Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 112 – 2019: World, Reset
Woz was currently in his black void of narration, staring at his book intently before closing it up while starting to remove his scarf.
"As it has been written here, Tokiwa Sougo… he embarks on a path which leads him to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O," Woz said as he began to unbutton his coat while walking towards a changing screen with a red jacket draped over it, "Not only has he inherited the power of all Riders and become Grand Zi-O, but he has put an end to Finis despite the elder Time Jacker boasting incredible power as Another Ichigo. Now he is currently facing a test from his older self… but once that is said and done, will the time he goes back to be the same as he left it?"
He fully took off his jacket while going behind the changing screen, hanging it over the screen as he grabbed the red coat. Nearby the screen was a small table, having two white gloves on it.
Earth – Wasteland 2068
Oma Zi-O, Ruby, and Penny all watched as Grand Zi-O charged towards Salem, the Rider shouting as he leapt upwards and unleashed a punch. The punch released a burst of gold energy that dispersed the tornado that was carrying Salem, the immortal witch shouting out as she was thrown backwards and against the ground.
"This… power…" Salem muttered as she began to pick herself up before quickly unleashing a stream of fire against Zi-O.
[BUILD!]
A gateway formed in front of Zi-O, Build appearing in FireHedgehog form, raising his left arm and unleashing a stream of pressurized water from the mounted ladder hose. The result managed to easily cancel out the stream of fire, Salem moving back in surprise.
[W!]
W was next to appear in LunaMetal as he began forming various gold rings of energy by swinging the Metalshaft around, "Metal Illusion!"
The golden rings of energy were all launched outwards, managing to cut deeply into Salem who backed away from the attacks. She glared as she began to regenerate her damaged body before launching a burst of magic at Zi-O.
"That won't work," Zi-O said as he tapped OOO statuette next.
[OOO!]
Zi-O held out his hand and formed the Tajaspinner, blocking the magic blast with it before taking aim and launching several fireballs at Salem who brought out a tornado to deflect them away from her.
"You may be stronger but you're not as monstrous as him," Salem taunted, realizing that she could potentially draw this fight into her favor. While Grand Zi-O had a lot of raw power to it, she believed she could stall long enough to eventually beat Zi-O.
[DRIVE!]
This time Drive in Type Formula was summoned, the Rider having the Mantarn tires on his forearms, the tires themselves heating up and filling with energy. Drive swung with his right arm, sending two bursts of energy that landed behind Salem, explosions kicking up as she was staggered. He swung again with his left arm, unleashing another two bursts of energy that landed in front of Salem to stagger her even further.
Drive then yelled out and punched forward with his right arm this time, unleashing a massive beam of orange energy that completely engulfed Salem who screamed out in defiance before her screams were silenced.
When the explosions and energy faded, it could be seen that Salem was now a black puddle on the ground.
"He did it!" Ruby called out.
"Grand Zi-O is quite powerful," Penny noted.
"Alright, she'll regenerate," Zi-O said as he stepped forward, "Then I'll force her into the air and use Wizard All-Dragon to-"
"That's enough," Oma Zi-O stepped in front of the black puddle, forming Wizard's connect portal, having it slide on top of the puddle to transport it somewhere else, "I'll still be holding onto her of course."
"Wait, but I was going to get her out of the way for good," Zi-O said as he looked on in surprise as both Ruby and Penny hurried over to him, "I thought that's why you brought her out for me."
"No, I wanted to impart this to you," Oma Zi-O spoke up, "You may have obtained the power of All Riders, but you have yet to truly master your own power. It was as I told you earlier, collecting all the Ridewatches is only one of the keys to fully ridding Remnnant of her."
"What are you trying to say?" Ruby asked.
"That this is but the beginning of his ascension and if he is to truly defeat the witch, not stall her like he was planning on… then he must continue to grow," Oma Zi-O answered.
"That… I wasn't expecting this," Zi-O admitted, a bit surprised by how open Oma Zi-O was being with them, "You…"
"I simply wish to see the path you chose with my own eyes," Oma Zi-O admitted, "And if that means guiding you in certain ways… then so be it."
Before anyone else could speak up, a sudden strange wave echoed through the area, everyone looking around in surprise.
"What was that?" Ruby asked.
"I feel a bit tingly," Penny admitted.
"Something is trying to force differences in the flow of time," Oma Zi-O said before holding up his hand, "If that is the case then you three are needed elsewhere."
"I suppose there's no point in staying here anyway, right?" Zi-O asked as he dismissed his transformation.
"I have given you all that I can," Oma Zi-O answered as a gold glow appeared around his hand, "Now go forth and fight for the title you were born to attain."
The three didn't have much say in the matter as gold clocks surrounded them, a portal opening up above them and sliding downwards to fully transport them away.
Earth – Late June 2019
Sougo, Ruby and Penny all gave yelps as they fell out of a portal from mid-air, landing and staggering slightly.
"Okay, where are we?" Sougo asked as he looked around.
"I think the better phrasing is when," Ruby pointed out.
"Hmm…" Penny said as she began to access the internet around the area only to come up with some issues, "I cannot seem to access the internet though prior logged maps show this area as a park not a castle."
"Wait, a castle?" Ruby asked before looking around, soon seeing a set of steps that led up to a massive castle, "Uh…"
"What's going on?" Sougo asked as he began to hurry up the steps with Ruby and Penny following after him.
Sougo immediately paused when arriving at the front courtyard of the castle, Ruby and Penny stopping abruptly when he did. The three's eyes were immediately caught by a small series of statues that was near the steps that led towards the entrance.
It was a circular platform that contained statues of all the Another Riders, though the only one missing seemed to be Another Decade. At the center however was a familiar face that both Sougo and Ruby recognized, it being of Hiryu Kakogawa who was now dressed up in regal attire.
There was a plaque at the base of Hiryu's statue, it reading 'Kakogawa Hiryu's First Transformation'.
"Hiryu…?" Sougo asked, "What's going on?"
"Did Swartz start his plan while we were busy with Den-O and Ichigo?" Ruby asked before looking around and shaking her head, "We should try and figure out what's going on."
"That sounds like a good idea," Sougo nodded as he began to head away from the castle, Ruby and Penny following after him.
Of course the group wouldn't be able to find much immediately, the castle itself being surrounded by a thick forest. Once they made their way towards the edge of it they heard sirens. Soon enough they became witness to a disturbing sight. The minute they found a part of the city, it was completely in ruins, rubble everywhere alongside there being no one around at all.
"What is this?" Sougo asked as he took the lead, Ruby and Penny following. Sougo paused however when he heard gunshots in the distance, the group catching several people in dirtied and ragged military clothing running off from something, "A war?"
"Just when are we?" Ruby asked, noticing the architecture was modern but things weren't lining up.
Penny meanwhile found a flyer and picked it up before holding it up to the others, "It says the year is 2019."
"We're back in the present… and where the others should have been with Cinder," Sougo said as he tried to figure out what was going on, "We should head to 9-5-DO and see what's going on."
"Sounds good to me," Ruby agreed as she began to head off towards where 9-5-DO was, Sougo and Penny following after her.
