN-O!]
While no one could see it, the remaining 18 Ridewatches at 9-5-DO began to shine brightly and resonate with Den-O's.
Soon 18 bright lights began projecting themselves all above everyone, the lights converging in Sougo's free hand as the light from the Den-O Ridewatch joined with them as well. The intense light briefly blinded everyone before dying down, a gigantic golden and multi-layered Ridewatch now in Sougo's hand. The Zi-O face was merely a label in the center of it, having gold clock hands and gold lining around the visor.
"Sweet…" Momotaros muttered.
"We did it…" Weiss spoke softly.
"Cool…" Ruby trailed in awe.
[GRAND ZI-O!]
Sougo stared at the bulky Ridewatch in his hands, "So this is the power of all Riders…"
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"This really isn't good!"
"However there will always be one constant…"
"I'll be there for you, I promise."
"This ends today Cinder."
"If you want to get to me, you'll have to go through me."
Chapter 110: 2019: The Grand Climax
Author's Note: Welcome to the beginning of the end for this Saga of Roze from Remnant, which is fitting as we've just completed the Ridewatch collection for Grand Zi-O. And given how this chapter ended, it's more likely to come sooner rather than later in the next chapter.
Of course that's not counting the other things going on, like Narutaki returning to his Jester persona for one last bit of helping the Time Jackers. We've also got a modified look at Tsukuyomi's past and world thanks to a little ball of light that's been around for a while, Futaros. The Imagin himself was fun to write because I got to have fun with some dialogue choices in reference to how exactly he's a part of this story in the first place.
Speaking of Imagin, the DenLiner crew being here definitely made things a lot wilder than they'd normally be. Aside from Ruby, I wasn't going to miss a chance at Imagin possessed Team RWBY. Ruby got spared because well… I enjoyed Momo-Geiz in canon just enough to keep that bit, ha ha. Regardless, we're full speed ahead for a grand debut next time, so thanks for reading and I'll see you all then.