Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 122 – 2019: A Complete Gamble
"Final-Shocker has finally made its move, and almost immediately after we had just reunited with each other," Woz stated as he was currently outdoors, the entire area pitch black but the concrete he was standing on as a spotlight shined down on him, "Fallen enemies of the past Kamen Riders have been reborn and unleashed because of them. They are intent on ruling the World of the Heisei Riders to start their new conquest…"
He shut his book with a slam as he looked to the sky.
"Only six chapters remain until the end of our worlds…"
Earth – Early July 2019
The Riders and Huntresses could only look around as they were right in the center of a massive grouping of Final-Shocker soldiers and monsters.
"There are too many of them," Decade admitted, "We need to fall back for now."
"Luckily we have a nice little clock shop that will do nicely," Summer said as she brought out Sundered Rose and held it up in defense.
Omega let out a yell before leaping towards a grouping of Combatmen, knocking several of them down. Skull quickly began shooting at a few Bugster Viruses and Formica Pedes while Lance and Larc rushed towards the crowd.
"We'll hold them off," Diend said as he took aim and shot at two approaching Ganma Superiors.
G meanwhile brought out his sword and slashed at Volcancer who had swung its claw at him. He kicked it back before stabbing and striking the Gigazelle that leapt at him, "Get going!"
"Thank you!" Ruby called out, a small smile forming from how willing these Riders were to keep helping them.
"Woz," Sougo said as he looked over at his retainer who gave a nod, "Get us back to Uncle."
"Understood," Woz nodded as he unleashed his scarf, it lashing outwards and wrapping around Team RWBY, Penny, Summer, Tsukasa, Sougo, Geiz and himself. It didn't take long for the tornado of grey to burst apart, revealing that they had warped away.
Outside of 9-5-DO, Junichiro let out a yelp as he quickly hurried towards the door, a fairly sized box in his hands. He managed to pull out his keys and hastily open the door, ready to enter and shut it when he heard a sudden noise behind him. He turned in fear only to relax when he saw it was Woz's scarf unfurling to reveal his nephew and friends.
"Huh, uncle what are you doing out right now?" Sougo asked in surprise.
"I was running a quick errand and just got back as things were growing out of hand," Junichiro admitted, "Are you all alright?"
"We could be better," Ruby admitted, "But thanks for asking."
"We're going to need to borrow the front of your store though," Tsukasa spoke up, "Considering how things are outside though…"
"It's no trouble at all," Junichiro shook his head as he opened the door and gestured for everyone to enter, "I can only assume you need somewhere quiet to start planning things."
"Thank you Mr. Junichiro," Penny bowed as she and the others went to enter 9-5-DO.
It didn't take long for everyone to get settled, Junichiro taking all of the orders for refreshments in order to help everyone unwind for a bit. Tsukasa, Sougo, and Ruby were sitting at the main table in the front, Summer standing near Tsukasa while everyone else was scattered around the storefront.
Once Junichiro had served everyone he went to the back room of the shop to make sure he had everything he needed for what he was planning next.
"Alright, so does anyone have any idea why GrandZi-O stopped working?" Geiz asked as he looked around, wanting the biggest question out of the way.
"It might have something to do with this," Summer said as she brought out the Ridewatch Daizer, placing it on the main table. Every single Primary Rider Ridewatch on it was now a stone grey coloration aside from the image, cracks littering each and every one. Tsukasa let out an amused hum while everyone else could only stare, eyes wide in shock.
"The Ridewatches are broken?" Ruby asked.
"Didn't this happen before with Another Kuuga?" Weiss asked before noticing that Sougo had brought out the Decade Ridewatch, it still being intact and full of color, "Wait..."
"Ruby, bring out some from your collection," Tsukasa spoke up.
"Huh?" Ruby said as she brought out the Specter and Para-DX Ridewatches, both being completely fine, "What exactly are you trying to get at?"
"I think the questions should be directed at Zi-O over here," Tsukasa said as he looked over at Sougo, "Clearly only the Primary Rider Ridewatches were affected aside from mine, and I can already get the gist of the situation out of these two pieces of information."
"Another Decade," Sougo spoke up in realization, "I was flung into an alternate world thanks to Another Decade. He kicked me in the stomach to… no wait…" he shook his head as he realized what was really aimed at with that kick, "He kicked my Driver…"
"Knew it," Tsukasa said, "Especially with NiJyumenki being a damn thing… they wanted GrandZi-O completely out of the picture."
"Wait, so what exactly happened?" Weiss asked.
"Narutaki likely used the powers of destruction Decade holds to target the GrandZi-O Ridewatch," Tsukasa explained, "Destroying a power like that would be hard though, so he went for destroying the powers connected to it, and by getting rid of all but one of the pieces that formed it, it can no longer exist."
"And losing Grand is a terribly timed issue," Summer realized, "Especially with what's outside our doorstep."
"Clearly our enemy has thought about their next moves fairly carefully," Woz noted, "Final-Shocker is likely the opponent's that's been behind a lot of odd occurrences for a while."
"Yeah we figured once Narutaki confronted us," Geiz replied, "Either way we need some kind of plan."
"If we were dealing with the destruction of reality, then it'd be a simple solution," Tsukasa mentioned offhandedly and much to everyone's annoyance refused to elaborate, "But considering it's a simple invasion then that means we have to do this the hard way and take out every last Final-Shocker member."
"Easier said than done," Yang said, "I know we're strong but the only two at full strength right now are Geiz and Woz."
"Ruby, Weiss, Yang and I can't access our personal Rider Weapons," Blake added, "And Roze RWBY alongside Trinity cut our numbers down too much."
"There are the Heisei Riders, remember?" Weiss asked, "I doubt they're staying quiet at the moment."
"We'll need more than the Heisei Riders," Summer said, "And more than just any standard backup too."
"Did you have something in mind?" Penny asked.
"It sounds like it," Geiz said, noting the tone that Summer had more to what she was saying.
"I've got the gist of it," Tsukasa nodded as he stood up and pointed at Ruby, "If GrandZi-O is out for the count, we need to upgrade you."
"Huh?" Ruby asked in surprise, "Upgrade me?"
"But Roze RWBY is unbelievably strong," Weiss pointed out in near disbelief, "How do we upgrade from that?"
"Remember Miss Schnee," Woz spoke up, "Roze RWBY is only comparable to Trinity, and considering the paths that Miss Rose has taken that are similar to my Overlord's, she still likely hasn't reached her full potential yet."
"So what, a Grand styled transformation with the Secondary Riders?" Ruby asked but scratched her cheek, "That sounds more like a Geiz thing…"
"Wait, are you really considering me the secondary here?" Geiz asked in surprise.
"Well while you did transform first, going by Sougo being the Primary Rider, you transformed before I did…" Ruby said, trying to work her logic out.
"So wait, would you be the tertiary then?" Sougo asked, "Then Woz would be the Quaternary, but then there's Trinity which complicates that idea..."
"My Overlord this is not a discussion that we need to be having at the moment," Woz remarked.
"Backtracking a bit, let's not forget we don't have every single Secondary Ridewatch," Yang added, "And even then, what if Neo manages to take those weapons too? We're still not sure of what her limits are aside from her only being able to take Ruby's and the rest of our team's Rider weapons."
"Well not all of our weapons," Blake reminded, "Our pure Remnant weapons, even with the minor modifications they have couldn't be stolen…" she paused as her eyes widened, her ears standing up straight in realization, "That's it!"