Unbeknownst to the three their photo was taken before they left. It was taken by a brown instant camera, the device instantly sliding out a distorted photo. The owner of said camera was none other than Tsukasa who was wearing a military camouflage jacket instead of his usual black jacket alongside having a camouflaged helmet. Of course despite having the brown instant camera he still had his usual personal camera with him.
"Well, all the pieces are now on the board," Tsukasa said as he was standing from behind a fairly tall bush as he stared at the distorted photo, "I suppose it's time for us to get on with our part…" he trailed off before not hearing a response, he looked over to see Summer leaning against a nearby wall with her arms crossed, "Did you hear me?"
"Yeah I did," Summer said as she kept a hardened gaze while staring out at the city, "Swartz is going to pay for what he did."
"All in due time," Tsukasa replied, "Though I can't exactly say to calm down given what happened."
9-5-DO was looking fairly different compared to when Sougo had last seen it. Various high metal fences, barricades, boxes and crates lined the fronts to where there was only a narrow path to enter from the main doors. Sougo and Ruby both looked at each other in slight concern as they recalled the incident with Another Kuuga, though at the very least 9-5-DO still seemed to exist in some capacity given the sign at the front.
"I am detecting numerous life signs within the building," Penny said as she had run a quick X-Ray scan, "It appears as though there's a gathering here."
"Yeah, something's really off," Ruby said as she watched Sougo take the lead, following after.
The group had to be careful as there were tons of boxes stacked in the way, everyone just barely squeezing through. Of course despite Penny's warning, Ruby and Sougo were surprised by who exactly they saw inside. There were various strangers, some injured, some treating others, either laying or sitting down.
"Who are you all?" a woman asked.
"I feel like I should be asking that…" Sougo muttered.
"We're looking for some friends of ours," Ruby admitted, "Have you all-"
"TAKE THIS!"
Sougo yelped as he quickly moved back, Ruby moving back and raising her arms defensively while Penny simply tilted her head.
The culprit was Junichiro who had swung at Sougo with a radish, snapping it in half as a result of hitting a nearby chair instead of its target. Junichiro stared in shock at his broken 'weapon' before giving a yell and trying to stab Sougo with the other end of the radish.
Sougo yelped as he grabbed his uncle's arms to hold the vegetable back, "Radish?!"
"W-Who are you?!" Junichiro questioned.
"Eh?" Ruby looked over in surprise, "What are you-"
"It's me!" Sougo called out as he forced his Uncle's arms down, "You know… me!"
Junichiro could only stare in confusion, "Who?"
"What exactly happened after you got back?" Sougo questioned, a bit worried as to why his uncle was acting like this before gesturing all around him, "What's going on? And why are all these people here?"
"What do you mean?" Junichiro questioned as if it was obvious, "This is a safe house for the Resistance."
Ruby quickly began to look around, noticing various morale boosting signs alongside weapons and medical equipment. She also took notice that Junichiro was a bit more dressed up than usual, having some padding in his clothes and even wearing a red bandanna wrapped around his left bicep she noticed a few of the other strangers also wearing.
Before anyone could speak up however, a radio on the main dining table began to crackle with sound.
"This is Weiss, I've found Another Riders. The shelter in Hikei Sector is in danger, send backup!"
Ruby's eyes widened, "Weiss?"
"Where's the Hikei Sector?" Sougo immediately asked though wasn't amused by his uncle only uttering a 'huh?' in response, "Where is it?!"
"Oh, right here," Junichiro said as there was a map near the radio. He pointed at a specific point at it with Sougo memorizing the route near instantly.
"I'll head there immediately," Sougo said as he rushed out.
"Wait, Sougo!" Ruby called out as she took a few steps before sighing.
"Kids these days sure act familiar…" Junichiro scoffed, "I've never even met him."
Ruby and Penny turned in surprise at this before the two looked at each other and quickly rushed out.
"Sougo!" Ruby called out as she saw her friend getting too far ahead, "Sougo, wait!"
"Huh?" Sougo began to slow down before turning, "What's wrong Ruby?"
"Sougo… we need to be careful," Ruby said as she wasn't sure how to break the news to him, "Your Uncle… he… he doesn't remember you."
"What?" Sougo asked in disbelief, "There's no way that…"
"Sougo, it's clear things have changed heavily while we were gone," Ruby spoke up more firmly, "And I'm absolutely about to hate saying this… but the others… they might…"
"…" Sougo stayed silent as he watched Ruby trailed off into stopping entirely, "I know, but I can't just leave Weiss on her own. And I know you wouldn't want to either."
"I know," Ruby said, "Just brace."
"Do you really think our friends might not remember us?" Penny asked in concern.
"I don't know Penny," Ruby shook her head, "But I'm going to be counting on you to help us as much as possible, alright?"
"Understood," Penny nodded.
At the Hikei Sector's shelter, two Another Riders were wreaking havoc. It was Another Kiva and Another OOO, the two easily pushing past the bullets shot at them before striking down their foes. The resistance members could only yell out in terror or defiance as they ran or stood their ground.
At one of the exit's which was a spiral staircase, Geiz quickly hurried down with Weiss, Blake, and Yang, the former of which was in his 2068 attire while the remainder were in their Atlas Huntress gear. Of course the four also had the same red armbands that the other resistance members had. The group stopped midway down to let a few civilians slip by them and to survey the situation.
"You three, get everyone clear, I'll handle distracting them," Geiz said as he prepped his transformation before leaping down from the stairs, "Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER GEIZ!]
A flash of red occurred as Geiz landed in his base Rider form, quickly going to confront Another OOO. Weiss, Blake, and Yang meanwhile leapt down while summoning their Rider Weapons, the three helping usher people out as they moved towards Another Kiva who was nearby several civilians.
"You have to deal with me!" Geiz shouted as he began punching against Another OOO's chest.
"Take this!" Yang leapt forward and slammed her knuckles into Another Kiva, sending the Another Rider staggering back.
Weiss quickly brought out a Glyph to force the Another Rider to bounce against it, Another Kiva stumbling forward now.
Blake yelled out as she slashed past Another Kiva with her sickles, turning before slashing it in the back to sending stumbling and sprawling onto the floor. She quickly turned towards those who had yet to leave before ushering them to move, "You're clear now, go!"
Another Kiva shouted as it managed to get on one knee, unleashing a swarm of energy bats that struck the three Huntresses, forcing them all back. The Another Rider chuckled as it began to move towards a fallen Weiss, only to get slammed in the face by a fireball. It wasn't long before two sets of legs then struck against it, sending it down to the ground.
Weiss' saviors were none other than Penny who had used her magic to conjure a fireball, alongside Sougo and Ruby who had leapt from the staircase and drop-kicked the Another Rider.
"Hey Weiss," Sougo quickly hurried over, "Are you alright?"
"You know me?" Weiss asked with clear confusion in her eyes, "Who are you?"
"Weiss…" Sougo muttered as he realized that Ruby's theory was right on the money, "I know you don't remember me, but it'll be alright."
"Huh?" Weiss raised an eyebrow, still severely confused by Sougo's sudden presence.
"Whoa, who sent in the cavalry?" Yang asked before finally getting a good look at Ruby and pausing.
"And who are they supposed to be?" Blake questioned.
