Rider Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 111 – 1973: Cross of Fire
Woz was currently in the World of 2058, having managed to track Tsukuyomi down to the mansion she used to live in. He was currently being careful as he sensed a familiar power in that of Swartz being used.
"As it has been written here, Tokiwa Sougo…" Woz opened up his book as he made his way inside and kept his voice low, "He embarks on a path which leads him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O. He has inherited the power of all Riders and become Grand Zi-O. However it appears as though the Time Jackers are not going down without a fight… as Finis appears to be enacting their final plan despite the loss of Another Den-O. As for me… it's time I retrieve some important information…"
He stopped in front of a bathroom in the mansion just as a red light entered it, a few yelps of surprise being heard.
World of 2058 – April 2nd
"Hey, stop pushing! You humans are pushy!"
"You're the one who just jumped in here!"
"Tsukasa please, we need to be quiet just in case!"
"What did you even find out Futaros?"
"Don't worry my princess, that little fruit dude got it all!"
Woz could only stare in near deadpan as he heard the voices of Futaros, Tsukasa, Summer, and Tsukuyomi from beyond the door. He then grabbed the handle and opened it up, staring at the four who were rather cramped in the small bathroom. They were all like deer stuck in headlights when they heard the door open, assuming the worst. That was until they realized who had opened the door.
"Woz…?" Tsukuyomi asked in surprise.
"Tsukuyomi…" Woz trailed off, "What is…"
"There's no time to explain," Tsukuyomi said as she hurried out while looking around, "We need to-"
Her words were interrupted by a young girl screaming, her face starting to pale in realization of what was likely happening.
"We need to get out of here," Tsukasa said as he stepped out with Summer and Futaros, "Now."
"Leave it to me," Woz said as he unfurled his scarf, wrapping it around them and transporting them away. The scarf's reach was so strong it managed to shut the door to the bathroom as well.
Time Stream
Within the main passenger car of the ZeroLiner, both the Another and Rider versions of Roze stared each other down. It wasn't long before Hi-Roze unleashed a whirlwind from her body, forcing Roze to brace and step back.
Roze's head quickly perked up as she pocketed Roze RWBY, having to dodge against black glass spear that Hi-Roze stabbed at her with. Dodging against a few more swings from the spear she brought out Crescent Rose, aiming and firing against Hi-Roze's chest.
Hi-Roze cried out as she was struck point blank, sparks flying as she slammed against the wall of the ZeroLiner's passenger car. She was ready to get back up only to gasp as her body began to destabilize.
"No…" Hi-Roze gasped as she clutched her chest, "Not… now…!"
"It's over Cinder," Roze said as she brought out Roze RWBY again, "I don't know what exactly Finis wants but-"
Hi-Roze was trying to force herself to stand as fast as she could when she paused, watching as Roze was frozen in place with glitch marks occurring every now and again.
"So you've come alone," Finis said, walking in before giving an amused smirk, "Granted given my maneuvering earlier I suppose that makes sense. You were trying to stop and board the ZeroLiner with the other Riders, correct?"
"Finis…" Roze managed to gasp out as she struggled fruitlessly against the time stop.
"I will get what I'm searching for but first I think it's time you assisted Cinder," Finis said before unleashing an energy pulse, Roze crying out as she was slammed against one of the walls of the train car.
The Rider had slammed against the wall so hard that she lost not only the Roze RWBY Ridewatch but also the ones for Kaixa and Accel.
"There we go," Finis quickly used their cape to lash out and snatch them before holding them out to Cinder, "Hold off on the upgraded Watch for now, but these should help you."
"T-Thank you…" Hi-Roze took all the Ridewatches before pocketing the Roze RWBY Ridewatch. She then activated both Kaixa's and Accel's, before shoving them into her chest.
"No, wait!" Roze shouted, trying to get up and move forward only to raise her arms up as a short shockwave of energy was released from her Another Rider counterpart.
[KAIXA!]
[ACCEL!]
Hi-Roze gasped out as a brief yellow and red aura appeared around her as the destabilization stopped.
"Damn it…" Roze hissed out, realizing that losing one of those particular Ridewatches ended up making her plan a lot harder in the long run.
Before anyone could make another move they heard the train horn of the ZeroLiner as the car they were in began to suddenly shift to a stop.
"Looks like we're here," Finis said, "Cinder, I need you to run a distraction until I'm ready."
"I think I can do that," Hi-Roze said as she brought out the Kaixa Blaygun and aimed it at Roze, "Looks like I've got some fun abilities now."
"Of course you can do that," Roze nearly groaned out as she quickly brought out Zangetsu's Ridewatch.
"Try and take as many Watches as possible before utilizing the upgraded one," Finis suggested, "The power balance won't be as bad then."
"Of course," Hi-Roze said as she kept her aim.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Finis said before vanishing.
"Now then…" Hi-Roze said before firing at Roze who quickly initiated her Weapon Time.
[ZANGETSU! WEAPON TIME! MELON DEFENDER!]
Earth – Wasteland 2068
Geiz had landed his Time Mazine at a remote location, or at least as remote as he could make it since he was mostly trying to avoid Oma Zi-O. Though given what Ruby and the others had told him, he figured that the Overlord might give him a pass regardless.
Needless to say he needed to have a short talk with Gestern and had decided to leave Junichiro in the Geiz Unit while dragging the still unconscious Gestern over to a rock. He placed the resistance member down and sat on the rock for what seemed like ages.
Gestern let out a light groan before slowly waking up. That was until he gave a gasp as he sat up before looking around, soon frowning as he saw he was back in 2068.
"I failed…" Gestern spoke up.
"You did," Geiz said as he had his arms crossed, not flinching as he saw Gestern turn towards him with a glare, "It's a good thing you did too."
"You…" Gestern growled out as he stood up, "You betrayed us!"
"I'm simply doing my part to stop Oma Zi-O from happening," Geiz replied as he kept to his spot, "The situation's changed and is a lot bigger than we could have even imagined."
"Cut the crap," Gestern glared, "What did he say to you to make you change sides? What did he offer you in this time if you did nothing but help his rise to power?"
"Well he wanted to get a gift for his friend's birthday and had me and Tsukuyomi tag along," Geiz said in the most mundane manner possible. He was recalling the first real time Sougo suggested to hang out which was to buy a gift for Ruby's birthday, "There were also a couple of times like wanting to go to the movies, just hang out…"
Gestern stared at what he considered his former ally for a bit, mostly in confusion, "What?"
"Sougo Tokiwa isn't going to become Oma Zi-O," Geiz replied, "The difference was clear even when we first arrived in 2018… and now he has numerous friends, people to support him, someone who loves him."
"…" Gestern stayed silent at this.
"I'm starting to understand why he became the Oma Zi-O we know," Geiz said as he stood up and began walking back towards the Geiz Unit, "He didn't have everyone he has now. That's why I'm confident that he and the future won't turn out like what we're seeing in this time."
"You really believe in him that much, huh?" Gestern asked.
"Having been through all I have, yeah," Geiz said as he glanced back while stopping briefly before turning back to his Time Mazine and walking towards it again, "I don't care about what you think of me, it's not going to get me to stop believing."
Gestern could only watch as his ally walked into the Time Mazine, the Geiz Unit soon lifting off before launching into the sky to time travel once more, "Geiz…"
Earth – Late June 2019
"So that's how it is…" Woz said as he sat down at the empty dining room table in 9-5-DO, Tsukasa and Summer standing near the entrance while Tsukuyomi sat across from Woz. Futaros meanwhile was in the kitchen looking through the windowed counter that was in place.
The Kodama Suika Arms had brought out its screen to show the recording from Futaros when he confronted the past version of Swartz.
"Yeah…" Tsukuyomi nodded.
"Things are beginning to make sense on Swartz's original plan," Tsukasa said, "Because while confusing given the current status of our world… it makes sense."
"Right, you mentioned about how before you came along… all the Riders were separated," Tsukuyomi recalled the world traveler's theory.
"It all lines up now. Given Sougo's Tokiwa's unique existence… Swartz used him as a catalyst to draw all Rider Worlds available into each other," Tsukasa said, "I was able to stabilize the process in my adventures and after that the world just began to birth new Riders and stories into it… until it couldn't."