"What's it?" Sougo asked.
"A Grand styled transformation based on the power of Remnant," Blake explained as she figured how they could give Ruby a powerhouse upgrade that would also be able to bypass NeoRoze's weapon jacking entirely, "Specifically, the one aspect Remnant specializes in the most… our weapons."
"Considering Ruby's primary trick in her various forms is her versatile usage of weapons, it makes logical sense," Penny nodded in agreement.
"But how would we even get something like that to form?" Geiz asked.
"I could maybe do it like I did for Noble but I'd need some outside help," Sougo admitted, "Because I'm not sure I could create a form entirely based around Remnant weapons when I don't have all that knowledge."
"I doubt it would work based on my feelings too," Ruby added, "I've only seen so many weapons."
"If it's knowledge you seek, then why not ask the wealth of knowledge that is our Relic of Knowledge?" Tsukasa asked in a tone that made it seem obvious, "After all, don't we only need our Winter Maiden to unlock it?"
"Luckily a trip for Remnant was already in the books," Summer spoke up, "I've had Tai and a couple others mobilize because I feared what would likely be coming, and hopefully the team is mostly gathered by now."
"Wait, what?" Yang asked.
"Sounds like we're about to get that non-standard backup," Geiz said, "Which is good, especially since if we'll be busy with this, we're leaving this world only attended by the Heisei Riders."
"Should some of us stay behind?" Penny asked.
"Hey, is anyone here."
Everyone turned towards the entrance to see Gentoku entering, Sento walking in afterwards.
"Looks like we hit the jackpot first try… is what I'd say if we didn't already try the apartment," Sento remarked before smiling, "I am glad to see you all are alright though."
"Oh, hey," Sougo looked over in surprise, "What brings you guys by?"
"Well we had a feeling something of this level was going to occur," Gentoku admitted, "We've been prepping since this morning by trying to contact as many Riders as possible. Of course…"
"Shintaro Goto ended up giving us a better heads up that it would happen sooner than later not too long ago," Sento continued, "All thanks to meeting with Weiss in a parallel world."
"So he did get the message through," Weiss sighed in relief, "That's good."
"With Final-Shocker acting and a majority of the Heisei Riders already prepared, we've started a defense against our opponents," Gentoku said, "However, we were trying to contact you all to see if there were any ideas you could share regarding the situation."
"Though given what we were hearing as we entered, it sounds like you all have some good ideas brewing," Sento remarked, "So just leave the heavy lifting to us for now."
"Are you guys sure?" Blake asked.
"If we can blindside our opponents with something unknown then it'll be an overwhelming advantage," Gentoku replied.
"I suppose that settles it then," Tsukasa said as he looked around, "It's time to start preparing."
Remnant – Atlas Academy
Winter was currently with Pietro and Marrow, the three standing at the rear docking bays for the academy. Upon arriving back in Remnant via the Time Mazines, Sougo had Weiss contact Winter on one of the emergency lines that had been provided to them. After being given a brief summary of the situation, Winter had dropped everything and went to get as much prepared as possible.
This also meant making sure there was at least some kind of defense for attacks. While there weren't that many, several Atlas Soldiers were in the area and patrolling just in case an enemy ambush occurred.
Normally Winter wouldn't like the thought of bringing trouble to Atlas again, especially not long after the battle that decided it all. Though considering the school was still in the process of restructuring, most students had gone back to spend time with their families with only a few living at the dorms. It at least meant that there wouldn't be a lot of questions being asked, and also less civilian casualties if something did happen.
It didn't take long for the three Time Mazines that belonged to Zi-O, Geiz, and Woz to land, the current group of Riders and Huntresses exiting as Sougo, Weiss, Ruby, and Penny took the lead.
"Dad," Penny smiled as she hurried over and went to hug Pietro who hugged back, "How are you doing?"
"Just fine dear," Pietro smiled as his daughter pulled away, "What about you? Still having fun on Earth?"
"It is most splendid," Penny nodded.
"You kids just have to make my job harder, huh?" Marrow asked as he watched Ruby approach before giving a smile, "It was kind of getting boring anyway."
"Careful what you wish for," Ruby smirked before frowning, "Because unfortunately trouble's likely to follow us."
"Nothing we can't handle," Marrow reassured.
"Winter," Weiss said as she walked over and hugged her sister before pulling away, "I'm terribly sorry about calling on such short notice."
"Considering you were using that specific line to call, I can only imagine how bad the situation is from what little you've said," Winter replied before looking over at Sougo, "I take it you're treating my sister well, young man."
"Uh um…" Sougo began to stammer a bit at the sudden statement before bowing, "Y-yes ma'am!"
"Please don't do this," Weiss sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Come now, I assumed you'd enjoy seeing this side of me," Winter smirked before her expression grew serious as she gestured for everyone to follow her before heading for the entrance, "But enough pleasantries, we have a lot we need to get done, don't we?"
"Is it really that much just to get to the Relics now?" Geiz asked.
"I can only imagine," Summer replied, "I am surprised the Headmaster isn't here though."
"I talked with Clover and he said it was best to defer the current situation to me," Winter explained before stopping once everyone had entered the academy, "However when it comes to the situation, it lines up perfectly with a project we've been working on."
"What kind of project?" Weiss asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Winter replied, which caused a few raised eyebrows, "Though while your leader is busy, I'll need the rest of Team RWBY to accompany Pietro to his lab for final preparations."
"Wait, what is this all about?" Yang asked.
Blake nodded, "What exactly do you need us for?"
"It's something that will help you in the current battle," Pietro reassured, "We've been working on it ever since you left Atlas, think of it as a gift of sorts."
"If it gives us an edge then we should take it," Tsukasa said, "So go ahead, we can handle the rest."
"Given you all don't have your Rider Weapons at the moment, it would be best," Woz agreed.
"If you all say so," Weiss said before looking over at Sougo, "Stay safe."
"Don't worry… I think we can do this," Sougo smiled, "But thanks."
It didn't take long for Pietro to hurry off with Weiss, Blake and Yang in tow, the four heading off in a different direction.
"Now if the rest of you can follow me," Winter said as she went down a different path of the academy, eventually leading the group to the set of elevators that led specifically to the Atlas Vault. It didn't take long for her to input the code for them to get access to the vault elevator, "Here we are."
"So what exactly is the plan for…?" Marrow spoke up only to trail off when he heard radio chatter, putting a finger to his earpiece alongside Winter, "What? They're at the front entrance?!"
"Hold the line and make sure any students out and about are sent inside to safety!" Winter called out before continuing, "We'll be there shortly!"
"What's going on?" Summer asked.
"We've received word of unknown enemies suddenly appearing at the front gates," Winter explained, "I suppose this Final-Shocker as Weiss called it already caught on."
"Not surprising," Tsukasa said before stepping up, "But you'll need a lot more than just your soldiers."
"The two of us will help hold them off," Summer looked over at her daughter and friends, "You five get the upgrade completed."
"You sure you don't need more help?" Geiz asked, "Woz and I can go since we're not really needed in this process."
"If they somehow get through we're going to need Trinity to hold our ground," Sougo argued, "Especially since I don't have Grand anymore."
"Fair enough," Woz nodded, "Let us leave everything to our senior Riders."
"Stay safe," Ruby said as she went to hug Summer briefly.
"Same to you," Summer smiled as she hugged back before pulling away and looking at Winter, "Lead the way."