"No…" Ruby muttered as she gripped her fists tightly, seeing the clear confusion on her friends faces, "I do not like this at all…"
"What are you doing?!" Geiz called out as he looked over, still grappling with Another OOO, confused by the sudden appearance of three civilians, "Run, get out of here!"
Penny looked over, "Even Geiz?"
"Even Geiz…" Ruby muttered as she readied her Ziku Driver and base Ridewatch, "Sougo, let's finish things up and try and get some actual answers."
"Sounds good to me," Sougo said as he went to join Ruby, preparing his Ziku Driver alongside Zi-O II.
"Henshin!"
[RIDER TIME!]
[KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
[KAMEN RIDER~! (RIDER~!) ZI-O! (ZI-O!) ZI-O~! II!]
In flashes of red and pink, Roze and Zi-O took their base and upgraded forms respectively. The two Riders shouted as they grabbed onto Another Kiva before dragging it further into the shelter where there was no one nearby. They figured that Penny would be able to help with Another OOO, the two unaware at how stunned Geiz and the three Huntresses were by their transformations.
Penny was ready to assist when she paused, noticing all of the surprised and silent looks. She looked over to Geiz who seemed the most confused despite his face being concealed.
"Roze and Zi-O…?!" Geiz questioned before quickly turning and pinning Another OOO against the wall with his right foot while initiating his finisher.
[FINISH TIME! TIME BURST!]
Energy gathered in his leg before exploding outwards, Another OOO yelling out as the explosive blast destroyed it entirely.
Geiz then looked back over at Penny before he shared a look with Weiss, Blake and Yang, the four turning towards where Roze and Zi-O had gone.
It didn't take long for Roze and Zi-O to kick Another Kiva away, Roze bringing out Crescent Rose while Zi-O summoned the Saikyo Girade. The two worked in tandem to easily beat back Another Kiva, Roze blasting at it to cover Zi-O, while Zi-O went in for several heavy slashes.
[FINISH TIME!]
[ZI-O SAIKYOU!]
Roze quickly used Petal Burst, launching past Another Kiva to get on the other side of it while taking aim with Crescent Roze, her Ridewatch placed in the main slot. Zi-O meanwhile was gathering up a rainbow of energy within his blade, reeling it back.
[ROZE SASU SASU SHOOT!]
[HAOU GIRI!]
Another Kiva could only look back and forth, gasping out as it was struck by powered up red energy blast courtesy of Roze until it was sliced into by a rainbow slash of energy that was launched out from the Saikyo Girade. Both attacks tore through the Another Rider before colliding, an explosion occurring as they met in the center.
[YOU! ME!]
Both Roze and Zi-O gasped as they were struck by energy arrows courtesy of Geiz, the two gasping out as sparks flew.
"What?" Zi-O asked.
"Oh hell…" Roze muttered as she realized what was now likely happening.
"You've finally shown yourself, Roze, Zi-O!" Geiz shouted out as he charged forward, switching his weapon to its axe mode as he began swinging at Zi-O, "You two are dying here, right now!"
[OH! NO!]
"Wait, what?!" Zi-O questioned as he was barely able to block, staggering back.
"Geiz, hold on!" Roze called out, "This whole situation is-"
"Bring down the demon lord Zi-O, his demon queen Tsukuyomi alongside their top general Roze to save this world," Geiz called out as he pointed his axe forward, "That is the Resistance's goal!"
"Tsukuyomi…?" Zi-O muttered in surprise before realizing that Tsukuyomi wasn't with the resistance, "But why?"
"Tsuki…" Roze muttered before her head perked up at the sound of footsteps.
Weiss, Blake and Yang quickly ran into view, the three raising their weapons as Penny was following from behind.
"Stay back," Blake said as she looked over at Penny, despite Penny being near Roze and ZI-O she was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, "These two were likely tricking you and are dangerous."
"Yeah, we'll handle them," Yang said as she raised her Magma and Blizzard Knuckles up.
"You two handle Roze, I'll help Geiz with Zi-O," Weiss said as she raised her Chalice Arrow and Myrtenaster before charging for Zi-O and Geiz.
Roze could only stare in horror as she watched her team charge towards her and Zi-O, but despite the danger she quickly tossed away her weapon.
"Wait everyone!" Roze called out as she held her hands up, "We don't have to do this!"
"Sorry, but that's not working on me," Yang pounded her knuckle weapons together before charging straight for Roze.
Blake meanwhile was ready to assist only to gasp as she saw Penny slide into view, she quickly raised her Gashacon Sparrow in defense only to notice that Penny only had her arms out, and was merely blocking her.
"We are supposed to be friends!" Penny called out in a hurt voice, "We should not be fighting!"
"Friends…?" Blake asked as she lowered her weapon slightly, "What are you talking about?"
"They're no friends of ours!" Geiz called out as he swung again and knocked the Saikyo Girade out of Zi-O's hand, "We need to finish them here and now! After that it'll just be Tsukuyomi!"
"Then allow me to do the honors!" Weiss shouted as she scanned a card on her Chalice Arrow before aiming it forward.
[BIO!]
Soon enough two vines launched out and ensnared Zi-O, forcing him to back up against a wall, "Weiss!"
"It's over…" Weiss narrowed her eyes before using her Glyphs to launch herself forward, stabbing at Zi-O's neck with Myrtenaster.
Zi-O flinched and tilted his head away while closing his eyes, not willing to fight back. He waited for the strike to come… only to realize he had been waiting too long. He opened his eyes while turning as he heard shaky breathing.
Weiss currently had the tip of her weapon near Zi-O's neck, but it wouldn't go any further. Myrtenaster began to shake rapidly as Weiss was trying to force herself to push forward, but her body was denying her that movement. She could only heavily breathe as she stared at what had happened in realization.
"I… I can't…" Weiss muttered as she looked at her shaking hand, her body screaming at her to not go through with what she was about to do, she began to back away while lowering her weapon, "Why…?"
"Why?" Yang called out as she was ready to smash Roze's face with her Magma Knuckle only to freeze up just like Weiss, gritting her teeth as she tried to push forward only to shout and slam her weapon against the ground, cracks forming as Roze backed up, "Why can't I hit you?!"
"Yang…" Roze muttered.
"Weiss…" Zi-O muttered as he saw Weiss' hands shake further before seeing her grip slack, Myrtenaster and the Chalice Arrow falling to the ground as the bindings around him dissipated, "I…" he held up a hand gently, "Weiss I…"
Weiss meanwhile fell to her knees before staring at her shaking hands, questioning why her body was forcing her to stand down. Despite Zi-O being her enemy, she remembered Sougo's genuine concern with her before he transformed, so despite all the confusion she felt… safe?
"The hell are you two doing?" Geiz asked as he brought out Geiz Revive and initiated his form change.
[RE-VI-I-VE GORETSU~! GORETSU!]
Geiz wasted no time and slashed with his Zikan Jaclaw, Zi-O quickly ducking out of the way before grabbing onto Geiz's arm.
"Let go," Geiz hissed out.
"No, Geiz, stop!" Zi-O pleaded.
"Enough!" Geiz shouted as he forced Zi-O off of his arm before punching forward, energy being unleashed from his saw and striking against Zi-O.
Zi-O yelled out as he was launched backwards, skidding near Roze and Yang while losing his transformation.
"Sougo," Roze called out as she hurried over.