"That's where Build comes in and why this world had a quiet late 2017 to 2018," Summer said, "The only remnants being Sento's endgame and merging of his collapsing world with this one."
"Which would've inevitably spelled disaster this year had Miss Rose not given my Overlord his Aura and altered his abilities ever so slightly," Woz said, "Am I correct?"
"Yeah," Tsukuyomi nodded, "It's likely that adding the power of Aura to the existing pool of the powers within Sougo has made everything more stable as we've seen like with how the Riders retain their powers still."
"And with the kid having gained all the Ridewatches it means the unification is complete," Tsukasa said, "Meaning Swartz is going to try something soon."
"Likely involving Another Zi-O," Woz said, "Thankfully however, with how off script things have been getting he's been getting reckless and as a result..."
"He's been too silent, and that means he hasn't been paying much attention to us," Tsukuyomi said as she already guessed that Swartz was going through an intense case of tunnel vision, "Plus his silence tipped us off that he's likely preparing something given what we last saw of him."
"Right, back in Atlas," Summer realized, "So what should we do?"
"He's been laying a carefully planned trap, so we spring that trap but catch him in our own at the same time," Tsukasa replied, "We'll need a bit of help though."
"I think I know a Treasure Sniper who's been getting a bit restless lately," Summer smiled.
"Regardless, there is one unique detail I've been stuck on," Woz replied before looking towards Futaros, "And it involves the state of Tsukuyomi's world."
"What do you mean?" Futaros asked.
"Normally I wouldn't comment on it, but it's on the verge of collapse from how it's been put," Woz stated before looking over at Tsukuyomi, "And Swartz inadvertently gave us the very reason it likely was on the verge of collapse but can now easily be saved."
Time Stream – Time Train Graveyard
Despite some panicking due to Ruby being the only one ending up on the ZeroLiner, and the fact that she hadn't activated Roze RWBY yet, there wasn't much anyone on the DenLiner could do. This resulted in everyone huddling in the cockpit much to Den-O's displeasure.
Despite this there was one question on their minds as they slowed and approached the Time Train Graveyard, the DenLiner slowly coming to a halt near the ZeroLiner. The ZeroLiner had stopped in a large clearing that had dozens of Time Trains strewn about, the scrap almost making an arena of sorts if there weren't numerous exits that could easily be taken out of it.
"What is this place?" Weiss asked.
"The Time Train Graveyard," Owner stated, everyone slightly jumping as he hadn't joined them immediately. He moved forward, walking with his cane as he stared at the sight before him, "The DenLiner isn't the only time train to exist. It is just one of the few to persevere the longest. Many time trains and even old devices related to time end up in this singular spot after their time has ended."
"So why exactly would someone come here?" Penny asked.
"Clearly there are still parts of those machines that work," Zeronos said before looking over at Owner, "Right?"
"Correct," Owner nodded, "While most time trains and time traveling devices are destroyed and unusable, their parts remain."
"And a Time Jacker getting a hold of it isn't good news," Blake said, "Especially since it's clear you can't get here other than time train, right?"
"Time Trains were built to explore the Time Stream further than any other device invented," Owner mentioned, "Though the Time Mazine comes close, it as well as the Time Jackers are unable to truly enter and stay in the Time Stream for long periods of time."
"That includes us as well, especially since the flow of time is ever changing," Zeronos replied as he looked around, "You don't exactly want to be out there and not in a vehicle for prolonged periods of time, meaning we need to make this quick."
"We should get out there then," Yang suggested, "We don't know what's happened to-"
They were cut off, hearing explosive bursts as they turned towards the cockpits camera that was honed in on the ZeroLiner. A flurry of digital petals launched out and landed in the main clearing they parked in, revealing Roze with the Melon Defender, blocking blasts against Hi-Roze who had the Kaixa Blaygun out.
"That does not seem right at all," Weiss said, "Why does Cinder have Kaixa's weapon?"
"We need to get out there now," Zi-O suggested before rushing out, the other Huntresses following after him immediately.
"Alright, you three guard this train," Zeronos pointed at the rest of the Imagin that made up Den-O before pointing at his partner, "Deneb, take back the ZeroLiner."
"On it," Deneb nodded.
"Nogami, you're with me," Zeronos said before rushing out after Zi-O and the Huntresses.
"Right, let's go Momotaros," Ryotaro spoke up.
"On it," Den-O said before rushing off after the others.
Outside, Roze was currently using the Melon Defender to easily block against her Another Rider's attacks now.
'Clearly we need to tag team her,' Kagami suggested.
"I think we'll be fine," Roze muttered as she glanced and saw the DenLiner nearby. She began dodging from side to side while bracing against the blasts of energy whenever she needed to. She got closer and closer before rotating her Driver.
[MELON TIME BLAST!]
Roze shouted and shoved her shield forward once she was close enough, unleashing a burst of energy with her shield bash.
Hi-Roze gasped out as she was sent staggering back, quickly bringing out the Engine Blade that Accel would use and gathering a hefty amount of electricity in it. She then swung forward, unleashing a stream of lightning against Roze who braced but ended up losing her shield in the process, just barely dodging out of the way of the remainder of the lightning stream.
"Give up," Hi-Roze said as she brandished the Engine Blade.
"Not when I have some pretty great friends to count on," Roze chuckled.
[BIO!]
Glyphs suddenly appeared around the Another Rider, icy blue vines lashing out and binding Hi-Roze while slowly frosting her over.
[BANG BANG CRITICAL FINISH!]
Hi-Roze barely had a chance to turn when she saw a high impact blast zoom towards her, it slamming into her before exploding. She yelled out as she swung the Engine Blade, unleashing a whirlwind to blow away the smoke.
Before Hi-Roze could do anything she suddenly began getting struck by blasts from her blind spot, quickly turning and bracing as Zi-O had his Zikan Girade out with Penny having Floating Array out as well, the two providing covering fire.
[DIAMOND! VOLCANIC KNUCKLE!]
Hi-Roze could only turn towards the announcement in surprise, watching Yang launch towards her. Realizing she had no time to dodge she quickly went to brace against the assault with the Engine Blade.
Yang shouted as the Magma Knuckle was coated by molten rock, slamming it against Hi-Roze's defense and unleashing a small shockwave as a result.
"Everyone," Roze called out in relief, glad to see she had some support near immediately.
"Jeez, these kids are intense," Zeronos remarked as he saw how quickly they were able to force Hi-Roze back.
"Yeah, they're stealing all our fun!" Den-O shouted.
"Then how about we get in there?" Zeronos suggested.
"Already read my mind," Den-O chuckled before charging forward, "Let's go, go, go!"
As the battle within the main clearing of the graveyard continued, Finis was currently exploring the ruins with a very curious and fascinated expression. They couldn't help but admire the architecture of all these destroyed methods of time travel, all of it was scrap, but they were arranged in an almost compelling way. Of course there were small bits of other time travel methods aside from the usual time train.
There were dozens of Time Mazines littered about in pieces, likely failed instances of trying to perfect the Time Mazines themselves. Of course there were only ever several completed, Zi-O's and Geiz's, with a third being Shiro-Woz's as some of them, though Shiro-Woz's in and of itself was still a mystery of how it was even made.
Despite this, there were still incomplete versions which the Time Jackers utilized by adding extra Legend Rider equipment onto them which were the ones Uhr and Ora primarily used. Though they had managed to run out of their supply rather quickly, this was why they hadn't attempted to use them in a while. It was especially an annoyance since the elder Time Jacker knew had a very specific end goal. But the only way to reach it was via Time Mazine and the Time Stream was too guarded by the Riders associated with it for prolonged usage of a Time Train.
So of course the elder Time Jacker wasn't about to let this chance slip by them. They made sure they went over to every Time Mazine, tapping it and imbuing it with their power. Control over machinery was an ability they were able to assert though it was never as useful as one would think. Of course with the situation as it was now, Finis realized the time was right to make use of this ability.
Finis however wasn't concerned by the Time Trains or Time Mazines despite her tampering with the latter. They were looking for a particular device, once thought lost and unsalvageable to Shocker when they had attempted to utilize it for their own gains only to realize they couldn't due to their key player being altered.