"Right," Winter said as she nodded towards Penny, "Good luck."
It didn't take long for Winter to rush off, Marrow, Tsukasa and Summer taking off after her. As if timing was on their side, the elevator that would lead to the Atlas Vault soon pinged and opened up.
"Let's get going," Ruby said as Penny nodded, the two entering with Sougo, Geiz and Woz following, the elevator closing up before descending.
It didn't take long for Winter and Marrow to lead Tsukasa and Summer to the front gates of Atlas Academy. The group pushed their way past a few fleeing students, Winter calling out for them to stay in their dorms until a clear go ahead was given on the PA System. Of course they had just arrived to witness a red bladed shield cut through a pair of Atlas Soldiers that had been shooting at the incoming army.
A few of the other Soldiers nearby backed away before hearing footsteps.
"General," one Soldier called out in relief.
"Stay back and provide covering fire when we move in," Winter ordered as she and the others went to take point as the Atlas Soldiers nodded and pulled back slightly.
The shield spun in the air, returning to the source. It was a man in a black bodysuit with red accented pieces, a white cape covering his shoulders. He wore a red helmet with red wings spreading out from the sides, thin black eyeholes piercing through alongside a silver strip that ran from the forehead to the mouth.
"Apollogeist's back, huh?" Tsukasa remarked as he saw the masked man leading an army of very familiar monsters to him. He recognized most of them as monsters that he had confronted on the nine original worlds of his first journey.
There was a fairly large grouping of Gelnewt Mirror Monsters, and mixed between were different monsters of different groups. N·Gamio·Zeda the Gurongi, Taurus Ballista the Lord, the Tiger Orphnoch, Paradoxa Undead, Phylloxera Worm, Alligator Imagin and the Beetle Fangire were all mixed within.
"Class reunion much?" Summer smirked, recalling a few of the monsters present from some of Tsukasa's stories about his past.
"They're the worst of the worst, of the worst," Tsukasa remarked, "Absolutely terrible classmates."
"How can you two be so casual about this?" Marrow questioned as he quickly drew out Fetch and prepared it in its rifle mode.
"I suppose this gives me some confidence we can deal with this," Winter admitted as she drew out her sword and aimed it forward.
"Well now if it isn't Decade," Apollogeist said as he summoned a rapier and aimed it forward as he had stopped advancing with his small army, "It seems we're tied together via fate."
"You're flattering yourself way too much," Tsukasa remarked as he prepared his NeoDecadriver while Summer prepared the Roseiber. He then drew out his Kamen Ride Card, "So what, are you going to become the greatest nuisance of Remnant now?"
"Ha ha, you very much know my habits," Apollogeist laughed a bit before shaking his head and keeping his rapier aimed forward, "However I plan on becoming Ruby Rose's greatest nuisance, by orders of Commander NeoRoze!"
"Sorry to say but she can't come out to play," Summer said as she prepared her Kamen Ride Card, "So you'll just have to play with us instead."
"Then come at me," Apollogeist said as he spread his arms out.
Tsukasa and Summer glanced at each other before initiating their transformations, "Henshin!"
[KAMEN RIDE: DECADE!]
[KAMEN RIDE: ROSE!]
Decade and Rose stared down their opponents alongside Winter and Marrow, the four soon shouting as they charged forward.
Apollogeist gestured with his shield, "Attack!"
The grouping of monsters with him all yelled out and charged forward to meet with the Riders and their allies, the Atlas Soldiers shooting and providing covering fire on top of that.
Decade kicked the Tiger Orphnoch back before ducking underneath a swipe from Taurus Ballista, drawing out the Ride Booker in sword mode and reversing his grip. He stabbed behind him and struck the Phylloxera Worm in the gut.
"Stay!" Marrow pointed at a few Gelnewts before shooting them in their faces and dismissing his Semblance, quickly ducking underneath a swing from the Alligator Imagin before rushing past while switching Fetch to its chainsaw mode, minor sparks flying but not doing much.
Rose meanwhile slashed against Gamio with her Roseiber, blocking a punch with her free arm from the Beetle Fangire before pushing back. She then spun and slashed quickly, striking several Gelnewts alongside the Paradoxa Undead.
Winter meanwhile was striking against several Gelnewts with her sword, unlocking it and drawing her second sword from it to block two separate strikes from the grunt Mirror Monsters. She managed to force them back via Glyphs before stabbing into the ground, unleashing a storm of small Nevermore summons in order to spread the monsters out further.
Apollogeist let out a chuckle, easily blocking several shots from Atlas Soldiers before leaping into the air and past the fighting his army was doing. He soon landed and smashed his shield against an Altas Soldier to knock them down, bracing with it when the Soldiers began firing on him.
"Not bad, but I've got places I need to be!" Apollogeist called out.
"Of course he's leaving us like this!" Decade called out in annoyance as he kicked the Alligator Imagin away before blocking a Gelnewt's shuriken, "I'll-"
"I'll go after him!" Winter called out as she unleashed an Electric Dust powered Glyph to shock the Gelnewts and stagger them, "The faster you Riders clean these enemies up the better!"
"You'll need a better weapon," Rose said as she holstered her Roseiber and loaded in a new card, "But I've got just the one for you."
[WEAPON RIDE: GHOST! GAN GUN SABER!]
Rose brought out the Gan Gun Saber and tossed it over to Winter who combined her swords together and caught it before holstering her personal weapon.
"It seems a bit bulky," Winter admitted as she looked it over.
"It works just like your swords," Rose called out as she summoned Sundered Rose and swung, cutting through a Gelnewt, "Does a little bit more, but the two sword mode is just your style."
Winter ducked underneath a swing from the Tiger Orphnoch before splitting the Gan Gun Saber into its double blade mode, "Thank you!"
The Paradoxa Undead attempted to come up from behind only for it to freeze in place, Fetch hitting it in the head via its boomerang state to stun it.
"Get going," Marrow called out as he took hold of his weapon, "We've got this!"
Winter nodded before using a Glyph to leap into the air, watching as Apollogeist easily tore through whatever Atlas Soldiers were trying to defend the entrance. She aimed and formed a summoning Glyph in front of the Final-Shocker General, a Beowolf forming and leaping at him.
Apollogeist yelled out as he bashed its hands away before stabbing at it only for the Summon to dissolve, "Huh-?"
Winter yelled out as she launched downwards via a Glyph, swinging to slice past Apollogeist only for the General to turn swinging his shield out and barely deflecting the attack. Winter winced as she was forced back and landed in a crouched state as Apollogeist staggered back.
"Oh, you wish to face me down on your own?" Apollogeist asked.
Winter kept her gaze on the Final-Shocker General before her, "As current acting General of this Kingdom's military, I do."
Remnant – Atlas, Pietro Polendina's Lab
"So I'm sure you all are aware of Ironwood's plan to create a Kamen Rider," Pietro said as he entered his lab with Weiss, Blake and Yang.
"He was so not subtle about it," Yang remarked with a light smile, "Everyone guessed that he was trying to use footage from our training and any on field activities of the Riders to try and get enough data."
"Considering what we heard, how Winter's modified exoskeleton was the furthest it got…" Blake trailed off.
"Why bring something like that up?" Weiss asked.
"Because Winter wanted to try something different after feeling what modifications she had while wearing the exoskeleton," Pietro explained as he walked behind his desk, typing at the holographic display on the side and bringing up various training footage.
