How NOT To Summon A Demon of Time!?
Chapter 4: The Threat of A Hidden Betrayal
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
Mage Association - Faltra City
As the day carried onward, the doors to the Mage Association were flung open as two mage knights came out, dragging a familiar, scheming mage, before tossing him out of the building and onto the street. Galluk coughed as he landed heavily, before scurrying back with confused, pleading eyes. "P-Please, wait! What do you mean that I'm exiled?" Galluk questioned the knights desperately.
"As Lady Celestine said, due to your rampant decisions of spite. You have dishonored and embarrassed the Mage Association with your blatant misuse of our word," one of the Knights told him coldly, "You used our funds to fabricate several misdeeds, spread rumors far and wide, and put our most protected individual in harm's way, multiple times. Lady Celestine cannot condone such methods, as it will tarnish what she has built up."
"But I wasn't in the wrong! That lousy commoner-"
"Enough Galluk…be glad you're allowed to remain in the city, as you would've been exiled from this capital if not for Lady Celestine's kind heart. Pick up your dignity and never set foot here again." With those heartless words, the doors slammed shut in his face.
Galluk dropped to his knees, tears running down his face. He'd done everything for Lady Celestine! Everything! And yet, he was exiled for doing what was correct?!
No… No!
It wasn't him! It was that damn commoner and his weird magic armor! That brat ruined everything! And he'd make sure he rued this day…
Eventually, the mage staggered to his feet and wandered off, heading for a place that was forbidden to set foot in…so that his new plan would work this time.
XXX
Cody, Rem and Shera soon made their way to the Adventurer's Guild Hall for another job. The trio were already earning brief bouts of praise and glory from their fellow adventurers after the past few jobs they'd completed. It was nice to hear such, even if most of the jobs were setups by that Galluk fellow to try and humiliate the Kamen Rider.
But even with that, they'd also earned some goodwill for the few jobs that he hadn't been responsible for. And as of now, they were seeing what new job they could get. Well, most of them, as Rem bore a look of worry on her face, something Cody and Shera took notice of. She insisted she was fine, but the two could tell something was up.
The guildmaster, Sylvie, perked up upon seeing them, smiling welcomingly at the trio. "Welcome in, you three! What job can I offer you this time?" the grasswalker demi-human asked, grinning.
"Hard to say, Sylvie. Anything that seems alright enough but not too much trouble?" Cody asked, subtly indicating Rem's obvious worry.
The guildmaster took notice of the Pantherian's face before nodding. As she looked through the job listings, one came up that seemed like a perfect fit for them and hopefully to their friend. "Well, this one seems perfectly fine! Just a simple delivery request to one of our border gates," she told them, handing them the job listing.
"Eh, really? That much for a delivery? Nice? How far is it?" Shera brightly asked.
"It is a bit of a walk, but the whole area is completely calm. No random monsters popping up, it's pretty much all farmlands," The demi-human grandmaster pointed out, "If you like, you can think of it as patrolling inside the borders to make sure nothing got through…but you're not getting paid for that, sorry. Just the delivery."
"Sounds like a nice offer! What do you think, Rem?" Cody asked, looking towards his friend as he hoped it would perk her up.
"Actually…I…I think I may just head back home…" the catgirl declined, subdued.
"Rem…" Shera pouted with worry.
"Is your seal acting up or something?" Cody whispered to her.
Rem shook her head. "No, nothing like that. Just…not in the mood…"
It hadn't been even a week since Rem had revealed herself to Cody about her predicament. The seal of the demon lord in her body and how her family suffered through it. Cody had got through to Rem, sharing a touching moment with the petite girl. Yet even with it all in the open and him promising to help her there were a few moments of dread for the catgirl that had her less active than usual.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"Yes…I Just need some time," she insisted, though it lacked her usual fire.
Cody sighed softly, but nodded, not wanting to force her into doing the job unnecessarily. With a gentle headpat, making the catgirl softly murmur wordlessly, the Rider smiled with a nod. "Then, go get some rest, we'll try to be back as soon as possible." He smiled at her, hoping this would be enough for her to relax and ease up.
"Thank you…" Rem responded softly before making her leave to home.
"Rem…" Shera spoke softly, but understood that the Panterian needed more time to cope.
With the supplies given to the two, Cody and Shera made their way off to the border gates to make the delivery. Both of them were worried for their friend, but had to trust her to cope and move forward with her actions. They wanted to help her, but for now they must give her some space.
"Will Rem be okay?" Shera asked him softly.