It wasn't long before fortune smiled upon the Time Jacker, soon finding a nearly destroyed globe-like device with Shocker insignias all over it. Walking over, Finis placed their hand gently on it and smiled, "Perfect…"
Den-O and Zeronos yelled out, the two running alongside each other and performing a cross slash with their DenGasher and ZeroGasher.
Hi-Roze winced as she was forced back by the two, staggering as she realized she was surrounded on all sides now.
"Terrible odds… but!" Hi-Roze quickly slammed her Engine Blade into the ground, the blade being superheated before sudden cracks began appearing all around. Suddenly extremely hot steam began releasing in pillars. The Riders and Huntresses all backing up with light yelps as they didn't want to get burned or damaged by the steam.
The result was the area growing very foggy as a result, no one having any clear idea where the other was.
"Penny!" Zi-O shouted, "We need this cleared up!"
"On it," Penny shouted as she unleashed a whirlwind to blow away the steam.
Everyone braced and looked around only to see that Hi-Roze was nowhere in the vicinity. Before anyone could question it they all felt the area around them grow brighter, looking up only to be greeted by a rain of fireballs. Everyone yelled out as the fireballs exploded, the Riders and Huntresses either managing to just barely dodge or brace, though a few were knocked away.
Roze wasn't as lucky as her friends, crying out as she was sent rolling and losing both Para-DX's and Mach's.
Hi-Roze immediately launched down and slammed into the ground near them, quickly snatching them and shoving them inside her.
[PARA-DX!]
[MACH!]
Hi-Roze lightly gasped as she felt the power fill her up before quickly bringing out the Zenrin Shooter and Gashacon Parabragun, using their melee modes to brace against a large beam of green energy courtesy of Penny.
Penny let out a light gasp however and withdrew her weapons when she saw her beam dispersed by the Hi-Roze's newly acquired equipment.
Before Hi-Roze could take another step, both Den-O and Zeronos stepped in. Zeronos launching energy bolt after energy bolt towards her with his ZeroGasher's bowgun mode while Den-O got up close and personal, slashing forward with his sword. The Another Rider batted away a few energy bolts before blocking and dodging against Den-O's assault.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) ZI-O! (ZI-O!) ZI-O~! II!]
Zi-O leapt into the confrontation, changing into Zi-O II as he began slashing with both of his weapons. He used quick bursts of Future Sight, easily deflecting Hi-Roze's attempted counters as Den-O and Zeronos began piling on the damage with their respective weapons once she was open.
"Ruby, are you alright?" Weiss asked as she hurried over.
"Yeah, just got knocked around a bit," Roze admitted as Yang went over to help her up, "But Cinder's really getting desperate. I've already lost five Ridewatches."
"Wait, which one is the fifth?" Blake asked, "We saw Kaixa and Accel being used but…"
"Roze RWBY," Roze said much to her friends' surprise, "That's why I haven't used it yet."
"Shouldn't she be way more powerful then?" Yang asked.
"Finis told her to hold off on it," Roze explained, "I figure she wants to try and relieve me of all my Ridewatches first."
"We need to stop her then," Blake said.
"Cinder!"
"Speaking of Finis…" Roze muttered as she looked over, spying the elder Time Jacker approaching with a mechanical orb, the core of a machine seemingly.
"It's time for us to commence the final phase of our plan," Finis spoke up as they held the orb up.
"Very well," Hi-Roze said before unleashing a whirlwind to force the Riders near her to back off before jumping back and landing near the Time Jacker, "So what are we waiting for?"
"Hey!" Den-O shouted, "Just what are you going to do with that thing?!"
"I suppose since you can't stop me I'll at least tell you one detail," Finis said before smiling, "The beginning."
"The beginning…?" Zeronos asked.
Roze heard this and quietly gestured at her friends, the three members of Team RWBY huddling in as their leader had a hasty and dangerous but effective idea.
"We Time Jackers actually have a limit on how far back we can go, one which Swartz would never admit to being the prideful man he is," Finis admitted, "However I plan to surpass those limits by utilizing this technology. I will go back to the very start of Kamen Rider history and correct it."
"Correct it?" Zi-O questioned, "What are you talking about."
"Kamen Riders were always meant to be servants of evil, tools of destruction," Finis replied with a smile before sneering, "The fact that you all sought to become more than what you were beautifully meant to be… it sickens me."
"Hey, we like the way we are already!" Den-O shouted, "So cut it out!"
"You cannot stop this," Finis smiled as they held up the orb, it beginning to shine brightly as the elder Time Jacker poured their energy into it, "I will become the First Rider and correct history!"
"Like we'll let you have your way!"
A flurry of holographic roses with a mix of four colors shot from one spot of the clearing towards the Time Jacker and Another Rider. It suddenly released in a burst in front of Finis and Hi-Roze. Weiss, Blake, and Yang all leapt towards Hi-Roze with their weapons out while Roze had Crescent Rose out in its scythe formation, slicing at the orb.
The result had caused the orb to spark violently, Hi-Roze and Finis both giving gasps but before any of them could speak up a bright light occurred.
The Riders and Penny shield their eyes, the four slowly lowering their arms only to stare in shock. The only thing left of the Time Jacker, Another Rider and their friends were two black scorch marks on the ground.
Zi-O could only stare in surprise, "What… what just happened?"
Hi-Roze yelled out as she was thrown against the ground, rolling before she quickly managed to stop herself. She heard screaming and yelling as she picked herself up before realizing what had happened.
Weiss, Blake and Yang had also been thrown to the ground, the three just barely managing to pick themselves up when they got their bearings.
The four could only look around as several civilians had all started running away, likely due to Hi-Roze herself. Though that was until they realized something else… it was only the four of them.
"Where's Finis?" Hi-Roze asked.
"Where's Ruby?" Yang asked at the same time.
"What even happened?" Weiss asked before noticing a digital sign off in the corner, it displaying the current time and date, confirming they were back the same day they had left back in time to stop Another Den-O.
Earth – Late June 2019
"We're back in the present?" Weiss asked.
"Just great," Hi-Roze hissed out, "You all had to interfere."
"Like we're going to let you keep messing with this world," Blake glared at the Another Rider as she brought out her Gashacon Sparrow and split it up, "Besides this is perfect."
"What do you mean?" Weiss asked.
"We're going to take those Watches she stole back," Yang said as she brought out her Magma and Blizzard Knuckles, slamming them together.
"Exactly," Blake glared, "We may not be Riders anymore but we can still put up a hell of a fight."
"Then I suppose we should get started," Weiss sighed, not exactly liking this situation but realizing they didn't have much of a choice. She brought out the Chalice Arrow, taking aim alongside projecting a summoning Glyph.
Hi-Roze yelled out as she spread her arms and hunched forward, "Come then!"
Ruby gave a grunt, the feedback from the sudden transportation having knocked her out of her transformation. She began to pick herself up when she suddenly realized Finis was standing further away from her, the two currently near the entrance of what seemed to be a hidden but old and dilapidated secret base.
"April 9th 1973…" Finis trailed before clicking their tongue in annoyance, "I suppose I'll have to make do with this issue."
"April 9th 1973…?" Ruby questioned as she began to pick herself up, "What do you mean?"
Earth – April 9th 1973
"Two years ago on April 3rd 1971 the first Kamen Rider was born at the hands of Shocker," Finis replied before walking towards the base, seemingly not concerned by Ruby's presence, "In fact, he was born in this facility."
"Shocker…?" Ruby asked, recalling that her mother had fought an iteration of Shocker in the past.
"I was going to easily halt his escape and make him become what he was truly meant to be while taking his powers," Finis continued to ramble, "Then we would correct the timeline, united as Rider and Another Rider, and create a world where Riders would be the tools of evil they were meant to be."
"Get a new joke already," Ruby winced as she fully picked herself up.
"Even without his presence I should be able to acquire his power thanks to how malleable the Ridewatches have become," Finis said, ignoring Ruby's remark.