"You all really forgot about us?" Sougo asked, "Geiz, Weiss, Blake, Yang!"
"We shouldn't be fighting like this!" Roze shouted as she went to force Sougo up while backing away.
"Don't you dare say my name like we're friends," Geiz called out in anger as he began to march over.
"That is enough!" Penny shouted as she quickly launched forward, sliding underneath Geiz when he tried to turn and swing at her as she slid near Ruby and Sougo. She then slammed her hands against the ground, forming ice along the ground underneath Geiz, "Ruby, what should we do?"
Geiz gave a light gasp, quickly regaining his footing as he tried to be careful when moving forward due to how slippery the ice was.
"We need to leave, now," Ruby said, realizing there was some chance to talk things through with her team, but Geiz didn't seem to have something stopping him like they did, "Penny, this sounds weird for you to do but you should know the call outs, Freezerburn!"
"Wait, what?" Yang asked as Weiss looked over in surprise, the two recognizing that callout.
"On it," Penny immediately slammed her palms against the ground again, unleashing a burst of fire against the ice. The ice melted quickly but as a result of the sudden melting, steam and mist began to form and cover the area.
"I'm not letting you get away that easily!" Geiz shouted as he rushed forward only to gasp as he smacked against something, cracking being heard as he stepped back. The mist began to slowly clear to reveal a giant ice wall was cutting them off from the rest of the hallway, "Why you little…"
[NOKO SETSUZAN!]
Geiz easily smashed through the ice, shattering it. However by the time he had did so, he was unable to see any sight of Roze, Sougo, or Penny, "Damn it…" he hissed out before turning towards the Huntresses, "What was that?"
"Geiz, there might be something more going on than we're aware of," Blake spoke up, noticing that both Weiss and Yang were both still processing what was happening.
"It's just Zi-O's and Tsukuyomi's tricks," Geiz called out to try and rein his allies in, "There's nothing that we need to think on."
Swartz was currently overlooking the city from a tall building, staring at the castle that stood at the edge and was surrounded by a dense forest. All around him was destruction, smoke rising from buildings, people panicking, Another Riders running about.
"Sougo Tokiwa has obtained immeasurable power," Swartz spoke to himself as he was the last remaining Time Jacker, "Of course I knew that he'd overcome the standard Another Riders, which meant I had to prepare for this. Atlas was entirely a failure even if I was able to help Another Zi-O grow, which is why it always had to come down to this. Now both Zi-O and that annoying Roze will be easy to pick off with everyone turned against them."
Unbeknownst to him, watching from afar was none other than Narutaki who was with Neopolitan, the two observing the situation as well as Swartz.
"And so comes Swartz's final desperate play," Narutaki remarked before looking over at Neo who gave him an expectant look, "Do not worry, I plan on setting up your stage soon enough."
Neo could only grin at that remark, a sinister look in her eyes as she stared out into the ruined city. Only one thing was on her mind, and that was gaining the power to crush people who were currently beyond her reach like Cinder and Ruby.
Geiz's group had decided to reconvene at 9-5-DO. While Yang was in the back dining area trying to process what was going on with Blake, both Geiz and Weiss had given their report of what had happened.
"Hard to believe that boy and girl who came here are the Overlord and his enforcer…" Junichiro admitted, "You can't judge a book by its cover, talk about scary!"
"Book by its cover…" Weiss muttered as she crossed her arms, though was more hugging herself really, "Right…"
Junichiro saw how worried Weiss was and gave a nod, "You must be hungry after a fight like that so I'll warm something up for you all."
"Thank you," Weiss said with a nod as she watched Junichiro head for the kitchen. She then turned towards Geiz who was sitting at the main table, staring at the map, "Hey, do you really think that guy is the Overlord?"
"Having doubts?" Geiz asked, "It's a trick."
"But I couldn't hurt him," Weiss said as she went to stare at her hand, it shaking before she grasped it firmly, "My body was screaming at me to not go through with what I was going to do, like I was about to make a big mistake."
"It was probably one of his abilities," Geiz brushed it off.
"But why did it happen to Yang too? And why didn't he do that to you?" Weiss questioned only to give a frustrated groan when Geiz wouldn't answer her, "He even defeated an Another Rider."
"That must be why he's known as an Overlord," Geiz replied, "He'll even slaughter his own people to get the drop on us."
"But…" Weiss said.
"There's no room for argument Weiss, he transformed into Zi-O, that's enough proof" Geiz replied, "We're so close to finally freeing this world of their grasp. You can't back down now."
"I…" Weiss looked down, now thinking back to Ruby's callout of 'Freezerburn', since she was sure she had heard that before. It felt related to a team attack, and yet… she wasn't sure who came up with it.
"I'll be the one who defeats Zi-O," Geiz reaffirmed as he looked back at the map, "Next time I see him, he and whoever else is with him is going down."
Blake was currently peaking through the door that led to the dining room. She had wanted to check on the others but decided to stay quiet when she heard Geiz and Weiss' conversation. Without any sound she simply slinked back into the dining room.
"Well, Weiss seems just as confused and uncertain as you are," Blake admitted as she turned towards Yang who was sitting at the dining room table, "Want to talk about it?"
"It's just… I couldn't hurt Roze despite us knowing we have to defeat her," Yang admitted as she gripped her right hand tightly, her prosthetic creaking a bit at the pressure, "My body was just telling me to not go through with that punch…"
"Just like with Weiss," Blake said, "That other girl that was with them said we're supposed to be friends."
"She might be right," Yang admitted as she stared up at the ceiling, "Cause Roze… when not transformed she looked too much like…"
"Too much like who?" Blake asked.
"My mom," Yang answered.
"You mean Summer Rose?" Blake asked.
"Yeah," Yang nodded as she looked over at her partner, "But I know that's not mom… but something about her seems so familiar… not to mention that move callout…"
"Well if you're going to want answers then we need to make sure we're with Geiz," Blake said, "Because he's pretty determined to put an end to her and Zi-O."
"Right," Yang nodded.
Ruby, Sougo and Penny began to slow down, the three running as far and fast as they could. While they had slowed their pace a few times, they had finally settled on just walking before finding a park to take refuge in. The three made their way over to a bench that overlooked a shallow fountain, trash littered around and in the fountain.
"This is getting too crazy," Ruby sighed as she went to sit down with Sougo, "Not only are Geiz and my team against us, but from what they've said, apparently Tsukuyomi's behind this?"
"Yeah…" Sougo said as he stared at the fountain in thought, still recalling Weiss' reactions and gripping the bench tightly.
"Sougo, are you going to be alright?" Ruby asked.
"No, no not really," Sougo shook his head.
"We need to fix this," Ruby said before slumping slightly, "Though it is getting tiring admittedly…"
"You two have been through rather intensive fights ever since Another Den-O," Penny reminded, "It is only natural that you two are wearing out."
"How are you holding up Penny?" Ruby asked.
"Power supply is normal and Aura levels are still holding well," Penny explained, "It helps that magic does not consume Aura."
"That's good to hear," Ruby said with a small smile.
"It seems you've been through quite the ordeal."
Everyone perked up at the familiarity of the voice, soon turning to see Woz walk down from a hill that was behind the bench. However instead of his usual grey-green coat he was wearing a slick two-tailed red coat that fell to the back of his ankles alongside white gloves.