"Well…whether she will be or not is up to her. As much as we both want to help her, we can't force ourselves onto her problems. If she wants help, she'll ask us." Cody responded, even if it hurted him to say that, it was true though. 'Although…if it comes down to it, she might need us to force our way in anyway.'
As the pair went on their way, exiting through the city gate, a balmy breeze drifted past the two, making Cody stop, eyes closed, to luxuriate in the sensation. The sun wasn't too harsh, nor was the breeze too stiff. It felt like a perfect day, and yet, there was still something bothering the Rider, deep in his stomach.
But before his mind could even begin to process, he felt a splash of cold water, snapping him out of his stupor to see Shera in a river nearby. She was smiling gleefully, splashing about, and had shed her cloak, gloves, and boots.
"No! No bad thoughts on you either, mister!" Shera giggled as she gave him another chilly splash, attempting to cheer up the young man and have him smile more. Being in a low mood wasn't healthy and she didn't want both of her friends to feel guilty or upset.
"S-Shera…" Cody sputtered through the water, "We're on a job! We can do this lat-"
*SPLASH~*
"No excuses! Play now!" Shera giggled as she splashed the boy once more. "This weather's way too nice for you to get all serious and sad like Rem!"
"I get that, but our jo-"
Shera silenced him with another splash of water, "-Can wait! There's no time limit on it, right? So stop being mopy and lets have fun!"
After a few more splashes, Cody growled, but chuckled, as he chased after Shera, arms raised as if he was like a monster ready to capture its prey. "Raaugh! Fine! I'm gonna make you submit and cry uncle!" Cody cried out comically.
"Oh no! I'm being attacked! Help me~" Shera giggled out, playfully running away from the Rider as he was attempting to splash her back.
"You get back here and take your water medicine!"
Shera and Cody laughed as the two played and literally wash away the bad mood that was hanging over them as the splashing and cries of laughter between them echoed out.
XXX
Back within Faltra City, Rem was slowly making her way home. Her head hanging lower with doubt and worry as she softly eyed the other demi's within the streets. People just doing their daily tasks, talking to one another, and even the occasional families passing her by.
She found herself somewhat reminded of her time with her family; her parents, before the seal transfer occurred. Her cat ears drooping down as she missed her parents. But also a possible life she never would have either.
The laughter of the children and parents made her heart ache, as she wished, just for a moment, that she could have that too. But alas, even with the promise Cody gave to her to help save Rem from the demon within her, she still felt somewhat hopeless.
No progress had been made, and it worried Rem that it might be impossible, even with the power her friend held, she was beginning to lose hope once more.
A crash nearby made her bolt upright in fear. Turning her head, she saw, not a Fallen, but just a simple stray dog, digging through the trash for food. Her heart raced as she took a breath to try and calm down, only to jump and squeal in fright as a hand landed on her shoulder. The girl flinched and yelped as she turned her head yet again, only to find Celestine standing over her.
"Rem, are you okay?" Celes questioned with worry.
"Y-Yes…just…not feeling 100% at the moment." Rem breathed a sigh of relief, but her body still felt tense, cornered.
Celestine smiled gently, gesturing for them both to return to the inn. The older mage was able to tell that maybe words from the one who had helped her out, might set her mind at ease just a little. Once inside, the pair sat down, her guards making sure it was only them in the inn's dining room.
"Now…what's on your mind, Rem?" she asked the Pantherian, getting to the heart of the matter.
The petite catgirl fidgeted softly at her words, knowing that she wouldn't be able to simply brush them off like Cody or Shera. Her mind raced with confusion and worry, unable to think of a proper response, except for the truth. Her breathing began to hasten as she was clearly anxious and it was affecting her.
Celestine took notice before the gentle woman reached out and softly took hold of Rem's hand. The Pantherian flinched for a moment before relaxing, her pulse and breathing began to recede gradually.
"Just breathe, remember you're safe here." Celes told her reassuringly, making sure she understood that she was okay.
After a few more soft, long breaths, Rem finally recomposed herself, nodding. "I…told Cody the truth about me…" she revealed to the mage.
"Oh? Did you? And how did he react?"
She bit her lip. "He…wants to help me too. Even Shera, as well…"
"Then why are you so scared?" asked Celes pointedly.
"Because…even with what he said…I feel relieved, but also scared. I might finally be rid of this torture forever-" She choked up, trying to speak her mind, but her worries and fears kept obstructing her throat.
"But you're worried that it'll be the same…that the seal may never be removed?"