"Like I'm going to let that happen," Ruby said before watching as Finis became a blur, speeding into the hideout without a second to spare, "Crap…" she quickly drew out her Faizphone X and started calling, "Come on…"
"Ruby is that you?" Sougo asked as he immediately picked up.
"Yeah it's me," Ruby said in a bit of a rushed tone, "Listen I don't have-"
"It is good to hear you're safe and sound!" Penny called out, "What about the others?"
"I think we got separated," Ruby answered simply, "Listen, there's not much time. April 9th 1973, that's where Finis and I are. Try and track my Faizphone's signal once you get here."
"Got it, we'll see you soon," Sougo said, "Be careful."
"I'll try," Ruby said before hanging up and rushing to chase after Finis.
Earth – Late June 2019
Geiz had just reentered 2019 in order to drop off Junichiro, though of course his Time Mazine had alerted him to a high burst of time space energy being released elsewhere in the city. Realizing that it couldn't exactly be good he made sure Junichiro was safely back at 9-5-DO before heading out on foot to deal with the temporal disturbance. Despite his phone ringing he didn't stop, simply answering it as he ran.
"Hello?" Geiz asked.
"Geiz, hey listen we have some issues," Sougo said.
"Yeah there's a temporal disturbance in 2019," Geiz replied, "What's going on?"
"Wait, really?" Sougo asked, "I think I might know what it is then!"
"What is it?" Geiz asked, "And how would you know?"
"Just call it a hunch," Sougo said before clearing his throat, "Okay so Finis was using the ZeroLiner to travel to this scrap yard of time trains and was trying to find something to boost their power. Ruby interfered alongside her team before Finis and Cinder could get away and they all vanished."
"You think they were sent back here?" Geiz asked.
"Ruby and Finis are in 1973, I'm getting a lift to pick up the Time Mazine so Penny and I can head there immediately," Sougo explained, "I'm thinking that the rest of Team RWBY and Cinder are back in 2019 based on what you said."
"So you need me to help them right?" Geiz asked but didn't leave room for a remark, "Leave it to me."
"Thanks Geiz," Sougo said before hanging up.
"Now then…" Geiz loaded his personal and Revive Ridewatches into his Driver, "Henshin!"
[REVI-REVI-REVI! REVI-REVI-REVI! REVI-I-VE SHI-PPU! SHIPPU!]
It didn't take him long to launch up into the air after his transformation ended. He sped above the city before finding the area that Weiss, Blake, and Yang were facing Hi-Roze at. He was observing the situation and watching as the summon Weiss had brought out, the Arma Gigas, had been torn through by an attack from Hi-Roze.
Realizing he couldn't waste another second he shot downwards, appearing between the two groups in a flash of blue.
"You…" Hi-Roze hissed out.
"Geiz!" Weiss called out.
"Sorry I'm late," Geiz replied, "But…"
Hi-Roze hissed out and charged forward only for Geiz to crouch forward, blue afterimages launched out and struck her before moving back in place. She was forced to stagger back, unleashing a fireball at Geiz who easily sped out of the way.
"It'll take a lot more than that to defeat me," Geiz replied as he raised his Jaclaw.
"Fine then," Cinder hissed out as she brought out the Kaixa Shot and Gashacon Parabragun, brandishing both weapons.
"What?" Geiz questioned as he got on guard.
"She took some of Ruby's Ridewatches," Blake said as she hurried over with the rest of her team, "She has Roze RWBY too."
Geiz turned in surprise, "What?!"
"Thankfully she hasn't used it yet," Yang said, "But…"
"We need to end this now," Geiz said as he brandished his weapon, the other members of Team RWBY nodding as they all went to stand alongside the Rider.
Earth – July 21st 2008
As soon as Sougo had gotten word from Ruby and made contact with Geiz, Ryotaro had taken him and Penny back to the DenLiner with the other Imagin. Yuto had taken the ZeroLiner with Deneb, the ZeroLiner following after the DenLiner.
Once on the DenLiner it was a quick trip to make it back to where they had left the Zi-O Unit Time Mazine. Sougo and Penny getting out as Ryotaro and Yuto went to see them off.
"So you all really can't come with us?" Sougo asked.
"If what your friend Geiz said is true then we need to look into if any more temporal disturbances pop up because of this," Ryotaro admitted.
"Plus I've got to run some checks on the ZeroLiner," Yuto replied, "I'd rather be thorough to make sure there isn't a nasty surprise that was left for us."
"Right," Sougo said before giving a bow, "Then thank you for everything!"
"Yes, thank you!" Penny agreed as she imitated the bow.
"It was nothing, really," Ryotaro smiled as he watched the two lift themselves up, "But Sougo, you don't have to worry about the future. Everything will be alright."
"Alright… I think I can do this," Sougo gave a nod as he recalled the earlier talks with Owner.
"Just keep on guard," Yuto replied as he crossed his arms, "This is only the tip of the iceberg I feel."
"But if it gets too big, I'm sure we'll be able to help out," Ryotaro added.
"Alright," Sougo said before deciding to head over towards his Time Mazine, "Come on Penny."
"Of course," Penny nodded before walking backwards and saluting, "Goodbye!"
"So now do you think that he'll become the Overlord that destroys the world?" Ryotaro asked.
"It feels like he's an entirely different person," Yuto admitted, "I suppose you could say I'm mostly convinced."
"That's good to hear," Ryotaro said.
"Yuto! Shouldn't we get going?!" Deneb shouted from the entrance of the ZeroLiner.
"I'm coming!" Yuto shouted back before patting Ryotaro's shoulder, "See you later Nogami."
"Alright," Ryotaro nodded as he watched his friend walk off.
"Hey!" Momtaros was now peaking out of the DenLiner's entrance, "You coming or not? We're pretty busy people now thanks to you."
Ryotaro couldn't help but chuckle, "Alright, I'm coming. Don't take off without me!"
"You idiot…" Momotaros remarked with a scoff, "Like we would ever forget you, Ryotaro."
Ryotaro couldn't help but crack a small smile as he walked towards the DenLiner.
Earth – April 9th 1973
Finis had managed to make their way into the main experiment rooms of the Shocker base. It was rather cramped but within it was a circular operating table that seemed to be fit with an LED. The equipment was in disarray and mostly destroyed while also having a couple of years of dust buildup. It was clear that this facility had been abandoned despite it being a pivotal landmark.
"Now then," Finis placed the Blank Ridewatch they had against the table, a purple flash occurring as it became an Anotherwatch. This one had a monstrous grasshopper-like face on it, pink-red eyes peering through.
[ICHIGO!]
"Stop right there!" Ruby shouted as she stopped at the entrance.
"You're too late…" Finis smiled, turning to face the Huntress, gripping the Anotherwatch tightly, "Roze…"
"Like I'll let you get away," Ruby narrowed her eyes as she prepped Silver Roze, readying her transformation.
"This is the lab that started it all," Finis said, activating the Ichigo Anotherwatch before initiating their transformation, "There only exist a handful of Riders in this world at this time… so I will crush them and become the First Rider… ushering in a new age of Kamen Riders who will act like they were always meant to."
[ICHIGO!]
Ruby yelled out and rushed forward, "Henshin!"
[SILVER TIME! KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) SILVER! (SILVER!) SILVER~! ROZE!]
Finis yelled out, a dark red aura erupting as Ruby was bathed in a silver light. The dark aura and silver light clashed against each other before both launched upwards and through the base. It wasn't long before both energies crashed through back onto the surface.
Silver Roze shouted as she was launched out of the energies, slamming against the ground on her back.
The dark aura meanwhile dispersed, revealing that Finis' Another Rider form was gigantic. The lower half of the Another Rider was a monstrous motorcycle, the top half having a belt buckle with a turbine-like center, its body and arms being fairly armored and lanky as it held a red cross-like crystal on its chest. Its head was similar to a grasshopper-like helmet, pink-red eyes peering through as its jaws were an open maw. This was the form of Another Ichigo, the self titled "First Rider".
"I am the peak of the origin," Another Ichigo shouted as they stared down at Roze, "I will become the creator of the true history of Riders!"
"Yeah… that's not going to happen," Roze winced as she brought out Silver Crescent, switching the weapons face to its Silver Face and taking aim.