"Woz…?" Sougo asked in confusion, mostly over the new bright red attire, "You're… alright?"
"What exactly is going on?" Ruby asked, noticing the outfit change, "What's with the outfit change?"
"I have simply fitted myself into the attire fitting of my new role," Woz answered.
"New role…?" Sougo asked.
"He's simply picked the winning side," Cinder said as she suddenly walked into view, "That's all."
"Huh?" Ruby got in a defensive stance alongside Sougo and Penny, "Cinder?"
"How does it feel?" Cinder asked with a smirk, "To have all your friends abandon you and turn against you?"
"You…" Ruby narrowed her eyes.
"Now, now, they have yet to meet everyone as there are two people I must introduce them to," Woz stated as he turned towards the hill before gesturing forward, "My new King and Queen!"
Ruby, Penny and Sougo all turned, their eyes widening at the sight before them. Before them were Hiryu Kakogawa and Tsukuyomi. While Tsukuyomi was dressed up in her standard attire from 2068, Hiryu was now wearing a black long sleeved cloak with gold decorations, even having a beaded band across his forehead.
"It's been a while Sougo Tokiwa," Hiryu remarked.
"Tsuki…?" Ruby asked in near shock, despite hearing about it from Geiz, she was still not sure what to even make of the current situation.
"Do not use my name so frivolously," Tsukuyomi narrowed her eyes.
"I…" Ruby muttered as she backed up, put off by Tsukuyomi's glare.
"Hiryu," Sougo said before looking over at Woz, "Woz, what is this?"
"First, my new title is Aka-Woz," Woz stated as he began to walk towards Hiryu alongside Cinder, "Second, that is because I have chosen to serve a new set of royalty."
"That's not a funny joke," Ruby narrowed her eyes.
"This is getting very confusing," Penny admitted in a lightly frustrated tone.
"The future where Sougo Tokiwa becomes Oma Zi-O is no longer transcribed here," Woz stated as he brought out his usual book, standing beside Tsukuyomi while Cinder went to stand by Hiryu.
"I've got to admit that I've been waiting for a long time to see you all like this," Hiryu smiled, clearly getting a twisted form of joy from the confused and disheartened looks that Ruby, Penny and Sougo were showing, "Those are good looks for you all."
Sougo lowered his head, his hair shadowing his eyes as he hid his face. His hands curling slightly as he spoke in an eerily calm manner, "Hiryu, you're the one responsible for this world? Why?"
"Why, you ask?" Hiryu asked before giving a scoff, having to stop himself from laughing. He then began to walk towards the three but kept his distance, "To repay you, for the way you humiliated me!"
"How was that in any way humiliation?" Ruby questioned with a glare, "He was trying to get you to let go of your hate!"
"Live for the present?" Hiryu asked as his amused look turned into a fiercer one as he brought out his Anotherwatch and held it near his waist, "Don't make me laugh! You have no idea what a tragedy this has been for those who weren't chosen. That's why I have a test for you. Can you still spout that same nonsense after I've taken everything from you?!"
"You…" Sougo kept up his eerily calm tone as he stared up, managing to unnerve Hiryu a bit, "You're the one who's making her suffer."
"Uh oh…" Ruby said as she began to back away, realizing that Sougo's feelings for Weiss were likely what were bringing on this calm but deadly aura she was feeling, "Penny, back up."
Penny nodded as she began to backup as well, though she kept an eye on Woz, Tsukuyomi and Cinder, curious as to why they had yet to step in.
"You don't get to talk about anyone suffering, you privileged brat!" Hiryu shouted in near anger as he initiated his transformation, gold rings spiraling around him.
[ZI-O II!]
Hiryu had transformed into Another Zi-O II, this one having the same base to it as before but now having more armoring on the chest and shoulders. Gold was added as an accent alongside extra covering on the face plates and enhanced clock hand crests on his forehead. The name and date were still on the same places as before, right on the clear visor that covered his eyes.
"You want a fight… I'll give it to you," Sougo said as he prepared his Ziku Driver alongside the Zi-O and GrandZi-O Ridewatches, the gold tower rising alongside the statues of the Heisei Riders, "I'll defeat you and set everything back to how it was."
"Such confidence," Another Zi-O II remarked.
Sougo glared at his Another Rider counterpart before initiating his transformation, "Henshin!"
[GRAND TIME! IWAE! KAMEN RIDER~! GRANDZI-O~!]
The tower dispersed as gold gates formed over the Heisei Riders, shrinking down and attaching to Sougo who gained his bodysuit. The gates latched on, opening up and completing the armor as Grand Zi-O stared down Another Zi-O II.
The two rushed towards each other, reeling back their left arms before punching each other in the chest. While Zi-O was pushed from the punch, Another Zi-O II gasped as a gold burst formed from Zi-O's punch, staggering back as a result.
"What?" Another Zi-O II gasped out.
"Like I said, I'm ending this today," Zi-O said as he began to march forward.
"Even he's not handling it well?" Cinder questioned.
"Then you better get in there," Tsukuyomi said in a cold manner while holding a bored glance at Cinder, "After all you have one more chance, Swartz made that very clear."
"I know," Cinder gritted her teeth. While she enjoyed that Ruby had everything ripped away from her she knew she was limited on time in different ways. She quickly brought out her Anotherwatch before initiating her transformation.
[HI-ROZE!]
In a burst of fire, Hi-Roze formed before rushing towards the fight only to quickly bring out the Gashacon Parabragun and bat away an ice blast, "What?"
"You are not going anywhere near him," Penny narrowed her eyes while Ruby prepared her transformation beside her, "Ruby."
"Already on it Penny, I'll handle this so just keep watch on our backs," Ruby said as she went for her base form for now, "Henshin!"
"Understood," Penny said as she turned towards Woz and Tsukuyomi.
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ROZE!]
"Where'd that Zi-O go," Geiz said as he was currently leading Weiss, Blake, and Yang through the deserted city streets, the group passing through a tunnel as a shortcut.
"Damn that Zi-O."
"Huh?" Yang looked around before seeing someone sitting on a ledge, "Hey, up there!"
Geiz, Weiss and Blake all turned to see Narutaki sitting on the ledge, the older man waving to all of them.
"That Overlord of yours is causing trouble again," Narutaki said before giving a kind smile, "Would you like to know where?"
"Who are you?" Weiss asked.
"Just someone who wishes to see the end to this little chapter," Narutaki answered as he began to pick himself up before standing on the ledge, "Now, would you like to know or not?"
"Geiz…" Blake whispered.
"This could be our only chance," Geiz whispered back before looking up at Narutaki and raising his voice, "Where is he?"
Another Zi-O II gasped as he was being slowly but surely beaten back. Their fight had taken them through the park and closer towards the city streets. He noticed that Zi-O was getting a bit sluggish in movement, but the best he could do with normal punches was push Zi-O. Meanwhile every hit he took from Zi-O forced him to stagger back due to the amount of power behind them.
"No way," Another Zi-O II gasped out.
"You may have rewritten this point in time, but I'm not going down without a fight," Zi-O stated as he held up a fist, it glowing with power before punching at his Another Rider, a gold burst forcing Another Zi-O II backwards.