Rem nodded once more, jerkily. "I trust him, the same reason why I trust you too. But… I'm worried that in the end nothing will change…and then I'll be like my mom, h-having a child who has to inherit this curse…" The catgirl put a hand to her belly, biting her lip as anxiety built up once more.
Celes gave a small sigh. "With how long that burden has rested on your bloodline, it's no wonder you'd feel that way. But do you know something, Rem? Just because it has been in your family for a long time, does not mean it will last forever. It only means that no one has yet found a means to break it."
"But what if he can't?!" asked Rem desperately, "What if he fails?"
"If it is not broken with your generation, then perhaps it will be your daughter's generation that does it," the older woman told her gently, "I know that might be a cold comfort, knowing that there's a chance that your child may suffer the same as you-" Rem bunched up like a cat, tears welling up in her eyes.
"-But! If it should come to pass that Krebskulm is destroyed at that time…then the generation after that will never have to live with such agony, nor any of the ones to follow. Now, that's all just speculation for a future that cannot be known." Celes gave her a wry smile. "Cody promised you to help, but there's been no progress. Well…you did only just tell him about the problem. Did you really expect one to be found within only a few days?"
Now a flush of heat overtook the catgirl's cheeks. "It does…sound kinda unreasonable when you put it like that," she admitted, grumpily.
"Just a little," said her friend, smiling serenely, "Though it does make me a little curious as to why you might think he'll succeed where even I've failed."
Rem opened her mouth, then shut it, gnawing on her lip as she tried to formulate a response that might not make Celes jump to conclusions. "Well…you've heard about Cody's golden armor, right?"
Celes nodded patiently.
"From what he has explained to me, that armor, and the power that comes with it…well, let's see…let's say that it's an existence that rivals the Demon Lords."
Hearing that made Celes frown, her eyebrows rising, then furrowing with slight worry. "Rem…can you be so sure that he isn't just a Fallen trying to get to you?"
The catgirl thought about Cody, holding her, stroking her hair and whispering to her, and the way it made her insides wriggle and feel warm. "...If he was, he would have made his move a long time ago," she said pragmatically, trying not to blush, "And…I'd like to trust him. After all this time, being wary and suspicious of others…I might be a cat, but even I need people around me." 'Even I get tired of being alone…'
Celes took Rem's words as she closed her eyes for a moment to ponder, but finally nodded at Rem's decision. "Very well then, I shall trust your word that he is being transparent and will do as he says, should he come up with anything." The older mage smiled. "I take it now you're feeling better?"
Rem took notice as she placed her hand against her chest, feeling her heart, before smiling and giving a nod, "Yes, I am…thank you, Celes."
Both girls felt relieved, relaxing, even as the catgirl now pondered how to make it up to Cody and Shera once they returned. She wasn't that much of a cook, and given her species, she didn't bother with cooked meat, and thus had no idea how to go about making any. She may have to start learning to cook for them as a repayment.
"Hey, this place is reserved for- NYAAN?!" The voice of the leopard innkeeper echoed out as if something attacked her, causing the others to turn towards the door, weapons soon at the ready.
Walking into the room was none other than Galluk…yet his cloak and hands were stained with red, showing he had attacked someone.
"Lady Celestine! Please hear me out!" the haggard man wailed out, tears in his hazy eyes, showing bewildered confusion alongside anger.
"Galluk…I thought I told you not to ever show yourself in front of me or the Association ever again." Celes scowled icily at the exiled mage, her earlier warmth evaporating in an instant.
"Please, worry about me for once!" Galluk snapped, "I have done everything for you…I chose the path of a mage because of you! But everyone keeps lying to me…saying I'm exiled. JUST WHAT DID I DO WRONG?!" he grasping his head with confusion, staining his head with blood.
"Ugh…he's completely lost his marbles," muttered Rem disdainfully.
"You know why! You used the Lady's authority to put in harm's way, our most protected individual! No real mage of the association would stoop that low!" One of the guards spoke up.
"You lie…you lie, you lie, YOU LIE!" he shrieked, "I did what was necessary for Celes! I did all of it for her!"
"Galluk."
He froze when Celes spoke up, giving him a look of coldest disregard.
"For the past while, you've been going on about how everything you've done was for me. Since when did I give you the impression that I wanted anything like that? It sounds more to me like I was just the excuse for you to do as you wish…and I do not take kindly to such things from a mage."
Galluk wailed, recoiling away from her rebuke and staggering. He clutched at his head, unable to even comprehend what Celes told him to. "Even after making those high mages tell me the truth, I'm still being lied to! That woman was right….there's no point in any of this anymore…"
'That woman?' Rem perked up, suddenly wary.