To the members of Team RWBY's surprise, the images were cross-referencing what Rider fighting data that could be collected alongside the training that Weiss, Blake and Yang specifically took part in. It wasn't long before an image popped up over the data being shown, showcasing another lab that held three cylindrical human sized tubes.
Inside each of the tubes was a mannequin that had bodysuits with armoring based on the Atlas outfits that Weiss, Blake and Yang wore.
"What the heck?" Yang asked as she tilted her head.
"What are these?" Weiss asked as she gestured towards the screen.
Blake put a hand to her chin, "They look like our Atlas attire."
"They're as we've dubbed, Power Armor," Pietro explained, "A bodysuit made out of a specialized material alongside additional armoring and internal power sources to enhance the wielder's physical prowess beyond their usual limitations."
"And you personalized them to us?" Yang asked, to which Pietro nodded, "Sweet."
"Not bad," Weiss said, "I take it that this is the furthest you've been able to take Ironwood's idea."
"In a sense," Pietro nodded, "Unless I have a proper tech sample though I don't plan to breach those boundaries."
"Still, this might just be what we need," Blake said as more images of the suits and the specifications were brought on screen, "Considering we're likely about to jump headfirst into a war."
"So why make these?" Yang asked.
"Winter wanted to pay you all and Ruby back for helping Atlas," Pietor said before smiling, "Considering her intentions and how grateful I am for you all, I didn't mind helping her one bit."
"So what do we need to do?" Blake asked.
"Right," Weiss nodded, "If you were going to have us suit up immediately then you would have brought us to where these were being held."
"Well I'll need some specific data and diagnostics done on you three first to make sure we sync you properly to the suits," Pietro said as he gestured to his medical checkup station in the corner near the entrance.
"Sure thing," Yang said with a thumbs-up, "I'll go first."
Remnant – Atlas Relic Vault
It was an anxious elevator ride down to the Relic Vault housed in Atlas, especially since no one knew how things were going above them. They could only ride down in silence before they reached their destination.
Ruby and Penny took the lead, the two walking at a fairly fast pace with the others following from behind. The separated steps floating around the vault began to react to the approaching presence of the group, floating into place and forming the staircase.
Penny took the lead and placed her hand on the vault door, blue lights running through the darkened indentions. The layered door began shifting and sliding downwards, revealing the serene and lush open meadow that was the inside of the Atlas Vault.
"Whoa," Sougo muttered as he stared inside.
"This is the complete opposite of what I was expecting," Geiz admitted.
"I never did get to see it up close, it looks nice," Ruby admitted as she walked in with Penny, the others following after them.
Yellow, blue and white flowers littered the meadow alongside three stone circles that formed a path from the door to the main platform that held the Relics of Creation and Knowledge.
"Alright, let's hope this works," Ruby said as she took hold of the Relic of Knowledge, holding the lamp up as she took a deep breath, "Jinn."
Time began to slow down before freezing around everyone, cyan smoke emerging from the Relic as Ruby let go of it and allowed it to float away. Soon enough more smoke began to form as Jinn was soon manifested, emerging from the smoke.
"Well now it's been a while," Jinn said with a light yawn as she stretched, "I'm curious to see why you brought me out again, little miss Huntress Rider," she smiled towards Ruby before looking over at Woz, "It's also nice to see you chronicler, I hope it hasn't been too lonely."
"I've managed," Woz replied, much to everyone's confusion.
"As for why I brought you out," Ruby said as she soon brought out a Blank Ridewatch and held it towards Jinn, "I don't have a question for you, but I do require your knowledge."
"What an interesting request," Jinn admitted as she leaned towards Ruby, "What kind of knowledge?"
"I need a new form that can call upon the weapons littered across Remnant's history," Ruby explained, "So we figured given you're well… magic, that you could impart some magical knowledge about weapons from all over Remnant's history into this and we could get Sougo to help boost that."
"Knowledge will definitely help you," Jinn nodded before frowning, "But it won't be enough."
"Wait, really?" Sougo asked, "Not even with me trying to form the Ridewatch?"
"While I'm not certain on the mechanics, I know for a fact that knowledge of weapons alone won't cut it," Jinn replied before glancing back, though she didn't have the most amused face at doing so, "You'll need the ability to create the weapons from said knowledge."
"Oh great," Ruby muttered, realizing that they hadn't been given a briefing on the spirit of the Staff of Creation.
"I'll give you a freebee, since I'm not exactly a fan of his attitude," Jinn replied, "He's certainly a 'character' as old man Ozpin has put it on occasion."
"Coming from someone like you, that's saying something," Geiz crossed his arms.
"Hey now," Jinn pouted before looking back at the staff, "He's a blueprint heavy guy and will also take you literally at your word depending on how you say certain things."
"Thankfully we don't need a specific creation," Sougo admitted with a nod, "We just need his raw power just like yours."
"True, but I doubt he'll give it so willingly," Jinn replied, "You'll likely need to entice him a bit and get him in a good mood."
"I think we can handle that," Woz smiled, clearly not worried in the slightest.
"Just try not to set him off," Ruby suggested to Jinn with a sigh before staring at the Staff of Creation, "Alright… how do we do this?"
"All you need to do is will him out," Jinn replied, "No need for a password."
"Surprised it's that simple for him," Geiz muttered.
Ruby nodded and walked past Jinn, the Huntress Rider taking the staff of Creation and closing her eyes while holding her up. A different shade of blue smoke began billowing from the jewel at the top of the staff, a muscular blue-skinned manly figure with a ponytail taking form, wrapped in gold chains and accessories similar to Jinn.
"Ah! It seems someone has come to engage my creative wiles!" the spirit of the Relic called out as he flexed and spread out his arms, though he immediately turned away and crossed his arms, "All I'll say is it had better be worth it after my last project. Honestly, a floating city… how pedestrian."
"It's a bit of a different request this time," Jinn spoke up, catching the male spirit's attention, "Glad you could join us, Ambrosius."
"Huh, what is this?" Ambrosius turned in surprise, "Jinn? What are you doing here?"
"Well we've been summoned by some interesting people for an interesting project," Jinn replied.
"You say interesting, but I'll be the one to see about that," Ambrosius narrowed his eyes before he began to look over everyone, while he could definitely feel strange otherwordly presences in everyone there including Ruby, one person caught his undivided attention.
"Is there something wrong?" Penny asked when she noticed the Relic Spirit had his eyes on her.
"Just a second," Ambrosius said as he began to circle around Penny, observing her closely as he summoned a loupe to view Penny closer while he was at another angle.
"She's uh, not your average girl," Ruby let loose a sheepish chuckle.
"So she isn't!" Ambrosius said, clearly impressed by Penny, "I'd love to meet whoever did this."
"That would be my father, I am certain he would love to meet someone like you too," Penny smiled with a light blush, deciding to be polite though she did find it a bit awkward.
"Okay, so you all aren't exactly pedestrian," Ambrosius said as he began to float back away from everyone while looking over his nails, "I'll cut to the chase then, what exactly do you want from me?"
"We need you to put your power of creation into this device alongside Jinn's knowledge of Remnant's weapons," Ruby said as she held up the Blank Ridewatch.
"So it wouldn't just be me, huh," Ambrosius' expression dropped, clearly disappointed by this prospect. His disappointment didn't last long however as he quickly hurried over to Ruby and snatched the Blank Ridewatch away, looking it over, "Fascinating… this goes beyond Remnant, beyond any world in terms of design and function…" his voice held a tone of awe, "Even I can just barely comprehend it."