"Fine then, you can play with them!" Another Zi-O II swiped his hand forward before summoning the Another Riders of Agito, Den-O and Gaim.
"That trick again?" Zi-O asked as he watched the Another Riders run towards him.
Hi-Roze meanwhile was swinging wildly with the Gashacon Parabragun, having gotten close to Roze to keep the Rider from using Crescent Rose at long range. It was also to keep Roze from unfolding it into its scythe mode for ease of use in melee combat.
Roze gritted her teeth as she defended with her rifle before quickly tossing it and bringing out a Ridewatch, slotting it in.
[ZERONOS! WEAPON TIME! ZEROGASHER!]
Roze spun and easily parried her Another Rider's slash with her large sword before following up with a heavy slash, sparks flying from Hi-Roze as a result.
"Why you…" Hi-Roze spun and summoned the Engine Blade, swinging hard and forcing Roze to block.
Roze gasped out as she was forced back by the swing, staggering back. Her eyes widened beneath her visor as she quickly dropped to the ground, Hi-Roze having brought out the Zenrin Shooter and started shooting. Roze began rolling while switching her weapons modes, eventually getting the ZeroGasher into its crossbow formation, sitting up and taking aim while firing.
Hi-Roze had continued to shoot at Roze only to gasp out as the powered up arrow shots from the ZeroGasher overpowered her shots from her Zenrin Shooter. The result allowing Roze's shots to strike against her with sparks flying further.
Penny watched the current fights going on, while Roze was having some trouble, the Huntress Rider was still managing to come out on top. Meanwhile Zi-O was definitely handling himself though that was likely thanks to Grand in general. She glanced over at Tsukuyomi and Woz who had stayed watching the fights as well, wondering exactly why they weren't involving themselves. Even with her and her Maiden powers, Woz Ginga Finaly and Tsukuyomi's time stop would have allowed an easy victory. She had to wonder if the two were cocky, or if there was something more going on that her and the others weren't aware of.
Zi-O meanwhile was easily forcing back the Another Riders sent after him, getting them in brief clashes as he tapped the corresponding statuettes on his armor.
[AGITO!]
[DEN-O!]
[GAIM!]
Three gold gates opened up as Zi-O hopped backwards, Agito in Storm Form unleashing a blue vortex of wind from the Storm Halberd to force the Another Riders back and towards each other.
The other two gates slid back to reveal Den-O was in Rod Form while Gaim was in Jimber Lemon Arms. Den-O threw the DenGasher rod towards the huddled Another Riders, binding them together as a blue turtle shell projection was formed.
Den-O leapt up into the air and kicked out while Gaim pulled back on the Sonic Arrow, energy charging before he unleashed it at the right time. The energy arrow struck the shell-like projection with Den-O soon kicking against the arrow, unleashing a large explosive burst of juice-like energy.
The result caused a massive explosion that completely eradicated the Another Riders. Den-O stood up from where he was kneeling before he vanished alongside Agito and Gaim.
Zi-O took a deep breath before slumping slightly. He hated to admit it but Penny was right about them starting to tire out from the constant fighting without any real breaks. Despite this he forced himself out of his slump, figuring he just needed to push a bit further and win this in no time.
"Sorry to say, but it's useless," Another Zi-O II chuckled as the clock hands on his forehead began to turn, a rainbow wave of energy being unleashed as Another Agito, Another Den-O, and Another Gaim were brought back to life. Of course the result of this temporal reversal had also turned the entire area to night.
"But how…?" Zi-O questioned in surprise, "I beat them!"
"I just rewrote history is all," Another Zi-O II replied with a chuckle, "I have the ability to rewrite time to suit my desires."
"Damn it," Zi-O hissed out as he ducked against a slash from Another Gaim, blocking Another Den-O's blades with his arms before kicking it away. He gasped as Another Agito had come from behind and tried to grapple him into a lock. He yelled out despite this, grabbing Another Agito by the arms and throwing it off of him before slamming it against the ground, "I'm running out of steam…"
"Crap," Roze turned in surprise, "He can just revive them?!"
"He absolutely can!"
[ENGINE MAXIMUM DRIVE!]
Roze quickly turned and braced with her crossbow, a massive blade of energy striking against her as she yelled out. Sparks flew as she was sent rolling, the Zeronos Ridewatch being dislodged and clattering to the ground as a result of the attack.
"I'll be taking your Ridewatches," Hi-Roze said as she lowered the Engine Blade before dismissing it. She was ready to move forward before gasping as her body began to destabilize, "No…" she hunched forward before falling to her knees, "Did the repairs and the Ridewatches really just barely give me any extra time…?" she questioned as she began to crawl towards the Zeronos Ridewatch.
[KAMEN~ RI~DER~ TSUKU~YOMI! TSU-KU-YO-MI!]
Hi-Roze gasped, the Zikan Girade Tsu in its sword mode striking her in the face and causing her to stumble backwards. It was Tsukuyomi who had stepped in, holding a commanding presence as she stared down at Hi-Roze.
Roze looked up in surprise at her savior, shocked to see that Tsukuyomi of all people had stepped in.
"Tsuki…?" Roze asked.
"I said do not use my name so frivolously," Tsukuyomi answered, glancing back briefly before looking over at Hi-Roze, "I've decided. You're not worth keeping around."
"What?" Hi-Roze questioned before gasping and clutching her chest in pain, "Why?!"
"You're literally falling apart," Tsukuyomi said with as much bluntness as she could, "Why should I keep someone around who likely can't sustain themselves? Just how many Ridewatches will you even need to keep going? And will they even be enough?"
"I… I…" Hi-Roze said, trying to stand before gasping out as she fell back against the ground, "No… no, no…"
"Leave my sight now and do not get in our way," Tsukuyomi said bitterly as she switched her weapon to its gun mode before aiming it at Hi-Roze, "Otherwise we will deal with you and take the Ridewatches you hold so that Swartz doesn't have to deal with your incompetence."
Hi-Roze glared at Tsukuyomi as she managed to stand despite the pain, "You'll regret this Queen…" she spat at the ground before staggering off.
"Honestly, you need to be more careful with your tools," Tsukuyomi said as she sounded like a chiding mother now, going up and picking up the Zeronos Ridewatch before tossing it lazily towards Roze who barely caught it, "Otherwise we really will slaughter you."
"What?" Roze asked, "Tsu… Tsukuyomi…" she trailed as she corrected herself, "Just what's going on?"
Tsukuyomi stared at Roze long and hard, the Huntress Rider unable to truly tell what her former friend was thinking due to their masks before the newly ordained Queen of the Time Jackers walked off to rejoin Woz.
Penny could only watch as Tsukuyomi dismissed her transformation while rejoining Woz, the two simply going back to observing the remaining battle.
[SAIKYO FINISH TIME!]
Their attention was caught by the sound of the Saikyo Zikan Girade's finisher, turning to see that Zi-O had grouped up the three Another Riders yet again. Roze narrowed her eyes however as she watched Another Zi-O II casually walking up towards the battle from behind.
"Penny," Roze called out towards her friend before gesturing towards her.
Penny looked over at Tsukuyomi and Woz, noticing that they didn't seem to regard Roze's call out. She turned towards Roze and gave a nod, hurrying over.