"Then…I'll take everything down with me!" he roared, whipping a menacing dagger that oozed dark power out from beneath his robes. It was black as the night, with red along the inner part of the blade, along with a simple orb set into the guard…only for the orb to snap open, revealing a baleful, yellow eye and a dreadful, all too familiar aura.
"A Fallen weapon!" Rem gasped as she quickly yanked out one of her gems and shattered it, summoning her Shadow Snake. With a simple gesture, the snake lunged towards Galluk, immobilizing him within its coils. However, rather than attempt to use it against those around him, the deranged ex-mage turned it inward and plunged it into his stomach without hesitation.
The dagger began to pour its dark aura into the ex-mage, his body warping and bulging unnaturally, accompanied by cracking and snapping of bones, mixed in with screeches of pain that that gradually grew deeper, evoking a more sinister timbre. His body expanded upward and out, his skin darkening to black, his face stretching into a reptilian muzzle.
"No way… A-A Fallen?" Rem gaped at the sight of one of the countless monsters that still ravaged the world to this day. She had little doubt that it was there for her- rather, for the Demon Lord dwelling inside her. They always were.
"Che… that lousy human babbled on for too long," complained the monster, cracking his neck with a massive hand lazily, "But it matters not… I, Gregor of the Fallen, have arrived." He looked around, his yellow eyes passing over Rem entirely to fix on Celes. "You're the archmage, Celestine Baudelaire…right?"
"That I am…."
"Awesome…I'm here to kill you." He grinned savagely.
XXX
After their little water fun, Cody and Shera made their way to the border gates. It was a bit later in the day as they had too much fun together to boost their mood without Rem, as it helped perk up the Rider. And thanks to his powers, easily dried off their clothes from the splashing as they went on their way.
"I really needed that, thanks Shera." Cody smiled to the sweet elf girl.
"Of course! Can't have both of my friends be all mopy~" she chirped, beaming back at him.
"Remind me after we get back home to treat you to some good meat." He winked playfully, knowing that would be a good reward for her. Sure enough, she drooled at the prospect.
In the distance, the pair soon sees the border gates as this means their mission is almost done! But as they approached, they soon noticed a large line of people crossing the bridge on the other side.
Cody frowned in concern, as this was definitely too much for just some daily foot traffic. "Wonder if something happened?" he pondered out loud. He glanced at Shera, who likewise looked uneasy. On an unspoken mutual agreement, they both approached the guards at the gate, who were waving everyone through with grim looks on their face. "Hey, what's going on here?"
"What?" grunted one of the guards, glancing at him, "We're getting everyone back into Faltra territory. Stand clear so people can pass. Who are you?"
Blinking at the man's brusque tone, Shera tentatively held up the basket of food and wine they'd been given. "We were given a mission to come deliver this stuff," Cody supplied with her, "But what is all this? Why's everyone trying to get over the border?"
"A mission, huh…" The guard sighed, but took the basket. "Alright, that's your job done, you can leave if you wish."
"But…"
"Look, we've got an entire army of Fallen coming out of the Man-Eating Woods and heading this way," the older man told them, his grip on his spear tightening, "This bridge is the only way across the river to get to the city. If you get there, Lady Celestine's barrier will keep them out, but our job will be to hold the line here. At those numbers, though…" he swallowed thickly, looking grim, and said nothing further, but Cody could read between the lines.
Shera tugged on his sleeve, making him look at her. She bit her lip, giving him a distressed, wide-eyed look that hardened his resolve.
"...We'll stay," he told the guard, "It sounds like you'll need all the help you can get, and I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty strong."
"I'm a good Archer too!" piped up the elf, grimacing at the admission, "If there's room up on the fort, I can shoot them from afar!"
"Huh? I can't let you two do that!" The guard protested, "It's our job to hold the line here, no need for you to risk yourselves."
"Is this really the time to say that? If I can make sure that at least some of you guys survive, then I want to lend you my power." Cody smiled at the guard, "You just try to get as many through here as possible. I'll handle the Fallen when they arrive."
"Handle them? Oi oi, you don't mean to take them on by yourself, do ya?!"
"Didn't you just hear Shera? She'll help from afar." He turned to Shera and gave a wink of approval, to which she beamed brightly. "As for on the ground…" He took a deep breath, and felt the power of a King lying in wait.
"...I alone will be enough."
XXX
After awhile, the last set of people got through the gate as the border was closed with Cody on the bridge as the Rider had his belt on, but was waiting for the Fallen forces to arrive. The silence felt surreal as not even the chirpings of birds or the chitters of the insects could be heard. Most likely they too have fled to a safer place.