"You know how they work?" Sougo asked.
"Not entirely, it's very complex," Ambrosius admitted, "You'd need to be in a very particular profession to even think of working on this kind of stuff. But I've got the idea of how it works. So I'll give you a big fat warning right now."
"What do you mean a warning?" Ruby asked before groaning, "Do we need another Relic Spirit?"
"Oh Gods no," Ambrosius immediately pushed that thought away before handing the Blank Watch back to Ruby, "Our powers need something to bind them together and keep them held in this device for it to likely do the thing you want it to do. Without that we'd just be wasting energy and I am not doing multiple takes sweetheart."
"I can help with that," Sougo said as he stepped up.
"That being said, before I can help you," Ambrosius held his hand up, "What exactly is this being used for? I don't exactly want to be a part of something that's entirely unknown you know."
"And here I thought I was hungry for knowledge," Jinn smirked.
"Quiet you," Ambrosius said as he pointed towards Jinn with a glare before crossing his arms and huffing, "A creator, an architect, should know what exactly they're working on so that they can give it their all."
"I believe I can do so quite easily," Woz said as he stepped forward and held his book upwards while opening it up, "Behold the heroes of Earth and Remnant, the Kamen Riders!"
Footage of Zi-O, Geiz, Roze and Woz in their various Armor and Future Times could be seen cycling through in a flashy display. Soon enough Silver Roze, Zi-O II, Geiz Revive, Roze RWBY, Ginga Finaly, and GrandZi-O were all shown in their various battles.
"Incredible," Ambrosius said as his eyes darted across all the details in the various footage he was being seen, analyzing it despite its quickly playing nature, "That last one though… it radiates with such power and history."
"That would be similar to the type of power we're trying to achieve," Woz explained as more footage of GrandZi-O began to play, "After all, a form that could create weapons from all over Remnant's history… that would be something on par with bringing out the history of the Kamen Riders via GrandZi-O."
"You sir are good at sales pitching," Ambrosius pointed at Woz with a smirk before floating backwards before holding out his hands, "I can't exactly get creative, but when I think of the possibilities of what you want to create… well, let's just say that satisfies me just as much."
"We'd be making history, a much more interesting history than what we've been witness to," Jinn replied with a smirk, "So what do you say?"
"I guess I'll tolerate you," Ambrosius rolled his eyes, "Especially for something like this."
"Alright," Sougo said as he walked over as Ruby held up the Ridewatch, putting his hand on hers as they concentrated, their Auras becoming active as the Ridewatch began to glimmer in response, "We're ready whenever you two are."
"The knowledge of the weapons used throughout Remnant's history," Jinn said as she began concentrated, blue smoke spiraling between her palms as she held them close to each other, it forming a small smoke ball.
"The ability to create those weapons and give them life," Ambrosius said as he concentrated as well, holding his hands close as blue smoke spiraled between his palms, creating a small smoke ball as well.
Gold lights began to shine within the smoke balls as both Relic Spirits launched them outwards, the spheres striking the Ridewatch one after another. Their power entered the Blank Ridewatch as Sougo and Ruby closed their eyes and concentrated further.
A blinding red and gold light began shining outwards from where the two Riders were before dying down. Those who had raised their arms lowered them, those who had turned away turned back.
Sougo and Ruby both pulled away from each, the two opening their eyes before they widened in shock.
"What?" Sougo asked.
"I don't think this was supposed to happen…" Ruby trailed off.
In Ruby's hands was the same Blank Ridewatch, but the image was now in a gold coloration while the black exterior of the blank was now a deep red coloration.
"Did we seriously just waste our power for that?" Ambrosius let out a light groan as he hunched forward.
"Now now," Jinn raised a hand to calm him down before floating over, "It changed… but it didn't change fully."
"I guess my power isn't strong enough to create something like that on my own yet," Sougo realized as he stared at the modified Blank Ridewatch.
"Reminds me of how Tsuki's base Ridewatch wouldn't form immediately," Ruby replied, "And how we knew you likely couldn't get it to work given where you were at the time."
"So you went to Oma Zi-O…" Sougo said in realization as he quickly held up Ruby's hand to look at the modified Blank Ridewatch more closely, "I think I know what we need to do."
"You know it's not going to be easy," Ruby replied as she pulled her hand away, having already figured out Sougo's idea, "I told you what happened, remember?"
"Team RWBY could barely put a dent in him and that was with something like Silver Roze," Geiz spoke up, recalling how frustrated he felt when he was finally told of Team RWBY's trip to 2068, "Without Grand, how do you expect to win?"
"He won't kill me," Sougo replied, the confidence in his voice surprising Geiz, "We're one in the same after all."
"Sougo…" Ruby muttered.
"Plus I'd like to think we have a few tricks leftover," Sougo added.
"Well if you all are finished with us, I think I'll be heading back," Ambrosius said, "I do hope what you want created will be to your liking."
"And I do hope you'll have a question for me the next time," Jinn added.
"I think we can manage that," Ruby reassured as both Relic Spirits went back into their respective Relics, soon going to place the staff back where it was only to grab the lamp and hold onto it as she walked back towards the others.
"We aren't putting the lamp back?" Geiz asked.
"I thought we got everything we needed from Jinn," Penny added.
"I'm going to need this if I'm to make sure that Neo stops after I use my new form against her," Ruby admitted as she looked at the Relic of Knowledge, "While I don't know if it will work, I'm hoping some kind of closure will at least help her."
"It'll help," Sougo said, recalling a similar tactic from when they faced down Another Kiva.
"You're going to waste the final question on that?" Geiz asked.
"While there are likely more constructive questions… it's not the worst that could be used," Woz mused before clearing his throat, "We should make haste to 2068 however, there's no telling how much time we'll have."
"Right," Ruby said as she went to take the lead, the others following after her.
Once they were all out of the Relic Vault, Penny held up her hands to seal the Vault once more. A shimmering was suddenly heard as everyone turned from the closing door to see an Aurora Curtain form at the start of the platform in the chamber where the elevator was.
It didn't take long for Neo and Roman to walk out of it, the two holding smug expressions.
"Hey there Little Red," Roman waved before going to lean on his cane, "Thought we forgot about you?"
"The attack upstairs was a diversion," Ruby narrowed her eyes before shoving the Relic of Knowledge towards Geiz who held onto it and looked over in surprise. She then turned and placed the modified Blank Watch in Sougo's hands before turning back to face Neo and Roman, "Sougo, take Geiz and Woz to confront Oma Zi-O."
"Wait, what?" Sougo asked as he took hold the modified Blank Watch.
"Penny and I will stall until then," Ruby said as she stepped forward before looking back at Penny, "You with me Penny?"
Penny was surprised by the course of action but steeled her resolve and nodded before walking forward to stand beside her, "Always."
"I know your best bet is to stall but do you really think you can?" Geiz asked as he holstered the Relic of Knowledge, "There's no telling how long you'll last."
"Trust me, I know," Ruby said as she began to walk down the steps with Penny, "But that's why I'll believe that you all can make this work in time."
"Alright," Sougo nodded before looking over at Woz, "Woz."
"Understood," Woz said as he unfurled his scarf, it wrapping around himself, Sougo and Geiz before they vanished.