[RYOSHI SASU!]
Another Ichigo crossed their arms, blocking the blasts of silver though a few sparks flew.
"As this age's replacement Ichigo, I will commence the history of Kamen Riders conquering humanity!" Another Ichigo shouted before spreading their arms out to disperse several more blasts of light. Soon enough red energy spheres began forming in the air.
Roze gasped out as she quickly began shooting at and using Petal Burst to dodge against the multitude of energy attacks. Despite this she was so caught up in avoiding those that she didn't see Another Ichigo speeding towards her, the Another Rider shifting the bike-like body they held and smacking her with their rear wheel.
Roze cried out as she was sent flying backwards, tumbling across the ground as she lost her weapon.
"What's with this insane strength?" Roze questioned as she began to pick herself up.
Another Ichigo's mouth began to erupt with black fire, launching black fireballs out and striking the ground near Roze. The fireballs dispersed almost instantly to reveal Shocker Combatmen.
Roze instantly picked herself up and quickly began dodging and blocking against Combatmen attacks, kicking and punching back to counter. She took a deep breath as her armor began to shine bright, unleashing explosive bursts of light with her attacks to send the grunts staggering back, even destroying a few.
"Everything you do is useless!" Another Ichigo shouted before unleashing more energy orbs outwards, all of them impacting near Roze who was trying to concern herself with the Combatmen swarm.
Roze cried out as she was launched backwards, hitting the ground hard. She gasped as she hit it, tumbling a bit but managed to stop herself while keeping her transformation. She was ready to get up when she could only scream out as her whole body was now held by an iron grip.
Another Ichigo had rode over to where she was, grabbing her tightly before flinging Roze back towards the damaged Shocker Base, the throw so great that Roze ended up breaking back into it as a result.
"Now to make sure you won't get in my way," Another Ichigo spewed out more black flames, forming more Combatmen, "Make sure she doesn't return alive."
"EEE!"
The Combatmen clones all shouted before charging towards the abandoned Shocker Base, planning on cornering the Rider inside.
"Now then…" Another Ichigo began to ride off before choosing to dismiss their transformation, becoming a cloud of dark aura that constricted itself into a human sized form as they had fully transformed back into Finis. The Time Jacker/Another Rider could only give a smirk as they planned on commencing the next part of their plan.
Earth – Late June 2019
Uhr lightly groaned as he began to pick himself up only to gasp and suddenly sit up.
"Where was…" Uhr asked before feeling weaker than usual, he quickly held out his hand only to feel no spark of power to come out of it, "That wasn't a nightmare…"
"Ugh…" Ora began to stir.
"Ora," Uhr quickly turned and began to shake his ally, "Ora wake up!"
"I feel so weak…" Ora groaned out as she began to sit up, "What… what happened?"
"Swartz took our powers," Uhr replied.
"What?" Ora asked before recalling her last moments conscious and wincing, "Damn it… I knew he was up to no good!"
"He just threw us away like trash…" Uhr lowered his head.
"Damn it, just what is his game?" Ora questioned.
"A kingly gambit that will end up failing spectacularly," a voice spoke up, the two Time Jackers turning to see a man in black pants and a purple suit jacket with red and blue stripes, their expressions faltering as they noticed he seemed familiar.
"Hey wait a minute…" Uhr said.
Ora tilted her head, "Aren't you…"
Earth – April 9th 1973
The Zi-O Unit Time Mazine soon exited the time tunnel it had entered, making sure to track Ruby's signal so they could get as close as possible.
"Alright," Sougo said as he began using the camera's to try and search around, "Where's…"
"Sougo look," Penny pointed at one of the screens, showing Finis waiting out in the open.
"That isn't good," Sougo frowned but before he could make another decision, Finis' sight was trained on them, the Rider quickly having to force the Time Mazine to maneuver around numerous concussive blasts that the Time Jacker was now sending out, "Penny I'm going to land but I need you to stay in the Time Mazine. I'm not sure what Finis is trying to do right now."
"Understood," Penny replied, "What about Ruby though? I'm worried that she is not around."
"Depending on what happens I'll need you to pilot the Time Mazine," Sougo said as he quickly went to land before opening up the hatch, "Think you can handle it?"
"I have done the required training," Penny smiled, "I am Time Mazine ready!"
"That's what I like to hear," Sougo smiled back before quickly running out the hatch and hurrying over to where Finis was, "Finis."
"Zi-O, you don't fully understand the true power of Kamen Riders," Finis spoke up as they stared down the king of time, bringing out the Ichigo Anotherwatch, "The Riders' powers are powers of evil!"
[ICHIGO!]
It wasn't long before Finis yelled out, their body morphing and transforming into the gigantic form of Another Ichigo.
Sougo couldn't help but whistle at the form, "So that's the false power of the first Kamen Rider?"
"No it is the true power that you Riders have discarded," Another Ichigo explained as they stared down at Sougo, "I will be the sole Kamen Rider if I have to keep your existences on track."
"If we changed and stayed changed then it was for a reason. But you don't know me if you think I'm going to let you trample over me," Sougo answered as he brought out his Zi-O Ridewatch alongside Grand Zi-O, loading them in place as the various standbys began to play for his standby, the gold clock tower and Legend Rider statues forming behind and beside him, "I will become a King and Kamen Rider, and no one is going to stop me… Henshin!"
[GRAND TIME! IWAE! KAMEN RIDER~! GRANDZI-O~!]
The Riders were contained within the golden gates that soon latched onto his body, forming the armor and completing the transformation into Grand Zi-O.
The culmination of 20 Years of Heisei Riders stood before the corrupted version of the first Kamen Rider, both staring each other down before Another Ichigo made the first move. With a yell the Another Rider lifted up their body and went to slam their wheel down on Zi-O.
[FOURZE!]
"Rocket Tailspin Crusher!"
It wasn't long before an orange tornado launched out of a gateway, slamming against the wheel that was brought down. It was Fourze in Rocket States utilizing his finisher, the force of it being enough to send Another Ichigo backwards.
"You're not just fighting me, remember?" Zi-O remarked as he tapped another statuette.
[BLADE!]
A gate facing upwards formed in front of Another Ichigo, Blade in King Form shooting upwards and out of it. Blade's armor formed the cards necessary for his finisher, the Rider grabbing them and slotting them all into his King Rouzer.
[ROYAL STRAIGHT FLUSH!]
Blade began passing through the various Rouse Card projections, his body glowing a bright gold as he descended upon Another Ichigo. The Another Rider yelled out, unleashing multiple energy blasts against the golden Rider. Despite the blasts impacting against him, he was still on course, slashing forward only to get blocked by Another Ichigo crossing their arms.
[WIZARD!]
[CHOINE! KICK STRIKE! SAIKO!]
A larger gateway opened up behind Another Ichigo as Wizard was lifting himself up with his inner phantom, Wizardragon. The Wizadragon shifted and became a boot-like shape before Wizard kicked against it, a large flame projection forming from the Wizardragon in the shape of Wizard himself.
Wizard and his inner Phantom performed the Strike End, slamming into Another Ichigo's back and allowing Blade to slice through the Another Rider's arms due to them faltering. The result was two explosions going off at the same time.
[HIBIKI!]
Zi-O brought out the Armed Saber, fire erupting from its blade and becoming elongated as he launched himself towards Another Ichigo.
"Like I'll let you have your way!" Another Ichigo unleashed a shockwave that blew away the dust and dirt from the explosion before spinning around, lifting themselves up by the front tire and smacking into Zi-O with their back tire, "You'll fall just like the girl!"
Zi-O yelled out as he was smacked away by the attack, just barely managing to flip and land in a kneeling stance, "What did you do with Ruby?!"
"She foolishly tried to face me on her own back at the Shocker Base in which I received this power," Another Ichigo explained, "So I simply tossed her inside and sent some ghosts of the past after her in order to finish her off. No doubt she's a goner by now."
"Like she'll be done in by that," Zi-O called out before looking over at the Time Mazine, "Penny, go help Ruby!"
"But Sougo," Penny called out via the machine's speakers, "Will you-"
"Like I'll let you," Another Ichigo quickly rolled over to the Time Mazine before ramming into it with Penny being heard screaming out as it was rocked around, "You won't get the chance to help your friend!"