"The Fallen! They're here!" One of the guards shouted from above.
Cody opened his eyes as from the horizon there was indeed an army. Several hundreds of hulking, brutish monsters, either aligned with the Fallen, or a subspecies that had turned into them. Many ranging from simple beastmen, to minotaurs and the occasional demon-looking beasts. Suffice to say just one of these could easily tear this border gate with their hands….But luckily the Rider was here as he waited for the leader to show themselves.
Loud footsteps could be heard, as Cody looked up to see a minotaur-esc Fallen now looming over the young Rider. Though even he could tell that this was just a reckless mook.
"Human… Weak."
"Hoo~?" Cody uttered, a slight smirk on his face as he held up the Kuuga Ridewatch, twisted it with his thumb, and pressed the button.
KUUGA
The symbol of the first Heisei Rider appeared beneath the young man, before lashing out with a straight kick that slammed the Fallen in his gut, sending him rocketing back to join his fellows, that same symbol now stamped into his gut. The mark flashed and sparked, the monster bellowing out in agony, before with a tremendous *BOOOM!* he detonated, vanishing into a massive fireball that tossed those around him into the air to land heavily, burned and wounded themselves.
"Now let that be a lesson to you all! Leave now, or die!" Cody shouted to the horde of Fallen, hoping to intimidate at least some of them enough to listen and flee.
As the silence came up, the sound of lighter footsteps could be heard. The ranks of the army parted, to allow a beautiful young woman to emerge. She had lightly tanned skin, with platinum blonde hair and golden eyes. She wore a skimpy set of armor and a tailcoat, showing off a diamond shape over her cleavage (what little she had, as she was hardly the bustiest) and showing off her midriff, carrying a halberd over her shoulder.
'Guess I was expecting too much…' Cody sighed to himself. "So! I take it you're the one leading this charge? Would it be so difficult if you all just left? You just saw what I could do."
"I saw, yes," she replied curtly, her golden gaze unwavering, "That power, strong. These others, weaklings, no use against you. Therefore, I, Edelgard, fight. I kill you, we advance. That is, our mission." She spoke in a strange, fragmented way, and although her dusky voice bore no accent, it was as if she was unused to speaking a human tongue.
"As if I'll let any of you get through." Cody declared, swiping his hands across the driver to activate it.
"Henshin!"
OMA ZI-O
As the golden armor emerged and formed around him, many of the Fallen and people observing the fight were in utter shock upon seeing the raw power he exuded from just the simple change. Many of the Fallen either fainted or turned tail and ran away in fear, though the ones who ran were swiftly executed by other Fallen who remain. Cody though, was more impressed that Edelgard didn't even flinch from the change into his armor.
"You got guts. Thought you'd turn tail like the rest. You have my respect, Edelgard." Cody declared as one to not show fear in front of Oma Zi-O's might was indeed an accomplishment.
This took the Fallen warrior, surprised. She didn't expect her opponent to give such a praise or even a compliment. Yet she had to do her duty, and thus he must die in this fight as she twirled her halberd before getting into a fighting pose, ready to duel.
As the Fallen warrior got into her stance, Cody responded in kind as with a click of another Ridewatch, he summoned up the W Metal Staff to duel with her.
W
As the metal bo staff materialized and extended the two fighters stared at one another, waiting for either one to move first. Silence drew on as their staredown continued, only for Shera to gulp down her fears as she shouted out to him.
"Kick her butt!" The elf girl proclaimed, and a moment later the two warriors charged at each other. Their weapons clashed, casting sparks from their clash.
"Ho? You withstood it. Unexpected." Eldegard took notice, cocking her head. Despite her slender build, her arms barely trembled against the force of Oma Zi-O's defense.
"Just wait, sweetie. I'm about to rock you like a hurricane."
Her only answer was a stony silence that told him his reference had fallen flat. The pair then separated, flinging themselves back, before landing and rushing ahead to clash once again, doing their best to feint the other one out, using every part of their respective polearms to try and work their way around their opponent's guard.
Alas, each blow only sent sparks and shockwaves flying from each crashing strike. It was more surprising for Cody that this girl was able to take the hits from his attacks without flinching, and even respond in kind. True, he was holding back a bit, but even with him basically fumbling around, she was still able to withstand his blows. Suffice it to say, he was impressed by this lady, only sad that she had to be an enemy.
"Why do all the super hot girls have to be evil?" Cody sighed out loud, enough for Edelgard to hear him.