"Not sure where they're going but it's not going to help you right now," Roman remarked as he leaned further on his cane, "That being said, this is just how we wanted things, so I don't think we can complain."
Neo looked at Roman and nodded before preparing her Ziku Driver and NeoRoze Ridewatch.
"So I hope you're ready for your last fight," Roman added as he brought out the Oblivian Vistamp.
[RIDER TIME! KA~MEN RI~DER! NEOROZE~!]
[OBLIVIAN!]
NeoRoze and Oblivian stood beside each other, the first bringing out Hush and extending the blade of it out through the tip while the latter simply raised his clawed hand.
"Let's go Penny," Ruby said as she prepared her Roze and Rose Ridewatches, "Henshin!"
"Right," Penny said as she held the Kikai Miridewatch forward, "Henshin!"
[ARMOR TIME! KAMEN RIDE! YEAH! ROSE! ROSE! ROSE~!]
[HAGANE NO BODY NI ATSUI NO HEART! KAMEN RIDER KIKAI!]
The two stepped forward as their transformations into Roze Rose Armor and Kikai II completed, Kikai II's eyes shining as two rock-like crystal replicas of Floating Array formed in front of Roze who took hold of them.
"Thanks Penny," Roze immediately got in a dual wielding stance as she leaned forward alongside Kikai II.
NeoRoze and Oblivian crouched forward as well before taking off towards their opponents in a sprint, Roze and Kikai II doing the same. NeoRoze and Oblivian however both leapt up into the air, planning on dropping down from above with their first attacks.
Remnant – Atlas Academy
"Alright, back off!" Marrow called out as he threw out fetch, the large boomerang managing to force several monsters backwards.
[ATTACK RIDE]
Decade and Rose walked towards each other in the center now that it was clear, the two clasping their free hand in a firm handshake before rushing past each other. Decade leapt into the air, curling up while Rose got ready to jump.
SNAP!
A burst of white petals occurred and obscured the various grunts and monsters vision. Between the petals it could be seen that Rose was now mid-air while Decade was crouched against the ground.
[SHINE!]
Rose's axe head shined brightly as she dropped down and slammed it against the Phylloxera Worm, the blade digging in and dragging down as the Worm crashed against the ground. She quickly backed up with a hop before turning away as the Worm fell limp before exploding behind her.
[SLASH!]
Decade meanwhile ended up going for a powered up low slash against the Alligator Imagin's gut, the reptile themed monster backing away before falling over and exploding.
"This is taking too long," Decade said as he stood up, looking around and noticing the Gelnewts still around alongside the remaining five monsters, "I'll need to step it up."
"Complete would be pretty useful right now even if it's limited," Rose agreed.
"Who said it's limited anymore?" Decade asked with a chuckle.
"Wait, what?" Rose had to do a double-take, "What are you talking about?"
"It was a gamble but I was hoping it would work," Decade admitted as he brought out his old K-Touch before drawing a new card out of his Ride Booker, it was a card similar to the one he'd slot inside the K-Touch but this one containing the emblems from W to Zi-O, "But ever since I saw you regain your powers and more, I figured piggybacking on Zi-O using my Ridewatch enough would allow this kind of power to be tapped into."
"Oh I get it," Rose nodded, "So getting the Zi-O Cards wasn't your only plan."
"Exactly," Decade said as he slotted the new card into the K-Touch, the phone-like device then changed coloration. The base of it became silver with the black cards on it mostly turning magenta. There was a more digital circuit-style look to the black frame in the center, with a giant 2 and 0 lining the sides, "Let's get started."
[K-TOUCH DOUBLE DECA!]
Decade held the K-Touch 20 towards him and began pressing down on the buttons.
[DOUBLE, OOO, FOURZE, WIZARD, GAIM, DRIVE, GHOST, EX-AID, BUILD, ZI-O!]
The 10th Heisei Rider soon opened up his NeoDecadriver and removed the central portion, replacing it with the new K-Touch as he initiated his upgrade. The Decade Complete Card formed before latching onto his forehead, his body blurring into pixels as his new transformation was formed.
[FINAL KAMEN RIDE: DECADE COMPLETE 20!]
The base suit of Complete 20 was similar to Complete, though the silver card edges on his leg, knee, and forearm armor were now magenta in coloration, his boots having magenta accents. While his helmet remained the same, his upper armoring had drastically changed. Due to their being 19 other Riders aside from him now, it needed to be expanded and thus he had larger armor that fit five Riders on each shoulder and a high collar chest piece that fit nine Riders.
Zi-O was at the center of the chest in a frame, right side of the armoring having Hibiki, Kabuto, Den-O and Kiva while the left side of the armoring had Drive, Ghost, Ex-Aid, and Build. The right shoulder also held Kuuga, Agito, Ryuki, Blade, and Faiz, while the left shoulder held W, OOO, Fourze, Wizard, and Gaim. Each and every Rider was represented in their final forms, having the light blue backdrop.
Finishing off his new look was one additional accessory in the form of a long cape, the back of it colored in black while the interior was colored pink.
"Whoa," Marrow said before suddenly wincing alongside several nearby monsters, the grouping glancing to the side as it had been Rose who had let out an absurdly loud squeal.
"You finally got a cape!" Rose called out as she hurried over.
"It certainly suits me," Decade chuckled before stepping forward, blocking a punch from a Gelnewt before batting the fist down and punching the Mirror Monster in the face. A few more tried to assault him, Decade merely smacking them away with his arms and even kicking one back with a quick stomp.
[FOURZE! KAMEN RIDE: COSMIC STATES!]
With a quick press of a couple of buttons, Decade summoned Fourze Cosmic States beside him before drawing out a new card and loading it into his Decadriver.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: F-F-F-FOURZE!]
Decade drew out his Ride Booker in its sword mode while Fourze brought out the Barizun Sword, both blades shining bright with Cosmic Energy before they swung out sent cosmic waves through several Gelnewts and Taurus Ballista.
The Lord could only gasp out as a bright light appeared over its head, soon falling over and exploding alongside the Mirror Monsters.
Decade switched his weapon to its gun mode before initiating another Rider summoning.
[GHOST! KAMEN RIDE: MUGEN DAMASHII!]
Ghost in his Mugen Damashii was summoned, the Rider wielding his Gan Gun Saber and Sunglasseslasher while aiming his weapons forward as Decade initiated the finisher.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: G-G-G-GHOST!]
The Tiger Orphnoch yelled out as it began running for the two, leaping into the air to drop down on them. Decade aimed upwards with Ghost Mugen following his movements, the two pulling the triggers on their weapons.
Two bursts of energy were launched out of Ghost's guns, the energy spiraling together while Decade launched out a spiraling burst of energy from the start. The two blasts managed to impact against the Tiger Orphnoch mid-fall, it yelling out and exploding as blue fires consumed it, the ashes dropping to the ground.
"Time for a bit of a flashy one," Decade said as he turned towards the Beetle Fangire while initiating his summon.
[WIZARD! KAMEN RIDE: INFINITY STYLE!]
The sterling silver final form of Kamen Rider Wizard was summoned next, not holding any weapons as the Beetle Fangire yelled out and ran towards the two.
[FINAL ATTACK RIDE: W-W-W-WIZARD!]
The two Riders leapt up into the air before kicking out, the two slamming their boots against the Fangire's chest as a bright flash erupted from their kicks. The two leapt back as the Beetle Fangire turned brittle before shattering.