Penny winced in the cockpit as she tried to gain control only to watch as Another Ichigo sent a multitude of projectiles at the Time Mazine. Thinking quickly she switched it into its robot mode, the Time Mazine leaping up into the air with its boosters to avoid the attacks before flipping and kicking out at Another Ichigo, managing to strike past the Another Rider.
"Why you…" Another Ichigo hissed out.
[GHOST!]
Another large gate opened up, this time it was Ghost riding the mechanical iguana themed mecha, the Iguana Ghostriker. The large machine let out several squeaks as it spun and slammed into Another Ichigo before going to pounce on them.
"Now's your chance Penny," Zi-O said as he turned towards the Time Mazine, "Go now!"
"No," Penny stayed firm as the Time Mazine entered a battle stance, "I will put my faith in Ruby. Right now, we need to stop Finis!"
"Alright then," Zi-O nodded as he turned to face Another Ichigo with Penny, "Let's finish this."
Unbeknownst to everyone, the fight had been watched by someone. Though this someone had immediately left after the Another Rider's mention of Ruby. He was currently on route to the defunct Shocker Base, making it there in record time on a white motorcycle.
The Shocker Combatmen copies began lumbering through the defunct Shocker Base. They were currently searching for where Ruby was. It took a while but a few finally motioned to the others as they all began to converge on one location. It was a fairly open room within the base, likely one that was used to train the various soldiers stationed in this particular base.
It wasn't long before they found Ruby who had lost her transformation, the Huntress Rider currently disoriented from being thrown and crashing through the base.
"EEE! EEE!" The Shocker Combatmen screeched out as they began to approach the disoriented Huntress Rider.
"Stop right there!"
All of the Shocker Combatmen all turned in surprise, watching as a man entered the room. He was fairly young with short but heavily bushy hair. He had a simple outfit of a dark striped polo shirt alongside blue pants with white stripes.
The Shocker Combatmen simply shouted their usual battle cries before charging towards the man who began fighting them off with ease. Once he hit a Combatman hard enough, they slammed against the ground before combusting into black flames.
"So what that thing said was true," The man said before glaring, "To think that your presence lives on in more ways than one… I will not allow you to keep on this rampage!"
Ruby meanwhile gave a light groan as she tried to regain her bearings. The fighting and yells thankfully had managed to get her to force herself up, the Huntress Rider groggily managing to sit up as she began to take in the fight before her.
The man went for a spin kick that knocked more Combatmen backwards before leaping away. Several of the Combatmen all shouted before huddling onto each other, becoming black fire before that fire constricted itself into forming a strange creature. It was a humanoid spider-like creature, it giving a laugh as the remaining Combatmen gathered around it.
"Man Spider…" the man glared.
The Man Spider simply laughed out, it being a pale imitation of the real one the man had recognized at it didn't even speak.
"So be it," the man said before he clenched his left fist, holding it close to his side while aiming his right arm and hand outwards towards his left. He drew his arm towards his right, before immediately reversing his stance with both hands. Now his right fist was clenched against his side while his left arm was outstretched towards is right, "Rider… Henshin!"
Man Spider and the Combatmen charged forward as the man leapt up into the air, wind gathering around his waist as bright circular yellow, red and blue lights coated his body, transforming it. He was fully suited up and slammed his fist into the ground just as his opponents approached, performing a shockwave attack that knocked them all back.
The grunts all yelled out as they slammed against the floor, exploding into black fire as Man Spider began to pick itself back up.
The man had transformed into a Rider, having a black tracksuit styled bodysuit with white lines running on his outer arms and legs. He had silver gloves and boots, a green padded chest in the shape of abs, a red scarf, and a green-ish blue helmet with the primary theme of a grasshopper. It had red bug eyes, a silver mandible-like jaw and two small antennas. On his waist was a thick red belt that was wrapped around, a few metal boxes on the sides with an oval-like buckle at the front, revealing a red turbine of sorts in the center.
"Kamen Rider…?" Ruby immediately got on her knees and fully woke up at this. That was until she felt a strange hot sensation in her pocket. She quickly drew out a Blank Ridewatch, it flashing a cyan coloration as it had a silver base with a cyan dial and button, the same Rider's face on it, "No way…"
"Kamen Rider… Ichigo," Ichigo introduced before getting in a fighting stance and slowly approaching the Man Spider copy.
Man Spider let out a few grunts as it began to approach before charging for Ichigo. The First Rider simply began to dodge and counter against Man Spider's attacks with ease. There were no real special abilities or weapons with Ichigo, just raw skill.
Ruby couldn't help but be impressed at what she was witnessing as she watched Ichigo take down the lone monster with nothing but his own body.
Man Spider shouted as he was thrown backwards by a powerful punch from Ichigo's end, tumbling across the ground before stopping.
Ichigo leapt into the air, flipping once before kicking out with his right leg, "Rider… Kick!"
The Rider's kick connected, slamming into Man Spider who had just barley gotten up. The Man Spider copy could only yell out as it was sent flying backwards and slammed against the wall.
Ichigo landed in a crouched stance, watching as his opponent stepped forward before falling over. Ichigo turned away as Man Spider exploded completely.
"Whoa," Ruby said as she stared in awe at the Rider before her.
Ichigo hurried over to help Ruby up, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I am," Ruby nodded as she lifted herself to stand, "How did you even know I was in trouble?"
"I was investigating the area after seeing a large bright flash in the distance," Ichigo admitted, "Then I saw a spectacular fight against this strange creature that looks like me. The creature mentioned your imminent demise and I knew I couldn't let that happen while your likely friends were preoccupied."
"I see…" Ruby said, realizing that Ichigo had seen a lot, "Listen, this is going to sound weird."
"I've just seen what I thought was unbelievable," Ichigo chuckled as he patted his chest a few times, "I think I can handle it."
"I can't exactly explain what's going on," Ruby admitted, "It's uh… very complicated at this point in time. But I need you to promise me something."
"What would that be?" Ichigo asked.
"Please, do not let anyone know about this," Ruby said, "History itself could change if I told you about what I know. And also about what you know now. History's already had a fair few ripples, and I don't want this to be another one. Even then I'm saying too much in this rambling…"
Ichigo stared at Ruby before holding out his gloved pinky finger, "I understand, as such I'll absolutely keep this meeting a secret."
Ruby smiled and took the pinky with her own, "It's a promise then."
"Of course," Ichigo nodded.
"Now if you'll excuse me," Ruby said before going to hurry out, "Oh that's right, I never got your actual name."
"Takeshi Hongo," Ichigo replied, "What about you?"
"Ruby Rose," Ruby said, figuring her name couldn't hurt anything, "Just don't tell anyone about me or what happened here, alright?"
"Of course," Ichigo said as he watched Ruby leave, gripping his fist a bit before stepping forward, "Ruby!"
"Huh?" Ruby turned back in surprise, "Yeah?"
"Will we meet each other again?" Ichigo asked.
Ruby couldn't help but give a soft smile, "I really hope we do Takeshi."
Ichigo nodded in response, Ruby giving her own before rushing out of the room.
Earth – Late June 2019
[SEVEN RENDA!]
Hi-Roze powered up her Gashacon Parabragun alongside coating it with fire and electricity. She slammed it into the ground with a shout, unleashing shockwaves of fire and electricity to force her four opponents backwards.
"I won't allow myself to lose to you all," the Another Rider hissed out as she gathered more fire around her axe, soon swinging it out and sending a fire wave towards the four.
[ZIKAN DESPEAR!]
[ZIKAN GIRADE TSU!]
Both Tsukuyomi and Woz leapt in front of the fire wave in their base Rider forms, the two bracing with their weapons. They yelled out before dispersing it, the embers flickering away as they stood between Hi-Roze and their friends.
"Oh nice, you guys made it in time!" Yang cheered.
"Sorry we're late," Tsukuyomi apologized.
"A few things came up in trying to find out where young Tsukuyomi was," Woz also admitted.
"As long as you all are here its fine," Blake replied, "I think we can beat Cinder now."