"Evil, human concept. Fallen strong, ravage, eat, win. To Fallen, that is, a good life," she told him stoically.
"A life, yeah…but that's too simple now. You don't know the wonders that were created in such civilizations. It's sad that you only know how to ravage and eat. I couldn't live such a life." Cody frowned, twirling his bo staff before thrusting it forward and striking the Fallen warrior in the stomach, shoving Edelgard back. For the first time, the girl's face contorted in pain, though it passed quickly.
"Is that pity? Unpleasant. Human, you talk too much."
Edelgard raised her halberd, energy glowing from the weapon, and a dark aura began to ooze out from it. The Rider tensed, able to feel an ominous energy from the build up.
'Still…I should test out just how this armor stacks up. This isn't just the show, where drama dictates whether or not I lose, this is the Lore Accurate Oma Zi-O armor.' Cracking his neck, Cody smacked the end of his staff on the bridge and stood tall. "You want more action? Bring it. Hit me with your best shot!"
Edelgard took her stance, glaring at the golden armored rider. "Attack? Should I…?" She pondered only for a moment, before setting her face in determination. "Sacrifice…CHARGE!"
An aura of dark energy flared up around her, and with a stamp, she raced towards Oma Zi-O. With a brutal slash of her halberd, she struck his exposed chest solidly with a mighty *BANG!* the impact kicking up a blast of wind along the bridge. She then followed it up with a slash upward, leading into a jump, and then came crashing back down with a harsh cleaving strike. Sparks sprayed off the Rider as she jumped back, seeing the once proud Kamen Rider now partially kneeling, waiting with bated breath to see how much damage she caused.
But then, Oma Zi-O stood up, rolling his shoulders. "...Was that everything?" he asked casually
Edelgard's eyes widened in shock, her arms and legs shaking, sore from the exertion of using Sacrifice Charge. This technique normally would easily struck down any enemy with its chained combination attack. Yet this one stood strong, as if she'd only smacked him with a broom!
'So, that was an attack? Guess the armor truly is nigh unbreakable, I barely felt a thing. Thought for sure after that last one, I'd feel something. Or maybe she's just too weak? I shouldn't get too complacent.' The golden Rider noted in his inner thoughts. "Then, if you're done, I'll take my turn." He dropped into a crouch, shifting his staff in both hands. Edelgard tensed, preparing for an overwhelming blow, but…
"Danger! We're in danger!" One soldier suddenly shouted out, earning a look from the others, Shera, and Cody. "We've just gotten word that a Fallen has successfully infiltrated Faltra!"
"What?!"
"Oh no… Cody! Rem could be in danger!" Shera shouted with panic.
Behind his mask, Cody's eyes widened with fear and shock. Confused how it could even be possible before the gears in his head turned, and he glared at Edelgard.
"Heh…Gregor, succeeded? Good job." Edelgard smirked in satisfaction.
Fearing that Rem's life could be in more danger the longer he waited, Oma Zi-O decided to just end this match. The staff vanished from his grip as he stood tall and summoned several more Ridewatches. "I'm about to use a powerful attack. If any one of you wishes to live, run away!" The golden Rider declared to the invading army.
Shera nodded as she ducked behind the parapet, knowing that whatever Cody said had to be true. She looked to the guards, who stared at her in confusion, before following her lead.
"Bluffing…you're scared of us…" Edelgard huffed, as she held up her spear.
"No…Just pissed." Cody responded coldly. With a flex of his will, all six watches twisted, and activated.
WISEMAN
RYUKI SURVIVE
SORCERER
KUUGA ULTIMATE
DECADE VIOLENT
ETERNAL
The energies and colors of the Riders chosen began to pour into him, shifting from white, to red, then to blue, black, magenta, silver and finally gold. An aura of power roared forth, completely putting Edelgard's earlier Sacrifice Charge to shame. Beneath the bridge, the river began to ripple and form waves, even evaporating slightly.
The Fallen forces suddenly found themselves unable to move. Even Edelgard looked on with horror at the sight of such power. Even some of the others began to either drop to their knees or just pass out from the suffocating power he was creating.
Finally, that power began to shrink, but rather than fading away, it only intensified further, focusing itself into his right boot. With a grunt, he lifted his leg, the image of a clock appearing behind him, the minute hand moving from the 6 to the 12, while the hour hand remained pointing down, mimicking both his legs.
[FINISH TIME!]
GRAVETOUS IMPACT!