"Whoa," Marrow said before hearing a loud yell from nearby, "Crap, Winter!"
"Get over to her!" Decade shouted before grasping at the K-Touch while Wizard Infinity vanished, "As you can see, I've got this handled!"
"Yeah, we can wrap up what's left!" Rose agreed, swinging her axe and forcing the Paradoxa Undead alongside Gamio backwards from the grapple they were trying to have with her.
Marrow nodded before rushing back towards where Winter was fighting Apollogeist, watching as she was forced back from a strike despite blocking with her the Gan Gun Saber she held. He quickly pointed forward, "Stay!"
Apollogeist gasped as he was forced to stop, trying to fight against it only to yell out as Fetch in boomerang form smacked against his helmet, the Semblance being dismissed as he staggered to the side, his vision blurred and ears ringing.
"Are you going to be alright?" Marrow asked.
Winter meanwhile lowered her hand, having used Marrow's brief diversion to answer some radio chatter as she began to stand, "I will, we just need to stall him for a bit longer."
"Right, then the Riders can help us out," Marrow nodded.
"Not exactly," Winter said much to her ally's confusion, "But all the same, I think we can do this."
From behind Atlas Academy, the Zi-O Unit launched off into the sky, everyone managing to catch a glimpse of it as it entered a time portal.
"Just what are they up to?" Decade asked as he noticed this.
"Have faith in them," Rose replied.
Earth – Wasteland 2068
It didn't take long for the Time Mazine to reach its destination, Sougo landing it in the empty wasteland that was 2068. He removed his hands from the controls before staring at the modified Blank Watch.
"Are you ready my Overlord?" Woz asked.
"We're with you all the way Zi-O," Geiz added.
"Thanks guys," Sougo said as he went to dismount the Time Mazine, his friends following after him.
Of course it didn't take long for Sougo to realize that while they had landed in 2068, they weren't aware of where Oma Zi-O was.
"Do not worry," Woz stated as he walked alongside the others before stopping, prompting Sougo and Geiz to stop as well, "We have been noticed."
The wind began to pick up as dust began to fly and obscure the area in front of them, the wind dying down in seconds as the dust cleared to reveal Oma Zi-O before the three.
"Oma Zi-O…" Geiz muttered as he gripped his hands tightly.
"I'll go in first," Sougo said before stepping forward and going to initiate his transformation, "Henshin…"
[RIDER TIME! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O!]
Zi-O stared Oma Zi-O down as he continued to walk forward before stopping a fair distance away from him.
"Boy of my youth," Oma Zi-O said with a hint of amusement but confusion in his voice, "Why have you decided to return to this time through your own will?"
"This might sound familiar to someone from before," Zi-O said before holding up the altered Blank Watch, "But I need you to empower this so that it can push through whatever is keeping it from fully forming."
"The young warrior led with a similar request," Oma Zi-O said with a chuckle, "I will tell you what I told her… what if I refuse?"
"Then I'll make you do it," Zi-O said as he lowered the Blank Watch before bringing out the Zikan Girade in its gun form and raising it up.
"How interesting, yet utterly futile," Oma Zi-O replied, curious to see what his younger self's response would be but he already knew.
"We don't know that unless we try…" Zi-O said before running forward and shooting at Oma Zi-O who easily blocked the shots by holding out the hand and forming a small barrier to disperse them.
[KEN!]
Oma Zi-O watched as his younger self closed in with the Zikan Girade and swung. He easily raised his arms, keeping pace with Zi-O yet only blocking with one arm. He grabbed onto the sword's blade before thrusting his free palm forward, unleashing a gold burst of energy that knocked Zi-O away.
"Don't think this is going to stop me," Zi-O groaned out as he managed to stand, "I'll keep fighting until you do it, because you won't kill me. Not with how you've been acting."
"I am curious as to what you think I've been acting like, boy of my youth," Oma Zi-O remarked.
"You said it yourself, you want to see the path I chose with your own eyes," Zi-O answered, "And so you've been guiding me however small, like taking Ruby instead of Summer when Kasshine made the mistake all the way back then."
Oma Zi-O stared at his younger self for a long while before his shoulders began to shake, a soft chuckle escaping from his lips before he erupted into laughter.
"My Overlord…?" Woz raised an eyebrow.
"What the hell is so funny?" Geiz asked.
"I never intended to take Summer Rose, my target was Ruby Rose the entire time," Oma Zi-O answered as his laughter began to subside, "I may have fudged the details to witness some amusing reactions from Kasshine however."
"Oh," Sougo let out a light grunt as he tried to hide a chuckle, realizing that was something he'd absolutely try to pull. He shook his head and drew out the Trinity Ridewatch, realizing he'd need to keep up the pace, "Geiz, Woz, you're up."
[TRINITY TIME! MITTSU NO CHIKARA! KAMEN RIDER ZI-O! GEIZ! WOZ! T-RIN-I-TY~! TRINITY!]
Geiz and Woz were transformed into their base forms before morphing into their watchstrap forms, latching onto Zi-O as the transformation completed itself.
"Now then, let's hope this form keeps par," Zi-O said as he brought out the Saikyo Zikan Girade, gripping it with both hands before running towards Oma Zi-O.
Oma Zi-O let out an amused grunt as he watched the combined Rider rush towards him. He blocked a quick slash with one arm before raising his other arm and blocking up an even quicker follow-up slash.
Remnant – Atlas Relic Vault
Oblivian unleashed several fireballs with a yell towards Kikai II who held her hands forward, a tornado forming around her and catching the fireballs.
Kikai II dispersed the fireballs but kept the flames, adding more fire to the already existing flames and coating the tornado with them before launching it towards Oblivian who leapt up into the air.
Oblivian soon dropped down at high speeds, trying to stomp on Kikai II only to smash into a thick rock shield, it cracking as electricity was launched from between the cracks. The chimera monster gasped out as sparks flew, leaping away and staggering back.
Kikai II took a few steps back and let out a heavy breath, "You will not win."
"We'll see about that tin can," Oblivian dusted his shoulder off.
Roze crossed her blades, blocking a strike from NeoRoze before shifting them and grabbing Hush with them. She threw her arms to the side while shifting her blades, forcing Hush out of NeoRoze's hand before using Petal Burst to split apart and form behind her Dark Rider opponent.
NeoRoze turned only to gasp as sparks flew, being on the receiving end of a cross slash from Roze and being sent to the floor. She didn't give up that easily however and immediately summoned Silver Crescent, taking aim and firing as Roze tried to close in.
Roze gasped out as sparks flew, staggering back before raising her weapons in defense.
NeoRoze shifted Silver Crescent to its spear mode, rushing in and stabbing, forcing Roze to block by crossing blades. The result allowed NeoRoze to push forward further, managing to slam Roze against one of the pillars of the vault chamber.
Roze let out a light shriek as Silver Crescent's light spear was shifted slightly, striking at her head. She shifted her head, just barely avoiding the attack striking the front of her helmet. Of course it was a diversionary tactic as she felt a blade press against her stomach.
[ATTACK RIDE: SHINE!]
Bright energy was unleashed as NeoRoze has summoned the Roseiber and struck against Roze's gut, sparks flying as she pressed the blade in deeper.
Roze screamed out as she just barely managed to kick out with her leg, striking her Dark Rider opponent in the shin before immediately slamming her head against NeoRoze's.
NeoRoze began stepping back at a rapid pace thanks to the head strike, shaking her head as she dismissed her weapons.