"Or at least force her back," Weiss agreed.
"I will not allow myself to be defeated by all of you!" Hi-Roze hissed out as she held her weapon forward, "I'm on my way to obtaining the power I need to finally be free. And I won't allow you all to get in the way."
"If you keep going like this you'll end up losing everything."
Everyone immediately turned towards the new voice, watching as Swartz walked into view with a smile on his face.
"Swartz…" Geiz hissed out, it was the first time they had seen the Time Jacker leader since Remnant, "Why are you here?"
"My plan is complete," Swartz said simply as he eyed the surrounding area, his eyes stopping on Tsukuyomi, "And thankfully it looks like my candidate for my King's Queen has finally arrived."
"What?" Hi-Roze looked over in surprise, "I thought I was…"
"You are an excellent Another Rider but you are not the Queen I'm looking for in this case," Swartz answered before chuckling, "However I've wasted enough time… I believe it's time to get started and I won't take no for an answer."
The sound of loud footsteps could be heard as everyone turned to see who was walking towards them. Everyone's eyes could only widen as they saw a young man approaching them, but before anyone could get anything out the young male pressed the button of the Anotherwatch in his hand.
[ZI-O II!]
Earth – April 9th 1973
[KING GIRI GIRI SLASH!]
Zi-O had brought out the Saikyo Zikan Girade, initiating its finisher and spinning as he slashed through the numerous projectiles that Another Ichigo had launched out. The Time Mazine meanwhile began dodging back and bracing against the shots, Penny channeling her magic into the arms of the robot mode to form small whirlwind like shields that helped deflect the blasts.
"You're only stalling the inevitable," Another Ichigo said as they stared down their opponents. Soon enough they gathered enough energy to open a red portal above them, various Time Mazine scraps dropping down and landing below them.
"Time Mazine parts…?" Zi-O questioned.
"I remember seeing some disheveled Time Mazines in the Time Train Graveyard," Penny recalled.
"So that's what Finis was also doing," Zi-O realized.
"I will rewrite history as the First Rider and you cannot stop me!" Another Ichigo shouted before slamming their wheel onto the parts, releasing energy as the parts launched outwards before merging with their form. Soon enough they gained mechanical grasshopper-like appendages on their lower body and back, their body now fully turning white. Another Ichigo had transformed into its strengthened form of Another Shin Ichigo.
Another Shin Ichigo lashed out with its arms and grasshopper appendages, unleashing red energy waves that crashed against Zi-O who barely managed to block them with his Saikyo Zikan Girade. Zi-O yelled out, breaking apart the energy waves but losing his weapon in the process, it clattering off to the side.
Another Shin Ichigo then looked over at the Time Mazine that Penny was piloting, gathering energy in their mouth and launching out a beam.
"No you don't!" Zi-O called out as he accessed Ghost's Mugen's fast travel, becoming gold sparks that launched upwards and between the beam and the Time Mazine. He then tapped another statuette.
[W!]
Zi-O quickly brought out the Prism Bicker, the Cyclone, Luna, Heat, and Metal Memories loaded into it as he held it forward, "Bicker Finalusion!"
An energy barrier formed over the Prism Bicker, it turning gold and it increasing in size as Zi-O yelled out, blocking against the beam that soon exploded against it. Zi-O suddenly yelped as he was launched back only to be caught by the Time Mazine.
"Thanks Penny," Zi-O said as he tossed away the Prism Bicker before tapping another statuette.
[DEN-O!]
Den-O in Climax form appeared in mid-air, his chest opening up with a bright purple energy charging before he pushed his chest forward. Soon enough dozens of missiles were launched outwards, all of them slamming against Another Shin Ichigo and forcing the gigantic Another Rider back as a result.
As the battle raged on, a flurry of rose petals began spiraling towards it. Ruby soon slid out of the petals, managing to oversee the current battle. She looked at the Ichigo Ridewatch and gripped it tightly, figuring she could use it to help turn the tide even with Grand Zi-O managing to keep up with Another Shin Ichigo.
Keeping hold of the Ridewatch she brought out her Ziku Driver and Roze Ridewatch, preparing them before initiating her transformation, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
Once the transformation completed, Roze used Petal Burst to launch herself towards the discarded Saikyo Zikan Girade. She landed near it and took it apart, holding up the Zikan Girade as she activated her new Ridewatch.
[ICHIGO!]
"Hey!" Roze shouted as she managed to catch everyone's attention while loading in the Ridewatch, "Sorry to say Finis but it'll take a lot more than that to get rid of me!"
[FINISH TIME!]
Zi-O looked in surprise as he was now standing on the Time Mazine's shoulder, "Ruby?"
"You are well!" Penny shouted, "I am so glad!"
"You worm!" Another Shin Ichigo punched towards Roze who used Petal Burst to avoid it. The Huntress Rider landed on the extended arm and pressed down on the Zikan Girade's trigger, the blade glowing with a cyan energy as she stabbed it into Another Shin Ichigo's arm, dragging it up as she ran up the behemoth's arm.
[ICHIGO GIRI GIRI SLASH!]
Roze then leapt up before launching downwards with Petal Burst, slamming and digging the Zikan Girade into the glowing red crystal that made up Another Shin Ichigo's chest.
The Another Rider could only yell out in pain as it tried to grab at Roze only for the Huntress Rider to slip away via another usage of Petal Burst, sliding near the Time Mazine as Zi-O hopped down from it.
"Do you really think that paltry attack will stop me?" Another Shin Ichigo questioned.
"Given how badly it hurt you… uh, yeah?" Roze remarked.
"You should give up now, you aren't making it out of this if we defeat you," Zi-O called out as he stared at the Another Rider.
"Wait, what?" Roze looked over.
"They merged with busted Time Mazine parts," Zi-O replied before looking over at the Another Rider, "You're going far beyond your limitations."
"Just like Tid, huh?" Roze asked in an almost resigned manner.
"Do not compare me to that fool," Another Shin Ichigo called out, "He wished to destroy all Riders, I simply wish to correct them back to what they once were!"
"Let's go Ruby, Penny," Zi-O said as he began tapping statuettes, "We're giving this everything we've got!"
"Right," Roze nodded.
"Roger!" Penny called out as the Time Mazine got in a fighting stance.
Another Shin Ichigo yelled out, unleashing several energy blasts from its mouth, managing to force the Time Mazine back while also engulfing Zi-O and Roze in a few explosions.
[ROZE KAMA KAMA CUTTING!]
Roze launched out, using the blasts from Crescent Rose in its scythe formation to send her spinning rapidly towards the Another Rider. The result was the Another Rider attempting to punch at her only for sparks to fly as Roze sliced through the outer layer of the Another Rider's arm.
Multiple gold gates formed around the Another Rider as numerous Riders launched out. Two Ex-Aids, an orange and cyan one launched out, the duo in Mighty Brothers XX. The two Ex-Aid's slashed against Another Shin Ichigo with the Gashacon Breaker and Keyslasher respectively. Gaim launched and pierced through with the Banaspear, being in Banana Arms while OOO spun in from the side, clawing past the Another Rider with Super TaToBa's enhanced claws. Finally Hyper Kabuto dropped in, performing two slashes with the Perfect Zecter as he passed the Another Rider.
Penny gathered fire in the Time Mazine's hands, launching out multiple fireballs that Another Shin Ichigo braced against. Roze meanwhile used Petal Burst to launch up high into the air.
[KAMEN RIDE! YEAH! ROSE! ROSE! ROSE~!]
"Let's go!" Roze quickly brought out the Roseiber before loading in a card.
[ATTACK RIDE: BURST!]
Slashing forward she formed several silver petals that launched beams of light outwards, striking and piercing through the Another Rider.
It wasn't long before another rain of projectiles began to strike against Another Shin Ichigo as well, the Another Rider turning and looking upwards.
Zi-O had brought out more Riders via Grand, half were in their base forms this time as Ryuki had his Strike Vent out with Decade holding onto a transformed Kamen Rider Faiz, the Rider being a giant cannon known as the Faiz Blaster. Drive and Build were also with them, in Type Technic with the Door Ju and HawkGatling with the Hawk Gatlinger respectively.