Zi-O shouted as he charged forward, his weapon shining brightly with gold energy as he easily cut through the Another Riders.
[KING GIRI GIRI SLASH!]
The Another Riders of Agito, Den-O and Gaim could only yell out as they fell backwards, exploding in a vibrant display.
"Useless," Another Zi-O II spoke up as the clock hands on his forehead began to spin around once more. Just like before, the Another Riders were revived and the sky around them was now back to daylight.
"Again…?" Zi-O panted as he turned to see the revived Another Riders.
"With this power, you're nothing to me!" Another Zi-O II called out as he drew out his swords, ready to move in only to see a bright spot in the corner of his eyes. He quickly turned and braced only for a green beam of energy to strike at the ground. The Another Rider gasped out as he was sent staggering back, tripping and falling on his back.
Roze yelled out as she rushed in, Crescent Rose in its scythe formation as she used the recoil to bounce around, striking at the Another Riders to force them away from Zi-O before sliding near him. Penny soon flew over, flipping and landing near the two as she got in a defensive stance.
"You all…" Another Zi-O II hissed out as he began to get up, he then looked at the Another Riders, "Get them!"
The Another Riders snarled out as they began to move towards them.
"Sougo, how are you holding up?" Roze asked as she began to pant a bit.
"Tired, need a break," Zi-O admitted as he lazily held up the Saikyo Zikan Girade, "But this is going to be never ending unless we..."
Bullets suddenly began impacting against the ground against all the Another Riders, kicking up a bit of smoke before all of them gasped out. They were struck by electrically charged bullets, the result stunning them briefly.
Roze, Zi-O and Penny looked over in surprise, soon seeing Tsukasa and Summer. While Summer had Argent Venator out in its rifle formation, Tsukasa had a standard assault rifle.
"Mom…?" Roze asked in surprise.
"Tsukasa Kadoya?" Penny asked.
"Move it you three," Tsukasa called out as he tossed his weapon towards the Another Riders before gesturing for them to follow into a more covered area.
"I've got you covered," Summer said as she aimed with her rifle, switching out bullets before taking aim and firing. She shot out a fire dust infused bullet against the tossed rifle, an explosive burst occurring. While this didn't do much for damage, it caused a heavy cloud of smoke to form.
"Not what I was expecting but I'll take it," Zi-O said as he quickly ran after Tsukasa with Roze and Penny following as Summer went to join them, the five hurrying off.
"What are you doing?" Another Zi-O II asked as he saw the Another Riders he had summoned were just standing around and gawking even as the smoke cleared, "Go after them!"
The Another Riders yelled out before running off in the direction their prey was likely to go in, while they hadn't caught sight of the fleeing group, the three were intent on completing their search.
"And why didn't you help?" Another Zi-O II looked back to see Tsukuyomi and Woz approaching, "We could have defeated him permanently."
"I assumed you wanted that glory to yourself," Tsukuyomi answered, "Besides I was making sure we wouldn't have to deal with Cinder again."
"She really couldn't measure up to the original," Another Zi-O II remarked, "Good riddance I say."
"For now we should head back to our castle," Tsukuyomi suggested, "We need to come up with a better plan to deal with Zi-O and Roze."
"Yes," Woz agreed, "At best those Another Riders will simply tire him out further instead of finishing the job."
"Fine by me," Another Zi-O II said before turning and walking off.
Tsukuyomi and Woz exchanged a glance, the two walking after the King of Another Riders.
Zi-O and Roze had dismissed their transformations to allow ease of movement, the two alongside Penny following after Tsukasa and Summer. The two elder Riders had led the three into an underground parking garage to take a breather.
Sougo and Ruby immediately went towards one of the ramps, Ruby leaning against the wall near it. As Ruby went to slide down into a sitting position, Sougo went to lie down on the ramp itself.
"Jeez you kids are running on fumes, aren't you?" Tsukasa remarked.
"We have been through… a lot," Penny admitted as she walked over towards he friends, going to sit down near Ruby who leaned her head on her, "We have been fighting numerous battles without rest and our friends do not remember us at all."
"I know," Summer nodded as she gripped her free hand tightly, balling it up into a fist, "This world has been messed up."
"That's not even adding in that Tsukuyomi and Woz are all mixed up in this in a worse way," Ruby continued, "They're working for the Time Jackers now…"
"You know if this is all it takes to get you all down, that's pretty sad," Tsukasa remarked as he walked over to the ramp before going to sit on it, his back facing Sougo and Ruby.
"What do you know?" Sougo asked in a near bitter voice, his emotions getting the better of him as this scenario was one nightmare he wished he could wake up from.
"When it comes to your current issue, I more or less get how you feel," Tsukasa said which caught the two younger Riders off guard, especially his next words, "I've been there, you know?"
"What?" Sougo asked.
"You have?" Ruby asked in surprise.
"Abandoned by my allies, left all alone…" Tsukasa said as he thought back on his original journey, "It was… tough, even if I'm not willing to admit it out loud."
"But… you just did," Ruby pointed out.
"And will anyone ever believe you?" Tsukasa asked as he looked back with a smirk, causing an audible groan from Ruby to be heard, "If you're groaning like that then I think you've still got some spirit left, which is good."
"We know it's tough right now," Summer replied, "But you can't let this get to you. That's exactly why Swartz set up this scenario to begin with."
"So it was Swartz…" Sougo said as he began to sit up as he realized what was likely happening, "He's trying to break us, isn't he?"
"And you're on the path to breaking if you don't firm up your resolve here and now," Tsukasa replied bluntly, "The road ahead may be tough but if you want everything to go back to normal and the Time Jackers to be truly gone, then you need to win this fight against Hiryu Kakogawa."
"We'll help as much as we can," Summer added.
"But without everyone else…" Sougo muttered, wanting to muster some spirit but the thought of having his friends as constant enemies even if it was a misunderstanding for most…
"Kid, that new form of yours contains enough power to easily deal with Hiryu," Tsukasa replied as bluntly as he could, "If you weren't so out of it then you would've won that first fight instantly. Are you really going to give up that easily just because your friends aren't with you?"
"If your friends aren't with you, then fight to save them," Summer said as she decided to go for a more encouraging route, "If you want them to return to how they used to be, you can't give up."
"Sougo," Ruby spoke up in a shaky voice as she lifted her head up to look at her friend.
"Huh?" Sougo looked over and was surprised to see Ruby was nearly ready to cry, "Ruby?"
"It hurts," Ruby admitted as she let a few tears fall, "It absolutely hurts having our friends attack us and act like we're strangers. Yang especially for me since she's my sister… and I know it must've been terrible for you with Weiss…" she sniffled a bit as she wiped her eyes, "But what do you think Weiss would say to us right now if she was in her right mind?"
Sougo sniffled a bit as his eyes watered before standing up and rubbing them, "That we shouldn't be sitting around like Dolts. That we should keep pushing forward like we always do."
"Exactly," Ruby smiled before chuckling a bit, "I mean, having some kind of rest is always good though… but resting and moping are two entirely different things."
"All things considered, this is the longest stretch of break you have had," Penny noted, "Especially in good company."