With a roar, he brought his leg down, smashing his armor-plated heel into the bridge beneath him. A pulse of golden light passed through the stones, and began to glow, brighter and brighter. Edelgard, finally figuring that she was in danger, made to leap away.
*CRAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSH!*
The entire bridge shattered into a cloud of rubble and dust, a shockwave spreading out before the Rider and ripping apart the ground that the Fallen stood on. They were all sent flying, roaring with shock and pain as the explosion ripped them apart.
By the time it had died down, Cody stood alone on the edge of what was left. The entire bridge had collapsed into the river, and the bank beyond it looked as if someone had roughly gouged away a massive scoop of it.
Oma sighed, before a groan and cough made him look over to see, at the far edge of the crater, Edelgard, heavily injured and barely clinging onto life.
'She survived that? Guess she's stronger than I thought…. But matters not, she's in no condition to fight.' The Rider noted as he looked up to see Shera jumping off from the balcony, making him catch and set her down.
"We need to go help Rem, now!" Shera called out with worry, even as she gazed out over the devastation with awe.
Cody nodded as he held up the Wizard Ridewatch and clicked it, calling on another of the past Rider's power.
TELEPORT! PLEASE~
The two friends were now covered in light and energy only to then vanish in a blink of an eye, most likely back to Faltra, where the true danger awaited.
XXX
Within the alleyways of Faltra, Rem was being somewhat attended to by Celes, having both escaped from the Fallen monster who infiltrated the town's barrier. Rem warned of the people of the Fallen as the two made an escape, but sadly one wrong turn put them now in reach of Gregor, who had effortlessly crushed them in his massive hands.
But luckily some friends arrived…sadly, only Emile was left, heavily injured from the magical attacks that Gregor directed at. Many other adventurers and guards attempted to help, only to die swiftly from the Fallen's brutal blows. Even Rem, who tried to assist, was grazed by Gregor's spells and collapsed in shock, leaving Emile left to handle it. Alas, even he was nearing his own limits, as one last attack knocked him towards Rem and Celes.
"R-Rem…I'm…sorry…" Emilie weakly grunted to her, barely able to stay conscious.
"You did your best, Emile…" the catgirl sniffled, tears in her eyes as the trio gazed up at the approaching Fallen brute.
"I'll admit, human. You lasted long and well against my attacks. For that, I will give you an honorable death. Just know that these two will follow you soon." Gregor snickered as he held up his hand, ready to cast another spell.
Rem closed her eyes as she waited for her death, only wishing one thing in her heart.
'Cody…Please…'
A gust of wind erupted, pushing Gregor away from the trio as Rem slowly opened her eyes, to see that Cody and Shera had appeared out of nowhere. Shera cried openly with relief when she saw not only that her black-haired Pantherian friend was still alive.
"You…t-took you long enough!" Rem huffed, even as her own tears of relief spilled down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry for making you wait…." Cody apologized as he looked towards the injured Emile, "And thank you, for protecting her. But I'll take it from here."
"Hehe…then show that Fallen…who's boss…my friend…" Emile grinned, before passing out.
Cody felt his heart sting for a moment. Not just because the pompous white knight saw him as a friend, but for the mangled and broken bodies that laid behind Gregor. So many people had lost their lives so easily to this monster. Even though he'd been exposed to death in the past, including his own impending mortality? Just seeing this Fallen act so cavalier about killing these people made his blood boil.
"Che…another lousy human…" Gregor spat out with disgust, "You're only holding off the inevitable, Celestine Baudelaire! Another meat shield won't last long against me!"
As Gregor held up his hand, ready to fire a spell, the golden armored Kamen Rider stood there. Cody felt like he needed to do something, but his instincts didn't warn him of any danger. Thus, he let the Fallen monster proceed.
"Dark Bullet!" An orb of blackness shot out from Gregor's fist, streaking through the air almost faster than the eye could track. However, the two clock hands that adorned his helmet were not just for show. The moment the energy had gathered for the spell, the long hand had already calculated the speed it would move at, while the short hand showed Cody where it would go. Where they met, the systems of the armor determined the danger should the attack connect.
Results: negligible.
The magical attacks swiftly bounced off him, the ring on his hand glinting with light, and streaked right back at Gregor, breaking through some of the tough hide armor.
"Y-You! Just what did you do?" Gregor snarled at Oma Zi-O.
"Hm? What's wrong? I thought you were going to do something at least. But I guess that's why I shouldn't bother with a lousy bug." The rider taunted the Fallen.