[FINAL WEAPON TIME: Z-Z-Z-ZERONOS!]
[DENEBICK BUSTER!]
Before Another Shin Ichigo could get a chance to retaliate, multiple bullets had been launched out from below, Roze having used her Final Weapon Time to access Zeronos' Denebick Buster.
"We're not done yet," Zi-O shouted as he brought out one last batch of Riders.
Kuuga, Agito, Faiz, dropped down in their base forms. The three punched as they fell with Faiz using the Faiz Shot to enhance his punches. Following after them was Kiva Dogga Form, Kiva Dogga simply slamming down with his fist-shaped hammer.
Another Shin Ichigo braced against the various punches, swinging its arms to force the Riders off of it before its arms were struck by blasts of ice, slowly frosting over.
The Time Mazine charged forward, Penny having channeled her ice magic through it. The Time Mazine then leapt forward and punched at Another Shin Ichigo, shattering the ice on the Another Rider's arms.
"Kamen Rider is a weapon for annihilating humanity!" Another Shin Ichigo shouted out desperately, "The ones distorting the history of Kamen Riders are you all not me!"
"We're the ones who'll decide that," Zi-O answered as he met up with Roze who stayed in Rose Armor since it was her strongest form at the moment.
"I won't allow you to mess with this era, or any other era," Roze said as she initiated her finisher alongside Zi-O, "We're ending this here and now!"
"I thought holding the power of the first Rider would allow me enough strength to defeat you all," Another Shin Ichigo roared in defiance, "Am I really to be destroyed by you all in the end?!"
[FINISH TIME! GRANDZI-O!]
[FINISH TIME! ROSE!]
A silver Final Attack Ride Card appeared over them, the two leaping through it and vanishing as another Final Attack Ride Card appearing in the sky. The two dropped down face first as they began skydiving towards Another Shin Ichigo.
The Another Rider looked up before yelling out, unleashing numerous blasts of energy out to strike at them. Despite their bulk, the two Riders began slipping through and dodging out of the way with ease as they fell further and further.
"Sougo," Roze said as she noticed the Zikan Girade was still stuck within the Another Rider's chest.
"Got it," Zi-O said, also noticing it and nodding, "We'll push through!"
The two continued to fall and dodge before shifting their bodies and kicking out, Zi-O's left foot shining a bright gold while Ruby's right foot shined a bright white. The two kicked against the Ichigo powered Zikan Girade, both piercing through with it as they completely tore through Another Shin Ichigo's body.
[ALL 20 TIME BREAK!]
[ATTACK TIME BLAST!]
The Zikan Girade flipped and stabbed itself into the ground as both Zi-O and Roze passed it, dropping to the ground kneeling and skidding forward before stopping.
Another Shin Ichigo could only yell out as it was engulfed in explosions, Finis' original voice coming out of it briefly one last time as the Another Rider was fully destroyed.
"We did it," Roze said as she lifted herself up and dismissed her transformation.
"Yeah," Zi-O nodded as he dismissed his transformation as well.
The Time Mazine shifted back to its vehicle mode, landing nearby as Penny hopped out and ran over.
"Thank goodness," Penny said as she hurried over, "You all are alright."
"Of course we are," Sougo chuckled.
Ruby meanwhile went to grab the Zikan Girade out of the ground, removing the Ichigo Ridewatch and pocketing it, "So what now? Did you all find out where my team went?"
"Yeah they're in 2019 again alongside Cinder," Sougo said as he walked over with Penny.
"We should probably get going then," Ruby said, "Even though I'm pretty sure you called in backup."
"I did but you're right," Sougo agreed, "Let's get-"
Gold clocks began to cluster around them all in an instant before warping them elsewhere.
Earth – Wasteland 2068
A gold portal opened up as the three from 1973 fell forward and out of it. Ruby and Penny gave yelps as they staggered, the two looking around before backing up in surprise.
"Uh Sougo…" Ruby trailed as she stared at her friend, "Why are you in Grand Zi-O again?"
"Huh?"
It was just as Ruby had said as standing between her and Penny was Grand Zi-O in all of his brilliance.
"Eh?" Zi-O looked himself over, "I am? That's so weird though."
"Where are we?" Penny asked as she looked around before pausing as she saw who was standing in front of them, "Friends…"
Ruby and Zi-O turned, the two freezing when they were greeted by the sight before them. The sudden shift to an orange and brown color palette suddenly made sense. Standing before the three of them was Oma Zi-O.
"My young self and his friends," Oma Zi-O greeted them as he kept his arms at his sides.
"Oma Zi-O…" Zi-O stared directly at the demon king.
"I see you have obtained the power of all the Riders," Oma Zi-O remarked, "But your strength still isn't enough to fight against the coming storm."
"You think so?" Zi-O asked as he stepped forward, ready for a fight, "I think this might work."
"If you believe yourself as ready, then I have prepared an opponent just for you," Oma Zi-O snapped his fingers as a tornado of dust suddenly formed in front of him.
The dust suddenly dispersed to reveal a confused Salem who was looking around before her eyes rested on the three visitors before her.
"Salem…" Ruby narrowed her eyes as Penny stepped back warily.
"What is this trickery?" Salem narrowed her eyes.
"Be glad I am not facing you in combat, Witch," Oma Zi-O said from behind her, a visible chill being seen from Salem as he spoke. He chuckled a bit at this, "I give you a wager. Defeat my younger self in combat and you will be free to go back to your world."
"What?" Salem turned in surprise.
"Wait, what?!" Ruby questioned.
"Oh no…" Penny muttered as she clasped her hands together.
"Do you not have faith in my younger self?" Oma Zi-O asked.
"Don't worry Ruby, Penny," Zi-O said as he stepped forward, "I'm pretty sure I won't lose."
"Such confidence… and all I have to do is defeat him and him alone?" Salem asked as she glanced back, receiving a nod before giving a small glare as she turned back to face the three, "Very well… "
Zi-O began to raise his arms up and entered a fighting stance. While he wasn't exactly concerned with the fight he was wondering as to how he'd permanently defeat Salem in the long run. He also wondered how long Oma would let the fight run for if he couldn't.
"Let's get started," Zi-O spoke up after he had settled in his stance.
Oma gave a nod and began to back away, gesturing towards Ruby and Penny to do the same. Ruby and Penny reluctantly agreed as they began to back away as well.
"I suppose this should give me some catharsis," Salem smirked, figuring that Zi-O in his current state couldn't be as bad as the nightmarish 'fights' she had with Oma Zi-O. Those weren't even fights in her mind, just him toying with her. She shook her head and began lifting herself up via wind magic, forming a small twister beneath her. She then gathered two spheres of magical energy, launching them towards Zi-O.
Zi-O raised his arms and swung them back, blocking and launching the magical blasts to the sides as explosions kicked up. With a mighty and fearless shout he charged towards the Queen of Grimm.
Salem shouted further and unleashed a fiery tornado towards Zi-O, as the hope was to blow him away while setting him on fire.
Zi-O however rushed forward and raised his arms, easily breaking through the flaming wind construct and disrupting it entirely.
If Salem could pale further she would, watching as a stronger Rider than even Roze RWBY charged straight towards her with an aura of raw determination.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"And so comes Swartz's final desperate play."
"You three are needed elsewhere."
"I have chosen to serve a new set of royalty."
"I… I can't…"
"I'll beat you, and save the world."
Chapter 112: 2019: World, Reset
Author's Note: Farewell Finis, you lasted longer than Tid but that was mainly because I planned on you to end in a similar spot as your movie counterpart, and that's dying to Grand Zi-O alongside another Rider. That said I did have fun utilizing Finis where I could, since they were very much the reason why Another Roze happened and why it went further into Hi-Roze. But yep, we've dealt with what Den-O stuff we needed, made another stop for a quick Showa cameo via Ichigo, and everyone's in place for the final three chapters of this Saga.
Of course this was a fun chapter as I've only taken beats from different fights or start ups to fights with everything else being wholly original. Those being the Another Ichigo encounter alongside Oma Zi-O's grabbing of Sougo with Ruby and Penny tagging along, albeit with a different test than in the show. That said, thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.