"That's true," Sougo admitted before realizing something that they were forgetting, "Hey wait, what about the other Riders? Can't we call on them to help? Or did Hiryu…"
"He didn't erase them," Tsukasa replied as he guessed what Sougo was trying to suggest, "In fact when it comes to what exactly went down, Hiryu's abilities aren't that insanely powerful. He only altered reality and time in most of the city, though that area is slowly growing and altering the world as it expands."
"The result basically pushed nearly all Kamen Riders outside of the affected zone," Summer replied, "But of course Tsukasa and I are able to still interfere because of our dimensional abilities."
"So in other words there's like a barrier around the city and the other Riders can't act as a result," Ruby mused as she put a hand on her chin, "I'd like to imagine turning friends against us in different ways probably used up a lot of power to where it wasn't as instant as one would assume."
"It would seem so," Penny said.
"Huh, that explains why it's so ruined then. If there were other Riders besides Geiz fighting, I doubt it would've gotten this bad," Sougo admitted as he began to stretch, accidentally walking in front of the entrance of the parking garage. He heard low growling before turning and paling slightly as he backed up, "Uh-oh…"
"Sougo…" Ruby trailed in a tone that was a mix of disbelief and disappointment.
The Another Riders were outside, at the edge of the ramp that led down into the underground parking garage. Another Agito had spotted Sougo and stopped to stare at him, Another Den-O turned to look as well with Another Gaim leaping down from a higher spot to join them. The three Another Riders all shouted before charging forward.
"Well, here they come," Tsukasa shrugged, "Deal with them first and we'll talk further when you're done."
"You're seriously going to make Sougo fight?" Ruby asked in surprise.
"Honestly," Summer sighed as she holstered her Huntress weapons before bringing out her Roseiber, "I can easily deal with-"
"No," Sougo shook his head as he prepared his Ziku Driver with his Base and GrandZi-O Ridewatches, a newfound determination coursing through him, "I'll handle it."
"Are you sure?" Penny asked.
"Yeah, Hiryu isn't with them, meaning this is their last shot," Sougo replied before initiating his transformation, "Henshin."
[GRAND TIME! IWAE! KAMEN RIDER~! GRANDZI-O~!]
The Another Riders all went to surround Zi-O as his transformation completed and attacked, though Zi-O easily went to block and force back their strikes with just his arms. He began to run further into the parking garage, grabbing Another Gaim and tossing it to the ground.
Another Den-O tried to slash at Zi-O, the Rider simply ducking and punching it in the mouth, the Another Rider groaning as it was sent spinning back. Another Agito tried to leap at Zi-O only for the Rider to perform a side kick, sparks flying as it was launched back towards the other Another Riders.
"It's over," Zi-O said as he tapped his statuettes.
[GAIM!]
[DEN-O!]
Another Gaim and Another Den-O both yelled out, the two charging forward with their weapons as Zi-O brought out the DJ Gun with the Orange Lockseed loaded alongside the DenGasher in its axe mode. With one hand Zi-O took aim and shot out a powered up burst of energy surrounded by numerous projections of fruits.
[FRUITS BASKET: ORANGE CHARGE!]
The colorful burst slammed into Another Gaim, causing him to explode before he even got close.
Another Den-O yelled and raised its arms to perform two downwards slashes. Zi-O easily batted the slashes back with the DenGasher before yellow energy instantly charged in the axe-head. He yelled and brought it down on Another Den-O, slicing through it.
The Another Rider could only gasp out as it fell backwards before exploding.
Another Agito managed to stumble to its feet, picking itself up fully before giving a yell and running forward.
[AGITO!]
Zi-O was ready to counter, a gold gate forming in front of him but this time only giving him a projection of Agito. Zi-O and Agito were in sync, the two leaping into the air and overlapping into each other. The Rider yelled out as he kicked out towards Another Agito, easily breaking past the Another Rider and striking through it.
Another Agito could only yell out as it staggered forward slightly, exploding as Zi-O landed on one knee before picking himself up.
Ruby could only smile as Penny helped her up, the two walking forward as Summer joined them.
"Not bad," Tsukasa admitted, "I'm actually a bit jealous."
"Now that's surprising," Summer remarked as she looked over, "And here I thought you were the one to claim you're the best at these kinds of things."
"Even I can admit my limits," Tsukasa shrugged.
Zi-O took a deep breath as he turned towards the others before starting to walk back towards them.
"…Zi-O."
Zi-O turned to see Geiz walking towards him.
"I'll beat you, and save the world," Geiz said as he prepped both his base and Geiz Revive Ridewatches, stopping several feet from Zi-O before initiating his transformation, "Henshin!"
[REVI-REVI-REVI! REVI-REVI-REVI! REVI-I-VE SHI-PPU! SHIPPU!]
Geiz Revive Shippu stood before Grand Zi-O, the golden Rider simply staring at his former ally now misinformed enemy.
Zi-O raised his hand before removing the GrandZi-O Ridewatch, his armor flashing gold before fading and leaving him in base Zi-O.
Ruby's eyes widened at the display, "Sougo?!"
Penny gasped as she held her hands up to her mouth.
"Don't mock me!" Geiz yelled out as he rushed forward before swiping with his Jaclaw, striking against Zi-O who let out a yell as it struck.
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"There's no reason for us to fight!"
"I'm not about to lose to the likes of you three!"
"What a good treasure."
"I'm willing to trust them."
"I plan on answering any questions you might have…"
Chapter 113: 2019: Missing World
Author's Note: If there's a way to describe the feeling I had while writing this chapter in particular, the phrase "EMOTIONAL DAMAGE" comes to mind. So yeah, very much a similar situation to the actual episodes of Zi-O but with a few added twists now that Team RWBY+Penny is in the mix and Tsukuyomi's a Rider.
We have WBY join Geiz as part of the resistance alongside Junichiro, while I get to pull a bit from the Zi-O Final Stage by having Tsukuyomi in the role of a Queen to Hiryu's King with Aka-Woz serving them both. Cinder meanwhile was put in place as Hiryu's and Tsukuyomi's main general… for as little as that lasted. And of course Ruby and Sougo have to deal with all of this after having come off from near non-stop fighting since the Den-O chapters happened.
Of course, at the very least in comparison to Geiz, the Huntresses are already starting to have their doubts. So maybe it'll be slightly easier this time? That being said there is an important update everyone needs to read.
Important Notice:
While we still have two chapters left for the month, if you've looked at my FFN Profile or my Twitter (still not calling it X) updates you'll know I planned to take a break in December. That will still be occurring but I'd like to announce I'm extending that break to include January and February. We'll be returning in March mostly because the backlog (for both main stories) is finally starting to dry up. I want to be able to give you consistent bursts of chapters and this break is for me to relax without having to worry about updating chapters weekly for an extended period.
Of course structure of how uploads work will likely change when we hit 2024 due to the backlog drying up. The more than likely scenario will be three chapters a month with us skipping the last Saturday of the month and the first as well if we have five Saturdays a month. This will allow the story to move at a steady pace but I'll have a chance to produce more chapters to push out in consistent bursts.
As a reminder I do have a Twitter that you all can look for titled "Zero's Workshop" that is (at-sign) ZeroEnchiladas. There you'll find that I do updates, occasional rambles, and posts relating to both of my stories. And considering how FFN is on stability these days, I feel like this might be the best way you'll know when I update. So thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time.