"Why you-!Dark Press!" Gregor held up his palm into the air as a dark sphere with a gravitational ring around it formed above him. The Fallen Monster threw it at Ohma, only for it once again to be bounced right back to him, causing the Fallen to drop to his knees at the pressure of the gravity spell.
"Hurts, doesn't it?" Cody said coldly as he began to approach Gregor. "You were too busy being a sadist and causing the people of this city pain! You killed so many here and who knows how many more before you did this mission? Unforgivable…"
"Fucking spare me. As if you and your kind wouldn't do the exact same thing if our positions were reversed!" the lizard-like brute spat back
The moment the repelled spell wore off, Cody wasted no time in punching Gregor in the chest and breaking through his armor some more, eliciting a sickening crunch as ribs broke. Gregor gasped from the hit and pain and tried to retaliate with a punch of his own, only for his fist to smack ineffectually against Oma's faceplate. Not even acknowledging it, the Rider kneed him in the stomach, causing him to expel blood and bile.
"Maybe so… But as far as I heard, we don't go into your homes and destroy everything in sight…we only defend from what you do." Cody responded back to Gregor.
The monster sneered. "Against other humans, maybe. But you six Holy Races don't always get along, do you?"
Celestine set her jaw. "That's true," she admitted, drawing Cody's attention momentarily, "We humans are the most numerous of the Holy Races, and there are many who dislike the other races as well."
"Even so…I like to believe we can change. Sometimes it can take one little kind gesture to change the fate of many." Cody nodded only to turn to Gregor, just as the Fallen reeled his fist back and slammed it against his mask.
"Hehe, you humans are so easily manipulated! To me? I don't care what you are…we Fallen are meant to kill every single one of you!" Gregor cackled out loud, believing he'd won from that hit…until he realized that the Rider hadn't so much as budged.
"That's fine. I'm here to kill you as well," Oma declared coldly, gripping the Fallen's fist and pushing it back slowly. Gregor attempted to push back, but was unable to even stop the golden armored Rider, feeling his wrist twist until….
*SNAP*
With a gruesome twist, Oma Zi-O had snapped Gregor's wrist and crushed his fist like it was made of cheap plastic. The Fallen Monster howled in pain as he held his destroyed hand, only feeling another set of hits to his chest and face.
The sickening crunches of bone against the metal fist of the Kamen Rider was audible, Gregor's attempts to fight back ending in failure with either more snaps and cracks of his bones or his spells being repelled back to the battle mage, only for the Fallen Monster to drop to his knees, panting and in a bloody mess.
"P-Please…have mercy…" Gregor pleaded with a whimper.
"No."
The Rider held up a single Ridewatch, one carrying the power of one of a particularly devious and cruel enemies of the Heisei Era… And with a twist of the dial and press of the button, he activated it, and drew on his power.
EVOL BLACKHOLE
Space swirled and bent as the watch vanished, coalescing into his upraised hand. With a decisive bark, he slammed his palm, and the singularity he held in it, into the Fallen's gut. Gregor gagged as the air was driven from his lungs, only for his eyes to then bulge as his body warped and stretched. Before he could even try to break away again, he was sucked into the black hole in Cody's hand, letting out one last scream before he vanished.
Dismissively, the young man tossed the black hole away, up into the air, whereupon it exploded in a massive fireball, finally erasing all traces of the Fallen Monster and letting the people breathe a sigh of relief.
Cody gave his own sigh of relief as he dismissed the armor, turning to Rem as Shera helped her reach him. The catgirl softly placed her head against his chest. "Y-You…took your time…you i-idiot…" she repeated, sniffling, as all of the stress and worries from what happened today weighed down on her shoulders, the adrenaline wearing off. She swore she saw her life flashing before her eyes so many times, and that her death would then release the Demon Lord. But it never came to be, and once again Cody was there to protect her.
"I know…you did a good job waiting for me." Cody softly smiled as he patted her head, tending to her needs and giving her some support.
"I….I was so scared…" she admittedly in a fragile voice, gripping his clothing tightly, tears soaking his shirt as she buried her face in it.
"I'm sorry it turned out this way…I'll do better to keep protecting you. I promised after all." Cody comforted Rem, softly stroking her hair.
Today truly was something that would become engraved in Faltra City's history. The day a Fallen broke through the barrier to attack the town, but also the appearance of the hero who would protect it and its people, and those beyond.
A/N: Phew! Finally got this out too! again, sorry for the long wait everyone. BUT I'd like to give a big thanks to my new cowriter for this, NorthSouthGorem, for the assistance. And don't fret, it won't take too long to finish the next chap this time around.
Until then, later minna!