Roze began to breathe heavily before rushing forward and punching at NeoRoze only for Shinobi to appear in a burst of pink glass, catching her attack. She forced Shinobi's hand down before kicking it to the side, with a Petal Burst to the side she kicked at NeoRoze only for Kikai to form and cross its arms, blocking the attack.
NeoRoze glared behind her helmet, though began to smirk as Quiz formed once Roze attempted Petal Burst again, blocking another strike from Roze.
"Is all of this really worth it?" Roze questioned with a light growl before splitting apart via Petal Burst again, this time spending longer in it as the three sets of petals began spiraling around all through the Dark Rider and Mirai Rider clones.
NeoRoze watched as the Petals sped towards her before slipping past her, turning in surprise as Roze emerged from a burst of petals, punching her directly in the face.
Something was wrong in that instant however as NeoRoze entirely shattered, Roze stumbling forward from the momentum as the Dark Rider was just to her right. Roze could barely turn in time, wincing as her side began to act up from the previous heavy attack against it.
NeoRoze slammed a leg directly into Roze's gut, knocking her off balance. The force behind the kick had launched the Huntress Rider backwards, Roze being so close to the edge of the platform and being sent plummeting down the vault shaft as a result.
Kikai II let out a gasp, "Ruby!"
"Neo let's switch, I'll make sure she doesn't come back up," Oblivian hopped back as his Rider ally nodded, he then leapt downwards while bringing out his wings.
[PETAL! GLYPH! SHADOW! BURN!]
"Sorry girls," Roze apologized as she swapped out Ridewatches, initiating the transformation for Roze RWBY with a light wince, "Chou… Henshin…!"
[RWBY TIME!]
Remnant – Atlas, Pietro Polendina's Lab
"Alright, we should be good," Pietro said as Weiss hopped down from the seat she was on, "With all of your data compiled all we need to do is put it in place, make a few adjustments, and you'll be ready for the practical part of this experiment."
"Sweet," Yang smirked before wincing as she grew lightheaded, "Oh crap…"
"Huh?" Pietro looked over, "Are you-"
"It's Ruby," Weiss got out as she fell to her knees and passed out alongside Yang.
"Our combined form…" Blake managed to get out before she passed out as well.
"Oh dear," Pietro frowned as he saw the three unconscious girls on the floor, "Just what's going on down in the vault?"
Remnant – Atlas Relic Vault
Roze spread out her arms as the emblem's of Team RWBY launched outwards, overlapping onto her armor and forming her combined form with her team.
[DANKETSU YOTTSU NO TAMASHI! KAMEN RIDER ROZE RW~BY~! RWBY!]
Roze immediately shifted her feet, using a Glyph to land on one of the walls of the shaft before bringing out multiple more Glyphs to defend against several electrical bursts being unleashed.
"Figured you wouldn't fall as easily," Oblivian called out as he lowered himself with his wings, having been the one to attack.
"Ruby, what's going on?!" Weiss called out.
"Clearly a lot judging by where we are!" Yang remarked.
"Did you not get the new form in time?" Blake asked.
"We need to stall until Sougo finishes it," Roze explained as she brought out more Glyphs, using them to act as platforms as she met up with Oblivian who simply hovered near her.
Oblivian chuckled as he easily batted way Roze's strikes before floating back to avoid any heavy strikes.
"Alright, that won't work," Roze muttered as she brought out Gambol Shroud in its gun mode while boosting herself with a Time Dilation Glyph.
NeoRoze meanwhile let out a scoff from the platform as she brought out Crescent Rose, initiating her finisher as she charged energy into the barrel of the weapon while using her Rider form to enhance the aiming scope of the weapon in order to clearly see the fight.
[FINISH TIME! TIME SHATTER!]
NeoRoze then removed her Ridewatch as she loaded it into the weapon, keeping the weapon charged and taking aim as she waited for the perfect moment.
[FINISH TIME!]
"I won't let you do that!" Kikai II called out as she unleashed fireballs towards NeoRoze only for Shinobi, Quiz and Kikai to brace against them and shatter while dispersing the fireballs.
Shinobi, Quiz and Kikai reformed again, the three rushing forward as Kikai II rushed in as well, aiming and sending a punch towards Shinobi.
Kikai II shouted only to pause and immediately check herself, Shinobi suddenly shifting into a fearful looking Pyrrha Nikos, "You're…!"
Kikai II was struck in the back, the mechanized Huntress Rider turning to swing her arm in a counter only to pause when seeing Winter was in front of her. She didn't have time to react as she was struck in the side, falling to the ground and turning only to look up in fear as Ruby was standing behind her.
"I… you're not… you can't be real…" Kikai II grunted but could only back away, despite knowing the clones were fake, she wasn't exactly comfortable laying a finger on her friends.
Roze meanwhile was utilizing Petal Burst and Shadow boosted by Time Dilation alongside a multitude of Glyphs to bounce around from one end of the shaft to the next. Oblivian was barely able to keep up as Roze punched or blasted at him in a consistent manner, managing to land a heavy blow against his shoulder as well.
"Why you…" Oblivian growled as he began to charge up energy in his clawed hand.
"We're ending this now Roman," Roze said as she landed on a Glyph that put her across from the chimera monster, initiating her Driver's finisher as red, blue, purple, and yellow energy began to build in her right leg.
[FINISH TIME! RUBY! WEISS! BLAKE! YANG!]
Roze was unaware that NeoRoze was already prepared to counter her, giving a yell as she leapt forward and kicked towards Oblivian as multicolored energy began to burst from her right boot.
[NEOROZE SASU SASU SHOOT!]
Roze gasped out as she felt herself get struck in the gut, seeing a pink beam that had come from above and stretched out of her line of sight. An explosive burst occurred as she let out a scream, her consciousness fading to black as she heard her teammates fading voices shout and yell her name.
Oblivian watched as the Rider before him lost her transformation, it shattering before his eyes. He lowered his arm as the energy he gathered vanished, looking up and chuckling as he realized who had hit his opponent. He then looked back down to see an unconscious Ruby Rose plummet before him, "See ya Little Red…"
NeoRoze dismissed her transformation and let out a smirk, the clones assaulting Kikai II vanishing as well.
Kikai II could only scramble over the edge, her eyes widening behind her visor. Her voice began to shudder as she barely witnessed what had happened, and all she could do was only scream out a single name…
"RUBY!"
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"Like hell you're saving her!"
"I never had power of this measure."
"I'm never alone."
"Rejoice!"
"You're dealing with our entire world's history."
Chapter 123: 2019: Remnant's Roze
Author's Note: And so we're finally on the verge of it, Ruby's final form. With what's been discussed about it in the story this chapter, I'm curious as to how many people were guessing I'd go this route? I know I saw many theories about it, though I don't think I ever saw someone nail it entirely. Though going this route also meant I got to interact with the one Relic Spirit we didn't get a chance to see back in my adaptation of V8, Ambrosius, which was fun to write out.
Back on the topic of forms though, here's Decade Complete 20 in which I put my own spin on Complete 21. Funnily enough I did not care for 21, but for entirely reasons different than most people. See it's the addition of Zero-One to the headpiece and the random assortment of cards pasted onto the cape alongside it being one color that killed it for me. I actually enjoy the bulky chest and shoulders. So I modified 21 appropriately and gave him 20 as a result. My small tastes aside, not much else to say but thanks for reading and stay tuned for next time.